Choosing the right computer
Specifications are intimidating because they’re written for people who already understand them. Here’s what actually matters, in the order it matters.
The short version
Section titled “The short version”If you don’t want to read the rest: get an SSD (all of ours have one), 16GB of memory if you can stretch to it, and don’t worry much about the processor. That covers most people.
Storage: the one that matters most
Section titled “Storage: the one that matters most”This is the single biggest factor in whether a computer feels fast or feels broken, and it’s the one people ignore.
- SSD: no moving parts. The machine boots in seconds and programs open instantly. Every computer we sell has one.
- HDD: a spinning mechanical disk. Slow. This is why an old computer takes three minutes to start.
An older machine with an SSD will feel dramatically faster than a newer one with a hard drive. It isn’t close.
How much? 256GB is fine for documents, email and browsing. Choose 512GB or more if you store photos, video, or large amounts of data locally.
Memory (RAM): how much you can do at once
Section titled “Memory (RAM): how much you can do at once”Memory is your desk space: it decides how many things you can have open before the machine starts struggling.
| RAM | Realistic for |
|---|---|
| 8GB | Browsing, email, documents. Fine if you keep a modest number of tabs open. |
| 16GB | The comfortable default. Lots of tabs, several apps at once, video calls while working. |
| 32GB+ | Video editing, CAD, virtual machines, large datasets. |
If you’re choosing between a faster processor and more memory, take the memory. It’s the more common cause of a computer feeling slow.
Most of our machines can be upgraded later. See Upgrading memory and storage.
Processor (CPU): less important than you think
Section titled “Processor (CPU): less important than you think”Roughly: i3 / Ryzen 3 is enough for browsing and documents. i5 / Ryzen 5 is the sensible middle and what most people should buy. i7 / Ryzen 7 and up matters if you edit video, compile code, or run heavy engineering software.
The generation matters more than the tier: a recent i5 beats an old i7. If you’re comparing two machines and one has a newer-generation chip, that’s usually the better one, even if the number is lower.
Laptop or desktop?
Section titled “Laptop or desktop?”Desktop if it stays on one desk. You get more computer per dollar, it runs cooler, and it’s far easier to upgrade later.
Laptop if it moves, even just between rooms. You pay a premium for that, and it’s worth it if you’ll actually use it.
Screen size, for laptops
Section titled “Screen size, for laptops”13 to 14 inch is the portable choice: light in a bag, small on a desk. 15 to 16 inch is the better choice if the laptop mostly lives on a desk and portability is occasional.
If you’re on a laptop all day, buy an external monitor. It’ll do more for your comfort than any specification on the machine itself.
Still unsure?
Section titled “Still unsure?”Tell us what you’ll use it for and your budget and we’ll tell you what to buy, including telling you when the cheaper option is the right one. Get in touch.