What to Look for When Buying a New Laptop in 2025
Buying a new laptop in 2025 can feel a bit overwhelming, with so many models on the market, choosing the right one becomes tough. Fast processors, fancy screens, AI tools... It’s a lot. But there’s something for everyone, you just need the right guidance to get the one that just suits you the best.
Whether you need to upgrade an old, slow laptop or you might be getting your first laptop, you may get confused, but not to worry, this guide will break it down in simple language; you do not need a tech degree to read this.
Before you begin, make sure buying a laptop is not about aesthetics or size of the laptop, it's more than that.
1. Start With What You Need
First things first: how will you use your laptop?
- Just browsing and streaming Netflix? You’ll be fine with an entry-level laptop with 8GB RAM and an Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3.
- Work or school stuff? 16GB RAM and a middle-range processor (Intel i5 / Ryzen 5) to work with multitasking is a good choice.
- Creative work or gaming (via video editing, design)? It requires a good CPU, at least 16 GB of RAM, and a decent GPU (NVIDIA RTX series and so forth).
- Good Battery: A slim, lightweight laptop with a long battery life and quick charging will save you time.
The key here is not overbuying. Don’t waste your wallet on a laptop that's not worth buying or is useless for you.
2. Pay Attention to Performance: RAM, CPU & Storage
RAM
- 8GB is the minimum now.
- 16GB is the best for many users.
- 32GB+ if you're into heavy gaming, design, or coding.
CPU
Look for the latest generation of Intel or AMD processors. For 2025, you’ll want:
- Intel Core Ultra (14th Gen)
- AMD Ryzen 8000 series
Storage
SSD is a must. Say goodbye to traditional hard drives.
- 256GB SSD: Basic storage
- 512GB – 1TB SSD: Ideal for most users
- Need more? Get an external SSD or cloud storage.
3. Display Matters (More Than You Think)
If you use a laptop for work or other purposes, you'll stare at your screen for hours - choose a good one.
- Size: 13-14 is the perfect option for portability, while 15-17 is well-suited for viewing on the screen.
- Resolution: Full HD (1920x1080). 2K or 4K is great if you're a photo/video editor, or you just love a sharp image.
- Refresh Rate: As a gamer, seek 120Hz+.
It is also important to seek anti-glare screens in case you are working under strong lights or near the windows.
4. Battery Life Isn’t Just a Bonus—It’s Essential
New laptops with more optimized power and ARM-based chips are getting up to 10-18 hours of battery life. Aim for at least 8 hours if you often work unplugged. And don't ignore fast charging- some laptops can reach 50% in 30 minutes!
5. Ports & Connectivity—Don’t Skip This
Many thin laptops now ditch traditional ports. Before you buy, make sure it has what you need:
- USB-C (almost mandatory now)
- At least one USB-A for older devices
- HDMI (if you connect to monitors or projectors)
- SD card reader (great for photographers)
- Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 for future-proof internet speeds
6. Build Quality & Keyboard Feel
Don't buy a laptop that feels like a toy. Look for a solid build, choose aluminum or magnesium alloy. Also, test or research the keyboard and trackpad. You’ll be using them daily—comfort matters.
7. Bonus: AI Features & Privacy Tech
Laptops in 2025 are smarter than ever. Some come with:
- Built-in AI assistants for productivity
- Eye-tracking or presence sensors that dim the screen when you’re away
- Physical webcam shutters or fingerprint login for privacy
These aren’t essential, but they’re definitely cool.
8. Budget & Value
- Entry-level (<$800): Good for light use and students.
- Mid-range ($800–$1,500): Balanced for most people.
- High-end ($1,500+): Top performance for demanding workflows.
Final Tip: Get Help With New Laptop Setup
After getting your new laptop, the next challenge is setting it up. It may be an annoyance to transfer files, install antivirus, and more, especially when you are not a tech expert.
That is where the New Laptop Setup service comes into play. At Jim's I.T, we will have your device activated, optimized, and customized, so you don't have to worry about the setup and can use it straight away. We also offer installation of user accounts, email syncing, and configuration of settings. You just bought a new laptop? Let us handle the setup. Click here to book your New Laptop Setup service now!
Book Your New Laptop Setup Today
We setup new Windows Laptops and Apple Macbooks for home and business users. Our technicians can install Office 365, email accounts and all your apps. Call us today on 131 546 or fill out the form on this page and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
Tony Altun is the General Manager of Jim's IT, where he leads a nationwide network of IT professionals delivering reliable tech support, computer repairs, and business IT solutions across Australia. With a strong background in IT services, sales, and customer-focused solutions, Tony has built a reputation for driving growth while maintaining a clear focus on service quality and customer satisfaction.