MacBook Pro 2019: what we want to see

If you’ve been a MacBook user for many years now, you might feel like Apple has lost that edge that essentially propelled the company out of its dark ages. While they’ve been rolling up new MacBook Pro models (and other devices, for that matter) faster than our bank accounts can keep up – and some of those individual upgrades have definitely helped make for improved machines – those updates have felt a little hollow.

Since 2016, Apple has taken a different tack with the MacBook Pro, focusing on features friendlier to the mainstream, like the Touch Bar, and even further streamlining its design, as with the removal of all ports but Thunderbolt 3. . It’s a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and it’s been disappointing to seasoned users.

Granted, the MacBook Pro 2018 has been upgraded to boast the 8th generation Intel processor and a newer, faster SSD that some have argued is better than anything else out there, giving it unprecedented speed. They’ve also upped the display with True Tone technology, fixed some of the Butterfly keyboard issues from 2017 (though not the keyboard itself which still feels stiff and has less travel), all while maintaining last year’s battery life numbers.

Do we have high hopes for the 2019 update? Well, this new direction isn’t likely going away anytime soon, and you’re gonna have to get with the times, so to speak. But, we are hopeful that Apple dials down the frills and wows us with updates that we do need. Here’s to hoping Apple gives us back some of the things we loved about the older models.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The 2019 MacBook Pro update
• When is it out? It’s too early to tell, but most likely summer of 2019
• What will it cost? If the Touch Bar stays, likely as much as the 2018 models

MacBook Pro 2019 release date

Although a 2019 update to the MacBook Pro (as well as the Mac Pro) is expected, there’s no rumored release date at the moment. It’s hardly a surprise, as the the 2018 update just dropped this July. We might need to wait a few months or even early next year for a clearer date.

However, going by Apple’s previous release dates — MacBook Pro 2017 debuted in June 2017 while the MacBook Pro 2018 model came out a few weeks ago in July — a summer release for the MacBook Pro 2019 makes sense and is highly plausible. Keep an eye out for updates.

MacBook Pro 2019 price

Just the fact that Apple hasn’t upgraded its non-Touch Bar MacBook Pros this year says a lot about its direction, which is likely to phase them out and continue asking us pay for tech that, while promising, hasn’t been perfected yet.

The worst part of the 2018 models is the fact that you need to shell out thousands to get the highest amount of RAM (the 32GB RAM option is only available to the 15-inch models) and the largest SSD combo. Otherwise, you’re stuck with base amount of RAM and a Touch Bar that isn’t even universally compatible yet. Photographers and filmmakers who need a bigger screen? You can forget about getting a non-Touch Bar model.

You can also forget about upgrading your 13-inch. The majority of its parts are soldered, so you’ll have to bring in a professional and break your warranty. Then you may have to invest in a third-party docking station because the only ports available to you are the USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack.

Of course, it’s hard to predict these things, but you’ll probably see more of the same prices. At the moment, the basic 13-inch with Touch Bar configuration, featuring 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD and four Thunderbolt 3 ports, will set you back $1,799 (£1,749, A$2,699). You’re basically paying 300 bucks more for the Touch Bar, Touch ID and two additional Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Considering Apple left starting prices unchanged this year over last, expect more of the same for the MacBook Pro 2019.

What we want to see from MacBook Pro 2019

Apple hasn’t been getting a lot of love lately, what with the great keyboard debacle of 2016-2017, the troubled Touch Bar and the soldered RAM, to name a few. But, we’re still hoping Apple takes a new lease on life in 2019 and actually gives the users some of the things they need.

More port variety, please
Or, at least, if Apple’s going to insist on Thunderbolt 3, provide us with a docking station or an adapter for USB, Mini DisplayPort and HDMI. You know, instead of leaving us to pay extra for a third-party one. 

However, if we’re really being honest, limiting us to Thunderbolt 3 is inconvenient. MacBook Pro is for professionals who want a more seamless workflow. Yes, the Thunderbolt 3 is powerful and versatile, allowing for charging, output and data transfers; but we’re still using other devices and accessories that don’t support it. If we’re expected to connect this cable to that adapter to plug in to that port, we’re not going to be happy.

And, while we’re at it, can we just bring back MagSafe charging, please? Some of us tend to trip over those cables, and it was nice to know that we wouldn’t damage those older models in the process.

Improved Touch Bar
When it comes to the new Touch Bar, it seems that Apple is standing its ground. Despite many complaints from users and despite the fact that many still prefer not having it, Apple seems to be in the process of phasing out the MacBook Pros without the Touch Bar. In fact, it’s only the MacBook Pros with Touch Bar that received the 8th-gen Intel processor and True Tone display upgrades this year.

That’s all fine and dandy and, we must admit, the technology has promise. However, if Apple is going to ask for a few hundred bucks for a new feature, can we please get more use out of it? So far, Touch Bar compatibility is only limited to a few programs and apps, and we want to see more added to this list. Plus, it would be nice to get it properly working without the freezes and fat finger issues.

Or offer an alternative
Again, the Touch Bar shows promise, but it isn’t exactly something that most users need. Not all of us are photographers or filmmakers or designers. Some use the MacBook Pro for productivity because of the simple fact that it’s interface is more streamlined and user-friendly. But they won’t have a need for a Touch Bar at all. In fact, it’ll just get in the way.

We’d like to see an option for such users. Bring back the Touch Bar-free 15-inch model and upgrade the 13-inch model without it, perhaps.

Better keyboard, display and sound
Sure, Apple has ‘improved’ the keyboard so that it’s quieter, but it’s still a tad stiff and has less travel than most keyboards. As far as ergonomics, the keyboard isn’t the best. It’s not that we hate it, but it’s certainly more difficult to love it. We could get used to the keyboard, but we’d rather see a better one. Better yet, Apple could bring back the old design we’ve come to know and love.

The MacBook Pro designers should take cues from the iPhone X and get rid of the bezeled display. That’s a lot of precious real estate wasted, and pushing for a bezel-free display will give users a bigger screen without having to compromise the size. Plus, by going bezel-free, it’ll give the update a fresher, more modern look. Also, a laptop designed to edit 4K media should have a 4K screen option.

And, while Apple’s at it, we’d like to see it reconsider those speakers. We get that Apple is pushing for a more compact design, but the speakers in the older MacBook Pros are so much better. With all the technology they come up with, it would be welcome to receive a premium set of speakers with better base and more volume.

