Laptop Buying Guide

Laptops are indispensable tools in today's digital age. From gaming laptops to 2-in-1 laptops, there are many different manufacturers, models and tech on the market, making it difficult to look for and decide on the laptop that is right for you. Here's everything you need to know about laptops from all the best brands including Microsoft, Apple, Dell, and Lenovo.

Looking To Upgrade?
Check Out These
Top Tips

How To Choose The
Right Laptop For You

Which Laptop Is Right For You?

There are many different kinds of laptops, and one of them is the perfect match for your need. 2-in1 laptops are a great choice for students, while a traditional laptop will suit an office worker. A gamer will probably need a beefier gaming laptop to run the latest releases.

A man sits in an office and uses a laptop.

Laptops

Laptops are designed to be a portable version of your desktop computer, with similar functionality and performance.

A 2-in-1 laptop sits on a desk next to a couch.

2-In-1 Laptops

As the name suggests, 2-in-1 laptops provide the functionality of a laptop with the portability of a tablet and can be used as either a traditional laptop or a tablet.

A woman plays a first person shooter on a gaming laptop in her kitchen.

Gaming Laptops

Gaming laptops typically have better graphics, more detailed sound, amazing responsiveness, a lot of extra speed, and more power at every turn.

Two women use a windows laptop outdoors.

Windows

Windows laptops typically have more software written for them with better support and graphics for gaming. This also means they are generally the preferred OS in workplaces.

A person uses a Macbook while drinking coffee.

MacOS

MacOS integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem. You can wirelessly share files with your iPhone and iPad using AirDrop, as well as receive calls and iMessages on a Mac.

A graduate student takes a selfie with her family using her Chromebook

Chromebooks

Chrome OS is the fast, simple, and secure operating system that powers every Chromebook. It optimises battery performance and keeps your laptop at peak performance.

Laptop Technology Glossary

Get clued up on all the dryer jargon before you start shopping.

Processor

The processor, or central processing unit (CPU), is the most important aspect of your laptop as it is the chip inside the machine that enables all functions and programs to run effectively.

RAM

RAM is short for Random Access Memory. RAM is what programs use to run and determines the speed at which these programs run. The higher the RAM, the quicker your programs will run, and the more programs you can run at the same time.

Storage

Your storage is the amount of data your laptop can save to the device. The higher the number, the more storage you have.

Hard Drive

The physical component inside your laptop that your files and applications are saved to. There are two type of storage, either HDD or SSD.

SSD

SSD stands for Solid State Drive. It is a type of storage with no moving parts. This means it is more durable and runs a lot faster, allowing you to transfer, save and access files more quickly. Most modern laptops use SSD storage.

HDD

HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive. HDDs are an older type of storage that isn't as fast, but is generally cheaper than an SSD. HDDs are typically found in budget laptops.

Graphics Card

Graphics cards process and render visual information, enhancing the display quality and performance of your laptop. Laptops come with integrated graphics cards, which are designed to support a range of general computer activities, such as streaming videos and playing casual games.

Picture Quality

Every laptop display is made up of a series of dots called pixels. The more pixels you have, the better the quality of your screen and the more detail, including lines of text, you see. Laptop screen quality is measured in resolution.

Operating System (OS)

The software that manages hardware and provides services for computer programs. Common laptop operating systems include Windows, macOS, and Chromebook.

Wi-Fi

Wireless networking technology that allows laptops to connect to the internet and local networks without the need for physical cables.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is used for exchanging data over short distances, commonly used for connecting peripherals like mice, keyboards, and headphones to laptops.

Touchpad/Trackpad

A built-in mouse on laptops that allows users to control the cursor and interact with the computer by moving their fingers on a sensitive surface.

Port

Physical connectors on the laptop for connecting external devices. Examples include USB ports, HDMI ports, and audio jacks.

HDMI

A type of cable that enables you to connect your laptop to another monitor or TV.

USB/Thunderbolt 3

A USB cable lets you connect devices such as your phone to your laptop.

