Intel Iris Xe Max GPU is launched, helping thin laptops deliver impressive gaming

Intel Iris Xe Max GPU is launched, helping thin laptops deliver impressive gaming

Intel has officially launched its Iris Xe Max discrete graphics card for laptops (previously known as DG1), revealing the full details of the GPU and how it performs with 1080p gaming – and how it leverages tech to make a powerful combination with Intel CPUs that have integrated Xe graphics.

Intel Iris Xe Max boasts 96 EUs (Execution Units) and it’s clocked at 1.65GHz, supporting LPDDR4x graphics memory, with initial laptops loaded with 4GB of the stuff (with a memory bandwidth of 68GB/s).

Those initial laptops – which will be available from today – include the Acer Swift 3x, and the Asus VivoBook Flip TP470, alongside the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 2-in-1. All of these notebooks have not just Intel Iris Xe Max GPUs, but Tiger Lake 11th-gen mobile CPUs with Xe integrated graphics – and both Xe graphics solutions can work in tandem with a new feature Intel is calling Deep Link.

Deep Link refers to the way in which these Xe-toting CPUs and GPUs are, well, linked together in order to maximize performance, and how power usage can be adjusted between the processor and graphics card.

Deep Link’s dynamic power sharing means that when the GPU isn’t in use, that power can be piped to the CPU instead, offering up to a 20% performance boost for the processor versus a laptop with an Nvidia MX350 GPU, Intel claims.

Deep Link promises a major boost in content creation workloads, and also with video encoding. We’re talking 7x faster AI-based creation (again compared to a laptop with a similar CPU but Nvidia MX350 graphics) according to Intel’s testing, and encoding is almost 1.8x faster than RTX 2080 graphics, no less.

Game on

But what about games? Intel’s Iris Xe Max makes a good fist of 1080p gaming on thin-and-light laptops, generally outperforming an MX350-equipped notebook – and in some games, beating the Nvidia chip by a fair way.

Intel’s benchmarking indicated a big win for Iris Xe Max in Metro Exodus, with the GPU hitting around 42 frames per second (fps), compared to around 29 fps for the MX350. GRID 2019 managed around 46 fps with Intel, compared to 37 fps for the MX350, but the other games tested were pretty much a dead heat (Gears Tactics, Hitman 2, The Witcher 3).

And in Borderlands 3, the MX350 was actually slightly ahead, but only by a few frames per second – nothing that you’d realistically notice.

Going by Intel’s testing, it would seem that Iris Xe Max is the equal of Nvidia’s MX350, and actually outguns the latter considerably in a couple of titles, which is pretty impressive. Nvidia’s MX350 might be its entry-level GPU for laptops, but it is the most recent model from 2020 (albeit based on Pascal tech, two generations away from Ampere now).

All of those 1080p game benchmarks were conducted with either medium or low graphics details, incidentally. Of course, we have to bear in mind that these are Intel’s own internal tests, which could be cherry-picked to an extent, and we’ll want to do our own testing to gauge the power of Iris Xe Max graphics to get the full picture of gaming performance.

In its announcement, Intel also revealed that an Xe-LP graphics card will be coming to value desktops in the first half of 2021 – meaning a DG1 for budget desktop PCs. Furthermore, the chip giant told us that Xe-HPG, the heavyweight gaming card which was officially powered on recently, will be out in 2021 as expected (not likely until the end of the year, though).



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This early Black Friday laptop deal is the best laptop you can get for under £500

This early Black Friday laptop deal is the best laptop you can get for under £500

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fast approaching, and we're already begging to see some great deals, such as this one, where Currys PC World is offering the HP 15s-eq1510sa for just £499 on its eBay account.

Not in the UK? Scroll down for today's best laptop deals in your region.

While the model name isn't the most glamourous, this is an excellent laptop with a 15.6-inch screen, AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD. It's also solidly built with an impressively thin and light design.

It's the perfect productivity machine, then, especially for students, and not only is it affordable, but it's easy to carry around, and it's got a fantastic battery life as well.

Check out our roundup of the best Black Friday laptop deals as well, but we don't think you'll find a better laptop for £500 than this.

HP 15s-eq1510sa 15.6-inch, AMD Ryzen 5, 256GB, 8GB RAM: £499 at eBay
Finding a decent laptop for £500 can be tricky, but this is a real find, with an AMD Ryzen 5 4000 processor, 8GB of RAM and a decent 256GB SSD. It promises nine hours of battery life, and with its thin and light design, this is a great choice for students.View Deal

If you're not in the UK, we've listed the best laptop deals where you are below.

TechRadar is rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday sales period, and we’ve put all the best early Black Friday deals in an easy-to-navigate article to help you find the bargains you’re looking for.



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Best gaming laptops in Australia: the top gaming laptops we've reviewed in 2020

Best gaming laptops in Australia: the top gaming laptops we've reviewed in 2020

While gaming laptops used to be niche enough that it was a little easily to search for the one that happened to be packing the best processor, GPU and RAM assortment, the field has exploded since then and it can be a little harder to determine the best gaming laptop.

The gaming laptop we're used to seeing – thick chassis with RGB and tapered flares – isn't the only option any more, with a variety of advancements (such as Nvidia's Max-Q technology) allowing the sleeker ultrabook form factor to harbour some incredible grunt as well.

