How to choose a laptop RAM slot configuration

For many, the cost of a laptop plays a decisive role, while important parameters are overlooked. As a result - regrets after the first days of operation. At the same time, even a famous brand and a high price do not guarantee that you will get what really suits you. Often, even with a huge choice, users are forced to compromise, so long as a couple or three important parameters match.

Therefore, first of all, it is worth deciding for what purpose you are purchasing a laptop. This will depend on the size and resolution of the screen, the processor, video card and the amount of RAM.

1. “Need a computer not for games - an inefficient processor will do”

The most common formulation of the problem is a machine for working with documents, multimedia and surfing the Internet. For these purposes, a CPU with average performance and an integrated video card is suitable.

When choosing a model, many users are guided by the low price of the device, losing sight of the fact that the computer has an outdated processor with low efficiency. At first, the weak heart of the computer will demonstrate acceptable speed in office applications and when surfing the Web. However, as soon as Windows runs an update in the background, a virus scan, or simply copying files to an external drive, the machine will turn into a prehistoric turtle. If you are ready to put up with this - focus on inexpensive solutions based on Intel Celeron and Pentium and Core i3 processors.

The Intel Core i5 and i7 CPU models will allow you to have some margin in computing power - they are used in powerful workstations and. Also, on sale you can find laptops with Intel Core M processors, which are characterized by low power consumption. They are also quite productive and suitable for working with complex graphics (for example, Core M5).

A few words about AMD processors. If suddenly there is an urgent desire to buy a device with this CPU, then the most productive and inexpensive models are the seventh generation of the 9000 series. All of them are equipped with integrated graphics.

According to preliminary information, the release of new laptop models with Ryzen APUs is expected in early 2018. It is these solutions that can be safely recommended as a comparable alternative to devices with high-performance processors from Intel.

2. “Since this is a portable PC, then it should have a screen of 14-15 inches”

When choosing a screen size, most prefer the standard 14-inch form factor. This is indeed the most common display format that provides an acceptable perception of information. However, focusing on compactness and portability, the specifics of the tasks set are often not taken into account. For example, working with tables or graphics requires a large screen size and a comfortable keyboard.

Therefore, if you plan to work occasionally, preferring a desktop PC as your main tool, then you should opt for a lighter option - a 14-15 inch form factor.

For regular work with documents and graphics, it is desirable to have a 17-inch screen. Considering that modern models receive screens with thin frames, the dimensions of the cases are also becoming smaller. At the same time, information on a large screen is perceived better, and the keyboard is wider, which is very important when typing. However, it is worth considering - the larger the screen, the more battery power is spent on it.

For those who are primarily interested in portability, it is better to pay attention to devices with a 13-inch screen. These are ultra-compact and lightweight portable PCs, barely the size of an A4 sheet.

3. "The higher the resolution of the screen matrix, the better"

Recently, manufacturers have been actively exploiting the trend of screens with 4K resolution (3840 × 2160), justifying this technology with an ultra-clear image. Moreover, it is being introduced even into small screens of laptops.

In our opinion, it is a mistake to succumb to marketing traps and pay attention to such offers in portable devices. The fact is that the human eye already has difficulty distinguishing pixels on a 23-inch monitor with Full HD resolution from a distance of 40 cm. At 17 or 15 inches, you definitely won’t feel an increase in image quality. At the same time, in 4K, the monitor will demonstrate too small elements of the Windows interface and programs, which will only cause discomfort.

Recall that until recently, manufacturers have equipped most laptops with HD resolution matrices of 1440x720 pixels. Full HD display was found mainly on fairly expensive and powerful machines, and this equipment was considered quite prestigious. Such a resolution in the Windows interface required additional resources from the video card, so many users preferred a matrix with HD resolution for faster work in the OS, sacrificing image detail.

Today, even the fifth generation Intel Celeron can easily handle graphics processing in Full HD, so when choosing a screen, it is better to give preference to a resolution of 1920x1080.

It should be borne in mind that a more detailed display of graphics in 4K takes resources from the video card and CPU. Therefore, the best screen resolution for a laptop is 1920x1080. If you want more - connect your computer to a large UHD monitor and enjoy an ultra-detailed picture on it.

4 “One SSD is enough as a disk system in a laptop”

Many manufacturers, in an effort to win in the competition, save on additional slots in laptops by installing only one storage device. Choosing such a model, for example, with a fast SSD, you risk being left without a system and without personal data.