New Intel processor
Rumor has it that Intel is designing a new processor, the 10nm ‘Cannon Lake,’ and we’d love to see it on the MacBook Pro 2019 update. Obviously, the 2018 models just got the 8th-generation Coffee Lake boost, but Cannon Lake is expected to be more efficient and even better performing, which would be great for users who skipped on the 2018 update or need to upgrade their units that year.

Of course, since it’s been confirmed that Intel doesn’t expect this chip to drop until late 2019, Apple would have to delay their release until the chip comes out, and that seems highly unlikely. Still, we’d rather see it delayed and have an even better processor than invest in one with only superficial upgrades. Regardless, keep it locked to TechRadar as this page includes more and more rumors and leaks in the lead up to launch.

• These are the best Macs you can buy today

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Google Pixelbook 2: what we want to see

The Google Pixelbook is the premier example of what a Chromebook can be. We gave it five stars for just that reason. And, after almost a year, it still stands. 

That said, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to future generations of products, and the Pixelbook is no exception. After careful thought, and nearly a year of using the Pixelbook daily, we know what we want to see in the next iteration. 

As we near the end of the year, a time when Google traditionally launches a new version of Android, updates its smartphone lineup and is known to throw in other surprise hardware announcements, it’s likely we will soon see Google announce the Pixelbook 2.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The second Pixelbook, a high-end Chromebook
• When is it out? Q3 2018 at the earliest, likely close to holidays
• What will it cost? Likely as much as – if not more than – the current model

Google Pixelbook 2 release date

For the past two years, Google has held a special event where the company has announced new Pixel phones. The event has taken place in October, with the phones launching a few weeks later. 

Last year, alongside the Pixel 2 and Pixelbuds, the company announced the first generation Pixelbook. 

We have no reason to believe the timing of this year’s event will be any different. It’s possible we will see the Pixelbook 2 announced as soon as October, with a release before the end of the year. Evan Blass echoes our sentiment, claiming a new Pixelbook will ship by the end of the year.

Google Pixelbook 2 price

When Google has released a Chromebook of its own, be it the original Chromebook Pixel or more recent Pixelbook, it has priced the laptops at the high end. 

Google has always positioned its devices as inspiration for its partners to strive for when developing Chromebooks of their own. 

It would be nice to see Google drop its pricing structure a couple hundred dollars, but we don’t see that happening. 

Expect the Pixelbook 2 to start around the $999/£999 mark and go up from there.

What we want to see from Pixelbook 2

Design
The Pixelbook’s current combination of glass, metal and silicone are the same approach to design used throughout the rest of the company’s products. Turn the Pixel 2 XL around, as an example, and you’ll find a similar glass top and brushed aluminum back. Google surely will continue to refine this industrial design, solidifying it across its entire lineup.

With the Pixelbook 2, however, we would appreciate more color options. Indeed, the silver and white color scheme of the first generation Pixelbook looks stunning, but adding more color options — perhaps something as funky as the Really Blue Pixel, complete with orange button highlights like we’ve seen on the Pixel 2. 

Google is a company thats not afraid to be bold, bucking the trend of boring laptop design is something Google should embrace.

Overall spec bump
It should go without saying that, with the release of Intel’s Coffee Lake processors, we expect to see Google use the latest Core i7 and Core i5 processors in the next Pixelbook.

While a webcam may not be the most used part of any laptop, the Pixelbook 2 deserves better than a 720p camera. We aren’t asking for a 4K webcam, but we aren’t going to complain if one does show up. 

It’s unclear what kind of impact Linux apps (more on those in a minute) will have on system performance, but it can’t hurt to have more RAM. Right now, users are given the option of 8GB and 16GB, depending on configuration. And unfortunately, the 16GB setup is only available in the most expensive configuration — a Pixelbook with an Intel Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $,1649. 

For the Pixelbook 2, we’d love to see Google make the 16GB option available across more configurations, and not just for those who have piles of extra money.

Display
There’s not a lot of room for improvement when it comes to the Pixelbook’s display. The 12.3-inch screen, with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,600 pixels and 3:2 aspect ratio, is certainly easy on the eyes. 

However, according to Evan Blass, the new Pixelbook will have smaller bezels around the screen. If that is indeed the case, then increasing the size of the display while leaving the overall size of the Pixelbook the same is something we welcome with open arms. 

Additionally, the 3:2 aspect ratio should stay. It looks good in landscape and portrait, as well as lends itself to displaying books, magazines, and movies in a natural-feeling layout. It also makes for a more realistic experience when using the stylus on the Pixelbook’s display for notes or sketches.

Better battery life
Google advertises the Pixelbook as having all day battery life, but that’s a subjective measurement. Our use has shown the battery to not quite hit that mark, which isn’t all that uncommon. 

So, we’d like to see both better power efficiency and more battery capacity out of this year’s model. Perhaps software improvements could improve power efficiency, like Microsoft has done with its Battery Saver feature in Windows 10.

Linux goes official
Project Crostini for Chrome OS is bringing official support for Linux apps. Currently, the project is only available to users who are brave enough to run Chrome OS in developer mode. 

Google is updating the project frequently as it gets closer to official public release. We can’t think of a better time to officially launch a major feature such as this than along with brand new hardware. 

Fingerprint sensor
Smart Lock is a handy feature, relying on a paired Android phone’s fingerprint sensor to unlock a Chrome OS device when the two devices are close to one another. But picking up a phone to unlock a computer is still a longer process than using a fingerprint reader on the computer itself. 

If the current design remains relatively unchanged, Google could place the reader in the power button on the left side. This provides access to the scanner, regardless of orientation, which has already been done on countless 2-in-1 laptops.

Smart Display Mode
The Pixelbook was the first Chrome OS device to ship with a dedicated Google Assistant key. Eventually the Pixelbook was updated with the the option to respond to hands-free commands, but only while unlocked and the screen turned on. 

With the second Pixelbook, Google should take Assistant one step further by adding an always-listening feature, regardless of unlock status, and replicate a similar experience to that found on the Lenovo Smart Display. 

Pen included
The Pixelbook works with a stylus, but it costs you an additional $99/£99  just to write or draw on your screen. 

Jotting notes on the lock screen is handy, but with the Pixelbook already sitting atop the the pricing scale, including a pen isn’t too much to ask for … is it? 

Ditch the palm rests
Have you seen what the white palm rests just below the keyboard look like after a few months of use? It’s gross. The amount of dirt that shows is embarrassing, even after you’ve cleaned them. 

