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If you’re thinking about buying a new laptop, it might feel like a very time-consuming process. What kind of laptop are you looking for—a lightweight computer that’s easy to carry, or one that’s very fast and capable of handling multimedia tasks? What’s your budget? Making the wrong choice can not only give you a headache but also cost you unnecessary money. This blog, prepared by Kuraz Technologies, provides you with essential information on how to choose a better computer.
Things to Consider When Buying a Computer:
1. Budget
In our country, the computer market is highly volatile, so there will be price differences between today and tomorrow. Currently, computers are sold in a price range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of birr. Beyond their specifications, computers are categorized as New, Refurbished, Slightly Used, or Used.
- New: Straight from the factory, never used.
- Refurbished: A computer that has been used, returned to the factory, refurbished, and resold.
- Slightly Used: Used minimally, often by individuals abroad for a short time before being sold.
- Used: Heavily used, either sold by the owner for an upgrade or repaired after a malfunction and resold as “like new.”
Their prices follow this order accordingly.
2. Processor (CPU)
The processor is one of the most critical factors. The CPU is the brain of the computer—it’s the component that thinks through tasks, performs calculations, provides responses, and processes everything. The speed of your computer is determined by this processor. Although there are various processor manufacturers, Intel processors dominate our local market. Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9 computers have increasing levels of performance as listed, and their prices vary significantly. For most computers, a Core i5 is recommended.
Along with the processor, it’s worth looking at the generation of the computer. The generation difference also affects the RAM type, such as DDR3 vs. DDR4. The higher the generation, the more significant the price difference.
3. RAM
RAM is the computer’s short-term memory. More RAM means the CPU can store and process more data, allowing the computer to perform tasks more efficiently. If there isn’t enough RAM, the computer lacks sufficient memory to handle multiple software applications at once, slowing it down considerably and causing frustration. When buying a computer, a minimum of 4GB of RAM is necessary. For graphics work or software development, at least 8GB is recommended. For gaming or architectural software, computers with 16GB or more of RAM are advised.
4. Battery
While perhaps not as critical as the CPU or RAM, the battery is still an important consideration for a laptop. Especially in a country like ours, where power supply can be unreliable or outlets unavailable in some locations, a dependable battery is essential for using your computer. Therefore, you should ensure the laptop you buy can last at least 4 hours or more on a single charge.
5. Hard Disk Drive
The hard disk is the permanent storage of your computer. It’s where your pictures, documents, videos, and all the data you use are stored. Hard drives come in two types: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). HDDs are older, while SSDs are modern, faster, and more expensive. On laptops that support multiple drives, you can use both in combination. For those with both, it’s preferable to install the operating system on the SSD. Hard drives typically come in capacities like 250GB, 500GB, or 1TB, though for moderate use, starting at 500GB is recommended. Hard drives can easily be replaced or upgraded.
6. Design and Screen Size
One of the most important criteria is design. Thinner and lighter computers tend to be more expensive. The design and size you want depend on your needs. For example, smaller-screen laptops are recommended for light tasks or for women who prefer portability, while graphic designers and gamers might prefer larger screens and heavier laptops.
Laptops with screen sizes between 14 inches and 15.6 inches are widely available in the market. There are also touchscreen laptops or those with detachable screens that can rotate 360 degrees.
7. Operating System
The operating system is like oxygen for a computer. If your laptop comes with a pre-installed operating system, it’s best to check it out. Sometimes, sellers charge extra for a Windows license, so you should confirm that the operating system is properly installed. If you’re a professional, you might need additional systems like Linux or macOS.
8. After-Sales Service and Warranty
One of the key points when buying a laptop is the after-sales repair service and the warranty provided by the seller for your peace of mind. When a laptop breaks down, issues can arise from two sources: mishandling by the buyer or a quality defect in the product. Warranties typically cover quality defects. Sellers often offer a one-year warranty to buyers.
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