I usually use my laptop for things that I believe are simple. I watch and download movies, browse the internet with many tabs open, use Word and Excel, and run screenwriting programs. And not much more.

Sometimes, for work-related reasons, I edit videos and photos. Right now, it’s not something I do frequently, but it might be in the future. So, it would be nice if my laptop could handle these tasks with ease.

I don’t play video games or do streaming.

With this in mind, what laptop would you recommend I buy in 2025? Considering that I hope my laptop will last me for several years and that I can make the most out of it.

One more thing: I love watching movies, so I’m not sure if this is relevant, but I suppose I’d prefer a screen that allows me to enjoy them. I mean good resolution and, maybe, a decent size. Right now, I have a laptop with a 16-inch screen.

One last thing: I work with a lot of files, and for example, my laptop's storage is currently almost full. Maybe this could be solved with an external hard drive or something similar. But I suppose I’d prefer a laptop that already comes with ample storage.

I guess it’s obvious to say that I’m looking for something good (something that meets the needs I described), aesthetically pleasing, and, if possible, affordable.

Alright, that’s all.
Do you have any recommendations?
I’m looking forward to your suggestions!

I'm trying to find myself the best laptop with a budget of around 1500 but it's a bit too much. There seems to be so many different options and brands that it can be hard finding a laptop that I can keep using confidently for the next years to come.

I have thought about getting the new Samsung galaxybook 5 pro but people seem to have a lot of colorful opinions of it. Is it any good? Probably. But I want most value for my money. Some people recommend the Macbook M4 air witch seems to be a really good machine, although I am slighty conserned by the fact that I don't own any other apple products. I have a Samsung phone and am also thinking of upgrading my phone to a newer model. I won't be using the laptop for gaming but I will be using it for webdesign, school and work and for watching movies. I would like a good webcam too although an external webcam could do the job too but I fon't want to carry around extra stuff.

With these things in mind should I buy the Galaxybook 5 pro for the ecosystem? I also see many people talking about other laptops such as the Asus Zenbook 14 or the Dell XPS.

Could you good people of reddit recommend me the best laptops for 2025?

Hey everyone, I'm trying to find the best laptop in 2025 to buy and I'm overwhelmed by all the options out there. It seems like every company from Apple to Dell is releasing a bunch of new stuff, and honestly, I could really use some help from people who actually own a newer laptop.

I've been looking at the new MacBook Air with the M4 chip, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, and some of the new Dell XPS and Lenovo ThinkPads. Any thoughts on those or other laptops you love would be a huge help.

As always thanks in advance!

Hi guys,
I’m currently using a Dell Inspiron 5480 (i7-8565U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Nvidia MX250), 4 core and 8 logical processors, and it’s no longer keeping up with my daily workload. My typical usage includes:

• Outlook, OneNote, Word, Excel

• PDF editing

• 100+ Chrome tabs with different Chrome profiles

• Teams/Zoom video calls with screen sharing

• Occasional light design or media tasks

With all of this running, my laptop heats up fast and starts lagging/stuttering, especially during meetings, screen sharing, video calls or when multitasking heavily. I think the hardware just can’t handle it anymore.

I’m looking to upgrade to a Windows laptop (No Macs) that can easily handle this kind of multitasking for the next several years (ideally 5–10).
Would love to hear your recommendations on models or specs I should be looking for. Priorities are:

• Great thermals & stability

• Smooth multitasking

• Fast, reliable processing

• Long-term durability

• Preferably 14–15" size

• Good battery life

Also, I always have had Dell laptops, so no experience with other brands like HP, Lenovo, Asus. Should I buy it straight from Best Buy, Costco, Walmart, or Brand websites?

Appreciate any suggestions or firsthand experiences—thanks! Edit: Budget $2-3k

I’m starting college this fall, and I’m super excited but also a little overwhelmed with all the things I need to prepare. One of the biggest items on my checklist is getting a reliable laptop that can handle everything. I also have done some research and they say that Macs are not for business, but I don't really know, I just want a good laptop that lasts for a minimum of 2-4 years.

