HP Laptop Buying Guide: FAQs for First-Time Buyers
Laptops are essential tools for millions worldwide, helping users work and play conveniently. Manufacturers have developed various functions, which, along with understanding numerous specifications, can make it hard to choose a first-time laptop.
We’ve created this brief laptop buying guide to help first-time buyers find the model that’s best for them.
Specifications to look for in an HP laptop
What you need in a laptop depends mostly on how you will use it and your budget. Below are some FAQ’s regarding laptop specifications.
Are size & weight important?
Many users will prefer a smaller laptop because they are easier to carry. However, many prefer a larger machine with a larger display and keyboard. Fortunately, HP offers a range of laptops with weight and dimensions that make them portable.
For example, the HP 15s-fq5022na Full-HD Laptop has a 15.6-inch screen and weighs just under 1.7 kg, making it easy to carry. Despite its small size, this laptop also has a full-sized keyboard with a number pad to help keep you productive.
This machine is powered by an Intel® Core™ i3 or Intel Core i5 processor, and you can also choose between 4GB or 8GB of RAM. Other options include an Intel UHD Graphics GPU or an Intel Iris® Xe Graphics GPU. You also have plenty of storage options, including 128GB, 256GB or 512GB capacity. All storage options use the latest solid-state drive technology (SSD), which offers impressive data transfer rates.
This model also has a sleek, micro-edge design that won’t look out of place at home or the office. Its portability is enhanced further by its long battery life and the fast charge feature. WiFi and Bluetooth ensure easy connectivity no matter where you are.
Other useful features include an HP True Vision HD Camera that’s ideal for remote workers, while the easy-to-use speakers and mic are a good choice for first-time buyers.
What if I need high-quality images?
Many first-time buyers will need a high-resolution display for detailed and accurate images, especially gamers and those working in design fields. Producing quality images for high-resolution displays also requires a powerful GPU and supporting CPU.
The HP ZBook Power G10 15.6-inch QHD Mobile Workstation offers a Quad High Definition (QHD) display, offering the detail designers need. Alternatively, you can choose a Full High Definition (FHD) display, which still provides all the details most users could need.
Graphics are provided courtesy of an NVIDIA® RTX™ A1000 (6GB), NVIDIA 2000 (8GB) or NVIDIA RTX 3000 (8GB) GPU. This model also lets you choose between an Intel Core i7 and Intel Core i9 CPU, and you can opt for 16GB or 32GB RAM. HP Z Turbo Drive high-speed technology also helps ensure this machine delivers impressive performance.
What does RAM do?
Random access memory (RAM) is among the most important components because it plays a large part in making your machine faster. The more RAM you can have, the more processing power your computer will have, helping it power through complex tasks quickly.
How much RAM you need depends largely on which other components you have and which software you need. For example, if you want a high-end gaming machine to play the latest triple-A (AAA) titles, you might need 32GB of RAM for an enjoyable experience. On the other hand, you will also find budget machines with as little as 8GB RAM, although these are still ideal for day-to-day use.
What is a CPU?
A central processing unit (CPU) helps to orchestrate the computer’s tasks and process data at lightning speeds. So, if you need a machine that will work with sophisticated software quickly, you will likely need a powerful CPU.
As such, HP has created laptops like the HP Spectre Fold 17-inch 3-in-1 PC, which uses a powerful Intel Core i7 CPU. This laptop also offers 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage, giving you high capacity and transfer speeds. This laptop also uses an Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU and an impressive Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) 17-inch touch screen display that offers detailed images and accurate colours.
A full-sized detachable keyboard and HP Imagepad with multi-gesture support will also help keep you comfortable and productive. Multi-camera support lets you work with up to 2 cameras simultaneously.
Auto camera switching ensures you are looking at the right camera, and auto frame lets you move around while remaining in the centre of the frame. The camera also acts as an effective security measure, thanks to facial recognition ability and auto-screen dimming.
What is a GPU?
Images are generated by your graphics processor unit (GPU). Creating numerous fresh, high-quality frames per second takes a lot of processing power, so a GPU is often the most valuable component for gamers and creative professionals.
If you want to play the latest AAA games and run high-end software, you will probably have to invest in a higher-spec GPU. However, you can also find laptops with less expensive GPUs that offer all most people could need. For example, lower-end GPUs are fine for office tasks and browsing, while most will also play movies and basic gaming titles like Roblox.
How much storage will I need?
Storage is necessary for any laptop because you must have space to install your operating system and any software you run. Many users will also need storage for documents, videos and games. People who use advanced software like graphic design tools and games will likely need more storage than most others because complex software takes up more space.
Those who do have high-end requirements and use complex files will generally need around 1TB, although many laptops come with 2TB of storage should you need a lot of storage capacity. However, if you’re focusing more on day-to-day work, like updating spreadsheets and shopping online, 256GB should be all you need.
You are also likely to encounter a choice of solid-state drive (SSD) or hard disk drive (HDD) storage. SSD is usually the best option for its superior transfer speeds and reliability compared to HDD. However, HDD storage is more affordable, meaning it isn’t quite obsolete yet, and many people choose a combination of HDD and SSD storage to get affordable capacity.
Introducing HP laptops
HP offers a fine range of laptops that serve a wide range of uses. With so many to choose from, we’ve created this brief guide to buying a laptop.
Which models are best for everyday use?
Everyday-use laptops tend to be all-rounders without excelling in any particular area. Users will likely spend most of the time using basic office software, watching movies, browsing and playing basic games.
For example, the HP Laptop 17-cn2020na uses an Intel Core i5 CPU that easily works through most everyday tasks. This model also uses an Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU, which helps deliver quality graphics to the 17.3-inch FHD display.
This laptop also uses 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage, ensuring fast performance. You will also have a full-sized keyboard with a number pad and a True Vision HD Camera. Dual, front-facing speakers offer quality audio that’s ideal for watching movies or talking with others online.
The HP Laptop 17-cn2020na weighs just over 2 kg, making it easy to carry. This machine also offers a long battery life, and HP Fast Charge lets you recharge your battery to 50% in under 45 minutes.
Which models are best for businesspeople?
Businesspeople typically need a machine that will help them power through complex tasks quickly. Other essential considerations for many users include a professional appearance and suitability for remote working.
The HP ProBook 450 G10 15.6-inch Business Laptop lets you choose between an Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processor, giving you the computing power to work efficiently. You can also choose between 8GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB SSD storage. Graphics are provided thanks to an Intel UHD Graphics GPU.
The 15.6-inch FHD display offers plenty of workspace with clear, detailed images and dual microphones and speakers. The spill-resistant keyboard has a number pad, and the HP Clickpad multi-gesture support helps keep you productive. A 720p HD camera with built-in audio makes it easier to cooperate with others.
Which models are best for creative professionals?
Creative professionals usually need impressive graphics, requiring a quality display and GPU. Graphic-intensive machines also typically need a powerful CPU that can process data coming from other advanced components.
The HP ENVY 17-cw0008na Laptop has an Intel Core i7 that powers an Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU or an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (4GB) GPU. If you choose the more powerful options, you can also choose between an FHD and 4K Ultra-High Definition (UHD) display.
This laptop also offers a stable internet connection and connectivity to other devices via several ports. The all-metal chassis offers durability and sleek aesthetics, and it’s also easy to carry, weighing just under 2.5 kg.
Summary
The HP laptop buying guide above will help you find a machine with all the tools you need at an affordable price. If you’re unsure which specifications you need, it can be a good idea to check the minimum requirements for the software you expect to use. It’s also a good idea to invest in a more powerful machine than you need to help prevent your investment from becoming obsolete too quickly.
