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So, it’s time to get you or a loved one a new computer. Well, what better time than the holiday season? Now is the time of year when people are doing all of their Christmas shopping, and so it might be the perfect opportunity to get a new computer for the tech-savvy individual in your life. Here’s a handy gift guide to show you some of the Chromebooks and computers that you can pick up for yourself or that special someone.
This list was chosen based on certain stand-out aspects of these devices. If you’re not a fan of the main entries, don’t worry, we have some honorary mentions that might actually pique your interest even more. They offer more variety to your available options. So, let’s dive into this gift guide and see what should be your next new computer.
Most Affordable computer: 15.6-Inch Acer Aspire 3
This is for people who want decent power on a budget
Sometimes, you’re not able to afford the most expensive or powerful laptops on the market. Sometimes, you have to settle for more modest hardware. There’s nothing wrong with that, as people’s needs differ. Maybe you don’t need an extremely powerful laptop; maybe you just need a simple computer to get you through the day. Well, the Acer Inspire 3 could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Maybe you’re not designing extremely intricate graphics, animating short films, or doing intense video editing. Maybe you just need to write or communicate with clients. If your needs are light, then this computer will fit them perfectly. It has just enough power to do simple tasks. It’s running Windows 11 out of the box, so you’re going to be getting the most up-to-date Windows Experience on the market.
If your occupation doesn’t create too many large files, then the 128GB of storage will be perfect for you. You’re able to save many of your files, download several programs, and store your media without needing to worry about running low on space. It’s a good amount of storage for most people who do light work.
Since we’re not talking about extremely powerful hardware, you can bet that the battery life will be really nice. It uses a power-efficient chip, so you’ll be able to make it through your workday without reaching for your charger. Good battery life is one of the most important features of any laptop.
If you want to use this computer to watch media like movies or TV shows, then you will have no issue doing so. The Acer Aspire 3 comes with a decently sharp display, which will give you a nice viewing experience.
15.6-inch Acer Aspire 3 - Amazon
Honorary mention: Lenovo Ideapad 1i
It covers the basics
If you’re a person who just needs the essentials to get you through your day, then there’s no point in spending over $1,000 on an extremely powerful computer. Sometimes, it helps just to pay a cool $200 for a computer that satisfies your needs. Most of the time, premium laptops have way more power than we really need. When it comes to finding a computer with just enough muscle, you should look into the Lenovo IdeaPad 1i. This is a 14-inch computer that is sleek and thin enough to fit into any cramped setup. It’s the perfect laptop to get if you are constantly traveling.
In terms of the power, to be completely honest, there’s not too much horsepower under the hood. However, not everyone needs extremely powerful specs. Some people just need a computer to do some simple tasks. Do you want to just sit back and watch some videos? Are you a writer who needs a smaller device to write on? Do you have a child who needs access to a basic computer? If so, then this computer will serve you just well.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1i comes with Windows 11 pre-installed. The operating system was loaded onto the device, so you should expect a pretty smooth and optimized experience. Also, you’ll have access to all of the latest updates from Microsoft over the next couple of years. This is truly the computer to get if you need a smaller device to do the simple things.
Best compact computer: Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro
The best option when you need a small computer with a lot of power
If you’re a person who’s in the Samsung ecosystem of products, then this might be the perfect computer for you. The Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro is the most powerful laptop from the company to date. Since it’s the pro version, it’s well-suited for any professional who is looking to get a ton of work done. This should come as no surprise, as Samsung typically makes devices for power users.
One thing that makes this computer stand out is the host of Galaxy-centric optimizations. Samsung customizes the Windows operating system to create that unique Galaxy flare that you see with its phones. So, if you wind up using this computer, you’ll feel right at home with it and your other Galaxy devices. However, these optimizations are not only skin deep. The software in the computer has been optimized to integrate seamlessly with your Galaxy devices. This means quick sharing and other useful integrations.
However, power isn’t restricted to one operating system. You will more than enjoy the computer even if you are not a Samsung Galaxy device user. It’s plenty powerful to handle all of the work-heavy tasks that you can throw at it. If you are a video editor, animator, artist, content creator, etc., you will not have any trouble getting your work finished. It comes equipped with some of the best hardware on the market, and Samsung optimized it perfectly. This means that you’re going to get a wonderful experience.
Moving on to the battery, you’ll have plenty of battery power to get you through your workday. Samsung equipped this computer with a large battery that should get you well over 10 hours of battery life. And, if you do happen to find yourself in a jam, charging this computer is a breeze. It charges extremely fast, so you won’t be out of the game for long.
