Notebooks: how to choose the best one in Portugal

Notebooks: how to choose the best one in Portugal

In Portugal, the most common searches mix terms like notebook , laptop , and notebook — but the goal is the same: a computer that can handle your daily needs (work, study, editing, gaming) without forcing you to replace it in 12 months.

This guide focuses on laptops (i.e., primarily Windows and ChromeOS ), with practical and "marketing-proof" criteria.

1) Define your profile (this determines 80% of the purchase)

Choose your main scenario:

  • Basic (browsing, email, video, light Office)

  • Productivity (many tabs, heavy Excel, multitasking)

  • Creative (photo/video, resource-intensive apps, better screen)

  • Gaming (Dedicated GPU, cooling, fast screen)

  • Total mobility (lightweight + autonomy, ultrathin/ultrabook)

  • Hybrid 2-in-1 (tablet + laptop, touchscreen)

DECO PROteste recommends starting right here: the best choice depends on the intended use.

2) Size, weight, and portability (the most common mistake)

DECO provides very concrete figures:

  • For those who carry it daily, 13"/12" (or even 10") and low weight (sometimes < 1 kg) can make sense.

  • But there's an important balance between portability and screen size ; 14" is often the ideal "middle ground".

  • And remember the weight of the charger (DECO reports ~150–300 g).

Quick rule for buying in Portugal:

  • 13–14" → mobility and cafes/co-working

  • 14–15.6" → home + work balance

  • 16–17" → more visual comfort, less portable

3) Screen: bigger isn't always better (but small can be a hindrance)

DECO emphasizes that:

  • A very small screen (10–12") may not be suitable for tasks such as large Excel spreadsheets , unless you use an external monitor;

  • Larger screens increase weight and size , which is detrimental to those who carry their laptops all the time.

What to look for (without getting into "specification wars"):

  • For work/study: 14–15.6 inches is usually comfortable.

  • For creatives: prioritize panel quality (good color/contrast) and more screen space.

  • For gaming: look for a screen with a higher refresh rate (if your budget allows).

4) Processor and graphics: how to choose without confusion

DECO explains the logic of performance well: it depends on the processor + RAM + video card .
And it provides a useful map of the families:

  • Intel Atom/Celeron/Pentium → cheaper and with more limited performance.

  • Intel Core (very common) and AMD Ryzen (major competitors) → generally the right choice for most.

Practical recommendations (without Apple)

  • Basic tasks: Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 (or equivalent) may be sufficient.

  • For multitasking/advanced office work: Recent Core i5/Ryzen 5 processors are the "sweet spot".

  • Gaming / Advanced Edition: High-performance processors + dedicated graphics (not just integrated)

5) RAM: the invisible upgrade that saves your day

DECO uses an excellent comparison: RAM is the "desk" where you work; more RAM = more things open without lagging.

And it leaves clear recommendations:

  • 8 GB is already enough for comfortable use.

  • 16 GB is very helpful for multitasking (many tabs + videos + documents at the same time).

  • 4 GB may force you to limit pages/programs and cause slowdowns/crashes.

For 2026, a simple rule:

  • Minimum recommended: 8 GB

  • Ideal for most: 16 GB

6) Storage: SSD required (almost always)

DECO notes that "conventional" hard drives are becoming obsolete and can limit performance; therefore, SSDs are preferable .
It also mentions eMMC as a cheaper technology, advisable only with a very tight budget.

UmBox Recommendation (without Apple):

  • A 512 GB SSD is ideal if you want to "not think about storage space" (for work + photos + apps).

  • A 1TB SSD is recommended if you have large files (videos, games, projects).

7) Ports and connectivity: Not all USB-C is created equal.

USB-C with video (Alt DisplayPort mode)

Not all USB-C ports provide a monitor display. DisplayPort Alt Mode is a specific (optional) capability that allows video output via USB-C. VESA describes how USB-C can carry DisplayPort tracks for video.

In practice:

  • If you want to connect monitors, docks, and hubs, please confirm: USB-C with DP Alt Mode (or Thunderbolt/USB4 with appropriate support).

USB4: Look at the "speed" on the label.

The USB-IF recommends clear nomenclature to reduce confusion: “USB4 20Gbps” and “USB4 40Gbps” (instead of old and confusing names).

Checklist of useful doors in Portugal:

  • USB-C (ideally with charging + video)

  • At least 1–2 USB-A ports (pen drive, peripherals)

  • HDMI (if you connect to a TV/monitor without adapters)

  • 3.5 mm jack (very useful for headphones)

  • SD/microSD card reader (if you work with cameras)

8) Windows 11 and the "future": minimum compatibility

If you're going to buy a new laptop (non-Apple) that's meant to last, it makes sense to look at the Windows 11 requirements:

  • Minimum RAM 4 GB

  • Minimum storage: 64 GB

  • TPM 2.0

  • Graphics compatible with DirectX 12 / WDDM 2.0

This doesn't mean that 4 GB/64 GB is "good"—it just means it's the technical minimum. For comfortable use, it reverts to DECO's guidelines (8–16 GB RAM + SSD).

Final checklist (quick and smart purchase)

  • Defined primary use (study, work, games, creative)

  • 14–15.6" if you want balance; 13–14" if mobility is a priority.

  • CPU aligned with the profile (i5/Ryzen 5 for most)

  • 8 GB minimum , 16 GB ideal.

  • SSD (avoid eMMC if possible)

  • USB-C with video (DP Alt Mode) if you use monitors/docks

  • If it says USB4, look for "20Gbps / 40Gbps"

  • Clear warranty and terms (Portugal)

FAQ

What is the best laptop RAM in 2026?
DECO considers 8 GB comfortable and 16 GB ideal for intensive multitasking; 4 GB may cause slowdowns.

Is an SSD really necessary?
For smooth performance, yes: DECO recommends opting for SSD and avoiding eMMC unless your budget is very tight.

Can you always connect a monitor via USB-C?
No. You need DisplayPort Alt Mode support (optional) or equivalent solutions; VESA documents DP Alt Mode over USB-C.