The long-promised Playdate Stereo Dock is officially dead, at least for now. After many months with the desktop accessory stuck in development limbo, Panic has updated the product page so it no longer says it’s “coming soon,” but instead that it’s been put on pause indefinitely due to issues with the Bluetooth experience, the factory that handled it and the rising costs of resolving it all. The Stereo Dock, first announced in 2021, was meant to be a charging dock that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker (and pen holder), along with being a cute way to display your Playdate when it’s not in use. But, things didn’t quite work out as planned.

The Playdate team said it hit some unexpected hurdles in trying to bring the idea to life, and found that “making the Stereo Dock was almost more challenging than making the Playdate itself.” The statement explains:

It goes on to say that the team worked to improve the experience, even buying the Bluetooth chipset source code in hopes to fix the issues, to no avail. While there are “a number of beautiful finished prototypes,” Panic says “they weren’t very good to use.” The official update was foreshadowed in a social media exchange shared on Reddit earlier this month in which Panic’s Cabel Sasser, replying to a question about the Stereo Dock’s status, said it “turned out to be incredibly hard for lots of incredibly dumb reasons” and was put on pause.

The team says it’s now turning its focus wholly back to the continuing production of the Playdate. There may still be a chance that we see the Stereo Dock at some point down the line, but don’t hold your breath. “Will it arrive someday? We still hope so,” Panic said. “Will it arrive anytime soon? Unlikely.”

When the Mac Mini was first introduced in early 2005, it was pitched as a compact “stripped-down” desktop — and the most affordable Mac in Apple’s lineup. Steve Jobs referred to it as a “BYODKM” system: you’d bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse, and the Mini would provide a dependable computing experience with all the benefits of macOS.

The Mac Mini has carried on ever since. There have been periods where the Mini has been sidelined and ignored by Apple for long stretches of time. But the debut of Apple Silicon gave it a new lease on life. Even if the overall design didn’t change much in the transition from Intel to Apple’s in-house chips, the Mini’s potential soared.

But now, that design is about to change. And if the rumors prove accurate, it’s going to be a radical makeover. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that the M4-powered Mac Mini will shrink in size so significantly that its footprint will resemble that of an Apple TV. The new Mac Mini will be anything but a stripped-down Mac.

Instead, it’ll likely be the most visually impressive example yet of what Apple is capable of in this new era, where the incredible efficiency of its chips allows for all sorts of hardware designs that were technically unfeasible a handful of years ago. I haven’t been this excited about a new Mac since the phenomenal M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pros were released in 2021.

Gurman has said that the 2024 Mac Mini — at least the M4 Pro variant — will include a total of five USB-C ports, with two on the front of the machine. I consider that frontside I/O to be a godsend after years of having to turn the Mini around to plug anything in — or just guessing at it. It’ll still have an HDMI port for those of you who’ve integrated Apple’s smallest Mac into your home theater setups. USB-A is said to be a goner, but… it’s time.

Within the Mac family, the Mini still holds an important spot. The iMac is the visual stunner; the MacBook Pro delivers tremendous power on the go; and the Mac Pro and Mac Studio are both geared at professionals and creatives. But the Mini remains the line’s unassuming overperformer at a compelling price for anyone who wants a Mac that “just works.”

No matter its size, the Mini’s BYODKM remains one of its best attributes. Apple might not be planning a 27-inch iMac, but we’re about to have an astonishingly compact desktop that can be paired with any screen you want. And the software outlook is also excellent: the revamped Mini arrives shortly after macOS Sequoia, which added useful features like iPhone mirroring and (long overdue) window tiling.

It’ll take some kind of colossal, unforeseen deal-breaker for me not to immediately preorder the M4 Mac Mini as my new at-home machine. If I’ve got one concern, it’s that Apple will find some way to artificially hold the Mini back so as not to steal too much thunder from the Mac Studio. But I don’t think that’ll be the case — at least not to an egregious degree. As of now, the Studio easily wins out in CPU and GPU performance, and it has other bonuses, like an SD card slot and faster ethernet. I’d expect those advantages to remain true whenever the M4 model arrives.

Apple’s Mac portfolio has never been on a better path. And for those who’ve stuck with the company’s products for decades, that can still be hard to believe — even this deep into the age of Apple Silicon. We’ve been through some dark days. But with a new Mac Mini that looks equal parts streaming box and miniature PC, Apple seems poised for another M-series marvel — and feather in its cap.

