How do you choose a laptop?
The different operating systems
Windows: the most choices and support
Microsoft Windows is the most well-known and popular operating system for computers. Windows laptops come in all sizes, so you can always find a Windows laptop that suits you. It doesn't matter if you watch series on Netflix, make 3D models, edit videos, or play the most demanding games. You can download and use almost every application on Windows 10 or Windows 11. For gamers, Windows is definitely the best choice because gaming laptops always run on this. For business users, there's Windows 10 or 11 Pro.
macOS: works optimally with Apple devices
The operating system of the Apple MacBook is called macOS. The software is made for the hardware it runs on and vice-versa. That's why the hardware and software work together optimally. This is most noticeable if you use many Apple devices. You have lots of choice for applications and can use the Apple MacBook for everything, from browsing the internet to 4K video editing. Are you a hardcore gamer? MacOS isn't the best choice in this case, as games often run on Windows.
ChromeOS: for basic tasks and use on the go
Chromebook models run on ChromeOS, Google's operating system. You can log in with your Google account and work from the Google Chrome browser and Android applications. Choose ChromeOS if you mainly use your laptop for light tasks. A Chromebook is suitable for text editing, email, internet, and watching movies. You can also do that on the go, as most apps also work offline. Want to game or edit videos and photos as well? A Chromebook isn't the right choice for you.
Do you want to browse the internet, send emails, and process texts?
You can type a report or send an email with every laptop. Streaming movies and music isn't a problem either. If you only use your laptop for basic tasks, a smaller budget will do. Choose a Chromebook or a laptop with a more affordable processor like a Celeron or Pentium, for example.
- Every processor
- 4GB RAM or more
- Every inch size
Our advice for browsing the internet, sending emails, and text processing
- You can write texts, browse the internet, and watch your favorite movies with this laptop.
- The 15-inch screen is large enough to see details, but not too large to take it with you on the go.
- You won't be bothered as much by light glares and greasy fingerprints thanks to the anti-glare screen.
- If you want more than only sending emails and text processing, you need a more powerful processor.
Want a laptop for your studies?
If you take your laptop to your lectures every day, it shouldn't be too heavy and should fit in your bag easily. Want a fast laptop you can easily open multiple windows in your browser on at the same time? Choose a laptop with an i5 processor and at least 8GB RAM.
- Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor and at least 8GB RAM
- Up to 15 inches (38cm screen size) and 2kg. Note: these laptops often don't have a numeric keypad.
- Make sure to check whether your laptop should meet extra requirements for your studies.
Our advice for your studies
- This laptop is powerful enough for photo editing and light multitasking.
- You can easily take this laptop with you to school thanks to the relatively compact size and its low weight.
- You won't be as bothered by reflections, light, and greasy fingerprints thanks to the anti-glare screen.
- This laptop isn't powerful enough for video editing.
Do you want to edit photos?
If you want to get started with serious photo editing or graphic design, choose a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB RAM. Do you want to multitask with multiple programs while editing photos? Choose at least 16GB RAM. A Full HD screen ensures that your work is displayed very sharply on your screen.
- At least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor
- At least 8GB RAM
- At least a 15-inch (38cm screen size) Full HD screen
Our advice on photo editing
- This laptop is powerful enough for photo editing and multitasking.
- Thanks to the Intel Graphics shared video card, your photos render smoothly.
- Use the backlit keyboard if you edit photos in the early morning or in the evening.
- This laptop isn't powerful enough for video editing.
Do you want to edit videos?
You need a powerful processor for video editing. Choose an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor with at least 8GB RAM. If you want to run multiple programs smoothly at the same time, you need 16GB RAM. With a dedicated video card, you don't have to wait as long for videos to render, but it isn't necessary.
- At least an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor
- At least 8GB RAM
- At least a 15-inch (38cm screen size) Full HD screen
Our advice for video editing
- This laptop is powerful enough for video editing and multitasking with demanding programs.
- Thanks to the anti-glare screen, you're less bothered by light glare and fingerprints.
- You can easily find the right keys in the dark thanks to the backlit keyboard.
- To design 3D projects you need an Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 processor and an RTX, Quadro, or RX video card.
Do you want to play games or work in 3D software?
When we're talking about gaming, we're talking about games like Elden Ring, Call of Duty, and League of Legends, not Solitaire. Your laptop is suitable for gaming if it has at least an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM. Want to play light games? A GeForce GTX video card is sufficient. Want to play medium demanding or demanding games? We recommend an RTX video card. You also need an RTX video card for editing 3D designs, in addition to an Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 processor.
- At least an i5 or Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB RAM for gaming
- At least a GTX 1650 video card for light games
- At least an RTX 3050 video card for medium demanding or demanding games
- At least an RTX 3050 video card and i9 or Ryzen 9 processor for 3D editing
Our advice for gaming and 3D editing
- You can play medium demanding games at 60 fps and stream your gameplay in Full HD with the RTX video card and powerful processor.
- Thanks to the high refresh rate, you can see fast-moving images smoothly on the screen.
- Choose your favorite color for the RGB backlit keyboard, so you can continue to game in style when it's dark.
- For playing demanding games, we recommend a more powerful video card.
Do you want to use your laptop for business?
A business laptop offers a number of advantages for you or your company, compared to a 'regular' laptop. The warranty is often expandable, and the laptops have a sturdy casing. Laptops with Windows Pro have a number of useful features, like extra file security and remote access to another computer. If you use the laptop on the go, a 13 or 14-inch laptop is suitable. If you don't, go for 15 inches or larger.
- Windows 10 Pro
- An aluminum casing (possibly military-tested)
- MacBooks are also suitable.
Our advice for business use
- Thanks to Windows Pro, your files are better secured and you can log in to company servers remotely.
- You can easily edit photos and videos and multitask with demanding programs without the laptop slowing down.
- Log in secure and fast with the fingerprint sensor.
- This laptop is unsuitable for editing 3D designs.
Personal advice in the stores
Do you want to hold or test your potential new laptop first? Or would you like personal advice from an expert on which laptop best suits your needs? Make an appointment to visit our store. We'll take our time to help you out. And if you've made up your mind, we'll set up your new laptop for you right away.
