How to choose the right laptop: The ultimate buying guide to the perfect laptop for your needs

Laptop specifications explained, top-rated laptops, and more! Here is Croma’s ultimate laptop buying guide you didn’t know you needed.

How to choose the right laptop: The ultimate buying guide to the perfect laptop for your needs

The laptop is perhaps one of the most versatile and powerful piece of consumer tech available today. No matter the task – work, casual surfing, streaming, or even gaming – the humble laptop is almost always your go-to device.

But no two laptops are the same. Indeed, not all laptops are born equal. So, the thing to remember is that the best laptop in the market is the one that’s best for you. Although, with hundreds of options available to you, it can get difficult to choose the right laptop for your needs.

Irrespective of whether you’re a student, a working professional, a gamer, or, really, just a casual user, laptop selection can quickly get overwhelming. Conveniently, we are here to help. By the time you’ve reached the end of this story, you’ll have a precise idea of what laptop is right for you, as well as the answer to any burning questions you may have. Let’s begin.

Why do you need a laptop?

If you’re a student, you need a laptop for research, projects, document or video editing, and attending classes online. Whereas working professionals need laptops to be able to work away from the confines of the office, create documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Gamers need laptops to practice on the go, which is something gaming desktops and consoles are incapable of.

As you’ve probably already guessed, why you need a laptop will come down to what your specific needs are. A good idea is to make a list of all the various kinds of tasks you’ll need your laptop for, including all the tools and software you may need immediately or in the near future.

Which is better laptop or desktop?

Laptops vs desktops is a debate that’s been going on since computers have gone portable. However, the answer to which device is right for you can be really simple. While desktops are more powerful, have better thermal management, and can be upgraded, laptops have one key strength, and that’s their portable nature.

While you can find a range of specifications and designs for laptops and desktops both, your decision to pick a laptop over a desktop (or vice versa) will come down to whether or not you’ll want to move around with your computer. If you’re likely to move your machine between home, college, office and other locations, you’re pretty much set for laptops.

On the other hand, if portability is not a priority, and instead you’d like to get the best possible performance for your money, you can invest in a desktop, which will also allow perks like the ability to upgrade every internal and external component in the future, like your storage, RAM, graphics card, or even your monitor.

The ability of desktops to be upgraded easily also makes them last longer than laptops, which are usually replaced completely when their specifications get outdated.

How to choose the right laptop: The ultimate buying guide to the perfect laptop for your needs

Operating System: How do you choose a computer OS?

Computers around the world work on three major operating systems. Depending on your needs and use cases, you may find any of these suitable. These are Windows, macOS and ChromeOS. Here’s a deeper look on each of the operating systems.

Windows OS

Most Indians learn how to use computers on a Windows machine, getting accustomed to elements like the Start button, dialogue boxes and the Control Panel.

Windows-based machines are also available in all price-segments, support the largest library of software and games, and can be powerful enough with the right specifications.

Windows laptops are also available in multiple form factors, like 2-in-1 laptops, foldable laptops or full-fledged gaming laptops. If the idea of versatility in laptop options, budget and software sounds important to, you should get a Windows laptop.

macOS

Apple’s MacBook series come with the macOS operating system. Known for their supreme performance and feature-rich updates, macOS machines also work seamlessly with other Apple devices.

Hence, while you may want to pick up a MacBook for the performance, picking a macOS device may also come down to how invested you are in the Apple ecosystem with your other devices like iPhone or an iPad.

While it is possible to pair a MacBook with an Android phone or a Windows Surface tablet, it is a less-than-elegant solution. MacBooks also have a smaller selection of software, can be expensive for many and have a learning curve. If these drawbacks don’t affect you, you can go ahead with macOS.

ChromeOS

While not as popular as Windows and macOS, ChromeOS-based Chromebooks are great machines for students and other casual users.

Chromebooks are affordable, snappy and well-integrated with Google apps and services. These also come in 2-in-1 form factors, and are easy to use. However, Chromebooks lack the powerful specs of Windows laptops and the MacBook. As a result, they tend to flag during resource-intensive tasks such as gaming. You would do well to consider Chromebooks when your tasks are limited to surfing the web, entertainment, common apps and communication.

MacBook vs Windows Laptops: Which is better for you?

If you’ve decided Chromebooks aren’t for you but are still confused between Windows and macOS-based machines, here is a more detailed comparison between the two that should help you take a call.

