The most effective Home windows laptops you should buy: Skilled examined

If you happen to’re in search of a brand new laptop computer, likelihood is you’ve got bought just a few completely different Home windows machines in thoughts. Even in the event you’re a fan of Apple’s MacBooks (that are undoubtedly nice computer systems) the sheer variety of Home windows laptops available on the market affords the widest choice when it comes to value vary, options, and availability.

This success has resulted in an enormous number of Home windows-specific software program and an increase in assist for AI, particularly as Microsoft continues to infuse Home windows 11 with a bunch of latest AI options. In its present state, a Home windows laptop computer can carry work productiveness to an entire new degree, with a number of indicators exhibiting this functionality will develop even additional quickly.

Additionally: The most effective light-weight laptops you should buy: Skilled examined

What’s the greatest Home windows laptop computer proper now?

Our employees at ZDNET has gone hands-on with lots of the greatest Home windows laptops accessible, together with a few of the newest fashions from Dell, Lenovo, Microsoft, and extra. Our choose for the very best Home windows laptop computer total is the Dell XPS 15 which may deal with all the things from mainstream productiveness to artistic workloads — and even gaming. However in fact, there are many different choices on the market, and for that cause we have included a number of completely different use-cases to spherical out or record. Our specialists took the time to check every machine right here to make sure solely the very best choices made the record.

The most effective Home windows laptops of 2024

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Dell XPS 15

Finest Home windows laptop computer total

The Dell XPS 15 is arguably essentially the most well-rounded laptop computer, not to mention Home windows laptop computer, that you would be able to purchase proper now. The corporate’s flagship line of computing is available in three sizes, however the 15-inch mannequin is the one most individuals are acquainted with, coming in a slim-bezel design, brushed aluminum ending, and an SD card slot on prime of the three USB-C ports (two of which assist Thunderbolt 4).

The texture and end of the XPS 15 screams premium, and the very best half is that irrespective of the way you configure the laptop computer, you will not sacrifice on kind issue. What units the Dell other than the competitors is the three.5K decision AMOLED show, which delivers crisp and vibrant visuals which are optimum for picture and video-editing duties. Prosumers will even get a kick out of the dependable battery life; ZDNET critiques editor June Wan quotes six to seven hours of utilization earlier than the ten% decrease battery warning seems, though it may final quite a bit longer.

One Amazon purchaser stated of their overview on the positioning that their XPS 15 unit was in a position to final a full 11 hours earlier than needing a recharge. That is far more than a day’s work. Naturally, that consumer stated they have been very pleased with its efficiency.

In comparison with the previous 2021 mannequin, the present XPS 15 has extra {powerful} {hardware} and a barely higher show. It isn’t an enormous leap in high quality. It is also smaller for simpler carrying. Regardless of the general measurement distinction, you possibly can nonetheless benefit from the beautiful 15.6-inch display screen. Protecting all the things from mainstream productiveness to artistic workloads, the Dell XPS 15 is our selection for the very best Home windows laptop computer total.

Assessment: Dell XPS 15

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Samsung Galaxy E book 3 Extremely

Finest Home windows laptop computer for Samsung customers

With Galaxy ecosystem integration options, Samsung’s new Galaxy E book 3 Extremely is trying to compete with Apple’s MacBook Professional. Toting a surprising 16-inch OLED show, a devoted GPU, and Galaxy Syncing options, it lastly lets Samsung customers combine a number of gadgets.

That includes what ZDNET critiques editor June Wan calls a “textbook design,” the Galaxy E book 3 Extremely “offers you numerous for the cash, together with a devoted graphics card, one of many best-looking laptop computer shows available on the market, and an uncompromising keyboard expertise.” These sentiments are shared by a number of consumer critiques on Finest Purchase, which reported they take pleasure in how lovely video video games and films look on the OLED display screen, and that the onboard sound system is “appropriately prime quality.”

A number of enhancements might be made. Its battery life is moderately brief, and it comes with loud cooling followers. It additionally would’ve been good to have a devoted SD slot. No matter these missteps, ZDNET’s take is that it is a stand-up laptop computer for professionals, content material creators, and most significantly, Samsung followers.

Assessment: Samsung Galaxy E book 3 Extremely

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Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED

Finest Home windows 2-in-1 convertible laptop computer

Convertible 2-in-1 laptops are helpful as a result of they will fulfill a wide range of use circumstances. For my part, the very best 2-in-1 machine available on the market at present is the Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED. On particular features, you would argue that there are higher choices on the market, however when it comes to a whole package deal, you possibly can’t beat this, based mostly on my testing.