My budget is $1,000-1,500 dollars

I currently have no ideas in mind so I'm open to hear recommendations for you guys.

Hi, guys! I dont really understand the laptop tech so i want to ask you what laptop do you recomand me. I want to have a large screen 15 inch + because i rule many tabs at one. I am an college student so i use him for pretty basic stuff microsoft office mostly. I am at psychology student so i use some programs for research like R and thats it. I saved up so i have around 1000$-2000$ right now. What do you recomend? I really apreciate people who are speaking from experience and they are in the same position as mine.

Hey, guys!
I'm looking for a new laptop for work. At my job, I use a lot of spreadsheets and have multiple browser tabs open simultaneously, so I was thinking of getting a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM.
What else should I consider?

PS: I had a pretty bad experience with Acer recently, so this brand is a big fat no!

I am going into university soon, and all I have had are old hp school laptops.

I really want something sleek that I can carry around with me easily, I'd also love it could run games. (simple ones like Minecraft). I use my laptop for everything, watching movies, drawing, writing, you name it.

I would really like one with touchscreen (if it comes with a pen, even better), and that isn't too loud, and can smoothly run most of those applications. my budget is around $1000-1500 aud

I've heard so many opposing views on Macs and Lenova, and I am so lost. If anyone could offer advice I would greatly appreciate it.

So basically, i want a 14 15 inch laptop. I dont do gaming but i do use adobe softwares. Along with that i also code and might even start editing on it. I have a s23 ultra and have planned to upgrade to a newer one probably. I need a thin and sleek(easy to carry) laptop which has an amazing battery life. Macbook seems like a good option but the application variety makes me believe otherwise. Budgget would be $1000. I first thought that it should have a GPU cuz these tasks require it but i think it will kill the battery life. Suggest me some great laptops in my budget. Looking a newer CPU(not i5. Maybe i7 or ultra cores or maybe even snapdragon chips). Also how is the compatibility of snapdragons and battery life etc.

We finally get the opportunity to choose new laptops what are some models I should be looking for in 2025?

so far I've been eying:

• Dell Pro 14

• HP EliteBook 640 G11

• HP EliteBook 840 G11

• Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G6

• Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G4

Thunderbolt is a must as a lot of people use 2 4k monitors, Ethernet would be nice but not necessary. and I'm so tempted to order them with 16/8GB or ram and swap them to 32GB myself as the price they charge is ridiculous.

Hey everyone,

If you’ve ever shopped for a laptop, you know how overwhelming it can get. Thousands of models, confusing specs, flashy marketing terms, and endless “best laptop” lists that don’t explain why. Many people either overspend on features they’ll never use or buy something underpowered that doesn’t last more than a couple of years.

That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive yet beginner-friendly guide to help you cut through the noise and make a smart decision. Whether you’re a student, gamer, professional, or casual user, this post will walk you through the essentials: how to figure out your needs, what specs matter, common mistakes to avoid, where to find good deals, and more.

1. Determine Your Needs and Budget

Before diving into processors and fancy displays, start with your actual use case. Ask yourself:

• Basic tasks (under $500–$600): Web browsing, email, Netflix, Microsoft Office, light school work. Example: a Chromebook, entry-level Windows laptop, or even an older MacBook Air.

• Work/Multitasking ($700–$1,000): Business apps, Zoom calls, light photo editing. Think ultrabooks like Dell XPS 13, Lenovo ThinkPad E-series, or MacBook Air M2.

• Gaming ($1,000+): Dedicated GPU is a must. ASUS ROG, MSI, or Legion laptops with RTX 4060+ are a solid starting point.

• Content creation ($1,200+): Video editing, 3D rendering, coding with heavy workloads. You’ll want strong CPUs, plenty of RAM (16–32GB), and preferably an RTX GPU or Apple’s M-series Pro/Max chips.

• Portability & battery life: Traveling often? Go for a thin/light ultrabook with 8+ hours of battery. Mostly desk use? Performance and screen size matter more.

👉 Pro tip: Write down your top 3 priorities (e.g., portability, gaming, battery life). This will help you avoid distractions when shopping.

