The 10 Best Laptops
The 10 Best Laptops
Shopping for a laptop is a pretty daunting task. The sheer number of systems available online or in a store’s electronics section is enough to make your mind spin. Most people have a general idea of what their laptop should look like and what they want in terms of features, but are often intimidated by the choices available. We narrow down those choices with 10 top-rated notebooks.
The first thing you need to consider is what you need in the laptop. Are you looking for something to compete on the gaming grid? Then a discrete graphics card and big screen are necessary components in the laptop you choose. Are you on a limited budget? Then be on the lookout for anything under $500 that offers at least a Core i3 CPU and 4GB of memory. If a business system is what you need, then security measures like a fingerprint reader and a TPM module are must-haves. For those who spend a lot of time on the road, an ultrabook or an ultraportable will keep back and shoulder strain to a minimum. For those who need a system meant for watching movies, a bright 1080p screen is a must-have feature. And last but not least, ask yourself if a touch screen is important to you. With the advent of Windows 8 and 8.1, touch-screen functionality has become a significant factor to consider when buying a laptop.
The editors of PCMag.com test hundreds of systems each year to help you find the best laptop. There are a lot of laptops out there, from the large-screen desktop replacements to the lightweight ultraportables, and even laptop/tablet convertibles, but all share common features. In this story, we help you narrow your choices by collecting the 10 best laptops on the market today. If you need more shopping advice, thenour buying guide is a good place to start. Also be sure to check out our top laptop picks for business and gaming.
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Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2014)
$1,099
$930.00 at AmazonThe latest 13-inch Apple MacBook Air updates one of the best ultraportables around, making it faster and more powerful, while proving that some things don’t need to change at all. Read the full review ››
Apple MacBook Pro 15-Inch Retina Display (2014)
$1,999
$1,189.00 at AmazonApple’s latest 15-inch MacBook Pro represents a slight upgrade to the best system mobile Mac power users can buy. And while the Windows competition is breathing down its figurative neck, it’s still our top choice for high-end desktop-replacement laptops. Read the full review ››
HP Chromebook 11 (Verizon LTE)
$299.99
$365.00 at AmazonThe HP Chromebook 11 (Verizon LTE) builds upon a slim and stylish design with a mobile internet connection that frees the Chromebook from the limitations of Wi-Fi. Read the full review ››
Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro (VN7-591G-75S2)
$1,199.99
$1,199.99 at Acer Online StoreThe Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro (VN7-591G-75S2) is an entry-level gaming laptop with some real muscle, showing impressive performance and solid battery life without the expense of a premium system. Read the full review ››
Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series 2-in-1 (3147)
$449.99
$449.00 at DellThe entry-level Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series 2-in-1 (3147) proves that you don’t have to compromise if you want a convertible-hybrid laptop that lasts all day and fully utilizes its touch screen. Read the full review ››
Dell Inspiron 17 5000 Series Non-Touch
$449.99
$449.99 at DellThe Dell Inspiron 17 5000 is a nice-looking desktop-replacement laptop that offers good productivity performance and decent battery life for a very affordable price. Read the full review ››
HP Stream 13 (13-c020nr)
$229.99
Best Price at AmazonThe HP Stream 13 is a very inexpensive full Windows 8.1 ultraportable laptop, but its long battery life, looks, and speed resemble that of a much pricier system. Read the full review ››
Lenovo Flex 2 (15-Inch)
$679.99
$619.00 at LenovoLenovo’s Flex 2 is a reasonably priced, capable 15-inch desktop-replacement laptop with a unique 300-degree folding display. Read the full review ››
MSI GS60 Ghost Pro 3K
$2,199
$1,804.99 at AmazonThe MSI GS60 Ghost Pro 3K delivers a midrange gaming laptop that brings plenty of bang for the buck, and several small touches that will delight gamers. Read the full review ››
Toshiba Tecra C50-B1503
$699.99
$710.97 at WalMartThe Toshiba Tecra C50-B1503 is a simple, business-focused laptop with good battery life, plenty of features, and a nice price. Read the full review ››
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