Buyer's guide to shopping laptops in Kenya
A brief overview of our guide:
1). Introduction
2). Factors to consider
- Usage:
- For everyday use
- For business
- For studying
- For gaming
- For design and video editing
- Your budget
- Your desired specifications
- Display
- RAM
- Processor
- Graphics card
- Storage
- Laptop style and weight
- Battery life
- Operating System
3). Conclusion
1). Introduction
In the bustling markets of Kenya, where vibrant cultures converge and the rhythm of life beats with enthusiasm, lies a world of technological marvels—the realm of laptops. Each with its unique charm, these portable wonders cater to diverse needs, from the everyday tasks that paint life's canvas to the exhilarating adventures that unravel in virtual landscapes. In this comprehensive buyer's guide, we shall embark on a journey of exploration, delving into the essential factors to consider when shopping for laptops in Kenya. From understanding your usage to savouring the intricacies of specifications, let us traverse the tapestry of laptop options and uncover the perfect match for you.
2). Factors to Consider
Usage:
In the grand symphony of laptop selection, the melody of your usage resonates at the core:
For Everyday Use:
For the soul seeking a companion for daily pursuits—web surfing, emails, word processing, and multimedia consumption—a laptop with a balance of affordability and functionality shall prove rewarding.
Key Usage: Web browsing, creating documents, watching movies, listening to music.
Ideal Screen Size: 12” to 15.6”
RAM: 4GB RAM or higher
Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor
Storage: an SSD or HDD
For Business:
In the realm of corporate ambitions, a laptop donning a robe of sophistication shall empower your professional prowess. Elevate your productivity with the grace of an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, accompanied by 8GB to 16GB of RAM, and an SSD to ensure seamless multitasking and efficient data handling.
Key Usage: Working on large documents, presentations, complex spreadsheets, and basic editing.
Ideal Screen Size: 12” to 15.6”
RAM: 8GB RAM
Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7
Storage: an SSD for fast speeds
For Studying:
Amidst the quest for knowledge and enlightenment, your academic journey shall be graced by a laptop of scholarly virtues.
Key Usage: Web browsing, creating documents, watching movies, listening to music, basic gaming, and basic coding.
Ideal Screen Size: 12” to 15.6”
RAM: 8GB RAM or higher
Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
Storage: an SSD for fast speeds
For Gaming:
Venture into the enchanting realms of virtual wonder, where immersive experiences await the avid gamer. Unleash the power of a laptop crowned with NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX series graphics,
Key Usage: Professional gaming, Graphic design, running 3rd Party software
Ideal Screen Size: 15.6” to 17.3”
RAM: 16GB RAM or higher
Processor: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
Storage: an SSD for fast speeds
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX series graphics
For Design and Video Editing:
Within the canvas of creativity, where artistry and technology intertwine, an artistic laptop shall awaken your imagination.
Key Usage:4K Video editing, Graphic design, 3D Animation, 3rd Party software use
Ideal Screen Size: 15.6” to 17.3”
RAM: 32GB RAM or higher
Processor: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
Storage: an SSD for fast speeds
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX series graphics
Your Budget:
Within the tapestry of financial consideration, your laptop quest shall find its course. Set sail on a journey of discernment, mindful of your budget's boundaries, and allow the harmony of performance and affordability to guide your steps.
Pricing means which laptop fits your budget. Thankfully, PC manufacturers like HP and Lenovo take that into consideration. In Kenya today, you can buy a brand-new computer ranging from Ksh: 40,000 to Ksh: 200,000. At laptop clinic Kenya, the pricing of the pc depends on its specifications, model year and the manufacturer’s recommended retail price (MRRP). When it comes to pricing PC’s can be categorized into two: mid-range laptops and high-end laptops.
Mid-range computers (Less pricey: mainstream):
So, what’s a midrange laptop? In simple terms, this is a computer that can perform basic functionality offered at a cheaper price. Being cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean poor performance, mid-range pc’s today perform quite well due to their high demand in the market. In the table below, we highlight some of the best options available here at laptop clinic Kenya.
Our top picks for midrange computers:
Asus E410m Celeron 4gb Ram 128gb Emmc - KSh.31,000.00
Hp Elitebook 840 G3 – Ksh.32,000.00
Hp 310 X360 G2 – Ksh.30,000.00
HP ProBook 11 G1 – Ksh.30,000.00
HP 15-DW1207NIA – Ksh.29,000.00
HP Elitebook Folio 9480M – Ksh.25,000.00
Hp Stream 11 Celeron – Ksh.22,000.00
HP Chromebook x360 – Ksh.17,000.00
Hp pavilion DV 6000 PENT – Ksh.10,000.00
High-end laptops (A-bit pricey: premium):
These are pc’s that are built for heavy users and huge workloads. If you want to perform heavy operations on your computer, then consider buying a high-end laptop. Machines like the Apple MacBook’s have the processing capability and some of the best GPU’s for high computational tasks.
