Guide: everything you need to know when choosing a laptop. How to choose an inexpensive but good laptop? Tips, recommendations, reviews

Preface. How many people - so many opinions ... And everything that is written in this article about how to choose a laptop is just the result of my opinion and the opinion of people I know well who sell and repair such equipment.

Therefore, I took the liberty of naming the article as "practice tips". In the article I do not denigrate or whitewash specific manufacturers - this is just a subjective view ...

Good day!

Buying a new laptop, after all, is quite a significant waste for most people, and I would very much like the purchased equipment to cope with its tasks, work for a long time and without breakdowns.

In order not to regret choosing a laptop, it is highly advisable, before going to the store to buy, to read the pros / cons of specific "pieces of iron" and make a choice (i.e. go to the store to look at something concrete, not just abstract " notebook"). Otherwise, there is a risk that experienced sales consultants with their "4 cores 4 gigs" will simply sell you something completely different ...

And so, in the article I will describe the most important points that you should pay attention to in the first place. Let's start...

Choosing a laptop: 10 important points

❶ The type and design of the laptop. What to choose?

Probably, one of the most important things in choosing is to decide for what tasks you need a laptop. If for work (social networks, reading mail, working with Word, etc.) - this is one type of device, if for games - this is a completely different type.

As far as dimensions and weight are concerned, now there are both fairly large devices with 17-inch screens (more than 3-4 kg, it is often problematic to carry with you), and quite compact (10-13 inch screen) and light ( less than 1 kg) intended for everyday wear. I also note that due to the small weight and dimensions, performance often suffers ...

Yes, and the design of laptops can be different: there is a classic type of device; there are models that can act both as a tablet and as a laptop (universal transformers). Thanks to the spec. hinges - on such laptops, the screen can be rotated as you like (see the pictures below).

Classic type of laptops

From myself, I note: that all these "twists" are the weak point of such devices. Quite often, laptops from these lines with fur get into repairs. damage (or with the presence of play) just in these places. Some of the most reliable laptops are classic-type devices (no unnecessary screen rotations).

I also note about the case: the case made of aluminum alloys is usually more reliable than plastic (it is more difficult to scratch it, it heats up less, does not dent, and is more durable). True, such devices can cost significantly more.

In general, according to the choice of the design of the device, it is difficult to add something else, because "the taste and color ...".

❷ How to evaluate the performance of the processor, video card, RAM? How to buy the highest performance for the least money?

Perhaps this is one of the most frequently asked questions that absolutely all buyers ask. Usually, after all, how - there is a certain amount of money allocated for the purchase, and I would very much like to buy the most productive device available for it (in general, I would recommend considering the CPU from Intel i3, i5, i7 today) .

And here the fun begins - how to evaluate the performance of a particular device for a series of "ciphers" (for example, 1366x768, TN + film, Intel Core i3 6006U, 2x2 GHz, RAM 4 GB, HDD 500 GB, Intel HD 520, DVD -SMulti, WiFi, Linux)?

Let me briefly decipher my example:

1. 1366x768 is the screen resolution;
2. TN + film - matrix (you can read about it, and in general about choosing a monitor here: );
3. Intel Core i3 6006U, 2x2 GHz - processor model (I'll show you how to evaluate performance below);
4. RAM 4 GB - random access memory;
5. HDD 500 GB - hard disk size;
6. Intel HD 520 - video card;
7. DVD-SMulti - CD drive;
8. Wi-Fi, Linux - Wi-Fi support, and the laptop has Linux installed (by the way, if you buy a laptop without an OS or with Linux pre-installed, you save money).

Now about performance evaluation

As an example, I decided to take two mid-price laptops from Lenovo (screen below). How to evaluate which one is more productive?

To begin with, always pay attention to the processor (the performance of the entire laptop as a whole depends on it). The first laptop has an Intel Core i3 7100U, the second has an Intel Core i5 5200U. Most, it seems to me, will decide that i5 is faster (well, it's i5!). In fact, there are a few more numbers and letters next to "i3" or "i5" (generation and index) - performance also depends on them VERY significantly!

Now for the comparison

(in general, things are not so simple, and the information below is simplified for simple basic comparison)

On them, you can compare the real performance of one processor with another (as well as a video card, disk, RAM, etc.). For example, I entered both CPUs: the service shows that the processors have almost the same performance (moreover, Core i3-7100U in selective synthetic tests shows an effective speed of 3% -5% higher). Also, after evaluating the video cards (and the presence of an SSD drive) - it turns out that the first i3 laptop will work a little faster and more responsive than the second one ☺.

You can also evaluate the performance of the CPU based on the results of tests designed in the form of tables (you need to manually search for each of the processors in the table and see where it is and what test results it shows, for example, on the screen below i5-5200U - 3361). Here are a couple of sites:

One more example.

Here on the screen below are two i5 processors (7th and 8th generation). Let's compare them...

It turns out that according to the test results, the processors are approximately equal in performance, even more, the Intel Core i5-7300HQ wins by several percent. This is all leading me to the fact that evaluating the performance of the CPU by eye for an inexperienced user in this matter is a rather difficult task (and deceptive).

Here, in fact, by resorting to such simple methods - you can, even having superficial ideas about hardware, select the most productive laptops for yourself in an hour or two (in relation to the price).

Important!

In my examples above - CPU performance was about the same. But in stores for the same price, laptops are often sold that have a difference in CPU performance of 30-50% (and more)!

Therefore, after all, go to the store to look at specific models that you have evaluated in advance (and already on the spot you can even check the honesty and competence of the seller ☺).

❸ AMD or Intel. What is better and more reliable?

The eternal dispute, which is not one dozen years old. It is believed that it seems like AMD is better for games, Intel is better for calculations. I still recommend choosing an Intel CPU for a laptop, here's why:

1. firstly, they heat up less (very important for a laptop, where everything is located very compactly, and breakdowns often occur precisely due to overheating);
2. secondly, for their cooling, a not so powerful cooler is needed, which means that the laptop will work quieter (usually it is);
3. thirdly, Intel processors are more energy efficient - this means that the laptop can more long time do without recharging;
4. fourthly, on average, laptops with Intel CPUs last a little longer (survivable ☺) than those from AMD.

And in general, today, there are much more laptops on the Intel CPU on sale than from AMD - it's easier and faster to make a choice...

❹ About the video card: what are, what is more reliable?

By performance and its evaluation - I answered in paragraph 2 of this article.

In general, there are two types of video cards in laptops: integrated and discrete.

Integrated- suitable for normal work: Word, Excel, surfing in a browser, watching movies (even in FullHD format), etc. But it will be problematic to play games and process videos on it.

No, most old games should work fine, but new ones will have problems... I note that if battery life is important to you, then laptops without discrete video cards work a little longer.

An assessment of the work of integrated video cards - you can look at https://www.youtube.com (for each model, there are videos from games with quantity). Well, for example, the integrated IntelHD 5500 graphics card provides 50-60 FPS in game world of Warcraft at 1366x768 on above average settings.

Intel HD Graphics 510 - 60 FPS in tanks in HD

Discrete - more productive. Mainly needed for working with 3D graphics (games).

I note that laptops with a discrete graphics card are less reliable and durable than those with an integrated one. They are also more prone to overheating, and more noisy during operation.

❺ Screen: IPS vs TN, matte or glossy. When and what to choose?

Most users do not pay any attention to the screen at all. And they do not notice any difference until they put 2 different monitors in front of them with the same picture (just below the photo shows 2 laptops with different IPS and TN matrices).

In short: the quality of the picture on the screen depends on the type of matrix. There are quite a few matrices on sale now, but the main ones are TN and IPS (among most of the rest, these are various derivatives of these).

