FR - How to find the best laptop model: budget and use?

Guide to finding the best laptop model

Finding the right laptop can quickly become a headache given the multitude of models available. Between budget, intended use, performance, and battery life, it's easy to get lost. We recommend first identifying your budget and needs to avoid unpleasant surprises. In this article, we'll guide you so you can ask the right questions and make the right choice. 

Define your budget for your future laptop

Budget is often the deciding factor when it comes to buying a laptop or any computer equipment. Indeed, it's an investment that requires some prior thought. Before diving into technical comparisons, start by determining and setting a maximum budget. This will help you quickly identify laptop ranges that fit your financial means.

Choosing a laptop according to your usage

Your future laptop should first and foremost fit your daily routine. Ask yourself the following question: “What will I use my new laptop for? What will my main activity be?” You probably fall into one of the following categories:

  • You are student and primarily need office tools and web browsing. An Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD are more than sufficient. Professional series laptops like ThinkPad, Latitude, ProBook, or EliteBook are what you need for everyday durability and reliability.

  • You are multimedia enthusiast If you want to watch and store videos and/or applications, choose a model with 16GB of RAM and at least 512GB of SSD storage. 

  • You are a gamer or a content creatorYou'll need a machine with a powerful configuration: an i7 or Ryzen 7 processor, a dedicated graphics card (Nvidia Quadro or AMD FirePro), and 16 GB of RAM or more. Dell Precision, HP ZBook, and Lenovo ThinkPad P series meet these requirements.

  • You are looking for a laptop for your professional activityThis may require travel to your clients' sites, but also good battery life. These are also factors to consider when choosing your PC, especially when paying particular attention to the... ensure the durability of your device by choosing a Pro range that you will find with us.

  • Finally, whether you're a mother, grandparent, or something else, you might simply be looking for a Laptop for surfing, chatting and staying up-to-dateIn this case, there is no need for an ultra-powerful processor, but rather for a PC that offers ease of use.

That's why it's important to take a stand and define clearly his needs.

Evaluating the key components of a good laptop

Once your budget is set and your needs are clearly defined, you can begin evaluating laptop components. Technical terms, or unfamiliar components and features, might discourage you during this analysis phase. This is understandable, but rest assured that experts are always available to help. This underscores the importance of visiting a physical store when purchasing a computer.

Here are some examples of components to consider when evaluating PC offers: the processor, RAM, storage, graphics card, battery life, connectivity, and portability.

Some examples:

Processor (CPU)

  • i3 / Ryzen 3 : for light use

  • i5 / Ryzen 5 : for everyday use

  • i7 / Ryzen 7 : for games or video editing

  • i9 / Ryzen 9 : for intensive professional use

RAM (random access memory)

  • 8 Go : standard

  • 16 GB multitasking or gaming

  • 32 GB or more : for creators (video, 3D)

Storage

  • SSD (fast and reliable) 256 GB recommended for typical use

  • Even if you opt for higher storage capacity, a backup solution is essential to secure your data (cloud or external storage).

Graphics card

  • Integrated office software, streaming

  • Dedicated (Nvidia / AMD) games, creation, design

Autonomy and portability

  • Choose 6h minimum if you travel frequently

  • A screen of 13 to 14 inches is perfect for transport

  • 15.6 inches or more : more comfortable for sedentary work

Compare laptop models and test them in store

Now that you know your budget, your needs, and the most important components to consider, head to a store, compare, test, and ask for advice! Not all laptops are created equal. Compare the technical specifications, but also the ease of use. Keyboard comfort, screen quality, build quality: these are all criteria that can only be assessed in real-world conditions.

Our experts with over 10 years of experience will be able to advise you in the best way possible thanks to the experience of advising thousands of customers in store.

Find the right match

By asking yourself the right questions about your budget and usage needs, and by getting a brief overview of the different components of a PC, you're finally ready to find the PC that meets your expectations. Go to a store, compare, analyze, and ask for advice: you'll be more than satisfied with the result, and above all, you'll have a laptop. within your budget and which fully meets your needs.

Think about Refurbished PCs

Whether you have a small budget or specific performance needs, a refurbished PC could be THE solution. 

A good PC is one that suits YOUR needs.
A bad choice is a budget poorly invested.