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If you're building a new PC or shopping for upgrades, you need a trustworthy place to buy. Not all retailers are the same-some offer great discounts, good customer service, and even helpful tools so you buy the best gear for your money. This week, we're checking out five of the best, based on your nominations.

Building your own computer doesn't have to be super expensive, and there are lots of ways you can save money in the process. Earlier in the week we asked you to tell us where you go-online or offline-to buy computer components after you've put together your spec list. You weighed in with tons of great nominees, but we only have room for your top five. Here they are, in no particular order:

Dear Lifehacker,I'm in the market for a new computer. My friend says it's cheaper to...
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Micro Center operates both brick-and-mortar stores and an extensive online store, both packed with everything from CPUs and motherboards to pre-built computer systems, laptops, and monitors. Many people know Micro Center specifically for their often-incredible deals on CPUs, in many cases hundreds of dollars lower than available anywhere else online-and they appear frequently in your low-price list when you start building your computer at a site like PCPartPicker. Their physical stores are usually laid out and stocked like geek amusement parks, with tons of systems to play with, gaming consoles to kill time on, and plenty of opportunities to actually touch and try out the tech you're interested in before you buy it-not to mention a massive system builder's center packed with components, cables, cooling, tubes, and more-great for any system builder who's missing a cable or needs that one extra thing to finish their build and doesn't want to wait for shipping.

Those of you who nominated Micro Center also highlighted the popularity of its brick and mortar stores, and the great discounts and bundles available in person. They're not quite everywhere in North America yet, but they're in enough major cities to make them a great destination, and even if you're not close to one, their online store has much of the same gear at equally great prices. You can even order online for in-store pickup, and if you're running into trouble on what components to buy, their staff in-store is generally actually knowledgable, which is a refreshing breath of fresh air. Don't take my word for it though-read the love in their nomination thread here.

NCIX (and its US counterpart, NCIX US) earned the title of "Canada's Newegg" a while ago, but has since grown far above and beyond the comparison. NCIX is a juggernaut in its own right, serving both Canadian and US buyers with a wide variety of computer components on their website at highly competitive prices. Whether you need a new video card, hard drive, case, or CPU, NCIX has you covered. Their stock doesn't end there though, and the company sells pre-built systems, peripherals like mechanical keyboards and monitors as well. Their pricing is extremely aggressive, and if they don't have the best price on a specific item, they'll match their competitors. NCIX also operates a rewards program and newsletter for their customers that offers exclusive sales, discounts, and rewards just for signing up. The company is also committed to educating its customers and helping you make smart buying decisions, which we've seen through their NCIX YouTube Channel and their support for other channels like TechQuickie and Linus Tech Tips, all of which we love and have been known to post videos from frequently.

In its nomination thread, many of you showed your love for NCIX, and specifically mentioned that Canadian shoppers should ship through them exclusively, since they ship using Canada Post, meaning you pay less for shipping but get your gear sooner. You also called out NCIX's customer service for being exceptionally helpful, easy to work with on RMAs and DOA parts. Plus, if you're thinking about parting out a new computer but don't want to build or burn it in yourself, an extra $50 on your order means they'll assemble everything for you, test it, make sure it works, install your OS, and then ship the whole thing out to you. You can read more in its nomination thread here.

Newegg is a juggernaut, and for good reason. The company has been operating for ages, selling computer components and peripherals to system builders and enthusiasts for years and years. For many people, Newegg is their first and last destination when it comes to PC building, and even for those who wind up buying elsewhere, they do a great deal of their research at Newegg first to make sure they're buying the best gear at the best prices. Newegg doesn't skimp on the selection, either-literally everything you need to build a computer is available from their online store, with fast and affordable shipping, complete with enough tools and options to make sure you're buying exactly what you need, nothing more and nothing less-and that all of your components will work together when you get them. Newegg has comparison tools to help you make that difficult decision between one video card and the next model over, and their sales and discounts-especially around the holidays-are forces your wallet may not be able to resist. Their forums and customer reviews are well traveled, and while their customer service has been great in my experience, it's noteworthy that component manufacturers often hang out in their forums and in the reviews of their products as well, making sure their customers are happy and offering to make any issues right if someone gets a bad part or has another problem. Newegg also operates a pair of YouTube channels dedicated to helping you make smart buying decisions-their flagship Newegg TV channel, and their Newegg Products channel. On both they often post product reviews, unboxing videos, first impressions of upcoming products, and more.

The nomination thread for Newegg was massive, and like any major retailer, was filled with both praise for their fast shipping, great selection, amazing discounts, and great customer service....and full of complaints about those very same things. Most of you however highlighted the tools that Newegg makes available to help you compare products, check reviews, and learn more about any specific item you're thinking about buying. The community around Newegg-not just its staff-are passionate, intelligent, and genuinely helpful. There's a reason why Newegg was an obvious nomination here. Many of you noted that Newegg doesn't always win out on price, but they do win out on research and information, and depending on where you live, even their cheapest shipping can mean that your gear gets to you the next day. If you need any more reasons, check out the nomination thread here -it's packed with them.

