Best overall		MacBook Pro with M3		SEE IT	The MacBook Pro with M3 offers the best performance of any laptop in Apple’s lineup.
Best gaming		Asus ROG Zephyrus G14		SEE IT	The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 delivers excellent gaming performance while balancing power and portability.
Best budget		Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus		SEE IT	The IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus delivers better performance and design than the price tag suggests.

A 14-inch laptop strikes an excellent balance between portability and usability; it’s not too big or too small while offering the right amount of power without feeling cumbersome. These devices offer excellent mobility and require less desk space, making them an ideal choice for those who work at home and on the go. Compared to 13-inch laptops, which prioritize portability over all else, the 14-inch form factor provides screen real estate to really dig into work, study, and entertainment. The size is also a sweet spot for those seeking high performance for things like gaming without the bulk that comes with larger models. The best 14-inch laptops often strike a nice balance of price, performance, and battery life without making significant compromises, making our selection full of attractive choices for a broad range of users who want versatility from their machines.

• Best overall: MacBook Pro with M3
• Best design: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 
• Best gaming: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
• Best value: Asus Zenbook 14X
• Best 2-in-1: Lenovo Yoga 9i
• Best budget: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

How we chose the best 14-inch laptops

I’ve used a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 chip for over a year. I chose it because it offers the best balance of size, performance, and portability, perfectly suiting my needs for everyday tasks and creative projects, whether I’m working from home or at a coffee shop. Before settling on a 14-inch laptop, I used a 13-inch model that always felt a bit too compact; I soon realized I was missing the more expansive keyboard and immersive screen. My experience using various laptops and over a decade of writing about these machines has given me valuable insight into what to look for when choosing a new laptop. To find the best 14-inch laptops, I drew from my expertise and prior coverage on Popular Science, honing in on factors like performance, design, portability, battery life, and affordability. 

The best 14-inch laptops: Reviews & Recommendations

The 14-inch laptop is in that Goldilocks zone where size, performance, and usability exist in perfect harmony. If you’ve always felt like 13 and 15-inch models weren’t quite your jam—I’m there with you—the laptops in this guide should be a better fit (pun intended). Some of the best models currently available are 14 inches, including the best Windows laptops and the brand-new MacBook Pro with an M3 chip. Our list of the best 14-inch laptops will highlight the best models available and illustrate why this size is a popular choice.

Best overall: MacBook Pro with M3

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Specs

• Processor: Apple M3 with 8-core CPU 
• GPU: Apple M3 10-core GPU
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Connectivity: MagSafe 3, 2 Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack, SDXC

Pros

• Fantastic performance
• Beautiful high-resolution display
• Ample ports

Cons

• Starts with 8GB of RAM

The MacBook Pro with M3 is Apple’s newest flagship laptop and the company’s best for creative work. In his review, our executive editor, Stan Horaczek, said it’s the best laptop he’s ever used, praising the performance of the M3 chip and all-day battery life. Horaczek said the machine could complete tasks he wouldn’t even attempt on his M1 MacBook Pro—a testament to the M3 chip’s incredible power, especially when editing graphics, photos, and videos. This means the laptop, much like most MacBooks, is an excellent choice for both creatives like video or photo editors and business people alike (and you can always add an external monitor if your content demands it).

The M3 chip in the MacBook Pro features an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It comes standard with 8GB of RAM but is configurable up to 24GB. Meanwhile, the stock option has 512GB of storage and is configurable up to 2TB. A six-speaker sound system offers excellent audio performance, and the 3024 x 1964 resolution ProMotion display looks incredible, with support for 1,600 nits of peak brightness. The laptop also features a spacious backlit keyboard with Touch ID and an expansive trackpad that supports multi-touch gestures. It’s thicker than Apple’s MacBook Air at 0.61 inches but is relatively light, weighing 3.4 pounds.

Best design: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 

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Why it made the cut: The Surface Laptop 2 offers powerful performance, AI smarts, and a long-lasting battery in a unique convertible design.

Specs 

• Processor: Intel 13th Generation Core i7
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe, NVIDIA RTX 2000, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
• RAM: 16GB-64GB
• Storage: 512GB-2TB SSD
• Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, microSD, 3.5mm headphone jack

Pros

• Beautiful convertible design
• 120Hz screen refresh rate
• Surface Slim Pen 2 support

Cons

• Poor battery life

With a unique pull-forward touchscreen display and an ultra-premium aluminum build, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 features a stellar design. While the original model was ultimately a disappointment—it was way underpowered—the sequel features a more powerful processor and includes a number of upgrades that really elevate the experience. It can also be configured with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, allowing it to play newer AAA titles on higher settings.

Compared to the original model, the Studio 2 also includes a redesigned trackpad, support for Dolby Vision HDR, more ports, and a 120Hz refresh rate display. The primary purpose of Microsoft’s laptop, though, is to create content. Bringing the display forward gives you a canvas to draw, draft, and edit photos and videos. Unfortunately, the Pen comes separately, so you’ll have to spend more to really push the Studio 2 to its limits. 

Best gaming: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

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Specs: 

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512 GB SSD
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, 2 USB-A 3.2, 2 USB-C

Pros

• Thin and lightweight for a gaming laptop
• Excellent battery life
• Capable of playing the latest AAA titles on high settings

Cons

• 720p web camera

The ROG Zephyrus G14 from Asus delivers fantastic performance without compromising on portability or battery life. This gaming laptop features a 14-inch 165Hz QHD display for smooth animations. It has an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, giving you plenty of power for gaming, Zoom calls, and other intensive tasks. The real star is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 dedicated graphics, which can handle the latest AAA titles, including Bethesda’s Starfield. 

Additionally, the Zephyrus G14 has 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, along with a combination of ports, including 3.2 Type-A, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C. The laptop also features a battery that can last around 10 hours on a single charge. There are a lot of really good gaming laptops for sale, but the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 stands out for its impressive excellent performance, display, and long-lasting battery.

Best value: Asus Zenbook 14X

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Specs: 

• Processor: Intel 13th Generation Core i5
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 512 GB SSD
• Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB-A 3.2, 3.5mm headphone jack

Pros

• Beautiful OLED display
• Sleek design
• Comfortable, satisfying keyboard

Cons

• Fan can get loud under heavy load

For the price, the Asus Zenbook 14X is the best value laptop at this size, offering a beautiful design and stunning OLED display. It’s also pretty powerful, too, allowing you to tackle everyday tasks and some light creative work. The laptop weighs 3.44 pounds with dimensions of 0.66 by 8.88 by 12.67 (HWD) inches, so it’s very portable, verging on ultraportable laptop territory. Overall, it has a minimal look that’s fitting for the office or classroom.

The Zenbook 14X features a unique LED number pad that you can activate on the touchpad. The virtual pad is convenient for inputting data and doing calculations. Meanwhile, the laptop features a decent number of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4, an HDMI port, and one USB-A port. Laptops that are this compact typically skimp on ports but the Zenbook 14X provides a decent selection, so you can connect different peripherals.  

Best 2-in-1: Lenovo Yoga 9i

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Specs: 

• Processor: Intel 13th Generation Core i7 Evo
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512 GB SSD
• Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack

Pros

• Fantastic OLED touchscreen
• Sleek, sturdy design
• 2-in-1 functionality

Cons

• So-so battery life

Lenovo is no stranger to 2-in-1 laptops—we reviewed one last year—and the latest iteration is among its best. The laptop’s features an exquisite design and a beautiful OLED display that is great for content creation and watching movies. And games look amazing, too—the Intel Iris Xe GPU isn’t the most powerful by any means, but you can still play some of your old favorites.

The rotating speaker bar is a standout feature. It hides in the hinge and ensures the sound is always pointing in your direction, whether you’re in laptop mode or tablet orientation.  In fact, the whole design is superb, with rounded edges that offer a look that’s more fun and friendly. And, like we said, the OLED touchscreen display is terrific, with support for the Lenovo Precision Pen 2 for drawing and editing. Lenovo helped pioneer the 2-in-1 market, and it’s still leading the pack with the Yoga 9i.

Best budget: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

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Specs: 

• Processor: Intel 13th Generation Core i3
• GPU: Intel UHD
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128 GB SSD
• Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4, USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack

Pros

• Sturdy design
• Big, responsive trackpad
• 2-in-1 functionality

Cons

• Screen could be brighter

Laptops at this price generally don’t offer the most power or the sleekest hardware. But Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an exception. The laptop offers decent performance and features a 2-in-1 design, so you can use it like a traditional laptop or flip it to tablet mode. Whatever your preference, the IdeaPad Flex 5i can handle basic tasks with aplomb—and more intensive tasks, too. 

Overall, the IdeaPad 5i is an excellent laptop for anyone on a budget; it’s the perfect starter device, offering the right balance of design, performance, and features. You’ll be surprised by what Lenovo’s device is capable of, with enough ports to connect your peripherals. There’s even a slot for microSD cards, allowing you to easily transfer files, photos, and videos. 

What to consider when buying a 14-inch laptop

Many of the market’s very best laptops are 14 inches, giving you several options that cater to different preferences and budgets. We’ve rounded up the best options, whether your goal is content creation, entertainment, or both.

Processor

The Central Processing Unit, or CPU, serves as the digital brain in a laptop, ensuring the operation of everything from basic operations to complex computations. The CPU plays a pivotal role in handling tasks like running operating systems, applications, and processing data. Modern Apple laptops feature the brand’s M Series chips, the latest being the M3. These processors combine the CPU, graphics processing unit (GPU), security enclave, neural engine, and shared memory on a single piece of silicon. For Windows laptops, Intel and AMD are the primary CPU makers. Intel is planning to launch a more power processor codenamed Meteor Lake at the end of this year.

When evaluating a laptop processor, it’s essential to consider its clock speed, measured in GHz, and the number of CPU cores. Opting for a processor with higher clock speeds and a greater number of cores ensures better performance when executing resource-intensive tasks like editing photos and videos. If your work involves a mix of multitasking, gaming, or content creation, we recommend purchasing a laptop with a more robust processor. Remember that upgrading a laptop’s processor isn’t possible, unlike in many desktop computers.

Graphics

The GPU is another critical component, one responsible for handling graphics-related tasks. It works alongside the CPU to render and display graphics on the screen, encompassing everything from visual rendering to gaming and video playback. Laptops either feature an integrated or dedicated GPU; integrated graphics, like those from Apple, find the GPU included on the same chip as the CPU. 

Laptops designed for gaming generally feature dedicated graphics cards with their own memory. It’s important to note that laptops with dedicated graphics tend to be bulkier and heavier, impacting their portability. Additionally, due to the increased power demand of dedicated GPUs, users may need to be more vigilant about monitoring their laptop’s battery life throughout the day.

Memory

Random Access Memory, or RAM, serves as a temporary place for applications to store data the computer needs to access quickly. We recommend a minimum of 8GB for more basic tasks, like web browsing and emailing. For more demanding tasks, such as editing photos and videos, consider 16GB of RAM or more. The more RAM a laptop has, the more data it can store in memory, impacting how swiftly it executes tasks. The upfront cost of choosing a laptop with more RAM can be pricey, but it may be worth the cost since you generally can’t upgrade after the fact. (And you certainly can’t download more RAM, despite what that popup says.)

Display

When evaluating a laptop’s display, there are several factors to consider, including the screen’s resolution. The resolution of a display determines how many pixels it has; the more pixels, the sharper and more detailed the display will appear. Many of today’s top models feature a resolution of 2K (2560×1440) or 4K (3840×2160). A high-resolution display is beneficial for content creation and multitasking, providing you with more screen real estate. More affordable models feature a 1080p (Full HD) display, which is fine for general use like web browsing, emailing, and school work.

The display’s technology is equally important, with options for IPS (in-plane switching), which offers better viewing angles, or OLED (organic light emitting diode) for vibrant contrast. Some gaming laptops also feature high refresh-rate panels of 120Hz or higher for smoother animations. Accurate color representation is also essential for creative work, allowing you to achieve true-to-life visuals in your images and videos. For reliable color accuracy, look for a screen that covers at least 95% of the sRGB color gamut.

Some laptops support DCI-P3, which provides approximately 26% more color space than sRGB. This extended color range allows for more vivid and saturated colors, making it an excellent choice for tasks that demand vibrant imagery, such as professional photo and video editing.

Storage

Solid-state drives (SSD) have become the standard for data storage, employing more advanced technology than traditional hard drives. SSDs feature no moving parts, enhancing their speed and reliability. That means faster file and application loading times, a feature convenient for gaming and content creation. 

For most users, a laptop with a 256GB SSD is enough. However, it’s essential to remember that data accumulates over time, so upgrading to a 512GB or even a 1TB SSD can be a wise investment if it’s within your budget. If you frequently work with larger files, such as photos or videos, opting for a larger SSD can accommodate your workflow. Alternatively, you can use a portable hard drive for additional storage, allowing you to manage large files without filling up your laptop’s hard drive.

Connectivity

Finally, having the right ports on your laptop can enhance its versatility. Traditional USB-A ports were once the industry standard and still serve a vital purpose, but high-bandwidth ports like USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 are becoming more common. These ports enable rapid data transfer, making importing and exporting media more efficient and convenient. An HDMI port allows you to connect your laptop to an external display, and a built-in card reader is handy for transferring media from a camera’s memory card to your laptop. You can use a USB hub to extend your laptop’s connectivity options if it doesn’t have all the necessary ports. However, built-in ports provide the most seamless and hassle-free experience, eliminating the need for additional accessories and simplifying your work setup.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 14-inch laptops

• Best overall: MacBook Pro with M3
• Best design: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 
• Best gaming: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
• Best value: Asus Zenbook 14X
• Best 2-in-1: Lenovo Yoga 9i
• Best budget: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

The MacBook Pro with M3 is the best 14-inch laptop, which is no surprise considering it’s the newest entry in its lineup. That said, it’s a pro model, so it’s not designed for casual users. But if you want a laptop that will last for years, the new MacBook Pro is an excellent choice, offering features like Touch ID, MagSafe charging, and long-lasting battery life. If the MacBook Pro with M3 isn’t your jam, some of the market’s best options are 14 inches. You can’t go wrong with any of our picks, so the choice comes down to your preferences and budget.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best 14-inch laptops in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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The 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max on my desk has been cranking as hard as it can for six hours. It’s running Adobe Lightroom’s AI noise-reduction algorithm on a batch of 3,000 images, each of which is a 45-megapixel raw file from a Canon R5. It’s an unreasonable task, but I needed something to make this machine sweat. Until now, the M3 Max chip has shrugged off everything from high-res video editing to simple 3D rendering (my skills prevent me from creating anything too complicated). And this batch processing is something I wouldn’t even attempt with my trusty M1 Pro MacBook Pro that, up until now, felt totally sufficient. But, the M3 series MacBook Pros represent a big jump from the M1s. Apple continues to prove that its proprietary silicon can really scream.

SEE IT

Overview

• Apple hasn’t changed the design much on its 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros, but each comes with the powerful M3-series chips now.
• The 14-inch model offers the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips. The 16-inch machines only offer the more powerful M3 Pro and M3 Max configurations. 
• Our test unit is a 14-inch model with an M3 Max chip, 16 CPU cores, 64GB shared memory, and 2TB storage, which is basically fully upgraded and retails for $4,299. 
• The new Space Black color resists fingerprints and, frankly, looks sick.

Pros

• M3 chips show a tangible speed boost over the previous generations
• New M3 architecture supports ray tracing and mesh shading for improved graphical performance
• The new finish looks excellent and resists fingerprints
• Screen is still fantastic
• Trackpack is still leaps and bounds better than everyone else’s
• Even the 14-inch still offers a built-in card slot
• Maxed-out configurations can now go to 16 CPU cores and 128GB shared memory

Cons

• Still impossible to upgrade the hardware after purchase
• It’s a bit pricey to start, but the cost skyrockets as you add upgrades
• Space Black finish might show scratches more in the long run

Verdict

Every generation of the M-powered MacBook Pro has impressed us, and the M3 is no exception. We tested a very well-equipped 14-inch M3 Max configuration, and it smoked every single test we threw at it. These machines are expensive, but they’re beautifully designed, surprisingly efficient, and brutally powerful. This is the best laptop on the market right now. 

Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max design

If you’re familiar with the M2-powered 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros, there are really very few surprises here save for one: The new Space Black finish offers a darker hue than was previously available. Apple claims it’s better at resisting fingerprints than its lighter counterparts, and that proves true in the real world. The dark finish also just looks sick. 

The rest of the features haven’t changed much. Both screens are Liquid Retina XDR displays, mini-LED panels that don’t offer touch support but provide 1 billion colors with Display P3 for extremely beautiful and accurate images. The 14-inch model offers a 3024 x 1964 resolution (254 pixels per inch), while the 16-inch goes up to 3456 x 2234. Both versions offer adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, what Apple calls ProMotion, and fairly exceptional brightness—600 nits SDR, up to 1600 XDR—that makes them totally usable in bright outdoor environments.

MacBook Pro M3 Max build options

There is a little variability in the 14-inch models that you should consider before making a purchase. The version with the vanilla M3 chip caps out at 24GB of memory and 2TB of built-in storage. It also offers just two Thunderbolt/USB-C 4 ports, capable of up to 40Gb/s transfer speeds and DisplayPort support. The M3 Pro and M3 Max models pump the total Thunderbolt port count up to three and drastically increase the rest of the upgrade options. The M3 Pro and Max offer up to 16 CPU cores, 40 GPU cores, 8TB of built-in storage, and 128GB shared memory. The extra power is an obvious reason to upgrade, but the extra Thunderbolt port is pretty key, too. I have all three ports typically filled when working at my desk, and going down to two would be annoying. 

The 16-inch version doesn’t offer a vanilla M3 option at all. It’s only available with the Pro and Max chips. I work on a 16-inch MBP every day, and switching to the smaller 14-inch screen for this review did feel like an adjustment. In a machine with this much power, I’d prefer as much screen as I can get, but I’m also mostly editing photos and videos, both of which put screen real estate at a premium.

MacBook Pro M3 Max performance

As stated above, we tested a very burly spec of the 14-inch model. We’re running the M3 Max chip with 16 CPU cores and 64GB built-in storage. That pushes the price of our test rig up to around $4,200. That’s expensive, for sure, but it delivers performance to justify the investment. 

I only ran minimal benchmarking in the form of Cinebench, and the M3 Max machine scored in the same neighborhood as enterprise-grade, Threadripper–powered workstations. I was expecting it to score highly, but I didn’t think it would go quite that high. 

Photo-editing test

For real-world tests of Apple’s hardware-accelerated media engine claims, I started with some tasks from my typical real-life workflow. I dumped 3,000 raw photos from a Canon R5 into Adobe’s famously resource-intensive image editing software, Lightroom Classic. I spend hours every week in this program, so I’m very familiar with how it typically runs on my mid-level 16-inch M1-powered MacBook Pro. The M3 Max screamed through the images, instantly rendering full-res previews, whereas my M1-powered machine takes a solid second (sometimes more during long editing sessions) for the high-res preview to snap into view. All that speed literally allows me to change my workflow slightly by having the original images load immediately instead of working with the JPEG preview files during the sorting process. This may be too in the weeds for non-photo nerds, but I think that makes it appropriate as an example. These machines are overkill for many people, but that power can make a big difference for users who can put it to good use. 

Even flipping quickly through images in Lightroom, I couldn’t choke the machine. So, I set it up to do the arduous task of applying Adobe Lightroom’s AI-powered noise reduction algorithm to the entire 3,000-image collection. This is a notoriously brutal process in terms of resource consumption. Ultimately, the whole process took in the neighborhood of 10 hours. That’s a long time, but consider that it’s an hour shorter than the M2 Max-powered Mac Studio claimed it would take. Also, whenever I tried the same with my M1 Pro machine, the dialog would hang, and I couldn’t even start the process. In short, the M3 Max is a monster. 

Video editing test

Since my photography workflow didn’t phase the M3, I moved on to video editing. I use Final Cut for my editing, and I fed the M3 Max some 8K footage captured with the same Canon R5. Again, the results were impressive. Because Final Cut comes directly from Apple, it’s designed specifically to take advantage of Apple silicon. Scrubbing through 8K footage and rendering clips certainly taxed the system enough to get the fans going, but it barely stuttered. I imagine a system with less shared memory wouldn’t glide through UHD footage so gracefully, but that’s why I recommend getting as much shared memory as you can when you buy one of these machines. You can’t upgrade later, and it makes a big difference. In fact, the 8GB starting point for the vanilla M3 model actually seems a little silly here in 2023.

Gaming test

I’m admittedly not the biggest gamer in the world, but I did fire up Baldur’s Gate 3 just to see how the machine handled a heavy AAA title. Predictably, I could run the game on high-quality settings and still get solid framerates. Again, it got the fans spinning, but it rarely stuttered. This is the first time we’re seeing ray tracing and mesh shading natively from the MacBook Pro, and Apple seems very bullish on the machine’s gaming capabilities. While you’re almost certainly not buying this primarily as a gaming PC replacement, it is nice to know it can run pretty much anything at a decent frame rate should you want to take a break from work.

Battery power

I squeezed nearly two full work days worth of juice out of a single charge while writing articles, checking emails, and working in the CMS. Apple claims the more powerful 14-inch models can get up to 18 hours on a single charge, and that actually seems to ring true in the real world. The 16-inch model promises up to 22 hours thanks to its larger battery, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that were close to the real-world number as well. Despite all the power inside these machines, they run exceptionally efficiently thanks to Apple’s new tech, which ramps the power up and down to meet the specific needs of the task you’re doing. 

Simple web browsing doesn’t require that much oomph, so the MacBook Pro will prioritize efficiency. Once you turn to more resource-intensive tasks, it ramps up the power. This isn’t a new concept by any means, but Apple does it very, very well. 

The rest of the MacBook Pro M3 Max experience

The machine comes with a MagSafe 3 power cable and a burly power block that varies between 70 and 96 watts, depending on the 14-inch configuration you get. The 16-inch model comes with a massive 140W brick. I’m glad the MagSafe cable is back, but I personally just keep my computer plugged into a USB-C monitor most of the time when I’m sitting at my desk, which also charges the laptop. I definitely still appreciate the built-in SDXC card reader, even though it weirdly sometimes takes a few tries of plugging in the card before the computer recognizes it. I have also never used an HDMI cable, personally, but it likely comes in handy for some users. I’d definitely trade it for one more Thunderbolt port, but that’s my personal preference. And there’s still a 3.5mm headphone jack if you want consistently higher-fidelity listening than you can get from wireless but don’t want to deal with an external audio interface.

So, who should buy the M3-powered MacBook Pro?

If you’re a typical computer user who checks email, watches YouTube, surfs the web, and does the occasional photo edit, then the MacBook Air is probably still the right call for you. Apple really has put the “Pro” back in MacBook Pro since the M-series chips debuted. If you regularly work in resource-greedy programs like photo- and video-editing programs or 3D-modeling environments, that’s when the MBP shines. 

As for configuration, the vanilla M3 option is relatively affordable with a $1,599 starting price, but the spec is disappointing. You might be better off looking for a more powerful M2 Pro or even an M1 Pro machine for the same price. 

Get as much shared memory as possible because it will have a direct effect on your performance, and you can’t upgrade it later. And when it comes to size, it’s really a personal preference. I still prefer the 16-inch machine, but it weighs a bulky 4.7 pounds compared to 3.5 pounds for the 14-inch. 

This isn’t the best laptop for most people, but it is the best laptop I’ve ever used. If you already have an M2 Pro or M2 Max, the nominal (but still tangible) speed bump probably isn’t worth the cost. If you’re coming from an M1 chip or, heaven forbid, an Intel Mac, it will make a huge difference.

Honestly, the Apple MacBook M3 Max might be a bit overkill even for me. But I never mind having some headroom for even greedier programs and media files coming down the road. These megapixels aren’t getting any smaller.

The post Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max review: The best laptop gets a power-up appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		MacBook Air with M2		SEE IT	Apple’s first lightweight 15-inch laptop hits the mark for portability and power.
Best touchscreen		Dell XPS 15		SEE IT	This laptop’s large touch screen allows it to walk the line between PC and tablet.
Best budget		Microsoft Surface Laptop 5		SEE IT	The Surface Laptop 5’s 3:2 aspect ratio and battery life make it competitive with laptops that cost a lot more.

Today’s 15-inch laptops perfectly balance portability and performance while offering a trifecta of benefits: ample screen real estate, a comfortable typing experience, and superior hardware, setting them apart from smaller models. This blend of versatility and capability makes laptops of this size an attractive computing solution. The larger display enhances productivity and immerses you in a rich multimedia experience. At the same time, the powerful hardware configurations enable seamless multitasking, all within a compact design that’s easy to transport. This combination of features provides the ideal platform to tackle an array of tasks, from web browsing and emailing to content creation, rendering the best 15-inch laptops a compelling choice for those seeking the best of both worlds.

• Best overall: MacBook Air with M2
• Best for gaming: MSI Vector GP66
• Best touchscreen: Dell XPS 15
• Best under $1,000: HP Envy x360 2-in-1
• Best budget: Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

How we chose the best 15-inch laptops

As someone who regularly works in coffee shops, libraries, and co-working spaces, I know the importance of selecting the right laptop for remote work. When away from your desk, you need a device that can handle various tasks, from editing pictures and videos to data analysis. My experience with the demands and nuances of remote work has given me valuable insight into what to look for in the best 15-inch laptops. Additionally, I’ve written about and tested laptops for publications like Popular Science, Best Products, and Forbes. Drawing from my extensive experience and expertise, I assessed these laptops based on factors like performance, design, portability, battery life, and affordability.

The best 15-inch laptops: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re a professional seeking powerful processing capabilities or a student on a budget, this guide will highlight models that suit different needs and financial constraints. These laptops span the gamut regarding power, display quality, and design, giving you options that align with your requirements. Do you prioritize multitasking or a high-resolution display? Our list of the best 15-inch laptops will ensure you find the model that delivers the features you need to get work done, whether you’re working from home or in an office.

Best overall: MacBook Air with M2

SEE IT

Specs

• Display: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina
• Processor: Apple M2 with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• Memory: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB

Pros

• Lightweight
• Beautiful high-resolution display
• Fantastic performance

Cons

• Base model storage can fill up fast

The biggest MacBook Air to date is also the best, offering a beautiful display, powerful performance, and a sleek, lightweight design. The laptop features Apple’s latest in-house M2 processor, which offers an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. The resulting performance is impressive, nipping on the heels of Apple’s MacBook Pro with M2 chip. While the Air is targeted at everyday computing (e.g., working on documents, browsing the web, emailing), it can handle more intensive tasks like editing photos, videos, and graphics. 
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The MacBook Air with M2 is 0.45 inches thick and weighs 3.3 pounds, making it easy to transport around campus or to a coffee shop. A six-speaker sound system offers excellent audio performance, and the 2880 x 1864 resolution screen looks phenomenal when streaming movies. The laptop also features a spacious keyboard with Touch ID and an expansive trackpad that supports multi-touch gestures. It all comes in the best design in Apple’s lineup, with up to 18 hours of battery life, making the MacBook Air with M2 the best overall 15-inch laptop available.

Best for gaming: MSI Vector GP66

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Specs

• Display: 15.6-inch 1080p
• Processor: Intel 12th Generation Core i9
• Memory: 32GB
• Storage: 1TB

Pros

• Lightning-fast performance
• Ultra-high refresh rate display
• 32GB of memory

Cons

• Loud fan noise

The MSI Vector GP66 earned a spot on our list of the best gaming laptops, and it’s making an appearance on this list, too. The gaming laptop boasts Intel’s powerful 12th-generation Core i9 processor, which features six performance cores and eight efficiency cores, plus the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU. The result is smooth, rapid performance that can easily handle the latest AAA titles, including Bethesda’s Starfield. Unsurprisingly, this is the most rugged laptop, given its thicker body, which accommodates the more energy-hungry specs required for gaming.

