The OS (Operating System) is the user interface that lets you manage hardware and software tasks on your laptop. Each OS has its own style, designed to suit particular needs. Here’s a quick overview of the main options: 

Windows - Microsoft’s Windows has been the most common PC operating system for over three decades. Most people are already familiar with its interface and commonly used programs, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The combination of software availability and cost-effectiveness is what seals the deal for most users – there’s a huge choice available to suit all budgets, and an equally wide range of software to pick from, right across the business, gaming, and creative fields. Windows laptops also often come with more built-in storage than ChromeOS models, so if you’ve got a big games collection or store large photography or video files (and don’t want to entrust them to the cloud) then this can be important. 

Chrome OS - Chrome OS is all about speed, simplicity and affordability. By focusing on web-based applications and cloud storage, you get fast boot times, long battery life, excellent security and automatic updates. A Chromebook is primarily designed for web-based tasks and cloud computing, making it ideal for browsing, email, document editing, and streaming. But they are not high powered enough for tasks requiring intensive processing, such as photo editing, so ChromeOS is best suited to casual users who want a light, affordable laptop that can handle everyday computing. 

Check out our MacBook Buying Guide for info on the third option – Apple’s macOS.

The processor (or CPU) controls all operations within the laptop by interpreting and carrying out instructions from apps and programs. With such a crucial role, the power of your processor decides how fast your device runs, including how quickly apps load and how smoothly videos play. Deciding which laptop processor you need will depend on your specific usage requirements and budget. For everyday computing on a Windows laptop, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 series processor is usually sufficient. Gaming and heavyweight creative tasks will need something more high powered, and the latest AI-enhanced features require high-end options such as Snapdragon X Elite, Intel Core Ultra, or AMD Ryzen AI chips. With a chromebook, many functions run online, rather than on your laptop, so a lower-powered processor may be sufficient. 

When comparing processor generations, it's important to remember that newer generally means better – typically bringing better energy efficiency, faster performance, and improved integrated graphics. Model numbers show which generations they come from – for instance, Intel Core i5-1135G7 (11th Gen) or i5-1335U (13th Gen). AMD does something similar with Ryzen chips (e.g., Ryzen 5 5600U vs Ryzen 5 7640U). If you’re trying to future-proof your laptop or plan to keep it for several years, going with the latest generation your budget allows is often a wise choice. However, if you find a great deal on a slightly older generation processor with strong overall specs, it might still be a solid investment. 

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the short-term memory where data is stored for the processor to access quickly. It’s essential for running apps, opening files, multitasking and much more. For a Windows laptop, we recommend at least 8GB to handle basic tasks such as browsing, word processing, and streaming. For more demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or juggling a lot of open tabs at the same time, an upgrade to 16GB may be needed. Serious gamers and anyone using pro-level graphic design software will probably need 32GB or 64GB. For basic, everyday computing on a Chromebook, 4GB RAM should be sufficient – but not if you want to do more demanding tasks such as photo editing. 

How much storage you need on a laptop very much depends on how you plan to use it. For general tasks such as web browsing, streaming, and social media, 256GB of SSD (Solid State Drive) storage is usually enough. If you store a lot of photos, videos, or install large software programs, 512GB to 1TB is a better fit. Gamers and creatives working with big files often benefit from 2TB or more of SSD storage. A Chromebook will need less storage due to most files being stored in the cloud. 

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) helps your laptop show pictures, videos and games on the screen. Whether you're watching YouTube, playing Minecraft, or editing photos, the GPU makes everything look smooth and colourful. Some laptops have basic graphics built into the processor (CPU), which is good for everyday stuff, while others have a separate dedicated graphics card, such as NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX or AMD’s Radeon RX series, that's better for gaming or creative projects such as animation. 

Dedicated GPUs are more expensive, consume more power and can make laptops heavier and pricier. But they deliver far superior performance where it's needed. Tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, graphic design, and gaming all benefit greatly from a dedicated GPU, which speeds up rendering times and supports professional software such as Adobe Premiere, Blender, or DaVinci Resolve. 

When considering laptop battery life, it’s important to think about how and where you'll use your laptop most often. If you travel frequently, work remotely, or attend classes throughout the day, long battery life becomes essential. 

The components inside a laptop greatly influence battery performance. High-resolution displays or dedicated graphics cards tend to consume more power, reducing overall battery life. In contrast, laptops with energy-efficient processors (such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-series or AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 365 and 395+ series) and optimised software settings can deliver much better endurance. Some Windows laptops allow you to adjust power settings to balance performance and battery life, while other laptops optimise background processes automatically.  

When picking a new laptop, battery recharging speed is also important. One key feature to look for is fast charging support, which allows the battery to reach a significant charge (50-60%) in as little as 30-45 minutes. Charger size can also matter more than people expect, with a compact, lightweight charger easier for travel or daily commuting.

