WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A
LAPTOP
Buying a laptop
means wading through a bunch of tech specs revolving around processor models,
amount of RAM, hard disk capacities, solid state drives and screen sizes.
PROCESSOR
The capabilities of any computer
is decided by its processor class and quality. In this buyer’s guide, we have
not considered laptops with Intel’s Atom, Pentium and Celeron or AMD’s E
processors. While machines with these chips are adequate for web browsing and
productivity tasks, they are underwhelming performers when it comes to
photoediting and the playback of high-def videos.
Therefore, in order to
future-proof your investment for at least the next three to four years, we
recommend you only look at laptops that come with sixth-, seventh- and
eight-generation Intel Core processors and sixth- and seventh-generation AMD
A-series chips. Each new generation typically allows for an approximate
performance boost of 20 per cent over the preceding year’s chips; this is
generally more apparent with heavier workloads like decoding Full HD video for
stutter-free playback or advanced photo editing.
Intel’s Core i3 series and AMD’s
A4 and A6 processors are more than capable of handling office suites for
productivity, HD movie viewing, and even some photo editing. For high-end
gaming, look at machines with Intel’s Core i5 or AMD’s A8, A10 or Ryzen
processors. These boast of better multitasking and video-encoding capabilities.
When it comes to 3D graphics and
video rendering, the Intel Core i7 and AMD A10 sit right on top of the
processor pile. Buy computers with these for heavy-duty processing tasks,
extreme multitasking and for future-proof gaming.
NOTE: Wherever possible, buy laptops with processors from the most
current generation. For instance, the ‘6’ in the Intel Core i3 6006U processor
denotes sixth generation, which is three years old, but still works for most
computing tasks today, while the ‘8’ in the Core i5 8130U denotes the current
eighth gen, which promises best performance today.
In AMD, the nomenclature is less
straightforward: The ‘7’ in an ‘A6-7310’ processor means it belongs to the
sixth-generation while the ‘9’ in the ‘A6-9210’ denotes that it is from the
current seventhgeneration line up. There are a few exceptions to this, so it is
better to check the specifications online.
RAM
Most laptops come with a minimum
of 4GB RAM, which is recommended for machines running the Windows 10 OS. But if
you’re going to use your laptop for photo- and video-editing, and some gaming,
then opt for 6GB to 8GB RAM.
For extreme gaming and
process-intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering, we would advise
anything between 12GB and 16GB RAM.
GRAPHIC
PROCESSOR (GPU)
While Intel outperforms AMD chips
overall, the latter’s ability in graphics processing is far better. The AMD A4,
A6, A8 and A10 (sixth and seventh-gen) chips include multi-core graphics
processors that have a slight edge over Intel’s HD Graphics (520, 530 or 550)
or its Iris HD/Plus Graphics (620, 630 and 650).
But for high-end gaming, you will
need a dedicated graphic card with at least 2GB dedicated memory. Here, you can
look for GPUs carrying the Nvidia GeForce GTX, GeForce GT or the AMD Radeon
brand names. When it comes to movie editing and 3D design, look for the Nvidia
Quadro or AMD FirePro graphic cards.
STORAGE
Most machines are equipped with
1TB hard drives. But, as an extra, some laptops come with Solid State Drives
(SSDs). The latter boast of faster read, write, and load times than a hard
drive. If you’re looking for a laptop to use for work and while on the move,
opt for a machine that augments its hard drive with an SSD as this allows for
quicker boot-up and wake times. Machines like the Apple MacBooks only come with
SSDs.
DISPLAY
Depending on your usage, you will
also need to fix on screen size...
13.3 inches: Consider this size if most of your tasks revolve around web use
and e-mails. Such devices will give you better battery life and are easier to
carry on travels.
14-15.6
inches: For presentations, spread-sheets,
coding and movie watching.
17 inches and
above: For graphics software, 3D work, video
encoding and games.
