Whether you love robust Windows or are a Mac fan, or like functional Chromebooks, you should know what to look for within these amazingly portable yet high-functioning computing devices before you invest. There is more to consider for buying a laptop. Let's see what they are. 

• Purpose: Are you planning to buy a laptop for work, school, gaming or personal use? You must find out or know your purpose in advance as it helps you build the subsequent steps to purchase, such as what processor, RAM, storage, and graphics card you need and with what specifications. For instance, if you want to use a laptop for office or school work, you may not need high-end specifications in a laptop or for video editing and gaming purposes, you need a powerful machine. 

• Specifications: Look for specifications that you need that solve your purpose. Some of the factors for the same include processor, RAM, storage, graphics card etc.

• CPU/Processor: A CPU is for most of the laptop processing. Better CPUs process more data at a quicker speed allowing you to finish your tasks at a faster rate. When it comes to processors, Intel's current processing offerings are core i3, i5, i7, and i9 (with increasing performance levels) in 11th and 12th-generation models. You can choose a processor based on the performance level you need. 

• Graphics: It is responsible for generating images on a laptop screen. Most conventional laptops come with integrated graphics mounted on the core processor. Most Intel graphics chips come integrated, namely Iris Xe, available in higher-end models and Intel UHD graphics for lower-end models. AMD produces APUs (accelerated processing units) that combine CPU and GPU in the same chip. There are also discrete graphics chips. These graphics are utilized mainly for graphic-intensive take such as gaming, video editing etc. Nvidia, AMD and Intel are the primary vendors of discrete graphics. 

• Memory: It's a system memory and is volatile and utilized for temporary storing and accessing data for immediate use. Essentially, the more RAM, the better the processing. In most cases, 8GB is sufficient to run multiple takes, or you can choose the 16GB option if you run intensive applications or create content. 

• Storage: You get two choices when it comes to storage: Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid-State Drive (SSD). Out of both, SSD is faster. But they are expensive too. So it's up to you what you want to choose between speed and cost. If you are buying a laptop for gaming purposes, you should pick storage speed over cost. But for gaming purposes, you must choose. Ideally, 256GB is considered ideal, but they are expensive. If cost is a concern for you, opt for 128GB RAM.

• Display: If you can afford a premium display, go for at least 1920 x 1080 screen resolution, also known as full HD or 1080 resolution. Such a number of pixels makes it easier for you to read web pages. 

• Ports: Make sure you got enough ports in your laptop to support your tasks. Traditional laptops come with USB-A ports which allow you to connect peripheral and external drives. On the other hand, ultrabooks and MacBooks come with USB-C ports. If you plan to connect an additional monitor, you must have the right connections, such as USB-C and HDMI.

• Check the Build Quality and Brand Support: Choose a manufacturer that produces quality devices, and they should have a well-established reputation for offering well-built and durable laptops. Also, try to physically test the laptop regarding its screen size, keyboard, and overall design to ensure you are buying the right product. Check for customer support, and ensure you have the right assistance in case of damage and repairs. 

• Battery Life: If your work demands you to travel or you plan to spend time away from the power outlet, look for a laptop with a decent battery life that you can use on the go. Many laptops have a minimum battery life of 8 hours, and some have 10 hours too. Also, if you want to use your laptop for gaming, it should have a long battery life. 

• Price: How much do you want to spend on a laptop? It is crucial to address this question because expensive laptops aren't always the best. There are many affordable options that not only solve your purpose but are cost-efficient too. So look for reliable brands such as Lenovo or check the review of reputable laptops in terms of quality and performance. And if you have a few laptop models in mind, consider their features, compare and select the one that perfectly fits your budget and needs. 

Conclusion: 

The secret of buying a laptop is simple: a laptop that meets your specific needs and budget. So now that the secret is out, you can start with your hunt. There are plenty of laptop options out there for everyone's needs.