Laptop Screen Buying Guide: What to Consider Before Making a Purchase

Although purchasing a new laptop can be challenging, the most recent models are faster than you expect. You’ll need to know what to look for and how to understand some technical language to locate the appropriate one because there are so many possibilities available. With many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which screen suits your needs. In this buying guide, we will explore the key factors to consider before purchasing a laptop screen, helping you make an informed decision. 

So let’s get started!

Key Factors to Consider Before Making a Laptop Purchase

Here are some important factors you should think about if you are ready to purchase a laptop for yourself, whether you are a working professional or a student:

Screen size and resolution:

The size and resolution of a laptop screen significantly impact your viewing experience. A larger screen allows for more workspace, making it ideal for multitasking or multimedia. However, remember that a larger screen also means a bulkier laptop.

Resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen. While higher resolutions are desirable, they may also impact battery life and require more powerful hardware to drive the display. Consider your specific needs and balance them with the portability and performance of your laptop.

Panel technology:

Different laptops use various panel technologies, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The most common panel types are:

• Twisted Nematic (TN): TN panels are affordable and offer fast response times, making them suitable for gaming. However, they generally have poor colour reproduction and limited viewing angles.

• In-Plane Switching (IPS): IPS panels provide excellent colour accuracy and wider viewing angles. They are preferred for tasks that demand accurate colour representation, such as photo editing or graphic design. However, they tend to have slightly slower response times than TN panels.

• Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED): OLED panels deliver vibrant colours, deep blacks, and infinite contrast ratios. They offer an immersive visual experience, especially for watching movies or playing games. Nevertheless, OLED screens are usually found in premium laptops and can be more expensive.

Brightness and matte vs glossy:

Brightness levels determine how well a laptop screen performs in different lighting conditions. If you frequently work or travel in brightly lit environments, look for a screen with higher brightness (measured in nits). A minimum brightness of 250 nits is recommended for comfortable indoor use, while 300 nits or more is preferable for outdoor use.

Additionally, consider the screen’s finish. Matte screens have an anti-glare coating that reduces reflections and is ideal for bright environments. Glossy screens, on the other hand, provide more vibrant colours but can be prone to glare. Decide based on your typical usage scenarios and personal preferences. If you don’t want a cracked laptop screen, you must consider this point sincerely. 

Refresh rate and response time:

The refresh rate and response time are crucial for gamers and those who work with fast-paced content. Refresh rate refers to the number of times the screen refreshes per second, measured in Hertz. A higher refresh rate, such as 120Hz or 144Hz, results in smoother motion and reduces motion blur. 

Response time measures how quickly pixels transition from one colour to another. Lower response times, typically around 1 ms, are ideal for gaming, as they minimise ghosting and motion artifacts.

Touchscreen and 2-in-1 Capability:

If you prefer a more versatile and interactive experience, consider a laptop with a touchscreen display. Touchscreens enable effortless navigation through touch gestures, making them ideal for drawing, note-taking or presentations. However, remember that touchscreens laptops tend to be expensive and may have glossy screens, which are prone to fingerprints and reflections.

Furthermore, if you require a device that can double as a tablet, consider a 2-in-1 laptop that can be convertible and detachable. These devices provide the flexibility of switching between laptop and tablet modes, catering to productivity and entertainment needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right laptop involves considering the screen size, resolution, panel technology, brightness, matte vs. glossy, refresh rate, response time, and touchscreen capability. By understanding your specific requirements and weighing them against the available options, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences. Remember to balance your desired features with the overall portability and performance of the laptop.

If you have other questions about laptop repairs in Adelaide, remember to contact the experts at IDSN.