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Use the toggles switches on the left to select a device that meets our minimum specifications

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An interactive, visual comparison of the most popular laptops on the market. Updated daily. Let's you filter laptops by specs, brand and price.

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Laptop reviews, ratings, and prices at CNET. Find the Laptop that is right for you.

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We recommend you search for reviews of the Laptop you've chosen on this YouTube channel

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"smartphone reviews" "phone reviews" "tablet reviews" "laptop reviews" "ultrabook reviews" "iphone reviews" "camera reviews" "lisa gade" mobiletechreview "ga...

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Lisa Gade from MobileTechReview brings you video reviews of the latest mobile technology: smartphones, Android tablets, Windows tablets, Ultrabooks, Convertible laptops, cameras, iPhone and iPad related items and more. Be sure to visit our website MobileTechReview.com for in-depth written reviews too! *Manufacturers and vendors: Please note that we only use MobileTechReview.com email addresses for official correspondence regarding review units.

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You should shut down your laptop every day and allow any updates to take place. For Windows devices you will see updates required when you click on the power icon. For Mac devices you will see this on System Preferences. Some updates take time, so update at the end of the day, not at the start of a lesson! 

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You should shut down your laptop every day and allow any updates to take place. For Windows devices you will see updates required when you click on the power icon. For Mac devices you will see this on System Preferences. Some updates take time, so update at the end of the day, not at the start of a lesson! 

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Use a recommended case (see column called 'Cases') but take care with blocking any cooling fans - especially with cases made of cloth.

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Use a recommended case (see column called 'Cases') but take care with blocking any cooling fans - especially with cases made of cloth.

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We make the best heavy duty cases for Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, tablets and phones to keep your device damage free in any environment.

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Rugged, Lightweight, Drop-Tested Cases for Phones, Tablets & Laptops

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URBAN ARMOR GEAR produces the most rugged, lightweight, cases that are drop tested to US Military Specs. Made for iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Galaxy, & Surface.

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[Windows]Clear the browser cache using the in-built tools on your machine.

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[Windows]Clear the browser cache using the in-built tools on your machine.

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Third party software should only be used if you fully understand what a 'registry' is and how to edit it.

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SSD (solid state drive) is faster and more reliable than a normal hard drive because the a standard HDD has moving parts. An SSD (or M.2 type) have no moving parts and are less prone to crashes or breakage by being dropped. They can more expensive though. 256Gb or above is recommended.

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SSD (solid state drive) is faster and more reliable than a normal hard drive because the a standard HDD has moving parts. An SSD (or M.2 type) have no moving parts and are less prone to crashes or breakage by being dropped. They can more expensive though. 256Gb or above is recommended.

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Try and cool your laptop in a refrigerator! Condensation will corrode internal parts of the laptop.

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Try and cool your laptop in a refrigerator! Condensation will corrode internal parts of the laptop.

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Use a power supply rated differently to the one you have for your laptop. It can overheat and potentially cause a fire, in addition to damage your laptop!

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Use a power supply rated differently to the one you have for your laptop. It can overheat and potentially cause a fire, in addition to damage your laptop!

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Try to avoid using your laptop in bed or on your lap. It will overheat and it is not good for your posture or sleep.

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Try to avoid using your laptop in bed or on your lap. It will overheat and it is not good for your posture or sleep.

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You can use this to clean your laptop - use the default settings. Don't change any of them unless you fully understand 'registry'

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Download CCleaner | Clean, optimize & tune up your PC, free!

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Download CCleaner for FREE. Clean your PC of temporary files, tracking cookies, browser junk and more! Get the latest version today.

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Make sure you have a genuine version of your operating system (Mac OS or Windows). The school cannot install anything if it is not genuine.

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Make sure you have a genuine version of your operating system (Mac OS or Windows). The school cannot install anything if it is not genuine.

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The school will install Microsoft Office 365 for you on your Mac or Windows laptop. You do not need to buy a licence for Microsoft Office, just have a genuine operating system. IS/IT will check for you to see if it is genuine.

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The school will install Microsoft Office 365 for you on your Mac or Windows laptop. You do not need to buy a licence for Microsoft Office, just have a genuine operating system. IS/IT will check for you to see if it is genuine.

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Clean your screen and keyboard with a recommended screen wipe. Don't use water!

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Clean your screen and keyboard with a recommended screen wipe. Don't use water!

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Cases are for selected laptops only. Not all laptops can have a snap-on case (the recommended type [GM]) such as Speck for Macbooks.

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Set up a organised filing system.   Save by subject or year group and use searchable file names.  Ideally save learning to the cloud, so if anything gets damaged all your files and folders are accessible from another device.

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Protective Cases for iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Samsung | Speck Products

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Speck makes award-winning cases designed to make an impact - and take one. Shop slim protective iPhone cases, iPad cases, MacBook cases, Samsung cases and more.

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Setup Google Drive to backup your files using you school account. (????@patana.ac.th)

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Access and sync your content from any device.

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Here are some standard battery charging tips courtesy FossBytes for laptop owners that should help maximize your laptop battery life:

Avoid discharging your laptop completely after charging it. The best thing you can do is try to keep the battery level between 40 % to 80 %.

Make sure that your laptop doesn’t get too hot and your cooling fan is working properly.

Your laptop battery can’t “overcharge” and harm itself due to excessive charging.
It’s smart enough to bypass the charging energy.

Batteries charged to a full 100% have only 300-500 discharge cycles. Those charged only up to 80% get nearly quadruple that number of recharging cycles.

Keep software up to date, many updates improve software efficiency and therefore reduce battery usage when updated.

Battery monitors, like BatteryBar are useful tools to monitor your laptop's battery.

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Battery warranty is usually 1 year. Laptop warranties are usually 3 years. Most laptops, with good care can last up to 3 years. It's the battery you really need to take care of if you want to have a better experience.

