How to buy a laptop

In November last year we gave you some useful tips on buying a mobile phone.

Now, with ‘back to school’ just around the corner, it’s time to look at the laptop-buying experience, which is slightly more complicated.

1. Operating system

Apple

Similar to smart phones, it’s Apple vs the rest of the world. The rest of the world is bigger. Apple's macOS is a bit more beginner-friendly than Windows, but it binds you to the Apple eco-system. Apple Mac laptops are expensive, so make sure it is what you really need, want and can afford. Apple uses its own chips, which we will get to shortly.

Windows

Windows is the most popular choice in the world and gives you access to Microsoft apps like MS Office, Access, or Outlook. For desktop and laptop computers, Microsoft's Windows is the most used globally at 69%, followed by Apple's macOS at 21%, and Google's ChromeOS at 3.7% (in the US up to 7.9%).

It therefore stands to reason that there are also more laptops using Windows.

Chromebook

Chromebook relies on a web browser to run laptop tasks. Laptops that use Chromebook are cheap, but limited in their performance. They run on the ChromeOS, owned by Google. Although not currently popular, don’t be surprised if we see some kind of future resurgence in Chromebook, given what Google has recently achieved with its Pixel line-up. 

2. CPU (Central Processing Unit)

All kinds of computing devices such as tablets, PCs, or laptops feature a brain-like unit called the central processing unit or CPU. Your computer's CPU calculates and interprets instructions while you're surfing the web, creating documents, playing games, or running software programs.

Outside of Apple, there are basically two companies that make consumer laptop processors: Intel and AMD.

Intel Processors

Intel's main processors are the Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9. When buying a laptop simply be mindful of the fact that the Core i3 is the least powerful, and the Core i9 the most.

Things get complicated when trying to decipher the numbers and letters that Intel assigns to their chips.

Here is how to decipher the Intel code.

Example: Intel Core i7-1355U

i7 = one of the more powerful chips

13 = refers to the generation; in this case, it's a 13th-generation chip (as of now, that's the latest generation available for laptops). The i7-1255U would be a 12th-generation chip or one that's probably a year or so older.

55 = also refers to how powerful the chip is. So, the 65 would be slightly more powerful than 55

U = the chip’s primary strength. For laptops, the letters you'll see at the end are Y, U, H, and HX. The Y series chips are optimized for battery life. H chips are optimized for performance, and U chips are “power efficient" but not “extremely” efficient like the Y line. The newest of the bunch is the HX designation which are chips Intel calls “desktop replacement class." They're the most powerful of the bunch, but you will get less battery life from laptops with HX chips.

As a general tip, avoid the low numbers (especially i3).

When comparing laptops, price may be an indication that the chip is lower or higher – but do your homework.

So generally, the higher the Intel Core numbers, the higher the price.

Another tip: if all you do is word processing and office work, you are unlikely to need anything above i5 (and avoid i3).

If you are into gaming or video content creation and graphics then definitely go for the higher numbers.

AMD Processors

In the name AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, the “7” is the generation (how old it is; higher is better), and the “6” is how powerful it is. A “6” would make this example a medium-powered chip, whereas a 3 or 4 would be weaker (slower). The next two numbers don't have much impact on anything. The “X” at the end indicates high performance. Other letter designations include U for ultra-low power (for better battery life).

Apple

Last October, Apple announced the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max, three chips featuring groundbreaking technologies that deliver dramatically increased performance and unleash new capabilities for Mac.

So, in short, if you are going to spend big bucks, M1 and M2 are a bit old now.

3. RAM (Random Access Memory)

8GB of RAM is enough for the average Windows user, though upgrading to 16 GB will make your laptop much more capable (and is a necessity for gaming, video and graphics).

If you see DDR associated with the RAM, even better. DDR stands for double data rate. DDR4 RAM is speedy and what you want – look for it, and go for it.

4. Storage

Go for SSD (solid state drive) with at least 256GB. SSDs are faster.

Anything less than 256GB will probably need you to store files externally, either to the cloud or external hard drive.

5. Ports

These are the slots at the side (and sometimes on the front) of the laptop. For an indication of the types of ports (and cables) you may encounter see our blog from December. Not all the ports and cables in the blog relate to laptops, but all laptop cable/ports feature in the blog.

Ports are the various ways of plugging things into your laptop, like USB devices or charging cables.

You will want at least one 1 USB-C, at least one 1 USB-A, and a microphone/headset jack. Make sure your laptop has an SD or microSD card reader if you're a photographer and need to constantly download images from your camera.

A HDMI port is also useful for using projectors, external monitors and TV screens. See our cable blog for more on HDMI.

Many laptops these days can be charged from a USB-C port. Do your research before you buy the laptop and find out!

The USB-C method of charging allows you to use a portable charger if you ever need extra time away from a power outlet. 

