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// BUYER’S GUIDE

How to choose a laptop or desktop

You don’t need to understand the jargon to choose well — you just need to know how you’ll use it. Here’s a plain-English buyer’s guide, with no sales pitch.

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  • ● Plain English
  • ● No sales pitch
  • ● Print-friendly

// THE FIVE THINGS THAT MATTER

Ignore the jargon — focus on these

  1. 01

    Processor (the engine)

    For everyday email, web and shopping, a modern entry-level processor is plenty. Only heavy photo, video or design work needs something faster.

  2. 02

    Memory / RAM (room to work)

    Aim for 16GB if you can — 8GB is a workable minimum. More memory means smoother running with lots of tabs and apps open.

  3. 03

    Storage (an SSD, not a hard drive)

    Insist on an SSD — it’s the single biggest thing that makes a computer feel fast. 256GB is fine for most; 512GB if you keep lots of photos.

  4. 04

    Screen (size & quality)

    A 14–15″ screen suits most people; bigger is easier to read but heavier to carry. ‘Full HD’ (1080p) or better is worth it.

  5. 05

    Battery & weight

    If you’ll carry it around, look for all-day battery and a lighter build. If it lives on a desk, these matter far less.

// WHICH SHAPE?

Laptop, desktop or all-in-one?

  • Laptop

    Best if you want to move around or save space. Choose this for most homes and home workers.

  • Desktop / tower

    Best value power and the easiest to upgrade or repair. Great for a fixed desk and heavier work.

  • All-in-one

    A tidy screen-and-computer in one. Lovely and neat, though less easy to upgrade later.

Make sure it’s ready for Windows 11

Buying new? It should come with Windows 11. If you’re considering something second-hand, check it can run Windows 11, as Windows 10 support has ended — see our Windows 10 end-of-life guide and Windows 11 support.

Avoid these common mistakes

  • Buying too little memory — 8GB is the floor, 16GB is better.
  • Accepting an old-style spinning hard drive instead of an SSD.
  • Paying for gaming-level power you’ll never use for email and the web.
  • Forgetting the extras — a case, a bigger screen, or moving your files across.

The independent experts at Which? have detailed buying advice too. When you’re ready, we can recommend the right machine, supply genuine Dell hardware or a custom build, and set it all up with your files moved across — see new computer setup.

// GOOD QUESTIONS

Frequently asked

How much RAM do I really need?

For everyday use, 16GB is the comfortable sweet spot and 8GB is a workable minimum. Only heavy photo, video or design work benefits from more.

Is a Mac or a Windows PC better for me?

Both are capable — it often comes down to what you’re used to and what your family uses. Do note that we support Windows and Android, but not Apple Macs, iPhones or iPads.

Should I buy refurbished?

A good refurbished machine from a reputable seller can be excellent value — just check it has an SSD, enough memory and can run Windows 11. We actually supply refurbished, business-grade Dell laptops & PCs — tested, set up and backed by our own warranty — so we’re happy to advise or match you one.

How do I recycle my old laptop?

Back up and wipe it first, then recycle it responsibly — see our guide to wiping and recycling an old computer.

What is the best laptop for a home-office setup, and are refurbished ones any good?

For a home office running email, the web, video calls and office software, you do not need the latest or most expensive machine — aim for an SSD, plenty of memory and a screen size that suits your desk. A professionally refurbished, business-grade Dell Latitude or OptiPlex is often the sweet spot here: built for reliable all-day office use, fitted with a brand-new Samsung Pro SSD, and typically around 30–50% less than an equivalent new machine. See our guide on whether refurbished laptops are any good.

Where can I buy a good refurbished laptop near me?

If you are in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch or anywhere across Dorset, we supply professionally refurbished, tested ex-business Dell laptops and desktops from £545 — each with a brand-new Samsung Pro SSD, a clean licensed copy of Windows, and any remaining Dell warranty where applicable and our own 5-year guarantee on a 365 support plan (with a support plan). See refurbished laptops in Dorset, or call 01202 775566.

Want a hand choosing?

Tell us how you’ll use it and your budget, and we’ll recommend the right computer — honestly, with no upselling — and set it all up for you.

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