If you're looking to snag an early Black Friday Apple deal, then you're in luck. We've just spotted Apple's all-new iPad Pro on sale for $699.99 at Amazon when you apply the additional $50 savings at checkout. That's a massive $100 discount and the lowest price we've seen for the powerful tablet.
We've only seen the 2021 tablet dip to this price once before, and we typically don't see discounts like this until the official Black Friday 2021 sale. Early Black Friday Apple deals like this usually don't stick around for long, and this additional savings from Amazon is a limited-time offer.
iPad Pro 11-inch 2021 (128GB):$799$699.99 at Amazon
Save $100 - Amazon has the all-new iPad Pro on sale for $699.99 when you apply the additional $50 savings at checkout. That's a $100 discount and the lowest price we've seen for the 11-inch tablet. The 2021 iPad Pro packs $128GB of storage and delivers laptop-like power and speed thanks to Apple's M1 chip. This early Black Friday deal is a limited-time offer from Amazon, so you should snag it now before it's too late.
Apple's all-new iPad Pro features a stunning 11-inch Liquid Retina display, an ultra-wide front-facing camera, and an impressive speaker system. Perfect for students, the lightweight iPad Pro delivers more power than most laptops by offering Apple's M1 chipset and 128GB of storage. You're also getting Face ID for secure authentication, Apple Pay, and an all-day battery life.
Nvidia could be readying an RTX 3080 Ti laptop graphics card if the rumor mill is to be believed.
Speculation about higher-end notebook GPUs from Nvidia has been flying around for quite some time now, although previous leaks from a few months or so back pointed to the possibility of an RTX 3080 Super model (plus 3070 Super for that matter).
This fresh spillage has pinned the Ti label, rather than Super branding, on the purportedly incoming RTX 3080 variant, with the theory being that this product will be based on Nvidia’s GA103 GPU (GN20-E8), as noted in a tweet from Matthew Smith which VideoCardz spotted (Smith is the keeper of TechPowerUp’s GPU database).
it seems the RTX 3080 Ti Mobile will use the GA103 chip.October 30, 2021
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The leak, as VideoCardz explains, actually originates from somebody posting on a PCI Device ID database with the handle ‘Faintsnow’ who is presumed to work for a graphics card maker. Faintsnow added the details of the GPU and confirmed that it’ll be the ‘GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU’ when questioned on what Nvidia’s name for this graphics solution would be.
No other details are provided here, so the info imparted is admittedly thin on the ground.
Analysis: Some kind of high-end laptop GPU inbound for early 2022?
Obviously, we need to keep a healthy sense of skepticism about the veracity of this, as that original source is a murky one, really.
That said, this is a rumor which has been kicking around for a while, and it does seem a likely move for Nvidia to release a laptop GPU with more oomph in the near-ish future – previously the grapevine has held that this mobile graphics card (or cards) could be unveiled early in 2022. Meaning we might be looking at a CES launch in January 2022, and if that is the case, we’d expect to be hearing a lot more from the rumor mill on this GPU in short order.
There has been some controversy in the past about whether the supposed RTX 3080 Ti or Super might step up from the GA104 employed in the notebook RTX 3080 card to use the GA103 as indicated here, because as you may recall regular rumor peddler Kopite7kimi – who first spilled the goods on the GA103 laptop chip – said at one point that it was quite likely canceled.
Kopite7kimi chimed in with this latest leak, as well, speculating that maybe this new discovery could even be an RTX 3090 mobile, not a 3080 Ti. On the naming front, it should be noted that Nvidia has never used the Ti suffix for a mobile GPU, so there’s that to bear in mind too when it comes to the name guessing game.
Whatever it ends up being called, the possibility that Nvidia still has a more powerful high-end laptop GPU in the wings, waiting to step up and become the new flagship for Ampere in gaming notebooks, is definitely still alive.
But what is you want a different notebook; right now, there's only one laptop that can truly match a top of the range MacBook Pro off the shelf. The Macbook Pro's nearest rival is the Dell XPS 17 9710, powered by Windows 11 Home (with no option for Windows 11 Pro, out of the box, which is an oddity).
It doesn’t quite carry the same cachet as Apple’s newest machine, but still has a few cards up its sleeve if you're looking for a Windows 11 laptop that's at least in the same ballpark.
We believe however that the price of the XPS 17 is likely to be part of Dell's Black Friday deals so keep tabs on it. The current price is its lowest yet.
Rivaling the MacBook Pro
The top-of-the-range XPS 17 model actually shares some similarities with the MacBook. It has a 97WHr battery, can host up to 8GB of RAM and accommodate 8TB of SSD (potentially in RAID-0 for even faster performance).
While it doesn't have any HDMI port, it does have four Thunderbolt 4 ports, one audio jack and one SD card slot.
It features a larger 17-inch display that is 20% sharper than Apple’s with a higher-than-4K resolution - oh and it is touch-capable. It is less bright than Apple's though (1,000 nits vs 500 nits).