The fact is that although they are very fast, they are not yet sufficiently reliable and durable. For example, if you allow the battery to completely discharge, the laptop may turn off during a data write operation, which is fraught not only with a violation of the file table, but also with the failure of the controller without any possibility of data recovery. With hard drives, this happens much less frequently. In addition, flash drives are not yet as capacious as compared to HDDs (so far only up to 1 TB, from 18,000 rubles).

The option with one HDD is also not very preferable, because. This type of media today demonstrates very low data exchange rates. Your system will be slow to boot, and applications will be annoyingly slow to launch and process data.

Therefore, when choosing a device, give preference to the SSD + HDD dual disk system.

5. "The more RAM, the better"

This principle is suitable for desktop systems designed to work with complex graphics (including 3D) or for gaming PCs and laptops. Currently, this component is very expensive, which means that extra memory will significantly raise the price tag of a laptop. For office work and surfing the Web, it is desirable to have at least 4 GB of RAM.

For graphics and games, 8 GB is enough. Complex tasks may require 16 or even 32 GB of RAM. In the latter case, it is important to have both a very productive and expensive CPU. Before buying, ask how the memory is installed - one module or two equal parts, i.e. in dual-channel mode, which somewhat speeds up data processing.

6. “You must definitely choose with a discrete graphics card”

You should not succumb to this axiom and spend extra money on additional power that you will not use in everyday tasks. First of all, answer yourself the question: do you intend to play resource-intensive games on a laptop or process very complex graphics, especially 3D. If not, then for all other purposes, the power of the Intel Graphics chip is more than enough. And you can save a lot on this, because. models with an integrated video chip are significantly cheaper than counterparts with an additional video module from NVIDIA or AMD.

Otherwise, the best choice is a model with a powerful graphics card, such as NVIDIA GeForce 1050, which should be enough to work with complex 3D objects and modern games.

It is worth clarifying here that in laptops with a third-party graphics card (discrete module), an integrated graphics chip from Intel is used in the Windows interface to reduce power consumption.

A discrete video card, as a rule, is connected only in the mode of operation with 3D applications. If you really want to, you can force it to work in all applications, but it will be a waste of energy.

7. “For the sake of a thin case, you can refuse a DVD drive”

It would be wrong to say that the era of DVD media has come to an end. Before you go to the store for a brand new laptop, remember if you use this type of media at least occasionally. In some cases, you really can't do without it, for example, when you are passionate about music on CD or recording photo albums or videos on DVD.

On the market you can find modern models with this already archaic read / write device, moreover, with a very good stuffing. The body will be a little thicker, but such a device will perform more tasks. Feel free to use a DVD drive if you need one. Its presence will not increase the cost of the laptop, with the exception of Blu-ray drives. For some reason, they are still terribly expensive.

In all other cases, you can choose a laptop without an optical module. Moreover, in the event of a system failure, it is already possible to boot from a USB flash drive.

8. “Are two USB 3.0 ports enough and do I need an rj-45 network port?”

Do not underestimate the portability of a laptop. The convenience of working with media and external devices depends on their number. Therefore, when choosing a laptop, give preference to models with 3 or more ports. This will allow you to connect a mouse, keep an external drive connected, and also connect flash drives or a printer (and other peripherals).

As for the rj-45 network port, its presence is desirable, but not necessary. In today's world of ubiquitous wireless data transmission and control over Wi-Fi, you can do without this port. You won't find it on most ultrabooks. In case of an urgent need to connect to the network via cable (twisted pair), you can separately buy a USB Ethernet adapter (about 800 rubles).

However, modern laptop models are already equipped with a USB 3.1 Type-C port. This latest interface allows not only to connect the plug in any direction, but also provides high speeds (up to 10 GBps), and also (in some cases) charges the laptop itself or devices connected to it through it (voltage up to 20 volts is applied), and even connect to the network and other peripherals, including a monitor.

9. "You can do without a removable battery."

Most modern laptops are equipped with a non-removable battery, which makes them thin and sleek. The specifications indicate only the capacity of the battery and the operating time on a single charge. But the fact that the battery is built-in, sellers prefer to keep silent.

Such a constructive solution has a number of disadvantages: in particular, you can only replace the battery in a service center, and you can’t take a spare one on a long trip. In addition, in the case of long-term storage of the laptop without recharging, you can not disconnect it from the laptop in order to avoid critical discharge.

