Laptop Buying Guide: Everything You Should Know [2023 Edition]

After testing and having reviewed hundreds of laptops and computers, we’ve decided to publish an in-depth guide that’ll help you choose the right laptop for your specific needs. 

If you like the guide, consider bookmarking it for future reference and sharing it with anyone who might benefit from it.

Buying a laptop might look pretty straightforward when it is outright difficult. There are so many factors to look into before considering the options, and that’s where our guide can help (as it explains most of them).

However, the most important question to ask yourself is:

“WHAT WILL I PRIMARILY DO WITH THIS LAPTOP?“

Asking this question will help you figure out the type of laptop and its features/specs you’ll need. 

You’ll get a list of things you’ll do or different software you’ll run on this machine. The trick here is to find out your requirements first. Once that’s solved, we can get to planning the specs — and the budget.

How Did We Prepare the Guide?

We understand that you aren’t just looking for a device but also a companion. In this guide, we offer insights into the most relevant topics like size, specs, battery, and more. We also consider brand-specific features, compatibility with accessories, and other relevant aspects.

Read the entire piece for getting ahead in the laptop buying race. However, it is always good to look at a summary for getting a hang of the expectations and key takeaways:

• For perfect balance between laptop portability and usability, laptops that come with 12.5 to 14-inch displays are usually a good deal.
• Based on the current set of professional requirements, the bare minimum for getting in some fast hands include the Intel i5 processor, 8-16 gigs of RAM, SSD storage, and a Full HD display.
• While 2-in-1s are better, traditional laptops are durable and last longer. Nothing beats the standard clamshell in terms of utility.
• The ideal battery life for a standard device is 8 hours or a bit more in power saving modes.
• If you are just looking for basic online usage with limited but adequate features, a Chromebook is among the best budget choices. 

So, Which Laptop to Buy?

To begin with, if you are an avid gamer, you require a device that packs in a lot of processing and gaming power. 

Basic professional use demands portability and speed, more than anything else. If you are into graphics, video rendering, and editing, you want powerful specs above all else.

The shape and weight of the device are also a matter of concern if you often carry the device along. If you use a laptop indoors, don’t worry about the aesthetics and focus on performance instead.

Lastly, we love the brands we love. Laptops and devices purchased before are a good indication of where you might start your search. People usually stick with the tried-and-tested brand names, provided the budget is on point.

A very common mistake is to choose the budget first and only then select specifications or features.

Although the budget is essential, you could end up with a machine that can’t do the tasks you need it for. Or the other way around: you spend a lot when a cheaper, simpler laptop would have been just as good.

Now that we have summarized the key takeaways, here are the individual aspects that you want to consider before selecting your new laptop:

1. Getting Started with Operating System (OS)

Most people usually start with the physical features of a laptop. But the operating platform plays a major role in determining the choices we make. We will talk about each operating system (OS) and the benefits they offer.

We’ll also check if an OS is appropriate for your requirements and/or personal preferences. Most laptops feature one of the three most popular operating systems:

• Windows OS
• macOS
• Chrome OS

However, some people also opt for Linux, which is usually installed along one of the existing platforms.

Windows OS

The most widely used operating system on PCs is Windows. This highly flexible OS is pre-installed on most laptops.

Whether you are looking for a device with basic features or the most advanced specs, Windows certainly comes in handy. If we count the number of devices running Windows, it easily exceeds those with Chrome OS or even macOS.

Moreover, this OS comes with a host of built-in specs. These include touch interfaces, fingerprint sensors, and even dual graphic internals in certain devices. 

At the moment, Windows 11 is the latest OS version.

Windows 11 includes switchable modes, improved Cortana digital assistant, bug improvement, Bing AI Chatbot and more.

It also features a host of powerful improvements including natural language searches and stylus compatibility. Therefore, Windows is the preferred operating platform for most professionals. 

Entrepreneurs, gamers, and students looking for simplicity, intuitiveness, and a balanced set of features can also consider Windows laptops.

macOS

If you want aesthetics, class, comfort, and intuitive features — all at the same time — a macOS could be the best choice. 

The laptops running Apple’s macOS are called MacBooks — which further branch into 2 brand lines: the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air.

The differences are based on physical differences, feature sets, and price points. 

If you have any other Apple device, including an iPhone or the Apple Watch, it is possible to unlock it with the same OS. Apple also lets you take calls and look at texts on the MacBook, if it is synced with the iPhone.

Unlike Windows, macOS doesn’t support tablet mode (excluding iPads, of course) as none of the MacBooks feature touch-based interfaces. Starting with the Catalina OS, however, certain adjustments were made by bringing the iPad applications to the MacBook, followed by new-and-improved iPad display support and accessibility perks.