The "store that sells everything" also sells computer components and parts, and usually at fairly competitive prices-even better if you're an Amazon Prime member and get free shipping on virtually all of the components you purchase. You have to know what you're looking for of course-Amazon doesn't make it easy for you to part out a PC or make sure components will work together or are compatible with one another before you buy, but they do offer a ridiculously huge selection of both common and obscure parts, new and old, so you can always find what you're looking for, either straight from Amazon or through an Amazon seller. Their prices are good enough that if you do use other tools to part out your computer, like PCPartPicker, for example, you'll wind up seeing Amazon's product listing in the top two or three most affordable versions of the parts you're thinking about buying almost every time.

In the nomination thread, many of you called out the fact that you used to shop at other part retailers and now buy from Amazon almost as often if not moreso-largely because Amazon just has everyone else beat on price. That makes sense-they're a logistical juggernaut, and they have the size and scale to compete with all of the other parts and electronics retailers while simultaneously undercutting them on price and shipping costs. Many of you even noted that you use those other sites to do your research, and then eventually wind up going with Amazon because of either free shipping or price. To boot, many of you also praised Amazon's pretty liberal return and RMA policies (something I can attest to-I bought some components from Amazon recently, had the shipment delayed several days-we feared it was lost-and Amazon overnighted replacements to me the next day, with just the promise that if the original shipment showed up eventually that I send it back to them) if you ever have problems with the items you ordered. You can read all the conversion stories in its nomination thread here.

TigerDirect used to have a bit of a bad rap, but the retailer has come a long way to position itself as a solid option for people looking for one more place to price check and score deals on computer components, peripherals, and software. They do have brick and mortar stores (although not many), but their primary business is through their website, where they offer a wide selection of PC parts from memory and CPUs to fully built systems and other home electronics. Their prices are often worth a solid look-while you may not think of them immediately, in many cases TigerDirect can sneak in with the lowest price on an in-demand item (like a 4K monitor or a popular SSD model) with plenty of stock and fast shipping right to you. They also operate a fan newsletter that's packed with exclusive deals just for signing up.

In its nomination thread, a few of you pointed out that their brick and mortar stores are worth a look if you have one near you, and pointed out that their inventory is solid, their site is easy to use and browse, and while they don't have the same comparison and shopping tools that other retailers have, they're a great option if you're shopping around for a good price on something that may be out of stock or more expensive everywhere else. Read more in its nomination thread here.

Now that you've seen the top five, it's time to put them to an all-out vote to determine the Lifehacker community favorite:

This week's honorable mentions go out to Fry's Electronics and Other World Computing (OWC), both of which missed the top five by just a handful of votes.

Fry's Electronics operates both brick-and-mortar and online stores packed with products, and is up there with Micro Center in that many people describe it as a bit of a geek's amusement park-somewhere you can go and spend all day browsing, trying out gear before you buy it, researching different options, checking out things you want to buy in person, and talking to other knowledgeable people. Their website is much the same-packed with a great selection of products at great prices. You even described it as "Costco for computer parts," and we think that's accurate. Check out its nomination thread here.

In the same vein, Other World Computing has been in business for ages, and while it was once primarily a site for Mac owners to find specialized gear for their computers (and to find great prices on Apple gear that often beat out Apple directly-not to mention one of the first places to offer upgraded and refurbished Apple products at great prices) the site has grown to be a great resource for all computer shoppers, whether you're shopping for a new PC or just looking for upgrades for your current one. Check out its nomination thread here.

Want to make the case for your personal favorite, even if it wasn't included in the list? Remember, the top five are based on your most popular nominations from the call for contenders thread earlier in the week. Don't just complain about the top five, let us know what your preferred alternative is-and make your case for it-in the discussions below.
The Hive Five is based on reader nominations. As with most Hive Five posts, if your favorite was left out, it didn't get the nominations required in the call for contenders post to make the top five. We understand it's a bit of a popularity contest. Have a suggestion for the Hive Five? Send us an email at tips+hivefive@lifehacker.com!

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If you're building a new PC or shopping for upgrades, you need a trustworthy place to buy. Not all retailers are the same-some offer great discounts, good customer service, and even helpful tools so you buy the best gear for your money. This week, we're checking out five of the best, based on your nominations.