Movies with killer computers are nothing new. From Hal 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey to M3GAN, computers, dolls, and robots that become sentient and turn sinister make for a bloody good time at the cinema. It’s also the basis for many of the best sci-fi horror movies.

Nowadays, however, AI is everywhere, from inside the Mac I’m writing this article with to the smartphone you’re reading it on, it’s impossible to hide from it. And what happens when there’s a new buzzword or trend in town? Hollywood flocks to it and doubles down. Enter AfrAId, a movie about an AI that wants to kill you, and the horror film you probably shouldn’t watch this Halloween Week.

Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully de-orbited the cryogenic upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3), India’s heaviest rocket. This was the second time that ISRO achieved this feat, showcasing its commitment to sustainable space operations. The upper stage, which played a crucial role in launching the OneWeb-2 mission, made a planned re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere on June 14. This step is part of ISRO’s ongoing efforts to ensure responsible space exploration.

The LVM3 is a game-changer for India’s space ambitions. With a payload capacity exceeding 4 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit, the LVM3 can shoulder the weight of far heavier satellites and even more ambitious missions. It plays a critical role in several endeavors.

After successfully placing 36 OneWeb satellites into orbit on March 26, 2023, the nearly 3-ton rocket body was left at an altitude of 450 kilometres. Identified by NORAD as object 56082, it has now been safely de-orbited and removed from space. Following standard procedures, the upper stage was made safe by using any leftover fuel to reduce the risk of accidental explosions.

“The re-entry happened as scheduled, with most of the stage burning up over the Indian Ocean. Only a few parts, such as gas bottles, nozzles and tanks, made of materials that can withstand very high temperatures, were expected to survive the intense heat of re-entry. The LVM3 rocket has three stages and includes two solid rocket boosters (S200), a liquid core stage (L110) and a powerful cryogenic upper stage (C25). The S200 boosters are among the largest in the world, each containing 204 tons of solid fuel. The L110 stage is equipped with two liquid engines and carries 115 tons of liquid fuel. The C25 cryogenic upper stage features a high-thrust cryogenic engine (CE20) and has 28 tons of fuel,” explained space expert Girish Linganna.

ISRO had announced that the cryogenic upper stage of the LVM3 M4 rocket, which launched the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere uncontrollably on November 15 at about 2.42 pm. This stage, identified by NORAD as 57321, was part of the rocket that successfully placed Chandrayaan-3 into its intended orbit on July 14, 2023. The re-entry took place 124 days after launch, in compliance with the ‘25-year rule’ for low-Earth orbit (LEO) objects set by the United Nations and Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC). This guideline requires that objects in LEO re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up within 25 years of the end of their mission to minimize space debris.

As per ISRO after placing Chandrayaan-3 into orbit, the upper stage underwent a process to eliminate any remaining fuel and energy sources, called ‘passivation’, which means making the rocket’s upper stage safe by draining all remaining fuel and disabling energy sources, reducing the risk of explosions or other hazards in space after its mission ends.

Earlier this month, ISRO chief S. Somanath opened new facilities at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL’s) Aerospace Division in Bengaluru. These facilities will produce fuel tanks and precise components for the LVM3 rocket. C.B. Ananthakrishnan, chairman and managing director of HAL, stated that the partnership between ISRO and HAL would speed up India’s human spaceflight missions and the creation of next-generation launch vehicles. He also mentioned that it would not be long before space became a significant part of HAL’s operations.

HAL is expanding its manufacturing facilities to produce large parts for the three-stage, 640-ton LVM3 rocket. India uses this rocket to launch 4-ton communication satellites and commercial missions that include many small satellites in large constellations.

Thanks to HAL’s expansion, ISRO will soon be able to triple the number of launches of its largest rocket, the LVM3. “Instead of only two LVM3 launches a year, ISRO will be able to carry out up to six. This is important because ISRO currently performs only about 10 launches per year with its current fleet of four different kinds of rockets,” added Linganna.

The new factory will make important fuel and oxidizer tanks for the LVM3 launch vehicle, which can be up to 4 metres wide and 15 metres long, according to a statement from HAL. It is equipped with advanced CNC machines capable of precisely creating 4.5-metre rings and tank domes for the LVM3.

Interestingly, LVM3 has played a critical role in several endeavors as Gaganyaan. India’s historic human spaceflight mission hinges on the LVM3’s ability to propel the crew capsule into orbit. The LVM3 can carry heavier probes and rovers, opening doors to lunar and interplanetary missions that quench humanity’s thirst for knowledge about the universe. At the same time, LVM3’s prowess can generate significant revenue for the Indian space program by offering reliable and cost-effective launch services to international clients.

