TechComputers & PCsLaptopsBuying a new laptop? The 5 essential features and upgrades to considerOur top tips when buying a new laptopWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechComputers & PCsLaptopsBuying a new laptop? The 5 essential features and upgrades to considerOur top tips when buying a new laptopWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Our top tips when buying a new laptop
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Lenovo)
(Image credit: Lenovo)
If you’re looking for a new laptop, there’s not only a huge amount of choice out there, but there are several things you should consider before you make your decision too. You’ll first want to decide what operating system will work best for you. If you have Apple devices – like aniPhoneor aniPad– consider choosing an option from ourBest MacBook guidefor a seamless experience across your devices.
If you’re after a clutter-free and cheaper laptop, then selecting one ofthe best Chromebookswill serve you well and isan ideal pick for students. If Windows is more your vibe, however, then now is a great time to buy one ofthe best laptopsfrom our curated list – and with various manufacturers offering different options, such as on-device AI and better battery life thanks to theSnapdragon Elite X chipset, there’s more choice than ever before.
It isn’t just the platform – Apple silicon in MacBooks; Qualcomm, Intel, AMD options for Windows – that you’ll want to think about when you invest in a new laptop though. There are many things that can make a big difference in use. To help, we’ve picked our top five essential features and upgrades to consider before you press that ‘buy’ button, with best-matched picks for those considerations.
An AI future
(Image credit: Samsung)
(Image credit: Samsung)
Many of those next-generation of Windows laptops we mentioned come with Microsoft’s AI tool, calledCo-Pilot+, baked in. On devices like theSamsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge, which runs using Qualcomm’s Snaprdragon Elite chipset, there is a Co-Pilot button built into the keyboard, offering quick and easy access to the AI tool and its capabilities.
These AI features include things like turning a sketch into an image, drafting a proposal from meeting notes and live translations, thus making everyday tasks quicker and easier. You can also pay extra for Co-Pilot+ Pro, which will integrate fully into the Office apps, but even opting for a Windows PC with the standard Co-Pilot is worth considering.
Right now the AI feature set of these laptops is at the beginning of its life, meaning it should progress and improve with more features in the future. Snapdragon Elite does bring better battery life and its emulation software also means it’s fully compatible with Windows apps.
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Battery life
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Battery life is arguably the most important feature to consider before buying a laptop. You could have the most powerful laptop out there – but if you’re always looking for a charger, that’s simply going to annoy you and prevent you from getting work done.
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The latest Windows AI PCs – as they are typically being referred to – certainly up the battery life compared to older Windows PCs, but MacBooks have been offering great battery life for years now, too. TheMacBook Air, in particular, delivers great battery life, with well over a standard working day of use.
But if you’re not into Apple’s operating system then there are plenty of choices to consider: we’ve reviewed theMicrosoft Surface Pro 11th Edition, for example, which netted an epic 5-star score for delivering well across the board – but being particularly brilliant when it comes to longevity per charge.
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Display quality
(Image credit: Microsoft)
(Image credit: Microsoft)
There’s yet another reason to want the Surface Pro 11th Edition too: its display! If you want a laptop that will not only be lovely to work on, but one that’s great for watching content on too, an OLED display really helps deliver the goods.
You of course pay extra cash for an OLED panel on the Surface Pro 11, but with the vibrant and punchy colours, coupled with trulyblackblacks andwhitewhites make for a great viewing experience. It’s worth the extra cash and it’ll last you for years to come too.
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Mobile connectivity
(Image credit: Samsung)
(Image credit: Samsung)
Not all laptops have the option of connectivity beyond Wi-Fi, but if you think that having connection when you’re on the move might be helpful, you couldconsider a tablet over a laptop.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 – what we would call a 2-in-1 – has the option of 5G connectivity, as do theApple iPad AirandApple iPad Pro. You’ll need to buy a SIM with a relevant data plan, of course, but if you’re not desk-bound all the time then it’s worth its weight in gold.
Opting to upgrade to a device with 5G connectivity means you won’t be reliant on Wi-Fi, allowing you to work on trains and in cafes and restaurants, or wherever else you fancy that has mobile signal. Some workplaces also restrict untrusted Wi-Fi networks, with dedicated mobile data connectivity a valuable workaround – especially if your college, university or work has such a restriction.
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Lightweight picks
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Not all laptops are created equal. Some are much slimmer and lighter than others, while others prioritise fans and cooling elements to offer increased endurance for things like gaming.
If you’re planning on carrying a laptop around with you in a backpack or bag, it’s worth considering weight and picking one ofthe best lightweight laptops– one that’s not too heavy, whilst still offering good performance. For a 13-inch laptop, anything around 1kg (2.2lbs) is considered very lightweight.
The MacBook Air is nice and light (1.25kgs/2.7lbs), as is the Galaxy Book 4 Edge (1.16kg/2.5lbs), and the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (1.28kgs/2.8lbs). Any of these choices will do your back a favour, that’s for sure, especially if you’ve got a long walk to work or college.
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