Before buying, check whether the
display is matte, glossy or anti-glare. Avoid glossy displays if you are going
to be working in the outdoors as they are reflective and distracting. A
touch-enabled display is usually glossy, so make sure it is bright enough to
overcome reflections.
OPERATING
SYSTEM
Some entry-level laptops—to keep
costs downcome with a free Linux distribution like Ubuntu. This OS is light on
the system, and you will find lots of free software that runs on this platform.
If you are unsure about Linux, buy
a machine with Windows 10 preinstalled. This legal copy of the OS guarantees
all future updates for the next few years at least.
If you opt for an Apple MacBook,
you get a machine that runs the proprietary Mac OS. Here, you also get a
complete software suite for editing photos, videos, composing music, edit
documents, spreadsheets and create presentations.
EXTRA FEATURES
Touchscreen: This feature lends itself well for internet use and entertainment.
That said, consider this kind of a display only if your budget permits.
Connectivity: Look for a laptop with dual-band Wi-Fi (denoted by the 802.11 “ac”
standard). This will let you connect to the higher 5GHz wireless band, when
available, for better Wi-Fi speeds.
Backlit
keyboard: This will come handy when working or
gaming in low light or the dark.
Audio: Typically, laptops meant for personal entertainment and gaming
have more powerful speakers (JBL, B&O) and software optimisations (Dolby)
for a more configurable output.
Techtonic has suggested a few laptop models below for reference. You will
find more options in terms of price, features and brands when you’re shopping.
Follow the spec suggestions listed above, and you will be more than equipped to
make an informed choice.
ENTRY-LEVEL
(UNDER ₹35,000)
L aptops in this range are
equipped with a 15.6-inch screen, an Intel i3, AMD A4 or AMD A6 processor, 4GB
RAM, and a CD drive. They are bulkier and heavier than 14-inch laptops, but
work for most computing tasks including basic photo-editing and Full HD video
playback with zero lags.
Asus VivoBook
(R542BP-GQ058T) ₹29,990
15-inch HD display 3-3.6GHz AMD A9-9420 processor 4GB RAM 1TB hard drive AMD
Radeon R5 M420 (2GB) graphics DVD-RW Win 10
Lenovo
Ideapad 310 (80SM01F8IH) ₹30,600 15.6-inch Full HD display 2GHz Intel Core i3-6006U processor 4GB
RAM 1TB hard drive Nvidia GeForce 920MX (2GB) Dual-band Wi-Fi DVD-RW Win
10
HP Notebook
14-bs583tu ₹35,000
14-inch HD display 2GHz Intel Core i3-6006U processor 4GB RAM Intel HD Graphics
520 1TB hard drive DVDRW Win 10
Asus VivoBook
15 (X510UA-EJ796T) ₹35,000
15.6-inch Full HD display 3.9GHz Intel Core i3-7100 processor 4GB RAM 1TB hard
drive Win 10
MID-RANGE
(UNDER ₹75,000)
A bulk of laptop models exist in
this price range. Here, you will find ultra-light portable computers with 12-
and 14-inch touchscreens, Intel Core i3/i5/i7 or AMD A8/A10 processors, 4/6/8GB
RAM, SSD storage for quick boot up, along with 1TB hard drives and backlit
keyboards. Machines at the higher end of this spectrum are lightweight, and
boast of premium build quality, and you can also expect to find hybrid
‘convertible’ laptops that double-up as tablets. All the laptops in this price
band come with the Windows 10 OS, and will handle every task you throw at it
with ease. Bulkier 15.6-inch machines in this range pack in top-notch Core i7
processors and also come with discrete graphic cards from AMD and Nvidia that
are more than capable of handling games from a few years ago.
