Joybuy Insights

Buying a laptop: how to choose a model that suits your everyday needs

Buying a laptop seems straightforward until you start comparing specifications, keyboard layouts and included accessories. A low price can be tempting, but it doesn’t tell you whether a laptop is right for work, study or home use. And a powerful processor won’t necessarily make a laptop practical if the screen is uncomfortable to use or the storage fills up quickly.

Three common pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Focusing only on the processor: RAM, SSD storage and screen quality all affect how comfortable a laptop is to use every day.
  • Ordering the wrong keyboard layout: an English or Dutch QWERTY keyboard is different from a Belgian AZERTY keyboard.
  • Overlooking what’s in the box: several models in this selection don’t come with a charger as standard. Check in advance whether you’ll need a suitable USB-C charger or mains adapter.

Which specifications matter?

1. RAM and storage

For browsing the internet, word processing, video calls and administrative software, 8GB RAM is generally a practical starting point. If you often use lots of browser tabs, spreadsheets and communication apps at the same time, 16GB RAM is a better choice. Check whether the memory is upgradeable, too. In many slim laptops, the RAM is soldered to the motherboard.

A 512GB SSD gives you noticeably more space than 256GB for documents, photos, apps and offline media. An NVMe SSD typically supports fast start-up times and quick app loading. Bear in mind that usable space will be lower once you account for Windows, recovery partitions and pre-installed software.

2. Screen size and aspect ratio

A 14-inch laptop is usually easier to carry around. A 15.6-inch model gives you more room to work without being too large. A 16:10 screen is useful for documents and web pages because you can see more vertically than on a 16:9 screen.

Also consider:

  • Resolution: Full HD or 1920 × 1200 is suitable for many office and study tasks.
  • Brightness: around 300 nits is a useful specification for many indoor spaces.
  • Anti-glare: helps reduce reflections in daylight.
  • Panel type: IPS is often a good choice for wide viewing angles; according to the product specifications, OLED offers deep blacks and high contrast, among other benefits.

3. Operating system, ports and compatibility

A Windows 11 laptop is a good fit if you use Microsoft 365, Windows programmes or peripherals designed specifically for Windows. Buying a MacBook may make more sense if you already use Apple devices and prefer macOS apps. If you’re considering a laptop with a Snapdragon processor, check that your older software, printers and specialist programmes are compatible.

Check the ports, too. USB-C with Power Delivery can support charging, but a USB-C port doesn’t automatically mean that every monitor, hub or charger will work. Check the required charging capacity and cable specification.

Recommended laptops for different types of users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504MA-BQ588W laptop

ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504MA-BQ588W 15.6" Laptop

Why it suits this user: This ASUS laptop is designed for browsing, schoolwork, video streaming and everyday office tasks. Its 15.6-inch Full HD screen gives you plenty of room to work day to day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications clearly list 8GB DDR5, a 256GB SSD and Windows 11 Home. Check in advance whether 256GB will be enough for your files.

Key benefits and features

Full HD anti-glare display, Wi-Fi 6, webcam privacy shutter and QWERTY keyboard.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
ASUS Zenbook A14 laptop

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

Why it suits this user: Weighing around 0.98 kg, this lightweight laptop is ideal if you regularly travel between the office, your place of study, home and other workspaces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The configuration includes 16GB of onboard memory and a 512GB SSD. The memory isn’t upgradeable, and the charger must be bought separately.

Key benefits and features

14-inch WUXGA OLED screen, 16GB LPDDR5x, 512GB SSD, Dutch QWERTY keyboard and two USB4 ports.

Suitable for: Specialist needs and demanding users
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 laptop

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 15ARP10 15.3-inch Laptop

Why it suits this user: With a Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, this Lenovo laptop is well suited to multitasking, studying, working from home and light creative work.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The combination of 16GB LPDDR5X and 512GB NVMe storage means you’re less likely to find the basic configuration limiting when multitasking day to day. The RAM isn’t upgradeable.

Key benefits and features

15.3-inch 16:10 IPS screen, 100% sRGB according to the product specifications, Wi-Fi 6 and FHD IR camera.

Suitable for: Home use with a large screen
HP OmniBook 3 17-inch laptop

HP OmniBook 3 17-dp0050ndx 17.3-inch Laptop

Why it suits this user: The large 17.3-inch screen is handy for documents, spreadsheets, video calls and entertainment from a regular spot at home.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that it has 8GB of onboard memory and a 512GB SSD, and that a charger isn’t included. This helps you work out the total cost before you buy.

Key benefits and features

Full HD IPS screen, numeric keypad, 512GB SSD, HDMI, USB-A and USB-C ports.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Check these things before you pay

  • Is the keyboard QWERTY or AZERTY?
  • Is a charger included?
  • Can you upgrade the RAM later?
  • Is 256GB or 512GB of storage right for your files?
  • Do you need Windows software that might not work properly on ARM?
  • Are USB-C, HDMI and the other ports compatible with your monitors and accessories?
  • Is the weight suitable for how often you’ll carry the laptop?

Frequently asked questions about buying a laptop

How much RAM do I need for a laptop for work and study?

For documents, browsing, video calls and standard software, 8GB is a useful starting point. 16GB RAM gives you more room for multitasking and is a sensible choice if you use several programmes at once. Check whether the memory is upgradeable, as it’s fixed in many slim models.

Is a laptop with a 512GB SSD enough?

For studying, office work, photos and everyday home use, 512GB SSD storage is often a practical choice. If you store lots of videos, large project files or offline games, you may also need external or cloud storage. The space actually available is always lower than the stated capacity.

What does it cost to use a laptop after you’ve bought it?

As well as the purchase price, you may need to pay for a charger, protective case, docking station, external storage and, potentially, software subscriptions. If a model doesn’t come with an adapter, check which USB-C Power Delivery charger it requires. That way, you can avoid finding out later that an apparently affordable laptop needs extra accessories.