Category: Laptops

Best Ultrabooks 2026 – Slim & Powerful Devices, The last few years have seen tremendous advances in the laptop market, and 2016 looks like it will be a very tough year for ultrabooks. Whether you’re a creatively inclined professional on the go, a telecommuter who needs the power to get work done without carrying a portable computer the size of a small brick, or a student who doesn’t want to have to weigh down their backpack with a laptop – there are some great choices.

I’ve had the chance to test and research a number of these computers, and by far the most impressive aspect is the advances in thermal design. Brands are finally learning how to do high-end processing and storage within such thin chassis that it hardly seems worth considering credit cards. Used to be trade-offs. But in 2016, it’s choice.

What’s Great about Ultrabooks in 2016

Before we get into the specific models, let’s consider what makes a good ultrabook, and what makes it look good in photos. Battery life, screen quality, keyboard feel, heat management under load, and ports (among other factors) are all important – sometimes more important than sheer performance.

The other big change is in the architecture of processors. Intel’s Core Ultra and AMD’s Ryzen AI processors have power efficiency as a topic, rather than an afterthought. Apple’s M-series chips continue to push the envelope and are starting to be matched by Windows OEMs.

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025/2026 Refresh)

If you’ve made any degree of inroads into the Apple world, the MacBook Air is still the best thin-and-light laptop. The M4 chip is not only insanely fast for single-core tasks and the battery life is just outstanding – 15-18 hours of real-world mixed work, not the lab environment.

The fans-free approach is a plus or minus, depending on what you do. Routine video editing, spreadsheets, programming and web browsing – all without thermal throttling. If you’re looking to do some serious 4K video exporting, there will be some hiccups, but you’re unlikely to get there.

Dell XPS 13 (2026 Edition)

Over the last few years, Dell completely overhauled the XPS 13 series and the new design is luxurious, without being ostentatious. The 2026 version has Intel Core Ultra 7 processors, with better integrated graphics that will handle most creative tasks with ease.

The 13.4-inch OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display is gorgeous – deep blacks, bright colors and clear enough that you won’t miss external monitors for the most part. It’s well built in aluminum and Dell has vastly improved the keyboard of previous XPS models, which were abominable to work on for longer periods.

The OLED display is in the region of 10-12 hours of battery life – decent, but not the very best.

ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED (2026)

ASUS is still one of the best bargains when it comes to ultrabooks, the ZenBook 14 OLED being one of them. With AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 processor, this thing is actually quite quick, and will be several hundred dollars cheaper than its Intel equivalents.

What’s new is the 120Hz, 2.8K OLED screen. It’s a joy to watch video or work on multimedia projects, and it’s fast too, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the ultrabook for the “power users”. It’s different than most laptops after eight hours a day of typing – the keyboard continues to be the best in the business. This model for 2026 is built on Intel’s new Core Ultra processors, which offer new AI-accelerated features.

It’s military-grade rugged, which may seem an advertising claim, but not if you’ve ever dropped a business laptop on the floor. It offers great portability for the class, with Lenovo’s business-class support not to be rivalled.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (with Keyboard)

The Surface Pro isn’t a clamshell, but would be short-sighted to ignore it in a comparison of ultrabooks. The Surface Pro 11 is powered by Snapdragon X Elite, and with that comes the efficiency of an ARM SoC, which is on par with Apple Silicon in some use-cases, especially battery life (which often tops 14 hours).

Software support is rapidly improving with more apps supporting ARM on Windows. The detachable keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the 13-inch touchscreen is responsive and clear – a plus when you’re in a meeting and need to doodle.

Final Thoughts

There is no one best ultrabook in 2016 – it all comes down to your needs, preferred ecosystem and budget. I can say this, though: These new thin laptops are more powerful than any ultrabook we’ve seen. The trade-offs are less, the advancements are tangible, and you can have a comfortable laptop that’s also portable.

Remember, take your time, think about what you use it for and don’t buy it based on the benchmark results. The best ultrabook is the one that you most like using.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best ultrabook for battery life in 2017?
A: The MacBook Air M4 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 have a battery life of 14+ hours.

Q: What amount of memory is sufficient in an ultrabook in 2016?
A: 16GB will be good for most users. Video editors and others doing lots of multitasking should opt for 32GB.