MacBooks, especially newer ones powered by Apple chipsets, are powerful machines and are very well-integrated into the Apple ecosystem, feature a lot of power and best-in-class software integration. This is combined with a sleek design that you’ll find on both the affordable MacBook Air series and the high-end MacBook Pro series.

If you already have a few Apple devices like an iPhone or an iPad, and plan to use your laptop for studies, college projects or work, MacBooks can be great choices. While macOS has a smaller scale of software support, whatever is available is well-made and optimised for MacBooks.

On the other hand, Windows laptops are not limited by choices of budget, design or performance. Buyers can get a cost-effective laptop for under Rs 40,000, a powerful, thin and light ultrabook for Rs 80,000, or a high-end gaming laptop for over Rs 3,00,000. Brand and model specific features can also include anything from RGB lighting to dual-screens and touch-enabled displays.

Windows laptops also score over the MacBook in the number of tools, programs, and games that they support. So, if you run into a random tool online that helps you, say, configure your storage partitions or clean your cache, it may or may not support other platforms, but it will definitely support Windows machines.

These factors make Windows laptops great for those who are either on tighter budget, or are looking for more versatility on their new laptop. Unlike a MacBook or a Chromebook, Windows laptops can be used for all kinds of tasks and are not limited to particular use cases. However, how much you spend on one may determine how well a Windows machine performs in particular areas like gaming or coding.

How to choose the right laptop: The ultimate buying guide to the perfect laptop for your needs

How do you choose the best CPU?

When you have taken the call on what platform to choose, you will find that there are multiple variants to choose from, and one of the key differences between these variants will be the CPU or the processor chipset that powers your laptop.

For newer MacBooks, you can only choose between Apple’s in-house processors. While the older M1-powered MacBook Air or Pro variants will be less expensive, MacBooks powered by an M2-series chip will be faster, and in general more equipped to deal with newer software, larger files and faster connectivity speeds. These however, will cost significantly more.

Windows laptops are primarily powered by Intel or AMD Ryzen chipsets. Both will largely feature three sub-categories, and yearly generations.

For Intel systems, you can opt for the cost-effective Core i3 CPUs, which are great for students and professionals with more basic needs. Then there is the Core i5 series which is great for advanced users who need more performance for content creation or gaming. The Core i7 series laptops are even more powerful, making them great for content creation, advanced coding and doing things gaming and streaming at once.

The AMD Ryzen series has a similar categorisation of its Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 laptops. However, both Intel’s and AMD’s chipsets will also have yearly generations, where newer chipsets have more improvements and optimisations.

Ultimately, Intel’s 13th-Gen CPUs and AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series are the newest chipsets you’ll find today.

How much storage should I have on my laptop?

How much storage you need will be determined by your usage. While more storage is generally better, if your needs do not require terabytes of unused storage, you may be better off using that money on other aspects like a better screen or CPU.

Storage is also available in two types: the slower but cheaper HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), and the faster and expensive SSDs (Solid State Drives).

If you’re a student or a professional with basic needs like surfing, editing MS Office suite documents or catching up on some Netflix, a 512GB HDD should suffice, whereas gamers or creators may need at least 1TB or 2TB SSDs for storing larger files on their machines that they can quickly access for projects.

Note that while future-proofing is a good approach, one must not overspend on storage that one will not use in the laptop’s lifetime.

If you’re good with 1TB storage, don’t invest in a 2TB laptop because you may need the storage way down the line; chances are you may buy a new machine by then. Remember, you can always look at solutions like cloud storage or external HDDs or external SSDs later on.

Which graphics card is best for laptop?

While entry-level laptops have an integrated graphics (graphics powered by dedicated cores in the CPU itself), gamers and creators may need the a better performing graphics card. This is when you must look for laptops with dedicated graphics cards.

There is no one single best graphics card for laptops, you can choose one that suits your needs and budget. Laptops with Nvidia RTX 20-series cards are older and can be less expensive than newer RTX 30-series or 40-series laptops. However, these newer cards will support more games and advanced features like ray-tracing.

Keep in mind though, that more GPU performance will also mean more bulk in the design, more heat and thermal management, and lesser battery life. This is why more powerful laptops become heavier to carry around, especially on daily commutes. If you want to do some light editing (images or videos) or want to enjoy casual gaming, you should be fine with a low-level graphics card, but for newer titles and features like 4K gaming, Ray-Tracing and streaming, you may require a newer RTX-series card.

