The chooser

Eleven questions about how you will use it

There are no wrong answers. Think about the next few years, not the last computer. You can change anything and run it again.

How often will it leave the house?

Count trips with the computer, not trips you take.

Never A few times a month Every week Most days

Where will it be used?

Pick every place that applies.

At one desk Around the home (couch, kitchen, bed) At two desks (home and work or school) In classes or meetings

Longest stretch away from a power outlet

Always near an outlet Up to 3 hours 4 to 8 hours More than 8 hours

What will it be used for?

Pick everything you expect to do in the next few years.

Web, email, streaming Documents and spreadsheets Video calls Schoolwork Photo editing Programming Big spreadsheets or data Video editing Gaming

How much screen do you want?

A laptop-size screen is fine One big screen Two or more screens

What do you already own and want to keep using?

Things you already own and will plug into the new computer. Leave blank if none.

A monitor A keyboard and mouse A webcam

Desk space

A normal desk A tight corner No desk at all

Do you want to add parts later (memory, drives, graphics)?

No, I will replace it when it is old Yes, I want to upgrade it

How many years should it last?

About 3 years About 5 years 7 years or more

Who uses it?

One person Shared by the household

Operating system

Only used for the minimums in your brief; it does not change the scores.

No preference Windows Mac (macOS) Chromebook (ChromeOS)

Free. Nothing is stored until you choose to save.

Brief Pass: $1.95 a month or $19.50 a year · Free during preview