Q: Should I get an ARM ultrabook in 2016?
A: Yes, in most cases – app support has increased. Make sure to check the apps you’ll need work with ARM before you buy one.

Q: What’s the lightest ultrabook for 2016?
A: There are multiple ultrabooks that weigh less than 2.5 lbs, such as the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and LG Gram with special emphasis on weight.

Q: Should I get an ultrabook with OLED or IPS display?
A: OLED displays have deeper blacks and better color, while IPS displays tend to be brighter, and have a longer lifespan. For artists, OLED is preferred. For sunny days, a high-nit IPS will be better.

Laptop Buying Guide 2026 – What to Look For, It’s a daunting and overwhelming time to buy a laptop in 2026. Easier because the hardware has improved to the point where it’s good across all price points. More confusing because the spec sheets are a sea of marketing buzzwords, and vendors continue to think of new ways to confuse consumers who don’t know what they want.

I’ve been testing PCs for several years now, from the lowliest Chromebook to top-end workstations, and I see the same mistakes being made. They either pay too much for features they don’t need, or spend too little on something that promises to be great, but in practice is anything but.

Start With Your Use Case

The first thing you should do is to determine what you will use the computer for. This may seem like a no-brainer, but few people do it and just start comparing the RAM size of different laptops.

Someone who needs to write notes and essays will have completely different needs to a video editor, or a code writer. If you work from home, on the move, you have different needs than a desktop laptop user. The best laptop isn’t an absolute thing – it’s a relative thing.

Processors: Times Are A-Changing

The landscape of CPUs in 2026 is very different to that of just two years earlier. Intel’s Core Ultra chips have become mainstream, AMD’s Ryzen AI chips have taken off and Apple Silicon, now in its fourth iteration, is the standard for efficiency in thin-and-light laptops.

The thing to keep in mind here is that for most people, most of the time, most processors will be plenty fast for web browsing, word processing, Skype calls and even photo editing. The real differences between chips are in prolonged performance, heat, and power efficiency.

If power efficiency is important to you (and it should be to most people) ARM processors (Apple’s M-series, Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite) are still best. Windows on ARM is finally running great, and most apps now natively support ARM.

RAM: Don’t be Bamboozled by Numbers

In 2016 16GB is the minimum for non-toys. 8GB computers are still available at the lower end but with today’s browsers guzzling memory, 8GB will be slow.

32GB is handy for coders, designers that need to run multiple resource-intensive apps, or video editors. Anything more, and you’re probably looking for a workstation.

The one thing you need to be aware of is unified memory (as in Apple Silicon) doesn’t work the same as RAM. 16GB of unified memory is likely faster than 16GB of standard RAM, due to its effective use by the CPU and GPU. Don’t make apples-to-apples comparisons.

Storage: Fast Is More Important than Big

Get an NVMe SSD. Full stop. If a laptop in your price range comes with an HDD or eMMC storage – don’t buy it. This will make a world of difference in boot and application loading times, file copy times.

The minimum should be 512GB. If you have large media files, 1TB is recommended. It’s good that the new mid-range laptops are now offering 1TB.

And make sure the storage is soldered to the motherboard (as is often the case with thin laptops) or not. This is important for the future. If it’s soldered, you can’t upgrade to a 512GB drive that fills up after two years.

Screen: Most People’s Biggest Give Up

The screen is the one and only part of the computer you will look at all day, every day, but it’s where people skimp when buying a computer. I think it’s a better exchange to have a slightly lower-powered CPU for a better display.

At a minimum, look for 1080p resolution, and 1440p or 2.8K resolution on larger screens (over 14 inches). OLED screens are now more widely available and have amazing contrast, but come with a bit more risk of burn-in with stagnant images over time.

Screen brightness is crucial for outdoor work or if you’re near a window. Look for at least 400 nits (indoors); 600+ nits (often outdoors).

Battery Life: Pay Attention to the Real-world Figures

Battery life is tested under ideal conditions at manufacturers’ labs. The real world battery life for a laptop rated at 18 hours will be 10-12 hours. You’ll get more accurate data from a review from a reputable source like The Verge, NotebookCheck, or Wirecutter.

I would prefer 10+ hours real-world use of a laptop you’ll take to work every day. With less than 7 hours you’re looking for wall plugs by lunchtime.

