![\"windows](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/windows_3-1024x599.jpg\")
<\/span>The majority of laptops you can buy these days run on Windows. Since they are so popular, Windows laptops generally support more apps and features, making them a great choice for gamers, businesses, and almost anyone in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are dozens of companies that manufacture Windows laptops. While they range in price, Windows laptops generally offer the best hardware for your money, and they are generally cheap to repair and easy to upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it\u2019s important to note that Microsoft is going to end support for Windows 10 by 2025. So, if you are going to buy a new laptop this year, it is a good idea to find one that comes with Windows 11 or is at least compatible with the new OS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also important to check if the laptop you\u2019re buying has Windows in \u201cS mode.\u201d This will prevent you from downloading apps unless they are from the Microsoft Store. However, this OS version does offer security benefits, and you can always switch out of S mode later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read More: <\/em><\/strong>What is Windows \u201cS mode,\u201d and how do you turn it off?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n All MacBooks run on macOS, which was designed by Apple to be cleaner and easier to use than Windows. So, MacBooks are usually better for non-tech-savvy users, but they also have lots of programs for designers, video editors, and other creative professionals as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since MacBooks are not as popular as Windows laptops, there aren\u2019t nearly as many viruses created for macOS. Plus, Apple has total control over the hardware and software of MacBooks, so it can provide better customer service than Microsoft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, MacBooks are usually more expensive than Windows computers, even when they have similar specs. Part of the price difference is because MacBooks are usually made from recycled aluminum, which makes them more sturdy, stylish, and sleek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike traditional operating systems, Chrome OS was originally designed around web-based applications. But now you can also download and use some apps like Microsoft Word, Netflix, and even Android apps when you\u2019re offline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, Chromebooks can be slow and also have very limited internal storage, so you\u2019ll have to save most of your files to the cloud or Google Drive. That means these laptops are best for young students and employees who just need something cheap and portable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you would rather keep your old laptop but it\u2019s not working properly, HelloTech can help. We have thousands of technicians across the country who can come to your home and help you troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair almost any issues with your laptop<\/a> in person. <\/p>\n\n\n The CPU (central processing unit) is like the brain of a laptop. This tiny chip has a hand in processing all kinds of different information from your applications, operating system, and more. This makes it one of the most important things to look for when buying a laptop.<\/p>\n\n\n These days, there are two main CPU manufacturers for Windows laptops: Intel and AMD. While Intel has usually released the fastest CPUs on the market, AMD has been catching up. Now, Intel\u2019s line of Core CPUs is fairly comparable to AMD\u2019s line of Ryzen CPUs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Intel\u2019s latest line of CPUs is called the \u201cCore\u201d family. You can tell how powerful an Intel Core processor is just by looking at its name. Intel uses the \u201cbrand modifier\u201d to signify how powerful a CPU is, starting with the basic Core i3 and ending with the pro-grade Core i9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then you should also look at the \u201cgeneration indicator,\u201d which comes right after the brand modifier in the CPU\u2019s name. The higher this number is, the newer the CPU will be. So, an Intel Core i7 12<\/span><\/strong>700H will be a 12th<\/sup>-gen, while a Core i7-11<\/span><\/strong>95G7 would be an older 11th<\/sup>-gen CPU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, you should look at the \u201cproduct line suffix\u201d at the end of the CPU name. When it comes to laptops, the important ones to pay attention to are \u201cH,\u201d \u201cK,\u201d or \u201cX,\u201d which are all high-performance processors, and \u201cU\u201d or \u201cY,\u201d which are more energy efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the cheapest Windows laptops these days use Intel \u201cCeleron\u201d or \u201cPentium\u201d processors. However, these CPUs are much slower than Core i3 or i5 processors, and it\u2019s usually worth the extra money to upgrade to a Core model if you can afford it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More: <\/em><\/strong>How to check your computer\u2019s specs on a Windows 10 PC<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n AMD\u2019s most popular line of CPUs is called Ryzen, and they are fairly comparable to Intel\u2019s line of Core CPUs. You can tell how powerful a Ryzen CPU is by looking at its name. For example, a Ryzen 5 is similar to an Intel Core i5, and a Ryzen 7 is similar to a Core i7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then you should look at the generation indicator in the CPU name. Like Intel CPUs, the newest Ryzen processors are generally faster. AMD recently released its 7th<\/sup>-generation processors, but many laptops you can find will still have a 5th<\/sup>– or 6th<\/sup>-generation CPU right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, you should look at the \u201cpower suffix\u201d at the end of the Ryzen CPU name. Just like Intel CPUs, if the CPU name ends in an \u201cH\u201d or \u201cX,\u201d that means it\u2019s a high-performance processor, while a \u201cU\u201d or \u201cM\u201d means it\u2019s more energy efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you find a laptop with AMD\u2019s A-series or Athlon CPUs, you might want to look for a newer model to buy. Since Ryzen CPUs greatly overpower the older processors, you can get a much better laptop for the money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Until recently, all MacBooks were built with CPUs from Intel. Now that Apple has started creating its own processors, all Mac computers and laptops will come with Apple Silicon chips (also known as the M1 and M2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple Silicon is different than other processors because it is a \u201csystem on a chip,\u201d which means it contains the CPU, GPU, and RAM all in one. According to Apple<\/a>, the original M1 is 3.5 times faster than Intel CPUs, while only using 25% of the power at the same peak performance levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More: <\/em><\/strong>How to check your computer\u2019s specs on a Mac computer<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n The latest chips from Apple are the M2 Pro and M2 Max, which you can find in the new MacBook Pro models. According to Apple<\/a>, these CPUs are \u201cthe world\u2019s most powerful and power-efficient\u201d chips in any pro laptops available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve recently switched to Mac or Windows, HelloTech has experts who can come to your home and teach you how to use a new operating system<\/a>. We offer one-hour sessions where we will go over the basics of the operating system, how to use your web browser, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n One of the most important things to look for when buying a laptop is how many cores the CPU has. Cores are like processors inside your CPU that can act alone or work together to complete tasks. In general, the more cores a CPU has, the faster it will be, especially when multitasking.<\/p>\n\n\n Dual-core CPUs are only sufficient for basic tasks, like checking your email, browsing the web, and writing Word documents. If you like to have multiple browser tabs and applications open at once, you might overload this CPU. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Quad-core CPUs are good enough for the majority of users, including gamers. They also allow you to multitask without slowing your laptop down, and you can play many video games at good resolutions and frame rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hexa-core processors are designed for more demanding users who need to run intensive programs, like game streamers and graphic designers. They allow you to play games while streaming at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Octa-core CPUs are designed for professional gamers, editors, and engineers. These mobile workstations are powerful enough to edit 4K videos or play games while streaming and recording all at the same time. However, they also have a significantly shorter battery life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel like your computer is slow, you might not need to buy a new laptop. HelloTech can increase the speed and performance of your computer or laptop and even clean your hardware. With our computer tune-up services<\/a>, we\u2019ll make your old laptop run like new.<\/p>\n\n\n A graphics processing unit (GPU) is similar to a CPU, but it mostly processes images, videos, and games. Many laptops these days have \u201cintegrated\u201d GPUs, which means they are built into the processor. However, gamers and content creators might want to look for laptops with a \u201cdiscrete\u201d GPU instead.<\/p>\n\n\n The two main discrete GPU manufacturers are Nvidia and AMD. Nvidia has generally been the faster option, especially for gaming. On the other hand, While AMD\u2019s Radeon GPUs have usually been the cheaper option, they now offer comparable performance these days.<\/p>\n\n\n The cheapest GPUs only allow you to play a few games at low resolutions and frame rates. These include Nvidia graphics cards that end in \u201cMX\u201d and AMD R-series GPUs, like the Radeon R9 and Radeon R7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a mid-range GPU, you can play more games at medium settings and in high-definition resolutions. These include models from the Nvidia RTX 20 and GTX 10 series (like the RTX 2080 or the GTX 1080), as well as the Radeon line of Vega GPUs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple\u2019s M1 and M2 chips have low-to-mid range GPUs. According to benchmarks<\/a>, the integrated graphics simply cannot handle modern games like Nvidia or Radeon GPUs. However, these chips are good for other graphics-heavy tasks, like video editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fastest laptop GPUs will let you play the latest games at the highest settings, even with ray tracing. These include the newest Nvidia RTX 30 and 40 series, as well as AMD\u2019s Radeon RX 6000 and 7000 GPUs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, the fastest Nvidia GPU for laptops is the RTX 4090, while the fastest AMD GPUs are the Radeon RX 7900M and the Radeon RX 6850M XT.<\/p>\n\n\n When it comes to MacBooks, the 32-core M2 Max can compete with high-end GPUs in some benchmarks. However, even the best MacBooks are still not considered good for gamers since most games are specifically designed to be run on Windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to note that not all GPUs from the same line will have the same or even similar specs. In order to find out how fast a specific graphics card is and how it ranks compared to other GPUs, you can search for it by model number on notebookcheck.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Random Access Memory (RAM) is like a laptop\u2019s short-term memory. It\u2019s where your laptop stores temporary data for the programs you are running. We recommend at least 8 GB of RAM for basic tasks, 16 GB of RAM for regular users, and 32 GB of RAM for power users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More: <\/em><\/strong>How much RAM does your Windows or Mac computer have?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n These days, 2 GB of RAM barely meets the minimum requirement<\/a> to run Windows 10 at 64 bits. However, you won\u2019t be able to upgrade to Windows 11 or run the latest macOS software with less than 4GB of RAM. So, you shouldn\u2019t buy a new laptop unless it has more memory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With 4 GB of RAM, you\u2019ll just have enough to meet the minimum requirement<\/a> to run Windows 11 and the latest macOS software. However, all your programs will run very slow, and you won\u2019t be able to multitask or play almost any videos games on your laptop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With 8 GB of RAM, you\u2019ll have enough memory to multitask, use basic editing programs, and play a few games at decent resolution and frame rate. However, 8 GB of RAM only meets the minimum requirements<\/a> for certain programs, like Adobe Photoshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have 16 GB of RAM, you\u2019ll be able to run most programs without slowing your laptop down. This amount of memory is good enough for gamers, video editors, and other intermediate users. However, it might not be enough for power users or many professional applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While 32 GB of RAM used to seem like a lot, it might be necessary for power users. If you plan to run multiple high-intensive programs at once, edit high-resolution video, or play AAA games, you might need 32 GB of RAM to keep your laptop running smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you\u2019re going to use your laptop for professional reasons, 64 GB of RAM might be overkill. However, it might be a good option if you want to play AAA video games at the highest refresh rate, edit 4K or 8K videos, run multiple virtual machines, model 3D environments, or dual-boot your laptop.