While you can play games and create content on a laptop, it’s worth paying attention to the hardware and software components. The components of your laptop will determine the speed with which you can produce your content. For casual browser-based games and streaming videos, you probably don’t need a gaming laptop. However, you will want to consider the battery life. If you’re unsure of which type of laptop to buy, read on to learn more about the various types of laptops and the components they contain.
Among the many reasons to buy a laptop, its smaller size and battery life are two of the best reasons. The first is that it’s portable and easy to store. When you’re done using it, you can easily shut it down and store it in a desk drawer. Additionally, laptops are much more energy efficient than desktop computers, using only twenty to 120 W of electricity, compared to a desktop’s 100 to 800 watts. This low power consumption is important for large companies with dozens of computers or homes with several machines running continuously.
Ports are important, too. While it’s not a deal-breaker when buying a laptop, a few extra ports can come in handy when you need to connect a USB device. Most mainstream laptops have USB 3.0 ports and HDMI out for video. You can even get Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports. If you need to connect a printer, a headphone jack is a must. A DVD drive is a useful feature, but you don’t necessarily need it.
The main differences between a laptop and a notebook lie in size, weight, and usage. While both laptops have their uses, there are a few distinct differences that will determine which is right for you. While notebooks are typically thin, they can be much larger, making them ideal for carrying on the go. A 13 to 14-inch laptop, for example, provides the most usability and portability. And 16-inch laptops are rare, but Apple’s new MacBook Pro may start a trend.
Battery life is another important consideration when buying a laptop. Battery life drops with age, and a new battery will only last a few hours before needing to be recharged. If you use your laptop for a long time on your lap, a battery with an additional three or five hours of battery life will be adequate. A laptop with an extra battery with a higher capacity is better for long-term use. In addition to battery life, consider the weight. The larger the screen, the more weight your laptop will be.
Some major brands no longer design their own laptops. Instead, they choose their models from one of many Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs). In 2006, seven of 10 laptops were made by seven major ODMs. Quanta Computer, for instance, owned 30% of the world market. This means that an identical model is available in two different forms: a mainstream label and a low-profile ODM in-house brand. But, as you can see, the market for laptops is still growing, but the technology behind it is largely unchanged.