Joybuy Insights

Buying a laptop: how to choose a model that suits the way you use it

Buying a laptop seems straightforward until you start comparing specifications. A low price can be tempting, but a model with limited RAM, the wrong keyboard layout or no charger can disappoint in practice. Terms such as AI laptop and Copilot+ PC also do not automatically mean that a device is suitable for your software.

The most important question, therefore, is not which laptop is promoted the most, but which combination of size, performance, storage and operating system fits the way you use it every day.

Three pitfalls to avoid when buying a laptop

1. A tempting price without a charger

Several recent models do not come with a charger as standard. This applies, for example, to a number of Lenovo, HP and ASUS laptops in this selection. Always check:

  • Whether a mains adapter is included in the box.
  • What charging power is required, such as 45W, 65W or USB-C Power Delivery.
  • Whether you already have a suitable USB-C charger and cable.
  • Whether the laptop can also be safely charged with a universal USB-C charger.

A missing charger increases the actual purchase price and can be inconvenient if you want to use the device straight away.

2. Focusing too much on the processor and not enough on RAM

A modern processor helps with multitasking, but RAM is also a key factor in how many apps and browser tabs you can use smoothly at the same time. For a laptop for working from home or studying, 16GB RAM is a practical benchmark if you regularly make video calls, edit documents and keep several programmes open.

Also check whether the memory can be upgraded. The memory in the 14-inch and 17-inch HP OmniBook 3 models is integrated and cannot be expanded. The ASUS Zenbook A14 also has 16GB of onboard memory. That is sufficient for many everyday tasks, but you cannot easily add more RAM later.

3. Choosing a screen size without considering portability

A 17-inch laptop provides more working space, but generally weighs more. A 13-inch laptop fits more easily into a bag, while a 15-inch laptop offers more room for spreadsheets and multiple windows.

As a general guide:

  • 13-inch laptop: convenient for students and travellers who want to keep weight to a minimum.
  • 14-inch laptop: a balance between portability and working space.
  • 15-inch laptop: suitable for working from home, office work and multitasking.
  • 17-inch laptop: particularly practical if the device usually stays in one place.

Also consider the aspect ratio. A 16:10 screen displays more vertical content than a traditional 16:9 screen. This is useful for documents, web pages and spreadsheets.

Which specifications are important?

RAM and storage

A laptop with 16GB RAM is suitable for more intensive everyday use, such as video calls, dozens of browser tabs and office software running at the same time. 8GB RAM may be enough for email, word processing and streaming, but leaves less room for extended multitasking.

A 512GB SSD is a useful middle ground for Windows, apps, documents, photos and a limited amount of media files. Bear in mind that the available space will be lower than 512GB because of Windows, recovery partitions and pre-installed software.

Processor and operating system

A Windows laptop offers broad support for office software, peripherals and business applications. If you choose a laptop with Snapdragon X, check compatibility with older programmes, specialist drivers and certain printers. Windows on ARM supports a wide range of software, but not every application works in exactly the same way as on a traditional x86 system.

A MacBook with macOS is a good fit for users who already have an iPhone or other Apple devices. However, check in advance that your course software, business applications or peripherals are available for macOS.

Keyboard layout

For Dutch users, a laptop with a QWERTY keyboard is usually the logical choice. Check whether it has a Dutch, English or international QWERTY layout. These can differ in the positioning of punctuation marks and symbols. A Belgian AZERTY version is not the same as QWERTY.

AI laptop and Copilot+ PC

An AI laptop contains an NPU for certain AI features. With a Copilot+ PC, the availability of features depends on the Windows version, updates, region, language and software support. An NPU specification, expressed in TOPS, is a technical indication and does not guarantee that every AI application will work faster.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
HP OmniBook 3 14-hy0058ndx 14-inch laptop

HP OmniBook 3 14-hy0058ndx 14-inch laptop

Why it suits this profile: A compact model for email, documents, online lessons, browsing and streaming. It weighs approximately 1.42 kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications clearly state 8GB RAM, a 512GB SSD and non-upgradeable memory. Also check whether you need to purchase a 45W charger separately.

Key benefit & highlights

14-inch IPS screen with 1920 × 1200 pixels, webcam privacy shutter and Windows 11 Home.

Suitable for: Buyers seeking premium quality
ASUS Zenbook A14 UX3407QA-QD479W

ASUS Zenbook A14 UX3407QA-QD479W 14-inch Copilot+ PC

Why it suits this profile: For anyone looking for a lightweight laptop with an OLED screen, 16GB RAM and a Dutch QWERTY layout.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product explicitly states that the memory cannot be upgraded, the screen is not touch-sensitive and a 65W USB-C charger is required separately.

Key benefit & highlights

Approximately 0.98 kg, 512GB SSD, OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 and an NPU of up to 45 TOPS according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Specialist use & intensive users
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 15-inch

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 - 15-inch

Why it suits this profile: Designed for business users and professionals who need plenty of storage, RAM and a large touchscreen.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The configuration lists 32GB LPDDR5X, a 1TB SSD and Windows 11 Pro. However, check the compatibility of specialist software with Snapdragon in advance.

Key benefit & highlights

15-inch touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, refresh rate of up to 120Hz, Wi-Fi 7 and 1TB of storage.

Suitable for: Home workers who want a large screen
HP OmniBook 3 17-dp0050ndx 17.3-inch laptop

HP OmniBook 3 17-dp0050ndx 17.3-inch laptop

Why it suits this profile: A permanent home-working setup benefits from the generous screen and full-size QWERTY keyboard with numeric keypad.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications clearly state the approximate weight of 2.01 kg, 8GB of non-upgradeable RAM and that no charger is included.

Key benefit & highlights

17.3-inch Full HD IPS screen, 512GB SSD, webcam shutter and numeric keypad.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying a laptop

How much RAM do I need for a laptop for working from home?

For email, word processing and simple video calls, 8GB may be enough. If you often work with multiple windows, spreadsheets and meeting software, choosing 16GB RAM is a practical choice. Check whether the memory can be upgraded before placing your order.

How long does a laptop typically last?

Its lifespan depends on build quality, battery condition, software updates and workload. A laptop with sufficient RAM and SSD storage will generally remain useful for changing software for longer than an entry-level model with limited memory. Also check the stated warranty and your statutory consumer rights in the EU.

Is a MacBook suitable for studying or office work?

It can be, provided the software you need runs on macOS. In particular, check software for accounting, engineering, education, business management and peripherals. If you rely on specific Windows programmes, a Windows laptop may be a better choice.