Most People Buy the Wrong Laptop
I see it all the time. Someone comes into the shop in Letchworth with a laptop they bought six months ago, and it's already struggling. Not because it's faulty - because it was the wrong machine for what they needed. They either spent too much on features they'll never use, or they went for the cheapest option and ended up with something that can barely handle everyday tasks.
Buying a laptop shouldn't be this complicated, but the sheer number of options and the amount of confusing spec jargon makes it a minefield. So here's my honest, no-nonsense guide to picking the right laptop without wasting your money.
What Actually Matters
Let me cut through the noise and tell you which specs genuinely affect your day-to-day experience.
Storage Type (SSD vs HDD)
This is the single most important spec, and the one most people overlook. If a laptop has a traditional hard drive (HDD), it will be slow. Full stop. It doesn't matter what processor it's got or how much RAM - a hard drive will bottleneck everything. Make sure any laptop you buy has an SSD. This is non-negotiable in 2025.
RAM (Memory)
RAM determines how many things your computer can do at the same time. For general use - browsing, email, Office documents - 8GB is the minimum. I'd honestly recommend 16GB if you can stretch to it, especially if you tend to have lots of browser tabs open or use video calling regularly. Anything less than 8GB and you'll notice slowdowns fairly quickly.
Processor (CPU)
For everyday tasks, a modern Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is more than enough. You don't need an i7 or i9 unless you're doing serious video editing, 3D rendering, or programming. The difference between an i5 and i7 for browsing the web and writing documents is negligible. Don't let a salesperson upsell you on processor power you'll never use.
Screen
For most people, a standard 1080p (Full HD) screen is perfectly fine. If you're going to be staring at it all day for work, look for one with an IPS panel - the colours are more accurate and the viewing angles are better. Skip the 4K screens unless you have a specific reason to need them; they drain battery faster and the difference on a 15-inch screen is barely noticeable.
What Doesn't Matter (As Much As You'd Think)
Brand
There's no single "best" brand. Every manufacturer makes good laptops and bad laptops. HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, and Acer all have great options and terrible options. Judge each laptop on its specs and build quality, not the logo on the lid.
Touchscreen
Unless you specifically want to use the laptop as a tablet, skip the touchscreen. It adds cost, uses more battery, and makes the screen more reflective. Most people who have a touchscreen laptop never actually use the touch functionality.
"Gaming" Labels
If you're not gaming, don't buy a "gaming" laptop. They're heavier, have worse battery life, and cost more because you're paying for a powerful graphics card you won't use. A well-specced business or mainstream laptop will serve you better.
Consider Refurbished
Here's something a lot of people don't realise: ex-business and refurbished laptops are often outstanding value. Companies like Lenovo and Dell lease thousands of ThinkPads and Latitudes to businesses, and when the lease is up, those machines get returned, cleaned up, and resold at a fraction of the original price.
A three-year-old business-grade laptop often has better build quality than a brand new budget laptop. They're designed to last, they've got proper keyboards, and they come with decent specifications. We supply both new and refurbished laptops at our shop - customers from Hitchin, Stevenage, and all across North Herts regularly come in looking for a new laptop and leave with a refurbished one that's better in every way and half the price.
Check out our laptop supply page for more details on what we offer.
What to Avoid
Let me be blunt about a few things:
- Anything with less than 8GB RAM - It's not enough in 2025. Browsers alone will eat through 4GB.
- Laptops with eMMC storage - Some very cheap laptops use eMMC flash storage instead of a proper SSD. It's much slower and usually only 32GB or 64GB. Avoid these.
- Machines with no upgrade path - Some ultra-thin laptops have RAM soldered to the motherboard, meaning you can never upgrade it. If you're buying 8GB, make sure it can go to 16GB later.
- Extended warranties from retailers - They're almost never worth it. If something goes wrong, bring it to an independent shop like ours and we'll fix it for less than the warranty cost.
Still Not Sure?
If you're in Letchworth Garden City or the surrounding area and you're not sure what laptop to buy, come in and have a chat. I'd genuinely rather spend ten minutes advising you before you buy than have you come in three months later regretting a bad purchase. We can supply the right laptop for your needs, set it up for you free of charge, and make sure you're sorted from day one.
Get in touch or pop into the shop at 2 The Wynd. Honest advice, no pressure.