How to choose a laptop or computer
8 Oct 2026
Before the specs, ask yourself what you will do with it. A student or office worker needs something different from a designer or a gamer.
1. Laptop or desktop?
- Laptop: portable, with a battery and everything in one device.
- Desktop: more performance for the same price and easy to upgrade, but it needs a screen and keyboard and stays in one place.
2. Processor
An Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (or the Apple-chip equivalent) is the sweet spot for most people. An i3 or Ryzen 3 is enough for light tasks, and an i7, Ryzen 7 or above for heavy work. Mind the generation: a newer processor beats an older one with the same name.
3. RAM
- 8GB: the minimum for office work and study.
- 16GB: the best fit today for multitasking, programming and design.
4. Storage
Choose an SSD, not an HDD; the difference in start-up and opening speed is huge. 256GB is the minimum and 512GB is more comfortable.
5. Screen
An IPS Full HD screen is the right standard. 14 inch is lighter to carry, 15.6 gives more room to work.
6. Graphics
Integrated graphics are enough for office and study. For gaming, 3D design and heavy video editing you need a dedicated graphics card, which raises the price and weight.
7. Battery, weight and ports
If you move around a lot, look for long battery life and lower weight. Check that it has the ports you need: USB-C, HDMI and USB-A.
8. Warranty and upgradeability
Check the warranty, and ask whether RAM or storage can be increased later; some machines have soldered memory that cannot be changed.
Got an old device? Trade it in. Browse laptops or computers. For the screen, read our monitor buying guide.