It's powered by an Nvidia Geforce GTX 3060 GPU with 6GB of GDDR6 video memory, which should is more than a match for the 32 cores in the MacBook Pro with the M1 Max.
As you might expect, Dell has the upper hand when it comes to pricing. At $5,095.99 (around £3,730/AU$6,800), the XPS 17 undercuts Apple’s equivalent by a staggering 20%, with the equivalent MacBook Pro 16 coming in at $6,099 (roughly £4,460/AU$8,200).
The comparison becomes even less favorable for Apple when you factor in warranty and services. AppleCare+ for the new MacBook Pro costs $399 and includes a three-year warranty, two incidents of accidental damage and 24/7 priority access to Apple experts.
Dell, on the other hand, provides 4-year Premium Support Plus (with accidental damage service) for just under $500, which is much better value. The XPS 15 might not garner the same attention and acclaim as Apple's machine, but its many qualities and cheaper price tag make it a serious contender.
Bear in mind
If this XPS 17 model is not available in your territory, you may have to use a specialist parcel forwarding service if you want to take advantage of the deal.
If you've managed to get hold of a cheaper product with equivalent specifications, in stock and brand new, let us know and we'll tip our hat to you.
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The best gaming laptops can give you an excellent gaming experience with the best PC games on the road or just from your couch, making them some of the most sought after Black Friday deals year after year – not to mention all the typical Cyber Monday sales we usually see on tech products.
Just because a gaming laptop has all the latest and best hardware like RTX 3080 mobile GPUs, large displays with blazing fast refresh rates, and more doesn't automatically push aside some of the more lower-specced options though.
Some of the best gaming laptops aren't the most flashy, but they still offer a great value with solid performance at an unbeatable price. There are also some fantastic slimmer gaming laptops out there that can easily fit in the some of the best backpacks out there without trouble, letting you game away from home while keeping things fashionable – something that their beefier, bigger competitors certainly struggle with.
So no matter your need or budget, you definitely have options when it comes to the best gaming laptops, but it can be tough to sort through all the available options to find the really quality products that will let you game on the go for years to come.
Fortunately, we're hear to help you sort the good from the bad so that you can find the best gaming laptop for your need and budget.
How to choose the best gaming laptop for you?
Choosing the best gaming laptop is easy when you’ve got deep pockets or have a couple of thousand dollars to spare. It’s when your budget is more limited that getting a great gaming laptop becomes trickier.
Lucky for us, we’re getting plenty of more affordably-priced CPUs and GPUs that don’t compromise on power. The latest internals like the Intel Comet Lake, AMD Big Navi and the Nvidia RTX 3000 series are more capable yet also cheaper than ever. That means that gaming notebooks under $1000 can be just as capable as any gaming PC while keeping things portable and space-saving like the best Ultrabooks.
Still, some components are more powerful or cheaper than others. While it’s no longer a hard and fast rule, AMD’s offerings are generally more affordable, which means that AMD Ryzen-powered laptops tend to be slightly cheaper.
In terms of graphics cards, Nvidia is still king when it comes to performance, although which RTX card you should go for depends on the type of gaming experience you want. The RTX 3060, for example, is a terrific mid-range contender with lots of power for 1080p gaming. However, if you want that 4K goodness, an RTX 3070 or higher is the way to go.
Consider the RAM as well. There are many gaming laptops that start you off with an 8GB DDR4 memory, which is the minimum these days. However, if you play a lot of demanding AAA titles, at least 16GB is recommended for the smoothest experience.
Other things to look at are the amount of storage, type of display, and type and variety of ports. Take a look at the battery life as well, especially if you plan on gaming on the go. Know that just because something is premium doesn’t automatically mean it’ll deliver a long battery life – the Alienware laptops are a cautionary tale. And, of course, since you do have to like how your gaming notebook looks, think about the design and whether or not you want RGB lighting.
AMD Ryzen 9 | RTX 3080 | 32GB RAM There's absolutely no game this laptop won't be able to handle if you go for these specs, with a powerful Ryzen 9 processor and mobile Nvidia RTX 3080 laptop GPU. Along with 32GB of RAM, this is a gaming laptop that will last you for years.
The Asus ROG Zephyrus line has produced some of the best gaming laptops out there, and the new ROG Zephyrus G15 is no exception. Fitted with the latest and most powerful AMD Ryzen and Nvidia RTX 3000 series, they’re incredibly powerful and able to see you through the most demanding games. Of course, that legendary battery life has made an appearance, as well as that stylish chassis. If you want a high performing gaming laptop that’s affordably-priced to boot, nothing beats this one.
CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-11375H | Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | RAM: Up to 16GB DDR4-3200 | Screen: Up to 15.6-inch WQHD anti-glare 165Hz IPS-level display with Adaptive Sync | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
Battery life up to 10 hours
Strong gaming performance in a thin chassis
Keyboard lighting color can't be changed
Our favorite Asus TUF Dash F15 config:
Intel Core i7 | RTX 3050 Ti | 8GB RAM The Asus TUF Dash F15 is a great affordable gaming laptop, and this one offers good specs, including a Core i7 11th gen processor and RTX 3050 Ti GPU. For 1080p gaming, this is fine, but the most important thing is the low price, making it ideal for people on a budget.
The Asus TUF line is no stranger to affordable great performers. Last year’s Asus TUF A15, for instance, was simply brilliant while keeping things accessible to budget-conscious gamers. The Asus TUF Dash F15 is back to preserve that affordability while also delivering brute strength. It brings in Intel Tiger Lake processors, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3000 mobile GPUs, and up to a 240Hz 1080p display without costing a fortune while also keeping things light, thin, and military-grade durable.
Intel Core i7 | RTX 3080 | 32GB RAM We love this model of the Gigabyte Aorus 17G because it comes with some killer specs, including an RTX 3080 laptop graphics card and 32GB of RAM, plus a powerful Core i7 processor. This can play any modern game with ease, and is ideal for streamers who need to multitask.
A tactile mechanical keyboard and a 300Hz refresh rate display are just the beginning. The Gigabyte Aorus 17G (2021) touts an incredible gaming performance that might just be worthy of desktop gaming PCs. With one of the RTX 3000 GPUs under the hood, this will see you through the most graphics-intensive games, including competitive ones. And, because of its impressive battery life, you can do so away from a power source.
CPU: Up to AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX | Graphics: Up to Nvidia RTX 3080 | RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4 3200MHz | Screen: 16" QHD (2560 x 1600) IPS HDR 400, 500 nits, 165Hz | Storage: Up to 2 TB PCIe SSD
Superb performance
Sleek design with plenty of ports
Battery life is lacking
Our favorite Lenovo Legion 7 (Gen 6) config:
AMD Ryzen 7 | RTX 3070 | 16GB RAM The Lenovo Legion 7 (Gen 6) is not exactly cheap, but you can certainly customize one for a more down-to-earth price. For that, we like the Ryzen 7, RTX 3070 setup, which will see you through high-res at 60fps or faster gaming beautifully while knocking off a few hundred bucks/quid off the main model.
A fantastic laptop that delivered astounding performance across the board, the Lenovo Legion 7 (Gen 6) has proven itself already worth its steep price tag – even if it’s not exactly something most people can afford. This is a pricey behemoth with only about three hours of battery life, but if you’re ok with something you wouldn’t want to travel with, this is a winner. Apart from its unrivalled gaming performance, you’re also getting a bunch of RGB lighting options and a bunch of ports – three USBs, three USB-C, an HDMI 2.1 and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports – so you’ll never need a separate hub for your peripherals.
CPU: Up to 10th Generation Intel Core i9-10980HK | Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4 2933MHz | Screen: 17.3" UHD 60Hz 25ms 500-nits display | Storage: Up to 4TB SSD + 512GB SSD
Blazing fast performance
Stylish chassis with plenty of ports
Battery life of less than 3 hours
Our favorite Alienware m17 R4 config:
Intel Core i7 | RTX 3070 | 16GB RAM We love this configuration of the Alienware m17 because it features amazing performance without being so expensive. The RTX 3070 is a perfect fit for the 1080p high-refresh display, and because it's the highest-power option for the 3070, you're going to get the same performance as most laptop-class RTX 3080s anyways.
It’s not always going to be substance over style. The Alienware m17 series continues to prove this with the new Alienware m17 R4, an extremely powerful gaming laptop with plenty of ports and an extremely stylish chassis that lights up like a Christmas tree. That way, you can play all the latest AAA games smoothing and in style. Of course, this being one of the fastest gaming laptops in 2021, it won’t be cheap. However, if you have the money, you’ll be glad you chose this.
Has some kinks and bugs that need to be worked out
Our favorite Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition config
AMD Ryzen 9 | Radeon RX 6800M | 16GB RAM This is the configuration we got in for review, and it is perfect for playing the latest and greatest games with all the options set up. And because it's a 1080p display at 300Hz, this hardware is perfect for playing the latest and greatest esports titles.
Powerful great-value laptops aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, so when one does come out every now and then, we’re only too happy to test it out. The Asus ROG Strix G15 AMD Advantage Edition, one of the latest best value laptops to hit the streets, is AMD’s successful swing at the high-end, boasting AMD’s top processor and GPU. But, it isn’t just its performance that takes center stage here. That battery life is astounding as well, especially considering those powerful specs.
CPU: 11th-gen Intel Core H Series | Graphics: Up to GeForce RTX 3080 | RAM: Up to 16GB or 32GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD 360Hz, QHD 240Hz (G-SYNC) or 4K OLED Touch | Storage: 1TB PCIe
Still the best trackpad in a Windows laptop
Excellent performance in a beautiful design
Short battery life
Our favorite Razer Blade Pro 17 config
Intel Core i7 | RTX 3070 | 16GB RAM The Razer Blade 15 (2021) is a premium purchase, but most people will find a more affordable prospect with this more approachable configuration, which is plenty powerful for smooth 4K gaming – though you’ll have to spring for a 4K monitor separately. Those who want sheer power could always go for the RTX 3080 model.
