Choosing the best buys laptops is no easy feat, so here are some pointers that can help you decide which laptop fits your needs:

Platform: Windows, Mac or Chrome?

Almost all of the laptops available in the market come with one of these operating systems. Depending on your needs and requirements, you may choose any, but the features can be very different.

Windows

Windows, for example, is currently running its Windows 10 operating system that is touted to be the most flexible OS in terms of available features and customizations.

With a price range of best buys laptops that falls between $150 to several thousands of dollars, Windows operating systems offer features like dual graphics chips, touch screens and fingerprint readers.

The latest version of the flagship OS by Windows is better than its predecessors in the way that it is able to move in between desktop and tablet models. It farther has a revamped Start menu with live tiles. The efficient, powerful Cortana digital assistant is another feature that is loved by the users. A whole range of improvements have been added to this since its launch in July 2015, that include searching the email using natural language, ability to follow up questions with Cortana and the use of the stylus to scribble almost everywhere.

Apple

MacOS Sierra is the latest offering by Apple, an OS that runs across all MacBooks. The operating system is very similar to Windows 10 in similarity of functioning, but the user interface is different. For example, macOS has an interface that substitutes an apps platform on the base of the home screen in place of the Start-up menu bar and taskbar by Microsoft. Siri works in place of the Cortana digital assistant.

Chrome OS

A good example of the inexpensive best buys laptops “Chromebooks” is the Lenovo 100S Chromebook that comes with Google’s Operating System. Again, the user interface is very similar to that of Windows with a desktop, an application menu, and the ability to drag windows around. Chrome browser is the main app of use. The only disadvantage it poses is that many web apps do not work very well offline.

For basic use like web surfing, checking emails, using social media and online chatting, Chromebooks prove to be a highly portable, inexpensive tools that come with good battery life in terms of best buys laptops.

The Size

In case you need a portable best buys laptops, the display size can give a lot of clues.

• 11 to 12 inches are the lightest and thinnest systems that have screens that are around have 11- to 12-inch. They weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds.
• 13 to 14 inches offer the best in terms of ease of use and portability, especially if the chosen model has a weight of under 4 pounds.
• 15 inches is the most popular size and these weigh between 4.5 to 6.5 pounds. If the laptop will not be carried around too much, and a bigger screen is required, this is a good option.
• 17 to 18 inches is good for a laptop that will stay on the desk all day and offer a good processing power for work station level productivity.

Budget

Between $150 to $250, one can get the least-expensive best buys laptops that are either Chromebooks, which run Google’s OS that is very browser centric, or Windows systems that are low end and come with minimal storage. The processors in these are slow too, like the Lenovo Ideapad 100S and the HP Stream.

Between $350 to $600 a best buys laptops with an Intel Core i5 or AMD A8 CPU, 4 to 8GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive can be bought, making for a good machine in a good price range.