Our top best-selling high-end laptops:
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED – Ksh.489,000.00
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 – Ksh.280,000.00
ASUS TUF Dash F15 (2022) FX517Z - KSh180,000.00
MacBook pro A1990 – Ksh.120,000.00
Apple MacBook Pro A1708- Ksh.100,000.00
Apple MacBook Pro A1989 – Ksh.95,000.00
HP Spectre x360 Convertible – Ksh.170,000.00
HP EliteBook 830 G8 – Ksh.145,000.00
HP ProBook 440 G8 – Ksh.129,000.00
HP 340S G7 – Ksh.99,000.00
HP ZBook 15 G3 Mobile Workstation – Ksh.85,000.00
HP Pavilion 15-EG0050 – Ksh.82,000.00
Your Desired Specifications:
In the symphony of technological poetry, your laptop's soul shall sing with the chosen specifications:
Display:
HD means high definition: It refers to a display resolution of 1280x720 pixels. Despite the HD designation, this resolution is not noted for being clear and sharp. For a better display, don’t settle for less than 1920x1080, typically referred to as 1080p. For instance,1920x1080, aka Full HD (FHD).
4K: refers to the horizontal screen resolution of approximately 4000 pixels. Although the term 4K was not selected to indicate this, a 4K display has four times as many pixels as the 1920x1080 resolution.
UHD, or Ultra HD: is often confused with 4K. So, what’s the difference? 4K equals a 4096x2160 resolution. UHD refers to a resolution of 3840x2160.
Retina is a term used only by Apple for their products, refers to a screen with a minimum resolution of 2304x1440. Keep in mind that 4K displays are comparative to this display.
There is not a direct correlation between screen size and screen resolution. A smaller screen may have a 1024x768 resolution. A larger one may have the same resolution as the smaller one. But the larger screen in this scenario will have a lower quality display. Why? It has the same number of pixels as the smaller screen, but the larger screen means they are less densely packed, resulting in a lower quality image. A higher resolution on the same size screen means a sharper image. But that means a smaller display could be harder to see, resulting in eyestrain.
Within the embrace of visual delight, the dimensions of your laptop's screen shall dictate the spectacle. Opt for the intimacy of 11 inches or indulge in the grandeur of 17 inches, finding equilibrium between portability and immersive viewing.
A symphony of memory, where multitasking thrives or wanes in performance. RAM or Random-Access Memory stores all the information a computer needs to run smoothly in that session. Simply put if you’re running multiple programs on your system simultaneously, you will need more RAM to support them. Laptop with good RAM and storage will keep you sorted for at least five years.
4GB
Best suited for browsing the web and updating social media.
8GB
Best suited for creating spreadsheets, working on presentations, basic gaming, and watching movies on OTT.
16GB
Best suited for streaming HD movies, basic photo editing, basic video editing, and gaming.
32GB
Best suited for graphic designing, professional photo editing, professional video editing, music production, gaming enthusiast and CAD design.
Processor (CPU):
As a shopper, you will also have to factor in the CPU capability of the computer from either Intel, AMD or Apple. CPU’s have really improved in terms of their efficiencies and performance over the past 10 years. Intel’s newest processors, especially the 11th Gen series, are really powerful and suitable for gaming (depending on the laptop specs) and high productivity tasks. The virtuoso conductor of your laptop's performance, the processor shall orchestrate the symphony of speed and power.
Which processor models are available?
Intel processors
Intel Celeron:
Celeron is the lowest spec of the intel family, found mostly in our low cheaper variants such as the: HP 14 Celeron CF2209NIA and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3-14. The CPU has two 2 cores and has a base clock velocity of 1.10 GHz. These Intel Celeron is a very good CPU for guys on a really tight-budget and those after basic functionality from a Pc. If your workload involves loads of multitasking, then we recommend you to get a CPU with at the least four cores.
Intel Core i3:
The Intel Core i3 based-CPU’s have become so powerful nowadays, boasting of clock speeds up to 4.0 GHz. For example, the 10th Gen 1005G1 i3 processor found in this Lenovo IdeaPad S145-15 is one great beginner pc you should consider looking at. If you intend to use your computer for basic use like running office applications, web-browsing and making amazing PowerPoint presentations, this CPU will suit you perfectly.
Intel Core i5:
For shoppers looking for a more capable CPU for playing light games and photo or video editing, consider a core i5 laptop. The latest core i5 CPU’s come with 6 cores, capable of reaching maximum clock speeds of up to 4.60 GHz, 4K support.
Intel Core i7:
The core i7 processor is for users looking for a highly responsive PC capable of performing more heavy tasks. With an i7, you are sure to get the most out of your computer. Computer such as the Hp Envy X360 i7, 13M-BD0033DX are great for content creators.