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Battery warranty is usually 1 year. Laptop warranties are usually 3 years. Most laptops, with good care can last up to 3 years. It's the battery you really need to take care of if you want to have a better experience.

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Lenovo has plenty of interesting stuff to show off at this year's CES, and those who want to stay productive on the move will definitely be interested in the new Miix 720 - a compelling Surface Pro rival - along with new ThinkPad X1 models.

Lenovo's Miix 720 is a 2-in-1 detachable featuring a 12-inch Gorilla Glass display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 (3:2 ratio, just like Microsoft's Surface Pro 4), so it certainly won't be lacking on the sharpness front.

The device is driven by a Kaby Lake processor (up to Core i7) and has integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 620), and it can be specified with up to 16GB of system RAM, and up to 1TB of storage in the form of a PCIe SSD.

It's 14.6mm thick with the keyboard attached and weighs 1.1kg, although the tablet on its own is just 8.9mm and weighs 780g. Lenovo has installed a 41WHr battery which gives a claimed life of up to 8 hours.

As for cameras, there's a pair of these on board, with a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus, and a 1-megapixel front-facing infrared camera which can be used in conjunction with Windows Hello and facial recognition to unlock the PC swiftly and without fuss.

Connectivity comprises of a USB Type-C port, along with one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 connector, plus there's 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 on board, too. And for the OS, you get a choice of either Windows 10 Home or Pro.

Other perks include a precision touchpad, backlit keyboard, and a bundled Lenovo Active Pen 2 for Windows Ink duties, a stylus which offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. The Miix 720 also boasts a nifty kickstand with dual hinges that offer a smooth action, the company claims.

Lenovo has priced this 2-in-1 starting at $999.99 (around £815, AU$1,390), which is the same as the base Core i5 model of the Surface Pro 4. It comes in two color choices - Champagne Gold and Iron Gray - and is due to hit the shelves in April.

If bought separately, the Lenovo Active Pen 2 will set you back $60 (around £50, AU$85), and the stylus is available next month.

Carbon copy

Lenovo also revealed a trio of new ThinkPad X1 models, with the fifth-generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon being the central attraction.

The new X1 Carbon is smaller than its predecessor, fitting a 14-inch display into a 13-inch form factor, with the laptop measuring 323 x 217 x 15.95mm and weighing 1.12kg, and still maintaining its durability thanks to the carbon fiber reinforced chassis which the name derives from.

The 14-inch IPS display can either be Full HD, or you can opt for a 2560 x 1440 resolution screen. When it comes to the processor, Kaby Lake is on the menu (up to Core i7), with integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 620) and up to 16GB of 1866MHz system memory. Storage options range from a 128GB SATA SSD up to a 1TB PCIe solid-state drive.

Connectivity is also a big selling point, with a pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports, another pair of USB 3.0 ports, plus an HDMI connector, Ethernet port, along with microSD and microSIM slots (4G LTE-A is on board for when you can't get on a Wi-Fi network).

As for battery life, that's rated at up to 15.5 hours Lenovo says, giving plenty of longevity for when you're out and about.

Various security measures are also on board the new X1 Carbon, including an infrared camera for logging in with facial recognition via Windows Hello, plus there's an optional 'match-on-chip' fingerprint sensor (meaning all data is stored and processed in the sensor itself, keeping security tighter).

Lenovo further notes that this is the first business-class laptop which supports FIDO-enabled biometric authentication for PayPal via that fingerprint sensor.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon also offers an improved precision touchpad (with physical buttons) and comes in a new silver paint job as well as the traditional black color scheme. The notebook will be out in February with prices starting at $1,349 (around £1,100, AU$1,870).

X1 Yoga and Tablet

To round things off, Lenovo unveiled the refreshed ThinkPad X1 Yoga and ThinkPad X1 Tablet.

The X1 Yoga is a convertible notebook with a 360-degree hinge that offers an option on a 14-inch, 2560 x 1440 resolution OLED display for vivid colors and deep blacks. Alternatively, you can plump for an IPS panel of the same res, or a lower-resolution 1920 x 1080 IPS screen.

Again, this refreshed model offers Kaby Lake processors (with integrated Intel HD Graphics or Intel Iris) and an IR camera, optional fingerprint reader, an improved keyboard, plus better connectivity - indeed this Yoga has the same range of ports as the X1 Carbon, the only difference being that you get an extra USB 3.0 port here.

Battery life is claimed at up to 15 hours, and Lenovo has also improved the ThinkPad Pen Pro with a 'soft elastomer tip' that ensures a more natural writing experience with the stylus.

The ThinkPad X1 Tablet (2-in-1 with detachable keyboard) has also been updated with Kaby Lake processors, and a 'productivity module' which boosts overall battery life by 5 hours (so the device lasts for up to 15 hours, rather than 10 hours).

Furthermore, there's a 'presenter module' available which bolts on projection capabilities meaning users can benefit from a 60-inch display for when presentations need to be supersized.

Lenovo's refreshed X1 Yoga will be available in February with the price tag starting at $1,499 (around £1,220, AU$2,080), with the X1 Tablet to follow in March starting at $949 (around £775, AU$1,320).

New year, new tech - check out all our coverage of CES 2017 straight from Las Vegas, the greatest gadget show on Earth

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Lenovo's Miix 720 is a killer 2-in-1 gunning for the Surface Pro

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Lenovo has plenty of interesting stuff to show off at this year's CES, and those who want to stay productive on the move will definitely be interested in the new Miix 720 - a compelling Surface Pro rival - along with new ThinkPad X1 models.

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The Snapdragon invasion of Windows 10 is well under way, and the next to get caught in the undertow is Lenovo with its brand-new Windows tablet: the Lenovo Miix 630. With the Snapdragon 835 system-on-a-chip processor (SoC) inside, Lenovo is entering a new frontier of mobile computing at CES 2018.