If you are going to use a portable charger then, once again, do your homework and find out what the laptop manufacturer recommends – don’t use cheap, no-name chargers as they are shit and will ultimately destroy your laptop battery.

6. Other stuff

CD Drives

CD drives in laptops are a thing of the past. External CD/DVD drives are very affordable. I have an external ASUS CD/DVD drive which connects to my laptop via the USB port. It’s a ripper! Check for external CD/DVD drives at specialist places like Daltron, Able and Theodist. If you have access to Australia even better, buy one from JB HiFi.

Webcam

Make sure your laptop has a webcam. You will need it for Zoom and video conferencing.  A resolution of 720p is OK, but a 1080p camera will obviously provide a better result.

Feel

Make sure you are comfortable with the feel of the laptop. Are the keys big enough? Does it open and fold OK? Is it too heavy or bulky? Does it feel like a brick? Can you get a good laptop case or bag to carry it around… discretely? (we are in PNG after all)! Does the laptop feel right for you?

These are personal choices, so obviously it varies from person to person.

Also, be aware of laptop ergonomics, especially to avoid ‘office syndrome’.

Here is some useful information from the University of California (Berkeley):

Ergonomic Risks with Laptops

  • Keyboard spacing - Laptop keyboards are often compact with odd placement of some keys and cramped spacing of others. This results in awkward hand and wrist postures.
  • Monitor size - Laptop screens are often smaller, resulting in increased eye strain.
  • Monitor placement - The relation of the keyboard to monitor on a laptop is fixed. This placement leads to bad posture of the neck, shoulders or arms.
  • Small pointers - Laptops usually have an integrated pointing device such as a touch pad or dot. These devices are adequate for the task, but not very comfortable or easy to use for long periods of time.

7. Tips for Laptop Use

  • Laptop Size - Larger and clearer (higher resolution) screens are easier to view and reduce eye strain.
  • Laptop Weight - If you are frequently transporting your laptop, think about the weight of the system (and accessories). Many lightweight portables can become as heavy as regular laptops when you add the weight of all of the components together. If you are using a backpack, be sure the straps are padded and distribute the weight evenly between both shoulders.
  • Laptop Glare - Many laptops have glossy screens which can create glare. If glare is bothering you, please move to a location where direct glare is minimized or purchase a matte screen cover to reduce glare.
  • Laptop Posture - If you are unable to attain the posture illustrated below, limit your laptop usage to one to two hours per day and take frequent breaks. 

8. Your retail experience

Finally, we get to the point of purchase. By now, if you have read and understood all the information above then you are ready to confront a salesperson.

Congratulations! Chances are, by now, you know more than the salesperson.

For a buyer, this is an ideal situation.

When confronting a sales person, the same applies for laptops as it did in our smart phone buying guide. Do your homework and avoid the sharks!

Check list:

  • does the retailer have a warranty and returns policy?
  • is the retailer also an accredited, authorized and reputable repairer?
  • and, most importantly, does the retailer actually have stock in the country? Chances are, you want your laptop now and not in three months’ time.

Tips:

  • In PNG you should also beware of dodgy salespeople who may offer you the same laptop at a cheaper price from one of their friends or off the black market (“off the back of a truck”). Beware as you may be buying a stolen, faulty or fake product. If you suspect anything is wrong with your buying experience, report the issue to the retailer. Facebook inbox is a good way to report issues discretely, as most reputable retailers use Facebook. Or contact us via email: smartshopperpng@gmail.com
  • find out whether the laptop comes with software such as Windows and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Publisher etc). Do not let anyone instal UNLICENSED software on your laptop. Not only is this an illegal breach of copyright, but at some stage you will need upgrades for which you will need a licensed product. Don’t let some grubby salesperson con you into installing unlicensed software. These days you can buy fully licensed software over the internet through Microsoft, or go to a reputable computer retailer and buy it in the box.
  • as with phones, always check that the laptop matches the serial number on the box. Keep the receipt and the box, and check that you got what you paid for as soon as possible. This is even more important with a laptop, given the processors can be different – although they may look the same, under the hood they could be different!

Reputable computer retailers in PNG

Make sure you are buying a laptop and software that suits your needs through a reputable importer/retailer and not someone else’s unwanted, aging and/or outdated stock through an on-seller.

See our Smart Shopper Guide (link below) for details.

Bigger companies tend to invest in training and educating their staff, so hopefully their depth of knowledge matches yours!

9. Further reading

How to Buy a Smart Phone (5 November 2023):

https://smartshopper-png.blogspot.com/2023/11/how-to-buy-a-smart-phone.html

The Cable Guide (29 December 2023):

https://smartshopper-png.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-cable-guide.html

Smart Shopper Guide (9 November 2023):

https://smartshopper-png.blogspot.com/2023/11/smart-shopper-guide.html

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