Intel Xeon:
Extremely powerful and expensive processors for large mobile workstations. If you do professional-grade engineering, 3D modeling or video editing, you might want a Xeon, but you won't get good battery life or a light laptop.
Apple mac-chips:
m1 chip macbook
We consider the processors found in Apple pc’s as one of the best you could ever use, especially the new M1 chip. They offer cutting edge speeds and security that is unmatched. These new M1 chips now come standard on all new MacBook Pro’s and MacBook Air.
AMD Processors
AMD's chip naming is just as difficult to decipher as Intel's.
In the name AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, the “7” is the generation (how old it is; higher is better), and the “6” is how powerful it is. A “6” would make this example a medium-powered chip, whereas a 3 or 4 would be weaker (slower). The next two numbers don't have much impact on anything. The “X” at the end indicates high performance. Other letter designations include U for ultra-low power.
Is there a huge difference between Intel and AMD chips? My experience, testing dozens of both every year, is that it depends. Generally speaking, an Intel i5 is indistinguishable from a Ryzen 5 outside of very specific benchmarks. They're similar when you're doing things like browsing the web or editing documents. The same goes for the Intel i7 and Ryzen 7, and the Intel i3 and the Ryzen 3.
Graphics performance is where you'll notice a difference. In my testing, in both benchmarks and real work use, AMD's integrated graphics tend to perform better than Intel on graphics-intensive tasks—think editing videos or playing games. Intel's most recent series of chips have closed that gap significantly, but AMD still has an edge. You may benefit from buying an AMD machine if you're a video editor or gamer, but what you most likely want is a dedicated graphics card
In the kaleidoscope of visual enchantment, the graphics card shall render dreams into reality. With NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX series and AMD Radeon graphics, your laptop's visual prowess shall reach sublime heights.
Graphic cards come in two forms:
Dedicated graphics card: A dedicated graphics card is separate in nature (not soldered to the motherboard), that means they come with their own memory. Dedicated graphic cards offer more performance and are mostly found in high-end laptops such as the: Hp Envy 13 Core with NVIDIA MX-450. These cards are manufactured by companies like NVIDIA.
Integrated graphics card: An integrated graphics card is soldered to the motherboard and is less powerful compared to a dedicated card. However, companies like intel are now making integrated graphic cards worth to buy due to advancements in technology. For example: Intel’s’ latest Iris® Xe Graphics is so good when it comes to multitasking, entertainment and productivity.
Storage:
Within the sanctum of data, the heart of your laptop shall find solace. Choose the agile grace of an SSD, embracing swift access to data, or the bountiful embrace of an HDD, a haven for vast digital treasures.
The hard drive is where you'll store all your data. Think of this as the filing cabinet next to your desk. The most common choice these days is a solid-state drive (SSD), although some budget laptops still use spinning drives. We suggest avoiding those.
Go for an SSD drive if you can afford it, with at least 256 gigabytes. SSDs are faster, especially if they use an NVMe connection, which moves data in and out of the hard drive much quicker than the older standard, known as SATA. Sometimes you'll find laptops with an SSD with NVMe to run the operating system but an older SATA drive to store files. This gives you the best of both worlds: speed where you need it, but still budget-friendly.
If you're shopping for a budget laptop, you may run across eMMC storage. This is still billed as an SSD (which it is), but it's a little different than the NVMe and PCIe SSDs. The abbreviation stands for Embedded MultiMediaCard, and it's what you'll find in phones, tablets, and some laptops (especially Chromebooks).
However, the "embedded" in eMMC usually means it's soldered directly onto the motherboard. In other words, you can't swap in a larger drive down the road. The other disadvantage is slower speeds. Currently, eMMC drives top out at about the same speeds as the old SATA-based spinning drives—usable, but not really speedy. In my testing, eMMC drives are fine for light duty laptops used for browsing the web, working on office docs, and so on. Any more than that, and you will be much better off with an SSD. That doesn't mean there aren't capable devices with eMMC drives, though. The Surface Go series laptops are a good example of a solid, pretty speedy machine that uses an eMMC drive (at least in the cheaper configurations).
The minimum amount of space we recommend is 256 gigabytes. If you store everything in the cloud or are looking at Chromebooks, you might be able to get by with less, but it's good to have the space if you ever need it. If you plan to install a lot of games or software, or save a lot of photos or video, that will quickly eat up space.
You may have noticed that your hard drive doesn't seem to ever have its advertised space. If a hard drive is labelled 512 gigabytes, it may show as having only 490 GB available in Windows. You aren't losing space; this just has to do with the difference between binary and decimal byte size calculations. The drive makers use decimal bytes, but Windows uses binary, which is why they report different sizes. They are both technically correct, though the size Windows reports is the amount of disk space you can actually use to store files.