Therefore, if possible, choose models with a removable battery pack - in addition to a higher capacity, this option has another huge plus - it can be replaced with a compatible cheaper analogue, in case of wear after 4-5 years.

10. "Aluminum body is cool"

In terms of appearance, the aluminum case really looks modern and prestigious. In addition, the metal emphasizes the strength and reliability of the structure. In practice, the laptop's aluminum lid and fins will pick up scratches and scuffs over time, unless you wrap it in a silicone bumper.

The plastic case (if it is high-quality plastic) is better able to withstand accidental bumps and hide minor scratches. In addition, it is not prone to dents on the flat part, which is very critical for everyday wear in a soft case.

But you should also be careful with plastic - for example, a soft touch or a matte finish collects prints that are difficult to remove. The best solution, in our opinion, is embossed plastic.

Aluminum is less practical than plastic, but looks better. What is more important to you is up to you.

“You can get by with a keyboard without backlighting”

This option is currently used in expensive models and is almost never found in budget laptops. We recommend choosing a laptop with backlit keys, because. this significantly increases the comfort when typing, unless you own a blind method.

The fact is that in a room even with normal lighting, the eyes adjust to the bright display matrix and, when looking at the keys, they cannot instantly adjust, which causes discomfort and rapid eye fatigue. So, the backlighting of the keys will definitely not be superfluous.

If you choose a laptop for yourself, you could not help but notice that technically identical models from different manufacturers differ significantly in price. Does it make sense to overpay for the brand? In some cases, it's really worth it. Because unlike a desktop computer, in a compact one a lot depends on the build quality and materials. So, going to the store, you need to find out in advance which laptop manufacturers are the best.

To determine which brand or model of laptop is better than all competitors, you need to evaluate the following parameters:
• CPU. This is the heart and brain of any computer, including a portable one. Modern laptops are equipped with Intel and AMD processors. Intel leads the expensive segment, their models are more powerful and productive. And in the budget segment, AMD chips are more often used. All processors are rated by frequency and number of cores. These settings determine the speed.
• RAM. For the selected laptop, you need to not only look at the amount of installed memory, but also at the maximum possible amount and number of slots.
• Graphic card. There is a card integrated into the processor that consumes part of its power and RAM. A discrete graphics card has its own processor and RAM, it can also be replaced with a more powerful one.
• HDD. The price is determined by the capacity. This is not such an important parameter if you do not work with large amounts of data.
• Other characteristics. This is the presence of a disk drive, wireless communication, a card reader, a webcam, and various connectors.
• Display. Differ in diagonal size and resolution. Matte or glossy finishes are also available.
• Battery. They differ in capacity, which determines the battery life.
• Frame. The best is a metal alloy case that cools well. Overheating is one of the main problems of laptops. Therefore, the enclosure must provide adequate ventilation.
• Software. Your laptop may already have an operating system preinstalled. But if you take a laptop without software, it will cost a few thousand less.

The rating of the manufacturers of the most reliable models according to the Mark.guru portal will help you choose the best laptop without extra overpayments for the brand.

1 Apple

The American company is a leader in the Top of the best laptop manufacturers. Apple distinguishes unsurpassed quality of parts and assembly as a whole. Possession of equipment of this brand is one of the indicators of status. Therefore, laptops are focused on home and business use. The models use the latest technology and the company's own developments. They become leaders in most ratings in terms of reliability and quality.

Apple laptops are a one-piece product and do not require any upgrade. Lightweight aluminum alloy is used as the body material. Of particular note is the battery. Some models use a special composition with a polymer electrolyte, which provides about 12 hours of battery life. Branded Retina display is characterized by high resolution and pixel density. The screen is bright, with the highest color reproduction among competitors.

The touchpad on the latest MacBook Pro is made of real glass and automatically displays controls based on the task at hand.

The entire line of MacBooks uses Intel processors. The most powerful of them is the MacBook Pro, which has the latest Core i7 with a frequency of 3.5 GHz and turbo boost up to 4 GHz. A powerful discrete graphics card and an integrated graphics processor are also installed here. The modern type of RAM GDDR5 is used. Most models do not have a traditional hard drive, but use a 512 GB SSD with high read and write speeds.