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Buying a new laptop or desktop PC can be quite confusing. Many people find it difficult to compare prices, features, processor types,etc to find the right choice in accordance with their requirements. In this post we will tell you the top 10 things to consider before buying a PC.
10. Usability
It is important that you first consider the tasks that you will be performing on your PC. If you wish to buy a computer for simply browsing the internet and using some online services than it might be better to buy a single core computer which satisfies your minimum requirements. On the contrary if you require using it for heavy video editing and professional work, then it might be better to buy a system that has enhanced multimedia options.
9. Price
This brings us to our next consideration of price. There might be some very fancy features that you want in your new PC. However, if you don't have the cash to pay for lets say a graphic card with 1GB memory, than you might be better off choosing suitable alternatives.
8. Operating System Type.
Users with minimum requirements may be better off buying a Windows Starter or Home Premium version e.g. of Windows 7. For users who wish to take advantage of more enhanced features and require more effective tools such as connecting their PC to a domain are naturally better off buying a Professional or Ultimate Edition. Having said that the cost of a Windows 7 Ultimate Edition can be as much as 219$.
7. Size
Some people prefer buying larger laptops for a better display screen, whereas other prefer smaller and more portable sizes. If you are setting up a server which will be placed in a server room then size considerations will not mater much as large servers with multiple SCSI drives are normally quite big. Whereas, for people with weak eye sights a laptop with a larger display screen might be worth the price.
6. Peripherals
Peripheral devices such as printers,scanners,etc can significantly increase or reduce your price for buying a new PC. It might be better off buying a system with a DVD combo drive if you do not require writing data to DVDs.
5. Brand
Some brands offer better warrantees, whereas others offer software packages that come with the system. For example, a Dell laptop with the same specifications may be cheaper than a Sony Vio. The reason is that Sony provides many of its own softwares with their laptops which saves the users cost for buying software, e.g. a DVD burning. However, if you already have many such licensed or freeware software available, then it might be better to go for a cheaper brands. Acer for instance is known for its low cost laptops that provide more enhanced spcs like hard disk space and RAM as compared to its competitors.
4. Hard Disk
Hard Disk considerations might not mean much to a lay user, nonetheless, having the right amount of disk space and disk type might be the necessary for the efficient management of regular tasks for a professional. A common user may merely have to decide between buying a 120GB or 320 GB hard disk system. An IT professional on the contrary might have to decide between a SCSI or a Sata drive. As a scuzzy or SCSI(Small Computer System Interface) drive might be required for Raid configurations.
3. RAM
It is obvious that for more professional tasks and to run a Xeon Server there will be more RAM required than for merely using a PC for browsing the internet. Moreover, the RAM type may matter more than many people might consider. For example, there are not many applications currently available that can take advantage of DDR3 RAM types, one may be better of saving some dimes by buying a system with a DDR2 RAM.
2. Processor
The Processor is one of the most important parts of a system and can mean the difference between a system that frequently hangs and the one that runs smoothly. Some people might think that going for the low cost single core or Dual Core processors is a good idea but I would not recommend either of them for anyone who requires using a system for more than basic usage. Moreover, one might be better off buying a Corei3 system instead of a Core2Duo as the later might be more expensive and less efficient than the former. A Corei3 can cost up to 113$ whereas, a Core2Duo can cost 130$. For more demanding professionals, it might be better idea to buy a corei5 (if not a Core i7), as the core i5 uses Turbo Boost technology other than Hyper Threading.
1. Warranty
Warranty makes up the most important consideration for people when buying a system. Having one covered with the right kind of hardware warrantee is essential and should be unconditional. I still remember when Sony had to recall several Laptops due to a battery fault because of which their Laptops caught fire. I'm sure none of us would like to have a Laptop that we can fry omelets on without the guarantee of replacement.

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10 Things To Consider When Buying A Computer

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Buying a new laptop or desktop PC can be quite confusing. Many people find it difficult to compare prices, features, processor types,etc to find the right choice in accordance with their requirements. In this post we will tell you the top 10 things to consider before buying a PC. 10.

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It's a battle that has raged across time and space. Two sides with sworn armies of loyalists, locked eternally in a struggle for dominance. We've seen it played out so many times: Android vs iOS, Xbox vs PlayStation, Canon vs Nikon, FIFA vs Pro Evo, ZX Spectrum vs Commodore 64, but today we look not upon those minor conflicts.

Instead, our eyes turn to the thunderous colossuses of Mac vs PC.

Which is the better platform? Is there even a true winner? Some of these questions cannot be answered, but in this feature we will put the two platforms to the test so you can see which one is the best for you.

You might also like Android vs iOS: Which is best?

Hardware design

This category might seem like a sure-thing for Apple, as its hardware is highly regarded across the industry, but things aren't quite that simple. When Apple's design guru Jony Ive first designed the iMac back in 1998, it came as a colourful and stylish alternative to the beige boxes that PCs favoured at the time.

Since then there have been innovative designs such as the MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and the various iterations of the original iMac - including an utterly beautiful angle-poise lamp style that remains one of the most gorgeous computers ever built. The current lineup though, leaves a lot to be desired.

Yes, they are still powerful, fast machines, but the aluminum unibody designs that once looked so modern (and launched a thousand PC clones) haven't seen an update in a number of years and now look, well, rather dull.

Of course the ultra-slim MacBook does buck this trend somewhat - coming in a range of colours that include Gold and Rose Gold, or pink as most people would call it - but the lack of ports and a low profile keyboard that severely divides opinion among users means it's something of an acquired taste.

There are rumours of Apple updating the Mac range before the end of the year, so things could improve quickly if the California company introduces new models.

By contrast, PCs are going through something of a renaissance at the moment. After the wild and wacky devices that accompanied the release of Windows 8, manufacturers have settled down and begun releasing some excellent machines.

At the premium end of the market, where Apple also plies its trade, Microsoft has developed the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book both of which are hugely desirable creations. HP, who almost left PC manufacturing entirely a few years ago, has stunned the market with its svelte, luxurious Spectre 13, while Lenovo, Sony, Dell, and others all have high-end models that give MacBooks a run for their money.

One of the best things about Windows devices at the moment is that they offer such variety to users. You can have traditional laptops and desktops (with the option of a touchscreen if you want), dedicated gaming rigs, ultra-thin models, or a device that converts between a tablet and PC. There's even a Windows phone that can turn into a full blown Windows PC when you plug it into peripherals.

