Buying a laptop can be daunting for a new tech user. If you’re new to the tech market and don’t know what to look for, then there are a couple of basics you need to be aware of.

It’s not too hard once you educate yourself in the basics. The first thing you should take note of is whether you need a laptop or not and how much you can afford to invest in one. Buying a laptop just because it looks cool isn’t enough. It should be able to handle both external stresses as well as the internal while helping you solve or aid your day-to-day digital tasks.

Here are three guidelines you need to keep in mind before you buy your first budget laptop.

Buy if you need it
You don’t want something with random specifications that have nothing to do with your tasks while you shell out a bomb for them. Make sure you check what features the laptop offers. Basic budget laptops need to have word processors and be able to stream media. In general, they should be lightweight and portable enough to be able to carry them around. Get this right and you’re off to a good start.

Pick a Chromebook
If you’re new to laptops, it is best to stick with a Chromebook.

Boot up times and workaround speeds are pretty good on a Chromebook since its RAM isn’t consumed by heavy duty applications. These are especially ideal for students and college goers. If you’re a teacher, a Chromebook can help with your daily activities.

Be willing to make comprises
Budget laptops are called that for a reason. You won’t get the perfect build and you’ll have to manage with what you buy. Depending on your budget, you may end up with a smaller screen display or a keyboard that isn’t very tactile. In some cases, maybe the bootup time is low but the screen is large. The vice versa could also happen. Some budget laptops won’t support applications which take up lots of RAM and GPU power.

For example, the Chromebook can’t run Android apps. That is a compromise. But it works if you are only looking for something to aid you with writing, editing, and notetaking. Additionally, even though you do compromise on other features, put what you need in the spotlight. In the case of the Chromebook, it’s spotlight features include its portability, functionality, and student-friendly interface, and Chrome OS.