School, college, work, content creation, gaming, free time, catching up with your favorite people... and the list goes on! Choosing a laptop may sound like an easy task, but finding the right balance between features and price requires research.

In this guide, you will first see the 6 key features that will help you find which laptop categories best suit your needs. In the second part, you will find information about some extra features that laptops have and that you may want to consider. In the last part of the guide, you will see suggestions for accessories!

If you are familiar with the technical specifications and are looking for the best recommendations for every budget and use, you can check out the guide with the best laptops of 2023 or let us recommend the right model for you, answering less than 4 questions!

Main features

1. Software

Windows

The Windows operating system is the most common, familiar to the majority of users, and provides open access to applications. With Windows software, you will find the widest range of laptops in terms of appearance, features, and price range.

Prefer a laptop with Windows software:

• if you intend to use it for gaming. Laptops with Windows are the recommended solution, as other operating systems do not support all popular games.
• if you want variety, as well as
• if you want to make a reliable choice and have the capabilities of the most common computer software.

The most popular series include: Lenovo ThinkPad, Asus Vivobook, Asus Zenbook, and Lenovo Ideapad 3!

MacOS

MacOS software is exclusively available on Apple's Macbooks, so there is a smaller range of options.

Choose it if:

you own other Apple devices, such as iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and the company's ecosystem serves you.

• if you want to make a secure and premium choice,
• if you are involved in image and video editing.

Chrome OS

This is Google's software, designed for systems with low specifications and consumption, mainly intended for browsing the Internet, social media, and cloud-based applications.

Choose it if:

• you are looking for a laptop for simple browsing functions on the internet,
• your main use is accessing cloud services.

Linux

Linux is an open-source operating system that you can customize. This creates a plethora of possibilities and options, but at the same time, it makes it more difficult for an average user to use.

2. Processor

The processor is the 'brain' of the computer and it is responsible for executing all tasks. In laptops (as well as desktop PCs), the main companies are Intel & AMD.

#SkroutzTip

To easily find the processor that suits you, keep in mind that most of the time, the higher the number in the name of a processor and the newer the generation, the faster and improved its performance is!

3. Memory (RAM)

Memory is often confused with storage. RAM memory is the temporary memory that determines the volume of information and parallel tasks that a computer can handle/execute simultaneously at a given moment.

4. Graphics & Graphics Card

The graphics card, along with the monitor, determine the resolution and image quality you see on your screen. If you intend to use the laptop for simple everyday tasks or office work, such as Excel, Word, etc., prefer a laptop with an integrated graphics card (the integrated graphics card is included in most processors).

However, if you intend to use the laptop for more intense graphic processes, here's what we recommend, taking Nvidia graphics cards as an example:

5. Screen

I. Touch Screen

Do you want to combine the experience of a tablet: easily taking notes, drawing, and the classic experience of a laptop? Are you a graphic designer? Then, choose a 2-in-1 laptop with a touch screen! You can find such laptops with either Windows or Chrome OS software.

#SkroutzTip
Combine your purchase with a stylus pen for the optimal touch screen experience, in case it is not included with the laptop.

II. Screen Size

13.3'' - Portable Everywhere!

Laptops with this screen size are an excellent choice if you are constantly on the go, but the screen may seem small if your main activity is working with Excel files.

14'' - The Perfect Balance

With this screen size, you find the perfect balance between portability and comfortable viewing.

15.6'' - The Average

These are the most common laptops, especially in a Windows environment, and they are ideal if you work more hours in an office than on the go.

16'' - Hard-working, but also flexible

If you are looking for the perfect balance between performance and portability, choose a 16" laptop.

17.3'' - Creators & Gamers, here you are!

This is the largest screen size you can currently find on a laptop. You have a better content viewing experience, and it is ideal for multimedia users, but not recommended for people who frequently move around.

III. Screen Resolution

The lowest level of resolution is HD, which is now outdated.

Mainly, you will find models with resolutions starting from FHD and can reach up to 4K!

FHD: It is the lowest, widely available resolution today, and if you intend to use your laptop for simple everyday use, the FHD resolution is a good choice.

QHD: If you want good resolution for the content you stream, prefer a laptop with QHD screen resolution.

4K UHD: If you do video/photo editing and have high demands, then choose a laptop with 4K UHD resolution.

#SkroutzTip
You can upgrade your laptop at any time by connecting a high-resolution monitor.

6. Storage Space (Hard Drive)

Simply put, this is the point where your files are stored. There are 2 types of hard drives on the market: SSDs, which are more modern technology and make up the majority of hard drives, and HDDs, which are older technology and you won't encounter them as often anymore.

If you use the cloud and don't store files on your laptop, 128GB is a good choice for you. However, if you store a lot of files, photos, videos, choose a model with memory >256GB. If you are a gamer or creator, prefer a laptop with memory >512GB.

#SkroutzTip

Overloading the hard drive can affect the overall performance of the laptop. Therefore, if you store many files, an external hard drive will come in handy!

If you want to learn more about hard drives, check out the corresponding guide!

Decided on a Macbook?

Apple announces the release of the latest version of its 2 main Macbook models almost every year.

1. Macbook Air: Designed for lighter and everyday use, but don't forget that it is an ultrabook and can handle more demanding tasks.

2. Macbook Pro: Ideal choice for more demanding tasks, such as video editing and graphic design programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. If you want a Macbook with a screen larger than 13.3'', then the Pro series is the way to go, as it is the only one available in a version with a 15.5'' screen. Also check out: Macbook Air M2.

For more affordable purchases, you can also consider options from refurbished laptops! Refurbished devices are the ones that have been fully checked for their functionality and battery life by specialized personnel and have been repaired for any issues. So now we have a fully tested and functional device, making it as good as new. In addition to laptops, there are also many options available for refurbished mobile phones.

Extra Features

Connectivity

Pay attention to the WiFi protocol version of the laptop you are considering buying. The latest version, at the moment, is WiFi 6, while for Bluetooth, it is version 5.0. Also, check how many ports the laptop has. If the ports do not meet your needs, you can get a dock station!

Portability

If you plan to use the laptop outside of your home, you should consider, in addition to the size, the weight, the material of construction (metal and aluminum laptops are the lightest), connectivity, and the level of security. Keep in mind that a lightweight laptop weighs between 1.5 - 2 kg.

Security

Besides an antivirus program, there are some extra features that can ensure that only you and the people you want have access to your laptop. Some of these include fingerprint recognition, a password management program, a VPN environment, or BIOS security reset.

Accessories

Support it

Whether to look better on video calls, to keep your laptop cool, or even to use it more comfortably, buy a stand along with your new laptop.

#SkroutzTip Make sure the laptop stand is designed for the size (inches) of your laptop!

Protect it

Choose a cover (mainly for Macbooks) and/or a screen protector!

Clean it

Cleanliness is half the nobility! Find all the necessary products to keep your new laptop clean.

Carry it

Find the most stylish and convenient case or bag to carry it with you at all times!

Laptop check, accessories check, let the work begin! Or the game, or the movie, or the video call, or whatever else you want!

• Discover now all the Black Friday Deals on Laptops! •