Beginner’s Checklist for Buying a New Laptop

I’ve helped over 800 clients choose the right tech for their businesses over the past 16 years. The single question I get asked more than anything else? “Which laptop should I buy?” It’s not a simple answer because it depends entirely on what you’re doing with it.

This guide breaks down the best laptops you can buy in 2026, organized by what you’ll actually use them for. Whether you’re a student on a tight budget, a developer who needs raw processing power, a designer who cares about display quality, or a gamer who wants smooth frame rates, I’ve got specific recommendations for each category. Every laptop here is one I’d be comfortable recommending to a client.

I’ve also included a practical buying checklist at the end, so you can compare specs like a pro before you pull the trigger. No fluff, no filler. Just the information you need to make a smart purchase.

Best Budget Laptops for Everyday Use

If you need a laptop for basic tasks like email, web browsing, streaming, and office work, you don’t need to spend more than $400. These budget-friendly laptops get the job done without burning a hole in your wallet. I recommend these for students, first-time buyers, and anyone who already has a more powerful machine at home.

HP Stream 11.6-inch Laptop

The HP Stream is the cheapest laptop on this list, and I’d still recommend it for basic computing. At $219.99, you’re getting a compact 11.6-inch screen, 4GB RAM, and 32GB eMMC storage. That’s not a lot of space, but if you live in Google Docs or Microsoft 365 online, it works fine. The one-year Microsoft 365 Personal subscription included is a nice bonus. Battery life hovers around 13 hours, which is excellent for the price. Don’t expect to run Photoshop or even heavy browser tabs on this one. It’s built for notes, emails, and Netflix.

ASUS VivoBook L210, 11.6-inch Ultra-Thin Laptop

At $193, this is one of the most affordable laptops you can get. It weighs just 2.2 lbs, which makes it perfect for tossing in a backpack. The Intel Celeron N4020 handles basic browsing and document editing without issues, and ASUS claims up to 10 hours of battery life. Storage is limited at 64GB eMMC, so you’ll want to lean on cloud storage. For a secondary laptop or a first computer for a young student, it’s hard to beat this price point.

HP Pavilion with Intel Pentium Silver N5000

This is a step up from the Stream. The Intel Pentium Silver N5000 is a quad-core processor that handles multitasking better than the Celeron chips in cheaper laptops. You get 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD, which gives you faster boot times and more local storage than eMMC-based machines. At $244, it sits in the sweet spot for someone who wants a reliable everyday laptop without overspending.

HP Chromebook 14-inch Laptop

If you’re okay with Chrome OS instead of Windows, this 14-inch Chromebook gives you a bigger screen and better browsing experience than most Windows laptops at this price. Chrome OS boots in seconds, stays fast over time, and doesn’t need antivirus software. The 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC are standard for Chromebooks. You get up to 13 hours of battery life and access to the Google Play Store for Android apps. For students who work primarily in Google Workspace, this is the better choice over a cheap Windows laptop.

Best Laptops for Office and Business

Office laptops need to be reliable, fast enough for spreadsheets and presentations, and comfortable for 8+ hours of daily use. These models strike the right balance between performance and value for professionals and remote workers. If you’re working from home, any of these will handle your workload.

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, 15.6-inch Full HD

The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the most popular budget laptops on Amazon, and for good reason. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display is sharp and bright enough for long work sessions. The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor paired with 4GB RAM handles office applications, web browsing, and video calls without breaking a sweat. The 128GB SSD is small but keeps the system snappy. If you need more storage, there’s an open slot for a second drive. At $375, this is the best value office laptop on this list.

ASUS VivoBook 15, Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM

This VivoBook steps up to 8GB RAM and an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor, which makes a noticeable difference when you’re juggling multiple apps. The 15.6-inch Full HD display with NanoEdge bezels gives you more screen real estate in a compact body. At $329, you’re getting solid hardware for spreadsheets, presentations, and video conferencing. The 128GB SSD keeps things fast. I’d pick this over the Aspire 5 if multitasking is important to you.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3, AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM

The IdeaPad 3 punches above its weight. An AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD at under $380 is genuinely impressive. This handles everything from heavy spreadsheets to light video editing. The 14-inch Full HD IPS display is crisp and color-accurate enough for professional use. Lenovo’s keyboard is one of the best in this price range, which matters when you’re typing all day. If your budget is around $400 for an office laptop, this is the one I’d buy.

Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD

If you need maximum storage on a budget, this Dell Inspiron comes with a 1TB HDD. That’s more than enough for documents, photos, and media files. The Intel Pentium Gold 4205U is an entry-level processor, so don’t expect blazing speed, but it handles everyday office tasks fine. The 8GB RAM keeps multitasking smooth. At $483.86, you’re paying a bit more, but the 1TB storage makes it worthwhile if cloud storage isn’t your thing. The built-in webcam and HDMI output are practical for remote work setups.

HP 22 All-in-One Desktop PC

This isn’t a laptop, but it deserves a mention for home offices. The 21.5-inch Full HD IPS display gives you more screen space than any laptop under $500. The AMD Athlon Gold 3150U with 4GB RAM and 256GB SSD handles office work, video calls, and streaming. The built-in webcam, microphone, and dual speakers mean you don’t need extra peripherals. At $489.99, it’s a clean, all-in-one setup for anyone who works from a fixed desk. Pair it with a good external monitor for a dual-screen setup.

Best Laptops for Students and Coding

Students and developers need laptops that can handle coding IDEs, multiple browser tabs, and the occasional compile without choking. These picks offer the right balance of processing power, RAM, and portability. If you’re studying engineering or learning to code, pay attention to the RAM and processor specs.

ASUS VivoBook F512, AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM

The VivoBook F512 is a solid mid-range option for students. The AMD Ryzen 5 3500U handles coding in VS Code, IntelliJ, or any modern IDE without lag. 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD are enough for most programming workflows. The 15.6-inch Full HD display with NanoEdge bezels looks great for the price, and the fingerprint reader adds a nice layer of security. At $449, this sits right in the sweet spot for computer science students who don’t need a dedicated GPU.

Dell Inspiron 3583, 15.6-inch, 128GB SSD

At $308.40, this Dell Inspiron is a budget-friendly entry point for students. The Intel Celeron processor won’t win any speed tests, but it handles web development, Python scripting, and note-taking without issues. The 128GB SSD keeps the system responsive, and 4GB RAM is fine if you’re not running heavy applications simultaneously. Think of this as a reliable workhorse for learning the basics. Once you outgrow it, you’ll know exactly what specs matter for your next upgrade.

Jumper 13.3-inch Laptop, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage

The Jumper laptop is a wildcard pick. At around $259, you’re getting 8GB RAM and a 13.3-inch Full HD IPS display, which is unusual at this price point. The Celeron quad-core processor is basic, but the 8GB RAM makes a real difference for multitasking. The thin and light design is perfect for carrying between classes. It won’t replace a proper development machine, but for web-based coding, research, and coursework, it punches way above its weight. The expandable microSD slot helps with the limited 128GB storage.

Best Laptops for Design and Creative Work

Designers need accurate color reproduction, fast processors for rendering, and enough RAM to handle Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma without slowdowns. These laptops deliver on display quality and performance. If you’re working with data visualization or creative tools, these are your best bets.

Acer Swift 3, AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core, 14-inch

The Acer Swift 3 is my top pick for designers on a budget. The AMD Ryzen 7 4700U is an octa-core beast that handles Photoshop, Illustrator, and video editing without flinching. The 14-inch Full HD IPS display has good color accuracy out of the box. At just 2.65 lbs with an aluminum body, it’s one of the most portable laptops in its performance class. 8GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD keep workflows snappy. The 11.5-hour battery life means you can work through a full day without hunting for outlets. At $689.99, this is exceptional value for creative professionals.

Lenovo Flex 5, 14-inch 2-in-1 Touchscreen, 16GB RAM

The Flex 5 is a 2-in-1 with a 14-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen and 360-degree hinge. That means you can flip it into tablet mode for sketching or use it in tent mode for presentations. The included digital pen is a huge bonus for designers and note-takers. Under the hood, you get an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U with 16GB RAM, which is rare at this price point. The 256GB SSD is on the smaller side, but the performance-to-price ratio at $649.99 is hard to beat. This is my go-to recommendation for anyone who needs a versatile creative machine under $700.

