You need a new laptop – but which one? And what should you do with the old device? This article provides a compact guide to help you navigate a laptop upgrade in a smart, sustainable, and stress-free way – from purchase and setup to securely handing over your old computer.
New or Refurbished? – A Decision Between Budget and the Environment
Before diving into the technical details, there’s a fundamental question: Do you want a new or used laptop?
Buying new means current technology, a longer warranty, and a full battery lifespan. A used device, on the other hand, saves resources, costs less, and is often in surprisingly good condition – especially when refurbished by professionals.
If you’re unsure of your exact needs, a used device with good value for money and a return option can be a relaxed choice. In both cases, make sure to check for warranty, return policy, and current security updates.
Figure Out What You Really Need
Before getting lost in the tech jungle, try this simple method: make a list of everything you want to do with your new laptop. This helps you focus on the performance you actually need – and what you can safely skip.
For many, a device for everyday use and communication is enough: emails, messaging, video calls, web browsing, social media, and online shopping. If you also work or study, you may need a bit more power for word processing, spreadsheets, notes, or online courses. Online banking, tax returns, or contract management may also play a role.
If you enjoy streaming, listening to music or podcasts, or doing some basic photo editing, your laptop should be multimedia-capable. But for creative applications like video editing, music production, gaming, or 3D modeling, you’ll need significantly more power – including a dedicated graphics card and large RAM.
The Right Performance Class: Which Laptop Is Right for You?
Once you’ve clarified your usage requirements, the following table will help you choose the right performance class for your new laptop. This way, you’ll find a device that meets your needs – without buying too much or too little power.
| Category | Typical Use | Recommended Hardware | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| S – Minimal Users | Emails, web browsing, online banking, word processing, messaging, YouTube in SD/HD – very simple tasks, no multitasking | CPU: Intel Celeron / Pentium / AMD Athlon / older i3 RAM: 4–8 GB SSD: 128–256 GB GPU: Integrated (e.g. Intel UHD) Display: 13–15″, HD–Full HD | Light users, seniors, basic office tasks |
| M – Everyday Users | Everything from S plus Full-HD streaming, word processing, basic spreadsheets, cloud storage and calendar, good-quality video calls | CPU: Intel i3 (11th Gen+) / Ryzen 3 / Apple M1 RAM: 8 GB SSD: 256–512 GB GPU: Integrated (e.g. Intel Iris Xe) Display: 13–15″, Full HD | Students, families, basic home office |
| L – Demanding Everyday Use | Everything from M plus light photo editing (Canva, Photoshop Light), multitasking with many browser tabs, streaming and office in parallel, occasional casual games | CPU: Intel i5 / Ryzen 5 / Apple M1/M2 RAM: 16 GB (min. 8 GB) SSD: 512 GB GPU: Integrated or light dedicated (e.g. MX450) Display: 14–16″, Full HD or better | Power users, creative hobbyists |
| XL – Creative & Light Gaming | Everything from L plus advanced photo/video editing, music production, cloud gaming or older PC games, demanding multitasking | CPU: Intel i7 / Ryzen 7 / Apple M2 Pro RAM: 16–32 GB SSD: 1 TB GPU: Dedicated (e.g. RTX 3050–4060, Apple GPU) Display: 15–17″, Full HD+ / Retina / 120 Hz | Content creators, creatives, advanced media use |
| XXL – High-End / Pro Level | Professional media editing (video, photo, audio), 3D modeling, CAD, rendering, AAA gaming, development, simulation, virtual machines | CPU: Intel i9 / Ryzen 9 / Apple M3 Max RAM: 32–64 GB SSD: 1–2 TB NVMe GPU: High-end dedicated (e.g. RTX 4070–4090 / Apple GPU) Display: 16–18″, 4K, wide color gamut | Professionals: developers, designers, gamers, 3D artists |
Transition Smoothly – Don’t Give Away the Old Laptop Right Away
Even when your new laptop has arrived, it’s best to keep your old device for another 1–2 months. This ensures you’ve successfully transferred all data and programs and can still access it if needed. Only once everything is running smoothly should you say goodbye to the old laptop.
Transfer Data Properly – Here’s How the Move Succeeds
Try to work as cloud-based as possible: if your documents and data already live in the cloud (ideally encrypted), there’s almost nothing you need to transfer when switching devices. Local files can be moved via USB stick, external hard drive, or Bluetooth.
Also important is your software inventory: what programs do you use, and which of them are not cloud-based? Make a list of installations, license keys, and hardware requirements – ideally stored in your password manager.
Don’t forget to migrate your email accounts, calendars, and browser data (bookmarks, saved passwords). Many programs offer automatic export/import functions or sync through a user account. Here’s a practical strategy for secure and organized digital document storage: Structure and secure your filing system.
What to Do With the Old Device?
Whether you’re selling, donating, or giving away your old laptop – what matters most is that your data is securely erased. This is especially tricky with SSDs. Simple formatting often isn’t enough to fully wipe data.
So, you should ideally choose models that support secure erase functions. As explained in a detailed blog post (Deleting files? Sounds easy, but it isn’t), it’s recommended to encrypt the drive from the beginning. This way, even if traces remain, they’ll be useless after deletion.
If you pass the device on, it’s also helpful to know who’s receiving it – or use reputable resellers. Once again, environmental impact and reuse are worth considering.
Checklist:
- Clearly define what you mainly use your laptop for – from email and browsing to creative work or gaming. This helps you choose the right performance class – from entry-level (S) to high-end (XXL) – and avoid over- or underbuying.
- Use cloud storage and secure local backups. Make a note of important software, license keys, and migrate email, calendar, and browser data.
- Keep your old laptop for 1–2 months until you’re sure all data is transferred and software is set up.
- Especially with SSDs, formatting isn’t enough. Encrypt your drive from the start and use secure erase functions to ensure your data is permanently deleted.
- Sell, donate, or recycle your old device responsibly. Pay attention to data protection and eco-friendly reuse