The 2021 follow-up to the Razer Blade 15 line doesn’t fall far from the tree. It’s just as gorgeous and glamorous as ever, wearing its luxurious, thin and light design like its reputation depends on it. But, it isn’t just a beautiful piece of kit; it’s a powerful one too. Its 11th-gen chips and Series 3000 GPUs ensure that it delivers an excellent performance worthy of gamers. Razer then rounds it all out with a comfortable keyboard and among the best trackpad in a Windows laptop. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that’s just as powerful as it is beautiful, this one’s a win.
AMD Ryzen 9 | RTX 3080 | 32GB RAM The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 is another laptop that shines the most at the top-end of the spectrum. This is not the laptop you're going to want to go after if you're looking for a bargain, but it absolutely is what you want if you want ultimate performance.
One of the most powerful gaming laptops that money can buy in 2021, the Asus ROG Strix SCAR 17 G733 barely breaks a sweat. That excellent performance is due to the impressive specs it’s kitted out with, which also sadly put out of most people’s reach, price-wise. If you can afford it, however, there are a few other things you’ll love about it, including that unapologetic design that lights up like Christmas due to its resplendent RGB lighting and that optical mechanical keyboard that’s simply one of the best we've experienced on a laptop. This is among the best of the best out there, and a worthy consideration if you’re not limited by your budget.
AMD Ryzen 7 | RTX 3070 | 8GB RAM The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a great mid-range gaming laptop and this config is perfect for someone that doesn't want to break $2,000 to get some great gaming performance. It does only have 8GB of RAM, but you can upgrade that later.
Hands down one of the best gaming laptops we’ve tested, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro comes with all the makings of a nearly perfect portable for gaming. Its incredible performance is matched only by that gorgeous QHD IPS screen with up to 500 nits of brightness, Dolby Vision, and up to a 165Hz refresh rate. It also boasts excellent hardware controls, admirable battery life, and a full-sized keyboard. Budget-minded gamers will also appreciate the fact that while it’s among the best in its class, it’s also reasonably priced, making it a better value than its peers.
AMD Ryzen 9 | RTX 3060 | 16GB RAM When it comes to Razer laptops, it's tempting for us to rave about the top-end SKU, but this one with a 1080p display, a powerful Ryzen 9 processor and 16GB of RAM is an excellent pick if you just want a portable gaming laptop that can power through anything you throw at it.
A luxurious portable option comes in the form of a Razer, naturally. The manufacturer’s latest gaming laptop release, the Razer Blade 14, comes with lots of power with a Ryzen 9 from the 5000 series as well as the most powerful Nvidia 3000 graphics. That means you can pretty much play the latest AAA game on it without lugging around a heavy device around with you. At 0.66 inches thick and just under 4lb, that thin and light chassis is definitely a boon to gamers who often travel. Luckily, it also boasts a luxe design so you won’t hesitate to pull it out at a cafe or on a train. Of course, things are still solid, from performance to build.
Testing a gaming laptop isn’t as easy as you might think. But, then again, neither is narrowing down your options and choosing the best one for you, which is why we take our job seriously. Even if that means gaming for hours on end – hey, someone’s gotta make the sacrifice, right?
In all seriousness, we put every gaming laptop we test through its paces to make sure it delivers as promised and is worth your hard-earned case. That means that on top of playing the latest and hottest games on it, noting things like gaming and thermal performance, we also run synthetic benchmarks like PCMark 10, 3DMark and Geekbench 5 as well as battery tests.
Because a gaming laptop is only as good as its peripherals, we take a look at how smooth and fast the display is, how comfortable and responsive its keyboard is, whether or not there are enough ports on hand, and how good its overall design is. We also test its webcam, in case users want to utilize it for game streaming.
We then take everything we’ve learned about the gaming laptop and compare it to its price – whether or not it’s performance and features are worth that price tag, and whether or not it offers the best value to customers.
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The best Chromebooks prove that Chrome OS is a viable alternative to pricier Windows 11 and macOS 12 Monterey laptops and Chromebooks even pop up from time to time in our list of best laptops thanks to their increasing power and affordability.
Their affordability and functionality mean they're perfect for students who need something connected, portable, and functional enough for video conferencing, web research, and homework assignments without much extra frills that can bog down pricier Windows laptops and MacBooks.
But just because they're often the best student laptops out there doesn't mean that they also don't make some of the best business laptops, especially for professionals who just need a lightweight, portable device to write up a report on the road or take a video call in an airport.
Even better, these already super affordable devices also see some of the best Black Friday deals year after year, not to mention huge savings on Cyber Monday, so there's never been a better time to jump on board the bandwagon with one of the best Chromebooks this holiday season.
