4
CHROMEBOOK
ACER CHROMEBOOK SPIN 514
$599.99
Many of the best laptops are expensive, but sometimes all you need is a reliable
workhorse to get schoolwork done or browse the web. Enter the Acer
Chromebook Spin 514: a versatile, affordable 2-in-1 convertible notebook that
runs Google’s Chrome OS. Its AMD Ryzen processor gives it an edge over other
Chromebooks, turning it into a peppy, attractive, and useful addition to your
tech collection.
5
GAMING LAPTOP
ACER PREDATOR TRITON 300 SE
$1,399.99 EDITORS’ CHOICE
We review quite a few gaming laptops each year at very different price levels, so
picking the absolute best is difficult. The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE earns that
crown this year thanks to achieving a sweet spot on price, power, and portability.
Its Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU and 14-inch 144Hz display are packed into a
slim 3.75-pound chassis, delivering on the concept of real gaming on the go
without breaking the bank. Entry-level and high-end options are out there, but
this is one of the best values for the mainstream gamer.
6
BUSINESS LAPTOP
LENOVO THINKPAD X1 CARBON GEN 9
$2,197.00 EDITORS’ CHOICE
As the world has shifted work from our offices into our homes, the business laptop
has become more important than ever. And for our money, the cream of the
crop is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9. Lightweight and flawlessly
engineered with exceptional battery life and a world-class keyboard, this is one
of the best laptops on the market, period—and easily the best business laptop of
2021.
7
APPLE LAPTOP
APPLE MACBOOK PRO 14-INCH
$1,999.00 EDITORS’ CHOICE
This new 14-inch laptop is the MacBook Pro creative professionals have been
waiting for. If you’re upgrading from a 2015 MacBook Pro or earlier, you’re in for a
treat: This is a seriously powerful computer, thanks to its Apple M1 Pro processor. It
doesn’t skimp on ports, either, with a full-size HDMI connector and an SD card
reader to choose from. Package that into a compact, good-looking chassis, and
you’ve got the best MacBook Pro yet.
