Nearly everything we do relies on some kind of device. Whether it’s work or fun, learning or amusement we either need a phone, laptop, or PC to navigate those tasks. As our world continues to change, adapt and grow, as does our tech.
Whether you’re playing games online or presenting to clients, having the best PC or laptop for you is of the upmost importance. But choosing one can be difficult. If you’re not a fan of technology or the idea of talking to someone in a shop gives you stage fright, we’re here to help.
We’ll be taking you through all the necessary steps you need to follow in order to make sure you find the right device for you.
What are your requirements?
First of all, you need to work out what your requirements are. Ask yourself questions like:
- Do I want a laptop or do I need a PC?
This will all depend on who’s using your device and whether you need it to be portable or not. If you need to be taking it with you then a laptop is the obvious choice. But if you’re mainly going to be using it at home then it might be a good idea to consider having a PC instead.
- Mac or Windows?
This is more of a financial question than anything else as we know that Apple products are more expensive. It also depends on what system you’re used to using and what you use at work as it can be difficult changing between the two. The two systems are definitely on par but Windows does surpass Mac when it comes to gaming.
- How much am I willing to spend?
As with any big money item, it’s good to have a budget in mind. Make sure it’s realistic and that your needs match up to it. If you’re low on funds and can wait it out, why not hold off until big discounted days such as Black Friday.
- How much power do I need?
How much power your device has is one of the most important things to consider. You need to make sure your CPU temperatures are nominal so it can handle what you’re using your PC for. For example, if you’re just going to be writing Word documents and watching TV then you don’t need as powerful a machine. However, if you’re going to be using lots of video editing software or are an avid gamer then you’re going to need more power.
- What about gaming?
If you’re a serious gamer, you should consider a laptop specifically built for it. Gaming laptops come with improved cooling options, such as better venting or a more powerful fan. However, the vast majority of new laptops should be able to handle more simplistic online games like poker tournaments. If online tournaments are your thing, you should think about what you’ll be most comfortable using for hours on end – so a PC might be the best choice rather than a laptop.
- How much storage do I need?
Storage is important, especially if you’re going to have a lot of chunky files such as videos or games on your device. Most devices are now fitted with an SSD rather than an HDD which bodes well for you as they’re a lot faster – but still worth a double check. If you do happen to make the wrong choice and run out of storage, it’s an easy fix. There are a multitude of different external hard drives out there and as they’re so popular, they don’t cost the earth.
- Do I need accessories such as Bluetooth?
Next on the list is making sure your device has all the bells and whistles you want. Bluetooth is especially handy if you’re going to be making a lot of calls as you can connect your headphones and chat without embarrassment in public.
Best PCs and laptops on the market
- Apple MacBook Air M1 2020
Everyone loves a MacBook Air and this newly updated one is no different. With its new M2 chip and larger display of 13.6 inches it’s been stepped up a notch. There’s also a new four-speaker audio system which bodes well for music and movie fans alike. There’s also an updated 1080p webcam so your selfies will come out even better than ever. It is more on the expensive side
- Dell XPS 13
Dell are one of the top laptop and PC creators out there so it’s no surprise they’re on this list. Dell have managed to make this laptop even smaller and lighter than ever before making it perfect for people on the go. There’s even a 12th generation Inntel processor in there for good measure!
- Acer Swift
If you’re on a bit of a tight budget, the Acer Swift is for you. Thanks to its AMD Ryzen 5 and 7 processors and 11th generation Intel processors, it’s great value for money. It’s also super light but boasts a 14-inch display so you don’t lose out on anything.
- Dell XPS 8940
Dell is always a favorite when it comes to making powerful yet affordable PCs. The XPS 8940 boasts 64 GB of RAM and up to 2 TB of storage. This is great news if you’re a gamer as there’s plenty of room for all your favorite games. There’s also a chance to upgrade all elements on this PC so you can always step it up a notch when you need to.
- Lenovo Ideacentre Mini 5i
If you’re low on space but still want all the power of a PC then the Lenovo Ideacentre could be perfect for you. It’s not so great if you’re wanting to use it for gaming but it’s perfect for your everyday use. This PC also only has one little fan for cooling so it’s super quiet and won’t disturb you while you’re getting through your emails or watching Netflix.
Now you’ve got all the information you need to make sure you make the right choice of PC or laptop for you. It’s always worth shopping around for a bargain too as this is a big investment and you want to make sure it stands the test of time.
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