How to choose a laptop and get it right

Decide why you need a laptop

Consider who will primarily use the device for what tasks. This will help narrow down the list of models.

For study, work with documents, communication on the Internet

Processor: AMD Athlon / A ‑ series, Intel Pentium / Celeron / Core i3.
RAM: 4 GB.
Storage: 256 GB HDD / 128 GB SSD / 64 GB eMMC.
Features: plastic case, 14-15 "screen.

For such tasks, you need a not too powerful processor - you can choose a laptop based on the budget series of AMD or Intel. Note that there are decent models based on top-end chips of previous generations: for example, on the fourth or fifth generation Core i7 (10-11 are now relevant).

Still, we recommend choosing newer chips: they are usually more powerful and consume less power. Also, in most cases, AMD Ryzen will be better than A ‑ series and Athlon, and Core i3, i5, i7 will be better than Celeron and Pentium.

You can compare the characteristics of processors in special services. If the model you want is not in one benchmark, try to find it in another:

BenchGame;
BenchmarkDB;
PassMark;
CPU Boss.

A large amount of RAM is not needed for such a processor, but if the budget allows, 8 GB would be optimal. A solid storage drive is also unlikely to come in handy: documents do not take up much space, and you will most likely watch videos online.

An SSD is more expensive than an HDD, but will speed up the overall system. eMMC is a storage device that works even faster, but the volume will be minimal: enough for the operating system, basic programs and documents.

Pay attention to the battery as well. If you often take your computer with you, order the model with a larger battery capacity.

What to buy

Digma EVE 14 C405 laptop with 14, 1 ‑ inch display, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC, 21,990 rubles →
HP Notebook 15 ‑ db0511ur 158G9EA with 15.6 ‑ inch display, 4 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD, 31,990 rubles →
Laptop-convertible Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05 with 11, 6-inch display, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC, 33,990 rubles →
HP 250 G7 8AC83EA laptop with 15, 6 ‑ inch display, 4 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD, 36,990 rubles →

For movies and other entertainment

Processor: AMD Ryzen 3/5, Intel Core i3 / i5.
RAM: 8 GB.
Storage: SSD 128 GB.
Features: transformer body, touch screen.

It's convenient when you can put your laptop on the bed like a book and watch TV shows in seasons. Or play simple games on the touch screen with your child, and then work or chat with friends.

Minus transformers, especially with a touch screen, a relatively high price. An alternative is a tablet with a keyboard case: it will cost less and in such simple tasks can successfully replace a full-fledged laptop.

What to buy

HP Pavilion x360 14 ‑ dw0024ur laptop with 14 ‑ inch display, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD, 46,990 rubles →
Laptop ‑ convertible Lenovo Flex 5 14IIL05 with a 14 ‑ inch display, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB SSD, 56 990 rubles →
Laptop-convertible Lenovo IdeaPad C340-14IML with a 14-inch display, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB SSD, 57 990 rubles →
Laptop-convertible HP ENVY x360 13 ‑ ay0001ur 1E1U3EA with a 13, 3 ‑ inch display, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD, 64,990 rubles →

For software development, websites, work with business applications

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5/7, Intel Core i5 / i7, Apple M1.
RAM: 16 GB.
Storage: 256 GB SSD.
Features: keyboard backlight, fingerprint scanner.

For such tasks, you need a fairly productive laptop. It is better to take the characteristics immediately with a margin: professional software is regularly updated, and each new version, as a rule, is "more voracious" than its predecessor.

Of course, it all depends on the specific tasks and programs. For example, Android Studio and many other heavy development environments are openly slowed down by 8 GB of RAM, HDD and old processors. Visual Studio Code on such a configuration is usually comfortable to use, especially with editors like Atom and Notepad ++.

If you are looking for a laptop with an Intel chipset, look out for Turbo Boost support. This technology automatically increases the frequency of the processor during peak loads, and helps conserve energy the rest of the time.

And in AMD Ryzen variants there is an overclocking option. With it, you can slightly increase system performance at no cost.

