For a long time, the two main players in the laptop operating system game were Windows and Apple. But Google came along with the first Chromebook several years ago and has since stolen an increasing piece of the pie, particularly among school learners and students. So, if you’re considering buying a laptop, find out which option is best for you.
Windows laptop
Windows laptops run the widest range of software and come in a variety of sizes – with screens from 11-17- inches, and prices ranging from R3 000 to more than R30 000. The cost depends on what you want, for example, a gaming or video-editing laptop is much more expensive than a lower-end laptop you’d use just for the basics like email, writing, watching movies, etc. Windows laptops are versatile and offer many choices for power, features, battery power, size, thinness, and screen resolution. The quality you get will depend on the brand and specs.
Apple MacBook
MacBook's slick and thin brushed metal exterior is elegant and classic – and the insides do the design justice with powerful features and software. That comes at a price, however, starting at R16 000 and going beyond R50,000. MacBooks can handle high-end jobs such as video editing and design suites and are renowned for their user friendliness. New MacBooks boast excellent battery power, which also makes them mean business machines. But they’re not meant for gaming and won’t run Windows software without you navigating some techie hurdles.
Google Chromebook
Chromebooks are a little like a Windows laptop and a little like a MacBook. An entry-level model starts at around R4 000 and is excellent for basic office tasks, student work, and watching movies. More expensive Chromebooks may feature fold-over touchscreens, larger displays and more power. They primarily run software through the Chrome browser, and you can also instal Android phone apps. Chromebooks are efficient and run well even on low-specification hardware, but the operating system isn’t always suited for heavy-duty work. If you want to run Microsoft Office, you’ll need the web-based version, although Chromebooks work well with the Google Drive suite of apps.
Which laptop is for you?
Quite simply, it depends on what you want to do.
Remember that price doesn’t necessarily equate to features. For example, you can pay R20 000 for a laptop only to discover it doesn't have a gaming graphics chip, memory, or storage space. Always check the specifications match your needs before parting with your cash.
To narrow your choices, consider what you’re looking for:
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You want: |
Best option: |
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A high-end business or student laptop. |
MacBook or higher-level Windows laptop (R10,000+). |
|
A budget business or student laptop. |
Mid-level Windows laptop (R5 000-R10 000), or a Chromebook. |
|
A no-frills laptop for Internet and multimedia basics. |
Chromebook or Windows laptop (under R5,000). |
|
To play games. |
High-end Windows laptop (R15,000+) for PC games, or Chromebook (R10,000+) for Android games or Steam Link. |
|
To edit large videos or images. |
A MacBook or a higher-end Windows laptop (R10,000+). |
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A touch screen or tablet hybrid. |
Select Chromebook and Windows laptops with these features. |
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A secure laptop. |
No laptop is truly secure, although MacBooks and Chromebooks have an advantage, with the latter being most secure. This is because Chromebooks have safety built into the device, with no bloatware and unwanted apps. However, good security always starts with you: Be vigilant about phishing and other online scams, choose strong passwords, and instal/download the right security features/software. |
Getting any one of these laptop options won't mean much without reliable and fast internet service. So, along with your new Chrome Book, Macbook or Windows machine, why not get Vodacom Fibre and stay connected with super quick internet speeds for anything from streaming to downloading software updates.
