Processor

Perhaps, the most important consideration in choosing the best 14 inch laptop is the processor. This is the heart and brain of the laptop. There has been rapid development of processors in the past few years, resulting in multi-core systems. These processors are not just fast but also capable of performing multiple operations simultaneously. Multi-core CPUs allow quick-running of apps and multi-tasking.

If you work on video and media editing, programming and design, the best 14 inch laptop for you must have dual-core or quad-core CPUs. However, you do not always need to have a multi-core laptop. For example, if you are just going to use the laptop for office work, internet and casual watching of movies, you can settle for 1.8-3.2 GHz single-core processors.

Virtual Memory

The next consideration for determining the best 14 inch laptop is the RAM or virtual memory. As a general rule, bigger RAM is better. It is wise to buy a laptop with at least 2 GB of virtual memory. The size of the RAM determines the amount of data the computer can hold at an instance. Choose the best 14 inch laptop with DDR3 slots over DDR2 because they are capable of transmitting data much faster.

Graphics

The best 14 inch laptop must also be adequate to serve your needs for quality graphics, video and 3D. If you work on animation and video post-production, you need the best 14 inch laptop with a powerful video-card. Invest on a unit with high-frequency video cards with high memory (512 MB and up) because generally, you cannot replace a laptop’s graphics card. Powerful video cards are also required for playing high-definition games.

Battery Life

Also note that highly powerful laptops require more power. Battery life of high frequency CPUs that operate at optimum performance is usually shorter. For people who work on the field, it is better to have a medium-powered laptop that can last beyond 6 hours. Otherwise, you’ll need a nearby wall socket for uninterrupted work. For an additional charge, you can also purchase an extended-life battery.

Storage Capacity

The best 14 inch laptop must have a large-capacity hard disk. If you work on very large files or if you collect HD movies, a 512 GB hard disk is very easy to fill up. It is best to invest on at least a 1 TB hard disk. This will likely eliminate the need for burning many files on several DVDs or carrying around an external hard drive.

Device Compatibility

This aspect is usually overlooked when choosing the best 14 inch laptop. The best 14 inch laptop for you must be compatible with the other gadgets that you use. For example, if you require multiple peripherals working at once, you need a laptop with several USB hubs. Before purchasing a unit, check if you need special ports such as fire-wires and serial ports.

This is like comparing a landline to a cell phone. Portability matters. One of the biggest concerns for those who intend to purchase a laptop is the screen size. What is the right screen size? There are laptops and netbooks of all different sizes now. You can visit any computer store and see laptops that range from 10” to 17”. I personally have a 14-inch laptop and I wouldn’t trade it. I have tried screens of all different sizes but the 14-inch laptop seems to me like the best. Will the 14-inch laptop be the best screen size for you? It’s hard to say.

I think that a question you should consider prior to buying your laptop is what you will be using it for. Will you use your laptop for heavy multimedia? Web design? Writing? Basic word processing? Email? We know that computers can do all these things but the screen size is going to factor in to enhance your productivity of the job at hand. For me, as a writer, I find the 14-inch laptop screen size to be the most appropriate and yes, I have tried the 13-inch, 15 inch, and 17 inch but for some reason the 14-inch laptop feels the best on my eyes and my fingers.

You may be asking how one inch would make a difference but I think that it does make a difference. After all the difference of an inch can differentiate between a strike out and a home run. I feel the 13-inch laptop screen to be a little tight but the 14-inch laptop screen feels just right. However, if you are a designer there is no question that the 14-inch will prove difficult because of the lack of real estate on your screen. Designers usually lean more towards the 15” and the 17” models and rightfully so, they need more space to work. For writers and those who seek basic word processing I recommend the 13” and 14 inch laptop screen size without hesitation.

There are many netbooks in the market, which are basically cheap computers who can get the job done, but they come with much smaller screens. This could be a pro or a con. I find it a con because the size of the screen will make you force your eyes more than you should have to but on the other hand netbooks are cheap. Netbooks range between $200-300, which is very affordable and perfect for those, who just want to do email and basic word-processing. If you can give up screen size this might be the right machine for you.

I have found the 15-inch laptop to work well for those who want to do a bit of both. That is, if you want to design and do writing the 15” is a good option. You won’t have your dream machine for design like I believe the 17” is but you also won’t have your ideal writing machine which I believe is the 14-inch but you will have a bit of both. It’s like a happy medium for those of you who haven’t’ decided if you rather write or design.

I am typing up this article on a 14-inch laptop and I have never been happier with a screen size. Laptops are the machines that move the world and I believe that when you buy one you should give thought to the screen size. If you have never tried a 14 inch laptop I recommend that you do for some reason the 14 inch laptop feels better than the 13 inch and much better than the 15 which seems massive now by today’s standards for basic computing.