We have revised our suggestions and refreshed our selections for the top budget, gaming, student, Linux, and 2-in-1 laptops available for purchase. While phones and tablets are convenient, laptops remain the original portable computers. In addition, laptops can also function as desktop PCs when connected to an external monitor and accessories. Discover the finest laptops currently on the market.
UPDATE: 10/31/2023
Our suggestions have been reassessed and revised, resulting in a revised selection of the top budget, gaming, student, Linux, and 2-in-1 laptops that are available for purchase.
Dell XPS 13
Best Laptop Overall See at Dell
Acer Aspire Vero
Best Budget Laptop See at Best Buy
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8
Best Gaming Laptop See at Lenovo
Apple MacBook Air M2 13-Inch
Best Laptop for Students See at Apple
See More
AppleApple MacBook Pro (14.2-inch, M2 Pro)
Best Laptop for Video and Photo Editing $1530 at Amazon
LenovoLenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10
Best Laptop for Business See at Lenovo
AcerAcer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible Laptop
Best Laptop for Kids $185 at Amazon
MicrosoftSurface Laptop 4
Best Touch Screen Laptop $810 at Amazon
AppleMacBook Air (M2, 2022)
Best MacBook $999 at Amazon
AcerAcer Chromebook Spin 714
Best Chromebook $839 at Amazon
Dell XPS 13 Plus with Linux
Best Linux Laptop See at Dell
What to Look For in a Laptop in 2023
There is no universally perfect laptop. One's preference may lean towards a Windows PC, a MacBook, a Chromebook, or even a laptop running on Linux. Some may prefer a sleek and lightweight device with impressive battery life, while others may desire a robust machine with a large display and exceptional graphics capabilities for gaming.
But that's not all there is to consider. Would you like a touchscreen? Perhaps a 2-in-1 laptop that can be used as a tablet? Maybe you simply want to save money, or maybe you're willing to splurge on a high-end device with top-notch hardware.
Choosing a laptop can be a complex task, even if you have a general idea of what you need. With numerous models available and extensive lists of hardware specifications to navigate, it can be challenging to obtain a complete understanding of what each laptop offers.
To simplify and expedite your shopping experience, we have compiled our top recommendations.
How Did We Research | ||
Models Evaluated |
Hours Researched |
Reviews Analyzed |
30 |
33 |
51 |
The product recommendations provided by How-To Geek are curated by our experienced team of experts, who have assisted countless individuals in resolving their device issues on over a billion occasions. Our recommendations are solely based on extensive research and our own expertise. We steadfastly adhere to a policy of not accepting any form of payment in exchange for product endorsement or review. To learn more, please visit our website.
All the Windows laptops we recommend here either ship with Windows 11 or are capable of upgrading to it for free.
Best Laptop Overall: Dell XPS 13
Josh Hendrickson
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Great build quality | Premium price |
Long battery life | Integrated graphics means this isn't a gaming system |
Solid PC performance | Not everyone wants Windows |
Incredibly customizable |
The Dell XPS 13 is an exceptional choice for a PC laptop. If we were to recommend only one top-notch Windows laptop (which is a difficult decision), this would be our top pick for most individuals. Furthermore, the newest XPS model comes preinstalled with Windows 11.
This Dell laptop boasts a 13-inch display, the most popular size for good reason. Its 13-inch screen provides a satisfactory viewing experience, coupled with a full-size keyboard, while remaining lightweight, compact, and easily portable. The XPS 13 impresses with its slim profile, measuring just 0.55 inches in thickness, and a starting weight of a mere 2.59 pounds. It is constructed with high-quality materials, featuring a comfortable keyboard and a smooth touchpad.
Naturally, there will be individuals who prefer larger laptops. Opting for a 15-inch screen is a common choice for those looking to upgrade, and Dell conveniently provides a 15-inch version of this laptop.
Dell consistently enhances the XPS 13 series by incorporating the newest Intel processors and making other design advancements. Each new release surpasses its predecessor, ensuring an even better user experience. Furthermore, you have the freedom to customize the Intel processor, CPU, memory, and SSD according to your preferences.
