Joybuy Insights

Buying a laptop: how to choose the right model for you

Buying a laptop may seem straightforward, until you have to choose between screen sizes, processors, RAM and storage. A low price can be tempting, but the wrong combination of specifications can quickly become frustrating. A laptop might be too heavy for your daily commute, have too little storage or lack the graphics power you need for gaming.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus on the product details that matter in practice. This helps you see which specifications are relevant for studying, office work, entertainment and gaming.

Three common pitfalls when buying a laptop

1. Focusing only on the processor name

An Intel Core or Ryzen processor doesn’t tell you everything. Check the number of cores, RAM and graphics solution too. Even a laptop with a modern processor can feel limited if it has only 8GB RAM and you use lots of browser tabs, video calls and spreadsheets.

16GB RAM is a useful guideline for everyday multitasking. 8GB may be enough for simple tasks such as email, word processing and streaming, but check whether the memory can be upgraded.

2. Confusing the keyboard layout with the language setting

When buying a laptop in the Netherlands, check that it has a QWERTY keyboard. The Windows 11 language setting doesn’t automatically determine the physical keyboard layout. Check the product information for terms such as “English QWERTY”, “Dutch QWERTY” or “QWERTY with numeric keypad”.

A standard keyboard is fine for most writing tasks. If you work with numbers frequently, for example in spreadsheets, a laptop with a numeric keypad may be more useful.

3. Not checking whether a charger is included

Some models in this selection don’t come with a charger as standard. This applies, among others, to certain HP OmniBook, Lenovo IdeaPad and gaming models. You may need to buy a suitable USB-C Power Delivery charger or manufacturer’s adapter separately.

Before buying, check:

  • whether a charger is included;
  • what wattage is required;
  • whether USB-C Power Delivery is supported;
  • whether the warranty allows you to use a replacement adapter.

Key specifications explained

RAM and storage

16GB RAM is suitable for multitasking, online classes, office software and lots of browser tabs. 8GB RAM is better suited to basic use. If the memory is integrated, check the upgrade options. Some HP OmniBook models have memory that is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.

A 512GB SSD has room for Windows, programmes, documents and a reasonable amount of media. A 1TB SSD is a better option if you store lots of photos, videos or large projects locally. An SSD starts up faster than a traditional hard drive and has no moving parts.

Screen size, resolution and aspect ratio

A 14-inch laptop is generally practical for students and commuters. A 15- or 16-inch model gives you more room to work. A 17.3-inch screen is great for documents and films, but the laptop is less suitable for taking with you every day.

As well as the resolution, consider the aspect ratio:

  • 16:9 is a common format for streaming and general use.
  • 16:10 gives you extra vertical space for websites, documents and spreadsheets.
  • Full HD is usually enough for everyday use.
  • WUXGA, such as 1920 × 1200, provides slightly more vertical space with a 16:10 aspect ratio.

A brightness of 250 to 300 nits is best suited to indoor use. A higher brightness may be more practical in brightly lit rooms. A matt or anti-glare finish helps reduce reflections, but won’t make the screen completely reflection-free.

Graphics performance and weight

An integrated graphics chip, such as AMD Radeon 780M or Intel Graphics, is suitable for office work, video and light creative tasks. For modern, graphics-intensive games, a dedicated graphics card such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 or RTX 5070 makes more sense.

A gaming laptop usually has a more powerful cooling system and a heavier adapter. So don’t just look at the graphics card: consider the weight, battery capacity, ventilation and screen refresh rate too. A 144Hz or 165Hz screen can be useful for gaming, while 60Hz is generally enough for studying and office work.

Recommended models for different users

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

ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504MA-BQ588W

Why it suits this user profile: This 15.6-inch model is designed for everyday browsing, studying, office software and streaming. Its QWERTY layout is well suited to many Dutch workplaces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists a 512GB SSD and a QWERTY keyboard. Be sure to check which adapter is included and confirm the exact storage configuration before ordering.

Key benefits & features

15.6-inch Full HD screen, 8GB DDR5, 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, Wi-Fi 6 and Windows 11 Home.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 15ARP10

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 15ARP10

Why it suits this user profile: The combination of a 15.3-inch 16:10 screen, aluminium casing and 16GB of memory makes this a good choice for people who work on the go and value a well-rounded setup.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fixed 16GB LPDDR5X memory is clearly specified. As it can’t be upgraded, make sure this capacity meets your needs before buying.

Key benefits & features

Ryzen 5 7535HS, 16GB LPDDR5X, 512GB SSD, 100% sRGB according to the product specifications, and a weight of around 1.50kg.

Suitable for: Specialist needs & power users
MSI Cyborg 15 B13WFKG-804NL

MSI Cyborg 15 B13WFKG-804NL

Why it suits this user profile: This gaming laptop combines an Intel Core i7-13620H with an RTX 5060, 16GB DDR5 and a 144Hz screen, making it suitable for users who game and run demanding tasks at the same time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dedicated RTX 5060 and 144Hz refresh rate are clearly stated. Bear in mind that it weighs 2.1kg and the charger must be bought separately.

Key benefits & features

RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7, Full HD IPS screen at 144Hz, 16GB DDR5 and an HDMI 2.1 port.

Suitable for: Students and people who work on the go
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14AHP10

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14AHP10

Why it suits this user profile: Weighing around 1.39kg, with a 14-inch screen and 16GB RAM, this model is designed for studying, working from home and everyday travel.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 1TB version gives you more storage than a standard 512GB model. The product specifications also explicitly list an FHD webcam with a privacy shutter.

Key benefits & features

Ryzen 7 8840HS, 16GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, WUXGA IPS screen and QWERTY keyboard.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about buying a laptop

Do you need 16GB RAM for studying and office work?

Not always. 8GB may be enough for word processing, email and a few browser tabs. 16GB RAM is a sensible choice if you often make video calls, work with large spreadsheets or have several programmes open at once.

How long does a laptop typically last?

How long it lasts depends on workload, maintenance, battery use and software. A laptop for office work or studying can remain useful for several years if its specifications suit your needs. Also check the warranty, battery capacity and whether the storage or memory can be upgraded.

How much does it cost to run a laptop each year?

Power consumption depends on the processor, screen brightness, charging habits and how long you use it. A gaming laptop with a dedicated graphics card generally uses more energy than a lightweight laptop for word processing. Check the adapter’s power rating and use a suitable power-saving mode for office work.