▼ Summary
– The article highlights several discounted laptop models, including Apple MacBooks, Microsoft Surface, Asus, and Lenovo options, to help shoppers find the right device for their needs.
– The 2020 MacBook Air with M1 offers solid performance for basic tasks at $599, though it has limitations like a 720p webcam and support for only one external display.
– The M2 MacBook Air improves on design and features a 1080p webcam, but its base 256GB storage model is slower than the M1 version due to a single NAND chip.
– The latest M4 MacBook Air and Pro models provide enhanced performance, better cooling (on the Pro), and features like Thunderbolt 4 ports and improved cameras, with various configurations on sale.
– Other notable deals include the Microsoft Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X processors, the Asus Zenbook S 16 for gaming and creative work, and the dual-screen Lenovo Yoga Book 9i, all at discounted prices.
Finding a high-quality laptop that fits your budget doesn’t have to mean settling for less. Many excellent laptops are available at various price points, whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or a dedicated gamer. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve gathered some of the most compelling deals currently on the market, highlighting key features and potential drawbacks for each model.
The Apple MacBook Air with M1 remains a solid option for everyday use. Available for just $599 at Walmart, this model includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It handles basic tasks like web browsing, streaming, and document editing with ease, and can even manage creative applications like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro, though its 8GB memory may cause some slowdown. Battery life typically lasts between eight and ten hours, and the keyboard and trackpad are both comfortable to use. Keep in mind the 720p webcam is underwhelming, and the M1 chip limits you to a single external display.
For a more modern design and improved performance, the 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 is a notable step up. It features a 1080p webcam, a lighter build, and retains useful features like MagSafe charging and Touch ID. While it struggles with intensive gaming, it handles most creative and productivity tasks well. One caveat: the base 256GB storage model uses a single NAND chip, making it slower than the M1 version in certain operations. You can find a configuration with 16GB of RAM and 256GB storage for $699 at Best Buy.
Apple’s latest 13-inch MacBook Air with M4 stands out as a top-tier ultraportable. It comes standard with 16GB of RAM and is powered by the capable M4 chip. Though it lacks active cooling, it only throttled under extreme loads in testing. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 1080p Center Stage camera are welcome upgrades. Expect all-day battery life under normal use. A model with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage is available for around $897 at Amazon.
For those needing more power, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 starts at $1,426 on Amazon. It includes 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports. Its active cooling system allows it to handle demanding tasks without throttling, and the bright, color-accurate 14.2-inch display supports a 120Hz refresh rate. If you require even more performance, the M4 Pro model with 24GB of RAM is available for approximately $1,699.
Moving to Windows options, the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) is a standout Snapdragon Copilot Plus PC. It features a 13.8-inch 120Hz display, a spacious haptic trackpad, and solid performance thanks to its ARM-based processor. Battery life impressed in testing, lasting seven hours under heavy use. Software compatibility has improved significantly, though it’s still wise to verify that your essential apps run properly. A model with a Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD is priced around $888.
The Asus Zenbook S 16 offers a large, vibrant OLED display and strong performance for both work and play. It’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. In testing, it ran Cyberpunk 2077 at playable frame rates and delivered around 11 hours of battery life. This model is currently $1,199 at Asus with a membership sign-up.
Gamers should consider the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16, which features a 16-inch 240Hz Mini LED display, an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, and an Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU. It includes ample ports and supports G-Sync for smooth gameplay. Currently priced at $2,899, it’s a powerful portable gaming solution.
For something truly unique, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a dual-screen laptop that folds into multiple configurations. It includes two 13.3-inch OLED touchscreens, an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, and 16GB of RAM. While there’s a learning curve to using the virtual keyboard and dual displays, the included software helps ease the transition. It’s on sale for $1,499 at Best Buy.
Whether you prioritize performance, portability, or innovation, there’s a laptop deal here to match your needs.
(Source: The Verge)
