Are you considering replacing your old laptop or switching to a laptop from a desktop? Avoid these 10 common laptop purchasing mistakes.
More adults in the US prefer to use mobile devices over computers and laptops. However, if you need a machine more powerful than a smartphone, the laptop is the best mobile option.
Yet, not all laptops in the market are good choices, especially if you have specific needs. Before you go laptop shopping, read the ten laptop purchasing mistakes below. It’s the best way to ensure you get a laptop that suits your needs and budget.
1. You Pay Too Much Attention to the Price
Some people believe they should spend more on a laptop to get the most out of it. They think that overpaying can get them a more durable, faster, or superior machine. Yet, the “you get what you pay for” mentality isn’t always applicable when buying a laptop.
Overpaying for a laptop does more harm than good if you won’t use all its features.
For example, you’re not a gamer, but you want a gaming laptop because you believe it covers all the bases. Unless you’ll use the gaming laptop for video games or demanding apps, you won’t need all its power. Get something cheaper if it’s enough to get the job done.
The other side of the problem is when you get the cheapest laptops available. In some situations, it’s all right to buy cheap laptops. It includes purchasing laptops for kids who attend school online or for typing documents.
In 2018, 78% of US households had a laptop or desktop computer. Because most end up as family computers, the laptops parents buy their kids are often cheap. However, if you want to do more on your laptop and buy a cheap one, you’re setting yourself up for regret.
Unless you’ll use it for creating documents or running one program at a time only, get a mid-range laptop. Start by comparing laptop prices and their features.
2. You Focus On One Specification or Feature
It’s always good to understand what each laptop feature offers. However, don’t let these new features blind you from making a full assessment of the machine.
You don’t want a laptop that has good battery life but has a slow processor speed. You also don’t want a laptop with extra-large RAM that you won’t end up using anyway.
Instead, study all the laptop’s features and consider how they balance each other out. You want a machine with a good battery life, resolution, processor speed, RAM, and others. Doing this will also help you stick to your budget.
3. You Don’t Consider the Ports and Compatibility
Because they’re smaller than desktops, laptops only have a few ports. Some laptops don’t even have extra ports, like the MacBook. Some MacBooks only have one port, which is the charging port.
Plan how you’ll use your laptop before you buy one. Not everyone has the luxury of using wireless laptop accessories. Be mindful if you will need ports for the following:
- Ethernet cable
- SD card
- Mouse with a USB cable
- Keyboard with a USB cable
- Wired headphone or headset
Some laptops also have an HDMI port where you can plug in an external monitor. You don’t need to look for a new model if you lack an SD card reader or an extra USB port. Remember that you can get adapters to fulfill these needs.
4. You Don’t Buy a Laptop With Enough Power
It’s easy to lose sight of key features if you’re not meticulous with the technology you’re buying. The power of a laptop is one of those aspects that many people ignore. For many people, the power of their laptops is enough for a smooth performance.
However, the story is different for creatives or professionals who run power-intensive software. If you’re one, buying a laptop that lacks the power for your tasks will only lead to frustration. To avoid this, ensure your laptop choices have the right graphics card and processor.
5. You Skip the Research
It’s not enough to buy a laptop based on the recommendations your techy friend gave you. Do your research. How do you get started on research, and how do you find the right laptop with it?
Start by making a list of laptops that you’re considering buying. Next, create an online query for each model’s pros, cons, and frequent problems. Better yet, read online customer reviews and look for superior alternatives.
Doing this won’t only familiarize you with the best features to look for in a laptop. It’ll also inform you of the best models on the market right now. For example, an Intel Evo laptop offers impressive graphics, power, and performance.
6. Ignoring Your Future With the Laptop
Never buy a laptop “for today.” This mindset is impractical and can lead to many problems with your laptop. Instead, make sure you also plan when you get a new laptop.
Remember that the average laptop lifespan lasts three to five years. When you’re shopping for a laptop, don’t look at your current needs only. Consider also how you’ll use it in the next three to five years.
The best way to ensure you have the right laptop is to find one that covers all your bases. It also helps to get a laptop with upgradable parts, like RAM and storage. Plus, it’ll be more affordable to upgrade your laptop than to replace it with a newer one.
7. You Think Size Doesn’t Matter or It’s All That Matters
Another thing many people focus on is the size of a laptop. Travelers try to avoid large laptops because they’re heavier and harder to transport. Other people avoid smaller laptops because they’re more challenging to use.
Don’t put all your attention on size, whether you prefer small or large laptops. Size isn’t all that matters when you’re shopping for a laptop. You should also check the other features, like durability, memory, and storage.
If you’re new to using laptops, don’t ignore their size and weight. Remember that some laptops are more portable than others. Some devices are easier on the eyes and back than others, too.
Smaller laptops are more portable, but they’re also more vulnerable to breakage. They also heat up faster than larger models because they have smaller fans. If you’re buying a small laptop model, consider getting a laptop cooler.
Larger laptops are more suitable for people who travel little. Their larger displays or screens make them easier to use. You also don’t need to hunch down as much when using a larger laptop.
8. You Fail to Check the Repair Options
This one goes hand to hand with considering your future with the laptop. What happens if the laptop breaks and needs repairs? In case the warranty expires, you need to know your laptop repair options.
Are you the type of person who needs your computer 24/7 to get your work done? If you are, you should know the basics for the repair of your laptop. Based on your research, you should also be aware of the common issues your laptop may have.
9. Picking Design Over Function
Are you the kind of person who prefers to get a model with the latest laptop features? It’s okay to pick a beautiful laptop, but never choose design over function. Always consider the hardware, durability, and interface of the laptop.
10. You Trust the Salesperson
The last of the most common laptop purchasing mistakes is listening to salespeople.
You may make a regrettable decision if you’re the type of person who is easy to influence or pressure. They can also push you into buying the wrong laptop if you don’t know what you want.
Remember that their job is to sell their models to you. It doesn’t matter to some if you buy a cheap or expensive model as long as you buy one. Of course, they’d prefer that you buy a more expensive laptop model.
Before you go shopping, do some research. Find out what type of laptop you want. Make sure it has the features and specifications you need.
Salespersons don’t have the same power if you’re shopping for a laptop online. Yet, the drawback of not having a salesperson around is that you won’t have a semi-reliable source.
Also, salespeople aren’t all out to get your money. Some are genuine in that they want to help you make the right purchase. In case they aren’t, you’ve at least done your research on the technology.
Avoid These Common Laptop Purchasing Mistakes
Remember these common laptop purchasing mistakes the next time you go shopping. As you can see, you need to consider many factors when buying a laptop. Some even encompass your lifestyle (how much you travel) and work (the programs you use).
With that said, we hope you enjoyed learning about these laptop-buying mistakes. Do you want to read more informative posts, lists, and guides like this? Become wiser and more practical by checking out the other articles on our blog now.