Watch Our Helpful Computer Buying Guides

Whether you're a student, office worker, or gamer our buying guides encompass all the essential information for discovering the perfect computer tailored to your needs.

Choosing The Best Computer

From desktops to 2-in-1s, here's how to choose the right computer for you.

Kid Friendly Laptops

How to choose a laptop that helps your child learn.

Best Laptops For Students

Get ready for the semester by choosing a laptop that suits your needs.

Choosing The Best Monitor

Looking for the perfect set-up? Here's our handy guide to picking the right monitor.

Intel EVO Explained

Get ready to level up your computing experience with Intel Evo devices.

Selecting Computer Accessories

Get more out of your computer with the right accessories.

Tips For Your Home Network

Here's our top tips for smooth and fast internet connectivity.

“Protecting your files and personal details from harmful viruses and malware is critical, so if you don’t already have virus protection software, purchase it with your new laptop to ensure your online security is up to date and working properly,”
- Jason Tavoletti, The Good Guys Buyer - Computers, Printers & Monitors.

Laptop Hardware Explained

Although it can be a little intimidating, it's important to know what each component of a laptop does to ensure you're choosing a device powerful enough for your needs.

A graphic designer uses an intensive design program on her laptop connected to a larger monitor.

Processor

The central processing unit, or processor, is the chip inside the machine that enables all functions and programs to run effectively.

A person uses a laptop to program code.

Memory

Memory is measured in RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is what programs use to run and determines the speed at which these programs run.

A man uses a laptop with lots of storage.

Storage

Storage determines the amount of programs and files your laptop can hold. Laptops have either a traditional hard drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD).

A person uses the touch screen on their 2-in1 laptop.

Extra Laptop Features To Look For

Some laptops come with a range of different features that make the laptop easier to use or provide additional function for specific purposes.

A woman games on a gaming laptop and a gaming desktop at the same time.

Graphics Card

Graphics cards process and render visual information, enhancing the display quality and performance for tasks like gaming, video playback, and graphical applications.

A man uses a laptop with a crisp image of a wave as the background.

Picture Quality

Every laptop display is made up of a series of dots called pixels. The more pixels you have, the better the quality of your screen and the more detail, including lines of text, you see.

A woman uses her sofa's ottoman as a table for her 15-inch laptop.

Screen Size

The majority of laptops feature screen sizes between 13 and 15 inches. You can also purchase laptops with screen sizes between 11 and 13 inches, and some larger than 16 inches.

A graphic designer uses an intensive design program on her laptop connected to a larger monitor.

Accessories & Software

From virus protection to laptop bags, there are a range of accessories and software that keep your laptop protected and make your life easier.

Discover Popular Laptop Brands

Designed For You

Want a laptop with a difference? Laptops that carry the Intel Evo badge have best-in-class connectivity, long lasting battery life and fast charging.

Make The Everyday Easier

Discover innovative features and faster connectivity on stylish new Windows 11 PCs powered by Intel® Core processors.

Chromebook At The Good Guys

Chromebooks are powered by innovative Google Chrome OS that optimises battery performance and allows creation, connection and downloadable work.

Real Reviews

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

Anonymous' Customer Review

quick to start, nice screen, light easy

Apple MacBook Air 13" M1

Mary's Customer Review

My daughter is very happy with the MacBook Air. Very capable laptop for secondary school.

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook

Dan's Customer Review

Easily changes from tablet to netbook with ease. Good functionality and performance. Decent battery life


Acer Aspire 7 Gaming Laptop

Natasha's Customer Review

Great for gaming, fast. I would highly recommend

More Tips, Advice & Buying Guides

A man uses his laptop outside.

Choosing The Right Computer

Not sure where to start? Here's everything you need to know when buying a computer.

A father helps his two sons on their laptop.

Top 5 Laptops For Learning

Whether you're a school or uni student, here are our top 5 laptops for learning.

A tween girl plays a video game on her laptop.

Best Laptops For Work & Play

Work hard and play hard with these versatile laptops.

A woman uses her laptop while sitting on her deck outdoors.

Great Value Laptops

Need a laptop on a budget? Look no further than these great value laptops.

FAQs