Everyone these days want to have a personal laptop but are not sure how to select a perfect one. Mostly students who just completed their + 2 and about to start their graduation have particularly no idea what are the things they should consider before buying a laptop. Here in this article, we will try our level best to explain certain core things that helps you select a perfect laptop. This article solves every student’s dilemma before getting a laptop.
While getting a lappy one should look for speed, performance and design.
so let's have a look at different key specs you should have a closer look at before buying a laptop.
PROCESSOR SELECTION:
Always choose the latest generation processors available in the market. We recommend INTEL, it just gives an extra boost that helps a lot. The processor is the brain of your laptop. A higher number is always good. It’s good to start searching from intel i5 and above.
And remember choose a processor having more cores. The advantage of having several cores is that each core can handle a different data thread simultaneously, allowing for a much quicker transfer of data at any given time. Multiple cores allow PCs to run multiple processes at the same time with greater ease, increasing your performance when multitasking or under the demands of powerful apps and programs.
A high clock speed means faster processor. In a single-core processor, the performance of the CPU is limited by the time taken to communicate with the cache and RAM. Approximately 75% of CPU time is used waiting for memory access results. To improve the performance of their processors, manufacturers have been releasing more multi-core machines. A CPU that offers multiple cores may perform significantly better than a single-core CPU of the same speed.
For example, a quad-core processor may support a clock speed of 3.0GHz, while a dual-core processor may hold a clock speed of 3.5 GHz for every processor. This means that a dual-core processor can run 14% faster. So, the base clock speed also plays an important role. The cores and clock speed should be balanced. You may choose a processor with a good number of cores but you’re gonna regret a lot if the clock speed is not good.
RAM:
This is like candies to your lappy. The more the merrier. 8 gigs is a must even for basic use otherwise you’re gonna regret that you didn’t choose better. But we recommend 16 gigs for students who work on CAD software and sort of works like those. Or you can choose a combination like 12 gigs DDR4 + 4 gigs optane memory. And remember DDR4 gives better performance now. And it’s always better to choose a system with empty RAM slots so you can add extra RAM when you need it in the future.
STORAGE:
Secondly look for decent storage capacity and SSD is a must these days. For those who can’t afford it go with an Optane RAM. Never go below 512 gigs. Trust me, extra storage lets you work flawlessly. Everything will be accessible so you don’t have to work online on cloud software.
For those of you who want to know more about HDD and SSD here is the working and differences between HDD and SSD for you
How HDD’s work?
Hard disk drives consist of one or more magnetically sensitive platters, an actuator arm with a read/write head on it for each platter, and a motor to spin the platters and move the arms. There is also an I/O controller and firmware that tells the hardware what to do and communicates with the rest of the system.
Each platter is organized into concentric circles called tracks. Tracks are divided into logical units called sectors. Each track and sector number results in a unique address that can be used to organize and locate data. Data is written to the nearest available area. There is an algorithm that processes the data before it’s written, allowing the firmware to detect and correct errors.
The platters spin at preset speeds (4200 rpm to 7200 rpm for consumer computers). Those speeds correlate to read/write rates. The higher the preset speed, the faster a hard drive will be able to read and write data.
How SSD’s work?
SSDs can be thought of as large USB drives; they use the same base technology. NAND, the technology in solid-state drives, is a kind of flash memory. At the lowest level, floating gate transistors record a charge (or lack of a charge) to store data. The gates are organized in a grid pattern, which is further organized into a block.
As a final conclusion, if you need a performance beast you’ll need an SSD.
GRAPHIC CARD:
Now let’s talk about the real component that makes your laptop stand out unique. That’s right, the GRAPHICS CARD. Many think that this is only for hardcore gamers but that’s just a myth guys. Never go for integrated graphics. You’ll feel sorry for your laptop if you ignore this advice. Being an engineering student I can tell that this really makes a big difference.
2 GB of graphic memory is a must. As a student you’ll need to run simulations, work on CAD models, MATLAB, and whatnot. Graphics is a good friend to these softwares. So look for a better graphic card.
DISPLAY:
Straight to point, if you can afford go for displays with higher refresh rates. It’s so pleasing to the eyes while working on these. Otherwise just go for 1080p IPS panel. It doesn’t make a big difference unless you’re too picky. So, any display will be alright. Don’t worry about that.
Lastly, viewing angles are extremely important. A laptop screen that touts IPS (in-plane switching) technology offers the widest viewing angles and the best user comfort. Chances are you’re not always going to be using your laptop in its natural habitat, so a laptop with an IPS display is usually preferred over the opposite.
OS SELECTION:
Straight to the point, prefer Windows over macOS. Windows has good accessibility compared to other OS out there. And if there’s an option to choose Windows 10 pro just go for it. It’s better in a lot of ways. You’ll know when you use it. Just look at the advantages of using a pro version. They’re just so good. You can even secure your folders using Bitlocker in pro. Have a look at the comparison for better understanding.
And just like Windows and Mac OS, Linux is an operating system. And if you really want to have fun go for LINUX. I don’t recommend LINUX to everyone but it’s really better for developers to play with the system.
In fact, one of the most popular platforms on the planet, Android, is powered by the Linux operating system. You can install Linux on as many computers as you like without paying a cent for software or server licensing. And guess what it is an open-source platform, that leaves all the advantages like:
· The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
· The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish.
· The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.
· The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others.
BATTERY:
These days every laptop is providing a decent battery life and can easily last for 5-6 hours a day if you’re using continuously and if you’re a hardcore gamer well I have to admit you’re gonna be needing the power brick for the juice. Anyway it all depends on the usage guys.
DESIGN:
Design does matter guys so go for the stylish one and choose that is really good for thermals. Many laptop manufactures to ensure that the unit is not thermal throttling as it drops the performance and frame rates. Some manufacturers like Alienware doesn’t do this so you’ll have to undervolt the CPU after purchasing.
OTHERS:
I don’t think you’ll be needing a front cam but it’s a boon if it’s there with the unit. Audio is good on laptops these days so it’s not gonna be a problem. And yes choose a unit that has many port selections unless you want to be besties with a dongle.
Coming to keyboard You should have a keyboard that has a comfortable layout with full-sized keys and some space around the arrow keys. The keys should have adequate travel on the downstroke and snappy responsiveness when you let them go. Make sure the keyboard is also backlit, so that you can type with an easier view on the keys in dimly lit environments.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ROG STRIX G
Range starts from Rs.55,990
LENOVO LEGION Y540
Range starts from Rs.78,990
HP PAVILLION
Go for a dedicated graphics version
Trust me, every penny you spend on these is gonna be worth it.
I hope this is going to help you in choosing the right laptop and all the best.
For further clarification feel free to contact us.
PEACE
I hope this is going to help you in choosing the right and all the best.
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