This particular model features 32GB of RAM and a 15.6-inch 1080p display. While the screen isn’t 4K, the lower resolution means you can play titles with more detailed graphics at higher frames per second. And it opens the door to advanced features like DLSS upscaling to improve gaming performance further. Our only qualm is the fans inside the MSI can get loud when it’s pushed to its limits. It’s something that doesn’t happen often, but it’s worth noting if you plan to game in a quiet environment. Still, for a gaming PC in laptop form, it’s hard to beat MSI’s Vector GP66.

Best touchscreen: Dell XPS 15

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Specs

• Display: 15.6-inch FHD+
• Processor: Intel 12th Generation Core i7
• Memory: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB

Pros

• Beautiful touchscreen
• Sturdy, elegant design
• Good battery life

Cons

• 720p webcam
• No USB-A ports

Our favorite Windows laptop deserves a spot on our list of the best 15-inch models. Dell has several laptops that are hard to beat, and the XPS line, in particular, is a favorite across the industry, offering excellent performance, portability, and design. The XPS 15, updated for 2023, rocks a 12th-generation Intel Core processor i7 (there are i5 and i9 configurations), up to 64GB of RAM, and a 15.6-inch FHD+ touchscreen.

The XPS 15 can be upgraded with a high-end NVIDIA graphics card, giving you plenty of power to play games and edit high-resolution videos. You can also configure the device with up to 8TB of SSD storage, which is plenty for applications, games, images, and video. There are two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a USB 3.2 Type-C port, and a built-in SD card reader. Other configuration options include a Full HD Plus (1920×1080) non-touch display and an Ultra HD Plus (3849×2400) touch display.

All said, the XPS 15 is the closest challenger to Apple’s M2-equipped MacBook Pro in terms of performance and design, and there are several configuration options to meet specific needs.

Best under $1,000: HP Envy x360 2-in-1

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Specs

• Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
• Processor: Intel 13th Generation Core i7
• Memory: 16GB
• Storage: 1TB

Pros

• Port selection
• Sleek design
• 2-in-1 functionality

Cons

• Low-resolution display

The HP Envy x360 features a 2-in-1 hybrid design that lets you switch from laptop mode to tablet mode. The display hinge makes it easy to switch between the two and tailor the experience to your preferences—laptop mode for work and tablet mode for streaming videos. The display is decidedly low resolution at 1080p, but it keeps the price under $1,000, a worthwhile sacrifice in our book.

While the display is stuck at 1080p, the Envy X360 offers a good balance of design and performance, with an Intel 13th Generation Core i7 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. This configuration also features Intel Iris Xe graphics, so you should be able to play your favorite games—but don’t expect to run the latest AAA titles on high settings. There is an HDMI 2.1 port, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, two USB-A 3.1 ports, and an SD card reader. If you’re just beginning your content creation journey, the Envy is an excellent option, and HP makes other quality laptops worth exploring.

Best budget: Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

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Specs

• Display: 15-inch
• Processor: Intel 12th Generation Core i7
• Memory: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB

Pros

• Excellent battery life
• Sleek, lightweight design
• Beautiful display

Cons

• 720p webcam

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 5 is an excellent option for those on a budget. The device features a premium aluminum build (unchanged from the Surface Laptop 4), with dimensions of 0.58 x 13.4 x 9.6 (HWD) and 3.4 pounds. The design is very much in the vein of the MacBook Air with M2, with a minimalist look that feels very high quality. And it’s available in a few colors, including platinum and black.

The 15-inch display offers a 3:2 aspect ratio and a crisp 2496 x 1664 resolution, so movies and other media look detailed. There are two ports—one USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) and one USB-A, giving you some flexibility to use different peripherals. There’s also a headphone jack, which is worth mentioning since the port is slowly disappearing from portable electronics. As a budget device, the Surface Pro 5 offers high-quality construction, excellent performance, and long-lasting battery life. 

For those on more of a budget, the Surface Laptop 4 is still available. However, you may sacrifice longevity since the device is already a few years old. 

What to consider when selecting one of the best 15-inch laptops

The good news is several excellent laptops in this size range cater to different preferences and budgets. We’ve rounded up the best options, whether your goal is content creation or hardcore gaming.

Processor

The brain of your laptop is the Central Processing Unit, or CPU. Modern Apple laptops feature the brand’s M1 or M2 system-on-a-chip. These processors (also available on Apple’s iPad Pro models) combine the CPU, graphics processing unit (GPU), security enclave, neural engine, and shared memory on a single piece of silicon. Meanwhile, newer Windows laptops generally feature either 12th or 13th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, offering 6 or 8 processor cores. 

To gauge a laptop’s computing power, it’s essential to consider its clock speed, measured in GHz, and the number of CPU cores. A processor with higher clock speeds and more CPU cores can perform tasks more rapidly and is well-suited for users engaging in resource-intensive activities such as high-resolution video editing. We recommend investing in a laptop with a robust CPU if your work involves multitasking, gaming, or content creation, as it’s not typically possible to upgrade the processor after purchase.

Graphics

The GPU is another critical component, one responsible for handling graphics-related tasks. It works alongside the CPU to render and display graphics on the screen, encompassing everything from visual rendering to gaming and video playback. Laptops either feature an integrated or dedicated GPU; integrated graphics, like those from Apple, find the GPU included on the same chip as the CPU. 

Laptops dedicated to gaming generally feature dedicated graphics cards with their own memory. However, it’s important to note that laptops with dedicated graphics tend to be bulkier and heavier, impacting their portability. Additionally, due to the increased power demand of dedicated GPUs, users may need to be more vigilant about monitoring their laptop’s battery life throughout the day.

Memory

Your computer’s Random Access Memory, or RAM, is integral to your laptop’s performance. RAM provides applications with a place to temporarily store and access data. If you multitask, you’ll want a laptop with more RAM—at least 8GB for more basic tasks or 16GB if you use creative apps. The more memory your laptop has, the faster it will complete tasks. Laptops typically don’t allow users to upgrade memory after the fact, so you may be stuck with the configuration you buy.

Display

When evaluating a laptop’s display, there are several things to consider. Screen resolution is one significant aspect to examine. Many of today’s best 15-inch laptops feature a 4K (3840×2160) display, offering sharper visuals that allow you to see more minor details in your photos and videos. More affordable models feature a 1080p (Full HD) display that’s fine for general use like web browsing, emailing, and school work.

Equally important is the display technology, with options including IPS for wider viewing angles or OLED for vibrant contrast. Some gaming laptops also feature high-refresh-rate panels for smoother animations. Accurate color representation is also essential for creative work, allowing you to achieve true-to-life visuals in your images and videos. For reliable color accuracy, aiming for a screen that covers at least 90% to 100% of the sRGB color gamut is advisable.

Some laptops support DCI-P3, which provides approximately 26% more color space than sRGB. This extended color range allows for more vivid and saturated colors, making it an excellent choice for tasks that demand vibrant imagery, such as professional photo and video editing.

Storage

Solid-state drives (SSD) have become the standard for data storage, employing more advanced technology than traditional hard drives. SSDs feature no moving parts, enhancing their speed and reliability. The absence of mechanical components results in quicker data access, leading to faster file and application loading times, a feature convenient for gaming and content creation. 

For most users, a laptop with a 256GB SSD is a sound choice, offering a good balance between performance and storage capacity. However, it’s essential to remember that data accumulates over time, so upgrading to a 512GB or even a 1TB SSD can be a wise investment if it’s within your budget. Alternatively, consider using portable hard drives for additional storage, which provides flexibility in managing large files and backups.

Connectivity

The ports on a laptop can expand its functionality. Traditional USB-A ports were once the industry standard and still serve a vital purpose. Still, high-bandwidth ports like USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 are becoming more common. These ports enable rapid data transfer, making importing and exporting media more efficient and convenient. An HDMI port allows you to connect your laptop to an external display, and a built-in card reader is handy for transferring media from cameras or memory cards.

You can use a USB hub to extend your laptop’s connectivity options if it doesn’t have all the necessary ports. However, built-in ports provide the most seamless and hassle-free experience, eliminating the need for additional accessories and simplifying your work setup. When choosing a laptop, consider the types and quantity of ports it offers to ensure they align with your requirements.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 15-inch laptops

• Best overall: MacBook Air with M2
• Best for Gaming: MSI Vector GP66
• Best Touchscreen: Dell XPS 15
• Best Under $1,000: HP Envy x360 2-in-1
• Best budget: Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

The MacBook Air with M2 is the best 15-inch laptop, featuring an impressive balance of power and portability. It’s on the expensive side for casual use, but it should last for years. It offers many of the MacBook Pro’s best features, including Touch ID, MagSafe charging, and a comfortable scissor-switch keyboard. If the MacBook Air with M2 isn’t your jam, options are abundant in this size range. All of our picks are worthy of your consideration, and what you choose comes down to your preferences and budget. Whether you’re a creative professional seeking top-notch performance or a student looking for a reliable and stylish companion for the semester, the MacBook Air with M2 offers a compelling choice that bridges the gap between power and convenience, making it a versatile option at this size.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best 15-inch laptops in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Dell XPS 15 9000		SEE IT	The Dell XPS 15 9000 is an excellent all-around laptop for anyone who wants to do a some of everything on an elegant, sleek machine.
Best for gaming		Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop		SEE IT	It offers many different configurations aimed at gaming enthusiasts with the cash to throw into the finer details to ensure blistering speeds and an immersive experience.
Best budget		Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop		SEE IT	A solid computing choice without making as many compromises as a sub-$500 device.

Dell’s laptop lineup offers options for every computing need, from a kid tackling schoolwork to an engineer designing a plane. In fact, there’s a good chance a school or workplace issued you a Dell at some point, thanks to the company’s reputation for reliable performance, durable builds, and affordability. To pick one for yourself, list how you plan to use it, your budget, and your must-have features, and we’ll help you find one that checks all the boxes. Are you a casual user, a student, a content creator, a gaming enthusiast, or all of the above? This guide will help you check off your must-have features and pick from the best Dell laptops.

• Best overall: Dell XPS 15 9000
• Best for students: Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop
• Best for gaming: Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop
• Best budget gaming: Dell G15 5530 Gaming Laptop
• Best for working from home: Dell-Latitude 15.6″ Laptop
• Best budget: Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop

How we chose the best Dell laptops

There’s not a single Dell laptop that is perfect for everyone. The company’s laptop options range from Chromebooks under $500 to high-powered workhorses that cost thousands, so it helps to understand its leading laptop brands and their most common users. We extensively researched and analyzed this, drawing from a multitude of sources, including our own PopSci reviews, peer recommendations, critical analyses, and user testimonials, to meticulously curate a refined selection for you.

The best Dell laptops: Reviews & Recommendations

Dell’s Inspiron laptops offer wallet-friendly options targeting general computing needs, like streaming videos, emailing, creating social content, and other assorted, more personal computing needs. The XPS line is Dell’s premium line for creative users who need more multitasking power for intensive programs like photo and video editing. Gamers can choose between Dell’s G Series or the LED-lit options of Alienware. Business users, whether small businesses or enterprises, should look at the Latitude, Precision, and Vostro lines that prioritize powerful processors and security. And we’ve got the perfect choice from each of these below.

Best overall: Dell XPS 15 9000

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Specs

• Dimensions: 13.6 x9.1 x 0.71 inches
• Weight: Starts at 4.2 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Pro
• Processor: Intel i7-13700 (13th generation)
• RAM: 16GB DDR5 SDRAM
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel Arc A370M Graphics
• Screen size: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1200 resolution
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort, 1 SD card, headphone jack
• Battery life: Up to 18 hours

Pros

• Aluminum body
• Sturdy, elegant design
• Good battery life
• Backlit keyboard

Cons

• 720p web camera
• No USB-A ports
• Pricey

The Dell XPS 15 9000 is an excellent all-around laptop for anyone who wants to do some of everything on an elegant, sleek machine. The XPS series is Dell’s premium line to rival Apple’s M2 series of MacBooks. A longtime favorite of reviewers and consumers, a version ranks as PopSci’s overall pick for best Windows laptop, and it’s one of favorite 15-inch laptops in general.

The XPS 15 is hard to beat for performance, and its well-designed, portable aluminum body weighs just over four pounds. The entry-level XPS starts at $1,600 and is loaded with the latest Intel i7, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and Intel Arc A370M Graphics. That’s plenty for graphic design, video editing, and some gaming, but it can be configured for more powerful processing and graphics. It can be maxed out to an Intel i9, up to 64GB of RAM, 8TB of storage, and Nvidia GeForce RTX options. The XPS 15 allows two screen options: the full high-definition plus, non-touchscreen option that measures brightness of 500 nits, or an OLED touchscreen of 400 nits. One sore spot is the 720p high-definition webcam, though the video-obsessed may want to upgrade with one of our picks for the best webcams for streaming. The other sore spot is the splurgy price, though deal hunters can still find refurbished models with 12th-generation processors to save some cash.

Best for students: Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop

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Specs

• Dimensions: 12.36 x 8.92 x 0.73 inches
• Weight: Starts at 3.48 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• Processor: Intel i7-1355U (13th generation)
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 14 inches, 1920 x 1200 resolution
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4, 1 HDMI, 1 USB-A, 1 SD card reader, headphone jack
• Battery life: Up to 11 hours

Pros

• Backlit keyboard
• 1080p front-facing camera
• Fingerprint reader
• Privacy camera

Cons

• Not super bright screen
• A little heavy for form
• Stylus compatible but not included

Sometimes flexibility is what makes a device, and that includes the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop. Students can use this hybrid machine as a traditional laptop, comfortably typing out long papers, and then set up as a tent for movie-watching to decompress. Scribblers and doodlers can purchase a compatible stylus to use as a tablet thanks to its 360-degree hinges. For about a grand, it includes the latest generation Intel i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, showcasing enough power to be one of PopSci’s best laptops for college and for working from home. It’s suitable for video conferencing and chatting with two mics, a 1080p webcam, and Dolby Atmos speakers (though don’t expect soundbar-level performance). The full high-definition plus screen has a good resolution, but at only 250 nits, it isn’t as bright as others and could be challenging in very sunny rooms.

If you burn through the 2-in-1’s advertised 11 hours of battery life, it has an ExpressCharge feature that will help you reach up to 80% power within an hour. It’s also EPEAT Silver registered and Energy Star rated and ships in 100% sustainable materials.

Best for gaming: Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop

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Specs

• Dimensions: 16.15 x 12.59 x 1.05 inches
• Weight: 9.32 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7845HX
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
• Screen size: 18 inches, 1920 x 1200 resolution, 480Hz
• Ports: 3 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 2 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports with DisplayPort, 1 RJ45 Ethernet port, 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 headphone jack, 1 power-adapter port, 1 mini-Display port, 1 SD-card slot
• Battery life: Up to 3 hours, 21 minutes

Pros

• Customizable
• Alienware Cryo-tech calling system
• Full numeric pad

Cons

• Very heavy for a laptop
• Poor battery life
• Ports placed in the back

The Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop is a beast in size and power and the top of the line of Dell’s gaming laptops. It offers many different configurations aimed at gaming enthusiasts with the cash to throw into the finer details to ensure blistering speeds and an immersive experience. The base model starts under $2,000—reasonable for a gaming laptop—but quickly climbs as you tack on upgrades to tackle AAA gaming.

The entry model weighs 8.5 pounds and goes up from there depending on-screen options (either 165Hz or 480Hz refresh rates) and processors. We opted for mid-range specs—32GB of RAM, an AMD Ryzen 9 7845HK processor, and a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card—and hit $3,000 and a weight of over nine pounds. Part of the weight is the Cryo-tech cooling system on the CPU and GPU, plus four fans and a vapor chamber to pull heat away from sensitive components. Technically, this machine is a laptop, but it’s clearly aimed at replacing gaming PCs with a smaller format. Laptop ports usually appear on the sides for fast access. On the m18, they line up across the back—snazzily encircled by LED lights no less. That’s the ideal spot to keep desks free of cords connected to a G-sync monitor—but not for a laptop that gets moved around a lot. The three-hour battery life is underwhelming, even for a machine with a heavy workload. For an Alienware laptop, the design is somewhat tame. Still, it has its signature hexagonal grills, programmable lighting zones, and RGB keyboard (unless you want to opt for an ultra-low-profile CherryMX mechanical keyboard).

Best budget gaming: Dell G15 5530 Gaming Laptop

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Specs

• Dimensions: 14.06 x 10.8 x 1.02 inches
• Weight: 5.84 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• Processor: Intel i7-13650HX (13th generation)
• RAM: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
• Screen size: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080 resolution, 165Hz
• Ports: 3 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports with DisplayPort, 1 RJ45 Ethernet port, 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 headphone jack
• Battery life: Up to 6 hours, 31 minutes

Pros

• Customizable
• Backlit keyboard
• Full numeric pad
• Alienware-inspired cooling system
• One-button Game Shift mode activates fans

Cons

• 720p webcam
• Heavy
• Poor battery life

If the Alienware m18 is too much gaming laptop, take a look at the Dell G15 5530 Gaming Laptop, which liberally borrows from its subsidiary’s design but has a price tag of around $1,300. The G15 is better than entry-level, capable of handling AAA gaming thanks to the latest Intel i7 processor, a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, and a full high-definition screen with a 165Hz refresh rate. Unlike the sleek wedges that dominate laptop shapes, the G15 is a blocky, gray laptop with weird angles around the hinges—what Dell calls a retro design, but we call potentially laptop-bag unfriendly. It also weighs more than six pounds, thanks to an “Alienware-inspired” cooling system with ultra-thin fan blades, four heat pipes, and vents all over the place. It also has a 720 webcam, which is only meh if you plan on live streaming.

Best for working from home: Dell – Latitude 15.6″ Laptop

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Specs

• Dimensions: 14.09 x 9.19 x 0.9 inches
• Weight: 3.56 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Pro
• Processor: Intel i7-1355U (13th generation)
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080 resolution
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort, 1 USB-A with PowerShare, 1 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 HDMI 2.0, 1 RJ45 Ethernet, 1 headphone jack, 1 micro-SD card slot, 1 nano-SIM slot, 1 smart card reader slot
• Battery life: Up to 6 hours, 31 minutes

Pros

• Backlit keyboard
• Excellent port selection
• Features to improve video conferencing

Cons

• Plain design
• OK battery life

Despite how powerful gaming laptops can be, they aren’t necessarily the best for working at home. Consider a productivity-focused machine like the Dell – Latitude 15.6″ Laptop. For about $1,200, you can get an Intel i7 processor and 16GB of system memory to crunch through databases, code, or designs. The latest model has larger fans for better heat dispersal. Dell also packs more security and privacy features, like fingerprint readers and “onlooker detection” to alert you when someone’s peeping at your screen, and a sign-in feature that detects your presence and locks the laptop when you leave it. It also has a wide range of ports, from the latest generation of USB-C with display protocols to older USB-A, which many of your older peripherals use.

For improved video conferencing, the latest Latitude models include WiFi 6E and 5G connections for speed and a 1080p webcam with light sensors to enhance the picture and audio tools that help remove background noise and reduce echoes. And while the Latitude is just another average-looking laptop, it passes military standards for durability, so it should safely make it from home to the coffee shop and back again.

Best budget: Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop

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Specs

• Dimensions: 14.11 x 9.27 x 0.67 inches
• Weight: Starts at 3.5 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• Processor: Intel i5-1335U (13th generation)
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080 resolution
• Ports: 1 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 HDMI 1.4, 1 SD 3.0 card slot, 1 headphone jack
• Battery life: Up to 9 hours, 15 minutes

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Privacy shutter for webcam
• Numerical keypad

Cons

• Plain design

At under $700, the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop offers a solid computing choice without making as many compromises as a sub-$500 device (though there are models below that price threshold that still perform admirably). It features a 15.6-inch high-definition screen and a roomy keyboard with a numerical keypad. That’s spacious for a laptop that weighs less than four pounds. The webcam is the better 1080p, and it sports two microphones for better video chat sound. It also features the most recent generation of an Intel i5 processor, though it sports fewer cores than the i7. While it’s a plain Jane in the laptop world, it still has ample power for multitasking and most everyday computing tasks.

What to consider when buying the best Dell laptops

The right laptop is the one that does the jobs you need and want to do, all without breaking your budget. Let’s break down the essential factors to consider when hunting for the ideal laptop companion.

Price

Dell’s laptop families target different users and have price points. Dell offers devices under and near the $1,000 mark, including 2-in-1s and traditional laptops that handle most everyday tasks like web browsing, editing documents, and streaming. However, expect to shell out between $1,500 to $2,000 for more robust systems and more than $2,000 for premium options for business and gaming platforms.

Portability

Do you plan on carrying your laptop, or is it a desktop alternative? For the former, look for devices with 13- to 16-inch screens that weigh three to five pounds. Laptops with 17- and 18-inch screens are better suited to staying on a desk or moving only occasionally. Gaming laptops tend to be heavier and bulkier due to their graphic components and cooling systems, though they have slimmed down in recent years.

If you’re on the move, assume you won’t always have a plug available. Many laptops boast about workday-length battery life, though that will depend on the brightness of your screen and what applications you’re running.

Processors, memory, and storage

The central processing unit is what performs computations. It’s hard to go wrong with Intel’s i5, i7, and i9 or AMD’s Ryzen options in Windows laptops. For quick task completion, look for more cores and higher clock speeds (measured in GHz). You don’t need top-of-the-line specs for everyday tasks, but power users, creatives, and gamers should seek out the max and most recent generation within their budgets.

Random access memory grants applications a place to temporarily store data, which means the more you multitask, the more RAM you want. For the lighter side of computing tasks, 8GB of RAM will be acceptable, but jump to 16GB or more if you’re using several applications simultaneously. Manufacturers allow upgrades to RAM prior to purchase but generally can’t upgrade it later. Ditto storage. We recommend 512GB as a starting point but consider 1TB for extensive media and large programs. 

About gaming laptops

Gamers face unique considerations for laptops that non-gamers don’t. In a word, it’s speed. The fancier the graphics in a game, the more RAM you’ll want. A safe bet is 16GB, but 32GB is better. You’ll also want the latest processors—13th generation Intel or AMD Ryzen 6000 series—and graphics cards like Nvidia’s 30-series GPUs to display graphics at higher frame rates. How fast the screen can update per second—aka, the refresh rate—also matters. Refresh rates range, but common ones are 60Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz. We recommend at least 140Hz for AAA gaming. How do you know what you need? Games release minimum systems requirements, so start with your favorites. However, meeting a game’s minimums risks becoming obsolete sooner.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Dell laptops

• Best overall: Dell XPS 15 9000
• Best for students: Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop
• Best for gaming: Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop
• Best budget gaming: Dell G15 5530 Gaming Laptop
• Best for working from home: Dell-Latitude 15.6″ Laptop
• Best budget: Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop

The Dell XPS 15 9000 shines as our top choice, offering a blend of sleek design and robust performance. On a budget? The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop is a solid, cheaper choice under $700, balancing performance and affordability. Students seeking versatility will appreciate the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop, while professionals working from home should check out the enhanced security features of the Dell-Latitude 15.6″ Laptop. Gaming enthusiasts can match their skills and budget to two options: either the affordable Dell G15 5530 Gaming Laptop or the top-of-the-line Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best Dell laptops in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		HP 14-inch Ultra Light Laptop (Intel Quad-Core N4120)		SEE IT	The HP 14-inch Ultra Light Laptop offers budget-friendly Windows performance with a large keyboard and added security.
Best touchscreen		Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3		SEE IT	The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has an ultralight design and responsive touchscreen but is limited in performance.
Best for students		ASUS Vivobook Go 15		SEE IT	The ASUS Vivobook Go 15 L510 is lightweight, budget-friendly, with impressive features, although battery life falls short.

Whether you’re a student on a tight budget, a remote worker seeking an affordable solution, or simply want a secondary device for everyday tasks, finding a laptop under $300 that strikes the perfect balance between performance and price is crucial. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to find a laptop that not only fits your budget but also delivers functionality. You may need to compromise and make some trade-offs in certain areas to stay within your budget, but it’s possible to find a laptop that meets most of your needs and priorities for general productivity and daily media viewing. In fact, these budget-friendly gems may surprise you with their capabilities, proving that the best laptops under $300 can deliver you a competent laptop that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

• Best overall: HP 14-inch Ultra Light Laptop (Intel Quad-Core N4120)
• Best premium: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 
• Best touchscreen: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
• Best 2-in-1: Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 2-in-1 Laptop
• Best for students: ASUS Vivobook Go 15 L510 Student Laptop

How we chose the best laptops under $300

Our laptops under $300 recommendations are based on extensive research. We surveyed peer recommendations, critical reviews, and user impressions to create a list of contenders and then put them through their paces. We considered various models suitable for a range of needs and users to develop a comprehensive list of the best laptops under $300.

The best laptops under $300: Reviews & Recommendations

Let our comprehensive reviews help you narrow down your options when choosing your next affordable laptop. You won’t find any MacBooks, but there are Windows options, and you’ll find a lot of solid Chromebooks; that’s because the Chrome OS is lightweight and can be supported by smaller laptops with entry-level integrated chipsets, which brings the price down.

Best overall: HP 14-inch Ultra Light Laptop (Intel Quad-Core N4120)

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Specs

• Processor: Intel Celeron N4120
• RAM: 8GB
• Screen Size: 14 inches

Pros

• Windows system 
• Comfortable keyboard
• Great price

Cons

• Cramped touchpad

Chromebooks are the typical choice for a low-cost laptop, but if you really prefer a Windows model, this HP 14-inch Ultra Light Laptop is one of the most affordable. Its Intel Celeron processor can handle multiple tasks without noticeable slowdown, and it has a large, comfortable keyboard. It’s lightweight and so travels well, and the built-in fingerprint reader is an additional security feature you wouldn’t expect at this price point.

Loaded with Windows 11 in S Mode, a simplified version of the operating system, means you’re limited to apps downloaded from the Microsoft App Store, but you can upgrade for free to the regular version of Windows 11 if you like. As for downsides, the touchpad is on the smaller side, which can make scrolling a little uncomfortable after a while, and the plastic chassis doesn’t feel luxurious.

We chose the HP 14-inch Ultra Light Laptop as our overall winner for the best laptop under $300 as it offers dependable functionality and a Windows experience at a very affordable price point. As a laptop for kids or students or simply as a secondary device in your home, it’s a budget-pleasing option that can cope with most daily computing tasks, including web browsing and media consumption.

Best premium: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34

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Specs

• Processor: Core i3-1215U
• RAM: 8GB
• Screen Size: 14 inches

Pros

• Powerful impressive performance
• Great design
• 1080p webcam

Con

• Average battery life

Our best premium pick, the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is a little over budget at $399.99, but it’s worth the extra as a quality machine offering portable productivity with an Intel Core i3 processor, a 14″ display, and a comfortable and responsive mouse pad. At just over three pounds, you’ll be taking it on the road, to meetings, or to class with ease. 

That “plus” designation isn’t just marketing; Chromebook Plus models offer greater performance, built-in Google apps, and double the memory and storage. Expect crisp video calling for your remote work meetings or virtual classes with the 1080p+ webcam, which features a physical shutter for added privacy. The NanoEdge anti-glare display is comfortable to view whether you’re looking at finance reports or enjoying the latest movie, and the dynamic wallpapers reflect the time of day for an interactive experience. Take your photos up a notch with the nifty Magic Eraser feature that allows you to remove background objects and people from your snaps.

The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is a powerhouse performer with excellent connectivity and a sleek and lightweight design featuring a 180° lay-flat hinge, representing superb value for money.

