Buying a New Laptop? What the Specs Actually Mean
A jargon-free guide to processors, RAM, storage, screens and battery life, so you can choose the right laptop for how you'll actually use it.
Laptop listings are full of numbers and abbreviations. Most people don't need the most powerful machine. They need the right one for how they'll use it. Here's what matters.
Start with what you'll use it for
| If you mainly… | You need |
|---|---|
| Browse, email, video calls, streaming, documents | An everyday laptop. Mid-range specs are plenty. |
| Work or study with lots of tabs and apps open at once | More memory (RAM) and a decent processor |
| Edit photos or video, or play games | A powerful processor, plenty of RAM and possibly a dedicated graphics card |
The specs explained
Processor (CPU)
The "brain" of the laptop. Names include Intel Core, Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen, Snapdragon and Apple's M-series chips. Within each family, a higher number generally means more powerful (for example Core i7 over Core i3). Newer generations matter too, so a recent mid-range chip can beat an old high-end one.
Memory (RAM)
RAM lets you run several things at once. For everyday use in Windows, 16 GB is a comfortable amount today. 8 GB works for light use but can feel slow with many browser tabs open. Some laptops can't be upgraded later, so it's worth getting enough now.
Storage
Choose an SSD (solid-state drive), not an old-style hard drive. SSDs make everything start and load much faster. 256 GB is a minimum; 512 GB is more comfortable if you keep photos and videos on the laptop. You can always add cloud storage (see our cloud guide).
Screen
13–14 inches is easy to carry; 15–16 inches is better for working at home. Look for at least Full HD (1920 × 1080) resolution. A brighter screen (look for a higher "nits" figure) is easier to use near windows.
Battery life
Manufacturers' figures are measured in ideal conditions. Expect real-world battery life to be noticeably shorter. Independent reviews give a more realistic picture.
Ports
Check you have the connections you need: USB-C (ideally with charging), USB-A for older devices, HDMI for a TV or monitor, and a headphone jack.
Windows, Mac or Chromebook?
- Windows: the widest choice at every price, and works with almost all software.
- Mac: excellent build quality and battery life, and works smoothly with an iPhone. Usually costs more upfront.
- Chromebook: simple, secure and often cheap. Best if you mainly use the web and Google apps. Check the "auto update expiration" date before buying, because that's when it stops getting updates.
Before you get rid of your old laptop, back up your files and reset it to factory settings so your data doesn't go with it.