Best Notebooks of 2024

1. What format is best for a laptop? 💻

The first question you should ask yourself is what kind of laptop you're looking for. There are traditional clamshell laptops, 2-in-1s, Chromebooks, and more. The screens on convertible laptops (also known as 2-in-1s), for example, can rotate 360 degrees.

This allows you to use the laptop as a tablet. They can also be placed in a tent-like position to watch movies or participate in video calls. Chromebooks, on the other hand, run exclusively the Google Chrome OS, web-focused, and are generally used for everyday tasks.

All you need is a Gmail account and boom, you're in. Each has its pros and cons. Chromebooks are affordable and generally have good battery life, while convertibles are typically lightweight and portable.

2. How much processing power do I need in a laptop? ⚙️

If you're looking for CPU power, look for processors with higher numerical names. A Core i7 is better suited for gaming and more intensive work than for everyday tasks. Intel processors They are available in Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 and Core i9. The higher the number, the more powerful the CPU.

If you don't need a lot of power, processors Intel Core i5 are your best bet, offering good performance at a reasonable price. For basic office work and web browsing, a Core i3 is sufficient. As for AMD options, the Ryzen 3 is good for productivity basic and web browsing, while the Ryzen 5 chips rival Intel's Core i5s as all-around options.

If you need more power, the chip Ryzen 7 is ideal for content creation such as video editing. Finally, if you work with 4K video, opt for a Ryzen 9.

3. Discrete graphics or integrated graphics? 🎮

You'll want one Discrete graphics card for extreme gaming or video editingIt is separate from the processor, so you can expect higher performance from it.

Integrated graphics, on the other hand, are connected to the CPU and use less power as a result. This is perfectly fine for everyday tasks, especially if you don't do anything that requires a lot of graphical power.

4. How much memory do I need in a laptop? 💾

8GB of RAM is sufficient for general use. If you have a gaming laptop, 16GB of RAM is ideal, with 32GB being a future-proof configuration. Content creators will want as much as possible.

5. Do I need a large screen on a laptop? 📺

If you're a video editor or someone who works a lot with multimedia, you'll want a screen that measures between 15 and 17 inches. The sweet spot is somewhere between 13 and 14 inches, though.

The larger the screen, the heavier your laptop will be. A 13 or 15.6-inch screen will be the largest. 14 inches It is the best in terms of portability and value.

6. How long should my laptop last on a single charge? 🔋

If you plan on taking your laptop everywhere, look for something that can last between 10 and 12 hours on a single charge. That's more than a full workday, so it should get you through long flights or a day of school.

Obviously, bigger is always better. Just keep in mind that the bigger the battery, the heavier the laptop will be.

7. How much does a good laptop cost? 💰

Many good laptops cost around $1500 to $2000, but the price really depends on your budget. If you're strapped for cash, go for a Chromebook or an entry-level business laptop.

You can find solid options for less than $1,000. Spending between $1,000 and $750 can get you better displays, better performance, more storage, and more attractive designs. If you can splurge on a laptop that costs more than $1,000, you're generally paying for premium build quality, great extras, and top-notch performance.

Gaming laptops are different. You can sometimes find entry-level gaming laptops with discrete graphics on sale for around $1,000, but you'll generally need to spend at least $1,000 for a system with decent 1080p gaming capabilities.

You can pay more, often a lot more, for better graphics power and nicer displays, but costs can add up quickly depending on your hardware favorite.

Some fully-loaded gaming laptops can cost several thousand dollars, but you're getting the equivalent of a desktop replacement in return. Spending between $1,200 and $2,000 usually gets you a very good gaming laptop.

8. Are connectivity options important in a laptop? 🔌

A wide range of ports is always a plus in my opinion, as it eliminates the need for an adapter. I would recommend a laptop that has both USB-C and USB-A.

An HDMI port is also nice. This is especially useful when you want to connect to an external monitor.