Currently, ISRO produces around two LVM3s annually but the new facilities at HAL have the potential to significantly increase production, reaching a staggering six rockets per year. “This ramp-up translates to several advantages such as a higher production rate, allowing ISRO to meet tight deadlines for critical missions and capitalize on fleeting launch windows. Besides, India can become more self-sufficient in launching its own satellites, reducing dependence on foreign launch providers. India can also capture a significant share of the growing global demand for launch services, generating revenue for further space exploration and technological advancements,” pointed out Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

ISRO is now opening LVM3 production to the private sector, mirroring NASA’s strategy following the Space Shuttle program’s retirement. This move can propel India’s space programme to even greater heights. Collaborating with private companies can facilitate the transfer of valuable expertise in building complex launch vehicles, fostering innovation and strengthening India’s space ecosystem.

Competition in the production sector can drive down costs, making LVM3 launches more attractive to clients, both domestic and international. Besides, private companies can bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches, accelerating the development of the LVM3 platform and its capabilities.

The global medium and heavy-lift launch vehicle market is projected to reach $9.75 billion by 2032. India, with its increased LVM3 production and potential private sector involvement, is well-positioned to grab a significant share of this lucrative market. By offering reliable, cost-effective launches, India can become a major player in the global space industry, leading to fruitful international collaborations on scientific endeavors that push the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding of the cosmos.

“The road ahead is not without challenges, such as ensuring smooth technology transfer to private players and maintaining quality control standards. However, the future looks bright for India’s space ambitions, and the LVM3 production boost, coupled with potential private sector participation, presents a golden opportunity for the nation to fulfill its space-faring dreams and emerge as a leading force in the global space race,” explained Kesan.

The LVM3, India’s most powerful launch vehicle, has a payload capacity of 4 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), which is significantly lower than that of SpaceX’s Falcon 9. The Falcon 9 can carry payloads of up to 8.3 tonnes to GTO and 22 tonnes to low-earth orbit (LEO).

In terms of launch frequency, ISRO currently produces around two LVM3s annually. However, the new facilities at HAL have the potential to significantly increase production, reaching a staggering six rockets per year. In comparison, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 has a higher production rate, with multiple launches per month. This is partly due to the company’s reusable launch technology, which allows for faster turnaround times and increased efficiency.

“The Falcon 9 has significantly higher payload capacity than the LVM3, making it more suitable for larger and heavier satellites. While both vehicles have the potential for increased production, the Falcon 9’s reusable technology allows for a higher launch frequency. The cost of launching a payload on the Falcon 9 is generally higher than that of the LVM3, although the exact cost per launch is not publicly disclosed for the LVM3,” added Kesan. 

Whether you’re loyal to Windows, a Mac fan, or willing to try something new, you should know what to look for in a laptop before making an investment. There’s more to consider than just the operating system. Does it have the screen you want? Are there ports that support your peripherals? Can it play games at 1080p or higher? These are among the many considerations of which you need to be aware.

In this guide, we explain what you should look for in 2024, and what you need to avoid. Many options are available in terms of both Windows 11 and Chrome OS, whereas Apple limits its MacBooks to a lower number of configurations. Continue reading to find out which laptop is right for you and which are the overall best laptops, and be sure to check out our list of best laptop brands before you get started.

Mac, Windows, or something else?

The operating system should be your first major consideration. While that debate was once dominated by Apple’s macOS and Microsoft’s Windows, Google’s Chrome OS is now a very popular alternative typically offered on much more affordable laptops.

While there are certainly comparable hardware and features offered with these platforms, there are some stark differences between them that are important to consider.

Windows

Windows-based PCs are an incredibly diverse category. Dozens of manufacturers make them, and the quality and pricing can vary greatly depending on which model and brand you choose. The fastest models will surpass Macs in terms of performance, and many companies tailor their Windows PCs to a specific purpose, such as gaming or business.

Windows PCs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A standard laptop with a clamshell design and a keyboard-mouse interface is easy to find, such as the lightweight Surface Laptop line. Windows touchscreen laptops can be found even in the lower price brackets, which is not something you’ll see on any Apple MacBook — unless you count a brief fling with the Touch Bar.

More elaborate designs include fold-back screens or even detachable tablet-keyboard combos, such as Microsoft’s Surface range. Meanwhile, Apple reserves the 2-in-1 design for its iPad Pro family combined with a Magic Keyboard, as you won’t see a convertible or detachable MacBook.

