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Laptop Buyers Guide

Laptop Buying Guide – Expert Advice from Ireland's Leading Electronics Retailer

Whether you're a student, professional, gamer, or casual browser, buying a laptop can feel overwhelming with all the specs and features available. At Expert.ie, we’re here to simplify your search with this in-depth laptop buying guide, tailored to help you find the perfect device for your lifestyle and budget.

What Should You Consider Before Buying a Laptop?

Before diving into technical specs, ask yourself:

  • ➤ What will you use the laptop for? (e.g., email, Office work, video editing, gaming)
  • ➤ How portable does it need to be? (screen size, weight, battery life)
  • ➤ What's your budget? (entry-level vs premium)
  • ➤ Do you prefer Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS?

Now, let’s break down the essential components and what they mean for your experience.

Key Features Explained

1. Processor (CPU) – The Brain of Your Laptop

The CPU determines how fast your laptop runs applications.

Common Types:

Expert Tip : For most users, Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 provides the best value for performance

2. RAM – Multitasking Memory

RAM allows your laptop to handle multiple apps at once without slowing down.

  • ➤ 4GB – Bare minimum. Suitable for Chromebooks or casual browsing.
  • ➤ 8GB – Ideal for students, office work, and general use.
  • ➤ 16GB – Recommended for multitasking, creative software (Photoshop, Lightroom).
  • ➤ 32GB+ – Best for gamers, video editors, and heavy users.

Expert Tip : 8GB RAM is the sweet spot for most users. Upgrade to 16GB for creative or demanding software.

3. Storage – Where Your Files Live

There are two main types:

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

Cheaper, but slower. Suitable for large file storage (e.g., media libraries).

SSD (Solid State Drive)

Much faster, lighter, and more reliable. Essential for performance.

Storage Sizes:

  • ➤ 128GB SSD – Enough for basic needs, especially with cloud storage.
  • ➤ 256GB SSD – Good middle ground for documents, apps, and some media.
  • ➤ 512GB+ SSD or 1TB HDD – Ideal for creators or those storing lots of files.

Expert Tip : Always opt for SSD over HDD unless price is your primary concern.

4. Screen Size & Display

  • ➤ 11"–13" – Compact and ultra-portable. Ideal for travel and students.
  • ➤ 14"–15.6" – Balanced for work and entertainment
  • ➤ 17"+ – Desktop replacement. Great for creators and gamers.

Resolution:

  • ➤ HD (1366 x 768) – Budget laptops.
  • ➤ Full HD (1920 x 1080) – Sharp and clear. Recommended as a minimum.
  • ➤ 4K (3840 x 2160) – Stunning detail for photo/video work.

Display:

Laptop screens also come with a standard LCD screen or a higher quality OLED screen, similar to that available on high end TVs.

OLED laptops offer several advantages over traditional LCD laptops, primarily in picture quality and design. They provide superior colour accuracy, deeper blacks, and higher contrast ratios, resulting in a more vibrant and immersive visual experience. Additionally, OLED displays can be thinner and lighter, leading to more portable laptops

Expert Tip : Full HD is more than enough for most users. Prioritise brightness and screen quality if you'll be working outdoors or in bright rooms.

5. Graphics (GPU) – For Creators & Gamers

  • ➤ Integrated Graphics – Built into the processor. Perfectly fine for everyday use.
  • ➤ Dedicated Graphics (NVIDIA / AMD) – Required for gaming, 3D rendering, video editing.

Expert Tip : If you're not gaming or editing video, integrated graphics are enough.

6. AI in Laptops – The Next Frontier

It won't come as a surprise that AI requires considerable computing power. Even a relatively simple prompt involves processing a large amount of data and the risk of slowing the system down. Consequently, an AI-ready laptop needs the latest and greatest in processors, graphics cards, memory, and storage because it should also be able to do its job without relying on the servers of Microsoft, Google, or OpenAI.

What is AI in a Laptop?

AI in laptops uses built-in machine learning capabilities to enhance performance, security, and productivity. These features are often powered by an NPU, which handles AI-specific tasks without draining the CPU or battery.

Common AI Features in Modern Laptops:

  • ➤ Battery Optimization: AI learns your usage patterns and adjusts power settings to maximize battery life.
  • ➤ Dedicated Graphics (NVIDIA / AMD) – Required for gaming, 3D rendering, video editing.
  • ➤ Camera Enhancements: Auto-framing, background blur, and lighting correction for better video conferencing.
  • ➤ Adaptive Performance: The system prioritizes resources for apps you use most.
  • ➤ Windows Copilot (Windows 11): An AI assistant embedded into the operating system to help with tasks, summarize documents, and generate content.
  • ➤ Local Generative AI: High-end laptops can now run tools like ChatGPT locally using Microsoft Copilot+ PC features or Snapdragon X Elite processors.

Laptops with Dedicated AI Hardware:

  • ➤ Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) – Features a built-in NPU for AI workloads.
  • ➤ AMD Ryzen AI – Brings AI capabilities with onboard processing.
  • ➤ Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (Windows on ARM) – A powerful AI-focused chip found in Copilot+ PCs.

Expert Tip : If you're a heavy Microsoft 365 user, run video meetings regularly, or are interested in future-proofing for AI features, look for laptops marketed as AI PCs, Copilot+ PCs, or those with Intel Core Ultra / AMD Ryzen AI processors.

Buying Advice by User Type

Students / Schoolwork

  • CPU: Intel i3 or Ryzen 3+
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Portability: Lightweight, long battery
  • Budget: €400–€800

Expert Pick : Chromebook or compact Windows laptop

Office & Business Users

  • CPU: Intel i5 or Ryzen 5+
  • RAM: 8GB–16GB
  • Storage: 256GB–512GB SSD
  • Portability: Reliable keyboard, decent screen
  • Budget: €600–€1,200

Expert Pick : Ultrabook or business-class laptop (e.g., Lenovo ThinkPad, HP ProBook)

Creators (Photo/Video Editing, Design)

  • CPU: Intel i7+ / Ryzen 7+
  • RAM: 16GB+
  • Storage: 512GB SSD+
  • Graphics: Dedicated GPU (NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon)
  • Display: High-res, color-accurate screen
  • Budget: €1,200–€2,000+

Expert Pick : MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, ASUS ROG or creator-focused models

Gamers

  • CPU: Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7+
  • RAM: 16GB+
  • GPU: Dedicated (NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050+)
  • Storage: 512GB SSD+
  • Display: 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate
  • Budget: €1,000–€2,500

Expert Pick : Gaming laptops from ASUS ROG, Acer Predator, MSI, or Lenovo Legion

Everyday Home Use

  • CPU: Intel i3 / Ryzen 3+
  • RAM: 4–8GB
  • Storage: 128–256GB SSD
  • Display: 14"–15.6" HD or Full HD
  • Budget: €350–€700

Expert Pick : Affordable laptops from Acer, HP, Lenovo or entry-level ASUS

Additional Features to Consider

Ports:

USB-C, HDMI, SD card readers – check compatibility with your peripherals.

Keyboard & Trackpad

Look for comfortable typing experience, especially if working long hours.

Build Quality:

Premium materials last longer (metal > plastic).

Webcam & Microphone

Essential for remote meetings and classes.

Expert Tip : Don’t overspend for unused features. Get what you need, not what looks best on paper.

Ready to Choose?

Browse our wide selection of laptops online at Expert.ie or visit any of our 72 local stores nationwide for expert advice, hands-on demos, and trusted service.

We deliver nationwide, and our team is here to help match you with the perfect laptop—whether you're chilling on the couch or conquering a big project.

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