Build Quality and Keyboard

These are things you experience, but don’t often come up in the spec sheets. A magnesium alloy (or aluminium) case will last longer than plastic. If you’re purchasing a laptop which you’re hoping to use for four or five years, you don’t want to skimp on quality.

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to keyboards, but key travel and feedback are important. ThinkPads are still the best. If possible, type on any laptop for 10 minutes.

Budget Expectations in 2026

• $0 – $600: Suitable for students and casual users. Chromebooks and cheap Windows computers are now much better.
• $600–$1,000: The sweet spot for most people. Decent durability, display and performance.
• $1,000-$1,500: Great mid-range laptops with top-notch features.
• $1,500+: Workstation or gaming computers, or MacBook Pro.

FAQs

Q: Is 8GB RAM enough in 2026?
A: Yes, for minimal use – but we recommend 16GB at a minimum for satisfactory performance.

Q: Should I purchase a Windows or Mac?
A: For compatibility and what works for you. Macs are best in battery life; Windows has more hardware options and games.

Q: Should I get a laptop with OLED display?
A: Yes, for vibrant, accurate colours and contrast. But be aware of risk of burn-in with static images over time.

Q: What’s the lifespan of a laptop?
A: With good build quality and specs, you should get 4-6 years out of a laptop.

Q: Should I buy a laptop with a discrete GPU?
A: Just for gaming, video editing and machine learning. An iGPU will be fine for general use in 2016.

MacBook vs Windows Laptop – Full Comparison Guide, You’re at the juncture of an age old tech debate. Whether your old laptop finally kicked the proverbial bucket, or you’re simply on the market for a serious laptop for the first time. Regardless, the debate between MacBook and Windows laptop isn’t just a matter of choice of color, or price tag, it’s about who you are, and what you want to do.

I’m an experienced user of both. MacBooks to design and write, Windows laptops to game, to develop software, and just to do “stuff”. And what I’ve learnt.

Build Quality and Design

Firstly, the obvious. Not only are Apple’s MacBooks – especially the MacBook Air M2 and MacBook Pro M3 – beautiful to look at. The unibody design made of aluminum is simply stunning – you have to experience it to believe it. There is no “flex” to the trackpad, the keyboard is squishy and the hinges are snug.

With a Windows laptop it depends on the price. The Dell XPS 15, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and Microsoft Surface Pro are a great match for MacBooks in terms of quality. But cheap Windows $499 laptops? Hey, that’s the plastic / creaky hinges class. The Windows offering is highly variable – a good and bad thing.

Power: Apple Silicon vs Intel/AMD

This is where it got really interesting in 2020 with the introduction of Apple Silicon (M1 chip). Apple Silicon is a significant advance over Intel. The M2 and M3 chips that now power the MacBooks are blisteringly fast – faster than many Intel Core i9 computers – and use less power, and with minimal fan noise.

I am a convert – after testing video exports. An M3 Pro MacBook Pro exported a 4K timeline from Final Cut Pro in almost 3 minutes. The same (Dell) computer with a comparable Intel Core i7 took almost 8 minutes in Premiere. That gap is real.

But with AMD Ryzen 9 and Intel Core Ultra CPUs, Windows laptops are good – particularly for gaming. And there’s more to this story – if pure gaming performance is important, Windows laptops are way ahead of the competition. With support for the Metal graphics API, MacBooks have improved, but remain not really gaming laptops.

Operating System Experience

macOS is well-designed, consistent and supremely reliable. The seamless integration with other Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, AirPods) and iCloud is amazing. Handoff, AirDrop, Universal Clipboard – the way these work seamlessly is a testament to good design.

Windows 11 is no longer as clotted. It’s more streamlined than the previous version, and has great multitasking capabilities with Snap Layouts. But it’s also still saddled with old baggage, mixed user interface elements and the occasional impenetrable system error that keeps you up on Reddit until the wee hours.

If you’re a creative, novelist, or writer, you’ll tend to prefer macOS. For hackers and IT pros, or those that want to heavily modify their system, Windows is more open.

Software and App Ecosystem

This was a greater difference in the past. Nowadays, all the software is available on both – Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Slack, Zoom, web browser, you name it. It’s a difference of specialisation.

Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro are still only available on the Mac, and are still the best in their class. However, many enterprise and business software tools, legacy business systems and engineering tools are unique to Windows. Some CAD software, accounting packages and government software is not available on the Mac.

