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Laptops are essential for studying at school and university, connecting with friends online, working from home, playing online games and more. There are a wide range of laptops available, each with different specs and capabilities specifically for certain types of use. Find out which laptops are best suited to your usage here.

Useful Information

What to consider when buying a laptop

With the wide range of laptops available, it’s important to consider how you will be using it day to day. The best laptops for students, working and gaming will all have different features and functionality making them more suitable to certain tasks. Here’s what to consider when buying a laptop.

 

How to choose a laptop or tablet to suit your needs

Laptop Use

Everyday & Student Laptops

As the name suggests, these laptops are designed for everyday use. While they don't boast high-performance power, they're perfect for a wide variety of basic tasks and applications, such as browsing the web, using Microsoft Office programs, sending emails and streaming videos.

This type of laptop is great for families, high school or university students, and any household that requires a computer for casual use.

These laptops are a great option for Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD, purposes. Typically, BYOD laptops should have at least 6 hours of battery life to last through the school day without needing to recharge. The screen size should be a minimum of 10” and the device should weigh no more than 1.6kg so the student doesn’t get sore arms from carrying their laptop from classroom to classroom. Also note that dual-band WiFi delivers faster speeds, better connections, and flexibility, which may be something you want to keep in mind when buying a student laptop. Ensure that you check if your school has any extra special requirements for BYOD laptops before you buy!

Home Workspace & Small Business Laptops

Laptops ideal for home office or small business environments are more efficient and have better battery life than everyday models. Designed for more frequent use, these laptops can run multiple applications simultaneously without any drop in performance. However, they're not the best option for more demanding applications such as online gaming, video editing and other applications that require fast graphics processing. For more info and tips on your business needs,check out your Business Hub here.

Performance Laptops

These laptops are more advanced models which are capable of running multiple advanced processes at the same time. They are a great option for content creation, gaming and video editing as they have powerful processors, plenty of RAM (memory) and excellent inbuilt memory.

Laptop Operating System

Windows

The Windows operating system is the most widely used system for desktop and laptop computers. As the longest-running operating system, Windows has undergone many developments over the years; the latest version is the brand-new Windows 11. This latest system boasts an even more simplified design than Windows 10 to empower productivity and creativity. It delivers a new Start button and taskbar, more icons, fonts, and sounds, and the introduction of Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Desktops to provide powerful multitasking.

Need help choosing the right Windows laptop for your application? Use our Windows Laptop Selecter here.

Apple/MacOS

Apple’s newest Mac operating system is macOS Monterey, which is the 18th major release of the Mac operating system. If you have a MacBook from early 2016 or later, or a Macbook Pro or MacBook Air from early 2015 or later, then your device will be supported by macOS Monterey. Though not as widely used as Windows due to its limited flexibility with software, Apple operating systems have a distinctively clean and minimalist look with ultra-fast start-up times that appeal to many users. With macOS Monterey, you can expect new Facetime updates, a redesigned Safari, and powerful new ways to work using Universal Control and Shortcuts.

Chrome OS

Google’s Chrome OS is the speedy, simple, and secure operating system that powers every Chromebook. It optimises battery performance and keeps your laptop working at peak performance even when you are rebooting, updating, streaming videos or have multiple tabs and apps open. Chromebooks generally come with built-in antivirus protection and Chrome OS updates it automatically, so you do not have to worry about a thing.

Our Categories

Whether you like Windows, Mac, or Chrome; whether you want a laptop for gaming, studying, or streaming; at Officeworks, we have the right laptop for you. Explore our range of laptops below.

laptop and notebooks

Laptops/Notebooks

Laptops and notebooks are designed to be a portable version of your desktop computer, with similar functionality and performance. The term 'laptop' and 'notebook' can be used interchangeably, although some consider laptops to be full-size models with screens of 15-17 inches, while notebooks are classed as their smaller counterparts with screen sizes of 11-14 inches. Both are suitable for a variety of tasks ranging from browsing the web to using complex programs.