Best touchscreen: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3

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Specs

• Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 520 
• RAM: 4GB
• Screen Size: 14 inches

Pros

• Lightweight
• Great battery life
• Ultraportable

Cons

• Only 4GB RAM 

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 feels and looks good with an ultraportable design that allows you to take it with you wherever you go. Touchscreen capabilities can make your laptop more responsive and easy to navigate, especially if you use photo editing or design software. 

The display is bright and crisp indoors, but it wouldn’t view so well outdoors. The low 4GB of RAM means it isn’t the most efficient multitasker, and the webcam is disappointing. If you regularly use your laptop for video calls, you may wish to invest in an external webcam. For a laptop with touchscreen capability suitable for general use, browsing the internet, using social media, and checking your emails, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is a solid choice. Look out for sales that bring the price down even further, sometimes to under $200.

Best 2-in-1: Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 2-in-1 Laptop

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Specs

• Processor: Intel Celeron 3965Y
• RAM: 4 GB
• Screen Size: 12.2 inches

Pros

• Integrated stylus storage 
• Full HD touchscreen
• Two cameras 

Cons

• Heavy

Laptops with a 2-in-1 configuration are versatile machines that allow you to use them as a traditional laptop with a keyboard and then detach them to use as a tablet. The Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 2-in-1 is a sturdy and dependable laptop, but it is heavy for its size. The lid rotates fully to allow use in laptop, stand, tent, or tablet mode. It comes with an included stylus with handy storage, and as soon as it’s rotated, the cursor disappears, and the on-screen keyboard becomes available. The two cameras are an unexpected feature and make it quick and easy to take snaps in either laptop or tablet mode.

However, the keyboard and touchpad are cramped and would be uncomfortable after extended use. Connectivity is good with both USB Type-C and Type-A ports, and for the flexibility of use, the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 2-in-1 Laptop represents a great option for an affordable choice.

Best for students: ASUS Vivobook Go 15 L510 Student Laptop

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Specs

• Processor: Intel Celeron N4020
• RAM: 4GB
• Screen Size: 15.6 inches

Pros

• Fingerprint reader
• Lightweight
• Comfortable keyboard

Cons

• Battery life is unimpressive

Student laptops need to deliver performance while being lightweight for portability and offer value for money above all else. The Vivobook series from ASUS is known for affordable laptops that still pack a punch in terms of features and performance. Despite the fairly large NanoEdge display screen, the ASUS Vivobook Go 15 L510 Student Laptop is surprisingly lightweight at 3.46 pounds, perfect for dashing to different classes around campus.

One compromise made to accommodate a lower price is that the battery life is less than impressive and less than the stated 8 hours. If you’ll be out for longer than six hours, you’ll need the charger. It comes with Windows 11 Home in S Mode and has a decent enough webcam for virtual classes or keeping in touch with family back at home with a bright display suitable for most light conditions. This is a solid performer suitable for students on a budget.

What to consider when choosing a laptop for under $300

Selecting the right laptop for you in this price range requires making the same considerations you would when shopping for a machine that costs several times more. We’ve broken down the factors we had in mind during our research below, so you can find the laptop that works best for your needs.

Performance

Look for a laptop with a processor and RAM that can handle your intended tasks. While you won’t get top-of-the-line components in this price range, you can find models with Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors for decent performance in a budget laptop.

Operating system

Windows laptops can offer versatility but may have lower specs at this price point, while Chromebooks are known for simplicity and are suitable for online tasks.

Display

Aim for a laptop with at least a 1080p (Full HD) display resolution. While some budget laptops may have lower resolutions, a higher-resolution screen can provide a better visual experience.

Portability

Check the weight and size of the laptop, especially if you need to carry it frequently. Lightweight laptops are more convenient for portability.

Battery Life

Consider your usage habits. If you need a laptop for long stretches away from a power source, look for models with good battery life, typically 6-8 hours or more.

Build quality

While you might not get premium materials, look for a laptop with a sturdy and well-constructed design. Pay attention to the keyboard and touchpad quality for comfortable use.

Remember that you may need to make some trade-offs to stay within your budget. Prioritize your specific needs and preferences, whether it’s for school, work, or personal use, and choose a laptop that best aligns with your requirements while staying within your price range. Keep an eye out for sales or deals, as you may find higher-end models within your budget during promotional periods.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best laptops under $300 

• Best overall: HP 14-inch Ultra Light Laptop (Intel Quad-Core N4120)
• Best premium: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 
• Best touchscreen: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
• Best 2-in-1: Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 2-in-1 Laptop
• Best for students: ASUS Vivobook Go 15 L510 Student Laptop

At the end of the day, there are more excellent laptop choices in this price bracket than you may have thought. This is due to a combination of advances in processor, screen, and industrial design technology. The move away from on-device software and file management to cloud services also takes a lot of heavy lifting off these machines, which will allow you to run them for many years without an upgrade. If you’re the type of person who edits 4K video, getting a laptop under $300 may not be for you—don’t worry, if that’s the case, we have other recommendations—but these machines are up for common tasks that most of us perform every day.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best laptops under $300 in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T		SEE IT	Bang & Olufsen speakers help bring this laptop’s audio to life.
Best for gaming		HP Victus 16 Laptop		SEE IT	144Hz refresh rate stops lag in its tracks for smoother gaming.
Best budget under $500		HP 2023 15.6 inch HD Lightweight Laptop		SEE IT	An entry-level laptop with solid performance.

Choosing an HP laptop can be like going to the grocery store hungry: The company aims to have an option for every flavor of computing, but its many offerings can lead to frustrating indecision. The upside of HP’s variety is that there’s something on the menu to satisfy your tastes, whether you’re salivating for a tablet/laptop hybrid, a good gaming experience, an executive-worthy business machine, or a need to stick to a tight budget. This roundup features some of our favorites and advice to help you find the best HP laptop.

• Best overall: HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T
• Best Chromebook: HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
• Best 2-in-1: HP Envy 2-in-1 14” Full HD Touch-Screen Laptop
• Best for gaming: HP Victus 16 Laptop
• Best for business: HP EliteBook 845 G9 Business Laptop
• Best with a folding screen: HP Spectre 3-in-1 17″ 2.5K OLED Touch-Screen Foldable Laptop
• Best budget under $500: HP 2023 15.6 inch HD Lightweight Laptop

How we chose the best HP laptops

We are nerds with opinions—a redundant statement—who pulled from firsthand experience with various laptop types and dove deep into our own PopSci reviews, peer suggestions, critical reviews, and user testimonials to chop the options down for you.

The best HP laptops: Reviews & Recommendations

There’s one word to describe the HP laptop lineup: overwhelming. This well-regarded and established brand has about a dozen different brand names for laptops with additional models within them–and that’s without considering the back catalog of older but still good offerings. The sheer number of possibilities can make you want to give up before you truly start the search, so here’s some help navigating the recent models.

HP’s premium lineups include the Spectre and Envy brands, which focus on lightweight, attractive designs and have the price tags to match. For strictly business needs, consider the Elite Dragonfly and EliteBook models’ strong performance and durable designs. The Omen and Victus lines focus on delivering value gaming laptops. When hunting for good value, consider budget-friendly lines, such as the Pavilion, Steam, Notebook, and Chromebooks. Despite the many names, the brands overlap and share common features. Many laptops have speaker systems by Bang & Olufsen, backlit keyboards, and security features like physical camera shutters and fingerprint readers. Many HP devices—whether they’re laptops or a 2-in-1 device—embrace touchscreens. Using fingers or a pen can seriously boost productivity, though it results in a smudgy mess to deal with before watching a bunch of videos. Maybe it’s just my OCD talking, but you may want to refresh how to clean a computer screen.

Best overall: HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T

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Specs

• Dimensions: 11.75 inches by 8.67 inches by 0.67 inches
• Weight: 2.95 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Pro
• RAM:  16GB DDR4 SDRAM
• Storage: 512GB NVME SSD
• Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7 (11th generation)
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 13.5 inches
• Resolution: 1920 x 1280

Pros

• Lightweight
• Can be used as laptop or tablet
• Physical camera shutter
• Backlit keyboard
• Includes pen

Cons

• Pricey
• Older generation processor
• Low port variety with 2 Thunderbolt 4s, headphone jack, and microSD card slot

At under three pounds, the HP Spectre x360i ha Luxury 14T offers an ultraportable hybrid device that can be an elegant laptop or a tablet with an included rechargeable MPP2.0 Tilt Pen. With one of the best touchscreens of the bunch, its full high-definition screen provides a crisp, colorful picture at 400 nits, while Bang & Olufsen quad speakers supply the sound. Though it doesn’t have a ton of ports, the HP Spectre x360 Luxury features two Thunderbolt 4 ports with seemingly hidden power. The ports are compatible with USB-C 4, which supports power delivery and display protocols like DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0, so you’re not sacrificing the ability to connect a screen or monitor despite the lack of dedicated ports.

Best Chromebook: HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook

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Specs

• Dimensions: 12.4 inches by 8.7 inches by 0.7 inches
• Weight: 3.33 pounds
• OS: Chrome OS
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5-5200 MHz RAM
• Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
• Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U (12th Generation)
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
• Screen size: 14-inch touchscreen
• Resolution: 2560 x 1600

Pros

• Bright screen
• Great speakers
• 8MP webcam
• Backlit keyboard
• Fingerprint reader
• Comes in white or black

Cons

• No headphone jack
• Few ports
• Pricey for a Chromebook

The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is for anyone seeking a higher-end Chromebook experience, not a bargain basement deal. For about a grand, this option suits users who prefer the Chrome OS, live in Google Suite and web browsers, and embrace cloud storage. It’s packed with a four-speaker Bang & Olufsen speaker system and an 8MP webcam for better video conferencing and media streaming. The shining star of the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is the 14-inch touchscreen with a 2560 x 1660 resolution and up to 1,200 nits of brightness. That’s about three to four times brighter than most average laptops, resulting in a crisp, colorful viewing experience. It’s the kind of screen you can read in the sunshine, but keeping it on at full power can also be a severe battery drain. Though HP boasts more than 11 hours of battery life, users report falling short of that.

Another thing to consider is that even the best Chromebooks have less processing power and storage than a middle-of-the-road laptop. The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook features decent storage (256GB solid-state drive) and mid-level processing (an Intel i5) but only has four Thunderbolt ports and no headphone jack. Plan on getting a USB-C hub for peripherals and one of our best Bluetooth headphones.

Best 2-in-1: HP Envy 2-in-1 14” Full HD Touch-Screen Laptop

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Specs

• Dimensions: 12.68 inches by 8.3 inches by 0.77 inches
• Weight: 3.35 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• RAM: 8-16GB
• Storage: 512GB-1TB PCIe SSD
• Processor: Intel Core i5-1335U (13th Generation) or Intel Core i7-1355U (13th generation)
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 14-inch touchscreen
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Pros

• Configurable
• Can be used as laptop or tablet
• Fingerprint reader
• Physical camera shutter

Cons

• Heavier than a traditional tablet
• Compatible pen not included

Sometimes, the combination of ingredients is what makes a product. Would a Sprite be delicious without lemon and lime? Doubtful. HP has long made some of the best 2-in-1 laptops, and the HP Envy 2-in-1 14” Full HD Touch-Screen Laptop is a particularly delicious version of a laptop that converts into a tablet for writing on it with a compatible pen or setting it up for a Netflix binge sesh. The 14-inch model is bulkier than a traditional tablet but still, an easily portable device weighing just over three pounds. The entry-level 8GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 13th generation Intel Core i5 processor is a respectable machine for multitasking and even casual gaming, but you can double the RAM and storage and up the processing power to the Intel Core i7 for about $200. That boost makes for better media creation and more demanding applications and is one of the best for students or other folks who go back and forth between typing on a keyboard and watching videos.

Best for gaming: HP Victus 16 Laptop

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Specs

• Dimensions: 14.53 inches by 10.21 inches by 0.9 inches
• Weight: 5.07 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200 MHz RAM
• Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
• Screen size: 16.1 inches
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Pros

• Higher screen refresh rate
• Good keyboard with full numeric pad
• Good ports with 1 USB-C, 2 USB-As, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45, headphone jack

Cons

• Heavy for a laptop
• Average battery life
• Could use more robust speakers

Most gaming laptops scream what they are with colorful glowing logos and more vents than an HVAC system. The HP Victus 16 Laptop isn’t that. The understated black laptop offers a good entry point for the budding gamer with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics unit. The screen’s 144Hz refresh rate helps smooth out motion, leading to a visually more pleasant experience than trying to game on a standard laptop. The Victus 16 also sports a full numeric keypad and a decent selection of ports, including an HDMI 2.1 port for connecting a gaming monitor. At more than five pounds, the Victus 16 is heavy, a common gripe for gaming laptops and the substantial cooling systems they need to offset the processing. If you’re aiming for e-sports domination, though, you might need to spend more on something from a dedicated gaming brand.

Best for business: HP EliteBook 845 G9 Business Laptop

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Specs

• Dimensions: 12.42 inches by 8.72 inches by 0.76 inches
• Weight: 3.09 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Pro
• RAM: 32-64GB DDR5 SDRAM
• Storage: 512GB-2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U Processor
• Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics
• Screen size: 14 inches
• Resolution: 1920 x 1200

Pros

• Customizable
• Bright screen
• Backlit keyboard
• Fingerprint reader
• Excellent port selection with 2 SuperSpeed USB-As, 2 SuperSpeed USB-Cs, HDMI 2.1, smart card reader, headphone jack

Cons

• Higher resolution screen option would be nice

The HP EliteBook 845 G9 Business Laptop includes features like a fingerprint reader and a long battery life that make the workday a little friendlier, making it one of the best for working from home or a remote locale. We like the 14-inch screen and weight of close to three pounds for easy travel and sliding in and out of a laptop bag. The screen features an impressive 400 nits—a bright screen, but we’d love to see a higher resolution available to help avoid spreadsheet bleariness. The EliteBook’s guts can be customized from 32GB to 64GB of RAM and storage ranging from 512GB to 2TB, ample speed, and space for crunching and manipulating large files. The best business laptops have an impressive variety of ports for whatever you need to plug in, whether it’s an HP monitor or a home office printer, and the EliteBook 845 checks this box, too, with SuperSpeed versions of USBs for the fastest transfers possible.

Best with a folding screen: HP Spectre 3-in-1 17″ 2.5K OLED Touch-Screen Foldable Laptop

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Specs

• Dimensions: 10.91 inches by 7.53 inches by 0.84 inches
• Weight: 3.58 pounds
• OS: Windows 11
• RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5-5200 MHz RAM
• Storage: 1 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
• Processor: Intel Core i7-1250U Evo Platform (12th generation)
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 17 inches
• Resolution: 2560 x 1920

Pros

• Allows for multiple screen and keyboard configurations
• Includes wireless pen, USB-C hub, keyboard charging cable
• OLED display

Cons

• Expensive
• Webcam position changes depending on the configuration
• How well folding screens age is still TBD

Some devices like to challenge the very form personal computing takes, and the HP Spectre 3-in-1 17″ 2.5K OLED Touch-Screen Foldable Laptop is one of those puzzles. Is it a laptop? A tablet? A portable desktop? According to HP, it’s all three. If you love playing with Transformers or are a die-hard gadget geek, this might be your laptop.

The Spectre Fold has multiple pieces: a foldable tablet measuring 17 inches on the diagonal, a keyboard, and a wireless pen. You could use just the big ol’ tablet with the pen or open the built-in kickstand to use it as a large display for the keyboard (aka, a portable desktop mode). But you can also fold the tablet and screen together to make a traditional laptop with a 12.3-inch diagonal display. Feeling crazy? Slide the magnetic keyboard down to have another half-screen below the fold. New windows-snapping tools help arrange workspaces in nontraditional shapes. It’s flexible enough that you may find yourself rearranging your computer to fit your work rather than trying to make your work fit on your computer. And you get the benefit of an OLED screen’s true blacks, rich colors, and impressive contrast. However, one weird thing is that the webcam can be on the screen’s top or side, depending on the configuration.

At about $5,000, it’s a serious chunk of change to splash out for tech with some serious questions. How well will the folding screen age? Will it crease with time and use? Folding screens are still a novelty in the real world, and their durability is still being tested. 

Best budget under $500: HP 2023 15.6 inch HD Lightweight Laptop

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Specs

• Dimensions: 14.11 inches by 9.53 inches by 0.71 inches
• Weight: 3.75 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home in S Mode
• RAM: 12GB DDR4 RAM
• Storage: 512GB PCle SSD
• Processor: Intel Core i3-1125G4 (11th generation)
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Resolution: 1366 x 768

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Good storage for price
• Backlit keyboard
• Good ports with 2 SuperSpeed USB-A, 1 USB-C, HDMI, SD card reader and headphone jack

Cons

• Entry-level graphics card
• Older processor

Navigating the sub-$500 laptop market can be tricky, but a savvy buyer should focus on getting as much processing power and storage as possible. The HP 2023 15.6 inch HD Lightweight Laptop offers a lot to like. The entry-level Intel i3 processor is a couple of generations behind, but it’s still suitable for most everyday tasks and computing needs. For the price range, this laptop features decent RAM and storage to support multitasking and some photo and video editing. It has a decent anti-glare, high-definition screen that’s large enough for comfortably falling into a YouTube rabbit hole, though won’t be the crispest or brightest screen on the market. It’s a solid performer and a good fit for anyone who wants to avoid overpaying for processing power they don’t need.

What to consider when buying the best HP laptops

It’s tempting to max out specs and call your search over, but that’s like buying a luxury car when all you’re trying to do is have a reliable car to go back and forth to work. Start with how you plan on using your machine and finding the best match within your budget.

Price

If only price wasn’t an object—but it is. It’s possible to get a laptop for under $500, but you’re making tradeoffs in power, speed, and display quality. Reliable laptops that can handle basic computing tasks like web browsing, school work, or home office-type tasks can be bought for $600 to $800. Expect to spend at least $1,000 or more for the kind of processing power and memory needed for creative work like editing photos or videos, or entry-level gaming. The more powerful the laptop, the more it will cost. Innovative features like new form factors or premium touches like aluminum instead of plastic can also increase the price. HP frequently rotates which laptops are on sale, so deal-watchers can likely find a model they’re coveting for a steal.

Processing power, memory, and storage

Once upon a time, you could buy a computer that met your needs at the moment but could be upgraded later. Manufacturers have moved away from upgrades after purchase, so think carefully about how much memory and storage you may need.

Processors—usually Intel or AMD in Windows machines—are your laptop’s brain. To ensure more processing power, look for more cores, higher GHz, and the newest generations. Get as much as you can afford. RAM affects multitasking performance. For basic computing, 8GB will do, but consider 16GB or more if you use many creative apps, coding, or gaming. Solid-state drives have essentially replaced slower, mechanical hard drives to benefit content creators and gamers who need speed. We like at least 512GB of storage, though of all the specs, this can be most easily addressed after purchase with external drives.

Graphics processing units display the data the CPU processes, and higher-end GPUs can display higher-fidelity graphics, something to consider if you’re gaming or editing and processing video. The flip side is that GPUs use more power and can drink the battery juice.

Display

Displays do more than look pretty, but looking pretty is a good start. Size is a prominent factor in determining how many windows you can fit on a screen, but you also want to consider a higher resolution. The higher the resolution, the sharper the screen will look, and the more details you’ll be able to see. Brightness is another factor to consider, especially if you work in a bright room or attempt to work outside on sunny days. Screen brightness is measured in nits, and can range from 200 up to 1,200. However, using a screen at full brightness is another battery drain.

Gamers will also want to consider a screen’s refresh rates, aka how fast it can update what’s happening per second. Refresh rates can range from 30Hz to 300Hz, but you’ll most commonly see 60Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz. We recommend at least 140Hz for AAA gaming.

Portability

Size + weight = how portable a laptop is. We like a 13 to 15-inch screen and a computer that’s three pounds or lighter device for people who want to lug laptops all around town. Five pounds may not sound like much until it’s been on your back for eight hours, but that’s about the heaviest laptop to consider for carrying around regularly. Of course, plenty of users have laptops that always stay on their desks. Bigger laptops with 16- and 17-inch displays may be heavier but grant crucial inches of screen space. Gaming laptops come packed with processing power and cooling systems, making them bulkier than other options.

Ports

Always check the ports built-in to a laptop so you can see how you can augment your computing setup. Consider the monitors, cameras, mics, audio interfaces, and other equipment you want to connect. USB-C ports are edging out USB-A as the default choice for peripherals, but not all USB-C ports and cords are equal. Some transfer only power and data, while others support video protocols that replace the need for an HDMI port. How will you know? Read carefully.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best HP laptops

• Best overall: HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T
• Best Chromebook: HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
• Best 2-in-1: HP Envy 2-in-1 14” Full HD Touch-Screen Laptop
• Best for gaming: HP Victus 16 Laptop
• Best for business: HP EliteBook 845 G9 Business Laptop
• Best with a folding screen: HP Spectre 3-in-1 17″ 2.5K OLED Touch-Screen Foldable Laptop
• Best budget under $500: HP 2023 15.6 inch HD Lightweight Laptop

When selecting an HP laptop, the best one aligns with your specific needs, budget, and how you plan to use it. Regarding the best overall HP laptop, the HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T takes the spotlight. Its elegant design, portability, and versatile 2-in-1 functionality make it a standout choice for users seeking style and substance (peanut butter in your chocolate, chocolate in your peanut butter … either way is a winner). However, the HP lineup has something to suit every user, from the budget-conscious to the early adopter.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best HP laptops in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro		SEE IT	A middle-of-the-road option for the Pro line in size but a laptop offering a significant jump in processing power and bells and whistles.
Best for video editing		MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro		SEE IT	The M2 Pro’s top-of-the-line screen supports Hollywood’s P3 color standard or can be tuned to other configurations for TV or other projects.
Best compact		MacBook Air 13-inch M1		SEE IT	The Air M1 still rocks the wedge-shape that Airs were locked into for years.

Choosing a MacBook has become a bit like buying a car. Picking a model seems relatively straightforward until you navigate all the trim options to find what suits your budget, needs, and wants. Apple’s MacBook models include the Air and the Pro, but several different types of the company’s custom-built M-series processors can be under the hood. Overall, the chips have boosted MacBooks’ performance and battery life, though it’s easy to buy more power than your daily tasks need. We’ve combed through the specs to help you find the best MacBook for you.

• Best overall: MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro
• Best Air: MacBook Air 15-inch M2
• Best for college: MacBook Air 13-inch M2
• Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro
• Best for music production: MacBook Pro 13-inch M2
• Best compact: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

How we chose the best MacBooks

To find the best MacBooks, we’ve pulled from PopSci testing and extensive research of peer and user reviews. Apple doesn’t have the hugest laptop lineup, but the company’s options for mixing and matching processors and storage do a good job of meeting many users’ needs.

The best MacBooks: Reviews & Recommendations

After opting for an Apple laptop, the next choice pits MacBook Air versus Pro. MacBook Air models perform excellently for most users, offering a slim, ultra-portable body that’s durable and lightweight. MacBook Pro models are super-charged for more intense workloads with more powerful processors, higher resolution screens, and more ports to speed through creative projects like music production and image editing. Consider whether you want a MacBook for web surfing, emailing, writing, or more media- or code-heavy tasks.

Best overall: MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M2 Pro chip with 10-to 12-core CPU, 16- to 19-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine
• RAM: 16-38GB unified memory
• Storage: 512GB-8TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.61 x 12.31 x 8.71 inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe

Pros

• Bright screen
• Considerable power even at base model
• Long-lasting battery
• Available in two colors: space gray and silver

Cons

• Expensive

For most people, the MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro will be more machine than they need but an excellent, future-resilient choice for anyone who tries to stretch the time out between laptop purchases as long as possible.  The 14-inch model is the middle-of-the-road option for the Pro line in size but offers a significant jump in processing power and bells and whistles over the Pro 13-inch M2 model.

While the 14-inch M2 Pro is housed in Apple’s signature aluminum body, it’s loaded with higher-end features that lead to an elegant experience. For starters, its bigger screen is Apple’s tip-top Liquid Retina XDR display, which uses mini-LED backlighting for bright, crisp images and a refresh rate that makes for smooth scrolling like on an iPad Pro. That clarity—and the six speakers with spatial audio support—make for a more immersive movie-watching experience, a solid gaming experience, or a lovely video chat. The mighty M2 Pro chip makes quick work of RAW files, video editing, and pretty much anything you can throw at it without triggering the dreaded rainbow wheel of death. The larger size also allows for more ports—including HDMI and SDXC card slots—and more room for the built-in cooling system.

The only downside is the base model will set you back about two grand, but it starts with the kind of specs we often recommend springing for to improve other models, such as a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU. For about $500 more, consider boosting the storage from 512GB to 1TB if you plan on significant video creation or explore the best external drives for Macs.

Best Air: MacBook Air 15-inch M2

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• RAM: 8-24GB unified memory
• Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.45 x 13.4 x 9.35 inches
• Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 ports

Pros

• Lightweight
• Larger screen
• Snappy operations
• Improved tools for video conferencing
• Available in four colors: midnight, silver, space gray, starlight

Cons

• Few ports
• Base model starts with very little storage

The MacBook Air 15-inch M2 is a darn good laptop, one of our top picks for businesses, and a serious contender for best overall on this roundup. Apple released the 15-inch version of the Air in June, and there’s a lot to like. The base M2 chip is fast off the line: The machine boots up in mere seconds, apps open nearly instantly, and the battery can easily last a workday.

The 15-inch M2 base model starts at $1,299 with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, offering a step up in processing power for only a couple hundred more than the 13-inch version. The bigger body accommodates an improved video conferencing setup with a higher resolution camera, a three-mic array, and six speakers instead of four. The larger Liquid Retina display is enough to functionally use two windows side by side. And yet, the Air is still less than a half-inch thick and weighs just over 3 pounds.

The Air line has some potential drawbacks, so we gave the best overall MacBook to a Pro model. Apple opted for a fanless cooling system for Air models, which is how they can be so light and essentially silent. For most day-to-day tasks, that’s not a problem. Many of us don’t push our machines to their limits. Anyone who doesn’t have processor-taxing jobs could safely save some cash by opting for an Air instead of a Pro. However, the Air line storage starts at 256GB, which is just too tiny for a laptop these days. Upgrade the storage and unified memory if your budget allows—they aren’t upgradable later. 

Best for college: MacBook Air 13-inch M2

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core or 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural engine
• RAM: 8-24GB unified memory
• Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.44 x 11.97 x 8.46 inches
• Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Ports: MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack

Pros

• Lightest MacBook
• Good all-around performer
• Sturdy body
• Available four colors: silver, midnight, space gray starlight

Cons

• Few ports
• Base model starts with very little storage

If treated with a little TLC, the MacBook Air 13-inch M2 can easily last an entire (and perhaps even prolonged) college career. In our MacBook Air M2 review, we called it “one of the best laptops you can buy right now, bar none,” and it topped our best MacBook for college roundup. So what makes it so great?

The Air M2 is durable, portable, powerful, and generally an excellent value for a Mac. Average classwork like emails, video conferencing, and web research pose no challenge for the processors. They can also handle some gaming and basic video and photo editing but can start stuttering as the machine gets warm. The M2 edition features noticeable upgrades from its predecessor, such as improved webcams and microphones, a larger screen (13.6 inches, up from 13.3), and a brighter, sharper Liquid Retina display. It’s a solid performer whether hitting the books, procrastinating with your favorite streaming service, or delighting mom by FaceTiming home. (Seriously, moms love that. Call your mom.)

Upgrading from the base model to the 10-core GPU and 512GB SSD storage configurations will set you back about $500, but is worth it to avoid storage headaches and laggy transfers.

Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M2 chip with 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU, 16-core Neural engine
• RAM: 16-32GB unified memory
• Storage: 512GB-8TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.66 x 14.01 x 9.77 inches
• Weight: 4.7 pounds
• Ports: 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port

Pros

• Large display supports P3 color standard
• Unique architecture makes for super-efficient operation
• Built-in SD card reader
• Lots of ports
• Longest battery life for a MacBook

Cons

• Pricey for base model
• Upgrades for high-end video add up quickly
• Heavy for a laptop

If your video ambitions lean more toward films than TikToks, check out the MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro. We chose this 16-inch monster as the best laptop for video editing because of its large, sharp display and ability to speed through rendering multiple layers of high-resolution video.

Its top-of-the-line screen supports Hollywood’s P3 color standard or can be tuned to other configurations for TV or other projects. It’s powered by the most sizeable battery in a MacBook, complete with a 140W MagSafe power adapter for fast charging for times you want to leave your workspace, like editing vacation videos while still on vacation. But video editors are often desk-bound, with multiple monitors and tons of external drives, which the 16-inch M2 Pro can handle with a decent amount of ports.

The M2 Pro chip drives the swift performance, making it one of the best MacBooks for creatives. For the most challenging of workloads, you can opt for the M2 Max chip, which doubles the graphics processing for high-end production work, but it’s going to add another grand onto the M2 Pro’s entry price of about $2,500. Then, of course, there’s the cost of an amazing mic for voiceovers—you could be the Alec Baldwin to the next Wes Anderson.

Best for music production: MacBook Pro 13-inch M2

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core or 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural engine
• RAM: 8-24GB unified memory
• Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.44 x 11.97 x 8.46 inches
• Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 ports and headphone jack

Pros

• Lightest MacBook
• Good all-around performer
• Sturdy body
• Available in two colors: space gray, silver

Cons

• Few ports
• Base model starts with very little storage

DJs often bask in the glow of MacBook Pro 13-inch M2’s Liquid Retina screen, and for good reason. Its aluminum body looks good in stickers and, more importantly, is extremely lightweight with a long-lasting battery for carrying from studio to stage. 

We chose its predecessor, the MacBook Pro 13-inch M1, as the best laptop for music editing, but the M2 version ups the processing power and drops the not-so-loved Touch Bar. We recommend upping storage to at least 1TB to ensure you have enough room for the best DJ software and/or best beat-making software and your library of carefully curated tracks. Just add headphones and you’ve got a very capable gig rig.

Best compact: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 13.3-inch Retina display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 7‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• RAM: 8-16GB unified memory
• Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.63 inches tall by 11.97 inches wide by 8.36 inches deep
• Weight: 2.8 pounds

Pros

• Affordable
• Fast to switch between tasks and open apps
• Available in three colors: space gray, silver, gold

Cons

• Lower resolution webcam
• Few ports
• USB-C charger occupies one port when charging
• Base model starts with very little storage

The MacBook Air 13-inch M1 kicked off the new generation of Apple’s laptops with the highly efficient M1 system-on-a-chip series in 2020 and is one MacBook you can usually find for under a grand.

Unlike the squared-off, mini-Pro shapes the new Airs have, Air M1 rocks the wedge-shape Airs were locked into for years. It relies on a fanless calling system, which keeps it cool during demanding tasks while keeping it a slim 2.8 pounds. Only tablets are more compact than this MacBook.

When it first debuted, we called it one of the best overall laptops in our review, and it’s still great. It’s a snappy machine for people who spend most of their time on websites and emailing. The base model starts with an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB solid-state drive storage, but again, we recommend at least upping the amount of storage to 512GB. The screen also isn’t as sharp as other Apple displays, the webcam is a lower resolution of 720 pixels, and it only has two Thunderbolt ports, one of which it needs to charge.

What to consider when buying the best MacBooks

Several important factors must be considered to ensure you get the right model for your needs. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind:

Purpose and usage

Give a good think to how you use your MacBook. Is it largely online shopping and social media? Are you composing an audio or visual masterpiece? For the former, the slim Air line will likely fit your needs and then some. Creatives should opt for Pro models and consider higher-level M-series chips, like the Pro or Max.

The price tag of a MacBook isn’t cheap, but businesses should consider both upfront costs and maintenance. According to a Forrester study, Macs can be less expensive for IT teams to support over their lifecycle because of fewer user complaints and tickets to resolve. They also come with free productivity software, though Page, Numbers, and Keynote are hardly the sector-leading programs. The company is also well-known for its customer service and support. 

Processing power, storage capacity, and memory

Say it with me: You can’t upgrade Apple chips after purchase. Whatever specs you purchase are what you commit to for the life of the MacBook. It’s one of the downsides of the company’s bespoke M-series system-on-a-chip, which houses most essential functions like the central processing unit, graphic processing unit, security enclave, neural engine, and shared memory. While we don’t suggest maxing out everything for every model, weigh where your money gives extra value.

Apple’s M1 and M2 chips deliver faster processing than the previous Intel chips Macs used to have. The base models easily handle general computing needs. Anyone who spends a lot of time photo and video editing, video processing and rendering, 3D rendering, or code compiling should consider upgrading to Pro, Max, or Ultra chips.

A lot of MacBooks start with a paltry 256GB solid-state drive that will fill up quickly. Choose at least 512GB, though 1TB feels more reasonable for a modern laptop. Storage upgrades through Apple get pricey fast, so weigh what you need built-in against what can easily be supplemented by cloud storage or external drives.

You will rarely regret maxing out shared memory as much as your budget will allow. Think of Apple’s shared memory like random access memory in PC-based machines, but it operates more efficiently (hence the lower number).

Portability

MacBooks all have a durable aluminum body, a premium feature compared to most plastic-loving laptops. They range in size from 13- to 16-inch screens and weigh between 2.7 pounds and 4.7. While lugging 5 pounds around town is pushing a comfortable weight, MacBooks have some of the longest-lasting batteries around. While Apple advertises 18- and 22-hour battery lives, that depends on what kind of applications you’re running and how bright displays are set. Still, most MacBooks easily make it through an 8-hour workday.

Ports

We’re obsessed with ports because Macs often have limited options, preferring to push their own proprietary versions. Most of the Air MacBooks have only two ports and a headphone jack. The Pro line offers more options, like HDMI and card readers. Consider your many accessories—like wired and wireless mice and external monitors—and whether you’ll need adapters or a USB-C hub.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best MacBooks

• Best overall: MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro
• Best Air: MacBook Air 15-inch M2
• Best for college: MacBook Air 13-inch M2
• Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro
• Best for music production: MacBook Pro 13-inch M2
• Best compact: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

MacBooks start at higher prices than other laptops but come chock full of premium and market-leading features like day-long battery life. We recommend the MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro, a powerful, media-consuming and creating machine that has the specs to last an average user for many years, as the best overall MacBook. But make no mistake, every MacBook on this list is an outstanding laptop, whether you’re looking for lightweight, portable options like the Air or more powerful Pro models for making music or films.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best MacBooks of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you’ve been considering upgrading your hardware, you’re in luck: Amazon’s October Prime Day is a great time to invest in a shiny new laptop or desktop computer. The latest models from Apple, Samsung, ASUS, Dell, HP, and more are discounted for the shopping event, as are assorted accessories, giving you plenty of options to choose from. So whether you’ve been eyeing the new MacBook Air or are looking for a fast desktop for gaming, we’ve rounded up the best deals.

You’ll have to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of most of these deals, so be sure you’re signed up before making a purchase. And don’t lag, because these desktop and laptop savings are only for a limited time.

Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop 15.3-inch $1,049 (was $1,299)

SEE IT

Just released in June, Apple’s new MacBook Air is a significant upgrade from previous versions. At just 11.5mm thick and weighing only 3.3 pounds, this 15-inch laptop is lighter than ever but also more powerful than previous versions. Its M2 chip performs up to 12 times faster than the MacBook Air with the Intel processor. This laptop also features a stunning Liquid Retina display that’s bright and supports up to 1 billion colors. And the battery lasts up to 18 hours. Apple products rarely go on sale, so take advantage of the opportunity to save $150 on this stellar laptop this Prime Day. Read a full review of the MacBook Air and check out more Prime Day deals on desktops and laptops.

Apple, Microsoft, and LG deals

• Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (2022), 13-inch  2-in-1 Tablet & Laptop $1,299.99 (was $1,599.99)
• Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (2022) $895 (was $1,299.99)
• Microsoft Surface Laptop Go $559.10 (was $899.99)
• Apple 2022 MacBook Pro 13-inch Laptop with M2 chip $1,049 (was $1,249.99)
• LG gram 15.6” Lightweight Laptop $999 (was $1,499.99)
• LG gram 14” 2-in-1 Lightweight Laptop $899.99 (was $1,299.99)

MSI deals

• MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop $1,383 (was $1,599.99)
• MSI Pulse GL76 Gaming Laptop $1,199 (was $1,599.99)
• MSI Raider GE76 Gaming Laptop $1,294.99 (was $1,375)
• MSI G27CQ4 E2, 27″ 1500R Curved Gaming Monitor $179.99 (was $249.99)
• MSI G273CQ Curved Gaming Monitor $179.99 (was $249.99)
• MSI Optix G271CP Curved Gaming Monitor $169.99 (was $209)
• MSI PRO MP241X Business Monitor $72.50 (was $119.99)
• MSI Modern MD271CP Curved Business Monitor $169.99 (was $209.99)
• MSI VIGOR GK30 Gaming Keyboard $29.99 (was $49.99)

Alienware deals

• Alienware Aurora R15 Gaming Desktop $2,239.99 (was $2,799.99)
• Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop $2,389.99 (was $2,999.99)
• Alienware X16 R1 Gaming Laptop $2,614.99 (was $3,249.99)
• Alienware AW3423DW Curved Gaming Monitor $995.99 (was $1,199.99)

Samsung deals

• SAMSUNG 14” Galaxy Book3 Pro Laptop Computer, 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P Processor / 16GB / 512GB $1,134.99 (was $1,449.99)
• SAMSUNG 16” Galaxy Book3 Pro Laptop Computer, 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P Processor / 16GB / 1TB $1,384.99 (was $1,749.99)
• SAMSUNG 15.6” Galaxy Book3 Laptop Computer, 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U Processor / 16 GB / 512GB $774.99 (was $999.99)
• SAMSUNG 16” Galaxy Book3 Pro Laptop Computer, 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P Processor / 16GB / 1TB $1,384.99 (was $1,749.99)
• SAMSUNG 15.6” Galaxy Book3 Laptop Computer, 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P Processor/16 GB/512GB, Thin $949.99 (was $1,199.99)
• SAMSUNG 14” Galaxy Book3 Pro Laptop Computer, 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P Processor / 16GB / 1TB $1,309.99 (was $1,649.99)
• SAMSUNG 14” Galaxy Book3 Pro Laptop Computer, 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P Processor / 16GB / 512GB $1,134.99 (was $1,449.99)
• SAMSUNG Electronics Galaxy Book Odyssey Intel Laptop Computer 15.6″ LED Screen Intel Core i7 Process $965 (was $1,499.99)
• SAMSUNG Electronics Galaxy Book Odyssey Intel Laptop Computer 15.6″ LED Screen Intel Core i7 Processor $775 (was $1,399.99)
• SAMSUNG 16″ Galaxy Book3 Pro Business Laptop Computer/Windows 11 PRO / 32GB / 1TB, 13th Gen Intel $1,684.99 (was $2,049.99)
• SAMSUNG 15.6″ Galaxy Book3 Business Laptop Computer/Windows 11 PRO/16GB – 512GB/ 13th Gen Intel® Core $859.99 (Was $1,099.99)
• SAMSUNG 16″ Galaxy Book3 Pro Business Laptop Computer/Windows 11 PRO / 16GB / 512GB, 13th Gen Intel® $1,184.99 (was $1,449.99)
• SAMSUNG 14″ Galaxy Book3 Pro Business Laptop Computer/Windows 11 PRO / 16GB / 512GB, 13th Gen Intel® $1,109.99 (was $1,449.99)
• SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8 10.5” $189.99 (was $279.99)
• SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7 FE 12.4” $399.99 (was $529.99)
• SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8+ 12.4” $599.99 (was $899.99)
• SAMSUNG Galaxy TabActive4 Pro 10.1” $455.30 (was $649.99)
• Samsung 49” Odyssey OLED G9 Curved Monitor (G93SC) $1,399 (was $1,599)
• Samsung 32″ Odyssey Neo G8 Curved Gaming Monitor with Matte Display Monitor $999 (was $1,499)
• Samsung 34″ G85SB OLED Ultra Curved Smart Gaming Monitor $999 (was $1,499)
• Samsung 32” Odyssey G70B G-Sync Gaming Monitor $649 (was $999)
• Samsung 870 EVO SATA 2.5″ SSD 2TB $99
• Samsung 870 EVO SATA 2.5″ SSD 4TB $169 (was $219)
• SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD $199 (was $246)
• SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 Internal SSD $129 (was $149)
• SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal SSD $279 (was $344)
• SAMSUNG EVO Select 512GB microSDXC Card + Adapter $27.99 (was $39.99)
• SAMSUNG PRO Plus Full Size 128GB SDXC Memory Card $9.99 (was $16.99)

ASUS deals

• ASUS C424MA-AS48F Chromebook C424, 14.0″ 180 Degree FHD NanoEdge Display, Intel Dual Core Celeron Processor $212.49 (was $249.99)  
• ASUS C425TA-AS348FT Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop, 14″ FHD 4-Way NanoEdge Touch Screen, Intel Core $297.95 (was $329.99)
• ASUS CX1500CNA-AS84F Chromebook CX1, 15.6″ Full HD NanoEdge Display, Intel Celeron N3350 Processor $235 (was $249.99)
• ASUS AiO M3400 All-in-One Desktop PC, 23.8-inch Full HD Anti-Glare Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5625U $729.99 (was $899.99)
• ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) Gaming Laptop, 16” 16:10 FHD 165Hz, GeForce RTX 4070, Intel Core i9-13980H $1,679.99 (was $1,999.99)
• ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 Gaming Laptop, 15.6” 240Hz IPS QHD Display, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, Intel $1,499.99 (was $2,049.99)
• ASUS TUF Gaming A17 Gaming Laptop, 17.3” 144Hz FHD IPS-Type Display, AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, GeForce GTX $599.99 (was $799.99)
• ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Gaming Laptop, 15.6” 144Hz FHD IPS-Type Display, Intel Core i5-11400H Processor $799.99 (was $999.99) 
• ASUS ROG Strix G17 (2022) Gaming Laptop, 17.3” 144Hz IPS FHD Display, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU $979.99 (was $1,199.99)
• ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo 14.5” 16:10 Touch Display, 120Hz Refresh Rate, ScreenPad Plus, Intel i9-1390 $1,899.99 (was $2,299.99)
• ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X Laptop, 16” 16:10 Display, Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU, NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 40 $1,799.99 (was $2,199.99)
• ASUS Vivobook Go 15 L510 Thin & Light Laptop Computer, 15.6” FHD Display, Intel Celeron N4020 Processor $189.99 (was $249.99) 
• ASUS 2023 Vivobook 14 Laptop, 14” FHD (1920 x 1080) Display, Intel Core i5-1235U CPU, Intel Iris Xᵉ $399.99 (was $479.99)
• ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 UX582 Laptop, 15.6” OLED 4K Touch Display, i7-12700H, 16GB, 1TB, GeForce RTX $1,799.99 (was $2,499.99)
• ASUS Vivobook Laptop L210 11.6″ Ultra Thin Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB eMM $179.99 (was $249.99)

Acer deals

• Acer Chromebook Spin 314 Convertible Laptop | Intel Pentium Silver N6000 | 14″ HD Corning Gorilla Glass $339.99 (was $399.99) 
• Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-57Y8 Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i5-12500H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop $699.99 (was $899.99) 
• Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS Octa-Core CPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU $1,287.97 (was $1,399.99)
• Acer Aspire 3 A314-23P-R3QA Slim Laptop | 14.0″ Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 5 7520U Quad-Core
• $349 (was $449.99) 
• Acer Aspire TC-1760-UA92 Desktop | 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400 6-Core Processor | 12GB 3200MHz DDR4 $499.99 (was $619.99)
• Acer Swift Go 14 Intel Evo Thin & Light Laptop 14″ 1920×1200 100% sRGB Touch Display Intel Core i7-1 $649.99 (was $899.99)
• Acer Aspire C27-1700-UA91 AIO Desktop | 27″ Full HD IPS Display | 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U $749.99 (was $899.99)
• Acer Aspire C24-1700-UA91 AIO Desktop | 23.8″ Full HD IPS Display | 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U $499.99 (was $649.99)

Dell deals

• Dell Inspiron 7720 All in One Desktop – 27-inch FHD Touchscreen Display, Intel Core i7-1355U, 32GB $1,141.99 (was $1,399.99)
• Dell Inspiron 16 5635 Laptop – AMD Ryzen 7-7730U, QHD 16 inch, 16GB LPDDR4x RAM, 1TB SSD, AMD Radeon $749.99 (was $999.99)
• Dell G16 7630 Gaming Laptop – 16-inch (2560 x 1600) QHD+ 165Hz 3ms Display, Intel Core i9-13900HX $1,499.99 (was $1,789.99)
• Dell Inspiron 7630 Laptop – Intel Core i7-13700H, 16-inch 16:10 2.5K Display, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, 512GB $1,109.99 (was $1,399.99) 
• Dell G15 5530 Gaming Laptop – 15.6-inch FHD (1920×1080) Display, Intel Core i7-13650HX, 16GB $1,229.99 (was $1,449.99)
• Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop – Intel Core i5-1335U, 15.6-inch FHD 120Hz Display, 16GB DDR4 RAM $552.49 (was $649.99)
• Dell Inspiron 3020S Desktop – Intel Core i5-13400, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD, Intel UHD 730 $584.99 (was $749.99)
• Dell Inspiron 16 5630 Laptop – Intel Core i7-1360P, 16-inch 16:10 FHD+ Display, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, 1TB $874.68 (was $1,129.99)

HP deals

• HP 15.6 inch Laptop PC, Processor: 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 $764.39 (was $839.99)
• HP Pavilion Plus 14 inch Laptop, 2.8K OLED Display, 13th Generation Intel Core i7-1355U, 16 GB RAM $1,074.99 (was $1,299.99)
• HP All-in-One PC Desk Computer, 21.5″ Full HD Micro-Edge Display, AMD Ryzen 3 Processor, AMD Radeon $469.99 (Was $652.78) 
• HP All-in-One Bundle PC, 27″ FHD Micro-Edge Display, 12th Generation Intel Core i7 Processor $789.99 (was $1,070.13)
• HP 15 inch Laptop, FHD Display, Intel Core i3-1215U, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, Windows $319.99 (was $499.99)
• HP 15 inch Laptop, HD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, Windows $379.99 (was $499) 
• HP 17 inch Laptop, HD+ Display, 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD $595.99 (was $729.99)

Lenovo deals

• Lenovo 3i Chromebook – 2023 – Everyday Notebook – Chrome OS – 15.6″ Full HD – 8GB Memory – 64GB Storage $254.99 (was $299.99)
• Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i – 2022 – All-in-One Desktop – 27″ QHD Touch Display – 5MP + IR Camera $949.99 (was $1,249.99)
• Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3-2022- All-in-One Desktop – 23.8″ FHD Touch Display – HD 720p Camera – Windows $599.99 (was $799.99)
• Lenovo Legion Tower 5i – 2022 – Gaming Desktop – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 $1,349.99 (was $1,679.99)
• Lenovo Legion Tower 7 – 2022 – Gaming Desktop – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 – Intel i9-12900 $1,699.99 (was $2,199.99)
• Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i – 2022 – All-in-One Desktop – 27″ QHD Touch Display – 5MP + IR Camera $949.99 (was $1,249.99)
• Lenovo Legion Tower 5i – 2022 – Gaming Desktop – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 – Intel i7-12700F $1,349.99 (was $1,679.99)
• Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 – (2023) – Everyday Notebook – 2-in-1 Laptop – Windows 11 – 16″ WUXGA Touchscreen $734.99 (was $849.99)

Accessorizing other activities? Take a look at our ongoing list of Big Deal Days discounts.

Want more deals delivered to your inbox weekly? Sign up for PopSci’s Deals newsletter and save money on stuff you’ll really use.

The post Save up to 40% on computers from Apple, Samsung, HP, MSI, and more with these Prime Day deals appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		HP Envy X360		SEE IT	This 15-inch 2-in-1 laptop is widely considered to be the best one HP has to offer.
Best for speed		Lenovo Chromebook C330		SEE IT	It’s a super-compact 2-in-1 with a screen/tablet section that’s not much larger than an iPad.
Best budget		Gateway Touchscreen 11.6 HD 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop		SEE IT	No frills, but easy on the wallet.

If you are in the market for both a new laptop and a new tablet, a 2-in-1 laptop will give you both in a single device. Think of all the benefits you’ll reap with a device that functions as both a full-fledged computer and a more casual tablet. All it takes is a snap or a rotation for it to go from one to the other. When you travel, you’ll only have to make luggage space for one device instead of two, and the best 2-in-1 laptops are also super-portable when you’re just running around town. If you’re heading out to do errands and want to take your work with you, just disconnect the tablet from the keyboard or flip the device and go.

With 2-in-1 laptops, you won’t have to worry about saving files to two different devices, and you only need one outlet and plug to charge both. Using them can also be a family affair. Adults get to do their work during the day and read in bed at night on the same PC, and the touchscreens make them kid-friendly. The little ones will also love the tablet component. The whole family can stay busy—and happy—with one of the best 2-in-1 laptops.

• Best overall: HP Envy X360
• Best convertible: Acer Chromebook Spin 311
• Best for Android users: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+
• Best with touchscreen: Dell New XPS 13
• Best for speed: Lenovo Chromebook C330
• Best budget: Gateway Touchscreen 11.6 HD 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

How we chose the best 2-in-1 laptops

In order to find the best 2-in-1 laptops, we looked at user reviews and critical recommendations and performed heavy research. We also looked at past computer and laptop coverage to ensure all picks have specifications to tackle multiple browser windows, streaming, and workflow apps.

The best 2-in-1 laptops: Reviews & Recommendations

Buying a new laptop or tablet can be a stressful undertaking. With so many brands and models to choose from, how do you pick the one that best meets your needs? One of our picks should do just that.

Best overall: HP Envy X360

SEE IT

Specs

• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 512GB
• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Battery life: Almost 10 hours

Pros

• Large screen
• Long battery life
• Powerful specs

Cons

• Might be a little large for a commute

With its perfect 1080p high definition, expanded memory and storage, backlit keyboard, and powerhouse 3-cell lithium-ion battery (9 hours and 45 minutes of life), HP’s crowning achievement in 2-in-1 laptops offers a lot more than its relatively bargain-level price tag might suggest. Its convertible design allows it to switch from regular laptop to tent and tablet modes.

Best convertible: Acer Chromebook Spin 311

SEE IT

Specs

• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 32GB
• Screen size: 11.6 inches
• Battery life: 10 hours

Pros

• Portable
• Great for surfing the web
• Strong touchscreen

Cons

• Not good for beefier computing

Chromebooks give you access to more than two million Android apps available on Google Play, and this one’s IPS technology and antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass 6 touchscreen deliver maximum clarity and detail. It offers limited space compared to other models, but there’s a microSD slot for extra storage, should you need it.

Best for Android users: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+

SEE IT

Specs

• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 512GB
• Screen size: 12.4 inches
• Battery life: Two days

Pros

• Long battery life
• Can control other Android devices with the tablet
• Water- and dust-resistant

Cons

• Keyboard sold separately

If you’re a big fan of Android apps, meet your match. With this 2-in-1, you’ll have access to all the apps you need without having to do any fancy finagling. Although it’s built mainly for use as a tablet, this model can easily expand into a laptop by attaching it to the separate S9+ keyboard.

Best with touchscreen: Dell New XPS 13

SEE IT

Specs

• RAM: 32GB
• Storage: 2 TB
• Screen size: 13.4 inches
• Battery life: 17 hours

Pros

• Loaded with features
• Blue light-reducing screen
• Thin

Cons

• Expensive

It may not be cheap, but this Dell 2-in-1 comes loaded with features, including a sleek aluminum design that’s six percent thinner than the market average, a 2.25mm HD webcam, Dolby Vision, a damage-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 6 screen, and an Eyesafe display that reduces harmful blue-light emissions. Just touch the power button and let it work its 2-in-1 magic.

Best for speed: Lenovo Chromebook C330

SEE IT

Specs

• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB
• Screen size: 11.6 inches
• Battery life: 10 hours

Pros

• Compact
• Boots up fast
• 10-point touch screen

Cons

• Reviews note poor customer service from Lenovo

Lenovo laptops boot up quickly, and you won’t have to wait more than a few seconds to get this one started. Its 10-point touch screen further ensures easy maneuverability. Although the RAM and storage meet only the minimum requirements for high efficiency, its compact price and size make it a top 2-in-1 pick.

Best budget: Gateway Touchscreen 11.6 HD 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB
• Screen size: 11.6 inches
• Battery life: 8.5 hours

Pros

• Portable
• Lots of ports
• Decent battery life

Cons

• Reviews note flaky Bluetooth

This one has fairly basic functionality with 4GB of RAM, and 64GB storage and is perfect for casual use. If you’re only looking to surf the internet and use Microsoft Word, then the specs are just enough to get the job done. Its fun blue color makes it stand out from the silver and black laptop pack, and its price is phenomenal.

Things to consider when shopping for the best 2-in-1 laptops

Of course, decisions must still be made when searching for the best 2-in-1 laptop. First, do you want a detachable or convertible device? Next, how do you want the touch screen to work? If you are using it as a tablet outdoors or while multitasking, this will become an especially crucial detail. Should you go with a Google Chromebook or a Windows device? The operating system will have a huge effect on the apps you’re able to use. Another question: How long does it take to boot up and complete tasks? Finally, how good is the sound and screen resolution? The gamers and movie buffs in your household will definitely want to know.

Should you go detachable or convertible?

The best 2-in-1 laptops come in two different forms: detachable and convertible. The former allows the screen to be completely detached from the keyboard for use as a tablet. That solves any bulk issues with one snap. Extra portability is obviously the biggest benefit of a detachable 2-in-1, and it gives you a lighter, more traditional tablet experience. Apple disciples take note: The brand has not yet entered the 2-in-1 market, but to get the 2-in-1 laptop experience with Apple, you can pair an iPad Pro with a smart keypad.

With convertible 2-in-1 laptops, the screen swivels or folds in different directions and at different angles while remaining attached to the keyboard. You can use it in regular laptop form manipulate it into an upside-down V shape, or bend the keypad back and face down to watch movies. If you want to read in bed or use it while in transit, you can bend it flat so that it functions as a tablet. The main drawback here is that if you can’t detach the keyboard, it will be bulkier than the average tablet.

In the end, the choice between detachable and convertible will come down to personal taste. Convertibles are best if you will be using the device primarily as a laptop, as they tend to be sturdier and have superior keyboards. If you’re frequently on the run and want to avoid bulk, a detachable 2-in-1 will probably be more suited to your lifestyle needs.

What about all your apps?

If you have favorite Android or iOS apps, not all of them might be available in a 2-in-1 that’s supported by Windows. Meanwhile, a Google Chromebook supported by Chrome OS will let you access all the Android apps in the Google Play Store. Still, remember, certain apps that were designed primarily for use with laptops might not work as well in tablet mode.

There are, thankfully, ways around the app and OS limitations. If you are part of the Windows Insider program, you can now run Android mobile apps on both your Windows 10 laptop and supported Samsung devices. You simply pin your favorite Android apps to the taskbar or the start menu of your laptop using the Your Phone app. Once accessible, you can use the apps without installing them on your laptop, even when they aren’t open on your phone. For now, this only works if you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, and it must be connected to the same WiFi network as your phone.