Apple also has less productive variants of MacBooks. But absolutely all models are distinguished by high reliability and stability. Laptops do not slow down, do not overheat, work silently, all buttons and controls are ergonomically located, the interface is intuitive. Apple installs its own macOS operating system on all computers. But it is currently well compatible with various devices, with all applications, games and documents.

Advantages:

• modern and highest quality materials;
• perfect assembly;
• high technical characteristics;
• long battery life;
• the most modern technologies.

Disadvantages:

• high price.

Price range: from 55 to 220 thousand rubles.

Prices on Apple MacBook Pro 13 with Retina display Mid 2018:

2

In second place is Alienware, a subsidiary of the American company Dell.

Engaged in the production of powerful gaming laptops. The products have incredible technical characteristics and are aimed at professional gamers.

Many people think that laptops are not designed for gaming use because they are not technically capable of competing with desktop PCs. Alienware models completely refute this. They were the first in the world to create a gaming laptop and are still leaders in this segment. When it comes to reliability, Alienware laptops match and often outperform the competition.

The Alienware lineup includes three models with a display of 13, 15 and 17 inches. The 17-inch version has the most powerful technical characteristics. It has the latest Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA graphics card with 8 GB GDDR 5 RAM. There are also two terabyte drives, one of which is SSD. RAM 32 GB. But it is quite difficult to buy such a model in Russia, and its price in the USA is more than 3,500 thousand dollars. So for the average Russian gamer, this technique is still not very accessible.

Advantages:

• huge power and performance;
• high definition;
• stylish design;
• ergonomics.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• a small assortment in the Russian market.

The price range is from 80 to 210 thousand rubles.

Prices on Alienware 17 R4 laptop:

3 ASUS

The Taiwanese company Asus produces laptops in different price segments and is in the Top 3 of the world's best companies.

Both very budget options for office use and powerful gaming models are presented.

The best Asus laptops use the most advanced technology and strive to take a leading position in all market niches. At the same time, if we compare the price and the power of the products, it will turn out to be a very good ratio. The model line contains several groups of laptops:

1. The ASUSPRO series has the best set of features for business use. It features a rugged housing that is specially designed to withstand frequent opening and closing and carrying during business trips. Memory expansion up to 20 GB is supported. All ASUS products are equipped with Intel processors, in the ASUSPRO series starting from Core i3.
2. Of particular note is the ZenBook Pro series. These are powerful, elegant laptops in a metal case with high technical specifications. The display of the advanced model of the series has a 4K resolution and a high pixel density of 282 ppi. It has high contrast and accurate color reproduction. At the heart of the work is a Core i7 processor, a powerful gaming graphics card and 16 GB of RAM.
3. The Transformer Book series features portable computers with a 360-degree swivel display. It can be used as a tablet, and put on the table at a convenient angle to watch movies. At the same time, it has the latest technical components and a high-definition display.

Advantages:

• high reliability;
• quality materials and assembly;
• high-definition display with excellent color reproduction;
• modern technologies;
• wide range of.

Disadvantages:

• noise and overheating in some budget models.

Price range: from 15 to 100 thousand rubles.

Prices for ASUS X507UB:

4 Acer

The Chinese company Acer is one of the largest suppliers of laptops around the world and ranks fourth in the Top Best Manufacturers. With a budget price, it shows good build quality and stands out among other manufacturers from China. The model range includes several series of computers for home and business use.

1. For gaming, the Aspire V Nitro series is suitable, which uses the latest generation of Intel processors, a modern NVIDEA graphics card with 6 GB of memory and 16 GB of RAM. Technical characteristics are more than enough for the most modern games.
2. The SWITCH ALPHA series is good for both business and home use. This is a silent laptop that uses an innovative liquid cooling system and does not have a built-in fan. The touch screen has a high-definition image, and the performance is sufficient for fast multitasking.

Also in the range there are transformer models that can be used both as a tablet and as a computer. They are light in weight, while maintaining a full-sized keyboard and convenient functionality.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• wide range of;
• modern design;
• compact size and light weight;

Disadvantages:

• weak battery on mid-range models;
• unreliable assembly and case.

Price range: from 12 to 115 thousand rubles.

Prices for Acer TravelMate P2 (P259-MG) :

5 DELL

Dell is an American company with a solid global history. Previously, it was the leader of all world Tops, but recently laptops of this brand are losing their popularity, unable to compete with Chinese technology. In the struggle for the market, DELL is expanding the range of laptops, trying to master the budget price segment as well, offering the best solutions at affordable prices.

