Thursday 9 October 2014

Shopping for a laptop is a pretty daunting task. The sheer number of systems available online or in a store's electronics section is enough to make your mind spin. Most people have a general idea of what their laptop should look like and what they want in terms of features, but are often intimidated by the choices available. We narrow down those choices with 10 top-rated notebooks.
The first thing you need to consider is what you need in the laptop. Are you looking for something to compete on the gaming grid? Then a discrete graphics card and big screen are necessary components in the laptop you choose. Are you on a limited budget? Then be on the lookout for anything under $500 that offers at least a Core i3 CPU and 4GB of memory. If a business system is what you need, then security measures like a fingerprint reader and a TPM module are must-haves. For those who spend a lot of time on the road, an ultrabook or an ultraportable will keep back and shoulder strain to a minimum. For those who need a system meant for watching movies, a bright 1080p screen is a must-have feature. And last but not least, ask yourself if a touch screen is important to you. With the advent of Windows 8 and 8.1, touch-screen functionality has become a significant factor to consider when buying a laptop.
The editors of PCMag.com test hundreds of systems each year to help you find the best laptop. There are a lot of laptops out there, from the large-screen desktop replacements to the lightweight ultraportables, and even laptop/tablet convertibles, but all share common features. In this story, we help you narrow your choices by collecting the 10 best laptops on the market today. If you need more shopping advice, then our buying guide is a good place to start. Also be sure to check out our top laptop picks for business and gaming.

FEATURED IN THIS STORY
Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch
Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2014)
 
$1,099
$899.00 at AmazonThe latest 13-inch Apple MacBook Air updates one of the best ultraportables around, making it faster and more powerful, while proving that some things don't need to change at all. 

Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch, Retina Display (2014)
 
$1,299
$1,199.99 at AmazonThe latest 13-inch Retina Apple MacBook Pro gives you top-notch performance and more than 13 hours of battery life in a beautifully designed laptop. It's our top pick for high-end ultraportables. 


Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2014)
Apple MacBook Pro 15-Inch Retina Display (2014)
 
$1,999
$1,199.99 at AmazonApple's latest 15-inch MacBook Pro represents a slight upgrade to the best system mobile Mac power users can buy. And while the Windows competition is breathing down its figurative neck, it's still our top choice for high-end desktop-replacement laptops. 


HP Chromebook 11 (Verizon LTE)
 
$299.99
$299.00 at Best BuyThe HP Chromebook 11 (Verizon LTE) builds upon a slim and stylish design with a mobile internet connection that frees the Chromebook from the limitations of Wi-Fi. 


Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series 2-in-1 (3147)
Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series 2-in-1 (3147)
 
$449.99
$439.99 at DellThe entry-level Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series 2-in-1 (3147) proves that you don't have to compromise if you want a convertible-hybrid laptop that lasts all day and fully utilizes its touch screen.  ›


Lenovo ThinkPad X240
Lenovo ThinkPad X240
 
$1,495
$1,260.85 at LenovoThe Lenovo ThinkPad X240 is a powerful business laptop sporting a Core i5 Haswell CPU, a speedy solid-state drive, and a 12.5-inch IPS touch-screen display. You'll pay top dollar for this well-built ultrabook, but it'll give you over 15 hours of battery life in return. 


Lenovo Flex 2 (15-Inch)
Lenovo Flex 2 (15-Inch)
 
$679.99
$669.00 at LenovoLenovo's Flex 2 is a reasonably priced, capable 15-inch desktop-replacement laptop with a unique 300-degree folding display. 


MSI GS60 Ghost Pro 3K
MSI GS60 Ghost Pro 3K
 
$2,199
$1,799.10 at AmazonThe MSI GS60 Ghost Pro 3K delivers a midrange gaming laptop that brings plenty of bang for the buck, and several small touches that will delight gamers. 


Toshiba Kirabook 13 i7s Touch
 
$1,699.99
$1,699.00 at AmazonWith a brilliant, bright WQHD screen and premium components, all housed in a chassis that weighs less than three pounds, the Toshiba Kirabook 13 i7s Touch is a dream ultrabook. 


Toshiba Satellite Radius P55W-B5224
Toshiba Satellite Radius P55W-B5224
 
$899.99
$899.99 at Best BuyThe Toshiba Satellite Radius P55W-B5224 is a well-made convertible-hybrid laptop. While its 15-inch size might be a little big, it offers great performance and long battery life.

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