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Buying guide: how to choose a laptop

A laptop is chosen first on processor speed, battery capacity, and storage and memory size. These criteria, measured on every listing, shape very different profiles from one model to another. Price is then compared, at matching specifications, across merchants.

What to check

Processor speed This criterion measures the number of processor cores, a direct indicator of the machine’s ability to handle several tasks at once. The higher the core count, the higher the score. On the market, the weakest listings have four cores, the median sits at twelve, and the best listings reach twenty four. Everyday office use is fine with an average score, while demanding computing or editing work benefits from a high one. Market median: 9
Memory This criterion measures the amount of installed memory, which determines how many applications run at once without slowing down. The larger it is, the longer the bar grows. Market benchmarks range from eight gigabytes for the least equipped listings to sixteen gigabytes at the median, up to sixty four gigabytes for the best. Generous memory avoids slowdowns when several programs or browser tabs stay open together. Market median: 16 GB
Battery life This criterion measures battery capacity in watt hours, which governs how long the machine runs without charging. The larger it is, the better the score. The market shows a floor of forty five watt hours, a median of fifty seven watt hours, and a top tier of ninety watt hours. Mobile or frequent travel use benefits from a high score on this criterion. Market median: 57 Wh
Display brightness This criterion measures display brightness in candelas per square metre, a key factor for visual comfort and readability outdoors or under strong light. The higher it is, the longer the bar grows. Benchmarks range from two hundred fifty cd/m² for the dimmest listings to four hundred cd/m² at the median, up to five hundred cd/m² for the brightest. A bright display stays readable even in difficult lighting conditions. Market median: 300 cd/m²
Storage capacity This criterion measures total available storage, which determines how many files, programs, and documents the machine can hold. The larger it is, the higher the score. The market places the lower range at two hundred fifty six gigabytes, the median at five hundred twelve gigabytes, and the top tier at one thousand gigabytes. Generous capacity avoids frequent clean ups or reliance on external storage. Market median: 512 GB
Daily use and upkeep A laptop needs simple but regular upkeep: keeping the system updated, avoiding blocked vents to preserve cooling, and watching battery condition over time. The choice of size and weight also depends on intended use, whether stationary or mobile, even though this is not scored by the site’s criteria. These habits extend the machine’s lifespan, whatever its tier.

Benchmarks based on 30 recent market listings, collected on 1 October 2026.

What you get for each budget

Under €1,050

At this level, listings often show scores close to the median for speed and memory, with more modest battery life and storage.

€1,050 to €2,400

This tier brings better balanced machines, with scores above the median on several criteria at once, notably battery life and storage.

Over €2,400

Beyond that, listings aim for the best benchmarks recorded on the market, especially for processor speed, memory, and display brightness.

Frequent mistakes

Relying only on price without checking the speed score, which reflects the number of processor cores.
Overlooking the stated battery life when the intended use is mostly mobile.
Choosing storage capacity too tight without anticipating file build up over time.
Ignoring display brightness for frequent outdoor or bright light use.
Confusing memory with storage capacity, two distinct criteria that do not measure the same thing.

Models in this category

Best rated first, among those our merchants offer.