The Zenbook 14 Flip OLED sports activities a surprising, vibrant 14-inch OLED display screen outputting 2.8K decision, overlaying 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. It additionally has a distinction ratio of 1,000,000:1, which is notable as a result of it permits the laptop computer to point out off unimaginable element. The picture is so clear on the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED you possibly can see the pixels on the display screen, which is actually the very best factor about it. All that is housed in a sturdy but light-weight 3.31-pound aluminum body. Below the hood, you may discover a Thirteenth Gen Intel Core i5 processor, an Iris Xe graphics card, and 16GB of reminiscence — glorious {hardware} for good all-around efficiency.

Additionally: The most effective 2-in-1 laptops: Prime versatile, hybrid, and convertible notebooks

Different vital options of the Zenbook 14 Flip embrace its 1080p IR webcam (excellent for video calls), a keyboard with an awesome typing really feel, and an honest assortment of connections. Whereas the laptop computer has a skinny kind issue, it nonetheless has a USB-C port, a headphone jack, and an HDMI enter on prime of the Thunderbolt 4.

The one draw back is it’s a bit heavy. You see this criticism over on the Amazon critiques for the Zenbook 14 — customers stated they take pleasure in how {powerful} it’s, though they want it have been lighter.

Additionally: Asus Zenbook 14 Flip hands-on overview

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3

Finest Home windows laptop computer for enterprise

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 tech specs: Working System: Home windows 11 Professional 64 | CPU: Thirteenth Gen Intel Core i5 (1340P), Core i7 (i7-1360P, i7-1370P vPro) | GPU: Built-in Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: as much as 16GB | Digital camera: 1080p Full HD IR Hybrid with Privateness 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 choose for the very best Home windows enterprise laptop computer because it affords an awesome mixture of top-tier {hardware} and software program options. The machine is tremendous light-weight, clocking in somewhat over two kilos, and but it packs a number of muscle in that slim body. Below the hood, it might probably host a Thirteenth-gen Intel Core i7-1370P processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage.

What I discovered most fascinating about this laptop computer throughout my testing is that it looks like Lenovo purposely constructed it to focus on video calls, as a result of there are such a lot of options and elements catering to that particular use case. It comes outfitted with a 1080p webcam above the show guaranteeing you look good to your viewers. Dolby Atmos and Dolby Voice are each supported as effectively. The previous is a sort of encompass sound expertise enveloping the listener in sound whereas the latter makes positive your voice comes via to the opposite aspect crystal clear.

Additionally: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 hands-on overview

Talking of being crystal clear, the ThinkPad X1 homes an awesome-looking 13.3-inch, 2K decision show which is roofed in an anti-glare coating. If you do not know what that’s, it is a particular layer OEMs set up onto the show to cut back reflections and reduce glare from daylight. That is nice to have because it means that you can use the laptop computer outside whereas nonetheless having the ability to see the display screen.

Over on Reddit, energy customers have talked about having fun with the show’s facet, efficiency, and backbone, however stated they’re disillusioned by the brief battery life. In order for you a longer-lasting ThinkPad X1 Nano, one commenter recommends shopping for the first-generation mannequin.

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Acer Aspire 3

Finest funds Home windows laptop computer

Acer Aspire 3 tech specs: Working System: Home windows 11 House 64 | CPU: Twelfth 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 | Digital 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

Shopping for a laptop computer will be an costly endeavor. Not everybody can afford their first selection, however that does not imply it’s important to accept a substandard machine. The entire top-tier producers have inexpensive of their laptop computer lineups, however out of all the things that is on the market, I’ve to present the crown to the Acer Aspire 3. It is a machine that, in my view, manages to completely steadiness good {hardware} efficiency and affordability. All of the fashions value lower than $1,000, and in just a few circumstances, under $300.

The Acer Aspire 3 is available in three show sizes: 14-inches, 15.6-inches, and 17.3-inches. There are about 30 particular person fashions to select from so you’ve a big selection at your fingertips. The rationale there are such a lot of of them is as a result of every laptop computer has completely different {hardware}. Half of them home an Intel Core processor starting from an i3-N305 to an i7-1165G7 CPU. The opposite half comes outfitted with AMD {hardware}. The Intel choices are arguably higher performing, however the AMD machines are likely to have extra cupboard space. It is as much as you no matter you favor.