Hopefully, if Google insists on using a similar material, they use something that is not white  – or at least more dirt and grime resistant. Regardless, come back to this page every now and then ahead of the possible launch for the latest Pixelbook 2 rumors and leaks.

• These are the best Chromebooks we've tested this past year

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Another patent shows how Microsoft’s rumored dual-screen device might work

More evidence has come to light that Microsoft is planning some kind of dual-screen device, with another patent relating to such a piece of hardware having been spotted, hot on the heels of yesterday’s ‘video calling on hinged multi-screen device’ patent.

The fresh patent was also discovered by Windows Latest and was published by the Patent and Trademark Office over in the US last week, and it again illustrates a dual-screen folding mobile device, with both displays connected by a hinge.

The patent shows the device’s various modes of usage, including a ‘laptop’ mode whereby one screen becomes a virtual keyboard. If both screens are placed down flat, the interface – i.e. the operating system UI, web browser, or whatever software you happen to be using – will expand to fill both displays, and the resolution can be increased appropriately.

Just like a hybrid notebook, this product would also be deployable in a ‘tent’ mode for watching videos and the like, and the patent actually cites an example whereby the device would display the time and act as an alarm clock (with both screens showing the time, so as to potentially be visible from more points around the room).

And of course the hardware can be folded up (closed) to a very compact size for portability. Obviously the hinge would be designed to be sturdy enough to maintain the position of the device when in laptop or tent mode, so the hardware wouldn’t be prone to toppling over when used in either of those fashions.

Patent not product

As ever, we must bear in mind that patents aren’t necessarily filed with the expectation that such a device will eventually exist – these are often rather speculative things, and projects are often abandoned.

And the latest buzz on the grapevine concerning Microsoft’s rumored dual-screen Andromeda device is that it isn’t in the pipeline for the near future by any means, and there’s still a good deal of work to do on both the hardware and software front.

It seems the company wants to get this piece of hardware right before putting it in front of the public, which is certainly understandable. Microsoft has made many serious mistakes in the mobile phone arena, so it makes sense that the firm would want to get its crack at a supposedly new category of mobile computer (or ‘pocketable’ PC, as has also been previously rumored) spot-on.

We certainly keep hearing plenty about a dual-screen device, and as we mentioned at the outset, we reported yesterday on another patent on such a product designed for video calls and to better facilitate three-way conversations (using the device for two people, having a screen and camera each, with a third person on a remote PC).

Top image credit: US Patent and Trademark Office

• These are the best laptops of 2018

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Google mocks Microsoft and Apple in new Chromebook video

It looks like Google is in a fighting mood, as it’s just released a new video that attacks Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s macOS operating systems, while claiming that Chromebooks are the only laptops you can rely on.

The video (which you can watch below) highlights a number of annoyances that people have complained about through the years when using laptops running Microsoft or Apple software.

These include numerous error messages, annoying pop-up windows and even the dreaded Blue Screen of Death.

Fighting words

According to Google, Chromebooks are free from all these issues, with its ChromeOS operating system relatively virus-free. It's also constantly updated, so you’re not bugged about downloading updates when you’re trying to work.

It’s certainly a provocative video, and one that may resonate with anyone who has been frustrated by Windows or macOS, but will it be enough to make people ditch their Windows laptops and MacBooks and switch to Chrome? That may take more work.

• If you want to change, check out our list of the best Chromebooks

Via Neowin

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Microsoft patent hints at a dual-screen mobile device for video calling

While Microsoft attempts to keep tight-lipped about the hardware it’s working on, much of its secrecy can be undone when patents it’s submitted are unearthed, which gives us an idea what to expect from the company in the future.

The most recent patent unearthed by Windows Latest was submitted by Microsoft in June 2017, and published by the US Patent and Trademark Office at the beginning of July 2018, and it suggests the company is working on a multi-screen mobile device that could be used primarily for video calling.

The patent is titled 'Three-way video calling on hinged multi-screen device', which gives us a hint as to what such a device would be used for. With Microsoft owning Skype, the video calling service, it makes sense that the company would consider designing a device that specializes in video calls.

Lights, cameras, action

According to the patent, the device would feature two displays, and both of those screens will also have a camera. The idea is that this device will display images captured by the cameras on the two screens, while also displaying an image from a remote computer – for example someone using Skype to video-call from another location.

This could make having three-way conversations using video calling easier. As Microsoft notes in the patent, “Users interact with multi-screen mobile devices throughout a variety of positions, including holding the device vertically, holding the device with a primary screen facing toward the user, holding the screen with a second screen facing toward the user, and other positions and orientations.”

If two people are video-calling together from the same place (such as the living room of your house), this means squeezing into the frame of a single camera. The patented device would make things easier, as all users could comfortably appear in front of the various cameras.

Of course, as with other patents, the device may never make it to market, but it’s an interesting look at the kind hardware Microsoft is considering.

• The best free Skype alternative 2018

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The best laptops for engineering students

Apple's next iPad Pros tipped to get smaller and lose the headphone jack

Apple last launched an updated iPad Pro in June 2017, which has us thinking that new models must be on the way in the not-too-distant future – and we just got a hint about some of the changes that might be coming to the next series of tablets.

Japanese site Macotakara, which has a reasonable record in predicting Apple's moves ahead of time, says that the 12.9-inch and 10.5-inch iPad Pros are set to get smaller overall, even while the screen size stays the same. In other words, the tablets are going to join the iPhone X in ditching bezels almost completely.

The smaller model will go from 250.6 x 174.1 x 6.1 millimeters to 247.5 x 178.7 x 6 mm, insider sources say, while the larger model is going to get shaved down from 305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm to 280 x 215 x 6.4 mm.

Hit the road, (headphone) jack

With the bezels shrinking, the iPad Pros will adopt Face ID, Macotakara says – something we've heard before, and which makes perfect sense. The site claims Face ID on the iPad Pro will only work in portrait mode though, which doesn't make much sense at all.

The report also claims the next batch of iPad Pros are going to ditch the 3.5 mm headphone jack so everything has to go through the Lightning cable, which again wouldn't be a huge surprise and would follow what Apple has done with the iPhone. If you haven't bought some AirPods yet, now might be the time.

All the signs point to Apple bringing out some new iPad Pros before the year is out, though as yet there's been no official word. They might even get unveiled alongside the new iPhones, though they could also turn up a month or two afterwards.

