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 may be appealing, but a model with just 8GB of RAM is less suitable for lots of browser tabs and demanding software. A large screen is comfortable at a desk, but less practical if you travel by train every day. And a powerful gaming laptop can be unnecessarily expensive and heavy for email and studying.

So don’t just look at the processor or storage. Check the keyboard, upgradeability, screen, connections and what is actually included in the box.

Three common pitfalls when buying a laptop

1. Looking only at the processor name

A Ryzen 5, Core 5 or Snapdragon X doesn’t tell you everything. Also check the number of cores, the type of RAM, whether the graphics are integrated or dedicated, and the cooling system. A laptop with a Ryzen processor and integrated graphics is suitable for office work, studying and light creative tasks. For modern games or 3D editing, a dedicated graphics card such as an RTX 5060 is a more relevant criterion.

2. Choosing a screen size without considering your workspace

A 14-inch laptop is generally easy to carry around. A 15-inch laptop offers more workspace without immediately becoming too large. A 17-inch laptop is mainly practical in a fixed location, for example for spreadsheets, gaming or having several windows open side by side.

Also look at the resolution and aspect ratio. A 16:10 screen with 1920 × 1200 pixels displays slightly more vertical space for documents and websites than a standard Full HD screen.

3. Forgetting what isn’t included

With several models in this selection, the charger isn’t included as standard. This affects the overall cost. Check whether you need a suitable USB-C Power Delivery charger or a compatible power adapter. Use an adapter with the correct voltage and wattage; an ordinary phone charger isn’t automatically suitable for a laptop.

Which specifications are important?

RAM and storage

For a laptop for work and study, 16GB of RAM is a practical guideline if you work with documents, video calls, browser windows and spreadsheets at the same time. 8GB may be sufficient for basic use, but leaves less room for intensive multitasking.

A laptop with a 512GB SSD starts up quickly and provides space for programmes, documents and media. The actual available capacity will be lower because of Windows, recovery partitions and installed software. If you work with large video files or lots of games, you may need a larger SSD or external storage.

Check whether the memory can be upgraded. On some slim models, such as the ASUS Vivobook 14, 16GB of LPDDR5X is integrated and cannot be upgraded. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15AHP10, by contrast, has one SO-DIMM configuration and a stated maximum of 16GB.

Screen quality and usage

A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz, 165Hz or 240Hz, is mainly relevant for gaming and fast-moving content. For word processing and administration, 60Hz is usually sufficient. An OLED laptop can offer deep blacks and high contrast, but always check whether the screen has touchscreen functionality. The ASUS Zenbook A14, for example, has a 14-inch WUXGA OLED screen, but it isn’t touch-sensitive.

Also check:

  • Brightness, measured in nits; 300 nits is mainly intended for normal indoor use.
  • Colour gamut, such as sRGB or DCI-P3, for photo and video editing.
  • Anti-glare coating, which is useful near windows and under bright office lighting.
  • Aspect ratio, with 16:10 or 3:2 providing extra vertical space.

Keyboard, connections and compatibility

A laptop with a QWERTY keyboard isn’t always the same as a Dutch keyboard. Some models have a Dutch QWERTY layout, while others have an international or English QWERTY layout. If you touch-type or use lots of special characters, it’s worth checking the exact layout.

With a laptop featuring a Snapdragon processor, you should also check whether older Windows software, printer drivers or specialist programmes are compatible. Copilot+ PC features also require compatible software, Windows updates and, in some cases, a Microsoft account or internet connection. The presence of an NPU doesn’t mean that every application automatically supports AI features.

Recommendations by user profile

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

HP OmniBook 3 14-hy0058ndx

Why it suits this profile: A compact model for browsing, documents, online lessons and streaming, with a 14-inch format and a weight of approximately 1.42 kg.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications clearly list a 512GB SSD, a 1920 × 1200 screen and a webcam with a privacy shutter. However, bear in mind that the charger isn’t included and the 8GB of memory cannot be upgraded.

Key benefit & highlights

14-inch IPS screen, 512GB NVMe SSD, Full HD webcam and QWERTY keyboard.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 15-inch

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 15-inch

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

How this product avoids the pitfall

32GB of LPDDR5X and a 1TB SSD reduce the chance of quickly running into memory or storage limits. However, check software compatibility for Snapdragon-based Windows systems.

Key benefit & highlights

15-inch touchscreen, 2496 × 1664 resolution, Windows 11 Pro and Wi-Fi 7.

Suitable for: Specialist use & intensive users
Lenovo Legion 5 15.1-inch gaming laptop

Lenovo Legion 5 15.1-inch

Why it suits this profile: For gamers and creative users looking for an RTX 5060, fast OLED display and upgradeable memory.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify the GPU, the 115W TGP and two memory slots. This means you can compare more than just the RTX 5060 name.

Key benefit & highlights

15.1-inch OLED screen with 2560 × 1600 resolution, 165Hz, 16GB DDR5 and RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7.

Check this before you order

  • Compare the total purchase price, including a suitable charger.
  • Check whether the keyboard is Dutch QWERTY, international QWERTY or AZERTY.
  • See whether the RAM can be upgraded and whether you can add extra storage later.
  • Check the connections you need for your monitor, docking station, printer and headset.
  • Read the warranty terms and product information for the exact model.
  • Only choose a gaming laptop if you need the additional graphics power and can accommodate the extra weight.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together 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 work and study?

8GB can handle documents, video calls and browsing. 16GB of RAM provides more room for multitasking and is a sensible choice if you plan to use the laptop for several years.

Is a 14-inch laptop suitable for everyday use?

Yes, especially if you regularly travel or switch between university, the office and home. Do check the keyboard and connections, though. If you mainly work with spreadsheets and multiple windows, a 15- or 16-inch laptop may be more suitable.

What does a laptop cost to use?

As well as the purchase price, a charger, docking station, external storage and software can increase the cost. A model with integrated graphics will generally use less power during light use than a powerful gaming laptop, but actual consumption depends on the settings and how you use it.