With so many choices, choosing the right laptop can seem like a truly daunting task. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. Everyone has different needs when it comes to laptops, and often the price points reflect those qualities. The good news is that unless you’re a hardcore gamer, the most expensive features quickly become the least important.
There’s no reason you should have to spend a fortune on a laptop. In fact, you’ll likely find several options under $500 that will have everything you need and then some. Here are the features that should likely matter the most.
1. Price
If you’re on a fixed income, the last thing you want to do is spend a fortune on a computer. If your budget is limited, consider what features you actually need. Most of the time, the tech specs are going to be less important than you might think.
2. Weight
More expensive laptops – such as those designed for video gaming – are often some of the heaviest. Luckily, that means you can likely opt for something lightweight. When shopping, be sure to take into consideration how bulky and/or heavy your options are.
3. Screen Resolution
You’re likely going to want to look for a laptop that has an FHD (Full High Definition) or better screen. You’ll also want to seek out a laptop that has a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 or higher. The better the resolution, the less eye strain you’ll likely experience.
4. Keyboard Layout
One of the most important things is being comfortable with using your laptop. While almost no basic laptops will have large buttons, there’s a fix for that. You don’t have to buy a custom laptop or pay loads extra for senior-friendly keys. There are several places you can buy large letter stickers for any laptop keyboard.
5. Sound Quality
It isn’t the most important quality to look for in a laptop itself, but it is something to consider. If you have hearing problems, your best bet is likely to invest in a good quality pair of headphones.
