The last laptop guide you'll ever need
Buying a laptop can be overwhelming. If you’re not someone with your finger on the pulse of new technology, you may feel lost in the weeds when looking for a reliable laptop that’ll last years and be worth the dent to your wallet. If you look on any technology vendor’s websites, it’s easy to think that that absolute steal is just so, only to open the box and open up a device that sounds like a helicopter taking off that won’t run the Sims (nightmare). We’ll go through what we think is important to look for in a laptop for a range of user-cases and provide a few recommendations.
Table of contents
Key Terms
If you’re a complete novice to this, or just aren’t that interested in computers in general, then here’s some handy non-techy explainers on what each of the components of a PC do, and why you should pay attention to them.
CPU
This is the brain of your computer, where a better CPU means your computer can run programs faster. In most CPU branding, a higher number means a faster CPU, i.e. i5 is faster than i3, 6700 is faster than 6500. We would strongly recommend reading further in the nerdy bits so you get a fuller description of what to look out for, as marketing can be misleading (who would have thought it?).
There are two main proprietors of processors for consumer computers; AMD with their Radeon line of processors and Intel with multiple different ranges of processors.
RAM
This is how much bandwidth your PC has, or how many things your machine can run at once. Having more RAM means that your PC can open more programs, with faster RAM having a significant impact on computational heavy processes.
Screen
The bit you’re looking at. Screens are measured diagonally from bottom corner to top corner, so make sure you take that into account before you buy. Generally, laptops range form 13 – 17 inches, with 17 inches being the maximum size of most laptop bags, as well as being significantly heavier than their smaller counterparts. Most screens come in gloss and matte finishes and in a range of different panels.
Storage
This should be self-explanatory, but this is how much information your laptop can hold onto, including word files, pictures, games and music. The two main types of drives are SSDs and HDDs which we will explain further in the nerdy bit. As a very simplistic explainer, SSDs are faster and newer but more expensive, while HDDs are slower, practically defunct for home use, but much, much cheaper.
GPU
The brain of the visuals on screen. This is only really important if you’re planning on gaming, video editing, 3D modelling or using programs that use lots of vector calculations like the Adobe suite. Most CPUs come with an integrated GPU chip that will run Windows, MacOS, Linux or the operating system of your choice.
The Nerdy Bit
Keep scrolling, all ye who would not wish to learn more. You have been warned.
CPU/ Processor
The Processor is (probably) the most important chip in your PC. It's the brain, where all of your computer’s mathematical processes take place. Sometimes, CPU (Central Processing Unit) and processor are conflated to mean the same thing; for purchasing purposes this is fine, but technically the CPU is not the only processor that computers use. Other components like the GPU and hard drive can have processing chips.
Any time a program needs a sum doing or a binary string being ran, this request is sent to the processor to be completed. The result is returned to the program, which may then be sent to other components for an output. Every program and component sends data to the CPU, as the CPU is what allocates computing tasks. For example, if your program wants to generate an image, the program requests the work and sends off the instructions. The CPU may only perform the calculations, but it will also send the work to the GPU.
CLOCK SPEED:
The number of calculations the CPU can do per second is called its clock speed, usually referenced in MHz or GHz (megahertz and gigahertz which equate to 1 million processes a second and 1 billion processes a second respectively). The higher this number, generally the better the processor will be, though the hotter it will run.
CORES:
Another key factor regarding CPUs
is the number of cores. Essentially, each core is a processor in its own right.
So, a dual core (two cores) will be two processors working as one. In this
case, a 3.5GHz dual core processor will be able to perform twice as many
calculations as a single core processor of the same base clock speed.
Generally
(and this is more tenuous than clock speed), the more cores the better.
However, as the number of cores increases, the more complicated the
instructions are for programs to be able to effectively use all these cores. Beyond 6 cores and 12 threads, some programs may run less effectively, as programs
will be designed for more readily available dual and quad core processors.
THREADS:
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget. Threads are more complicated, though still important. If one core is a worker, and a quad-core processor is equivalent to 4 people working towards a single project in an office, a thread is a small task that one worker can perform while doing something else. Workers can often perform multiple tasks at once, their specializations speeding up the overall project; this is a thread, the smallest sequence of instructions that a CPU can manage independently from other cores. To generalise once more, generally more threads is better than fewer, though threads do still take up processing power. When working at peak efficiency, a quad core processor with 4 threads can operate 16 times faster than a single core, single thread processor of the same speed.