• New MacBooks and iPad Pros are said to be coming soon, but not at WWDC 2018

Via Apple Insider

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Best business laptops 2018: top laptops for work

If you're looking to buy a new laptop for work, then this list of the best business laptops will help you choose. The best business laptops combine cutting edge productivity features with slimline designs and long battery life that provides mobility and productivity - essential functions for the modern workplace.

While compiling this list of the best business laptops, we've taken into consideration a number of key factors including power, battery life, feature set and sheer value for money.

This means that we've selected a wider range of laptops to suit most (if not all) budgets and hopefully all tastes; there's a mix of cutting-edge products and old favourites here.

Almost all of them come with the professional version of Windows 10 to enhance their business credentials.

We also have our very own price comparison tool that will compare prices and make sure you're buying the very best business laptop for the very best price.

If you're looking for a bit more power, then check out our list of the best mobile workstations, as well as our pick for the best business desktop PC.

Where to buy business laptops

• Apple MacBook Pro
• Lenovo Yoga, ThinkPad and Ideapad
• HP ZBook, Elitebook, Pro and ElitePad
• Toshiba Portege, Tecra and Satellite Pro
• Fujitsu Lifebook and Celcius
• Dell Latitude, Precision and Vostro

Previous versions of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon have been the absolute best-in-class when it comes to business laptops, and this year's model is no exception, with Lenovo delivering a thinner and smaller design with practically no trade-offs. Despite its small size, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon comes with pretty much every feature you need in a productivity machine, making it the best business laptop money can buy. Thanks to a battery life of up to 15.5 hours, and a rapid charging feature that brings the battery back up to 80% capacity in only an hours, the X1 Carbon is an ultrabook that lets you keep on working while you're on the move.

Huawei may not be the first name you think of when looking to buy a new business laptop - whereas Dell and Lenovo are two names you'd more likely associate with notebooks for work, but the Chinese company has proved to be an excellent laptop manufacturer with its new MateBook X Pro. It has a beautiful design that will get appreciative looks in the boardroom, it's light enough to carry around with you, and it has powerful components and excellent battery life. It's also one of the cheaper ultrabooks on the market.

Believe it or not, Dell classifies the XPS 13 as a business laptop, albeit one that is geared towards a home office environment but businessmen (and women) will love the design. This ultraportable laptop – as Dell puts it – punches above its weight with Windows 10 Pro across the entire range as well as rather attractive pricing.

This award winning laptop (it won best laptop of the year from us and many others) manages to pack a 13.3-inch display into the chassis of an average 11.6-inch model. It was also refreshed in 2017 with even better components, for a much improved business laptop experience.

The laptop can be upgraded to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB M2 SSD drive. Battery life is exceptional as well with almost 22 hours of continual use when using productivity applications.

With the 2018 refresh, the Dell XPS 13 is a slimmer, more powerful version with a stunning 4K display and a gorgeous Rose Gold on Alpine White color option. It's powered by an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU to boot.

The 2018 model of the 13-inch Macbook Pro with Touch Bar is a brilliant upgrade to Apple's formidable laptop range, and it's one of the best business laptops money can buy. While Microsoft had the performance edge over last year's MacBook Pro, with the Surface Book 2, Apple has come out swinging with some seriously beefed up specs for the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2018. The 13-inch model can be configured with the latest Intel Core processors, all USB-C ports are not Thunderbolt 3, and you can have up to 16GB of RAM. If you want even more performance, the 15-inch version is worth considering, as it bumps the specs up even more.

HP was the only one of the three big laptop vendors who didn't have a flagship thin-and-light laptop: Dell has the XPS 13 and Lenovo, the Yoga 900.

That is now no longer the case with the introduction of the HP Spectre Pro 13 G1. This is a device that not only oozes luxury with a combination of colours and a clever design but also one that packs some incredible components.

Despite being just over 10mm thick and weighing just over 1.16Kg, it manages to pack a proper Core i7 CPU with a full HD 13.3-inch display, a massive 4-cell 38Whr battery and three USB Type C connectors. 

Lenovo took an existing form factor and refined it to deliver the new 2016-2017 ThinkPad E470. Powered by the 7th generation Intel Core processors, this particular SKU has a 14-inch FHD anti-glare display, powered by a discrete Nvidia Geforce 940MX 2GB GPU.

Equipped with a spill resistant keyboard, a TrackPoint and a 3+2 buttons click pad, the E470 has more than enough ports and expansion capabilities to keep the average user happy. Shame that it doesn't do DisplayPort, so no 4K output.

Last year’s Dell XPS 15 was already one of the best laptops you could buy, but now that Dell has taken the beautiful redesign of the Dell XPS 13 and applied it here – while also making it a convertible. This makes it easily one of the best business laptops money can buy in 2018. It looks fantastic, feels great to use and it packs one of those new Intel Kaby Lake G-series CPUs featuring ‘discrete-class’ Radeon graphics. This means that this laptop packs serious power – even if it can get a little loud.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 

If you're after a cheap laptop that offers something a bit special, look no further than the Lenovo Yoga Book. As with all Yoga devices, the screen folds flat so you can use it either as a tablet or a laptop, and it comes with a choice of Windows 10 or Android as its operating system. For business users, the Windows 10 option is a no-brainer. It has a fantastic touchscreen that makes jotting down notes or diagrams a cinch.

The Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch) is another new entry to our best business laptop list, and it's worthy of its spot, as Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops in the world. The Surface Book 2 has some powerful enough components to handle most day-to-day tasks, and even some light gaming and video editing if you go for a model with a dedicated graphics card. If you want a bigger screen, then there is also a 15-inch version of the Surface Book 2, which comes with more powerful components.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

Chromebooks might not be the most obvious devices for business laptops, but the Asus Chromebook Flip proves that they can be excellent work tools. It comes with a full-fat Intel Core processor, full HD 1080p display and backlit keyboard. ChromeOS is now a more robust operating system with plenty of tools, and if you rely on web-based CMS or Google Docs to do your work, then the Asus Chromebook Flip is an affordable, well built and handy business laptop.

• Here's our full list of the best laptops of 2018

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The best cheap laptop deals in July 2018

If you're in the market for a new laptop, you’ve come to the right place to find the best cheap laptop deals. We’ve compiled the absolute best laptop deals of the week in addition to a selection of perpetual picks for the best cheap laptops.

We understand that purchasing a new laptop can be an often confusing task of comparing storage, memory, processing power and features, but we’re here to help you find the best laptop deals and get the most for your money. From huge names like Dell to lesser known brands like Acer, you’re sure to come away happy with these bargains.

