Choosing a new laptop can feel overwhelming when there are dozens of specs to compare (CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, screen size, battery life, etc.), and every brand has multiple models.
The trick is to start with what you need it for, and “what will you do with your new laptop.
Your primary use case and your budget will narrow down the choices quickly.
For example, if you mostly need a machine for email and homework, a simple, lightweight laptop will do.
If you’re gaming or editing video, you’ll want something far more powerful (usually with a dedicated video card)
In this guide, you’ll get practical, experience-led advice for how to choose a laptop – covering students, engineers, gamers and home users so you can compare specs, brands and pick the best fit without guesswork.
Understanding How to Choose the Right Laptop for You in Australia?
Picking a laptop begins with your specific needs and budget.
Set a realistic price range (in Australia, many good laptops begin around AU$500 to AU$1,500) and focus on the tasks you’ll use it for.
A gaming or high-end machine will cost more, while basic, everyday laptops can be much cheaper.
About $1,000 (USD) is a key price point where laptops start to feel “premium” – roughly around AU$1,500 to 2,000.
Below that, you can still get solid performance, but expect more compromises in things like display quality or build.
For very tight budgets (sub-$500 USD), consider a Chromebook or a basic notebook.
Chromebooks run ChromeOS and excel at web-based tasks, often at a lower cost than full Windows laptops.
In any case, clarify upfront whether this laptop will be used for students, for home use, or for specialised work like gaming or engineering? Knowing that guides every other decision.
6 Key Laptop Specs to Compare Before Buying
Once you know your use case, compare the hardware specs.
Focus on the components that matter most for your tasks.
1. Processor (CPU)
This is the laptop’s brain. For basic tasks (browsing, writing, spreadsheets), a mid-range Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is plenty.
For heavy workloads (video editing, gaming, engineering simulations), look for Core i7/9 or Ryzen 7/9 processors.
In general, more cores and higher clock speeds give better performance in multitasking or compute-heavy apps.
HP’s guide, for example, notes that basic work can use an i3/Ryzen 3, while demanding work benefits from i7/Ryzen 7 or above.
In Australia, you’ll find all these brands readily available (Dell XPS, HP Envy, Lenovo ThinkPad, etc.).
2. Memory (RAM)
Aim for 8GB RAM at minimum, but 16GB is ideal for longevity and smooth multitasking.
16GB is now the standard for most new laptops.
Eight gigs is acceptable for light use (email, document editing), but modern browsers and apps can easily use that much memory.
If you run virtual machines, do heavy coding builds, or do serious photo/video editing, err on the high side.
Note: many ultrabooks (and Macs) have RAM soldered on, so choose the right amount up front.
3. Storage
You almost always want an SSD (solid-state drive) for speed.
A 256GB SSD is enough if you mostly stream or store files in the cloud, but 512GB or 1TB is safer if you install big programs or games.
Wired recommends at least 256GB on a new laptop; many gamers or power users now target 512GB to 1TB as standard to avoid running out of space.
Keep in mind you can often expand storage later via external drives or SD cards, but an internal SSD will make your system feel far snappier.
4. Graphics (GPU)
Most laptops come with integrated graphics built into the CPU, which is fine for web, video, and basic productivity.
However, if gaming or 3D graphics work is on your agenda, go for a laptop with a discrete graphics card.
Wired explains that serious gamers or video editors “want a laptop with a discrete graphics card, a separate and much more powerful graphics card”
In practice, this means Nvidia GeForce (e.g. RTX series) or AMD Radeon GPUs.
These laptops cost more and use more power (shorter battery life), but they can run AAA games or CAD software smoothly.
If you’re an engineering student or designer, think of the GPU as critical: apps like AutoCAD or Unity will be much faster with a good graphics chip.
5. Screen and Build
A 14 to 15-inch screen is the sweet spot for most users.
It’s large enough for productivity yet still portable.
If you need maximum portability, a 13-inch laptop can do; if you want a desktop-like experience and don’t mind extra weight, 17-inch “desktop replacement” laptops exist too.
For resolution, 1080p (Full HD) is now the baseline in 2025; higher-resolution (4K or high-DPI displays) look crisper but drain battery life faster.
Also consider build quality: look for a firm hinge and a comfortable keyboard.
A metal or high-quality plastic chassis will feel more durable.
Some brands excel here: Apple’s MacBooks have renowned build quality and sharp Retina displays, while Lenovo’s ThinkPads are known for legendary keyboards and ruggedness.