In front of that SoC is a gorgeous, 12.3-inch touchscreen that's wrapped up in an included keyboard cover with a loop for an included stylus. Yes, that's two accessories included in the asking price.
Read more: DT Research DT301T
That said, the Miix 630 does run Windows 10 S to start, and it has an awfully small port selection. Will the promise of immense battery life make it all worth it? Perhaps, but for now we're looking at a seriously intriguing and impressive-feeling Windows tablet.

Price and availability

Lenovo looks to release the Miix 630 in the second quarter of 2018 - possibly as soon as April - for $799 (around £590, AU$1,020) to start. That starting price will net you a 12.3-inch, WUXGA+ (1,920 x 1,280) touchscreen covered by Corning Gorilla Glass, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 system-on-a-chip processor with Adreno 540 graphics.

For the starting price, 4GB of RAM and a 64GB solid-state drive will accompany the Snapdragon chip, which can be upped to 8GB and 256GB, respectively. At the time of this writing, Lenovo has yet to disclose international pricing and availability.

Oh, and that price includes both a keyboard cover and digital pen stylus - major, enormous props are due here.

Design and feel

Unlike the majority of laptops and tablets at CES 2018, the Miix 630 is a whole-cloth overhaul on an existing brand rather than a refinement. Gone is the kickstand with the watchband hinge on the back side of the device, and in is this new keyboard cover that bends in the rear to support the device.

Regardless, the tablet feels incredibly well-built and looks plenty sleek in its Iron Grey-colored, 12.3-inch metal frame. The fact that this device looks and feels just as premium as, say, the Surface Pro is testament to how serious Lenovo is about this new type of Windows device.

The tablet measures a measly 0.61 inches (15.6mm) and weighs 2.93 pounds (1.33kg), so it's seriously portable. As such, you're not going to find a veritable bevvy of ports here.

Lenovo has included one USB-C 3.1 port, an SD card reader, a Nano SIM card slot and an audio combo jack. Thankfully, the USB-C port will support many display standards and up to 4K resolution, but you're almost certainly going to need a USB-C hub if you're looking to do serious work at the desk with this machine.

As for the display, we're impressed by its resolution, but the bezels are rather thick. We'd love to see Lenovo somehow work its Yoga 920-quality bezels into this device for that much more screen real-estate. Lenovo just has to keep that webcam with infrared Windows Hello capability right where it is - it's a tough conundrum.

Regardless of its bezels, we're grateful for the included keyboard cover that doubles as a screen protector in transit. Better yet is that the keyboard delivers fantastic key travel and response, making for a more pleasant typing experience on a keyboard cover than most.

Performance

We've yet to be able to fully test a Windows laptop or tablet running on Qualcomm's smartphone processor, but we're anticipating rather insane battery life numbers. That's because Lenovo isn't the first device maker to promise 20 hours of battery life from one of these.

No small part of that is thanks to the Snapdragon 835's heterogeneous computing techniques and smart power management between its larger and smaller cores. This allows the tablet to run without need for any fans for cooling the components, which surely contributes to battery life gains.

Of course, with Snapdragon 835 comes arguably the best LTE modem in mobile devices, which in turn brings fully-integrated cellular connectivity to the Miix 630 with a Nano SIM card inserted. Naturally, you'll need a data plan for this from a carrier or network operator. (Rounding out wireless connectivity offerings are 802.11ac Wi-Fi (2 x 2) and Bluetooth 4.1.

Now, know that this device runs on Windows 10 S, not the Windows 10 Home or Pro you're likely used to. In short, it's a far better version of Windows RT (Windows Store apps only!) that has a built-in escape plan for users that want more power: a free upgrade to Pro if you don't like it.

We're honestly just as interested in seeing how Windows 10 S performs with Snapdragon 835 as we are Windows 10 Pro. Stay tuned for a full review to see just that.

Early verdict

The Miix 630 looks and feels like an incredibly luxurious Windows tablet, with excellent portability and connectivity options. Should it pan out, the incredible battery life promises are another major plus.

That said, and we're nitpicking here, we'd like to see a larger display within that frame. But, with magnets behind the bottom bezel, that makes this task difficult. We're also a bit dubious of the Windows 10 S inclusion, but it's likely what's allowed Lenovo to price the Miix 630 thusly in regards to licensing.

At any rate, we're majorly excited by the Snapdragon push into Windows 10, and this looks like one of the strongest devices in the fleet so far. Set a reminder now for this April to check TechRadar for a full review.

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Hands on: Lenovo Miix 630 hands on review

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The Snapdragon invasion of Windows 10 is well under way, and the next to get caught in the undertow is Lenovo with its brand-new Windows tablet: the Lenovo Miix 630. With the Snapdragon 835 system-on-a-chip processor (SoC) inside, Lenovo is entering a new frontier of mobile computing at CES 2018.

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The Dell XPS 13 is back for the new year, and it's a true return to form. The 2019 Dell XPS 13 finally fixes the biggest bugbear: the awkward camera placement, and also extends battery life.

However, beyond these improvements, the Dell XPS 13 isn't much different than its predecessors, continuing the lineage of one of the best laptops ever made. This time around, though, the high-end Ultrabook scene has drastically changed. So, the Dell XPS 13's place at the podium has shifted ever so slightly, thanks to tough competition from the likes of Asus and Huawei.

So, the Dell XPS 13 2019 isn't the best laptop in the world anymore, but it's still one of the top laptops to beat right now.

Spec Sheet

Price and availability

Dell wants $899 for the starting configuration of the XPS 13 in the US - just like last time. This price nets you an 8th-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of 2,133MHz DDR3 memory and a 128GB PCIe SSD beneath a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) InfinityEdge display.

