The short answer: One with the most amount of RAM you can afford, touchscreen if it's a laptop, and with the largest hard-drive you can afford. I think for my purposes (everyday use, not strictly concerned with long-term data storage) I would choose an SSHD (Hybrid) for a nice blend of the speed from a SSD (solid-state (flash) drive) and the long-term storage of a HDD (hard disk (mechanical) drive. See below for more detailed information of each aspect that might concern you when buying a computer!

 

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HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

How It Works

Uses spinning magnetic disks (platters) to store data. A read/write head on an arm moves across the disk to access or write data. Operates mechanically, which makes it slower compared to SSDs and more susceptible to damage 

Advantages

Cost: Cheaper per GB, making it ideal for large storage requirements.

Capacity: Available in very high capacities (e.g., 1TB to 20TB).

Longevity: Can handle many read/write cycles over time without significant wear.

Disadvantages

Speed: Slower read/write speeds compared to SSDs.

Durability: Mechanical parts make it susceptible to damage from physical shock.

Some can be noisy due to spinning disks and moving parts.

Data stored via Mechanical Hard Drives are also more susceptible to corruption than sold-state (flash memory with no moving parts) drives.

Best Use Cases

Ideal for low-cost systems where speed is not a priority. Great for storing large volumes of data like movies, photos, and backups. Suitable for long-term storage where access speed is less critical.

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SSD (Solid State Drive)

How It Works

Uses flash memory to store data, with no moving parts. Data is accessed electronically, making it much faster than HDDs.

Advantages

• Speed: Significantly faster read/write speeds, resulting in quicker boot times, application loading, and file transfers.
• Durability: No moving parts, so it’s resistant to physical shock and vibration.
• Energy Efficiency: Consumes less power, improving battery life in laptops.
• Quiet Operation: Completely silent.

Disadvantages

• Cost: More expensive per GB compared to HDDs.
• Capacity: High-capacity SSDs are pricier and less common than HDDs.
• Lifespan: Limited number of write cycles, though this is improving with newer technologies.

Best Use Cases

• Operating Systems and Applications: Perfect for installing the OS and frequently used programs for faster access.
• Gaming: Reduces game load times and enhances performance.
• Content Creation: Ideal for tasks like video editing and graphic design where speed is critical.
• Portable Devices: Best for laptops and tablets due to durability and efficiency.

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SSHD (Solid State Hybrid Drive)

How It Works

• Combines a traditional HDD with a small amount of SSD storage.
• Frequently accessed data is stored in the SSD portion for quicker access, while less-used data resides on the HDD.

Advantages

• Cost-Effective: Cheaper than SSDs but faster than traditional HDDs.
• Improved Speed: Frequently used data benefits from SSD-like speeds.
• High Capacity: Offers a balance of storage capacity and performance.

Disadvantages

• Limited SSD Storage: Only a small portion of data benefits from SSD speeds.
• Complexity: More complex than a single drive, which could lead to potential reliability concerns.
• Inconsistent Speed: Performance gains depend on the workload and the system’s usage patterns.

Best Use Cases

• General Purpose Systems: Good for users who want better performance than HDDs but can’t afford full SSD storage.
• Laptops: A compromise between speed and storage capacity.
• Gaming: Suitable for gaming systems where fast loading of commonly played games is beneficial.

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Which Should You Choose?

HDD:

You prioritize storage capacity and have a tight budget.

Use cases: Backup drives, mass storage for media libraries, and archival systems.

SSD:

You prioritize speed, durability, and efficiency over cost.

Use cases: High-performance systems, gaming PCs, laptops, and content creation workstations.

SSHD:

You want a balance between speed and capacity without spending as much as on an SSD.

Use cases: General-purpose PCs and laptops that need both affordability and performance.

 

By understanding your specific needs and which best supports that —whether it's cost, speed, or capacity—you can make an informed choice for the best storage solution.

Processors have always landed in the category of "there's too much to know and it makes my head uncomfortable thinking about it" - So I went, basically off the first two Parameters (RAM and Hard-Drive) and took a chance with the processor being good.

Easy Guide to Processors ⚙

Here's an easy guide to what to know about processors (More info at the bottom of this webpage.)