On the other hand, macOS is hailed as one of the safest OS because of its sophisticated protection processes.

Therefore, if you are willing to pay a premium price for the device, select the one with the MacOS, as MacBooks’ excellent scores are courtesy of their reliability and great Apple ecosystem.

Note

If you plan to switch from Windows, some software is available exclusively on Windows. So be sure to check if these programs are compatible with macOS.

There are some workarounds, such as installing Windows on a Mac with Parallels, but in our experience, this is not the best solution. 

ChromeOS

If you have a limited set of requirements and a tight budget, a Chromebook could be a good fit. Chrome OS is Google’s proprietary operating platform that comes with its own set of features and limitations.

The interface looks like a Windows spinoff, including the features and the application menu. For the most part, you have access to web apps that may not work in offline mode. Simply put, look at ChromeOS as the platform that needs to stay connected to the internet to function perfectly.

However, things are looking far better now for the Chromebooks, with the likes of ASUS’ and Lenovo’s latest Chromebooks and other laptops supporting Android applications and GeForce NOW.

Chromebook’s main feature is that it’s an affordable and easy-to-carry device for basic professional and personal activities. It’s great for checking work/personal emails, chatting, writing & editing documents, browsing the web, watching movies online, etc. 

They support everyday basic activities and are popular among students or kids who love technology but have a restricted budget.

The biggest hurdle of ChromeOS is the limited apps you can install. 

Linux

Linux is much less prone to crashes than any other system.

This operating system is highly useful for engineers and technical students, while general users could find it difficult to use. Operating platforms like Windows and macOS have added several layers of innovation and are easy for everyday users. However, feel free to check out our list of best Ubuntu compatible laptops, if you’d like to explore a Linux-based OS.

Fun fact

Microsoft chose Linux to test their Azure Cloud Computing Services and not their own Windows OS. Go figure.

2. Structure and Size

Next, let’s consider the physical aspects at play. 

To start with, it is important to select the size of the laptop before thinking about anything else. Note that the size is usually evaluated based on the display size.

Sleek and Snappy

The millennial and Gen Z population generally prefer thin and small but powerful laptops. Even startup owners who travel a lot like models that fit in pouches. 

So this category features machines that resemble tablets. Here we have display sizes in the range of 11 to 12 inches. In terms of weight, they do not weigh more than 3 to 3.5 pounds.

Suitable

Laptops with 13-inch to 15-inch strike the perfect balance between functionality and portability. These laptops are very popular as they weigh less but have larger screen sizes. 

Professionals find them easier for viewing presentations because of their decent-sized screens. Almost every MacBook Air offers a suitable screen real-estate for Apple enthusiasts.

Sturdy and Popular

Almost every professional has had the chance to use a 15-inch laptop which happened to be the best size a few years back. Some still prefer the 15-inch to 16-inch screen sizes. These displays let you look at things side by side. 

The 16-inch screens are not that much of a rarity anymore and are hardly limited only to MacBooks Pro. In fact, LG Gram 16 revolutionized the field with its 16” laptop that weighs just over 2 pounds.

Massive

Lots of gaming laptop beasts offer a screen size that ranges between 17 to even 18 inches. A powerful processing unit and cooling fans further add to their girth and weight. 

These laptops make great workstations and desktop replacements, but if you think they are portable — think again.

2-in-1 laptops

A “normal” model is always a good choice, but there is an increasing demand for 2-in-1 laptops, that converts into a tablet. The best thing about these convertible machines is that they can be hinged back and forth to a full 360-degrees.

In some devices, an entire keyboard comes out and can be paired if and when necessary. While these laptops might seem gimmicky, they are great for creatives who are always on the move.

3. Specs, Internals, and Processing Power

In this section we’ll guide you through the internal components of a device. These internals give power and determine the quality of work, entertainment, gaming, and other activities you are able to do on a laptop.

3.1. Processor

If you want to know the power of your new machine, consider the processor first:

Intel 13th Gen

These are the latest of processing units from Intel, released in October 2022. Many laptops are already packing them.

The 13th generation processor is a chipset that features improved onboard graphics performance and much better overall speed. These processors have up to 24 cores (P and E architecture: performance and efficiency, respectively), and up to 32 threads.

Regardless of the processor you look for in the laptop, always consider the 13^th gen models. They are new, improved, and in sync with the processing requirements.

If you are tight on the budget, a 12th or even an 11th gen. Intel will work fine as well for most tasks. 

In this section we’ll cover the Intel Chipsets available in a laptop. They are marked as Intel Core i3,  Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7, Intel Core i9. 