Memory
We’re not going to get into the
difference between ROM and RAM, because it’s not important for this discussion
and gives us flashbacks to school computing lessons. Suffice to say, when
someone says ‘memory’ in terms of computing, they almost certainly mean RAM,
short for Random Access Memory. As simply as possible, when you open a program,
you open it into the RAM, which is easier and quicker to access data from than
the SSD. Memory’s capacity (i.e.1GB, 2GB, 4GB etc.) is the capacity for
information, while the clock speed (i.e. 1667MHz) is the speed of transmission,
which acts as a bandwidth for data transferral.
If the CPU is a chef making a
meal, then RAM acts as the neatly laid out chopping board, with all the
ingredients already weighed and measured. Instead of having to keep opening the fridge and look
through the cupboards, everything the program needs to run is right there in
front of it. In this analogy, the capacity would be the size of the workspace, while
the clock speed would how fast our chef’s hands would be at picking
ingredients. In virtually all cases, the more
RAM you have, the better. This also applies to the speed.
Side note: If you ever build
a PC or upgrade the RAM in your computer, make sure it’s the same speed and generation
(DDR3, DDR4, DDR5) or it won’t boot!
Storage
HDD
A HDD, or Hard-Disk-Drive is an increasingly legacy piece of equipment that saw dominant usage from the millennium until recently.
An HDD is a non-volatile magnetic storage device that uses electromagnets to charge a disk with either a positive or negative charge (binary code). The disk is split into circles (called tracks) and sectors (called wedges), which allows the disk to recall where information is stored and to more easily retrieve fetched information.
They work very similarly to a CD, DVD or vinyl, where the arm/ needle's interaction with the surface of the disk produces information that a circuit board can interpret and produce an output.
Typical consumer HDDs will spin at 7200 RPM (rotations per minute, 120 times per second), though HDDs in servers can have speeds of 15,000 RPM. The faster this speed, the faster the drive can read, write and wipe information.
SSD
Technically, an SSD is a type of memory card. Unlike RAM, which will lose every byte of data the second it loses power, an SSD utilizes something called flash memory, which is non-volatile (retains data even without a power source). This is essentially the same technology as what's in a small USB thumb-drive, but uses a transferal protocol with much more bandwidth.
SSDs have incredibly fast data-transfer speeds, as there are no moving parts to physically limit data transferal. Technically speaking, they are only limited by light-speed and current technology, so should continue to increase in efficiency forever.
There are two commercially available types of SSD, drives that use SATA (legacy) and NVMe (current). SATA is the same data transfer technology as was used with HDDs, and is fundamentally worse than NVMe in every single way. Users often use both NVMe and SATA, using an internal NVMe drive to boot their computer, and to store data on an external SATA drive, which are usually more rugged.
Screen
As well as the size, the type of panel can make a real impact on the viewing enjoyment of your laptop. There are 3 main types: TN, IPS and OLED.
TN Panel
TN panels are the cheapest and most responsive, but they have the shallowest viewing angles as well as the worst colour display. TN panels use LCD panels, along with a polarized film running perpendicularly to the pixels. Every refresh, the screen will twist the polarizing film into the shape of the signal, allowing light to shine to the user’s eye. Unlike IPS panels and OLED, TN panels are limited to a 6-bit colour range, meaning the panel can show up to 64 shades per primary colour and the use of the polarizing materials restricts viewing angles, making it harder to watch films with friends.
IPS
IPS panels display incredibly accurate colours and are perfect for working with graphics and visuals. An IPS panel’s 8 bit colour range can display 256 shades per primary colour, giving it a much more accurate picture, as well as significantly improved viewing angles. The switching panels tend to slow down the response time from input to output, so films and games could have motion blur and input delay.
OLED
OLED panels are rapidly becoming a dominant panel choice in the market. OLED panels are remarkably thin as they do not need backlights and can be distorted, hence the sudden rise in foldable technology. OLED panels have incredibly accurate colours, bright whites and deep blacks, alongside a very fast refresh rate. If you’re an enthusiast with a high budget, this is the panel choice for you. OLED panels are significantly more expensive than the other types of screens, have a shorter life-span than TN or IPS technology and can suffer from burn-in (like your old CRT TV from the 90s), making them less reliable.
GPU:
The GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) is the part of your computer that generates visuals for you to be able to interact with its interface. GPU and graphics card are not synonymous terms; not all GPUs are graphics cards, but all graphics cards are dedicated GPUs.
Without a GPU, you’d be having to input commands using DOS. Most laptops will have integrated GPUs, which are parts of a CPU dedicated to performing graphical commands for light workloads.
