Buying Guide to Selecting a Laptop for Learning

Selecting a laptop depends on your needs. With so many different options available, it can be hard to know which one is the best for you. In this article, we will discuss the different types of laptops available and what factors you should consider when making your purchase. We will also provide some helpful advice on how to choose the best laptop for your specific needs. So, whether you are in the market for your first laptop or are just looking to upgrade, read on for some useful information!

Mobile devices allow learners to learn anywhere at any time. When we consider mobile devices, we often think of smart phones. However, smart phones have smaller screens and can be challenging to view detailed videos, read long content, complete assignments, or develop projects. Other options are laptops, notebooks, and tablets. These are also portable and designed for use on the go. The difference between laptops and notebooks are that laptops tend to be larger and more powerful. Both laptops and notebooks typically have a built-in keyboard and touchpad. Tablets, such as an iPad, are similar to smartphones but have larger screens. They are quite powerful for creating assignments but are limited in storage. Each of these devices can connect to the internet wirelessly. This article will focus on laptops.

When it comes to laptops, there are three main categories: budget, mid-range, and high-end. Budget laptops are typically lower in price and offer fewer features than their more expensive counterparts. Mid-range laptops strike a balance between price and performance, offering a good mix of features for most users. High-end laptops are the most expensive option and offer the best performance and features.

The first thing you need to consider when selecting a laptop is what you will be using it for. If you plan on using your laptop primarily for schoolwork, then you will want to focus on laptops that offer good battery life, a reliable processor, and enough storage space to accommodate your files and applications. If you are looking for a laptop to use for gaming or other resource-intensive tasks, then you will want to focus on models with powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards.

The field of study the student is focusing on will often guide buyers' special needs. For instance, a student who intends to study video production or animation will need a higher end graphics and processor to handle the more demanding software. MacBooks are commonly used by creative people. Whereas, a student who only needs to access the Internet for research and use general office suite applications (i.e., word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools...) could benefit from a lower price range laptop. Also, keep in mind that if a student is using their laptop for school purposes, it may be a good ideal to check with the school on what type of operating system they are using. Additionally, search what type of software is commonly used within your field of study and compatibility with the different operating systems. This will help assure that you will be meeting your future needs.

Once you know what you need your laptop for, you can start narrowing down your choices by price range. If you are working with a limited budget, then you will want to focus on budget laptops. These models typically have slower processors and less storage space than their more expensive counterparts, but they can still get the job done for most users. If you have a bit more to spend, then you may want to consider a mid-range laptop. These models offer better performance and features than budget laptops, but they are still more affordable than high-end models.

Finally, if you have the money to spend and want the best performance possible, then you will want to focus on high-end laptops. These models usually have the fastest processors and most storage space, making them ideal for gaming or other resource-intensive tasks. However, they can also be quite expensive. The advantage of investing in a high-end laptop is that they can handle multiple programs and tabs open at once. They also have a longer lifespan as they tend to have the latest technologies. The lifespan of laptops average about 3 to 5 years, but the high-end laptops can often last longer.

Types of Laptops

As I review the most common laptops, I will use my Amazon Associate affiliation to show pictures of of each type of laptop. I may receive a small fee if you purchase the items on these images. However, I suggest you use these links as a guide in your search for the perfect laptop for you. As an advocate for educational technology, one advantage of technology is are ability to shop around online. An educated consumer is a smart consumer. Read the reviews on the laptops. Also, I don't personally recommend refurbished laptops, but if you do decide to go that route, check to see if there is a warranty with the laptop.

1. Chromebooks

Chromebooks are laptops that run Google's Chrome OS operating system. These laptops are designed to be used primarily for web browsing and cloud-based applications. Chromebooks are typically very lightweight and affordable, making them a good choice for students or budget-minded consumers. Students can use Google Drive to access an office suite of tools, such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides. The documents are then saved in the cloud and not on the Chromebook. Google Drive is available to all users, regardless of operating system, but the Chromebook was specifically designed for these types of applications.

2. MacBooks

MacBooks are laptops that run Apple's macOS operating system. These laptops are designed with style and usability in mind and are often used by creative professionals such as photographers or graphic designers. MacBooks typically cost more than other types of laptops, but they offer a premium user experience. When switching from a Windows laptop to a MacBook, there will need be a little time to adjust to using the MacBook, as the MacBook has some unique methods. For example, the first time I used a Mac, well over 20 years ago, I had to eject an external hard drive and was told to drag it over the trash can. Imagine my horror and panic at thinking I was going to lose all my files on the external hard drive (of course, I didn't). So, it may take some time getting use to a Mac. Due to the price of the MacBook compared to other options, I typically only recommend Macs to someone who has the money to splurge on a higher end laptop, is already use to using a Mac, or are going in to a creative profession.

