In 2017 alone, laptop sales created over $101 billion in revenue. Over 60 percent of those sales came from six brands, but that doesn’t mean your options are limited when it comes to types of laptops.
With so many options on the market today, there’s a lot to consider when you’re purchasing any device, but especially a laptop. You might feel overwhelmed and decide to grab the first thing you see, but that’s only going to lead you to purchase something you end up hating.
Read on to learn how to avoid the 10 biggest mistakes in purchasing laptops.
- Aiming for Aesthetic Over Function
With so many beautifully-designed laptops available today, it can be easy to aim for form over functionality, but it’s important to not fall into that trap. Just because a device looks nice doesn’t mean it’s going to cover all your bases, and it definitely doesn’t mean it’s a good machine.
You should work in the opposite order instead. Create a list of the things you’re looking for first, decide on your budget, then look at the laptops in that price range. No matter your price point, you’re sure to find something that you like.
- Not Considering Size
Some people argue they don’t notice the difference between small and large laptops, but if you have to carry it around, then you’re likely to feel it.
If you need portability from your laptop, then you might want to opt for something smaller. You might see arguments for larger laptops providing more durability, and while this might be true to an extent, there’s nothing wrong with opting for a 13 or 14-inch laptop that travels easily.
While there are plenty of powerful smaller models out there, you might be hard-pressed to find something quite as powerful as a larger model. In some cases, sacrificing a lightweight model for a workhorse is worth it, but it depends on your workload.
The mistake here, though, is thinking size makes no difference.
- Buying Whatever Is on Sale
Buying something simply because it’s on sale is probably the worst mistake you can make. If you haven’t researched, and you don’t know anything about the computer you’re looking at, then how can you be sure it’s going to suit your needs?
While your budget is definitely important, you should try to not allow it to be the biggest deciding factor. Likewise, if you have a tight budget, then it’s important to look at all the options that are in your price range and try to make the decision based upon that.
If there’s a laptop that’s perfect for you but it’s just a bit out of reach, then it might be worth considering whether or not you should (or can) go over budget.
- Opting for Glossy Screens
This is one feature that’s extremely popular right now but has proven to not be all that helpful. These screens produce a lot of glare in even the slightest light, and they can make things harder to see.
The fix is pretty cheap if you want a model with a glass screen, though. Finding a matte screen protector that fits your laptop can make all the difference, and if you find one for privacy, then you’re ensuring that you can see what you’re doing while nobody else can.
- Falling for Pressure
Have you ever heard someone say, “don’t trust the salesperson?” In most cases, that saying is right.
Not all salespeople are going to have your best interest at heart, and they’re likely to just try to sell you something with better features that’s outside of your price range. This is where knowing exactly what you want before walking into the store can make all the difference.
When you’re confident in the things you want, then you’re less likely to fall victim to buying something with features that you don’t even need. This doesn’t mean you can’t trust any of them, though.
In fact, if you have questions, then some salespeople can actually be helpful. Just make it clear that you’re not interested in buying anything that day, and remember that you don’t have to give in. You’re the one spending money here, and you should ensure you’re going to be happy with your purchase.
- Paying Full Price
With as many sales and deals that happen throughout the year, paying full price for a computer is almost unheard of.
If you’re not in a pinch and can afford to wait for a great deal, then you should take advantage of that. You can save anywhere from $100 to $500 on a good computer, and you might even be eligible for gift cards or special rebates depending on the purchase.
A lot of laptops will also come in bundles around the holidays, which are perfect if you want a few accessories to go with your device.
- Not Trying It Out
The best thing about buying a laptop today is that, in some cases, you can try them out. Some stores offer a trial period or return period, so you can always get your money back if you buy something and end up not liking it.
If this isn’t an option, then you should turn to the internet and pay a visit to an electronics store to see the different models they have. Overview videos on YouTube can be surprisingly detailed, and so can articles online. A brief period with the laptop you’re potentially wanting can also be a huge help as well.
You might even know someone with the laptop you want. If this is the case, then asking them to use it for a bit could help you make a better, more informed decision.
- Buying Purely for Brand
Here’s the thing: no brand is absolutely perfect, and you’re kidding yourself if you think this is the case.
Now, some people don’t want to give up on their beloved Windows or Mac interface, which is understandable, but you shouldn’t upgrade to something newer purely for the brand you’re wanting.
If you want an Apple computer, getting something with an M1 chip doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be the best. While it’s definitely the fastest chip you can find in a Mac, that doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you, or that you even need that amount of power.
Just don’t be afraid to climb out of your comfort zone when it comes to exploring electronics. You might be surprised about how much you like another laptop once you’ve picked it up.
- No Research
This goes hand-in-hand with the previous point. Just because you want a MacBook doesn’t mean it’s going to be the best experience for you. With a bit of research, you might actually find that the Intel Evo laptop has more of the features you want.
At a minimum, you should be looking up the brand, the model, reading about common problems, and even looking into any alternatives you might be interested in.
- Trusting Every Online Review
Now, you can trust online customer reviews and videos, but they should always be taken with a grain of salt. Every single creator or reviewer is going to have their personal opinion, and you’re never going to fully understand their biases.
You might be reading a one-star review on the latest MacBook, but that opinion could be coming from a diehard Windows user who reluctantly made the switch.
It’s just important to trust yourself first and to always consider your personal needs before you blindly trust the reviews of one person. That’s why trying out machines before you buy them is important, and why knowing the things you’re looking for is essential.
Don’t ignore the common problems you might read about, though. If a computer consistently shows the same issue across the board, that’s a major sign that it could happen to you too.
Don’t Make These Mistakes in Purchasing Laptops
So, now that we’ve gone over a few of the biggest mistakes in purchasing laptops, it’s going to be easier to navigate all the options available to you.
And remember, while you might be hard-pressed to find a laptop that meets every need you have right out of the box, it’s important to remember that a lot of them are easily customizable and have plenty of options available. With a bit of time and research, getting everything you need can be a breeze.
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