Beginning at
Starting from the 12th-generation Intel CPUs, these laptops utilize Intel's hybrid CPU design, incorporating a limited number of high-performance cores alongside a multitude of energy-efficient cores. As a result, there is a significant enhancement in performance, battery life, and temperature regulation. Moreover, Dell boasts a battery life of up to 12 hours when streaming videos, although this duration may vary based on the tasks performed.
Differing from conventional laptops, Dell employs a 16:10 display instead of the standard 16:9 ratio. This alteration implies that the laptop's screen is slightly taller, providing users with additional vertical space. Furthermore, the display features Dell's proprietary InfinityEdge design, characterized by narrower screen bezels.
Years ago, the XPS 13 design featured a webcam positioned below the screen, known as the "nose cam". However, the latest XPS 13 laptops have an improved design with the webcam located above the screen. Not only that, but the webcam also supports Windows Hello, allowing you to conveniently sign in to your device using facial recognition.
One drawback of Dell XPS 13 laptops is that they come with integrated Intel graphics. If you require a laptop with a powerful GPU for gaming or professional graphics applications such as video editing or rendering, we recommend checking out our selection of gaming laptops instead.
The latest Intel Iris Xe integrated GPUs have significantly improved in power compared to their previous counterparts. It is recommended to check benchmark results for the specific applications or games you are interested in, as you may be pleasantly surprised to discover that the XPS 13 can run them.
If you prefer Mac, it is advisable to explore the best MacBook option mentioned below. On the other hand, if you are a Linux enthusiast, you are in luck! Dell provides a version of this PC that comes with Linux.
Looking for the ultimate all-around laptop? Look no further than the Dell XPS 13. With impressive battery life and a rock-solid build, this Windows-powered laptop is your top choice.
See at Dell
Best Budget Laptop: Acer Aspire Vero
When it comes to budget laptops, many people don't expect them to be particularly powerful due to their less capable processors. However, the Acer Aspire Vero defies expectations as an excellent budget laptop that surprises in multiple ways.
Contrary to what you might anticipate at its price point, the Aspire Vero doesn't come with the usual i3 processor. Instead, it boasts a relatively fast 13th-generation Intel i5-1335U processor, making it much more capable. Alongside 8GB RAM and a spacious 512GB storage, this laptop is a complete package that can effortlessly handle heavy workloads.
The Aspire Vero may be lacking in the touch screen department, but its 15.6-inch IPS panel offers a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, which is impressive for a budget laptop. In terms of ports, Acer hasn't held back on the Aspire Vero. It features a duo of Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, and even an HDMI 2.1 port for connecting to a TV or external monitor.
The battery life of the Acer Aspire Vero is roughly what you would expect in many modern Windows laptops, with a maximum of 8.5 hours. Despite making some minor sacrifices in certain areas, this laptop offers a lot more value for its price compared to what you typically find.
Acer Aspire Vero
If you're willing to spend a bit more, the Acer Aspire Vero is a budget laptop that offers excellent computing power. With its durability, this laptop is a worthwhile investment for those looking for a long-lasting option. Check it out at Best Buy.
Best Gaming Laptop: Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8
Lenovo
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Excellent gaming performance | Higher-spec builds are expensive |
Even faster configurations are available | |
240Hz screen |
Searching for a truly exceptional gaming laptop can prove to be a challenging undertaking despite the abundance of decent options available. Mere inclusion of a formidable CPU and GPU within a compact laptop frame does not suffice; it is crucial to ensure that the keyboard, touchpad, and screen meet the highest standards. In this regard, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 transcends expectations and emerges as an outstanding gaming laptop.
The Legion Pro 7i offers impressive specifications, but it's important to be mindful of the price. For this analysis, we will focus on the base configuration, which is still quite impressive. Under the hood, you'll find an Intel i9-13900HX CPU with 24 cores and up to 32 threads, giving you exceptional processing power. Complementing this is the NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, providing a powerful graphical performance. With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a spacious 1TB M.2 SSD, you'll have ample memory and storage for your needs.