Regardless of if you're in it for the stealthy, sleek numbers to slip in your satchel on the go, or an all-in-one replacement for a desktop rig, we've sifted through what's on offer to bring you the best gaming laptops available in Australia.

Best gaming laptops in Australia at a glance

  1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
  2. Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED (2020)
  3. Gigabyte Aorus 17X
  4. Asus TUF A15
  5. MSI GS75 Stealth
  6. Dell G5 15 SE (2020)
  7. Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701
  8. MSI GS65 Stealth
  9. Razer Blade 15 (2020)
  10. Gigabyte Aorus 17G

Asus Zephyrus G14

The Asus Zephyrus G14 is an absolute beast of a gaming laptop. (Image credit: Asus)

1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

The best gaming laptop around

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS – 9 4900HS | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | RAM: Up to 32GB | Screen: 14-inch Non-glare Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS-level panel, 120Hz – 14-inch Non-glare WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS-level panel, 60Hz | Storage: 512GB / 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0

Best battery life in a gaming laptop
Excellent performance
Thin and light
No webcam
Fans can get loud

While the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is missing a webcam and a Thunderbolt 3 port, its solid battery life, compact form, and powerful specs do a fine job at balancing everything that gaming laptops should be offering. This is an absolute beast of a gaming laptop, delivering an incredible performance with its AMD Ryzen 4000 processors and Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics card while touting best-in-class battery life that will last you all day long, a fast display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a lightweight, ultrathin design. The best part is that you’re getting all that without burning a hole in your pocket. Don’t get us wrong; it isn’t cheap. However, for a laptop this impressive, we’re surprised Asus isn’t asking for more.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 

Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED (2020)

(Image credit: Future)

2. Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED (2020)

An upgrade to the OLED marvel

CPU: Intel Core i7-10875H | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super (8GB GDDR6; MaxQ) | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, 4K (3,840 x 2,160), 60HZ, AMOLED, Gloss | Storage: 512GB SSD

4K HDR OLED screen
RTX GPU and 10th-gen CPU
Sleek with better thermal management
Expensive
Unfortunate webcam placement

While the Aero 15 range from Gigabyte is aimed at designers, it makes for one of the best value gaming laptops on the Australian market right now due to its powerful internals, brilliant display, and sleek, stylish chassis. This year's model refreshes much of what was great about the 2019 model – packing a 15-inch 4K HDR screen which is ideal as a high-resolution on-the-go gaming monitor, media machine, or its intended design-centric use. It also ramps up the internals, with a 10th-gen Intel Core i7 CPU running the show and the latest RTX 2070 Super GPU in assistance.

Read the full review: Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED

Gigabyte Aorus 17X

The Gigabyte Aorus 17X has that face-melting performance. (Image credit: Gigabyte)

3. Gigabyte Aorus 17X

Slays the field with truly face-melting performance

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 16 series – RTX 20 Super series | RAM: up to 64GB | Screen: 1‎7.3" Thin Bezel FHD 1920x1080 240Hz Anti-Glare Display | Storage: 1TB SSD (PCIe), 2TB HDD

Dominating all-around performance
Gorgeous display
Mechanical keyboard is a dream
Very, very heavy
RTX 2080 model needs two power adapters

The Gigabyte Aorus 17X is hardly for everyone, especially with that breathtakingly steep price. However, if you are looking for a laptop that can pretty much slay anything in its path, this one’s got that face-melting performance you’re looking for, with 10th-generation Intel Core processors and Nvidia’s most powerful GPUs for gaming. Besides its performance, it’s got a few other things going for it including a display that is a complete stunner, a mechanical keyboard (nothing short of that is good for gaming) that’s incredible to use and build quality that’s designed to last.

Read the full review: Gigabyte Aorus 17X

ASUS TUF Gaming A15

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is a great value gaming rig with a long battery life and military-grade durability. (Image credit: ASUS)

4. Asus TUF A15

The new affordable gaming king

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H – 7 4800H | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660TI – RTX 2060 | RAM: up to 32 GB SDRAM | Screen: 15.6" (16:9) FHD (1920x1080) 60Hz Anti-Glare IPS-level Panel – 15.6" (16:9) FHD (1920x1080) 144Hz Anti-Glare IPS-level Panel | Storage: 1TB 5400 rpm SATA HDD – 256GB/512GB/1TB PCIe Gen3 SSD

Great 1080p performance
New AMD processors
Very good battery life
Noisy fans
Not the most powerful gaming laptop
Design won’t be for everyone

Give us a laptop that touts one of AMD’s stellar Ryzen 400 mobile processors, and we’d be more than happy to try it on for size. What we found in the Asus TUF A15, however, is not just fantastic gaming performance, but a great value gaming rig with a long battery life and military-grade durability as well. With the help of Nvidia’s most powerful 1080p graphics cards, this Ryzen 4000-powered laptop will see you through all your 1080p gaming demands without burning a hole in your pocket. Whether you play a lot of competitive esports, or need a rugged laptop, this one’s a winner.