At the top of the page, you'll find our selection of the very latest and best cheap laptop deals of the week. Beneath those, you'll find our pick of the latest best cheap laptops along with their lowest available prices.

The best laptop deal of the week

More top cheap laptop deals of the week

Where to find the best laptop deals in the US:

• Amazon laptop deals
• Newegg laptop deals
• Walmart laptop deals
• Staples laptop deals
• Dell laptop deals
• Lenovo laptop deals
• HP laptop deals
• Acer laptop deals

The best cheap laptops of 2018

Here we have one of the few budget laptops with a processor nearly equivalent to the MacBook Pro, that is, if you opt for the Intel Core i5 configuration. The best part? It’s roughly half the cost of its Apple-branded rival. Now given that it sells at a range of different prices, the Acer Swift 3 can be an obtuse purchase, but lucky for you, the midrange model will get you by just fine.

Read the full review: Acer Swift 3

Its name is alphabet soup to the average reader, but then again this convertible laptop has always been about function over form. For one minuscule transaction, you’re getting a tablet equipped with an included keyboard and even a fingerprint scanner for more secure logins. Along with reliable performance and a magnesium-alloy chassis, it’s built to last.

Read the full review: Asus Transformer Mini T102HA

While it may be outclassed by the Pixelbook and the Samsung Chromebook in terms of sheer power, the Acer Chromebook 15 can still pack a wallop while providing battery life that is frankly out of this world. It’s rare that a laptop can truly provide all-day battery, but in our independent battery tests, Acer’s Chromebook lasted an astonishing 17 hours – on top of providing enough power to get your work done online. If you’re looking for a 15 inch Chromebook that will give you the most bang for your buck, look no further.

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 15 

The Lenovo Yoga Book, and the Windows 10 version of it in particular, is the sort of futuristic fodder you would find in an episode of Black Mirror. It has a keyboard that doubles as a Wacom touch panel and, best of all, it’s cheap as hell. Now, of course, that comes with the caveat of a weak Intel Atom processor, but the rest of the Lenovo Yoga Book should go down in the history books.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga Book

With its slick lines and a slim silhouette, the Acer Chromebook 14 makes for a subtle, snazzy laptop. Although its display isn't the most attractive we've seen, it’s still acceptable for full HD. On top of that, the keyboard and trackpad adhere to the principle of ‘it just works.’ The battery life is satisfactory as well despite falling a bit south of Acer's 12-hour claim in real-world use.

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 14

Not quite what you're looking for? Maybe our other laptop articles will have what you need:

• 15 best laptops you can buy in 2018
• The best cheap MacBook deals
• Top 10 best gaming laptops of 2018
• Top 10 2-in-1 laptops of 2018

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Best laptops for video editing in 2018

If you're looking for the best laptop for video editing, then finding the right machine can be tricky. After all, video editing is one of the most taxing tasks you can perform on any computer, let alone a laptop.

That's where our list of the best laptops for video editing in 2018 comes in, as our expert advice means you can shop in confidence. 

We also have a price comparison tool that will make sure you are getting the best deals for the best laptops for video editing.

So, read on to find out what we think are the best laptops for video editing in 2018...

• Check out our list of best video editing software

The 15-inch 2018 MacBook Pro is hands-down the best Mac laptop ever designed for video editors. Apple has packed loads of upgrades into this version, offering you the latest generation of Intel Core i7 and i9 processors with six cores, and it now supports up to 32GB of RAM, making this a very adept laptop for video editing. Discrete graphics are provided by a choice of AMD Radeon Pro GPUs, making this the best laptop for video editing.

The innovative Touch Bar makes it easier for videographers to intuitively access commands, while the Retina display on the 15-inch model offers more than enough pixels should you want to edit at native resolution in Full HD on the move. However, if you are editing 4K, then you'll be disappointed by the limited resolution.

The Dell XPS 15 is a brilliant laptop it its own right, and it really excels when it comes to video editing. It comes with a gorgeous 15-inch InfinityEdge screen, and the very top end version has a 4K color-accurate display which makes it perfect for video editing. It's also got plenty of processing power as well, making it a dab hand at rendering video files, which is important when looking for a laptop for video editing.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15

The HP ZBook Studio G3 laptop easily fits in the Ultrabook category with a weight of a tad under 2kg and a thickness of only 18mm, slightly heavier and a smidge thicker than the Precision 15 5000 but more portable and svelte than Lenovo's laptop. Where HP manages to score highly is when it comes to sheer value for money when it comes to powerful components, with a high performance processor and gorgeous 4K screen, which makes it one of the best laptops for video editing.

Very few laptops on the market can compete with this model. Dell's Inspiron range is aimed at business and consumers with a definite nudge towards the former. For the price, you get a laptop with an aluminium chassis and a long list of impressive features, and thanks to a decent discrete graphics card in the form of the Nvidia GTX 960, and a vibrant 1080p display, the Dell Inspiron 15 7566 is a great laptop for video editing if you're on a budget.

Lenovo’s ThinkPad P70 was one of the first notebooks featuring Intel's Skylake processor, which should give it a boost in performance compared to Broadwell or Haswell chips.  Equipped with ample storage and plenty of RAM, an excellent keyboard and a wide selection of ports for connectivity, Lenovo is positioning the ThinkPad P70 as the ultimate workstation that you can take on the go without missing your desktop. Also worth mentioning is the X-Rite Pantone calibration tool, available as an option, which is great to keep your screen accurate for production work, as well as the Quadro GPU that comes with all the P70 SKUs. 

The Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch) is one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops in the world. While 2-in-1 laptops may not be the first choice for video editors, the Surface Book 2 has some powerful enough components to handle video editing if you go for a model with a dedicated graphics card. Brilliant build quality and excellent battery life makes this a wonderful device for using as either a laptop, or as a powerful Windows 10 tablet. The tablet mode is convenient if you want to shoot footage and edit it while out and about.

OK, so the MSI GS65 Stealth is primarily a high-end gaming laptop - with a price tag to match - but it also doubles as an absolutely brilliant laptop for video editing. This is because it comes with an excellent array of cutting edge components, which includes an 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8750H CPU and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 GPU. This means multi tasking and video editing is handled with aplomb - and if you also want to do a bit of gaming on the side, then it's a no-brainer.

Watch the video below for the top 7 things to consider when buying a laptop. 