There are three more models on offer, topping out with an 8th-generation quad-core Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 2TB PCIe SSD - all behind a beautiful 4K (3,840 x 2,160) touch display. But, you'll be paying a whopping $2,609 for this model.

All configurations are available in Dell's three colors: silver-on-black, rose gold-on-white and a brand-new frost-on-white scheme. The model you see configured here would cost a cool $2,549.

UK buyers will find the Dell XPS 13 starting at £1,379, with an Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD behind a 4K touch display. Australian readers will find the Dell XPS 13 starting at AU$2,299 with the same internals and a Full HD display.

There are plenty of different configuration options for the XPS 13, but there are more for US customers than those in the UK and Australia. But, higher storage options are locked behind some high price hikes. But, that doesn't change the fact that the Dell XPS 13 is still competitive with similarly priced rivals - save for the mind-blowing value of the flagship Huawei MateBook X Pro, especially at the high end.

Design and display

At first glance, the Dell XPS 13 looks identical to last year's model, and that's largely the case here. However, Dell didn't simply take an 'if it ain't broke' approach this year, but finally solved the laptop's most glaring design flaw: the webcam is finally above the display.

Dell is quite proud of its new 2.25mm webcam, two years in the making, which is not only small enough to fit above the display, but uses a 720p widescreen sensor paired with four far-field microphones for activating Cortana or Alexa from a distance.

The webcam probably won't blow your mind, but we appreciate the wider frame for capturing co-workers or friends beside us more easily. Taking 0.9 megapixel stills and 720p video, you'll look find in meetings, just don't expect Twitch broadcaster quality here.

Elsewhere, the build quality and design language are the same as before. The laptop is just as thin and light as last year at 0.46 inches (11.6mm) and 2.7 pounds (1.23kg), respectively. The Dell XPS 13 also sticks to the same anodized aluminum screen lid and base, coupled with a woven carbon fiber (or glass fiber on light colored models) keyboard deck.

As for the keyboard itself, it's just as punchy and responsive as ever, and the glass-coated touchpad is still a pleasure to use. This is one of those areas where the Dell XPS 13 truly wasn't broken and didn't need fixing.

The same lineup of ports is here as well, with two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, one USB-C 3.1 port, a microSD card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This is one step ahead of many competing laptops, with many using solely USB-C 3.1 and not the superior Thunderbolt 3 standard.

As for the display, it also remains unchanged, and it's just as vibrant and rich as ever in both the Full HD and 4K touchscreen options; the bezels around the display are almost non-existent, of course.

Especially in the 4K model tested here, we find the 100% sRGB color reproduction through Dell's CinemaColor tools to be excellent, complimented by some popping HDR techniques and 400 nits of brightness. The 4K panel is plenty sharp, but it's still a little excessive for a 13.3-inch viewing area.

All told, there wasn't much that had to be changed about the XPS 13 design, except for that one tiny elephant in the room.
First reviewed January 2019

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The Dell XPS 13 is back for the new year, and it's a true return to form. The 2019 Dell XPS 13 finally fixes the biggest bugbear: the awkward camera placement, and also extends battery life. However, beyond these improvements, the Dell XPS 13 isn't much different than its predecessors, continuing the lineage of one of the best laptops ever made.

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In 2017, when the Surface Pro was unleashed without a number, Microsoft said there would be no 'Surface Pro 5.' Why? Apparently the Surface Pro 5 would only exist when it brought enough of an experiential change to the product line to deserve a number in the title.

However, the Surface Pro 6 came out in late 2018, completely skipping the '5'. So, you may be expecting some kind of radical change in the Surface Pro 6 - or at least one or two of the changes we've been asking for since the Surface Pro 4.

We wouldn't say that the Surface Pro 6 is absolutely devoid of improvements, however. The Surface Pro 6 has a faster processor and much longer battery life, but it's still hard to swallow that it's worthy of the number when the Surface Pro of 2017 wasn't. Still, some more radical changes should appear on the Surface Pro 7, at least according to a recent patent that shows off a thinner Type Cover.

That, plus whatever changes are coming in the Windows 10 April 2019 Update and beyond, make us curious what the next Surface will look like.

However, beyond improved silicon and that beautiful black color option, the Surface Pro 6, as it exists today, doesn't change the formula - not even the dated USB 3.0 port. So, where does that leave potential buyers?

Spec Sheet

Price and availability

The Surface Pro 6 price starts at $899 (£879, AU$1,349), which is right in line with the pricing for the Surface Pro 2017. The tablet is available for purchase right now in the US, UK and Australia - though the base model is out of stock in the UK at the time of this writing.

Just keep in mind, like with previous models, the Surface Pro 6 doesn't include the $99 (£99, AU$139) Surface Pen nor the $159 (£149, AU$249) Type Cover and that, regrettably, will probably never change.

The Surface Pro 6 we reviewed here, as listed on the right, will cost a whopping $1,199 (£1,149, AU$1,670), thanks to the upgraded storage - from 128GB on the base model to the 256GB listed here. That's quite a price hike for just 128GB of extra space.

From there, the Surface Pro 6 can be customized with up to an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. If you really want to max the Surface Pro 6 out, you're looking at a giant price tag of $2,299 (£1,799, AU$3,200).

Likewise, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2017) calls for a bit less at $799 (£769, AU$1,199), which will get you a 2,732 x 2,048 pixel display powered by Apple's A10X SOC and with 64GB of flash storage. However, the iPad doesn't include a stylus or a keyboard, which call for another $99 (£99, AU$145) and $169 (about £170, AU$245), respectively, if you buy them from Apple.

On paper, the Surface Pro 6 remains the better value in that you're getting more of a full computer for only about 100 bucks (or quid) more. However, it's definitely a closer race than it's ever been.

