Imagine needing to finish a school project, but your old laptop is super slow. Or maybe you want to play your favorite game, but the graphics are all blurry. Choosing a new laptop in 2020 felt like a huge puzzle for many students and families. There were so many brands, models, and confusing tech words! It was tough to know which one would actually be good for homework, fun, and everything in between.
That’s why we put together this guide. We know how frustrating it can be to spend your hard-earned money on something that doesn’t quite do what you need it to. We want to help you avoid that headache. By reading on, you’ll discover the key things to look for when picking a laptop. We’ll break down what makes a laptop great for schoolwork, gaming, or even just browsing the web.
Get ready to understand laptops better and feel confident about your next purchase. Let’s dive in and find the perfect laptop for you!
Top Laptop 2020 Recommendations
- Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology (2560x1600 native resolution)
- Apple M1 chip with 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 7-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB memory | 128GB SSD
- Backlit Magic Keyboard | Touch ID sensor | 720p FaceTime HD camera
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life
- Up to eight GPU cores with up to 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games
- 1.1GHz quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor
- 8GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X memory, 256GB SSD storage
- Backlit Magic Keyboard - US English
- Touch ID, Force Touch trackpad
- Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology
- Backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID
- Tenth-generation Intel Core i3 processor
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology
- Backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID
- Tenth-generation Intel Core i3 processor
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology
- Backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID
- Tenth-generation Intel Core i5 processor
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- Strong business performance – Intel Core i5-10310U processor with 4 cores and 8 threads delivers dependable performance for Microsoft Office, web applications, video conferencing, multitasking, and everyday professional workloads
- Ample memory & fast storage – 16GB DDR4 memory and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD provide responsive system performance, fast boot times, and reliable storage for business applications and documents
- Professional 14-inch display – 14-inch business-class display with a minimum Full HD (1920×1080) resolution delivers clear text and sharp visuals for productivity-focused tasks
- Reliable refurb by Ingram Micro – Professionally inspected, cleaned, and tested by a certified refurbisher; includes a 1-year warranty and free 30-day returns for peace of mind
- Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display
Your Guide to Finding the Best Laptop of 2020
Choosing a new laptop can feel overwhelming. So many options! But don’t worry, this guide will help you find a great one from 2020. We’ll look at what makes a laptop good and what you should think about before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a 2020 laptop, keep these important parts in mind.
1. Processor (CPU)
The processor is like the laptop’s brain. It does all the thinking and tells the computer what to do. For everyday tasks like browsing the internet or writing papers, an Intel Core i3 or i5, or an AMD Ryzen 3 or 5, is usually good enough. If you do more demanding things like editing videos or playing games, you’ll want a more powerful processor like an Intel Core i7 or i9, or an AMD Ryzen 7 or 9.
2. RAM (Memory)
RAM is where your laptop keeps information it’s using right now. More RAM means your laptop can do more things at once without slowing down. For basic use, 8GB of RAM is a good start. If you multitask a lot or use memory-hungry programs, aim for 16GB or more.
3. Storage (SSD vs. HDD)
This is where your files and programs are saved. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are much faster than Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Laptops with SSDs boot up quicker and open apps faster. Most laptops from 2020 will have an SSD. A 256GB SSD is a good minimum for most people. If you store lots of photos or videos, consider 512GB or 1TB.
4. Screen Size and Resolution
Screens come in different sizes, from small 11-inch ones to large 17-inch ones. Smaller laptops are easier to carry. Bigger screens give you more space to work. Resolution is how clear the picture is. Look for Full HD (1920×1080) for a sharp image. Some laptops offer higher resolutions for even more detail.
5. Battery Life
How long can the laptop run on a single charge? This is super important if you plan to use it away from a power outlet often. Many 2020 laptops offer 8 hours or more of battery life, but this can change depending on what you’re doing.
Important Materials
The materials used to build a laptop affect how it feels and how tough it is.
- Plastic: Many budget-friendly laptops use plastic. It’s light and affordable. Some plastics feel cheaper than others.
- Aluminum: Laptops made with aluminum often feel more premium and sturdy. They can be a bit heavier but are very durable.
- Magnesium Alloy: This is a strong and lightweight metal, often used in higher-end laptops.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a laptop better, while others can make it less good.
What Makes it Better:
- Build Quality: A well-built laptop feels solid and doesn’t flex much. Hinges should feel strong.
- Keyboard and Trackpad: A comfortable keyboard makes typing easy. A responsive trackpad makes navigating smooth.
- Ports: Having enough USB ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack is useful.
- Webcam and Microphone: Good quality webcam and microphone are important for video calls.
What Can Reduce Quality:
- Screen Glare: A glossy screen can reflect light, making it hard to see. Matte screens are better in bright places.
- Fan Noise: If the laptop’s fan is loud, it can be distracting.
- Bloatware: Some laptops come with lots of pre-installed software you don’t need. This can slow down your computer.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your laptop. This helps you pick the right one.
- Students: Need something portable with good battery life for classes and homework. Laptops with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD are usually great.
- Home Users: For browsing, email, streaming movies, and light productivity. Most 2020 laptops will work well here.
- Professionals: Might need more power for specific software, good security features, and a comfortable keyboard for long workdays.
- Gamers/Creatives: Need powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards (GPUs), and lots of RAM for demanding tasks.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About 2020 Laptops
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in a 2020 laptop?
A: The most important thing depends on how you’ll use it. For most people, a good balance of processor, RAM, and fast storage (SSD) is key.
Q: Are 2020 laptops still good to buy today?
A: Yes, many 2020 laptops are still very capable and can be a great value, especially if you find them on sale.
Q: What does “Intel Core i5” mean?
A: It’s a type of processor. An i5 is a mid-range processor that’s good for most everyday tasks.
Q: Is 8GB of RAM enough for a 2020 laptop?
A: For basic tasks like web browsing and word processing, 8GB is usually enough. If you open many tabs or programs at once, more RAM is better.
Q: Should I get an SSD or an HDD for my 2020 laptop?
A: You should always try to get an SSD. They make your laptop much faster.
Q: How long should the battery life be on a 2020 laptop?
A: Aim for at least 6-8 hours of real-world use. Some can last much longer.
Q: What’s the difference between a laptop’s screen resolution and size?
A: Screen size is how big the screen is (like 13 inches or 15 inches). Resolution is how clear the picture is.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on a 2020 laptop?
A: Some laptops allow upgrades, but many newer, thinner models do not. Check the specific model’s specs.
Q: What are the best brands for 2020 laptops?
A: Popular and reliable brands include Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, and Acer. Research specific models from these brands.
Q: Is it worth buying a refurbished 2020 laptop?
A: Refurbished laptops can offer good savings. Just make sure to buy from a reputable seller with a warranty.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!