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro - Amazon
Honorary Mention: ASUS Zenbook 14
Lenovo is here with a compact powerhouse
Sure, you’re perfectly capable of working with a large bulky computer, but not every situation calls for a computer like that. Sometimes, you need a device that’s compact enough to fit in a tight setup. Maybe you have to write on the train or in a crowded coffee shop. You’ll need a laptop that’s compact enough so you’re not taking up too much space. This is where the Asus Zenbook 14 comes in.
Asus is one of the top computer companies in the industry, so you know that it’s capable of making a compact laptop that delivers a powerful experience. Well, that laptop takes the form of the Zenbook 14. As the name suggests, this is a 14-inch laptop. It’s definitely smaller than most of the other professional laptops out there. However, that does not mean that it’s not powerful enough for your needs.
It employs some decently powerful hardware, so you won’t be missing out on that much power when you’re trying to jot down that report on the bus. In fact, it is still using some of the best equipment on the market, so you’re going to be getting a powerful experience. You won’t be missing out on much power.
Another great aspect of this computer is the display. While this is a smaller laptop, Asus made sure to fit it with a great display. So, if you want to use this as your main media-watching device, you will have no issue doing so. It’s a beautiful display that will make all of the content you’re watching just pop. This is a computer that does it all, and it does so while remaining compact and small.
Best 2-in-1 computer: HP Pavilion 2-in-1 computer
HP is able to offer a capable 2-in-1 experience at an affordable price
When it comes to achieving productivity, sometimes, you need more than one device. This is where the 2-in-1 computer comes in. This is a combination between a computer and a tablet, and it’s become a pretty popular genre in the computer market. There are several 2-in-1 computers available, but HP has a great option to consider. It’s simply named The Pavilion 2-in-1, and it is a 14-inch computer. This means that it comes in a pretty compact size, and that’s important if you’re going to be using this as a tablet.
The Pavilion 2-in-1 is plenty powerful enough to handle most professional tasks. It has good hardware, and it should be just enough for most power users. It’s perfect for people who are writers or video content creators.
When in computer mode, you’ll use it like any other laptop. However, just switch it into tablet mode; take the display and rotate it all the way back so that it wraps around and faces upward. Then, you’ll be able to use your fingers to interact with a screen as though you’re using a tablet. If you need to do something like take a handwritten note or sign a document, it’s simple. The display is touch-sensitive, so you can use either your finger or a stylus to interact with the screen.
When it comes to the battery power, HP fitted this computer with a sizable battery, and it should last you most of the day on a single charge.
Overall, this is a quality device that you should look into if you want a great two-in-one experience. It’s a great computer, and it comes at a reasonable price at under $700.
HP Pavilion 2-in-1 computer - Walmart
Honorary Mention: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
This is from the series of devices that established the 2-in-1 computer
A list of the best computers to buy would not be complete without one of Microsoft’s surface devices. These are some of the most versatile and useful computers on the market, and they’re the perfect devices to get if you or your loved one is a true power user. Not only are these powerful devices, but they basically established the 2-in-1 computer genre. So, they are perfectly optimized to seamlessly switch between computer and tablet mode.
The Surface Pro 9 is the latest in this line of devices, and it does well to justify its hefty price. Indeed, this is a top-of-the-line device for people who need top-of-the-line performance. Microsoft gives its Surface line of computers some of the best hardware on the market, and it supports its devices with software updates for several years. So, if you’re the kind of person who likes to keep the devices for extended periods of time, then this computer is truly for you.
Since this is such a well-optimized 2-in-1 computer switching between modes is simple and seamless. This should come as no surprise, seeing as both the hardware and the software have been developed by Microsoft.
Now, when it comes to interacting with the screen, you have a few options. You can use your finger or, you could use the included stylus. The included Stylus is, of course, very much optimized for the device, so you will get an extremely smooth fluid experience using it. If you want to take handwritten notes, sign documents, or draw on this tablet, it’s as easy as just doing it. Since the stylus was built specifically for the computer, you’ll have no issue whatsoever using it. That’s one of the reasons why this series of computers is great
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 - Amazon
Best Chromebook: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
One of the best Chromebooks you can get on the market
Along with its Windows computers, Samsung also has its line of Chromebooks as well. These lean more toward the premium side of the spectrum. With its Chromebooks, Samsung definitely showed what a company can do with the operating system. The second generation of its Chromebooks is still one of the best options out there for premium Chromebooks. It packs the power and the sheer productivity potential to truly make you a work powerhouse.
We’re all familiar with some of the limitations of Chrome OS, and this is why several companies use very limited hardware for their Chromebooks. This eventually leads to slow performance over time. In the case of the Galaxy Chromebook 2, Samsung uses more premium equipment and hardware. This means that you’ll be able to get top-notch performance from this computer.
Chrome OS has gotten more advanced over the years, and most manufacturers continue to use lower-performing hardware in their Chromebooks. In the case of Samsung, the company opted to prioritize performance with better hardware. This means that you’ll be able to use your computer for much longer before it starts to slow down.