Our Top Picks for Best Chromebook 2021
Which are the best Chromebooks?
Google Pixelbook Go proves that these devices can be just as stylish and powerful as traditional laptops.(Image credit: Google)
CPU: Intel Core m3 - Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB - 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) or 4K LCD touchscreen | Storage: 128GB - 256GB eMMC
Incredible battery life
Amazing ‘Hush’ keyboard
Iffy pricing at mid- to- high-end
No biometric login
It shouldn't surprise anyone that Google makes the best Chromebook in the world, given that it has built the operating system itself from the ground up so it knows better than anyone what kind of platform Chrome OS needs.
Google's original Pixelbook used to take the top spot on our list, but the company's latest release, the Pixelbook Go, is even better. This Chromebook proves that the best Chromebooks can hold their own against mainstream laptops running Windows and macOS while looking stylish and having a much more accessible price.
One of its key features is its fantastic battery life, which outlasts many competing traditional laptops handily, so you can go a full day at work or school without being shackled to a wall outlet. Even better, you can close the lid, leave the Pixelbook Go on a desk for days, and come back to find it still has plenty of battery left to pick up right where you left off. Few if any Windows laptops or MacBooks can say the same.
Its incredible keyboard is also a dream to type on, so we've even taken to using the Pixelbook Go over beefier Windows laptops when we have the chance, it's that good. If you're going to be typing a lot for work or school, you are going to love this Chromebook.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook delivers two form factors in one, while utilizing the versatility of the Chrome OS and packing incredibly long life.(Image credit: Lenovo)
Is it a Chromebook or is it a tablet? Well, luckily, you won’t have to decide with the brilliant Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook. True to its name, this Chromebook delivers two form factors in one, while utilizing the versatility of the Chrome OS and setting you back much less than many of the top Windows tablets out there, making it the best Chromebook-tablet detachable hybrid on the market.
Of course, like all the best Chromebooks, its battery packs an incredibly long life of almost 22 hours – so you could pull an all-nighter, work through the day and mid-afternoon, and you’ll still pass out before it runs out of juice.
For this price, sacrifices have to be made, naturally – the keyboard is tiny, the trackpad isn’t as reliable, and the charger and headphones share one port. However, if budget is your top priority, those are definitely not deal-breakers.
The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook shot straight into our best Chromebooks list when it was released thanks to its being one of the most powerful Chromebooks you're going to find anywhere. While all that extra horsepower means you're going to pay more than you would for a typical Chromebook, especially if you want some of the best features that come with the high-end models, it's well worth it if you're looking for something future-proofed.
Based on the Chromebook reviews we've done, we can tell you that this one is going to last you for years to come. Better still, as a 2-in-1 device, it's got the flexibility that many other Chromebooks lack, and the screen on this thing is stunning.
Best of all, it comes packing the new AMD 3000C-series processors - starting with an Athlon 3150C and scaling all the way up to a Ryzen 7 3700C - and this means you'll get more processing power out of this Chromebook than many of it's competitors. For students especially, this is one of the best Chromebooks money can buy right now.
CPU: Intel Celeron N2840 – N2940 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 2GB – 4GB | Screen: 14-inch, HD (1,366 x 768) BrightView | Storage: 16GB – 32GB eMMC
Excellent keyboard, trackpad
Crisp, vivid screen
Slower than some rivals
Average battery life
The best Chromebooks balance a bargain price and efficient use of Chrome OS – and the HP Chromebook 14 strikes that balance perfectly.
While it’s similar to the Acer Chromebook 15 in a lot of ways, this 14-inch Chromebook is a tad more compact and looks slightly better. Complemented by a bright blue finish and a screen made to astound, the HP Chromebook 14 offers excellent value based on the many Chromebook reviews we've done.
Even if the battery life and performance are definitely average for a Chromebook – the HP Chromebook 14 is easily one of the best Chromebooks you're going to find if you're looking to get the best value from a laptop on a tighter budget.
We were particularly impressed with how slim and light this Chromebook is, and it means the HP Chromebook 14 is a great device for anyone who wants a long-lasting laptop that they can comfortably carry around with them. If you want a laptop to work on while lounging on a sofa, this is a great choice as well.
Also, unlike some other Chromebooks, the HP Chromebook 14 comes with plenty of ports, including HDMI-out, USB 3.0 and a microSD card slot, making this a brilliantly versatile Chromebook for the price.
The Asus Chromebook Flip is one of the best Chromebooks for shoppers on a budget who don't want to compromise too much on specs and style.
With an Intel Core processor and a full-HD display, the Asus Chromebook Flip is a powerful 2-in-1 that keeps up with your general computing needs while offering the versatility of its fantastic tablet mode - a tricky balancing act that many other Chromebook makers fail to pull off.
Even though this is an older Chromebook that's been out for a while now, it still impresses with brilliant performance and an excellent build quality that's thin and light, and puts many more expensive laptops to shame. If you're on a budget, this is definitely one of the best Chromebooks out there and well worth a good, long look.