HP 15.6-inch Touchscreen, Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

16GB RAM and 512GB SSD at $519 is a steal. The 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 handles design applications and multitasking without breaking a sweat. The 15.6-inch HD touchscreen adds flexibility for UI prototyping and quick sketches. The numeric keypad is a nice touch for anyone working with spreadsheets alongside design work. It’s not the lightest laptop here, but the raw specs at this price make it one of the best value picks on this entire list.

MSI Modern 14, Intel Core i5-10210U, Ultra-Thin

The MSI Modern 14 is built for professionals who want a sleek, lightweight laptop without sacrificing performance. At just 2.62 lbs and 0.63 inches thin, it’s thinner than a MacBook Air. The Intel Core i5-10210U with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD handles design software, coding, and heavy multitasking. The 14-inch thin-bezel display looks clean, and the keyboard has decent travel for long typing sessions. At $750, you’re paying a premium for the build quality and portability, which is worth it if you’re always on the move.

HP Pavilion, 15.6-inch Full HD IPS Touchscreen, Intel Core i5

The Pavilion strikes a nice balance between performance and price. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen with anti-glare coating is comfortable for long sessions, and the B&O-tuned dual speakers are a pleasant surprise for a laptop in this range. The i5-1035G1 with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD handles design tools, video calls, and general multitasking without any hiccups. At $519, it’s a versatile machine that works for both creative work and everyday office tasks.

HP ENVY x360, 15.6-inch Touchscreen 2-in-1, AMD Ryzen 5

The ENVY x360 is HP’s premium 2-in-1 convertible. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen flips 360 degrees for tablet mode, and the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U is a capable processor for creative work. 8GB RAM with 256GB SSD handles most workflows. What sets it apart: the built-in fingerprint reader and camera privacy kill switch. These are small details that matter for professionals handling sensitive work. At $548, it’s a solid upgrade over the Flex 5 if you want HP’s build quality and security features.

Dell Inspiron 15 5000, Intel Core i7-1165G7, 8GB RAM

This is the most powerful design laptop in this section. The 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 with Intel Iris Xe Graphics gives you enough horsepower for Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and even light 3D modeling. 8GB RAM is the only compromise here, but it’s upgradeable. The 256GB NVMe SSD is fast, though you might want to add external storage for large project files. At $749.98, it’s priced right for anyone who needs serious processing power without jumping to a gaming laptop.

HP 17.3-inch HD+ Touchscreen, AMD Ryzen 5

If screen size is a priority, this 17.3-inch laptop is the way to go. The larger display makes a real difference when you’re working on detailed designs or managing complex spreadsheets. The AMD Ryzen 5 7530U is a newer processor that handles multitasking efficiently. The touchscreen adds versatility for creative workflows. At around $499, the big screen and solid specs make this an excellent choice for anyone who prioritizes visual comfort over portability.

Best Gaming Laptops

Gaming laptops need dedicated GPUs, fast refresh-rate displays, and processors that won’t bottleneck during intense sessions. These picks range from budget gaming machines to premium powerhouses. Fair warning: gaming laptops sacrifice battery life and portability for raw performance. If that trade-off works for you, keep reading.

Lenovo IdeaPad L340, Intel Core i5, GTX 1650 (Budget Pick)

The IdeaPad L340 is the most affordable way to get into PC gaming with a dedicated GPU. The Intel Core i5 paired with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 runs most modern games at medium to high settings at 1080p. 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD keep things responsive. The Harman speakers with Dolby Audio are a step above what you’ll find on most budget gaming laptops. At $629.99, it’s the entry point I recommend for gamers who don’t want to overspend on their first gaming laptop.

HP Pavilion Gaming 15, AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, GTX 1650

HP’s Pavilion Gaming line has gotten surprisingly good. The AMD Ryzen 5 4600H is a six-core processor that outperforms most Intel alternatives at this price, and the GTX 1650 handles 1080p gaming without issues. The 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD gives you fast load times and plenty of space for a decent game library. The enhanced thermal cooling keeps temperatures in check during long sessions. At around $699.99, it’s a well-rounded gaming laptop that doesn’t scream “gamer” in a meeting room.

