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Find over 170 laptops @ thesource.ca

At The Source we have laptops for wherever your inspiration takes you. We also can help you find the perfect laptop to meet your needs and your budget. Whether you use your notebook for work, school, or mostly for entertainment, we’ve got the right one for you.

We’ve got laptops for every type of user

From Acer to ASUS to HP and Lenovo, we have feature-packed laptops and Chromebooks that are light and portable, and ready to meet your on-the-go lifestyle. Power users want a laptop that offers more power and a processor that handles high-end data applications, whereas artists and creative types are drawn into the ever-popular MacBook devices from Apple. These individuals want devices with larger screens that have the ability to handle drawings, design work and both digital photos and videos. We also have students covered with lightweight models that have enough memory for completing schoolwork and streaming their entertainment. And for laptop users who love to spend their free time gaming, we’ve got ones with plenty of processing power and storage, ready to handle any challenge you face.

Pick the perfect specs

Different situations call for different features, and whether you need your laptop for school, work or play, you’ll want to check out the specs for each laptop you look at. Do you need lots of memory or storage? Are you a gamer and want to make sure you have a laptop that can handle intense game play? What’s the right processor—Intel® or AMD? There a lot of variables, so be sure to check out our list of FAQs below to learn more.

We’re here to help

Find everything you need for your laptop, from laptop accessories including cases and bags, portable mice, gaming accessories and software, to Bell Fibe Internet to stay connected. Check out our incredible selection of the latest laptops, MacBook laptops including the MacBook Pro in-store, or browse thesource.ca. Our friendly Associates will happily answer any laptop questions you have, and help you find the right laptop for your lifestyle.


Which laptop should I buy?

Whether your laptop is your lifeline or you use it for casual browsing, there are many factors to take into consideration to find which laptop is the best for your needs. Are you a gamer? If so, tons of memory (RAM), a larger display, top-quality resolution and a quality graphics card are on your list. If you’re a student, you’ll want a laptop that’s light and portable for your on-the-go lifestyle, with Microsoft Office software or Google Docs for completing homework. Power users use their devices for work every day and need a processor that can handle advanced software, video editing and a battery that doesn’t quit before you do. If you just use your laptop for shopping, e-mailing, banking and streaming online, most standard laptops will suit your needs.

You may want to consider battery life before you buy. Laptop batteries are measured in watt-hours (Wh) or milliamp-hours (mAh). The larger the number of Wh or mAh, the longer the battery will last. However there are many factors that affect your laptop’s battery life. If you are multitasking and running numerous appplications at the same time, or you’re an extreme gamer playing graphic-intensive games, or you stream content often or watch over Wi-Fi, your battery will be depleted sooner than someone working on a spreadsheet. Your operating system also can affect battery power. Chromebooks or Ultrabooks running Chrome OS tend to have prolonged battery life compared to laptops running on Windows 10.

Which laptop is best for gaming?

If you want to enjoy your gaming without lagging, buffering or freezing, you will need a fast Internet service like Bell Fibe Internet and a laptop that has the specs you need to get to the next level. You’ll want tons of memory, at least 16GB of RAM, and at minimum 256GB SSD (to decrease load times), 1TB HDD and a top-quality graphics processing unit (GPU). If the laptop you’re looking at has a quality GPU, make sure it features a powerful Intel Core™ i7 processor at minimum. If your budget allows, you’ll benefit from the latest Intel 9th gen Core™. And to stay ready for future game launches, you’ll want to have the option to upgrade your memory in the future. Your display should be 1920 x 1080p with a resolution of 60Hz. Depending on the games you play, a laptop with similar specs should be enough to get you in the game!

Which laptop processor is best?

Depending on your budget and what you want your computer to do, there are many types of processors to choose from to suit your needs. The processor is the brain of your computer and processes data. The type of processor you choose matters because the better the processor, the better the computer. A fast processor can run more sophisticated software and lets you complete more tasks simultaneously.  The two most common processors are AMD and Intel® and they both have similar naming conventions using numbers. The higher the number, the higher the specs of the processor. For example, if you want a faster laptop, an Intel® Core™ i7 processor offers better performance compared to one featuring an Intel® Core™ i5 processor. AMD Ryzen™ processors have similar naming conventions for easy comparison shopping. An AMD Ryzen™ 5 is an alternative choice compared to Intel® Core™ i5. Keep in mind that although an AMD Ryzen™ 7 or Intel® Core™ i7 processor may offer better performance than an AMD Ryzen™ 5 or Intel® Core™ i5, depending on what you are using your laptop for will be the deciding factor on what specs you need and how much you want to spend. Intel® Core™ processors are known for quality performance when it comes to multitasking, so it is a solid choice for most laptop users. AMD Ryzen™ processors are ultra-responsive processors that are more affordable than Intel® CPUs and if you are a gamer, you may want to consider an AMD Ryzen™ CPU as they feature Vega graphics chipsets and are considered superior when it comes to gaming than Intel’s graphics.

