Laptops are small enough to carry around with you but powerful enough to run demanding applications. Notebooks are the best tool for serious work or play, whether at home, on the road, or in a college classroom. Buying a laptop is a confusion exercise. Even if you know exactly what you want and what everything means, finding it can be difficult. Even navigating the manufacturers’ websites to try to purchase the model you want is time-consuming.
Whether you prefer Windows, prefer Macs, or are willing to try something new, you should know what to look for in a laptop before making a purchase. There is more to think about than the operating system. Is the screen you want available? Are your peripherals supported by ports? Can it run games in 1080p or higher? These are the factors you must consider.
You have many options for both Windows 11 and Chrome OS, whereas Apple only offers a few configurations for its MacBook’s. Continue reading to find out which laptop is best for you, and before you begin, be sure to check out our list of the best laptop brands.
Is it a Mac, a Windows, or something else?
The operating system should be your first priority. While Apple’s MacOS and Microsoft’s Windows have traditionally dominated that debate, Google’s Chrome OS is now a very popular alternative, typically available on much more affordable laptops.
While these platforms offer comparable hardware and features, there are some significant differences between them that must be considered.
Windows
Windows-based computers are a hugely diverse category. There are dozens of manufacturers, and the quality and price can vary greatly depending on the model and brand you choose. In terms of performance, the fastest models will outperform Macs, and many companies tailor their Windows PCs to a specific purpose, such as gaming or business. Windows PCs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. A standard laptop with a clamshell design and a keyboard-mouse interface, such as the lightweight Surface Laptop line, is easy to find. Windows touchscreen laptops are available at low prices, which you won’t find on any Apple MacBook unless you count a brief flirtation with the Touch Bar.
Fold-back screens and detachable tablet-keyboard combos, such as Microsoft’s Surface line, are examples of more elaborate designs. Meanwhile, as there will be no convertible or detachable MacBook, Apple reserves the 2-in-1 design for its iPad Pro family combined with a Magic Keyboard. In terms of software, Windows is far more open-ended than MacOS. It’s the industry standard for game development and many business-related applications, allowing for a larger software library. Windows receives major updates with new features on a more regular basis: Apple’s MacOS is updated biannually rather than annually. Unlike Apple’s more limited hardware lineup, there is plenty of choice in the windows laptop market. You have a plethora of options, whether you go with a major manufacturer like Lenovo, Dell, or one of Microsoft’s own devices.
MacOS
Apple has always been protective of its brand, releasing products in small batches. Any Apple product will adhere to its standards, whereas any manufacturer can create a Windows or Chrome OS-based PC with customized specifications. As a result, Macs are very easy to use and stable. Because they are part of the same ecosystem, Apple’s extensive support network can easily assist with any issues that may arise. A Mac’s quality design is one of its distinguishing features. They are designed to look great, feel elegant, and have amazing displays, which translates to a much higher price tag than many of their Windows and Chrome OS counterparts, especially when configured with plenty of storage. Apple computers are not known for being inexpensive. Macs use fast hardware, but rarely have the most powerful graphics chips found in Windows-based PCs and, unlike many PCs, it is nearly impossible to upgrade components, so you are stuck with the specs you buy on day one. Those who want a good computer but don’t know much about hardware can rest assured that their Mac will perform well in everyday use. Apple’s hardware also advanced significantly in late 2020 and 2021, when the company switched processors to its own in-house M1 chips, which performed admirably in MacBook’s and similar devices. Today, the MacBook Pro is the fastest laptop available for creative professionals.
Apple’s strict design standards extend to the operating system, MacOS, which is simple and straightforward. Unlike Windows, the platform comes with a suite of proprietary office and media-editing software, with each application well-suited to its intended task. It’s no surprise that Apple is frequently chosen by designers and photographers (though models like Microsoft’s Studio Laptop Studio are putting up serious competition with innovative designs and digital pen support).
Finally, while Macs do not have touchscreens, you can add an iPad as a second wireless screen with touch support using Apple’s Sidecar mode.
Chrome OS
Chrome OS is distinct from Windows and MacOS. This platform, based on the Chrome browser, initially focused on web-based apps and affordability. While the latter is still true, Chrome OS has evolved over time to support more traditional desktop software and mobile apps, much like its competitors.
Chromebooks are powered by Chrome OS. Because of their lower hardware requirements, these devices are typically less expensive than Windows-based PCs and MacBook’s. They are ideal for schools and other educational institutions, as well as customers who only need a laptop to browse social media and make online purchases. However, hardware options are far more diverse today than in the past, with powerful offerings such as the Pixel book Go that perform and look exactly like premium Windows and MacOS laptops. There are even 2-in-1 models available, such as the HP Chromebook x360 14.
Overall, Chrome OS is faster and more versatile than it has ever been. Although its foundation remains web-centric, the platform now supports Google Play and Android apps, making it the ideal notebook companion if you own an Android phone. It even imitates Apple’s iMessage, allowing Chromebook users to text without picking up the phone.