The main takeaway here is this: If you are very particular about your apps and how they work, the supporting operating system should be a major consideration. Even if you get the best 2-in-1 laptop that money can buy, you might want to hang on to your smartphone and keep it close … just in case.

How does the touchscreen work?

Most of us are accustomed to mouse-operated laptops, but touch screens have their place, particularly with tablets. Although they’re fairly straightforward, several variables should be considered when evaluating a touchscreen. If you’re outside in cold weather, will it respond to your fingers while you’re wearing gloves? Also, moist fingers won’t activate some screens, which might be frustrating if you’re in a wet situation and can’t immediately dry them.

Certain laptop activities require a mouse, but with Windows and Google both supporting touch screens, they’re not just for tablets anymore. A responsive touchscreen is an especially important 2-in-1 laptop feature if young children are using it since their fingers tend to be stickier than most. Smudges left by their fingerprints may not be your only touchscreen issue. Some apps, like File Explorer, were designed with a keyboard and mouse in mind, so they might not be as user-friendly when you access them in tablet mode.

If you go for a brand that allows you to use a stylus to input information, you’ll want to be sure it has palm-rejection technology. With that feature, the 2-in-1 will respond only to the stylus and not to another part of your hand that’s touching the screen.

How important is speed to you?

A traditional laptop will probably get the job done most efficiently when it comes to complicated tasks that require a graphics card, like video editing and gaming. If you’re a casual user and speed is key, you’ll get more mileage—and cover it a lot more quickly—with the best 2-in-1 laptop than you would with just a tablet. They do, after all, feature full PC operating systems and faster processors.

Speed does tend to vary among 2-in-1 laptops, so to be sure you get the fastest bang for your bucks, make a checklist: Does it take forever to turn on and off? How easy is it to open programs and apps? Can you do what you need to do efficiently without wasting time watching a spinning wheel?

One thing that will affect the speed in a major way is the memory (RAM) and storage capacity of your 2-in-1. Since computers tend to slow down as they begin to run out of memory and space, you should get one that can hold as much memory and storage as possible. Light casual users who won’t be storing their entire life on a computer can probably get by with 4GB of RAM and 250GB of storage, but to stay on the safe — and fast—side, you should go as high with both as your finances will take you.

Looks (and sound) matter

What good is a 2-in-1 if it delivers crappy sound and screen resolution? You should approach buying yours the same way you might approach buying a new television or speaker. The sound should be clear and crisp without requiring further amplification. Even the best 2-in-1 laptops won’t give you audio that’s as Hi-Fi as that of a cheap soundbar, but if you are going to be watching a lot of movies and videos online or playing music on iTunes or Spotify, you shouldn’t have to strain to hear what’s going on.

Keep this in mind when assessing sound: The fans that keep the best 2-in-1 laptops from overheating might interfere with the audio, so to offset any potential effect, at least 8GB of RAM/memory is recommended. High-quality multimedia demands that your device processes data at high speeds, so more firepower means better audio while listening to music or watching movies.

Alas, nothing you screen on even the best 2-in-1 laptops will give you movie cinema or even 55-inch TV gorgeousness, but high definition maximizes viewing pleasure. The base HD standard is 1920×1080, or 1080p, while many computers now ofter 4K. Some brands pack on features that allow users to approximate the cinematic experience more closely, but if you’re in the HD range, you’re already on your way.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 2-in-1 laptops

• Best overall: HP Envy X360
• Best convertible: Acer Chromebook Spin 311
• Best for Android users: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+
• Best with touch screen: Dell New XPS 13
• Best for speed: Lenovo Chromebook C330
• Best budget: Gateway Touchscreen 11.6 HD 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

The best 2-in-1 laptops will do more for you than travel well. It’s great to have both your laptop and tablet in one place, but it’s even better if you don’t have to give up any of the benefits of having two separate devices. A number of brands are making 2-in-1 laptops with superior audio and visuals, and since Chromebooks run on the Google operating system instead of Windows 10, if you go with a Samsung Galaxy Chromebook or any other Chromebook model, you’ll be able to access your favorite Google Play Store apps with minimal hassle. All the music you want to listen to, the movies you want to watch, and the games you want to play are just a tap of a touch screen away.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best 2-in-1 laptops for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 With Linux		SEE IT	The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 With Linux looks good and performs amazingly.
Best budget		Acer Chromebook Spin 713		SEE IT	Although this affordable Acer Chromebook Spin 713 runs on a Chrome OS it offers an inexpensive way to run Linux software.
Best for privacy		Purism Librem 13		SEE IT	Keep your private data safe with the most secure laptop available.

While Mac and Windows computers dominate discussions, Linux laptops deserve your consideration. While making the switch may involve a learning curve, Linux machines will reward you with a stable and secure operating system that offers a free, private, open-source platform. Some manufacturers still make installing Linux products on their laptops difficult, although workarounds are available to make almost any laptop run the OS. To avoid the potential problems of installing your own software, purchase one of the best Linux laptops that comes ready to go right out of the box. Buying a laptop with Linux pre-installed also ensures that future software updates from the manufacturer will be supported. You won’t need to tinker with the operating system to ensure good performance. The best Linux laptops can provide solid options for professional machines, school computers, and even personal laptops for tinkering and coding.

• Best overall: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 With Linux
• Best for privacy: Purism Librem 13 laptop
• Best for work: System76 Lemur Pro
• Best for gaming: Juno Neptune 16-inch
• Best budget: Acer Chromebook Spin 713

How we chose the best Linux laptops

When it comes to native Linux machines, options are relatively limited. Some manufacturers like Dell and HP have recently jumped out of the Linux game. To find the best Linux laptops, we surveyed the market for available options and narrowed them down based on a few essential features. We compared power, security, ease of use, and brand reputation. Some of these machines come from smaller brands, but they offer excellent track records when it comes to support and product quality. When reviewing products, we relied on a mixture of personal experience, editorial reviews, user impressions, and spec comparisons to narrow down the field to these specific picks. 

The best Linux laptops: Reviews & Recommendations

Your choice of a Linux-based laptop depends on what you intend to use the machine for. Whether you need a productivity workhorse, a low-price option, or a notebook loaded with a great graphics card to make games come alive, we’ve got the best options for your reference. 

Best overall: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 With Linux

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This lightweight high-quality machine has all the benefits of a premium ThinkPad combined with a Linux operating system. 

Specs

• Size: 14.0″
• CPU: 11th-gen Core i5 Intel processor
• RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4X 4266MHz (Soldered)
• Storage: 1TB SSD

Pros 

• ThinkPad nub
• A high-quality laptop loaded with Linux
• Very light and thin design

Cons 

• Expensive

Lenovo ThinkPads are tested to military requirements to ensure they are resistant to dust, sand, and fungus and will still run in extreme conditions. It’s the sort of rigorous testing you can really see reflected in the robust build. 

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 With Linux is a premium laptop, and the price reflects that quality. Don’t take the ticketed price as the final word; instead, shop around if this model is at the top of your picks. Lenovo often offers brand-wide discounts on its devices.

The 14-inch, 1920×1200 IPS display looks great, especially with the new feature that aims to reduce blue light exposure. The touchpad has increased in size from the Gen 8, and it’s nice to have a little more space to work with. The black chassis and iconic red TrackPoint give this Linux laptop a chic look and help make it one of the best in class.

It sports an 11th-gen Core i5 Intel processor inside, as well as Iris XE integrated graphics. Linux-based computers are not usually included in lists of the best cheap laptops. This one is a powerful work machine that offers advanced features for those who can justify the cost, making it best for developers that need to be running a laptop on Linux.

Best for privacy: Purism Librem 13

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Hailed as one of the most secure laptops ever, the Purism Librem 13 is made for security-conscious users looking to keep their data private.

Specs:

• Size: 13.3″
• CPU: Intel Core i7-6500U 2 x 2.5 – 3.1 GHz 
• Ram: 8GB up to 32GB, DDR4
• Storage: Configurable

Pros 

• Customizable 
• Open source BIOS
• Only notebook on the market with physical kill switches for privacy

Cons 

• SD Card is very slow
• Weak WiFi

This Purism Librem 13 laptop is the perfect option for those seeking a system that helps protect their privacy. Two kill switches allow you to disable both the webcam and microphone, while the other one cuts WiFi and Bluetooth. These switches work immediately, cutting data transfers whenever required. 

The Librem 13’s coreboot and PureOS open-source firmware replace the default BIOS. If you enjoy getting into the source code and making changes yourself, the fully open-source coreboot lets you add or edit features as needed. This makes it so easy to open up and foster complete customization, and upgrades, including the ability to swap RAM and storage, supporting SATA and NVMe M.2 drives. 

Use the Purism Key on the keyboard to quickly and easily launch apps, access a dock, and switch between Windows and desktops. The Purism Librem 13 laptop is on the higher end of the price scale, but it represents the first, truly secure, and safe computer for privacy-conscious buyers. Many people, such as those in data science, feel that peace of mind alone is priceless. 

Best for work: System76 Lemur Pro

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With an excellent keyboard that provides zero flex when typing and an incredibly long-lasting battery, this System76 Lemur Pro laptop is a top choice for productivity.

Specs

• Size: 14″-17″
• CPU: 4c/8t Intel i7-10510u
• RAM: up to 40GiB DDR4 (8GiB + 32GiB)
• Storage: Up to 8TB NVMe storage

Pros 

• Outstanding keyboard
• Long-lasting battery
• Great looking design

Cons 

• Intel UHD 620 graphics don’t support gaming well

Laptops with pre-loaded Linux are available from a few big laptop manufacturers and smaller Linux-only boutique-style outfits like System76. The benefit of shopping a Linux-only brand is that they really specialize in a specific kind of machine. This system offers exceptional and impressive battery life and a keyboard that is a real joy to use. These features make it a solid choice for work, as it will last all day through multiple tasks and applications.

Running PopOS, a GNOME-based distro from System 76, and with open firmware with coreboot, this is a very capable laptop that can handle a variety of programs at speed. The possibilities are there for an upgradable build that can be customized to suit your needs. It’s incredibly light at just over 2 pounds, making it easy to pack up and travel to the office or a co-working space. The multitouch trackpad isn’t the most responsive on the market, and the 720p webcam is also not a standout feature; however, both are still serviceable and will work for most people’s needs.

Best for gaming: Juno Neptune 16-inch

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Preloaded with the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS operating system, this gaming laptop offers powerful graphics and a 15.6-inch display with a 240Hz refresh rate, to prevent screen tearing and offer you an unparalleled gaming experience.

Specs

• Size: 16″
• CPU: Intel 10th Generation Core (Comet Lake)
• RAM: Intel 14-core i7-12700H
• Storage: Up to 4TB

Pros 

• Responsive glass trackpad
• Privacy slider for webcam
• NVIDIA graphics cards

Cons 

• Expensive

The Juno Neptune is not a budget model at all and can’t be called a cheap gaming laptop. However, you’ll receive a top-notch Linux gaming machine for the price. Expect an abundance of ports, including a microSD slot, a USB 3.2 Gen 1, headphone and microphone jack, an Ethernet port, two more USB 3.2 Gen 1 slots on the right side, plus an HDMI out, Mini-DP out, and a single USB-C Gen 2 slot that supports Thunderbolt 3.  

The beautiful 1080p 240Hz display looks truly amazing. It brings games to life and helps create an immersive experience to remember. The multi-color back-lit keyboard is also a fun touch and will brighten up your home office. Despite the high performance of this machine, the battery is surprisingly solid. However, if you yearn for more unplugged time or you want to take your laptop on the road, switch from Nvidia to Intel graphics, depending on your task, and you’ll get a boost in battery life. With great gaming performance, graphics, battery life, and an impressive build, this laptop is a strong choice for Linux-loving gamers.

Best budget: Acer Chromebook Spin 713

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This affordable laptop offers long battery life, a comfortable keyboard, and, with its 360-degree hinge, it can also be used as a tablet. 

Specs

• Size: 13.5″
• CPU: Intel Core i3-10110U 
• RAM: 256GB
• Storage: 128GB SSD

Pros 

• Great hardware for the price
• Can also run Android apps
• 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop

Cons 

• Runs on Chrome OS, and you may experience issues if you try to switch to a standard Linux platform

Linux purists likely won’t favor the Chrome operating system on this budget Acer Chromebook Spin 713 laptop. Plus, there aren’t any replaceable parts on this machine, so you won’t be able to customize and upgrade it. However, if you’re looking for a 2-in-1 tablet and laptop that’s based on Linux, uses a Linux kernel, and can run Linux distros, for a great price, consider this Chromebook.

For the low price, it really does pack a punch when it comes to hardware with an 11th-generation Intel Core processor, 256GB of internal storage as a minimum, and more vertical space thanks to the 3:2 aspect ratio screen. 

You can expect up to 10 hours of battery life, making it perfect for a day’s work, getting schoolwork done, or just browsing the internet at leisure. It has a slim, lightweight design but still fits in two USB-C Thunderbolt ports, a USB-A port, a microSD slot, and HDMI out support. This laptop is an excellent and affordable introduction to Linux. You may have difficulty finding a version pre-loaded with Linux software, but plenty of guides online help you make the transition.

Things to consider before buying the best Linux laptops

A new laptop is a considerable investment that will need to last years. It makes sense, therefore, to do your research. Check out all the specifications of the models on your wishlist, and make sure your top choice fulfills all your needs. Before you go shopping, however, keep the following considerations in mind:

Resist the urge to reconfigure a Windows laptop

Although most laptops can run Linux, it really is simpler in the long term to buy a notebook with Linux pre-installed. This is especially true for new converts. That way, you can be sure that distro developers and the manufacturer have tested the hardware thoroughly. This process makes sure that the total system is compatible. It’s especially important for features such as fingerprint readers and WiFi cards that traditionally have needed Windows to run properly. You won’t need to worry about whether your WiFi chipset is supported or find and install the right graphics drivers. You can essentially just plug and play.

You’ll also enjoy a seamless software update experience without having to search around for workarounds. If you encounter problems and need help from the manufacturer, many will only support Windows applications unless you have specifically purchased a Linux laptop. This is especially helpful if you’re a new Linux user and you think you may need more support with your purchase.

Limited choice 

One problem with choosing a Linux laptop over a Windows or macOS-powered machine is that you’ll have far fewer choices. Linux is undeniably less popular, or perhaps just a niche option compared to other operating systems. Some manufacturers, like HP, have even discontinued their Linux laptop offerings, stating “limited demand” as the reasoning behind their decision. That means that there are simply fewer laptop models to choose from, which will limit your options.

However, Linux users are often passionate about the many benefits of an open-source, free, and incredibly stable platform and, therefore, may be prepared to compromise.

Some programs will not work

Those who are new to the open-source operating system Linux may be surprised to find that many popular software programs will not run correctly as they have been specifically optimized to work on Windows or Mac operating systems. It takes a little research, reading, and even checking Linux chat boards to source alternatives to Adobe or Microsoft products, for example, but they are available, free of charge, and in many cases, can offer an equal, or even superior, user experience. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Linux laptops

• Best overall: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 With Linux
• Best for privacy: Purism Librem 13 laptop
• Best for work: System76 Lemur Pro
• Best for gaming: Juno Neptune 16-inch
• Best budget: Acer Chromebook Spin 713

Linux-lovers used to have to purchase a Windows laptop and then wipe the operating system and install Linux instead. They were subject to a so-called “Windows tax,” that arose from buying a laptop with an operating system they would never use. Now, you can instead save yourself some work and get a laptop preloaded with Linux.

Whether you go for our overall winner, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 With Linux, benefit from the privacy and security of the Purism Librem 13 laptop, pick up a bargain like the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, or blow the budget on a premium choice like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 With Linux, the choice is yours.

Linux is a great alternative operating system for developers, people who want to customize their operating system, and those who are security conscious. If it appeals to you, take your pick from our choices of the best Linux laptops.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best Linux laptops in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Acer Aspire 5		SEE IT	The Acer Aspire 5 offers decent power at an affordable price.
Best for video editing		Asus Vivobook 15		SEE IT	Make a memorable home movie with the Asus Vivobook 15.
Best for school		Dell Inspiron 15		SEE IT	If you’re a student in need of an affordable but powerful machine, the Dell Inspiron 15 is a great pick.

Gaming laptops offer powerful specs, high-resolution displays, and fast refresh rate screens. Unfortunately, the absolute best gaming laptops cost thousands of dollars. If money is no object, you can pay a tremendous amount and get an incredible machine in return. However, most of us have to think more pragmatically, and that’s where the best gaming laptops under $500 come in. Many of us do not have the luxury of spending a ton of money on a new laptop. In gaming laptops, spending less money means you have a shorter window of playing the latest AAA games at high specs before you’ll need to upgrade again. If you’re willing to put concerns about fidelity aside, though, you can get a perfectly good laptop that should play a decent number of PC games for as little as $500. Will they all look great and run well? Probably not, but they’re still fun to play. The best gaming laptops under $500 give you the most gaming power possible on a shoestring budget.

• Best overall: Acer Aspire 5
• Best for video editing: Asus Vivobook 15
• Best for school: Dell Inspiron 15
• Best for streaming: Lenovo IdeaPad 3i
• Best 2-in-1: Dell Inspiron 14

How we chose the best gaming laptops under $500

I’ve been booting up games on Steam for as long as I can remember and have written about computers for more than a decade on sites like Popular Science, Gear Patrol, and CNN Underscored. I’ve tested all manner of PCs and laptops and peripherals to find the latest and greatest devices. To find the best gaming laptops under $500, a challenging task, I researched what kind of hardware you can purchase with such a budget. With that information in hand, I selected the individual picks based on third-party reviews and consumer feedback.

The best gaming laptops under $500: Reviews & Recommendations

Finding a good laptop for under $500, let alone one capable of playing games, is a serious challenge. As you’ll see, most of our picks fall well under the basic standards we set for gaming laptops. Make no mistake: These are compromise picks to help you make the best of a less-than-ideal situation. With $500, we’d recommend people purchase a console for gaming, an iPad for general computing, or hold out for a major sale like Prime Day or Black Friday in the hopes of getting a rare deal on a more expensive gaming laptop.

Best overall: Acer Aspire 5 Slim

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Aspire 5 Slim’s Ryzen 3 3350U will ensure you can play many of the industry’s most popular games on low settings.

Specs

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3350U
• GPU: Radeon Vega 6
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Screen size: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• Dimensions: 14.31 x 9.74 x 0.71 inches
• Weight: 3.97 pounds
• Connectivity: USB-C 3.1 Gen 1, USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 x 2; HDMI 1.4b, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1

Pros

• Expansive 15.6-inch FHD display
• Decent port selection
• 8GB of RAM

Cons

• Plastic build

The newest version of the Acer Aspire 5 Slim features an expansive 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, AMD Ryzen 3 3350U quad-core processor, and 8GB of RAM. (For $40 more, you can bump that up to 12GB of RAM.) The laptop also features Radeon Vega 6 graphics and a 256GB SSD, so games should run and load quickly. There is also a spacious trackpad, a full keyboard with a row of number keys, and a numeric keypad on the right.

Additionally, the Acer Aspire features a USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 port, an HDMI port with HDCP support, WiFi 6, and up to 8 hours of battery life. It’s a good mix of specs, battery life, and price—and should be enough to run games like Fortnite and Minecraft.

Best for video editing: Asus Vivobook 15

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Vivobook 15’s combination of the Intel i3, UHD graphics, and 8GB is enough to edit memorable family vacation videos.

Specs

• Processor: Intel i3-10054G1
• GPU: Intel UHD
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB SSD
• Screen size: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• Dimensions: 14.1 x 9.1 x 0.78 inches
• Weight: 3.75 pounds
• Connectivity: USB-C 3.2, USB-A 3.2, USB-A 2.0 x 2, HDMI, microSD, WiFi, Bluetooth

Pros

• Decent port selection
• 8GB of RAM
• Fingerprint sensor

Cons

• Small trackpad

Video editing on an affordable laptop isn’t ideal, but the Asus Vivobook 15 provides users with a decently powerful experience. The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD display, an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor, an Intel UHD GPU, and 8GB of RAM. That’s good enough for basic video editing and color correction of short clips for social media—just don’t expect to edit any video other than Full HD or lower.

The Asus Vivobook 15 also features a 128GB SSD, a touchpad and keyboard, and USB-C 3.2, so you can quickly transfer video files to and from external devices. You also get an HDMI port, USB-A 3.2, and USB-A 2.0 for connecting additional peripherals.

Best for school: Dell Inspiron 15

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Dell Inspiron 15’s simple design is great for schoolwork and can play a game or two between study sessions.

Specs

• Processor: Intel i3-1115G4
• GPU: Intel UHD
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Screen size: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• Dimensions: 14.11 x 9.27 x 0.74 inches
• Weight: 3.82 pounds
• Connectivity: USB-A 3.0 x 2, USB-A 2.0, HDMI, SD card, WiFi, Bluetooth

Pros

• Big, comfortable 15.6-inch display
• Decent size SSD
• SD card slot

Cons

• Limited port selection

If you need something simple to power through note-taking, research papers, and presentations, the Dell Inspiron 15 (3511) is an excellent option. Of course, you’ll want to take breaks—and there’s no better way to unwind than with video games. Dell’s affordable laptop features an Intel Core i3 processor, UHD graphics, and 8GB of RAM to power through games like Rocket League and Counter-Strike: GO. The Inspiron 15 also features a 256SSD, giving you plenty of storage to save those vital school projects and download your favorite titles from Steam.

Best for streaming: Lenovo IdeaPad 3i

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i features Intel Iris Xe graphics, 512GB SSD, and 8GB of RAM, making it a powerful option for gaming and streaming.

Specs

• Processor: Intel i3-1115G4
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Screen size: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• Dimensions: 14.26 x 9.98 x 0.78 inches
• Weight: 3.75 pounds
• Connectivity: USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 x 2, USB-A 2.0, HDMI 1.4, SD card, WiFi 5, Bluetooth

Pros

• Screen can fold flat
• 512GB SSD
• Intel Iris Xe

Cons

• Thick bezels

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is still nowhere near one of the best gaming laptops available, but it provides fairly impressive performance for its extremely affordable price. It features an Intel Core i3 processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, and 8GB of RAM, giving you the components necessary to broadcast your games to the world. It may not be the smoothest experience, but you must start somewhere. The IdeaPad 3i also features a 512GB SSD, HDMI, two USB-A 3.2, and a 45Wh battery, which should get you through a full day of usage with light to medium use.

Best 2-in-1: Dell Inspiron 14

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Dell’s Inspiron 14 packs in decently powerful specs for the price in an attractive 2-in-1 design.

Specs

• Processor: Intel i3-1115G4
• GPU: Intel UHD
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Screen size: 14-inch FHD (1366 x 768)
• Dimensions: 12.77 x 8.77 x 0.75 inches
• Weight: 3.58 pounds
• Connectivity: USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 x 2, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 1.4b, SD card, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1

Pros

• 2-in-1 design
• Small, portable design
• USB-C and SD card

Cons

• Lower resolution display

For just a smidge over our $500 budget, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 features a 14-inch HD touchscreen display, an Intel Core i3 processor, Intel UHD graphics, and 8GB of RAM. That’s enough power to run multiple applications and browser tabs smoothly. More importantly, it’s good enough to give us our gaming fix—and the 256GB SSD is plenty big to download free-to-play and other popular titles. The Inspiron 14 also features a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port for power delivery and data transfer and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports. It also features an SD card slot, rounding out one of the sleeker, more sophisticated options on our list.

Things to consider when shopping for the best gaming laptops under $500

The fact of the matter is that, while you can get an inexpensive Chromebook or even a cheap laptop for working from home and get away with it, you can’t really get a new dedicated gaming laptop for $500. For reference, our list of the best cheap gaming laptops highlights strong systems that cost less than $1,000 and it often features one- to two-year-old models. Most of our picks are budget productivity laptops that happen to provide decent processing power for their prices. Few, if any, feature a dedicated graphics card, which you’d need to play many of the biggest games. Those that work will only run on low or medium settings.

If you are purchasing this device specifically for gaming, there are many other devices that will offer you a much better experience for that same $500. Though they can be hard to find, we would recommend any of the current game consoles over these laptops, including the PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch. You might also consider the 2022 iPad Air, which provides access to an increasingly large library of games thanks to game streaming services like Xbox Game Pass. In the realm of PCs, you may be able to build a budget desktop gaming PC for around $500 using older and/or used parts. This may be more difficult than in the past due to pandemic-era supply constraints, but it is not outside the realm of possibility.

If you have your heart set on a laptop, or need a more holistic device, here are the basics of picking a laptop so you can make your own choice:

Processor

The central processing unit, or CPU, is the beating heart of any computer. It performs the computations your computer makes to run programs and perform various tasks, from word processing to editing photos. A computer’s true performance relies on a number of factors, but the two easiest ways to gauge the power of a CPU, specifically, are the chip’s computing cores and its clock speed. Clock speed, shown in Hz, measures the number of computations or “cycles” the processor can make each second. For example, a CPU with a clock speed of 2.8 GHz executes 2.8 billion cycles per second. 

Meanwhile, compute cores give your processor the ability to handle multiple tasks at the same time. Broadly speaking, more cores mean better multitasking, especially with more processor-intensive tasks like encoding video.

When discussing the best, we expect modern Windows laptops to feature an 11th or 12th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with 6-8 processor cores, or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor with 6-8 cores. Since we’re looking at laptops with the tightest cost constraints, you’re more likely to see the older version of the most basic processors available, such as a 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor or something from AMD’s Ryzen 3000 series. If forced to choose, it never hurts to sacrifice bells and whistles for a basic laptop with a good CPU. The processor, more than any other component, determines how long your laptop will perform at its peak level.

Graphics

The graphics processing unit, or GPU, is an essential component in any gaming laptop and makes it possible to render graphics in 2D and 3D. If you’re working with high-resolution video and art, a GPU takes some of the strain off the CPU and makes rendering everything much faster.

Typically, gaming PCs feature dedicated graphics cards–a second processor to handle visual processing for games, video encoding, and other tasks with lots of … well, graphics. Two companies, Nvidia and AMD, make dedicated graphics cards for desktops and more compact versions for laptops. Occasionally, you will find a very large laptop with a “full-size” desktop graphics card. These laptops often weigh more than you should carry on your back every day.

For the purposes of this list, however, we will focus on integrated graphics, which is a small processing chip built into your laptop’s CPU. Integrated graphics are designed to perform basic graphics processing, such as web browsing and streaming video. They aren’t designed to handle new games or other GPU-intensive work. In the current gaming landscape, there are lots of games that can run acceptably well on integrated graphics, but no game will look as good or run without hiccups on integrated graphics, especially the integrated graphics on a low-end processor.

Memory

Random access memory, or RAM, gives your applications a place to temporarily store data, and quickly access it again if necessary. If your workflow involves using several applications at once, you’ll want a laptop that offers more RAM. Manufacturers generally allow consumers to upgrade their RAM before they make a purchase, and sometimes even after. 

We recommend 16GB on a new machine for gaming, since you often cannot add RAM to a laptop. This will allow you to run more intense games while performing other tasks, like streaming software. Again, though, for $500 or less you’ll likely have to settle for 4GB or 8GB.

Display

As with dedicated gaming monitors, the best gaming laptops can make games look great with sharp, vibrant displays. Gamers may want a larger screen, as it helps build immersion, especially in a temporary space. If we had to highlight one size in particular, it would be 15 inches. At this size, the screen is large enough for a comfortable gaming experience, but it doesn’t make your laptop too big to carry all day. Some gaming laptops offer 17-inch displays, but that’s only a good size if your laptop spends most of its time on a desk.