How to choose the right laptop: The ultimate buying guide to the perfect laptop for your needs

How to choose the best laptop screen size

Laptops come in multiple sizes: from small compact 13-inch Notebooks to large 17-inch gaming machines. While there’s no one right size for everyone, you can choose a more relevant size that’s not too cramped or too large to carry around. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Compact laptops, which usually come with 13-inch screens are focused on portability. They will likely not feature the most powerful hardware around but are great for college or field work.

The mid sizes – 14-inch and 15.6-inch – are the most popular sizes. 15.6-inch screens are great for work, entertainment and play because are adequately spaced for productivity tools, creator software, gaming and even streaming. This size will also work well with numerous accessories like laptop bags.

Larger laptops, which come with 16-inch or 17-inch screens are not for everyone. These make for great displays for creators, who can do more with the extra display, or gamers, who can have a more immersive experience with a larger screen. However, the trade-off is the size. Most large-screen laptops will also be bigger and bulkier than other laptops. They may not fit into every backpack and they will not be the easiest to carry around to college or work.

What is the best screen resolution for a laptop?

Once you have selected the screen size, screen resolution should be the next on your priority.. Thankfully, this is an easier pick. The standard FHD screen (1080p) should be good enough for most students and working professionals. This resolution is available on compact laptops and may also be seen with larger screens. It won’t be as crisp as your 4K TV, but will still maintain a good pixel density, enough to get work done, enjoy a movie or play a casual game.

Creators and gamers can also look for laptop screens with a 2K resolution (1440p) or 4K resolution (2160p) display. These resolutions incorporate a lot more pixels per inch on your screen and provide a crisp and clear experience.

2K and 4K screens are great for gamers who enjoy the sharpest details, or creators who want to have a more accurate representation of high-res photos and videos. Note that laptops with a high-res panel also come with a higher price tag.

Note that some laptops also come with an OLED display panel. These display panels show colours accurately, and can be ideal for designing, and similar use cases.

Some gaming and creator laptops will also have multiple options with a 2K screen and a higher refresh rate, or a 4K screen with a lower refresh rate. If you find such a model, you should go for the 4K panel if you plan on using the laptop for content creation. Competitive gamers for whom every frame counts, should choose the panel with a higher refresh rate, even if it means a lower resolution.

Which type of laptop is the best?

Everything you’ve read thus far should have given you a fair idea of what to pick in each category, similar to adding items to your basket at the departmental store. However, if you find going category-wise a little overwhelming, here’s a more condensed guide to pick the right laptop for you. For convenience, we’ve categorised laptops for students, gamers and business professionals.

Best laptops for students

If you’re a student, your needs will likely be on the basic side. For surfing, editing documents, watching movies, and some other light work, you can go for an entry-level Core i3/Ryzen 3 Windows laptop, with specifications like 8GB RAM and a 15.6-inch screen. Here are some of the best laptops for students.

HP 15s

The HP 15 series has been the poster boy of student laptops for years.

It features a 15.6-inch FHD display, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and an Intel Core i3 12th Gen processor. This is coupled with Windows 11 Home and a bundled subscription of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2021.

You can also find the 11th Gen Core i3 variant of the laptop for a lower asking price.

Acer Aspire 3

The Acer Aspire 3 is one of the most affordable student laptops you can get. It features a 15.6-inch FHD panel, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage and is also powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor. The laptop also comes with Windows 11 Home and offers a bundled subscription of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2021. This is also one of the few laptops in this segment to offer a full-size keyboard with a numpad.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 comes with a 12th Gen Intel Core i3 chipset, 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage. However, it has a relatively more compact form factor and a 14-inch screen. This FHD display panel is also an IPS LCD panel, which will offer better colours than standard LCDs. Other features include Windows 11 Home preinstalled and a bundled copy of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2021.

Asus Vivobook 15X

For students who want a little more performance, the Asus VivoBook 15X is a great option. Specifications include a 13th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, a 15.6-inch FHD display, 8GB RAM and 512GB storage. A Microsoft Office Home and Student 2021 subscription is also included. This is one of the most affordable laptops with the latest 13th Gen Intel Core i3 chipset.

HP 15 Core i5

The HP 15 Core i5 isn’t exactly an entry-level laptop, but features a powerful set of specifications including a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 chipset, a 15.6-inch FHD display, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. The laptop also features Intel Iris Xe graphics which let you enjoy many casual and mid-level games, while also allowing a more powerful GPU experience for designing, editing and similar use cases.

