So, you’re ready to buy a new laptop in 2025? Whether you need it for work, gaming, or just watching Netflix at full brightness, you don’t want to end up with a device that feels outdated the moment you unbox it. Let’s go over the key things you must look out for before making that purchase.

1. Don’t Expect an Old MacBook to Have a Low CC (Cycle Count)

MacBooks are built to last, but if you’re considering buying one released a few years ago, check its battery cycle count. The older a MacBook is, the higher the Cycle Count will be. Don’t allow unscrupulous vendors to hoodwink you with a low cycle count.

Apple rates its batteries for around 1000 cycles, and once it gets close to that, expect battery life to be meh at best. Don’t be surprised if that “great deal” MacBook needs a new battery sooner than later.

2. RAM: 8GB is the Bare Minimum, 16GB is Ideal

Laptops in 2025 need at least 8GB of RAM for basic use, but if you’re planning to edit videos, run multiple apps, or keep 100 Chrome tabs open (we see you), then 16GB or more is the way to go. And if the RAM isn’t upgradeable (Hi, Apple), choose wisely—what you buy is what you’ll be stuck with.

3. Future-Proof Your Laptop with the Right Processor

Intel? AMD? Apple Silicon? Here’s the deal:

• Intel 14th Gen, Core Ultra Processors / AMD Ryzen 8000/9000 series are the latest and the greatest for Windows users, but expect you need the performance boost those new processors offer, you should be fine with anything from the 8th Gen and its AMD equivalent.
• Apple’s M-series chips (M2, M3, or M4) are best for Mac users, but avoid anything below M1—it’s aging fast and Apple will soon drop support for all Intel-based MacBooks.
• ARM-based Windows laptops (like Snapdragon X Elite) are the wild card—could be the future, could be a headache. Err on the side of caution.

4. SSD Over HDD—No Debate

If a laptop still has a hard drive (HDD) in 2025, close the tab and move on. Get an SSD (Solid State Drive) with at least 256GB of storage. 1TB is even better if you don’t want to constantly delete files.

5. Screen Quality: 1080p is the Floor (720p screens will irritate you), OLED is the Ceiling

Your screen is what you’ll stare at every day, so make it count. 1080p is the minimum, but if you want better colors and sharpness, go for:

• OLED screens (amazing contrast, deep blacks)
• 120Hz+ refresh rates (for smoother scrolling and gaming)
• 4K screens (if you do creative work, but overkill for regular users)

6. Ports Matter More Than You Think

Want to plug in an external monitor, charge your phone, or connect a USB drive? Check the ports!

• MacBooks? Usually just USB-C—so you’ll need dongles.
• Windows laptops? More variety—look for USB-C, HDMI, and at least one USB-A for compatibility.
• SD card slot? A must-have if you work with cameras.

7. Battery Life: Don’t Trust Manufacturer Claims

If a brand claims, “20 hours of battery life,” expect 12 hours in real-world use if you’re lucky. MacBooks with Apple Silicon still dominate here, but some Windows ultrabooks are catching up. If you are buying a used laptop, bear in mind that you will most likely never enjoy the numbers quoted by the manufacturers.

Final Thoughts

Buying a laptop in 2025 means being smart about your choices. Avoid old models with dying batteries, prioritize RAM and storage, and don’t fall for flashy marketing claims. If you make the right pick, your laptop will last years without feeling outdated by next year’s models.

Got a laptop in mind? Send us a message!