{"id":1645,"date":"2025-07-14T02:08:52","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T02:08:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/?p=1645"},"modified":"2025-07-14T02:08:52","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T02:08:52","slug":"best-laptops-our-experts-pick-the-top-11-models","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2025\/07\/14\/best-laptops-our-experts-pick-the-top-11-models\/","title":{"rendered":"Best laptops: Our experts pick the top 11 models"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We review a lot of laptops. Only the most exceptional earn a spot on this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/best-budget-laptops-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1024\" alt=\"A thumbnail showing three of the best budget laptops\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re cranking out school projects, diving into your favorite games, or binge-watching late into the night, your laptop should keep up with you\u2013not the other way around. But let\u2019s be real. Picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Do you need a big screen? Dedicated graphics? Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve got you covered. We\u2019ve tested all the picks below ourselves, so you\u2019re getting real recommendations backed on hands-on experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve cut through the clutter to bring you the top picks across every category\u2013from sleek, no-fussChromebookstopowerhouse gaming machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Asus-1747289-C41N2304\">C41N2304 Battery for Asus Zenbook 14 oled UM3406HA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"instant-buy-box-title-1\">Asus Zenbook 14 OLED \u2013 Best overall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/asus-zenbook-14-oled-2024-4.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"Asus Zenbook 14 OLED - Best overall\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Attractive OLED touchscreen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good CPU and integrated GPU performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outstanding battery life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Blah design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keyboard isn\u2019t memorable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mediocre connectivity options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-asus-zenbook-14-oled\">Who should buy the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is a terrific laptop for most people. The vibrant OLED screen looks great, it\u2019s fast thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, it\u2019s light enough to toss in a backpack at 2.82 pounds, and the battery lasts all day. If you want a laptop that nails the basics and still looks sharp, this one\u2019s tough to beat \u2014 and it\u2019s quite darn affordable for the performance and quality on offer, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"asus-zenbook-14-oled-further-considerations\">Asus Zenbook 14 OLED: Further considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Zenbook 14 OLED isn\u2019t perfect. It\u2019s missing some ports (no Ethernet and not many USB-A) and the shiny OLED screen can be a pain to use outside or in bright rooms. But overall, the good stuff drastically outweighs the downsides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Apple-1747444-A1406\">A1406 Battery for Apple MacBook Air 11 inch A1370(Mid 2011) A1465(Mid 2013)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"instant-buy-box-title-2\">Acer Aspire Go 15 \u2013 Best budget laptop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/AcerAGo15-13.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"Acer Aspire Go 15 - Best budget laptop\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Affordable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decent battery life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good display visibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Big and bulky<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheap build<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limited performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-acer-aspire-go-15\">Who should buy the Acer Aspire Go 15?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Acer Aspire Go 15 is a great (affordable!) choice if all you need are the basics. It\u2019ll run everyday tasks like surfing the web or writing emails, and the 12 hour battery life isn\u2019t half bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The appeal mostly lies in its value, though. While more expensive laptops nail the polish and the speed, the budget variety is strictly about what\u2019s functional and that\u2019s exactly what you\u2019re getting here. It\u2019s a good option for students or anyone seeking a reliable, no-frills machine under $500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also find a surprisingly generous port selection on the Acer Aspire Go 15\u2013USB-A on both sides, a USB-C, an HDMI, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock. That\u2019s more than what some laptops get twice the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"acer-aspire-go-15-further-considerations\">Acer Aspire Go 15: Further considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like many laptops in the budget category, the Aspire Go 15\u2019s got a few trade-offs to be aware of. The chassis is made of plastic, though that\u2019s part of what keeps the cost down\u2013cheaper materials. It also weighs a little over four pounds. Sure it\u2019s not the lightest machine in the world, but this is such a minor nitpick and it\u2019s still fine for day-to-day portability. The 1920\u00d71080 display also isn\u2019t very bright, but it\u2019s sharp enough for day to day usability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Acer-1746831-AS09C31\">AS09C31 Battery for Acer Extensa 5635Z 5635ZG<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"instant-buy-box-title-3\">Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition \u2013 Best battery life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Lenovo-ThinkPad-X1-2-in-1-Gen-10-head-on.