IPS matrices display colors with the highest quality, besides, if you look from the side / top / bottom, the picture will not change or deteriorate. True, they have a minus - not all of them have a low response time, because of this, in fast games and dynamic scenes, you can observe vagueness. IPS matrices are much more expensive than TN.

TN (or TN+Film) - color reproduction is worse, but they have a low response time and are great for games. Also, if you don’t really like that someone is watching what you are doing on the laptop from the side - perhaps the TN matrix will help you - the picture on the screen is distorted, and it is comfortable to look at it only for those who work at the laptop.

Remarque!

Also, monitors can be with different types of surfaces: matte and glossy. On glossy - brighter and richer colors, but in it you see reflections and glare. On a glossy monitor, you can only work in a room where there is no bright light that will be reflected on the screen.

Matte and glossy monitor surfaces

❻ About assembling / disassembling a laptop ...

Usually no one ever pays attention to this either. Meanwhile, after a year and a half of use (when the warranty ends) - you suddenly think that it would be nice to clean it (maybe the laptop starts to warm up). Also, you will have to "climb" into the laptop if you want to add RAM, or install / change the disk.

So, it is much more convenient to maintain those laptops on which, by removing a small protective cover, you can access RAM, a radiator with a cooler, and disks. Simply, there are also such designs of laptops in which, in order to get to the cooler, you need to completely disassemble it (even sometimes you have to remove the keyboard, etc.). In general, when assembling / disassembling, it is easy to damage something (especially if you have never encountered this before).

In a laptop with a convenient protective cover, you can independently blow and clean it from dust (without spending extra money on services), install / change disks or RAM. Moreover, with minimal risk of damaging anything.

A simple laptop cleaning example (Lenovo B70 line)

In general, there is no trend - some lines go in such a way that you just don’t understand which engineer and why he designed them like that; others - on the contrary, 2-3 screws, and you can contemplate everything you need. Moreover, many manufacturers have both successful lines in this regard, and not so much.

❼ About manufacturers: HP, Dell, ASUS, Lenovo, Acer, etc. What breaks less

In general, I hasten to disappoint that almost any equipment from any manufacturer breaks down. And I must say that in recent years (in my opinion), the quality of mainstream laptops has dropped significantly. Either manufacturers save money in pursuit of competitors, or because of the relocation of production to China, or because of something else ...

However, here are some thoughts on specific manufacturers:

1. HP - there are a lot of tempting models. As a rule, they are among the first to have laptops with a new generation of processors at affordable prices. Large selection of different layout options. However! I don’t know why, but 4-5 out of 10 laptops that are brought in for repair are devices from this manufacturer (the Pavilion and Envy series stand out in particular). Very unreliable and I would recommend just avoiding laptops from this manufacturer (at least for the time being ☺);
2. Acer - this manufacturer also has a very wide selection of inexpensive and mid-range devices. However, I note right away that Acer often has problems with cooling (especially on laptops with AMD processors). As a result, because of this, overheating is often observed, bridges “burn out”, capacitors swell, and the Acer Packard Bell line does not get out of the rem at all. workshop (Aspire is better, but not by much. Besides, they are not easy to maintain).
3. Toshiba - there are not so many laptops of this brand. In general, laptops of this brand used to be of very high quality, as is the case now - it's hard for me to say ☺;
4. Samsung - in the mass sale is practically not visible for the last year or two (if there are any, they sell the "old" leftovers). Laptops, on average, are not bad (although there are certain problems with drivers and BIOS settings (everything is non-standard)).
5. Lenovo - a lot of laptops of very different price categories, there are both very successful builds and not very good ones. I would recommend paying attention to the ThinkPad line (a very good line), a little worse than the IdeaPad. As for inexpensive devices (without a discrete graphics card), laptops are quite reliable (compared to other manufacturers), as for gaming solutions - like the same Y520 series: there is a problem with cooling (despite the fact that the series is quite new, there is no longer one the laptop was in repair precisely because of the problem of overheating);
6. Asus is one of the leaders in the production of laptops. I note that among inexpensive models (without a discrete graphics card) - many laptops are simply unkillable (I recommend the X series; VivoBook is also quite worthy, although it is inferior to X☺). As for gaming models (Asus ROG, etc.), they are approximately at the average level (in terms of reliability), in terms of the performance of such devices, they are one of the market leaders. By the way, I also note that laptops of this brand are 5-10% more expensive than the same Acer or HP;
7. Dell - before, the products of this company were very reliable (now they are worse, but also at a decent level). The very reliable Inspiron 3rd and 5th line series (without a discrete graphics card on Intel processors) are rarely repaired, although the line is on sale in every store (many relatively affordable devices). Gaming models (also the Inspiron line on Intel) differ from this manufacturer in thoughtful cooling (the temperature rarely goes beyond the limits of what is permitted), however, they are noisy;
8. MSI - there are relatively few of them on sale, apparently due to the fact that such laptops are represented only by a line of productive devices. By the way, if we evaluate performance - one of the market leaders, in terms of reliability - in my opinion, they lose to Dell gaming solutions (about the same level as gaming laptops from Asus).

❽ About the required connectors: M.2, USB Type-C, microphone / headphones

Here I want to note the most, in my opinion, the most in-demand ports that will definitely come in handy (but, which are far from being in every laptop, like the same USB or HDMI).

M.2- this connector is required to connect SSD drives (which will provide speed several times higher than HDD). This connector is found on laptops of the mid-price category and above (as a rule, it is not available in budget ones). When buying, I recommend paying attention to its presence - because. later, many users want to speed up the work of their "friend", and by installing an SSD, you can make the laptop much more responsive and faster!

USB Type-C- the port is designed to replace all existing versions of USB. It can be used to connect flash drives, monitors, hard drives and other devices. I also note that the port allows you to quickly charge phones (for example), and provide data transfer rates up to 10 Gb / s!

And yet, on laptops there are both classic microphone and headphone outputs, and headset connector. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter which connector is installed on the laptop, but if you have the most common headphones (computer headphones), and the laptop has a headset jack, you won’t be able to connect them directly. To connect, immediately buy a special in the store. adapter.

Remarque!

More details on this topic in the article "One input for headphones and microphone in a laptop ke - how to connect them -

❾ About drives: HDD, SSD

There are two types of drives in laptops: SSD (solid state drives) and HDD (classic hard drives). SSD drives are significantly faster, on average 4-5 times faster! Thanks to their installation, Windows can boot in 5-6 seconds! And in general, the system starts to work much more responsive and faster.

Remarque!

For more information about the advantages of SSD and whether it is worth switching to them, see this article.:

In general, in laptops, there is usually only 1 slot in which an HDD is already installed. To install an SSD, you need to either replace your HDD or buy a special one. container and install an SSD instead of a CD drive, or use the M.2 connector.

Addition! How to connect 2 drives to a laptop (HDD + HDD or HDD + SSD drive) -

In general, I personally would recommend choosing laptops with an SSD drive: they are faster, weigh less, allow your device to last longer on battery power, and not be as afraid of shaking and vibration as an HDD (and a laptop is still a portable device). And the reliability of SSD drives is higher ...

True, it is worth noting that laptops with SSD drives are slightly more expensive than those with HDD.

❿ Where to buy and how to return the laptop back (and is it possible ...)

1) New vs used

To begin with, I’ll say that you only need to buy a new laptop, which will have at least a year of warranty (now the market average is like this). In general, I am against buying old used devices from strangers (because it is not known how the device was used, dropped / hit, etc., whether it was stolen, etc. moments). As a last resort, take it through some workshop where they can diagnose the laptop.

