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The best Windows laptops you can buy: Expert tested
Why you can trust ZDNET
ZDNET's reviewers spend weeks to months testing each laptop on this list, using it for both everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming, to more performance-intensive work like photo and video editing. We aim to give you a view into how each laptop could actually fit into your life and workflow, and the pros and cons of their various features like performance, display, and battery life.
What to Consider
Design
Performance
Storage and RAM
Purpose
Value
2024 is the year of the Windows laptops. With the explosion of new devices with the new Windows on ARM from Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Elite chips, all eyes are on Microsoft machines, and Microsoft has its sights set on Apple. The MacBook Pro line of laptops has reigned supreme at the top of laptop processing power for a number of years now, but Microsoft is hoping they might soon meet their match.
Also: Every Copilot+ PC Microsoft just announced to take on Apple's M3 MacBooks
Window's Copilot+ laptops and PCs are quickly gaining steam as some of the best-equipped systems when it comes to AI, so if you're looking for a capable new Windows laptop packed with features, now is the time to spring for a new device. We rounded up our top picks and broke them down into the most wide-ranging and useful categories to help you make the right choice.
What is the best Windows laptop right now?
Our staff at ZDNET has gone hands-on with many of the best Windows laptops available, including some of the latest models from Dell, Lenovo, Microsoft, and more. Our pick for the best Windows laptop overall is the Dell XPS 15 which can handle everything from mainstream productivity to creative workloads -- and even gaming. But of course, there are plenty of other options out there, and for that reason we've included several different use-cases to round out our list. Our experts took the time to test each device here to help you find the best of the best.
The best Windows laptops of 2024
Dell XPS 15
Best Windows laptop overall
Dell XPS 15 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU: 13th Generation Intel Core i9-13900H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 | RAM: 16GB-64GB | Camera: 720p HD | Battery: 86Wh | Dimensions: 344.40mm x 230.10mm x 18.54mm | Weight: 4.22 lbs- 4.62lbs
The Dell XPS 15 is arguably the most well-rounded laptop, let alone Windows laptop, that you can buy right now. The company's flagship line of computing comes in three sizes, but the 15-inch model is the one most people are familiar with, coming in a slim-bezel design, brushed aluminum finishing, and an SD card slot on top of the three USB-C ports (two of which support Thunderbolt 4).
The feel and finish of the XPS 15 screams premium, and the best part is that no matter how you configure the laptop, you won't sacrifice on form factor. What sets the Dell apart from the competition is the 3.5K resolution AMOLED display, which delivers crisp and vibrant visuals that are optimal for photo and video-editing tasks. Prosumers will also get a kick out of the reliable battery life; ZDNET reviews editor June Wan quotes six to seven hours of usage before the 10% lower battery warning appears, although it could last a lot longer.
One Amazon buyer said in their review on the site that their XPS 15 unit was able to last a full 11 hours before needing a recharge. That's way more than a day's work. Naturally, that user said they were very happy with its performance.
Compared to the old 2021 model, the current XPS 15 has more powerful hardware and a slightly better display. It's not a big jump in quality. It's also smaller for easier carrying. Despite the overall size difference, you can still enjoy the lovely 15.6-inch screen. Covering everything from mainstream productivity to creative workloads, the Dell XPS 15 is our choice for the best Windows laptop overall.
Review: Dell XPS 15
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra
Best Windows laptop for Samsung users
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 Series, Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 1 | GPU: Nvidia RTX GeForce 4050, 4070 | RAM: 16/32GB with 1TB SSD | Camera: 1080p | Battery: Up to 21 hours | Dimensions: 13.99 x 9.86 x 0.65 inches | Weight: 4.1lbs
Featuring one of the best displays on the market, Samsung's Galaxy Book 4 Ultra is a well-rounded, performance-driven laptop available in configurations suitable for creatives, work users, and even gamers.
The Galaxy Book 4's 16-inch OLED touchscreen is one of its best features with new anti-reflective glass and updated functionality from its predecessor, last year's Galaxy Book 3 Ultra.
In addition, the battery life is impressive, pushing further than we expected while reviewing it. The efficiency is supported by the new Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 chips powering the unit, which results in a standout combination of performance, power, and longevity.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra
Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED
Best Windows 2-in-1 convertible laptop
ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1340P | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Camera: 1080p with IR | Battery: 75Wh | Dimensions: 311mm x 223mm x 16mm | Weight: 3.31lbs
Convertible 2-in-1 laptops are handy because they can satisfy a variety of use cases. In my opinion, the best 2-in-1 device on the market today is the Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED. On specific aspects, you could argue that there are better options out there, but in terms of a complete package, you can't beat this, based on my testing.