What are the types of Intel® processors?

Intel® Celeron® processors are ideal for entry-level users and have all the features you need to support your online activities from shopping to chatting or browsing social media. They offer efficient multitasking, and let you easily create, edit and manage important files.
Intel® Core™ processors appeal to consumers looking for mid- to high-end laptops or workstations. The 10th generation of Intel® Core™ processors takes your productivity to the next level with approximately 2x graphics performance, up to 2.5x accelerated AI performance and almost 3x faster wireless speeds. Pair an Intel® Core™ laptop with Bell Fibe Internet, and you’ll unlock its full potential for the best productivity and multimedia experience. Stream 4K videos, play games and more with virtually no buffering or lag.
Intel® Pentium® processors are optimized for any task. These processors are the mainstays of laptops, all-in-one PCs, 2-in-1 laptops desktops and Chromebooks. They are ideal for users who want incredible entertainment, casual gaming experiences and basic features at a great price.

What are 2-in-1 laptops?

A 2-in-1 or convertible laptop lets you use it as a standard laptop, or you can convert the monitor at the hinge and turning it into a tablet for watching videos or movies. This tent mode is also ideal for using your laptop when giving presentations. Plus, the ability to convert this laptop by folding the keyboard under makes it easier to watch and hold than a bulky laptop. This style of notebook is ideal for those who do not want to have two separate devices—a tablet and a notebook. Some models allow you to remove the keyboard, although most have a 360-degree hinge that lets you fold the keyboard over to serve as a stand. This design offers flexibility–possibly at the cost of performance. If you need more power and storage you may want to look at purchasing a standard laptop.

How are laptops measured?

Laptop screen size is measured diagonally across the laptop screen. The measurement includes the bezel and casing that surrounds your monitor. If you are in the market for a new laptop case or bag, you will want to make sure you measure your laptop to get the correct size. When the laptop is closed, you can measure the height by measuring from the top and bottom of the laptop lid. The width is measured by placing your tape measure starting from the left side to the right on the longest side of the laptop. Finally, with the lid closed, place the end of your tape measure on the table and measure upwards to record the depth. To make sure that your laptop fits in your laptop case or bag, add a few centimetres or inches to each measurement (HxWxD) for the best fit, allowing the case to close.

Which laptop is ideal for students?

Many students are looking for laptops that are light and portable for their on-the-go lifestyle. They need a minimum 4GB RAM and longer battery life to keep them going. They also gravitate towards ones that come with Microsoft Office software or Google Docs included, so they do not have to purchase additional software in order to complete their homework.

Which laptop brand is best?

When it comes to laptops, you should always consider what you will be using it for, and then find one that suits your needs and budgets. The Source sells popular laptop brands including Apple, Acer, Asus, HP and more. If you're not sure what laptop is right for you, or if you have a favourite brand and are looking to upgrade, stop by your local The Source store and our knowledgeable Associates will be happy to help you find the perfect laptop for you.

Are laptop chargers universal?

No, many laptop ports vary, as does the charger’s voltage. By using the wrong charger with your laptop, you may damage the device. If you reverse the polarity or use an adapter or charger that has higher voltage or a higher current than your laptop’s rating is, you will harm the laptop and/or the actual charger. If you use a charger with lower voltage or current rating, you will not damage your device, but it won’t work either. If you’ve misplaced or damaged your laptop’s charging cable and are looking for a replacement, you may want to check your laptop or owner’s manual for the correct specs before you buy. There are many universal laptop chargers available, and some come with multiple tips to fit a variety of laptop charging ports. Make sure the tip you need is included and the polarity, voltage and current matches. Feel free to bring your laptop or old charger into your local The Source store, and our friendly Associates will help you find the perfect replacement.

Are laptop power cords universal?

The short answer is no, but if the connector tip and the adapter’s wattage are the same, you can use it on multiple devices. It is important to make sure that voltage, current and wattage are the same because otherwise you will damage your laptop and possibly the power cord. The Source has a great selection of replacement universal power cords that you can browse online, or bring your device or old cord to our store and our helpful Associates will help you find the perfect match.

What is the difference between gaming laptops and standard laptops?