On the software side, Windows is far more open-ended than macOS. It’s the standard for game development and many business-related programs, empowering a larger software library. Windows enjoys major updates with new features more frequently, too: Biannually versus annually as with Apple’s macOS. Note that Chrome OS has a less rigid update schedule and is more likely to get smaller updates more often.

Unlike Apple’s more limited hardware lineup, there is plenty of choice in the Windows laptop space. Whether you opt for a major manufacturer like Lenovo, Dell, or one of Microsoft’s own devices, you have a ton of options.

MacOS

Apple has always been protective of its brand, releasing products in very deliberate iterations. Any Apple product will follow its standards, whereas any manufacturer can make a Windows or Chrome OS-based PC with unique specs. As a result, Macs are very user-friendly and stable. And because they come from the same ecosystem, Apple’s resourceful support network can easily help with any problems that arise.

Quality design is one of the hallmarks of a Mac. They are built to look great, feel elegant, and have incredible displays, which translates to a much higher price tag than many of their Windows and Chrome OS counterparts, especially when configured with lots of storage. Apple computers aren’t known for being cheap.

Macs use fast hardware but rarely sport the most powerful graphics chips as seen in Windows-based PCs — and unlike many PCs, it is impossible to upgrade components, so you are stuck with the specs that you purchase on day one. Still, those who want a solid computer but do not know a lot about hardware can rest easy knowing their Mac will perform well during everyday use. Apple’s hardware also advanced significantly since late 2020, when the company switched processors to their own in-house chips. The M3 series is an incredibly fast chipset that significantly improved GPU performance, and the M4 is right around the corner. ThePro and Max versions are powerful tools for creators, with machines like the MacBook Pro with the M3 Max offering blistering performance and surprisingly awesome efficiency. Today, the MacBook Pro offers the best combination of high speed and battery life you can buy.

Apple’s strict design standards extend to the operating system, macOS, which is straightforward and intuitive. Unlike Windows, the platform includes a suite of proprietary office and media-editing software, and each application is well-suited for its targeted task. It’s no surprise Apple is often the choice of designers and photographers (although models like Microsoft’s Studio Laptop Studio 2 are putting up serious competition thanks to innovative designs and digital pen support).

Finally, while there are no touchscreens on Macs, you can use Apple’s Sidecar mode to add an iPad as a second wireless screen with touch support.

Chrome OS

Google’s Chrome OS is different from Windows and macOS. Based on the Chrome browser, this platform initially focused on web-based apps and affordability. While the latter still holds true, Chrome OS has evolved over the years to support more traditional desktop software and mobile apps, similar to its rivals.

Chrome OS powers Chromebooks. These devices are typically more affordable than Windows-based PCs and MacBooks due to their lower hardware requirements. In the past, they were mostly ideal for schools and other institutions, but today, users can do more than just browse social media and make online purchases. Chromebooks can now be used for a lot more, and they’re being increasingly used by businesses seeking a secure and easy to manage platform.

Hardware choices are also much more varied than in the past, with powerful offerings, like the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook, that perform and look very much like premium Windows and macOS laptops. There are even 2-in-1 options like the HP Chromebook x360 14 and the affordable detachable tablet Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook with an OLED display. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 uses Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming platform to offer a viable gaming laptop for under $600.

Overall, Chrome OS is quicker and more versatile today than ever. Its foundation is still web-centric, but the platform now supports Google Play and Android apps, making it the ideal notebook companion if you have an Android phone. It even mimics Apple’s iMessage, allowing Chromebook owners to text from their laptops without picking up the phone.

Moreover, Chrome OS supports Linux, opening up the platform to traditional desktop software, like GIMP and Steam. The drawback is that the library isn’t as diverse as Windows or even macOS, and Linux support is still in beta. Still, the maturity of Chrome OS has proven to be a strong contender in a market dominated mainly by Windows.

Overall, if Chrome OS fits the bill for what you need in a laptop, you can save a lot of money by going with a Chromebook.

The types of laptops

Laptops can be expensive, but manufacturers know that not everyone can afford a $2,000 machine. Buyers who need a laptop for the most basic purposes and want to save money can find great laptops that cost $500 or less.

In general, budget laptops are ideal for people who may not know a lot about computers and simply want a device that can carry out basic tasks. They’re built to last despite the low price, with competent construction and ergonomically sensible keyboards and touchpads. One great example is the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 detachable tablet, which manages to be quite usable with a surprisingly good display for only $300.

