Start with your day, not the spec sheet.
Write down the things you use a computer for in a normal week. Documents, video calls and study create a different set of priorities from editing photographs or working with large creative files. This short list is more useful than choosing by a headline specification alone.
Choose a size you can live with.
If your laptop travels with you, look at its weight alongside the screen size. If you mainly work at a desk, a larger display or an external monitor may be more useful. Consider where you will use it most often, including the space you have at home.
Check your software first.
Make sure the software you rely on is supported by the computer and operating system you are considering. For specialist applications, check the developer’s current system requirements before choosing a configuration.
Leave room for everything around it.
Think about storage for your files, the ports you need and any accessories that complete your setup. List the model numbers of your existing display and peripherals so compatibility can be checked.
Make a short, useful shortlist.
Pick the two or three things that matter most: portability, screen space, your essential apps or room for your files. Share these priorities and your budget when you enquire, so the conversation starts with your needs.
Start with your day.
The right details follow.
Make a note of your priorities, your existing devices and your budget. Bring that list to your next conversation.
Talk it through with us