Laptops are super-portable and powerful enough to rival desktop PCs these days. No wonder they’re so popular. If you’re looking for a new laptop, there’s a lot to think about - including the operating system, processors, RAM and storage. So before you take the plunge, check out all you need to know below.
Which laptop operating system is best?
There are a few different operating systems (OS) to choose from, with their own unique features and benefits. Let’s break them down for you:
Windows 11
Windows is an incredibly popular and user-friendly OS. If you’ve got a desktop PC with Word and Excel on it, you’ll be familiar with it already.
Windows 11 is the latest version, packed with features that make it easy to connect with others and get the most from your tech. You can personalise widgets to get the news you want, and you’ve also got the Teams video calling app right there on your taskbar. And talking of apps, Windows 11 lets you run loads of Android apps – you can get them from the Amazon App Store.
macOS
macOS is Apple’s operating system, with an intuitive design and layout that’s really easy to use. You’ll find it on MacBooks, and if you already own an iPhone or iPad, transferring files, contacts and apps between them is much easier. They share a similar layout too, so you’ll feel right at home from the get-go.
Chrome
Chrome is a speedy web-based OS, where you use Google apps and store everything in the cloud. Anything that’s not essential has been removed, so there’s no needless apps or annoying bloatware getting in the way of what you want to do.
What type of laptop is best for you?
The big question is, what will you be using your laptop for? Basic everyday tasks like web-browsing? Gaming? Advanced design work? When you’ve got an answer, read on to see what type of laptop fits you best.
Windows laptops
For anyone looking for choice and flexibility.
Windows laptops range from basic entry models for everyday email and browsing, to high-end powerhouses that can handle complex projects and serious multi-taking. You can choose from big names like Dell, Microsoft, Acer and Asus.
MacBooks
For power users and pros that want the best.
MacBooks are a favourite of designers and artists. That’s because they can handle most tasks you throw at them, thanks to powerful Apple processors, fast memory and advanced graphics. All MacBooks come with Retina displays that make your pictures pop, along with advanced security features. n
Chromebooks
For users wanting to work online and stay connected.
Chromebooks are great if you want to keep connected. They’re a new breed of laptop, built around going online. You’ve got three types to choose from:
Chromebooks - for everyday messaging and browsing.
Plus Chromebooks - for serious work and play.
Premium Chromebooks – for creators and makers that need serious power.
What laptop processor is best?
The processor is the brain of your laptop. Whenever you do anything from opening a program to loading a file, the processor makes it happen.
You’ll find Apple’s M2 chip on the latest Macbooks, and it offers blazing-fast speed, amazing graphics and all-day battery life. You’ll fly through tasks, create like a pro and play console‑quality games.
For other laptops, the two best processor brands are Intel and AMD. Intel processors have always been popular with gamers as they’re capable of serious speeds. AMD processors are popular with multi-media workers and content creators, thanks to their larger number of cores – that makes them perfect for editing and multitasking.
How much laptop RAM will you need?
RAM stands for random-access memory. It’s your laptop’s internal memory, and the more you have, the more efficiently it will run. For an everyday laptop, you’ll need a minimum of 4GB. Up that to 8GB for a laptop capable of more advanced work and light gaming. For video editing and serious gaming, 16GB is the number to go for.
What screen size and display quality should you choose?
Size matters, especially when it comes to your laptop screen. If you’re always on the move, a 13-inch laptop is compact, lightweight, and easy to slide into your backpack.
Step up to 15 inches and you’ll get a bit more screen real estate, ideal for watching shows, working on documents, or juggling a few tabs at once.
Need a full-blown workstation? Go big with a 17-inch laptop. It's less portable, but brilliant for gaming, video editing, or full-on multitasking.
Now let’s talk display quality. A Full HD screen (that’s 1080p) is the sweet spot for most people - crisp, clear and kind to your battery.
If you’re into photo or video work (or just want your Netflix to look super sharp), 4K screens are packed with detail.
You should also think about OLED? That’s the go-to for deep blacks and eye-popping colours, so it’s popular with creative types and film fans.
What ports and connectivity options do you need?
Ports might not sound exciting, but they’re essential. USB-C is the all-rounder. It charges your laptop, connects to displays, and transfers files at lightning speed.
Gamers and movie buffs will probably need an HDMI port to hook up a monitor or TV.
And if you’re still using wired headphones…. make sure there’s a headphone jack!
Remote workers and students might want an SD card slot for photos or presentations, and a couple of regular USB ports (you’ve probably still got gadgets that need them). And if you're after rock-solid internet for gaming or big downloads, an Ethernet port is always a good option.
How long should your laptop battery last?
Whether you’re cramming on the train or bingeing box sets in bed, battery life can make or break your experience.
If you're travelling or working remotely, aim for at least 10 hours. That’s long enough to get through the day without desperately hunting for a plug. Students might manage with 8 hours, especially if they’re popping in and out of classes. And for home office users, shorter battery life is fine if you're mostly plugged in.
Manufacturers usually quote battery life based on light use (like web browsing), so keep in mind that gaming, streaming or video editing can drain it faster. And finally, look for laptops with fast charging if you’re often in a rush.
How much laptop storage will you need?
A laptop with 256GB of storage will give you plenty of room for photos, videos, games, apps and other files. If you’re planning on using creative software, it might be worth going for 500GB or more to save those bigger files.
Need more help?
For more help choosing the right laptop, check out our laptop buying guide. If you’d like to talk to an expert, pop in-store and chat to one of our laptop experts. When you’ve made your choice, we’ve got some great advice on getting started with your new laptop or desktop.
