Apple 2021 MacBook Pro, 14-inch

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Most Comprehensive
This is the best and most up-to-date from Apple regarding performance, adaptability, and battery life.

PROS
It is built on a 10-core CPU and offers up to a ten-core CPU for faster performance. Graphics and machine learning performance have been vastly improved. Battery life of up to 17 hours is possible with this laptop. Great for business, gaming, or personal use.

CONS
There are far more costly alternatives.

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HP ENVY x360 Laptop

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Customer Favorite
It has a graphics-intensive laptop with a fast processor and a high-resolution display.

PROS
This is a no-frills laptop with an Intel Core i7 CPU and 16GB RAM. It has nearly every security feature imaginable and rapid battery charging in 45 minutes. The design is durable and can withstand spills on the keyboard.

CONS
With many tabs and windows open, the HD resolution might be constrictive.

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Samsung Galaxy Book Ion

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Trusted Brand
It's a smart option for individuals who want a great-looking screen, quick performance, and longer battery life.

PROS
The stunning display includes a QLED panel that is immersive and bright. In 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch versions, it is available. With a battery life of 22 hours, this laptop has long endurance. A fast and powerful laptop with a beautiful keyboard backlight. Lightweight and thin in design.

CONS
It doesn't have a touchscreen.

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Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

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Lightweight & Versatile
This is a premium alternative for those who want something small and light. The latest Microsoft software and a lightweight design make it an excellent choice.

PROS
This Surface comes with Windows 11 and a 13" touchscreen. It's ideal for individuals on the move since it allows for laptop and tablet usage. It has 8GB of RAM.

CONS
Some consumers might be unable to run several tasks simultaneously owing to a lack of memory or poor performance.

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ASUS Vivobook 17.3-inch HD+ Business and Family Laptop

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Boosted Specs
This is a souped-up laptop with a big, bright screen ideal for productivity, school, and home.

PROS
This has a wide 17.3-inch screen with an LED backlight that is energy-efficient. Intel Core i7 CPU powers the computer. With 2 TB SSD storage and 24GB memory. A fingerprint scanner, as well as a long-lasting battery, are included.

CONS
It does not feature a touchscreen.

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Buying Guide for Best Laptop Computers

A laptop computer is a must-have for anyone looking to be efficient, play PC games, and stream movies. ASUS, Lenovo, and Apple all release fresh models with new features, small forms, and fast performance specifications each year. Choosing the finest bargain for your needs with so many laptops on the market might be difficult.

Some laptops are built for fast and agile gaming, while others are tailored to the business or creative use. When purchasing, buyers will not consider the laptop's specifications and feature list, especially if you don't know what to search for.

Search for a laptop with a full-size comfortable keyboard if you intend to type a lot.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

When you're looking for the finest laptop on the market from a wide range of competing computers, there are a few things to consider.

Can I use this laptop on the go?

Thin and light laptops with mobility as a key design feature are ideal for people who need a dependable laptop for working while traveling. After all, no one wants to carry a large laptop around with them. If you intend on using your new laptop for extended periods, it must come equipped with a battery that can last up to nine hours or more.

Which processor is the best for my laptop?

The processor of a laptop controls how fast your computer operates. It impacts how well it can multitask and what sorts of games and applications it may quickly run. You don't need an expensive laptop with a high-end processor if you need one for basic activities like web surfing, email, and social networking.

On the other hand, if you're shopping for a gaming laptop or require one that can multitask between applications, an expensive laptop with a premium processor is worth it.

EXPERT TIP

If you're thinking of selling your old laptop before buying a new one, make sure to wipe it clean of any data first (after backing it up, of course). A complete reinstallation of the operating system is an excellent technique to ensure that the next owner will never encounter any of your data.

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Should I invest in a high-end gaming laptop even if I do not play games?

No. While pricey gaming laptops like the Razer Blade come with a robust CPU and a high-quality video card, those who buy a gaming laptop to use it for word processing and streaming movies will not receive their money's worth. You don't need to buy a Razer Blade to enjoy these benefits.

On the other hand, features like "VR Ready," a high refresh rate, a high-quality graphics card, and a wider aspect ratio should be considered when shopping for an ideal gaming laptop. In this situation, the Razer Blade is an excellent alternative.