<\/p>\n\n\n In the end, there\u2019s really no downside to having more RAM. Since new programs and updates will require more RAM every year, you might want to look for a laptop that has more RAM than you currently need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also switch out the RAM from many laptops to expand your memory capacity. If you do so, you should only get two sticks of RAM with the same specs. For example, if you want 32GB of RAM, you should buy two 16GB sticks with the exact same name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re looking to buy a laptop, you might notice that there are different kinds of RAM. The main difference between DDR3 and DDR4 is that the newer DDR4 sticks are faster, more energy-efficient, and have a higher data capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also some laptops with DDR5 RAM, which is the newest technology in memory. You might consider getting DDR5 RAM if you\u2019re buying a high-end laptop that you want to last for several years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most users these days can get by with at least 256 GB of storage space on their laptops. If you have a lot of large files and apps, like games, photos, and videos, you will probably need at least 512 GB to 1 TB (terabyte) of storage space.<\/p>\n\n\n If you are looking to back up important files and photos from your computer, HelloTech is here to help. Our experts can help you back up your data<\/a> to a CD, DVD, external hard drive, or even to the cloud. We will also answer any of your questions, so you can perform your own backups after we leave. <\/p>\n\n\n A hard drive is like your laptop\u2019s long-term memory. It\u2019s where you store all your files, folders, applications, and more. There are three types of hard drives that you can choose from: a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SDD), and an NVMe (non-volatile memory express) drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A hard disk drive (HDD) stores data on magnetic spinning disks, with a physical arm sitting over these plates to read and write data on them. The performance of an HDD depends on how fast it is, with most desktop HDDs spinning at around 5,400 RPM (revolutions per minute).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since these hard drives have small moving parts, they are slower and more likely to break or fail than SSDs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More: <\/em><\/strong>What\u2019s the difference between SSD and HDD?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike traditional hard drives, a solid-state drive (SDD) doesn\u2019t have any moving parts. Instead, this type of hard drive uses flash memory, which allows them to load applications and transfer files much faster. With two SSDs in your laptop, you can move files between them at lightning-fast speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\nmacOS<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"macos\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/macos-1024x600.jpg\")
<\/span>Chrome OS<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"chromebook\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/chromebook.jpg\")
<\/span>![\"Computer](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Computer-Computer-Virus-Computer-Virus-SQUARE.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nLaptop Buying Guide: CPU<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Choose](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Choose-a-CPU.jpg\")
<\/span>AMD vs Intel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Laptop Buying Guide: How to Choose an Intel CPU<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"what](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/how-to-choose-an-intel-cpu.jpg\")
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Intel Celeron & Pentium CPUs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Laptop Buying Guide: How to Choose an AMD CPU<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"what](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/007-1024x578.jpg\")
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AMD A-Series & Athlon CPUs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Apple M1 & M2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/apple-m1.jpg\")
<\/span>\n
![\"Computer](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Computer-Computer-Repair-Need-Professional-Help-with-Your-Computer-SQUARE.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nLaptop Buying Guide: How Many CPU Cores Do You Need?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/laptop-buying-guide-how-many-cores-do-your-need-cpu-1024x400.jpg\")
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![\"Computer](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Computer-Computer-tune-up-Slow-Computer-SQUARE.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nLaptop Buying Guide: GPU<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"amd](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/amd-gpu-what-to-look-for-in-a-laptop-buying-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/span>Nvidia vs Radeon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Nvidia](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Nvidia-vs-Radeon-laptop-buying-guide-1024x589.jpg\")
<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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![\"what](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/laptop-gpus-buying-guide-1024x426.jpg\")
<\/span>Laptop Buying Guide: RAM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Choose](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Choose-How-Much-RAM-You-Need-1024x576.jpg\")
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![\"what](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/how-much-ram-do-you-need-when-buying-a-new-laptop-1024x688.jpg\")
<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDDR3 vs DDR4 vs DDR5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Laptop Buying Guide: Hard Drives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-Hard-disk-drive-hdd-solid-sta-351817187-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nLaptop Buying Guide: What To Look For in a Laptop Hard Drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Is an HDD?<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"860QVO](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/860QVO-SSD_main_1.jpg\")
<\/span>What Is an SDD?<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"img](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/img-1.jpg\")
<\/span>What Is an NVMe?<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"nvme\"](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/nvme.jpg\")
<\/span>![\"Choose](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Choose-Your-Screen-Type-laptop-buying-guide.jpg\")
<\/span>![\"what](\"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/screen-resolution.jpg\")
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