Critical Factors to Consider When Buying a Laptop — Tips to Help You Make the Best Purchase!
Buying a new laptop can be tricky, especially considering the myriad of choices in the market. Your decision should ultimately depend on your requirements. The best one for kids will surely not be the best for an adult. On the other hand, a gamer and a designer may not share the same needs. However, picking a laptop for a child is a considerably easier task. The only risk you will be taking is splurging on a gadget that will either become non-trending within a short period of time or investing in a laptop that the child might lose or damage. Nonetheless, the digital age demands the children have tablets and laptops for a wholesome learning experience.
Here are the top ten tips to make your laptop shopping a success:
- Pay attention to the size and weight
The laptop should not be too overwhelming for the kid. The size and the weight determine the user’s comfort level during use. Children’s backpacks are already heavy enough; you do not want to burden them further with a super bulky device. For adults, the story is different. For professional designers, artists and video editors, heavyweight laptops and Macs are a part of their daily lives. Weight is hardly ever a concern for the grownups.
- Pick the right platform
Mac laptops may offer the best functionalities with millions of positive reviews, but they are a lot costlier than Windows 8 and Windows 10 laptops. In fact, since you are buying the laptop for a child, why not go for a Windows platform that will offer more flexibility, free applications and freedom of learning.
- Go for solid specs
We consider the RAM, ROM, CPU, and GPU while buying the “grownup” laptops. So, is it fair when we judge a child’s laptop only by size and looks? Experts state that while looking for the best laptop for kids, you should not look further than Intel Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7. i5 systems make up most of the mainstream computers, and they are more than perfect for a child’s needs. 4GB to 8 GB RAM is ideal to get the maximum out of the system!
- Aim at good storage
The laptop might store a lot of your kid’s artwork, photos and song collections beside his or her study materials. Therefore, ensure that the device has at least 500 GB storage space. You can go for the traditional HDD, which is cheaper but has the propensity to crash. On the other hand, you can go for SSD, which is costlier but safer and faster.
- Care about screen quality
Children love to watch videos and animations, and they will be using the laptop for animated learning videos and interactive games. Therefore, it should support a basic HD resolution. Look for a 1920x1080p or Full HD screen with IPS technology. It is best to go and check the screens of multiple laptops with comparable features at the store.
- Do not ignore the keyboard
You should ensure that your child is comfortable while typing on the laptop. Laptops with comfier keypads, with proper key-spacing, often boost the typing speed. Ensure that the laptop has a backlit keyboard.
- Erase confusion about touchscreens
Touchscreen tech is excellent for grownups. While buying a laptop for yourself or your adolescent children, you can go for a touch responsive design. You will find Windows 8 and Windows 10 devices with touchscreen technology more often. However, for picking a child’s laptop, touchscreen technology is not mandatory. You can choose a model with a faster processor, better memory, and specs at the same price.
- Consider getting a 2-in-1 system
There are many standard 2 in 1 models that switch between clamshell mode and flush tablet mode. Kids are usually better than adults at handling these devices. These devices are typically more flexible and allow usage in many situations, including on the move. These are not just great for kids; the latest specs ensure that they are great for young adults and adults as well. In fact, they are the perfect family device with 360-degree flexibility.
- Look for high battery life
The concern about battery life is critical for both adults and kids. While professionals are concerned about completion of a project on a battery deadline, youngsters might have to race with their batteries to finish studying for an exam. Cheaper options can offer 3-4 hours of coverage, but the costlier ones can offer up to 10 hours of battery life even on children’s laptop models.
- Talk to your family
Whom are you buying the laptop for? Talk to the person about their preferences. If it is going to be a shared device, consider the needs and preferences of each user and find a model that accommodates all. For example – kids may be using Macs at school, and buying them a Windows PC will not be of much help. So ask before you spend.
There are plenty of sizes, weight, resolution, specs and design variations for modern laptops. While you can find the best laptop for your kids, you can also find the ideal one for your family room to control your indoor environment or for family internet time!