Read the full review: Asus TUF A15

(Image credit: MSI)

5. MSI GS75 Stealth

Gaming power meets ultrabook style

CPU: Intel Core i7-8750H 2.20GHz | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q (8GB GDDR6 VRAM) | RAM: 32GB | Screen: 17.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) 144H

Super sleek and subtle design
Tons of performance
Thin bezels
A little expensive

Considering the huge 17.3-inch display, it's amazing that this laptop manages to be at once compact and sleek while still packing the latest GPU and plenty of gaming power to boot. It's an improvement on the GS65 in most ways (but it's certainly still great - see below), although the most significant bump is the inclusion of Nvidia's RTX 2080 GPU and a stupendous 32GB of RAM. The Samsung SSDs come in a RAID configuration for ultra-fast speeds, and the screen has tiny thin bezels on all four sides. There is no doubt that this is a premium beast.

Read the review:  MSI GS75 Stealth

Dell G5 15 SE (2020)

The Dell G5 15 SE (2020) boasts impressive AMD specs, especially in the CPU department. (Image credit: Dell)

6. Dell G5 15 SE (2020)

A fantastic value

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H – 7 4800H | Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5600M | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare LED Backlight Non-Touch Narrow Border WVA Display – 15.6 inch FHD(1920x1080) 300nits WVA Anti-Glare LED Backlit Display(non-touch), 144Hz refresh rate | Storage: 256GB – 1TB SSD

Excellent CPU performance
Very affordable for a gaming laptop
Quick and vibrant display
Gets pretty hot under strain
Plastic build feels flimsy

Though Dell has its premium lines, it’s also been very good at building excellent budget machines. The Dell G5 15 SE (2020) is a very good example of that, touting impressive AMD specs, especially in the CPU department, to keep cost down without compromising performance. This is among the very few gaming laptops out there that are affordable and also deliver a staggering performance for the price, with a stunning display to boot. Of course, being a budget laptop, some sacrifices have been made – namely, its build and heat management. However, for the budget-minded, this is certainly among the best gaming laptops out there for gaming.

Read the full review: Dell G5 15 SE (2020)

Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701

(Image credit: Asus)

7. Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701

Power and beauty

CPU: Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 – GeForce GTX 2080 Max-Q (8GB GDDR6 VRAM) | RAM: 8GB – 24GB | Screen: 17.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) 144Hz panel with G-Sync

 Super thin 
 Tons of performance 
 Very expensive 

These days, the best gaming laptop manufacturers are scrambling to craft the thinnest gaming laptop packing raw power. Right now, the one that might be leading the charge is the Asus ROG Zephyrus GX701. At just 0.7 inches thick, this beast of a laptop boasts an Intel Coffee Lake Core i7 chip, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics and 16GB of RAM. That means you can play any PC game under the sun on Ultra, and also take it with you wherever you go – ideal for travelers with a penchant for gaming. Plus, it’s packed with RGB lighting that’ll dazzle just about anyone.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701 

MSI GS65 Stealth

(Image credit: MSI)

8. MSI GS65 Stealth

Thin. Beautiful. Powerful.

CPU: Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB GDDR5X VRAM, Max-Q) | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) anti-glare, wide-view 144Hz panel | Storage: 512GB M.2 SSD

Beautiful, subtle design 
Excellent performance 
Underside gets very hot 

If you want to play some of the best PC games on the move, but you don’t want everyone to know you’re playing games, the MSI GS65 Stealth is the best gaming laptop for you. Coming in at just 17.5mm thick and featuring impressive hardware like Intel Coffee Lake processors and Nvidia GeForce GTX 10-series – refreshed with RTX 20-series graphics at CES – the MSI GS65 Stealth packs a ton of power into a very svelte package. There’s nothing you won’t be able to throw at this thing that’ll slow it down. And, thanks to the subdued design, you’ll be able to bring this beefy rig everywhere you go, making it on of the best gaming laptops on the market right now.

Read the full review: MSI GS65 Stealth 

Razer Blade 15 (2020)

(Image credit: Razer)

9. Razer Blade 15 (2020)

Gaming in style

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Screen: 144Hz FHD Matte or OLED 4K – 300Hz FHD Matte or OLED 4K Touch | Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe

Powerful
Plenty of ports
Top-mounted speakers
Expensive
Short battery life

Expensive though it may be – as is usual with the Razer Blade line – 2020’s installment of the Razer Blade 15 is staggeringly powerful, more than capable of annihilating any PC game you throw at it. With up to an RTX 2080 Super in the GPU department, there’s no doubt of its extra oomph, which makes it an excellent candidate for creative professionals as well, especially with that design that keeps things classy and a trackpad that’s among the best we’ve tested on a gaming laptop. If you’ve got deep pockets and you like to keep things stylish, this is the best gaming laptop for you.

Read the full review: Razer Blade 15 (2020)

Gigabyte Aorus 17G

(Image credit: Gigabyte)

10. Gigabyte Aorus 17G

Big, powerful, industrial

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super with Max-Q | RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4 | Screen: 17.3-inch Thin Bezel 240Hz FHD 1920x1080 anti-glare display LCD | Storage: 2x M.2 SSD

Excellent performance
Top-shelf build quality
Fast and color accurate display
Expensive
Heavy

If you want an absolute beast of a gaming laptop, Gigabyte’s Aorus 17G is a worthy candidate both inside and out. While this megalithic portable has a substantial weight of 2.7kg to match, it’s a small price to pay for such power inside – namely, 10th-generation processors and up to 64GB of memory, as well as Nvidia’s most powerful RTX and Super RTX cards. There’s nothing this laptop can handle (or annihilate), making it a prime example of what a next-generation desktop replacement can be. And, that’s without mentioning its 1080p display touting a whopping 240Hz refresh rate and its solid build. Just be ready to break that piggy bank, as this won’t be cheap.

