There are tons of and tons of of various laptop computer fashions available on the market at any given time and just a few of them in every class are the cream of the crop. Which options do you have to search for whenever you’re out purchasing, both in particular person or on the net? PCWorld’s Senior Editor Mark Hachman has the solutions in our newest video (sponsored by Intel) over on the YouTube channel. Check it out for a quick-and-dirty primer on what you ought to be in search of with any new laptop computer buy.

The first step is to get the newest processor you’ll be able to, in your funds and class. While it’s doable to improve storage and generally even reminiscence, the CPU stays in there for the lifetime of the gadget, so upgrades after buy aren’t an possibility. Extended battery life — possibly even on the expense of the thinnest, lightest construct — may even be probably the most sensible selection for many customers. USB-C charging makes it extra handy to discover a plug whenever you lastly do must replenish. Most laptops have USB-C chargers these days, with exceptions for probably the most power-hungry gaming fashions that use over 100 watts at a time.

Thunderbolt 4, a further functionality on prime of the USB-C port, is a good function to search for. In addition to knowledge switch speeds of as much as 40 gigabits per second, Thunderbolt carries standardized alerts for monitor or TV video, audio, Ethernet, additional storage or USB enter, nice for turning your laptop computer right into a desktop with a USB-C dock. And if in any respect doable, remember to try the keyboard in your laptop computer (possibly at a brick-and-mortar retailer) to ensure it’s comfy in your typing fashion.

Where can you discover out whether or not or not the laptop computer you’re has all these options? By reading reviews here on PCWorld and subscribing to the PCWorld YouTube channel, after all.