Laptop Buying Guide: How to Select the Right PC in 2022?

Looking to buy laptop PC for personal or business use? This buying guide covers every useful information you need to make the right purchase decision.

Be it for everyday productivity, computing or gaming, most of us are seeking the best laptop with a versatile set of features. It is a compact, easy-to-carry device that helps you get your work done on the go!

Today, we can find myriads of laptop models in the market, each claiming to offer fast performance, ample storage and an exceptional interface. If you are a beginner or an intermediate user looking for the best laptops in India, you have come to the right place.

When buying a laptop, you need to look at various features including RAM, processor, battery performance, graphics card and so much more. Here we’ve put together an in-depth laptop buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Choosing an Operating System

Operating System manages the hardware and software of the device, including memory, files and connected devices.

Laptops come with different platforms out of which Windows, Mac and Chrome OS are the most common ones. Each platform comes with its own strengths and weaknesses. Choosing an operating system heavily depends upon your personal preference, so here’s what you need to know about them.

Windows 11

Windows 11 inherits all the security and power capabilities of Windows 10 but with a refreshed and renovated interface. Plus, it also features new apps, sounds and tools.

• Newest look offers an innovative and calm space with redesigned Start menu featuring new ways to connect to content, apps, games, news and people.
• Multi-tasking and accessing apps have become seamless with new Windows 11 tools like Desktops, Snap layouts and a highly responsive re-docking experience.
• With Microsoft Teams, you can connect with people directly from your desktop, no matter which device they’re using.
• With myriads of Widgets and Microsoft Edge, you can seamlessly catch up with entertainment and news. Find your favorite programs and apps in the new Microsoft Store.
• It also provides optional Xbox Game Pass providing access to more than 100 HD games.

Windows 10

Windows 10 is an exceptionally flexible and secure platform you will find in most laptops today. Microsoft incorporates myriads of upgrades in Windows 10 as compared to Windows 7 and 8, making it one of their best flagship OS.

• Latest Windows 10 allows you to switch to desktop and tablet modes. Besides, it also offers support for Cortana and the all-new Start menu featuring Live Tiles.
• It offers a wide range of intuitive features such as dual graphic chip, fingerprint reader to even touch screens.
• Windows 10 offers built-in data protection and other standard security features such as secure boot, firewall and file-level information-loss protection.

Chrome OS

Google’s Chrome OS is found in most Chromebooks. It is a simple and fairly secure platform that offers a full range of Google applications which you can use offline and online.

The interface of Chrome OS looks similar to Windows with a menu for applications, ability to drag windows and a desktop. And, the main application you would use here is Chrome browser. But it is a bit inflexible as compared to Windows and macOS, as it does not offer the same range of apps or features.

If you simply need a laptop to check mails, surf the web, chat online and operate social networks, then Chromebooks are quite ideal as they offer good battery life and are highly portable yet affordable. Most students tend to incline towards Chromebooks as they are better than tablets. If you want to buy a Chromebook, look for the one with at least 16 GB storage and 4 GB RAM. The 4K resolution is better, but 1920 x 1080 will do just fine as well. If you want to use Android apps, then look for 2-in-1 models.

macOS

macOS has had amazing continuity since the day it was launched. It may have gone through processor changes, but there’s a precise level of predictability and consistency maintained by the platform, not found in any other OS.

• macOS is distributed by Apple Inc. to run only on Apple hardware.
• It offers legendary design, integrations and the overall cost of ownership over the lifetime is satisfactory.
• macOS is tightly tied to iOS, so much that you can even share clipboards or take a photo and drop it directly from iPhone to a mac application.
• macOS offers wide range of applications for free.
• Installing and updating macOS is easy and hassle-free.
• A well-equipped macOS can capably run Parallels or other virtualization app to provide multiple OS on the mac. Meaning, you can use Windows and Linux side by side with macOS. Such flexibility cannot be seen in any other OS.
• Only downside is that Macs storage, memory and CPU can’t be upgraded and you have to stick with it for a long time. It may allow RAM upgrades, but the procedure is time-consuming and complex.

Linux

Linux is an open-source OS which anyone can modify and extend. It comes in different variants, also known as distributions that vary in terms of UI, core purpose, settings, configurations and core functionality.

• Linux is highly secure and offers great GUIs to match other operating systems.
• It runs Chrome browser, hence web-based apps are fully functional on Linux.
• Even without well-equipped hardware, you can easily run Linux on a machine.
• Ideal for programming as it has faster interpreters and compilers.

Here’s a detailed comparison of most popular operating systems:

Windows vs MacOS vs Chrome OS vs Linux

2-in-1 Models

There are numerous laptops today designed with the 2-in-1 concept, wherein you can run it in traditional clamshell mode or switch to tablet or tent/stand modes.

2-in-1 laptops generally come in two styles:

• Detachable design where you can completely detach the screen from the keyboard
• Flexible design with hinges where the screen can bend to different angles to switch modes

Detachable models offer seamless tablet experience, while the bend-backs serve as a flexible laptop. But if you do not fancy using your laptop as a slate, you can opt for a clamshell laptop.

Processor

The processor is your laptop’s brain. Latest Gen processor will offer faster performance while consuming less power, thus enhancing battery life. In short, Intel 6th Gen < Intel 7th Gen < Intel 8th Gen.

Today, industry-leaders in producing processors are namely Intel and AMD.

