Why laptops are a winning choice
The face of computer technology has undergone some of the most impressive and rapid changes over the course of the last three decades. Since the days of compact, cube-shaped systems, computers have taken on new life in a myriad of high-caliber forms, from smartphones to convertible tablets. Despite the roaring tides of changes, the 1981 invention of the laptop remains one of the most important and influential foundations for modern computing.
Since 2008, laptop sales have surpassed desktop sales, opening up the debate between which computer form factor reigns supreme. While both options offer performance and functionality, there are a number of key distinctions that lead many to believe the laptop is the clear winner. Though it ultimately comes down to personal preference, the popularity of portable devices has surged for a reason.
The biggest benefit to a laptop computer is portability. Having the ability to take your digital world wherever life takes you next with a lightweight PC safely housed inside of a sleeve or backpack is a complete gamechanger for the modern PC user. With an
HP laptop in your arsenal, the might of Windows OS can power your productivity for hours away from an outlet.
Unleash your full potential with a computer that supports the flexible nature of the modern PC user’s everyday needs. The signature clamshell design allows for easy opening, closing, and toting around. And should you opt for a fancier convertible laptop, you can flip, fold, and contort your Windows laptop to your preferred mode. Free yourself from the wired cable constraints of a desktop PC when you upgrade to an HP Windows laptop.
Use this guide to gain a more comprehensive understanding of what to look for when purchasing a Windows laptop, and why Windows OS may be the best operating system for you.
What to look for in a Windows laptop
Nowadays, buying a laptop can feel a lot like buying a car. There are myriad specifications to consider before settling on the ideal system for your lifestyle and needs. These top-priority specs include the chassis, the processing power, performance speed, storage capacity, and of course, price. As you dive deeper into more niche categories of Windows laptops, there are even more specifications to factor in.
The reality of modern technology is that it’s an incredibly fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape that continues to dish out new inventions and innovations with every passing year. It’s these very advancements that can make the buying process even more difficult. However, with a more competitive market comes a slew of impressive tech supremely designed to do more than meet your daily demands.
With so many elements to examine and weigh, it pays to take the time to fine-tune your wants and needs. Whether you’re a
data scientist on the hunt for a pro-level PC or a college student looking for an affordable Windows laptop, determining your expectations will ensure you end up with a suitable PC. Let’s walk through the important questions and specifications you’ll want to consider.
What type of user are you?
Student
As a
college student, your limited dorm space is precious. A laptop allows you to better optimize your living space while also allowing you to tote your PC to class and back. Regardless of your level of education or major, you need a competent Windows laptop that can handle all of your basic tasks with lightning speed. Whether you’re typing up essays, creating presentations, or making sense of intricate data spreadsheets, your laptop should perfectly accommodate your academic demands.
Gamer
Portable gaming rigs are becoming more popular with every passing year, and as technology gets smarter and faster, it’s just a matter of time before gaming laptops end up on top. These genius machines are chock-full of advanced specifications that range from overclocked speeds to dedicated graphics cards. When it comes to high-performance, Windows laptops add portability to the sheer power of modern gaming systems.
Professional
Whether you’re a traveling digital nomad or a stationary office desk jockey, your career largely depends on the work you’re able to create on your computer. As a professional, your Windows laptop should be the pinnacle of performance. In addition to being low-profile and lightweight, the professional’s PC is specifically engineered to connect you to your peak productivity levels.
Beginner
Basic Windows laptops are the best for novice users who simply need a no-frills PC that can handle web surfing, video streaming, or work assignments with speedy ease. Not only are beginner-friendly laptops more affordable than specialized systems, but they’re also far less complex in design.
What types of Windows laptops does HP offer?
HP ProBook laptops
HP ProBook laptops are designed for deadline-driven, multi-tasking business professionals who require industry-leading performance to stay at the cutting edge of their own industry. Crafted to answer even the most demanding business environments, the
HP ProBook family offers up strong military-grade build quality, superior security features, and expert-level management tools.