The Dell lineup is really very wide. There are also transformer models, and laptops with touch input. The Latitude series is built to last, while the Vostro models provide a versatile, cost-effective office solution.

The most powerful Inspiron 5 lineup offers high-performance computers for gaming or professional use with complex applications.

They are equipped with the latest generation Intel processor, powerful graphics card and support up to 32 GB of RAM.

Advantages:

• high quality materials and assembly;
• wide range of;
• use of the latest technologies in advanced models;
• reliability and durability.

Disadvantages:

• faded screen, color reproduction with distortion in many models;
• in some cases, unsuccessful case design, overheating.

Price range: from 22 to 115 thousand rubles.

Prices for DELL INSPIRON 5570 :

6 HP

The American company Hewlett-Packard is one of the largest manufacturers of office equipment, including many models of laptops. They are low cost and good performance. The assembly does not always use high-quality components, but this applies to budget models and those made for the Asian market.

There are more than 100 models in the assortment of HP. There are powerful touch-screen units like the ENVY 17. It has a powerful graphics card, 16 gigabytes of RAM and the latest 2.7 GHz Core i7 processor that can be boosted up to 3.5 GHz. Budget HP Pavilion models have a good battery and compact size.

The new OMEN models are designed specifically for gaming, in addition to the latest technical components, they have a very efficient cooling system.

Advantages:

• good accessories;
• a wide range of models;
• reliability.

Disadvantages:

• weak plastic case;
• heats up under medium and high loads.

Price range: from 15 to 180 thousand rubles.

HP 15-bs000 prices:

7Lenovo

This is one of the most successful Chinese companies in the field of computer technology, rapidly gaining popularity around the world. Currently, the manufacturer is focused more on the development of the tablet and smartphone segment, but also boasts a wide range in the laptop category.

It makes sense to choose the best laptop in the budget category among the representatives of this brand.

The choice of models is so wide that it is very difficult to navigate them. Here are both gaming and very budget options. It is worth saying that the price of Lenovo's top-end laptops compares favorably with many competitors. At the same time, they are quite reliable in their work.

Of course, there are no such materials as the leaders of the rating. Both components and the case are made for maximum cost reduction. For example, the YOGA 370 ultrabook costs a little over 100 thousand, but includes the latest technologies, including the Thunderbolt 3 connector. And the ThinkPad T570 can work without recharging for about 16 hours.

Advantages:

• low price;
• modern design;
• use of the latest developments.

Disadvantages:

• in many cases uncomfortable keyboard;
• cheap materials for budget models.

Price range: from 12 to 140 thousand rubles.

Prices for Lenovo IdeaPad 320 15 Intel:

8MSIs

The Taiwanese company MSI produces powerful and quite expensive laptops that are suitable for gaming and professional use. In addition to the latest components, it is worth noting the stylish design and ergonomic design. Particular attention is paid to the cooling system and noise reduction.

In the development of models, the emphasis is on gamers. Therefore, the sound and screen must meet the requirements of realistic immersion in the gameplay, and the technical component must have the resource to support demanding modern games.

Technically, the top models are not inferior to competitors from Apple, but their design is unusual and aggressive. The body is made of aluminum and the controls are positioned specifically for optimal gaming control.

Advantages:

• quality materials and assembly;
• high power and performance;
• equipment for gamers;
• special attention is paid to the improvement of management.

Disadvantages:

• high price.

Price range: from 45 to 150 thousand rubles.

Prices for MSI GL62M 7RDX :

9 Microsoft

Microsoft completes the rating of laptops of the best brands. Despite the good quality and high reliability, they are still unpopular on the Russian market. The top model is the Surface Book i7 ultrabook. It is powered by the latest generation Intel processor and has high power and performance.

Of particular note is the battery, which allows you to work up to 16 hours autonomously.

Touch input and swivel screen allow you to use it as a tablet. To improve the cooling system, a second cooler is installed.

Advantages:

• quality materials;
• power;
• modern technologies;
• ergonomics.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• powerful models are noisy and heated.

Price range: from 70 000 rub.

Prices for Microsoft Surface Laptop:

Conclusion

These are the best laptop manufacturers for 2018 according to the Mark.Guru portal. When choosing a laptop, you must first of all be guided by the purpose of use. If you need a fashion thing, while being able to meet the highest technical requirements, then buy any of Apple's MacBooks. When you need a gaming laptop, it is better to choose companies that specialize in this narrow segment, such as Alienware or MSI. In the budget category, there are ideal solutions from Lenovo and Acer. In the ultra-thin and light segment, the market is rapidly gaining ground, and companies like Asus, Dell or HP will offer the best options in the mid-range and above.