Additionally: The most effective low-cost laptops, beginning at $350

Do take note, that as a result of that is the funds possibility, it will not be as {powerful} as different Aspire fashions. You could expertise a big slowdown in velocity throughout excessive workloads neither is the show the best. It is attainable you even expertise the laptop computer restarting all of the sudden. A consumer overview on Finest Purchase claims to have skilled their unit restarting with out warning a number of occasions. If this can be a concern of yours, then we suggest more moderen evolutions just like the Acer Aspire Go collection.

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Microsoft Floor Professional 9

Finest Home windows 2-in-1 removable

Microsoft Floor Professional 9 tech specs: Working System: Home windows 11 Professional | CPU:Twelfth Gen Intel Core i5/i7 or Microsoft SQ3 (based mostly on Qualcomm)7 | GPU: Floor Professional 9: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
| RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB | Cameras: entrance: 1080p full HD video • rear: 10MP autofocus digital camera with as much as 4K video | Battery: As much as 15.5 hours | Dimensions: pill: 287mm x 209mm x 9.3mm | Weight: pill: 1.94 lbs

Removable 2-in-1 gadgets can function in laptop computer mode or separate the keyboard and display screen sections to make use of the latter as a pill. Microsoft’s Floor Professional gadgets exemplify the “tablet-first” style of removable 2-in-1s, the place the display screen part is propped up by a kickstand when in laptop computer mode moderately than utilizing a conventional display screen/keyboard hinge. And Microsoft’s Floor Professional 9 kicks it up a notch additional.

The laptop computer is analogous in a number of methods to the Floor Professional 8. They each characteristic the identical brush metallic look and a show with a 120Hz refresh fee for easy playback. Nonetheless, a number of variations will be seen within the {hardware} selections made by Microsoft.

ZDNET’s testing discovered that the Microsoft Floor Professional 9 may fulfill graphic design wants, ship glorious entrance digital camera efficiency with out giving an “unnatural blush,” and the Corei7 processor dealt with heavy workloads gracefully. laud the Floor Professional 9’s efficiency, calling it snappy and {powerful}, and noting its sensible display screen.

Concerning battery life, ZDNET critiques editor June Wan reported averaging “six hours of battery life per cost…with 120Hz completely on and brightness set to about 65 p.c.” Taking that into consideration, he stated considers the Floor Professional 9 to be a “stable B-tier so far as endurance [goes].” It is good for essentially the most half, however there’s room for enchancment on the following mannequin.

Assessment: Microsoft Floor Professional 9: The MacBook competitor Home windows customers have been ready for

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Microsoft Floor Laptop computer Studio 2

Finest Home windows laptop computer for creators

Microsoft Floor Laptop computer Studio 2 tech specs: Working System: Home windows 11 House | CPU: Thirteenth Gen Intel Core i7-13700H | GPU: Intel Xe Graphics, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB Nvidia RTX 2000 Ada Technology Laptop computer 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 Floor Laptop computer Studio 2 is in contrast to some other laptop computer available on the market proper now. It carries over lots of the design prospers from the first-generation mannequin whereas upgrading the machine’s {hardware} to be extra in step with up to date consumer calls for. The display screen is held up by a tiltable hinge that lets it change from laptop computer mode to stage mode (the place the show is angled like a pill in a stand) to studio mode (the place the show is laid flat).

Below the hood, you’ve a Thirteenth Gen Intel i7 processor paired up with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series or Iris Xe graphics card — your selection. You even have as much as 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage supporting these elements. You might have a laptop computer able to dealing with varied workloads, from on a regular basis productiveness to demanding artistic tasks.

Additionally: The most effective laptops for graphic designers, in response to specialists who use them

The show has a 14.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen outputting a decision of 2400 x 1600 pixels with a most refresh fee of 120Hz. That final quantity is important as a result of it permits easy scrolling and efficiency. Furthermore, the Floor Laptop computer Studio 2 has a distinction ratio of 1500:1, licensed for VESA DisplayHDR 400. This implies the display screen can output vivid imagery with an unparalleled quantity of element. It is even made out of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to withstand harm. Relying in your configuration, the battery can final 19 hours of typical machine utilization.

It definitely has its followers on-line. A number of consumer critiques reward the Laptop computer Studio 2 for its top-tier design. You even have individuals calling it the “greatest Home windows laptop computer on the market” proper now. The Floor Laptop computer Studio 2 is pricey, beginning at $1,999 for the bottom configuration. That could be quite a bit however hold in mine what you are getting: a stacked laptop computer that handles all kinds of use circumstances with aplomb.