One noteworthy feature of the Legion Pro 7i is its 16-inch HDR-ready IPS panel. With a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a refresh rate of up to 240Hz, you can expect stunning visuals and smooth display performance. Though it lacks touch screen capability, the screen boasts a maximum brightness of 500 nits in standard dynamic range, ensuring a vibrant viewing experience.
These days, having an RGB backlit keyboard is a must-have feature for selling a gaming laptop. The Legion Pro 7i offers an impressive one with per-key RGB lighting instead of zone lighting. In terms of connectivity, the laptop provides two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports that support USB Power Delivery and DisplayPort connectivity. Additionally, it includes a wired Ethernet port, an HDMI 2.1 connector, and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
As previously mentioned, the Legion Pro 7i can be customized to fit your budget. While the CPU and screen remain consistent, you have the option to upgrade to an RTX 4090 GPU, 32GB RAM, and even expand the storage up to 2TB.
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 is the ultimate gaming laptop, combining impressive power with a sleek and professional design. Whether you need to tackle tasks during the day or immerse yourself in the latest games at night, this laptop is the ideal companion.
See at Lenovo
Best for Students: Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M2)
Apple
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Easily portable | Pricier than similar Windows options |
M2 processor offers plenty of performance | |
Great screen |
Apple has revolutionized its Air line of laptops by utilizing its own silicon. The result is a transformation of these formerly limited devices into highly efficient powerhouses. If you require a portable option that comes at a reasonable price and offers substantial power for a range of tasks such as writing, photo editing, and video editing, then the Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M2) is an excellent choice.
The default configuration of this laptop is far from restrictive. Equipped with Apple's M2 chip, it delivers an impressive amount of power, even with its eight CPU cores and eight GPU cores. The inclusion of 8GB unified memory and 256GB storage is perfect for the price point, although you do have the option to upgrade to as much as 24GB RAM and a 2TB SSD.
Apple laptops are known for their high-quality displays, and the 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display on the 13-inch Air exceeds expectations. While there is a 15-inch M2 MacBook Air option available, the 13-inch size is ideal for students as it is more portable and can be easily carried.
One of the most convenient features of newer Macs is the MagSafe charging port, which prevents your laptop from falling to the ground if the power cable is tripped over. In addition, there are two Thunderbolt 4 ports available. Although this may seem limited, you can always use a dock or hub to connect additional accessories if needed. However, this is less of a concern due to the presence of a separate charging port.
While the MacBook Air remains an affordable option among Mac laptops, it should not be mistaken for a budget-friendly choice. However, if you wish to economize, the previous generation M1 13-inch MacBook Air is still available for purchase, boasting sufficient performance capabilities.
Introducing the Apple MacBook Air M2 13-Inch
The Apple MacBook Air M2 13-inch is the ideal choice for students, offering a blend of sophistication, mobility, and performance for completing tasks on the go.
Available at Apple.
Best 2-in-1: Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 4K OLED
Lenovo
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The OLED screen is fantastic | Integrated GPU isn't great for gaming |
Powerful with plenty of storage | |
Good battery life | |
Stylus included in the box |
Lenovo's Yoga 9i 2-in-1 4K OLED stands out among the range of 2-in-1 laptops, offering an exceptional combination of build quality, touchscreen responsiveness, and hinge functionality. With careful attention to detail, Lenovo has ensured a flawless user experience both on the outside and inside.
The Yoga 9i comes in various configurations, and we're examining one of the high-end models. It features a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-1360P processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB of onboard storage. Although it lacks a dedicated GPU, this device is primarily designed for productivity purposes, so this omission is not surprising.
In contrast to many other laptops that treat the tablet aspect as an afterthought, the Yoga 9i is designed with a thin and lightweight body that is convenient for tablet mode usage. Additionally, the device boasts a 4K OLED panel with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 and a brightness of up to 400 nits, which enhances the user experience.
