What is best configuration for a laptop?

When you're shopping for a laptop, it's important to remember that it's more than just the size or speed that counts.

Finding the right model to suit your needs and price range involves a whole lot of other considerations too, which is where we come in.

On this page:

• Different types of laptop
• Entry-level, mid-range or high-end laptop?
• Windows, Mac, Linux, Android or Chrome OS?
• What to look for in a laptop
• Australia's best laptop brand
• Laptops vs desktop computers

Different types of laptop

The terms laptop and notebook tend to be used interchangeably as a general description. But you can break these down into smaller sub-categories, though they're not always mutually exclusive.

For example, an ultraportable can also be a convertible [2-in-1] which works as both a laptop and a tablet. Also, many devices that are designed as tablets can also work as laptops if you add a keyboard. Some are specifically designed for this, such as Microsoft's Surface range.

Entry-level, mid-range or high-end laptop?

Entry-level

If you want a cheap laptop for basic tasks and occasional or lighter use and aren't overly concerned about performance, weight or battery life, you can find sub-$500 "budget" models that will do the job.

These low-cost laptops are relatively low-powered, but capable of general computing tasks such as web browsing, email and general word processing. They can handle most basic multimedia tasks [e.g. standard definitionvideo streaming] and are best suited to casual users and younger students.

Mid-range

If you want to take your laptop with you on-the-go a lot, you'll want something thin, light and easy to carry. Look for an ultraportable [including Ultrabooks].

Mid-range laptops are aimed at regular computer users, families, students and business people, andcan run most software and games, but may struggle a bit with high-end work such as video editing and games that require fast graphics processing.

High-end

If you want something to give you all the power of a desktop computerwhile being transportable with relative ease, look for a powerful processor and plenty of RAM [including models marketed as gaming machines] which have a powerful graphics card and a high-resolution screen.

High-end laptops are for serious computer enthusiasts and professionals that like to push their systems with intensive computing tasks including editing video and audio, programming, 3D rendering and high-end games.

Windows, Mac, Linux, Android or Chrome OS?

Operating systems tend to polarise opinion. Ask a room of techies whether you should go with a Windows, Mac, Linux, Android or Chrome OS laptop or tablet and you'll start a heated debate that will go for a long time but nobody will win [though everyone will maintain that they're right].

All systems have their good and bad points, but it's important for you to choose a side, because it affects your software choices and possibly your hardware decisions too. This is definitely the case with Apple products and Chrome OS in particular.

Apple's macOS [formerly called OS X] only runs on Apple's family of computers, while iPadOS only runs on iPads, but they're designed to work seamlessly with Apple's other operating systems: iOS [iPhones], tvOS [Apple TV] and watchOS [Apple Watch].

Chrome OS runs on laptops, mini PC desktops and PC sticks that are specifically designed for it, usually of a relatively lightweight configuration that is meant to be internet-connected most of the time.

Even outside enterprise users, Windows has several versions, with Home being the consumer version, Pro for more serious users and Windows 10 in S mode for lightweight laptops aimed at being an alternative to Chromebooks.

These days Windows and Chrome OS have a much greater degree of interoperability with Android, though not to the same degree as Apple's tightly integrated hardware-software ecosystems.

Android is also outgrowing its phone-centric roots to also be seen as a stand-alone OS for tablets, most notably by Samsung and Lenovo.

What to look for in a laptop

CPU [central processing unit]

This is the brain of your computer. The number of cores, processing power and price range is a good indicator of the overall level of CPU power on offer.

Laptops generally use low-power-consumption CPUs for better battery life.

Be careful in comparing the Intel family of CPUs with those from AMD their main competitor as quoted speed figures aren't directly comparable.

The same goes for the sub-families of each brand for example, Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and i9 are increasingly high performance, even at the same quoted frequency figure in GHz; likewise with the M series processors designed for highly mobile computers. The same goes for AMD's Ryzen series of processors.

Each new generation of processors is usually faster than the previous generation, even at the same chip frequency. Thus, you can expect a 2.4GHz 10th-generation CPU to be faster [and likely more energy efficient] than a 2.4GHz 9th-generation CPU, or earlier generation.

RAM [random access memory]

A lack of RAM will slow your computer when running multiple programs, using a lot of web browser tabs or performing labour-intensive tasks, such as image processing.

Expect a minimum of 4GB [gigabytes] even in a budget Windows system, but ideally aim for at least 8GB for most general-use laptops and 16GB or more for high-end models. Don't skimp on RAM at purchase time as it's likely you may not be able to upgrade/increase it later.

Screen quality

A small screen means a smaller laptop that's generally going to be lighter, but larger [and particularly higher resolution] screens are better for graphics, gaming or watching movies. Regardless of physical size, many lower-cost laptops only have relatively low-resolution screens of 1366 x 768 pixels. Check before buying.

More laptops aimed at the mid-range market have a screen with at least full-HD [1080p, or 1920 x 1080 pixels], but higher resolution screens are available in high-end laptops.

Storage space

Don't underestimate how much space you'll need. Unless you intend to make extensive use of Cloud-only storage, make sure you have enough room for all your current programs and files, as well as the fast-growing collection of videos and music that most people now tend to accumulate.