Generally speaking the Core i3 is the budget version and Core i9 is the top of the line.

We’ll cover each in a bit more detail below:

Intel Core i9 Chipsets

The most powerful Intel chipsets, the i9 CPUs are known for fastest performances. Even when pitted against the sleek mobile processors, they perform better. Moreover, these CPUs are only available on the most premium devices.

You want to consider these if you are interested in 

• the very best gaming performances
• high-end 4K gaming
• setting up 3D rendering and graphical workstations
• large machine learning data processing

If you plan on running super demanding applications, games, and programs, the i9 processors can handle anything you throw at them.

Intel Core i7

If you are looking for a strong amount of processing power without breaking the bank, i7 processors are the best possible choices. However, there are different types of i7 processors available on the market.

First, if any processing unit has the letters HQ or K in the suffix, it means that this version of the i7 chipset consumes more power as compared to others. This version is known for exceptional productivity and gaming support.

If the i7 chipsets have Y as the suffix, these are pretty standard versions and consume less power. The performance degrades a bit as compared to the HQ and K versions but that’s negligible for the general users.

Last but not least, the ones with ‘13’ in the model number are the newer renditions of the Intel 13^th gen processing units. 

For example: in  i9-13980HX – the number in bold is showing the generation of the processor.

Intel Core i5

Most mid-range computers feature the i5 processors. These laptops usually have longer battery life as most i5 consume less power than most i7 or i9 counterparts. 

Try to go with an 11th or newer generation processor.

Intel Core i3

If your budget is limited and you are looking for a basic device for content and media consumption, you might consider the i3 chipsets. The performance of these chipsets is average and lower in comparison to the i5 processors.

However, the price difference between the i3 and i5 processors isn’t massive. So, if you can shell out some additional cash, it is always better to opt for one of the Core i5 units instead of the i3.

Intel Pentium/Celeron

These Intel-powered chipsets aren’t quite effective if you are into gaming or even for mid-range professional work. When it comes to the price point, this fits well if you are only looking to surf the internet via a Chromebook.

You can also consider these laptops for basic doc editing. However, we always recommend the i3 or the i5 processing units instead.

Intel Core M series

Laptops featuring the M series processors include the Core i5 and Core i7 units. The M suffix showcases lower levels of performance and power consumption. These devices perform at acceptable levels if the stakes are lower. That said, the overall performance is better than the Celeron units.

The important thing here is that they consume less power than the standard units. These chipsets show up in sleek Chromebooks and other sleeker devices that pack in SSD (more about that later in this discussion). Another aspect of the Intel Core M series laptops is that they almost always go fanless.

Intel Xeon

While this might sound like a new name to you, the veteran gamers can definitely relate to it. These are costly and power-intensive processing units that are reminiscent of larger workstations.

Should you consider them? Well, for most part, Xeon is still used for industrial purposes and big data centers. It’s known for its longevity and can withstand heavier loads than i7 counterparts.

The major downside is that Xeon units can’t perform overclocking.

AMD Processors

These used to be mostly found in budget laptops. The group of Ryzen chips is powerful enough. Another good thing about the AMD-powered machines is that they offer a host of additional utilities as compared to similarly priced Intel-powered devices.

The latest Ryzen CPUs series is the 7000. In addition to that, you’ll also numbers like AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7, and 9, which are comparable to Intel Core counterparts.

Then there’s Ryzen’s series of APU (Accelerated Processing Units, as opposed to CPU). Basically, this is just a fancy name for Ryzen processors with integrated Radeon graphics.

Although Ryzen started off as an underdog, with their new Zen architecture, we’ve seen more respectable chips and subsequently more equal stand-offs with Intel.

While the chipsets are important, you must also look at the clock speed. Basic laptops have clock speeds in line with 1.8 to 2GHz but the best gaming options need the clock speeds to be somewhere in the ballpark of 3.5 to 4GHz.

Put simply, it is the clock speed that determines how fast the CPU can process information and perform an action.

Apple M-series

In November 2020, Apple introduced its first M-chip. 

Appropriately called M1, this silicon chipset, developed by Apple, integrates much better into the entire ecosystem of MacBooks. The customers were raving about the improved speed, much better battery life, and the overall speed. And rightfully so — the M1 chip smashed the competitors in terms of these parameters.

It also gave us the very first MacBook Air whose performance was on par with MacBook Pro. Crazy!

Since then, Apple has introduced the 2nd iteration of this CPU, the M2. Though new and improved, people were expecting more, but it is still an excellent CPU to consider if you’re bent on getting a MacBook.