There are both similarities and differences when comparing the two. Gaming laptops have features similar to standard laptops, but amped up specs are a requirement.  With gaming PCs, one of the standout features is high-end dedicated graphics cards, whereas standard laptops have integrated graphics. A high-velocity processor is mandatory for gamers, as well as SSD in order for quick loading times. A regular laptop for work and play works well with either a dual or quad-core processor. If you are thinking of a gaming laptop, add a 1080p display to your list of specs. Many have a screen resolution of 60Hz. If you can get a model with faster refresh rates (144 or 240 Hz), you’ll enjoy smoother gaming. Another difference is gaming laptops have specially-designed cooling systems for improved efficiency. Popular brands of gaming laptops include ASUS, Acer, HP, Lenovo, MSI and Razer.

Things to consider when buying a laptop:

RAM – RAM stands for Random Access Memory (RAM). It’s an important feature of any laptop or computer because it’s the computer’s memory that provides fast read/write times, and allows you to do tasks quickly. Without enough RAM, your laptop will slow down, and you may not be able to run an application. The more RAM you have, the more applications or windows you can have open/running at the same time. Your computer needs RAM to process the data efficiently; it loads data more quickly than a hard drive.

SSD – SSD or a Solid State Drive, makes your laptop boot up and games load faster. You’ll notice the speed when browsing pages online and how your software applications open more quickly. SSD has no moving parts; SSDs store data on memory chips much like the ones used in your smartphone or tablet.

Battery life – There are many factors that affect your laptop’s battery life. If you are working on the go, or working anywhere there is not a power outlet, you want your laptop to store lots of juice. However many variables affect your laptop’s battery life: how many applications are open, screen resolution and brightness, whether you are connected to Bluetooth® devices, how often you stream or watch files via Wi-Fi, playing graphic-intensive games, and your laptop’s operating system. Convertible laptops or Chromebooks running Chrome OS tend to have longer battery life compared to laptops running Windows 10. Many manufacturers quote battery life, but note that how long the battery lasts is dependent on usage and will vary from user to user. Batteries are rated in watt-hours (Wh) or milliamp-hours (mAh). The larger the number of Wh or mAh, the longer the battery will last.

Screen size – The larger the screen, the easier to read your work or view content. If you are a designer, gamer or movie lover, you will benefit from the larger screen size. However if portability is a factor, 11” or 13” Chromebooks may suit your needs.

What type of processor to buy/Which laptop processor is best?

Depending on your budget and what you want your computer to do, there are many types of processors to choose from to suit your needs. The processor is the brain of your computer and processes data. The type of processor you choose matters because the better the processor, the better the computer. A fast processor can run more sophisticated software and lets you complete more tasks simultaneously.  The two most common processors are AMD and Intel® and they both have similar naming conventions using numbers. The higher the number, the higher the specs of the processor. For example, if you want a faster laptop, an Intel® Core™ i7 processor offers better performance compared to one featuring an Intel® Core™ i5 processor. AMD Ryzen™ processors have similar naming conventions for easy comparison shopping. An AMD Ryzen™ 5 is an alternative choice compared to Intel® Core™ i5. Keep in mind that although an AMD Ryzen™ 7 or Intel® Core™ i7 processor may offer better performance than an AMD Ryzen™ 5 or Intel® Core™ i5, depending on what you are using your laptop for will be the deciding factor on what specs you need and how much you want to spend. Intel® Core™ processors are known for quality performance when it comes to multitasking, so it is a solid choice for most laptop users. AMD Ryzen™ processors are ultra-responsive processors that are more affordable than Intel CPUs and if you are a gamer, you may want to consider an AMD Ryzen™ CPU as they feature Vega graphics chipsets and are considered superior when it comes to gaming than Intel®’s graphics.

What is SSD?

Solid State Drives or SSDs have no moving parts and are similar to the memory chips used in Smartphones and tablets. If you are using a laptop with SSD, you will notice quicker startup times for pages and applications open and process faster than a laptop without a SSD.

What is RAM?

RAM, or Random Access Memory acts as the computer’s short term memory and provides you with quicker read and write times while using your laptop. RAM loads more quickly than the data stored on a hard drive, so a laptop with more memory (RAM), will have more information and software will load quickly.

What is the difference between AMD and Intel processors?

Intel® Core™ processors are known for quality performance when it comes to multitasking, so it is a solid choice for most laptop users. AMD Ryzen™ processors are ultra-responsive processors that are more affordable than Intel CPUs and if you are a gamer, you may want to consider an AMD Ryzen™ CPU as they feature Vega graphics chipsets and are considered superior when it comes to gaming than Intel’s graphics.