Features of the Yoga 9i include a generous number of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C 3.2 port, and a USB-A 3.2 port. Although it lacks an HDMI port, both Thunderbolt ports support DisplayPort. In addition to these physical ports, the Yoga 9i also offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
The Yoga 9i boasts an impressive battery life of up to 10.5 hours, ensuring extended usage between charges. Additionally, unlike many other 2-in-1s, it comes with a stylus included in the box.
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 stands out as a remarkable option in the realm of 2-in-1 laptops. Boasting impressive hardware capabilities, an aesthetically pleasing OLED touchscreen, and a sleek and lightweight design, it undoubtedly ranks among the top choices for discerning buyers.
Marcus Mears III
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
M2 Pro chipset is super-fast | Pricey compared to PC alternatives |
Impressive Liquid Retina XDR Display | |
Apple build quality is as impressive as always |
When surveying a group of creative professionals about their preferred computers for work, it's evident that a significant portion choose Macs. Apple's transition from Intel to their own Apple Silicon chips has further solidified the appeal of the Apple MacBook Pro, particularly in the Pro model.
Over the course of a few years, Apple has dedicated efforts to enhance and refine their proprietary Apple Silicon chips. While the M2 Pro may not be the absolute fastest chip in their lineup (that distinction goes to the M2 Max and the new M3 chips), it represents a significant leap forward in terms of performance. The recommended model boasts a robust configuration consisting of a 10-core CPU, a 16-core GPU, 16GB RAM, and 512GB of storage.
The impressive high dynamic range (HDR) performance of this device is showcased by its use of a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display. The screen, functioning as a mini LED display, offers excellent contrast and enhanced HDR capabilities by allowing pixels to be completely turned off.
Similar to previous MacBook Pro models powered by the M1 Pro, this device is equipped with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera sufficient for videoconferencing. Additionally, the three-mic array effectively captures every spoken word, and the built-in six-speaker array, supporting Spatial Audio, sets it apart from other laptops available in the market.
The Apple MacBook Pro (14.2-inch, M2 Pro) is available in Space Gray and Silver color variants. For enhanced performance, you have the option to upgrade to the Apple M2 Max chip and enjoy a generous 1TB storage capacity.
The 14.2-inch Apple MacBook Pro, priced at $1530, is the ideal choice for video and photo editing. With its impressive specifications, including the powerful Apple Silicon M2 Pro chipset with a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, along with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, this laptop can easily handle any demanding workload. Take advantage of the $469 savings and purchase it from Amazon or Best Buy.
Best Laptop for Business: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10
Hannah Stryker
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Lightweight yet sturdy carbon fiber and magnesium chassis | Memory is soldered and cannot be upgraded |
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 | Lacks an SD card slot |
Brilliant selection of panels, including an OLED one | Expensive |
One of the best keyboards on the market | |
Quality, 1080p webcam | |
Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports |
With its superior build quality, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon notebook stands out as an exceptional choice for professionals. Crafted from carbon fiber and magnesium, it exudes an impressive level of durability. Additionally, it boasts a remarkable keyboard that is widely regarded as one of the best in the entire laptop market. Another notable feature is its 1080p webcam, which proves to be a reliable companion during lengthy Zoom meetings. Furthermore, the presence of physical click keys on the trackpad further enhances user experience, making it a worthy alternative to a traditional mouse, despite its compact size.
In terms of the display, you have the choice of various 14-inch, 16:10 panels. These options range from a 1080p IPS panel with a maximum brightness of 400 nits, to a 4K IPS panel, and even a 2.8K OLED screen that offers 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which is ideal for color-sensitive tasks. The OLED option is particularly impressive, but the base IPS panel still provides ample brightness and vibrant colors, making it suitable for most users except for those involved in professional photo and video editing.