Of course the platform has always had devices available at a range of price points too and this is still the case. In fact HP's Stream laptop is currently available for £189 and offers a very respectable entry point for those who need a cheap and cheerful device.

Yes, the Apple lineup is high quality, but Windows also offers that now, and much more besides.

Bundled software

While Apple's shield may still be ringing from the surprising blows it took in hardware, this round finds it unleashing a few attacks of its own. There's little argument really that when you take a Mac out of its box there is far more useful software onboard than on even the most premium Windows laptop.

No bloatware or trial software is to be found, instead Apple includes apps for basic photo editing, video production, audio production, plus the full office suite of Pages, Number, and Keynote. All are full versions that offer an impressive amount of capability for any new user.

On the Windows side of things it isn't quite so rosy. There is a photo app, but it's more for organisation than editing, and depending on where you bought your PC you might have a free year's subscription to Office 365, but beyond that it's a pretty barren landscape.

Of course when you move out to third party software Windows has an enormous amount of apps to buy, far exceeding that of Macs, but the truth is that Macs come equipped with nearly everything you need for normal, consumer-level computing.

Read next: Windows 7 vs Windows 10

Gaming

Gaming has long been the province of PCs and with the arrival of Windows 10 the platform has only strengthened its dominance.

Aside from an embarrassingly huge advantage over Macs in terms of available titles, PCs now have the ability to stream games from both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 (Mac supports PS4 only at the time of writing). This category isn't even close. If you like gaming then a Windows PC is hands-down the better choice over a Mac.

See: Best free PC games of 2017 and Best Gaming PC 2017

User interface

Here's where it gets interesting. For years OS X and Windows have fought over the same ground, that of a standard desktop based environment. But since Windows 8 Microsoft has been taking its platform into new realms, incorporating touch and speech as significant factors.

Cortana is now a resident feature on Windows 10, enabling users to create reminders, schedule appointments, conduct searches, and a range of other functions all through voice commands.

See: How to use Cortana in Windows 10

Apple wasn't far behind though, as macOS Sierra features Apple's virtual assistant Siri, and offers similar features to that of Cortana.

Where the two environments diverge the most is when it comes to touch. Windows has fully embraced the idea of tapping the screen, while Mac users have a wide range of multi-touch trackpad gestures available.

True, Windows also shares some of these, but the implementation on Macs - especially those with force-touch trackpads - remains the superior trackpad experience.

While Apple has staunchly avoided introducing a touch interface on macOS, it's introduction on Windows has led to the creation of several interesting hybrid devices (2-in-1s that can act as laptops or tablets) with the Surface Pro 4 being the best example.

This opens up things such as the use of a stylus to highlight or annotate web-pages on Microsoft's Edge browser, writing and drawing freehand in OneNote, plus general navigation through websites, applications, and the operating system itself.

Both platforms are exploring new ways to create, interact and manipulate data, which means that there is no clear winner here, except for users who now have a fascinating amount of choice.

Security

This is usually the biggest stick that Mac users wield against their Windows counterparts, and it's a fair point.

Statistically there is far more chance of contracting a virus or malware when you use a PC. This is mainly due to the fact that Macs make up such a small percentage of computers worldwide, so it's not worth hackers targeting them. But this could be changing.

2016 saw the emergence of the Keyranger ransomware that attacked OS X and encrypted all files on a hard drive until users paid an extortion fee. Yes this pales in comparison to the likes of Cryptolocker, but it's an indication that Macs are beginning to appear on the hacking radar.

Then there's the fact that many attacks these days use social engineering or fear mongering to fool users into giving away their account details, rather than installing viruses to cause havoc.

It's still hard to argue that Macs are not more secure than Windows machines, but complacency could mean that the users themselves might be equally vulnerable.

Value for money

When it comes to any buying decision, one of the most important factors is value for money. On the Windows side there are a wealth of devices that start, as mentioned above, with the likes of the HP Stream (£189) and move up through various price points until you reach the premium strata of Microsoft's SurfaceBook which starts at £1299. This means that there is a Windows machine for everybody, no matter the budget.

Macs on the other hand start at £479 following a post-Brexit price hike, and this is for the Mac Mini which doesn't have a keyboard, mouse, or display included. It's no powerhouse either, with disappointing specs and slow performance, plus it hasn't been updated since 2014.

On the laptop side of things the cheapest MacBook is the 11-inch MacBook Air which will set you back £749. At the moment this doesn't seem to offer great value for money either, mainly due to it featuring a small screen with a lacklustre 1366x768 screen resolution which feels far from premium these days.

Moving up, the 13-inch MacBook Pro (£1249) beefs up the screen to a retina model and has internals more befitting of high-end device, and includes a new Touch Bar if you pay an extra £200.

If you're willing to buy at the Pro level then Apple's current products do offer excellent performance, build quality, and support, but dipping below that seems to offer less value and more compromises than those prices justify.

Which one should you buy?

As you may have surmised from our look at these two platforms there is no clear winner, and that's good. After all, computers occupy such central parts of our lives these days, and our needs all differ wildly, so there will never be a one size fits all solution (no matter what Jony Ive says about Apple's EarPods).

