How to Buy a Laptop

GB. TB. CPU. What?!

Shopping for a laptop today can be confusing and overwhelming. Tons of unfamiliar abbreviations, tech requirements changing, and so many options can leave anyone confused. It’s easy to wonder: Am I getting the right one, or am I overpaying for stuff I don’t even need?

Whether you’re buying a laptop for work, school, gaming, or a little bit of everything, you don’t need to be a tech expert to make a smart choice. In this laptop buying guide, we’ll break down key tech specs and help you understand what to look for to best meet your needs.

Key Takeaways: What To Look For When Buying a Laptop

If you’re wondering, “What should I look for when buying a laptop computer?” here’s what most shoppers should focus on:

• Processor (CPU): Determines speed and overall performance
• RAM: Affects multitasking and how smoothly programs run
• Storage: Impacts how much information you can save directly on your device
• Screen size & resolution: Affects comfort, clarity, and portability
• Battery life: Matters if you’re working or studying on the go
• Graphics: Determines how well visuals render for games, video, and design

To feel confident in your decision, focus on what best fits your budget and the features that support how you plan to use your laptop.

Breaking Down Laptop Specs: Start With How You’ll Use It

Before you compare specs, think about what you actually do on a laptop:

• Everyday tasks: Email, browsing, watching movies, paying bills
• Work or school: Multi-tasking with documents, video calls, research, spreadsheets
• Creative work: Photo editing, video editing, graphic design
• Gaming: Casual, less demanding games or high graphics games

Your needs determine your specs. Think of it this way: the more work you’re putting your laptop through, the higher the specs you’ll likely need.

How to Shop For a Laptop Computer: What to Look For

Screen Size: Choosing the Right Laptop Size

Reading through specs for multiple laptops can get overwhelming, but there’s one easy-to-understand starting point when you’re trying to decide what laptop is best for you: size. Common laptop sizes are 13–14 inches, which are more portable and lighter, and 15–16 inches, which tend to be better for work, multitasking, and viewing comfort.

Remember these quick tips for picking the best laptop size:

• A larger screen = greater graphics capability. Laptops with larger screens may be heavier and bulkier, making them more challenging to transport. Larger screens may also drain the battery faster, so you’ll need access to an outlet when using a larger laptop.
• Small screen = more portability. Laptops with small screens are great for travel and everyday productivity, but don’t expect them to give you all the screen space you need for gaming, movies, or graphic-heavy work.

When to Choose a Larger Laptop Screen

Consider first how you will use your laptop. Will it sit on your desk most of the time? Go big! A larger screen is ideal for gaming, or for a computer that won’t need to be moved often (such as a laptop you’ll use only to pay bills or take care of lightweight household management tasks).

Larger screens are also ideal for any functions involving graphics, such as graphic design work, gaming, or watching movies. Keep in mind, though, that a larger screen will likely shorten battery life, so a laptop this size will probably need to be plugged in while it’s in use.

When a Smaller Laptop Makes More Sense

Will you need to tote your laptop back and forth between home and office? Will you travel with it often? Go for a size that’s easier to fit in a backpack or briefcase. A laptop screen size of 13-15 inches gives you enough screen space to be productive while still allowing you to pack and transport your laptop easily.

Display Quality: Resolution and Visual Clarity

Resolution matters just as much as size. Look for Full HD (1080p) or higher for crisp text and clear video. Higher-resolution displays reduce eye strain and improve overall viewing comfort.

Some newer laptops use advanced displays, such as OLED, which offer brighter colors and deeper contrast. If you care about visuals, here’s a helpful guide to OLED laptops and why they are incredible options to consider.

Processor (CPU): How Much Power Do You Really Need?

The processor (also called the CPU) is your laptop’s “brain.” It handles everything from opening apps and loading web pages to running video calls and editing documents. If you mainly browse and stream, you may not need top-tier power, but having a modern mid-range processor may keep things smooth and future-proof.

RAM (Memory): How Much Is Enough?

RAM is your laptop’s short-term memory. It determines how well your laptop can handle multiple apps, tabs, and programs at the same time. RAM is measured in gigabytes (or GB, as you’ll see it abbreviated). For everyday tasks and efficient work speeds, we recommend a computer with at least 8GB of memory.

• 8GB RAM = Good minimum for most people
• 16GB RAM = Better for multitasking, creative work, or heavier apps

More RAM means fewer slowdowns when you have many tabs or programs open.

Storage: How Much Space Should a Laptop Have?

Storage refers to the volume of files, photos, videos, and apps that your computer can store in the long term. It can also be called a hard drive, and a “solid-state drive” is just a different type of storage drive (it’s faster, but has the same function).