With the issue of what is the best laptop screen size, it all comes down to how you use your device day-to-day. If you’re someone who’s constantly on the move, then a 13- or 14-inch laptop will be light, easy to slip into a backpack, and won’t take up much space on a desk or coffee shop table. A smaller laptop also doesn’t have to mean a lesser powered one either - Microsoft Surface, for example, is an excellent example of a laptop that combines high-end features with portability. If you spend most of your time at a desk, a 15.6-inch screen can feel a lot more spacious. You’ll definitely notice the difference when multitasking, working with large Excel documents or watching movies. For serious gamers or creatives, a 16- or 17.3-inch display will ensure you can see the full picture more effectively. 

Resolution is all about how sharp and crisp everything looks on your screen. A Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen is the standard nowadays, with HD-ready only found in cheaper devices. Full HD is certainly good enough for browsing, socials, and Netflix. But if you're into design, video editing, or just want some extra visual punch, a QHD (2560 x 1440) or even 4K (3840 x 2160) display can really make a difference. However, it’s worth remembering that higher resolution screens often mean shorter battery life, so there can be a bit of a trade-off if you’re hoping to go all day without plugging in. 

Finally, it’s worth thinking about picture technology. An IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel gives you better colours and wider viewing angles, while more expensive OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screens offer superior contrast ratios, deeper blacks, and faster response times, making them ideal for movies and gaming. If you work outdoors or near windows a lot, an anti-glare screen is a game changer. And if you're into high-paced visuals, then it’s worth considering a laptop with a higher refresh rate – you find 165Hz in a lot of the better gaming laptops now, with some even going up to 240Hz for buttery smooth visuals in even the most challenging AAA games. 

Ports ahoy! Much like buying a TV, it’s important to make sure your laptop has the connectivity options you require. Think about the ports you actually need - do you regularly plug in USB drives, HDMI cables, or SD cards? Many modern laptops, especially slimmer ones, sacrifice ports in favour of a sleeker design. If you're getting a laptop with just USB-C ports, you might need adapters or a port dock to connect your existing devices, so factor that into your budget. 

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards are also worth checking. WiFi 7 is the gold standard for reliable wireless internet right now but it usually only features in the more expensive models. If you’re not looking to buy the latest gaming laptop or powerhouse workstation, then a laptop with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E will provide a stable, fast wireless internet connection. Similarly, Bluetooth 5.0 or higher offers better range and stability for linking to wireless headphones, mice, or keyboards. Lastly, you may need specialised connectivity options such as an Ethernet port for wired internet, an SD card reader if you’re a photographer, or support for external displays via HDMI or DisplayPort.  

Choosing a laptop for uni means finding the right balance between performance, portability and price. Start by considering your course requirements - students in fields such as engineering, design, or computer science may need a more powerful Windows laptop with a fast processor, ample RAM (at least 16GB), and a dedicated graphics card. Meanwhile, for essays, research and general use, a more affordable model with 8GB of RAM and a reliable processor (for instance, Intel Core i3 or i5) will do the job just fine. Battery life is crucial too - look for something that lasts at least 8–10 hours for note-taking in lectures. If you just need a laptop for the everyday basics and entertainment, it’s also worth considering a chromebook, where the specifications can a little lower because most tasks are done online rather than on your laptop. 

Portability and build quality also play a big role, especially if you'll be carrying your laptop around campus all day. A lightweight, slim design with a durable chassis and a comfortable keyboard can make a real difference during long study sessions – a 14-inch laptop should do the trick. Think about storage needs as well - 256GB is a good starting point, but if you handle large files or lots of media, you might want 512GB or more. You probably won’t need as much if you go for a chromebook.

When choosing the best size for a work laptop, it really comes down to what kind of job you do and how mobile you need to be. For many people, a 14-inch laptop strikes the perfect balance between screen space and portability - large enough for multitasking, yet small and light enough to carry around all day without weighing you down. 

If your job involves heavy multitasking - such as working with spreadsheets, images, or design software - then a 15.6-inch or 16-inch laptop might be a better fit. You get more screen real estate, which means less scrolling and easier side-by-side window use. Your laptop will be bulkier and heavier, of course, so it’s all about what works best for you. On the other end of the spectrum, 13-inch or smaller laptops are ideal for people who prioritise portability over everything else. 

When it comes to casual use - browsing the web, watching videos, sending emails, using social media, and doing light office work - the best laptop OS really depends on what kind of experience you want. Windows is the most popular and widely compatible option. It supports a huge range of software and is easy to use, especially if you’re already familiar with it. It works well with Microsoft Office, streaming services, and light games, making it a great all-rounder for most casual users. 

If your needs are basic - mostly internet use, YouTube, Netflix, and Google Docs - then Chrome OS used on Chromebooks might be the best fit. It’s simple, fast, very secure, and often comes on very affordable devices. Chrome OS runs apps through the Chrome browser, so you won’t get traditional desktop software such as Photoshop or Excel, but it’s great for light, everyday tasks.