How to choose a good notebook suited to your requirements.
I’m frequently asked what notebook should I buy, there is no absolute answer to this question. So to help people find a good model I have written down some requirements that I would consider minimum specifications.
Notebook categories to consider
- Sub $900 Too cheap in my options these can be under powered and slow.
- $900 – $1500 Good choice for a basic notebook for home of business use.
- $1500 – $2500 Base Graphic or Gaming notebook.
- Over $2500 Elite Graphics or Gaming notebook
CPU / Processor
Intel i5 or i7
AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7
7’s are top of the range and more costly but also more cores and faster.
Memory
At least 16GB (Good to have option to add another 16GB = 32GB total)
DDR4 2666MHz or Better (DDR4 has been superseded by DDR5)
DDR5 4800mhz or Better (This is the new memory type so better to have)
Easy access to memory if possible, for future upgrades
Hard disk / SSD
M2 or 2 ½“ Solid State Drive at least 250GB but 500GB better.
Nice to have a 2nd drive available for storage (not essential)
Easy access to hard disk drives if possible, for future upgrades
Display
15.6” is the normal but bigger or smaller it’s your preference.
HD display 1920 x 1080 or higher
Miscellaneous Items
HDMI ports – Should have 1x HDMI or 1x Display Port
USB 3.1/3.2 TYPE A Ports – 2x or at least one of these as these fit older USB Devices
NB. Some new notebooks will likely have TYPE C USB ports(be aware their are two types of TYPE C USB ports, ones that transmit data and ones that support data/power – if you intend to have a docking type station you will likely want TYPE C USB ports with data and power delivery as this makes connecting many monitors, Keyboard, Mouse etc easy as you can but a TYPE C USB Docking station and in most cases only have to plugin with one cable)
Ethernet / LAN ports – 1x Good but not essential
Webcam – All notebooks should have
Bluetooth – Most notebooks should have
Wi-Fi 6 – (802.11 ax) Most new notebooks should have this Wi-Fi type or newer.
Graphics Card
For home and basic business systems the default it usually fine.
Graphic Art, 3-D drawing & Gaming – Call us to discuss.
Operating System
Windows 11 Home version for home and family computers.
Windows 11 Pro version for businesses
Warranty
Manufacturer’s 1 Year – All should come with this.
Additional warranty – Well maybe your choice here.
Additional Things you may want
MS Office 2024 Home & Student – Just Word & Excel (NO Outlook) Home use only
MS Office 2024 Home & Business – Just Word, Excel & Outlook Home and Business use.
MS 365 Family – Annual subscription 6 users accounts this is a good choice for households with 2 or more computers.
Full keyboard & mouse for ease of use.
2nd Power Adaptor i.e. 1x for home, 1x for office
Docking stations TYPE C USB(Laptop must have Data/Power delivery via USB for easy setup) – Plug in your external large Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Sound system, Printers etc. and connect the notebook with one USB 3.x port.
This allows use of the notebook in office with quick setup without the need to plug in all your various devices – Just one plug.
