As the holiday season approaches, tech enthusiasts and casual users alike find themselves pondering the perfect new device; it’s a festive conundrum, and we’re here to help navigate it! If you’re on the lookout for a Windows laptop that’s worth your time—and money—you’ve come to the right place. According to a recent roundup by Mashable, here are the standout performers of 2024, proving that PCs can indeed give the beloved MacBooks a run for their money.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 has been dubbed the best Windows laptop for most users according to Mashable’s rigorous testing. What sets this beauty apart? The laptop boasts the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, delivering performance that has even left the M4 MacBooks in the dust during benchmarks. With a high-end aluminum design, an impressive 23-hour battery life, and a vibrant 120Hz touchscreen, it's as stylish as it is functional. The addition of AI tools through its Neural Processing Unit (NPU) elevates the user experience. However, users should keep in mind that ARM chip compatibility might cause issues with certain applications—always a crucial consideration!
While it may not win a beauty contest, the HP OmniBook X 14 offers remarkable performance at a more palatable price point. It comes equipped with many of the same features as its more expensive rivals, such as AI tools and solid battery life (around 17 hours). The device may lack excitement in aesthetics, but its keyboard earns rave reviews, making typing a breeze.
For students or anyone looking for a laptop that doesn’t break the bank, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 shines with a fantastic keyboard and sleek design, all for a significantly lower price. It’s ultralight and portable, making it perfect for notes at the coffee shop or on-the-go work. However, its aging processor and limited battery life might not satisfy power users.
Attention, creators! The Acer Swift X 14 is designed for photo and video editing professionals. It features a stunning OLED display and exceptional graphics performance thanks to its GeForce RTX 4070 GPU—definitely keeping pace with Apple’s offerings. Even with heavy use, its battery life remains impressive.
The Lenovo Yoga 9i is a design marvel that transitions between modes with grace. Outfitted with a gorgeous 2.8K OLED display and a powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, this device is as much about entertainment as it is about productivity. However, users should be prepared for a relatively short battery life.
If gaming is your main priority, the Alienware m16 R2 offers a robust experience without losing everyday usability. Powerful enough to handle the latest titles and versatile enough for daily tasks, this laptop is a gamer’s dream. Just remember to keep your headphones handy; the fans can get loud!
So, tech aficionados, what are you waiting for? It’s time to grab your new Windows laptop and embark on your next digital adventure! Happy shopping!
Source: Mashable The best Windows laptops we've tested: Our No. 1 pick beats M4 MacBook Pros
The Cream of the Crop: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Best Overall
Price: $1,699.99The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 has been dubbed the best Windows laptop for most users according to Mashable’s rigorous testing. What sets this beauty apart? The laptop boasts the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, delivering performance that has even left the M4 MacBooks in the dust during benchmarks. With a high-end aluminum design, an impressive 23-hour battery life, and a vibrant 120Hz touchscreen, it's as stylish as it is functional. The addition of AI tools through its Neural Processing Unit (NPU) elevates the user experience. However, users should keep in mind that ARM chip compatibility might cause issues with certain applications—always a crucial consideration!
Key Features
- Battery Life: Nearly 23 hours
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite
- Display: 13-inch, 2304 x 1536 resolution
- Memory: 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Weight: 2.96 pounds
Mid-Range Marvel: HP OmniBook X 14
HP OmniBook X 14: Best Mid-Range
Price: $1,099.99While it may not win a beauty contest, the HP OmniBook X 14 offers remarkable performance at a more palatable price point. It comes equipped with many of the same features as its more expensive rivals, such as AI tools and solid battery life (around 17 hours). The device may lack excitement in aesthetics, but its keyboard earns rave reviews, making typing a breeze.
Key Features
- Battery Life: Approximately 16 hours
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite
- Display: 14-inch, 2240 x 1400 resolution
- Weight: 2.97 pounds
Budget-Friendly Choice: Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3: Best Budget Option
Price: $735.00For students or anyone looking for a laptop that doesn’t break the bank, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 shines with a fantastic keyboard and sleek design, all for a significantly lower price. It’s ultralight and portable, making it perfect for notes at the coffee shop or on-the-go work. However, its aging processor and limited battery life might not satisfy power users.
Key Features
- Battery Life: Approximately 8 hours
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U (12th generation)
- Display: 12.4-inch, 1536 x 1024 resolution
- Weight: 2.49 pounds
For the Creative: Acer Swift X 14
Acer Swift X 14: Best for Photo and Video Editing
Price: $1,699.99Attention, creators! The Acer Swift X 14 is designed for photo and video editing professionals. It features a stunning OLED display and exceptional graphics performance thanks to its GeForce RTX 4070 GPU—definitely keeping pace with Apple’s offerings. Even with heavy use, its battery life remains impressive.
Key Features
- Battery Life: About 8.5 hours
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Weight: Lightweight, making it easy to carry around
Two-in-One Flexibility: Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9)
Lenovo Yoga 9i: Best 2-in-1 Laptop
Price: $1,449.99The Lenovo Yoga 9i is a design marvel that transitions between modes with grace. Outfitted with a gorgeous 2.8K OLED display and a powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, this device is as much about entertainment as it is about productivity. However, users should be prepared for a relatively short battery life.
Key Features
- Battery Life: Approximately 7 hours
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Weight: 2.98 pounds
Gaming Hub: Alienware m16 R2
Alienware m16 R2: Best Gaming Laptop
Price: $1,499.99If gaming is your main priority, the Alienware m16 R2 offers a robust experience without losing everyday usability. Powerful enough to handle the latest titles and versatile enough for daily tasks, this laptop is a gamer’s dream. Just remember to keep your headphones handy; the fans can get loud!
Key Features
- Battery Life: Approximately 59 minutes in high-performance mode
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
- Weight: 5.75 pounds
In Closing
This selection of laptops covers a diverse range of user needs and budgets, proving that Windows machines have indeed stepped up their game. Whether you need a sturdy workhorse, a budget-friendly option, or a versatile creative tool, there’s something on this list that’s likely to be your next favorite device. As Black Friday approaches, keep an eye out for deals; it might just be the perfect time to treat yourself or a loved one to a fancy new laptop!So, tech aficionados, what are you waiting for? It’s time to grab your new Windows laptop and embark on your next digital adventure! Happy shopping!
Source: Mashable The best Windows laptops we've tested: Our No. 1 pick beats M4 MacBook Pros