When choosing a processor (CPU), consumers need to understand these key features and specifications that directly affect performance, usability, and suitability for specific tasks. Here’s a breakdown of the essential differences:

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1. Processor Cores

• What It Is: A core is a processing unit capable of executing tasks. Modern CPUs have multiple cores.
• Single-Core vs. Multi-Core:
  • Single-Core: Processes one task at a time; rarely seen in modern CPUs.
  • Multi-Core: Allows parallel processing, making multitasking and running complex applications more efficient.
• What to Look For:
  • 2-4 cores for basic tasks (web browsing, office work).
  • 6-12 cores for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
  • 16+ cores for professional workloads like 3D rendering or scientific computing.

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2. Clock Speed (GHz)

• What It Is: The speed at which a CPU executes instructions, measured in gigahertz (GHz).
• High Clock Speed:
  • Better for tasks requiring fast, single-threaded performance (e.g., gaming). [Vocabulary: single-threaded task refers to a process or operation that runs on a single thread of execution, meaning it can only perform one operation at a time in a linear sequence. It does not make use of multiple threads or parallelism to perform tasks concurrently.]
• Low Clock Speed:
  • Consumes less power and generates less heat but performs slower for single-threaded tasks. 
• What to Look For:
  • 3.0 GHz or higher for most applications.
  • Consider boost/turbo frequencies, which allow temporary speed increases for demanding tasks.

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3. Threads

• What It Is: Virtual cores created through simultaneous multithreading (SMT) or Hyper-Threading. More threads improve multitasking and performance in multi-threaded applications.
• Example: A 6-core CPU with SMT might support 12 threads.
• What to Look For:
  • CPUs with multithreading are ideal for video editing, programming, and streaming.

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4. Cache

• What It Is: A small, high-speed memory inside the CPU for storing frequently accessed data.
• Types:
  • L1: Smallest and fastest.
  • L2: Larger but slower than L1.
  • L3: Largest and slowest, shared across cores.
• What to Look For: More cache generally improves performance in repetitive tasks like gaming and data processing.

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5. Integrated Graphics (iGPU)

• What It Is: A graphics processor built into the CPU.
• Integrated GPUs:
  • Sufficient for casual gaming, video playback, and basic graphics work.
• Dedicated GPUs:
  • Required for serious gaming, 3D rendering, or AI workloads.
• What to Look For:
  • If you don’t plan to use a discrete GPU, ensure the CPU has a strong iGPU (e.g., Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon integrated graphics).

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6. Power Consumption (TDP)

• What It Is: Thermal Design Power (TDP) indicates the CPU's power consumption and heat output, measured in watts.
• High TDP:
  • More powerful but generates more heat and uses more energy.
• Low TDP:
  • Energy-efficient, cooler, and suitable for laptops or compact PCs.
• What to Look For:
  • Lower TDP for laptops or compact builds.
  • Higher TDP for desktops with good cooling and performance needs.

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7. Compatibility (Socket and Chipset)

• What It Is: CPUs are designed to fit specific motherboard sockets and work with compatible chipsets.
• Intel Sockets:
  • Common ones include LGA 1700 (12th/13th Gen) and older LGA variants.
• AMD Sockets:
  • Common ones include AM4 (for Ryzen 1-5000 series) and AM5 (for Ryzen 7000 series).
• What to Look For:
  • Ensure your CPU and motherboard are compatible.

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8. Brand (Intel vs. AMD)

• Intel:
  • Known for single-core performance and high clock speeds.
  • Better for gaming and software that doesn’t utilize many cores.
  • Examples: Intel Core i3, i5, i7, i9.
• AMD:
  • Known for multi-core performance and value for money.
  • Better for multitasking, productivity, and budget builds.
  • Examples: Ryzen 3, 5, 7, 9, and Threadripper.

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9. Overclocking

• What It Is: The ability to increase the CPU’s clock speed beyond factory settings.
• Overclockable CPUs:
  • Intel: Look for "K" or "KF" suffix (e.g., Core i7-13700K).
  • AMD: Most Ryzen CPUs are unlocked by default.
• What to Look For:
  • Ensure your motherboard and cooling system support overclocking if you plan to do it.