Easily one of the best Chromebooks we've ever gotten our hands on, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 takes everything great about the versatile Spin form factor, like its 3:2 display ratio, and combines it with some seriously powerful hardware like the Intel Core i5-1135G7, which honestly blows just about every other Chromebook out of the water when it comes to performance.
That said, the design is pretty basic for such a potentially beautiful device, which is a shame, as is the lack of an included stylus at all when other Acer Spin 2-in-1s actually have a garaged stylus as a major selling point. Still, it's hard to beat the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 if you're looking for the best 2-in-1 Chromebook on the market right now.
Massive bezels drastically reduce actual screen size
Versatility is a key feature of the best Chromebooks, so the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 definitely makes the list on that account. This all-rounder has all the makings of a great Chromebook, from its good battery life to its robust build and solid usability.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 takes its versatility even further with an abundance of ports, especially when considering its size, its convertible 2-in-1 design, a high level of portability, and an excellent touch display. Its keyboard and touchpad are also not just reliable, but they're also satisfying to use, which is a pretty rare thing for a Chromebook at this price point.
Its size also means that it's really easy take with you, making it one of the best Chromebooks for taking with you on a trip. However, that small size may mean some people find it uncomfortable to use for long periods of time, especially if you're more used to larger laptops.
Premium Chromebooks occupy their own space in the laptop market, bridging that gap between powerful traditional laptops and super lightweight Chromebooks.
And, the Asus Chromebook Flip C436F is perhaps one of the very few examples of these out there, with its combination of superb power, terrific feature set, premium build and a price tag that’s cheaper than its rivals.
During our time with the Asus Chromebook Flip C436F, we were really impressed with its gorgeous design, with a magnesium alloy body, stunning 1080p screen, and wonderful keyboard. This could easily rival premium laptops like the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook, and it even comes with features like Wi-Fi 6 support and a fingerprint sensor.
If you’re looking for a lightweight OS machine that touts more power than the rest of the clan, this is one of the best Chromebooks on offer.
With a solid build quality that rivals a MacBook, it’s easy to excuse the Acer Chromebook 15’s aversion to 2-in-1 form factors. Still, given that the best Chromebooks rolling out this year are fully convertible, thanks to the wide adoption of Android app support, the Acer Chromebook 15 had to prove itself with more than great style.
Beyond its aptitude for laying flat using a 180-degree hinge, this beautiful 15-inch Chromebook also makes a great impression with its battery life, lasting nearly 17 hours in our battery test.
CPU: Intel Pentium 4417U – Intel Core i5-8350U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 610 – UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 – 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 Touchscreen | Storage: 32GB – 64GB flash memory
Seriously solid metal chassis
Strong battery life
Slightly dated styling
Keyboard a little mushy
The best Chromebook for professionals currently available might just be the Acer Chromebook 714 whose premium and seriously solid chassis is just the ticket for the business-oriented bunch.
It’s not especially stylish, sadly, but that decent performance and strong battery life make up for its lack of fashion sense. And, aren’t those all the more important if you’re meeting with clients, tackling paperwork and balancing the books all day?
In fact, the quad-core processor is good enough for light content creation tasks, making it a boon for those starting out in the content creation industry as well.
But, what is a Chromebook exactly, and how is it different from other notebooks? A Chromebook is a device that runs the more lightweight Chrome OS. This Linux-based operating system relies heavily on Google’s Chrome browser and connectivity to the Internet for most of its tasks, which means that it requires less power and storage space when performing those tasks.
It isn’t as robust or comprehensive as Windows 10/11 or macOS. However, it’s just as capable of seeing its users through their daily multi-tasking needs, no matter if it’s to do productivity work all day while streaming shows and movies, getting through a bunch of school assignments, or even some photo editing and gaming.
More recently, it’s even expanded to run Android and Linux apps without internet connectivity, which means that its users are no longer limited to the Chrome browser. Finally, the lightweight nature of the operating system also lets the best Chromebooks beat out traditional laptops in some key areas, like portability and battery life.
Which is the best Chromebook?
When it comes to choosing the best Chromebook, price is most people’s first consideration. That’s because a lot of these laptop alternatives end up in the hands of more casual users who don’t need a whole lot from their PC. In such a case, a cheaper yet still capable option is the better value – one of the best cheap Chromebooks, perhaps.
Of course, if you have more demanding needs, there are pricier options as well, and they will come with higher-end specs like more RAM, better processors like Intel Core CPUs, and perhaps more storage space. So, if you want to save more files, do some light photo editing, or play some games, you’ll want to splurge a little for better specs.
It’s not just the reasonable price tag that most Chromebooks have that make them top contenders, especially as laptops for kids and as student notebooks. You have to consider its design. Most boast impressively long battery lives while some are built to withstand abuse better than others – any gear you put into a kid’s hands needs to be able to absorb some bumps, after all. Others come with that 2-in-1 form factor and touchscreen capability that makes them so versatile.