When it comes to ports and connectivity, you'll be pleased with the selection. There are dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, along with two USB-A 3.2 5Gbps ports, a full-sized HDMI port, and a headphone jack. This diverse range of ports offers a compelling array of options. Additionally, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 ensures modern connectivity capabilities. The only notable absence is an SD card slot in terms of ports and connectivity.
The battery is capable of lasting a typical eight-hour workday, and even if you need to work a couple of extra hours, you won't have to search for an electrical outlet. When it comes to the internal hardware of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10, you have a variety of options for the Intel 12th Gen i5 and i7 CPUs, each of which includes Intel vPro support.
We highly recommend either the Intel Core i7-1260P if you are satisfied with 16GB of memory, or the Intel Core i7-1280P if you require 32GB of RAM. This decision holds more significance than you may realize because the memory is soldered and not upgradeable, so it is crucial to choose wisely.
Lenovo
Introducing the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10, the ultimate business laptop. Renowned for its productivity features, the Gen 10 model continues to excel. With its powerful performance, lightweight yet sturdy design, top-notch keyboard, and multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports, it's the perfect choice for any professional. Plus, enjoy the impressive screen options, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2 support for seamless connectivity. Upgrade your business experience with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10.
See at Lenovo
Best Laptop for Kids: Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible Laptop
Acer
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Affordable price | Can't run Android apps natively like ARM Chromebooks do |
Convertible to tablet | |
Gorilla Glass screen | |
Snappy Intel CPU |
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has gained immense popularity in the education sector due to its affordability and versatile features. Unlike other Chromebooks, this device runs on an Intel processor, providing a proper laptop experience. It may have a modest storage capacity of 32GB, but ChromeOS has a minimal footprint. Additionally, users are offered 100GB of Google Drive storage, ensuring ample space for all their educational needs.
To minimize costs for kids using Chromebooks, the focus is on online work. For those requiring additional offline storage, a slightly pricier 64GB model is available, with the option of utilizing the SD card slot for affordable storage expansion.
Additionally, this Chromebook is a convertible touchscreen model, allowing children to use a tablet-style interface, which is preferable for educational games or tasks. Moreover, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla glass, ensuring durability even during enthusiastic use.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible Laptop is the perfect device for kids. With a price of $185 (original price $290, saving $105), this laptop offers exceptional educational capabilities. What sets it apart from other Chromebooks is its tablet mode, Gorilla Glass touch screen, and fast Intel CPU.
$185 at Amazon
Best Touch Screen Laptop: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
Hannah Stryker
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
All models include touchscreens | Not a transformable 2-in-1 |
Long battery life | |
Great touchpad |
Nowadays, touchscreens are a common feature in many laptops, although not always included as a default option. Among the various choices available, Microsoft's Surface Laptop 4 stands out as our preferred option. All models of Surface Laptop come with a built-in touchscreen, eliminating any uncertainty about whether your chosen model has one.
The Surface Laptop 4 not only supports 10-point touch input but also offers the capability to draw on the screen using the Microsoft Surface Pen. In contrast to many other Surface devices, this laptop maintains the traditional form factor, ensuring it doesn't feel like a tablet.
With a touch screen available on all models, there is no need to compromise on battery life like other laptops. The entry-level variant, equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, offers an impressive battery life of up to 19 hours, although the Intel models may have slightly shorter battery life.
In addition to its remarkable touch screen, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 features a highly commendable touchpad for seamless cursor movement and a comfortable keyboard. This laptop is truly versatile and reliable. However, if you prefer a more versatile experience with a keyboard cover, the Surface Pro 7 is an excellent choice as well.
If you require Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, consider opting for the latest iteration of the Surface Laptop, the Surface Laptop 5. While it is the most recent model, it is more of a lateral move rather than a significant advancement. Therefore, we do not recommend it over its predecessor, the Surface Laptop 4. The newer variant offers slower CPU options, particularly in terms of multi-core performance, inferior battery life, and a noticeably higher price.
