This post is meant to share information to help you choose a laptop. If is focused on laptops for students and work. This post does not refer to gaming laptops. Also note that this post contains my opinions and it was not sponsored by Lenovo or anyone else.
In a nutshell, I recommend:
Feature |
Suggestion |
Comment |
Screen size |
14 inch screen size, 13 minimum, IPS type |
smaller screens increase mobility, but they may decrease readability and also adversely affect your eyesight in the long term |
Processor/ CPU |
Intel Core i5 |
invest on RAM rather than upgrading the processor |
Memory/ RAM |
8 GB minimum, 16 GB ideal |
if your budget allows for it |
Storage/ SSD |
250 GB minimum, 500 GB ideal |
if your budget allows for it |
Graphics |
Integrated |
prioritise RAM, storage (SSD) and CPU upgrades before discrete graphics |
As much as I find macOS a good operating system, I find that the current offering of MacBooks is too expensive, impossible to maintain and upgrade, and far too expensive for their hardware specifications. I do not like their keyboards, either. If you go for a MacBook, AppleCare is strongly recommended. Watch this video by Dave2D for more information and recommendations on buying Apple laptops
Before you buy, look for the online review of the laptop you intend to buy. Besides google, try Laptop magazine, Notebook check and any reliable sources you may already know.
Let us take the ThinkPad series as an example of choosing a laptop. I have a ThinkPad L460. When it got “old and slow”, I was able to upgrade its RAM to 16 GB and its hard disk drive to a 500 GB solid state drive. It was straightforward, and I am still using it. This experience makes me consider getting a T470 or another ThinkPad in the future.
Find reviews for different models, then check with the Lenovo local online store, where you may be able to try different configurations and check their prices and offers.
https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/lenovo-thinkpad-t480
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-ThinkPad-E480-i5-8250U-UHD-620-SSD-Laptop-Review.287452.0.html
Please remember to check for student/academic pricing. In Singapore, Lenovo offers student discounts here.
For more information and articles, you may check
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/best-laptops-for-college
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/laptop-buying-guide
Lower budget update
Unfortunately, quality laptops tend to expensive. Rather than buying a cheap, and possibly useless laptop, you may want to consider purchasing a refurbished laptop the manufacturer or a reputable shop. For a few hundred dollars, you could get a second hand ThinkPad model T, or even an X. They may not be the latest products, but for school and everyday use, they may offer a great value.
One example of a manufacturer's refurbished store is Apple's. Of course, you could also look for similar shops online or in your city. If you are in Singapore, try Remax at Bedok Mall, Century Square (Tampines), Funan and of course there are a number of shops at Sim Lim Square selling refurbished ThinkPads as well. I also found that NewEgg Singapore also hsa a refurbished section, but I have not used it myself (yet). Just don't expect a refurbished computer to be just like a new device; refurbished implies either second hand/used and/or repaired. It's a good alternative to purchasing a new laptop, but keep your expectations reasonable.
I own a Lenovo ThinkPad X250 that I got from Remax, and I am very happy with my purchase. I did buy with the intention of tinkering with it and running Linux. I eventually upgraded its RAM and swapped its old hard disk drive for an SSD, and I'm even happier with the value of what I've got. I did buy a model with an HDD, but there are many models on sale (again at Remax) already upgraded with an SSD. Of course I'd love to buy a new(er) ThinkPad, but that will take a considerable amount of time saving some serious amount of money...