When it comes to gaming, Windows is head and shoulders above. Windows’ Steam gaming platform, DirectX support and plethora of native PC games put it ahead of the competition in gaming.

Battery Life

The MacBook Air M2 has up to 15-18 hours of battery life. This is real-world, with me using it through all day trips. Apple Silicon’s efficiency is really cutting edge.

The Windows range is a mixed bag High end ultrabooks such as the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 will last 12-14 hours. Cheap ones can only last 5 hours. It all depends on what you purchase.

Price and Value

The starting price of a MacBook is $1,099 (the MacBook Air M2). The top-spec MacBook Pro M3 Max will cost over $3,500. Apple is not in the low end market – they just aren’t.

Windows laptops are available to suit all budgets, from $300 to $4,000+. That accessibility matters. A student with a budget for an affordable computer for school doesn’t have the funds for a MacBook – Windows offers good value here.

But MacBooks appear to be a pretty good investment. You can expect to resell a MacBook Pro that’s 3 years old for 60-70% of its original cost. That’s going to make a big difference to the cost of ownership.

Who Should Buy What?

Choose a MacBook if: You are a creative professional (design, video, music production), you have other Apple devices, you want a laptop that will work flawlessly for years and require little care or you need to use it for a long time on battery power.

Choose a laptop with Windows if: You play games, have software that runs on Windows, budget is a major consideration, you want to be able to upgrade hardware or make other system tweaks, or you want to have the ability to troubleshoot your system.

FAQ

What’s better for students: MacBook or Window?
It’s a matter of cost and course of study. MacBooks are great for students of art or general purposes. For programs in engineering or IT (with specific software), it might be better to go with Windows.

Which is better, MacBook or Windows laptop?
Generally, yes. MacBooks typically get software support for longer, and hold up well with age in comparison to most laptops running Windows.

Will my MacBook run Windows?
You can now run Windows on M-series Macs in virtual machines (such as Parallels) but not natively using Boot Camp.

What’s best for video editing?
The new MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon is an excellent choice for video editing (with Final Cut Pro). Windows PC’s with discrete GPUs are fine for Premiere Pro.

Are MacBook Pro computers worth it?
If you are an Apple user, and care about quality, durability and resale, then yes, they are worth it.

Budget Laptops Under $500 – Best Options 2026, It’s easier than ever to find a good laptop for a great price, but all isn’t well in the sub-$500 market. I’ve been putting budget laptops through their paces for years, and telling my students, freelancers and small business customers they’re good enough, and the fact is that the $300-500 laptop has really come a long way. It’s now possible to find reliable, functional machines here. It’s just a matter of weighing up the features and specifications.

The Low-cost Laptop Market is No Longer

Just a couple of years back, purchasing a laptop for less than $500 would net you a slow computer, a lackluster display and a keyboard that would redefine typing on a cardboard box. Not anymore. The recent influx of AMD’s Ryzen 5 processors and Intel’s Core i5 12th/13th Gen processors into the low-end market, improvements in the adoption of solid-state drives (SSDs) and quality of design from manufacturers such as Acer, ASUS and Lenovo have all changed the game.

The difference in 2026 is that they can perform basic productivity tasks, basic video editing, streaming, virtual meetings and even multi-tasking without getting bogged down. They’re not gaming computers or workstations – but they don’t intend to be.

What to Look for in a PC

Before we delve into our recommendations, here’s what you should look for in this price range:

• CPU: At the very least an AMD Ryzen 5 7000 or Intel Core i5 (12th Gen or newer). Don’t consider anything with an old Celeron or Pentium in it – it’s like drag racing with a lawnmower.
• Memory (RAM): 8GB is the minimum acceptable, 16GB is ideal. If you’re looking in 2016 try to get 16GB, if you can stretch the budget a bit.
• Storage: Only consider SSDs. At the very least, 256GB; 512GB is great. HDDs are still available at this price, but will slow you down.

Best Cheap Laptops Under $500 of 2016

Acer Aspire 5 2025 Edition – Best Overall

The Aspire 5 has been my go-to budget laptop for several years and the 2025 edition is no less impressive. This model is powered by the Ryzen 5 7530U CPU, 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD drive, which does a great job of multitasking at an affordable price. The 15.6″ Full HD IPS screen is bright and comfortable to work with indoors, and the keyboard is very comfortable to type on.

