People ask me all the time what kind of laptop they should
get, Dell, Lenovo, HP, etc.? How big should the display be? How much storage or
RAM is enough? Unfortunately, the answer isn't that simple. Here are some
things you should consider before your next laptop purchase.
I always suggest that you think about why you want or need a
new laptop and what is driving you towards getting something new. Do you plan
on using it for business or personal use? Maybe you need a laptop so you can
make sales presentations. Or, maybe a good gaming laptop so you can play with
your buddies on line.
The next step is to decide how much you want to spend. This
will give you a good starting point to find a laptop with the features you
need, while staying within your price range. With all the bells and whistles
available, it is best to decide this beforehand.
If you are looking for a laptop, there are a lot of hardware
options to get familiar with to ensure you choose the perfect system for you.
Here is a list of things you should consider.
Storage
Storage shouldn't be much of a problem. If you keep most of
your data in the cloud and don't plan to keep a lot of files locally, a SSD or
small HDD in that case should be fine. However, if you do plan to keep a lot of
music, videos or other important files locally, the more storage the better!
(RAM) Random Access Memory
RAM is a little different. Every piece of software running
on your computer and the operating system (typically Windows) stores data in
RAM to function. The more RAM you have, the better and faster your software
will function. In most cases, RAM can be added down the road as well and is
usually pretty simple to install. To run Windows 7 or 8, 4 gigabytes is a
comfortable minimum.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the most crucial things to consider
when picking a laptop that's going to be used regularly on the go. If you are
seeking a desktop replacement, meaning you'll mostly just leave it on your
desk, then battery life isn't quite as critical. Otherwise, make sure to pay
attention to how long a laptop's battery will last.
Screen Size
Typically, 15-inch and 17-inch laptops are large enough for
watching videos or playing games. Smaller notebooks, measuring 10 to 14 inches,
may be a bit small for watching movies, but are light weight and easy for
people on the go. keep in mind the smaller displays are often lower resolution.
Resolution is the total number of pixels contained in the display. The higher
the resolution, the better the picture.
Processor and Graphics
The computer's processor determines how efficiently it can
run programs, and basically do everything we expect it should do. Processors
get faster and more efficient each year. Most Windows-based computers run on
Intel or AMD processors. Quad-core processors deliver more powerful
performance, but even dual-core processors are up to the task of playing high
resolution video and running system-intensive programs like Corel Draw or Adobe
Photoshop.
The GPU or Graphics Processor, is important when it comes to
high definition video and playing games. Most laptops use integrated graphics
rather than dedicated graphics chips. Integrated chips are less powerful, which
also means less battery intensive.
Size and Weight
Typically the larger the display, the heaver the laptop. 17-inch
laptops are not the best for mobility and add a lot of weight to your bag. If
weight is important to you consider choosing a laptop with a smaller display. A
17-inch laptop weighs about 7-8 pounds on average.
Do you need a CD/DVD or Blu-Ray Drive?
When was the last time you burnt a CD or DVD? Do you plan to
watch a lot of movies that would require an optical drive? A lot of laptops
these days do not come with an optical drive, instead people are utilizing
services like Netflix for movie watching or DropBox to transfer files. Keep in
mind having an optical drive adds a little extra weight to your laptop, if you
don't think you need one, you might consider skipping it all together.
Other things to consider
Security: There are a variety of security features available
such as finger print readers and security slots. Keep in mind, these features
can add additional cost to your purchase and do not guarantee your data will be
protected from all the cyber crooks out there.
Available Ports: USB; HDMI; Ethernet; and SD Card Readers
are some of the options available in today's computers. Make sure you consider
that devices you will be connecting before making your purchase.
Expand-ability: If you plan on keeping the laptop for a few
years make sure to see how expandable or customizable it is. You might want to
add some additional RAM down the road or even upgrade storage.
Warranty: It never hurts to have a good warranty in place. Be sure to review the fine print on coverage. Total coverage warranties are expensive, but may be worth it in the long run.
Ultraportable Laptops for Kenya’s On-the-Go Professionals
As a self-proclaimed laptop aficionado (and occasional
coffee spiller), I’ve scoured various digital shops to bring you the best
information about ultraportable laptops. Whether you’re a Nairobi-based
entrepreneur, a digital nomad in Mombasa, or just someone who likes to work
from the comfort of their favorite matatu, this article is your golden ticket
to laptop enlightenment.
Why Ultraportable?
Picture this, you are sipping chai at Java House, plotting a
killer PowerPoint presentation and suddenly, inspiration strikes! You need a
laptop that can keep up with your caffeinated genius. Enter the ultraportable.
These sleek, featherweight wonders are like the Usain Bolts of the laptop
world—fast, nimble, and always ready for action.
The Top Contenders
1. Dell XPS 15: The Powerhouse
Dell XPS 15
The Dell XPS 15 is the laptop you never knew you needed.
It’s got the brains (10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor) and the beauty (that 4K
OLED touch display will make your retinas sing). Plus, it weighs less than what
you would think. Whether you’re crunching numbers or binge-watching Kenyan
vlogs, this laptop has your back.
Key Features:
- Performance:
Fast as you need and more it has a processor speed of up to 4.50 GHz
- Graphics:
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650—perfect for light gaming or pretending to work
while watching cat videos.
- Battery
Life: Up to 25 hours (yes, you can binge-watch an entire season of
whatever series you love without recharging).
2. HP Spectre x360: The Shape-Shifter
HP Spectre x360
The HP Spectre x360 is like a chameleon. It flips, it folds,
it is just a wonder to look at. If you need it as a laptop? There it is! If you
need it as a tablet it is possible. It’s the Swiss Army knife of laptops,
exactly what you need if you want a laptop that can do more than you thought it
could.
Key Features:
- Performance:
11th Gen Intel Core i7—smooth multitasking for when you’re juggling
emails, spreadsheets, and your side hustle.
- Display:
That 13.5″ OLED screen is so vibrant, it practically does the Azonto
dance.
- Security:
Fingerprint reader and webcam privacy shutter (because we all have
secrets).
3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: The Workhorse
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon means business. It’s the
laptop equivalent of a no-nonsense auntie who always has a solution for your
problems. Need to draft a proposal? Done. Want to binge-watch Tik Toks
endlessly? It won’t judge.
Key Features:
- Durability:
Military-grade toughness (it laughs at coffee spills).
- Keyboard:
Typing on this feels like composing a love letter to your Wi-Fi router.
- Connectivity:
Thunderbolt 4 ports for zippy data transfers.
In Conclusion
So, my fellow hustlers, whether you’re conquering the concrete jungle or the online space, choose your ultraportable wisely. Buying a new laptop shouldn’t be a painful process. If you keep all of these things in mind and weigh them against your budget and needs, there are plenty of options on the market today to fit anyone’s requirements. Remember, a good laptop is necessary for you in this day and age. Good luck and happy hunting!