FEATURES

Although many laptops have the same basic features, there are a few unique selections that may be worth considering:

4K OLED HDR display

Consider buying a more admirable display with thin bezels if you want to watch many Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming video applications on your laptop.

A higher resolution may give a more immersive gaming experience depending on the laptop's intended application.

Ports

A laptop is likely to have few other connectivity choices outside of a few USB-A or USB-C connections.

Look for a laptop with multiple ports, such as Thunderbolt 4, Ethernet, and HDMI in addition to USB-A and USB-C, if you're the power user who prefers to use a variety of devices and dislike having to carry around another cable or two for all of them.

A two-in-one laptop's display may be folded behind the keyboard, and it will act as a tablet. Although most of these two-in-one touchscreen laptops are pricey, they provide a far more user-friendly interface for quick operations than a standard touchpad.

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Security

You're not paranoid; genuine criminals and spies out there would love to get your data.

Fortunately, some laptops were built with security in mind. Windows Hello is a smart webcam that recognizes your face and automatically unlocks your PC. Other innovative security features include a fingerprint scanner and a simple video camera shutter to keep curious eyes out.

Style

Why should you settle for a primary computer when you can customize your laptop? While its technical specifications and features are essential than its appearance, you might want to check if the top laptops include sleek metal exteriors or customizable LED lights.

DID YOU KNOW?

A virtual assistant is available on each major operating system. Cortana is available on Windows, Google Assistant is accessible on Chrome OS, and Siri can be used on the macOS.

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PICKING AN OS

Every popular laptop operating system has advantages. Whether you like Windows, Chrome, or macOS, there are a few things to consider when comparing the three most common platforms.

Windows

Since its debut in 1985, Microsoft's Windows operating system has been a mainstay on PCs.

Because it is the most widely used operating system globally, it is frequently the default choice on a large proportion of laptops available today. Running Windows on your computer provides various benefits, including regular security updates, new features brought to the platform regularly, and compatibility with the vast majority of apps and games.

Chrome OS

If you're purchasing a Chromebook, it will come with Google's quick, web-based Chrome OS.

Some of the benefits of purchasing a laptop with Chrome OS include its emphasis on security, access to a huge range of Android apps, and lightning-quick boot speeds, allowing you to use your laptop even more frequently.

macOS

The operating system that runs on Apple's Mac devices is macOS.

You may anticipate the following features if you buy an Apple laptop with a Mac operating system: Apple's improved M1 chip is ideal for creative professionals that work in film, video, and music production.

DID YOU KNOW?

Compared to a laptop with no touchscreen, a laptop with a touchscreen uses more battery power. Keep this in mind when assessing the battery life of a prospective purchase.

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UNDERSTANDING LAPTOP SPECS

You'll need to understand computer language to purchase a laptop. (We're talking jargon here; you don't have to learn binary coding.) You should be aware of the parts that go into the machine to choose a genuinely suitable laptop for your needs.

Battery life

Laptops are often designed to be very portable. If you want a laptop that will last throughout the day, look for one with long battery life. If you expect to use your laptop away from home, don't go anywhere less than eight or nine hours of battery life.

Memory

The greater the RAM or memory (Random Access Memory) on a laptop, the faster it will perform.

Take a peek at how much RAM is available. When purchasing a laptop, it will be one of the first specifications you look for. 4 GB of RAM is more than enough for most basic web surfing and social media usage, but laptops with 8GB of RAM or more are better for smooth gaming and app switching.

Processors

The processor is the laptop's brain: it controls the machine's computing power.

A high-end alternative, such as an AMD Ryzen or 11th-generation Intel laptop, may be a more expensive investment than a low-cost budget laptop. These are also better at multitasking, gaming, and overall performance.

Intel Core i5 and i7 processors are found in both commercial laptops and basic-use models. Gaming laptops may feature a processor designed for stunning visuals and smooth gameplay, such as the AMD Ryzen 5 or AMD Ryzen 7.