Furthermore, Chrome OS supports Linux, allowing it to run traditional desktop software such as GIMP and Steam. The library isn’t as diverse as that of Windows or even MacOS, and Linux support is still in beta. Nonetheless, Chrome OS’s maturity has proven to be a strong contender in a market dominated by Windows.
Overall, if Chrome OS meets your requirements for a laptop, a Chromebook can save you a lot of money.
The various types of laptops
There are various laptop categories, each designed with a specific use or audience in mind. When shopping for a laptop, consider what you intend to use it for most and look for a category that matches your interests. Here are some broad categories, along with a few of our favorites in each.
Entry-level ($500 or less)
Laptops are not cheap, but manufacturers understand that not everyone can afford a $2,000 machine. Buyers who only need a laptop for the most basic tasks and want to save money can find excellent laptops for $500 or less. Budget laptops are ideal for people who don’t know much about computers and simply want a device that can perform basic tasks. Despite their low price, they are built to last, with solid construction and ergonomically sound keyboards and touchpads.
Mainstream ($500-$1,500)
This is arguably the best price range in terms of value for money. These laptops are truly outstanding. You get much better internal hardware than entry-level models, but at the expense of premium features, high-powered graphics chips, and fancy materials.
Premium ($1,500+)
This category contains some of the best laptops available today. Longer battery life, improved performance from more powerful internal hardware, larger and higher-resolution displays, and overall better build quality are all available for a small premium. If you’re a power user and can afford it, this is the laptop class you should look into the most.
If you love Apple, a fully loaded MacBook Air M1. The MacBook Pro is another option, but it’s only for creative professionals and power users and comes at a high price.
2-in-1
The 2-in-1 laptop combines the portability and ease of use of a tablet with the functionality of a keyboard. The two most common designs in this category are convertible and detachable. By flipping the keyboard beneath the screen, the convertible can be used as a tablet. When combined, the detachable is essentially a tablet with a removable keyboard that looks and feels like an ultra-thin laptop. Other 2-in-1 designs include the pull-forward design exemplified by the Microsoft Surface Studio Laptop, the HP Elite Folio, and the Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel.
Ultrabook’s
The term “ultrabook” refers to a specification developed by Intel for extra-light, portable laptops that are easy to carry while still providing excellent battery life. They make use of solid-state drives (SSDs), power-efficient Intel Core processors, and carefully designed clamshell bodies. This became a very popular type of computer, and many people began referring to any compact, lightweight laptop designed for easy transport as a “ultrabook.”
Business laptops
Despite being aimed at professionals, business laptops have some appealing features for the average buyer. They may not always have the looks of more mainstream systems, but they usually have better battery life and more rugged and tough shells. The most significant disadvantage of business laptops is their high cost. Lenovo ThinkPad is one of the most recognizable business laptop lines, and the latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is an excellent addition to that lineup. The flagship ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 is also our favorite business laptop.
Gaming laptops
To keep up with the never-ending march of progress, gaming laptops must be built. The best boast powerful processors and graphics chips, as well as sufficient RAM to run modern games. Anything less can render the most popular games unplayable. High-end gaming laptops are typically bulky in order to accommodate better desktop-like hardware and larger screens. Because of their power-hungry components, battery life isn’t great especially on systems with 4K displays. However, this isn’t always the case, as our favorite gaming laptops tend to offer a good compromise or more stealth gaming capability.
Best time to buy your laptop
When to shop for the best deals on a new laptop is one of the most frequently asked questions. There are no hard and fast rules for securing a low-cost but high-quality laptop. However, there are a few different ways to time your purchase window in order to find a good deal. If you’re in the market for a new laptop, keep these timetables in mind.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the most obvious dates in November for finding great deals. Act quickly, though, because laptop supplies tend to run out quickly. If you wait until after Thanksgiving, it may be difficult to get the laptop you want, so you may not want to wait too long.
Back-to-school season: Many retailers offer reduced prices to help students who need new laptop computers for school. Even if you aren’t a student returning to class, the fall is a great time to shop for a more affordable device at a steep discount.
A few months after a major release: When a company is preparing to release a new model, the price of older generations of laptops is typically reduced. Both manufacturers and retailers do this to deplete stock so that there is both physical space and customer demand for new releases.
In practice, there are only minor differences between laptop generations. This makes it a good idea to keep up with tech news in order to get a great deal on a laptop in the months before a newer model is released. One caveat is the transition from Intel 11th-generation to Intel 12th-generation machines, where the differences will be much more pronounced.
Another tip is to search manufacturer websites to keep up with what’s in the works and when these new devices will be available to the public. Signing up for their newsletter may be advantageous, as it will ensure that you never miss a deal. Once you’ve found the best deal, simply unsubscribe from the newsletter to stop receiving emails.
