How to Choose a Laptop for Web Design and Development: A Comprehensive Guide

It’s finally time to buy a new laptop. You’re starting fresh, working in web design and development, and now you need to make an informed decision on which laptop to buy. 

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all model to magically solve all your problems, but in this guide, we will cover some of the most important components to look for in a new work laptop.

Let’s jump in!

What to Look for in a Laptop for Web Design and Development?

There is a difference between a laptop used for casually browsing the Internet and one used for web design and development. The latter needs to have both a powerful processor and plenty of RAM to be able to handle the high demands of your work. 

Next, laptops used for web design need a better resolution screen, have all the ports you need, and come with a reliable OS. 

Understanding Processor Speeds and Memory

Now that you are looking for a laptop for work, you need to know that processor speed and memory are two crucial factors. 

A faster CPU can handle more demanding programs, and having more memory means you can have more files and tabs open at the same time without it slowing your computer down. 

These specs can arguably be the most important, as they will not only influence the time it takes for the laptop to load graphic-heavy websites but also the time it takes you to finish your designs in all the programs you might use! 

A slower processor can double or even quadruple the time it can take you to finish all your tasks.

If you’re thinking of opening up a web design and development agency, you can advertise it easily and post your projects online to find clients! Visit DesignRush here to find out how. 

Choosing the Right Size and Weigh

It used to be that the size and weight of the laptop heavily depended on the type of processor and memory. The faster and better the laptop, the heavier it was. However, newer models of laptops have powerful specs and weigh under 5 pounds (2kgs). 

For example, the ASUS ZenBook 13 is among the lightest on the market, weighing only 2.6 lbs, followed immediately by MacBook Air, weighing just 2.8 lbs. 

So, if you have a smaller workspace or travel a lot and need the laptop to be a lighter size, make sure to consider that when choosing a new computer.

Knowing What Kind of Ports You Need

Seemingly an unimportant item on your checklist, but the number and type of ports on your laptop will play a huge role later on. 

You need to pay attention not only to the number of ports that are on your future work laptop, but also their speed. Most laptops have one 3.0 USB port and several 2.0 USB ports. 

Typically, 3.0 USB ports offer a transfer speed of 4,800 Mbps (which is slightly less than 5Gbps), while 2.0 can transfer ten times less data in the same amount of time (only 480 Mbps). 

There is a new feature on the latest laptops, and that is a Thunderbolt USB-C port that can offer a transfer speed of up to 40Gbps. Some Apple laptops offer multiple Thunderbolt ports (like the MacBook Pro), while most laptops have at least one. 

Selecting a Good Monitor 

A laptop with such strong components (like CPU, RAM, OS) is unlikely to have a bad resolution screen. However, it’s possible. So, you need to be mindful of whether the monitor is HD-ready, Full HD, or 4K (or even better). 

For the purposes of web development and design, try to get the most for your money; a good resolution will be beneficial because you’ll be fitting more content on the screen at once. 

And finally, the size of the screen will also determine how comfortable you’ll be when working. 

But, if you find a laptop with great components and smaller screen size (but still with a great resolution), don’t let it deter you. You can always get a smaller, fast laptop and an additional screen to make up for the size of the laptop. 

Picking the Right OS

People have been divided when it comes to operating systems for as long as there are computers. Windows and macOS are the two main options for laptops, and they both have their pros and cons. 

If you are on a budget, Windows is the way to go, as macOS laptops are generally pricier. But if you are new to web development, macOS might be a better option for you, as macOS is generally considered to be more user-friendly than Windows.

Ultimately, the decision which OS you’ll choose will depend on your personal preference and the budget you have. If you can, try both options and see which one is better for you personally. 

Conclusion

With so many options available, choosing a laptop for web design and development can be tricky. But by following the tips outlined in this article, you should now have a better idea of what to look for when making your selection. 

With careful research and comparison shopping, you’ll be sure to find the perfect laptop for web design and development that meets both your budget and performance requirements!