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.
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a model, many users are guided by the low price of the device, losing sight of the fact that the computer has an outdated processor with low efficiency.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.
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 the 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.
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.
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.
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.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 MXM 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
