How to choose a laptop in Kenya
By The OneTech Computers team, laptop and phone specialists in Nairobi · Published · 1 min read
The short answer
Start with what you will do on it, then set a budget. For office work and study, look for at least 8 GB RAM and an SSD; for design, video or engineering software, aim for 16 GB, a recent processor and a dedicated graphics card. Ex-UK business laptops stretch a budget furthest.
Key facts
| Minimum for everyday use | 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, recent Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 |
|---|---|
| Comfortable for heavy multitasking | 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD |
| Design, video, 3D | 16–32 GB RAM, dedicated graphics (GPU), colour-accurate screen |
| Best value | Ex-UK business laptops (HP EliteBook, Dell Latitude, Lenovo ThinkPad) |
| Our warranty | At least 6 months on every laptop |
1. Decide what the laptop is for
The same budget buys very different machines depending on the job. Be honest about the heaviest thing you will do every week, not once a year.
- Office, school and browsing: documents, spreadsheets, video calls, many browser tabs.
- Programming and data work: more RAM matters more than a fast graphics card.
- Design, video editing, CAD or gaming: a dedicated graphics card and 16 GB RAM or more.
- Travel and fieldwork: weight under about 1.5 kg and a battery that lasts a working day.
2. Read the specs that matter
Four numbers decide how a laptop feels day to day. Our laptop specs explained guide goes deeper.
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7. Newer generations matter more than the i5/i7 label. |
|---|---|
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB is the minimum today; 16 GB keeps a laptop useful for longer. |
| Storage | Always an SSD. 256 GB fills quickly; 512 GB is a safer choice. |
| Screen | Full HD (1920×1080) at 14 or 15.6 inches suits most people. |
3. New or ex-UK?
Ex-UK laptops are used business machines, usually from UK companies replacing their fleets. They are built tougher than most consumer laptops and cost much less than new. New laptops give you the latest hardware and a full manufacturer warranty. Compare them in ex-UK vs new.
4. Check before you pay
Confirm the exact model
Model names hide big differences: an "HP EliteBook 840" can be several generations old. Check the generation on the product page.
Check the condition grade
Every OneTech listing states new or ex-UK and the grade, so you know what you are getting.
Know the warranty
Every laptop we sell carries at least 6 months' warranty; some carry longer, as shown on the product page.
Plan delivery and payment
Pay by M-PESA, card or on delivery. See delivery across Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
Is 8 GB of RAM enough in 2026?
For documents, browsing and video calls, yes. If you keep many tabs open, run design software or plan to keep the laptop for four or more years, choose 16 GB.
Should I buy an i5 or an i7?
A recent i5 is enough for most people. The processor generation matters more than i5 versus i7: a new i5 often beats an i7 that is several years older.