2. Key Specs to Consider

This is where most people get lost in numbers. Here’s the breakdown:

• CPU (Processor):

  • Intel: Core i5/i7 (13th–14th Gen are current in 2025). i3 is fine for basics, but avoid for multitasking/gaming.

  • AMD: Ryzen 5/7 (7000–8000 series).

  • Apple: M2/M3 chips (MacBooks). Excellent performance + battery efficiency for macOS users.

  • Tip: Check benchmarks (PassMark, Cinebench, or YouTube real-world tests).

• RAM:

  • 8GB = Minimum for light use.

  • 16GB = Sweet spot for most people.

  • 32GB+ = Power users (editing, development, heavy multitasking).

  • Bonus: Prefer laptops with dual-channel RAM (better performance).

• Storage:

  • SSD > HDD (faster boot, better performance).

  • 256GB SSD = Bare minimum.

  • 512GB–1TB = Safer for most users.

  • Consider external drives or cloud storage if you need more.

• GPU (Graphics):

  • Integrated (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon, Apple M2/M3 GPU) → Fine for browsing, Netflix, even light editing.

  • Dedicated (NVIDIA RTX 5050–5090, AMD Radeon 7000 series) → Needed for gaming, 3D, video editing.

  • Rule of thumb: If you’re not gaming/doing graphics-heavy work, you don’t need a dedicated GPU.

• Display:

  • Size: 13–14" (portability) vs 15–16" (balance) vs 17"+ (desktop replacement).

  • Resolution: 1080p is fine, 1440p or 4K for creators/enthusiasts.

  • Refresh rate: 60Hz for basics, 120–165Hz+ for gaming.

  • Panel type: IPS (great colors/angles), OLED (deep blacks, premium), TN (avoid if possible).

• Battery Life: Check real-world reviews, not just spec sheets. Some “10hr” claims last only 5–6 hrs in reality.

• Ports & Connectivity: More USB-C/Thunderbolt = better future-proofing. HDMI/SD card slot = useful for creators.

• Keyboard & Trackpad: Overlooked but crucial. Try to test in person if possible. Lenovo ThinkPads and MacBooks excel here.

• Build Materials: Aluminum = premium feel, more durable. Plastic = lighter, cheaper, but can feel flimsy.

3. Popular Brands and What They Offer

Here’s a quick cheat sheet (2025 edition):

• Apple (MacBooks):

  • Pros: Best battery, build, trackpads, integration with iPhone/iPad.

  • Cons: Expensive, limited gaming, not upgradable.

• Dell:

  • XPS = premium ultrabooks.

  • Inspiron = budget-friendly.

  • Alienware = gaming.

  • Pros: Wide range, decent support.

• Lenovo:

  • ThinkPad = business workhorses (amazing keyboards).

  • Legion = solid gaming laptops.

  • IdeaPad = budget.

• HP:

  • Spectre/Envy = sleek ultrabooks.

  • Pavilion = budget/mid-tier.

  • Omen = gaming.

• ASUS/MSI:

  • Known for gaming rigs (ROG, TUF, Strix).

  • ASUS ZenBook = ultrabooks.

  • MSI = hardcore gaming, creator-focused.

👉 Bottom line: No single “best brand”, it depends on your budget and needs.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overpaying for features you don’t need (4K screen on a 13" laptop = unnecessary unless you edit photos/videos professionally).

• Ignoring warranty/return policy. Always check coverage and terms.

• Buying based on looks only. A thin laptop isn’t worth it if it overheats or has bad battery life.

• Not checking reviews. NotebookCheck, UltrabookReview, Reddit, and YouTube reviewers (Dave2D, Jarrod’sTech, Hardware Unboxed) are gold.

• Falling for sales gimmicks. “Was $1,500, now $899!” — MSRP is often inflated. Compare specs across models.

5. Where to Buy and Tips for Deals

• Trusted retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, Micro Center, official brand websites.

• Deals to watch:

  • Black Friday / Cyber Monday

  • Back-to-school (July–Sept)

  • Holiday sales (Nov–Dec)

  • Student discounts (Apple, Dell, Lenovo all offer them)

6. Additional Considerations

• OS:

  • Windows = flexible, most software/games.