Finally, take a look at the fresh M1 MacBooks. They are often more productive than their Intel predecessors in development tasks.

If you are a freelancer and often work from a cafe, pay attention to autonomy. If your project involves confidential information, the built-in fingerprint scanner comes in handy.

What to buy

Apple MacBook Pro 13 M1 laptop with 13, 3-inch display, 16 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD, 148,990 rubles →
MSI Modern 14 B10RASW ‑ 062RU laptop with 14 ‑ inch display, 16 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD, 68 990 rubles →
Lenovo IdeaPad L340‑15IRH laptop with 15.6 ‑ inch display, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, 69,990 rubles →
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 14ARE05 laptop with 14 ‑ inch display, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, 89,990 rubles →

For photo processing and design

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5/7, Intel Core i7, Apple M1.
RAM: 16 GB.
Storage: 512 GB SSD.
Features: 17 ‑ inch glossy screen.

Processing high-resolution files in Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and other programs requires significant processing power. If brushes and other tools are not applied in real time, it will be extremely difficult and uncomfortable to work.

Since photographers, retouchers and designers look at the screen for a long time, the quality of the matrix is very important. MacBooks have extremely accurate and vibrant colors, which is why many professionals choose them. But there are many decent models from other manufacturers. And if you want more freedom, you can simply buy a powerful enough laptop and connect an additional professional monitor with a larger diagonal to it.

Note that the storage capacity in this case matters. You can also use cloud storage for archives, but you will still gradually collect a collection of tools and auxiliary materials that you should always have at hand.

What to buy

Apple MacBook Pro 13 M1 laptop with 13, 3-inch display, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, 168,990 rubles →
ASUS ProArt StudioBook 17 laptop H700GV ‑ AV004T with 17 ‑ inch display, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, 154,990 rubles →
MSI Creator 17M A10SD ‑ 251RU laptop with 17, 3 ‑ inch display, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, 124,990 rubles →
Honor MagicBook Pro laptop with 16, 1 ‑ inch display, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, 69,990 rubles →

For the latest games, 3D graphics, video editing

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7/9, Intel Core i7 / i9.
RAM: 16 GB.
Storage: 512 GB SSD.
Features: a screen with an increased refresh rate (100 Hz and above), a discrete graphics card.

In this case, it is worth starting from the processor and video card. Fresh chips are AMD based on Zen2 and Zen3 architecture, Intel of the Comet Lake, Tiger Lake and Ice Lake families of the 10th and 11th generations, and in the near future - Rocket Lake. Advanced process technology, increased cache size and other improvements have provided them with performance gains, as well as support for Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6 and other useful features.

GeForce MX based graphics cards are suitable for aspiring gamers, 3D artists and editors; variants of the series GTX 10 (1050, 1060, 1070, 1080) and GTX 16 (1650, 1660) - for those who are more serious; RTX 20 (2060, 2070, 2080) - For those looking for record FPS (frames per second) and exceptional performance.

Graphics card models in the Max-Q design have 10-15% performance savings, but they are more compact, quieter and use less power. Models with a Super and Ti (Titan) attachment are more powerful.

Battery life is irrelevant here. Such a monster will last no more than 1, 5-2 hours from almost any battery. This is enough to complete the round or save the project if the lights are suddenly turned off.

What to buy

Acer Predator Helios PH315‑53‑72GG laptop with 15, 6 ‑ inch display, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, 116,990 rubles →
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-54-72GJ laptop with 15, 6 ‑ inch display, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, 87 990 rubles →
MSI GL65 Leopard 10SFSK ‑ 287RU laptop with 15, 6 ‑ inch display, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, 139,990 rubles →
ASUS ROG Zephyrus GA401IV ‑ HA116T laptop with 14 ‑ inch display, 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD, 143,990 rubles →

For business trips, business trips, work outside the home

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5, Intel Core i5, Apple M1.
RAM: 8 GB.
Storage: 256 GB SSD.
Features: Slim metal or carbon fiber design, long battery life, fingerprint reader.

