Laptops: FAQs
What is the best laptop for me?
The type of laptop you choose will depend entirely on what you plan to use it for. You might need your computer to be more portable, for example, or you might simply prefer something that can be easily folded up and put away when it’s not in use.
Before you buy, you need to carefully consider which of these types of laptop would suit you best, weighing up things like portability against power and price.
Should I go for a laptop or a desktop?
Laptops give you the freedom to use your computer on the move and around the home
The same money spent on a desktop rather than the best laptop you can afford will still get you more in terms of raw specification and power, but this usually only matters if you're doing something like playing games or video editing, and even then a laptop will usually still cope – just not as well. Choosing a laptop gives you the freedom to use your computer on the move or around the home rather than find yourself chained to one room.
Entry level
Entry-level systems are a cheap, basic option, best for those who just use their laptop for straightforward office tasks such as spreadsheets, email and internet use.
Desktop replacements
Desktop replacements are much more powerful computers that are comparable to desktop systems in terms of power and features, but in a portable format.
This type of computer is best suited to those who want to edit photos or video and play games, as well as perform office tasks. Desktop replacements tend to be a lot heavier than other laptops, however.
Ultra portable
Ultra-portable laptops make size and weight the priority, shrinking things right down so they’re much easier to carry, but often at the cost of power, speed and features.
Mini laptops or netbooks
Mini laptops are a different class of computer from standard laptops. Many are aimed at the children’s market – their low cost makes them an ideal choice for parents who want an affordable laptop for their child. They’re small and compact, and while their specifications are low, they're perfectly adequate for general tasks and internet surfing.
You may find the operating system installed in a netbook different from the one you're used to. While some come with Windows XP installed, several versions use the Linux operating system.
Don't expect to find built-in CD and DVD drives in these machines. You'll get wireless connectivity, though, so you can connect them to a wireless network to transfer your data. Some of the laptops use standard hard drives, while others use solid-state storage for this.
I’m on a limited budget. Which components of a laptop should I spend more money on?
If you're on a budget, but want to spend a bit more making sure that you get the best laptop you can, aim to spend as much as you can afford on increasing the laptop’s Ram. A decent processor is also a good idea, but you don’t need to go overboard getting the best chip on the market.
For more, see our reports on how to buy the best laptop and making your laptop battery last longer and our review of desktop PC brands.