How to choose the right laptop: The ultimate buying guide to the perfect laptop for your needs

Best gaming laptops

Gaming laptops have a distinct set of specifications and features. Additions like a dedicated graphics card, built-in fans for ventilation or a high-refresh rate screen will matter more than features like a slim body, a high-resolution webcam or fingerprint authentication. Here are some of the best gaming laptops at different budgets.

Acer Nitro 5 Core i5

For gamers on a tighter budget, the Acer Nitro 5 Core i5 is a good option to consider. The laptop features a 15.6-inch FHD 144Hz IPS LCD display panel, along with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage. The laptop also features an Nvidia RTX 3050 graphics card, which is great for AAA titles at 1080p.

HP Omen 16 Core i5

For those who want more power from their machines, the HP Omen 16 Core i5 comes with a large, 16.1-inch screen FHD 144Hz IPS LCD panel, for a more immersive experience. This is accompanied by a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor along with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card. The laptop also has full-size arrow keys and comes well-equipped to handle all newer games at 1080p at high settings.

Asus ROG Strix G15 Ryzen 7

At a slightly higher budget, we have the Asus ROG Strix G15 Ryzen 7. This laptop features 15.6-inch screen, but ups the ante on everything else under the hood. We get a 15.6-inch FHD IPS panel with 300Hz refresh rate. This is powered by internals including an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB of internal storage. An Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card is onboard, equipped well-enough to handle 1080p gaming on the device or some decent 1440p gaming on an external monitor.

Asus ROG Strix G16 Core i7

The Asus ROG Strix G16 Core i7 is yet another laptop from ROG’s wide range, but one that features a larger screen with newer features. These include a 16-inch FHD IPS LCD panel with 165Hz refresh rate, a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD storage. There is an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU that lets you enjoy Ray-Tracing on all new games at 1080p resolution.

Dell Alienware M15 Ryzen 7

The Dell Alienware series has been synonymous with gamers for years and the Alienware M15 is also one of the most powerful gaming laptops you can buy right now. The machine comes with a 15.6-inch IPS display with 165Hz refresh rate and is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H. The highlight of the laptop is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, which is great for gaming at 1440p at high settings or 1080p at ultra-high settings.

Best laptops for business professionals

Business laptops need to be thin, compact, aesthetic without being too loud and of course, performance-oriented. From featuring the power to multitask between programs, pages and files without hiccups to security and productivity features, here are some of the best business laptops to enhance productivity on the go.

Apple MacBook Air M1

The Apple MacBook Air M1 is not the latest in town, but is still a very powerful machine thanks to the M1 chip onboard. This makes the laptop great for all office tasks including writing, presentations, and more. The MacBook Air also comes with securely encrypted storage drives, along with other security features like file-level encryption and secure accessory connections.

Asus Vivobook 16X

The Asus Vivobook 16X is a full-fledged business laptop that is compact yet powerful. Apart from sporting the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor, 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, the laptop also features a fingerprint sensor, multiple input/output ports including a USB 3.2 Type-C port, a full-size keyboard and a 180-degree folding screen that can lay flat on a table.

Dell XPS 13 Plus

The Dell XPS 13 Plus is a great option if you’re looking for a very powerful laptop that can fit pretty much anywhere. With a 13.4-inch UHD OLED display, the laptop is one of the most compact ones you’ll find in the segment.

The OLED panel which shows accurate colours and a high contrast ratio, also supports touch input, allowing you to use your fingers for quick navigation, or a stylus for more precise input. Specifications include a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD storage.

HP Spectre x360

The HP Spectre x360 comes with a 13.5-inch screen, 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage, all while being powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor. However, the strength of this laptop is its form factor, as the compact OLED display can be turned 360-degress, allowing you turn the laptop into a tablet with full touch support. You also get fingerprint authentication, Wi-Fi 6E support and a lightweight design that’s under 1.5Kg.

Apple MacBook Pro

The Apple MacBook Pro needs no introduction. The laptop is a powerhouse, especially in case of the newer M2 variants. The MacBook Pro is also a very sleek and lightweight device.

The new M2 processor makes the MacBook Pro powerful enough to edit 4K videos and high-res images on the go, and can even connect to multiple external displays.

The MacBook Pro is also available with up to 2TB SSD and features like Retina Display, 500nits brightness, and configurable memory up to 24GB (RAM) and 2TB (Storage).

Not in a hurry to buy a laptop? Exploring the market and are willing to wait for what’s next? We understand. Here are some upcoming features on laptops that you can look into.

Foldable display laptops

Laptops like the Asus Zenbook Fold may be a rare site at the office today, but the segment is expected to grow as laptops could gradually move to a design without a physical keyboard, as smartphones did years ago.

