Apple : Buying Guide: 15 best laptops you can buy in 2016 |
| Buying Guide: 15 best laptops you can buy in 2016 Posted:  Best laptopsWith the advent of the iPad just over six years ago, analysts were expecting laptops to be ousted by tablets at this point. Fortunately, for PC makers, that never happened. In fact, with the recent debut of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update alongside new AMD and Nvidia graphics cards and Intel's new Kaby Lake processors, the best laptops on the market continue to thrive. Between thin, light and stylish budget notebooks like the HP Chromebook 13 and thick, robust powerhouse computers like the MSI GT62VR Dominator Pro, laptops are on their way up rather than out. Even Apple's MacBook sees persistent success year after year despite all the changes macOS has undergone since 1984. Nevertheless, finding a laptop that suits your needs doesn't come easy considering all there is to choose from. Those seeking the fast and fanless will be enticed by Ultrabooks, though heavy duty performance hogs may necessitate for i7 processors and discrete GPUs. Meanwhile, if you fancy flexibility, perhaps a convertible 2-in-1 laptop is in the cards. Whatever the case may be, we've gathered the best laptops around and narrowed them down to a list of 15 below. 1. Dell XPS 13Dell's latest Ultrabook is a masterpiece ahead of the curve CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 – Intel Iris Graphics 540 | RAM: 4GB – 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FH (1,920 x 1,080) – QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800) | Storage: 128GB – 256GB SSD Gorgeous bezel-less display Lightweight, compact frame Off-center webcam Small frame limits battery life The Dell XPS 13 is, bar none, the best laptop you can buy today. It features a revolutionary design that's astonishingly thin and light. Fitting a 13.3-inch screen into an 11-inch frame is no small feat; however, Dell has pulled off a miracle creating a nearly borderless Infinity display. It's a powerful and long lasting machine even by today's Ultrabook standards. The XPS 13 comes outfitted with Intel's latest Skylake processors plus lighting, quick storage and memory, all while coming in at a very affordable starting price. For these reasons, it easily takes the top slot as the best Ultrabook, the best Windows laptop and the best overall laptop. Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 2. Asus ZenBook UX305Better than the MacBook and at a fraction of the price CPU: Intel Core Intel Core M3-6Y30 – M7-6Y75 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – QHD+ (3200 x 1800) IPS display | Storage: 256GB – 512GB SSD Incredibly thin and light Vibrant, glare-free screen Weak sauce graphics Tinny speakers If you're looking for a Windows alternative to Apple's latest rose-tinted MacBook, the Asus ZenBook UX305 might be more your speed. Though it looks like a MacBook clone from every angle, it's actually superior in almost every way. From its purple-tinged aluminum design to its sharp display and hearty helping of built-in storage space, the UX305 puts Windows back in style, fanless design, long battery life and all. And, while the low-cost is enticing, if you're shopping for something with a bit more horsepower (not to mention an even more compact design), look no further than the Asus ZenBook 3. Read the full review: Asus ZenBook UX305 3. Toshiba Chromebook 2One of the best looking and most powerful Chromebooks CPU: Intel Celeron – Core i3-5015U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics – HD Graphics 5500 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,090 | Storage: 16GB eMMC Gorgeous 1080p screen Core i3 power Annoying screen glare A bit pricey The Toshiba Chromebook 2 is the best pick if you're looking for a sharp screen and fast machine without the hassle of Windows. Instead, you're greeted by the familiar browsing experience of Chrome OS packaged inside a sleek full HD display. Powered by an outrageously powerful (given the circumstances) Intel Core i3 processor and 4GB of RAM, we wouldn't blame you for chasing the lower-end Celeron SKU of the same laptop. Either way, though, you're in for a treat as the 13-inch Toshiba Chromebook 2 is one of the most enticing Chrome OS machines available today, running just as fast as the dramatically overpowered Chromebook Pixel 2. Read the full review: Toshiba Chromebook 2 4. 13-inch MacBook AirLight and faster than ever CPU: Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 6000 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, LED-backlit glossy display (1,440 x 900) | Storage: 128GB – 256GB SSD Excellent battery life Nippy storage Dated design Low-res display When you're looking for something with rock solid reliability, there's always the MacBook Air. Although the latest iteration sticks to its guns with a dated design and low-resolution screen, the Air isn't showing any signs of slowing down on the performance front. Thanks to a capable CPU, this thin and light machine can handle everything from simple web browsing to serious number crunching and even some light gaming. Sure the New MacBook is lighter and thinner, but it does not come with the Air's spread of full-sized ports nor a 13 hour battery life to last you though an entire day. Waiting for the MacBook Air 2016 upgrade? It may be right around the corner. Read the full review: 13-inch MacBook Air (early 2015) 5. Samsung Notebook 9Greatness doesn't need to break the bank CPU: 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-6200U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) LED anti-reflective display | Storage: 256GB Competitively priced Nearly perfect display Micro-sized video ports Short battery life The Samsung Notebook 9 may not be the flashiest title on the list, but at $949 it does offer more bang for the buck than you'll see in most laptops. That's because unlike much of the competition now, it's an Ultrabook with a full-fledged Core i5 Skylake processor. That alone makes it effectively more powerful than a MacBook with a better screen resolution than a MacBook Air while still retaining a lower price point. On the downside, it's the battery life that takes a hit as a result. Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 9 6. Surface BookThe ultimate Windows 10 hybrid laptop CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD graphics 520 – Nvidia GeForce graphics | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.5-inch, 3,000 x 2,000 PixelSense Display | Storage: 128GB – 256GB PCIe3.0 SSD Futuristic design Seamless tablet separation Battery life falls well below promises Major updates are still in tow If you're looking for a more traditional notebook, Microsoft knocked it out of the park with its first ever laptop, the Surface Book. Though it has a peculiar 3:2 aspect ratio and 13.5-inch screen that's outside of the norm for most Ultrabooks, it's one of the best designed convertible laptops ever created. As a standalone tablet, otherwise known as the Clipboard, it's the most powerful and thinnest Windows 10 computers in the world. Then docking the screen into the keyboard base affords it even more performance by way of a discrete GPU. Read the full review: Surface Book 7. HP SpectreThin, powerful and delightfully chic CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB LPDDR3 SDRAM | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS UWVA WLED | Storage: 256GB – 512GB SSD Tasteful glitz and glam Tactile keyboard Below average battery life Spongy trackpad One glance at the HP Spectre, and you'd think it belongs in a mansion. What you may be surprised to discover is that not only does it boast a premium appearance, but the HP Spectre is actually more powerful than the latest MacBook and for a lower price at that. From the beautifully designed gold hinge to the optional Intel Core i7 configuration to the trio of USB-C ports, you'll not only look like you have one of the most capable (not to mention future-proof) laptops around, but you actually will. Although it only boasts a 1080p screen , that criticism is trumped by a work of supreme industrial design. If there were ever a such thing as a MacBook killer, it would be called the HP Spectre – front and center, folks. Read the full review: HP Spectre 8. Samsung Notebook 7 SpinPremium build, affordable price point CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 940MX (2GB DDR3L); Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 12GB – 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) LED with touch panel | Storage: 1 TB HDD – 1TB HDD; 128GB SSD Excellent value HDR display Hefty weight Graphics narrowly miss the mark If you've ever wanted a MacBook Pro without selling a kidney to afford it, the Samsung Notebook 7 Spin not only delivers the style and glitz of Apple's professional-level laptops, but it even adds a touchscreen to the mix for an approachable starting price. For a hefty 2-in-1 with a Core i7 CPU, 12GB of RAM and even a discrete Nvidia GPU, the Samsung Notebook 7 provides top of the line specs considering its value. But why stop there? Samsung even went as far as to include an HDR display despite offering only a 1080p resolution. Though not many services actually support the technology (yet), some argue that it's more essential than a higher resolution anyway. Deeper blacks, more vibrant color – the works. Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 7 Spin 9. MacBook (2016)Gorgeous, thin and light CPU: Intel Core m3 – m5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12-inch, 2304 x 1,440 LED-backlit IPS display | Storage: 256GB – 512GB SSD Terrific design Surprisingly good speakers Processor is still slow High cost for low performance Apple has updated its most attractive laptop yet with an Intel Skylake Core M processor. Still clocking in at 1.1GHz to start, the 2016 MacBook aims at those who don't need power as much as portability and pizazz. The stylish, aluminum unibody design and the Retina display are all back, too. Aside from a 3.5mm headphone jack, the only connector port remains USB-C, though the reversible interface has gained traction since last year's debut. If you're willing to lug cable adapters and take a performance hit in the name of stellar design, the brand new, appetizing Rose Gold finish might be just for you. Read the full review: MacBook 10. Lenovo Yoga 900A thoughtfully refined 2-in-1 convertible CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6560U | Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 540 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch QHD+ 3,200 x 1,800 IPS display | Storage: 512GB – 1TB SSD Gorgeous display Slim design Shallow keyboard Display drivers issues Whereas the Lenovo Yoga Pro 3 had a winning design and underwhelming performance, the Yoga 900 is the full package. By integrating more powerful Intel Core i-series processors and a larger battery, Lenovo's latest flagship convertible can stand toe-to-toe with most Ultrabooks and even Microsoft's latest Surface Book. All this extra power has only made the Yoga 900 slightly thicker and heavier, however, it still largely retains a very thin and flexible frame for folding back into tablet mode. And, for those looking for the thinnest and lightest convertible machine, Lenovo has made an even more compact Yoga 900S. Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 900 11. HP Spectre x360Striking the perfect balance between a laptop and tablet CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – QHD (2560 x 1440) Radiance LED-backlit touchscreen | Storage: 256GB – 512GB SSD Superbly thin Excellent performance and battery life Too heavy for tablet usage Weirdly wide trackpad This beauty comes easily as one of our most recommended 2-in-1 laptops. It's one of the best looking and most powerful hybrid notebooks around, and the vibrant, bright display doesn't hurt either. Although it weighs nearly as much as a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro, its dimensions put it more in line with a MacBook Air. Plus, the fully metal body is a nice touch, even if it ends up making it a bit too heavy for prolonged tablet use. Users who want even more power and the best screen possible should look to the new Skylake model with an OLED screen. Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 12. MacBook Pro 13-inch with Retina displayRobust and stunning, the MacBook Pro is as good as old reliable CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 6100 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch IPS, 2,560 x 1,600 pixels| Storage: 128GB – 512GB SSD Faster Processor Superb battery life Underdeveloped Force Touch Unchanged design The MacBook Pro is a tried and true road warrior. Whether you're a student, graphic designer, desk jockey, photographer, DJ or a simple everyday user, this is one of the most versatile and best laptops ever made. Along with delivering great performance and amazing battery life, this latest MacBook Pro comes with Apple's new fangled Force Touch trackpad giving you access to more gesture commands. It's an even more enticing option when you add up all the bundled freebies including office programs and software upgrades. If you can wait a few months, though, the rumor mill suggests a MacBook Pro 2016 revision is in the works. Read the full review: MacBook Pro 13-inch with Retina display (early 2015) 13. HP Spectre x2A budget Windows tablet filled to the gills with tech CPU: Intel Core m5 – m7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12-inch, 1,920 x 1,280 WUXGA+ IPS WLED-backlit touchscreen | Storage: 128GB – 512GB SSD Ultrathin design Exceptional Core M performance Massive bezels Recessed kickstand While the Surface Pro 4 has established itself as one of the very best Windows 10 tablets in the market, the HP Spectre x2 is another standout device that comes at a very attractive price. This Intel Core M-powered 12-inch tablet is a smidge thinner while offering long battery life. Aesthetically, the Spectre x2 feels like an even more premium device with a solid metal body and stylish bar-shaped kickstand. It also comes jam packed with tech including a quadruple speakers and a total of three cameras – that said, if you're looking for the best stylus experience, the Surface Pro 4 still takes the cake. Read the full review: HP Spectre x2 14. HP Chromebook 14A fun, bright and affordable Chromebook CPU: 1.83GHz Intel Celeron N2940 processor | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 4GB DDR3 | Screen: 14-inch 1,920 x 1,080 display | Storage: 16GB eMMC Excellent keyboard and trackpad Crisp, vivid screen Not as powerful as some higher-end Chromebooks Average battery life With a 14-inch screen, this HP Chromebook isn't the smallest or lightest Chrome OS device out there. However, it strikes a good balance between ample screen space and portability. A top-notch keyboard and trackpad, coupled with a great screen, makes the Chromebook 14 a joy to write and browse the web on for very little money at all. On the other hand, if you're willing to shell out a bit more for an aluminum design and upgraded performance, HP's Chromebook 13 might be more your style. Read the full review: HP Chromebook 14 15. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 YogaA 2-in-1 made for enterprise CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 14-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS touchscreen | Storage: 180GB – 512GB NVMe SSD QHD display Impressive performance Pricey Battery life is disappointing Historically, Lenovo has made itself known for its premium class of business-grade laptops. That continues to be the case with the ThinkPad X1 Yoga, the performance-stacked 2-in-1 complete with a 2,560 x 1,440 (OLED optional) display that's admittedly difficult to look away from. Though the absence of USB-C is questionable, as is the inclusion of Windows 10 Home in favor of Pro, its 14-inch screen is uncommon enough to keep professionals enticed. Unfortunately, the battery life, which we recorded in our review as a mere 3 hours 29 minutes, is the most concerning factor here. Have you an outlet nearby, though, and that concern is easily mollified. Read the full review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article |
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