Guide and Tips for Buying a New Workstation
Laptop:
1. Processor Architecture
The currently used high performance Processor
microarchitecture by Intel is Broadwell series.
Also, new architecture is coming early 2016 its
called Skylake processors. Every new processor
series promises improved GPU, CPU
performance bundled with awesome battery life.
So look for a laptop with newer CPU.
Intel Broadwell starts with 5xxx on processor
model no.
Intel Skylake series starts with 6xxx
2. Battery Life
After the performance, the next is battery life. A
decent laptop must have at least 2+ hours of
battery life on a full charge. If it fails to deliver
such usage time on battery, it’s time to skip
that laptop.
3. Keyboard, Mouse and Webcam
Placement of input devices is very crucial.
Make sure of the following:
Keyboards’ keys are properly placed, there has
to be a little distance between them.
The touchpad should be in the middle and
should not interfere when you’re typing.
Webcam must be placed in center, if its on the
left-right, you’ll have a hard time adjusting with
it.
4. Long Charger Cable
Pretty much self explanatory. Power brick must
have long cable so you don’t have to stay near
power socket all the time just to charge your
laptop.
5. Avoid Graphic Card Unless Required
Graphic cards (GPU) are very power hungry
and they can put a negative impact on the
battery life or your machine. Also, the video
card performance reduces as your laptop ages.
It is best to avoid GPU unless you have real use
for it (e.g. gaming, video editing). Intel is doing
a great job with the new processors, the
Broadwell, Skylake series CPU’s already have
good dedicated graphics (Iris Pro) processors
built-in.
6. Heating Issues
It’s best not to overlook heat factor.
Overheating can cause laptop to malfunction, it
can also reduce its life. If the laptop gets heat
up even on low usage, avoid it at all cost
because it can cause permanent burns on your
Lap.
7. Build Quality
It is the very important thing to look for. Build
quality has to be sturdy, check the overall
laptop and examine its build quality, also check
the LCD/LED hinges durability. If the laptop is
made of cheap plastic/material, chances are it
won’t survive in long run.
8. Good number of USB ports
I have this laptop with just 2 usb slots which is
a pain. I have to use USB extension to connect
additional devices. So make sure you get
laptop with at least 3 to 4 usb ports.
9. Built-in Operating System
Windows 10 is now a default standard for all
coming Laptops. It means drivers and software
utilities will be that operating system. But what
if you want to run a program that only runs on
Windows 7 or 8.1? Always check backward
driver and OS compatibility on manufacturer’s
website.
10. Headphone and Mic Jack
Many laptops these days come with single
dual-purpose 3.5mm audio jack that supports
both Headphone/Mic input. I would suggest
you to avoid it and get a machine with separate
for Mic and Headphone slot.
11. Avoid Touchscreen (Hybrids)
The idea of touchscreen looks really appealing
on a Laptop but trust me it isn’t. You might use
your laptop touchscreen for a few days and
then never use it again. Laptops are not Tablet
replacement, they are heavy, they heat up
pretty quickly on your lap. Not to mention the
rotatable screen is fragile and can be easily
broken.
12. Expensive is not always better.
This is not a case when buying a notebook.
Many laptop manufacturers add premium price,
addons such as extended warranty, software
bundles which you’re not going to ever use.
Avoid that.
13. Screen size
The screen size should be big enough at least
15 inches. Because looking at small screen for
long hours can affect your eye sight and cause
eye strain.
14. SD Card reader.
It is great to a have a built-in SD card reader.
You don’t have to connect your camera
through a data cable. So keep an eye on it.
15. RAM and Storage
If you are planning to use your laptop for web
browsing, movies and a little bit of Photoshop,
4 GB ram is enough. If you going use memory
intensive applications such as CAD, get a RAM
upgrade. For Hard drive, you can get 500 GB or
1 TB, it totally depends on you. If you want
speedy storage, get Solid State Drive (SSD).
16. HDMI, Ethernet and other ports
Make sure the laptop you are going to buy has
all support for all these ports. HDMI will let you
connect your Laptop to your TV for watching
movies and sharing media. Ethernet (LAN) is
good for transferring huge files to router or
media server.
17. WiFi and Bluetooth.
They are standard for every machine
nowadays. But if you have a dual band gigabit
router installed at your house then double
check if your Laptop supports gigabit WiFi.
My thinking capacity has come to an end, let
me know if I am missing something. Nowadays,
it is very hard to buy a laptop that fits your
needs. I hope my checklist helps you in your
next Laptop purchase.
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