  • macOS = polished, stable, great for creative pros.

  • ChromeOS = cheap, lightweight, web-focused.

• Upgradability:

  • Some laptops (ThinkPads, gaming laptops) let you upgrade RAM/SSD.

  • MacBooks and many ultrabooks = soldered parts (no upgrades).

• Heat & Noise:

  • Gaming laptops run hot and loud. Ultrabooks are usually quiet.

• Accessories:

  • External monitor, mouse, cooling pad, docking station → can transform your setup.

• Future-proofing:

  • Buy slightly above your minimum needs so it lasts 4–5 years.

Here are some 2025 laptop picks based on different use cases. Prices fluctuate, so treat these as ballpark ranges:

|| Student & General Use Laptops ||

ASUS Vivobook 14 X1404VA-I38128

• Lightweight laptop with a sharp FHD screen and smooth everyday performance, but its 128GB SSD and basic Intel UHD Graphics limit storage and heavy tasks.

Acer Aspire 15 Slim Laptop

• Fast performance, sleek design, excellent battery life, and easy setup.

HP 14-dq5009nr Laptop

• Lightweight, fast-booting and reliable for everyday tasks thanks to the 12th‑Gen i3, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD

ASUS Vivobook Go E1504FA-AS33 Slim Laptop

• Portable 15.6" FHD laptop with efficient Ryzen 3 7320U and speedy 8GB DDR5 memory, fast charging and strong value for everyday productivity.

Acer Aspire Premium Slim Laptop

• Light, sharp 15.6" Full HD IPS display with smooth multitasking thanks to the Ryzen 3 7330U, 16GB RAM, and fast NVMe storage.

HP Pavilion x360 14-ek1010nr Laptop

• Light, versatile 2‑in‑1 with a solid FHD touchscreen, sturdy hinge and reliable everyday performance from the 13th‑Gen i3 and fast SSD.

Dell Inspiron 14 5440 Laptop

• Crisp 16:10 FHD+ display, responsive 13th‑Gen i5 performance with DDR5 memory and roomy 512GB SSD for smooth multitasking and fast storage access.

Acer Aspire 3 Premium Laptop (Ryzen 5 7430U)

• Strong multitasking with Ryzen 5 7430U and 16GB RAM, fast NVMe storage and modern connectivity

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 2-in-1 Laptop

• Versatile 2‑in‑1 with a crisp 14" FHD+ touchscreen, fingerprint login, long battery life, and solid everyday performance from the Intel Core i3 platform.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3

• Multitasking power + solid storage under $500, making it a sweet spot for students and everyday productivity.

Dell Inspiron 15 3530 (Intel Core i5‑1335U | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD | 15.6" FHD Touch)

• Bright FHD display, smooth multitasking with 16GB RAM, and ComfortView blue‑light reduction, making it stand out for long study or work sessions.

Acer Aspire 3 Premium Laptop (Ryzen 5 7430U) (AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 16GB RAM | 1TB SSD | 15.6" FHD)

• Excellent battery life and strong RAM/storage value for the price.

Lenovo V15 Gen 4 (Ryzen 7 7730U) (AMD Ryzen 7 7730U | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD | 15.6" FHD)

• Strong battery life and full business I/O including RJ45 at a value price

HP 255 G10 Laptop (AMD Ryzen 3 7330U | 16 GB RAM | 1 TB SSD | 15.6" FHD)

• Sustained turbo performance under heavy multitasking with impressively low fan noise.

Acer Aspire 3 Premium Laptop (Ryzen 5 7430U) (AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD | 15.6" FHD)

• Full‑size backlit keyboard and bright anti‑glare display, praised for comfort in long work or study sessions.

||Gaming & High-Performance Laptops||

MacBook Deals:

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13″ Laptop – M4 Chip, 13.6″ Liquid Retina Display, 16 GB Unified Memory, 256 GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi‑Fi 6E, macOS, Silver — $799.00 after $200 off at Amazon

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15″ Laptop – M4 Chip, 15.3″ Liquid Retina Display, 16 GB Unified Memory, 256 GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi‑Fi 6E, macOS, Sky Blue — $999.00 after $200 off at Amazon