Just like with the laptops, size is a crucial factor as well. You might want a larger display for more screen real estate or you might want something smaller for easier portability. Since most of these portables fall somewhere between 10 to 15 inches in terms of screen size, they’re all going to be easier to lug around than the competition.
Which is better, a Chromebook or a laptop?
Knowing which is better, a Chromebook or a laptop with a more traditional OS like Windows of macOS, really comes down to your needs and how you intend to use your laptop.
If you do almost all of your work online using web apps like Google Docs, SalesForce, GeForce Now, or other similar products, then a Chromebook is just as good at handling that kind of work as a more traditional laptop, since all of the actual application processing takes place in the cloud, which then displays the contents in a browser.
If you have a fast enough internet connection, you're not going to tell the difference between a Chromebook and a fully-featured Windows laptop or a MacBook.
If you plan on using locally installed apps like Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, or Steam, then you're going to find Chromebooks simply can't do that. The Android apps available through the Google Play marketplace are great, but they aren't as fully featured as similar desktop software. In most cases, Chrome OS simply can't run most of the installable software you'd find on a Windows laptop or a MacBook, so a Chromebook would be a bad choice for anyone hoping to use major flagship software offline.
How we test Chromebooks
Testing Chromebooks isn’t too different from testing laptops and gaming laptops, though perhaps the paces are a little less intensive or game-heavy.
Since Chromebooks rely heavily on the Chrome browser, we push that browsing prowess to its limits, opening 20 or more browser tabs on different types of websites, from productivity ones like Google docs to streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. For good measure, we try to play media on those streaming services simultaneously. Because Chromebooks are now much more capable of running apps, we also open and use several apps at the same time.
Of course, we also run synthetic benchmarks like Kraken JavaScript, Octane 2.0 JavaScript, and Jetstream 2 as well as the TechRadar movie test to measure its battery life.
Because a Chromebook is only as good as its peripherals, we take a look at its display, keyboard, availability of ports, and how good its overall design is. We also test its webcam and touchscreen capabilities, if they’re on hand.
We then take everything we’ve learned about the Chromebook and compare it to its price – whether or not it’s performance and features are worth that price tag, and whether or not it offers the best value to customers.
Dell is running a number of limited-time Cyber sales in the run-up to this year's Black Friday deals – and right now you can save a huge $264 off the price of this top XPS 13 laptop and get it for $685.99 (was $949.99). You'll need to move fast, though, as over 70% have sold already!
Quite simply, the XPS 13 is one the best laptops you can buy. It regularly features at the top of our list of favourites thanks to its stunning design, gorgeous InfinityEdge display and impressive battery life. This marks one of the biggest discounts we've seen on an XPS 13 ahead of the Black Friday sales. And you shouldn't worry about buying so early, too, as Dell promises this XPS 13 deal is at Black Friday pricing.
The version reduced today in the early Dell Black Friday deals sports the latest generation Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage. All together, these components make for an excellent all-around machine that'll handle work, browsing, streaming or multitasking between all three with ease.
Dell XPS 13: $949.99$685.99 at Dell
Save $264 – Here's a terrific discount on the perfect XPS 13 laptop for all-purpose use. An i5 processor and 8GB RAM ensure it'll perform well with any task you want to throw at it, while a super-fast 256GB SSD will give you loads of room for files and applications. The offer is only live this weekend with over 70% sold already, so act fast.
As well as the XPS 13 deal, there are a number of other laptops, monitors and more that feature in the current Cyber sale at Dell. If your budget is a little lower, you could instead consider this Inspiron 15 3000 laptop for $342.99 (was $529.99). It's definitely a more basic machine, but the 8GB RAM and i3 processor will hold their own with general use and less demanding tasks.
More Dell laptop deals
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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.
Now, to complete the great cycle, Apple's MacBook Pro is topping our list again, and the MacBook Air gets an honourable mention a little further down, thanks to the latest generation of M1 chipsets, designed by the tech giant specifically for these laptops.
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 ahead of the Black Friday sales.
Whether you're chasing the well-known brands like Apple, Dell, HP, Microsoft and Lenovo, or some surprise entrants like Huawei and Razer, we've got you covered.
CPU: Apple M1 | Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) 2,560 x 1,600 LED-backlit display with IPS technology | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD | Dimensions: 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56cm; W x D x H
Silent to use
Amazing battery life
No new design
Fanless design could impact performance
While the most recent MacBook Air is arguably the laptop in Apple's latest lineup to benefit most from the brand new M1 chip, the MacBook Pro's upgrade makes it the most compelling ultrabook the tech giant has ever offered. Well and truly a household name at this stage, the MacBook Pro hasn't seen the top of our list in a long time due to a relatively low value prospect, but ditching Intel and designing its own chip has changed that dramatically. With the best performance-to-battery life ratio we've seen on an Apple laptop to date, the Pro is classy, stylish, powerful, and comfortably portable. Where the Dell XPS 13 previously reigned, the MacBook performs better for its price, has a gorgeous display, and can now run iOS apps natively.