Laptop memory and storage can be difficult or impossible to upgrade after purchase, so choose a model with enough RAM and SSD storage capacity to last you a long time

These days thesolid-state drive [SSD] has replaced hard drives as the preferred storage medium in most laptops, due to falling SSD prices which have made this super-fast storage medium more affordable. Laptops with a traditionalhard disk drive [HDD]are still available in cheaper models, usually a1TB [terabyte] drive.

However, an SSD is much faster than a hard drive and having one can lift the overall performance of a laptop considerably, and thus extend its useful working life. For a general-use laptop 128GB is the starting point for an SSD, but we recommend 256GB or more for most users. Also, check if the laptop or tablet can be expanded via a microSD card, which can add up to an additional 1TB of solid-state storage.

Many laptops, especially slim-and-light ultraportables, may not allow you to upgrade internal components later, which means it's best not to skimp on RAM [memory] or storage capacity upfront. Look for upgrade options at the time of ordering and spend a bit extra upfront on RAM to give the laptop a longer useful lifetime.

Cooling

Computer components can run hot, especially within the confines of a compact laptop case.

Check for hot spots under the laptop after it's been on for a while, as these can get annoying if you're using your laptop where the name would suggest. Also check for vents under the laptop and make sure you don't block them if using it on your lap, as this could cause it to overheat.

Graphics card

Many laptops will have the graphics processor built into the motherboard [called "on-board graphics"], rather than on a separate ["dedicated"] graphics card.

High-end models may have a dedicated graphics card which has its own video RAM.

Power supply

Often called "the brick", this is the block and cord that you use to plug your laptop into a standard wall socket. If your laptop battery won't last long enough for you to leave the brick at home, you'll have to take it with you for recharging, and this can add considerably to the overall weight you have to carry around.

Battery life

Having a long working time between charges is particularly important for an ultraportable. After all, they lose portability points if you have to also carry the power supply unit and cable with you to charge them.

Ideally you want to have a full day of working on-the-go without having to plug it in, but this will depend on what else you have plugged into the laptop drawing power from it.

If you intend to be on the move much of the time, don't get weighed down by having to lug your laptop's power supply unit and cable with you. Look for a model with a long battery life and quick recharge time

You really don't want to have to to carry the external power supply unit and cable with you. Our battery life tests look at a heavy-usage scenario, to give you an idea of the worst results you're likely to get, though for most people the average daily use will give better life.

If you intend to be mobile much of the time, then a long battery life and quick recharge time is important. We also record two charging times for each laptop, with the laptop switched on up to 80% capacity and to 100% capacity. It's useful to note that charging speed usually drops considerably once you get past 80%. In some cases it can take as long or longer to get the extra 20% top-up as it does to get to 80%.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi speed is important because fewer laptops come with a built-in ethernet port for plugging into your local wired network.

If this is the case, you may be able to purchase a USB-to-ethernet adapter of the same brand or a third-party alternative.

In either case, look for a laptop that supports the current Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ac, now rebranded as Wi-Fi 5. This is backwards-compatible with previous standards including the previously most popular 802.11n, but is much faster.

The emerging standard for newer laptops is Wi-Fi 6 [802.11ax] which is faster and designed to support more devices than Wi-Fi 5.

USB-C connectivity

Connectivity on laptops these days is all about USB-C, the new low-profile standard that's becoming common on more models. A USB-C plug is slimline and easy to use [there's no "right way up"], but its appearance can be deceptive, as the same-shaped plug is used for several different standards USB 3.1 Gen-1 and Gen-2 and Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4.

Most USB-C ports will be either USB 3.1 Gen-1 [recently rebranded as USB 3.2 Gen-1] which is rated at 5Gbps [gigabits per second], the same speed as USB 3.0. The faster[10Gbps] version of this isUSB 3.1 Gen-2[recently rebranded as USB 3.2 Gen-2].There's also USB 3.2 Gen-2x2 [20Gbps]. Then there's the blazingly fast [40Gbps] Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4.

Most models will have the slower USB-C ports, but high-performance laptops may have Thunderbolt 3 or the latest Thunderboltt 4 or USB 4. You can plug a USB-C device into a Thunderbolt 3/4, port but don't expect any increase in speed. Plug in a Thunderbolt device, such as an external SSD, and you have the fastest connection in town.

Avoid cheap third-party cables and chargers or you may risk damaging your computer or worse

Even if you don't have a Thunderbolt / USB 4 version of this connection, USB-C is still preferable to the old USB 3.0, because it's becoming widely adopted on computers and plug-in devices and expected to soon become the dominant connection port, eventually replacing the familiar rectangular USB 3.0 [Type-A] ports.

One of the keys to USB-C's swift adoption is its versatility the same port can transfer both power and data at the same time and it can also mimic a whole range of other ports including USB 2.0/3.0, SD card, HDMI, ethernet and more using a USB-C adapter.

However, stick with the manufacturer's cables and avoid cheap third-party cables and chargers or you may risk damaging your computer and peripherals or worse. Use only certified USB-Cand Thunderbolt cables.