Read the full review: Gigabyte Aorus 17G



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The best Ultrabooks in Australia for 2020: top thin and light laptops reviewed

The best Ultrabooks in Australia for 2020: top thin and light laptops reviewed

As we settle in for the 'work at home' long-haul, it's never been more important to have access to a powerful Ultrabook that can handle any task you throw at it. 

We can largely thank Apple and its MacBook Air for the Ultrabook trend we're seeing. Where large, clunky laptops aren't sleek enough, and thin, portable tablets aren't powerful enough, the Ultrabook shines.

A unibody chassis packed with some of the best SSDs, processors and battery life available to devices this size, the Ultrabook is a thin and portable marvel that'll let you get on with your business, browsing or buffering without the lengthy wait times.

With TechRadar's extensive reviewing and lab testing, we've got a strong idea of what's going to cut it in today's Ultrabook landscape, and on this page we've ranked the best of the best so that you can find yourself a bargain on the cream of the crop.

Whether you're chasing the well-known brands like Dell, HP, Microsoft and Lenovo, or some surprise entrants like Huawei and Razer, we've got you covered.

Best Ultrabooks in Australia at a glance

  1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
  2. Dell XPS 15 (2020)
  3. HP Spectre x360 (2020)
  4. MacBook Air (2020)
  5. Microsoft Surface Book 3
  6. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019)
  7. Razer Blade Stealth 13
  8. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
  9. Hp Elite Dragonfly
  10. Lenovo Yoga C930

Asus Zephyrus G14

The Asus Zephyrus G14 is an absolute beast of a laptop. (Image credit: Asus)

1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

The ultimate blend of work and play

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS – 9 4900HS | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | RAM: Up to 32GB | Screen: 14-inch Non-glare Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS-level panel, 120Hz – 14-inch Non-glare WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS-level panel, 60Hz | Storage: 512GB / 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0

Best battery life in a gaming laptop
Excellent performance
Thin and light
No webcam
Fans can get loud

We know, this is technically a gaming laptop, but for those that want to balance work and play, there's little else out there that's better value than the Zephyrus G14 right now. It's worth noting that it's missing a webcam and a Thunderbolt 3 port, so if that's a concern this isn't for you, but its solid battery life, compact form, and powerful specs do a fine job at balancing everything that you'll need from a laptop. This is an absolute beast for performance, with its AMD Ryzen 4000 processors and Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics card, best-in-class battery life that will last you all day long, a fast display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a lightweight, ultrathin design. The best part is that you’re getting all that without burning a hole in your pocket. Don’t get us wrong; it isn’t cheap. However, for a laptop this impressive, we’re surprised Asus isn’t asking for more.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 

Dell XPS 15

(Image credit: Dell)

2. Dell XPS 15 (2020)

Expensive, but certainly worth it

CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics – NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti | RAM: 8GB – 64GB | Screen: 15.6" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare 500-Nit – 15.6" UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit Display | Storage: 256GB – 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe

Amazing speakers
Beautiful display
Comfy keyboard
GTX 1650 Ti is a little weak
Expensive in Australia

Dell's XPS series is the closest the Windows world has come to that MacBook elegance, and this year's XPS 15 might just tempt a few more conversions. While it’s quite comfortably one of the best Ultrabooks this year, its price in Australia isn't quite as appealing as in other regions. With that said, you'll be getting plenty of punch if you do invest thanks to its meaty internals, not to mention its gorgeous bright display with 500 nits of brightness, extremely comfortable keyboard, impressive speakers, and terrific trackpad. We’re not saying that this laptop is perfect (the price in particular is a sore point), but our coveted 5 out of 5 rating should speak for itself.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15

HP Spectre x360 (2020)

(Image credit: HP)

3. HP Spectre x360 (2020)

HP’s flagship 2-in-1 gets a 2020 refresh

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit multitouch – 13.3" diagonal 4K (3840 x 2160) UWVA BrightView micro-edge AMOLED multitouch | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD

Stylish and high-quality finish
Great all-around performance
Built-in security features are useful
Battery life takes a hit
Can run hot at times

HP’s beloved and highly praised 2-in-1 is back with a vengeance, this time with more powerful components like the 10th-generation Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Plus graphics. Of course, that impeccable 2-in-1 design and pristine gem-cut chassis are back, as are its security features and Bang & Olufsen speakers. That killer combination makes it, now more than ever, one of the best Ultrabooks out there. Is it a wonder that this is one of our favorite laptops of 2020? If you care about aesthetics as much as you do performance and overall quality, this is the laptop for you.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 (2020) 

MacBook Air (2020)

(Image credit: Future)

4. MacBook Air (2020)

New and improved for 2020

CPU: 1.1GHz Intel Core i3-1000NG4 (dual-core, 4 threads, 4MB cache, up to 3.2GHz) | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus | RAM: 8GB (3,733MHz LPDDR4X) | Screen: 13.3-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 Retina True Tone display (backlit LED, IPS) | Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.61cm

Lower price of entry
New 10th generation processors
Improved keyboard
Screen colours a little muted
Battery life only OK
Webcam still just 720p

Addressing a number of complaints we’ve had about previous releases of Apple’s affordable thin and light laptop – particularly its keyboard on last year's model – The MacBook Air (2020) feels like a considerable step up almost every area of note. Gone are the old butterfly switches, which were too shallow for many people, and prone to failing if debris, such as dust and crumbs, fell between the keys, and in its place is the new Magic keyboard, which first appeared with the MacBook Pro 16-inch. Thanks to the long-overdue inclusion of new components, Apple's 2020 MacBook Air has received a decent uptick in performance, too, making it an easy Ultrabook to recommend.