Whatever size you land upon, chances are it will feature a 1080p (Full HD) screen. A 1080p display will make your games look sharp enough and ensure your computer doesn’t buckle under the strain. If you want a display that’s 1440p (Quad HD) or 4K (Ultra-High Definition) and offers a high refresh rate, you’ll have to look at a more expensive gaming laptop with a more powerful GPU. If you’re looking for a laptop that doubles as a tablet, consider a 2-in-1 laptop, which gives you the best of both worlds.

Battery life

People buy gaming laptops so they can play games anywhere, but the PC battery life can limit that promise substantially. The hard truth is that gaming laptops don’t offer the best battery life. Even the best, most expensive models won’t get through a full day of heavy use.

With our current picks, which don’t have dedicated graphics cards, you may actually see better battery life than a great gaming laptop—a small bright spot. That said, your laptops will burn through battery much faster when playing games than other tasks, so you should be strategic about how much you play. Keep one eye on your battery indicator and the other on the lookout for available outlets.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best gaming laptops under $500

• Best overall: Acer Aspire 5
• Best for video editing: Asus Vivobook 15
• Best for school: Dell Inspiron 15
• Best for streaming: Lenovo IdeaPad 3i
• Best 2-in-1: Dell Inspiron 14

The good news is that modern processors with integrated GPUs are becoming more powerful every year, making it possible to play games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox on a wide range of machines. That said, the best gaming hardware you can buy for $500 is not a laptop. It’s a console or a tablet. If you want a gaming laptop that will make your games sing, you’ll have to spend substantially more. 

If you’d like to know more about buying a gaming laptop that delivers great performance and value, check out some of our other explainers on the topic, including the best gaming laptops and the best cheap gaming laptops. They may be expensive, but a great laptop will last five years or more, while you may only get a couple of good years out of these recommendations.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best gaming laptops under $500 in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		MacBook Air 15-inch		SEE IT	The MacBook Air 15-inch excels in performance, design, display, and battery life, making it an ideal work-from-home laptop.
Best premium		Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023)		SEE IT	The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is a high-end, lightweight laptop with exceptional performance and security features, though pricey.
Best budget		Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop		SEE IT	The Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 offers versatility and portability but the display lacks brightness. Still, it’s a dependable and affordable choice for remote work.

With the rise of remote work, our homes have become our new workplaces, and the trusty laptop has emerged as an indispensable tool in this shift. Laptops for working from home seamlessly blend power, performance, and portability. Whether you’re a remote professional, a digital nomad, or simply someone seeking to optimize their home office, your laptop choice can make a world of difference. With this in mind, we’ve meticulously curated a selection of laptops catering to various needs. From sleek and lightweight 2-in-1 laptops designed for on-the-go productivity to robust workhorses equipped to handle demanding tasks, our recommendations empower you on your work-from-home journey. We’ve considered factors like processing power, display quality, connectivity options, and ergonomic design to help you choose from the best laptops for working from home to complement your work style so you can achieve peak productivity while enjoying the comforts of home (offices).

• Best overall: MacBook Air 15-inch
• Best premium: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023)
• Best for content creators: MacBook Pro 16-inch
• Best for gamers: ASUS ROG Strix SCAR G834JY
• Best budget: Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop

How we chose the best laptops for working from home

Your desk space is a valuable commodity, so our laptops for working from home recommendations are based on extensive research. We surveyed peer recommendations, critical reviews, and user impressions to create a list of contenders and then put them through their paces. We considered a wide variety of models suitable for a range of remote work needs and users to develop a comprehensive list of the best laptops for working from home.

The best laptops for working from home: Reviews & Recommendations  

Let our comprehensive reviews help you narrow your options when choosing the next work-from-home laptop that will top your workspace.

Best overall: MacBook Air 15-inch

SEE IT

Specs

• Processor: M2 chip
• RAM: 8GB to 24GB
• Screen size: 15 inches

Pros

• Powerful M2 chip
• Great build quality and design
• Light and portable 

Cons

• Cannot upgrade or expand after purchase

The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch is our top overall choice for the best work-from-home laptop due to its amazing performance, sleek, professional design, best-in-class display, and stellar battery life. The 15-inch screen is comfortable to use all day long yet lightweight and portable for those days when you need to be in the office or fancy a change of scene. Even if “home” is a dorm room, it’s still a great MacBook for college students tight on space and time to finish assignments.

It’s a more affordable option than the MacBook Pro, another great Mac for business. According to Apple, its impressive battery lasts up to 18 hours, which will easily get you through a full day of work and keep going for movie night, too. It delivers great sound with a six-speaker sound system and is worth the upgrade from the 13-inch MacBook Air for that extra-screen real estate.

One downside for those who like a multiple monitor setup: you can only attach one external screen to this laptop. However, the price is fair for an exceptional machine that delivers performance in a sleek design that will easily handle most work tasks in your home office.

Best premium: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023)

SEE IT

Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U
• RAM: 16 GB
• Screen size: 14 inches

Pros

• Good battery life
• Great keyboard
• Lots of ports

Cons

• Expensive
• No micro card or SD slots

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is a premium business-grade laptop with great performance, but you will pay for the quality as it comes in at a high price point. However, prices have been seen to fluctuate wildly, including on the Lenovo website, so it’s worth watching to see if you can get a deal. Incredibly lightweight and slim, it looks great and is ultraportable, allowing you to work where you like. The touchscreen is responsive, and there are options to increase the memory and storage to 32GB and 2TB, respectively. This is a machine that can last for years to come. All your important work files will be secure thanks to upgraded security features like a fingerprint reader and a webcam with face recognition. 

Best for content creators: MacBook Pro 16-inch

SEE IT

Specs

• Processor: M2 Pro (10-core CPU, 16-core GPU or 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU), with optional M2 Max with up to 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU
• RAM: 16GB to 96GB
• Screen size: 16.2 inches

Pros

• Amazing performance and speed
• Great battery life 
• Beautiful display

Cons

• Pricey

A long-time favorite of creatives and content developers, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 features a beautiful large display to really showcase design work. The M2 Pro or M2 Max processors offer lightning speed and capability for exceptional 4K playback, high-level video editing, and photo manipulation without delays or stutters. It’s a very comfortable and responsive laptop with a great keyboard, webcam, and speakers to handle all your corporate tasks with ease wherever you choose to work. For those who regularly handle advanced creative tasks like 3D modeling, graphic design, or even audio production, the MacBook Pro is a clear winner.

Best for gamers: Asus ROG Strix SCAR G834JY

SEE IT

Specs

• Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX Processor 2.2 GHz (36M Cache, up to 5.6 GHz, 24 cores: 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores)
• RAM: 16 GB
• Screen Size: 18 inch

Pros

• Excellent gaming display and performance
• Huge screen
• Great speakers

Cons

• Expensive
• Loud fans

While you’re on the hunt for a new work laptop, there’s no reason why you can’t opt for a device that also ranks among the top gaming laptops available. After all, if you’re working from home, it’s convenient to be able to close down your work applications at the end of the day and open up your favorite games to unwind. The Asus ROG Strix SCAR G834JY delivers desktop gaming performance, so you may even forget it’s a laptop. This large, sturdy laptop is on the heavy side, so it may not be the best choice if you want portability. However, as a desktop-based laptop, it will power you through meetings, deadlines, research, and file management without slowdowns. Once you clock off, it will transform into a gaming powerhouse (though you’ll probably want to add an extra monitor to your battlestation). The battery life is only passable, but it shouldn’t be an issue as you’ll likely be connected to power throughout the day in your home office. It has a distinctive design made of sturdy plastic with a soft touch feel. 

Best budget: Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1255U
• RAM: 16 GB
• Screen size: 14 inches

Pros

• Versatile design
• Long battery life
• Great price

Cons

• Screen brightness is disappointing

The Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 converts from a tablet to a laptop for versatility for a range of tasks. It’s lightweight at around 3.5 pounds, so if you work in a hybrid role, you can easily bring it with you to the office. The display’s brightness could be better, with some colors appearing muted or faded. This could be an issue with glare if you like to work outdoors or on the go. The 1080p webcam is serviceable for all your video conferencing meetings. If you’re looking for an affordable and dependable laptop for working from home, the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 should meet your needs.

What to consider when buying the best laptops for working from home

When selecting a laptop for working from home, consider these factors: 

Performance

Prioritize a laptop with sufficient processing power and RAM to handle your work tasks efficiently, whether it’s office applications, creative software, or data analysis.

Display

A high-resolution, quality display with good color accuracy and comfortable viewing angles is essential for prolonged work hours. Consider the size that best suits your workflow.

Portability

Depending on your needs, choose between a lightweight machine for easy mobility between the office, a co-working space, or even a cafe and your home or a more substantial laptop with enhanced features.

Battery life

A long-lasting battery is crucial for uninterrupted work. Aim for a laptop that can last through your typical workday without frequent charging.

Connectivity

Ensure your new laptop has the necessary ports (USB, HDMI, etc.) and wireless capabilities (WiFi, Bluetooth) to connect with peripherals and maintain efficient communication with the office, colleagues, and clients.

Upgradability

Some laptops allow you to upgrade components like RAM and storage, which can be beneficial in the long run and help increase the longevity of your home office purchase.

FAQs 

Final thoughts on the best laptops for working from home  

• Best overall: MacBook Air 15 
• Best premium: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023)
• Best for content creators: MacBook Pro 16”
• Best for gamers: Asus ROG Strix SCAR G834JY
• Best budget: Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop

Our choices represent quality laptops suitable for a range of needs and remote work demands. Our favorite overall best laptop for working from home is the MacBook Air 15. We chose it for its super fast and reliable performance, premium build quality, lightweight design, and pleasing aesthetics. It also offers an amazing display and impressive battery life, making it a top choice for your next laptop purchase. 

Why trust us? 

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now. 

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best laptops for working from home in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Apple is still running its back-to-school promotion, offering its education pricing even if you’re not a student. If you’ve been looking to upgrade your laptop, now is the best time to do it—emphasis on the “now,” since this promotion runs out in a week.

Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip, Silver $749.99 (Was $999)

SEE IT

If you’re a Mac user and you don’t need to do processor-heavy tasks like photo and video editing, the 2020 Macbook Air with M1 chip is the laptop for you. Heck, it’s the laptop I use on the day-to-day and it runs Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Rush like a champ—a testament to the power of the M1 chip, which has some beef despite being at the baseline. We were impressed when it was first released, and we’re still impressed today. It’s the perfect laptop if just a regular person who needs a laptop to watch Netflix on the train and make a killer meme once in a while.

If you crave more processing power and screen real estate, you’re in luck. The 15-inch Macbook Air with M2 chip is on sale for $1,099—$200 off its regular price. The 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU slice through large files and videos like butter, which is perfect if you’re working on casual photography or just want to demolish every task.

The promo event ends Oct. 2, with the literal hundreds of dollars of savings with it. We meant it when we said you want to jump on it ASAP—you’ll be hard-pressed to find another deal like this that’s straight from Apple’s mouth.

Here are more Apple products on sale:

• Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Pro chip, 16GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Space Gray $1,799 (Was $1,999)
• Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Max chip, 32GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, Silver $2,899 (Was $3,099)
• Apple 2023 15-inch MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip, 512GB, Starlight $1,299 (Was $1,499)
• Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation) with M2 chip, 128GB, Silver $1,024 (Was $1,099)
• Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation) with M2 chip, 128 GB, Space Gray $999 (Was $1,099)

The post This is your last chance to save $250 on a MacBook Air at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best for grade-schoolers		Lenovo Chromebook C340		SEE IT	A portable laptop that’s easy to use.
Best gaming laptop		Acer Nitro 5		SEE IT	A super-fast gaming laptop.
Best for kids on the go		Google Pixelbook Go		SEE IT	A versatile laptop with a beautiful display.

While notebooks and pens used to top the back-to-school shopping list, now it’s arguably notebook laptops with stylus writing instruments. That’s especially true after the pandemic made remote learning a way of life. But deciding on the best laptop for kids on your shopping list can require a lot of processing. How do you know if one computer will be faster than another? Or if one will be better for watching movies and playing games (not that kids would dare think of doing so during the school day)? This guide will help parents sort through all the different options, whether you’re looking for a Microsoft Surface Go 3 or leaning toward a Google Pixelbook Go. Here’s what you need to know to find the best laptop for kids in your life.   

• Best for grade-schoolers: Lenovo Chromebook C340 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
• Best for high school students: Microsoft Surface Go 3
• Best gaming laptop: Acer Nitro 5
• Best laptop for kids on the go: Google Pixelbook Go
• Best budget: HP Chromebook 11A G8 Education Edition

The best laptops for kids: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re shopping for an elementary student or a young person soon headed off to college, here are the best laptops for kids, depending on their age or interests. 

Best for grade-schoolers: Lenovo Chromebook C340 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen Size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 4.37 pounds
• RAM: 4GB

Pros

• Two-in-one functionality
• Large screen
• Affordable
• All-day battery life

Cons

• Heavier than some models
• Some users report screen freezing

The C340 convertible Chromebook has everything elementary students need when it comes to the best laptop for school. At just over 4 pounds, the 15.6-inch screen should into any backpack. And elementary students should find it just as easy to use thanks to speedy bootup, instant integration into a Google account, 4.2 Bluetooth connectivity, and several ports—including two USB-A and two USB-C ports. The Intel Celeron N40000 processor and 4GB of memory can handily support multiple functions at once—but that’s no excuse for browsing the internet while you’re taking notes! Plus, the Chromebook has 64GB of storage, meaning you can still save some files, even when you’re offline. The HD touchscreen has a resolution of 1920×1080 and the laptop’s battery should last the entire school day. At just under $400, it’s the right price point for a device that’ll be handled daily by a grade schooler.

 Best for high school students: Microsoft Surface Go 3

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen Size: 10.5 inches
• Weight: 1.18 pounds
• RAM: 8GB

Pros

• Lightweight
• Provides plenty of storage
• Two-in-one functionality
• 10-hour battery life

Cons

• Small screen 
• Some users say it’s slow

High school students have a lot going on. So, they need the best laptop that’ll work just as well for class assignments as it will for after-school multimedia projects. The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is portable at just 1.2 pounds, and it’s plenty powerful, with a sufficiently fast Intel Premium Gold Processor. The 220 PPI resolution on the 10.5-inch touchscreen, supported by the Intel UHD Graphics 615 system, makes for a clear picture. And the 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage make for a whole bunch of room for those Microsoft 365 files. (Microsoft OneDrive offers additional space in the cloud). Meanwhile, up to 10 hours of battery life means the Microsoft Surface Go 3 will last from morning swim practice through after-school play rehearsal.  

Best gaming laptop: Acer Nitro 5

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen Size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 5.1 pounds
• RAM: 8GB

Pros

• Can do work and have fun with one laptop
• Features powerful processor
• Large screen
• Backlit keyboard

Cons

• Expensive
• Some users had issue with sound quality

Featuring an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor and up to a GeForce RTX 30 Series graphic processing unit, the Acer Nitro 5 is built for game speed, making it one of the best cheap gaming laptops you can buy. Gamers can decide between full high-definition visuals at up to 144Hz1 or quad high-definition at 165Hz1, and audio comes in loud and clear through dual 2W speakers. Even with all that firepower, this gaming laptop stays cool thanks to speedy fans and quad exhaust. Don’t worry, parents; this is also one of the best laptops for gaming and school, as it’s complete with a Microsoft Windows 10 Home operating system.

Best laptop for kids on the go: Google Pixelbook Go

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen Size: 13.3 inches 
• Weight: 2 pounds
• RAM: 8GB

Pros

• Full HD display
• Lightweight
• Long battery life

Cons

• Some users had issues with build quality
• May be difficult to download Chrome

With a responsive 8th-Gen Intel Core Processor and nearly instant bootup that offers immediate access to your Google apps, the Google Pixelbook Go keeps you connected. At just 2 pounds and 13mm thin, and featuring a grippable rubber underside, the Chromebook is made for you to take everywhere. The battery can last up to 12 hours, and you can plug in for just 20 minutes to get two hours of life. Meanwhile, the 13.3-inch touchscreen offers a stunning 4K display, perfect for unwinding with a Netflix show once homework is done. The Google Pixelbook Go is designed to save most of your work on the cloud, but you can also find Go models with up to 256GB of storage.

Best budget: HP Chromebook 11A G8 Education Edition

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Specs

• Screen Size: 11.6 inches
• Weight: 4 pounds
• RAM: 4GB

Pros

• Affordable
• Large screen
• Durable

Cons

• Smaller screen
• Less memory

Considering young people are still developing their sense of responsibility when it comes to owning devices, the best laptops for kids may very well be the most affordable laptops. Available for less than $100, this HP Chromebook is certainly inexpensive, but it’s also much more. It features an AMD A4-Series APU processor that’s ready to stream content and access online course material, as well as a clear 11.6-inch HD display. The 4GB of memory is adequate, especially for a Chromebook, but the 32GB of storage means you’ll be doing most of your savings on the cloud. At more than three pounds, the HP Chromebook is bulkier than many of the other best laptops for kids, but it’s also durable—it was tested to survive a splash of water and falling off a desk. 

Features to consider when shopping for the best laptops for kids

From processors to pixels, storage space to battery life, there’s much to consider when shopping for the best laptop for kids. Here are some of the most important elements.   

Processing power

The processor is the brain of the laptop, meaning it’s central to how well a device functions. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop or you like to take on many tasks at once, a processor with multiple “cores” will be helpful. You can also determine a processor’s speed by looking at its millions of instructions per second (MIPS) count. Intel makes leading processors, but other manufacturers are plenty sufficient. Read user reviews about the speed of a computer, especially when running multiple programs at once, to help determine how well a laptop’s processor actually works in the real world. 

Display

Some of the best laptops for kids offer stunningly clear 4K displays. Others, not so much. The resolution of the picture matters most if you plan to use the device to shoot and/or watch the video or handle a lot of graphics-heavy work or photo editing. If you’re strictly business, you can likely save money by buying a laptop with a lower screen resolution. The size of the display is also important because the screen size ultimately determines the laptop’s size. Bigger may be better for viewing, but it also means less portability. 

Memory

Many laptops, and Chromebooks in particular, rely heavily on cloud storage over hard drive space. In an increasingly connected world, that model works fine for many people in many places. But if you want to save work and files while offline, you should look for more storage space. For reference, 32GB is on the low end, while more than 250GB is fairly ample, holding roughly 30,000 photos or songs. Note that storage is different from memory. Memory, or random access memory (RAM), is essentially your laptop’s short-term memory. RAM, which, like storage, is also expressed in GBs, tells you how well your computer can handle complex or multiple programs. A device with 8GB should run smoothly, but 4GB may be all you need.  

Connectivity 

By now, WiFi connectivity is standard on all of the best laptops for kids, but other types of connections are still gaining traction. Or, on the flip side, some are becoming obsolete. Laptops with Bluetooth connectivity will be able to sync to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as your phone. Meanwhile, on the soon-to-be-outdated end, an Ethernet port gives you the option of plugging into cabled internet. HDMI and USB-A ports also create options for connecting more—possibly older—devices to your laptop, as many of the best laptops for kids have already done away with all ports except USB-C. 

How long can it last?  

If you’re looking for the best laptop for school, long battery life is essential. You can certainly find batteries that’ll last from the first bell to the last bell on a single charge, while other devices are equipped with fast charging that provides a power boost of a couple of hours in just a few minutes.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best laptops for kids

• Best for grade-schoolers: Lenovo Chromebook C340 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
• Best for high school students: Microsoft Surface Go 3
• Best gaming laptop: Acer Nitro 5
• Best laptop for kids on the go: Google Pixelbook Go
• Best budget: HP Chromebook 11A G8 Education Edition

Back to school comes every year whether the kids, or parents, are ready or not. And after the pandemic-altered school years they endured, they deserve a reason to be a little extra excited this fall. Finding the best laptop for kids in your life could be just the thing. Plus, remote learning during the pandemic made a laptop essential, meaning the device you may have once considered more of a fun toy has now transformed into a critical back-to-school tool. Ultimately, a cheap Chromebook is our top pick, but we’ve given additional options for those who want to splurge.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best laptops for kids in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		ASUS TUF Gaming F17		SEE IT	The ASUS TUF Gaming F17 (2021) balances great gaming specs and a reasonable price.
Best for battery life		Acer Nitro 5		SEE IT	With a 10-hour battery, the 2020 model of the Acer Nitro 5 can carry you through an entire workday and beyond.
Best for streaming		Lenovo Legion 5 15		SEE IT	The Lenovo Legion 5 15 is an unassuming powerhouse equally prepared for gaming, streaming, and editing 1080p videos.

Gaming on the go has a unique appeal, especially if you’re a student or a gamer who travels a lot for work. In the last few years, gaming laptops got a shot in the arm with brand-new graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD, bringing them closer than ever to desktop levels of gaming performance. The most powerful machines come with hefty price tags, but you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy portable PC gaming. Whether you’re a competitive player looking for the best FPS you can afford, a mobile content creator looking for a cost-efficient work machine, or just a student looking to play a few games between classes, we’ve rounded up a list of the best cheap gaming laptops to help you get your game on for less.

• Best overall: ASUS TUF Gaming F17
• Best for eSports: ASUS TUF Gaming F17 (2020)
• Best for streaming: Lenovo Legion 5 15
• Best for battery life: Acer Nitro 5
• Best for work and school: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
• Best budget: MSI GF63 Thin

How we chose the best cheap gaming laptops 

As a longtime technology critic specializing in gaming PCs and PC components, I’ve had the rare opportunity to test-drive many gaming PCs and become intimately familiar with what components matter most. I’ve tested everything from high-end machines costing thousands of dollars to budget-conscious laptops that could stealthily fit right into an average office or school setting. For this round-up, I’ve researched dozens of models available for purchase now at major retailers, looking closely at their key components, screens, and synergies that might exist between them. In cases where it looked like there might have been a tie, I turned to reports from real customers to get a sense of which laptops have left their users satisfied.

The best cheap gaming laptops: Reviews & Recommendations

Every laptop on this list costs less than $1,000. In that price range, every option has strengths and a couple of notable weaknesses. For this round-up, we’ve broken the choices out into several popular categories, including a Best All-Around Cheap Gaming Laptop, featuring options that emphasize battery life, refresh rate, and other factors. Choosing what features mean the most to you should help guide you to the right choice.

Best overall: ASUS TUF Gaming F17

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Why it made the cut: The ASUS TUF Gaming (2021) balances great gaming specs with a reasonable price.

Specs

• Display: 17.3-inch, 1080p, 144Hz
• CPU: Intel Core i5-11260H
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
• Memory: 8GB
• Storage: 512GB 

Pros

• Fast, 6-core processor
• Powerful mid-range GPU
• Large, high refresh rate screen

Cons

• Somewhat expensive, given the specs 
• Heavy

Given its sub-$1,000 price, the ASUS TUF Gaming (2021) is the best cheap gaming laptop for most people. It features an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 processor with 6 cores and 12 threads. While a core is the most important aspect of the CPU, acting as its own little processing unit, threads can be thought of as virtual cores: not quite as good as the real thing but an improvement over cores alone. The max turbo speed of its processor peaks at 4.4GHz, which is great for gaming performance. This CPU is powerful enough to open the door to streaming and content creation, making it a good fit for budding creators.

Even more importantly, it has an Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, which can handle running most games in 1080p at moderate settings. Having a modern GPU also allows gamers to take advantage of cutting-edge features like ray tracing, which simulates natural lighting, and Deep Learning Super Sampling, which can take a lower-resolution image and upscale it with the power of AI to improve FPS on any PC. 

The screen is another high point. It’s big and bold at 17.3 inches, but the real standout feature is its refresh rate. Clocking in at 144Hz, it’s able to provide ultra-smooth gameplay at high frame rates.

All of this performance leaves the price relatively high, at least among our picks, but the Asus Tuf Gaming F17 frequently goes on sale, so you may be able to grab it on sale, getting a genuinely strong gaming laptop at a very low price.

Best for eSports: ASUS TUF Gaming F17 (2020)

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Why it made the cut: Last year’s F17 isn’t as powerful as our top pick but it’s cheaper, has the same display, and good-for-the-price components make it a good choice for esports fans.

Specs

• Display: 17.3-inch, 1080p, 144Hz
• CPU: Intel Core i5-10300H
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
• Memory: 8GB
• Storage: 512GB 

Pros

• An esports-worthy refresh rate
• Reliably affordable 
• Solid components to run eSports at high framerate

Cons

• Not as cutting-edge as the earlier model 
• Heavy

The older ASUS TUF Gaming F17 brings many of the same highlights as a more current version: a big 17-inch screen with a rapid 144Hz refresh rate, a customizable RGB keyboard, a fast CPU, and 8GB of DRAM. The components aren’t quite as cutting-edge as the 2021 version, but it’s the best cheap gaming laptop for esports. 

The highlight here remains that fast 17.3-inch screen. Picking out enemies won’t be as difficult due to the larger screen size. The rapid refresh rate will reduce motion blur for better flick shots and decrease input lag, so your shots will feel just as instantaneous as they should. 

Stepping back to this version does mean a scaled-back CPU and GPU. The 2020 version of the F17 features a quad-core 10th-generation processor instead of Intel’s newer hexacores, so streaming may be more difficult. It also features an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, so you won’t have access to ray tracing and DLSS. Still, it has the horsepower to deliver the high frame rates for most esports, which is generally the priority for competitive players.

Best for streaming: Lenovo Legion 5 15 

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Why it made the cut: The Lenovo Legion 5 15 is an unassuming powerhouse equally prepared for gaming, streaming, and editing 1080p videos.

Specs

• Display: 15.6-inch, 1080p
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
• Memory: 16GB
• Storage: 1TB

Pros

• 8-core/16-thread CPU
• Fast, ray-tracing-ready GPU 
• 16GB of DDR4 memory 
• Extra SSD slot for memory expansion

Cons

• Relatively expensive 
• All-plastic body

The Lenovo Legion 5 15 pushes the boundaries of what we consider a “cheap” gaming laptop, but it’s definitely still very affordable for what it offers, given the components inside. Inside this small, 5.29 lb body lies a cutting-edge AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor. The processor features 8 cores, the highest core count of this round-up, and 16 threads, making it a worthy contender for the best cheap gaming laptop for streaming and content creation.

The highlights don’t end there. Lenovo has paired that CPU with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU and 16GB of fast DDR4 memory, so you can game with perks like ray tracing and DLSS while also keeping a tab open to mind your stream chat. When you’re done, this combination will translate seamlessly into video editors like Adobe Premiere Pro. 

Best for battery life: Acer Nitro 5

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Why it made the cut: With a 10-hour battery, this model of the Acer Nitro 5 can carry you through an entire workday and beyond.

Specs

• Display: 15.6-inch, 1080p
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce 1650
• Memory: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB

Pros

• 6-core/12-thread processor
• Extended battery life 
• Thin bezels maximize screen real estate

Cons

• Poor screen brightness
• Low storage and memory

The Acer Nitro 5 is the best cheap gaming laptop for long battery life that can get you through an entire day of work or school. It can run for 10 hours when using the laptop’s power-saving modes and medium screen brightness, much longer than you can generally expect of an affordable gaming laptop. You’ll still want to plug in when loading up your favorite game, but for mixed-use? It’s a winner.

That battery life comes at a cost, though. The older GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card doesn’t offer great frame rates in modern games without playing on low or medium settings. The storage and memory on its most affordable configurations are both low, as well. Acer offers upgrades to both, but the higher price may not seem quite so affordable. According to Laptop, the screen also isn’t as bright as the competition, peaking at only 255 nits. If you’re looking for a good all-day laptop that’s also good for gaming, though, this is a great choice.

Best for work: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3

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Why it made the cut: The subdued design of the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 makes it the perfect gaming laptop to bring to work.