A discrete graphics card is almost a computer in and of itself, housing processing units, a BIOS chip, VRAM and a power regulator
Simply, the graphics card converts binary information requested by a program into a wireframe of pixels on a screen. It fills in (rasterizes) the gaps, and holds information in dedicated VRAM, to store completed pictures. The CPU can call on these held images quickly, giving you increased performance in games, video and graphical editing tasks.
Any laptop you buy will have a GPU, but if building a PC from components, make sure you have a graphics card or your processor has integrated graphics.
If your laptop has a discrete graphics card, then it will use both GPUs simultaneously, using the integrated for light workloads and the graphics card for demanding tasks.
Be careful when buying laptops with 'dedicated' graphics, as this is not always the same thing as a graphics card in the traditional sense. Some laptop providers have done deals with the big graphics card suppliers and stuck stickers on their chassis to entice customers. ALWAYS CHECK the specifications on a laptop, as a 'dedicated' GPU will run much, much worse than a graphics card. Also, please note that a laptop graphics card will ALWAYS run worse than a dedicated desktop card, as there is less space for components, less cooling and less power security.
For the Casual Laptop User
We're not elitists here, no ma'am. While we might be obsessive over exactly what type of memory we want, or what our overclocking temperatures are, there's nothing wrong with just getting a laptop that does what you need it to do and nothing more.
When we say casual computing, we mean:
- Browsing the internet
- Checking e-mails
- Using simple business programs (Office, Zoom, etc.)
- Watching films
- Listening to music
For anything more than that, you may need to scroll on down to our section on workspace computers
The Essentials
For basic use, most laptops will work. That's the short, uninformative one, but it's true. If you can suffer long loading times and your laptop becoming a hot-water bottle in your lap, then even your grandma's knackered old IBM laptop can work, but, there are some issues:
As cyber-crime becomes an ever-present issue, computers need constant updates to ensure the best protection for you and your information. For that reason, it is highly advised by literally everyone (literally) that you ensure your laptop has the most up-to-date version of the operating system (OS) from that provider. If you do not - and some tech-bros will insist that Windows 7 is better than 8, Windows 11 is too bloaty (blah blah blah) - you leave yourself vulnerable to your data being stolen, being used as a node for phishing attacks and more.
While the majority of laptops you can buy will come pre-installed with an operating system, that does not mean that the laptop can run it well. Windows 11 has the minimum requirements of a dual core processor with a clock speed of 1GHz, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of device storage. You will struggle to find a device that does not meet these specifications, but even those that seem well suited, it can still run like a pig.
Recommended Specs
Processor
Generally, a quad core processor released in the last 5-8 years should be exactly what you're looking for.
Be very cautious when buying a dual-core processor. Modern dual cores are OK at best, but anything older than a few years is going to be functionally defunct already, despite what laptop marketers may want you to believe.
Any quad-core processor released since 2018 should be able to run Windows 11 well enough, as well as give you enough headroom to perform well for another few years. Anything older may still run well, but as Microsoft continually updates it's systems, you may start to see a significant slowdown.
If you can find a hex, octa or deca core processor in your budget, then go for it! Just make sure the rest of the system is conforming to this list and you should be good to go.
RAM
A surprisingly important factor, even when compared to the processor. Why? Well it's that pesky operating system problem. Windows 11 currently idles (uses while not performing a specific task) 4-6GB of RAM. That's not ideal if your laptop only comes packaged with 4GB of RAM.
8GB is, in our opinion, a minimum for any modern computing needs. Using more than a few programs at once, or not closing your 38 chrome tabs can quickly bring an 8GB machine crawling to its knees.
Storage
Storage is a funny one, as no-one can really tell you how much you need or what type you need. We would strongly advise you to use an SSD at all costs, but your laptop will work using an HDD. As for storage capacity, the more the better, but, if you're only using your laptop for very light internet browsing, how much do you really need? If every use you have for your machine is cloud-based, you could even make a case for a shudder chromebook shudder.
Now that we've washed out our mouths for being so dirty, we would recommend at least 256GB of SSD storage space. 128GB will work if you're not downloading programs, but it gives you such little headroom should this change that it's almost never worth the risk if you want to get the most out of your purchase.
Screen
You won't be getting anything better than a TN panel for the money you'll be spending for devices in this price range, not unless you're buying second hand. Ideally, look for something without glare, at a size you're easily able to read and watch content on (don't forget that screens are measured diagonally!), and that the device is at least 1920 x 1080 px (any lower than this and your screen will look boxy and sad, but too much more can significantly slow your machine down.)