Reliability, stylish design and compactness are important for business notebooks. In addition, gadgets have to withstand 8-10 hours of battery life.

Performance can be average or better, but not record-breaking. This is enough to comfortably work with documents or online services, but at the same time, it does not drain the battery so quickly.

Protection against unauthorized access and the safety of information are also important. In addition to unlocking a computer with a fingerprint, systems of automatic backup, deletion and encryption of data, remote blocking of access to a lost device are often provided.

Finally, business notebooks are generally more durable than conventional notebooks. They are often not afraid of shocks and falls, temperature changes and other extreme conditions, even a couple of liters of water spilled on the keyboard.

What to buy

ThinkPad X390 laptop with 13, 3 ‑ inch display, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD, 107 490 rubles →
Acer Swift 7 laptop with 14 ‑ inch display, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD, 114,990 rubles →
Laptop Huawei MateBook X Pro MACHR ‑ W19 with 15.6 ‑ inch display, 8 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, 99,990 rubles →
Laptop ‑ convertible HP Specter x360 13 ‑ aw0027ur with 13, 3 ‑ inch display, 8 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, 97 990 rubles →

Pay attention to the details

All other things being equal, choose the option with which you will be more comfortable.

Matte screen or glossy

How to choose a laptop: choose a screen - matte or glossy

A matte screen is more convenient if you often use your laptop away from home or if your workplace is located in such a way that there is a lot of glare on the display.

But on a glossy screen, the picture is more juicy, the colors are brighter and richer. If you work with graphics, play a lot or watch movies, this option is worth choosing.

Number of ports

Think about what devices you will need to connect to your laptop: mouse, USB flash drive, second monitor, external hard drive? Make sure there are enough ports for all gadgets.

The most popular connectors and their purpose:

USB - for connecting storage devices, mice, as well as smartphones, webcams, fitness trackers and other devices. Provides both data exchange and charging, if the device supports it. Standard USB 2.0 is usually white, USB 3.0 is blue.
HDMI - for connecting monitors or TVs, for transmitting high-definition video and multichannel audio.
DisplayPort - Also for connecting monitors and TVs. But it supports not one, but up to four screens at the same time, besides, inexpensive adapters allow you to connect monitors of various standards to it.
Thunderbolt - for data transfer at a record speed up to 40 Gbps (for comparison: USB 3.0 - up to 5 Gbps). Copying 14 hours of HD video over this port takes less than a minute. It is compatible with USB ‑ Type ‑ C ‑ devices.

Availability of a free slot for RAM

How to choose a laptop: find out if there is a free slot for RAM

If you buy a computer for several years, play a lot or work with resource-demanding applications, then at some point you will think about an upgrade. For laptops, the easiest way to do this is to add more RAM. Check if the model has a free slot.

Availability of a free slot for a hard disk

Each gigabyte on a solid state drive (SSD) is more expensive than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), so manufacturers often offer configurations with a 1TB HDD and a 256GB SSD for about the same price. If you think that the available disk space is not enough for you, check if the laptop has another slot for the drive. Then at the right time it will be possible to purchase and install it.

Usually such slots are covered with a plastic cover fixed with one or two screws, and a ribbon cable for connecting a drive is already available. True, in the characteristics, the presence of a free slot is often not indicated, so it is worth checking this point with the manufacturer or store consultants.

Wi-Fi 802.11ac / ax support

Almost all laptops in recent years support the Wi-Fi 802.11 ac standard. It allows you to work not only in the 2.4 GHz range (it is very common, therefore there is more interference here), but also at 5 GHz (here the connection will be more stable, and the ping will be lower).

802.11ax, or Wi-Fi 6, is the latest mainstream standard. Supports operation in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and may also include additional frequency bands in the 1 GHz to 7 GHz bands as they become available. The information coding density has also increased, and as a result, the data transfer rate is up to 50% higher.

It is important that the router also supports the required standards. Check this before buying a laptop and update your device if needed. Of course, there are not so many routers with Wi-Fi 6 support right now, but if you are buying a laptop for several years and you need fast internet, take a look at this point.