Choosing a laptop is not an easy task for the average user. When choosing a laptop, you must proceed from the conditions in which you will use it. What characteristics can be neglected, and what should be paid special attention to? Let's take a closer look at how to choose a laptop for home use.

Manufacturer's choice

From Chinese crafts and nameless companies, you should not expect too high quality. Although some models really deserve attention, they are an order of magnitude behind the products of corporate "monsters".

In order to decide on the brand - check out.

What should be the specifications?

If everything is quite simple with a brand, then with various internal components everything is more complicated. The most important points to pay attention to:

• CPU
• video card
• RAM
• hard drive capacity (hard drive)
• hard drive memory type

Processor Options

The processor is the central device of a laptop, on which its performance largely depends, so it is important to choose it carefully. When choosing a processor, you need to rely on the following parameters:

• Manufacturer
• Number of Cores
• Frequency

Which manufacturer is better?

In the world of processors, there is an eternal confrontation between the two giants - Intel and Amd. You can talk for a very long time about the difference between the processors of these two manufacturers, but it would take a few more pages, so we have prepared a special one for you.

How many cores should there be?

Dual-core processors (the most common of them are Intel Pentium and AMD (A4 and A6) models) are ideal for watching movies, browsing the Internet and office documents.

If the laptop will be used as a gaming laptop, then you need to choose models with 4 cores or more.

Do not opt ​​for a laptop with an Intel Atom and AMD E-series processor, since even the most ordinary browser will “slow down”. These types were specially created for netbooks that were released a few years ago.

The processors from Intel of the Core series deserve special attention, namely the Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 models. There are models with two and four cores. Their advantage lies in the multithreading of data processing, which indicates a higher speed.

What should be the frequency of the processor?

The frequency, depending on the exact model, ranges from 2.1 to 4 GHz. High frequency and multi-threading create optimal conditions for working with various photo and video editors, as well as for games. In order to determine the parameter you need, read the following.

video card

The choice of manufacturers of video cards for laptops is small:

• Nvidia GeForce;
• ATI (from AMD);
• Intel.

Here you should pay attention to what type of video card this is: integrated (it is part of the processor and has low performance) or discrete (a separate board that works independently and easily handles 3D graphics processing). For games and work with video editors, the second type is more suitable.

Video memory size

The choice of the amount of video memory will directly depend on how you will use the laptop. To work with office documents and the Internet will be enough up to 1 gigabyte of memory inclusive.

If you like to play, then you need at least 2 GB. This volume is due to the fact that with the same model for desktop PCs and laptops, they differ significantly in performance. The latter are greatly inferior.

Hard disk storage capacity

The amount of internal storage will determine how much you can store movies, photos, music, documents and various files on your laptop.

You also need to pay attention to the presence of a solid state drive (SSD). It significantly increases the cost of the laptop, but the presence of such a drive will significantly speed up the laptop.

RAM

Each open tab in Google Chrome consumes about 50 megabytes of RAM, not to mention programs and games that can take up 1.5-2 GB of RAM in a matter of minutes. For a laptop that is taken for work, 2-4 GB is enough, for gaming - from 6 GB.

External interfaces

It makes no sense to talk about the presence of a USB port, since at least one connector is present on any laptop, but you should pay attention to the presence of an HDMI output. It allows you to display an image from a laptop monitor to a TV, or connect another device with an HDMI input (monitor, projector, etc.)

Choosing a laptop for work and home is a rather difficult task, since it is worth considering not only external data, but also the internal characteristics of the device.

A modern laptop has a number of advantages compared to a desktop computer: it is not tied to a specific place, therefore it is mobile, light, and compact. And most importantly, in terms of functionality and performance, the laptop has long caught up with its older brother. There are a huge number of laptops on the computer equipment market now. It is not surprising that in this variety it is very difficult to stop at a specific model and choose the one that is right for you. In this article, we will try to figure out what is really worth paying attention to when buying a laptop.

Decide on the type of laptop

The selection of the type of laptop directly depends on the purposes for which you plan to purchase it. Need a laptop for work, web surfing, school or gaming? The price factor should not be decisive when choosing a laptop, the principle “the more expensive the better” does not work here. Based on the purpose of use, we select the best option.

