Laptop Buyer's Guide

This guide helps you choose the right laptop based on how you wish to it.

Key features to consider are your primary use, such as light work, intensive gaming, or creative tasks, and your preferred operating system (macOS or Windows). Below are recommendations based on the way the laptop may used. For definitions of terms used see Laptop computer Definitions page.

While not always stated in buyer's guides is to make a choice between a Mac or Windows PC. The major factor to consider is that Windows has broader software and hardware compatibility due to its larger, more open system, making it the more compatible choice for many users. In contrast, macOS is a closed system, leading to limitations, such as a smaller number of available applications, limited hardware options, and less backward compatibility for older software.