What is clear is the amount of choice now available for consumers. Windows devices have so much variation in design and capability, while Apple continues to refine its lineup, and the rumoured iMac refresh could see the company finally introduce new designs.

In the end it's down to how much money you want to spend, what you want to do, and your preferred software platform. The good thing is that the market has matured to a point where it's actually hard to buy a bad device now.

A solid rule of thumb is to save up and spend the most you can afford, as the higher end devices really are on another level at the moment, but the budget market for Windows machines is also in fine fettle.

Simply put, you've never had it so good.

Read next: Nintendo Switch vs Xbox One

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Mac vs PC: Which one is best and which should you buy?

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It's a battle that has raged across time and space. Two sides with sworn armies of loyalists, locked eternally in a struggle for dominance. We've seen it played out so many times: Android vs iOS, Xbox vs PlayStation, Canon vs Nikon, FIFA vs Pro Evo, ZX Spectrum vs Commodore 64, but today we look not upon those minor conflicts.

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Making a new tech purchase can be a nerve-wracking process. There are dozens of brands to be aware of, lots of models to choose from, tons of tech terms that you may or may not understand, and even more mistakes that are way too easy to make. (Just take a look at our list of common computer-shopping mistakes for an idea of how easy it is to go wrong.) Shopping for a tablet can be a similarly complicated undertaking, but once you understand the basics of navigating the process, you'll be much better prepared to make a good decision.

The easiest way to figure out how you should shop for a tablet is to be aware of the mistakes you shouldn't make. Read on to learn from the six mistakes that people make way too often when they're buying a tablet. Having a little bit of preparation and foresight can help you avoid wasting money on a tablet that isn't right for your needs and struggles to meet your expectations.

1. Ignoring the software that powers a tablet

Just like when you're buying a smartphone, the operating system is one of the first things you'll need to decide on when you're buying a tablet. Are you an Apple fan who wants a tablet that'll play nice with your iPhone or your Mac? Then an iPad, which is powered by Apple's iOS mobile operating system, is probably your best bet. Similarly, if you're an Android fan or a Windows Phone user, you probably already know which operating system you might want in a tablet.

However, it's important to look closely at the capabilities of the software you're considering. That applies both to choosing an operating system carefully, and paying attention to which version of an OS a given tablet uses. For instance, iOS has some (albeit limited) multitasking features, while Android Marshmallow offers none to speak of, and Android N is expected to bring some split-screen capabilities. If a new version of Android offers a feature that you really want, make sure that you don't buy a tablet that ships with an older version of the OS and likely won't get an update anytime soon.

It's also important to ensure that the Android tablets you're considering don't restrict access to the Android app store, impose limitations, or make other changes to the OS that will prevent you from making the customizations that you want. Similarly, if there are specific apps that you're envisioning using on your brand-new tablet, check out the developer's website and figure out whether there's a tablet-optimized version of that app, or whether you're simply going to be looking at a blown-up version of the smartphone app. You can access the Play Store and the App Store online, so it also pays to look around at a platform that you're unfamiliar with to see what kinds of apps you'd be able to load on a given tablet.

2. Not thinking carefully about connectivity options

Different tablets offer different connectivity options, and it's important to figure out when and where you plan to use your tablet in order to choose the right configuration for you. Tablets feature 3G or 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS capabilities in various combinations, and you can figure out what you need by evaluating how you're going to use your tablet.

3G or, preferably, 4G connectivity enables a tablet to access the Internet from just about anywhere that your smartphone can. But the downside is that is that you'll need to pay for a data plan each month - something you won't want to do unless cellular connectivity will really be useful for you. With a tablet with Wi-Fi capability, you can connect to the Internet anywhere you can access a Wi-Fi network, like your apartment, your office, or your local coffee shop. (But you should probably think twice about relying on public Wi-Fi networks.)

If you're frequently within range of a Wi-Fi network, and envision using your tablet primarily where Wi-Fi is available, then opting for a Wi-Fi-only tablet can be a good choice. Other types of connectivity to consider include Bluetooth, which enables you to connect your tablet to a Bluetooth speaker or other devices, and GPS, which can be useful if you plan to use your tablet for navigation in your car, though that's easiest to do with a tablet that has 4G connectivity.

3. Choosing a tablet that's misaligned with your needs

Beyond the operating system and connectivity options, there are lots of other choices to make when selecting a tablet, and it's easy to forget about your priorities when you're faced with an overwhelming variety of choices and perhaps a few models offered at enticing sale prices. So in some ways, it can be easier to think about what you need from a tablet before you really dive into what's available.

If you want a tablet that you can easily throw in the pocket of your briefcase and use on the subway, then a smaller screen size is probably more practical than a giant tablet. If you want to use your tablet to video-chat with your friends, then you'll probably want to find a tablet with a decent front-facing camera (test it out, and don't believe megapixels are an indication of quality). If you plan to use lots of apps or store a decent amount of music and photos locally, you'll likely want to pay attention to how much storage a tablet has, or whether its storage can be expanded via a microSD card slot.

4. Assuming that a tablet will easily replace your PC

For many users, the idea of ditching a cumbersome PC and using a tablet instead can be an appealing idea. But in reality, that won't actually work for every kind of user. Reviewers have agreed that even the expensive iPad Pro, which benefits both from the multitasking features that Apple integrated into iOS 9 and from the introduction of the Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil, really won't work as a laptop replacement.