The Zenbook 14 Flip OLED sports a stunning, vibrant 14-inch OLED screen outputting 2.8K resolution, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It also has a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, which is notable because it allows the laptop to show off incredible detail. The image is so clear on the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED you can see the pixels on the screen, which is truly the best thing about it. All this is housed in a sturdy yet lightweight 3.31-pound aluminum frame. Under the hood, you'll find a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, an Iris Xe graphics card, and 16GB of memory -- excellent hardware for good all-around performance.
Also: The best 2-in-1 laptops: Top flexible, hybrid, and convertible notebooks
Other important features of the Zenbook 14 Flip include its 1080p IR webcam (perfect for video calls), a keyboard with a great typing feel, and a decent assortment of connections. While the laptop has a thin form factor, it still has a USB-C port, a headphone jack, and an HDMI input on top of the Thunderbolt 4.
The one downside is it is a bit heavy. You see this criticism over on the Amazon reviews for the Zenbook 14 -- users said they enjoy how powerful it is, although they wish it were lighter.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3
Best Windows laptop for business
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro 64 | CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i5 (1340P), Core i7 (i7-1360P, i7-1370P vPro) | GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: up to 16GB | Camera: 1080p Full HD IR Hybrid with Privacy Shutter | Battery: 49.6Wh | Dimensions: from 14.8 x 293.3 x 208.1 mm (0.58 x 11.54 x 8.18-inches) | Weight: from 2.13lbs
Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen is our pick for the best Windows business laptop since it offers a great combination of top-tier hardware and software features. The machine is super lightweight, clocking in a little over two pounds, and yet it packs a lot of muscle in that slim frame. Under the hood, it can host a 13th-gen Intel Core i7-1370P processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage.
What I found most interesting about this laptop during my testing is that it feels like Lenovo purposely built it to specialize in video calls, because there are so many features and components catering to that specific use case. It comes equipped with a 1080p webcam above the display ensuring you look good to your audience. Dolby Atmos and Dolby Voice are both supported as well. The former is a type of surround sound technology enveloping the listener in sound while the latter makes sure your voice comes through to the other side crystal clear.
Also: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 hands-on review
Speaking of being crystal clear, the ThinkPad X1 houses an awesome-looking 13.3-inch, 2K resolution display which is covered in an anti-glare coating. If you don't know what that is, it's a special layer OEMs install onto the display to reduce reflections and minimize glare from sunlight. This is great to have as it allows you to use the laptop outdoors while still being able to see the screen.
Over on Reddit, power users have talked about enjoying the display's aspect, performance, and resolution, but said they are disappointed by the short battery life. If you want a longer-lasting ThinkPad X1 Nano, one commenter recommends buying the first-generation model.
Acer Aspire 3
Best budget Windows laptop
Acer Aspire 3 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home 64 | CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7 • AMD Ryzen 3 3250U, 3 7320U, 5 7520U, 7 5700U | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics, UHD Graphics • AMD Radeon Graphics | Storage: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB | Camera: HD (720p) | Battery: 45W | Dimensions: from 19 x 363 x 457mm (0.74 x 14.3 x 9.4 inches) | Weight: from 3.75 lbs
Buying a laptop can be an expensive endeavor. Not everyone can afford their first choice, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for a substandard machine. All of the top-tier manufacturers have affordable in their laptop lineups, but out of everything that's out there, I have to give the crown to the Acer Aspire 3. It's a device that, in my opinion, manages to perfectly balance good hardware performance and affordability. All the models cost less than $1,000, and in a few cases, below $300.
The Acer Aspire 3 comes in three display sizes: 14-inches, 15.6-inches, and 17.3-inches. There are about 30 individual models to choose from so you have a wide selection at your fingertips. The reason there are so many of them is because each laptop has different hardware. Half of them house an Intel Core processor ranging from an i3-N305 to an i7-1165G7 CPU. The other half comes equipped with AMD hardware. The Intel options are arguably better performing, but the AMD machines tend to have more storage space. It's up to you whatever you prefer.