These laptops are typically light on hardware, meaning you won’t find loads of RAM or high-performance graphics, making them less ideal for AAA games or keeping hundreds of browser tabs open. They’re not incapable of decent performance, just limited as to what you can do compared to higher-priced models.

This is a category where Chromebooks excel, as they ditch some of the fancier features of Windows and macOS laptops, but there are options from Windows as well. You won’t find a macOS laptop for under $500 unless you buy an older used machine.

Midrange ($500-$1,500)

This price range is arguably the best in terms of bang for your buck. These laptops are often truly excellent. You get much better internal hardware than the entry-level offerings, but at the cost of premium features, high-powered graphics chips, and fancy materials . However, well-built, all-metal laptops are easily attainable.

The fact that this range is such a sweet spot for the industry means that you have plenty to choose from. There are laptops with great displays (including OLED panels), laptops with powerful processors, beautiful laptops, and ones that are light and portable with great battery life. You may not find a system that ticks every one of those boxes, but the best laptops under $1,000 are some of our favorites. This is also where you’ll find your least expensive macOS machine, the entry-level MacBook Air M2, but you can also squeeze in the newer MacBook Air M3. Several Microsoft Copilot+ PC laptops running Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform fit into this category, including excellent laptops like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x.

Premium ($1,500+)

This bracket contains some of the best laptops you can buy today. For a little extra money, you gain longer battery life (in some cases), improved performance from more powerful internal hardware, and larger and higher-resolution displays with more exotic technologies like mini-LED, and overall better build quality. If you’re a bit more of a power user and can afford it, this is the class of laptop you should consider the most.

Despite the higher cost of the premium laptop category, there are still plenty of choices. You can pick up stellar laptops in the 13-inch form with plenty of general computing power and connectivity options. If you’re interested in gaming on the side or content creation, you’ll want to jump up to a 16-inch laptop with higher-power chipsets and a dedicated graphics card.

This category even contains a more modern version of our favorite laptop of the past few years, the Dell XPS 13. If you want something a little heftier and more capable of content creation, the Dell XPS 16 is worth considering too. For gamers, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is one of the best laptops we’ve come across for highly portable performance, while the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 offers real power in a supremely rugged and upgradeable chassis.

If you’re an Apple fan, we’d recommend the MacBook Pro. It’s costly, but it offers the best combination of performance and battery life.

2-in-1

The 2-in-1 laptop combines the convenience and ease of a tablet with the utility of a keyboard. This category includes two most common designs: 360-degree convertible and detachable. The convertible can serve as a tablet by flipping the keyboard under the screen. The detachable is essentially a tablet with a removable keyboard but it looks and feels like an ultra-thin laptop when combined. There are other types of 2-in-1s, such as the pull-forward design epitomized by the Microsoft Surface Studio Laptop 2.

Two-in-ones can provide a lot of versatility but are not the most powerful and expandable devices available. The uniqueness of their design can come with some low-power processors, integrated graphics only, and complexity. These 2-in-1 laptops are sometimes more expensive than clamshell laptops with comparable hardware.

When it comes to buying a 2-in-1, some are better laptops than they are tablets, and some are better tablets than they are laptops. Think hard about which “mode” you’ll likely use more before buying, and do so accordingly.

Our favorite 2-in-1 laptops for 2024 include the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 and the HP Spectre X360 14, always a reliable line for professionals.

Ultrabooks

The term “ultrabook” is technically a specification that Intel used for extra-light, portable laptops designed to be easy to carry while still providing great battery life. They use SSDs, power-efficient Intel Core Ultra processors, and carefully designed clamshell bodies. This became a very popular type of computer, and many people began applying the name “ultrabook” to any compact, lightweight laptop designed for easy transport.

Today, any lightweight laptop may be called an ultrabook, although that isn’t entirely accurate (some are now referred to as ultraportables instead). You can find some good examples in our list of the best 13-inch and 14-inch laptops.

Business laptops

Business laptops offer some intriguing features for the average buyer despite targeting professionals. Sure, they might not always offer the looks of more mainstream systems, but they tend to pack exceptional battery life and have more rugged and tough shells.

The biggest downside to business laptops is that they’re usually expensive. Laptops aimed at video editors and photographers are usually fast with larger displays offering excellent color accuracy. They are also much more likely to offer better protective systems like biometric validation and professionally oriented software packages due to their greater emphasis on security and privacy.

One of the most iconic laptop lines in the business category is the Lenovo ThinkPad, and the latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is a fantastic entry in that range. For more options, check out our list of the best business laptop.

