We know back-to-school shopping can sometimes feel a lot like homework, especially when you’re trying to find the best laptop. Well, have no fear because sales advisor Freddy Herb, from our Raleigh, North Carolina store has some A+ advice on how to find the perfect device. The best part? Freddy is also a student which means he’s studied up on the latest trends features and how they can help you in a real classroom setting.
Know the requirements
Before looking for a new laptop, make sure you know what you’ll be using it for.
“I would definitely look at the school’s website to see what the minimum requirements and recommendations are for your specific degree plan,” Freddy said. “Try and see what programs and software you are going to need for classes and that’ll help you start your search.”
Picking a processor
When it comes to laptops, one of the most important features is the processor. From Intel to AMD and the now the Apple M series, getting the right processor for your studies may feel like a tricky homework assignment, but Freddy can help keep it simple.
“I tell customers that the processor is like the brain of the computer and, the more powerful version of the processor you get, the smarter the computer is going to be,” Freddy said. “A more powerful processor also means it’s going be able to handle more tasks and help you multitask easier.”
And when picking a processor, consider the workload. Laptops designed to have better battery life often incorporate a lower-power processor, which can sacrifice speed. If you need heavy graphics for school, think about getting a laptop with a dedicated graphics card to allow for faster and smoother multitasking from your processor.
Studying screen styles
While standard 1080p screens work great for most students’ workloads, more laptops now come with OLED (Organic light-emitting diodes) screens. These can be a game-changer for some.
“You’re going to be looking at this computer for long periods of time, and OLED display can be easier on the eyes,” Freddy said. “The colors are also better, so if you do everything on your computer like watch TV, movies and play games, then you will want that nice clear screen for all of it.”
Plus, OLED displays can also help with the computer’s battery life, as each pixel turns off and on independently when they’re in use.
Look out for longer battery life
Freddy says one of the biggest trends he’s seeing in the computing space is a longer battery life to keep up with demanding schedules.
As students are using their computers in classes, often there’s not a lot of time to charge up or find an outlet between class sessions.
“I would say battery life of six to 10 hours is a good start for most students,” Freddy said. “Starting there, the laptop should last as you go between classes and travel to do work.”
Stop by your local Best Buy store to get expert advice or head to BestBuy.com for more information.
Check out our Student Hub on BestBuy.com for more back to school tips and deals.