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 shown off in a video suggests face, not fingerprint, scanning

We’ve seen plenty of renders of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4, but now we’ve seemingly seen the slate on video, giving us a close look at it in both black and white or grey shades.

Shared by SlashLeaks, the footage only lasts ten seconds, but you can see that there’s no fingerprint scanner, with the slate instead likely relying on a face scanner, as has been rumored before.

Despite that the bezels still seem fairly large and probably could have housed a fingerprint scanner if Samsung wanted them to.

Other details you’ll note include the single-lens camera on the back and the shiny, likely glass rear of the Galaxy Tab S4.

Could be coming very soon

There’s not really anything new here but the tablet shown in the video lines up with previous leaks, and while it’s not clear where the video was shot, it looks like some kind of product demonstration, suggesting that the slate is more or less complete and probably close to launch.

That also lines up with other things we’ve heard, as Samsung is holding a live stream on August 1 which could well be for the slate. Failing that, we might see it at IFA 2018 at the end of August.

• We've also seen a full specs list for the Galaxy Tab S4

Via Phone Arena

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The best laptop in Australia 2018: our pick of the best laptops you can buy this year

If you're looking at getting yourself a new laptop but don't really know where to start, you're in luck – that's the entire point of this very page!

Here at TechRadar, we get to review the full breadth and width of currently-available laptops, so we're well and truly across what's worth the dosh and what's not.

Whether it's Apple's freshest MacBook Pro, or the latest winner in the Dell XPS range, we've painstakingly compared and contrasted each one in order to give you a rundown on the laptop with the best value.

We've taken into account ultrabooks, gaming laptops, 2-in-1s, and every other shape and size that laptops come in these days – so don't worry if you're in it for work or play, we've got you covered.

The best laptops of 2018:

What is it about the Dell XPS 13 that's given it pole position on our best laptop list for three years running? In short, it really is the PC response to the MacBook. The 2018 Dell XPS 13 is a slimmer, more powerful version of the award-winning laptop with a stunning 4K display and a gorgeous Rose Gold on Alpine White colour option. The Dell XPS 13 rocks an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and a bezel-less ‘Infinity Edge’ display, this Dell XPS 13 continues to be the most popular Windows laptop in the world. What’s more, there’s a wide range of customisation options, so you can really make the Dell XPS 13 the best laptop for your needs. 

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13

The latest refresh of the ZenBook Flip S gives Asus a seriously powerful competitor in the 2-in-1 sphere. The Flip S UX370 has a new Kaby Lake R 8th-generation processor powering the device, plenty of RAM and a super-fast PCIe SSD in certain models. Its 2-in-1 design means you can use it as both a laptop and a tablet, and while it's not as affordable as some machines on this list, if you have the budget you'll be really happy with this fantastic device.

Read the full review: Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370

If you're after the latest and greatest laptop from Apple, we suggest you look into the 2018 model of the 13-inch Macbook Pro with Touch Bar. While Microsoft had the performance edge over last year's MacBook Pro, with the Surface Book 2, Apple has come out swinging with some seriously beefed up specs for the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2018, and even more so if you go for the larger 15-inch model. The headline Touch Bar – a thin OLED display at the top of the keyboard which can be used for any number of things, whether that be auto-suggesting words as you type or offering Touch ID so you can log in with just your fingerprint – is again included. It's certainly retained Apple's sense of style, but it comes at a cost. If you're open to switching to a PC you should consider the XPS 13, but, if you're a steadfast Apple diehard, this is definitely the best laptop for you!

Read the full review: Apple Macbook with Touch Bar 13-inch (2018)

The new MSI GS65 Stealth has knocked our previous choice of the best gaming laptop, Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501, off this list, thanks to its excellent array of cutting edge components, which includes an 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8750H CPU and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 GPU. It's also more reasonably priced than the Zephyrus GX501, and its subtle design means that it can double as a work or study laptop without raising any eyebrows. If you're looking for a more affordable gaming laptop, however, check out the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming below.

Read the full review: MSI GS65 Stealth 

Last year’s Dell XPS 15 was already one of the best laptops you could buy, but now that Dell has taken the beautiful redesign of the Dell XPS 13 and applied it here – while also making it a convertible. Well, it’s amazing. Not only do you get one of the most aesthetically pleasing 15-inch laptops on the market, but it also packs one of those new Intel  Kaby Lake G-series CPUs featuring ‘discrete-class’ Radeon graphics. This means that this laptop packs serious power – even if it can get a little loud.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 

If you’re looking for a thin and light gaming laptop, but you gasp whenever you see the price of the Razer Blade, the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 might be for you. Not only does this laptop pack a powerful CPU, it now includes a Nvidia GTX 1060 Max-Q – capable of running all of the latest games – in a laptop less than an inch thick. You won’t find a Nvidia MaxQ equipped laptop cheaper than the Dell Inspiron 15 7000, and it looks good, to boot.

Read the full review: Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming

When it comes to the best Chromebook laptop, you have a choice between two stark alternatives. There's the premium Chromebook Pixel, which we list further down this page, and then there's the excellent Asus Chromebook Flip C302, which combines premium features in a much more affordable package. For many people, Chromebooks are excellent and affordable laptops that are perfect for students, and the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is easily one of the best Chromebooks, and one of the best laptops, money can buy. It comes with an Intel Core processor, full 1080p display, touchscreen, backlit keyboard and USB-C port.

Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip

With the Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch), Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops in the world. The Surface Book 2 has some powerful enough components to handle most day-to-day tasks, and even some light gaming and video editing if you go for a model with a dedicated graphics card. Brilliant build quality and excellent battery life makes this a wonderful device for using as either a laptop, or as a powerful Windows 10 tablet. It also comes in a 15-inch version, which is more powerful and with a larger screen. If you're after a more affordable 2-in-1 device, then the Acer Switch 3, below, is well worth checking out.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

Last year's iteration of the MacBook is another win for Apple, and it's once again won us over with a gorgeous design, excellent performance and best-in-class battery life. Apple has updated the processors with Intel's 7th-generation Kaby Lake range, which means you get improved performance and longer battery life without sacrificing the thin and light design that the MacBook is famous for. While the MacBook 2017 is not designed as a pure productivity machine, like the more powerful and versatile MacBook Pro above, or as a gaming machine like the Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501, it's still one of the best laptops in the world right now thanks to being a super slim and light MacBook that you can take anywhere without even noticing the weight, and being a powerful showcase for macOS High Sierra. If you're after a MacBook, this year's model is easily one of the best.