Gaming laptops

Gaming laptops must be built to keep up with the unceasing march of progress. The best tout high-end processors and graphics chips, as well as enough RAM to run modern games. Anything less can render the hottest titles unplayable.

High-tier gaming laptops tend to be bulky, typically to accommodate better desktop-like hardware and larger screens. Their power-gulping components mean that battery life isn’t great — especially on systems with 4K  HDR displays. But this isn’t always the case, as our favorite gaming laptops tend to offer a good middle ground or offer more stealth gaming ability.

The category has also received a number of important upgrades in display technology that make the gaming experience even more enjoyable. OLED has made its way to gaming laptops, offering the usual excellent colors and inky blacks, and mini-LED made its debut in 2023 such as on the Asus Zephyrus M16. Gaming laptop displays have also reached new heights in terms of refresh rates, with 240Hz panels increasingly common and even 480Hz displays being available. Faster refresh rates mean that the displays can now keep up with the superfast components and offer high-speed gaming without tearing and ghosting.

What you need to know about hardware

As with any computer, the CPU is the brains of the notebook and does most of the general work. When the computer needs to access or change data, the CPU executes that task. Better CPUs will be able to process more data at quicker speeds. However, keep in mind that a CPU’s pure clock speed doesn’t necessarily paint the whole picture. If you’re unsure about your options, copy its model number (such as “Core Ultra 7 258V”) into a web search to compare your choices.

The current offerings from Intel are its Core Ultra Series 2 including the Core Ultra 5, 7, and 9 series in Lunar Lake models. Unlike earlier generations, the generation number is no longer included in the name, so you’ll have to learn the nomenclature to keep up. Meanwhile, AMD’s current notebook chips are its sixth-generation mobile Ryzen 8000 Series and Ryzen AI 9 CPUs, though they are a bit more difficult to find in laptop offerings. And Qualcomm has made a splash with its ARM-based Snapdragon X chipsets that combine better efficiency with strong performance.

The Intel chipsets are hybrid designs, similar to Apple’s M3, although not based on the ARM architecture as are Apple’s. There are more cores than in previous Intel CPUs, with a mix of Performance, Efficient, and Low Power Efficient cores meant to provide both faster and more efficient performance. Some 14th-gen parts are still being used as Intel updates to faster Arrow Lake chipsets, such as the highest-end 24-core Core i9-14900HX to rival Apple’s M3 Max in CPU performance. Most laptops, especially midrange and premium machines, should make the transition to Intel’s latest architectures throughout 2024. Intel’s Lunar Lake also includes faster neural processing units (NPUs) to speed up on-device AI tasks — something that is still very limited early in 2024. AMD and Qualcomm also offer faster NPUs, all to support Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC AI initiative.

The Ryzen 8000 uses an updated version of the current architecture and so is significantly faster than AMD’s previous offerings. Just as important are the updates to the integrated Radeon graphics, with the implementation of the RDNA3 architecture that’s used in AMD’s discrete GPUs and should bring increased performance in modern games.

When it comes to picking a laptop based on its CPU, newer is almost always better. Try to avoid buying a laptop with a CPU that’s a few generations old. Unless you’re doing something intensive like video editing, don’t worry about buying a chip outside of the midrange. The eight cores available in the Core Ultra 5 226V, for example, offer enough performance for almost anyone, although they compare more with the older Meteor Lake U-series chipsets.

Graphics

A Graphics Processing Unit, or GPU, is a chip that generates all images you see on the screen. Most lower-end laptops ship with integrated graphics, which means the component is mounted inside the main processor. For instance, nearly all Intel laptop chips include integrated graphics, namely the Intel Arc engine. AMD produces Accelerated Processing Units, or APU s, that combine CPU and GPU cores on the same chip (die) similarly.

Other laptops have an additional graphics chip/module soldered into the motherboard. These chips are called “discrete GPUs,” and they typically can’t be removed by the typical laptop owner. Nvidia and AMD are the primary vendors of these chips.

Nvidia’s latest laptop GPU family is the GeForce RTX 4000 Series, including the RTX 4050, 4050 Ti, 4060, 4070, 4080, and 4090.  These will be in the most expensive, most powerful gaming and business-class laptops, though some recent models may use older chips like the RTX 3050 that still perform well. Laptops based on the RTX 4000 Series are increasingly common and provide excellent gaming and creative application performance.

AMD discrete laptop graphics like the RX 7000M and 7000S offer vastly improved performance over integrated solutions, though they are far less common than Nvidia’s solutions.