Australia's best laptop brand

So which brand of laptop should you buy? We've identified the best laptop brand based on our test results for laptops and feedback from our members on their experience with the brand.

As well as testing more than 85 laptops since 2018, we surveyed our members about the laptops they own. We use this data to determine which brands are the most reliable, and which have the best customer satisfaction. This feedback, and our test results, are combined to determine the best laptop brand of 2020.

Best laptop brand for 2020: Apple

Apple is the best laptop brand for the past 12 months. The tech giant beat out the likes of Microsoft, ASUS, Acer, Lenovo, HP and Dell for the top spot, with strong scores in our test results in addition to being a reliable brand with highly satisfied customers.

To find out which specific laptop models we recommend based on our test results, and to make sure you buy the best, click on the 'Recommended' box in the filters section of our laptop reviews.

Best laptop brand 2020 scores

1. Apple 77%

2. Microsoft 70%

3. Asus 69%

4. Acer and Lenovo 67%

5. HP and Dell 66%

It's important to note that the performance of specific product models may vary quite significantly, so don't assume that one brand's products are the best across the many different features, functions and price points.

For comprehensive details on every laptop we've tested, see ourlaptop reviews.

Laptops vs desktop computers

Total computing portability is enticing enough, but what other benefits can a laptop offer?

Energy use

Laptops typically use much less power than a desktop PC. They have a low annual running cost.

Size

A laptop takes up much less space in your home or office than a desktop PC.

Range

Laptops can loosely be classified into several unofficial categories of laptop to suit a variety of needs, though these categories aren't clearly defined. So-called categories can be referred to as ultraportables, all-rounders, multimedia powerhouses, student/budget and gaming laptops.

Performance

Many laptops can match the power of mid-range desktop computers, even in the ultraportable category.

There are several key performance factors you should consider:

• CPU [central processing unit] brand and family [e.g. Intel Core i9, or AMD Ryzen chipsets]. Also note the generation of the processor family, more recent generations are usually faster.
• CPU frequency [known generally as speed, measured in gigahertz, e.g. 3.2GHz].
• Storage type SSD [solid-state drive] is the fastest kind of drive. Unlike a HDD [hard disk drive] it has no moving parts. It is sometimes referred to as Flash storage. As with hard drives, the capacity and speed of SSDs can vary greatly.
• Memory RAM, or random access memory, is the temporary storage used by programs when they're running. Generally, 4GB [gigabytes] of RAM is considered a low starting point for a laptop or desktop computer, but these days at least 8GB is considered a normal amount. Having more memory may be useful for programs that can make use of larger amounts of memory, or for running more programs at the same time. Tablets and other mobile devices are a different story due to the way they're engineered and they may use much less RAM if they're running on mobile operating systems such as Android or iOS or iPadOS.
• GPU [graphicsprocessing unit] this handles much of the computational load in creating and displaying images, reducing the load on the main CPU. Some larger laptops will have a separate [discrete] graphics processor or card, while others will have a graphics chip incorporated on the motherboard with the CPU [onboard graphics].
• Display screen mid-range to high-end laptops will usually have a high-resolution screen with at least full-HD specification [1080p 1920 x 1080 pixels] or higher.

Peripherals

Laptops come with a screen, keyboard and trackpad built in, though you can usually plug in external devices to use the laptop as a desktop computer. If you want to regularly use your laptop as a desktop PC then plugging in an external display monitor, keyboard and mouse may improve usability.

Software

Most laptops can run the full version of Microsoft's Windows and some may have the option of using Linux [or you might download and install it yourself].

Apple laptops run macOS [formerly OS X] and Intel-based models can also be set up to run Windows [using Apple's bootcamp utility to help with the installation]. This gives you the ability to run either macOS or Windows each time you reboot the computer.

Alternatively, Intel-based Macs can use a virtualisation program such as Parallels Desktop for Mac, VMware's Fusion or Oracle's Virtual Box software, to run one or more versions of Windows or Linux as 'virtual machines', in addition to the native operating system.

Some Microsoft laptops and tablets run Windows 10 S mode, which is an optimised mode of Windows 10 designed to be more secure and power-efficient.

However, it can only load programs that are available on the Microsoft Store online. Windows 10S mode can be upgraded at no cost to the full Windows 10 Home [or Pro at extra cost] but only once. If you do it, there's no going back. Most tablets run iOS or Android, which may not include your preferred programs.

Upgrading

Laptops have one notable drawback. Upgrading most laptop components is difficult [and in most cases impossible for the average person], as the slim body leaves no room for adding extra components. Plus, many parts are built in permanently and not designed to be replaced.

Some ultra slim models don't let you add RAM later on, as the original RAM is soldered onto the motherboard. You can usually upgrade the storage though, but that could involve a trip to the maker's workshop.

So once you're ready to buy, go for all the RAM and storage that you think you may need, or can afford. The easiest way to upgrade/expand the capabilities of a laptop is to add devices to it externally, such as extra storage, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi adapter plug-ins.

If your laptop has USB-C, you may be able to add various devices via a USB-C adapter or hub.