How do you choose a Windows laptop?
Choose a Windows laptop
If you want a Windows laptop, there's a wide selection to choose from. That's why it's good to ask yourself the following questions before you buy one:
- Do you want to browse the internet, send emails, and process text?
- Do you want to edit photos, videos, or 3D models?
- Do you want to play games?
- Do you use your laptop for school or work (too)?
- Do you mostly use the laptop in 1 place or on the go as well?
Do you want to browse the internet, send emails, and process texts?
You can browse the internet, send emails, or process text in programs like Word on any Windows laptop. Do you only use your laptop for these basic tasks? A laptop from the more affordable range is suitable for you. For example, choose a laptop with a Celeron or Pentium processor. Don't you want to be slowed down during basic tasks? Choose at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor. For watching series and movies, we recommend a laptop with at least a Full HD screen.
Do you want to edit photos, videos, or 3D models?
Photo editing
For photo editing in programs like Photoshop, your laptop needs at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. Choose a least a Full HD screen, so you can see all details clearly. We recommend 16GB RAM if you want to multitask with different programs like Photoshop and Office. Do you mostly work in 1 program at the same time, 8GB RAM will be enough.
Video editing
Do you edit videos? Choose a Windows laptop with at least an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor. This processor is strong enough for multitasking between demanding programs like Premiere Pro. To be able to do this smoothly, we recommend a 16GB RAM. Do you work in many large graphic design projects? Consider a laptop with a powerful video card, like an MX, GTX, RTX, or Quadro video card. As a result, all your creations will render smoothly.
3D editing
Do you work on 3D design projects in demanding software like AutoCAD, Blender, and Unreal Engine? Choose a laptop with an Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 processor and at least 16GB RAM. You also need a fast video card, like an RTX or Quadro video card. With these powerful specifications, you can work on all your 3D creations and multitask between different programs. If you work with fast-moving images, we recommend a refresh rate of at least 120Hz.
Do you want to play games?
Do you like to play games? You need a Windows gaming laptop with at least a GTX, RTX, or RX video card. Which video card and processor you need exactly depends on the games you play. Use the game filter on the page. For example, a GTX video card is enough for light games like League of Legends and Fortnite. If you want to play a demanding game like Elden Ring, you need a powerful RTX 4080 video card. For fast shooters and racing games, we recommend a refresh rate of at least 120Hz in addition.
More advice on gaming laptops
Do you use your laptop for school or work?
School
Do you want to bring the Windows laptop to your lectures? It'd be convenient if it's suitable for on the go. That's why you should choose a laptop of up to 15 inches that doesn't weigh more than 2kg. With an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, you can multitask smoothly between different tabs and light programs. Are you enrolled in a graphic design or technical program, and do you have to edit photos or create 3D models? Check the usage situations to see which specifications your laptop should have.
Business
Are you looking for a laptop for work? Choose a Windows business laptop. These laptops have the Windows Pro version that secures the laptop even better. You can also easily connect to the company networks via Remote Desktop when you're working from home. Many business laptops have a sturdy, aluminum casing. That way, the laptop won't get damaged while on the go. Do you use demanding software for your work, like AutoCAD or Premiere Pro? Read which specifications you need here.
What inch-size laptop do you need?
Which inch-size laptop is suitable for you depends on a couple of things. Think about whether you need a large screen. For example, do you want to get started on graphic editing? You don't want the screen to be too small, because you won't see as many details. Do you often take your laptop with you in your backpack or laptop bag? You don't want your laptop too be too large. In the article below, you can read more on the different laptop sizes.