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Phonesandtabletsare great, but laptops are the original portable computers.
Here are the best laptops you’re able to buy right now.
What to Look For in a Laptop in 2023
There’s no one best laptop for everyone.
You might want a Windows PC, aMacBook, aChromebook, or evenone with Linux.
That’s not even all you’ll need to consider.
Do you want a touchscreen?
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
Do you want a 2-in-1 laptop that can also be used as a tablet?
We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise.
The latest XPS model also ships with Windows 11.
Apple
This Dell model is a 13-inch laptop, the most popular size for a reason.
The XPS 13 is thin and light at 0.55 inches thick and starts at just 2.59 pounds.
Of course, some people will want bigger laptops.
Of course, you might customize the Intel processor you get, CPU, memory, and SSD.
This offers a massive improvement in performance, battery life, and temperatures.
Unlike typical laptops, Dell uses a 16:10 display instead of 16:9.
This means the laptop’s display is slightly taller, giving you more vertical room on your screen.
It’s also an InfinityEdge display with smaller bezels around the screen.
The biggest downside to Dell XPS 13 laptops is that they come with integrated Intel graphics.
If you’re a Linux fan, though, you’re in luck!
Dell offers a version of this PC that comes with Linux.
Do you need a laptop that does it all?
You’ll want the Dell XPS 13.
You wont find the i3 processor youd likely expect, given the price point here.
Instead, the Aspire Vero sports a relatively speedy 13th-generation Intel i5-1335U processor, which is far more capable.
Apple
One area some may find the Aspire Vero lacking is the screen, which isnt a touch model.
That said, the 15.6-inch display is an IPS panel.
Battery life is roughly what youd expect in many modern Windows laptops at a max of 8.5 hours.
Lenovo
TheLenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8goes above and beyond in every aspect, making it a fantastic gaming laptop.
That said, were looking at the base configuration, which is still fairly impressive.
The CPU is an Intel i9-13900HX, which features a total of 24 cores and up to 32 threads.
Acer
The default configuration is anything but limited here.
Still, this is less of an issue thanks to the separate charging port.
While the Air is the most affordable Mac laptop, it isnt exactly a budget laptop.
Microsoft
Fortunately, with theYoga 9i 2-in-1 4K OLED, Lenovo got everything right.
The Yoga 9i is available in several configurations, and were looking at one of the higher-end versions.
There are plenty of ports here, something you dont always see on 2-in-1s.
Apple
You get two Thunderbolt 4 ports, another USB-C 3.2 port, and a single USB-A 3.2 port.
There is no HDMI port, but both Thunderbolt ports support DisplayPort.
These physical ports are backed up with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
Acer
Finally, you get a stylus included in the box, which you wont find in many other 2-in-1s.
Apple has been using its own Apple Silicon chips for a few years, improving and refining them.
The model we’re recommending features a 10core CPU and 16core GPU, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage.
This uses a 14.2-inchLiquid Retina XDR Display, which offers impressive high dynamic range (HDR) performance.
The 14.2-inch MacBook Pro is available inSpace GrayandSilvercolor variants.
If you require more power, you could bump up to anApple M2 Max chip and 1TB storage.
Josh Hendrickson / How-To Geek
The same can be said about theWi-Fi 6Eand Bluetooth 5.2 combo regarding connectivity.
The only thing we’re missing regarding ports and connectivity is an SD card slot.
ThinkPads are well-known productivity laptops, and the Gen 10 model is no exception.
Do you need a laptop that does it all? You’ll want the Dell XPS 13. This is a solid laptop with great battery life, so provided you’re fine with Windows, this is the way to go.
TheAcer Chromebook Spin 311has modest specifications, but this is a proper Intel laptop rather than anARM-basedChromebook.
Even better, this Chromebook is a convertible touchscreen model.
This means your child can use a tablet-style interface for educational games or tasks that work better.
Acer
The screen uses Corning Gorilla glass, so it should also stand up to spirited use.
While there are some excellent options out there, we likeMicrosoft’s Surface Laptop 4.
All Surface Laptop models include a touchscreen, so you’re not left guessing whether your model has one.
Lenovo
This is just a solid, all-around laptop.
If you need Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, think about getting the latestSurface Laptop 5.
With all models having a touch screen and a long battery life, this is a solid choice.
Apple
For that reason, the2022 M2 MacBook Airis more than enough for most people.
After years of sticking to a USB-C port for power, Apple resurrected MagSafe for MacBooks in 2021.
This model features a 14-display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 1080 pixels.
Lenovo
Of course, its also just a great laptop.
Similar to modern MacBook Air models, you dont get an overabundance of ports here.
That said, the pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports both support Power Delivery and Display Port.
Marcus Mears III / How-To Geek
FAQ
Can I upgrade my existing laptop?
Many laptops have their components soldered onto the motherboard, making it difficult or impossible to upgrade them.
How much RAM does a laptop need?
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
How much RAM you’ll needfor your laptop largely depends on what you’re using it for.
4GB is the bare minimum but only should be used for basic tasks and word processing.
What’s the best way to clean a laptop screen?
Acer
You should never directly spray cleaners onto the screen, as it can damage the display.
Don’t forget toclean the rest of your laptop, either!
How do I connect my laptop to an external display?
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
How do I disable my laptop keyboard?
Most laptops have a ‘Fn’, or Function key.
you’ve got the option to also lock your keyboard withKeyboard Locker.
Justin Duino / How-To Geek
you’re able to use the Lock Screen tolock most of the keys on a MacBook.
How do I take a screenshot with my laptop?
Acer
Dell