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MacBooks

There are three types of Apple laptops: the MacBook Pro, MacBook and MacBook Air. MacBook Pros are the most powerful of the three, with advanced processing, fast flash storage and ultra-clear displays, great for graphic designers, web developers and people who need powerful graphics for work or home. The MacBook Air is a fantastic option to take on the go as it is ultra-slim and light, while still featuring powerful processing and great battery life, ideal for those who travel or university students.

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macbooks
chromebooks

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are laptops or tablets using the Linux-based Chrome OS as its operating system. The device uses the Google Chrome browser and keeps most of its applications and data in the cloud and not on the laptop hard drive. Chromebooks often come in a sleek, portable size and have a long battery life, making them a great companion for taking on the go and working portably.

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Gaming Laptops

Gaming laptops fit the high performance and visual clarity of a home gaming setup into a smaller machine, allowing a user to play games portably. They come equipped with:

  • Powerful, Intel Core processors so that your programs run smoothly.
  • High amounts of RAM for running games and live-streaming applications simultaneously.
  • Dynamic graphics card ensuring your favorite games look at their best.

With the technology equipped, gaming laptops are often bulkier in size, so they may not be suited to those looking to do basic tasks on the go. But their performance capabilities are ideal for avid gamers and those who work in high-level applications.

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gaming laptops
2 in 1 laptop

2 in 1 Laptops

These versatile touchscreen devices combine the fun of the tablet when you want it with the performance of a laptop when you need it. 2 in 1 Laptops often feature a detachable screen or a 360-degree hinge, allowing you to alternate between standing the device up and laying it flat on a surface.

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Business Grade Laptops

Business grade laptops combine everything you need to have a productive working day including a long battery life, fast processor, slimline design, large RAM and useful applications. Some laptops for business have a 2 in 1 functionality, allowing you to use your laptop as a tablet with a touchscreen.

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business grade
tablets

Tablet

While not a traditional laptop, tablets can be a great option if you plan on simply browsing the web, playing mobile games and streaming TV and movies. Featuring a touchscreen display, they are compact, lightweight and highly portable, and perfect for anyone who doesn't necessarily need the classic clamshell-style laptop. By attaching a keyboard, these slimline devices can easily be used in the same way as a laptop.

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Laptop Bags & Sleeves

Laptop Bags & Sleeves are useful for storing your laptop or tablet when travelling. They come in a range of sizes and styles to protect and secure your device.

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4g and lte connected laptops
Software

Software

Don’t forget to purchase software for your laptop. Some laptops come preloaded with helpful applications like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite, but most of them don’t. You’ll also need to protect your laptop with internet security and antivirus software.

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Laptop Accessories

Get the most out of your laptop with laptop accessories. Make using your laptop easier with a separate computer mouse and increase your storage with USB sticks and hard drives.

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software
Things to Consider

Screen Features

Size

Laptops come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 10 to 17.3 inches. The screen size you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. If you require a large, visual workspace, such as for gaming and editing photos and videos, opt for a 15-17 inch screen. Otherwise, a 13-inch laptop should suffice. Sizes are measured diagonally across the screen, and do not include the trim around the screen - consider this when purchasing accessories such as laptop sleeves, bags and filters.

Resolution

The higher your laptop's screen resolution, the better its display quality will be. Screen resolutions are measured in pixels, horizontal x vertical.

  • HD (1366 x 768) and HD+ (1600 x 900) - These resolutions come standard on most laptops and are ideal for all basic computer tasks.
  • Full HD (1920 x 1080) - This resolution is equivalent to that of 1080p HDTVs, offering crystal-clear picture quality for those who prefer a crisper image for watching films or TV shows.
  • Quad HD (2560 x 1440) - Quad HD gives you four times as many pixels as 720p HD, delivering incredible image clarity with its extremely high pixel density. This resolution is suitable for professional photo and video editors.
  • 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) - 4K Ultra HD is the highest resolution currently available, boasting four times as many pixels as Full HD. This extraordinarily high picture quality makes it perfect for gamers, graphics pros and movie fans wanting the best picture quality.

