Buying your first laptop can feel overwhelming. With countless models, confusing specifications, and prices ranging from under £200 to well over £2,000, where do you even begin? This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make a confident, informed decision.
Start With Your Needs, Not the Specs
Before diving into technical specifications, take a moment to think about how you'll actually use your laptop. This single step will eliminate 90% of the confusion in the buying process. Be honest with yourself about your typical daily activities.
If you mainly browse the web, watch videos, handle emails, and do light document work, you don't need a powerful machine. A budget laptop between £300-£500 will serve you perfectly well for years. On the other hand, if you're planning to edit videos, work with large spreadsheets, or play modern games, you'll need to invest more in processing power and memory.
Quick Self-Assessment
Ask yourself: What are the three things I'll do most often on this laptop? Your answer should guide every decision that follows.
Understanding the Key Specifications
Technical specifications can seem like alphabet soup, but you only need to understand a few key components to make a smart choice.
The Processor (CPU)
The processor is your laptop's brain. For everyday tasks, any modern processor from Intel (Core i3, i5) or AMD (Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5) will work brilliantly. You only need to consider higher-end chips like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 if you're doing demanding work like video editing or 3D modelling.
Ignore clock speeds (the GHz numbers) when comparing different processor families. A newer, efficient processor at 2.4GHz often outperforms an older one at 3.0GHz. Instead, look at the generation and tier of the processor.
Memory (RAM)
RAM determines how many tasks your laptop can handle simultaneously. In 2026, 8GB is the absolute minimum you should consider. This amount handles web browsing with multiple tabs, document editing, and video streaming comfortably.
If your budget allows, 16GB provides more headroom and future-proofs your purchase. This is especially worthwhile if you tend to keep many applications open or work with larger files.
Storage
Modern laptops use solid-state drives (SSDs), which are significantly faster than older hard drives. A 256GB SSD is workable for light users who store most files in the cloud, but 512GB offers much more practical everyday flexibility. Avoid any laptop still using a traditional hard drive as its primary storage in 2026.
Key Specifications Summary
- Processor: Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5 for most users
- RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB preferred
- Storage: 256GB SSD minimum, 512GB recommended
Choosing the Right Screen Size
Laptop screens typically range from 13 to 17 inches, and the right size depends entirely on how you'll use the machine.
A 13-14 inch laptop strikes an excellent balance between portability and usability. These machines slip easily into bags, weigh less, and have longer battery life. They're ideal if you'll be moving around frequently or commuting with your laptop.
A 15-16 inch screen offers more comfortable viewing for extended use and usually comes with a full-size keyboard including a number pad. This size suits people who primarily use their laptop at a desk or table but occasionally need portability.
17-inch laptops are essentially portable desktops. They offer the most screen space but sacrifice portability. Consider this size only if you rarely need to move your laptop and value screen real estate above all else.
Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS?
Your choice of operating system affects your overall experience more than any single specification.
Windows offers the widest software compatibility and hardware choice. It's the safe, versatile option that works for virtually any use case. Most people should default to Windows unless they have a specific reason not to.
macOS (Apple MacBooks) provides a polished, integrated experience, especially if you already own an iPhone or iPad. MacBooks tend to cost more but offer excellent build quality and longevity. They're particularly popular among creative professionals.
ChromeOS (Chromebooks) is perfect for users who live primarily in a web browser. These laptops are typically more affordable and require minimal maintenance, but they can't run traditional Windows or Mac software.
Budget Tip
Chromebooks offer exceptional value for basic computing. If your needs are simple, a £300 Chromebook often provides a better experience than a £300 Windows laptop.
Setting a Realistic Budget
Understanding what different price points offer helps set realistic expectations.
Under £400: Basic computing for web browsing, email, and light productivity. Expect some compromises on build quality and screen brightness.
£400-£700: The sweet spot for most users. Solid performance, decent build quality, and screens good enough for everyday use. This range covers student laptops and home office machines admirably.
£700-£1,200: Better displays, faster storage, premium build materials, and processors capable of handling demanding tasks. Good for professionals and power users.
Over £1,200: High-performance machines for gaming, creative work, or those who simply want the best. Premium features like high-refresh displays and top-tier processors.
Important Features Often Overlooked
Beyond the headline specifications, several practical factors significantly impact daily use.
Keyboard quality matters enormously if you type frequently. Try before you buy if possible, or read reviews specifically mentioning typing comfort.
Battery life claims are often optimistic. Expect real-world usage to deliver 70-80% of advertised figures. If a manufacturer claims 10 hours, plan for 7-8 hours of actual use.
Port selection determines what you can connect without dongles. At minimum, look for USB-A ports (the traditional rectangular ones), USB-C, and a headphone jack. HDMI is valuable for connecting to external monitors or TVs.
Webcam quality has become increasingly important. If you'll be doing video calls, look for at least a 1080p webcam rather than the still-common 720p cameras.
Where to Buy and What to Avoid
Buy from reputable retailers that offer good return policies. In the UK, this includes established chains and authorised online retailers. Avoid suspiciously cheap deals from unknown sellers, as counterfeit and refurbished-as-new products remain a problem.
Consider whether you need the absolute latest model. Previous-generation laptops often offer excellent value, as the improvements between yearly updates are typically incremental rather than revolutionary.
Final Advice
Don't overthink it. Any laptop from a reputable brand that meets the minimum specifications we've discussed will serve you well. The "perfect" laptop doesn't exist, but a "good enough" laptop absolutely does at every price point.