New display technology

Laptop manufacturers are looking at bringing new technology to laptop displays. This includes everything from mini-LED panels, which offer better contrast ratios than LCDs without the price hike of OLEDs, to 16:10 aspect ratios, allowing a taller display for creators and gamers to work and play on.

OLED screens themselves are expected to get affordable, allowing more creators to work on high-contrast, colour-accurate displays, while high-resolution displays will also come with high-refresh-rates, saving gamers from having to choose between the two.

Glass-free 3D laptops

Glass-free 3D on consumer tech is set to make a comeback soon. Asus has launched its Spatial Vision feature, which will implement eye-tracking to bring 3D to laptops, without requiring any special accessories or glasses.

Users will also be able to use a dial to switch between 2D and 3D, similar to how the Apple Vision Pro allows you to switch between Augmented and Virtual Reality. Other brands could soon follow suit, and laptops with 3D displays may quickly become more popular than you think.

How to maintain your laptop

Buying a laptop is just the first step. The next is setting it up, and the one after is making sure the laptop works well for its expected lifespan. For that to happen, you have to take care of your laptop. Here are some ways to avoid damage, and keep your laptop working smoothly.

Use the laptop on a flat surface

Contrary to their name, your lap isn’t the best place from which to operate your laptop.

If you are planning to use your laptop a lot at home, start by getting a dedicated table for the device.

It is also important that you use the laptop on a flat surface so that the thermals are not disturbed and any vents and fans are not blocked.

Cleaning regularly (but also keep it away from all liquids)

Keep any and all liquids away from the laptop at all times to avoid any accidental spills, which can cause severe damage.

It’s also a good idea to get a dedicated cleaning solution, particularly if you live in a dusty city, or with pets.

Power down your laptop regularly

Invest in a trusted antivirus program of your choice to keep your new laptop safe from online and offline threats.

Avoid connecting untrusted drives or flash drives and make sure you charge via a wall part that is secure and stabilised.

While it may be tempting to simply put your laptop to sleep after work, ensure you shut down your machine at least once in a week, allowing the memory cache to clear.

Store your laptop safely

Never keep a laptop unprotected in a bag along with other items, especially if they’re sharp.

Always put your laptop in the dedicated laptop compartment of a bag, or use a laptop sleeve for protection.

Also, remove any drives or cables connected to the machine before storing it to avoid damage.

Buy an extended warranty plan

Despite all your best efforts to keep your laptop safe, accidents can happen, and should they result in damage, a laptop can be very expensive to fix. While manufacturer warranty will cover you for up to a year from your date of purchase, an get an accidental damage protection plan like the Croma ZipCare Damage Advanced and ZipCare Extended Warranty plan will help you extend the coverage for longer.

To be sure, buying a laptop is far from a walk in the park due to an ever-evolving market. However, understanding your needs and requirements and translating them to required specifications and features will help you select the right machine for yourself.

Start by setting a budget, identify your usage, and follow our guide to make a list of the specifications you need. Then, finding a laptop that’s right for you should get much easier. Happy hunting!

How to choose the right laptop: The ultimate buying guide to the perfect laptop for your needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions you might have while choosing the perfect laptop for you.

1. Touchscreen laptops vs Normal laptops

Touchscreen laptops offer touch input on the display panel, allowing users to use their fingers or a stylus to input data, navigate through menus and more.

However, these laptops can be expensive and may drive up your budget.

Should you buy a touchscreen laptop or a non-touchscreen laptop at the same price-point?

Here are a few points to keep in mind.

Touchscreen laptops are very useful: Whether it’s in a standard laptop or a two-in-one, having a touchscreen can speed up a lot of tasks, especially if you’re a content creator.

Software like Adobe Photoshop or Premier Pro feature a lot of tools, timelines and other elements that you can make the most of with a touch-enabled display, especially if you have a decent stylus to go with it.

If you’re a student who takes a lot of notes, or is interested in journaling or even doodling, a touchscreen is a good addition to have.

However, they’re not for everyone: Unless you’re a creator, or a designer, or have other similar use cases, you probably wouldn’t benefit much from having a touchscreen laptop.

In other words, you should rather invest that money in a more powerful CPU, a better display or a more storage.

Remember that unlike a smartphone, that you can use everywhere and for a myriad of tasks, you will not have a laptop open everywhere as your music playback device, or to scroll through social media.

Note that touchscreen laptops also need extra care and maintenance, and in an unfortunate event, can be even more expensive to repair or replace.