Read the full review: Apple MacBook

The best Chromebooks have experienced huge success in recent years as a result of their accessibility, and the Google Pixelbook is no exception. Even though it costs twice as much as the average Chrome OS device and doesn’t come with a stylus as you may expect, the Pixelbook is built to withstand the future. It features a pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports for accessories and super fast file transfers, a hinge that flips inside out for watching movies on planes and a taste of Android. You get full access to the Google Play store on the Pixelbook, from playing Sonic the Hedgehog to watching videos in VLC. The icing on this pixelated cake is its long battery life – it lasted nearly 8 hours in our own testing, so you shouldn’t need to worry about the Pixelbook dying on you. 

Read the full review: Google Pixelbook

• This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 

Some of the very best laptops in 2017 have been 2-in-1 devices, and Lenovo has added to that list with the excellent Lenovo Yoga 920. It features a wonderfully slim design, and its build quality is exceptional. The 360 degree hinge allows you to convert the laptop into a tablet-like device, making it flexible in all senses of the word. It's cheaper than the Surface Book 2, and while it doesn't offer quite the same quality when in tablet mode, it's an excellent device with plenty of power and bags of battery life. It's definitely a worthy alternative, and it's easily one of the best laptops we've seen this year.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 920

Which type of laptop is best for you?

General laptops: This broader category is dedicated to devices that focus more on practicality than style, portability or power. That’s not to say they can’t be fast, but you’ll typically find a non-Ultrabook clamshell laptop with an HD screen and spinning drive-based storage for less than $1,000.

Ultrabooks: Where you’ll find thin-and-light notebooks sporting SSD storage and display resolutions that exceed 1080p. Paired with powerful, albeit mobile-centric components and especially long battery life, the best Ultrabooks will cost a pretty penny – closer to $1,000 to $3,000.

2-in-1 laptops: Where notebooks that double as tablets are located. Outfitted with both detachable and 360-degree rotating hinges, these hybrids are the most versatile way to experience Windows 10 (or Chrome OS) on a touchscreen.

Chromebooks: Where you’ll find the best Chromebooks running Chrome OS. These do much of what Windows and macOS can in the browser, focused on cloud storage over local, while recently getting Android app support for touchscreen models. They generally cost less than $500.

Gaming laptops: Need a laptop to play games (almost) just like a shiny desktop PC can? Then you’ll want one of the best gaming laptops. These machines generally cost more than $1,000 and can quickly get into the $4 – 5,000 range for the beastlier models.

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Kobo Clara HD may be the Kindle Paperwhite rival you’ve been looking for

A new ereader from Kobo looks set to take on the behemoth of the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite as the go-to device for those who want a well-specced option without spending over the odds on extra features.

The Kobo Clara HD comes with a very similar specs list to the Kindle Paperwhite, and a similar price tag of £109.99 / $129.99 / AU$179.95 – Amazon’s ereader is the same price in the UK and Australia, and $119.99 in the US.

Kobo’s latest ereader comes with a 6-inch Carta E Ink touchscreen display that has a resolution of 300 pixels per inch for a crisp reading experience, whether you’re reading regular ebooks or graphic novels.

• Read our full Kobo Clara HD review

Fight the Paperwhite

This should look good in any lighting conditions, including direct sunlight or in darkness, as it comes with Kobo’s own ComfortLight PRO technology, which adjusts the lighting and color temperature of the screen to suit the ambient lighting.

The Clara HD has a surprisingly bold look for an ereader. It's only available in black, but has an eye-catching pattern on the rear. That pattern is about more than just looks though, as it makes the device easy to grip.

There’s 8GB of storage (that’s double what's on the Kindle Paperwhite and the same amount as on the basic version of Amazon's more upmarket Kindle Oasis), plus you’ve got access to over five million books on the Kobo store. That’s not as extensive as Amazon’s selection, but it includes a lot of the big hitters you’ll want to read on your next holiday.

We don’t know the exact specs for the battery yet, but we have completed our full review of the Kobo Clara HD to help you decide if this is the ereader for you.

• Check out our guide to the best Kindles and ereaders

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Future MacBooks and iPhones could charge each other wirelessly

Soon, you may be able to use your MacBook to wirelessly charge your iPhone – and even get your iPhone to charge your Mac. That’s judging by a new patent application that Apple has submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office, AppleInsider reports.

The patent details using wireless charging features within future Apple devices to allow for “inductive charging between electronic devices.”

Apple then goes on to depict what this would actually look like, with patent drawings of an iPad charging an iPhone via its display and a MacBook with several wireless charging nodes within its base. This would, of course, require inductive charging coils to be placed within either device, which are only currently found within the latest iPhones.

Those coils would need to to be fitted to transmit energy as well as receive it, as Apple’s patent proposes. However, this would likely require new hardware not only within future iPads and MacBooks, but the latest iPhones as well, as it’s unlikely that this change could be retroactively.

Of course, this is purely a patent application, and there's no guarantee that we’ll see such a feature in future Apple devices. However, it does paint a future far brighter than just stealing our MacBook’s power to charge our iPhones with a Lightning cord.

• These are the best Macs to date

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Best gaming mouse 2018: the best gaming mice we've tested

Now that Computex 2018 just ended, and we’ve seen some of the best gaming mice and gaming PCs that will hit the market soon, we figured it was time to look back and revisit some of the best gaming mice of 2018. 

We get it, you just spent a fortune on the best PC you could build, and you want to scale back your spending a bit. But, admit it, there’s a little part of you that wants to splurge on the best mouse to match your glorious rig. Don’t feel bad, in fact, you should do yourself a favor and pick up the best gaming mouse you can today, so that everything attached to your rig is of comparable quality. And, while you’re at it, pick up one of the best mouse pads, too.

When you go out looking for the best gaming mouse for your needs, you should keep an eye out for any mouse that manages to strike a balance between price and performance. You don’t want to just go out and pick up the most expensive mouse on the shelf. Just take a look at the SteelSeries Rival 600, for instance: it’s not much more expensive than a full-priced AAA game, but it balances that with a bevy of high-end features and top-notch performance.

Every single mouse on this list hits this golden balance of value to quality and features. We’ve reviewed or tested and ranked every mouse on this list, and each has earned our coveted seal of approval. You can be confident that no matter which of these mice you choose, you’ll be satisfied with it. No matter what kind of games you want to play, after going through this list, we believe you’ll get your hands on one of the best gaming mice.