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15″ Laptop – M4 Chip, 15.3″ Liquid Retina Display, 16 GB Unified Memory, 256 GB SSD, Touch ID, Wi‑Fi 6E, macOS, Midnight with AppleCare+ (3 Years) — $1,228.00 after $200 off at Amazon

Apple 2024 MacBook Pro 14″ Laptop – M4 Chip, 14.2″ Liquid Retina XDR Display, 16 GB Unified Memory, 512 GB SSD, Touch ID, Wi‑Fi 6E, macOS, Space Black — $1,299.00 after $300 off at Amazon

7. Conclusion and Q&A

Buying a laptop doesn’t have to be stressful. If you:

1. Identify your needs,

2. Stick to a realistic budget,

3. Focus on the specs that matter to you, you’ll end up with a machine that lasts and feels worth every penny.

I hope this guide helps you cut through the hype and make a smart choice. If you found this useful, please upvote so more people see it ❤️

👉 Have questions? Drop them in the comments with your budget + intended use, and I (and the community) will help you pick the right laptop.
👉 If you’ve recently bought a laptop, share your experience - what worked, what didn’t?

Please note that I may earn a commission from sales generated at no extra cost to you, but I strive to only make sound and unbiased suggestions/recommendations based on my thorough research.

Hi, I'm looking for laptop mainly for work (specifically powerpoint and editing in Canva) that'll last for at least 5 years.

Processor: I'm looking at middle spec like intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 whichever has the best dealis the best.

RAM: At least 16GB for future proofing

SSD: 512GB is enough since powerpoint files are small and canva only for pictures.

Screen size: 14 inch(non touch) because its not too small and not too big, great for moving around.

Battery: Great battery is a plus but at least 4 hours screentime of slideshow(powerpoint).

Budget: Around $700

Thanks in advance!

Hello, I am studying IT Cybersecurity+Networking-AAST in my first year community collage and I’m looking for to purchase a great long lasting secondary clean laptop (windows 11) that runs smooth for VM’s. And least at 16GB Ram & Storage 512GB or more. Although I have a M4 MacBook I just know for me it would be 10x better if I have a laptop that runs windows. Any recommendations/suggestions?

My budget would be between $700-$1,000+

Thank you!

Looking for advice on what CPU and RAM specs are realistically needed for employees using their laptops 8+ hours a day. Typical workload is Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Teams calls, browsers with lots of tabs open and Power BI use.

We’ve had mixed results with the following:

• Thinkpad E14: Ryzen 7 4700U + 16GB RAM — One user says it overheats and shuts down with heavy Excel use, while another that uses it in the same way with the same workload has no issues. Both using at a desk in the office.

Trying to understand:

1. Is Ryzen 7 4700U + 16GB still acceptable in 2025 for this kind of usage?

2. Or is it time to standardise on newer CPUs (e.g. Ryzen 5825U / Intel 13th Gen) and maybe go up to 32GB RAM?

Any recommendations or benchmarks would be appreciated. Trying to strike the right balance between performance, cost, and reliability.

Have previously bought 1-2 generations of CPU behind in order to save cost, but also don't want a false economy meaning it needs to be replaced sooner.

I have been saving up and can afford any computer I want but know nothing about computers, I need help figuring it out what to get. I need something that can handle large xlsx and coding files, that can be connected to a monitor for 10+ hours without overheating, that runs on a windows 11 software and that has an ok battery life with a nice keyboard for when I am not on my monitor. I am currently thinking about the Windows Surface 7 but wanted to ask the community as I don't know what I am doing. PLEASE HELP ME :).

Hello everyone! Figured that I have some time and it’s time to write an update to https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/17ykkmu/a_not_so_short_laptop_purchasing_guide/ as it’s been over a year meaning that some changes have occured since.

First – who is this guide for?

Answer is – non-professionals. Hobbyists, beginner indie developers, students etc. I will also be assuming that you need a laptop. As in – an all rounder device you can bring with you everyday. If that’s not the case and you are in the market for a desktop replacement – look elsewhere. Same if you need 5+ laptops for your whole studio – in which case I would look at Dell Precision or equivalents with next day business warranty.

