Top 10 Essential Features to Consider When Purchasing a Laptop

Back in 1995, laptops were far from sleek. They were bulky, pricey, and offered small 4:3 screens, large keyboards, and storage in the form of megabytes rather than gigabytes. Thankfully, laptops today have evolved significantly, becoming lighter, faster, more versatile, and much more affordable. In the first quarter of 2010, roughly 50 million tablets were sold worldwide [source: CNET].

The sheer variety of laptops available today makes choosing the perfect one a bit overwhelming. From desktop replacements and ultralights to high-end gaming systems and budget netbooks for note-taking, it's crucial to know exactly what you want.

Here's how to get started: Review the following 10 pages to discover the key features to look for in a new laptop. Understanding the importance of each feature will help you choose the ideal laptop for your needs.

10: Evaluate Your Usage Needs

Everyone has different priorities when choosing a laptop, and the type of programs you plan to run will influence your requirements. Think about your main purpose for buying a laptop. Are you using it for creating PowerPoint presentations, taking notes, and handling basic tasks? Or do you want to watch HD movies, play video games, and video chat with friends?

Determine your budget and find the best laptop within your price range that offers the features you need. For example, a budget-friendly laptop for business tasks can be found for under $1000, capable of running Microsoft Office and other productivity software. Another consideration: Do you prefer a Mac or a PC?

Although Apple laptops tend to be more expensive than many PCs, there are only a few MacBook models to choose from. The light and fast MacBook Air starts at $1000 but lacks a disc drive, unlike the larger and more powerful MacBook Pro models. The most affordable 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1200, with the 15-inch model priced at $1800.

If you're considering a PC, there's a lot of hardware knowledge you'll need before selecting the right system. First and foremost: battery life.

9: Battery Life

When it comes to laptop computing, mobility is key, and battery life is one of the most important factors to consider, especially for those who need their laptops on the go. If you're opting for a desktop replacement system, meaning you'll mostly use it on your desk and won't be taking it on frequent trips, battery life is less of a concern. But for those who travel often, pay close attention to how long the battery will last.

As laptops become thinner and manufacturers focus on making them sleek and compact, more systems are using integrated, non-removable batteries. The trade-off for this slimmer design is that you can't swap out the battery for a backup to extend its life. Additionally, always be cautious about battery life claims. The figures provided by laptop makers often reflect light usage with a dimmed screen. In real-world usage, expect 1 to 2 hours less than the claimed battery life, especially when browsing or running multiple apps — and even less if you're gaming or running demanding tasks.

The size and power of a laptop influence the available space for the battery, as well as how quickly it drains. Next up: finding the perfect balance of size and weight.

8: Size and Weight

Heavy laptops hinder portability. In 2011, Intel introduced the ultrabook category, focusing on lightweight systems, typically around 3 pounds (1.3 kilograms), powered by its ultra-low voltage CPUs. These ultrabooks eliminate disc drives and emphasize portability, long battery life, and a price range of $800 to $1000. While not powerful enough for some users and lacking a disc drive, ultrabooks highlight the trend towards compact, ultra-portable laptops.

Weight adds up quickly. Most 15-inch laptops typically weigh around 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms), which is manageable for daily commuting between home and office. However, some laptops weigh 7 to 8 pounds (3.2 to 3.6 kilograms), which can make them cumbersome to carry, often relegating them to home use due to their weight.

There are a few ways to tackle the weight problem. One option is to choose a brand like Sony's Vaio, which puts a strong emphasis on lightweight design. The trade-off, however, is that Vaios tend to come with a higher price tag compared to other laptops offering similar performance. Another option is to pick a laptop with a smaller screen size.

7: Screen Size and Resolution

There are three popular screen sizes in laptops: 13 inches (33 cm), 15 inches (38 cm), and 17 inches (43 cm). The smallest size is focused on portability, often sacrificing DVD drives to keep the body thin and lightweight. The middle category offers more flexibility, with some systems functioning as desktop replacements, while others are still portable but offer larger screens. The largest laptops are quite hefty, sometimes weighing up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg), but they deliver high-resolution displays and robust hardware.

Generally speaking, 15-inch (38 cm) and especially 17-inch (43 cm) laptops are sufficiently large to double as suitable substitutes for a TV or computer monitor when watching videos, particularly on the move. Smaller laptops, ranging from 11 to 14 inches (27.9 to 35.6 cm), may feel a bit too small for movie viewing, depending on your personal preferences. Additionally, their displays often come with lower resolutions. Resolution refers to the total number of pixels on the display — more pixels allow more content to appear on screen at once.

Screen resolutions usually vary from 1366 x 768 pixels, which is slightly larger than 720p, to 1920 x 1080 pixels, or 1080p. Laptop manufacturers often choose lower resolutions to save on costs. In the next section, we will explore the processor and graphics card, two essential components. However, when comparing two laptops, it's a good idea to choose the higher resolution screen, or opt for an HD upgrade option if available.

6: Processor and Graphics

A computer's processor plays a key role in determining how well it can run applications, multitask, and perform all the functions we expect from modern machines. Processors continue to evolve, becoming faster and more efficient each year. Most Windows computers use Intel processors, while ultraportables like Apple's slim MacBook Air feature ultra-low voltage chips that consume less power compared to other Apple processors. Quad-core processors offer higher performance, but even dual-core chips can handle 1080p video playback and run system-heavy programs like Photoshop.