3. Windows Laptops

Windows laptops are the most popular type of laptop on the market, as they can run a wide variety of software and applications. These laptops come in a wide range of prices and styles, making them a good choice for nearly any type of user. This can become tricky on choosing a laptop because you'll need to understand what the specifications are and how they can influence the price. The section below will help guide you on selecting a Windows laptop. Also worth noting is that while Microsoft built the Windows operating systems, many brands (such as Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo...) sell the Windows laptops. The brand of the laptop will likely impact the cost and quality of the laptop. This is because the Windows operating system is considered a software whereas the physical pieces of the laptop are considered hardware. This hardware, as discussed below in the specifications, will also come from multiple companies. So the brand name of a Windows laptop is the company that purchased products from other manufacturers (i.e., Microsoft, Intel, AMD. NVIDIA...) and then built the final laptop.

4. Gaming Laptops

Gaming laptops are designed to handle the demanding requirements of modern video games. These laptops typically feature powerful processors and graphics cards, as well as large displays and high-quality audio systems. Many gamers prefer to have a desktop computer instead of a laptop because they are more powerful. Gaming laptops can be quite expensive, but they offer an immersive gaming experience that is unmatched by other types of laptops.

5. 2-in-1 Laptops

2-in-1 laptops are a hybrid between a traditional laptop and a tablet computer. These devices usually have touchscreens and can be used in either laptop mode or tablet mode. 2-in-1 laptops are becoming increasingly popular as they offer the best of both worlds: the portability of a tablet and the productivity of a laptop.

Understanding Computer Specifications

Laptop specs are important to understand because they will dictate what the laptop is capable of. The processor, for example, is responsible for running the software and applications on the laptop. A more powerful processor will be able to handle more demanding tasks, such as gaming or video editing. The amount of storage space on the laptop is also important to consider, as this will determine how many files and applications you can store on the device. Finally, the battery life of a laptop is an important spec to look at, as this will dictate how long you can use the laptop before needing to recharge it. By understanding the specs of a laptop, you can make sure that you're getting a device that meets your needs and budget.

1. Battery Life

One of the most important specs to consider when purchasing a laptop is battery life. This is the amount of time that the laptop can run on a single charge. The average battery life for a laptop is between 4 and 5 hours. However, this can vary depending on the type of activities you are doing. If you plan on using your laptop for tasks that require a lot of processing power, like video editing or gaming, you can expect the battery life to be shorter. If you plan on using your laptop for tasks that don't require a lot of processing power, like browsing the internet or working on a document, you can expect the battery life to be longer.

If you plan on using your laptop for long periods of time without access to a power outlet, such as bringing it to school, it is important to choose a model with a long battery life.

2. CPU/Processor

The central processing unit (CPU) is the main component of a laptop and is responsible for its performance; running the software and applications on the device. A more powerful CPU will be able to handle more demanding tasks, such as gaming or video editing. The terms "CPU" and "processor" are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. A CPU is a component of a processor. The processor is the main chip in a laptop that contains the CPU, as well as other components. There are two main types of processors: Intel and AMD. Intel processors are typically more expensive but offer better performance. AMD processors are less expensive but still offer good performance.

The current generation of Intel processors is the Core i3, i5, i7 and i9. These processors are designed for use in laptops and offer good performance for most tasks. The Intel Core i9 processor is the highest-end processor in Intel's line of processors. It is designed for use in gaming laptops and other high-end laptops. The Core i9 offers the best performance of any Intel processor, but it is also the most expensive. The current generation of AMD processors is the AMD Ryzen 7000. These processors are also designed for use in laptops and offer similar performance to Intel's Core line of processors.

When choosing a processor for your laptop, it is important to consider the type of tasks that you will be using the laptop for. If you plan on using your laptop for basic tasks, such as web browsing and email, an Intel Core i3 or AMD processor will be sufficient. If you plan on using your laptop for more demanding tasks, such as gaming or video editing, an Intel Core i5, i7 or i9 processor will be necessary. AMD's A-Series processors offer similar performance to Intel's Core line of processors, so if you are looking for the best value, an AMD processor may be a good choice.

3. Display

The display is the screen of the laptop and it determines the overall size of the laptop. It is important to consider the size, resolution, and type of display when choosing a laptop. The most common sizes are 13-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch. In you consider carrying your laptop often, consider the size of the display when selecting a bag to carry your laptop.

The resolution is the number of pixels that make up the display. A higher resolution will result in a sharper image but will also use more battery power. The type of display is also important to consider as some displays are better suited for certain tasks than others. For example, an IPS display offers better color reproduction than a TN display but may not be as bright.