Let’s look at some laptops then. This time around I will be going from the cheapest to most expensive new laptops. As I am writing this – it’s January 1st, 2025 so prices might have shifted a bit since if you are viewing it at a later date.

1. $300 - HP EliteBook 840 G8 - https://www.newegg.com/hp-840-g8-14-0-intel-core-i5-1145g7-16gb-intel-iris-xe-graphics-256-gb/p/N82E16834841920

CPU performance: 100%

GPU performance: 100%

Let’s start our list with this $300 laptop. It’s an older device which positively affects the total price tag. It’s not a powerhouse but it offers a decent screen, good keyboard and an okay iGPU. In terms of pure performance – it can handle Witcher 3 level visuals (at low settings and like 720p however). Meaning that it’s honestly a decent pick for lighter 2D games using Unity or Godot… but don’t try to use it for Unreal 5. It does not have dedicated video card but it does have Thunderbolt 4 port meaning it’s possible to add one later (although it will cost more than this whole notebook).

Overall it’s a solid pick for it’s price if your budget is low.

2. $550 - Acer Laptop Aspire 5 Intel Core i7-1355U - https://www.newegg.com/acer-a515-58m-78jl-15-6-intel-core-i7-1355u-16gb-intel-iris-xe-graphics-512-gb-pcie/p/N82E16834360267?Item=N82E16834360267

CPU performance: 170% (multi core), 132% (single core)

GPU performance: 132%.

Our next stop is Acer Aspire 5. For the biggest part it fits the same niche as HP EliteBook – no GPU, light & portable device. Primary difference is that it’s much newer and offers 512GB storage rather than 256GB – a huge difference considering that game dev is quite storage heavy (a 10GB finished game can be a 100 when developing it). We have also moved from 4 cores to 10 and our iGPU is also a fair bit faster (somewhat comparable to Steam Deck). So overall – still mostly usable for 2D games / simpler 3D but it will offer a smoother, more reliable experience.

3. $800 - MSI Cyborg Gaming Laptop - https://www.newegg.com/p/34-156-692

CPU performance: 307% (multi core), 126% (single core)

GPU performance: 706%

I am generally speaking not a huge fan of gaming laptops. They don’t like being moved around too much often, they rarely have good screens, battery life is lackluster and general build quality leaves a lot to be desired. What they do offer in exchange however is (sometimes) a very good price. This is one such example - $800 gets us a laptop with effectively up to date components. We get Core Ultra 7 155h, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD and an RTX 4050.

This is the first truly 3D game dev capable laptop on our list. It runs latest games at smooth play rates, there is raytracing + CUDA available (something you will come to appreciate both in Photoshop and Blender). It still falls short of Unreal Engine 5 recommended requirements (we need more RAM) but if all you have is $800 it makes for a very enticing option overall. It's biggest caveat is a disappointing screen - you will need to buy a separate one for color accurate work as it doesn't even cover sRGB in full.

4. $1240 - HP Envy 16" Touchscreen - https://www.newegg.com/p/1TS-000D-1M7C5?Item=9SIBPMFK9P3248

CPU performance: 318% (multi core), 135% (single core)

GPU performance: 872%

$1240 looks like a sweatspot when it comes to laptop’s capabilities to it’s price right now. HP Envy is a prosumer tier device when it comes to build quality. This one comes equipped with Core i7-13700H, 32GB RAM, RTX 4060 and a 2560x1600 touchscreen. There's a lot to like about this device.

It's also first laptop on our list that can properly run Unreal Engine without running out of memory instantly and that honestly would meet most studios requirements. It can run newest games well meaning it can also be used to make visually demanding titles. And for the first time there’s also a display good enough to work on color accurate tasks (say, marketing materials for your game).

5. $1970 - Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Premium - https://www.newegg.com/p/1TS-000E-1BK65

CPU performance: 522% (multi core), 153 (single core)

GPU performance: 1020%

And finally, a solid contender in $2000 budget. A significant price increase over the previous one but… frankly that’s what it takes to be really worth it, $1500-1600 is pretty much the same parts as a $1200. This laptop is still technically gaming oriented but unlike 2-3 years ago it’s actually decently built. We also get pretty much as good specs as you can in a laptop – 14700HX, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD and a mobile RTX 4070.

