Apple MacBook

Recommended laptops, by Consumer Reports

“Laptops let you use your computer away from your desk, but you pay for that mobility with a keyboard that’s a little more cramped, a higher price, and sometimes, reduced performance,” says Consumer Reports. “Technological advances have lessened the performance compromises for the most part, however.”

The magazine also notes that “whether your main consideration is portability or power, screen size will be an essential factor in deciding which type of laptop is right for you”.

Here is the Consumer Reports’ selection of recommended laptops. The maximum overall score is 100, and “Best Buy” models offer more value.


10- to 11-inch laptops

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12- to 13-inch laptops

Asus Zenbook UX305FA-ASM1

Overall score: 77
“Best Buy”

LG gram 13Z950

Overall score: 69

Dell XPS 13 Touch

Overall score: 66

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14-inch laptops

Acer Aspire R5-471T-52EE

Overall score: 74
“Best Buy”

LG gram 14Z950

Overall score: 72

Lenovo Ideapad 500S

Overall score: 66

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15- to 16-inch laptops

Dell XPS 15 Non-Touch

Overall score: 72

Asus Q503UA-BHI5T16

Overall score: 70

Asus Q502LA-BBI5T15

Overall score: 70

Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Touch (Win 10)

Overall score: 64
“Best Buy”

HP Pavilion 15-ab220nr

Overall score: 61

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17- to 18-inch laptops

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Consumer Reports is an American magazine published monthly since 1936. It features reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory and survey research centre. The magazine accepts no advertising, pays for all the products it tests, and, as a not-for-profit organisation, has no shareholders. It also publishes cleaning and general buying guides. (Wikipedia.)

Source: Consumer Reports
Last checked on: 1 April 2016
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