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10. Price and Value

• What It Is: CPUs range widely in price depending on features, performance, and target audience.
• Budget CPUs:
  • Ideal for everyday tasks, web browsing, and light gaming (e.g., Intel Core i3, AMD Ryzen 3).
• Mid-Range CPUs:
  • Balance of price and performance for gaming and productivity (e.g., Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5).
• High-End CPUs:
  • For professionals, gamers, and enthusiasts (e.g., Intel Core i9, AMD Ryzen 9).

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Which CPU Should You Choose?

1. Casual Use (Web Browsing, Office Work)
   • Budget CPU with integrated graphics: Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3.
2. Gaming
   • Mid-range CPU: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.
   • Dedicated GPU recommended.
3. Content Creation (Video Editing, 3D Rendering)
   • High-core CPU: AMD Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9, or Intel Core i7, i9.
4. Workstations
   • High-core count and robust multithreading: AMD Threadripper or Intel Xeon.
5. Budget Build
   • Ryzen CPUs offer good value with strong performance at lower costs.

Understanding these features helps consumers choose a processor tailored to their needs and budget.

The first thing I do when looking to buy a laptop is look at RAM. That is going to prevent the computer from being sluggish. Even before that, after being spoiled to the acer touchscreen I got in college... I will never (if I have a choice) go back. It's so handy to be able to lean in while working and touch the screen. I also noticed another benefit: that if the webpage I was on was freezing, often times I could still move the page, and navigate using touch. I do not like to be slowed down when working. Solid-state drives since their invention have always been recognized as being superior, especially in laptops as with a mechanical hard-drive you've got moving parts and sometimes when you're moving a laptop around, I've heard grinding from the spinning disk and the parts of the harddrive that writes to it.

Backlit keyboards, aside from looking sweet, are handy when working in the dark. 

My last consideration, and preference when it comes to laptops is unless it comes in white, I like a dark-colored laptop so it kind of fades away while I'm watching movies on my laptop.

Processors, or central processing units (CPUs), are the heart of modern computing, acting as the brain of devices from smartphones to supercomputers. Their importance cannot be overstated, as they execute the instructions that make software functional. Despite their ubiquity, the range of processors available today is staggering, and their differences significantly affect performance, efficiency, and suitability for various tasks.

Consumer Processors: The Powerhouses of Everyday Computing

The most recognized names in the processor space are Intel and AMD. Intel's Core series (i3, i5, i7, and i9) has long dominated consumer markets, offering chips designed for everything from basic computing to high-end gaming and content creation. AMD's Ryzen series has gained ground with competitive pricing and exceptional multitasking performance, particularly with its high core and thread counts.

While Intel historically excelled in single-threaded performance and clock speeds, AMD has championed multi-threaded workloads, thanks to its Zen architecture and innovations like chiplet designs. This rivalry has driven rapid advancements in areas like power efficiency, thermal management, and integrated graphics.

Mobile Processors: Efficiency is Key

Mobile processors, such as Apple's M1/M2 chips and Qualcomm's Snapdragon series, prioritize power efficiency without sacrificing performance. Apple’s in-house silicon has revolutionized the industry, combining high performance and low energy consumption by leveraging ARM architecture. ARM processors, known for their simplicity and scalability, are also dominant in Android devices, offering advanced AI capabilities and seamless app experiences.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips compete heavily in the Android ecosystem, focusing on features like 5G connectivity, superior graphics processing, and optimized gaming performance. Other players, like MediaTek, provide cost-effective alternatives that power midrange and budget devices globally.

Server and Workstation Processors: Multicore Behemoths

For enterprise environments, server and workstation processors from companies like AMD (EPYC), Intel (Xeon), and ARM-based providers (e.g., Amazon’s Graviton) are designed to handle massive data loads and concurrent tasks. These processors often feature high core counts, enormous cache sizes, and advanced technologies like hyper-threading to maximize performance under demanding conditions such as AI training, virtualization, and cloud computing.

AMD's EPYC processors are celebrated for their scalability and efficiency in data centers, while Intel's Xeon processors are renowned for their reliability and ecosystem support. ARM-based solutions are gaining traction due to their energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly in hyperscale environments.

Specialized Processors: Tailored for Specific Tasks

The rise of specialized processors has changed how we approach computational problems. GPUs (graphics processing units) from NVIDIA and AMD, originally intended for rendering graphics, are now indispensable in fields like AI, machine learning, and scientific simulations. Their parallel processing capabilities make them ideal for workloads requiring massive computational power.

