5 Things to Know Before Buying a Laptop in 2025

1. RAM Matters More Than You Think

In 2025, 16GB RAM is the minimum for a comfortable experience. With browser tabs, apps, and background processes all competing for memory, 8GB just doesn't cut it anymore.

2. Battery Life Claims Are Optimistic

Manufacturers test battery life under ideal conditions. Expect 70-80% of the advertised battery life in real-world usage. If a laptop claims 15 hours, you'll likely get 10-12.

3. The Processor Wars Are Over (Sort of)

Both Apple Silicon (M3/M4) and the latest Intel/AMD chips deliver excellent performance. Choose based on your ecosystem, not raw benchmarks. Mac users should stick with Apple Silicon; Windows users have great options from both Intel and AMD.

4. OLED Displays Are Worth the Premium

Once you've used an OLED display, there's no going back. True blacks, vibrant colors, and better contrast make everything from Netflix to spreadsheets look better. The slight premium is absolutely worth it.

5. Don't Overlook the Keyboard

You'll touch your keyboard more than any other part of your laptop. Test the keyboard before buying if possible. ThinkPads still lead here, but many brands have improved significantly.

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