Buying a laptop: the no-nonsense guide
A laptop is a multi-year purchase. Three things determine satisfaction: display, keyboard, weight — raw performance comes after.
RAM and SSD first
16 GB RAM is the sensible baseline; 8 GB only for pure browser work. For the SSD: 512 GB minimum — upgrading later is often expensive or impossible.
Display formats
16:10 gives more workspace than 16:9. Matte panels are more comfortable in offices and trains; OLED shines for movies but reflects more.
Honest battery math
Manufacturer numbers are lab values. From 70 Wh with an efficient CPU you'll realistically get through a workday; gaming machines often last only 2–3 hours unplugged.
Quick checklist
- Backlit keyboard if you work evenings
- Under 1.5 kg if it rides in your bag daily
- USB-C charging saves a second power brick
- Check the price history: model changes push prices down hard
