How to find the right notebook
16.11.2018
Translation: Eva Francis
The choice of notebooks is so large that it's easy to lose track or end up picking one that turns out to be far too powerful – or not powerful enough – for your needs. You don't want that to happen. Here's a quick guide on finding the notebook that's right for you.
We offer an extensive range of notebooks. The filters on our shop surely come in handy, but they’re only helpful if you know exactly which features and specifications you’re looking for. Plus, after filtering for your specific needs regarding memory and graphics performance, you’ll still be left with several devices to choose from. And that’s where our experts come into it.
If anyone knows which notebooks are currently good value for money in terms of application range, it's our Category Management team. To find your ideal notebook, all you need to know is what you'll be using it for. For every area of use, I’ve listed three recommendations: an entry-level, a mid-range and a high-end device.
2-in-1
You're looking for a notebook that doubles as a tablet? If so, you're going to want a 2-in-1 device. Just be aware is that these devices aren't big on performance. In other words, when it comes to gaming, these notebooks are only able to handle games such as «Solitaire» or «Farm Ville». The good news is, they're all about being flexible and allow you to work with the keyboard and touchpad or by using the touch display.
Entry-level recommendation
Mid-range recommendation
High-end recommendation
Budget
It's all 'bout the money. If you're planning to use your notebook just to surf the web and use Office applications, you don’t need to look any further than these budget notebooks. Our most expensive recommendation below features Full HD display that lets you watch movies in Blu-ray resolution. However, don't expect too much in terms of workmanship and design.
Entry-level recommendation
Mid-range recommendation
High-end recommendation
Work / business
These models are perfect for office work and productivity. They can be connected to a docking station if required, which makes it easy to work on several monitors. In terms of keyboard layout, all except the Dell XPS include a numeric keypad. There are also plenty of ports for external peripherals. You need to do work on Photoshop from time to time? No problem with these notebooks.
Entry-level recommendation
Mid-range recommendation
High-end recommendation
Mobility
If you travel a lot, you need a compact notebook. Anything under 14" should be fine. On top of this, you'll need a long-lasting battery. A notebook designed for mobility gives you a mobile office.
Entry-level recommendation
Mid-range recommendation
High-end recommendation
Creative work
These notebooks are equipped with at least 16 GB RAM, a strong processor and sufficient graphics performance for photo and video editing. The IPS display ensures natural colours. With the exception of the MacBook Pro, the memory of these devices can be expanded with an SD card. If you want to edit 4K videos, you'll need to buy an external monitor with the devices I've recommended below. With 3240 x 2160 pixels, the Surface Book 2 offers the highest resolution from the three notebooks.
Entry-level recommendation
Mid-range recommendation
High-end recommendation
Gaming
If your main activity is gaming, you've come to the right place. These notebooks are equipped with a gaming keyboard, enough CPU power and a dedicated graphics card. The recommended models feature a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti, GTX 1060 and GTX 1070 respectively. If you go for the entry-level model, I advise you to buy an upgrade of 8 GB RAM with it. Gaming with less than 16 RAM isn't much fun.
Entry-level recommendation
Mid-range recommendation
High-end recommendation
Martin Jud
Senior Editor
martin.jud@digitecgalaxus.chI find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.
Computing
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Guide
Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.
Show all12 comments
later