It is also important to take into account the number of slots for RAM and the maximum amount of RAM for this laptop, so that if necessary, you can later buy a separate memory bar to increase the speed of the processor.

What hard disk capacity to choose

To begin with, let's decide what types of hard drives are on the laptop market. There are only two main types - standard (HDD) and solid state (SSD).

HDD- This is a magnetic hard disk with stored information in the form of magnetized cells. Such a hard drive is distinguished by a low price and a large maximum volume: up to 2 TB.
SSD works on flash memory. Such a hard drive is characterized by silent operation and high read and write speeds. Booting the operating system from such a disk from the moment you press the power button will take only a couple of seconds. But SSD drives, due to complex manufacturing technology, are an order of magnitude higher than standard ones and have a maximum capacity of up to 1 TB.
On sale there are also combined options with two types of disks: a solid-state drive is used as a system drive, and a regular HDD hard drive is used as an information storage.

As for the volume of the hard drive, it should be determined from how much and what type of information you plan to download to a laptop. If you expect to store a large amount of HD video and other media content, then you should stop at a storage capacity of at least 500 GB.

Choosing a laptop battery

A good battery will make your laptop a constant companion on any journey. The computer's network-independent time depends on the battery capacity, which is measured in milliampere-hours. A medium-capacity battery provides battery life for about 4-5 hours, a higher one - up to 10 hours. The battery capacity will be the higher, the greater the number of battery components (cells). On average, modern laptop batteries consist of 4-6 cells.
It is also important to know that the duration of autonomy from the mains will depend, among other things, on the power of the processor and on the programs currently running. A powerful system and the operation of resource-intensive games and programs require more energy, so with the same batteries, a laptop with a more powerful processor will work less time.

Decide on the type of wireless connection

Wireless is essential to connect to the internet without fiddly cables.

Almost every laptop is now equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. Rarer types of connectivity such as WirelessHD, which provides high-definition audio-video streaming, WWAN (wireless local area network) and NFC are found in laptops, usually in combination with standard wireless modules, and expand the capabilities of laptops.
Compact laptop models are increasingly available with 3G support, this module will allow you to always stay online, whether you are on the road or just surf the Internet while lying in bed. To connect, you need to install a regular SIM card in a special slot with the appropriate Internet tariff of any mobile operator.

Installed operating system on a laptop

Now let's decide which operating system for a laptop is right for you. Of the pre-installed systems, Windows, Linux (Ubuntu, Skolelinux, etc.) and DOS are most common now. Separately, there are Apple laptops with their own Mac OS operating system.

Of the Windows family, the most common are Windows 7 (versions: basic, home or professional) and Windows 10. However, due to the termination of the official Microsoft update of the Windows 7 operating system, manufacturers install a newer version of Windows 8 at the factory. It is widespread and has come to replace Windows 7. This operating system can be safely called the most popular and familiar to the average user.

The Linux operating system is a solution for programmers and people who care about the security of their information, since there are no viruses on such an OS, and it is also a flexible interface that is achieved by connecting a large number of modules (distributions).

DOS is a disk operating system that does not support most modern programs. Therefore, most likely after the purchase you yourself will have to install a suitable operating system. When buying a laptop with DOS, you do not have to overpay for a full-fledged licensed operating system, and you also have the opportunity to install the operating system that is most convenient for you to use. But when buying a laptop with a licensed version of the OS, you are guaranteed to receive regular updates and official support if necessary.

Conclusion

As you can see, choosing a laptop may not be such a difficult task if you answer the main question in advance: what do you need a laptop for? Having decided on the goals, choose the appropriate model according to the characteristics described in the article and, of course, the price. And also pay attention to promotional offers, so you can save money and buy a better option in terms of price and quality.

In our catalog you will find a large selection of laptops of any class and purpose from well-known manufacturers. If you still have questions of your choice, you can always ask them to our specialists from the call center.

rating:

It is rather problematic to imagine modern life without mobile and stationary gadgets. Someone uses them for work, youth and schoolchildren - mainly for games and communication. One of the most popular devices are laptops. We will consider the rating and main characteristics of the best of them below. Let's start the review with samples designed for work, which are compact, easy to transport and high performance.

