Key specifications to look for when selecting a laptop:

1. Size: 

If the laptop is to be carried around a lot then a smaller size is preferred. We find that 13″ screen size is the smallest we would recommend while still being a big enough screen to be functional.

Some users need a larger screen as having the extra space makes it easier to navigate and be productive. In this case we recommend a 15″ screen.

Going with a large size laptop generally means more weight however it is possible to get a larger 15″ screen in a slim lightweight laptop.

A preferred screen size for business use is 14″ as its a happy medium between portability and screen size.

2. Processor (CPU) speed:

Laptops come in a range of processor speeds, generally you get what you pay for here. We like to think of the processor as your laptops brain, your laptop can only think as fast as its processor allows. We recommend steering clear of cheaper entry level processors as usually the laptop wont keep up with basic tasks. It can be hard to tell which processor is better and generally we like to advise on this on a per customer basis. 

3. RAM memory:

Ram memory is a type of storage your laptop uses when you have many things open at once. At a minimum we recommend 8GB of RAM and much prefer 16GB if the laptop is going to be used with a lot of things open at the same time.

4. Storage

Storage has changed a lot in recent years. The big thing to watch out for is the older mechanical Hard disk drives and go for Solid state drives instead. Storage comes in different sizes and speeds. Its best to go for the faster types.  The size(space) needs to be big enough and varies depending on what you intend to save on the laptop. Having the right amount of storage ensures hassle free operation.

5. Graphics

Graphics performance for laptops is limited. There is only so much you can squeeze into a laptop and desktop computers can generally have much better graphics performance. Having said that it is possible to get advanced graphics performance with the addition of a discrete graphics card. Some higher end laptops come with a discrete graphics card and work much better for design files and opening large graphics files such as blueprints and plans.

6. Battery

Battery life is important if you intend to use the laptop away from your desk for long periods. Battery life ranges in hours from 2-3 hours all the way to over 10 hours. Weight is a consideration here as larger batteries generally increase weight.

7. Weight

Easily overlooked, having  a lighter laptop makes a big difference when travelling. The lightest performance laptops weigh just over 1kg. 

8. Cost

With laptops you generally pay more for performance, battery life and lightweight. Once you know the features that are required then we can help you source a good laptop and get bang-for-your-buck.