Display Types

Different types of display technologies will affect the colour, brightness and overall visuals of your screen. The three common display types are TN, IPS, and OLED. TN is the standard, entry-level display type suitable for basic tasks, but not for editing photos or videos or playing games. IPS offers better viewing angles and more vibrant colours than TN panels. OLED is the newest technology and features true colours and deep blacks. With OLED, you get perfect image quality from every angle.

Touch Screens

Touch screen laptops allow you to navigate applications on your computer the way you would a tablet or smartphone. They are a great option if you often present or show concepts on your screen, but they're not always practical or often used, and tend to be found mostly on ultraportable laptops.

Laptop Processors

Simply put, the processor is the brain of the computer and controls virtually every function. The better the processor, the better your laptop will perform.

Intel Processors

Intel and their series of multicore processors can be found in the majority of modern MacBook and Windows laptops.

  • Core i7: Intel's leading consumer processor, designed for serious multitasking and the use of complex multimedia programs. The ideal choice for professional power users (such as graphic designers, video/photo editors, and serious gamers).
  • Core i5: This mid-grade processor can more than capably handle everyday computing activities and is one of the most commonly used processors today. It strikes a great balance between issuing processing power and conserving battery life.
  • Core i3: As the entry-level processor in the Core range, the Core i3 is suited to basic tasks such as checking your email, streaming music and creating documents.
  • Core M: Specially designed for ultra slim devices, this family of processors is highly energy-efficient and provides all-day battery life.
  • Pentium, Celeron, and Atom: These processors can be found in smaller and more affordable laptops and are adequate for basic web browsing and other everyday activities.

AMD Processors

AMD processors follow a similar pattern to Intel. The entry-level E1 and E2 processors are designed for users who perform the most rudimentary tasks on their computers, such as browsing the web and checking emails. Moving up, the A4 and A6 are great for watching HD content, playing music and editing photos, while the A8 and A9 are suitable for multitasking, casual gaming and running more complex programs. AMD's A10 and A12 are high-end processors, allowing you to use advanced apps simultaneously, play complex games and edit HD videos.

Other Important Laptop Features To Consider

RAM (Memory)

RAM (random access memory) dictates how smoothly and efficiently your laptop runs when you have multiple applications open at the same time. RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB), and the more you have the better your laptop will be able to multitask. Think of it like a desk, the larger the area the more you can do at once.

Storage Space

There are two main types of storage available for laptops - solid-state drives (SSD) and hard disk drives (HDD). HDDs provide more storage space and are ideal for anyone storing a lot of music, photos, and videos on their laptop. Although they have a smaller capacity, SSDs run a lot faster, allowing you to transfer, save and access files more quickly. Storage space is measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB).

Battery Life

Having a long-lasting battery is ideal for any user, but it's particularly crucial if you need to access your laptop on the go. Therefore, ultraportable laptops tend to have the longest battery life, while larger laptops that run more complex software will usually have a comparatively shorter battery life. It also greatly depends on usage (what kinds of programs you're running ad how often you're multitasking) and how powerful your processor is.

Graphics Cards

Laptops come with integrated graphics cards, which are designed to support a range of general computer activities, such as streaming videos and playing casual games Serious gamers, video editors or graphic designers, on the other hand, will likely want to invest in a discrete graphics card for a better gaming experience.

Soundcard/Speakers

Like graphics cards, sound cards are also built right into laptops, allowing you to enjoy everyday music, video and audio files. Sound capabilities in laptops and computers have greatly improved with technological advances over the years, however, sound quality can still vary from device to device. If sound quality is important to you, ensure beforehand that the inbuilt speakers of your choice of laptop are to your standard. Otherwise, it may be worth purchasing a set of external loudspeakers.

Ports & Connectivity

The ports on modern laptops and computers allow you to connect to the Internet and other devices in a range of ways. Although the development of Bluetooth and wireless technologies has meant it is not always necessary to use these types of ports, these capabilities are not always available on all computer devices. Therefore, you should consider what ports from the ones listed below, may be useful for your needs.