Best Laptops
By Matt Smith Check out the best laptops, as rated by Digital Trends’ expert reviewers.
Slimmer, faster, lighter. The list of best laptops of the moment may shift every month, but manufacturers strive to improve their notebooks in many of the same ways with every revision. As processors shrink, the computers they go in can get faster and run longer, even while their bulk diminishes. Meanwhile, lightweight materials like magnesium alloy and even carbon fiber allow builders to reinforce these thin new bodies so they feel sturdier than ever. The end result? No matter what you bought two year ago, the latest models make it look fat, slow and heavy. If you’re looking for an upgrade, check out some of the highly rated models below. From netbooks and Ultrabooks to desktop replacements, these are the best laptops to have passed under our critical gaze.
For those on a budget, check out our list of the best laptops under $500.
Our best laptops list is continually updated as we review new products that enter the market.
HP Pavilion dm1z
The HP dm1z is what netbooks originally claimed to be but never were - an affordable and enjoyable Windows PC in a portable package.
Pros Attractive design, Large keyboard and ...
Cons Annoying Norton antivirus, Poor proces...
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Type Budget
Form Factor Netbook
Screen Size Under 12"HP Envy 15 (2012)
The HP Envy 15 finally provides Windows users with a product that can go toe-to-toe with what Apple offers.
Pros Excellent all-round performance, Above...
Cons Derivative design, 1080p display strai...
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Screen Size 14" - 16"
Type Media
Form Factor Mid-sizeApple MacBook Air 13.3-inch (Mid-2011)
The Air nails down the fundamentals. The keyboard is superb (and now backlit), the touchpad is excellent as always, the display offers a wealth of pixels, and performance is on par with much larger laptops.
Pros Excellent backlit keyboard, Glass touc...
Cons Average battery life, Port selection r...
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Reader Rating: Specifications
Screen Size 0.7"
Type All-Purpose
Form Factor UltraportableOrigin Eon 17-S
The machine we reviewed was packing heat, starting off with Intel’s best mobile CPU: The brand-new Core i7-3920XM Extreme Edition.
Pros Overclocked top-of-the-line components...
Cons Pedestrian looks, Poor trackpad, No op...
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Screen Size 16" and Over
Type Gaming
Form Factor Mid-sizeHP Envy 14 Spectre
If sheer performance is your foremost concern, you can leave this machine off your list of contenders. Fortunately for HP, the Spectre boasts plenty of other reasons for us to recommend it.
Pros Beautiful design, Great display, High-...
Cons Expensive, Glass likely to shatter if ...
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Specifications
Screen Size 14" - 16"
Type All-Purpose
Form Factor UltraportableToshiba Satellite P755
If you need a single PC to handle all of your needs, and you’ll be using it primarily at home, the Toshiba Satellite P755 is a good bet.
Pros Good build quality, Full-size numpad, ...
Cons So-so battery life, Thick and heavy, T...
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Specifications
Screen Size 14" - 16"
Type All-Purpose
Form Factor Mid-sizeDell Inspiron 14z
The Inspiron 14z lives up to its promise as an obtainable thin-and-light. It’s fast, it has good battery life, and it’s affordable.
Pros Solid build quality, Attractive, Great...
Cons Small touchpad, No high-resolution dis...
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Specifications
Screen Size 14" - 16"
Type Budget
Form Factor UltraportableHP Folio 13
The HP Folio 13 is one of the best Ultrabooks on the market today, no matter what it’s labeled. The user interface is excellent, build quality is high, performance is solid and battery life is much better than average. All of this is made sweeter by a reasonable price of $999.
Pros Solid build quality, Attractive, Good ...
Cons Resolution could be higher, Glossy dis...
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Screen Size 12" - 14"
Type Business
Form Factor UltraportableLenovo ThinkPad T420s
The LenovoT420s is an excellent laptop for business users, and also well worth the consideration of consumers who prefer an excellent keyboard and durable design to flashy aesthetics.
Pros Durable construction, High-resolution ...
Cons Not particularly thin or light, Lacklu...
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Screen Size 14" - 16"
Type Business
Form Factor UltraportableDell Vostro V131
Though allegedly designed for small business, the Vostro V131 is a clear winner for anyone who is in the market for a small, powerful laptop with excellent battery endurance.
Pros Great connectivity, Excellent performa...
Cons Runs warm, Poor key feel, Average display
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Specifications
Screen Size 12" - 14"
Type Business
Form Factor Ultraportable
10 Best Laptops under $500 
How to choose the right Ultrabook for you 
How to buy an Ultrabook: Beyond the specs 