6. Ports and Battery
Ensure the laptop has the ports you need.
A mix of USB-A and USB-C ports is ideal (especially Thunderbolt/USB-C for future-proofing), plus HDMI if you connect to monitors.
If you use SD cards (photographers, students), check for an SD reader.
Battery life is also key for portability: look for at least 8–10 hours of rated life if you travel or commute.
Ultrabooks like Dell XPS or MacBook Air often hit all-day battery, while gaming laptops usually require being plugged in most of the time.
Best Laptops for Students
Students’ needs vary by field of study. In general, portability and battery life rank high.
A lightweight 13 to 14″ notebook with a midrange CPU (Core i5/Ryzen 5) and 8–16GB RAM suits most.
In Australia, retailers often offer student discounts or bundles.
Keep an eye on sales at JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, or directly from Apple/HPEducation stores.
Even if you start with a barebones model, you may be able to upgrade RAM or storage later, but some thin laptops (like many MacBooks and ultrabooks) don’t allow upgrades – so buy the specs you’ll need upfront.
Here are some specifics.
1. General Students
If you’re on campus taking notes, doing research and media projects, a laptop for students should be light and sturdy.
Brands like HP Pavilion, Dell Inspiron, Apple MacBook Air, or Lenovo IdeaPad are popular in Australian campuses.
You’ll likely use office apps, browser tabs, and streaming video. For these tasks, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD are fine.
Battery life is important – aim for 8+ hours so it lasts through classes.
2. IT Students
Programming and IT work often means running multiple applications or even virtual machines.
For an IT student, prioritise a faster CPU and more RAM.
A quad-core or better processor and at least 16GB RAM will keep compilers and IDEs responsive.
You probably don’t need a gaming GPU unless you also code games, but a comfortable keyboard and a high-resolution screen can reduce eye strain during long coding sessions.
Storage should be at least 512GB to hold code libraries and VMs.
3. Engineering Students
If you study engineering (mechanical, civil, chemical, etc.), you may run CAD tools or simulations.
These benefit from both a strong CPU and often a discrete GPU.
For example, a laptop for engineering students might have an Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7 CPU, 16GB or 32GB RAM, and an Nvidia GTX/RTX series GPU.
This mirrors a dedicated video card laptop setup.
The GPU will accelerate 3D modelling and rendering in programs like AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
Consider a larger screen (15–17″) for detailed work and a durable chassis (a heavy laptop is okay in the engineering lab).
Also, check if your university has recommended models – many engineering courses list certified hardware.
Laptops for Home and Everyday Use
For home use (browsing, streaming, household budgeting, light office work), you don’t need top-end specs.
Most home users will be happy with a 13 to 15-inch laptop, integrated graphics, and standard components.
A good formula is: Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5, 8–16GB RAM, and 256–512GB SSD.
Battery life and screen comfort become more important than sheer power.
For example, an all-around home laptop might be a 14″ ultrabook or convertible.
Samsung notes that if you mainly use your laptop on a desk at home, a larger 14+″ display is fine, but if you carry it around the house or travel, a smaller 13″ model is more convenient.
At home, you might also benefit from backup solutions – set up automatic backups to the cloud or an external drive in case of crashes or spills.
Brand-wise, everyday laptops include Apple’s MacBook Air (popular for its ease of use and ecosystem), Dell’s XPS or Inspiron, Lenovo’s Yoga series, or budget-friendly Acer Swift and Aspire models.
In Australia, models like the Acer Swift 3 or Asus Vivobook often offer excellent value for home users.
If you do light photo or video editing on the side, aim for 16GB RAM. Otherwise, integrated graphics (Intel Iris Xe or AMD Vega) will handle HD video just fine.
Convertible or 2-in-1 laptops (which double as tablets) can be good home companions.
They tend to be lighter and can serve as media tablets on the couch.
Just remember, 2-in-1s often sacrifice battery or performance for slimness.
Before buying, weigh whether you really need tablet mode, or if a traditional clamshell design suffices – form factor depends on your workflow.
Laptops for Gamers and Creatives
Gaming laptops and mobile workstations form their own category.
These users should expect to pay more for high-end hardware.
CPU & GPU
Pick the fastest CPU you can afford (Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9) and a dedicated GPU.
For gamers, NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 30 or 40 series (RTX 4060/4070/4080, etc.) or AMD’s Radeon RX 6000/7000 series are common.
It is recommended to have at least an RTX 5070 Ti for a 2025 gaming laptop to handle new AAA titles.
