Ask a Tech: How to Choose the Right Laptop to Buy

What Should I Look For, in Terms of Specifications, When Considering a Laptop for Work Purposes?

Naturally, this can vary a little based on one user?s needs as compared to another, but generally speaking, it is best to ensure that everyone?s system is running at least an i5 processor and has a minimum of eight or, ideally, 16GB of RAM (Random Access Memory). In terms of storage, you?re ideally using some form of centralized storage that your team is able to securely access remotely, so it is less important that these devices have the space for all this data. Likewise, the prevalence of cloud-based software has also taken some of the importance away from storage space for such programs. However, it is still wise for performance-related reasons to have a reasonable amount of storage capacity on the device itself, so you should seek an option that features at least 256 GB of SSD space.

Otherwise, most of the other considerations will be impacted by each employee?s specific work style and situation. Despite being a laptop, will the device generally be used in one or two specific locations for most of the time, or will it be regularly taken on the road? Will your users have any use for a number pad, or would a laptop without one work just as well? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you determine what needs you have in terms of battery life and the size and weight of the device itself.  

Should I Expect a Business Laptop to Last as Long as a Traditional Desktop Workstation?

Once upon a time, absolutely not. However, as time has passed, the relative lifespans of these devices have become far more comparable than they once were. The real difference still comes down to how much a laptop is moved around and jostled when a desktop workstation tends to remain exactly where you?d expect?on, under, or near the desktop?and therefore doesn?t experience this kind of relative abuse. In short, the gentler you are with your laptop, the more you can expect to get out of it.

Should I Expect to Spend More on a Laptop than I Would a Traditional Desktop Workstation?

Similarly, laptops were once significantly more expensive than a comparable desktop?almost laughably so, and for many, prohibitively. However, this has also been changing. The comparative costs between the two are starting to level out, particularly amongst the higher-end devices.

Should I Trust My Battery to Perform as Well as the Manufacturer Claims It Will?

Unfortunately not, as battery life is closely tied to how the device is being used. The more the processor has to work, the more drain there will be. Things like watching videos, editing photos, and using applications with high resource needs will increase this drain. It?s important to keep in mind that the estimated battery life is also evaluated under conditions that do not line up with the way a device is used in the office. Sure, you may have the power efficiency setting enabled in Windows, but you also probably have the screen bright enough to be visible, Wi-Fi turned on, external devices plugged into it, and more than just a simple page refreshing on occasion. You?re much better off just keeping a charger around, if not leaving the device plugged in.

Of course, you can also reach out to us for our direct input and advice, specifically taking your current IT into account. Give us a call at (603) 889-0800 to find out more.

White Mountain IT

Related Posts

Strategies to Control Your Passwords

Passwords are the keys to digital access, but they're often not treated as keys; meaning they aren’t always protected by their users. Unfortunately, people don’t always do everything they can to protect their passwords and there are a lot more scammers out there than pickpockets. Effective password management is crucial for any business. It works to maintain the security of online accounts and se...

Insurance Companies Are Asking My Business About Its Cybersecurity. What’s the Deal?

You might have noticed that business insurance companies are starting to show an interest in how you are protecting your technology and data. If your org has been in touch with your insurance provider regarding modifying or renewing your business insurance, you were likely handed a lengthy questionnaire about your cybersecurity. Let’s take a look together to help you make informed decisions on how...

Six Reasons Your Laptop?s Battery is Dead

Battery Capacity The obvious answer is that the capacity of the laptop battery plays a crucial role in determining how long it can power the device. A lot of times, smaller and thinner laptops often have batteries that aren?t big enough as they aim to maintain a lightweight and portable design. Power-Hungry Components Some laptops come equipped with power-hungry components, such as high-perform...

Here are the Basics of the 3-2-1 Backup Rule

The 3-2-1 rule is a pretty standard reference for data backup and disaster recovery, but what does this rule actually entail? Today, we want to explain perhaps the most important concept to prolonging the life of your business, even in the face of difficult and trying circumstances. Explaining the 3-2-1 Rule In essence, the 3-2-1 rule references your backups, which are pivotal in your business...