If you've been a Windows fan to date, this could be the machine that makes you jump ship, but the Dell XPS 13 below is still a great option if you're defiant.
While Apple's M1 lineup of MacBooks certainly made an impression, this year's Surface Laptop 4 from Microsoft has come in hot, landing straight in at number 2 of our best Ultrabooks 2021 list. As has always been the case with Surface products, build quality and design is absolutely top-notch here, and its gorgeous PixelSense touchscreen really sets it apart from the competition (a touchscreen is something we've yet to see on an Apple laptop, as Microsoft likes to remind us).
It also comes with a brilliant keyboard that's a joy to type on, and some pretty great specs as well, which ensures that Windows 10, and all your favourite apps, run extremely well. Battery life is also very impressive – lasting over 13 hours in our tests – and the price is impressively competitive as well. If you're looking for the best Windows-based ultrabook of 2021, this is it.
CPU : 11th gen Intel Core i5 - i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe | RAM: 8GB - 32GB | Screen: 14-inch, 16:10 (1920 x 1200p) - (3840 x 2400), touchscreen | Storage: 256GB - 1TB SSD
Incredible performance
Fantastic battery life
Integrated graphics struggle with creative workloads
Not only is the Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 9 among the best Lenovo laptops but it’s one of the best ultrabooks out there as well. Keeping with what made its predecessors so good, the X1 Carbon packs in a lot of power and features in a thin, light, and stylish package. Its battery life can’t be beat so professionals needing a portable to take on the road will appreciate all that extra juice. And, while it isn’t ideal for creative projects, it handles productivity tasks like a pro, thanks to that 11th gen Intel Core CPU and Intel Iris Xe graphics, not to mention at least 8GB of RAM (upgradable to 32GB). On top of that, it’s Evo-certified so you know it’s a quality machine, not to mention brimming with security features.
This is the second XPS 13 that Dell has released this year (also known as the 9310, being more recent than the 9300 launched earlier in 2020), and thankfully it does a lot more to offer excellent value for Aussies than its predecessor. This 'New XPS 13' packs in the 11th-gen Intel Core processors as well as as the superbly impressive Iris Xe integrated GPU – an upgrade that almost doubles its graphical prowess. This means that, not only is the XPS 13 9310 a great option for business and everyday use with its gorgeous, sleek design and powerful innards, but it's now viable for casual gamers. It's also sporting the upgraded 'Infinity Edge' display which dramatically reduces bezels and the overall size of the unit. There's no doubt this is the best Windows laptop on the market, and if Apple hadn't pulled a rabbit out of its hat with the M1 chip in its MacBook Pro above, then it'd still be sitting pretty at position #1.
The Asus Zephyrus G14 is an absolute beast of a laptop.(Image credit: Asus)
5. 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.
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.
The HP Spectre x360 has been one of the best laptops for years now, and the 2021 model is no different. Now coming with 11th-generation Intel Core processors, which offer a decent performance boost, and feature better integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, the HP Spectre x360 (2021) is better than ever. It still features the impeccable 2-in-1 design and pristine gem-cut chassis that these laptops are known for, meaning that the HP Spectre x360 (2021) is one of the best looking Ultrabooks ever made, and when it comes to build quality. While it's certainly pricey (even more so in Australia), you're getting some excellent extras, such as formidable security features and Bang & Olufsen speakers. If you care about aesthetics as much as you do performance and overall quality, this is the best Ultrabook for you.
CPU: Apple M1 | Graphics: Integrated 7-core /8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) 2,560 x 1,600 LED-backlit display with IPS technology | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD | Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.61cm; W x D x H)
Silent to use
Amazing battery life
No new design
Fanless design could impact performance
The new Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) comfortably tops our list of the best laptops right now, but sits a little lower down if you're looking at as an Ultrabook. While it's arguably the best laptop Apple has ever made thanks to its outstanding value, it won't offer as much grunt as some others on this list. Thanks to the revolutionary ARM-based Apple M1 chip that powers the new MacBook Air (Apple has ditched Intel for these new laptops), this is a stunning achievement: a thin and light laptop that offers great performance, even with 4K video editing, while also offering incredible battery life. Easily managing over 11 hours on a single charge, this is a laptop you can easily carry around with you at work or school, and its price is decently competitive compared to Windows 10 rivals (for once). Running both new and old Mac apps, the new MacBook Air can now also run iOS apps for iPhone and iPads, giving it access to hundreds of brilliant mobile applications and games as well.
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.
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.
While your ultrabook's portable nature increases its convenience and flexibility, it also means it's at greater risk of becoming lost, damaged or stolen. In Australia, you can often protect against those scenarios (even outside the home) by adding 'personal effects' insurance to your contents insurance. To find out more, check out our sister site Mozo and compare contents insurance offers.