For creative tasks (video editing, 3D rendering, animation), these GPUs also speed up rendering and encoding.
RAM & Storage
16GB is a practical minimum; 32GB or more is better if you run VMs or work on large projects.
Storage should be roomy – 1TB SSD is standard on many gaming laptops, often paired with an extra HDD or an external SSD for media files.
Cooling & Display
Gaming/workstation laptops generate heat, so a robust cooling system is important (metal chassis and lots of vents).
Look for high-refresh-rate screens (120Hz or more) if gaming.
If you do photo/video work, consider an IPS or OLED display with good colour accuracy (and at least 1080p, if not 1440p/4K for visual fidelity).
In Australia, popular gaming lines include the ASUS ROG and TUF series, Acer Nitro and Predator, Dell G-series and Alienware, HP Omen/HP Victus, and Lenovo Legion.
For content creators, the MSI Creator series or Dell XPS 17 (with 4K display options) are well-regarded.
These come with premium price tags (often >$2,000 AUD), but they pack the power needed for demanding tasks.
Popular Laptop Brands in Australia To Choose From
Australia’s laptop market is dominated by a handful of big names.
According to industry rankings, the top laptop brands are Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Acer (ASUS, Microsoft, and others also have a notable presence.)
Apple
MacBooks are known for sleek design, excellent battery life, and macOS stability.
The new MacBook Air 13″ with the Apple M4 chip starts at about AU$1,699 and is praised for performance and portability.
Apple machines tend to cost more up front, but they retain value and have robust support (AppleCare).
If you’re in the Apple ecosystem already, a MacBook Air or Pro is a strong choice.
Dell
Dell covers everything from budget to premium.
Their XPS line is top-tier (often compared to Apple) while Inspiron/G-Series target students and gamers.
Dell laptops are noted for solid performance and long battery life.
In Australia, you can find good deals at retailers like JB Hi-Fi or on Dell’s Australian site.
HP
HP’s range (Pavilion, Envy, Spectre, Omen) is very broad.
HP laptops generally have a durable build and vivid displays.
The HP Omen and Victus series are aimed at gamers, while Envy and Spectre target creatives and professionals.
HP often includes nice extras like privacy cameras or stylus support in their 2-in-1s.
Lenovo
Lenovo ThinkPads (business-class) and Ideapads (consumer) are everywhere.
They’re known for reliability, great keyboards, and strong security features.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (14″ ultrabook) and the Yoga 2-in-1s are popular among working professionals and students alike.
Acer
Acer often competes on price, offering capable laptops at a lower cost.
Models like the Swift or Aspire are budget-friendly everyday machines, while the Nitro and Predator lines are Acer’s gaming rigs.
Aussie tech sites often recommend Acer for “bang for buck” choices.
Other brands worth mentioning: ASUS (ZenBook ultraportables and ROG gamers), MSI (high-end gaming/workstations), and Microsoft Surface (premium 2-in-1s) all have niches here.
When choosing a brand, also consider local warranty and support. Apple and Microsoft have strong retail support networks, while others rely on service centres.
Conclusion
In summary, the best laptop is the one that matches your workload, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Focus first on your use case, then check that any laptop you consider meets the key specs for that use.
Take your time to compare models side by side (use manufacturer tools or user reviews), and buy from a store or site with a good return policy.
With the right priorities (use case, specs, price), you’ll end up with a laptop that serves you well for years to come. Good luck!
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FAQs
What are the specifications of a good laptop?
At minimum in 2025, look for ~8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and an Intel Core i5/Ryzen 5 class CPU. Many experts now say 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD give much more headroom. Battery life (8+ hours), a comfortable keyboard, and a crisp 1080p screen are also markers of a “good” laptop.
Do I really need a dedicated video card?
Only if you plan to game or do graphics-intensive work. Integrated graphics are “fine for most users”, but gamers or video editors “will want a laptop with a discrete graphics card” In short, don’t pay for a gaming GPU if you’re not going to use it.
How about backup and security?
Whatever laptop you choose, set up data backups (e.g. cloud storage or external drives) to protect your school or work files. Install anti-malware software – even basic Windows Defender – to keep your device secure, as experts warn that protecting your personal files is critical.
What if I need specific advice (IT student, engineering student)?
We’ve addressed this above, but here it is in brief: IT students should prioritise CPU speed and RAM (for coding/VMs); Engineering students should also add a decent GPU if using 3D software.Look for student-friendly deals, and remember that many universities publish laptop recommendations tailored to their courses.
