Buying a new computer requires reading and dealing with a lot of jargon. From the different types of processors to knowing the difference between memory and storage, there is a lot of information. But the process doesn’t have to be intimidating. Arguably, we’ve never had so many great options for a laptop or desktop.
As you begin to research your next big purchase, let us guide you. Not only can you find recommendations for laptops, Chromebooks, and gaming PCs below, but you’ll also find tips on what to look for. We start with a few tips on what to keep in mind when shopping for a computer and end with some of our favorite product recommendations.
Secure your investment
There are many factors to consider when looking for a computer. This computer should last you several years (or more), so look not just at how you use a computer right now, but also why you might need it in the future. By protecting your investment for the future, you will save money and minimize headaches.
CPU power
Look at the processor included in your build and search for the model number on Google. For example, if the processor is an i7-1165G7, search it to see its age. I can tell you just by looking at the number that this is an 11th gen processor, so it will support Windows 11 and all the security features it needs. But you don’t want to find a good deal on a computer only to find out later that it uses an older processor that won’t let you install or upgrade to Windows 11.
If you buy a Mac, Apple (AAPL) – Get the Apple Inc. is moving away from intel (INTC) – Get the Intel Corporation report processors and its own Apple Silicon processors. Apple will support its Intel models in the future, but I recommend buying a Mac with Apple’s M1 chips. We’re already starting to see some features in software updates limited to Apple Silicon processors, and this trend is expected to continue with every major update.
Memory storage
For Windows and Mac computers, you’ll want something with at least 8 GB of memory or RAM. If you do a lot of video editing, photo editing, and multitasking, you might want to consider doubling the memory to 16GB.
When it comes to storage, I would steer clear of a computer with 128GB of storage or less. The exception to this rule is Chromebooks, simply because most of your files will automatically sync with your Google Drive account and won’t take up space on the device.
It’s surprising how quickly a hard drive fills up, so have a plan to offload extra files and folders to a cloud storage provider like iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or get a bigger hard drive than what. you think you need. Remember that with the exception of gaming computers and some laptops, you’re stuck with the specs of the device you’re buying – there’s no option to add more storage or storage. memory yourself.
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Our top picks
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 ($ 899; microsoft.com)
Microsoft
Microsoft’s Surface line ushered in 2-in-1 laptops that easily switch between tablet and laptop modes, and with the latest generation of Surface Pro 8, Microsoft has built an impressive kit.
Surface Pro 8 lends itself to being a versatile device for creatives, students or professionals. The Pro 8 has a new design, with thinner bezels around the 13-inch 120Hz screen. Inside the 2-in-1 is an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of memory, and 128GB of storage. .
You can customize the version for improved performance, more memory or storage if you need something more powerful. Keep in mind that the Pro 8 doesn’t come with a keyboard, so you’ll need to purchase one of the Surface Pro Signature keyboards separately for $ 179.
Dell XPS 13 ($ 1,599; bestbuy.com)
Best buy
Need a Windows laptop with more power than the Surface Pro 8? The Dell XPS 13 Touch laptop adapts to the mold with its Intel Core i7 processor, 8 GB of memory and 512 GB of storage. The svelte and slim design not only looks good, but lends itself to portability. It has a 13.4 inch touchscreen that you can use to tap and drag your way around Windows.
For those who are always on the go, the XPS 13 makes a lot of sense, however, if you plan to hook up a lot of accessories to it, you’ll want to find a USB-C hub or docking station. There are only a few ports available on the ready-to-use laptop.
Apple MacBook Air ($ 999.99; bestbuy.com)
Best buy
Apple’s MacBook Air has long been a top recommendation for students and those who need a reliable PC that integrates with Apple’s ecosystem of services and hardware. At $ 999, you get a lot of computing power and range.
The MacBook Air uses the Apple M1 Apple Silicon processor, 8 GB of memory, and a 256 GB SSD for storage. There’s a Touch ID sensor that doubles as a power button, making it easy to sign in to your MacBook Air using a fingerprint. The biggest downside? It only has two USB-C ports, so you’ll need some sort of USB-C hub or adapter if you need to connect multiple devices to it at the same time.
Apple MacBook Pro ($ 1,999; bestbuy.com)
Best buy
Apple’s latest MacBook Pro models offer more power than the MacBook Air and have a design reminiscent of the good old days. For example, Apple brought back the MagSafe magnetic charging connector, an SD card reader, and an HDMI port.
You can choose between a 14 inch or 16 inch design. There are also two new Apple Silicon processors. The M1 Pro and M1 Max both add impressive performance options, with the Max version being better suited for heavy video editing and other resource-intensive tasks.
The base model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro comes with an M1 Pro processor, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage.
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 ($ 699; bestbuy.com)
Best buy
Chrome OS and by extension Chromebooks are no longer relegated to a laptop that simply runs the Chrome web browser. They are now akin to a full-fledged operating system, albeit based on Chrome and Android.
The Chromebook Spin 713 has a 13.5-inch screen powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, 256GB of storage, and 8GB of memory. As the name suggests, you can rotate the screen to take the 713 from a standard laptop to a tablet, using Android and Chrome OS apps.
Chromebooks are great for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a computer or someone who relies on Google services, like Drive and Gmail, for work, school, or computer tasks. daily.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet ($ 250; bestbuy.com)
Best buy
Lenovo’s Chromebook Duet is an incredibly affordable Chromebook that won’t really wow you when it comes to performance, but it can easily handle everyday tasks like checking emails, watching videos, or working in Google Docs.
The 2-in-1 design comes with a keyboard and stand that quickly detach to convert the Duet into a full-fledged tablet. It has a 10.1 inch screen, MediaTek Helio P60T processor, 4 GB of memory and 128 GB of storage.
From young students learning at home to those who don’t really need a full-fledged computer, the Duet is a solid choice.
NZXT Starter Plus Gaming PC ($ 1,349; nzxt.com)
NZXT
The NZXT line consists of several versions of gaming PCs, each designed to fit a budget and performance requirements. The PC Starter Plus comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3060, 16 GB of memory and a 500 GB SSD. That’s more than enough to play any game you want and hit that benchmark. of 60 frames per second.
If you’d rather build your own gaming PC but don’t want to deal with component sourcing, check out NZXT’s KIT BLDs. You get all the parts, tools, and instructions to help you put everything together. Prices start at $ 1,399 for a Starter Pro and increase from there.
Asus ROG Strix G15 ($ 1,516; amazon.com)
Amazon
Want a powerful gaming PC that you can take with you? The Asus ROG Strix G15 offers just that at a respectable price.
It features a 15.6-inch 1080p FHD 300Hz display powered by a Ryzen R7-5800H processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, 16GB of memory, and 1TB of storage. All of these specifications translate into a powerful laptop for work and play.
There’s even a row of RGB lighting along the lower deck, and everyone knows the more RGB you have on a gaming PC, the better you play.
Prices are correct and items are in stock at time of posting.
Greguti