Consider if you really need a touchscreen on a laptop before you invest in one.

2. How important is webcam quality in laptop?

In 2023, webcams are pretty important aspects in a laptop. While most laptops will have built-in webcams, others may come with bundled, USB webcams that will work just as good, but will occupy one of your USB ports.

However, even within laptops that feature built-in webcams, there will be basic 720p webcams, and the high-res 1080p webcams.

Choosing between these two will come down to how often you indulge in video calls/video conferences, and how often you’ll do it during daytime.

While 720p webcams aren’t exactly bad webcams today, they can fall apart quickly in the absence of good, natural lighting, inviting digital noise. If you frequently have video conferences in the evenings or during night-time, you should consider getting a 1080p webcam.

Either way, while the resolution itself can be a fair indicator of what kind of quality to expect, it is also a good idea to walk down to the store and test the webcam of the laptop you’re trying to get your hands on ahead of time.

While getting a laptop with a built-in webcam, also consider if the device comes with a privacy shutter, which is a small slider that can physically block the webcam when you’re not using it.

3. Should I buy laptop with OS or without OS?

Most people buy a laptop with an operating system installed. However, it is possible to buy laptops without a pre-installed operating system, and for some particular users, this can actually be a good idea.

If you plan on installing your own operating system, or a different version of the factory-fit operating system, it may save you some time and money getting a blank laptop.

This can also be ideal if you want to custom-partition your drive structure for fewer or more partitions before you start using the laptop.

For most users who don’t need to deal with the technicalities mentioned above, buying a laptop without an OS may not make much sense.

Buying and installing your own operating system will also cost you beyond the cost of the laptop. And you may lose out on any bundled subscriptions that come with the laptop, like a Microsoft Office Home and Student subscription.

How to choose the right laptop: The ultimate buying guide to the perfect laptop for your needs

4. SSD vs HDD vs SSHD: Which is better?

Storage space is important, but for most users, what will be even more important will be the type of storage on their laptop.

Choosing between SSDs, HDDs and the lesser-known SSHDs should play a crucial role in your laptop selection process, as based on your needs, you may need one more than the other.

HDDs or Hard Disk Drives, are slower, last-gen drives. They operate mechanically, and hence, add more bulk and weight to the laptop. Their only advantage is the cost, as HDDs are much cheaper than SSD storage.

SSDs or Solid State Drives are newer technology. They are thin and compact drives that can read and write data at much faster speeds.

Their compact size also allows you to have more storage in virtually the same space inside a laptop.

They’re also less unlikely to randomly fail, and are easier to replace. However, these features come at a price, as SSD storage can be significantly more expensive than HDDs.

SSHDs or Solid State Hybrid Drives are drives that use both flash storage and a disk drive. The flash storage is the primary storage in such drives, while the built-in disk drive can store extra data when you need it to.

The SSHD technology is often used on entry-level to medium-budget laptops, and is targeted at users who want a balance of both storage types.

Which kind of storage to get: The best way to go forward for most users would be to go with an all-SSD laptop, which would ensure fast read and write speeds across your machine. This is the approach most gaming and performance-oriented machines will take. However, this can be an expensive option for some.

If that’s the case, one can always go for a laptop with SSHD storage that offers the speed of SSDs and the inexpensive storage of HDDs. This allows the machines to keep the price lower, have an SSD drive as the main drive for the operating system and key programs, and have an HDD for storing files like photos, videos and personal documents.

While you can opt for all-HDD laptops, which should be the cheapest option of the lot, we wouldn’t recommend it, since HDD storage is older technology and sports much slower speeds than modern SSD standards.

5. Is extended warranty required for new Laptop?

New laptops will usually come with a brand warranty that will usually cover your device for any manufacturing defects or other problems for the first year since the date of purchase. However, laptops are manufactured at a very large scale, and small errors in production could cause problems in select components on your machine. This can result in problems which may show up in the first year or the years to come after.

However, since the brand will only cover the first year, it is a good idea to get an extended warranty like the Croma ZipCare Protect plans. These will save you from costly repairs if components like the display, the keyboard or something else fails due to a defect.

Note that extended warranty plans will not cover accidental damages caused due to impacts, burns, any liquid damage and any similar factors. For such cases, however, you can protect your laptop ahead of time with an accidental damage protection plan like the Croma ZipCare Protect Damage Advanced plan.

Keep in mind that unlike most extended warranty plans that can be purchased at any time after a purchase, accidental damage plans need to be purchased with the product itself.

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