RAM, storage and screen: a simple laptop buying guide

Laptop listings are full of numbers and abbreviations. Most of them matter much less than the sellers suggest. Here are the four specs that make the biggest difference to how a laptop feels to use, in plain English.

1. Memory (RAM)

Memory is your laptop's short-term workspace. The more programs and browser tabs you keep open, the more it needs.

• 8GB is a comfortable starting point for study, office work and browsing.
• 16GB is worth it if you keep many tabs and programs open, or do photo editing.

2. Storage: SSD or hard drive?

This is the single biggest upgrade you can ask for. A solid state drive (SSD) has no moving parts. A laptop with an SSD starts in seconds, opens programs quickly and feels fast for years. An old-style hard drive (HDD) is cheaper per gigabyte but much slower.

For size, 256GB is enough if you mostly work online. Choose 512GB or more if you keep lots of photos, videos or games on the laptop.

3. The processor

For everyday use, a mid-range processor is plenty. Pay for a faster one only if you edit video, run design software or play demanding games. If you are comparing two laptops, a newer generation of the same family is usually a little quicker and more efficient.

4. Screen and battery

• Choose a Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen or better. It is sharper and nicer to read on.
• Check the battery if you buy refurbished: ask how long it lasts on a charge.
• Think about size and weight if you carry it every day.

The short version

For most people: 8GB of memory, an SSD, and a Full HD screen make a laptop that feels quick and does everything you need. Ready to look? Have a browse through our laptops and computers, or ask us on WhatsApp and we will help you choose.