Recommended reading: Making Sense of Laptop Processor Generations: A Comprehensive Guide of Intel Core, AMD Ryzen, and Apple M Chips

3.2. The RAM

Every processor needs the support of the Random Access Memory to perform at its best. The majority of budget devices nowadays come with 8 gigs of RAM.

While we still get laptops with 4GB RAM for a budget of $250 or less, it is always recommended to at least go with an 8GB model.

Every device has some processing power. The same gets exposed once we start using the resources or clocking the processor cores with heavier responsibilities. A laptop with only 4 gigs of RAM will show signs of lag and other issues.

Tab discarding is an automatic feature in certain brands and laptops, but long-term performances are affected if lesser RAM is added into the mix. Therefore, If you have a tight budget, we’d recommend compromising on RAM (at first, but make sure it’s upgradable) instead of the processor. In most cases, 8GB should be the standard anyways.

However, if you’re into gaming, move over to the 16GB ballpark. Most high-end games nowadays have a minimum requirement of 8GB RAM, though this is increasing. That said, a 16GB laptop comes into the mix and allows you to multitask with considerable ease. In the case of 8GB laptops, you can either play a game at reduced FPS OR handle all the productivity-related tasks.

The 32GB laptops are usually pricier and only fit for individuals with high-end technical requirements. 

Some power users can even go up to 64GB — especially if we’re talking about AAA titles, heavy CAD projects, and demanding 3D modeling and video editing. 

A majority of modern-day laptops have RAM expandable slots. This allows the users to add 4, 8, 16 or 32 gigs of additional RAM to the device and boost performance.

In the end, it all comes down to the exact requirement you want the laptop to fulfill. Lastly, we would suggest going either for DDR4 or DDR5 RAM. DDR5 is the latest and does offer more bandwidth over DDR4, but that doesn’t mean that the latter is bad.

3.3. Storage Drives

Storage is another important factor to consider while purchasing a laptop. However, choosing one also depends on your preferences, nature of work, and surprisingly the structural attributes.

Most of the laptops nowadays feature SDDs or solid state disk drives with ample storage support.

SSDs do not take up a lot of space and also help you achieve better computing speeds. HDDs are computing bottlenecks as they lead to slower speeds and come with restricted cache memory, in the ballpark of 8MB to even 16MB.

SSDs are significant assets, and make sure that your machines work faster. As compared to the conventional SATA entities, the new breed of SSDs offers triple speed perks. One such example is PCIe x4. Apart from these mentioned storage units, we also have eMMC support on certain budget laptops and even convertibles.

Recommended reading: Exploring the Pros and Cons of SSD and HDD – Which One Will You Choose?

3.4. Display Quality

If you are into high-end gaming and incessant media consumption, a good quality screen is highly desirable.

We suggest at least the full HD display at 1920 x 1080 pixels.

The 2560×1600 resolution, as seen in MacBooks and some Windows laptops, is usually the sweet spot between the screen quality and battery performance, though these devices usually cost more.

Other options include laptops featuring the 2K and even the 4K screens with 3840 x 2160 pixels. You might have to compromise quite a bit on battery life, though.

Besides the resolution, it is also important to consider the screen make and quality of the panel. An IPS panel offers adequate levels of brightness and color but doesn’t go overboard with the budget. An OLED panel, on the other hand, is more expensive, but also much more vivid, crispier, and color-accurate.

Provided you are purchasing your first laptop, we would suggest you go with a machine with a good sRGB color %. A rating of over the 100 percent mark and a brightness level that exceeds 300 nits also make a difference. However, if the price isn’t the concern, consider a device with an OLED display.

The refresh rate does add to the quality of the display, but it is really relevant only for gamers. A 120, 144, or 165Hz display is great if you are shooting your enemies down or playing fast-paced games. A 240 or 300Hz display will probably be useful only in eSports games.

Touch Support

While most clamshell models and even the MacBooks do not offer touch support (yet), it is important to consider 2-in-1s for getting the best value for the touch screen support. 

Touchscreen support has developed over the past few years. With the likes of Microsoft Studio Pro, HP Spectre x360, and ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo, we’re seeing new and great capabilities, and awesome responsiveness.

Touchscreen and convertibles are great for content creators, digital artists, CAD tools and 2D/3D modeling, note taking and office work, or even online schooling platforms.

3.5. Graphics Processing Unit and VRAM

The type of GPU that the laptop holds depends entirely on your needs. For instance, if you are not into gaming or graphics-intensive tasks, you can easily go for integrated graphics cards. Otherwise, opt for dedicated GPUs.

