How to Choose the Right Laptop

Even though they tend to be used for the same tasks and activities, computers can vary in any number of ways. This is equally true of the MacBook Pro, with features that separate it from other laptops, as well as features that differ from one version to the next. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right one for you.

What Are Some Essential Features of a MacBook?

Like other brands of laptop, the design of the Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro include some essential features, such as:

  • Screen Display: A crucial feature of any laptop, the biggest factors for screens are size and level of detail. Typically, the 15.4 inch MacBook has the largest screen size of the line. Regarding detail, laptops often feature a LED-backlit LCD with retina display that provides a great level of contrast and more vivid images.
  • Battery: To make the most of its portability, laptops tend to feature efficient batteries that let you use them wherever you need. A MacBook generally has a battery life of 10 hours searching the Internet over Wi-Fi and is recharged with a USB-C power adaptor.

What Features Are Only Found on Some MacBooks?

While they share a similar style and general design whether in silver or space gray, some versions of the MacBook have their own distinct features, like:

  • Touch Bar: Along with the usual laptop trackpad and keyboard, versions of the MacBook Pro come with a multi-touch touch bar that provides function keys related to whichever program is in use.
  • Touch ID: Rather than login with passwords, certain MacBook Pros feature Touch ID which allows you to log in with just your fingerprint.
  • Operating System: While most computers tend to run on the same types of operating system, Apple laptops run their own called MacOS with its own navigation and structure.

Which Are the Important Hardware Components of a MacBook Pro?

Although different versions of the MacBook may look similar, the underlying hardware of the computer can be vastly different and impact the performance of the machine. Main components include:

  • RAM Memory: Providing temporary storage for the data of running applications, the more memory are computer has the greater its ability to manage multiple applications. MacBooks tend to come with up to 16 GB RAM which provides ample capability for most uses.
  • Processor: Determining how fast a computer is, a high-speed processor like the Intel Core i7, often is designed with a dual-core or quad-core for added performance. The speed of a processor is measured in GHz and can be enhanced by the turbo boost function.
  • Hard Drive: To store files on them, MacBooks generally use a PCIe-based solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a traditional hard disk drive, as an SSD is compact and often faster.
  • Graphics Card: Sometimes there are applications that require high-performance processing or that are graphics-intensive programs. To handle the extra performance required, MacBooks feature a graphics card like the Intel Iris Plus Graphics.