Also: The best cheap laptops for $500 or less: Expert tested
Do keep in mind, that because this is the budget option, it won't be as powerful as other Aspire models. You may experience a significant slowdown in speed during high workloads nor is the display the greatest. It's possible you even experience the laptop restarting suddenly. A user review on Best Buy claims to have experienced their unit restarting without warning multiple times. If this is a concern of yours, then we recommend more recent evolutions like the Acer Aspire Go series.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Best Windows 2-in-1 detachable
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | CPU:12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 or Microsoft SQ3 (based on Qualcomm)7 | GPU: Surface Pro 9: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
| RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB | Cameras: front: 1080p full HD video • rear: 10MP autofocus camera with up to 4K video | Battery: Up to 15.5 hours | Dimensions: tablet: 287mm x 209mm x 9.3mm | Weight: tablet: 1.94 lbs
Detachable 2-in-1 devices can operate in laptop mode or separate the keyboard and screen sections to use the latter as a tablet. Microsoft's Surface Pro devices exemplify the "tablet-first" genre of detachable 2-in-1s, where the screen section is propped up by a kickstand when in laptop mode rather than using a traditional screen/keyboard hinge. And Microsoft's Surface Pro 9 kicks it up a notch further.
The laptop is similar in a lot of ways to the Surface Pro 8. They both feature the same brush metal appearance and a display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth playback. However, multiple differences can be seen in the hardware choices made by Microsoft.
ZDNET's testing found that the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 could satisfy graphic design needs, deliver excellent front camera performance without giving an "unnatural blush," and the Corei7 processor handled heavy workloads gracefully.
Regarding battery life, ZDNET reviews editor June Wan reported averaging "six hours of battery life per charge...with 120Hz permanently on and brightness set to about 65 percent." Taking that into account, he said considers the Surface Pro 9 to be a "solid B-tier as far as endurance [goes]." It's good for the most part, but there's room for improvement on the next model.
Review: Microsoft Surface Pro 9: The MacBook competitor Windows users have been waiting for
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best Windows laptop for creators
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H | GPU: Intel Xe Graphics, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB Nvidia RTX 2000 Ada Generation Laptop GPU, | RAM: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | Cameras: 1080p | Battery: 58Wh | Dimensions: 323mm x 230mm x 21.8mm | Weight: Iris Xe: 4.18 lbs; Nvidia graphics: 4.36 lbs
Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio 2 is unlike any other laptop on the market right now. It carries over many of the design flourishes from the first-generation model while upgrading the device's hardware to be more in line with contemporary user demands. The screen is held up by a tiltable hinge that lets it switch from laptop mode to stage mode (where the display is angled like a tablet in a stand) to studio mode (where the display is laid flat).
Under the hood, you have a 13th Gen Intel i7 processor paired up with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series or Iris Xe graphics card -- your choice. You also have up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage supporting these components. You have a laptop capable of handling various workloads, from everyday productivity to demanding creative projects.
Also: The best laptops for graphic designers, according to experts who use them
The display has a 14.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen outputting a resolution of 2400 x 1600 pixels with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. That last number is significant because it enables smooth scrolling and performance. Moreover, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 has a contrast ratio of 1500:1, certified for VESA DisplayHDR 400. This means the screen can output vivid imagery with an unparalleled amount of detail. It's even made out of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to resist damage. Depending on your configuration, the battery can last 19 hours of typical device usage.
It certainly has its fans online. Multiple user reviews praise the Laptop Studio 2 for its top-tier design. You even have people calling it the "best Windows laptop out there" right now. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is expensive, starting at $1,999 for the lowest configuration. That may be a lot but keep in mine what you're getting: a stacked laptop that handles all sorts of use cases with aplomb.
Also: I demoed Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio 2 and was left all kinds of jealous
Razer Blade 17
Best Windows gaming laptop
Razer Blade 17 tech specs: Operating System: Windows 11 Home | CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12800H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop (8GB) | RAM: 32GB | Camera: 1080p + IR | Battery: 61.6Wh | Dimensions: 395 x 260 x 19.9 mm | Weight: 5.2lbs
Not only is the Razer Blade 17 the best gaming laptop on the market, but it's also our pick for the best 17-inch laptop. The reason is its perfect blend of power and portability. To put it lightly, this machine is stacked. Starting models come with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12800H, although you can upgrade it to an Intel Core i9 for better performance.
The model listed here is from 2022, and it saw multiple improvements from the 2021 version. For starters, it can do 4K resolution gameplay better than before. The Razer Blade 17 had difficulties outputting high-resolution content so people had to lower the game settings so it ran more smoothly. Also, the cooling fans were way louder back then.
