Laptop

There’re a few different types of laptop to choose from and finding the right one for you depends on what you need it for. Chromebooks are cheap laptops that are great for the basics, they’re slim, lightweight, and come with built-in antivirus, so you know you’ll be kept safe as you surf. Apple MacBooks absolutely look the part, giving you loads of handy apps that are great for creative projects and pack plenty of power under the hood with their M2 and M3 chips. Then there are Windows laptops that come from a wide range of brands, letting you pick specific features to suit how you plan to use it. From the basics that’ll seamlessly browse the web and check emails to full-on powerhouses designed for video editing and complex software, we’ve got the lot. And if your top priority is gaming on the go, we’ve got a range of high-spec gaming laptops that are both small and mighty. If you still need a helping hand, our buying guide covers all the ins and outs.

The best laptops on the market are high spec with the latest tech. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be right for you as it all depends on what you want to use it for. If you’re after specific Apple-related software, like programs for graphic design, a MacBook Air is a fantastic choice. They’re ergonomic with powerful M3 chips that can handle multitasking with the pros. But that doesn’t mean a Windows model won’t suit you down to a tee.

ASUS make the handy 2-in-1 ZenBook range that has an incredible processor and touchscreen capabilities, so you can turn it into a tablet on the fly. Then there’s HP with its Envy and Omen ranges, giving you access to Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, tons of RAM, and storage for tons of big files. For more information, head over to our Best of page.

When you buy a laptop, it should last around 3-5 years, depending on how you use it and how well you take care of it. If you’ve invested in top-notch specs, you can expect software updates to keep things running like clockwork for longer – especially if you’re only surfing the web. But if you need a workhorse, the lifespan can be a bit shorter as it’s often running at full pelt. If you notice things starting to slow down or the fan turning on a lot, that can be an indicator that you need to update or that the hardware’s on its way out.

When it comes to laptop storage, how much you need depends on what you use it for. If you’re browsing the web and saving a few bits and pieces here and there, 256GB will do the trick. But if you’re doing more demanding tasks like editing videos, gaming, or storing tons of high-quality photos, you might want to look for models with more than 1TB. Some models come with a whopping 2TB SSD or a combination of SSD and HDD for the best of both worlds.

In short, an LED screen will give you a better picture than an LCD screen. They’re brighter and come with higher resolutions, so the visuals are noticeably sharper than on an LCD model. But if you’re on a budget and don’t need top-tier images, an LCD screen will still give you a relatively bright, clear display.