2) Shopping

Avoid shopping in such large stores as Eldorado, M-Video, Domo, etc., where they sell anything for the home in a row (there are many minuses, but if you take it as a whole, then very often the price tags are very high in such stores, the range of choice is not so extensive, and more often there are problems with returns).

3) Remember that a laptop is technically complex product, and you can’t just change it or take it back to the store (even during the first two weeks)!

If you think that the laptop has problems, then within 2 weeks (after purchase) it can be taken for diagnostics, and if the problem is confirmed, they will refund your money or exchange the goods (I recommend that you always write in the return application that demand return funds back, because there is some problem (rather than indicate that the product should be replaced with a similar one)- so, you are obliged to give an answer faster, within 10 days).

After 2 weeks after purchase - in case of a problem with the device, you will simply be repaired under warranty.

4) Can I return my laptop? if you just don't like him, but everything seems to be in order with him?

Pretty popular question. If the store goes to meet you, then there is no problem, as it were (but, as a rule, most stores do not do this). Therefore, before buying, I advise you to find out in advance whether they take back the equipment, if suddenly after testing it turns out that it did not fit (some for a fee - there is a special guarantee for extended service, and there is such a service there).

Now about how to return a laptop if the store is against it (may sellers forgive me ☺).

Firstly, you need to do this in the first two weeks after the purchase (it is possible to do this after, but it is much more difficult, only in case of already very serious problems with the device).

Thirdly, I’ll say right away that you can find something to complain about with 9/10 devices of the mid-price category:

• screen quality - very often you can find very small glare, uneven edges, etc. defects (for most users they are not significant, but they exist);
• battery - in many stores in the product description it says that the laptop will work for 4-5 hours, for example (and even the capacity is indicated) - in fact, the operating time is less;
• noise - some devices make noise during operation (grinding, squeaking, etc.);
• pay attention also to the keyboard (check absolutely all keys), all ports, etc.

Next, in the store, write an application for the return of the goods, with a request to return all funds for the purchase in full (precisely funds!), due to the fact that, for example, the device works less time than in the product description, and for you this is an essential characteristic goods. In general, it is rather difficult to refute this fact. (moreover, the batteries are actually often planted and narrower) , and most stores go to meet you (no one needs conflicts and courts (and you can still apply to consumer protection, and other instances, complicating the life of the store. So that now everything can be done online) ).

RESULTS (SHORT ABSTRACTS)

1. before going to the store and buying a laptop - select for yourself several models of devices for which you have evaluated performance, looked at reviews and roughly know what to expect;
2. in terms of reliability: choose a classic type of laptop (without unnecessary "twists") without a discrete graphics card on an Intel processor. It is also desirable to exclude manufacturers HP and Acer (a subjective view, but laptops of these brands are most often carried in for repair). Also pay attention to the warranty period (it also says a lot) - for some laptops they give not a year, but two years (for example, Asus for some lines of their laptops);
3. if you want to save: do not buy a laptop with Windows installed (this increases the cost of the device immediately by 3000+ rubles). It is more profitable to take with Linux and (especially since 2 device models are often presented in stores at once - with and without Windows). In addition, evaluate your laptop for - it is possible that some store sells the same model cheaper (or there is some kind of promotion);
4. if you are going to play: it is highly desirable that you have a discrete video card on board (although the latest integrated ones show very decent results and are able to satisfy a user who sometimes likes to drive old games);
5. if you need something powerful for games: better to opt for laptops from Dell (Inspiron) and Asus (ROG). In general, purely in my opinion, it’s better to buy a system unit with this money - it will be somewhat more productive for games than a laptop (and take a laptop that is light and compact - purely for work);
6. about connectors: it is desirable that you have M.2, USB Type-C on your laptop (the first one will help you connect SSD drives, the second one is a universal and extremely fast port);
7. about service: ideal if you have a protective cover on your laptop that allows you to quickly access the RAM, drives and cooler;
8. and last: even if you need a simple laptop for everyday tasks (document editing, browser, movies, old and simple games), I personally recommend buying a device with at least a 5-6th generation Intel i3 processor (e.g. i3-5005U is the 5th generation) and at least 4 GB of RAM. This is the minimum that will allow you to work quietly in modern Windows 10 without "jerks" and "freezes". To buy something less productive today is to be disappointed in the device later ...

Additions are welcome...

Good luck in choosing a device!

Choosing a laptop is not an easy task for the average user. When choosing a laptop, you must proceed from the conditions in which you will use it. What characteristics can be neglected, and what should be paid special attention to? Let's take a closer look at how to choose a laptop for home use.

Manufacturer's choice

From Chinese crafts and nameless companies, you should not expect too high quality. Although some models really deserve attention, they are an order of magnitude behind the products of corporate "monsters".

In order to decide on the brand - check out.

What should be the specifications?

If everything is quite simple with a brand, then with various internal components everything is more complicated. The most important points to pay attention to:

• CPU
• video card
• RAM
• hard drive capacity (hard drive)
• hard drive memory type

Processor Options

The processor is the central device of a laptop, on which its performance largely depends, so it is important to choose it carefully. When choosing a processor, you need to rely on the following parameters:

• Manufacturer
• Number of Cores
• Frequency

Which manufacturer is better?

In the world of processors, there is an eternal confrontation between the two giants - Intel and Amd. You can talk for a very long time about the difference between the processors of these two manufacturers, but it would take a few more pages, so we have prepared a special one for you.

How many cores should there be?

Dual-core processors (the most common of them are Intel Pentium and AMD (A4 and A6) models) are ideal for watching movies, browsing the Internet and office documents.

If the laptop will be used as a gaming laptop, then you need to choose models with 4 cores or more.

Do not opt ​​for a laptop with an Intel Atom and AMD E-series processor, since even the most ordinary browser will “slow down”. These types were specially created for netbooks that were released a few years ago.

The processors from Intel of the Core series deserve special attention, namely the Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 models. There are models with two and four cores. Their advantage lies in the multithreading of data processing, which indicates a higher speed.

What should be the frequency of the processor?

The frequency, depending on the exact model, ranges from 2.1 to 4 GHz. High frequency and multi-threading create optimal conditions for working with various photo and video editors, as well as for games. In order to determine the parameter you need, read the following.

video card

The choice of manufacturers of video cards for laptops is small:

• Nvidia GeForce;
• ATI (from AMD);
• Intel.

Here you should pay attention to what type of video card this is: integrated (it is part of the processor and has low performance) or discrete (a separate board that works independently and easily handles 3D graphics processing). For games and work with video editors, the second type is more suitable.

Video memory size

The choice of the amount of video memory will directly depend on how you will use the laptop. To work with office documents and the Internet will be enough up to 1 gigabyte of memory inclusive.

If you like to play, then you need at least 2 GB. This volume is due to the fact that with the same model for desktop PCs and laptops, they differ significantly in performance. The latter are greatly inferior.

Hard disk storage capacity

The amount of internal storage will determine how much you can store movies, photos, music, documents and various files on your laptop.

You also need to pay attention to the presence of a solid state drive (SSD). It significantly increases the cost of the laptop, but the presence of such a drive will significantly speed up the laptop.

RAM

Each open tab in Google Chrome consumes about 50 megabytes of RAM, not to mention programs and games that can take up 1.5-2 GB of RAM in a matter of minutes. For a laptop that is taken for work, 2-4 GB is enough, for gaming - from 6 GB.

External interfaces

It makes no sense to talk about the presence of a USB port, since at least one connector is present on any laptop, but you should pay attention to the presence of an HDMI output. It allows you to display an image from a laptop monitor to a TV, or connect another device with an HDMI input (monitor, projector, etc.)