Now, since this is a Samsung device we are talking about, you know that it’s going to come with a fantastic display. The display on this computer might not be the best the company has churned out, but it is still a fantastic display. You’ll easily be able to use it as your primary viewing device if you decide to turn on some movies and pass the time after work.
This, along with the amazing speakers that Samsung put into this computer will give you a great media-watching experience along with a great productivity experience. It’s definitely one of the best Chromebooks you can find on the market.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 - Amazon
Honorary Mention: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop
If you’re looking for an all-around great Chromebook, this is the one to get
Asus is no stranger to making Chromebooks, and the company makes some really compelling options. The Asus Chromebook Plus represents one of the company’s more powerful offerings. It has a mix of capable hardware and optimizations to ensure that you have a smooth experience for not too much money. If you’re shopping on a budget for Christmas, then this is definitely the path to go down.
This computer has a compact 14-inch screen, so you’ll be able to take it with you when you need to work abroad. Its sleek and lightweight design only makes it better. This is truly the kind of computer you would want to take with you if you don’t want to be bogged down by any heavy hardware.
This Chromebook comes with enough power under the hood and enough RAM to give you decently smooth performance. It won’t exactly be a rocket, but you will still be more than capable of getting all of your work done. When it comes to storage, you have more than enough space to keep all of your files. This is just an all-around well-performing and great Chromebook that you should get for someone who’s into doing light work.
If most of your work is web-based, or you’re a writer or do other forms of light work, then this Chromebook is made especially for you. Also, if you prioritize longevity, the Asus Chromebook Plus should be able to last you throughout your work session depending on what you’re doing. It may be able to last you up to 10 hours on a single charge. That’s more than a typical workday for most people which is always great. You never want your computer to run out of battery on you if you have to work away from an outlet.
ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop - Amazon
Best MacBook: MacBook Pro 2023 with M3 Chip
The most powerful MacBook you can buy to date
MacBooks are some of the most powerful solutions for productivity-focused people and creators. The optimization between hardware and software just makes for an incredible experience all around. Also, you can’t forget about Apple’s incredible hardware. This year, Apple announced the 2023 MacBook Pro, so it’s the smoothest-performing and most feature-rich MacBook yet.
This computer uses the latest hardware from Apple, which includes the latest chip. Without diving too much into the specs, it’s very powerful. If you’re a person who’s looking to get some serious work done, then this should definitely be under your radar. So, whether you’re a writer, engineer, designer, composer, animator, or any other professional, you can be sure that you will get a top-notch performance and an all-around spectacular experience.
Are you a person who creates a ton of large files while you’re working? Well, you won’t need to worry too much with this computer, as it has enough SSD storage to keep all the files you need. Being able to store all of your files is one of the most important parts of being a creator.
When it comes to the viewing experience, you can also bet that everything will be top-notch. This computer has a compact 14.2-inch display, and it uses Apple’s beautiful Retina display technology. Basically, it’s a very sharp and beautiful display that you will want to use to watch movies and TV shows.
A Powerful computer is useless without good battery life, and this computer has a big enough battery to get you through your workday on a single charge. It’s rated to last up to 22 hours on a single charge, but your results will vary.
This is just an all-around amazing and productivity-focused computer. It’s well worth the money if you’re looking to find your ideal and professional device.
MacBook Pro 2023 with M3 Chip - Amazon
Honorary Mention: Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip
Redefining what a thin computer can do
If you’re looking for an incredibly powerful computer that doesn’t weigh down your setup, then you’re going to want to look into getting a 2023 MacBook Air. The MacBook Air line really redefined what a thin laptop could do, and the company continued this tradition with this computer.
This is an extremely thin and light computer with enough muscle to power your professional work life. Obviously, the most notable feature of this computer is how thin it is. So, you won’t need to worry about it weighing down your bag when you are traveling. If you’re a person who’s always on the go, then this might be the perfect computer for you. It’s excellent when it comes to traveling.
This computer has a sizable 15.3-inch display, and it uses Apple’s liquid-Retina display technology. All in all, this is an incredibly gorgeous display that you will want to use to watch all sorts of media. Why not put on a video while you are working? It will look fantastic!
In terms of the processing power, it’s using last year’s M2 Chip. Honestly, that’s not a bad thing. This computer will run perfectly smoothly and power everything that you are doing. Whatever your profession, whether you are into 3D animation, music production, software design, etc., you’ll have an incredibly smooth experience. This MacBook is still one of the most powerful laptops for how thin it is.
In terms of battery power, the incredibly efficient chip will help keep the laptop powered throughout most of the day. So, you don’t have to worry about reaching for your charger anytime soon. This is a very affordable MacBook, and it’s definitely for you if you want a powerful computer in a lightweight package.