Stop guessing which laptop to buy.

RAM is your laptop's short-term workspace. Storage is where everything is kept. Match both to your workload instead of paying for numbers you won't use.

• 8GB RAM: fine for browsing, documents and video calls, but it tightens up fast with many tabs open.
• 16GB RAM: the comfortable middle for most work, school and business use.
• 32GB RAM: worth it for 4K editing, 3D work, heavy development and serious gaming.
• SSD, not HDD: a solid-state drive makes startup and everyday use far faster. 512GB is roomy for most people, while 256GB fills up quickly.

Already own a laptop that feels slow? A RAM or SSD upgrade can often help. Ask us if yours can be upgraded.

Brand-new laptops give you the latest hardware and a clean history. Carefully selected UK-used laptops often give you a higher-tier machine for the same money, which helps if you need more performance on a fixed budget.

• Check the battery: ask about battery health and how long it lasts on a charge.
• Inspect the basics: screen, keyboard, hinges, ports and the charging connection.
• Confirm the specs: processor, RAM and storage should match what you were told.
• Ask what's covered: find out what support comes with the purchase before you pay.

Not sure which way to go? Tell us your use case and budget and we'll narrow it down.

• Keep it cool: heat is hard on batteries. Don't block the vents, and avoid using it on beds or blankets.
• Avoid extremes: constantly running at 0% or sitting at 100% for days wears a battery faster.
• Use the right charger: a poor-quality or mismatched charger can cause power problems.
• Lower the drain: reduce screen brightness and close apps you aren't using.
• Keep software updated: updates often include power and performance fixes.

Want the full routine? Grab our free care handbook.