Specs

• Display: 15.6-inch, FHD, 120Hz
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
• Memory: 8GB
• Storage: 512GB

Pros

• 20Hz, 1080p screen
• Great processor 
• Chassis design won’t betray it’s made for gaming

Cons

• Underpowered GPU
• Middling screen brightness 

Gaming laptops don’t have to have flashy RGB and attention-grabbing designs. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is equally at home in a boardroom as a gaming den. Unlike many gaming laptops, its thin, light aluminum body doesn’t make a scene with a bold (or gaudy) design, making it the best cheap gaming laptop for business.

Under the hood, it features an impressive 6-core, 12-thread Ryzen 5 5600H processor so that you can multitask with ease. The screen also runs at an impressive 120Hz, which isn’t quite as smooth as the 144Hz on our top pick but still offers a very smooth gaming experience. 

The trade-off comes with the underpowered GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, which will likely need to run modern AAA games at low-mid settings. This is a common issue among our picks and a general drawback to getting a cheap gaming laptop. That said, you’re still going to be able to play many more games than you would using a laptop with integrated graphics.

Best under $1,000: MSI GF63 Thin

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Why it made the cut: The MSI GF63 Thin is a dedicated gaming rig that runs games as well as possible with very limited hardware capabilities.

Specs

• Display: 15.6-inch, 1080p
• CPU: Intel Core i5-10300H
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
• Memory: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB

Pros

• Affordable
• Dedicated GPU 
• Thin and light for easy portability

Cons

• Underpowered graphics card  
• Only a quad-core processor 

When cost matters most, the MSI GF63 Thin comes to the rescue. Coming in at only $539, it’s one of the best cheap gaming laptops under $1,000 with components that aren’t too many generations old. It features a dedicated GeForce GTX 1650 GPU and a quad-core Intel Core i5 10300H processor. That won’t be enough to play the latest games at high settings, but will still outperform laptops relying on integrated graphics and will look good doing it.

Apart from price, the GF63 Thin also manages to be one of the most portable laptops in this round-up. Weighing only 4.1 pounds and measuring 0.85 inches (22mm) thin, it’s easily able to slide into most backpacks and won’t leave your back aching at the end of the day.

Of course, you can’t expect top-tier performance or storage at this price. With a 256GB hard drive, you’ll only be able to store a handful of games before needing to delete something to make room for the next. The 10th-generation processor is no slouch for gaming, but won’t do much for streaming. While it may not be able to do everything, the GF63 delivers much more than you could reasonably expect from a laptop at this price.

Things to consider before buying the best cheap gaming laptops

Buying a cheap gaming laptop can be a marketing minefield. More often than not, the product pages are littered with lofty promises that don’t line up with how your new laptop will actually perform when you boot up a game. It’s not as if those numbers are made up, though: There is useful information out there if you know how to find it.

Processor

There are two major players making computer processors (CPUs) for laptops: AMD and Intel. Each brand breaks its CPUs into different performance tiers. For Intel gaming laptops, the most common are Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9. The higher the number, the higher the performance. For AMD’s most recent CPUs, those tiers are represented as Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 9 processors. In both cases, for gaming, we recommend sticking to Intel Core i5 and Ryzen 5 CPUs and above.

When looking for a gaming CPU, the first thing to consider is how many cores you’ll need. For just gaming, we recommend at least a quad-core CPU. If you plan to stream, stretching your budget to six or eight cores will help ensure that both your stream and your gameplay remain smooth. While Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors are highly competitive with Intel’s Core CPUs, if you’re considering a machine that’s more than two generations old, Intel’s CPUs tend to offer better gaming performance.

The second thing to consider is how fast that CPU runs. A processor’s speed, measured in Gigahertz (GHz), refers to how many compute cycles it completes per second. A 5GHz processor is capable of completing five billion cycles a second, though this is also impacted by the task it’s attempting to complete and the adjoining hardware. Most games benefit from faster clock speeds so a faster processor can lead to higher frame rates. For gaming, choose a processor that’s as close to 5GHz (or higher) as possible but, generally, anything over 4GHz is considered “fast enough” for gaming on modern CPUs. Newer processors often feature design improvements that also lead to higher frame rates. As a rule, settle on the number of cores you need, then look for the newest, fastest CPU that fits your budget.

Graphics card

For gaming, specifically, a laptop’s ability to render 3D graphics is even more important than its core processor. This is controlled by a component called a graphics card or GPU. Depending on the type of machine, your PC may have a discrete standalone component or a chipset built directly into the CPU (an integrated graphics card). Having a large, discrete GPU is the defining feature of a gaming PC versus a powerful productivity-focused machine. In general, it’s always worth investing in the best GPU you can afford.

Like processors, graphics cards are primarily produced by two brands, AMD and Nvidia, and are broken into different performance tiers indicated by number. AMD names its Radeon line of GPUs with a four-digit number. The first digit corresponds to the generation of the card, and the last three mark the specific card and its position in the line. For example, the latest set of laptop cards are the RX 6600M, 6700M, and 6800M. Nvidia’s naming convention is similar. The first two digits indicate the generation, and the last two represent the individual card, i.e., RTX 3050, 3060, 3070, and 3080. Nvidia also includes middle steps between some levels, indicated by “Ti.”

Because heat can impact gaming performance, it can be difficult to tell the difference between two similarly priced laptops by name alone. It’s always worth reading reviews before hitting that Add to Cart button. 

Memory

Memory (or DRAM) is another critical component in a gaming laptop. Memory is where the laptop will store the data it needs the fastest access to and is directly tied to gaming performance. For gaming and streaming, we recommend having at least 16GB of RAM, with 8GB being the bare minimum for gaming alone. Anything less will severely limit your ability to multitask or have other apps open alongside your game.

When producing a cheap gaming laptop, manufacturers tend to cut costs by providing less memory. As a result, most of the laptops in this round-up (and under $1,000 in general) will only have 8GB of RAM. Thankfully, many laptops allow you to add additional RAM sticks to increase total capacity over time. Upgradable memory isn’t a given, though, so check to make sure that’s a possibility before you buy in.

Screen

While there’s less variety than full-size desktop monitors, not all laptop displays are created equal. When scrutinizing a laptop display, consider its screen size and refresh rate. Full-size laptops typically come with 15.6- or 17.3-inch screens. A 17-inch screen is great for gaming but makes the laptop heavier and more difficult to carry around. Smaller screen sizes are available and enhance portability but quickly begin limiting your field of view. To maintain portability, a 15-inch screen is usually the safer bet.

Gaming laptops offer an incredible range of frame rates, from 60Hz all the way to 300Hz. Higher refresh rates allow games to run more smoothly and increase motion clarity but drain the battery more quickly. The fastest refresh rates can also be prohibitively expensive. For gaming, we recommend looking for a laptop that runs between 120Hz and 144Hz. This speed represents a good balance between price and performance and is noticeably smoother than a standard 60Hz monitor.  

Battery

The lifespan of the battery is an important consideration for any notebook but is especially so for a gaming laptop. High-performance parts use a lot of power and some manufacturers even limit performance when running on battery alone, so it’s always advisable to plug in before you load up your favorite game. That’s not always possible, however, so we suggest scouting out a laptop that offers a minimum of 50wHr. Even so, some laptops will struggle to last more than an hour while gaming, so keep that AC adapter handy. 

Connectivity

Do you like to plug in extra peripherals? Maybe a monitor or an external hard drive? If so, you should check how many USB, video, and audio ports each laptop offers and compare that to what you would like to connect. The ports on laptops vary widely from model to model and, while gaming laptops tend to have more, they aren’t all the same.

Weight

A laptop is made to be portable, but not every laptop is meant to travel with you everywhere you go. Many modern laptops have embraced the mantra of “thin and light,” but gaming laptops still tend to be on the heavier side. This is especially true as you look for higher performance or shop older designs.

If you are looking for a gaming laptop that you carry to work or school every day, finding something low-weight should be a top priority. A 6-pound laptop might not seem like much on paper, but when carried in a bag over a full day, it can become a pain in the neck. Literally. Take the time to find a laptop that balances performance and portability. Your future self will thank you.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cheap gaming laptops

• Best overall: ASUS TUF Gaming F17
• Best for eSports: ASUS TUF Gaming F17 (2020)
• Best for streaming: Lenovo Legion 5 15
• Best for battery life: Acer Nitro 5
• Best for work and school: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
• Best budget: MSI GF63 Thin

Choosing a cheap gaming laptop can feel like a balancing act. There are no perfect options at these prices, and you need to accept that you will be getting a laptop with at least a couple of serious flaws. When you go to buy a cheap gaming laptop, keep your top priorities in mind and think through how you actually plan to use it. This should drive your decision-making, allowing you to make the hard choices about the trade-offs you have to make. For most people, focusing on getting the best graphics card and processor you can afford should yield the best overall gaming performance.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best cheap gaming laptops in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best design		MacBook Air 15-inch M2		SEE IT	The 13-inch MacBook Air is great, but this one gets you more screen real estate on which to work.
Best overall		MacBook Air 13-inch M2		SEE IT	It’s portable, powerful, and darn near perfect.
Best battery life		MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro		SEE IT	Get a full day of work done (plus a lot more) on a single charge.

Choosing the perfect MacBook for college seems like a simple task. After all, there aren’t that many models on the market. But this is a big decision that’s even more impactful than choosing the perfect dorm room decorations. After all, a great laptop is a crucial part of student life. It needs to function as a reliable, portable machine that can handle the workload of virtual and IRL classes while also serving as an entertainment center and social hub. We’ve studied Apple’s laptop lineup from its entry-level $999 model to upgraded, top-of-the-line rigs to find the best MacBooks for college students.

• Best overall: MacBook Air 13-inch M2
• Best battery life: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro
• Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Max
• Best design: MacBook Air 15-inch M2
• Best budget: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

How we choose the best MacBooks for college students

At first glance, Apple’s laptop lineup seems like an A or B choice: Do you want a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro? Generally speaking, Air-series laptops prioritize portability and battery life. The Pro line offers upgraded computing power, screen resolution, and built-in cooling to handle the heat of heavy workloads. However, each line allows for processing power, storage, and display size upgrades. We’ve pulled from PopSci testing and reviews, extensive research, and our own experience buying laptops for students to choose the best.

The best MacBooks for college: Reviews & Recommendations

Sure, a MacBook will cost you a lot more than a cheap Chromebook, but you have the peace of mind that you get what you pay for when you invest in Apple. And try producing bops in between classes or DJing your next rent party on that budget laptop. 

Best overall: MacBook Air 13-inch M2

SEE IT

Specs

• 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
• Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core or 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural engine
• 8-24GB unified memory
• 256GB-2TB SSD storage

Pros

• Lightest MacBook
• Good all-around performer
• Sturdy body

Cons

• Few ports
• Base model starts with very little storage

When Apple introduced its house-made M-series chips, its laptops took a huge leap in terms of both power and battery life. The MacBook Air 13-inch M2, with a newer version of the Apple-specific chip, makes incremental improvements on its predecessor with a revamped body, slightly more screen space, and an immersive sound system. Those audio upgrades include improved microphones, which presented a slight sore spot for the previous generation. Our review called it “one of the best laptops you can buy right now, bar none.”

The MacBook Air 13-inch M2 is a portable powerhouse weighing only 2.7 pounds. At 11.3 millimeters thick, the svelte model easily slides into backpacks and is hard to beat in portability unless you opt for a tablet.

Apple seemed determined to squeeze just a little bit more into each feature compared to the previous model. A smaller bezel allows a 13.6-inch screen instead of a 13.3. The Liquid Retina display noticeably upgrades brightness and sharpness. The webcam’s resolution improved from 720p to 1080p. It’s a noticeable upgrade. The microphones are better, and just for fun, the laptop features an immersive sound system that supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. That’s important if your laptop also doubles as your entertainment center. The MagSafe charger makes both Thunderbolt ports available—yes, there are still only two—when the device needs juice.

Day-to-day work—like web browsing with too many tabs open, emails, and video conferencing—poses no challenges for the Air 13-inch M2. The machine also handled some gaming, basic video editing, and some photo editing, but performance noticeably drops as the fanless machine warms up. However, anyone doing more than resizing images or dealing with raw image files should opt for an option in the Pro line.

We recommend avoiding the 256GB base model, instead opting for the 10-core GPU and 512GB SSD storage. The upgrades bump the price up to about $500 but avoid underwhelming transfer speeds in the base model configuration. The investment hurts at first, but this machine can easily last an entire college run if well cared for.

Best battery life: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro

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Specs

• 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Apple M2 Pro with 12‑core CPU, 19‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• 16-32GB unified memory
• 512GB-8TB SSD storage

Pros

• Can support two external monitors
• Lots of ports

Cons

• Heavy

A bigger laptop means room for batteries, and that’s important if you spend a lot of time working on the go. The MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro is among the largest laptops Apple offers, and according to the company, it has the longest battery life ever in a Mac. The 16-inch version allows for 15 hours of wireless web browsing or 22 hours of video playback—long enough to get through all your lectures, write one hell of a first draft, or just put off assignments for a day. But this laptop is heavy by Apple standards, weighing 4.7 pounds.

The Pro model sports the M2 Pro, a more powerful version of the M2 chip, designed to deal with challenging workflows in photo editing, software development, graphic design, and 3D rendering. The base model starts at $2,499 and comes loaded with many features expected in high-end laptops.  The screen is sharp and smooth: The Liquid Retina XDR display is only 4 millimeters thick but supports 1 billion colors and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, and ProMotion with refresh rates up to 120 Hz. Of course, you won’t want to use that to the max if you try to squeeze out the best battery life. Apple also packed a three-mic array and six-speaker sound system that supports three-dimensional sound when playing Dolby Atmos into this model. The Pro line also features more ports: three Thunderbolts, SDXC, HDMI, and a headphone jack. The 140W USB-C to MagSafe power adapter also helps quickly recharge when needed.

Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Max

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Specs

• 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Apple M2 Max with 12‑core CPU, 38‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• 32-96GB unified memory
• 1-8TB SSD storage

Pros

• Supports up to three external displays
• All-flash storage architecture allows efficient operations
• Lots of ports

Cons

• Heavy
• Pricey

If your major involves high-res video and high-stress deadlines, you don’t have time for rendering to render you helpless. The MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Max features the same monster battery as the MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro, but it comes packing double the graphics cores and twice the shared memory. That type of power makes it an obvious choice to tackle heavy-weight video-editing tasks.

The Pro M2 Max starts at $3,499 with an impressive 1TB of storage, but aspiring video editors can drop another $3,000 to max out the specs, attempting to future-proof the setup. The 16-inch screen is the largest in Apple’s lineup and supports the full coverage of the P3 color space. If you don’t know what that means, you can probably safely step down to the M2 Pro models without missing out on much.

This configuration weighs in at 4.7 pounds, but video editors are often desk-bound and rely on external media, so the weight of the Pro M2 Max seems less important than what could be plugged into the workspace. The HDMI port can support up to 8K, and the Thunderbolt plugs allow three additional displays. A PopSci roundup of the best laptops for video editing found the built-in SD card reader to be on the slow side but still useful for transferring files.

If you’re looking for a lighter option that can still crunch through RAW photos and videos, Apple offers the MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Max, which trades some screen space to weigh in at 3.5 pounds.

Best design: MacBook Air 15-inch M2

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Specs

• 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display
• Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• 8-24GB unified memory
• 256GB-2TB SSD storage

Pros

• Lightweight
• Larger screen
• Snappy operations

Cons

• Base model starts with very little storage

The MacBook Air 15-inch M2 is a new addition to the Air line, offering students a larger option of an excellent everyday laptop without a steep price increase.

Expect the same fast web browsing, the same quick-opening apps, and a larger version of the excellent Liquid Retina display as the MacBook Air 13-inch M2. However, the base model 15-inch M2 is only $200 more than the base MacBook Air 13-inch M2 while starting with two more graphics cores. As recommended with the other Air models, it’s worth another $200 to increase the storage from 256GB to 512GB.

The larger Air manages to pack a lot into a relatively svelte package that’s less than a half-inch wide and weighs only 3.3 pounds. The sturdy, durable feeling body houses up the sound game with six speakers rather than four and a three-mic array for improved video chats. The battery lasts up to 18 hours but the 35W charger features a nice little bonus: Rather than a single USB-C adapter, there are two USB-C ports to support charging two devices.

Best budget: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

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Specs

• 13.3-inch Retina display
• Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 7‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• 8-16GB unified memory
• 256GB-2TB SSD storage

Pros

• Affordable
• Snappy web browsing
• Fast to switch between tasks and open apps

Cons

• Features only two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports and a headphone jack
• USB-C charger occupies one port when charging
• Lower resolution webcam
• Too little storage in base model

When the MacBook Air 13-inch M1 first came out in 2020, the outside looked like Airs had for a while: a very thin metallic wedge. The insides, however, had been overhauled with the M1 chip to open apps faster, run more simultaneously, and generally allow for faster multitasking. At the time, PopSci’s review called it “the best overall laptop I’ve ever used,” noting the machine’s ability to stay cool without a fan while handling gaming and other more memory-hogging media editing. The Safari web browsing experience is snappy, even when dozens of open tabs.

What was once kicked off the new generation of MacBooks is now the most affordable laptop option in Apple’s lineup, starting at $999 for the base model with an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB SSD storage. You can typically find it for well under that price, however. We’ve seen it as low as $799 from authorized retailers. The laptop will be able to handle most things the average student would throw at it, plus extra processing power when needed.

One area in which the Air M1 lags behind new models is in resolution: The laptop features a Retina display with 2560 by 1600 resolution, a step behind the Liquid Retina screens mentioned above. And for as much time as everyone has spent staring at the images of themselves in video chats, the 720p webcam will be noticeably less sharp than other offerings.

The Air M1 has port problems—or at least annoyances, depending on how many peripherals and accessories are in your rotation. The left side features two Thunderbolt ports, and the right has a headphone jack. That’s it. Plus, when the Air M1 needs to charge, the included USB-C charger will occupy one of the ports. This is a manageable issue for most, but toss a Yubikey and an external monitor into a setup, and which thing will get unplugged so you can power up? Or, just pony up for a USB-C hub.

Things to consider when buying MacBooks for college

Computing power

All MacBooks in this roundup operate on Apple’s in-house M-series chip. In 2020, the M1 system-on-a-chip debuted, combining the central processing unit, graphic processing unit, security enclave, neural engine, shared memory, and other essential functions into one piece of silicon. The company has since released the M2 series, which continues to improve power and energy efficiency.

To find that Goldilocks, “just right” device, consider the type of work your studies and play will entail. The student who largely browses the web, writes reports, and answers emails could comfortably opt for the Air line, while those in creative fields like computer-aided design, film, or music should seek more processing power and storage offered by the Pro models. Don’t forget to give yourself room to grow: Freshman projects will seem simple compared to higher-level classes.

If you’re worried that the shared memory (Mac’s equivalent to RAM) numbers seem low, consider that the shared memory works much more efficiently than typical random access memory. That means 16GB of shared memory on an M-series chip will outperform the same amount of RAM on a Windows machine. The downside, however, is that it’s impossible to upgrade the shared system memory after the fact because it’s integrated with the rest of the components. Opt for as much system memory as you can justify since you won’t be able to goose those stats later.

Storage

The time to decide on how much storage to have on your MacBook is when you purchase your MacBook. All laptops are less configurable than desktops, but tinkerers should know some MacBooks feature solid-state drives that are soldered onto the logic board. Cracking open a MacBook also voids the warranty. Generally speaking, 256GB will get filled up annoyingly quickly. 512GB is better, but we recommend 1TB to avoid annoying jam-ups. Also, grab a portable SSD or other external hard drive for storing your files.

Size

MacBooks range from a 13-inch variety to 16-inch, and this is one of those moments when every inch counts. A larger laptop is more to lug, but a larger screen is one way to boost your productivity or at least see more of a spreadsheet without scrolling. Can’t bear the extra weight while running around? Consider an external monitor for your dorm room.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best MacBooks for college students

• Best overall: MacBook Air 13-inch M2
• Best battery life: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro
• Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Max
• Best design: MacBook Air 15-inch M2
• Best budget: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

Sure, there are more wallet-friendly options out there, but they’re often less user-friendly than Apple’s products. If you value reliability and are in your it-just-works era, there’s a MacBook for every college student’s computing needs, tastes, and budget.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best MacBook for college in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		HP Elitebook 840		SEE IT	This highly customizable model can fit any need and power level.
Best budget		Lenovo Thinkbook 15 Gen 4		SEE IT	This sub-$1,000 laptop has the power and portability necessary for work.
Best MacBook		Apple MacBook 14-inch M2		SEE IT	Apple packed plenty of power and long battery life into a very slick form factor.

Successful business laptops offer optimal performance with a powerful processor and ample RAM to multitask smoothly, run multiple software applications, and easily complete complex tasks. Your choice of a business laptop can significantly impact your productivity, efficiency, and overall success in your career. With stakes that high, take your time to compare various models and assess your professional needs. Look for lightweight and portable machines with great battery life to last all day and through long commutes, and that can handle all your daily tasks while keeping your important and confidential records secure. Whether you need your computer to create and edit presentations and videos, write reports, or attend video meetings with colleagues or clients, these are the best business laptops to help you get work done.

• Best overall: HP EliteBook 840 G9
• Best budget: ThinkBook 15 Gen 4 (15” Intel) Laptop
• Best battery life: HP Elite Dragonfly G3
• Best MacBook: Apple MacBook Pro 14
• Best 2-in-1: Microsoft Surface Pro 9

How we chose the best business laptops

Our business laptop recommendations are based on extensive research. We surveyed peer recommendations, critical reviews, and user impressions to create a list of contenders and then put them through their paces. We considered a wide variety of laptops suitable for a range of needs and users to develop a comprehensive list of the best business laptops in 2023.

The best business laptops: Reviews & Recommendations  

Do your homework before purchasing, and you’ll score the best business laptop deal for your needs and unique specifications. Our reviews can help you narrow down your options. 

Best overall: HP EliteBook 840 G9

SEE IT

Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i5 1235U (12th Generation)
• RAM: 16 GB
• Screen Size: 14 inches

Pros

• Impressive performance
• Great battery life
• Good camera

Cons

• Heavier than competitors

We chose the HP EliteBook 840 G9 as our best overall business laptop due to its performance, battery life and design. The longevity is incredibly impressive. You’ll be able to do a full day of work and even stream shows in the evening or catch up on emails without worrying about finding an outlet to plug in. This makes it a particularly good choice for those who travel for work or who need to move between offices with their machine.

With a high-resolution, AI-enabled webcam and decent speakers, the HP EliteBook 840 G9 is made for video conferencing. HP’s Wolf Security bundle includes BIOS and AI-based malware protection to keep your boss happy and your files secure. Just make sure you don’t click on any Phishing email tests. You’ll also have a fingerprint sensor and Windows Hello-enabled webcam to add an additional layer of protection.

Its Intel Core i7 processor upgrade option allows for some creative work like photo and video editing as well as intense spreadsheet curation. That’s increasingly crucial in a time when slide decks have gotten very elaborate. And while it’s not a gaming laptop by any stretch, it can run some older titles when you have downtime.

This laptop performs reliably and looks great with a sturdy, yet sleek chassis, and the keyboard has a pleasant feel with audible but not annoying clicks. That’s crucial if you work in public or in an open office scenario. Ultimately, this machine offers all of what you need without a lot of what you don’t. It will provide years of reliable work in a package that’s easy to lug around.

Best budget: ThinkBook 15 Gen 4 (15” Intel) Laptop

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Specs

• Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i3-1215U Processor
• RAM: Up to 16 GB
• Screen Size: 15.6 inches

Pros

• 4K display
• Excellent price
• Long battery life

Cons

• No Thunderbolt port
• Dull focus on camera

While it will never match the low entry point of a Chromebook or a Linux laptop, the ThinkBook 15 Gen 4 (15” Intel) laptop comes in at a very affordable price point at retail, but you can typically find it even cheaper during semi-regular sales. This model stands out as an excellent budget-friendly choice for a business laptop. The 15.6-inch display offers ample screen real estate for efficient multitasking and is bright and well-saturated. The Intel Core i3 processor is plenty powerful to handle everyday business tasks without drawing excess power from the battery. While not the most powerful, it provides commendable performance for its price range.

The laptop’s build quality is sturdy, instilling confidence in its longevity. It lacks some high-end features, but its affordability and inclusion of essential ports make it a solid option for budget-conscious professionals seeking reliable business performance. At 3.74 pounds, it’s not the daintiest machine, but unless you’re constantly lugging it around, that shouldn’t be an issue.

Best battery life: HP Elite Dragonfly G3

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Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1255U
• RAM: 16 GB
• Screen Size: 13.5″ diagonal WUXGA+ touch display

Pros

• Long battery life
• Lightweight and thin
• HDMI, USB-A, and Thunderbolt 4 ports

Cons

• Expensive

The HP Elite Dragonfly is a stellar business laptop with remarkable battery life. Starting at just 2.2 pounds, its sleek, lightweight design exudes professionalism while housing a powerful processor that tackles business tasks with ease. The 13.5-inch 1920 x 1280 touchscreen offers vibrant visuals and supports productivity on the go. Security features like facial recognition and fingerprint sensor ensure data safety. The standout feature is its exceptional battery life, perfect for long workdays or travel, and its connectivity with HDMI, USB-A, and Thunderbolt 4 ports. Although the price might be higher, the laptop’s durability, performance, and, most importantly, its extended battery longevity make it an excellent investment for professionals seeking a reliable and enduring business companion.

Best MacBook for business: Apple MacBook Pro 14

SEE IT

Specs

• Processor: M2 Pro (10-core CPU, 16-core GPU or 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU), with optional M2 Max with up to 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU
• RAM: 16GB to 96GB
• Screen Size: 14.2 inches

Pros

• Amazing performance and speed
• Great battery life 
• HDMI and SD Card ports

Cons

• No face ID
• Expensive

The Apple MacBook Pro 14 solidifies its position as the ultimate MacBook for business. Its M2 Pro chip delivers astounding performance, seamlessly handling demanding tasks. The 14.2-inch Retina XDR display offers brilliant visuals and precise color accuracy, enhancing productivity. The redesigned keyboard ensures comfortable typing during long work sessions, while the Thunderbolt 4 ports provide versatile connectivity options. The macOS ecosystem streamlines workflows, and the laptop’s sleek aluminum build exudes professionalism. While relatively pricey, its power, display quality, and software integration make it a top-tier choice for business users who value performance and the seamless Apple experience.

Best 2-in-1: Microsoft Surface Pro 9

SEE IT

Specs

• Processor: Quad-core 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor/i7-1185G7
• RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
• Screen Size: 13-inch touchscreen

Pros

• Excellent webcam
• Good performance
• Two USB-C ports plus Thunderbolt 4 support

Cons

• Battery life is only passable
• Accessories are expensive

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 cements its status as the premier 2-in-1 business laptop. Its versatile design effortlessly transforms from a tablet with a kickstand to a laptop, accommodating various work scenarios. The 13-inch touchscreen is vivid and responsive, ideal for digital note taking and presentations. Powered by Intel processors, it handles professional tasks smoothly. The detachable Signature Keyboard enhances productivity, and the compatible Surface Slim Pen 2, offers precise input for creative tasks, although both must be bought separately, which increases the cost. While battery life could be more substantial, the laptop’s portability and Windows 11 ecosystem integration, along with its adaptability to different work modes, make it an exceptional choice for business professionals seeking flexibility and performance.

What to consider when choosing a business laptop

Every business is different. Whether you’re coding, making spreadsheets, or just pretending to do work so your boss won’t bust you slacking, your needs will vary. Here are some basics to consider when evaluating business laptops you can haul to work.