Microsoft
Surface Laptop 4
Best MacBook: MacBook Air (13.6-inch, M2, 2022)
Justin Duino
The 2022 M2 MacBook Air is more than enough for most people, unless you've got a heavy video or photo workload. Even its less powerful Apple Silicon models are far more powerful than their equivalent Intel models now that Apple has moved to its own chips. So unless you need the most powerful Mac you can buy, the 2022 M2 MacBook Air should suffice.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The M2 chip makes this one of the fastest MacBook Air yet | The in-display notch takes some getting used to |
Can configure with up to 2TB SSD and 24GB RAM | $200 more than the M1 MacBook Air |
New design is slimmer than the older wedge design | |
MagSafe 3 and improved Liquid Retina display |
The design of Apple's latest MacBook Air model may be perplexing if you haven't seen one in a while. After using the iconic wedge shape for over a decade, this redesigned model now resembles a thinner MacBook Pro, featuring a notch in the display.
Regarding the display, the Liquid Retina display in the 2022 MacBook Air is the most visually appealing one in the lineup so far. Although the notch design might require some adjustment, it enabled Apple to equip this generation of MacBook Air with a significantly improved webcam compared to its predecessors.
Apple has reintroduced MagSafe for MacBooks in 2021, after years of exclusively using USB-C for power. The newly released 2022 MacBook Air now features MagSafe 3 in addition to USB-C, allowing users to choose from multiple charging options. The base model of the 2022 M2 MacBook Air offers 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, but it is possible to upgrade to a maximum of 2TB SSD storage and 24GB of RAM.
The 2022 M2 MacBook Air is available in Apple's iconic Space Gray and Silver finishes, as well as new Midnight and Starlight models that offer a distinctively unique aesthetic.
Apple
MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
New and Improved MacBook! Save $100 - Now only $999! The latest addition to Apple's MacBook Air lineup, the 2022 M2 MacBook Air, features significant advancements including the powerful M2 chip, enhanced display, and the coveted MagSafe 3. With these impressive upgrades, it has become the ultimate MacBook choice for the majority of users.
Available at Amazon for $999. Also, check it out at Best Buy.
Best Chromebook: Acer Chromebook Spin 714
Acer
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
14-inch Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreen | May seem pricey for a Chromebook |
Intel 12th Generation Core i5-1235U offers ample power | Battery life is lower than average |
Iris Xe graphics are decent |
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is a remarkable 2-in-1 device that showcases the significant advancements of Chromebooks. Unlike the earlier models that had a less premium feel, this Chromebook truly embodies the essence of a high-quality computer, albeit one that doesn't operate on Windows. Consequently, its price point is slightly above the average Chromebook, yet substantially below that of a comparable Windows or Mac laptop.
The Spin 714 is equipped with an Intel 12th Generation Core i5-1235U processor, providing ample power for tasks. It boasts 8GB RAM and 256GB storage capacity, allowing for the installation of apps and the storage of files locally, while still benefiting from the seamless integration of Google's cloud storage.
Featuring a 14-inch display with a high-definition resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, the model delivers clear and sharp visuals. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics may not be the most powerful, but they are capable of handling typical daily use scenarios for Chromebooks and Android games. Additionally, the Chromebook is equipped with a touch screen and utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring durability and keeping it free from fingerprints.
As this Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is slightly more powerful than most, it falls slightly short on battery life compared to your expectations. Nonetheless, it will still last you a full workday of 10 hours. Considering the added performance, it is definitely worthwhile to occasionally plug in and top up the battery.
Acer
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 exemplifies the impressive progress of Chromebooks and their ongoing enhancements. With its 2-in-1 functionality, it offers generous memory and storage, along with the expected convenience of cloud-power.
Available for $839 on Amazon.
Best Linux Laptop: Dell XPS 13 Plus
Dell
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Ships with Ubuntu preinstalled | You can find more affordable laptops to run Linux |
Powerful hardware | |
Great screen |
If you have knowledge about Linux, you likely know about the background of Dell’s XPS laptop series in relation to this operating system. Not only does the hardware function effectively with Linux and Windows, but there are specific models available, such as the Dell XPS 13 Plus, that come with Linux already installed. Additionally, it is important to note that this laptop is highly regarded in its own right.
