Purchasing a new laptop requires due diligence, and understanding the best configuration. Here is how you can know what configuration works best for you.
It is easy to draw parallels between laptops and smartphones. Similar to smartphones, there is no dearth of options when it comes to laptops. Furthermore, you can choose a device depending on your preferred configuration, brand, size and weight. Once you start browsing through the catalogue, you might not be able to zero in on a laptop that fits your specific requirements, as you will come across flashy, premium models that will take your breath away, both in terms of their features, and their price tag.
It is in this regard that we have to remember the Diderot Effect, and steer clear from purchasing a laptop that does not cater to our needs. PC brands also try to make this process relatively easy for consumers; for businessmen, most brands offer business laptop lines.
Similarly, for gamers, there are gaming laptops, and for the average consumer, there are your typical, standard laptop lines. So how do you zero in on the perfect laptop when you are restricted by budget? Let us clear this conundrum for you, and help you with this laptop buying guide.
Processor – AMD Ryzen or Intel Core?
When you look at the plethora of laptops that are available today, you can see that most – if not all – of them are powered by either AMD Ryzen processors, or Intel Core processors. While Intel continues to enjoy the lion’s share of the laptop market, AMD Ryzen has also seen its popularity increase over the years. Should you choose a laptop with AMD Ryzen processor, or the conventional Intel Core CPU?
The answer isn’t really as straight-forward. However, AMD Ryzen processors give you the best bang for your buck, and laptops powered by AMD Ryzen processors are also relatively cheaper than their Intel Core counterparts. Furthermore, Ryzen U processors of 3 and 5 series, according to benchmarks, outperform Intel processors in single and multi-threaded tasks.
Should you go for 4GB RAM?
Let us assume that you’re opting for the AMD Ryzen processor. The next question you have to find an answer to is: Is 4GB RAM enough? The answer to that, once again, isn’t as straight-forward. That said, 4GB RAM is sufficient for almost all the tasks. However, if you are into intense gaming, or if you use heavy, RAM-hungry software like video editors or animation software, then you might want to think about upgrading to 8GB RAM, which you can do at a later date.
Should you buy a laptop with SSD storage type?
The best laptops today come with SSD storage. However, these models are also expensive. Alternatively, you can buy a laptop that comes with SSD + HDD hybrid storage, which gives you the best of both worlds. For instance, the Asus VivoBook 14 X412FA-EK511T Ultrabook, considered by many to be one of the best laptops under 50,000 INR, comes with SSD + HDD hybrid storage, with 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD capacities.
Importance of a good display and battery
Last but not least, it is important to buy a laptop with a decent-to-good display. Considering the fact that you have to work on your laptop for long hours, or partake in long, strenuous gaming sessions, the display needs to be bright and vivid, and have either HD resolution, or full HD resolution. Most of the laptops under 50,000 INR come with HD displays.
Similarly, you also need to take a closer look at the battery. Ensure that the laptop runs for at least 5-6 hours on a single, full charge. You might want to work while commuting or while travelling, and you wouldn’t want the laptop to die on you. Thus, it is imperative that you pay close attention to the laptop’s battery life.
Now that you know the ideal configuration for a budget friendly laptops, you can choose your favourite model from one of the top brands. If you’re still worried about the laptop’s price tag, you can rest easy, and pay for it by using the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card. The EMI Network Card comes with a pre-approved loan of up to Rs. 4 lakh, and you can repay the cost of the laptop in convenient monthly instalments.