For most user's usage, anywhere between a 13-15" panel will suit your needs fine, without adding too much weight.
The verdict:
Ideally, you want a machine with a quad core processor, less than 8 years old with 8GB of RAM and a 13-15" screen. We can recommend a few excellent pre-loved and restored options in our store here:
For the Business User
You're a business owner, or someone who works in procurement and the big boss has decreed (Or the IT wizz has finally got their way) that your colleagues need some shiny, brand-spanking new laptops. They need to be able to run cloud-based programs, word processing, number calculation and potentially some light graphical processing. What do you choose?
The Essentials
Even if you're not thinking of business, but just want a slightly more powerful laptop than we've already mentioned, then you should know a few of the technologies that will really matter in giving you more power. (Please do bare in mind that computer components act in harmony with one another, so upgrading one aspect while neglecting the others will not give you a meaningful performance increase)
The biggest bottleneck to performance you will find is the CPU. It's the damn thing's brain, after all. Finding the right one for you is essential for getting the most out of your PC. Generally, most users will want a CPU with as many cores and a high a clock speed as possible, but if you're using programs that really utilize single core processing or features heavily in sequential processing, it might be best to go for a faster CPU with fewer cores.
The next biggest block will be your RAM. Sorry everybody but 8GB just doesn't cut it anymore. You're going to want 12GB at least for any medium intensity workflow applications, preferably 16GB+. We're also now in the space where memory speeds start to matter. Having a bigger workspace is excellent, but if the transfer rate from that workspace is grindingly slow, then you're still unoptimised and inefficient. 2133MT/s is okay, don't get us wrong. But if you're spending the money, or your business allows, just pay for the 3200MT/s stuff. In the grand scheme of your computing budget, it's inconsequential and makes such a difference.
Please, please, please, please, please buy more than 128GB of storage. Why on earth does anyone sell Hard drives that small? not even Apple make their iPhones that small anymore. 256GB is what we would describe as minimum, and it goes without saying that your storage solution should be solid state. While lots of businesses are utilising cloud solutions such as Onedrive and Google drive, you'd be amazed at how quickly you can fill up a hard drive when saving files locally, installing privacy software and business bloatware.
For those working with raw camera files, videos etc. you're going to want no less than 1TB of storage space. Probably more like 2-4, if we're being honest. When working with such large files, make sure you're going with an NVMe drive, as the transfer speeds will save you growing old waiting for your files to transfer and render.
And that's about it for business uses. If you're someone who works with graphical applications such as the adobe suite, or video editing software, then we can recommend maybe going for a laptop with a graphics card, or at least a fairly powered integrated GPU. This will bump the price up significantly, however, and you may want to look at a gaming PC, a desktop tower or an apple device, as their GPUs are designed specifically for workflow tasks like these.
Recommended Specs
CPU
Come on now, people. Nothing older than a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 or a 12th Gen Core i5. Generally, we would recommend an i7 for the extra power, but some of the new i5s can really hold their own. For AMD users (who have really upped their game in recent years), any Ryzen 5 (Hex-core, ooooooh) from the past 4 years should be able to meet any challenge you throw at it, and any Ryzen 7 since 2018 should chew through processes like a knife through butter. We're less familiar with their integrated graphics chip, so read here for more information on (admittedly newer, top end) integrated graphics chip comparisons.
RAM
16-20GB of DDR4 2666 MT/s RAM should be more than enough for basic office work, though if you get frustrated with slow computing, it might be an idea to upgrade to 32GB, or future proof yourself with 64GB (check your laptop's motherboard maximum RAM limit). Like we said earlier, if you're already spending the money, just treat yourself to the 3200MT/s stuff, you can thank us later.
If your budget allows, definitely take a look at DDR5 RAM. We actually think this is a better use for it than on gaming machines, as workplace computers often don't have to run particularly demanding programs, but just many at once. Having much faster, greater capacity RAM could mean that your use of memory-hungry cloud applications alongside your word-processors, video conferencing and lo-fi youtube mix doesn't completely brick your machine.
Storage
1TB NVMe! Say it with me, and say it proud.
1TB NVMe!
That's right! Don't cop out on storage. 512GB is very common in commercial laptops, so we'll allow them on the sake of sheer convenience.