In case of reasonable gaming and moderate to high graphic-intensive tasks, you can either choose an NVidia graphics card or the more affordable devices featuring the AMD graphics processors. To begin with, the very basic setup would include the likes of GTX 1650 or the NVidia MX250 GPUs. These units are more than capable when it comes to handling the low-end to moderate processing requirements.

In the case of mid-range devices, the most popular choices for GPUs are the RTX 2070, RTX 3050 and RTX 3060. These GPUs cover most mid-range and even some high-end requirements. NVIDIA offers a wide range of choices based on your preferences and pocket.

The AMD GPUs are still solid choices and you can get a decently powered laptop for a pretty standard price. The best option in the case of Windows-powered devices is to go with the Radeon RX 6850M XT GPU or the 6700M. This factor depends on how upgraded you want the GPU to be.

As for MacBooks, the new M-architecture comes with its own 7-, 8- or 10-core GPU. While powerful, we would still advise against using the MacBooks for gaming — simply because of the incompatibility of the systems. The apps and games have made great strides in accommodating Apple’s ecosystem, but there are still ways to go.

Another underrated aspect of graphics processing is the Video RAM (vRAM), closely associated with the GPU, that helps with rendering and processing images and videos with ease.

It is the VRAM that sits deep in the GPU and helps you get a better gaming experience, provided you are looking to play at higher resolutions. Under standard circumstances, a 4GB VRAM is more than enough. This would make sure that 1080p gaming works like charm. However, for the more demanding requirements like gaming in UHD and QHD, you do require at least 6-8GB of VRAM.

3.6. The Ports

In most cases, people do not even look at the ports as they are so overwhelmed with the entire process. However, you must keep a note of these if you have accessories like hard disks, external drives, external monitors and other peripherals.

Some of the ports to consider include the USB 3.0 ports for faster file renders and the standard HDMI output for video production. If you are willing to shell out a bit more, you can opt for the USB Type-C units.

We always recommend getting a USB Type-C port. With this in the mix, it becomes easier to connect docks and chargers without worrying about the structure. 

The universal USB port is a good addition followed by the inclusion of a USB-4 port for faster transfers. Moreover, if we’re talking about a high-end device, you’ll probably  get a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port with display and charging support.

This allows you to create mobile workstations by daisy-chaining other devices. While we are talking ports and connections, even the headphones jacks, Ethernet ports, and SD card slots deserve special mentions, especially if you are into gaming.

3.7. DVD Drives or Blu-Rays

Optical drives have lived out their expectancy period. However, you will still find a few options that come with Blu-Rays drives and standard DVD drives for reading and writing discs. The lack of these is hardly a roadblock when it comes to purchasing a decent laptop.

If you want an optical drive, you can always connect an external device for something as low as $20.

3.8. Connectivity

Surely you need a device that will stay connected to the internet even when you are on the move. This calls for the inclusion of a 4G or 5G LTE connectivity option. 

In terms of pure connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility is also a decent feature offered by the 10^th generation Intel processors and onwards. The Wi-Fi 6 feature is way more stable than the 802.11ac protocol.

Another important aspect is Bluetooth compatibility as we prefer laptops with Bluetooth 5 for better and improved connectivity in case you are looking to pair headphones and an external mouse.

4. Keyboard, Touchpad, and the Feel

Let’s get a little abstract and talk about that “laptop feel”.

The “laptop feel” entails the texture, placement of the strategic keys, keyboard space, and even the quality of the touchpad. The alignment and direction of the USB ports and charging port can also be important.

Speaking of the keyboard, it really boils down to what you need the laptop for. If you are only interested in media consumption — watching movies or shows, listening to music, or just web browsing — the keyboard isn’t a deal-breaker.

However, if you use the device for work, you should get a strong keyboard with good ergonomics. Some of the desirable traits include exceptional key travel, the spacing between the keys, and solid/tactile feedback.

When it comes to selecting the touchpad, it comes down to personal preferences. Here is one factor that is impossible to test based on user reviews and especially when you are shopping online. Some people like glass and smooth surfaces, others prefer mechanical buttons, and some just don’t care.

The expected qualities include the availability of multi-touch gestures, pinch-to-zoom capabilities, smooth scrolling, and more.

There are three main types of touchpads: Standard Touchpads, Buttonless Touchpads and Touchscreen

Precision drivers are present in almost every Windows laptop, which plays a major role in determining the quality of the touchpads. However, only a few laptops are as good as Apple’s MacBook when it comes to trackpad quality.

5. Assessing the Battery Life

Each one of the processing components and hardware inclusions requires power which is either offered by electricity or the power backup or rather the included battery. Therefore, the ideal scenario is to purchase a device that offers at least 8 hours of backup. Moreover, if you are looking to get a more beefed-up device you must compromise a fair bit on the battery juice.