Most tablets, the iPad Pro included, don't enable you to access full-featured versions of the software that you probably rely on for work, whether that's Microsoft Office or Adobe's design tools or Slack's chat platforms, or don't offer apps that are specifically optimized for the size of your screen. As Apple pushes iOS forward and developers get on board with the new iPad and its capabilities, it's very possible that it'll be able to replace your PC in the future.

If you're thinking of using a tablet for work, make sure that you know what you're getting yourself into. You won't have access to the easy multitasking or file systems that you're used to on your laptop or desktop computer, and you should familiarize yourself with the features and limitations of the tablet you're considering to take a realistic look at whether or not you'll really feel comfortable working, in whatever capacity is relevant to you, within those confines.

5. Automatically choosing the cheapest option

The cheapest tablet at your retailer of choice, whether you're searching Amazon or walking through the aisles of a big box store's electronics section, is usually going to be an off-brand device or an older model of a tablet that's since been updated. But you should always be wary of opting for an old or off-brand device, particularly because the adage that you get what you pay for often turns out true when it comes to tech shopping.

Off-brand tablets often use outdated versions of the Android operating system or versions that have been excessively customized and limited by the manufacturer. You can also run into compatibility issues, either with the apps you want to use or the accessories you want to buy, and no-name tablets are more likely to suffer from software glitches and hardware problems. A similar line of logic reveals the problems with outdated models; you probably won't be getting the latest software, the security situation is likely to be compromised, and you'll be missing out on improvements and bug fixes that were made in subsequent models.

6. Skipping the research

It's difficult to figure out what kind of tablet will be the best for you if you don't do some general research on what's available to you. If you only take one piece of advice away from our list of guidelines, remember that doing thorough research is the most important part of buying a tablet. The quickest way to waste hundreds of dollars on a device that won't really work for you is to neglect to do your research to figure out what you need and what tablets on the market most closely align with your needs.

Take a thorough look at all of the specifications of each tablet you're considering, not just the ones that the company highlights in its marketing materials, and read as many articles and reviews about the device as you can. Don't rely on a single review of a tablet to decide that it's the right one for you, and try to look critically at each reviewer's biases and preferred use cases. Get a feel for the different ratings that reviewers assign the tablets you're considering, and look carefully at the strengths and weaknesses they identify. Doing your research goes a long way toward ensuring that you'll end up with a tablet that's suited to your needs and matches your expectations.

More from Gear & Style Cheat Sheet:

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6 Mistakes People Make When Buying a Tablet

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Making a new tech purchase can be a nerve-wracking process. There are dozens of brands to be aware of, lots of models to choose from, tons of tech terms that you may or may not understand, and even more mistakes that are way too easy to make.

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Chances are, you can vividly recall JFK's famous inauguration speech in 1961, whether you were alive or merely watched the broadcast after the fact. The exact opposite sentiments apply when it comes to laptops: A sk not what you can do for your laptop - ask what your laptop can do for you.

You've probably owned a few notebooks, you know what features you like, and you've likely experienced the good and the bad that come along with choosing a machine. For instance, the inconvenient hassle of toting around a 17-inch behemoth, or the inevitable letdown that goes along with streaming Netflix movies to an 11-inch screen. Fortunately, there is a bevy of suitable options, for every lifestyle or purpose, so long as you know what you're doing. And remember, there are exceptions to every rule.

Here's our list of the most common laptop buying mistakes, so you can leave all potential regrets at the door. If you want to build your own computer, check out our PC parts buying guide.

Mistake #1: Buying the cheapest available model

The cheapest computer may be easy on your wallet, but it probably won't have all the features you need, and chances are that it lacks the longevity you want.

Let's say you're deciding between a dual-core and quad-core processor. You want to run many applications at once, but you choose the dual-core processor because it's, well, a little less expensive. Now you have a system that's not as powerful as your needs demand, and that problem will plague you until it's time to buy again.

Rather than jumping for the lowest price, it's best to find the laptop that will actually serve your needs. A good way to begin your search is to know exactly what you need. Make a list of must-have features, then cross-check that list with spec sheets.

Mistake #2: Paying too much

Don't buy more laptop than you can afford. Chances are good that if a laptop strains your budget, it has something that you don't need. The top-of-the-line Macbook Pro 13 from Apple costs more than $3,000. Realistically, that's more computer than most people need - and the least expensive Pro is only $1,500. That's over a thousand dollars that you may be tempted to spend just because something is shiner and has higher numbers, but not because you need it. Don't let marketing fool you into paying too much!

A good example of this is the 2016 MacBook models with the Touch Bar. The Touch Bar was a new bit of tech, and it got a lot of people excited to see what it offered. However, the Touch Bar ended up being a little bit controversial. Not everyone liked it, and some considered it more trouble than it was worth. People who upgraded to the new MacBook just for the Touch Bar ended up rolling the dice on a feature they didn't really understand out of sheer excitement.

Mistake #3: Buying a laptop "for today"

It's an old bit of advice, but it still holds true. Unless you are obsessed with getting the latest tech and newest models (hey, some of us have a good excuse) a new laptop will probably last at least a few years, and likely more if you want to save money on another purchase for as long as possible. That means that, instead of buying a laptop for today, you should buy one for where you will be in a couple years.