Additionally: I demoed Microsoft’s Floor Laptop computer Studio 2 and was left all types of jealous

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Razer Blade 17

Finest Home windows gaming laptop computer

Not solely is the Razer Blade 17 the very best gaming laptop computer available on the market, but it surely’s additionally our choose for the greatest 17-inch laptop computer. The reason being its excellent mix of energy and portability. To place it calmly, this machine is stacked. Beginning fashions include a Twelfth Gen Intel Core i7-12800H, though you possibly can improve it to an Intel Core i9 for higher efficiency.

The mannequin listed right here is from 2022, and it noticed a number of enhancements from the 2021 model. For starters, it might probably do 4K decision gameplay higher than earlier than. The Razer Blade 17 had difficulties outputting high-resolution content material so individuals needed to decrease the sport settings so it ran extra easily. Additionally, the cooling followers have been manner louder again then.

No matter you select, it’s going to be paired up with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 TI graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and a surprising Full HD 360Hz show for a world-class gaming expertise. In fact, it has all of the goodies you anticipate from a gaming laptop computer, like a Chrome RGB keyboard plus the Vapor Chamber Cooling system to maintain the working temperature low. To prime all of it off, the Blade 17 is nice as an all-around laptop computer because of a big selection of ports. It is suitable with USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, and even SD playing cards.

Avid gamers, unsurprisingly, say they love the Razer Blade 17. Many on-line level to the “excellent” mixture of the Twelfth-gen Intel Core processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics card, and full terabyte of storage as the rationale they purchased the laptop computer. talks about how the machine nonetheless runs like new even after proudly owning it for a 12 months.

Additionally: The most effective gaming laptops of 2024

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The most effective Home windows laptop computer total is the Dell XPS 15, as a consequence of a formidable mixture of show, CPU, GPU, battery life, and different options. Beneath is a desk the place we examine each factor in response to their costs, CPU, and graphics.

Home windows laptop computer	Worth	CPU	Graphics
Dell XPS 15	Beginning at $1,499	Thirteenth-gen Intel Core i7, i9	Intel UHD Graphics, Iris Xe Graphics, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050/4060/4070
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Extremely	Beginning at $2,200	Intel Core i7-13700H or i9-13900H	Nvidia RTX GeForce 4050 or 4070
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED	Beginning at $1,000	Thirteenth-Gen Intel Core i5-1240P	Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3	Beginning at $1,181	Thirteenth-gen Intel Core i5/i7	Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Acer Aspire 3	Beginning at $307	Twelfth-gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7 • AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7	Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Intel UHD Graphics • AMD Radeon Graphics
Microsoft Floor Professional 9	Beginning at $994	Thirteenth-gen Intel Core i7	Intel UHD Graphics (Core i3), Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Core i5, i7)
Microsoft Floor Laptop computer Studio 2	Beginning at $2000	Eleventh-gen Intel Core i5, i7	Intel Xe Graphics, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB Nvidia RTX 2000 Laptop computer GPU
Razer Blade 17	Beginning at $2,849	Twelfth Gen Intel Core i7-12800H	Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop computer GPU

The important thing to deciding which Home windows laptop computer is greatest for you begins with asking and evaluating what you need or want it for.

For instance, in the event you’re a cell data employee, you may need a mixture of light-weight, versatile configuration, sturdy construct, connectivity, safety, battery life, and design credibility. However in the event you’re a largely deskbound graphic designer or creator who often wants to go to a shopper with a laptop computer in tow, your priorities shall be completely different.

The desk under gives a fast breakdown that will help you additional slender your selections based mostly in your wants.

Select this Home windows laptop computer…	In order for you…
Dell XPS 15	A well-rounded 15-inch laptop computer for work and residential use with unimaginable show, CPU, and energy. It even has an OLED show possibility.
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Extremely	An built-in and complete Samsung ecosystem with an OLED show. This laptop computer also can sync with different Galaxy gadgets.
ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 OLED	A 2-in-1 convertible laptop computer with a beautiful touchscreen show, 1080p webcam, and a long-lasting battery life.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3	An ideal performing 13-inch laptop computer for enterprise customers that is light-weight and homes a 2K show. It additionally has a robust audio system for immersive audio.
Acer Aspire 3	An inexpensive laptop computer for college students and at-home customers. Plus, it is available in a wide range of sizes and {hardware} configurations to satisfy individuals’s wants.
Microsoft Floor Professional 9	A succesful 13-inch 2-in-1 removable with non-obligatory 4G LTE. The laptop computer runs on the Twelfth Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor.
Microsoft Floor Laptop computer Studio 2	An ideal 14-inch creator laptop computer sporting a multi-mode contact display screen, {powerful} {hardware}, and a 19-hour battery life.
Razer Blade 17	A strong 17-inch gaming laptop computer with a surprising FullHD 360GHz show and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 TI GPU.