The verdict:
Ideally, for general office use we would recommend a device with a recent quad or hex core CPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM running at 2666MT/s with 512GB of solid state storage space (or 1TB NVMe! Whoo!) and an optional GPU. We have a range of business laptops available, here
For the Gamer
Buying Tips
Green Flags
Matte screen
Glossy screens look gorgeous. They really do, especially in display cases in shops where you can’t touch them and you can’t control how bright the lights are. The second you start using them and taking them around, you’ll realise just how impossible it can be to read a screen when the curtains are open behind you, or a naughty toddler has got mucky fingerprints all over your screen. Buy Matte and save yourself a world of cleaning.
Camera shutter/ privacy screen
A small tab or electronic process that blocks or disables your camera. We all remember that episode of Black Mirror, and while the rest of us won't ever be put into the position to rob a bank and get our battle-arena on, camera hacking is a very real and very avoidable issue. While it may never happen to you, having a little slider over your camera is an inexpensive way to give yourself a bit of peace of mind, and, in the off chance you are targeted, will protect your privacy.
Refurbished
Now we may be biased here, but we truly believe in refurbished tech. It just doesn't make sense to keep buying brand new every year when devices and components can have effective lifespans of a decade (I'm looking at you, core i5-6600K, and no, you may not rest yet). A lot of the reason we specify that something should be 8 years, 5 years old at most is not because their lifespans are this long; laptop manufacturers build their more budget devices underpowered, giving them a shorter life and encouraging their consumers to upgrade more often.
DDR5 RAM
New thing is best thing, right? DDR5 RAM is still pretty pricey, and, while finding a bit more of a footing in the commercial marketing, still relatively rare. If your budget allows for it, however, we give a massive thumbs up for choosing DDR5 over DDR4 RAM, as the top speed of DDR4 is the bottom speed of DDR5. Just beware, if buying RAM upgrades for your machine, you cannot up a generation. If your laptop is built for DDR4, you must use DDR4.
Red Flags
HDD
In case you didn't read the nerdy bit, then I'll quickly recap. HDDs are storage devices that contain a physical disk that spins, which an arm reads information from. Because the disk is physical, the data transfer is limited by the speed of the spinning disk, which. In 2025, there is absolutely no reason to be using a HDD. Operating systems, programs and games are designed for SSDs and you are missing out on a massive performance upgrade.
AI
Anything packaged with ‘AI’ is a marketing gimmick, sorry. AI (or more accurately, machine learning) can be incredibly useful, if used correctly, however the current trend of computer manufacturers labelling their new devices as ‘AI improved’ or as an ‘AI workstation’ is not only a misnomer, but a misrepresentation of what’s going on inside the machine. The vast majority of AI tools used by consumers that are offered in these devices are hosted in the cloud and will work on any device. Some machines might house a chip called an ‘NPU’ which can help your computer recognize faces in pictures, adjusting camera settings or speeding up co-pilot responses. Most new CPUs will have an inbuilt NPU, so it’s not the major selling point it would appear.
Touchscreen
This one’s slightly more subjective but hear us out. For most purposes if you are looking for a laptop, you’ll get more of your money’s worth by using a regular, bog-standard non-touch laptop. Touchscreen devices bump up the price of a laptop significantly, make them heavier, more fragile and reduce their potential power by taking up precious internal space. Furthermore, touchscreen are almost always glossy, which butters none of our parsnips.
DDR3
DDR3 RAM can still be found in some pre-owned laptops and even by some sneaky manufacturers who try to flog old stock by simply displaying the capacity and speed. 8GB of DDR3 is significantly slower and less power efficient than 8GB of DDR4, as the top speed of DDR3 is the bottom speed of DDR4. While we did say that RAM speed was less important than capacity, you will really feel it when opening up your apps.
Chromebooks
We get the appeal. Really, we do. Having your laptop be super lightweight, open in a flash and essentially a more powerful, professional version of your phone sounds fantastic. But, most Chromebooks fall into the issue (by design) that you must always be connected to the internet for full functionality. We'll set aside the issues with their underpowered hardware, small hard drives and often lackluster screens for this major issue. When you've got Wi-Fi, great! But think of every time your Wi-Fi has gone down, or there's been a power cut - it's frustrating and you want to throw things. When your Chromebook is out of that delicious Wi-Fi, it's weaknesses become immediately apparent. They are very secure from viruses though, so they've got that going for them!
Thank goodness it's over
We're just as sad to say goodbye as you are to stop reading this excellent guide, but alas, I must go and caffeinate myself before the shakes kick in. We hoped you learned something, or made finding your perfect laptop just that little bit easier. Buy within your budget and just keep in mind what marketing noise you should ignore and what specifications really matter. And don't be afraid to buy second hand! It's better for the planet anyway.