The battery lasts between 7-9 hours. Plastic materials but good quality. For students and work from home workers looking for a daily driver computer, this is still my favourite laptop in the $430-$469 price range.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i – Best 2-in-1 Under $500

If you prefer the versatility of a touchscreen laptop/convertible, but can’t afford to pay Chromebook prices for a subpar product, the Flex 5i is for you. The Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage powers a convertible laptop that has modes for tablet and tent modes. The screen supports stylus input, too, which is great if you want to take notes or are an aspirational artist.

The price ranges from $449-$479. It has a solid hinge, adequate (for the price) display quality, and Windows 11 performs well. It will last about 7-8 hours of use.

HP 15 Laptop (Ryzen 5 7520U) – Best Value Pick

HP’s low-end offerings are often overlooked, but the 15-series laptop with a Ryzen 5 7520U is certainly solid. It costs $389-$419, and strikes a good balance between performance, display and durability. The 15.6-inch display isn’t the most accurate when it comes to display colours, but will do the job for most tasks.

It comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient but we’d recommend going for more (16GB) if you can afford it. It’s able to keep cool reasonably well – it doesn’t throttle terribly under normal usage (something that’s a problem with some low-end laptops).

ASUS VivoBook 16 – Best for those who want a Large Screen

15-inches isn’t for everyone. ASUS VivoBook 16 is bigger (16″) with a WUXGA display than the previous: it’s clearer and larger. Running AMD Ryzen 5 7530U with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, it sits right around $469–$499.

It has a full keypad as well, so is great for data entry or spreadsheet applications. The speakers are above average for its price. The only thing that holds it back is that it’s a tad heavy (about 3.8 lbs) so it is more suited to being used at home and work.

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Best ChromeOS

If you spend a lot of time in your browser, work in Google Workspace, and don’t require Windows applications then a Chromebook Plus could be an excellent choice. Acer’s Chromebook Plus 515 has an Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB memory and 128GB of storage – and it’s a great choice for ChromeOS.

It retails at $349-$379, and packs a punch for web browsing, Skype and Google Docs. It’s capable of 10+ hours of battery life. It has lightning fast boot time. But there are caveats: no Windows apps.

Final Thoughts

Expect to pay up to $500 for some decent performance in 2016. None of these laptops will be a showstopper like a high-end laptop, but they’ll be more than adequate, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Put the most emphasis on RAM and an SSD, look for at least an IPS screen and make sure to get a laptop suited to your usage.

FAQs

Q: Is 8GB RAM enough in 2026?
A: Yes, if you’re using it for web browsing, word processing and streaming media. To run multiple applications or have a lot of tabs open, 16GB is preferable.

Q: Can low-priced laptops edit videos?
A: CapCut or DaVinci Resolve (1080p) editing is possible, but don’t anticipate buttery smooth 4K video editing.

Q: Should I get a Chromebook for less than $500?
A: Yes – if you don’t mind using ChromeOS and don’t need non-ChromeOS software.

Q: For how long should a laptop last?
A: As long as you look after it and it has an SSD, 4-6 years of use.

Q: Should I buy from online or offline?
A: Online is generally cheaper and there’s more information. Be sure to check all the details.

Gaming Laptops 2026 – Top High Performance Picks, The year 2016 is a great (and overwhelming) time to buy a laptop. Simpler because the laptops themselves are just plain great these days – even the less expensive ones pack a punch. Harder because there’s a lot to choose from, manufacturers are misleading with marketing claims and the price differences between two seemingly identical laptops can be staggering.

I have been testing, evaluating and using a lot of laptops from all categories – from the cheapest Chromebooks to the most expensive professional workstations. This article cuts through the crap, and provides realistic recommendations based on actual use, not just numbers.

The most important stuff in 2016

Before we make the recommendations, let’s discuss what’s important. Everyone gets distracted by the amount of RAM and the name of the microprocessor, but the real factors determining your daily computing experience are battery life, display, keyboard and heat. If your laptop slows to a crawl after 20 minutes of use, it’s of no use for a student listening to a lecture or a businessperson on an intercontinental flight.