Choosing a laptop for work and home is a rather difficult task, since it is worth considering not only external data, but also the internal characteristics of the device.

Today, you will not surprise anyone with portable electronics - not only tablets, players and phones, but even watches and glasses have the right to be called a personal wearable computer.

However, most devices of this type actually have extremely limited functionality. You can talk as much as you like about the capabilities of mobile operating systems, on-screen keyboards and other augmented reality, however, when instead of consuming content it comes to creating it or doing some serious work in general, fashionable electronics immediately turns out to be at least inconvenient, and at most - completely incompatible with the task assigned to it.

Tablets and phones, of course, allow you to watch movies and surf the Internet during a trip, post vacation photos on social networks, and even send a business letter. But when you need to start and configure equipment that does not have wireless interfaces, correct and register fuel cards in the car's control unit or make urgent corrections to the original layout of the newspaper before sending it to print - alternatives to good old laptops with a full-fledged desktop OS, huge amount there is simply no compatible software, a full set of physical connectors and, again, a physically existing keyboard.

What should you pay attention to when choosing?

Screen: dimensions, matrix and type of coating

As in the case of monoblocks, it is the screen that determines the usability of a laptop. However, here the influence of this factor is much more serious. Screen size = the size of the laptop itself, how comfortable it is to carry, and... even what it's used for.

Agree, if you are climbing a cell tower with a backpack on your back to set it up and launch it, or make your way through the thickets of wires in a technical room to a closet with network equipment, a large and heavy laptop is not the best choice. Reverse situation: if a laptop is needed for sedentary work and is only transported from the office home and back - it is better to look for models with a large screen, which will fit more documents and data, and you won’t have to strain your eyes to distinguish small text.

Next important point- screen matrix type. There are several options here:

IPS and pls- options for serious work with graphics. Differ in extremely accurate color reproduction, high-quality display of halftones and wide angles review. Among their disadvantages are only the relatively high cost and the glow effect.

*VA(VA, MVA, PVA) is a compromise between IPS and TN. Laptops with such matrices are noticeably cheaper than IPS, but at the same time they give no less colorful picture. Their advantages are deep blacks and high contrast, which is very useful when watching movies. Minus - not the most accurate reproduction of halftones, small viewing angles and relatively high power consumption.

TN(TN+film) - the simplest and most budget option. In addition, it has the shortest response time, which is useful for watching dynamic movies and games. But you have to pay for these advantages with low-quality color reproduction, low contrast, small viewing angles and, in general, not the best quality image.

The type of screen coverage is also important for a mobile device:

Matte Screens- the best choice for a device that has to work a lot "on the road". They provide good picture quality in any light conditions.
Glossy screens the brightness is slightly better, but in the sun or just by the window on a fine day, such screens transmit glare much more clearly than, in fact, the image itself.

Battery capacity

Extremely important factor for a mobile device, which determines how long the laptop will work without an outlet. Of course, you always need to keep in mind the power consumption of the device itself - a small and weak netbook with a 2000 mAh battery will work as much or even longer than a top-end gaming machine with an 8000 mAh battery.
However, other things being equal, preference should be given to the laptop with the larger battery. These are not just numbers, but convenience and the ability to work on the device without running from outlet to outlet with it.

The weight

A laptop is a mobile device, the advantage of which over a desktop PC is the ability to carry it. The heavier the laptop, the less noticeable this advantage becomes. And although when choosing it seems that the difference between 3 and 5.5 kilograms is not at all fundamental - after a full day of work spent on the road, you will feel these two and a half kilos to the fullest.

The lighter the laptop, the better it is. Weight is not important only if you plan to use a laptop instead of a desktop computer and take it out of the house only when traveling to the country or moving from one apartment to another.

Device type

In addition to classic laptops, as they are usually represented, at least two types of devices are distinguished in the segment of portable computers:

Ultrabook(slickbook, etc) - in terms of its hardware, it is almost a full-fledged laptop, except perhaps without an optical drive and with very modest upgrade options. But, having lost some of the functionality, the ultrabook has become thin, light and, as a rule, very impressive looking.

Transformer- a laptop that easily turns the screen into a tablet. It retains the physical keyboard, but can also be controlled from the screen, which is very convenient in some cases.

Drive configuration and capacity

Not all data can be entrusted to cloud services even as a backup, and it is far from always convenient to carry a bunch of flash drives and portable hard drives with you. Therefore, a laptop, being a wearable device, must be able to store the entire amount of user data. At the same time, it is highly desirable that access to this data be fast, and read / write operations do not take too much battery power.

Modern laptops offer the following ways to organize disk space:

Only HDD- a solution for budget laptop models. One hard drive means both a low device speed and a relatively fast battery drain.

Hybrid SSHD- intermediate solution. The size of the "solid-state" part of the disk is small: as a rule, it is only 8-16 gigabytes, which is not enough to install the system, but enough to speed up read / write operations.

One HDD + SSD- the optimal scheme, when the OS and all the software necessary for work is installed on a fast SSD, and the files are stored on a hard drive, which the laptop accesses only when necessary. The battery charge is not wasted on unnecessary spinning of the plates in the hard drive, and in ordinary operations the laptop demonstrates an enviable speed.

Only SSD- usually found in netbooks, transformers and ultrabooks. It does not differ in large volume, but provides long battery life.

Two SSDs- a scheme found in top gaming and professional laptops. While maintaining energy efficiency, it also provides a large amount of disk space. However, these models are not cheap.

The presence of an optical drive is optional, it is not worth focusing on this parameter today.

Central processor: manufacturer, line, number of cores

Unlike desktop PCs and all-in-ones, laptops do not require excessive processing power - as a rule, they value battery life more.
However, it is desirable that the capabilities of the processor correspond to the tasks of the user - it is not enough for a laptop that is beautiful, light and long-lasting without recharging, but at the same time does not allow you to perform work tasks. In addition, unlike a desktop PC, in laptops, processors are most often soldered into the motherboard, and it is simply impossible to replace them.

Intel processor lines atom, Celeron, Pentium, as well as AMD processors E1, E2, A4, A6 are options for netbooks and entry-level laptops. They are characterized by modest power consumption, but also modest computing capabilities. You should not expect more from them than doing simple office work and surfing the Internet. But you should not discount them either - in many cases, the performance of these processors is enough for the tasks facing a laptop.

AMD Processors A8/A9 and Intel processor families Core i3/i5 maybe a few more. AMD in this case brings full-fledged four cores, Intel in most cases (but not always) - dynamic overclocking and virtual 4 threads. It is still impossible to call these processors serious gaming devices, but they cope with work tasks much more efficiently than their younger brothers.

AMD processor families A10/A12/FX and Intel processors Core i7- top models with 4 physical cores and rather high frequencies by the standards of laptops. They are able to effectively solve both work and entertainment tasks, but they are found only in top-end devices with an appropriate price tag.

Graphics accelerator type

A good half of laptops come with integrated graphics, and today it is a graphics core built into the central processor. For devices of this type, this is perhaps the best option. A laptop is not the most optimal platform for gaming, so graphics performance is not too important for it. On the other hand, with such a scheme, there is no extra source of heat in the case, the cooling system copes more efficiently, the laptop is quieter, and the battery charge is not wasted on a separate device.

Integrated graphics, being an integral part of the processors, come with these processors. Intel CPUs have integrated Intel graphics, AMD CPUs have integrated AMD graphics. Everything is simple here and there is no problem of choice as such.