Audio

Although some laptops offer good sound right out of the box, such as the MacBook Pro with its excellent six-speaker configuration, most laptops don’t have the room to fit decent speakers inside the casing. Most laptops provide ports to connect headphones or external speakers if you want a more immersive listening experience, although there’s a movement among some vendors to do away with the audio jack. The Dell XPS 13 is one example.

Memory

RAM, often referred to as system memory, refers to dedicated hardware for temporarily storing and accessing information for immediate use. All current tasks store data in RAM, like the web browser currently displaying this guide.

Essentially, the more RAM, the more information a computer can call up at any given time, and thus the more things it can do. However, unlike storage (see below), RAM does not store data indefinitely. Once RAM loses power, all held data is lost.

How much RAM do you need? 16GB is the new sweet spot for most. You’ll want to jump up to 32GB or more, though, if you’re running intensive applications or doing any kind of content creation. On MacBooks, 16GB is the least you should consider.

Storage

The amount of storage space on a laptop’s internal drive(s) is how much data it can hold indefinitely. All data, from installed programs to downloaded music, reside on an internal storage device. Today, most devices are based on NAND Flash technology, commonly solid-state drives (SSD). Spinning hard disk drives (HDD) are becoming hard to find. Chromebooks tend to provide less storage space thanks to the lesser requirements of Chrome OS and the tendency to store more data in the cloud.

In contrast to RAM, data in storage does not necessarily need to be in use. An installed program that is currently inactive takes up storage space but not memory. As mentioned above, most modern laptops now use solid-state drives (SSDs), which are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives. There was once a major price difference between laptops with SSDs and HDDs, but given the scarcity of the latter that price advantage no longer applies.

An SSD uses NAND Flash to store data, which doesn’t have moving parts. It offers a dramatic performance boost over a conventional hard drive – which does have moving parts — and can provide the most dramatic improvement in laptop usage when buying a new system.

Make sure your next purchase has an SSD as the primary drive, although that’s almost guaranteed. If you need more space, grab a big external drive too.

Ports

Ports can quickly become confusing on a laptop due to a complex labyrinth of terminology. Make sure to focus on the USB ports that you need.

Some laptops continue to offer USB-A ports to support legacy devices, like peripherals and external drives. They’re rectangular ports with squared corners and only work with a one-side-up connector. This interface supports USB 2.0 (480Mbps), USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), or USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), depending on the laptop manufacturer.

Most laptops today don’t offer USB-A ports due to their size. Instead, you’ll see one or more of the newer USB-C ports. This interface is smaller, narrower, and more rounded than USB-A. It’s generally used with several technologies, including Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) on Intel-based laptops (AMD doesn’t support Thunderbolt 4), USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and DisplayPort, depending on the laptop manufacturer. USB-C requires a different, thinner either-side-up connecter.

If you plan to connect a second external monitor for more large-screen work, make sure that the laptop has the right connections for that monitor, such as USB-C, DisplayPort, or HDMI. You may find VGA on old models, and video output is possible through USB-A using DisplayLink drivers and the appropriate adapter.

Displays

It used to be that you had a choice between IPS LED displays of various quality and resolution, mainly Full HD (1920 x 1080), WQHD (2560 x 1440), or 4K UHD (3840 x 2160). Most laptop displays were in the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio except for Apple’s MacBook displays which were taller at 16:10 and Microsoft’s Surface line standardized on the even taller 3:2. Both provide better productivity thanks to displaying more vertical information.

Flash forward to 2024, and laptop displays have taken some serious leaps. Buying a laptop today involves a decision between a bunch of different display options, and they’re all for the better.

First, we have technologies like organic light-emitting displays (OLED), Samsung’s quantum light-emitting diode (QLED), and Mini-LED (mainly used by Apple) that all provide incredibly deep contrast, tons of brightness, and dynamic and accurate colors. Even IPS displays have gotten better, with improved contrast, brightness, and colors that make them great options for creative professionals.

Next, the industry is almost fully transitioned to taller displays, 16:10 and the even taller 3:2. You can still buy 16:9 laptops, especially in gaming machines, but most new laptops have taller displays. As mentioned earlier, that’s a boon for productivity, providing more vertical space for documents and web pages. You get some letterboxing when watching video, but that’s a small price to pay for a more productive environment.