SteelSeries is experiencing a sort of renaissance in 2018, and there is no greater evidence of that than the SteelSeries Rival 600. Featuring customizable weight, the perfect amount of side buttons, and true RGB spectrum lighting the Rival 600 will be the centerpiece of your desk. But, even beyond the aesthetics, the Rival 600 performs far better than a mouse in its price range has any right to. Not only does it feature a 12,000 DPI sensor and satisfying mechanical switches, but the Rival 600 goes above and beyond and features a depth sensor that will all but eliminate cursor sway when you lift your mouse off of the mouse pad. This is truly the best gaming mouse you can buy today.

Read the full review: SteelSeries Rival 600 

The SteelSeries Sensei 310 is a gaming mouse like no other, both in terms of price and performance. The low cost of admission keeps it on the same level that you’d expect to pay for a new game, while its out-of-this-world TrueMove 3 optical sensor makes it almost impossible to compete with. This mouse, with no preference when it comes to dexterity, is unparalleled when it comes to real-world sensitivity. You can even pick up the SteelSeries Rival 310 if you want similar performance, but a more right-handed approach to dexterity. 

Read the full review: SteelSeries Sensei 310 

Wireless mice have had a shaky reputation among gaming enthusiasts for a while now, due to their losses in latency and reliability, but with the Corsair Dark Core RGB SE – that’s all changed. Boasting 1ms latency and a maximum DPI of 16,000 the Dark Core RGB SE defines what a wireless gaming mouse should look like in 2018 – delivering performance that’s on par with its wired contemporaries. It even supports Qi wireless charging, which means if you pick up the Corsair MM1000 Qi mouse pad, you can charge your phone while you play, then charge your mouse right on your mouse pad when you’re done for the night. 

Read the full review: Corsair Dark Core RGB SE 

Undeterred by years of ridicule for their comparatively higher latency, the Logitech G900 of yesteryear proved once and for all that wireless gaming mice don’t have to suck. Though it’s merely a subtle iteration on that model, the Logitech G903 only reassures us of that conviction. Gracing a slightly altered G900 design with Logitech’s own PowerPlay mouse pad that doubles as a wireless charger, the Logitech G903 is an expensive, yet rewarding investment. On one hand, the cost might deter someone who wasn’t likely to buy it anyway, but on the other, you’re getting a high-DPI wireless gaming mouse that contends with even Razer’s best.

Read the full review: Logitech G903

At first glance, you could be forgiven for assuming the Roccat Kone Aimo would be an unwieldy hardcore-only gaming mouse. You’d be wrong. Even with the plethora of buttons and mouse furniture sticking out, the Roccat Kone Aimo is a surprisingly ergonomic peripheral, which means comfort shouldn’t be an issue for even the longest gaming sessions. Packed with one of the most in-your-face RGB lighting setups we’ve seen in a mouse, along with its 10 programmable buttons, this is one of the best gaming mice you can buy in 2018.

Read the full review: Roccat Kone Aimo

If you need one of the best gaming mice, but are looking to save some cash at the same time – the Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 might be what you’re looking for. It won’t win any beauty contests, but packing quality Omron switches and a reasonably sensitive sensor capable of up to 12,000 DPI, it’s easy to look past the unappealing design – especially if you use a claw grip.

Read the full review: Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 

If you’re the type of gamer who doesn’t like to settle for any one genre of game, it can be genuinely difficult to find the best gaming mouse. Luckily, the Razer Naga Trinity is here for you. The Naga line of mice has traditionally been aimed at MMO gamers, but Razer wasn’t content to just appeal to that one niche with the Naga Trinity, and included 3 easily swappable side plates so that you can change your mouse to fit the game you’re playing. Add in the insane 16,000 DPI 5G sensor and Razer Chroma RGB lighting, and you have a winning package.

Read the full review: Razer Naga Trinity 

If you find yourself snickering at some of the ridiculous gaming mice available in 2018, you should take a look at the HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB. Featuring extremely reliable Omron switches and gorgeous RGB lighting – not to mention its unbelievable 16,000 DPI sensor – you’re getting one of the best gaming mice for a great price. Plus, it’ll fit into any office, at least once you turn down the lighting effects. 

Read the full review: HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB 

From the moment you look at the price tag, it’ll be obvious that the Corsair Glaive RGB was meant to compete with the Razer DeathAdder Elite. And, while Corsair has had a ton of success with its PC cases, keyboards, RAM, power supplies and cooling systems, Corsairs mice have less of a history behind them. Luckily, the company’s latest gaming mouse effort is built for comfort, featuring a a coating of soft-touch paint and interchangeable thumb grips that enhance ergonomics even further. Additionally, the nearly perfect three-zone RGB lighting system and high-DPI Pixart sensor are just extra gravy. 

Read the full review: Corsair Glaive RGB

It’s not everyday that we see a company known for its sound cards try to take on companies as renowned as Razer and Logitech with a competent gaming mouse of its own. Creative’s Sound BlasterX M04 is exactly that, however, and it’s actually fairly impressive. The 12,000 DPI rating means you won’t need to use pointer acceleration to use the mouse successfully. The RGB lighting scheme, which is controlled using Creative’s own Sound Blaster Connect software, is displayed across a subtle accent at the base of the mouse. Clearly, the Sound BlasterX Siege M04 is a winner in both function and style.

Read the full review: Creative Sound BlasterX Siege M04

How to choose the best gaming mice 2017 

Although you’re bound to determine the best gaming mouse for you based on our rankings, doing so is no effortless task. There are a lot of complicated technical specifications that go into gaming mice, including fancy jargon such as polling rates and DPI ratings. You’ll want a higher number of both, but there’s a stark difference between these two nonsensical, yet crucial terms.

For newcomers to the world of PC gaming, that DPI is shorthand for ‘dots per inch.’ The higher the number, the wider the range wherein you can specify your how sensitive your mouse is. If you don’t have a lot of desk space available and you want accuracy and precision, then opt for a gaming mouse featuring a higher DPI rating. Of course, you can always toggle a lower DPI too.

Meanwhile, a high polling rate gives you faster response times. The polling rate is measured in hertz, so it usually ranges from around 125 to 1,000Hz. The latter means that your mouse’s position is reported to your computer 1,000 times per second. Other key gaming mouse factors you’ll want to consider are ergonomics – particularly if you’re left-handed – and RGB lighting.

• Be sure to also check out our list of the best PC cases!

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

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