Read the full review: MacBook Air (2020)

Microsoft Surface Book 3

(Image credit: Microsoft)

5. Microsoft Surface Book 3

An extremely premium piece of kit

CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G7 – i7-1065G7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics – NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti with Max-Q Design | RAM: 8GB – 32GB 3733Mhz LPDDR4x | Screen: 13.5-inch 3000 x 2000 (267 PPI) – 15-inch 3240 x 2160 (260 PPI) PixelSense Display | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB PCIe SSD

Beautiful design
Comfortable keyboard
Gorgeous screen
Weak U-series processor
Tiny trackpad
Lackluster speakers

In many ways, the Surface Book 3 is an example of just how far the best laptops have come in just a few short years. It has an extremely premium piece of kit – with one of the best displays we’ve used in a laptop, a keyboard that will put the MacBook Pro’s new Magic Keyboards to shame, and a hybrid design with a removable screen. At less than an inch thick, and only 12.3 x 9.14 inches for its 13-inch model and 13.5 x 9.87 inches for its 15-inch version, this is also among the best Ultrabooks 2020 has to offer. It doesn't necessarily have the strongest processor when compared to many rivals on this list, so you'll need to weigh up this delightful form factor against your more intensive computing needs.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 3

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019)

(Image credit: Future)

6. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019)

No longer a compromise?

CPU: 1.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 – 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 – 655 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) 2560 x 1600 LED-backlit display with IPS technology | Storage: 128GB – 2TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 0.59 x 11.97 x 8.36 inches

Good build quality
Thin and light design
Decent performance
Excellent battery life
Expensive
No option without Touch Bar
Same Butterfly keyboard switches

The 13-inch MacBook Pro 2019 has perhaps received the biggest update out of the three MacBook revisions that Apple rolled out in 2019. Next to the MacBook Pro 15-inch and the MacBook Air 2019 models, the MacBook Pro 13-inch has certainly come out the winner. In terms of upgrades from previous models, the inclusion of updated components and Apple's Touch Bar are arguably the most notable, this all makes the new MacBook Pro 13-inch (2019) feels less like a compromise for those who don't want to shell out for a larger and more expensive model. If you’re looking for a compact MacBook Pro that still offers plenty of oomph, the MacBook Pro 13-inch (2019) is the one for you.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019)

7. Razer Blade Stealth 13

Don’t be fooled: this is more than a gamer’s laptop

CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch | Storage: 256GB

Larger, brighter display
Subtler aesthetics
Solid build
A touch expensive
Lacks discrete GPU

Razer has to deal with the common misconception that it’s solely a gaming laptop and peripheral company, a reputation it subverted when it introduced the Blade Stealth back in 2016. And, if you’re unconvinced, the latest edition of the Razer Blade Stealth may change your mind. 

Read the full review: Razer Blade Stealth

(Image credit: Future)

8. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

Longer-lasting than most

CPU: Quad-core 10th Gen Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8GB – 32GB | Screen: 15” 2496 x 1664 PixelSense Touch Display | Storage: 128GB – 1TB

Excellent battery life
Exciting AMD flagship debut
Far too few ports
Lacking in power

With an impressive, reasonable price tag and some of the best battery life we’ve experienced in a 15-inch laptop, the Surface Laptop 3 certainly has a lot going for it. That also includes the fact that it’s got a great look and feel, as well as a weight that surprisingly light for a product its size. Performance-wise, it certainly knocks it out of the park. While it isn’t the most powerful 15-inch laptop out there, it has Intel’s 10th-generation chips and the Iris Plus graphics. That’s more than enough to make it one of the best Ultrabooks out there for 2020.

Read the full review: Surface Laptop 3 

HP Elite Dragonfly

(Image credit: HP)

9. HP Elite Dragonfly

One of the best Ultrabooks for the travelling professional

CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB - 16GB | Screen: 13.3" diagonal Full HD touch display – Full HD touch Sure View display | Storage: 256 GB SSD

Impeccable design
Excellent battery life
Pretty expensive

If you’re a traveling professional, and you’re looking for a plenty-capable machine, then the Elite Dragonfly from HP is certainly a solid choice. In other regions, the pricing make this a no-brainer and a fairly safe list-topper, but in Australia the price puts it a bit of a disadvantage. Regardless, it delivers a deadly combination of incredible features like a sublime keyboard and amazing speakers, raw power, portability, a beautiful design and a long battery life. Admittedly, it’s pricier than many competing laptops, but if you’ve got the funds, it’s worth every penny.