The graphics processor (GPU) is crucial for tasks like playing HD videos and gaming. Many laptops use integrated graphics instead of dedicated graphics chips. While these are less powerful (and more energy-efficient), they are still adequate for decoding 1080p video. Dedicated graphics chips are essential for gaming, but for most users, components like hard drive storage and memory are more critical.

5: Storage and Memory

For years, laptops relied on spinning disks known as hard drives to store data. While many still use these drives, faster and more affordable solid-state drives (SSDs) that utilize silicon-based memory are becoming more common in portable devices. Unlike traditional drives, SSDs have no moving parts, making them more reliable, especially in devices prone to being jostled. However, they are more expensive and offer less storage space.

Storage may not be an issue for you if you mostly store your data in the cloud and don’t plan to fill your laptop with music or videos. A small SSD or HDD will be sufficient. However, Random Access Memory (RAM) plays a crucial role. Every program and the operating system (usually Windows) relies on RAM to function. The more RAM you have, the better — it's a good idea to upgrade it when possible. For Windows 7, 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum.

Apple's MacBook Air and other ultrabooks are now offering solid-state drives (SSDs) at more affordable prices. However, if you need more than 128GB of storage, it's better to stick with a traditional hard drive or expect to pay a premium for an upgrade. While SSDs provide excellent speed, opting for a slim, lightweight laptop often means sacrificing an optical drive and relying on cloud storage.

4: Do you need an optical drive?

Optical storage, once a staple in computers with the advent of CD drives, is now largely obsolete due to the rise of affordable flash storage like USB drives and cloud storage. When was the last time you used a CD burner? Do you watch DVDs on your laptop, or do you prefer streaming from Netflix? If you regularly use CDs or DVDs or need to burn them for work, there are still laptops available with CD/DVD combo drives. Some models, especially larger 15-inch and 17-inch media-centric laptops, even offer optional Blu-ray drives.

If you're unsure whether you need an optical drive, it's worth exploring cloud storage options. Dropbox simplifies file transfers between computers, while services like Netflix make streaming movies and TV shows from the cloud easy. Music streaming platforms like Spotify, Rdio, iTunes Match, and others let you stream music directly to your laptop as long as you have an Internet connection. Alternatively, you can always use an external hard drive or flash drive to transfer files from a laptop with a disc drive.

Another key factor to consider is whether your laptop has all the necessary ports for your needs.

3: Ports and Expandability

Most people are familiar with the USB port, but not everyone knows that the newer USB 3.0 standard is gaining traction across the tech world. USB 3.0 offers up to 10 times faster data transfer rates than its predecessor, reaching speeds of up to 400 megabytes per second [source: EverythingUSB]. Even if you don't own any USB 3.0 devices yet, opting for a laptop with this port could help you stay ahead as technology evolves.

There are other important ports to consider as well. Do you need HDMI for connecting your laptop to a TV? Would an SD card slot be helpful for transferring photos from a digital camera? Will you require an Ethernet port for wired Internet access, or is built-in WiFi sufficient for your needs?

If you plan on holding on to a laptop for several years, it’s essential to understand how customizable or upgradeable it is. For instance, Apple's laptops are known for their exceptional build quality but also for being hard to maintain or upgrade. Their batteries are integrated, meaning they can't be easily removed. On the other hand, many PCs have batteries that can be swapped out or replaced with ease.

Search online to see if other laptop owners have managed to easily add extra RAM or swap out the hard drive. These upgrades can significantly extend the life of your laptop, but some models are far easier to open up than others. Some laptops are also specially designed to protect your data, which brings us to our next topic.

2: Security Features

We store vast amounts of personal data on our laptops, and while there are always risks associated with storing information digitally or online, laptops increase those risks due to their portability and the ease with which they can be stolen. Some laptops, particularly those designed for business and enterprise use, are built with these security concerns in mind. For example, fingerprint scanners are commonly found on business PCs and require users to authenticate their identity before logging into the operating system.

Many laptops also feature Kensington security slots, where security cables can be attached to lock the laptop to a table or kiosk. If you’ve ever looked at laptops in a store like Best Buy, you've likely seen this security measure in use. Durability is another key security factor. To prevent data loss from accidental drops, Panasonic's ToughBook line of laptops is designed to withstand harsh falls onto hard surfaces like concrete.

Laptop security features can help keep your device safe, but don’t rely solely on them to protect your data from determined thieves. The best way to safeguard your laptop is by handling it with care. This brings us to our last tip: choosing the right warranty and understanding laptop release cycles to determine the best time to make a purchase.

1: Warranty and Release Cycles

Purchasing consumer electronics often feels like a race against obsolescence. It can be frustrating to buy something only for it to be outdated a few months later, but new technology is always just around the corner — so delaying a purchase isn't always an option. To get the best value from your laptop, buy soon after a product refresh. New models usually follow the release of Intel’s latest processors. For instance, if you come across a well-reviewed laptop from several months ago, there’s likely to be a new version hitting the market soon. Avoid buying a laptop well into its release cycle unless you're on a tight budget and find an irresistible deal.

Selecting a warranty can be a tough call. If you're accident-prone (or just cautious), investing in a longer warranty might give you peace of mind, although it could add an extra hundred dollars or more, depending on the coverage you choose. Comprehensive accident coverage is costly, but it could save you if you happen to step on your screen and crack the LCD. Alternatively, there's no harm in opting for the most basic, limited warranty—just make sure not to drop your new laptop!