6. $2000 - MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio - https://www.newegg.com/msi-stealth-16-ai-studio-a1vhg-027us-16-0-intel-core-ultra-9-185h-64gb-geforce-rtx-4080-1tb-pcie/p/N82E16834156601?Item=N82E16834156601

CPU performance: 375% (multi core), 138% (single core)

GPU performance: 1320%

An alternative to the Lenovo Legion. It's a thinner and lighter design compared to it but it also comes with a mobile RTX 4080 (which is slightly power limited but still significantly more powerful than RTX 4070). It weighs just under 2kg, offers best display in it's class by far (4k miniLED with HDR1000 support meaning it can also be used to produce HDR content) and comes with 1TB of storage that can be expanded (there is an extra slot inside). CPU is a bit less powerful than in the previous option but in exchange it's more power efficient at idle.

Personally I would NOT spend more than this on a laptop at this point in time. This may change by the end of Q1 2025 once RTX 5000 series GPUs are out – they are going to be stupidly expensive on release but they also might offer 40-50% higher performance at similar power draw.

Still, heres an alternative in case you want something smaller but similarly performant, might come in handy if you like walking around with your laptop:

7. $2200-2500 – Asus Rog Zephyrus G14 / Razer Blade 14 / HP Omen 14 - https://www.newegg.com/white-asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-ga403ui-gaming-entertainment/p/2WC-000N-0EHN0 / https://www.razer.com/gaming-laptops/Razer-Blade-14/RZ09-0508VED3-R3U1 / https://www.newegg.com/p/2WC-0001-05808

3 very similar laptops, all at 14”, all with RTX 4060-4070. Generally speaking – Razer Blade 14 is overall fastest, you can expand RAM in it and comes with an IPS panel. Zephyrus and Omen come with OLED and soldered RAM. So it's a bit of personal decision on what you do prefer. Here's a review of Zephyrus and Blade if you can't decide:

https://youtu.be/gbxGWjQsws8

Q: What about business laptops like Dell XPS? You recommended them last year.

Yes, last year. Latest generation of Dell XPS sadly disappoints, a lot. There is a significantly worse keyboard (entire top row replaced by a touchbar), they are extremely power throttled and prices are utterly insane. I can’t recommend a $3600 laptop with a power throttled RTX 4060 (and not by just a bit, we are talking scores 30% below other similarly equipped laptops) and 32GB RAM. In general gaming and creator grade laptops are a bit better now whereas business grade has ventured into the land of insanity price wise.

Q: What about Macbooks?

Macbooks got a lot better at the end of last year – Apple has finally moved to 16GB RAM in a minimum configuration and 24GB for a Pro, a VERY welcome change.

If you are planning to make games for iOS or MacOS – you don’t have a choice, you need a Mac (although rather than going full Macbook you might consider a base spec Mac Mini, it offers a very good value for it's price overall). But if that’s not your goal – stick with Windows. While better than before Macs still make up a very small part of the game market.

If you are determined to get one anyway - personally I would be looking at 14” M4 Pro variant (24GB RAM, M4 Pro CPU, possibly with RAM expansion to 48GB if you want to play around with some AI or larger 3D scenes). It’s a good laptop – screen is excellent, single threaded performance is on par with top of the line Windows machines… only GPU could be a bit better (this $2000 Macbook is still only as good as $800 Windows laptop in this regard). At this point biggest blocker is software, not hardware.

Q: What about Windows ARM laptops, with Snapdragon?

Stay away from them. Let others be beta testers. There is a long list of applications that currently do not work and in programming world you sometimes will be looking for obscure tools. Not to mention that GPU performance wise we are talking iGPU tier and frankly you need more than that for more complex projects. What these laptops have going for it is good battery life but... if that's what you want there are either Macbooks or a plethora of Intel Lunar Lake (200 series) laptops, they also can keep going for an entire day.