According to the latest stats, mobile computers, also known as laptops account for almost 54% of computer sales worldwide.
While some users still prefer a desktop computer, most people enjoy the portability and variety available on these compact machines. Manufacturers design laptops to suit every kind of user these days.
Yet, with so many choices available, you might wonder how to buy a laptop that suits your needs and budget.
Check out these different types of laptops to help you figure it all out.
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Types of Laptops Based on Size
The best part of owning a laptop is the ability to take it with you wherever you go. You can keep up with your workload while on a business trip, stream movies in any room of the house, and answer important emails on the fly.
Modern mobile phones and tablets do offer some of these functions, but they can’t match the speed, software, and user-friendly benefits that laptops do.
Today’s laptop options include several sizes and weights to suit your needs. These are the most common ones:
Hybrid Laptops
Hybrid laptops offer the convenience of a tablet coupled with the superior processing capabilities of a laptop. They’re also known as convertibles or two-in-ones.
These laptops offer touch screens, as well as the benefits of having a keyboard along with a PC operating system. In many models, you can detach the keyboard or fold it out of the way, to create a more compact machine.
Most hybrid laptops are between 13 and 15 inches wide.
Ultraportable
Ultraportable laptops, or ultrabooks, are light, thin, productive laptops with long battery life and excellent security features. They have small screens and weigh very little.
Top models have fast boot-up, in-built chipsets, exceptionally thin bezels, Wi-Fi-6, and Thunderbolt ports. Most have double casings, which make them more durable for travel.
Most ultraportable laptops weigh under 5 lbs, and are 9-13″ x 8-9″ x .2-1.3″.
Desktop Replacements
Desktop replacement laptops are the largest kind of laptops. They can weigh as much as ten pounds and have most of the power and speed of a desktop PC.
They’re also heavier and thicker than other laptops and not ideal for traveling around.
Desktop laptops have large screens, and their dimensions are usually 15″ x 11″ x 1-2″. The largest ones, called luggables, measure at 18″ x >13″ x 1″.
Notebooks
Technically, notebooks refer to laptops with a screen size of 15.6″ that weigh between four and nine pounds. They offer a huge range of options regarding price, capabilities, RAM, processor speeds, and capacity.
Nowadays, people use the terms ‘laptop’ and ‘notebook’ interchangeably.
Laptop Types According to Operating Systems
Most of the above laptops come with Windows operating systems, which feature in eight out of ten laptops made today. There are currently, 1.3 billion Windows devices worldwide running the Windows 10 version of this OS.
Windows 11 came out in 2021, so most new laptops produced today will feature this more advanced version of Windows.
You do have other options when it comes to buying a laptop based on its OS:
Linux Operating Systems
Chromebooks run on Linux-based Chrome operating systems developed by Google. They use cloud technology for storing data, which means the laptop needs almost no storage capacity to run efficiently.
In keeping with this, they have smaller screens, and low-cost hardware installed.
This means Linux laptops are usually lighter and more affordable than notebooks, but you’ll always need an internet signal to run these laptops.
They work very well for video streaming, data processing, browsing the internet, and web applications, and it’s easy to download the apps you require from the Chrome Web Store.
It’s a lightweight graphical operating system that’s easy to configure, fast, and efficient.
Mac Operating Systems
All Apple computers, phones, and iPads run off macOS. They’re durable, reliable, high-performance laptops with excellent security and abundant storage capacities. Due to this, they often cost a lot more than comparable Windows technology.
You can choose from a good variety of machines with this operating system like the MacBook Pro for gaming and the MacBook Air for everyday use.
The latest models have Apple M1 chips, which create more storage and make the laptops even faster.
Types of Laptop Processors (CPUs)
Major laptop brands offer a choice between AMD Ryzen or Intel-powered laptops.
Intel has dominated the CPU market for decades, consistently refining and upgrading its offering to keep up with users’ needs. Take a look at this site for more about advancements related to this type of processor.
AMD has made enormous strides to catch up with Intel in recent years, so it’s almost impossible to compare the two performance-wise nowadays.
The only way to ensure you’re getting the most capable and fastest processor is by choosing a laptop with the latest generation of either one.
The Best Types of Laptops for Different Users
Laptops can perform most of the functions you enjoy with a desktop PC. They can run basic programs as well as advanced ones depending on the model you choose.
You can use your laptop for word processing, banking, creative pursuits, marketing your business, and entertainment. They can carry out these tasks wherever you take them.
Before you go shopping for a laptop online or in-store, it’s best to consider your exact needs and expectations when it comes to laptops. This can help you narrow down your choices and prevent you from buying the wrong one.
Laptops for Everyday Use
Most people never need more than these laptops have to offer. They don’t have any specialized hardware and feature long battery life for convenience.
They’re perfect for email, creating spreadsheets, video streaming, and browsing the internet. You can’t run storage-hungry programs like games or complex graphics programs on these laptops.
Most of these notebooks are affordable, with prices ranging from $400 to $1,300. The cheaper ones offer less functionality and storage, smaller screens, and a plastic cover.
More expensive versions may feature longer battery life, aluminum cases, and better, larger screens.
You’ll find hybrid laptops as well as standard notebooks in this category.
The Best Laptops for Students
For students, portability, efficiency, and affordability are a top priority. Most students only need to fulfill basic operations like internet browsing, spreadsheets, video streaming, and word processing on their laptops.
You can opt for an everyday laptop while searching for a student laptop, but most students prefer an affordable Chromebook or lightweight ultraportable laptop.
If you’re studying advanced graphic design, architecture, or other subjects that require large programs, a gaming laptop might work best for you.
Laptops for Gamers
Many gamers opt for desktop gaming PCs despite their exorbitant price tags, but there are many models of laptops designed for these pursuits.
Gamers demand fast, powerful laptops with excellent graphics and top-notch CPUs, and the best gaming laptops offer all this and more. Some features of gaming laptops include:
- Haswell processors
- Additional hard drives
- Abundant RAM
- Full HD screens
- High refresh-rate displays
- RGB lighting
- Ergonomic keyboards
- Plenty of Ports
- Super-fast internet connectivity
Gaming laptops feature some of the most advanced laptop technology, but they’re among the most expensive laptops available, too. They’re also the bulkiest, heaviest types of laptops thanks to advanced cooling systems that prevent overheating while running large programs.
Business Laptops
Laptops designed for business also feature fast, advanced, powerful technology. They can process huge amounts of data, complex schematics, and complicated presentations with ease.
Most business laptops have:
- Full HD
- Excellent video playback
- Abundant storage
- Super-fast solid-state drives
- Durable liquid-resistant aluminum casings
- Sophisticated security features
They’re durable and lightweight enough for business travel and may also offer extras like cell-phone connectivity and precise color accuracy.
Laptops for Creators
In the age of freelancing, many manufacturers have opted to craft cost-effective laptops that cater to these workers. They feature advanced sound systems with Dolby audio certification, HDR displays, and multiple ports.
More expensive models can handle large image-management and graphics design programs.
Other Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Laptop
Your budget will dictate what types of laptops you can afford to buy, but you should always compare laptop specs vs price when making your decision.
Some brands, like Lenovo, offer high-quality, high-performance laptops for much cheaper than comparable models from other manufacturers.
It’s easy to let temptation take over when viewing the shiniest, latest model laptops with all their extra features. Yet, you must remember that technology gets faster and more affordable all the time
Don’t overspend on a laptop with nice-to-have features that might cost a lot less when you buy your next laptop a few years from now.
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