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For most of us in corporate or desk-bound jobs, being on a laptop is a daily occurrence.
Whether you need it to work effectively or you just want to play games, there are computer systems tailored to your exact needs, and if you look hard enough, you should be able to get a discount deal on them too.
While there was once a huge majority wedded to the Apple universe with a matching phone and laptop those days are now gone, with many seeing the huge benefits Android tech can offer them.
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So without further ado, here’s our favourite laptops and deals to shop them through for 2024.
1. Asus VivoBook 15.6” Full HD Thin and Light Laptop, $1,399
The Asus VivoBook 15.6” laptop is all about portability and everyday performance.
As the name suggests, this laptop is designed to be easy to carry around.
Whether you’re a student lugging it to class or a business traveller on the go, this Asus VivoBook won’t weigh you down.
The 15.6-inch display offers plenty of screen real estate for getting work done or enjoying entertainment and the full HD resolution ensures sharp and clear visuals.
While not a powerhouse, the VivoBook 15 packs enough processing power to handle everyday tasks like browsing the web, working on documents and streaming videos.
Many configurations are available, so you can find one that meets your needs and budget.
Overall the Asus VivoBook 15.6” Full HD Thin and Light Laptop is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable and portable laptop.
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13.5” i5, $1,597
If you’re shopping at The Good Guys, we’d definitely give the Microsoft product a go.
This laptop is known for its stylish and premium look because its available in a platinum finish.
It’s also impressively thin and light, making it easy to carry around.
This version boasts the newest Intel processors which offer good performance for everyday tasks and multitasking.
Expect to get a full day’s work or entertainment out of this laptop on a single charge.
Microsoft is known for its excellent keyboards and the Surface Laptop 5 is no exception. The large, comfortable keys and responsive trackpad make it a joy to use.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks to keep in mind.
The webcam is only 720p, which isn’t ideal for video conferencing and it only has a limited selection of ports (though it does include Thunderbolt 4).
3. Lenovo LOQ 15” Full HD 144Hz Gaming Laptop, $1,499
If gaming is your go-to, this might be the choice for you.
The combination of modern AMD Ryzen processors and Nvidia GeForce or Intel Arc graphics delivers solid performance at 1080p resolution, keeping games looking smooth with the 144Hz refresh rate.
The 144Hz panel is also brighter than some of its competitors, offering a better viewing experience.
Compared to other gaming laptops, the LOQ 15 offers good value, especially considering its specs.
The keyboard is comfortable for typing and the included privacy shutter for the webcam is a nice touch.
Keep in mind that to save costs, there are some trade-offs though.
The chassis is plastic and might feel less premium than some higher-end laptops and don’t expect to game for hours on end unplugged.
Overall the Lenovo LOQ 15 is a strong contender for gamers looking for a good balance between performance and affordability.
4. Google Pixelbook Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook, $459.99
It’s a 2-in-1 Chromebook with a 360-degree hinge that lets you use it in laptop, tablet, tent or entertainment mode.
With 7th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of storage, you can handle demanding tasks and keep plenty of files on hand.
The Pixelbook boasts up to 10 hours of battery life on a charge with fast charging that gets you two hours of use in just 15 minutes.
The Pixelbook has a dedicated Google Assistant key, letting you control your device and get things done with your voice.
It is crafted from an aluminum unibody with “Corning Gorilla Glass” for a stylish and durable design.
5. Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop, $1,799
The 2024 13-inch MacBook Air from Apple seems to be a strong contender for the title of best ultraportable Mac.
The star of the show is the new M3 chip, offering a significant performance boost over previous models. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster processing and even some gaming capabilities.
It retains the MacBook Air’s renowned thin and light design, making it perfect to carry around all day. It weighs a mere 1.2kilos, so you’ll barely feel it in your bag.
Despite the power upgrade, the battery life remains impressive. You can expect to work or stream for a full day on a single charge.
This year’s MacBook Air can now connect to two external monitors simultaneously, enhancing productivity for multi-taskers.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind though. Some reviewers noted a slightly distracting notch on the display to house the webcam and the maximum screen brightness might not be the best for very bright environments.
6. HP ProBook 450 G8 15” Laptop i5, $699.99
This mid-range processor offers good performance for everyday tasks like productivity, web browsing and even some light photo editing.
While not ideal for hardcore gaming, the Iris Xe graphics can handle casual gaming and some creative work.
At under 20mm thick and weighing around 1.74kg, it’s easy to carry around in your bag.
The laptop includes USB ports, HDMI, DisplayPort and a microSD card reader for all your connection needs.
The base model comes with a Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display, which is good, but some may prefer a higher resolution or touchscreen option.
Overall the HP ProBook 450 G8 15” i5 is a solid choice for business professionals or students who need a portable and reliable laptop for everyday tasks.
7. MSI Modern 15 B12M-409AU 15” Full HD i5 12th Gen Windows 11 Laptop, $879
It comes with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor which should deliver good performance for daily tasks like browsing, office work and even some light photo editing.
With 16GB of RAM, you can multitask smoothly between several applications.
The 512GB SSD provides ample storage for your files and applications, and will ensure a snappy and responsive system.
At 1.75kg, it’s easy to carry around, making it a good choice for students or professionals who need to work on the go.
While details are a bit scarce about its battery, it should offer decent battery life thanks to its efficient processor.
Although there are some aspects to consider with this laptop.
The RAM and storage are soldered onto the motherboard, so you won’t be able to upgrade them later. If you think you might need more down the line, this could be a limitation.
It has a full HD (1080p) resolution display, which is good for everyday use but not ideal for creative work that requires high resolution or colour accuracy.