But no less share of laptops comes in a configuration with integrated and discrete graphics cards. This does not mean that the laptop will be twice as fast in games: as a rule, such a scheme is used for the sake of energy efficiency. In idle and under light loads, the integrated graphics core works, which reduces power consumption and heat of the laptop. In games and other complex tasks, a discrete graphics card is used.

Only with discrete graphics card Most often, top-end gaming and professional laptops are shipped, for which energy efficiency and battery life are less important than performance when performing basic tasks. And in the most top models it is possible to have not one, but two video cards at once, combined in SLI / Crossfire in order to increase performance.

Discrete graphics in laptops can be represented by products of the same AMD or Nvidia. AMD graphics chips, in addition to games and multimedia, can accelerate calculations in working software using OpenCL, Nvidia video cards can do the same using CUDA. The choice of a video card for work in this case is a matter of exclusively used software.

As for games, here it is necessary to focus not on the name of the video card, its manufacturer or the amount of video memory, but only and exclusively on tests of laptop video cards in games. And the best way to do this is with large specialized resources. For reality is always somewhat different from the words of youtube experts and Internet specialists.

RAM slot configuration

For a laptop, this is perhaps the most important technical parameter. In 90% of cases, it is impossible to replace the processor and video card in it, and the only way to increase the performance of the device is to expand the amount of RAM.

That is why it is worth focusing on laptops that have 2 or 4 slots under working memory. As a rule, only one slot is occupied from the factory, so for an upgrade you only have to buy and install the required number of modules.

Notebooks with one slot at the same time limit maximum volume RAM, and make the upgrade less profitable: you have to buy a larger module for a higher price, and the old module will remain on the shelf or be sold for minimal money.

In laptops with built-in memory, soldered on the board, there is simply nothing to upgrade.

Interfaces and connectors

A laptop implies mobility, but mobility without communication with the outside world ... in fact, is possible without a laptop. Therefore, it is highly desirable to have interfaces for wireless Internet access in it.

WiFi- this is already a standard for mobile devices, its presence is not even discussed. But Wi-Fi networks are far from being everywhere, so the built-in 3G- or 4G-modem. True, they are rare - mostly in "transformers" and some netbooks. However, the ability to access the Internet from anywhere without an external modem or distributing the Internet from a smartphone can be very useful.

Of the "physical" connectors, connectors are of interest USB Type-C. A laptop, by its very nature, is designed to work a lot with a variety of peripherals, and it is better if these peripherals connect to it through a modern high-speed interface.

M.2 connector is the new standard for connecting high-speed SSDs in a compact format. It's a good idea to have one for upgrading the disk subsystem in the future, especially if there is no factory SSD in the laptop, and installing a standard 2.5-inch drive is not possible or is possible only if you refuse the HDD.

Criteria and selection options:

Having decided on the key parameters and purposes of using a laptop, devices from the DNS catalog can be differentiated as follows:

Netbooks with a small screen diagonal are relatively low cost, in this segment you can find devices for the price of 7,000 to 15,000 rubles. Of course, you should not expect huge computing and gaming performance from them, but they are designed for something completely different! The "horse" of these devices is long battery life, low weight and dimensions.

Devices of the type "transformer". Keeping the same hardware platform, they are already somewhat more expensive: from 11,000 to 25,000 rubles, however, the price increase is justified by the functionality that combines the advantages of a laptop with a physical keyboard and a tablet with a touch screen.

However, a "transformer" is not always a netbook with a small screen size. Larger devices, equipped with a very productive stuffing, can also turn into a "big tablet". However, the price of such devices starts already from 29 000 rubles.

If mobility and battery life are not a priority, in the segment from 11,000 to 25,000 rubles represented cheap office laptops. With a not very large budget, they are able to offer a screen of 14-15.6 inches and performance sufficient for solving typical office tasks.

For household needs and undemanding games fit laptops from 25,000 to 40,000 rubles, equipped with mid-range processors and a combination of integrated and discrete graphics. The same budget includes multimedia laptops With IPS or SVA screens.

For serious work with graphics and complex computing tasks will require laptops with powerful quad-core processors, discrete video and, again, a high-quality screen. The budget for the purchase of such models - 40,000 - 60,000 rubles and even more.

If you need a laptop for representative purposes and business trips, then you should pay attention to the segment ultrabooks. You should not expect high graphics performance from them (but there are models with powerful processors), the main emphasis here is on the design and quality of materials. In addition, such models, by definition, are lightweight and do not take up much space in luggage.

Top gaming laptops, carrying powerful processors and flagship video cards, will start from 50 000 rubles and grow further, depending on the requirements and capabilities of the owner.

Flagship gaming laptops they are not inferior even to powerful desktop PCs, but they come with a very solid price tag and are comparable to the cost of an inexpensive car.

In recent years, the choice of a good laptop for work and entertainment has become so extensive that an inexperienced buyer can easily get confused in all this diversity. In order to make the purchase of a new device easy and pleasant for you, we have compiled a number of useful and detailed recommendations. From this material, you will learn everything about how to choose the right laptop for home and work according to the main characteristics in 2017. For clarity, all popular classes of devices will be considered, all their characteristics will be analyzed in detail, and the most attractive global brands will be selected.

Popular laptop brands

So, the first step is to decide which company to choose a laptop, and then decide on the parameters. As with clothing or cars, the manufacturer plays a very important role in choosing a computer. The very name of some companies inspires confidence among buyers in the quality and flawless operation of the goods they purchase. First of all, this applies, of course, to corporations. Apple. Their line of ultrabooks, dubbed the MacBook, regularly receives high marks from critics, awards from reputable specialized publications, and also appears in all kinds of television shows and movies. The quality of each Apple device is indeed impeccable, but for all this magnificence, you have to pay quite a big price.

If you do not want to sacrifice design, quality and performance, but at the same time you need an inexpensive laptop, then you should pay attention to the brand ASUS. First of all, this company specializes in the production of components for desktop computers, so it definitely does not need to take experience. Perfect fit of parts, durable case, good matrix, well-coordinated work - all these are laptops from ASUS. Yes, the prices for their products cannot be called the lowest on the market, but they are still more attractive than Apple ultrabooks.

Another popular brand that has been on the market for almost 80 years is Hewlett-Packard. It is hard to imagine that the company once started with the production of measuring instruments, because now among its products you can find a lot of inexpensive, but good laptops for home and office. The manufacturer's arsenal includes both inexpensive solutions for a wide range of customers, as well as business-class models. Products HP gained wide popularity due to the excellent quality of laptops and attractive price tags for each of them.

Almost at the same time, the companies started their work DELL and MSI. Even devices from these famous brands are a bit similar to each other. And it's not about the design, because it is individual and very attractive for each manufacturer, but in the very approach to the release of new devices. For example, if you need a gaming laptop, choose one of these companies, because each of them has a number of productive models at a reasonable cost. Also, both manufacturers flexibly adapt to the buyer, offering excellent options in the middle and lower price segments.

However, if you need the most budget laptops, then it is better to pay attention to Acer and Lenovo. Each company's product line offers the most simple devices, costing 2-3 hundreds of dollars, multimedia-class solutions, the average price of which is $1000, as well as progressive gaming laptops, the high price of which is fully justified by their capabilities. None of the firms are afraid of bold experiments, thanks to which they are surrounded by a huge army of fans. All the same, Acer is able to offer an incredible 21-inch gaming laptop worth $5,000, the number of technological innovations in which exceeds even the wildest expectations and assumptions.

When choosing a laptop company, you can pay attention to all the manufacturers we represent, each company produces good devices in all price segments. If the budget is low, you can give preference to Lenovo, DELL or HP, but if you are a connoisseur of sophistication and style, then it is better to choose from Apple and Asus!