EXPERT TIP

If you're looking to buy a laptop already running Windows 10, double-check the hardware is compatible with Windows 11 before you purchase. Hence, you know what choices and restrictions are available to you ahead of time.

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Storage

Take note of how a laptop you're looking at safeguards its data.

Laptops will most likely have a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SDD), or a hybrid hard drive that mixes the two technologies to keep apps, programs, and documents. Although a laptop with an HDD drive is generally slower than one with an SSD, it will unquestionably cost far less. SSD technology's price continues to drop each year, though. As a result, these faster alternatives are swiftly becoming more popular.

Screen resolution

While a Full-HD (1080p) display is more than sufficient for the average laptop user, an Ultra HD (4K) model may be worthwhile if you intend on watching a lot of videos or shows on your new computer.

Touch screen

Touchscreens are becoming increasingly popular. Touchscreens on laptops provide you with more options while you work or play. You may use your fingertips or a stylus to engage with the screen tactilely. On the other hand, these displays must be cleaned more frequently and typically cost more than laptops without these features. However, if you're used to using a tablet and appreciate the freedom of being able to type with a keyboard or touch the screen, this may be an excellent feature to have.

Despite the quality of your new laptop, it's a good idea to back up your data regularly, either through cloud storage or an external hard drive.

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PRICING

Because laptops come with a wide range of capabilities and specifications, you should anticipate paying various fees. Knowing what to expect from laptops at different price points can assist customers in staying within their budget while deciding on the best laptop for them.

Less than $250

You'll find a wide selection of solid-value laptops in this price range. The majority of these low-cost devices are Chromebooks and basic Windows computers.

This is an excellent price if you're looking for a simple laptop to do web browsing, email, and social networking. However, don't expect to find a computer with exceptional performance or versatility for less than $250.

$250 to $500

These mid-range laptops are ideal for streaming video apps like Netflix, office productivity, and schoolwork. They have a faster processor, larger screen, more storage space, and attractive features such as an extra-large display or a backlit keyboard. The price is reasonable, and many "average" users would be satisfied with one or two laptops in this range.

$500 to $1,000

If you want a laptop that can multitask and perform well across the board, a model with better specifications is worth the investment. Laptops with these characteristics are frequently sold at a reasonable price. They usually have a few significant features, such as a consistently quick WiFi connection or a high-end CPU.

$1,000+

The most expensive laptops on the market are designed for creative individuals, gamers, and a simplified user experience, which power users will appreciate. If you use your computer for work or pleasure daily, it might be worthwhile to invest in a high-end model for the long haul.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can't upgrade the CPU in your new laptop after you buy it. As a result, you should choose the top-performing CPU they can afford in most situations.

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TIPS

• Depending on how you plan to use the laptop, it might be best suited with a display of 12 inches or smaller. Due to the computer's narrower profile and lighter weight, a laptop with a collection of 12 inches or more minor would be excellent for mobile users. A 13- to 15-inch laptop is a good choice for most customers, but if you want to watch movies, play PC games, or just keep the computer on your desk, look for one with a 16-inch display or larger. You'll get a nicer viewing experience with this size.
• Consider a 2-in1 laptop for digital artists. Digital artists may benefit from a 2-in one laptop's ease of use and versatility. You might be shocked to learn that the prices of 2-in-1 laptops vary significantly from brand to brand, depending on the features and specifications. However, when it comes to a more pleasant experience, quicker performance, and adaptability, keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
• If you prefer a clean workspace, keep some canned air on hand to maintain your new laptop dust-free.
• When you first set up your new computer, you'll need to create a password. Make sure the password you choose is particular to your computer and that it's a strong one with numbers, letters, and special symbols.
• You may save money by avoiding components that you won't use. While a touchscreen, high-end gaming visuals, and a 4K Ultra HD display are desirable, budget laptop shoppers may save lots of money by forgoing features and high-end specifications that they will almost certainly never utilize. For example, if you want to purchase a laptop for browsing the web and writing, a computer with 32GB of RAM or more is overkill. Instead, you could get one with 4-12GB of RAM for a lot less money.
• You can get a feel for what it's like to use a Chromebook by using Google's Chrome browser - just try surfing the web and no local software for a day and see how it feels!

