Shopping for a new computer involves focusing on three key components: the processor, storage drive, and RAM. For Windows machines in 2025, 16GB of RAM is the operational minimum for new consumer laptops, while 8GB is sufficient for regular use on MacBooks, although the new MacBook Air M4 starts at 16GB. Chromebooks can operate effectively with 8GB or less. DDR5 is the latest standard for RAM, enhancing data transfer speeds, while DDR6 has been announced but is not yet widely implemented. Most users need 16GB of RAM, but gamers and creative professionals may require 32GB or more for demanding applications. For resource-intensive tasks, 48GB or 64GB may be necessary.