Whatever you choose, it'll be paired up with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 TI graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and a stunning Full HD 360Hz display for a world-class gaming experience. Of course, it has all the goodies you expect from a gaming laptop, like a Chrome RGB keyboard plus the Vapor Chamber Cooling system to keep the operating temperature low. To top it all off, the Blade 17 is great as an all-around laptop thanks to a wide array of ports. It's compatible with USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, and even SD cards.
Gamers, unsurprisingly, say they love the Razer Blade 17. Many online point to the "perfect" combination of the 12th-gen Intel Core processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics card, and full terabyte of storage as the reason they bought the laptop.
What is the best Windows laptop?
The best Windows laptop overall is the Dell XPS 15, due to an impressive combination of display, CPU, GPU, battery life, and other features. Below is a table where we compare every thing according to their prices, CPU, and graphics.
Windows laptop | Price | CPU | Graphics |
Dell XPS 15 | Starting at $1,499 | 13th-gen Intel Core i7, i9 | Intel UHD Graphics, Iris Xe Graphics, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050/4060/4070 |
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra | Starting at $2,000 | Intel Core Ultra 7 or Core Ultra 9 | Nvidia RTX GeForce 4050 or 4070 |
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED | Starting at $1,000 | 13th-Gen Intel Core i5-1240P | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 | Starting at $1,181 | 13th-gen Intel Core i5/i7 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Acer Aspire 3 | Starting at $307 | 12th-gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7 • AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Intel UHD Graphics • AMD Radeon Graphics |
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | Starting at $994 | 13th-gen Intel Core i7 | Intel UHD Graphics (Core i3), Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Core i5, i7) |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 | Starting at $2000 | 11th-gen Intel Core i5, i7 | Intel Xe Graphics, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB Nvidia RTX 2000 Laptop GPU |
Razer Blade 17 | Starting at $2,849 | 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12800H | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU |
Which Windows laptop is right for you?
The key to deciding which Windows laptop is best for you starts with asking and evaluating what you want or need it for.
For example, if you're a mobile knowledge worker, you'll want a combination of lightweight, flexible configuration, sturdy build, connectivity, security, battery life, and design credibility. But if you're a largely deskbound graphic designer or creator who occasionally needs to visit a client with a laptop in tow, your priorities will be different.
The table below provides a quick breakdown to help you further narrow your choices based on your needs.
Choose this Windows laptop... | If you want... |
Dell XPS 15 | A well-rounded 15-inch laptop for work and home use with incredible display, CPU, and power. It even has an OLED display option. |
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra | An integrated and comprehensive Samsung ecosystem with an OLED display. This laptop can also sync with other Galaxy devices. |
ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 OLED | A 2-in-1 convertible laptop with a gorgeous touchscreen display, 1080p webcam, and a long-lasting battery life. |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 | A great performing 13-inch laptop for business users that's lightweight and houses a 2K display. It also has a powerful audio system for immersive audio. |
Acer Aspire 3 | An affordable laptop for students and at-home users. Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes and hardware configurations to meet people's needs. |
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | A capable 13-inch 2-in-1 detachable with optional 4G LTE. The laptop runs on the 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor. |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 | A great 14-inch creator laptop sporting a multi-mode touch screen, powerful hardware, and a 19-hour battery life. |
Razer Blade 17 | A powerful 17-inch gaming laptop with a stunning FullHD 360GHz display and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 TI GPU. |
How we test Windows laptops
We use a combination of methods to test laptops here at ZDNET. First, we acquire data from benchmarking software to analyze a system's metrics under the hood, and compare those to advertised numbers. Then, we spend an extended amount of time with the laptop (usually a week or two) using it the same way a normal consumer would, in order to analyze its portability, form factor, and how well the battery actually holds up, among others. For an extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive laptop testing methodology.
- Benchmarking: First, we run a series of tests to put the computer's hardware through the wringer in order to see what it's capable of. Cinebench is one of the most commonly-used hardware testing suites, which tests the laptop's rendering performance on single and multiple CPU cores. PCMark 10 is another powerful program that covers a wide variety of tasks performed in the workplace, and there are many others that we use in tandem to gather as much data as we can. Some components we run tests on include:
- Processor: The "brain" of the laptop, and one of the most important factors that determines performance. The four biggest manufacturers that make most of the CPUs found in laptops today are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple (in their own machines only). This is tested in benchmarking software.
The display: The size of the display (measured diagonally from corner to corner) is also what dictates the laptop's overall size, and play a big role in the laptop's cost. Brightness is measured in "nits," and color spectrums are tested in benchmarking software.