HP Stream laptops
If you prefer Windows to Chrome OS but still want an affordable laptop that’s novice-friendly, look no further than
HP Stream laptops. These budget PCs allow you to stay connected to your digital world without any fuss. Simple in build and spec-functionality, these colorful HP laptops offer far more than meets the eye.
HP Pavilion laptops
The
HP Pavilion line includes a sprawling variety of laptops for every type of user. Lauded for their reliability and user-friendliness, HP Pavilion laptops put the power of choice in your hands. These sleek machines are available in an expansive selection of screen sizes, processor chip grades, and so much more. Pick from a range of customization options and add-ons that include basic builds for everyday tasks, more intricate setups for more intensive work, and even gaming PCs.
HP OMEN laptops
As HP’s signature line of gaming laptops, the
HP OMEN family is home to some of the industry's finest Windows gaming systems. As gaming on the go becomes more popular and accessible, HP stands at the cutting-edge of perfecting the tech you need to climb the leaderboards and fine-tune your strategy. With all of the gaming-specific specs integrated into the build of HP OMEN laptops, you’ll be able to navigate your favorite game scapes as the developers intended.
Stay a step ahead of your competitors with a PC outfitted with the latest processors, graphics cards, and overclocking capacity needed to play new titles with seamless ease. Load up your most intensive games while also harnessing the ability to perform any of your regular computing tasks- all in one machine.
HP ENVY laptops
Marked by exceptional power in a sleek, stylish design, the
HP ENVY line strikes the fine balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. With desirability and performance at the forefront of the engineering process, the HP ENVY is the lightweight yet mighty manifestation of premium quality and unmatched power. Offering an array of connectivity options, impressively long battery life and remarkable security features, each and every HP ENVY model raises the bar for modern Windows laptops.
HP ZBook laptops
Created with technical and creative professionals in mind, the
HP line of ZBook laptops are among the highest-performing Windows laptops to date. With lightning-fast performance, incredibly sleek and sound chassis, and flawless user-navigation qualities, the HP ZBook series gives the average notebook a run for its money. No matter how big or small the projects you tackle are, an HP ZBook workstation laptop delivers. Tap into your highest productivity and creativity levels when you have a PC supremely engineered to level-up your way of thinking and doing.
HP Spectre laptops
Best defined by its 2-in-1 convertibility, the
HP Spectre line boasts a beautiful exterior design and a myriad of outstanding interior specs. Don’t let the HP Spectre’s slim build deceive you, these PCs are built to take on heavy-duty tasks from RAW photo editing to streaming 4K quality videos. As one of HP’s proprietary premium Windows laptops, the HP Spectre does everything but disappoint.
HP EliteBook laptops
Built for business users, the
HP EliteBook line serves up a keen mix of security, durability, and powerful processing. Loaded with a number of options for additional storage, biometric login, and digital protection software, it’s no wonder that so many modern business people choose the HP EliteBook. Take your notebook on the go; the featherlight construction and MIL-SPEC standard chassis effectively eliminate any weight or worry from your commute.
What PC components should I look for?
Every PC user demands something different, and with so many options, finding the perfect computer can be confusing. While it may take some time to hammer out which specifications are most important to you, there are five core components that should drive your Windows laptop search.
1. Processor
Responsible for fetching, executing, and decoding, the processor functions as the brain of the computer. Also commonly referred to as the central processing unit (CPU), the processor is the most important integrated circuit chip inside of a computer. The more powerful the processor, the mightier the PC.
When shopping around for a processor, consider the following features:
- Number of cores
- Cache
- Integrated graphics processing unit (GPU)
- Frequency
- Socket compatibility
- Thermal design power
2. Motherboard
The motherboard is the printed circuit board responsible for streamlining the flow of communication between the CPU, RAM, and all other internal hardware components. Motherboards come in a variety of sizes and form factors; nano, micro, mini, ultra, and extended PCB sizes. Ultimately, the size of your motherboard will determine the number of components you’re able to install and the type of case you can install it in. Typically, the bigger the motherboard, the more components it can support.