We determine the type and class of the laptop

In the process of choosing a laptop, the user needs to decide on many different nuances. In addition to the brand, technical characteristics and the optimal price range, the buyer must also clearly establish for himself the purposes for which the device is purchased. So fans of the game will not get what they want from ultrabooks, and fans of lightness and autonomy will definitely not be delighted with the weight and size characteristics of gaming models. The advice of experts and professionals will help you decide on the choice of the optimal laptop.

Netbooks

Among all the varieties of laptops that are on the market today, lovers of compactness most often prefer netbooks. Thanks to minimum dimensions and weight, they do not take up much space in a backpack or bag and are great for working at breakfast in a cafe or during a trip to work in public transport. The screen diagonal in such laptops varies from 10 to 12 inches, but most often you can find 11-inch solutions on sale.

Another significant advantage of netbooks is their autonomy, but the downside is not very good performance. The processor installed in netbooks is only enough for office applications and a browser, and even then the latter will not be able to “keep” many open tabs due to the small amount of RAM. But if the capabilities of a laptop are not important to you, and size plays a significant role, then finding something more attractive is almost impossible.

Ultrabooks

However, an alternative, if desired, is still possible to find. It can be, among other things, ultrabooks. This is a class of thin and light laptops with a good processor, high-quality screen, comfortable keyboard and minimal thickness. In some models of ultrabooks, the manufacturer also installs sufficiently powerful video adapters, which, although they do not impress with graphics in games, but most modern projects are able to “pull out” at minimum and even medium quality settings. The main advantage of this class of laptops is their lightness and small size. The screen diagonal in ultrabooks is usually larger than that of netbooks of the order of 13-14 inches, but if you wish, you can easily find compact solutions.

transformers

Transformers are also a very interesting solution. According to reviews of laptops of this class, they are very convenient for those users who are looking for a universal solution for all occasions. Depending on the dimensions, hardware and transformation method, such models can look like regular laptops and tablets. In the latter case, this allows you to save on the purchase of a second device.

Budget devices

Still wondering which laptop to choose for occasional home use and low-demand tasks? Pay attention to the budget segment. You will definitely not see anything outstanding in such devices: cheap plastic and not very good assembly, a small amount of RAM and an average display, a slow drive and an inefficient processor. This option is suitable for users with very limited financial resources, as well as people looking for a good "typewriter" that will not be used too often.

Average price range

If you want to choose the right laptop for work, then you need the middle price segment. For a moderate cost, such devices will offer you good performance, a good matrix, pleasant body materials and silence in operation. In addition, office models usually have good autonomy, which is important for users who are rarely "at the outlet". They are also suitable if you have not yet decided which laptop to choose for studying at school or university.

Professional Models

Web designers, photographers, editors and people of other creative and not very professions need productive models with excellent screen quality. At the same time, when choosing hardware, all attention is mainly paid to processor power, because for most tasks the simplest video card or even an integrated graphics core will be enough. So for processing pictures you need a bright display with excellent color reproduction, and editing video and rendering models will require significant processor power and a large amount of RAM.

Gaming

Last in line, but not least, are game models. These are necessarily laptops with Intel processors and discrete cards from NVIDIA, because it is precisely such hardware that can provide the best gaming experience. At the same time, such devices must necessarily have a large IPS matrix with a diagonal of 15.6 inches or more, as well as a resolution of at least Full HD. The price of such laptops, of course, is high, but you can play the latest games at high graphics settings absolutely anywhere.

Main selection criteria

Before going to the store, you need to understand well how to choose a laptop according to your own parameters. If you have already decided on the device class, then you need to select the processor, video card, drive type, display diagonal and case materials. Most manufacturers today offer several modifications of their devices at once, so if the buyer can independently decide which chipset is better to choose for using a laptop and which options for graphics, RAM and built-in storage it is best to combine.

Housing and mount

Appearance and build quality is perhaps the first thing you need to pay attention to when buying a laptop. Even the most productive and autonomous models will not give you the desired pleasure from working if the device almost crumbles in the twisting test, and the display unit constantly wobbles when typing.

In most cases, such problems are observed in plastic cases, although in expensive laptop models this material can be of very high quality. But the best all-metal models, the strength and durability of which are at a very high level.

Special attention should be paid to the display hinges. They should be tight enough so that the screen can remain static even with slight movements of the laptop on the table, but at the same time provide the ability to easily open the device. Ideally, the situation should be the same as in Apple's ultrabooks: they can be easily opened with one hand, but after that the display unit is fixed motionless.

Choosing a diagonal and screen manufacturing technology

If you plan to work at a PC for a long time, then you definitely need a laptop with a good screen, since the poor quality of the matrix will quickly tire your eyes. The choice of screen diagonal depends mainly on your needs. If the laptop will be used as a desktop PC most of the time, then you can afford to take a device with a 17.3-inch diagonal. But for regular trips, even classic 15.6-inch models are not suitable, and it is better to stay on more compact options.

The two most popular mobile display technologies today are TN and IPS. Moreover, thanks to a significant reduction in the prices for the production of the latter, they regularly began to appear even in inexpensive laptops for simple work. The advantages of an IPS matrix are excellent color reproduction, perfect white color display, and good viewing angles. The disadvantages include only the high cost of devices on which this type of matrix is ​​\u200b\u200binstalled. TN panels are more common and have a low cost, but their main disadvantage is very poor viewing angles.

CPU

The central processing unit is the main component of any computer. Today, the buyer can choose between chips from AMD and Intel. The first attract attention with low cost. If you want to buy yourself an inexpensive laptop, then for the minimum price you can find exactly the solution based on AMD processors. Intel, in turn, has better performance and economy, but their price is slightly higher.

• For budget laptops, manufacturers use Celeron and E series chips.
• Office solutions are already equipped with Pentium and A4-A6, respectively, and
• In the middle class of devices, Intel Core i3-i5 or A8 from AMD work.
• The gaming segment is completely occupied by Intel products, because so far AMD has nothing to oppose to the high-performance mobile Intel Core i7 chips of the Skylake and Kaby Lake families.

For a more detailed picture, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of Intel and AMD processors:

Given the pros and cons of each of the manufacturers, it is preferable to choose, of course, Intel. If the laptop is not selected for complex tasks (working with office programs, watching videos and surfing the Internet) and the budget is not large, then AMD will be more than enough!

Graphic arts

The video adapter, as you know, is responsible for displaying the image on the screen and working with graphic applications. If you want to not only surf the Internet and watch movies, but also run advanced games, then you need a laptop with a good discrete graphics card. The same AMD releases them, and NVIDIA already competes in this field. Alas, but here the former lose to the latter in terms of performance. But in terms of cost, AMD is still the most attractive option.

Quite the opposite picture is observed in the integrated graphics market. Here, at a lower price, AMD outperforms Intel in terms of performance. Not in vain, the latter recently decided to conclude a deal in which AMD will install its graphics chips in processors from Intel.

The most popular video cards:

• NVIDIA (GeForce GTX 960M, GeForce GTX 980 SLI, GeForce GTX 1060, Quadro M4000M)
• AMD (Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire, Radeon R9 M485X, FirePro W7170M)

If you are not going to run modern games, we advise you to pay attention to such options in terms of price-performance ratio: Radeon R7 M445, GeForce 920MX, GeForce GT 940MX!

RAM

Today, when choosing a laptop, you yourself can decide how much RAM you need, because the same model is offered in several configurations. For normal office work, you will need no more than 4-8 gigabytes of RAM, but more complex tasks, like editing or rendering, use significantly more RAM. As for its class, it is best to pay attention to DDR4, although models with LPDDR3 still do their job well.