Apple MacBook
Air (MQD32HN) ₹57,400
13.3-inch HD display 1.8-2.9GHz Intel Core i5 processor 8GB RAM Intel HD
Graphics 6000 128GB SSD Dual-band Wi-Fi, backlit keyboard MacOS High Sierra
Dell Inspiron
13 5379 2-in-1 (A564503WIN9) ₹64,390 13.3-inch Full HD touchscreen 1.6GHz-3.4GHz Intel Core i5-8250U
processor 8GB RAM Intel UHD Graphics 620 1TB hard drive Dual-band Wi-Fi,
backlit keyboard Win 10
Lenovo Miix
510 (80U100JBIH) ₹49,990
12.2-inch Full HD touchscreen 2.3GHz Intel Core i3-6100U processor 4GB RAM
Intel HD Graphics 520 128GB SSD Win 10
Asus VivoBook
Flip 14 (TP410UA-EC512T) ₹69,990 14-inch Full HD touchscreen 1.6GHz-3.4GHz Intel Core i5-8250U
processor 8GB RAM Intel UHD Graphics 620 1TB hard drive, 256GB SSD Dual-band
Wi-Fi, backlit keyboard Win 10
Acer Swift 3
(SF315-51G) ₹64,999
15.6-inch Full HD display 1.6GHz-3.4GHz Intel Core i5-8250U processor 8GB RAM
Nvidia GeForce MX150 (2GB) 1TB hard drive Win 10
HP Omen
15-ce070tx ₹70,990
15.6-inch Full HD display 2.5GHz-3.5GHz Intel Core i5-7300HQ processor 8GB RAM
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 (2GB) 1TB hard drive Dual-band Wi-Fi, backlit keyboard
Win 10
HIGH-END
(ABOVE ₹75,000)
At the top-end of this range, you
will find laptops with 17.5-inch hi-res displays that cost in the vicinity of ₹3,00,000. Needless to say, these can handle the most demanding of
computing tasks and games. Those looking for workstations for 3D rendering and
movie editing should opt for machines with discreet Quadro graphic cards.
Those in the market for office
productivity machines can expect ultra-portable rugged machines costing as much
as ₹1,50,000 that are loaded with high-capacity SSD storage, fingerprint
security, as well as built-in technologies that protect your hard drives from
sudden shocks caused by vibrations and drops. Even at the lower end of this
price bracket, you are promised features like touchscreens, backlit keyboards
and premium build quality.
Acer Nitro5
AN515 (UN.Q2QSI.001) ₹97,000
15-inch Full HD display 2.8-3.8GHz Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor 16GB RAM
Nvidia GTX 1050Ti (4GB) 1TB hard drive, 128GB SSD Dual-band Wi-Fi, backlit
keyboard Win 10
HP Omen 17t ₹99,005 17.3-inch Full HD display 2.8GHz-3.8GHz Intel Core i7-7700HQ
processor 16GB RAM 1TB hard drive Nvidia GTX 1050Ti (4GB) Dual-band Wi-Fi,
back-lit keyboard DVD-RW Win 10
Microsoft
Surface Pro (1796) ₹1,06,999
12.3-inch Quad HD+ touchscreen 2.6-3.5GHz Intel Core i5-7300U processor 8GB RAM
Intel HD Graphics 620 256GB SSD Dual-band Wi-Fi, detachable keyboard Win 10
Pro
Apple MacBook
Pro ₹1,47,900
13-inch Retina Display 3.1-3.5GHz Intel Core i5 dual-core processor 8GB RAM
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 256GB hard drive Dual-band Wi-Fi, touch bar,
fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard MacOS High Sierra
Lenovo
ThinkPad P50 ₹1,30,000
15.6-inch Full HD display 3.5Ghz Intel i7-6700HQ 8GB RAM Nvidia Quadro M1000M
500GB hard drive Dual-band Wi-Fi, fingerprint reader Win 10 Pro
MSI GE63VR Raider-075 ₹1,90,000 15.6-inch Full HD display 2.8-3.8GHz Intel i7-7700HQ processor
16GB RAM Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB) 1TB hard drive, 128GB SSD Dual-band
Wi-Fi, backlit antighosting keyboard Win 10
Ashutosh Desai and Savio D’Souza
TOI10MAR18
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