Other features to consider when find your perfect motherboard include:
- Processor socket
- PCI slots
- SATA ports
3. Memory
Computer memory is one of the most talked-about and misunderstood PC features. In essence, random access memory (RAM) is the hardware responsible for storing and retrieving working data and machine code on a computer. Most Windows laptops typically come with RAM capacities ranging anywhere between 2GB and 16GB.
Those looking for high-productivity levels and intensive task-handling are better suited with 10GB or 16GB of RAM whereas those running more intermediate programs will find their needs met with 4GB or 8GB.
4. Storage
Modern computer storage comes in two dominant forms:
hard-disk drive (HDD) and solid-state drive (SSD). Functionally, both storage systems perform the same job: locally storing all software and data files on a PC. The most significant difference between the two is their construction. Hard-disk drives feature a spinning disk and actuator whereas a solid-state drive contains zero moving parts. The right choice between the two options is preferential as both deliver quick response times and low latency rates.
It’s worth noting that traditional hard-disk drives typically give you more GB of storage space for your money than a solid-state drives, however, SSDs are estimated to be about six times faster and ninety times more energy-efficient than the HDD alternative.
5. Port Availability
While a Windows laptop on its own is a force to be reckoned with, a laptop with plenty of external port availability is even stronger. Having the ability to connect everything from your smartphone to an additional display makes a world of difference when you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck. Look for the following ports to ensure your laptop is compatible with your ancillary arsenal of tech:
- USB Type-C™
- SD media card reader
- Smart card reader
- DisplayPort
- HDMI
- VGA
- DVI
- Headphone/microphone
- Ethernet
Why Windows?
Windows has maintained its market superiority against all other operating systems across the globe. Since its inception, the operating system has undergone a series of changes that has allowed Windows to stay at the cutting edge of the ever-evolving tech landscape. But what is it about Windows OS that keeps users loyal? Ease of use, software support, customization freedom, and 3D and VR compatibility.
Ease of use
When it comes to user-friendly experiences, no computer operating system ranks above Windows. From the setup process and start menu to Cortana voice-assistance and integrated applications, Windows laptops are engineered to serve every type of user out there. Whether you’re an eager beginner or a seasoned professional, the sheer ease of use is a huge draw. This is especially applicable to touch-screen-enabled Windows laptops that allow you all of the same navigational freedom with the touch of your finger.
Software support
One of the main reasons why PC users opt for Windows OS is the simple fact that most software is designed to be compatible with Windows. This is especially true of business-class and gaming software which is why so many big business and gamers choose Windows laptops over competitors. In fact, Windows currently reigns as the largest PC platform for gaming.
Customization
Choosing Windows means choosing freedom. As the digital age advances, more and more users are looking for specialized computers that cater to their very specific niches and needs. There is a remarkable difference between business-grade Windows laptops and everyday-user models. Where other operating systems give you a one-size-fits all solution, Windows allows you to harness the plentiful benefits of customization options.
HP’s extensive collection of Windows laptops is home to dozens of customizable PCs that allow you to hand-pick everything from your processor to your integrated security features. Tapping into the limitless essence of the Windows OS, these customizable PCs allow you to tailor-make your user experience.
3D and VR compatibility
3D and virtual reality software is rapidly becoming an all-new reality that offers a new genre of PC immersion. Windows OS includes at least two programs that serve as your gateway into the world of 3D and VR. The 3D Viewer app, for example, allows you to view 3D models through compatible goggles or on-screen.
Load up common 3D file types like FBX, STL, OBJ, GLB, GLTF, PLY, and 3MF with high-quality staging that will blow you away. The Windows Mixed Reality Viewer app is specially engineered to work with VR headsets exclusively, transporting you into a fantasy world from the comfort of your home or office. The market’s most popular VR headsets only work with Windows OS, so those looking to dive into alternate universes are best served by Windows PCs.
