Even
if the technology has evolved in a miraculous way, to the point that today
these devices that fit in our pockets are capable of almost everything, the
laptop is still essential for certain tasks. The rise of telework in this
disrupted period is a perfect illustration of this. This is probably the
reason why manufacturers, including Apple, still sell more than one hundred
million PCs and Macbooks each year.
But finding a laptop can be complex, due to the plethora of choices. Here is a checklist to better understand which characteristics correspond to your preferences.
1.
The Operating System
Contrary
to what we sometimes hear, Mac and PC are not interchangeable. And Mac OS
or Windows will be your first fundamental choice, before you even look at the
different models available to you. The answer to this question will indeed
determine both which device to go to, but also the potential software investments.
Apple
computers have a built-in advantage in that they can run Windows (via Boot Camp
or in a virtual machine), while trying to run Mac OS on a Windows machine
(something called "Hackintosh" ) requires sleight of hand probably
under black magic.
Consequence:
if you are a fan of Windows and you plan to do most of your work on this
platform, avoid Apple products. Unless you want to pay more for hardware
that is not intended for Windows, especially with regard to the keyboard.
2.
Weight and Shape
Do you
want a touch screen or it is useless? Is full HD resolution enough, or
would you prefer to pay more for a 4K screen? Which format is best for
you: the standard 16: 9 or rather a 3: 2? And finally, what about the
screen size? Your choices will have a direct impact on the weight and
shape of the computer.
By definition, every laptop is
portable, but to what extent? If it stays on your desk most of the time,
with only an occasional trip to a conference room or cafe, the weight is
probably not that important. On the other hand, for those who collect a
few thousand miles per month, an extra kilo quickly becomes a burden.
The choice of shape is closely linked to the weight. Do you prefer a traditional shell or will you make good use of a 2 in 1 like the Surface Pro or the Yoga line from Lenovo? In general, engineering that goes into making a lighter-than-average laptop or an exotic-shaped computer tends to drive up costs. And in general, the heaviest component of a modern laptop is the battery, the next criterion precisely.
3. The Battery and its Autonomy
The battery has changed
dramatically in recent years and modern laptops are finally starting to
last. But there are still many models that will not exceed 4 to 5 hours of
autonomy. Which may be enough for you, depending on how you work.
4. Processor and
Graphics Card
Which processor to choose? And
will the integrated graphics processor be enough for your use, or do you need
an additional graphics card? Most people overestimate the importance of
basic daily processor usage.
In general, an Intel Core i5 or i7
will offer adequate performance with good productivity (avoid the i3, for
low-end consumer PCs). As for the graphics card, if you play or make
video, it is necessary. But for the common man, the integrated graphics
processor will be more than enough.
Remember to get a fairly new
processor. It is not advisable to go beyond one or two generations behind
the current range. In 2020, this means a Core 8 th generation or more. Thus,
you will benefit from the latest improvements in security and energy management.
5. Memory
How much RAM, or RAM, do you
need? There are inexpensive laptops with 4 GB of RAM, which guarantee
rather poor performance.
Typically 8 GB is enough for common
productivity tasks. Configure the system with 16 GB if you regularly
perform demanding tasks such as photo and video editing, or if you plan to run
one or more virtual machines on a regular basis. Developers and engineering
professionals can even go up to 32 GB.
It is very rare to be
able to change the RAM on a laptop. It is therefore important to know
these specifications well from the start. If you are not sure, choose the
higher value.
6. Storage
The rule for storage is the same as
for RAM: the more there is, the better. Especially since it is not always
easy to add afterwards.
In terms of hardware, there are many
types of laptop
hard drives today there is no valid reason to choose something
other than an SSD or NVMe. When it comes to the amount of storage, 128 GB
is the bare minimum, and only if you keep most of your data in the cloud and
store few media files.
Even if you use the
Cloud, pay attention to the connectivity of the external storage. Support
for SD cards can be useful, for example, but for high-performance external
drives, focus on Thunderbolt 3.
7. Keyboard and Pad
There are different styles of laptop
keyboards, and you can't know which one will make you happy unless you try them
out personally, for at least a few days of normal work.
This is why the after-sales question
is so important. Never buy a new laptop without ensuring a return policy
that is valid for at least 14 days, with no restocking fees. (And if you
plan to use this laptop regularly in a dimly lit area, such as an airplane
cabin or conference room, insist that the keyboard be lit).
As for the touchpad, its
size is a matter of personal preference. The only rule, on Windows, is to
insist on precision, which offers a complete range of configuration options in
Windows 10. Invariably, when a complaint concerning the shaky behavior of
touchpads appears, it is on a system which uses equipment that does not meet
this standard.
8. Connectivity and
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi standards are currently in the
transition phase, with products that support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is just
beginning to be deployed. But will you really need the latest network
technology? Most people will do very well with 802.11ac technology.
Support for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)
and Bluetooth 5, on the other hand, is a must, with advantages in terms of
energy consumption, range and reliability obviously very useful with devices
that exist today
The only network
technology that remains an expensive option today is mobile
broadband. It's convenient, but it's also relatively difficult to
find. If you think you'll be using it enough to make it worth it, this
choice will narrow your laptop options down to a very short list.
9. Biometric
Authentication
Many people will likely be perfectly
happy without the help of biometrics. Still, this option will do you a lot
of services, including not having to spend your time retyping your code or
constantly changing it.
The fingerprint readers of modern
Windows laptops have become very powerful, but there is something magical about
sitting and logging in doing nothing but looking at your PC. Highly
recommended.