And, if you want to go with Chrome OS, you can pick up the new Google Pixel Slate for $599 (£549, AU$850) to start, which is excellent on paper. However, Google is asking for an extra $199 (£189, AU$280) for the keyboard cover. That's not a great deal, especially when both the iPad Pro and Surface Pro 6 dwarf it in terms of sheer power.

Design and display

Save for the gorgeous-looking, lovely-feeling, new black color scheme, just about nothing has changed about the Surface Pro design from the 2017 model to today's Pro 6. The tablet measures just 0.33 inches thin and weighs a mere 1.7 pounds - again, the same as last year's model.

The Surface Pro 6 has all the same ports and wireless options as its predecessor, not to mention the exact same Type Cover. We're fine with the latter, as the Type Cover is still great - it's the most impressive accessory of its kind that we've used yet.

However, we have to admit that we're seriously let down by the absence of USB-C this time around, and it's not even about any perceived benefits of the platform. Microsoft has been gating faster data transfers and wider docking capabilities behind the proprietary Surface Connect port for a while now, forcing users who need that speed and expansion to pick up a $199 (about £150, AU$280) Surface Dock accessory.

Even the included USB 3.0 is behind the curve of USB 3.1 - the standard in 2019 - which is twice as fast at transferring data than the former. This isn't ok: it's now costing consumers more money than necessary to unlock the full flexibility of a device that Microsoft claims can serve as their one and only computer.

On a slightly more positive note, the display is moderately improved in one area but otherwise unchanged. The Surface Pro 6 display now has a stronger contrast ratio of 1,500:1 compared to the previous model's 1,300:1 figure.

This should be a boon to both content creators and consumers alike, with deeper blacks than ever and even brighter colors that certainly makes movies more impressive, and possibly makes media editing easier and more accurate for content creators.

Images Credit: TechRadar

First reviewed November 2018

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In 2017, when the Surface Pro was unleashed without a number, Microsoft said there would be no 'Surface Pro 5.' Why? Apparently the Surface Pro 5 would only exist when it brought enough of an experiential change to the product line to deserve a number in the title.

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Sarah Tew/CNET

There are two types of laptops I've come to expect from Acer: Standout premium models like the crazy Swift 7 ultraportable and Predator Triton 900, and mainstream laptops that are impossibly good deals -- like last year's Predator Helios 300 and this year's Acer Aspire 5. For more than a year, Acer's Aspire E 15 was my go-to pick for anyone who just needed a quick, reliable laptop for general use around the home. Sadly, that model is getting harder to find, but the Aspire 5 is an excellent alternative that's thinner, lighter and still an impossibly good deal.

Starting at $400 with an Intel processor or $350 with an AMD chip, the 15.6-inch Aspire 5 is only 3.8 pounds (1.7 kg) and 0.7 inch thick (18 mm). That combination of size, weight and price, isn't easy to find with a 15.6-inch display. By comparison, the Acer E 15 had the same screen size, but was more than 5 pounds (2.4 kg) and just over an inch thick (30 mm). It also started at roughly the same price and was similarly configured. You do lose things like an SD card reader, a VGA display output and a DVD drive, but chances are it's only the card reader that matters to more people at this point, if anything.

The $530 configuration I tested, the A515-54-51DJ, bumps that base model's processor from a dual-core Intel Core i3 to a quad-core i5, and doubles the memory to 8GB and storage to 256GB -- well worth the extra money. And, if you're able to spend about $100 more, you can get it with a new 10th-gen Core i5, entry-level Nvidia MX250 discrete graphics and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD. That's a lot of performance for everything from day-to-day basics to simple photo and video editing to gaming on low to medium settings.

All the performance, none of the glory

Like any budget-friendly laptop worth its salt, Acer puts most of your money toward good internal components and not into things like an all-metal chassis or an ultrabright high-res touchscreen. For example, my Aspire 5 had a similar configuration to Lenovo's premium Yoga C930 two-in-one. Performance is about the same between the two but the Yoga is twice the price. What's more, you can pop the Aspire's bottom off and add more memory or increase storage on your own, something fewer and fewer premium models will let you do.

The Acer is mostly plastic, though it's capped with a thin sheet of aluminum to class it up a bit. Unfortunately mine ended up with a slight dent at the top of the display, which also made it a little too easy to peel the bezel off from around the screen (it snaps right back into place). That's not likely to happen on a pricier model, but hey, it does make the Aspire more serviceable at least. My point is, the build quality is fine for what you're paying, but don't expect the durability of a premium laptop.

Around the sides you'll find several ports that are disappearing and being replaced with USB-C ports on other models. While there is one USB-C, it isn't Thunderbolt 3, but a USB 3.1 Gen 1 port. You'll also find:

Two USB 3.0 ports and a USB 2.0 port

HDMI output

Gigabit Ethernet

Combo headphone-mic jack

With this setup, you could easily load it up with a full-size keyboard and mouse, an external display and other essentials to use this as a desktop replacement. That's not to say the keyboard, touchpad and display need to be replaced -- they're fine, all things considered -- just that it can handle life on a desk as well as unplugged around the house. It has battery life to back it up, too, hitting 8 hours, 38 minutes on our streaming video test.

The full-HD IPS display has pleasing color and brightness, it looks fine off-angle and the matte finish helps tame distracting reflections. The backlit keyboard feels a little soft, but the keys have a decent pop to them and enough travel so you don't feel like you're typing on a tabletop (or a MacBook). The Windows Precision touchpad works well, too, and you even get a fingerprint reader built into it. Still, you might want to adjust the touchpad sensitivity to prevent your palm from accidentally moving the cursor.

Another budget-friendly winner

The Acer Aspire 5 is a 15.6-inch thin-and-light that definitely delivers more performance for your money than you might expect. Though it starts low, the $530 configuration I tested is a comfortable middle ground that's full-featured enough for typical work, home and school tasks. But even if you decide to go all out on upgrades, this model doesn't break the $900 mark and you'll get a workhorse laptop that won't win any beauty contests, but should last you well into the future.