Performance

It’s tempting to just pull the most powerful computer off the shelf and head on home with it. But, the key to true laptop happiness comes in finding a balance. You want a processor that can handle tasks easily, but going for something too powerful will likely increase the size and weight of your machine in service of tasks you may not be doing in the first place. You’ll want as much RAM as you can muster since that will help with your multitasking. You might be able to get away with 8GB RAM, but 16GB is a much nicer floor, especially if you’re the type to keep a ton of tabs open while you work.

Portability

Three pounds may not sound like much, but you likely don’t want to go all the much heavier than that if you can. That’s especially true if you’re going to be lugging your computer back and forth to work every day. Laptops are generally pretty thin these days, unless you dabble in the gaming laptop world where they can get fairly chunky.

Battery life

Look for laptops with long battery life to make sure your new machine will have enough juice to last the day without needing frequent charging. Many laptops will provide estimated usage times on a single charge, but it’s important to know that those don’t always translate in the real world. The specs may promise 18 hours of battery life, but that’s likely with minimal workload and a dim screen. Use battery life promises as a guideline, but don’t take them as gospel.

Build quality

A sturdy and durable build is essential for a laptop that can withstand the rigors of daily business use. A metal chassis makes a computer more durable, but it also feels better when you type or move the machine around.

Keyboard and touchpad

Comfortable typing and precise touchpad navigation are essential for extended work sessions. You likely won’t find much in the way of variety when it comes to layout and key feel. But, this is also where you could consider going for a 2-in-1 computer like the Surface Pro 9 which will allow you to ditch the keyboard completely and use it as a tablet should the need arise.

Connectivity

Adequate ports, including USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet, ensure seamless connectivity to various devices and networks. Smaller laptops tend to skimp hard on ports. If you’re going to go with one of those models, we recommend a USB hub to expand connectivity. In addition, a business laptop should support WiFi at the least, but will be most efficient if it also features Bluetooth for peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and headphones.

Security Features

Look for features like biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) and hardware-based security to protect sensitive business data. Some business laptops also include a standardized locking port for Kensington and other physical locks that prevent thieves from running off with your machine if you’re using it in a public space.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best business laptops

• Best overall: HP EliteBook 840 G9
• Best budget: ThinkBook 15 Gen 4 (15” Intel) Laptop
• Best battery life: HP Elite Dragonfly G3
• Best MacBook for business: Apple MacBook Pro 14
• Best 2-in-1: Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Our favorite overall business laptop is the HP EliteBook 840 G9. We chose it for its professional aesthetics, robust performance, and comprehensive security features. It offers exceptional speed and efficiency for demanding tasks and prioritizes security with features like biometric authentication, privacy screens, and enhanced data protection. With versatile connectivity options, a comfortable keyboard, and long battery life it’s a reliable, secure, and powerful business laptop.

Why trust us? 

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now. 

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best business laptops for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Ever since Apple switched over to its own brand M-series silicon chips, it has been extremely easy to recommend the MacBook Air as the best laptop for most people. It’s an all-around fantastic machine, but the 13-inch screen feels a bit limiting for some users. This year, Apple released a 15-inch version of the MacBook Air, and it’s already experiencing a $100 discount at Amazon. This is a fantastic back-to-school computer, so jump on this if you or your child is headed off to college or other school this year.

Apple 15-inch MacBook Air M2 $1,199 (Was $1,299)

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This is the base model of the 15-inch MBP. It comes back with Apple’s M2 chip, as well as 8GB unified memory. 8GB may not sound like much for the equivalent of RAM, but Apple’s systems use shared memory differently. Because it’s integrated completely into the system, it runs much faster than the number would suggest. I regularly edit 4K video on my 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro processor and just 16GB shared memory.

The 15-inch MacBook Air comes with an HD webcam, Touch ID for easy log-ins, and a full-sized keyboard. Despite all of that, it weighs just 3.3 pounds and stands less than a half-inch thick. The only real downside is the 256GB built-in storage, but that’s easily remedied with an external drive that you can plug into one of three USB-C ports.

More Apple laptop deals

• Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip, 13″ Retina Display $749 (was $999)
• Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Pro chip with 12‑core CPU and 19‑core GPU $2,249 (was $2,499)
• Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip $1,299 (was $1,499)

The post Get Apple’s new 15-inch M2 MacBook Air for cheap at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Few among us would not jump at the chance to make their laptop battery last longer. After all, our work and personal lives are at the mercy of the battery packs inside our laptops, smartphones, and other mobile devices. When these batteries die, we have to put our lives on hold until we can find somewhere to plug in again. It’s no wonder battery life estimates are one of the first specs many look for when choosing a new device.

Start with brightness: Dial down the brightness of the screen as much as you can without having to strain your eyes, using whatever keyboard shortcuts your laptop offers. You can make more detailed modifications by opening up System, then Display in Windows’ settings, or Displays in System Settings on macOS (System Preferences if you’re using an Apple OS older than macOS Ventura).

Screens that time out sooner also use less battery. To set this and a bunch of other power-saving options, choose Power & battery inside the System section of Settings on Windows 11 (Power & sleep on Windows 10), or Screen Saver from System Settings on macOS.

[Related: One telltale sign it’s time to replace your laptop’s battery]

Other settings available on the same screens let you put your hard drives to “sleep” (they’ll take longer to wake back up, but they’ll use less power), put USB devices into a low power mode, and more. These adjustments won’t make major differences, but you can eke out some extra battery life by enabling them.

If you’re using Windows, there’s a special battery-saver mode that maximizes the time you’ll get between battery charges. It limits background activity and notifications and automatically adjusts the display brightness once your battery level dips below a certain point. To find this utility, click the battery icon on the taskbar, then Battery settings or the cog icon.

Apple’s low power mode does essentially the same job on macOS, and you can decide when it turns on by opening System Settings, then Battery. On the same settings page, there’s also a Battery Health widget—click the i icon to learn about your battery and decide if you want to enable Optimized Battery Charging to extend your laptop’s battery life.

Both Windows and macOS also feature a dark mode, which can reduce power draw, but only on laptops with OLED screens (an LCD screen draws the same amount of power to show black as it does white). If you have one, the dark mode option is under Personalization and Colors in the Windows Settings.

Reduce your laptop’s workload

The harder your computer is working, the faster it’ll drain your battery. When you’re away from a power source, you should close any programs hanging around in the background that you’re not actually using. If your laptop runs fewer applications and avoids demanding programs (such as games and video editors), its battery should last longer.

Even if you close everything you’re not using, the browser drains your battery more than you might think. Resist the temptation to have dozens of browser tabs open at once (or at least put them to sleep), and your laptop will thank you. And when you’re browsing on battery power, avoid video streaming sites. They typically demand a lot of juice, both because they keep the screen constantly active and because they require a decent amount of processing power.

Audio makes a difference too. Active speakers blaring out music will use up more battery power than silence—or a pair of plugged-in headphones. If you can, turn down the volume or do without sound altogether.

[Related: The best headphones of this year]

Maintaining WiFi and Bluetooth connections also uses up battery power, albeit a pretty small amount. If you can disconnect your laptop and work offline—and do without a wireless mouse and other peripherals—your laptop battery will last a little bit longer as a result. We’re not talking major improvements, but you might just make it to the end of the day.

It’s not just the weather, either—running demanding applications on your computer can generate the heat your battery needs to avoid. This brings us back to the idea of sticking to lightweight tasks and programs while you’re away from a power source. If you really have to have a gaming session or encode some video, consider using a laptop cooler to dissipate heat more effectively, keeping your laptop battery running longer.

There’s an ongoing debate within tech circles over the “healthiest” approach to recharging batteries. The most up-to-date advice suggests that shallow discharges and recharges are preferable in the long-term, rather than allowing your battery to drain completely each time—though you should still do a full discharge about once a month. Unplugging your laptop once it’s fully charged, rather than leaving it always plugged in, tends to be better for your battery’s health as well.

Finally, if you won’t be using your laptop for a while, Apple and others recommend leaving the battery with a 50 percent charge in it—leaving it fully charged or fully discharged for an extended period of time can damage it permanently.

This story has been updated. It was originally published on April 3, 2017.

The post 3 ways to make your laptop battery last longer—maybe all day appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Lenovo 3i Chromebook		SEE IT	The perfect blend of performance and price for students and remote workers.
Best touchscreen		Lenovo ideaPad Slim 3		SEE IT	A large Full HD touchscreen and ultra-long battery are a potent combo.
Best budget		ASUS Chromebook C203XA		SEE IT	ASUS’s Chromebook is the best laptop you’ll find for under $200.

If you are looking for an inexpensive computer for students on a budget, look no further than a cheap Chromebook when back-to-school shopping. These machines run ChromeOS rather than Windows or macOS and, while the operating system is much more lightweight, can handle the most common scholastic tasks—writing documents, creating presentations, reading, and sending e-mail—with ease. Don’t worry; you can still use these machines to stream video and play lightweight browser games. Ultimately, the best Cheap Chromebooks are a viable alternative to PCs and Macs if your needs are modest.

• Best overall: Lenovo 3i Chromebook
• Best touchscreen: Lenovo ideaPad Slim 3
• Best budget: ASUS Chromebook C203XA

The best cheap Chromebooks: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Lenovo 3i Chromebook

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Specs

• Screen size: 15.6-inches
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 64GB
• Touchscreen: No
• Battery life: 10 hours

Pros

• Large screen
• Plenty of memory
• Packed with ports

Cons

• Comparatively low storage compared to PCs

The Lenovo 3i is a good all-around cheap Chromebook, with no significant downsides apart from its relatively low amount of storage. While a 64GB SSD wouldn’t be sufficient for a PC or Mac, it’s enough for a computer that mostly relies on you storing and managing your data on the Internet. That con is outweighed by the computer’s 8GB of RAM (memory), allowing you to keep a handful of browser tabs open simultaneously without slowing the machine down. You’ll also appreciate the machine’s 15.6-inch HD display, which is actually on par with the type of screen you’d get from a PC laptop.

Another area where Lenovo exceeded our expectations was with the 3i Chromebook’s selection of ports. The laptop has two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, an HDMI port, a headphone jack, and a MicroSD card slot. If its internal drive starts filling up, you could pop a MicroSD card into the 3i to permanently augment its storage. A 256GB MicroSD card only costs $20, which makes it a cost-effective upgrade even if it won’t be quite as fast at reading and writing data as the machine’s internal SSD.

One feature on this machine that’s absent on some others is a full-sized keyboard, which includes a number pad on the right-hand side for easy access. This is a small thing but it could make the jump from using a desktop computer to a cheap Chromebook that much more seamless. If you’re shopping for a laptop and can stretch your budget to $300—the upper limit of a “cheap” Chromebook in our view, you’ll be very pleased with Lenovo’s 3i.

Best touchscreen: Lenovo ideaPad Slim 3

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Specs

• Screen size: 14-inches
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB
• Touchscreen: Yes
• Battery life: 13.5 hours

Pros

• Touchscreen display
• Ultra-light
• Long battery life

Cons

• Low storage compared to PCs

If your current computer has a touchscreen, or you’ve always wanted this feature in a laptop, Lenovo’s ideaPad Slim 3 is an excellent cheap Chromebook. At 2.86 pounds, it’s a lot lighter than most bigger-screen laptops, which makes a big difference if you’re a student lugging around a computer in your bag. While it’s less expensive than our best overall pick, the ideaPad Slim 3 has a lot of the same tech specs as Lenovo’s higher-end machine. It even bests it in battery life, lasting up to 13.5 hours, according to Lenovo.

This cheap Chromebook has a Full HD display and 64GB of storage, plus a MicroSD card if you’d like to add some more space. It only has 4GB of RAM, so you probably won’t want to have as many Chrome tabs open. That said, the machine still has enough memory for everyday use. Surprisingly, this laptop supports both Bluetooth 5.1 and WiFi 6, which we wouldn’t expect given its price. While the ideaPad Slim 3’s port selection is a little more sparse—you’ll get one USB-A port, a USB-C port, and a headphone jack—it covers all the basic bases.

Phones and tablets have understandably made touchscreens a must-have laptop feature for many people. If you count yourself among them and want a well-specced Chromebook for well under $300, Lenovo’s ideaPad Slim 3 is the one to pick up.

Best budget: ASUS Chromebook C203XA

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen size: 11.6-inches
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 32GB
• Touchscreen: No
• Battery life: 10 hours

Pros

• Compact size
• HD screen
• Price

Cons

• Very low storage

ASUS’ Chromebook C203XA is not only the least expensive Chromebook we’re recommending, but it’s also the smallest and lightest. Despite its compact size, this laptop has a lot to like because ASUS didn’t cut corners. The biggest surprise is that this Chromebook’s 11.6-inch display is HD, so videos, text, and photos will look very sharp. Similarly, the C203XA has an HDMI port, allowing you to easily connect the cheap Chromebook to an external monitor at a desk. Knowing you can hook it up to a bigger display is significant if you’re a little wary about getting a laptop with such a small screen.

This machine’s HDMI port is complemented by one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and a full-sized SD Card slot. You’ll want to use the SD card slot to increase the machine’s storage because it only comes with a 32GB SSD. This won’t be a problem if you’re all-in on cloud-based storage and applications but may be a problem if you want to download files to work on them locally. Additionally, this cheap Chromebook supports WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, which are solid but not quite as fast as their more modern counterparts.

All of these are reasonable compromises considering the ASUS C203XA’s price is just $170 right now—roughly half the cost of our top recommendation. Considering you can fix two of this Chromebook’s biggest weaknesses, that’s an especially good deal.

What if you want a more expensive Chromebook?

Chromebooks are known for their comparatively low prices, but it’s possible to pick up a higher-specced model if you prefer the technically lightweight ChromeOS to Windows and macOS. If that’s the case, the ASUS Chromebook Vibe C55 is our top Chromebook recommendation. The machine has a 15.6-inch HD 144Hz touchscreen and is equipped with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a speedy Intel i5 processor. ASUS is confident enough in these specs that it’s throwing in a free three-month subscription to NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW game streaming service with purchase.

ASUS’ high-end machine also comes with two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, a MicroSD card slot, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. Nice-to-have features include a backlit keyboard and a hinge that allows you to flip the screen over the back of said keyboard to use this laptop like a tablet. On paper, the ASUS Chromebook Vibe C55 is a true competitor to midrange Windows PC laptops, but its $619.49 price tag is also in line with those machines.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cheap Chromebooks

Cheap Chromebooks are a legitimate option for many people who want a laptop but don’t want to spend the prices many companies charge for a cheap PC or MacBook Air. There are advantages to those systems, specifically where content creation (video, photo, or audio editing), gaming, and overall application support are concerned. Still, if you’re shopping around for a computer for a younger person or student or don’t need a machine that pushes the limits, a cheap Chromebook may be the ideal solution.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best cheap Chromebooks in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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A high-end gaming laptop lets you play the latest PC games wherever you go, but these portable powerhouses are typically very expensive. You can save $501 on MSI’s Pulse GL66, an excellent machine for PC gamers and students studying creative fields like photo and video production, by shopping on Amazon. This no-compromise gaming laptop is fully loaded and back down to its lowest price ever for a limited time.

MSI Pulse GL66 $1,098.99 (Was $1,599)

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The MSI Pulse GL66 is a Windows 11 laptop that runs on a 14-core Intel Core i7 processor at 1.7GHz, which can boost up to 4.7GHz when pushed. Its 15.6-inch display has a 144Hz refresh rate, which means games can run incredibly smoothly, and they will, thanks to this machine’s NVIDIA RTX 3070. That graphics card has 8GB of dedicated video memory—more than enough to run many of the latest games at higher settings. That video memory is complemented by 16GB of main system memory and a 512GB solid-state drive.

Some PC makers have reduced the number of ports on their laptops to save space, but that isn’t the case with the Pulse GL66. MSI outfitted the gaming laptop with two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet jack, and a combo headphone and microphone jack. You’ll be able to connect this gaming laptop directly to any monitor without a hub or adapter—and don’t worry; you’ll find deals on great displays below. Surprisingly, MSI fit all this power into a laptop weighing just under five pounds. You’ll still feel this machine’s weight while carrying it around in a bag, but it offers a remarkable amount of performance for a laptop in its size class.

If you’re ready to plunge into PC gaming, but don’t want a desktop machine, don’t let MSI’s Amazon deal on the Pulse GL66 pass you by.

Don’t forget these other great gaming deals:

• Acer CB272, $129.99 (Was $179.99)
• Acer CB342CUR, $474.98 (Was $699.99)
• Acer RF Wireless Mouse M501, $17.99 (Was $25.99)
• Acer Predator Cestus 330 Gaming Mouse, $34.99 (Was $64.99)
• MNN Portable Monitor, $79.99 (Was $139.82)
• Teamgee Laptop Screen Extender, $189.99 (Was $259.99)
• Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel, $229.99 (Was $399.99)
• Logitech F310 Wired Gamepad Controller, $14.99 (Was $24.99)
• TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System, $359.99 (Was $399.99)
• Lamicall Adjustable Laptop Stand, $29.99 (was $39.99)
• Crucial X8 2TB Portable SSD, $114.99 (Was $219.99)
• Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard, $28.99 (Was $39.99)
• Logitech MK735 Performance Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Combo, $69.99 (Was $79.99)

The post MSI’s premium gaming laptop is now available at its lowest price ever on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

A laptop upgrade is more affordable than you might imagine thanks to this current discount on a refurbished MacBook Air, available at only $249.97 (reg. $399) through June 18.

If you’re in the market for a new laptop, that process can quickly become exhausting and expensive without a solid plan. The computer refurbishment market is a reliable option, and thanks to a current discount on a popular Apple laptop, that value is even better.

Through June 18 at 11:59 p.m. PST, pick up a refurbished MacBook Air from 2015 for only $249.97 (reg. $399) with no coupon required. That’s $150 in savings on a laptop loaded with an Intel Core i5 processor, 128GB of storage, and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity.

This laptop’s features include a clear 1440×900 native resolution on a 13-inch screen, Intel HD graphics 6000, and complete WiFi capabilities for on-the-move use. Accessories like your mouse or earbuds can sync with your computer instantly via Bluetooth, while a powerful battery can keep you operating without a charge for up to 12 hours. With its marathon battery life, it’s no wonder CNET awarded this 2015 MacBook Air an 8.2 out of 10-star rating.

Maximize this device with various ports, including USB and Thunderbolt, an SDXC card slot, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Dual microphones and a 720p FaceTime HD camera allow you to communicate effortlessly in real-time or record video and audio as needed. Plus, you stream entertainment and games on an LED-backlit glossy widescreen display that can provide stunning visuals.

This MacBook Air has a Grade B refurbishment rating, meaning it may have light to normal signs of wear (not visible from two feet away) without impacting device operation. It will come clean and in good battery health, primed to be used right out of the box.

Don’t spend more than you need to on your next laptop, and don’t sacrifice functionality for savings.

Purchase this refurbished MacBook Air for just $249.97 (reg. $399). This deal ends June 18 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Prices subject to change.

The post This refurbished MacBook Air is only $250 until June 18 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Dell XPS		SEE IT	It’s an ideal mix of power, portability, and price.
Best for gaming		Asus ROG Zephyrus G14		SEE IT	A robust graphics card makes it possible to play games on the go.
Best budget		Lenovo IdeaPad 5		SEE IT	You can get a surprising amount of computer for well under $1,000.

There are dozens of Windows laptops to choose from, many of which offer similar features and designs, so finding the right one can be challenging. Are you looking for a powerful gaming machine or do you need something that’s more portable? Maybe you want something a little more versatile, in which case a 2-in-1 might suit your needs. We know buying a laptop is a big decision, so we’re here to explain what’s important, what isn’t, and what to avoid altogether. From Dell to HP to Lenovo, our picks for the best Windows laptops currently available can be found here.

• Best overall: Dell XPS 15
• Best gaming: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
• Best budget: Lenovo IdeaPad 5
• Best 2-in-1: HP Spectre x360
• Best for productivity: Dell XPS 13 Plus

How we picked the best Windows laptops

I’ve tested and reviewed numerous laptops from every category and major manufacturer for publications like TechnoBuffalo, XDA Developers, and Android Central. I use a laptop every day for work and when I need to do more intensive tasks, like editing photos and videos. A laptop is also my go-to device for travel because it provides me with the performance, battery life, and screen size to do my best work. To arrive at this list, we analyzed offerings from all the major manufacturers and compared models based on fundamental specs such as battery life, screen size and resolution, and overall power level. 

The best Windows laptops: Reviews & Recommendations

Knowing what to look for in a Windows laptop is the first step. The next step is vetting the numerous options, and then choosing the one that works best for you. As we previously mentioned, there are a lot of models and configurations at different prices, so picking just one is easier said than done. We tried to make your job as easy as possible by finding the best options in specific categories.

Best overall: Dell XPS 15

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Why it made the cut: With the latest specs, an OLED touchscreen, and a sturdy, elegant design, the Dell XPS 15 is still the best around.

Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i5, i7, i9
• Operating System: Windows 11
• GPU: Intel Arc A370M, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
• RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB DDR5
• Storage: 512GB SSD, 1TB SSD, 2TB SSD, 4TB SSD, 8TB SSD
• Screen size: 15.6″ 3.5K HDR OLED (3456 x 2160), 15.6″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200)
• Dimensions: 13.56 in x 9.06 in x 0.73 in
• Weight: starts at 4.22 lbs
• Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 4, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1 SD, 3.5 mm audio, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2

Pros

• Beautiful OLED touchscreen
• Sturdy, elegant design
• Good battery life

Cons

• 720p web camera
• No USB-A ports

Dell’s XPS line has long been a favorite among reviewers and consumers for its performance, portability, and design. The XPS 15, updated for 2023, carries the mantle forward while carving its place in the crowded Windows market. With a 12th Generation Intel Core processor (i5, i7, and i9), up to 64GB of RAM, and a 15.6-inch OLED touchscreen (16:10 aspect ratio), the XPS 15 is the closest challenger to Apple’s M2-equipped MacBook Pro in terms of performance and design.

If you can afford it, you can upgrade the XPS 15 with a high-end NVIDIA graphics card, giving you plenty of power to play games and edit high-resolution videos. You can also configure the device with up to 8TB of SSD storage, which is plenty of storage for files, images, and video. The XPS 15 also features two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a USB 3.2 Type-C port, and a built-in SD card reader. Other configuration options include a Full HD Plus (1920×1080) non-touch display and an Ultra HD Plus (3849×2400) touch display, which features 500 nits of brightness.

The XPS 15 is hard to beat for design and performance, and there are several configuration options to meet specific needs. That’s why Dell’s XPS is so beloved in the Windows market and why the XPS 15 is our best overall pick.

Best gaming: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

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Why it made the cut: The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 offers an impressive balance of power and portability.

Specs

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7, AMD Ryzen 9
• Operating System: Windows 11
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 4050, 4060, 4070, 4080, and 4090
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512 GB SSD, 1TB SSD
• Screen size: 15.6-inch WQHD (2560×1440)
• Dimensions: 12.28 in x 8.94 in x 0.77 in
• Weight: starts at 3.64 lbs
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1, 2 USB 3.2 Type-A, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, microSD card reader, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

Pros

• Thin and lightweight for a gaming laptop
• Excellent battery life
• Capable of playing the latest AAA titles on high settings

Cons

• High price
• A 14-inch screen is on the smaller end for gaming

Asus’ ROG Zephyrus G14 is a lightweight gaming laptop that doesn’t compromise performance, portability, or battery life. Equipped with a 14-inch 240Hz WQHD display and weighing in at just under 4 pounds, the Zephyrus G14 is powerful enough to handle AAA titles, and any Zoom calls you have planned.

All of the available configurations offer AMD’s Ryzen 9 6900HX processor, and you can now equip it with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 40 series. All models come with 16GB of RAM and support up to 32GB, and offer a fast SSD and a combination of ports, including HDMI 2.0b, two USB 3.2 Type-A, two USB 3.2 Type-C, a Display Port, and a microSD card reader. The Zephyrus G14 also supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and a battery that can last around 8 hours on a single charge. If you’re not happy with the 14-inch screen, Asus also makes the same machine with a 16-inch screen.

Despite the price, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is an impressive gaming laptop that offers excellent performance, an excellent display, and a long-lasting battery.

Buy it at Best Buy

Best budget: Lenovo IdeaPad 5

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Why it made the cut: The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 has everything you need and doesn’t add anything you don’t want, making it a great bang-for-your-buck laptop.

Specs

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5, AMD Ryzen 7
• Operating System: Windows 11
• GPU: AMD Radeon Integrated Graphics
• RAM: 8GB, 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB SSD, 1TB SSD
• Screen size: 15.6-inch FHD (1920×1080)
• Dimensions: 14.04 in x 9.17 in x 0.66 in
• Weight: 4.08 lbs
• Connectivity: 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A, HDMI 1.4b, SD card reader, 3.5mm audio, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2

Pros

• Thin and relatively lightweight
• Sleek design
• Under $1,000

Cons

• Less money means less power and performance
• Soldered-in RAM prevents future upgrades

Lenovo’s IdeaPad series has been around since 2008, and they’ve consistently been one of the better options in the lower price ranges. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is no exception, with the cheapest option starting at $720. If that’s still a bit too much for your budget, check out our recommendations for the best laptops under $500.

The available configurations offer AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processors, which are handy enough to deal with almost anything. The IdeaPad offers a 512GB or 1TB SSD, a great collection of ports, including HDMI, USB Type-A and Type-C, and an SD card reader, and supports Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6 for connectivity.

Unfortunately, the laptop does come with some downsides. You don’t have the option to upgrade to an external graphics card, and even more limiting is the maximum 16GB of soldered ram, which prevents adding more capacity later. Spend the extra money up front, because opting for the 8GB now might be limiting if you’re working with resource-intensive programs like the Adobe suite.

But despite the limits of the hardware, the IdeaPad 5 is still a very serviceable laptop, which is why it’s our budget recommendation.

Best 2-in-1: HP Spectre x360

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Why it made the cut: The HP Spectre x360 is small and portable but still incredibly powerful.

Specs

• Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5, i7
• Operating System: Windows 11
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe
• RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD, 1TB SSD, 2TB SSD
• Screen size: 13.5-inch WUXGA+ (1920 x 1280), 13.5-inch 3K2K OLED (3000 x 2000)
• Dimensions: 11.73 in x 8.68 in x 0.67 in
• Weight: 3.01 lbs
• Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C, 1 USB Type-A, 3.5mm audio, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

Pros

• Portable and lightweight
• Option for OLED screen
• Comes with an attachable stylus

Cons

• Low on ports
• Not upgradable after purchase

HP’s Spectre x360 features some of the best specs for 2-in-1 laptops on the market alongside Microsoft’s Surface Pro series. Unlike the Surface Pros, the Spectre x360 does not give you the option to detach the keyboard, making it a bit heavier. However, in almost every other way, the Spectre x360 outperforms the Surface Pro.

The Spectre x360 comes with 12th Generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of built-in RAM, and a very respectable 512GB, 1TB or 2TB SSD. You can get a Spectre x360 with a nice OLED display without the battery life suffering too much, either, and the Spectre comes with a slightly bigger screen.

Most 2-in-1 laptops tend to have fewer ports, but Spectre again does quite well here, with two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a USB Type-A to Surface’s 2 Thunderbolt 4. The WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 also put Spectre at the front of the pack in terms of online connectivity.

Buy it at Best Buy

Best for productivity: Dell XPS 13 Plus

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Why it made the cut: The Dell XPS 13 Plus adds capacitive function buttons, an expansive haptic touchpad, and a more comfortable keyboard.

Specs

• Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5, i7
• Operating System: Windows 11
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe
• RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD, 1TB SSD, 2TB SSD
• Screen size: 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920×1200), 13.4-inch OLED (3456×2160), 13.4-inch UHD+ (3840×2400)
• Dimensions: 11.63 in x 7.84 in x 0.6 in
• Weight: 2.71 lbs
• Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2

Pros