There are three main types of laptop displays: Twisted Nematic (TN), In-Plane Switching (IPS), and Organic Light-emitting Diode (OLED). TN displays are the most common type of laptop display. They offer good image quality and fast response times but have narrow viewing angles. IPS displays offer wide viewing angles and good image quality but have slower response times. OLED displays offer the best image quality of any laptop display but are also the most expensive.

4. Graphics

While CPU handles general tasks such as running software and applications, a graphics processor (GPU) is a specialized type of processor that is responsible for rendering images on the screen. GPUs are typically more expensive than CPUs. If you plan on using your laptop for gaming or other graphics-intensive tasks, it is important to choose a model with a powerful graphics processor. NVIDIA and AMD are the two most common manufacturers of graphics processors for laptops.

5. Storage

Storage refers to the amount of data that a laptop can store internally. Most laptops come with either an SSD or HDD storage drive. SSDs are faster and more reliable but typically have less storage capacity than HDDs. HDDs are slower but offer more storage space for your data. Keep in mind, if you need more storage space than what a laptop offers, you can use an external SSD or HDD. They can be purchased separately, and External HDDs are also useful if you want to store data that you do not not need to access regularly, such as photographs or old school projects.

Most laptops today do not come with CD/DVD drives because most people no longer use them. With the advent of streaming services and digital downloads, CDs and DVDs have become obsolete. Additionally, external CD/DVD drives are relatively inexpensive and easy to find if you need one.

6. Weight

The weight of a laptop is an important factor to consider if you plan on carrying it with you often. Lighter laptops are more portable but typically have less powerful components. Heavier laptops are less portable but can offer better performance. Because laptops are mobile, you will want to find a case to both carry it and protect it. Most laptop cases are designed to protect the device from bumps and scratches. Some cases also have additional pockets for storage, like a notebook or charger. Other cases even have wheels, so you don't need to carry the weight of the laptop on your shoulders. When choosing a case, it is important to consider the material, as some materials offer better protection than others. If you plan on carrying your laptop with you often, it is worth investing in a good quality case.

7. Operating System

The operating system is the software that runs on a laptop. The most common operating systems for laptops are Windows and MacOS. Windows is more common on laptops because it is compatible with more software and hardware. MacOS is only found on Apple laptops. It is important to choose an operating system that is compatible with the software you want to use. Not all software works for all operating systems. If there is a particular software you use, check to see if it is compatible with a laptop's operating system before buying a laptop.

8. Ports

Ports are the physical connections that allow a laptop to connect to other devices. The most common ports are USB, HDMI, and Thunderbolt. USB ports are used to connect external storage drives and peripherals. HDMI ports are used to connect a laptop to a TV or monitor. Thunderbolt ports offer the fastest data transfer speeds but are less common than other types of ports. Thunderbolt were initially built for Macs, but recently have been universalized with USB-C. Different versions of USB offer different speeds. The most common versions are USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. USB 2.0 offers a transfer speed of up to 480Mbps, while USB 3.0 offers a transfer speed of up to 5Gbps. The latest version, USB 3.1, offers a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps. USB-C is a type of USB connector, while USB 3.1 is a type of USB interface. A USB connector connects a device to a USB port. A USB interface is the circuitry within the device that allows it to communicate with other devices via a USB connection. USB-C connectors are smaller than traditional USB connectors, and can be used on both laptops and smartphones. There are also adapters that can be added to USB ports to accommodate different connections.

9. Webcam

A webcam is a camera that is built into a laptop. It can be used for video chat, recording videos, taking pictures or online meetings. This may be an important requirement for you if you'll need to participate in Zoom or other video platform meetings. Most laptops come with a webcam, but the quality can vary greatly. You can also buy a separate, portable Webcam of a higher quality than a built-in webcam if you intend to need a better quality Webcam.

10. Keyboard

The keyboard is one of the most important parts of a laptop. It is important to consider the layout, size, and type of keys when choosing a laptop. The most common keyboard layout in the United States is QWERTY. QWERTY keyboards are designed for English speakers. The size of the keys can also vary depending on the model of laptop. Some keyboards have special features, like backlit keys which can be helpful in low-light conditions, or a number pad on the side which can help those whose use of the laptop includes entering large amounts of data, and ergonomically friendly keyboards.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a laptop for learning. The most important things to keep in mind are the processor, memory, storage, and operating system. It is also important to consider the ports if the device has enough ports to attach your other peripherals (i.e., mouse, keyboard, printer, external drives...). These features will all play a role in how well the laptop meets your needs. With so many options available, it is important to take the time to find the right laptop for you. With a little research, you can find the perfect laptop for your learning needs.