You have a lot of options if you're looking for a laptop running Windows. If you have to buy a laptop in 2024, make sure it has these features or attributes!
1. Power-saving Intel, AMD or Snapdragon chip

A general piece of advice when buying a laptop running Windows is to buy the latest generation Intel or AMD processor. With the launch of Copilot+ laptops equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series chip, you can now choose between x86 and ARM platforms.
If your workflow allows for an ARM-powered laptop, a device running the Snapdragon X Elite or plug in. However, note that app compatibility may be a limitation for ARM-based devices.
If you don't like ARM devices, you can choose between Intel Core Ultra processors and AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series x86. AMD's chips offer significantly better performance. Furthermore, due to the common x86/x64 architecture, you can get these laptops with dedicated Nvidia RTX GPUs to boost AI, graphics, and gaming tasks.
If you're still unsure, check out our Snapdragon X Elite, Apple M3, and Intel Core Ultra chip comparisons to see how they stack up.
2. Bright screen, high resolution and refresh rate

Many people use their laptops for work and entertainment when they don't want to stare at their 4K OLED TV in the living room. The sharp, high-resolution OLED screen looks better. If a 4K screen is overkill for your needs because it drains your laptop's battery, then a QHD (2560 x 1600) OLED screen with an aspect ratio of 16:10 is ideal for daily use and consume media content.
Most standard laptop screens have a 60Hz refresh rate, which is smooth enough for everyday use. However, a 120Hz display will make motion much smoother, enhancing the overall experience. The screen has a brightness of 500+ nits and will perform well in a variety of lighting conditions.
3. At least 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM

Windows laptops come in many different storage configurations, with 8GB DDR4 memory being the most common in mid to low-range laptops. However, for most casual users and professionals, 16GB DDR5 RAM is ideal for general productivity tasks, casual gaming, and some professional applications.
Many people prefer laptops with 16GB single-channel memory instead of the usual 8×2 dual-channel configuration. This is essential for two reasons: First, it ensures the computer can support at least 32GB of combined RAM; Second, future upgrades only require adding another 16GB stick.
Another important but often overlooked aspect is the SSD. It's 2024, so stop using HDDs for laptops. While most laptops offer 128GB or 256GB of standard primary storage, it will run out quickly even if you're a regular user. Ideally have at least a 500GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 SSD to have enough space after installing Windows and all necessary applications.
You should also carefully consider the upgradeability of your laptop. Premium laptops from Asus and MSI can support up to 64GB RAM and dual 2TB PCIe M.2 NVMe slots, giving you the flexibility to upgrade in the future or reuse memory and storage components. Stored from old machine.
4. Tactile touchpad for gestures

The tactile trackpad is one of the few things on a laptop that you might not appreciate until you try it. While a conventional mechanical touchpad with Windows precision drivers can get the job done, a tactile touchpad offers a superior experience.
Many high-end laptops like Microsoft's Surface Laptop and Lenovo's ThinkPad line have excellent tactile touchpads for precise input, better gesture support, and physical movement simulation.
5. Battery life is enough to last all day
Windows laptops aren't exactly famous for their battery life, but things are changing. The new ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips have received positive reviews for their exceptional efficiency with minimal squeeze on battery power. AMD and Intel also claim great battery life with the new Core Ultra and Ryzen AI 300 series processors.
However, battery life largely depends on your laptop's hardware configuration and usage. For example, a relatively less powerful Snapdragon X Plus device with a 10-core setup will be more efficient than the X Elite chip. Likewise, screen brightness, resolution, and size also contribute to laptop battery life.
6. Ability to upgrade easily

While most Windows laptops have traditionally been user-upgradeable, manufacturers are increasingly sacrificing upgradeability to create more compact devices. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series and AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series motherboards now feature integrated LPDDR5x RAM modules.
While they are more efficient and faster than traditional SO-DIMM memory, the trade-off is that you cannot upgrade the RAM on these machines, and OEMs charge a premium for higher configurations.
When purchasing a laptop with a new chip, it's important to configure your device correctly, keeping in mind your current and future needs. Even if your laptop is upgrade-friendly, the level of upgrade can vary between models and manufacturers. It's best to choose a laptop that doesn't have soldered RAM. If onboard memory can't be avoided, choose at least 16GB, as soldered RAM doesn't leave much room for future memory upgrades.
Also pay attention to the maximum supported NVMe storage capacity and available M.2 PCIe slots. Some high-end laptops offer up to two 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe slots, while others may limit the maximum capacity to two 1TB M.2 SSDs or one M. 2 1TB.
7. Windows Hello for easy login

Like biometric login on smartphones, Windows Hello lets you sign in with your fingerprint, iris, or face scan. Passwordless login is a convenient way to log in to your computer; You don't have to remember or enter complex passwords whenever you want to log in.
You can also integrate Windows Hello with Google Chrome and other Windows applications for added security. To use Windows Hello, your new computer must have biometric authentication hardware such as a fingerprint sensor or a compatible infrared webcam.
8. Diverse port selection

Another important aspect when choosing a laptop is port selection to ensure compatibility with current peripherals and future needs. With the advancement of USB-C technology, manufacturers are gradually removing HDMI and USB-A ports on new laptops.
However, it should be noted that not all USB-C ports are created equal. Ideally, the new laptop should have a USB-C port that supports Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Many higher-end laptops offer USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt 4, allowing for high-speed data transfer, charging, and connection to an external display or eGPU – all through a single USB-C cable.
More importantly, having multiple ports means you won't constantly need a USB Hub like the Baseus Metal Gleam Series II to handle HDMI, LAN, and fast charging needs.
For 2024, workflow requires a highly portable yet efficient laptop that can be moved easily to the workplace. If a laptop has poor battery life, display, port selection, and a previous-generation processor, it won't meet basic usage needs. With so many options on the market, prioritizing features that suit your specific needs and preferences will help you make the right choice.