How to buy a laptop calmly and not overpay
For many people buying a laptop is stressful: the salesperson uses confusing words, rushes you, offers “the most popular one” and extra services. The good news: to choose well you don’t need to understand technology. You need to understand your tasks and know a few rules.
Five questions to ask yourself before the shop
- What is the laptop for: documents and the internet, study, photo and video, games?
- Will you carry it with you every day?
- What is the budget — and where is its ceiling?
- Do you need Windows, or is a Mac closer to you (if you have an iPhone)?
- How many years do you want to use it?
What to look at (in plain words)
- An SSD drive — a must. An old hard drive makes a laptop slow today.
- Memory (RAM) — 8 GB is enough for documents and the internet; for photo work and many browser tabs 16 GB is better.
- Screen — Full HD (1920×1080) or higher; look at it in person.
- Weight and battery — important if you carry it around.
What not to overpay for
- A powerful graphics card if you don’t play games or edit video.
- “Extended protection” and software bundles whose purpose the salesperson can’t explain.
- Paid “setup” if it’s just turning it on and signing in.
- The newest model if last year’s is almost the same but cheaper.
How not to give in to pressure
The salesperson may rush you: “the last one in stock”, “today only”. You have the right to say “Thank you, I’ll think about it” — and leave. Take a photo of the price tag and the model name, calmly check reviews and prices at home, or show it to someone you trust. A good purchase is rarely urgent.
What to check when buying
- A case without scratches, a screen without dead pixels or spots.
- The keyboard, touchpad, sound, camera and all ports work.
- The warranty card and receipt.
- A licensed operating system — no “activators”.
How I can help
Tell me your tasks and budget before you buy, and I will suggest what to look for. After the purchase I will come and set everything up: data transfer from the old computer, email, programs, backups. New laptop setup — from 50 ₾.