Active cooling system or passive

How to choose a laptop: find out if the cooling system is active or passive

If you want your laptop to run quietly without the need for record-breaking performance, go for a passive cooling system - in other words, no fans. Heat sinks on the processor and other hot spots will help maintain the desired temperature and maintain decent performance. If high power is more important, then get ready for the fact that at extreme loads the laptop will be noticeably noisy.

Here, we note that the SSD is silent. In fact, it is a large flash drive and has no moving parts. And the HDD can be heard during operation.

Backlit keyboard

How to choose a laptop: understand if you need a keyboard backlight

If you often sit at the computer in the evening or at night and do not want to turn on the light, this feature will be very useful. It makes it easier not only to write code or edit texts, but also not to confuse the video player settings buttons or quickly respond to a message. In addition, it will become much more comfortable to move your gaze from screen to keyboard at dusk.

Try to avoid popular mistakes

In such situations, the purchase will not bring joy and you will want to get rid of the laptop as soon as possible.

1. Choose based on budget

When money is tight, buyers often go for either the cheapest model or the most expensive available within the budget. But then disappointment comes: games do not start, browser tabs load slowly, battery runs out very quickly.

There are several ways here:

Decide which model you really need and save up. The main thing is not to try to grasp the immensity and not to stare at more expensive options every time.
Take a used laptop with suitable characteristics - it will be 30-50% cheaper than a new one. But before buying, be sure to consult with a specialist so as not to get a copy flooded with water or repeatedly repaired.
Purchase a device on credit or in installments. The amount per month will be small, and if the equipment is needed for work, it will pay off quickly.

2. Trust all discounts

Stores practice a popular trick: first, they raise prices for certain models of equipment, and then cross out a large number and offer a discount. As a result, satisfied customers think they have saved (in fact, not).

Another reason for the promotion is the sale of old or unsuccessful models. There is no need to reduce the price for devices that are quickly sold out.

If you are looking for a laptop, then surely in the online stores, first of all look at the discounted models. But compare their characteristics with other laptops: perhaps they cost about the same and without the stock. Check the prices for the same model at other points of sale and choose the most profitable option.

3. Buy the most expensive model

“Expensive is the best” is a popular stereotype. For example, if you drive home-work-school-home every day, you don’t need a supercar that has nowhere to park, or a huge four-wheel drive SUV that will take all your salary to refuel, or a vintage car.

With laptops - a similar story. For example, a cool business model with a fingerprint reader, carbon fiber body and a top-end processor may not pull fresh games with good FPS. But all the photos of your cats will be safe. At the same time, buying a "game monster" with a good discrete video card, a screen with an increased refresh rate and an RGB-backlit keyboard could be one third cheaper.

4. Make compromises with you

Here are some stories full of frustration and sadness:

“I always wanted a red laptop, but I bought a black one because it’s cheaper.”
“I was planning to buy a slim and light 13-inch model to take with me to university. But I bought a regular laptop, which together with the charger weighs 3 kilograms and barely fits into a backpack."
“I wanted a laptop with a gaming video card to study 3D graphics and relax in the CS: GO evening. But I ordered a regular office one - and sadly I edit my spreadsheets on it."
“I dreamed of a MacBook Air, but I didn't buy it at all. Friends have convinced that the MacBook is just marketing."

If you don’t like your new laptop, your productivity will be low, and you will not be able to fully rest. And you will buy another model sooner or later. Maybe you should do it right away?

5. Buy a laptop as a gift without specifying all the nuances

Suppose you want to please a loved one, but buy the wrong thing. Sincerely rejoicing at such a gift will not work.

To prevent this from happening, try to unobtrusively figure out the nuances in advance. For example, pretend that you are choosing a laptop for yourself and ask for advice. If a person does not understand technology, just find out what qualities of the device are important for him: a large screen, a high-capacity battery, or so that the latest games run, and an apple shines on the case.

This material was first published in May 2017. In December 2020, we updated the text.