Acer Nitro 5, Intel Core i5-10300H, GTX 1650 Ti

The Nitro 5 has been a gaming laptop staple for years, and this version keeps the tradition going. The i5-10300H paired with a GTX 1650 Ti is a meaningful step up from the standard GTX 1650, giving you 15-20% better frame rates in most games. WiFi 6 and Killer Ethernet are welcome additions for online gaming. 8GB RAM and 256GB NVMe SSD are the baseline, both upgradeable. At $819.99, it’s not the cheapest option, but the build quality and connectivity features justify the premium over the L340.

ASUS TUF Gaming A15, AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, 144Hz Display

The TUF Gaming A15 is built to last. The MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification means this laptop can handle bumps, dust, and temperature extremes. The AMD Ryzen 5 4600H with GTX 1650 delivers reliable 1080p gaming performance, and the 144Hz display makes everything feel smoother. The self-cleaning cooling system is a standout feature that keeps the internals dust-free over time. At $849, you’re paying for durability alongside performance, which makes sense if you want a gaming laptop that’ll last 4-5 years.

ASUS TUF Gaming, Intel Core i7-9750H, GTX 1650, 144Hz

This is the Intel variant of the TUF Gaming line, and it’s a solid choice if you prefer Intel’s ecosystem. The Core i7-9750H is a six-core processor that handles both gaming and productivity workloads. The 144Hz Full HD display, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD are identical to the A15. At $899, the extra $50 over the A15 gets you a slightly more powerful CPU for single-threaded tasks. If you play games that favor Intel processors (and some still do), this is worth the upgrade.

Lenovo Legion 5, AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, GTX 1660 Ti, 16GB RAM (Top Pick)

This is my top gaming laptop recommendation at the $1,000 mark. The AMD Ryzen 7 4800H is an eight-core monster, and the GTX 1660 Ti is significantly faster than any GTX 1650 variant. You get 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 240Hz FHD IPS display. The TrueStrike keyboard is one of the best you’ll find on a gaming laptop, and the Coldfront 2.0 cooling system keeps thermals under control. At $999.99, this outperforms laptops costing $200-300 more. If you can only buy one gaming laptop, make it this one.

MSI GL65 Leopard, Intel Core i7-10750H, RTX 2070

The GL65 Leopard steps into RTX territory with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070. That means ray tracing support and DLSS for significantly better visuals in supported games. The i7-10750H with 16GB RAM handles the most demanding titles at high settings. The 144Hz display at 3ms response time keeps gameplay smooth, and the Cooler Boost 5 thermal system uses 7 heat pipes to manage temperatures. At around $1,299, you’re getting serious gaming performance. This laptop can also double as a workstation for video editing and 3D rendering.

MSI GS75 Stealth, 17.3-inch 240Hz, Intel Core i7-10875H, RTX 2060

The GS75 Stealth is for gamers who want a large 17.3-inch 240Hz display without the bulk. At just 4.96 lbs and 0.69 inches thin, it’s remarkably slim for a 17-inch gaming laptop. The i7-10875H is an eight-core processor, and the RTX 2060 provides excellent 1080p performance with ray tracing support. The per-key RGB keyboard adds a premium touch. At $1,299.99, it competes directly with the GL65 Leopard, trading the RTX 2070 for a larger, faster display and a thinner profile. Pick this if screen size matters more than raw GPU power.

Razer Blade 15, Intel Core i7-10750H, RTX 2070 Max-Q

The Razer Blade 15 is the MacBook Pro of gaming laptops. The CNC aluminum unibody is gorgeous, the build quality is exceptional, and the 100% sRGB color-accurate display is good enough for professional photo and video work. The i7-10750H with RTX 2070 Max-Q delivers high-end gaming performance in a chassis that looks appropriate in a boardroom. The vapor chamber cooling is more efficient than traditional heat pipe designs. At $1,920.50, it’s the most expensive laptop on this list, but it’s also the only one you can game on and take to a client meeting without looking out of place.