• 256GB = Works for light users
• 512GB = Great for most people
• 1TB = Better if you store lots of photos, videos, or files

It’s important to note that this is local storage, which means it’s used only when you keep files on the device itself. Files that are in the cloud, like Google Docs, email that you access directly on the web, and apps that automatically back up to the cloud, won’t need much storage space on your laptop itself.

Battery Life: What to Expect From Modern Laptops

Battery life matters more than you think, especially if you move between rooms, take your laptop to school or work, or prefer to use it away from an outlet.

Graphics: For Visual Power and Gaming

Some laptops use integrated graphics (built into the processor), which are perfectly fine for everyday tasks, streaming, spreadsheets, and presentations. Others have a dedicated graphics card, which is better for gaming, video editing, and graphic design.

If you’re not gaming or editing video, you probably don’t need a dedicated graphics card, but it’s great to have one if you do.

Quick tip: If you want to play a specific game or use a unique application, check the developer’s recommended system requirements. Video games and applications such as creative design tools often have minimum requirements for CPU, RAM, Storage, and Graphics.

Ports and Connectivity: What to Check Before Buying

Need to get photos from a traditional camera to your laptop? How about syncing your mobile devices? Make sure your new laptop has the ports you’ll use most often. If it doesn’t, you may have to carry around multiple adapters when using your laptop.

Why Windows Laptops Are a Popular Choice

Windows laptops are popular for a reason: they work for almost everyone. They’re offered by multiple brands, so they come in various sizes, styles, and performance levels. You can find lightweight models for easy carrying, larger-screen laptops ideal for multitasking, and more powerful machines for creative work or gaming. That flexibility makes it easier to choose a laptop based on how you actually live, not just what’s trendy.

Windows is also widely compatible with the programs people already use. From Microsoft Office and school software to work tools, streaming apps, and everyday programs, Windows laptops run just about everything without extra hassle.

And then there’s value. Compared to some other operating systems, Windows laptops offer a much wider range of price points and features. You’re more likely to find something that fits both your needs and your budget, without having to pay for things you don’t actually use.

A Smarter Way to Get the Laptop You Need

If your current laptop is slowing you down, or you’re wondering whether to fix or replace it, you may be asking yourself, “How can I buy a laptop without paying cash for everything up front?”

Rent-A-Center makes upgrading to the best Windows laptops easier. With us, you can:

• Get what you need now
• Dependable path to work toward ownership
• Upgrade within the first 6 months if your needs change through RAC Exchange*
• Take advantage of early purchase options like 4-6 Months Same As Cash**

Ready to Find the Right Laptop?

When you’re shopping for a laptop, you want one that supports your everyday needs. With Rent-A-Center, you can enjoy a brand-new, high-quality Windows laptop as soon as today with the flexibility of rent-to-own.

Take a look at our rent-to-own laptops for work, school, and home, check out current deals, or find a Rent-A-Center near you to see options in person.

 

*“RAC Exchange” program valid for agreements entered at select locations, is available to new and existing customers and applies to inventory obtainable by store location. Cash price of the item selected for exchange may not exceed approval amount, which is subject to validation and adjustment prior to exchange and may vary from original approval amount. Exchange requires execution of rental agreement for item selected for exchange, which must be completed within six (6) months following the first active rental date of item being returned for exchange. Agreement for item being returned for exchange must be in good standing (with all rental payments current) at the time of exchange and product must be in good condition. Rent paid for prior agreement will be applied to reduce the total cost to own for the replacement agreement but rent paid may not be applied in full to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement. Any applicable Same As Cash period will apply to new agreement based on product selection and agreement term. The amount of rent paid from prior agreement eligible for application to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement may vary from 40% to 66%, depending on your state of residence. Exchanges under program may not be combined with other discounts, offers or promotions. Participating locations only. Eligible items only. All items subject to availability and approval. See Store Manager for complete details.

**“12 Months Same As Cash” valid in participating stores on new agreements offering at least 91 weeks of renewal payments. Offer valid 12/28/25 through 02/07/2026. Not Valid in WV. Same As Cash period for agreements offering fewer renewal payments and for non-participating franchised locations will vary from 3 – 12 months based on product selected. Beginning on the date of a new agreement, the duration of the Same As Cash period for such agreements will be as follows: for 12 Months Same As Cash, 365 days; for 9 Months Same As Cash, 276 days; for 6 Months Same As Cash, 184 days; for 4 Months Same As Cash, 123 days; for 3 Months Same As Cash, 92 days. MA and RI: After the Same As Cash period, you may purchase the merchandise for 50% of the remaining Total Cost, plus applicable sales tax. Exercising a Same As Cash option requires a separate payment in addition to your rental renewal payments. To make this payment, please contact your store or go to https://www.rentacenter.com/en/myaccount/payonline-getstarted. See agreement for details.