Cinebench R15 CPU (multicore)

Note: Longer bars indicate better performance

Video playback battery drain test (Streaming)

Note: Longer bars indicate better performance (in minutes)

System configurations

Acer Aspire 5

Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-8265U; 8GB DDR4 SDRAM 2,667MHz; 128MB (dedicated) Intel UHD Graphics 620; 256GB SSD

LG gram 14

Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 1.8GHz Intel Core i7-8565U; 16GB DDR4 SDRAM 2,400MHz; 128MB (dedicated) Intel HD Graphics 620; 512GB SSD

Samsung Notebook 9 Pro

Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 1.8GHz Intel Core i7-8565U; 8GB DDR4 SDRAM 2,133MHz; 128MB (dedicated) Intel HD Graphics 620; 256GB SSD

Lenovo Yoga C930

Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 1.8GHz Intel Core i7-8550U; 12GB DDR4 SDRAM 2,133MHz; 128MB (dedicated) Intel HD Graphics 620; 256GB SSD

Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2018)

Apple MacOS Mojave 10.14; 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-8210Y; 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 2,133MHz; 1,536MB Intel UHD Graphics 617; 256GB SSD

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Acer's latest Aspire 5 is one of the best thin-and-light laptop deals you'll find

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There are two types of laptops I've come to expect from Acer: Standout premium models like the crazy Swift 7 ultraportable and Predator Triton 900, and mainstream laptops that are impossibly good deals -- like last year's Predator Helios 300 and this year's Acer Aspire 5.

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Don't install Chrome extensions that are not recommended.

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Don't install Chrome extensions that are not recommended.

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https://www.techradar.com/reviews/macbook-air-review

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The new thinner and lighter MacBook Air features a Retina display, Touch ID, and the latest-generation butterfly keyboard with Force Touch trackpad.

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To improve battery life set the brightness of your laptop to the lowest setting that is comfortable. In addition check that bluetooth adapter is off if you are not using it. When not using the computer for a short time put it into standby or sleep mode

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21st Century Career Advice Presentation BPS April 2019

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21st Century Career Advice Presentation BPS April 2019

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10 Tips for Buying a Laptop! (2020 Edition) | The Tech Chap

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10 Tips for Buying a Laptop! (2020 Edition) | The Tech Chap

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10 Tips for Buying a Laptop! (2020 Edition) | The Tech Chap

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Whether you need to delay a new laptop purchase because of uncertain finances ( to put it mildly), want to reduce your contribution to the e-waste problem or simply have more important things to think about, there's a lot you can do to stretch the lifespan of your existing system.

The longevity horizon of a laptop is analogous to the longevity of a human: It partly comes down to responsible behavior, partly genetics and partly just dumb luck. There's no guarantee that anything you do can save it from dying young or failing to keep up with increasingly demanding tasks. And there's no guarantee that if you treat it like crap it won't last far longer than expected -- in 10 years you might find yourself cursing it. "Fail already you slow POS so I can justify buying a replacement!" That's the argument I have daily with my 7-year old iPad.

It baffles me, for instance, that my friend's 5-plus-year-old Lenovo Yoga 2 13 still functions, and actually functions well. It's filthy, it's been knocked off precarious perches by flying cats, it sits baking in hot sunlight, endures summers with 90% humidity indoors, and its operating system hasn't been updated in... I don't think ever. She still hasn't filled up the 128GB drive.

Yet, in the interim, I've gone through at least two laptops, one with a battery that swelled up and another with a wiring and broken plastic issue that rendered the display unusable. They exited in close to pristine aesthetic condition.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

Data backup is on my long, long list of "do as I say, not as I do" advice. But the longer you hold onto a laptop, the more irreplaceable files and information you'll accumulate on it. And the greater the chance it'll crumble into e-waste. So before you touch your laptop it to address any issues -- including cleaning -- you want to make a backup.

The unwritten rule is this: If you don't back up your laptop, it will experience a catastrophic failure. But if you do, then nothing will happen. Because that's the way the universe works.

Coddle it

I don't mean sing it a lullaby before you put it to sleep every night, or even treat it gingerly. Just use some common sense when it comes to handling and storage. For example, don't think "Awww, cute. Instagram it!" when your cat curls up on your laptop keyboard seeking attention or warmth. Think "That cat is going to annihilate my MacBook's butterfly keyboard."

Other simple practices include:

Don't leave it sitting in hot sunlight.

Keep animals and kids away. If you have to leave it unattended for a minute, shove it somewhere a little less accessible, or at least tilt the lid down partially so that the screen and keyboard are protected.

Don't leave it hanging off the edge of a desk, couch, chair, ottoman and so on. This is a good policy for any object, frankly.

Don't eat around it (she says, flicking pistachio shell pieces off the keyboard and digging flakes out from gaps).

Wash or sanitize your hands before using it to minimize dirt and oils transferring. These can build up over the years.

If you only use it sporadically, keep it in the most dust-free location available.

When it's on or in sleep mode, don't cover it with fabric or leave it in any other environment where there's no airflow. (This goes triple for (Windows 10$145 at Walmart) laptops, since Microsoft's default is to wake them to force updates, but not to make sure it goes back to sleep afterwards. Twice I've had laptops come close to overheating in bed with me because having current virus definitions are obviously more important than not setting me on fire.)

Don't leave it charging 24/7. Note that depending upon the vintage or model of your system leaving it plugged in may not cause any problems, but using it off-power periodically lets you spot check incipient battery or electrical system issues. You can also use a utility to check how worn your Windows laptop battery is.

Don't smoke around it. Nothing gunks up electronics faster.

