Laptop Buying Guide 2026: 4 Things You MUST Check Before Buying, by Before Purchasing on YouTube. 1 min 49 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 49 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Write down the programs you will actually run, such as AutoCAD, Premiere Pro, Visual Studio Code or a game, then note their minimum and recommended requirements from the software maker's site.
Read the full processor model number instead of stopping at the i5 or i7 label. A newer i5 can beat an older i7, so check the generation, core count and clock speed.
Check the graphics card's TGP and VRAM. The same GPU runs at different wattages in thin laptops, and a low TGP or small VRAM buffer will hold you back in games and video editing.
Find out whether the RAM is soldered to the board. Soldered memory cannot be swapped later, so buy the amount you need on day one.
Confirm the RAM type, total slots and whether a free M.2 slot exists for a second SSD. This decides if you can upgrade cheaply in two years.
Look at the screen details: resolution, panel type and brightness in nits. The display is the one part you can almost never change later.
Compare ports, battery capacity in watt hours and warranty terms for your country before you pay.
Tips and common mistakes
Search the exact model number plus the word review, because two laptops with the same CPU can differ in cooling and power limits.
16 GB of RAM is a safer starting point if you keep many browser tabs and apps open.
Ignore the marketing name of the GPU and check the wattage the laptop actually allows.
Buy the storage and memory you need at purchase if either is soldered.
Questions
Is an i7 always better than an i5?
No. The generation and the power limit matter more than the badge. A recent i5 in a well cooled laptop can beat an older i7 in a thin chassis.
What does TGP mean on a laptop GPU?
It is the power budget the laptop gives the graphics chip. A higher TGP usually means more performance from the same GPU model.
Can I add RAM later?
Only if the laptop has free or replaceable SO-DIMM slots. Many thin models solder the memory, so check the spec sheet before buying.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
