Laptops buying guide
Match the laptop to the work you do; the same money buys very different machines.
- 8 GB of memory is a minimum for everyday use today, and 16 GB is more comfortable for many tabs and apps.
- An SSD is essential; check the storage size and whether it can be upgraded.
- Screen quality is what you look at all day: check brightness, resolution and panel type.
- Battery life quoted by makers is optimistic; look for reviews that test it.
- Check ports, keyboard feel and weight, especially if you travel.
Common mistake: Paying for a fast processor and accepting a dim, low-resolution screen.