Find your next laptop

Laptops are a key part of our lives because they let us work and play from anywhere in the world. At Back to the Office, we have an excellent selection of laptops for you to choose from to suit any purpose.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a laptop is its operating system. This will determine which programs and apps you can use on your laptop. Below, we've detailed the main operating systems and their key characteristics and features.

MacOS

Apple laptops use macOS. This is unique to Apple devices, and is compatible with the iOS used on touch-screen Apple technology - like the iPhone and Apple Watch. This interconnectivity is a big selling point for Apple laptops, as it allows you to sync data between devices easily.

ChromeOS

Maybe you prefer to work on Google? In which case, ChromeOS may be the operating system for you.

Lightweight, fast, and responsive, with a Chromebook, all you need is an internet connection and you're ready to write, work, or play wherever you are.

However, since they largely operate using Google Drive, they don't have a lot of RAM (internal memory). So, if you need to run several programmes at once, a Chromebook may struggle to fulfil your needs.

Windows

Windows operating systems are a classic. This timeless operating system has gone through dozens of updates to meet your needs and create the ideal laptop technology for students and workers alike; especially as Windows laptops have full compatibility with Microsoft programs like Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

The main downside (if it can be considered that) is the wide variety of makes and models that use a Windows OS - there's sometimes too much choice!

In these circumstances, you need to look at the additional laptop features each brand uses to sweeten the deal and help you decide which laptop is for you. We've included a brief guide to the key terms you need to know below.

Laptop buying tips

Below, you'll find the key terms to be aware of when choosing a new laptop:

Processors (CPU): look for Intel Core i3-i9 processors, as these will dictate how many sets of instructions your laptop can process at once.

Memory (RAM): RAM stands for "random-access memory", and is where the data your computer needs to run applications and open files is found. A higher RAM means more data can be stored at once, and more applications can run at the same time.

Data storage (SSD): instead of hard drives, many laptops now use SSDs (solid-state drives) to store information. These are smaller, faster, and lighter, which makes them perfect for laptops. If you're planning on storing a lot of data on your laptop, look for SSDs with a minimum of 500GB capacity.

Resolution: a higher screen resolution will give you a sharper, cleaner image, so look for laptops with HD (1080x1920 pixels) screens as a minimum.

Screen size: if you're going to have an enjoyable laptop ownership experience, then it's important to select one with a decent sized screen. If portability is your main concern, then it's recommended to choose a laptop with a 14-inch screen (or thereabouts). Should you want to engage in multitasking or gaming, then it's recommended that you buy a laptop with a 16-inch or 18-inch screen.

For more specialist options, check out our range of gaming laptops at Back to the Office for a deep dive into the digital waters of your favourite PC and online games.

Need to spread the cost of your new laptop? No problem. At Back to the Office, you can Pay in 3, or choose PayPal Credit as an alternative payment option. Buy now, and choose express delivery for a quick and easy shopping experience.