It may be tempting to buy a laptop for their current major and interests, that's usually a mistake.

The classic example here is the college student who doesn't have a degree yet, but has decided to buy a new laptop. While it may be tempting to buy a laptop for their current major and interests, that's usually a mistake. Colleges have lots of technical tools for students to use. When it comes to a personal laptop, it's a better idea for a student to buy a laptop for the job they would like to have after graduating. That often means focusing more on a business-friendly laptop with the right capabilities for a professional environment.

This tip also goes hand-in-hand with "buying the cheapest model available." For instance, the new Microsoft Surface Laptop can be purchased for $1,000. However, the base model has only 4GB of RAM and a 128GB hard drive. That's going to limit its long-term appeal, because it will quickly run out of hard drive space, and may not handle multiple applications well. Going for a step-up model with a bigger hard drive is a good idea.

Mistake #4: Ignoring ports and compatibility

Not all laptops include the ports you depend on. Need a card reader? How about three USB ports? You might be out of luck. The current ultrabook trend is sending ports into extinction. Do you use Apple products? Then a Thunderbolt 3 port may be a necessity to get things done. Do you have an older external hard drive with USB 2.0 ports? The newer USB 3.0 Type-C ports on laptops may not work for you.

Take stock of the ports you need - including what protocol they use - then double-check your laptop options. If a new laptop lacks the ports you need, then you'll want to factor in the cost of adapters.

Mistake #5: Opting for the highest available resolution

A device boasting a 4K display is certainly worth more than a cursory glance, but its not always the right choice given may laptops have yet to properly master scaling anything over 200 pixels per inch. High-resolution laptops often display smaller menus because legacy Windows apps render dimensions in pixel size. More pixels on the screen reduces the size of everything, including fonts, icons, and other key aspects of the visual display.

Battery life is also negatively impacted by a high resolution because a brighter backlight is needed to drive all those pixels. Models designed from the ground up for a pixel dense panel, like the MacBook Pro with Retina, can still manage long life, but many 4K notebooks have lackluster endurance. Dropping down to 1080p can provide an extra hour (or two) of life away from a socket.

Mistake #6: Not trying before buying

It should probably go without saying, but always give the laptop you're considering a proper test drive if at all possible. Many everyday laptops are available for testing at big, brick-and-mortar stores such as Apple, Best Buy, and the Microsoft Store, allowing you to fiddle with the trackpad, keyboard, software interface, and other components that substantially differ from model to model.

It's easy to overlook the importance of features absent from the spec sheet, such as the touchpad's responsiveness or the visibility of a glossy screen in daylight, so trying your desired laptop within its element guarantees you a better idea of what you're buying. You don't necessarily have to purchase the laptop in the retail store, but you should at least get some hands-on experience before making a final decision. If that's not possible, buy from an online store with a strong return policy.

Mistake #7: Thinking size doesn't matter

Size matters, especially when it comes to a laptop. Whereas a bigger display allows for a more expansive and often better viewing experience, it also cuts into the portability factor. A laptop's size often determines the size of the keyboard and trackpad, meaning you'll likely be cramped when opting for a laptop measuring less than 13 inches.

If you rarely leave your home with your system, consider a 15.6-inch model.

That said, it's best to consider how you've used laptops in the past, whether your own, or one belonging to someone else. A smaller ultrabook may be a viable option for frequent travels, but for those looking for a standard laptop, you'll probably want to opt for one with a 13.3- or 14-inch screen. If you rarely leave your home with your system, consider a 15.6-inch model for maximum screen real estate.

When in doubt, think about what you tote around now, how it feels on your shoulder, and how much space you need at the coffee shop. Also consider tablet laptop hybrids, which trade storage and power for more comfortable keyboards and seriously low space requirements.

Mistake #8: Becoming obsessed with one specification

Tunnel vision is bad news when buying a laptop. While it's fun to pit spec sheets against each other, avoid picking out one particular specification as your favorite and only looking at that factor.

For example, manufacturers love RAM. It can be easily be expressed as a number, and bigger numbers are better. It's also cheap, so packing in some extra gigabytes is an easy way to make a laptop look faster. Truth be told, however, you rarely need more than 8GB of RAM, unless you are using some serious software for work purposes. If a laptop has more, that's great, but don't obsess over it.

Likewise, don't become obsessed with battery life, or resolution, or processor speed. If you're on a budget, and most people are, you'll need to learn to balance a variety of hardware. A jack-of-all-trades notebook is often better than one that's lackluster in several areas, but excels in just one.

Mistake #9: Choosing an ultrabook when you need something bigger

Ultrabooks have risen to become one of the most popular types of laptops, and it can be very tempting to automatically assume they are the best choice for you. They're lightweight, small enough to fit easily into a briefcase or pack, and the prices of many models - especially Chromebooks - are some of the lowest around. What's not to love?

Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

Well, ultrabooks aren't for everyone. Just because they're in a lot of headlines and get great reviews doesn't mean they are always the best type of laptop. A Chromebook may be light and cheap, but they also have very little storage and are useless if you need to keep big projects on your hard drive, or need a large, high-res screen for design projects. A Microsoft Surface Book may be just right for a professional who depends on Office 365, but all those impressive specs won't look nearly so impressive if you really need a MacOS platform instead. So while you will see a lot of favorable comments on today's top ultrabooks, keep in mind that your personal situation is a little more complicated.