You should also check the adapter cable periodically, especially if you've got pets. Run your fingers along it feeling for teeth marks. A chewed-through cable won't ruin your laptop -- they're designed to stop working if the insulation is punctured -- but it can get expensive replacing them. My cat, Iris the Destroyer, earned her name by chewing through two Dell AC adapters at $70 a pop (among other reasons). If you catch it early, you can reroute them for safety. Plus, it's not good for them.

Clean it

It's easy to ignore basic maintenance, especially if you use your laptop every day. You just stop noticing the crud after a while. But periodically taking a minute to examine entry points around keycaps, the keyboard surface, touchpad surface, speaker grilles, hinge, ports, vents and screen may save you some heartache (and money) in the long run. Even if none of it poses a long-term health issue for your system, you don't want to wait until detritus builds up so much that it's almost impossible to get out or off. Keeping the fan vents clear and dust-free is especially important.

Streamline it

Every now and then, take a pass through applications and files, as well as programs and services that run at startup, and jettison anything you don't need. Will doing that extend the life of the system? Probably not, except perhaps by reducing a fractional amount of heat generated by unnecessary processor activity.

But at the very least, periodically weeding it can make it feel faster, just like cleaning out a room can make it feel bigger. And at best you will experience some real performance improvements, including improved battery life. It may also turn out that you don't need the memory or storage upgrades that you thought you did.

At some point, you'll probably feel like the incremental approach isn't working for you anymore. Then it's time to consider wiping it off and starting from scratch: You'll need to reinstall the same version of the operating system and applications. This can be trickier, since it may require repurchasing old programs, recustomizing every aspect of the operating system or application behavior, debugging system glitches again and more. Plus, you run the risk of breaking something that was working fine before.

That's software. What about hardware? Aside from upgrades, a laptop's hardware remains pretty static. There's no magic wand to wave will make your trackpad feel five years younger. One exception is battery life: Changing your software settings can make a big difference to the battery's longevity.

Accessorize it

Using accessories such as an external keyboard, mouse or monitor -- even cheap ones -- may help save wear and tear on the built-in components and hinge. More important, once those components of a laptop start to get wonky, the system itself will still be usable if you can find external replacements for the devices.

If you're constantly moving between desktop locations, it's worth getting a dock or hub for those external devices. This will save wear and tear on the connections from constant plugging and unplugging. It also adds extra ports, which is another perk that will extend the useful life of your laptop.

Upgrade it

Because real upgrades always require some expense, this is probably one of the final steps you'll consider. But small, incremental upgrades can make a big difference. Not as many laptops support internal memory or storage upgrades as they used to -- replaceable batteries even less so -- but if you can, you should definitely take advantage of the option as you start to hit limits. That's one of the advantages of hanging onto an older laptop -- it's more likely to be upgradable.

That's as long as you feel comfortable opening it up to stick things in. Before you start down this path, make sure to find an upgrade or maintenance guide for your particular system to verify that it supports your plan. You should also check that it doesn't require expensive nonstandard components, which will cost more than it's worth.

External upgrades can be easier and more practical, though in some cases they don't provide as big a boost. Or they may not make as big a difference as you thought they would. I secretly added a Netgear Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) USB dongle to a tech-challenged friend's laptop, which was equipped with pokey Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n). Speedtest showed that throughput doubled. Given how much time she spends online, that seemed to make it worth the money.

She didn't notice any difference.

If you're running short on storage, an external drive is an obvious enhancement. Unless you only plan to use it to offload files you don't use often, you may want to avoid going too cheap. A slow external drive can be more annoying than uplifting. You can also potentially improve performance by booting from an external drive, though that depends on the connection and the drive speed.

Another possible performance upgrade -- only if you've got a newer laptop with a Thunderbolt 3 connection, though -- is to add an external graphics processor (eGPU) to boost speed in applications or games with heavy GPU usage. This can be a pricey upgrade, though, and the enclosure and the graphics card are frequently sold separately, which can obscure the true cost.

You may want to consider moving to a newer version of the operating system if you're not on it already. I don't consider it a no-brainer, though. If you're laptop's crumbling to dust, a newer version of the OS may not unequivocally improve things. And you also run the risk of losing the ability to run some applications.

Case in point: The latest version of Mac OS, Catalina (10.15), removed support for 32-bit applications. So if a program hasn't been migrated from 32 to 64 bit -- and there are good reasons why it may not have been -- the upgrade would actually be a step backward for you.

Sticking with an outdated version of an operating system is widely considered to be bad hygiene, though, because you don't get the constant barrage of virus, malware and security updates that up-to-date systems receive.

Convert it

And finally, when you're at the end of your rope, you've got nothing to lose by replacing the operating system with something new altogether. If your laptop powers on and at least most of the keys work, there's a good chance it can be converted into a Chromebook, running Google's Chrome OS, to give it at least a little more useful life before it goes to live upstate on a retired laptop farm.

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Whether you need to delay a new laptop purchase because of uncertain finances ( to put it mildly), want to reduce your contribution to the e-waste problem or simply have more important things to think about, there's a lot you can do to stretch the lifespan of your existing system.

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Best cheap gaming laptop under $1,000 to get in 2020

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Best cheap gaming laptop under $1,000 to get in 2020

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Trying to find a good deal on a gaming laptop isn't easy right now with the increased demand for inexpensive laptops for working from home during coronavirus closures. They're out there still, you'll just have to look harder and act faster.

Prices on older laptops with Nvidia's GeForce GTX 10-series GPUs started dropping long ago, and you can get your hands on a well-configured 15.6-inch laptop for $1,000. And the graphics card isn't the only thing to like about those laptops, either. Laptops with an entry-level GTX 1050 Ti card start around $700, which gives you enough graphics performance to play the newest demanding games at low-to-medium settings. Spending between $800 and $1,000 (or a little more) will get you a laptop with a newer GTX 1650 or 1660 Ti or an older upper-midrange Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 for a great gaming experience. Plus, with the 6GB version of the 1060, you can experience a little of the ray-tracing effects available with the pricier RTX cards.