We chosen these Home windows laptops after conducting thorough analysis and real-world testing by ZDNET specialists. In our analysis, we weighed the next features:

Design: Because the identify suggests, design focuses totally on how aesthetically pleasing a laptop computer seems. Does it are available colour and is the pc manufactured from , sturdy materials? These are a few of the questions we attempt to reply.
Efficiency: Laptop computer {hardware} can differ wildly, so it is vital to say what’s powering the machine. Some go for processors you’d see in smartphones, whereas others go for top-of-the-line CPUs. Battery life can also be taken into consideration.
Show: Naturally, you may need a laptop computer with the very best show since you may be looking at one for hours. However we additionally think about the display screen measurement because it dictates the general measurement and weight of the laptop computer.
Options: Lastly, we think about the total suite of encompasses a laptop computer has. Gaming laptops have RGB lights, whereas a piece laptop might skew to have a greater webcam than others.

ZDNET regularly receives a number of laptops to overview. So to select the very best of the very best, we adopted the factors talked about within the earlier query: Which fashions have the very best design, efficiency, battery life, show, and options. We do that by testing every machine and utilizing them just like the on a regular basis individual. We surf the web, obtain apps, watch movies, enter voice calls, and work simply to call just a few use circumstances. Corporations can spotlight and boast sure features of a laptop computer, however we discover it far more conducive to take laptops out for a spin.

And if something notably spectacular is discovered, we gush about them in our critiques. The Panasonic Toughbook 55, for instance, has an fascinating modular design that permits customers to switch elements on the fly. Due to this flexiblility and its exceptionally sturdy design, it made the record.

As of late, a “laptop” for most individuals is a laptop computer of some sort. The desktop kind issue — notably within the form of all-in-one (AIO) gadgets — is under no circumstances completed. Nonetheless, laptops span the vary from skinny, gentle, and ultraportable to cumbersome, {powerful}, and deskbound.

If small screens are an issue, you possibly can all the time connect an exterior monitor. There are additionally loads of hybrid 2-in-1 gadgets that straddle the divide between laptops and tablets.

Each working system has its dedicated supporters, however most individuals find yourself utilizing a selected one both due to key purposes run on it, it was chosen for them by their employer, or their familiarity with the OS. Home windows spans the vary from funds to premium, whereas Chrome OS is basically confined to the inexpensive finish of the market.

The entire Home windows gadgets listed right here qualify for Home windows 11. So in the event you purchase one with Home windows 10 put in, you’ll improve to the newer model. If you happen to do not, notice that Home windows 10 assist ends on October 14, 2025, after which there shall be no extra safety patches or characteristic updates.

All the things listed on this information are all the highest manufacturers for Home windows laptops. If you happen to’re in search of a particular one which rises above the remaining, there is not one. Laptops by every of the main producers have their professionals and cons. All of them do one thing distinctive that some may like whereas others do not. It in the end comes down to non-public desire.

That is a tricky query to reply as a result of it in the end comes all the way down to what you, the client, are in search of. However we can provide you an thought. Funds gadgets, by and enormous, value lower than $800. {Hardware} under that vary can ship stable total efficiency, and most significantly, an extended battery life. $1,500 and above is the place you start to see the elite laptops; the cream of the crop. You are taking a look at gaming laptops, enterprise computer systems just like the Microsoft Floor Laptop computer Studio 2, and specialty machines such because the Panasonic Toughbook 55.

Between $800 and $1,500 is the place you’ll the mid-range choices. On a regular basis laptops that may carry out effectively whereas additionally not fully destroying your pockets. Most choices fall on this vary with a lot to select from.

Usually talking, the main PC distributors have the broadest vary of choices and the best-documented monitor data when it comes to product growth and buyer relations. So within the absence of sure use circumstances or budgets, you are normally trying on the likes of Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and Acer; all of which presently lead the PC market plus a handful of different well-known manufacturers.

We have coated nearly each scenario the place you’d want a Home windows laptop computer, together with rugged fashions for subject work, ultra-powerful workstations for builders, and content material creation. However in the event you’re nonetheless trying to weigh your choices, listed below are two extra Home windows laptops we think about nice selections.

View at Razer View at Microsoft View at Amazon

Former ZDNET editor Christina Darby contributed to this story.