Laptop cooling pads can keep your laptop cool, preventing it from overheating. Laptop cooling pads are not expensive and frequently go on sale.

You can still view Netflix on a low-cost laptop, but don't expect the top graphics you need for demanding video tasks like video editing or gaming.

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FAQ

Q. How do I know if the screen resolution on my laptop is sufficient?

A. Unfortunately, a huge number of low-cost laptops have an inadequate screen resolution.

It's sad to hear new laptop owners complaining about their grainy displays and the necessity of scrolling from side to side to read sites designed for full HD monitors.

At the minimum, a "full HD" laptop screen will be 1080p (1920 X 1080). Don't go lower than this if you're buying a long-term laptop.

Q. When it comes to a laptop's battery life, what should I be looking for?

A. A laptop should be able to operate for at least eight hours on a single charge. You need a laptop that can last through the average workday or at least a day away from home and back.

With that said, eight-hour battery life is the absolute bare minimum acceptable for a laptop. If you can, go for it. Also, please keep in mind that to maximize your laptop's battery life, you'll need to change its display settings.

Q. Is it necessary to have a touchscreen laptop?

A. It's not necessary but, in the eyes of many people, it's a valuable feature to have.

Some benefits and drawbacks of buying this sort of computer exist. For example, the ability to instantly sign an electronic document with a touch pen or your finger is preferable to printing, signing, and scanning the same document every day. However, if you have a lot of smudgy fingerprints on your screen, it may be necessary to clean them more frequently than you would prefer.

If a touchscreen isn't a problem for you, you may save money by purchasing a model with a conventional screen and trackpad instead.

Q. What are the best ways to find the finest laptop bargains available?

A. Whatever your budget or gaming needs, there are several tried and true methods for locating a great laptop bargain.

If you can wait for shopping events such as Black Friday or the days immediately preceding Christmas, you may discover incredible discounts. You may be shocked at how often prices of low-cost, gaming and business laptops are reduced even more during these sales.

Q. Laptops with these impressive specifications are quite rare. Should I get one because of this?

A. That all depends on how you plan to utilize your new laptop. Suppose you're buying a laptop to surf the web, crunch numbers, connect with friends on social media, and play solitaire. In that case, there's no way to justify spending more for a gaming laptop's crystal-clear screen, the exceptionally powerful graphics chip, or wild customizable keyboard lighting unless you like playing video games.

When comparing gadgets, concentrate on the features you require the device to accomplish rather than what it offers. You'll be able to get the greatest bargain for you, and you may save money by not purchasing features and components that you don't need.

OTHER PRODUCTS WE CONSIDERED

The Revuu Buddy editorial staff researches hundreds of products based on customer reviews, brand quality, and price. We then narrow down our top picks for further study and testing. These are the items we reviewed that didn't make our top five list.

GOOGLE

Pixelbook Go M3 Chromebook, 16GB RAM, 128GB

GOOGLE

Pixelbook Go M3 Chromebook, 8GB RAM, 128GB

HP

14-Inch Laptop

MICROSOFT

Surface Pro, 8GB RAM, 128GB

MICROSOFT

Surface Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB

MICROSOFT

Surface Pro, 16GB RAM, 1TB

MICROSOFT

Apple 2021 MacBook Pro, 14-inch

BOTTOMLINE
Most Comprehensive
This is the best and most up-to-date from Apple regarding performance, adaptability, and battery life.

Shop Now

HP ENVY x360 Laptop

BOTTOMLINE
Customer Favorite
It has a graphics-intensive laptop with a fast processor and a high-resolution display.

Shop Now

Samsung Galaxy Book Ion

BOTTOMLINE
Trusted Brand
It's a smart option for individuals who want a great-looking screen, quick performance, and longer battery life.

Shop Now

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

BOTTOMLINE
Lightweight & Versatile
This is a premium alternative for those who want something small and light. The latest Microsoft software and a lightweight design make it an excellent choice.

Shop Now

ASUS Vivobook 17.3-inch HD+ Business and Family Laptop

BOTTOMLINE
Boosted Specs
This is a souped-up laptop with a big, bright screen ideal for productivity, school, and home.

Shop Now