Overall, the standard battery life is anywhere from 6-10 hours. Some laptops, like MacBooks or LG Gram, go well beyond that. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, usually hover around 3-5 hours because of their powerful specs, though there are exceptions here as well, like ROG Zephyrus with its whopping 11-12 hours.

An important factor to consider is that you must never believe a manufacturer regarding the battery backup and test it for yourself. Self-Testing is often out of the question as no one will allow you at the store for 6 to 8 hours, waiting for the battery to run out.  So the next best thing is to keep looking at third-party reviews to get the job done.

6. Budget

Before you fixate on a laptop, consider the requirements and then the budget. If you have sizeable gaming and video rendering concerns, you cannot expect a budget laptop to do it all. Therefore, preferences matter and the budget can be selected accordingly.

Budget Devices (Sub $250)

If you plan on getting a simple device with decent specs, the 250-350 dollar price range seems like a good bet. Within this price, you will most certainly get a Chromebook or even a low-end device running Windows OS. Besides minimal storage and a slow processor, mostly Intel Celeron, Pentium, or low-end AMD, these laptops are pretty good for handling basic tasks. They also make good second laptops and are also great for kids.

Standard Laptops (Sub $600)

For a price less than $600 or something higher than 350, you can purchase a device running Windows 10 / Windows 11 with Intel-powered chipsets i.e. Intel Core i5 or i3. Only a handful of devices offer full-HD support at this price point followed by SSD inclusion and decent battery life.

Mid-Range Laptops (Sub $1000)

If you are willing to pay this much for a device, you can get hold of some high-end features. MacBook Air and powerful Windows devices are offering SSD support, metallic finishes, higher screen resolution, and whatnot.

High-End Laptops (Between $1000-1500)

For this budget, you can easily purchase laptops that are portable, powerful, light, and even graphics-oriented, all at the same time. You could also get your hands on one of the newer MacBook Pros if the budget is significantly higher than 1000 dollars.

Be it 8 to 16GB of RAM or the powerful Intel i7 processors with 2K or even Full HD displays, high-end devices do come at a price provided you are willing to pay for them. In some cases, you can also opt for remarkably functional 2-in-1s with touch support.

If you’re having a budget of this sort, you may check out the models in Gaming Laptops Under $1500 list.

Exclusives (Above $1500)

Still interested in going higher in terms of price! Based on gaming inclinations and professional requirements, laptops priced up to 3000 dollars are up for grabs and that too with the best possible specs sheet to look at. At this price, you’ll also get the Intel i9 processor, 16GB of VRAM support, and a dedicated graphics unit, helping you set up mobile workstations.

If you’re having a budget of this sort, you may check out the models in Gaming Laptops under $2000 list.

7. Brand Identity

Almost every individual has some sort of brand fixation with a lot of people inclined towards getting a Mac at some point in time. Here are some of the best brands in the market that offer laptops based on diverse price points, feature sets, and more:

Apple Laptops or MacBooks

Looking for class and aesthetics? Consider the MacBooks, including the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. These laptops are not cheap and you need to spend a fortune to get the most powerful MacBook Pro.

The devices are iterative and the highlights include the potent Retina display and Neural Engine. Apple gets a lot of positive reviews and even scores decently in the designing segment, along with a top-class keyboard quality.

With their M-series processors, Apple introduced a new era of the MacBooks. Easily one of the most efficient processors today, M-chip raised the bar for all the other Intel- and AMD-based brands.

HP Laptops

HP is one of the more popular laptop brands in the world, based on the common consensus. Besides great availability and big range of prices, HP laptops are also pretty good in giving value for money and overall features.

While the design elements are pretty good, some of the HP Pavilion models have experienced issues at the hinges. Customer reviews for the HP laptops remain positive. The company doesn’t always offer prompt support and warranty to the users.

Asus Laptops

ASUS is a relatively new player in the laptop segment and is best known for the innovative features they bring to the table. When it comes to user reviews, the brand is getting stronger by the day, with their ROG Zephyrus being recognized as one of the best gaming laptops for years now.

The company believes that laptop users are hard to retain and they can be best catered if the features evolve periodically. Their ZenBook Pro Duo with its dual screen has to be the best example of this. Other notable mentions include the ErgoLift hinge and integrated numpad on trackpad.

Dell Laptops

If you are concerned about the shape, aesthetics, and sleekness of the device, check out a Dell device. The Austin-based company believes in striking the perfect balance between all the aspects of a laptop — and beyond.

A good thing about this brand is that it is a consistent performer. Be it the innovative features, or excellent design elements, Dell is a device that can be trusted.