The XPS 13 Plus is equipped with a powerful 13th-gen Intel i71360P CPU, boasting a total of 12 cores including four Performance Cores and eight Efficient Cores. In terms of memory and storage, the model we are considering offers 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB storage. However, if you require more, the laptop can be customized with up to 32GB RAM and a maximum 2TB SSD capacity.
For the more budget-conscious option, the XPS 13 Plus features a Full HD 1920 x 1200 display with a brightness of up to 500 nits. If desired, you have the flexibility to upgrade to a 3.5K, 400-nit display or even a 500-nit version with a stunning 4K resolution of 3840 x 2400.
Most people seeking a preinstalled Linux laptop will find the XPS 13 Plus with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS to be a suitable option. However, if you prefer to dual boot or have a Windows license as a backup, you can choose to have the laptop shipped with Windows 11 (Home or Pro versions) and install your preferred distribution.
Similar to current MacBook Air models, the XPS 13 Plus does not offer an extensive range of ports. However, it does include two Thunderbolt 4 ports that support Power Delivery and Display Port. In addition to these ports, the laptop comes with USB-C to 3.5mm headphone and USB-C to USB-A adapters in the package.
We’re looking at the XPS 13 Plus in Platinum, but you can also choose a Graphite finish instead.
Dell XPS 13 Plus with Linux
Best Linux LaptopThe Dell XPS 13 Plus with Linux combines powerful hardware and a great screen in a lightweight, great-looking chassis to create a fantastic Linux laptop.
See at Dell
FAQ
Can I upgrade my existing laptop?
How much RAM does a laptop need?
If you are considering purchasing a laptop, it is worth noting that while many laptops have their components soldered onto the motherboard, preventing any upgrades, there are still some laptops that do provide the option to upgrade certain components. To ensure that this feature aligns with your needs, it is essential to review the specifications of the laptop and determine which components can be upgraded before making a purchase.
What's the best way to clean a laptop screen?
The amount of RAM required for your laptop greatly depends on the tasks you intend to perform. A minimum of 4GB is suitable for basic activities and word processing. For better multitasking capabilities, 8GB is recommended, while 16GB is ideal for individuals using their laptops for work and productivity. However, if you plan on gaming or engaging in photo or video editing, upgrading to 32GB is necessary to handle the heavier workload.
If your laptop is equipped with an HDMI port, you can easily connect your monitor and laptop using an HDMI cable. This simple setup allows you to proceed with your tasks seamlessly. In the event that your laptop lacks an HDMI port, you can utilize an HDMI to USB adapter to establish a connection with a monitor.
How do I disable my laptop keyboard?
Most laptops are equipped with a 'Fn', or Function key, which can be utilized in conjunction with another key to disable the keyboard. Nevertheless, the specific key required to perform this function may differ depending on the laptop model. For MacBook users, the Lock Screen feature can be employed to lock the majority of the keys on the keyboard.
How do I take a screenshot with my laptop?
To capture a screenshot on a Windows laptop, simply press the "Print Screen" button to copy the entire screen to your clipboard. Alternatively, you can use a specific key combination to capture specific sections. On a MacBook, use "Shift+Command+3" to capture the entire screen or use different numbers to capture specific windows or portions of the screen.
Editor's P/S
As a technology enthusiast, I am always excited to see the latest advancements in the world of laptops. The top laptops of 2023 offer a wide range of options to suit different needs and preferences. From budget-friendly choices to high-performance gaming machines, there is something for everyone. I am particularly impressed by the Dell XPS 13, which offers a sleek and lightweight design with impressive performance. For those looking for a more affordable option, the Acer Aspire Vero is a great choice, offering excellent value for money.
Overall, I believe that the top laptops of 2023 represent a significant step forward in terms of performance, features, and design. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a gamer, there is a laptop that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. I am confident that these laptops will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of computing.