Finally, display resolutions are all over the map. For example, Dell used 3.5K (3456 x 2160) displays in its now-defunct XPS 15 OLED machines, and other manufacturers have their own resolutions as well. This is a mixed bag — if you want a true 4K display in an XPS, then you’ll need to choose the XPS 16’s OLED option. There are tradeoffs, but that also means there are more power-efficient options with higher resolution than Full HD but not quite as power-hungry as full 4K.

Touchscreen support

Touchscreens were once exclusive to high-end laptops mainly because the hardware was expensive and touch-based screens didn’t seem practical. What helped merge the two technologies was the tablet craze and the PC market’s need to regain its footing. Enter the touch-centric 2-in-1 PCs and the overall reduction in manufacturing costs. Touchscreens are now more common — even on some budget designs — unless you own a MacBook.

Windows 11 has gone a long way toward making these touchscreen and combination designs more viable. The interface and software are designed with touch in mind, including conventional programs like Office and the Edge browser. Third-party software, like Google’s popular Chrome browser, also offers great touch support.

While touch may seem to be an interesting feature given that you smudge up a smartphone every day, consider if it’s important on a laptop. Touch makes sense on a 2-in-1 device, and even on laptops that can lean back in Stand Mode. If you don’t think a touch screen on a clamshell design will be practical, however, don’t dump extra bucks into a feature you’ll never use.

Best time to buy your laptop

One of the most common questions about buying a new laptop is when to shop to get the best deals. There’s no strict rule for securing a cheap but good laptop. But there are a few different ways you can time your purchase window to find a good deal. Consider these timelines if you’re in the market for a new laptop.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These two dates in November are probably the most obvious ones for finding amazing deals. However, act fast, as laptop supplies tend to run out quickly. If you wait for the post-Thanksgiving rush, it may be hard to get the laptop you want, so you may not want to wait too long.

You can get ahead by heading online beforehand to see where the best deals — and shortest lines — will be. Doing your research in advance is a smart strategy.

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Back-to-school season: Many retailers offer lower prices to help accommodate students who need new laptops for school. The fall is a great time to shop if you want a more affordable device with a steep discount, even if you aren’t a student heading back to class.

A couple of months after a big release: When a company prepares to release a new model, they typically lower the price of older generations of laptops. Both manufacturers and retailers do this to deplete stock, so there is both physical space to display new releases and customer demand for it.

In reality, there are sometimes minimal differences between laptop generations. This makes it a good idea to watch tech news so you can get a laptop at a great price in the months before a newer model is released. One caveat is the switch from Intel 13th-gen to Intel 14th-gen machines, where the differences will be much more substantial.

Another tip is to search manufacturer websites to stay up-to-date on what’s in the queue and when these new devices will be released to the public. Signing up for their newsletter could be beneficial, ensuring that you never miss a deal. Once you snag the best deal, you can simply unsubscribe from the newsletter, so you don’t get the emails anymore.

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Android 15 just arrived this month to eligible Pixel phones, while other brands are now sharing their rollout schedule. So, the arrival of Android 16 is still quite far away, but leaks have already revealed some of the potential improvements it will bring. According to recent findings, Android 16 will allow you to resize the Quick Settings tiles.

In Android AOSP, the Quick Settings panel offers limited customization options. You can add and remove tiles according to your needs, but the look will always be the same. However, that could change quite a bit with the Android 16 rollout.

Android 16 may allow you to resize and change the shape of Quick Settings tiles

Android expert Mishaal Rahman spotted some interesting things in the latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3. First, Google would be working on implementing “Categories” into the Quick Settings panel, allowing you to more easily find the tile you are looking for according to its function. This feature in itself would be a notable change in the current Android’s Quick Settings area. However, the dev team is also reportedly working on an even bigger tweak: resizing tiles.

The option to resize Quick Settings tiles is not available by default in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3, but Rahman managed to enable it. Once available, you can not only change the size of the tiles but even their shape. The screenshots show that, for big tiles (2 x 1), you can keep the current rectangular form factor with rounded edges, or you can opt for a pill-shaped one. Making the tiles smaller (1×1) makes them square, allowing you to add more units to the panel.

Now you could set up to 16 tiles

You can also combine big and small tiles on the Quick Settings panel, which gives you more customization possibilities not only on a functional level but also aesthetically. The new feature would allow you to set up to 16 tiles in your Quick Settings area. For reference, you can currently only set 8 tiles, so the possibilities would grow considerably.

According to the source, the new feature is targeting a release on Android 16. Therefore, it may take a considerable amount of time before a widespread rollout occurs. Given that this feature is still in development, its implementation may never occur. However, let’s hope that’s not the case, as it looks pretty useful.