The Dell XPS series of laptops deserve a special mention as they feature some of the best and slimmest designs in the market, with amazing ergonomics.

Plus, Dell’s buyers have raved about their customer support for years.

Lenovo Laptops

Lenovo has been a top brand for a long time and it is probably the only laptop brand that emphasizes the budget segment more than any other. 

Lenovo laptops are sturdy and fit for professional usage. Besides the excellent value for money and price-based selections, this brand also doesn’t shy away from innovations.

When it comes to Lenovo, however, there have been a few software glitches. This pulled down the review quotient and made this company slightly unpopular. 

Still, the newest lineups of their laptops — like IdeaPads, Yoga and ThinkPad — are pulling the company up.  With the stiff competition, it is only a matter of time when Lenovo concentrates more on the customer support and device warranty than anything else.

Alienware Laptops

This brand originated from Dell and later grew into a force to reckon with. Despite several other brands in the market, Alienware has been able to leave a mark — and a pretty significant one at that.

Alienware comes with unique, spaceship design and innovative features, like their command center.

Being a gaming laptop, the prices are high. Most Alienware devices are larger and chunkier than usual, because of the massive processing power and the cooling system.

Recommended reading: A gamer’s dilemma: Choosing between Razer and Alienware

Razer Blade Laptops

Razer Blade laptops are picking up pace in the retail market. It is important to note that their customer support system is among the best in the entire laptop market. The company is dedicated to improving customer experience, at every point of sale.

However, the innovations are limited and so is the value for money. Razer makes a lot of gaming devices and therefore the prices are mostly on the steeper side. 

From being a curious new kid on the block, Razer grew into a respectable — and very recognizable — gaming machine.

Acer Laptops

This company has been around for long time but the popularity has been mostly dwindling. There was a time when the Aspire G series from the company was the only potent line of laptops in the budget to mid-range segment. While the graph dipped a lot in the past few years, the company is picking pace with its new Acer Swift, Aspire and Nitro series.

Needless to say, Acer is adding a lot of innovations and caters perfectly to the budget segment. While the reviews are the only things pulling the brand down, they are trying to fix the same with better customer service and improved aesthetics.

Microsoft Laptops

A good thing about the Microsoft laptops is that they are sleek and offer touch support on select devices. However, the company is best known for its hardware-software cohesion. Every Microsoft device features the proprietary Windows 11 out of the box.

Starting with Surface Go, Microsoft developed Surface Pro and Surface Studio laptops which are quickly gaining popularity among content creators. With their great responsiveness and awesome touchscreen features, these 2-in-1 laptops might just be on their way to de-throne Apple’s iPads.

MSI Laptops

MSI made decent gaming laptops and the devices are still pretty good and feature-packed when compared against the existing global standards. Most importantly, the brand lost a lot of ground when the tech support and customer service were tagged as dismal by the customers.

With the newest Titan, Stealth and the more budget-oriented Katana series, MSI however remains a respectable gaming laptops brand and definitely worth checking out if you’re into high-end gaming.

Other Brands

While we did mention some of the most sought-after laptop brands, we must also take time out to consider the brands that aren’t going anywhere with their devices. The likes of Samsung and Toshiba are the laptop manufacturers that haven’t taken a lot of initiative to upgrade the laptops.

Therefore, if someone tells you to go for these brands as the prices are less, refrain from purchasing the same as Samsung laptops lack in terms of laptop innovation and design. Toshiba no longer makes laptops and is focused on business systems.

8. Additional Features

There are quite a few additional aspects to consider before purchasing a laptop. Most of these requirements are highly targeted and depend on the specific audience. Most importantly, these features can be very important but are highly user-specific.

Audio Output: Some individuals do not prefer using headphones while gaming or watching movies. Decently priced laptops or even the low-end budget models make use of Realtek drivers for determining the speaker’s quality. In most cases, we get Dolby Atmos speakers with a decent acoustic output for the users. You can, however, check this feature at any point in time while purchasing at an offline store.

At the moment, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and Dell XPS remain the reigning kings of audio quality.

Backlit Keyboard Support: It is always advisable to have a laptop that scores high in all the categories. Backlit keyboard support is very mainstream today. It allows you to access the keyboard and keep typing even when it is dark. However, even when there’s no backlight, this isn’t a deal-breaker.

Fingerprint Sensor: Certain devices have a fingerprint reader embedded within the touchpad or power button. If you want an additional layer of security and convenience, this might be a practical choice. In the end, it all comes down to your preferences.

Fast Charging: Laptops, like smartphones, need to work extensively without external power. While the consumption was discussed in the previous sections concerning processor and battery life, some devices offer fast charging capabilities that make sure the depleted power reserves get back to normal, as fast as possible.