Built-in memory

In addition to the volume, the user can also select the type of drive. Again, for maximum laptop speed, you should prefer an SSD drive over a hard drive. However, this option significantly raises the price of the device, so in the budget segment it can only be found in a small amount (32-64 GB). In this case, there will be no other options but to pay attention to the speed of rotation of the spindle. In laptops, it can be 5400 or 7200 rpm, and a higher figure will provide a higher read / write speed. As for expensive models (professional or gaming), you can buy them without an SSD only if you install a solid state drive yourself.

For fast and efficient work, it is preferable to buy a laptop with a 128 GB SSD drive, if you do not plan to store a lot of movies and photos on it, then this data storage is enough for you!

Autonomy of work

By and large, it depends on the class of the device. For example, with the same body size and battery capacity in budget and gaming models, the battery life between them can vary significantly. In inexpensive and office solutions, the average figure usually ranges from 5 to 8 hours, and gaming laptops can last from half an hour to three (depending on the load). Today, you can already find ultrabooks on the market, the energy-efficient platform of which allows you to work from the battery for a whole day.

Wireless interfaces

You will not get much variety in the choice of this parameter. If you are not interested in some too old laptop, then it definitely has Wi-Fi with support for all current formats (including ac), as well as Bluetooth version 4.0 and higher. The first module is required to connect to a wireless router and access the Internet, and thanks to the bluetooth module, you can easily transfer files between devices and connect all kinds of devices (mice, headphones, and even printers).

But what is not very common in laptops is 3G. With this module, you can access the network from absolutely anywhere where there is operator coverage, even if you cannot find available Wi-Fi networks there. Is it worth it to overpay for such an option? If you need it all the time, then yes. Otherwise, it will be much more profitable to buy a separate USB modem.

Connectors

The number of connectors in a laptop largely depends on the class of the device. For example, due to the size and features of the case in netbooks and ultrabooks, the set of ports can be minimal. In many latest models compact devices from ASUS and Apple, there are several USB Type-Cs at all, and all other connectors can be obtained using special adapters. If you are buyers of a laptop with a full body size, then you need to pay special attention to the set of ports. The case must have full-fledged video inputs (at least HDMI and VGA), at least 3 USB Type-A, Ethernet, a card reader, and audio (preferably not combined). For gaming and professional laptop models, even more ports may be required (connecting peripherals, external drives, and so on).

Operating Systems

Most modern laptop models are equipped with operating systems of the Windows family, and approximately 85% of them boast the most current version 10. A small part of laptops is also offered with Linux OS, and if the user is forced to pay a slightly higher price for a pre-installed Windows than for a similar device without an installed system, then Linux is distributed completely free of charge, therefore it does not affect the cost in any way.

The third popular market player is OS X. This system only available on Apple devices. The choice of a particular OS depends, again, on your goals. So for professional work with graphics, it is better to choose a laptop with an Apple system, because many useful applications are written only for it. Gamers should pay attention to Windows 10, which has become even more attractive to gamers with the release of the Creators Update.

Even the most expensive and powerful laptop won't last long if you don't take care proper care behind him. For uninterrupted and coordinated operation of the device, it is necessary to periodically perform a number of standard procedures:

1. Cleaning. Dust gradually accumulates in the cooling system and on other components inside the case. Dirt, debris and even food remains also appear under the buttons on the keyboard over time. All this negatively affects the operation of the laptop, causing sticky keys, overheating, freezes and other problems. Timely cleaning will help avoid these problems, and ensure a long life for your device.
2. Thermal paste replacement. Another procedure that you need to follow to prevent overheating, spontaneous shutdown, and even failure of your PC components. Depending on the frequency of use, the replacement of thermal paste in a laptop should be carried out on average every 2-3 years. At the same time, it must be applied in a very thin layer, because your “generosity” in this case will not eliminate overheating, but will aggravate it.
3. Removing garbage from the OS. Reinstalling the OS in many ways speeds up the operation of devices, do it once a year or use garbage cleaning programs, for example: Clean master.

Useful Features

Absolutely any modern laptop model for home use or professional work has a number of additional keys that can be used for the following tasks:

• adjust sound and screen brightness
• opening a browser and/or email client
• player control and so on

But you won’t surprise anyone with such features of mobile computers, and therefore manufacturers often offer customers other interesting and useful functions. For example, gaming laptops often have a series of macro recording keys that are very useful in games, and Apple has added a Touch Bar to older models of its new MacBooks instead of the usual function keys. Some laptops are equipped with small subwoofers to improve sound quality, others are equipped with a mechanical keyboard, and others are able to track users' eye movements.

Of course, many of these add-ons will not be needed by the average user, but others, on the contrary, can become extremely useful. So gamers, in addition to the macro recording already mentioned above, will like laptops with two HDMIs and older 10-series cards from NVIDIA. An ordinary user will not understand the expediency of such a set of ports, but a gamer will immediately note for himself a completely ready-made configuration for VR.

Conclusion

Thanks to a wide variety of models, choosing a laptop for home, work or study in 2017 is now possible without any difficulty. The main thing is to initially set a clear goal for the purchase and designate an approximate budget that you can spend on a computer. Then you need to pay attention to the laptop parameters that are important to you by filtering the models available on the market by them.

For many, the cost of a laptop plays decisive role, while important parameters are overlooked. As a result - regrets after the first days of operation. At the same time, even a famous brand and a high price do not guarantee that you will get what really suits you. Often, even with a huge choice, users are forced to compromise, so long as a couple or three important parameters match.

Therefore, first of all, it is worth deciding for what purpose you are purchasing a laptop. This will depend on the size and resolution of the screen, the processor, video card and the amount of RAM.

1. “Need a computer not for games - an inefficient processor will do”

The most common formulation of the problem is a machine for working with documents, multimedia and surfing the Internet. For these purposes, a CPU with average performance and an integrated video card is suitable.

When choosing a model, many users are guided by the low price of the device, losing sight of the fact that the computer has an outdated processor with low efficiency. At first, the weak heart of the computer will demonstrate acceptable speed in office applications and when surfing the Web. However, as soon as Windows runs an update in the background, a virus scan, or simply copying files to an external drive, the machine will turn into a prehistoric turtle. If you are ready to put up with this - focus on inexpensive solutions based on Intel Celeron and Pentium and Core i3 processors.

The Intel Core i5 and i7 CPU models will allow you to have some margin in computing power - they are used in powerful workstations and. Also, on sale you can find laptops with Intel Core M processors, which are characterized by low power consumption. They are also quite productive and suitable for working with complex graphics (for example, Core M5).

A few words about AMD processors. If suddenly there is an urgent desire to buy a device with this CPU, then the most productive and inexpensive models are the seventh generation of the 9000 series. All of them are equipped with integrated graphics.

According to preliminary information, the release of new laptop models with Ryzen APUs is expected in early 2018. It is these solutions that can be safely recommended as a comparable alternative to devices with high-performance processors from Intel.

2. “Since this is a portable PC, then it should have a screen of 14-15 inches”

When choosing a screen size, most prefer the standard 14-inch form factor. This is indeed the most common display format that provides an acceptable perception of information. However, focusing on compactness and portability, the specifics of the tasks set are often not taken into account. For example, working with tables or graphics requires a large screen size and a comfortable keyboard.

Therefore, if you plan to work occasionally, preferring a desktop PC as your main tool, then you should opt for a more easy option- 14-15 inch form factor.

