How to Save Money Buying a laptop in Kenya

Buying a laptop in Kenya these days might be challenging. Not only do dozens of companies claim supremacy over one another, but hundreds of models promise almost equal capabilities. So, what should you check for while purchasing a laptop?

As a general guideline, never compromise performance for the sake of design and attractiveness. For example, what is the advantage of a lightweight laptop with short battery life? The objective is that performance takes precedence above anything else.

Read also: Best Hp Core i7 Laptops and Prices to Buy in Kenya

The following are the seven considerations I consider while purchasing a laptop in Kenya.

1. Budget

Many people will rush directly into the specifications, disregarding that your budget will determine the specs or laptop you grab. Would you buy a high-end HP Spectre X360 14 for Ksh. 30,000? I doubt that; even an ex-UK is far more expensive.

Read: Best Hp Laptops to Buy in Kenya 2022

Determine how much you can spend without limiting yourself, and then narrow your search to machines within that price range.

Buying a laptop in Kenya: New, Refurbished, or Used?

There are various benefits to purchasing a brand-new laptop from a trustworthy dealer. New computers, on the other hand, are not cheap. For example, the Ksh. 30,000 we mentioned earlier may not get you much more than an Intel Celeron-powered laptop. In any case, if you have the funds, always get a brand-new laptop.

In certain instances, a man must have what his heart wants even if he cannot afford it. That’s when you should forsake everything that comes with a new laptop in favor of a refurbished one. A brand new HP Spectre X360 13 (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) costs around Ksh. 200,000, yet a refurbished model costs half that.

But what if even a refurbished laptop is out of your price range? You may go with a used one. A used laptop, as the name implies, has not been repaired or replaced with new components. It’s either the present owner is in a problem and needs money, so they’re selling their laptop, or you purchase one from a used laptop reseller.

Read: 5 Best HP Laptops under 40K to Buy and Prices in Kenya

Remember: Both refurbished and used laptops have lower battery life and performance. When purchasing any machine other than a new one, it is vital that you limit your expectations.

2. Specs

The specifications you choose are totally dependent on how you plan to utilize the laptop. Certain specifications must be met when purchasing a laptop for graphic design (a bigger RAM, Faster Processor, Dedicated Graphics, and Bigger SSD Storage). A laptop for general usage (using business software and listening to music/watching movies, for example) may need a larger screen and a superior keyboard. When it comes to specifications, I’m not too picky.

In summary, an optimum laptop should have the basic specifications listed below.

RAM – 4GB

Storage – 500GB HHD or 128GB SSD

Processor – Core i5 (4th Gen) or AMD Ryzen 5 (this is better)

Screen resolution – 366×768 however FHD (1920×1080) is preferred.

Connectivity: Bluetooth, WIFI, and ports (HDMI, USBs), as well as a card reader.

3. Size

Size is important if you are always on the go and want to bring your laptop with you. The dimensions and weight are referred to as size in this context. Purchase a laptop that is sleeker and weighs no more than 1.5kg. Anything heavier, even if ultra-thin, may not be as portable as you imagine.

Screen size is also important. Laptop screens vary in size from 11′′ to 17′′, with 13′′, 14′′, and 15′′ being the most common. The lighter (and, in certain circumstances, narrower) the laptop, the smaller the screen. If you travel around a lot, I’d recommend a 13-inch laptop screen. Otherwise, 15′′ is wide enough for graphics and multimedia works.

4. Buying a laptop: Battery Life

As I earlier said, a slim laptop is useless if you have to plug it in all the time. You require something that lives up to its portability promise. My suggestion is to never sacrifice battery life.

The issue is, however, how much battery life is sufficient. In budget and mid-range laptops (under Ksh. 60,000), at least 4 hours of battery life is sufficient. Accept no less than 8 hours of battery life when dealing with expensive laptops such as the HP Spectre 2 in 1. After all, you paid a hefty amount for the laptop.

5. Accessories

Yes, you are purchasing a laptop, but what does it include? Are you prepared to spend more for peripherals such as office and antivirus software, a mouse, an additional battery, or a bag? If not, seek a bargain that offers as many peripherals as possible while not spending an arm and a leg.

Always keep an eye out for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. During the sales season, most laptop vendors will throw in some extras.

6. Form Factor

With technological growth comes significant innovation. The days of heavy computers weighing several kilograms are long gone, as are rigid laptops. Laptops can now bend 360 degrees. In fact, some laptops are detachable, allowing them to be used as ultrabooks or tablets.

When purchasing a laptop in Kenya, the form factor is clearly significant since it determines flexibility. Do you want a 2-in-1, laptop that bends, or a standard laptop? Choose carefully since, unlike other specifications, you cannot modify the form factor, often known as the design.

7. Keyboard

When it comes to the keyboard, it makes no difference why you are purchasing the laptop. I mean, you’ll be typing on that laptop one way or another, and the style of keyboard you choose will influence whether typing is pleasant or terrible.

An excellent laptop keyboard:

• Is there a backlight? (to allow you to type with ease in lowlight environments)
• Has snappy full-sized keys
• It has an excellent layout.

Finally…

While other criteria should be considered when buying a laptop in Kenya, no one would argue against affordability, processing power, and design. Before you settle for that laptop, talk to our experts at Rapidtech Digital Solutions, conduct some web research (particularly if you want a great bargain), and read what other people have to say about the laptop you’re going to purchase.

Take a look:

Top 5 Best HP Laptop Reviews in 2022

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We hope you found this information useful. Kindly give your thoughts in the comment section. Please feel free to add any other considerations to contemplate while buying a laptop in Kenya.