Read the full review: HP Elite Dragonfly

Lenovo Yoga C930

10. Lenovo Yoga C930

A 2-in-1 laptop experience with little to no compromise

CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: up to 16 GB DDR4 | Screen: 13.9-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – UHD (3,840 x 2,160) | Storage: up to 2 TB PCIe SSD

Strong build quality
Robust feature set
Excellent battery life
Weak graphics performance
Pricey upgrade options

The Lenovo Yoga C930 has many of the makings of the best ultrabook – from a whopping 14.5 hours of battery life and dual Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C ports to internal components that will breeze through those daily productivity tasks. That’s without even mentioning a 2-in-1 that offers form versatility so you can squeeze in some light gaming and movie-watching post-productivity. It has a few cherries on top as well, namely the integrated self-charging stylus and the fab speaker system.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga C930



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Best laptop sales in Australia: cheap laptops to buy in October 2020

Best laptop sales in Australia: cheap laptops to buy in October 2020

UPDATE: Dell’s official eBay store currently has 20% off a range of laptops, 2-in-1s and gaming machines when you enter the code PD20TEK at checkout. We've highlighted some of our top picks below, or you can shop the entire sale here.

If you’re looking for a cheap laptop or a mammoth saving on a premium portable computer, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the web for savings and rounded up all the genuine deals in one neat place.

You’ll find we’ve covered everything from budget browsing machines to high-performance powerhouses, so you’ll no doubt find something here to match your needs.

We’ve highlighted a selection of the latest deals that we’ve sniffed out, and if you scroll further down, we've rounded up some of our favourite laptops in a dedicated buying guide.

Best laptop deals this week

Laptops & ultrabooks

Dell XPS 15 (7590) | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD / GTX 1650 | AU$2,159.20 (RRP AU$3,099; save AU$939.80)

This laptop brings the power and design of the XPS to 15-inches of screen real estate. This model has a 9th-gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. It also has an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU for basic gaming, which will look great with UHD resolution on its OLED panel. Available from Dell’s official eBay store, with the code PD20TEK knocking an extra 20% off the price.View Deal

Dell Inspiron 14 7000 (7400) | i7 / 16GB / 1TB SSD | AU$1,623.20 (RRP AU$2,899; save AU$1,275.80)

This lovely machine is featuring an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a hefty 1TB SSD. That’s a combination sure to handle almost anything your home or work use demands. It has a crisp and vibrant 14.5-inch screen, and a slim form factor that should make it easy to carry around. Use the code PD20TEK to bring the price down to AU$1,623.20.View Deal

Dell Inspiron 14 3000 (3493) | i5 / 8GB / 256GB SSD | AU$748 (RRP AU$1,099; save AU$351)

You can now pick up this little beauty for just AU$748 from eBay. That’ll set you up with a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD – enough to handle everyday tasks just fine and store plenty of files. Dell’s slashed an extra 20% off this already discounted laptop, all you need is the code PD20TEK.View Deal

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (8th Gen) | i5 / 8GB / 512GB SSD | AU$2,239.30 (RRP AU$3,199; save AU$959.70)

This laptop is from Lenovo’s range of business-focused laptops, and our colleagues at Laptop Mag still recommend it as the best Lenovo laptop available today. It’s incredibly light, yet durable as well, and the 1080p display on this model means you’ll get nearly 10 hours of battery life. This 8th iteration of the X1 Carbon now features 10th-gen Intel chips too. Available directly from Lenovo with a 30% discount.View Deal

Dell XPS 13 (7390) | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD | AU$2,124 (RRP AU$2,499; save AU$375)

It’s last year’s version of the Dell XPS 13, but it’s still an absolutely stellar machine with a 10th-gen Core i7 chip and 512GB of solid-state storage. It’s the silver version of the laptop, and Dell’s InfinityEdge display leaves plenty of room to enjoy your streaming services. Work or play, this sleek machine will deliver. Now 15% directly from Dell.View Deal

2-in-1s

Dell Latitude 9410 2-in-1 | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD | AU$3,036 (RRP AU$8,204; save AU$5,168)

This is a business laptop that impresses in almost every way. It’s boasting an incredible 17 hours of battery life, so it’ll comfortably take you through the working day and then some. Inside this sleek and sturdy laptop is a 10th-gen Core i7 CPU, matched with 16GB of RAM to handle heavy workloads. The RRP on this machine is exorbitant, but the price has now been significantly slashed by the manufacturer. Pick it up from Dell and truly save a packet.View Deal

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD | AU$2,169 (RRP AU$3,099; save AU$930)

This is Dell’s premium XPS 13 machine in a versatile chassis. This particular configuration has Intel’s latest 10th-gen Core i7 chip inside, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. It’s also got a lovely 13.4-inch Full HD touchscreen display. If you want top-of-the-line specs in a flexible laptop, this one is hard to beat. Now AU$930 off from Dell’s online store.View Deal

Dell Latitude 5300 | i7 / 8GB / 256GB SSD | AU$2,387 (RRP AU$4,919; save AU$2,532)

It might have an older 8th-gen Core i7 processor under the hood, but don’t underestimate this 13-inch Latitude 2-in-1. With ExpressCharge support that adds 80% battery juice in an hour and Wi-Fi constantly running in the background, it’s designed for the busy professional constantly on the move. And, to make this even better, there’s a hefty 51% off the device directly from Dell.View Deal