The world of processors: ARM processors are now clearly ahead of the pack in efficiency. Apple’s M-series chips, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite or even Intel’s new Lunar Lake processor all have significant improvements in power per watt. Real-world performance is more important to consumers than raw clock speeds.

Memory: More than 16GB is a must. With less you’ll feel bogged down after a year, particularly with multiple web browser tabs, communication and design apps open at the same time.

Best All-round Laptop: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)

If you’re a student or professional and don’t need a laptop that costs more than a MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) then it may be the best computer you can get. It has no fan for noise-free operation at normal loads, and delivers consistently 14-16 hours of use (not Apple’s overly enthusiastic marketing claims, but hours of real use).

The display is gorgeous. It has one of the best keyboard of any laptop. And macOS is now amazingly stable, and a great integrated system – especially if you own an iPhone or iPad.

Best Laptop for Windows: Dell XPS 13 (2026)

Dell’s XPS series has its share of successes and failures, but the 2016 model strikes a great balance. The laptop has Intel’s Lunar Lake platform, which offers better-than-ever battery life that you’d expect from an Intel laptop: 12+ hours of mixed use.

The design is top-notch but not too flashy. The optional OLED screen is beautiful to work on, and it has more and better ports than before. It’s thin, lightweight and can effortlessly run spreadsheets and video editing software.

Best Laptop for the Money: Acer Swift Go 14 (2026 Edition)

You don’t have to spend $1,200 to get a laptop. The Acer Swift Go 14 does just that. It comes at a price of $599-$699, with AMD Ryzen 7 series processors, decent build quality and a decently long battery life (9-10 hours).

For undergraduate students to carry out research, write essays, attend virtual lectures and keep organised – this laptop is up to the job. It’s not sexy, but good things come to those who write their thesis.

Best for the Creatives: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 3

If you’re a video editor, architect, UI designer or 3D artist, you need something thin and light, but with some special features that most thin-and-light laptops don’t offer. The Surface Laptop Studio 3 tackles this with a special hinge that allows the laptop to be used in both modes, and discrete GPUs for tackling Premiere Pro, Blender and DaVinci Resolve.

Best Chromebook: Google Pixelbook Go 2

There’s a perception of Chromebooks that’s less true now. Students who use Google Workspace, play video and do some light work, are the best. The Pixelbook Go 2 is the best Chromebook – it’s lightweight, has a fast boot time, great battery life and an eminently typeable keyboard.

Best 2-in-1: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 9

If you’re a business user who attends meetings, take notes of your meetings or often present to investors, a 2-in-1 is a boon. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 9 is rugged, OLED (optional) and has a well-integrated stylus. It’s a business laptop, rugged, repairable and has security features enterprise users will love.

Quick Buying Advice

Don’t pay for more laptop than you require. It’s not going to be more productive or help you write a better essay.
Increase the battery life if you’re on the move. A blazing laptop with a short battery life is not as good as a slower laptop with good battery life.
Check the return policy. Everyone has their own preference for keyboards and screens – you may need to use a computer for a week to decide if it’s right for you.
Never buy first generation products unless you’re a pioneering kind of person.

FAQs

Q: How much memory should I get in my laptop in 2016?
A: At minimum, you’ll need 16GB for multitasking. It’s sufficient for students, but 32GB is recommended for creative professionals.

Q: Is MacBook a good computer for students?
A: Yes, particularly for the long battery and durability. Make sure your coursework and school software isn’t incompatible with Windows.

Q: What’s the best laptop under $700 in 2026?
A: The Acer Swift Go 14 is the best overall value for most for under $700.

Q: Should I get a 2-in-1 or laptop?
A: Laptops are more suitable for heavy typing and long work sessions. 2-in-1s are best for sketching, annotating and presentations.

Q: What’s the lifespan of a laptop?
A: A laptop purchased in 2026 should last 4-6 years – if you take good care of it – with suitable specifications.

Best Laptops 2026 for Students & Professionals, The year 2016 is a great (and overwhelming) time to buy a laptop. Easier because the technology is simply great all around – even budget models pack a lot of power. Harder because there’s a lot to choose from, manufacturers are misleading with marketing claims and the price differences between two seemingly identical laptops can be staggering.

I have been testing, evaluating and using a lot of laptops from all categories – from the cheapest Chromebooks to the most expensive professional workstations. This article cuts through the crap, and provides realistic recommendations based on actual use, not just numbers.