Similarly, TPUs (Tensor Processing Units) from Google and NPUs (Neural Processing Units) in smartphones optimize deep learning tasks. FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) offer custom solutions for industries like telecommunications and cryptocurrency mining.

Legacy and Budget Processors: A Place in the Ecosystem

Processors like Intel's Pentium and AMD's Athlon still find a niche in budget systems, where cost takes precedence over cutting-edge performance. These chips are sufficient for everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, and basic multimedia playback.

 

Processors are not one-size-fits-all; their capabilities and designs cater to diverse needs, from casual users and gamers to researchers and enterprises. As technology continues to evolve, the future of processors lies in innovation, with trends like quantum computing, 3D packaging, and neuromorphic computing poised to redefine what's possible. Understanding these differences empowers consumers and businesses to make informed choices that match their unique requirements.

 

accer 15.6" 8GB RAM 512GB SSD i7

ThinkPad 16.0" 32GB RAM 1TB SSD

ASUS 15.6" 32GB 1TB SSD FHD Intel i5

HP 17.3" 16GB RAM 512 SSD

Yes, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) are generally better for data recovery compared to SSDs and SSHDs, though this depends on the nature of the failure. Here’s a detailed explanation:

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Why HDDs Are Better for Data Recovery

1. Recoverability of Deleted Data

   • On HDDs, when you delete a file, the data itself isn’t erased immediately; only the file’s reference in the file system is removed. This makes it possible to recover the data until it’s overwritten.
   • Specialized data recovery software can scan the disk to reconstruct these files.

2. Predictable Failures

   • HDD failures, especially mechanical ones, often provide warning signs (e.g., unusual noises, slow access times). This allows for proactive recovery before total failure.
   • Even in cases of mechanical failure, data can often be recovered by repairing or replacing faulty parts in a clean room environment.

3. Physical Data Location

   • Data is stored magnetically on spinning platters in a sequential and predictable manner, making it easier for experts to retrieve data even if part of the disk is damaged.

4. Fragmentation Tolerance

   • While fragmentation can reduce performance, it doesn’t usually result in permanent data loss. Recovery tools can piece together fragmented data.

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Challenges with SSD Data Recovery

1. TRIM Command

   • Most SSDs use the TRIM command, which immediately erases data when a file is deleted to maintain drive performance. This makes traditional data recovery methods ineffective.
   • Once TRIM has been executed, recovering the deleted data is almost impossible.

2. Wear-Leveling Algorithms

   • SSDs use wear-leveling to distribute data evenly across memory cells. This makes it harder to locate specific pieces of data during recovery.

3. Data Loss During Failure

   • SSDs tend to fail suddenly and completely, often due to controller or firmware issues. When this happens, data recovery is much more difficult compared to mechanical failures in HDDs.

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SSHDs (Solid State Hybrid Drives)

• Complexity: SSHDs combine an HDD and SSD, meaning the data could be stored on either the magnetic platters or the flash memory. This complexity can make data recovery more challenging.
• Limited Flash Access: Recovery from the SSD portion of an SSHD faces similar issues as with standalone SSDs.

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When HDDs Are Better

• Physical Damage: Data recovery professionals can often repair mechanical parts or extract data directly from the platters.
• Deleted Files: Recovering deleted files is straightforward unless the data has been overwritten.

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When SSDs Are Better

• No Moving Parts: SSDs are immune to mechanical failure, so they are less likely to need recovery from physical damage.
• Durability: For situations where physical shock or vibration is a concern, SSDs are less likely to fail in the first place.

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Conclusion

• HDDs are better for data recovery in most scenarios because their data storage methods and failure modes are more accessible to recovery tools and techniques.
• SSDs, while more durable, can be challenging to recover from due to TRIM, wear-leveling, and sudden failure risks.
• For critical data, regular backups are the best way to ensure recovery, regardless of the drive type.

 

HP 17.3" 16GB RAM 512 SSD

ThinkPad 16.0" 32GB RAM 1TB SSD

acer 15.6" 8GB RAM 512GB SSD i7

ASUS 15.6" 32GB 1TB SSD FHD Intel i5