Asus device (Zen book UX-305LA)

This brand offers laptops, the rating of which is one of the highest in its field. This model is optimally suited to solving any everyday issues at work. The unit is characterized by high performance, has a thin body (only one and a half centimeters). Its mass is 1300 grams.

The elegant case of the computer is made of aluminum, has an attractive and original appearance. There are several configurations with Intel Core I3/15/I7 processors to choose from. The modification is equipped with a dual-core chip, the bandwidth of which is 244 Hz. Fast operation and informativeness of the device are provided thanks to 4 MB memory (cache) and compatibility with Windows-10. The screen diagonal is more than thirteen inches, and the drive has a capacity of 512 GB. It is also possible to connect an additional installation with a capacity of up to 8 GB.

Laptop for work Acer Spin 7

This model meets all the requirements for the modern needs of a business person. The device differs in especially compact dimensions (case thickness makes only 1.1 cm, and weight - 1.2 kg).

Among other characteristics, the following parameters can be noted:

• fourteen-inch touch screen;
• the presence of a protective glass on the display;
• high body strength;
• swivel design allows you to transform a laptop for work into a tablet compatible with Windows 10;
• Processor "Intel Corr. M";
• battery life without recharging is at least eight hours.

The gadget has 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of file storage. Specialists have equipped the unit with high bandwidth and a wide range of coverage when connected wirelessly via Wi-Fi.

Lenovo (Lenovo V310)

These laptops, whose rating is one of the highest in the domestic market, are distinguished by an acceptable price. Computers are not as light as previous samples, but they are quite mobile and productive. The thickness of the body of the apparatus is 2.2 centimeters with a mass of 1.8 kg.

The keyboard, made of high-strength material, will last a very long time. It is possible to activate the fingerprint scanner as an additional protection against unauthorized persons. Inside is a dual-core Intel Core i5-6200U processor with 4 GB of its own memory. In addition, there is a pair of drives with a capacity of 1 TB (HDD) and 128 GB (SSD). Particular attention should be paid to the continuous operation of the battery, which is twelve hours. This allows you to fully use the computer all day without worrying about charging the device.

Model MSI PX60 6QD

The description of the laptop of this model should begin with the exterior. It is a stylish metal case, equipped with original white backlit keyboard. This solution allows you to work even when the general lighting of the office is turned off. The display is 15.6 inches with FHD resolution.

The efficiency of the mobile computer is provided by the processor of the sixth class Intel Core i7 6700HQ. "RAM" has a capacity of 8 GB with the ability to expand to an indicator of 32 units. The drives represent two elements: a 2 TB HDD and a 256 GB SSD. The device can be used as a game console, thanks to the built-in NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M graphics card with a video memory capacity of 2 GB GDDR5.

In addition, these laptops (the rating represents them in the leading positions) are complemented by surround sound and a built-in speaker system, as well as support for the interaction with a TV panel. In fact, this is not only a device for work and play, but also for watching TV shows, as well as movies in high quality.

Sample HP ENVY-13-D101ur

Below are the main parameters of this gadget:

• thickness - 13 millimeters;
• weight - 1.5 kilograms;
• processor - Intel category i7-6500U (two cores, base group - 2.5 GHz, 4 MB cache);
• operational capacity -8 GB;
• file filler - 512 GB;
• screen size in inches - 13.3;
• matrix resolution - 1920 * 1080.

Thanks to these characteristics, the device is easily transported and performs maximum tasks.

Most Popular Gaming Laptops

Modification of DELL INSPIRON 7559

The following is a description of the laptop, which is one of the top three among gaming counterparts. Weighing 2.7 kilograms, it is equipped with a 4-core processor and 16 gigabytes of RAM. Its features include the ability to access an interactive network at speeds up to 1000 Mbps, as well as a powerful internal network card, a liquid crystal display with a resolution of 2160 by 3840 pixels.

The device is ergonomic, equipped with a filling that provides optimal quality at high settings. The device has 4 GB of native memory and options for installing drives from 128 GB to 1 TB.

In conclusion

The most popular laptop brands in the domestic market are Asus and Lenovo. This is due to the good characteristics of computers, affordable price and original design.

The modifications discussed above are also in demand. It is worth noting that the gaming model must have a voluminous video card, responsiveness to various actions, and reliable protection against overheating. This is due to the fact that modern video games load the device to the maximum. Which is the best laptop in this area is difficult to determine. However, the most popular models are those whose parameters were described in the article.