Laptop Style and Weight:
In the realm of aesthetics, where design and comfort intertwine, your laptop's style shall dance to the tune of your heart. From the sleek and portable elegance to the robust and powerful, the choice shall reflect your essence and serve your needs.
Amidst the reverie of technological wonders, the endurance of your laptop's battery shall paint the canvas of convenience. Seek a laptop with lasting stamina, embracing a battery life of 6 to 8 hours or more, to accompany your ventures without faltering. Large batteries enable greater portability, allowing you to work more on the go. Look for a number of cells (higher the better), battery capacity, and replacement policy.
Operating System:
In the realm of software symphonies, your laptop's heart shall resonate with the chosen operating system. Windows, macOS, or Linux—the harmony of your user experience shall find its muse, a reflection of your preferences and needs.
Description: Developed by Microsoft, Windows is the most widely used operating system globally, with a user-friendly interface and extensive software compatibility.
User Base: Windows is prevalent among home users, businesses, and gamers, offering a vast range of software and applications.
Versions: Windows regularly releases new versions, such as Windows 10, Windows 11, and future iterations, each with enhanced features and security updates.
Pros: Familiar interface, broad software support, regular updates, compatibility with a wide range of hardware.
Cons:Can be susceptible to malware, may require frequent updates, certain versions may be resource-intensive.
Exclusive to Apple's Mac computers, macOS is known for its sleek design, seamless integration with Apple devices, and a focus on creative applications.
User Base: Commonly used by creative professionals, designers, and those within the Apple ecosystem.
Versions: macOS releases periodic updates, each named after California landmarks (e.g., macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey).
Pros: Elegant and user-friendly interface, robust security, optimized for creative tasks, seamless sync with other Apple devices.
Cons: Limited to Apple hardware, fewer software options compared to Windows.
- Linux:
Linux is an open-source OS available in various distributions (distros), each tailored to specific user preferences and needs.
User Base: Linux is popular among developers, programmers, and tech enthusiasts who value customization and open-source software.
Distributions: Popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and many others, each with its unique features.
Pros: High customizability, robust security, excellent for developers, vast range of free and open-source software.
Cons:Requires more technical knowledge, some software may not be compatible.
Developed by Google, Chrome OS is a lightweight, cloud-centric operating system designed for Chromebooks.
User Base: Chrome OS is suitable for users who primarily use web-based applications and require a simple and secure environment.
Pros: Fast and simple, excellent for web browsing and online productivity, automatic updates, cost-effective Chromebooks.
Cons: Limited offline functionality, dependence on internet connectivity.
Choosing the right operating system depends on your specific needs and preferences. Windows offers broad software support, macOS excels in creative tasks and integrates seamlessly with Apple devices, Linux provides customization and open-source advantages, while Chrome OS offers simplicity and online-centric functionality. Consider your workflow, software requirements, and hardware compatibility to make an informed decision that empowers you on your computing journey.
3). Conclusion
Once you've narrowed the field to a few models, read some reviews and look for things beyond the specifications, like how the hinge holds up over time, how the keyboard feels, how the trackpad performs, and even how hot the bottom gets in your lap. Reading reviews like those here at WIRED is helpful and are an important guide to buying laptops, because looking at specs won't tell you if a hinge is poorly made or feels sticky, or if the lid scratches easily.
Technical perfection isn't everything though, so don't ignore your idiosyncrasies. Do you want something that looks a certain way? There's nothing wrong with that. Some people hate the idea of a plastic shell. Others wouldn't be caught dead with anything other than black plastic. Design is important in both practical and aesthetic terms. It's no fun to use a laptop you don't like so let your intuition guide you to your desired laptop .
Sometimes what you like about something is hard to define, and on paper may not make much sense. As they say, there is no accounting for taste, so be sure to factor that into your decision.
As the sun sets on the Kenyan horizon, our voyage through the laptop wonderland draws to a close. Armed with the wisdom of understanding your usage, the compass of your budget, and the artistic palette of desired specifications, you stand ready to embark on a journey of technological transcendence having been guided properly. In this bustling land of opportunities, let your heart guide you to a laptop that echoes your soul's yearnings—a steadfast companion that shall ignite your passions and elevate your aspirations. As you tread upon the path of laptop shopping in Kenya, may this poetic and detail-oriented guide illuminate your way, transforming your search into an odyssey of discovery and fulfillment.
I hope this detail-oriented guide sparks inspiration and provides a comprehensive exploration of laptop shopping in Kenya. If you have any specific details or preferences to incorporate, or if you need any further adjustments, please feel free to let us know, and we'll be delighted to assist you further. Laptop clinic is here for you.
➤ Shop 1
Westlands, Woodvale Groove, Pamstech House next to Family Bank
➤ Shop 2
CBD Moi Avenue, Union Towers Above Galitos,1st floor