Our recommendations to help you find your ideal gaming experience based on our reviews and testing are below. But if you know what you're looking for and want to start shopping, here are the best deals we've found currently available from major retailers, starting as low as $750. And if you want to improve your gaming and work-from-home experience, here's some inexpensive gaming gear to help you do it.

Gaming laptop deals from $800 to $1,000

Gaming laptop deals for $799 or less

Sarah Tew/CNET

Dell's G-series gaming laptops are cheaper than those from its Alienware division, but still capable of playing the latest AAA titles. There are three separate models -- the G3, G5 and G7 -- available in 15- and 17-inch sizes. The 2018 G3 15 was slimmer in design than the G5 and G7, which were styled more like a gaming laptop. The 2019 G3 leans more toward the G5 and G7 design, too. The midrange G5 15 hits the mark with an excellent price-to-performance ratio, build quality and design. Read our Dell G5 15 5590 review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The Legion Y545 currently starts at $950, but depending on the deals Lenovo has for it, the price can be as low as $800 for a good middle-of-the-road configuration. Our system performed really well with its Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and ninth-gen Core i7 hitting more than 70fps for Far Cry 5 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider tests. However, it does look a little more like a traditional gaming laptop. Lenovo's Legion Y540 is more streamlined in appearance and is available in both 15- and 17-inch sizes and start at less than $950. Read our Lenovo Legion Y545 review..

Sarah Tew/CNET

The 17.3-inch Acer Nitro 5 brings something extra to entry-level gaming laptops, and not just a larger display. The screen is certainly a big part of its appeal, though: Most sub-$1,000 gaming laptops have 15.6-inch displays, and the Acer's larger screen lets you sink in and get lost in whatever world you're in.

That said, if you're looking for a bit more oomph, but still at reasonable prices, check out the redesigned Predator Helios 300 with ninth-gen Intel processors and Nvidia RTX graphics and a smaller, thinner body. The previous iteration is available with a 15.6-inch full-HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core i7-8750H CPU, Nvidia GTX 1060 GPU with 6GB of memory, 16GB of system RAM and a 256GB NVMe SSD on Amazon for $1,089. Read our Acer Nitro 5 (17.3-inch) review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

It's the bright screamin'-green keyboard that really gives away that HP's 15.6-inch Pavilion Gaming laptop isn't just a normal midsize notebook. Sure, there are some pretty large rear fan vents, but otherwise the chassis is fairly tame and all black except for a slight green tint to the HP logo on the lid. Inside, though, are an excellent mix of components that are good for gaming as well as work. Read our HP Pavilion Gaming 15 review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

While the G5 is still our go-to pick, the G3 is available with many of the same components, including CPUs and graphics chips, but for less money. The other features and build quality aren't as nice as the G5's, but the G3 is thinner and lighter. It's a good pick if you're looking for a school or home office laptop that can also handle playing the latest games. Read our Dell G3 15 Gaming Laptop review.

Gaming laptops in disguise

Not everyone who wants to play PC games also wants a laptop with red accents and glowy keyboards. There are laptops out there that look more straightlaced, but pack lower-end GTX graphics cards or Nvidia's MX-series GPUs that are a step above the integrated graphics you find in most mainstream laptops.

Frame rates aren't going to be fast enough for enjoyable play on high-detail settings with newer graphically demanding games with the MX-series GPUs. In our tests, however, older games such as Bioshock Infinite were playable, as were popular online games such as and . Below are a couple of our favorites, but if you're a casual gamer, keep an eye out for these.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The Aspire 7 is a great option if you're looking for a home office laptop that's also good for gaming. Along with an Nvidia GTX 1650 graphics card and a 10th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, you get a good 15.6-inch full-HD display and a bevy of ports for $800.

The Aspire 7 is a little chunky, though. For those who prefer something slimmer and lighter, the Aspire 5 hits the mark and is available with an MX250 graphics card for under $1,000. Read our Acer Aspire 7 review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

While all the other laptops here are big 15.6-inch models and weigh around 5 pounds each, the $849 ZenBook 13 is a gorgeous 13.3-inch ultraportable. In fact, when it launched, it was the world's thinnest 13-inch laptop with discrete graphics, making it a good choice for a little light gaming on the go in between meetings or classes.

Buying tips for a cheap gaming laptop

For the best gaming experience with a budget gaming laptop, you'll want to make sure you get the most graphics power you can afford from the start since this can't be upgraded later, unlike memory or storage. If you're on a strict budget, go with an older Nvidia Geforce GTX 1050 Ti or newer 1650 graphics card, which will give you good gaming performance on newer games at medium or high settings with prices starting down around $600. If you can afford to spend closer to $1,000, you'll be better off, in the long run, getting a laptop with an older Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 with 6GB of memory or newer 1660 Ti.

Beyond the graphics chip, look for:

Eighth-gen or ninth-gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor

At least 8GB of memory (aka RAM)

At least a 256GB solid-state drive, a combo of a 128GB SSD and hard drive or a large solid-state hybrid drive

Most if not all gaming laptops let you easily expand or upgrade your memory and storage, so again, it's best to put your cash into the GPU and processor. Sure, you'll get more for your money with a gaming desktop, but if you don't have room for one or you must have mobility, these budget-friendly laptops are worth the investment.

More computer best lists at CNET
Originally published last year. Regularly updated as we review new products.

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Best cheap gaming laptops under $1,000 to get right now

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Trying to find a good deal on a gaming laptop isn't easy right now with the increased demand for inexpensive laptops for working from home during coronavirus closures. They're out there still, you'll just have to look harder and act faster.