Laptops, TVs and tablets: getting a good deal
Tech prices move with product launches and sales events. Knowing which specs matter keeps you from paying for things you will not use.
Everyday and student laptops
Prioritize enough memory for multitasking, a solid-state drive, a comfortable keyboard, and battery life. Student discounts are common from manufacturers.
Gaming laptops
The graphics card matters most, followed by cooling and screen refresh rate. Heavy gaming laptops often have short battery life.
TVs
Panel type (such as LED, QLED or OLED) affects contrast and viewing angles more than resolution, since most TVs are 4K. Check brightness if your room is bright, and the number of HDMI ports.
Tablets
Consider what you will use it for: reading and streaming, note-taking with a stylus, or replacing a laptop with a keyboard case.
When to buy
Major sales events and the months after new models launch often bring the lowest prices on previous models. Compare the exact model number across retailers, and check the return policy.