For regular work with documents and graphics, it is desirable to have a 17-inch screen. Considering that modern models receive screens with thin frames, the dimensions of the cases are also becoming smaller. At the same time, information on a large screen is perceived better, and the keyboard is wider, which is very important when typing. However, it is worth considering - the larger the screen, the more battery power is spent on it.

For those who are primarily interested in portability, it is better to pay attention to devices with a 13-inch screen. These are ultra-compact and lightweight portable PCs, barely the size of an A4 sheet.

3. "The higher the resolution of the screen matrix, the better"

AT recent times manufacturers are actively exploiting the trend of screens with 4K resolution (3840 × 2160), justifying this technology with an ultra-clear image. Moreover, it is being introduced even into small screens of laptops.

In our opinion, it is a mistake to succumb to marketing traps and pay attention to such offers in portable devices. The fact is that the human eye already has difficulty distinguishing pixels on a 23-inch monitor with Full HD resolution from a distance of 40 cm. At 17 or 15 inches, you definitely won’t feel an increase in image quality. At the same time, in 4K, the monitor will demonstrate too small elements of the Windows interface and programs, which will only cause discomfort.

Recall that until recently, manufacturers have equipped most laptops with HD resolution matrices of 1440x720 pixels. Full HD display was found mainly on fairly expensive and powerful machines, and this equipment was considered quite prestigious. Such a resolution in the Windows interface required additional resources from the video card, so many users preferred a matrix with HD resolution for faster work in the OS, sacrificing image detail.

Today, even the fifth generation Intel Celeron can easily handle graphics processing in Full HD, so when choosing a screen, it is better to give preference to a resolution of 1920x1080.

It should be borne in mind that a more detailed display of graphics in 4K takes resources from the video card and CPU. Therefore, the best screen resolution for a laptop is 1920x1080. If you want more - connect your computer to a large UHD monitor and enjoy an ultra-detailed picture on it.

4 “One SSD is enough as a disk system in a laptop”

Many manufacturers, in an effort to win in the competition, save on additional slots in laptops by installing only one storage device. Choosing such a model, for example, with a fast SSD, you risk being left without a system and without personal data.

The fact is that although they are very fast, they are not yet sufficiently reliable and durable. For example, if you allow the battery to completely discharge, the laptop may turn off during a data write operation, which is fraught not only with a violation of the file table, but also with the failure of the controller without any possibility of data recovery. With hard drives, this happens much less frequently. In addition, flash drives are not yet as capacious as compared to HDDs (so far only up to 1 TB, from 18,000 rubles).

The option with one HDD is also not very preferable, because. this type of media today demonstrates a very low speeds data exchange. Your system will be slow to boot, and applications will be annoyingly slow to launch and process data.

Therefore, when choosing a device, give preference to the SSD + HDD dual disk system.

5. "The more RAM, the better"

This principle is suitable for desktop systems designed to work with complex graphics (including 3D) or for gaming PCs and laptops. Currently, this component is very expensive, which means that extra memory will significantly raise the price tag of a laptop. For office work and surfing the Web, it is desirable to have at least 4 GB of RAM.

For graphics and games, 8 GB is enough. Complex tasks may require 16 or even 32 GB of RAM. In the latter case, it is important to have both a very productive and expensive CPU. Before buying, ask how the memory is installed - one module or two equal parts, i.e. in dual-channel mode, which somewhat speeds up data processing.

6. “You must definitely choose with a discrete graphics card”

You should not succumb to this axiom and spend extra money on additional power that you will not use in everyday tasks. First of all, answer yourself the question: do you intend to play resource-intensive games on a laptop or process very complex graphics, especially 3D. If not, then for all other purposes, the power of the Intel Graphics chip is more than enough. And you can save a lot on this, because. models with an integrated video chip are significantly cheaper than counterparts with an additional video module from NVIDIA or AMD.

Otherwise, the best choice is a model with a powerful graphics card, such as NVIDIA GeForce 1050, which should be enough to work with complex 3D objects and modern games.

It is worth clarifying here that in laptops with a third-party graphics card (discrete module), an integrated graphics chip from Intel is used in the Windows interface to reduce power consumption.

A discrete video card, as a rule, is connected only in the mode of operation with 3D applications. If you really want to, you can force it to work in all applications, but it will be a waste of energy.

7. “For the sake of a thin case, you can refuse a DVD drive”

It would be wrong to say that the era of DVD media has come to an end. Before you go to the store for a brand new laptop, remember if you use this type of media at least occasionally. In some cases, you really can't do without it, for example, when you are passionate about music on CD or recording photo albums or videos on DVD.

On the market you can find modern models with this already archaic read / write device, moreover, with a very good stuffing. The body will be a little thicker, but such a device will perform more tasks. Feel free to use a DVD drive if you need one. Its presence will not increase the cost of the laptop, with the exception of Blu-ray drives. For some reason, they are still terribly expensive.

In all other cases, you can choose a laptop without an optical module. Moreover, in the event of a system failure, it is already possible to boot from a USB flash drive.

8. “Are two USB 3.0 ports enough and do I need an rj-45 network port?”

Do not underestimate the portability of a laptop. The convenience of working with media and external devices depends on their number. Therefore, when choosing a laptop, give preference to models with 3 or more ports. This will allow you to connect a mouse, keep an external drive connected, and also connect flash drives or a printer (and other peripherals).

As for the rj-45 network port, its presence is desirable, but not necessary. AT modern world ubiquitous wireless data transmission and control via Wi-Fi, you can do without this port. You won't find it on most ultrabooks. In case of an urgent need to connect to the network via cable (twisted pair), you can separately buy a USB Ethernet adapter (about 800 rubles).

However, modern laptop models are already equipped with a USB 3.1 Type-C port. This latest interface allows not only to connect the plug in any direction, but also provides high speeds (up to 10 GBps), and also (in some cases) charges the laptop itself or devices connected to it through it (voltage up to 20 volts is applied), and even connect to the network and other peripherals, including a monitor.

9. "You can do without a removable battery."

Most modern laptops are equipped with a non-removable battery, which makes them thin and sleek. The specifications indicate only the capacity of the battery and the operating time on a single charge. But the fact that the battery is built-in, sellers prefer to keep silent.

Such a constructive solution has a number of disadvantages: in particular, you can only replace the battery in a service center, and you can’t take a spare one on a long trip. In addition, in the case of long-term storage of the laptop without recharging, you can not disconnect it from the laptop in order to avoid critical discharge.

Therefore, if possible, choose models with a removable battery pack - in addition to a higher capacity, this option has another huge plus - it can be replaced with a compatible cheaper analogue, in case of wear after 4-5 years.

10. "Aluminum body is cool"

In terms of appearance, the aluminum case really looks modern and prestigious. In addition, the metal emphasizes the strength and reliability of the structure. In practice, the laptop's aluminum lid and fins will pick up scratches and scuffs over time, unless you wrap it in a silicone bumper.

The plastic case (if it is high-quality plastic) is better able to withstand accidental bumps and hide minor scratches. In addition, it is not prone to dents on the flat part, which is very critical for everyday wear in a soft case.

But you should also be careful with plastic - for example, a soft touch or a matte finish collects prints that are difficult to remove. The best solution, in our opinion, is embossed plastic.

Aluminum is less practical than plastic, but looks better. What is more important to you is up to you.

“You can get by with a keyboard without backlighting”

This option is currently used in expensive models and is almost never found in budget laptops. We recommend choosing a laptop with backlit keys, because. this significantly increases the comfort when typing, unless you own a blind method.

The fact is that in a room even with normal lighting, the eyes adjust to the bright display matrix and, when looking at the keys, they cannot instantly adjust, which causes discomfort and rapid eye fatigue. So, the backlighting of the keys will definitely not be superfluous.