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Top 7 tips for choosing the right laptop

Top 7 tips for choosing the right laptop

Gone are the days of bulky desktops. Today, laptops have become the front-running technology across the education and corporate worlds. And rightfully so! These devices are mighty powerful, easily portable, and capable of fulfilling most computing needs. Manufacturers have launched several ranges to meet the growing demand for quality laptops. However, choosing between them can cause a lot of confusion. Follow these seven laptop-buying tips to make this process a little easier:

1. Understand the needs
The very first step to take is to recognize one’s needs. What is the main purpose of getting a laptop? Is it meant to handle heavy-duty gaming and video editing, or be a trusty companion through one’s projects and assignments? Knowing these needs can help one narrow down their options. Certain things to watch out for at this stage are as follows:

  • Operating system
    Knowing what operating system is required for one’s needs is essential. This majorly depends on the software one uses and the systems it runs on. The four major OSs to choose from are Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux.
  • Processor
    One also has to look for a processor suited to their needs. This component is the “brain” of the computer. It houses the processing power and instructions for the laptop to execute tasks efficiently. Look for the right unit for one’s workload.
  • Screen quality
    For those who intend to be on the laptop all day, it is also important to find a comfortable screen. Screens with a glossy finish (most touch-screen laptops) reflect light, which can hurt the eyes. The screen’s resolution is also important, especially for those looking for a premium viewing experience. For regular usage, a full HD screen with 1920×1080 pixels works superbly.
  • Graphic card
    All laptops are equipped with a graphics card. When bundled with the motherboard, they are known as integrated graphics. This may not be enough for those with heavy gaming or editing needs. In such cases, opting for a laptop with a discrete graphics card, which can provide a more refined viewing experience, is advisable.
  • RAM
    Random-access memory (RAM) is essential; the bigger, the better! The laptop uses RAM to store data while the processor runs its tasks. For most average users, 8GB of RAM is generally enough. However, upgrading to 16GB or more promises enhanced performance.
  • Storage
    The laptop becomes a storehouse for all of one’s data, whether photos, videos, documents, or more. Hence, looking for a laptop with a decent hard disk capacity is important. Experts recommend opting for at least 256 GB of SSD storage for regular users. For gamers and heavy users, opting for 1TB devices is advisable.

2. Set a budget
Setting a reasonable budget range based on one’s needs is vital. Consider factors such as one’s current financial situation and future monetary needs. Several financing solutions, such as loans and monthly payment plans, are also available at retailers. Waiting to shop during the sale season is a good idea to save money or find a better deal.

3. Consider a 2-in-1 laptop
Get two for the price of one by investing in a hybrid laptop-and-tablet model. These devices can be found in two different styles: detachable screens completely separate from the keyboard and laptops with hinges that can be turned 360°.

4. Look for the right size
The laptop’s size can impact its portability. Popular choices are as follows:

  • 11-12 inches
    Although they provide maximum portability, top manufacturers rarely offer them.
  • 13-14 inches
    These laptops offer a decent screen size and generally weigh 3 pounds or less, making them easy to carry.
  • 15-16 inches
    This popular option is ideal for those who do not plan on lugging their laptop around. These devices can weigh anywhere from 3 to 5.5 pounds.
  • 17-18 inches
    This is a growing category of devices meant to serve heavy-duty or workstation tasks.

5. Check the battery life
This is not a stressor for those who plan on sitting close to an outlet. But battery life can be a deal-breaker for individuals who would like to use their laptops on the go. Look for a laptop that provides at least 7 hours of power, with 9+ hours being an ideal choice. Check out third-party and customer reviews to learn more about a device’s battery.

6. Test the laptop
Yes, laptops also need to be tested before purchase. When buying at the store, fiddle with the keyboard and mouse pad of the model on display. This can help give a realistic understanding of what laptop handling would look like. Next, check whether the brand offers the opportunity to test laptops. Here, focus on the laptop’s software, hardware features, and functioning. Compare it with other similar laptops to find the best fit.

7. Don’t follow the crowd
Getting the latest laptop from the most popular brand can sound tempting. However, it is not an assurance that this device will fit one’s needs. Instead of following the crowds, focus on research. Find the best laptop within one’s budget and test it out. Carefully consider one’s needs and requirements before finalizing the purchase.

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Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches.
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Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
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Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.

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