Gaming

Alienware m15 R3 | i7 / 16GB / 1TB SSD / RTX 2070 Super | AU$3,384 (RRP AU$4,399; save AU$1,015)

This is a brilliant gaming beast inside a thin 15-inch chassis, and it’s far more stylish than anything Alienware has offered up in the past. Along with a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, you’re also getting 16GB of RAM and an RTX 2070 Super graphics card. This incredible machine has had a massive AU$1,015 discount, just enter the code PD20TEK at Dell’s eBay store to save.View Deal

Dell G7 17 (7700) | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD / RTX 2070 | AU$1,888.80 (RRP AU$2,999; save AU$1,110.20)

Gaming laptops can be a pricey investment, but now you can pick up this Dell G7 17 for under AU$2,000. While it’s not from the top-tier Alienware line, this 17-incher is a pretty powerful machine. It’s equipped with a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and a gritty Nvidia RTX 2070 GPU. It’s now steeply discounted on Dell’s eBay store, just use the code PD20TEK.View Deal

Lenovo Legion Y740 | i7 / 16GB / 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD | GTX 1660 Ti | AU$2,299 (RRP AU$3,299; save AU$1,000

This discounted Legion Y740 is outfitted with a 9th-gen Intel i7 processor, 16GB of system memory and very generous storage options. You’ll have a 15-inch IPS display with 500 nits of brightness and Nvidia G-Sync too. Now available from Lenovo with 30% slashed off the RRP – that’s a solid AU$1,000 discount.View Deal

  • Find great bargains and compare Australian prices on the latest tech at Getprice

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We'll keep on updating the list of deals as and when we find them. Below, you'll find up to date prices on TechRadar's favourite laptops, so keep an eye out for those savings.

The best deals on our favourite laptops

Over the years we've reviewed plenty of laptops, and as a result, we've seen what to avoid and what to jump on when there's savings to be had. We'll keep track of the prices of some of the best we've seen so that you can snatch up a bargain when they do show up. Check out the prices below and see if anything has dropped enough to spark your interest.

Dell XPS 13 2020

(Image credit: Future)

Our favourite overall laptop: Dell XPS 13 (2020)

Dell's latest Ultrabook is simply the best laptop in the world

CPU: 10th generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – 4K (3,840 x 2,160) | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD

Gorgeous design
Excellent battery life
Lackluster audio
Expensive

Saying that we’re very happy with Dell’s XPS 13 is a huge understatement. At first glance, its slim profile and small frame don’t give away the powerful performance and gorgeous 13-inch display inside. Typically, you’d have to weigh up portability and performance, but the XPS 13 has managed to strike a fine balance between the two. Sporting Intel’s latest 10th-generation chips, much-improved battery life and barely-there bezels, the starting price of the newest iteration of the XPS 13 is a tempting proposition. We’re so chuffed with it that it’s still our favourite Ultrabook, and has taken the top spot as the best laptop overall.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 (2020)

(Image credit: Future)

Our favourite gaming laptop: Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED

The original designer's laptop gets an OLED upgrade

CPU: Intel Core i7 9750H | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 (8GB GDDR6; MaxQ) | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, 4K (3,840 x 2,160), 60HZ, AMOLED, Gloss | Storage: 512GB SSD

4K HDR OLED screen
RTX GPU and 9th-gen CPU
Sleek with better thermal management
Reasonably priced
Max 60HZ refresh rate
Unfortunate webcam placement

It’s true, the Aero 15 range from Gigabyte is aimed at creatives. However, it’s also an attractive option for gamers – with powerful internals, a brilliant display and a sleek chassis – so we think it’s one of the best-value gaming machines Australians can get their hands on. The 2019 model boasts a 15-inch 4K HDR screen, which is ideal whether you’re looking to buy for high-resolution on-the-go gaming or its intended creative use. Under the hood it’s also got the option of the latest Nvidia RTX series GPUs and 9th-gen Intel Core CPUs.

Read the full review: Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED

(Image credit: Future)

Our favourite 2-in-1: Lenovo Yoga C930

A 2-in-1 laptop experience with little to no compromise

CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8550U | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 13.9” UHD (3,840 x 2,160) IPS Glossy Multi-touch with Dolby Vision | Storage: 1 TB PCIe SSD | Connectivity: 802.11 AC (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 4.1 | Camera: 720p HD Camera

Strong build quality
Robust feature set
Excellent battery life
Weak graphics performance

This premium portable 2-in-1 has a lot to love: a strong build, excellent battery life and a robust feature set. It has a 360° hinge, so can easily be converted from a conventional clamshell to a handheld tablet. There’s also the addition of Dolby Atmos speakers, cleverly built into the rotating hinge, so you’ll have superb sound whichever way you use it. The screen too is vibrant, though the graphics performance could leave some wanting. Still, with an 8th-generation chip, it’s a solid all-rounder for the 2-in-1 crowd.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga C930

Acer Aspire 3

(Image credit: Acer)

Our favourite student laptop: Acer Aspire 3 15-inch

A Chromebook for schoolwork, and then some

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i3-10110U | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080; non-touch) | Storage: 128GB

Great value
Lightweight
Limited to Chrome OS

If you’re looking for a student laptop, chances are you’re shopping on a budget. If that’s the case, our go-to bang-for-buck pick is the Acer Aspire 3 15-inch laptop. It’s a Chromebook, which means it runs on Google’s Chrome OS and is ideal for those with a reliable internet connection who want a laptop to browse the web and complete coursework online. The battery life isn’t the best, but if you don’t mind keeping your charging cable with you during the day, it certainly offers excellent value for money.

