How Can I Test and Compare Different Laptops Before Making a Purchase Decision?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking to buy a new laptop and want to make sure you select the right one. You likely want to test out and compare different models before deciding which one to buy. I totally get it

I’ve been there myself, browsing endless models online, getting lost in technical specs, and unsure how to even start comparing options. Well, I’ve learned a few handy tips over the years on the best ways to test out and compare laptops before deciding. 

In this laptop buying guide, I’m going to walk you through exactly what to look for and how to evaluate the most important factors. My goal is to save you time and money by avoiding the common mistakes people make when buying a laptop. Let’s start.

Research Online to Develop Your Laptop Wishlist

Before you start looking at specific laptop models in person, do some online research to create a wishlist of features and specs you think you want. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you want something super portable with a 13″ screen? Or a larger 15″ or 17″ display for easier multitasking and viewing?
• Do you prefer Windows or Apple computers? Chrome OS? Consider different operating systems and how they align with your needs.
• What kind of CPU do you need? Think about what tasks you’ll use your laptop for most.
• Consider how much memory and hard drive space would suit your needs, based on the programs, apps, files, and media you use regularly.
• If you plan to play games, edit photos and videos, or watch movies, pay attention to the type of graphics card/chipset integrated into the laptop.
• Do you want a touchscreen? Stylus compatibility? Fingerprint sensor? Consider which additional features may enhance your user experience.

Having an idea of your ideal specs and must-have features will give you a great starting point for knowing what to look for as you test out and compare laptops.

Once you know what you’re looking for in your laptop, spend some time at local electronics stores testing different brands of modern laptops and models.

Trying out the laptops you’re considering face-to-face is invaluable before making your final pick. Here are some things to look for when you explore various options:

Check the CPU and RAM

These are the two most critical components that determine general performance, including CPU performance, and how fast the laptop can run apps and handle multiple tasks. Here’s what to look for:

CPU (Processor)

For most mainstream laptop use, an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor is best. The higher the generation, the better. Avoid anything below a 6th generation chip if possible. i3 processors can feel sluggish.

RAM

8GB is the minimum I’d recommend. 16GB is ideal if you plan to multitask heavily or keep lots of browser tabs open. Anything less than 8GB may feel slow with multiple apps open.

When in doubt, prioritize more processing cores and more RAM over other flashy specs. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference in speed.

Test out the actual speed and responsiveness of any laptop you may buy.

• Compare boot-up/wake times. A fast-performing laptop should start up and recover from sleep mode in seconds.
• Try out apps and programs. Open browser windows, play streaming video, and launch programs you use regularly to see real-world speed.
• Check fans and heat output. Good airflow and heat management will allow the laptop to better maintain speed and performance without overheating during processor-intensive tasks.

Evaluate the Screen Resolution and Size

The screen is what you’ll be staring at the whole time using your laptop, so it better be good. For screen resolution, go for 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) at a minimum. Higher resolutions like 2560 x 1600 (QHD) and 3840 x 2160 (4K) are even crisper but not always necessary. For screen size, 13 to 15 inches are the most popular. Consider what feels comfortable for long-term use.

If possible, see laptop screens in person before buying. Specs aren’t everything, view angles, color accuracy, and brightness also impact quality. So, make sure text and images look sharp without scaling or squinting. 

Check out viewing angles. Tilting the screen shouldn’t distort colors or contrast. Lastly, screen brightness should be adjustable for comfortable use in various lighting conditions.

Check the Keyboard and Trackpad

You’ll be typing and clicking a lot, so ensure these input devices are high quality:

Keyboard

Key travel (depth when pressed) should be at least 1.5mm for responsive feedback. Make sure key spacing isn’t too cramped.

Shallow, stiff keys can lead to more typos and fatigue over time. Backlit keys are ideal if using the laptop in dim environments.

Trackpad

Smooth and accurate tracking is essential. Test two-finger scrolling and pinch/zoom gestures.

Trackpads should be large enough for easy navigation without a separate mouse. Check for precision and ease of various multi-touch gestures.

Don’t settle for a compromised keyboard or trackpad. These are difficult to replace down the road and will frustrate you every time you use the laptop.

Pro Tip: Compare keyboard layouts. Elements like the location of the trackpad, power button, etc. can vary between brands. Find the most intuitive option.

Consider Weight and Battery Life

Two often overlooked specs that significantly impact the portability and usability of a laptop:

Weight

Laptops under 3 pounds are ideal if you plan to carry it around. Between 3-5 pounds offers a good balance. Over 5 pounds can get burdensome to carry around all day.

Battery

For battery, look for at least 8 hours (preferably 10+ hours) of web browsing and video playback runtime. 

Don’t underestimate how much a heavy laptop that dies after 4 hours will annoy you when trying to work on the go.

Check Availability of Ports and Connectivity

Nothing’s worse than being unable to connect an external device when you need it most. Make sure your laptop has:

• At least 2-3 USB-A ports for flash drives, mice, game controllers, etc.
• USB-C ports for modern accessories and external displays
• HDMI for projectors and TV connections
• Headphone jack for private listening (or USB-C/Bluetooth headphones support)
• Decent WiFi card and Bluetooth support 

Read Reviews From Trusted Independent Sources

Apart from trying out laptops, it’s wise to look at reviews from knowledgeable and independent sources before purchasing. Some great places to research:

• You’ll find in-depth testing data and ratings on sites like LaptopMag, NotebookCheck, and UltrabookReview.
• Read ratings and comments from people who bought and used the actual laptop on Amazon.
• People share hands-on impressions and discuss the pros and cons of specific laptop models on forums and communities like Quora & Reddit

Most laptops come with certain common features and limitations, which reviews can help highlight. Key things to look for in reviews:

• How well did key features hold up for actual use cases?
• Did build quality decline after months of use?
•  How a model stacks up against similar options.
• Did the laptop provide a good experience for the price?

Reviews can give you deeper insight into a laptop’s strengths and weaknesses that you may not notice. They can also provide insights into the performance of gaming laptops and their suitability for video editing.

Compare Prices From Multiple Vendors

Before hitting that buy button, be sure to check prices from the manufacturer’s website and online retailers like Amazon.

Prices can vary for the exact same laptop configuration. I’ve seen $200+ differences between sites for hot models. 

Be wary of pricing that seems too good to be true though. Scams do exist, especially for in-demand laptops well below market value. Use common sense.

Final Words

With all the testing and comparisons above, what matters most for your needs?

Sit down and rank which aspects take priority:

• Display quality
• Keyboard comfort
• Processing power
• Battery life
• Weight/portability

Then set your maximum budget and find the best budget laptop across those areas. You’ll likely need to compromise in some aspects to fit the price, and that’s fine. Knowing what performance or features to prioritize over others will guide you to the right laptop.

The good news? There are great options these days at every price point. So take your time, follow the tips above, and you’ll surely find the perfect laptop to fit both your needs and wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best way to evaluate processing power when testing laptops?

Two effective methods are to time how long it takes multiple programs to load and check benchmark test results from reviews on reputable tech sites. 

2. How can I evaluate laptop battery life without taking models home for extended testing?

Check manufacturer battery life claims for an estimate, then run similar programs head-to-head while monitoring battery percentage drain over time. 

3. Should I test laptops with the specific programs and apps I’ll use most?

Absolutely! If there are one or two software programs you know you’ll have open daily, install or launch them on any laptop you’re serious about buying.