The 10 best laptops to buy in the UK
Finding the best laptop for your personal needs has never been more difficult. There is simply a huge selection of great laptops to suit virtually every budget, there’s a lot to consider when looking for the right model for you, such as features, size, and operating systems. Looking for the best laptop within your budget but aren’t sure what you need? Then check out this handy buying guide!
What are laptops?
A laptop is a portable computer designed to be used on the go. As a more compact, lightweight alternative to a desktop computer, they can perform most of the same functions and features as a standard pc, including connecting to devices such as printers, monitors and external speakers.
While the best laptops have specs that can compete with a high-quality pc, they are more expensive as they require a much more complex design, but there are still great laptops in virtually every price range.
Why should you buy a good laptop?
Laptops are incredibly convenient computers that are well worth buying, especially given their affordability in recent years. Whether you need a portable computer for work or school, are lacking space for a desktop in your home, or simply want a good computer that is much easier to operate, then you cannot go wrong with a laptop. Also, given the huge selection of laptops currently available, it is possible to find a model with the right features and functions you need.
How to choose the right laptop in 2024?
There is a fair amount to consider when looking for the best laptop, and as everyone will have their own specific needs, it’s important to understand what features you require:
- Operating System: The operating system of a laptop determines the software and hardware that it will and can use, with the three most popular options being Windows, Mac, and Chrome. You’ve likely used one of these before, so it’s a good idea to stick with what you are used to. For most people this is Windows, as it is already installed on the majority of laptops while it is also compatible with more software than other operating systems.
- Size: The size of the laptop is important as it not only determines the screen size but how portable it is. Consider how you intend to use your laptop to help with this. For instance, if you need an everyday laptop for use at home, a 15 inch should be fine, whereas those needing it for computer related work (e.g. programming, graphic design) may prefer a larger screen. Similarly, a larger laptop will be better-suited for those looking to play video games as it will offer the best visual experience. Remember though – the larger the laptop, the heavier it will be!
- Processor: As the brains of a laptop, the processor is one of the most important things to think about when looking to buy. While there’s a large number of different processors, most laptops will carry one made from either Intel or AMD, both of which have a variety of processors found in most laptops. AMD is usually on the cheaper side but tends to be less powerful than Intel processors, so be sure to think about what you need from your laptop. Both manufacturers have entry-level processors that are affordable and great for standard laptop use, while high-end chips will cost a fair amount more but provide a much more powerful laptop better-suited for gaming, multimedia, streaming etc.
- RAM: Otherwise known as memory, the more your laptop has the faster it will operate. RAM comes into action when a computer starts running several programs or tasks at once, so you might need more or less depending on what the laptop will be used for. For example, if your laptop will be doing a lot of tasks at any given time, then you will want 4GB of RAM to cover it, but if you only need it for basic things like web browsing and word processing then 2GB will be perfectly fine. RAM can always be upgraded down the line, so if you feel you need more it’s something you can add in the future!
- Hard Drive: The hard drive is where all the data of the laptop is stored, so any music, movies, software, photos, and videos are saved here. Various sizes of hard drives are available, ranging from 150GB to several TB, so those that intend to store a lot of data will want somewhere between 500GB to 1TB. Remember, external hard drives and cloud storage are becoming increasingly affordable and efficient ways to store data, so you can certainly get around a lack of hard drive space should it fill fast.
What is the best kind of laptop in the UK?
With such a huge variety of great laptops out there, knowing the best type for you can sometimes be difficult. While most laptops can perform standard functions, others are designed for specific uses, so you may need one of these depending on your intended uses.
- PC Laptops: These are the best all-round laptops that will be suitable for most users. Prices will vary based on things such as hardware, size, and brand, although most PC laptops are ideal for studying, work, or simply social use.
- Gaming Laptops: Unsurprisingly, these are the best laptops for playing the latest video games. This means they will cost more as they require high-end hardware to run games. Like any other laptop type, there are many specifications available.
- Netbooks: The smallest and most compact laptops, netbooks aren’t as popular as they once were due to the emergence of netbooks, but they are still a great laptop for many. They come with a great price and are ideal for anyone that just wants to browse the net and use the occasional bit of software.
Top 10 list of laptops in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their laptops. Which laptop is the best?
- ASUS Vivobook 15 complies with US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard
- UK layout keyboard
- 15.6" Full HD Screen
- Chrome OS
- Display: Non-touch screen, 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9, Anti-glare display,…
- Storage: 128GB eMMC
- With ASUS E410, you can leave the heavy power adaptor at home. Its day-long battery…
- ASUS Vivobook E410 weighs a mere 1.3Kg making it easy to carry around with you
- With 4GB RAM, paired with 128GB eMMC, Vivobook 14 is designed for daily computing…
- Multi-functional Ports The laptop comes with Type-C port x 1, 3.5mm headphone jack…
- 4GB+128GB RAM + 512 TF Card The S7-Hi laptop comes with 4GB of high-speed DDR4 RAM,…
- Ultra-thin and Portable The ultra-thin laptop weighs only 3.6 lbs, so you can take…
- GET ONLINE WITH EASE: With dual-band Wi-Fi 5, you can connect to the internet in…
- WORK FROM AN YWHERE: The HD webcam with TNR technology & dual microphones with…
- PLENTY OF STORAGE: With a 512GB SSD, you get plenty of room for all your apps, documents…
- Take care of your privacy with Camera privacy shutter and enjoy latest Windows 11…
- Connectivity and ports: with 1x Card reader, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone / microphone combo…
- Stay always connected with Bluetooth and Wi-fi 5. Enjoy perfect sound with High Definition…
- GET ONLINE WITH EASE: With dual-band Wi-Fi 5, you can connect to the internet in…
- ALL-DAY BATTERY: The battery lasts up-to 9.5 hours from a single charge, allowing…
- VISIBLY STUNNING: The 1920x1080 resolution of the 15.6" Full HD screen provides…
- Easy Everyday Use: A lift hinge design and enlarged keyboard make for more ergonomic,…
- Extended Battery Life: Long-lasting battery and express charge capability, to keep…
- The Storage you need at Speed: Dual drive SSD for a faster computing experience.
- HP FAST CHARGE: When your laptop is low on power, no one has time to wait hours to…
- ANTI-GLARE PANEL: Enjoy the sun and your favourite content with this anti-glare panel.…
- INTEL UHD GRAPHICS 600: Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite games in…
- Connections for all your needs: Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2…
- Your privacy is secured – When it comes to your privacy and protection, we’ve…
- No waiting required - With its rapid-charging technology, the laptop delivers 2 hours…
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