Razer Blade Stealth 13, Intel Core i7-1065G7, GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q

If you want a gaming-capable ultrabook, the Blade Stealth 13 is your best option. The 13.3-inch form factor makes it one of the most portable gaming laptops available. The i7-1065G7 with GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q won’t compete with the full-size gaming machines above, but it runs most games at medium settings comfortably. Thunderbolt 3 and WiFi 6 round out the connectivity. The CNC aluminum chassis feels premium. At around $1,599.99, you’re paying for the ultrabook form factor and Razer’s build quality. Best for travelers who want to game on the go without carrying a heavy machine.

Laptop Buying Checklist by Use Case

Before you finalize your purchase, run through these checklists based on your primary use case. I’ve seen too many people overspend on specs they don’t need, or worse, underspend on the one component that matters most for their workflow.

For Office and Everyday Use

• Processor: Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5 is plenty
• RAM: 8GB minimum for comfortable multitasking
• Storage: 128GB SSD minimum (256GB preferred)
• Display: 14-15.6 inch Full HD (1080p)
• Battery: 8+ hours for all-day use
• Weight: Under 4 lbs if you carry it daily
• OS: Windows 10/11 or Chrome OS if your work is browser-based
• Budget: $300-$500

For Coding and Development

• Processor: Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 (multiple cores matter for compiling)
• RAM: 16GB recommended, 8GB minimum
• Storage: 256GB SSD minimum, 512GB if you run VMs or Docker
• Display: Full HD IPS, 14-15.6 inch with good color accuracy
• Keyboard: Comfortable key travel for long typing sessions
• Ports: USB-C, HDMI for external monitors, USB-A for peripherals
• Budget: $450-$800

For Design and Creative Work

• Processor: Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 (i7/Ryzen 7 for heavy rendering)
• RAM: 16GB minimum (32GB for video editing and 3D work)
• Storage: 512GB SSD minimum for project files
• Display: Full HD IPS with good color accuracy (100% sRGB preferred)
• GPU: Integrated graphics work for Photoshop/Figma, dedicated GPU for video/3D
• Touchscreen: Optional but useful for UI design and sketching
• Budget: $600-$1,200

For Gaming

• Processor: Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 (minimum quad-core)
• RAM: 16GB for smooth performance in modern games
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD for fast load times
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650 minimum, RTX 2060+ for high settings and ray tracing
• Display: 15.6-inch Full HD with 144Hz refresh rate minimum
• Cooling: Look for dual-fan or vapor chamber cooling systems
• Battery: Expect 3-5 hours (gaming laptops sacrifice battery for performance)
• Budget: $700-$2,000 depending on GPU tier

How to Pick the Right Laptop for Your Needs

After recommending laptops to hundreds of clients over the years, I’ve noticed most buyers make one of two mistakes. They either overspend on specs they’ll never use, or they cheap out on the one component that matters most for their workflow. Here’s my no-nonsense advice.

If you’re on a tight budget and your work is browser-based, get a Chromebook. They’re faster, more secure, and cheaper than a Windows laptop with similar specs. If you need Windows for specific software, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 or Acer Aspire 5 are your best bets under $400.

For design work, don’t cheap out on the display and RAM. A laptop with 8GB RAM and a mediocre screen will frustrate you daily. Spend the extra $100-200 to get 16GB RAM and a Full HD IPS panel. The Lenovo Flex 5 at $649.99 is the sweet spot here.

For gaming, the Lenovo Legion 5 at $999.99 is the best value. Don’t buy a GTX 1650 laptop for $900 when the Legion 5 gives you a GTX 1660 Ti, 16GB RAM, and a 240Hz display for just $100 more. If you’re on a tighter budget, the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 at $629.99 is the best entry-level gaming laptop.

Whatever you choose, remember that the laptop market moves fast. Prices drop throughout the year, especially during Black Friday, Prime Day, and back-to-school sales. If you can wait for a sale, you’ll often get 20-30% off the prices listed here. But if you need a laptop now, every recommendation on this list is a solid buy at its current price.

Frequently Asked Questions