Webcams: If you are into regular Skype calling, it becomes necessary to consider the webcam before making the purchase. Most laptop brands offer their webcam interface which allows users to record videos and click snapshots. 1080p webcams are slowly becoming more mainstream as we move from those 720p options, bearable at best.

Internal Microphone: They are decent additions and allow users to conduct Skype calls or attend Zoom meetings without having to depend on external speakers. Newer devices include high-end mics (MacBook Air comes to mind, along with ROG Zephyrus and HP Spectre).

9. Color and Texture

Believe it when I say, laptop color and texture are the actual deal-breakers that are often undervalued by the brands. In most cases, brands offer metallic shades as they are easier to manufacture. The color options, however, are standard.

Some common observations on colors:

• HP relying heaving on black and silver,
• Lenovo recently venturing into dark blue and dark beige options,
• Apple brings in a host of colors including gold, gray, silver – and the newest, midnight blue.

However, when it comes to different stencils and layouts, the Dell XPS series wins this segment hands down. Last but not least, white-colored laptops are also selling a lot, especially in recent months.

The texture plays an important role when you are gripping a device and carrying it in along. You do not want an excessively smooth surface that will slip out of your hands. Also, you do not want an abrasive surface that will be rough and unpleasant to work with.

This aspect is necessary to consider if you are a frequent traveler. You need to take out your device for the security check at the airport.

While colors and textures look great and may be practical, bear in mind that more polished and darker surfaces also often act as a fingerprint magnet, which can be very annoying.

10. Accessory Compatibility

Now that you have covered all the bases, it is time to see if the device is compatible with accessories or not. In that case, examine if the headphone jack is universally compatible or if there are enough slots to fit in external keyboards and mice.

Most importantly, if you are looking to make the purchase, you should also check if the retailer is offering an additional keyboard, laptop bag, or anything else to sweeten the deal.

11. Other Non-Compulsory Aspects To Consider

We are still in the process of selecting the best laptop for you. Some factors might look marginal, but they are extremely relevant and can make or break your experience of buying a laptop.

11.1 Charging Cord

The charging cord is indispensable as it is very hard to find a replica to charge your device. Unless you purchase a new charging cord — or have a USB-C charging port, your laptop might just be stranded with some residual battery juice.

However, people tend to ignore the length of the cords before making the purchase. Check for the cord length and make sure you get the adequate wire. This is important if your workstation is far from the charging point.

If you are a globetrotter, check out the output power rating and make sure that the ones with three pins are better at keeping the device insulated and safe in case of sudden spikes and power outages.

11.2 Placement of Hot Keys

Every laptop offers several function keys which are more like the one-stop executioners. In most cases, these cases are raked atop and include volume up, volume down, flight mode, Bluetooth activation, undo tab, brightness settings, and more.

More hotkeys means more time saved, especially if the explanatory symbols are good. When it comes to selecting laptops with these features, Lenovo and Dell are among the best possible choices.

11.3 Notification Lights

Some customers prefer devices where the power button, charging point, and important buttons have LED lights. This avoids any form of confusion about whether the feature is activated or not. Here is one aspect that you must take care of, to save time and effort.

11.4 Point of Contacts

There are several devices with dual and singular hinges. For example, a majority of laptops manufactured by Hewlett Packard come with two hinges with separation in between. Based on our personal experiences, we suggest you go with a device that has one hinge and the least possible point of contact. Dual hinges are prone to defects and breakages which can render the device dysfunctional.

11.5 RAM Slots

Before you buy a device, check whether it has additional RAM slots so you can upgrade the RAM. There might be a chance that you purchase a budget laptop but your needs change in time.

11.7 Battery Compatibility

If you are constantly on the move, you could misplace certain accessories, including the charging cord. You’d be surprised how many professionals forget to take the charger while staying at a hotel or a conference. The best bet is to have an additional battery, just in case.

The Verdict

A laptop is like your friend for life. However, even if you purchase one, the model starts turning obsolete in the next few months to a year. You must look for a device that stands the test of time and keeps fulfilling your expectations. In a world full of better laptops, look for relevance and future-proofing.

If your laptop is beefed up with features, some of them may still be relevant in the next few years. Most importantly, it is necessary to concentrate more on the Operating System of the device as it accounts for the majority of the user experience.

In the end, you only need to purchase a device that is in sync with your requirements.

If you require power, opt for a high-end model. But if your work is limited to basic productivity jobs, a budget model would do. There isn’t a perfect laptop. In the end, it comes down to finding the perfect device for you instead of looking around for options.