• Intel

It has Atom, Pentium, Celeron and Core i3, i5, i7 and i9 series processors. The Intel i5 processor family is a perfect choice for general work. Whereas, the Core i7 and i9 family are better for more demanding workloads. Latest Intel processors (8th Gen and after) support the latest features such as Intel Optane Memory, Thunderbolt 3 and Wi-Fi 6.

• AMD

It has X, FX and Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors. Though Intel is a popular processor and more prominent in the industry, AMD is equally powerful and reliable. It offers unique capabilities such as speed boost of the processor, overlocking, better graphics, etc. The Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 give tough competition to the Intel Core i5 and i7.

RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which is used to store open apps, games and files that are running. More RAM allows for better multi-tasking and faster response. Most laptops come with 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM.

DDR3 RAM type is a bit sluggish and consumes more power, while DDR4 type is latest and efficient in battery consumption.

Most users can opt for a laptop with 8 GB RAM, as it can handle day-to-day operations. But for using demanding software and gaming, get a laptop with 16 GB RAM.

Internal Storage

This is the storage capacity of a laptop or also referred to as the size of the hard drive. In this storage, your laptop’s OS, apps, documents, photos, games and other media is stored. Greater the storage, faster will be the performance.

Now, the internal storage is of three types viz. HDD, SDD and SSHD.

Display

Laptop’s display heavily depends upon two elements viz. Resolution and screen size.

Screen size

It measures the diagonal measurement of the screen and it ranges from 11” to 18”. Key point is that the larger screen also makes the laptop heavier. Large screen i.e. 15.6” and above is recommended for a graphic designers, high-end gamers, an architect or an engineer. Others may opt for laptops that are anywhere from 12.5” to 14”.

Screen resolution

It defines how the display looks and how many pixels it uses. Screen resolution is measured by horizontal and vertical pixels. For example, a 1920 x 1080 resolution means that it has 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically.

• Most laptops today have 1920 x 1080 resolution (Full HD or FHD) and it is good enough.
• Some laptops can go high up to 3840 x 2160 pixels resolution known as UHD or Ultra-High Definition.
• It is recommended not to settle for anything less than 1920 x 1080 pixels (also referred as 1080p).
• 4K resolution means that there are approximately 4000 pixels across the horizontal plane, which is indeed better than 1080p. 4K is equal to 4096 x 2160 pixels.
• Apple commonly offers Retina resolution for their devices which has a resolution of 2304 x 1440 pixels.

Another thing to note, the IPS (In-plane switching) display shows immersive, life-like colours on the screen with the best viewing angles. If not used for movies or games, you can opt for a Non-IPS display.

Lastly, the refresh rate also plays a vital role in performance. It is the measure of how many times an image changes per second on the screen. Generally, it is measured in Hz or FPS (frames per second). A higher refresh rate is sought for heavy gaming; while the standard is 60Hz. A lower refresh rate will lead to a sluggish screen that isn’t able to keep up with the fast gaming graphics.

Graphics Card

Graphics Card is a dedicated chip that measures the quality of the visuals you’ll see on the screen. More the GBs in the graphics card, the smoother the gaming experience will be. Heavy software like Photoshop, AutoCAD and high-end games require a dedicated graphics card to run seamlessly.

• For casual gaming, we recommend Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, 1050 Ti, 1060, 1650, 1660, 1660Ti series.
• For hard-core gaming, we recommend the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070, 1070Ti, 1080, 1080 Ti, RTX 2060, 2070, 2080 and 2080Ti series. It allows you to play highly demanding games with high FPS and high resolution.
• For entry-level gaming, you can opt for Nvidia GeForce MX150, GeForce 940M, 950M or 960M and AMD Radeon R7 M445.

Battery

Bigger batteries offer long hours of usage, but they are also heavy to carry. Commonly, battery power is measured in WHr (Watt-Hour). More reading of WHr, better will be the battery life.

Ports

Connectivity and port options allow you to connect various devices to your laptop. Through these ports, you can connect a pen drive, headphones, mouse, external hard disk, projector and other such devices to the laptop.

Here are a few important ports options you need to consider when buying a laptop:

Touchscreen

Laptops with touchscreen displays allow you to scribble on the screen directly or use a stylus to edit documents. Besides, you can also use a touchscreen to zoom in/out, scroll and other such functionalities seamlessly. It gives an impressive experience just like tablets.

Webcams

Webcam plays a vital role, especially nowadays as many people are conducting zoom meetings or online meetings and working from home due to the pandemic. On low-priced models, you will find webcams that are 720p. But if conducting zoom meetings is one of your priorities then choose a laptop with at least 1080p camera.

Things to avoid when buying a laptop

Choosing a laptop finally comes down to your usage requirements. A student might want to get a portable, lightweight laptop with a fair amount of features, while the same laptop won’t be ideal for an engineer or a pro gamer. Thus, it all depends upon the user persona.

Here are some of the things you need to consider when buying a laptop:

• Do not buy a laptop in the spur of a moment without looking into its features
• Do not always go for cheaper options, just for the sake of affordability. Look whether it provides value or not.
• Choose the display size that is perfect for your needs. Too big or too small would be a total disappointment in the long run.
• Do not purchase extra add-ons that you don’t really need or won’t use much.
• Make sure to always look at all the connectivity and port options and see whether it has got what you need.

Looking for the best laptops under budget.? Check out the best laptops available under 45000 INR.

Laptop Buying Guide: Conclusion

Hope this guide will help you in your decision.