Laptop Buying Guide
Choosing a laptop doesn’t need to be complicated. The right specification depends mainly on what you plan to use it for.
At SuppaTech, our stock changes regularly, so rather than focusing on individual models, this guide explains the main specifications to look for when choosing a laptop.
What will you use your laptop for?
Everyday use
For web browsing, email, online shopping, streaming and general home use, you usually don’t need the highest specification available.
A modern processor, 8GB or more of RAM and an SSD will provide a good starting point for everyday computing.
Work and business
For Microsoft Office, video calls, web applications, multitasking and general business use, 16GB of RAM is a useful choice, particularly if you regularly have several applications or browser tabs open.
Business-class laptops can also offer features such as robust construction, additional connectivity and security features.
More demanding workloads
If you regularly work with large files, development tools, virtual machines, photo or video applications or other demanding software, consider a faster processor and 16GB or 32GB of RAM.
Always check the requirements of the software you intend to use before purchasing.
Understanding processors
The processor (CPU) is one of the main components determining a computer’s performance.
You may see laptops in our catalogue with processors from Intel, AMD and other manufacturers. Processor names and generations vary considerably, so a newer processor with a seemingly lower model number can sometimes outperform an older processor with a higher one.
For this reason, we recommend considering the processor together with the laptop’s RAM, storage and intended use rather than choosing solely by an i3, i5, i7 or similar label.
How much RAM do I need?
8GB – Suitable for many everyday computing tasks, web browsing, email and light office work.
16GB – A good choice for business use, heavier multitasking and customers who want more capacity for demanding applications.
32GB or more – Useful for particularly demanding workloads, large datasets, virtual machines, professional applications and other memory-intensive tasks.
The amount of memory required ultimately depends on the software you intend to run.
Choosing storage
Most modern laptops use solid-state storage such as an SSD or NVMe SSD. These have no moving parts and generally provide much faster access to your files than traditional hard drives.
128GB provides relatively limited storage and is best suited to lighter use or customers who primarily use cloud or external storage.
256GB provides more room for applications and documents.
512GB is a useful balance for many users.
1TB or more provides considerably more space for applications, photographs, videos and other large files.
Remember that the usable capacity displayed by the operating system will normally be lower than the manufacturer’s stated drive capacity.
Choosing a screen size
Smaller laptops are generally easier to carry, while larger screens provide more working space.
13–14 inch laptops are popular for portability and mobile working.
15–16 inch laptops provide a larger display and can be more comfortable when primarily used at a desk.
Also check the individual product specification for resolution and other display features where these are important to you.
Understanding our product conditions
SuppaTech sells products in different conditions. The condition of each product is clearly shown on its product page.
New – A new product. Packaging condition may vary where stated in the individual product description.
New – Open Box – A new product that has been opened to check specification but has not been used. Packaging may have been opened or show signs of handling. Please check the individual product photographs and description.
Used – A previously used product. Cosmetic condition may vary, so please examine the product photographs and description before ordering.
Product photographs supplied with our catalogue products are intended to help you assess the particular item being offered.
Warranty
New laptops and desktop PCs include a 24-month SuppaTech warranty.
New – Open Box laptops and desktop PCs include a 24-month SuppaTech warranty.
New monitors include a 24-month SuppaTech warranty. New accessories include a 12-month SuppaTech warranty.
Refurbished Grade A and Grade B products and new accessories include a 12-month SuppaTech warranty.
Used products include a 6-month SuppaTech warranty.
Our warranty is provided in addition to your statutory rights.
Please see our Warranty page for full details.
Our stock changes regularly
Many of the products available from SuppaTech are purchased in limited quantities. This means a particular model or specification may not be available again once it has sold.
Our website displays the current stock available to order. Products that sell out may therefore disappear from the shop rather than remaining listed as permanently out of stock.
Still unsure?
Check the specifications shown on each product page and consider the requirements of the software or services you intend to use.
If you need help understanding a specification before ordering, contact us at supportst@suppatech.co.uk and we’ll be happy to clarify the product information.