As of November 18, 2024, top laptop recommendations include the MacBook Air M3, which offers upgraded RAM at no extra cost, and the upcoming MacBook Pro M4. The laptop market is facing challenges like inflation and a semiconductor shortage, with prices rising 18% year-over-year. Despite this, a wide variety of models are available. Key models include the MacBook Air, Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, and Asus VivoBook S15 OLED, each excelling in performance and value for different user needs.
Article Update and Current Recommendations
As of November 18, 2024, our list of recommended laptops remains unchanged, ensuring that all options are still relevant and available through various online platforms. We want to highlight the MacBook Air M3, which has recently upgraded its RAM without any price increase, enhancing its overall value. Additionally, we’re looking forward to testing the newly announced MacBook Pro M4 shortly. With Black Friday Week kicking off on Thursday, November 21, we anticipate some exciting discounts on select models. We suggest waiting a bit before making any purchases, and we encourage you to check back with us at the start of the event for the best deals curated by our team of experts.
The Laptop Market Landscape
The laptop market is currently facing significant challenges due to inflation, the semiconductor shortage, the growing second-hand market, extended product lifespans, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. This tough environment has driven prices up by 18% over the past year, increasing the average cost from €1,314 in 2022 to €1,550 in 2023—an increase of €236 per unit! Despite eight consecutive quarters of decline, research firm Gartner remains hopeful, predicting a market recovery starting in 2024.
Even though the market is under strain, the variety of available options is at an all-time high. With numerous brands, models, and operating systems constantly evolving, selecting the right laptop can quickly become overwhelming. To simplify this process, we have thoroughly tested the most popular models on the market and compiled our top recommendations for you.
Top 3 Laptops of the Moment
1. Apple MacBook Air 15 inches M3: The best laptop/ultrabook
2. Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge: The best Windows ARM ultrabook
3. Asus VivoBook S15 OLED E1504: The laptop offering the best value for money
Our Testing Methodology
In crafting this guide, we evaluated each laptop over several weeks, considering a range of criteria such as design (including build quality, materials, and bulk), display performance, user comfort, keyboard and trackpad ergonomics, processing power, and connectivity options. Battery life is another crucial factor we assessed.
To test their endurance, we subjected all models to a standardized test, streaming 4K videos on YouTube with Wi-Fi enabled. Each laptop in our guide represents a different category, and we assessed their suitability for various use cases, including gaming, content creation, entertainment, office tasks, and mobility. We also explored their features and unique specifications.
Why You Can Rely on Our Expertise
Our insights are drawn from the expertise of Jérôme Cartegini, a journalist with a specialization in new technologies. With experience working for notable media outlets such as Les Numériques, Clubic, and L’Opinion, Jérôme covers a diverse range of topics, from computer hardware and software to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. With over twenty years in the field, he brings a wealth of knowledge to help make complex technological information accessible to everyone.
A Detailed Look at the Best Laptops
Apple MacBook Air 15 inches M3: Leading the Pack
Introduced at WWDC 2023, the 15-inch MacBook Air has quickly become a favorite among consumers, known for its durability, sleek design, impressive performance, and long-lasting battery life. This model features Apple’s advanced M3 chip, providing a performance boost of 18-20% compared to its predecessors, especially noticeable when using applications such as Microsoft Office or handling 4K video tasks. However, it should be noted that it lacks a dedicated graphics card, limiting its gaming capabilities.
The MacBook Air maintains its signature lightweight, recycled aluminum design and features a comfortable Magic keyboard with integrated Touch ID for enhanced security. Its 15.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display delivers good color accuracy and brightness, though its contrast ratio is somewhat lacking. The absence of an OLED display at this price point is a disappointment.
Connectivity options include two USB-C ports that support external displays up to 6K and Wi-Fi 6E, but not Wi-Fi 7. The base model includes a 35W charger, with the option to upgrade to a 70W charger at no additional cost, although this would reduce the number of USB ports available. Battery life is a standout feature, lasting over 17 hours in our 4K streaming test, significantly outpacing its competitors. However, charging can be slow with the 30W charger.
On the downside, the MacBook Air offers limited repairability since both RAM and storage are soldered in, making upgrades challenging for users with higher memory or storage needs. We recommend considering a more robust configuration if you’re interested in this model. Despite these limitations, the MacBook Air excels in material durability and software longevity, making it a solid choice for daily tasks.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge: A Strong Contender
The Galaxy Book4 Edge, part of the new generation of Copilot+ PCs, features a Qualcomm chip built on ARM architecture, marking a significant shift in the laptop landscape. Like its key competitor, the MacBook Air M3, it promises exceptional battery life and silent operation, along with AI integration.
This 16-inch model impresses with its sleek aluminum design, balancing thinness and weight (1.55 kg) despite its size. Its comfortable keyboard, complete with a numeric keypad, and a large touchpad contribute to its ergonomic appeal, although it is slightly noisier than the MacBook Air due to ventilation requirements.
The 16-inch OLED display boasts a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, its moderate brightness (397 cd/m²) can make it less effective for outdoor use. The Galaxy Book4 Edge offers a solid array of connectivity options, including USB-C 4.0 ports, USB-A 3.2, HDMI, and a microSD card reader. Performance is smooth for everyday tasks, thanks to the Snapdragon X Elite paired with 16GB of RAM, although graphics performance may not meet the demands of high-end gaming.
Battery life is exceptional, with nearly 17 hours of use during our 4K video tests, nearing the performance of the MacBook Air. However, charging can be slow, taking around 125 minutes for a full charge.
In terms of repairability, the Galaxy Book4 Edge scores well, but its soldered RAM limits upgradability, which could be a downside for some users. Nonetheless, it stands as a formidable option in the ultraportable market.