MacBook Pro 16-inch

(Image credit: Future)

Our favourite Apple laptop: Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

The best MacBook Pro ever

CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M – Radeon Pro 5500M | RAM: 16GB – 64GB | Screen: 16-inch Retina display with True Tone | Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD

Stunning 16-inch screen
New and improved keyboard
Expensive
Limited to four Thunderbolt 3 ports

If you’re firmly placed in the Apple ecosystem, or you’re a Windows user thinking about converting, then we think the 2019 version of the MacBook Pro is the best Mac you can buy. It has a generous 16-inch display, and while that may spell a bulky laptop for other brands on the market, Apple remains true to form with this svelte machine. It’s got the latest and greatest components under the hood, rounded out with high-quality speakers and a much better keyboard than older models.

Read the full review: Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

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If you're after some more further info on the best laptops, check out some of our other dedicated articles:

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



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Black Friday tablet deals: save up to $300 on Surface Pro and Galaxy Tabs at Best Buy

Black Friday tablet deals: save up to $300 on Surface Pro and Galaxy Tabs at Best Buy

Tablet deals are always a hot ticket item over the yearly Black Friday sales event, and no doubt they're on the shopping list of many consumers right now, being such perfect gifts for loved ones (or yourself - we don't judge).

If you're one of the tablet deals hunters, we recommend heading right on over to Best Buy's early Black Friday sale this weekend - especially if you're looking for a top Android or Windows tablet.

Not only can you score yourself a $100 discount on Samsung's latest range of Galaxy Tab devices, but there's some eye-wateringly great $300 off tablet deals on a range of Microsoft's Surface Pro 7's right now.

Casual Android tablet users and power users alike will be catered for with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite for $249.99 (was $349.99) and the Galaxy Tab S7 for $549.99 (was $649.99), respectively. These are both fantastic for general use tablets, though if you're looking for the very latest and most powerful Android tablet from Samsung, check out the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus for $749.99 (was $849.99). A $100 on all these Samsung tablet deals make them a really viable option for those who aren't quite settled on grabbing a new iPad this November.

Also recommended are these $300 off deals on the baseline Microsoft Surface Pro 7 for $599 (was $959), and this upgraded version for $999 (was $1,329). Both these tablets come with a bundled in Black Type cover worth $129 by itself that'll allow you to get full laptop-like functionality on top. Being Windows devices too, they're an incredibly versatile option if you're looking for a device that straddles the worlds of both laptops and tablets.

Want to see more? Check out our main Black Friday deals page, plus our bespoke Best Buy Black Friday deals for more excellent sales this weekend.

Tablet deals at Best Buy early Black Friday

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (64GB): $349.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
With a 10.4-inch screen, 64GB of expandable storage, and a generous 7,040 mAh battery, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a fantastic mid-range tablet that's perfect if you want that everyday tablet for casual and work us. And, worth noting is all Galaxy Tab's on sale right now at Best Buy comes with a free S-Pen - a great little gadget for drawing and handwriting.
View Deal

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (128GB): $649.99 $549.99 at Best Buy
Alternatively, get the newest, latest, and hottest Samsung tablet currently on the market, the Galaxy Tab S7 right now for $100 less at Best Buy. With a 120hz refresh rate display, redesigned S-Pen, and 8GB of RAM, the Tab S7 is the perfect Android answer to a certain line of Pro tablets from a well-known company beginning with A.
View Deal

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus (128GB): $849.99 $749.99 at Best Buy
Or, really push the boat out with a $100 discount on the top-of-the-line Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus today at Best Buy. These gorgeous 12.4-inch slates have an AMOLED display that's capable of bringing a tear to the eye of the most jaded of tech aficionados. Plus, an upgraded S-Pen and 128GB of internal storage will make sure you've got plenty of room and utility for all your casual, business, and gaming needs.
View Deal

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (128GB): $959 $599 at Best Buy
You're getting a Black Type cover worth $129 by itself bundled into this awesome tablet deal on a Microsoft Surface Pro 7 at Best Buy today. That means you're not only getting a great Windows tablet here, but also full laptop functionality if you choose. It's also a decent price on this spec - a 10th gen Intel Core i3, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD to be precise.
View Deal

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (256GB): $1,329 $999 at Best Buy
And, you can even get the same $300 off plus Black Type cover bundle deal on this upgraded spec Surface Pro 7 too. This one's packing a 10th gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD - specs that will challenge even a Dell XPS when it comes to computing power. Recommended, especially if you're going to be using your tablet for design work or heavy tasks.
View Deal

More Best Buy Black Friday deals

For more excellent options, head on over to our best cheap Android tablet deals article, where you'll find some great inexpensive alternatives. We've also got the best iPad deals right here for you to check out, just in case you wanted to consider the best tablet deals on Apple's devices.



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LG reveals the StanbyME Go, a portable tablet with its own stylish suitcase

When it comes to protecting a smartphone or tablet, tech companies usually opt for, tough tempered glass or rely on third parties to sell ...