Owning a laptop is an essential to most people today. Whether you’re using the laptop for leisure, school or work, you’ll want to do your research to find the best laptop computer for your lifestyle and budget.
Here are a few things to consider before you buy a new laptop.SHOP ALL LAPTOPS
Features to Consider Before Buying
1. Size and weight
If portability is what you want, aim for a laptop that’s between 12” to 14” in size. A larger laptop – between 15” to 17” – would be heavier and may not be comfortable to bring around with you.
While heavier may not be an ideal quality, many of the more powerful gaming PCs are on the heavier side. On the bright side, you’ll get a laptop with amazing graphics and better cooling system.
2. Processor
An Intel® Core™ i5 processor will work great for most users, while an i7 processor, used in most high-end and gaming laptops, gives more power and is best for people using high-demand applications or graphic-heavy games.
AMD Ryzen™ Mobile CPUs are on par with the Intel® Core™ i5 and i7 processors, while an AMD A Series processor is a lower-cost chip that can handle basic daily task like web surfing, Microsoft Office applications, and casual gaming.
3. RAM
You will need a minimum of 4GB of RAM to run basic programs on your computer. For most people, 4GB means that your computer will slow down dramatically if you have too many tabs or programs open at once.
That’s why 8GB is the sweet spot for most users. With this amount of RAM, you’re able to browse and download with minimal slowdowns. We recommend looking for a 16GB RAM laptop if you’re a gamer or a power user.
Best Budget HP Laptop
HP 14″ Laptop and HP Chromebook
If you have a smaller budget, we do have several good laptop options such as the HP Essential 14″ laptops, as well as the HP Chromebook.
While they won’t be as powerful as a high-end or gaming laptop, these entry-level laptops will still get the job done for you. They are great for home use and students who just need a laptop for basic day-to-day activities like browsing the internet, working with Microsoft Office applications, and enjoying music, videos and movies.
Best HP Laptop for University Students
HP 15″ Laptop
The right laptop for a college student depends greatly on your major, especially if you’re going for a graphic design or programming degree. A student who uses their computer primarily for writing papers needs some essential functions, such as space for programs you may need to download and use in the classroom.
You can find all that in an HP 15″ Laptop, one of the best laptops for college students. And if you go for a slightly upgraded version, it comes equipped with up to 8GB of memory, Windows 10, and up to Intel® Core™ i5 processor.SHOP NOW
HP Pavilion x360 Laptop
The HP Pavilion x360 laptop is another strong choice, with the versatility of four working modes to keep you inspired. This laptop provides a variety of reliable performance and a long-lasting battery, perfect for those days spent studying and working on campus.SHOP NOW
Best HP Gaming and Professional Laptops
OMEN by HP Gaming Laptop
If you love gaming, you’ll need a more powerful laptop. We recommend the OMEN by HP laptops for serious gamers who want to be able to play game wherever they go.
With Intel® Core™ i7 processor, NVIDIA™ GeForce® graphics card, Full High Definition or 4K display, advanced cooling system, and VR capabilities, the OMEN by HP gaming laptop can power through the most demanding games without lag.SHOP NOW
HP Elitebook 1050 Laptop
If you’re after sharp graphics but aren’t exactly a hardcore gamer, then we’d recommend the HP EliteBook 1050, a stunning premium laptop built for a heavy workload and demanding applications.
It comes with varying degrees of security features, Windows 10 Pro, and the option to upgrade up to Intel® Core™ i7 processor.SHOP NOW
HP ZBook Mobile Workstation
Another option for the professional is the HP ZBook Mobile Workstation, a more powerful laptop that’s geared toward designers, architects, and other multimedia workers.
ZBook mobile workstation family is powered with up to Intel® Core™ i7 or Intel® Xeon™ processor and NVIDIA Quadro® graphics, plus up to 32 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage.SHOP NOW
Summary
In the end, we encourage you to look around to find what makes sense for you. Just factor in everything from how often you’re commuting with your computer to how much memory and power you’ll need.
We also offer weekly PC deals, so be sure to check out all of our laptops on sale. You never know, maybe the computer of your dreams is now at the right price point, too.