The Key Factors in 2026

Before we get to the recommendations, let’s discuss the criteria. Everyone gets distracted by the amount of RAM and the name of the microprocessor, but the real factors determining your daily computing experience are battery life, display, keyboard and heat. If your laptop slows to a crawl after 20 minutes of use, it’s of no use for a student listening to a lecture or a businessperson on an intercontinental flight.

The world of processors: ARM processors are now clearly ahead of the pack in efficiency. Apple’s M-series chips, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Intel’s latest Lunar Lake-based chips have all improved their watts-per-clock ratio by a not insignificant margin. More important than clock speed is actual performance in the real world.

Memory: At least 16GB. Anything less will be too sluggish to use after a year, particularly if you are multitasking with several tabs open in your browser, communication software and design apps.

Best All-round Laptop: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)

If you’re a student or professional and don’t need a laptop that costs more than a MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) then it may be the best computer you can get. It is fanless, so it’s silent when working at normal loads, and it easily delivers 14-16 hours of battery life (not the estimates Apple makes in its marketing claims, but actual hours of productive work).

The display is gorgeous. It has one of the best keyboard of any laptop. And macOS has become a remarkably stable and integrated operating system, especially if you have an iPhone and/or iPad.

Best Windows Laptop: Dell XPS 13 (2026)

Dell’s XPS laptops have been a mixed bag in the past, but the 2016 model strikes an excellent balance. It’s built on Intel’s new Lunar Lake platform and the battery life is eye-poppingly good; it’s the best from an Intel laptop that we’ve seen (12+ hours with varied usage).

It’s elegantly built without being ostentatious. It has a gorgeous OLED (optionally) screen for creatives, and the ports are significantly improved. It’s thin, lightweight and can effortlessly run spreadsheets and video editing software.

Best Laptop for the Money: Acer Swift Go 14 (2026 Edition)

You don’t have to fork out $1,200 for a laptop. The Acer Swift Go 14 does just that. It comes at a price of $599-$699, with AMD Ryzen 7 series processors, decent build quality and a decently long battery life (9-10 hours).

For undergraduate students to research, write, join online class, and keep track of things – the laptop does it all. It isn’t sexy, but it will get the job done.

Best for the Creatives: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 3

Video editors, architects, UI designers, 3D artists and other creative professionals have more requirements than thin-and-light laptops can typically provide. The Surface Laptop Studio 3 tackles this with a special hinge that allows the laptop to be used in both modes, and discrete GPUs for tackling Premiere Pro, Blender and DaVinci Resolve.

Best Chromebook: Google Pixelbook Go 2

There’s a perception of Chromebooks that’s less true now. For those students who spend their time in Google Workspace, streaming media and engaged in light productivity work, they’re great. The Pixelbook Go 2 is the best of breed – light, loads quickly, has long battery life and the keyboard is comfortable to type on for extended periods.

Best 2-in-1: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 9

If you’re a businessperson who has to attend meetings, take notes and/or present to clients, a 2-in-1 makes sense. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 9 is rugged, OLED (optional) and has a well-integrated stylus. It’s a business laptop, rugged, repairable and has security features enterprise users will love.

Quick Buying Advice

Don’t pay for more laptop than you need. It doesn’t do any better work.
Increase the battery life if you’re on the move. A blazing laptop plugged in is only as good as a pedestrian laptop that runs on battery.
Check the return policy. Monitors and keyboard are very personal – you may need a week with a laptop to decide if it is right for you.
Don’t buy first-generation products unless you’re an early adopter.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best amount of RAM to have in a laptop in 2026?
A: 16GB is the minimum required for good multitasking. It’s sufficient for students, but 32GB is recommended for creative professionals.

Q: Is MacBook a good computer for students?
A: Yes, particularly for the long battery and durability. Make sure your coursework and school software isn’t incompatible with Windows.

Q: What’s the best laptop under $700 in 2026?
A: The Acer Swift Go 14 is the best overall value for most for under $700.

Q: Should I get a 2-in-1 or laptop?
A: Laptops are more suitable for heavy typing and long work sessions. 2-in-1s are best for sketching, annotating and presentations.

Q: How long do laptops last?
A: A laptop purchased in 2026 should last 4-6 years – if you take good care of it – with suitable specifications.