Setting up a new laptop
There are many things to consider when shopping for that laptop, however the two most important specs are going to be its processor and its RAM. Here I am going to explain some of the fundamental characteristics of both so that you can make a better choice when buying a laptop.
PROCESSOR (CPU)
Intel, the world’s largest semiconductor maker, has begun the process of transitioning to a quad-core line of processors. Its range is branded Core i3, i5 and i7. If you’re looking for a bargain, you can go for their older Core 2 models, but you’d be better off sticking with their latest range.
You could also consider a processor from Intel’s rival AMD, which has an attractive range of products under the Turion II and Athlon II brand names. If you are a budget shopper, these processes are worth considering and will do for most tasks. The big difference between AMD-made processors is that they simply aren’t as fast as those made by Intel and tend to drain battery life.
The most important task is determining exactly how much processing power you need. In general, Core i3 or i5 is suitable for most people. However, if you do a lot of video editing, you’ll need a more powerful processor. Gamers in particular think they need a powerful processor, but in practice they can get away with a slower chip.
Quad-core chips still cost a lot, and they also tend to drain battery life pretty quickly. You can identify a quad-core chip by the Q indicated next to the model number of the machine. If you use your laptop as your main machine and don’t take it on the road, or you’re a gamer or video editor, the quad chip box becomes more attractive.
The processor decision becomes more complicated when you order a custom laptop from a manufacturer. As a general rule, you should avoid the most expensive chipsets on offer and go for the second or third cheapest chip. The price increase is usually proportional to performance. You shouldn’t spend more than $150 to upgrade a processor. If you’re just surfing the web or doing word processing, even a dual-core processor is more than adequate.
RAM)
4 GB of RAM is the standard memory offered by most manufacturers, even on low-end laptops, and that’s really all you need. Starting prices for a laptop with 4 GB of RAM are under $500. In the past, manufacturers used to make consumers pay through the nose when they upgraded memory while placing custom orders. More recently, this practice seems to have changed, with only Apple still doing it.
If upgrading your memory to 4GB costs you less than $90, which is what it costs separately, then you should definitely upgrade. Upgrading beyond 4GB will be expensive, and the only real reason to do so is if you’re editing video, and even then it’s not absolutely necessary when you compare it to the cost. For a desktop, spending an extra $100 isn’t a big deal, but for a laptop where it’ll cost you an extra $300 for 8GB, it’s just not worth it unless your laptop is your primary video editing device.