fizkes/Shutterstock: Do you need a new laptop?

Many things in life make us anxious, and what tops the list is losing data! If your laptop is lagging, freezing, shutting down in the middle of work, leaving you stranded, or costing you a ton in maintenance, it may be time for an upgrade.

With so many products in the market, it is vital to know how to compare and what features to look for.

Operating System

An operating system is the heartbeat of the software. Every function runs on it, and this component is also responsible for the user interface. For the laptop to be long-lasting, a powerful OS is needed. The three widely available types are – Microsoft, Chrome, and Mac.

1000 Words/Shutterstock: Be sure of the OS you want

Depending on the buyer’s needs and budget, any of the above can be shortlisted. If you are a coder or programmer, then Linux’s Ubuntu can be a good choice. It is advisable not to pick an option based purely on the popularity of a brand; instead, go for an option that fits you the best.

Size

It is not suitable for shoulders to be lugging around a heavy laptop, especially when the consumer is a student. That being said, it is not wise to opt for a device that is too small and strains the eyes.

An optimum screen can be beneficial for multi-tasking via split-screen, and editing purposes.

Hardware

Aleksandr Grechanyuk/Shutterstock: Hardware is as important as the software for a new laptop

Things can get a little muddy for non-technical people in the hardware department. To combat this, research on what is currently available and being developed, and then measure it against your requirements.

It will allow you to make your own decision when the sales representatives are making their pitch.

The general parts to concentrate on are –

RAM  – Higher the RAM size, smoother the functioning in the long run. It allows the computer to have more memory and space to store commands and functions temporarily.

SSD & HDD – The terms pertain to the laptop’s storage. People who tend to use external hard drives may not need higher SSD.

Processor – The processor decides your system’s speed and can be different depending on the OS you choose.

Many additional parts are available, and it is easy to get confused in the sea of features. Focus on what you want and go from there.

Keyboard

This feature may seem trivial, and it does depend on the size of the laptop. It matters when the buyer already has their hands set on a specific keyboard or has a preference.

There are additional keys available for gamers to aid them better,and for accountants, there is a separate number pad for faster calculations.

Some retailers also throw in free software, additional warranty, or insurance to make the deal more lucrative, so know your bargaining chips. The list may seem like a lot, but where hard-earned money is involved, it is better to be safe than sorry!