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Choosing the right laptop can feel overwhelming -- even for someone like me, who has lived and breathed laptops for years. You get all these options, configurations, and feature lists that it's impossible not to know which is up and which is down. To make things easier for you, I'll break down laptops and their essentials into three broad usage categories: school, work, and gaming.
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Most laptops fall into one of these categories, and while there is some overlap in terms of hardware, each type is designed with a specific purpose in mind. Below, I walk through what defines each category, highlighting key features to look out for and providing example products along the way.
Please note that this advice is based on my own experience and expertise. Ultimately, the best laptop is the one that best fits your needs.
How to pick a laptop for school
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When choosing a school laptop, you'll want to focus on two things: battery life and durability. Students should get something that can last through a full day of classes and afternoon study sessions. Ideally, look for laptops capable of running for 12 hours or more. I also recommend a sturdy 13- or 14-inch laptop that's lightweight but tough enough to handle the occasional bump or drop.
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