Guide to choose the right laptop

Finding the right laptop can quickly become a headache given the multitude of models available. Between budget, usage, performance, and battery life, it’s easy to get lost. We recommend first identifying your budget and needs t

Define your budget for your future laptop

Budget is often the main deciding factor when buying a laptop or any IT equipment. It’s an investment that requires some thought beforehand. Before diving into technical comparisons, determine and set a maximum budget. This will help you quickly target the laptop ranges that fit your financial means.

Choose a laptop based on your usage

Your future laptop should first and foremost adapt to your daily life. Ask yourself: “What will I mainly use my new laptop for?” You probably fall into one of the following categories:

• Student: Mainly need office tools and web browsing. An Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 processor, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD are sufficient. Professional ranges like ThinkPad, Latitude, ProBook, or EliteBook offer durability and reliability for everyday use.
  

• Multimedia Enthusiast: Want to watch and store videos and/or apps. Opt for 16 GB RAM and at least 512 GB SSD storage.
  

• Gamer or Content Creator: Need a powerful machine: i7 or Ryzen 7 processor, dedicated graphics card (Nvidia Quadro or AMD FirePro), 16 GB RAM or more. Dell Precision, HP ZBook, Lenovo ThinkPad P-series meet these needs.
  

• Professional Use: For work on the go, with good battery life. Consider durability and professional ranges for reliability.
  

• Casual Use: For web surfing, chatting, and staying up to date. No need for a high-performance processor; ease of use is more important.
  

It’s important to clearly define your needs.

Evaluate key components of a good laptop

Once your budget is set and needs are defined, evaluate the laptop components. Some technical terms or unfamiliar features may be confusing. That’s why consulting experts in-store can be very helpful.

Key components to evaluate include: processor, RAM, storage, graphics card, battery life, connectivity, and portability.

Examples:

Processor (CPU)

• i3 / Ryzen 3: light usage
  

• i5 / Ryzen 5: everyday use
  

• i7 / Ryzen 7: gaming or video editing
  

• i9 / Ryzen 9: intensive professional use
  

RAM

• 8 GB: standard
  

• 16 GB: multitasking or gaming
  

• 32 GB or more: content creation (video, 3D)
  

Storage

• SSD: 256 GB recommended for standard use
  

• Higher storage is optional, but backup solutions are essential (cloud or external storage)
  

Graphics Card

• Integrated: office, streaming
  

• Dedicated (Nvidia / AMD): gaming, design, creation
  

Battery Life and Portability

• Minimum 6 hours if often on the move
  

• 13–14 inches: ideal for portability
  

• 15.6 inches or more: comfortable for desk work
  

Compare laptop models and test them in-store

Now that you know your budget, needs, and key components, visit a store: compare, test, and ask for advice. Not all laptops are equal. Compare specifications but also usability: keyboard comfort, screen quality, build quality—all of these matter in real conditions.

Our experts with over 10 years of experience can guide you, having advised thousands of customers in-store.

Find the right match

By asking the right questions about budget, usage, and key components, you’re ready to find the laptop that meets your expectations. Go to the store, compare, analyze, and ask for advice—you’ll be satisfied with the result and get a laptop that fits your budget and needs.

Consider refurbished laptops

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

• A good PC matches YOUR usage.
  

A bad choice is money poorly spent.