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Buying a laptop or PC: What really matters

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tagsglossar, hardware, kaufberatung

2 min read

Buying a laptop or PC: What really matters

In short: Instead of looking at advertising figures, first clarify the intended use and then watch processor, memory, SSD, display, battery, ports and update duration.

In more detail: The best computer is the one that fits your use. For school and office a frugal device is enough, for programming, video editing, AI or games more power is needed. Prices fluctuate strongly; compare current test reports (Notebookcheck, c’t, Stiftung Warentest).

In Depth

First ask: what for?

  • School, browsing, office: frugal processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD suffice.
  • Programming, IT training: 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, good keyboard, Linux/Windows compatibility (virtual machines need RAM).
  • Photo/video, 3D, AI, games: strong GPU, 16 to 32 GB RAM, fast SSD, good cooling.
  • Mobility: weight, battery life, robustness.
  • Desktop PC: more powerful for the money, upgradable, quiet, but not mobile.

Important components

  • Processor (CPU): generation and design matter more than clock speed; cores help multitasking; efficient mobile CPUs (U/P series, Apple M, AMD Ryzen U) for battery.
  • Memory: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended; upgradable or soldered?
  • SSD (NVMe) instead of HDD; size as needed.
  • Display: Full HD or better, IPS/OLED, brightness (≥ 300 nit), matte, 16:10 practical; colour space only matters for creatives.
  • Test keyboard and touchpad, ports (USB-C/Thunderbolt, HDMI, SD slot), Wi-Fi 6/6E, webcam, microphones.
  • Battery (Wh figure and tests), power-supply size.
  • Graphics: integrated often suffices; dedicated GPU only if needed.

Mind the small print

  • Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS (update duration!). Mac updates usually long; with Windows devices Windows support applies.
  • Warranty and statutory guarantee (2 years for new goods), service offers, repairability (battery/SSD/RAM replaceable?).
  • Remove bloatware and trial software.
  • Value for money by test, not by data sheet; compare offers (Black Week, promotions), use right of return (distance selling 14 days).
  • Refurbished/second-hand: often very good value (business laptops).

Purchase checklist

  1. Set budget and intended use.
  2. Select two to three models by test.
  3. Look at display, keyboard, fan (noise) in the shop.
  4. Check update/warranty period.
  5. Plan accessories (mouse, bag, docking station, backup drive).
  6. After purchase: updates, encryption, backup, remove bloatware. For training: ask whether the company provides a device or the school sets requirements.

See also: Laptops, Warranty and statutory guarantee

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