Mistake #10: Assuming a 2-in-1 is the same as a laptop

Tablets, 2-in-1s, and laptops are distinct categories. They aren't interchangeable. While you can perform many tasks with a tablet and keyboard that you can with a laptop, the similarities soon end. Tablets remain far more constricting when it comes to multitasking, fast web browsing, using complex apps, or running any kind of demanding software. Just because something has a screen and keyboard doesn't mean that it can do everything a laptop can. This is the opposite mistake of getting focused too much on one spec - if you ignore all the specs, you'll start making assumptions about what the machine can do, and that's dangerous territory.

Bottom Line

Buying a laptop is complex, but you can find the tools you need to be successful. Our reviews here at Digital Trends are a good start. We'll walk you through every feature of a notebook and how it performed in our hands-on testing, from display quality to performance. We take an in-depth look and evaluate every laptop we receive, including everything from the user interface and the display to performance and overall design. Remember that you have options. You're not required to buy that 17.3-inch laptop your local retailer is selling for a song. Hunt around the Internet a bit and you're almost certain to find a similar price on something more suitably sized. The wrong laptop is never a good deal, no matter how appealing the price.
[Photo credits: Laptops: Jurgen Ziewe/Shutterstock; Trackpad: Fabio Alcini/Shutterstock; RAM dodi31/Shutterstock]This guide is continually updated to reflect the most pervasive, laptop-buying mistakes. Last update: May 8th, 2017. Matt Smith contributed to this article.

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10 common laptop-buying mistakes you can easily avoid

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Chances are, you can vividly recall JFK's famous inauguration speech in 1961, whether you were alive or merely watched the broadcast after the fact. The exact opposite sentiments apply when it comes to laptops: A sk not what you can do for your laptop - ask what your laptop can do for you.

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I purchased Toshiba High End Laptop 2 years back. It was all working fine until one day it stopped working due to some heating issues. I went to the Toshiba cen...

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Ever since the emergence of the iPad as a major technology product, the question has been asked: laptop or tablet? Is a laptop even necessary when tablets can perform so many of the same functions? Are we truly living in the post-PC era? The answer is, it depends. Every person uses their technology a bit differently, and some can indeed get by with a tablet alone. But don't go assuming that the days of the laptop are numbered. While some can make do with a tablet, there are some compromises required for the tablet-only lifestyle that some users can't make. To help you figure out which device is right for you, here are a few of the best features of each.

Laptops
Laptops, like desktop PCs before them, have a built-in benefit over tablets, and that benefit is power. As a rule, laptops have more powerful processing hardware, allowing for a wider range of uses, faster performance and better multitasking. Laptops can easily handle common tablet uses—like Web browsing and media streaming—and then go significantly further, with uses ranging from simple data entry to complex tasks like photo and video editing.

And while games may be a significant part of any app store, serious PC gaming is worlds away from Angry Birds and Cut the Rope, relying on faster processors and discrete graphics processing to crank out complex rendered environments at resolutions and frame rates that tablets can't touch. Even a PC gaming tablet like the Razer Edge Pro can't match the raw performance offered by the likes of the MSI GX70 3Be-007US, our Editors' Choice for entry-level gaming.

Joining the processing hardware is storage. Where tablets may boast anywhere from 16 to 128GB of storage space, the average laptop offers 500GB or more. Even the slimmest laptops featuring smaller SSDs—like the Apple MacBook Air 11-inch (Mid 2013) —offer at least 128GB, starting where tablets top out. Add in features like optical drives for DVD or Blu-ray discs, card slots for full-size SD cards, and USB-connected flash drives and portable drives, and you can have mountains of data at your fingertips.

There's also the question of form factor. Laptops have the benefit of having a keyboard and mouse built-in, allowing you to do all of the typing and mouse-related work you would do on a desktop. Touch screens don't offer the same level of granular control that a mouse and cursor does, while on screen keyboards are really only fit for entering short bursts of text, such as a status update or a tweet. A physical keyboard is a must for entering long blocks of text, and a mouse is far more efficient than a touchscreen for frequent swapping of windows, clicking of links, and general mousing around. This is even more important in the workplace, where those very tasks may make up the bulk of your day.

Then there's the question of ports and peripherals. While both laptops and tablets have an ecosystem of accessories and devices around them, laptops—with their broadly compatible USB ports, HDMI outputs, and other features—work with a universe of accessories that don't need to be tailored to a specific device, but will work with most any properly equipped PC. From mice and keyboards to webcams and storage devices, laptops are the easy choice.

Bottom line: If you need to do serious work, need powerful processing or multitasking, or need compatibility with a specific accessory or storage device, there's no good alternative to the laptop. Tablets can fulfill some of these needs some of the time, but when it's time to get things done, the laptop still reigns.

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Laptops vs. Tablets: The Ultimate Showdown

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Ever since the emergence of the iPad as a major technology product, the question has been asked: laptop or tablet? Is a laptop even necessary when tablets can perform so many of the same functions? Are we truly living in the post-PC era? The answer is, it depends.