The graphics processor (GPU): Whether it's integrated into the CPU or a dedicated graphics card, how well the machine handles graphics is a key factor when it comes to demanding visual tasks like video editing, rendering, and of course, gaming. We test the GPU with a combination of benchmarking software, gaming, and media playback.
Physical form factor: Finally, the laptop's overall appearance and physical form factor encompasses its weight, thickness, how the keyboard and trackpad feel, and whether or not it has a display that can be folded back to form a tablet. We carry the laptop around for at least a week and note how well it commutes.
- Battery testing: We test a unit's battery in a few ways. A handful of benchmarking programs have their own battery testing components, but we also will just let the laptop run for as long as it can under a medium load. We ensure screensavers and hibernation mode are turned off, set the display's brightness and audio at 50%, load up a livestream on YouTube in Chrome, and wait 'til the end.
- The human element: As we mentioned earlier, metrics and system data is important, but numbers alone don't give you the full picture. This is where we weave in our personal experience with the device and tap into the practical use cases that consumers actually care about.
Ultimately, our goal is to break down the capabilities of each and every laptop we test into digestible terms that real people can find useful. There is a lot of noise and confusion when it comes to navigating the laptop and computer consumer market, so we hope to bring an intuitive element to the whole process by leveraging our team's decades of experience.
What are some factors to consider when choosing a Windows laptop?
We selected these Windows laptops after conducting thorough research and real-world testing by ZDNET experts. In our evaluation, we weighed the following aspects:
- Design: As the name suggests, design focuses primarily on how aesthetically pleasing a laptop looks. Does it come in a good color and is the computer made of a good, sturdy material? Those are some of the questions we try to answer.
- Performance: Laptop hardware can vary wildly, so it's important to mention what's powering the machine. Some opt for processors you'd see in smartphones, while others go for top-of-the-line CPUs. Battery life is also taken into account.
- Display: Naturally, you'll want a laptop with the best possible display since you'll be staring at one for hours. But we also consider the screen size as it dictates the overall size and weight of the laptop.
- Features: Lastly, we consider the full suite of features a laptop has. Gaming laptops have RGB lights, whereas a work computer may skew to have a better webcam than others.
Why should you buy a laptop and not a desktop or a tablet?
These days, a "computer" for most people is a laptop of some kind. The desktop form factor — particularly in the shape of all-in-one (AIO) devices — is by no means finished. Still, laptops span the range from thin, light, and ultraportable to bulky, powerful, and deskbound.
If small screens are a problem, you can always attach an external monitor. There are also plenty of hybrid 2-in-1 devices that straddle the divide between laptops and tablets.
Which operating system should you choose: Windows, Chrome OS, or Linux?
Every operating system has its committed supporters, but most people end up using a particular one either because of key applications run on it, it was chosen for them by their employer, or their familiarity with the OS. Windows spans the range from budget to premium, while Chrome OS is largely confined to the affordable end of the market.
All of the Windows devices listed here qualify for Windows 11. So if you buy one with Windows 10 installed, you'll be able to upgrade to the newer version. If you don't, note that Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, after which there will be no more security patches or feature updates.
Is there a top brand for Windows laptops?
Everything listed in this guide are all the top brands for Windows laptops. If you're looking for a specific one that rises above the rest, there isn't one. Laptops by each of the major manufacturers have their pros and cons. All of them do something unique that some might like while others don't. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.
What should a good quality laptop cost?
That's a tough question to answer because it ultimately comes down to what you, the buyer, are looking for. But we can give you an idea. Budget devices, by and large, cost less than $800. Hardware below that range can deliver solid overall performance, and most importantly, a long battery life. $1,500 and above is where you begin to see the elite laptops; the cream of the crop. You're looking at gaming laptops, business computers like the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, and specialty machines such as the Panasonic Toughbook 55.
Between $800 and $1,500 is where you will the mid-range options. Everyday laptops that can perform well while also not completely destroying your wallet. Most options fall in this range with plenty to choose from.
Should you stick to the usual laptop vendors or seek out lesser-known brands?
Generally speaking, the leading PC vendors have the broadest range of offerings and the best-documented track records in terms of product development and customer relations. So in the absence of certain use cases or budgets, you're usually looking at the likes of Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and Acer; all of which currently lead the PC market plus a handful of other well-known brands.
Are there other products that you have tested?
We've covered just about every situation where you'd need a Windows laptop, including rugged models for field work, ultra-powerful workstations for developers, and content creation. But if you're still looking to weigh your options, here are two more Windows laptops we consider great choices.
Former ZDNET editor Christina Darby contributed to this story.