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition - Best battery life\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over 24 hours of battery life (in our standard test)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good build quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Snappy desktop performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2-in-1 experience with pen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the expensive side<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lunar Lake\u2019s low multithreaded performance is an issue for some workflows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-lenovo-thinkpad-x1-2-in-1\">Who should buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want a laptop that just keeps on trucking along, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 blew us away with its crazy-long battery life. PCWorld clocked it at up to 25 hours, so you won\u2019t be stuck hunting for outlets throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stamina aside, it\u2019s also very portable at under three pounds. Add in the flexible 2-in-1 design and a seriously good keyboard, and you\u2019ve got a laptop built to keep up with real life stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lenovo-thinkpad-x1-2-in-1-further-considerations\">Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1: Further considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a lot to love here, but it\u2019s not cheap ($2,336 as tested). And if you want a built-in SD card reader, for instance, you\u2019ll need to pick up a dongle. But if you need a professional laptop that truly lasts, this is it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"instant-buy-box-title-4\">Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 \u2013 Best Chromebook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com\/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRmiCGx44GZzFNDz3-vlLC9Edda9GoubZBsPw&amp;s\" alt=\"Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 review | IT Pro\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Zippy processor performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nice keyboard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A wide array of connectivity options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chic design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Battery life isn\u2019t competitive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The display\u2019s 16:9 aspect ratio feels a little cramped<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-asus-chromebook-plus-cx34\">Who should buy the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re in the market for a reliable, good-looking Chromebook for everyday use, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 has it all. This machine will run daily tasks just fine thanks to its Intel i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. The 14-inch 1080p display also looks sharp, and the 1080p webcam is perfect for Zoom calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"asus-chromebook-plus-cx34-further-considerations\">Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Further considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 offers smooth performance and a pretty design, there are minor trade-offs to be aware of like the non-competitive battery life (13 hours) and the lack of a touchscreen. You\u2019ll also need to be comfortable with ChromeOS. If you prefer Windows or macOS, we\u2019d recommend looking elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"instant-buy-box-title-5\">MacBook Air (M3) \u2013 Best MacBook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_2710.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"MacBook Air (M3) - Best MacBook\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Excellent battery life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>256GB SSD is now two NAND chips, maintaining performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expensive memory upgrades<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dual external display support requires closed lid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-macbook-air-m3\">Who should buy the MacBook Air (M3)?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The MacBook Air (M3) is a great choice if you want a powerful, quiet Mac without the Pro price. Starting at $1,299, it handles everyday tasks and light creative work smoothly with the fast M3 chip. The battery lasts up to 19 hours, easily powering through a full day. Its 15-inch Liquid Retina display is sharp and colorful, though it\u2019s not quite as bright as the MacBook Pro model\u2019s. Plus, it\u2019s thin and light (just over three pounds), making it super portable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"macbook-air-m3-further-considerations\">MacBook Air (M3): Further considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need powerful performance for 3D rendering or video editing, the MacBook Pro is a better option than the Air. For most folks, though, the MacBook Air (M3) offers pretty good performance, long battery life, and a chic design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"instant-buy-box-title-5\">Lenovo Legion 5i \u2013 Best gaming laptop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Lenovo-Legion-5i-head-on.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"Lenovo Legion 5i - Best gaming laptop\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Great GeForce RTX 4060 performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good build quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nice cooling and vent positioning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Display is a little dim<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-lenovo-legion-5i\">Who should buy the Lenovo Legion 5i?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Want solid gaming performance without breaking the bank? The Lenovo Legion 5i hits that sweet spot. It\u2019s rocking an Intel Core i9 CPU and an RTX 4060 GPU, so expect high frame rates on modern games at 1080p. Plus, that 165Hz screen? Makes everything look sharp and buttery smooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lenovo-legion-5i-further-considerations\">Lenovo Legion 5i: Further considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some nice extras worth noting. The first is a 1080p webcam with a physical shutter and the second is a full-sized keyboard with a number pad. It might not seem like much on paper, but these things are important and further add to the value as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"instant-buy-box-title-6\">Acer Nitro V 16 \u2013 Best budget gaming laptop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Acer-nitro-v-16-5.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"Acer Nitro V 16 - Best budget gaming laptop\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fast performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fast 165Hz display with good colors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fully plastic build<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mushy keyboard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-acer-nitro-v-16\">Who should buy the Acer Nitro V 16?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyone that wants good performance and a fast display for around $1,000 needs to check out the Acer Nitro V 16. Stuffed with an RTX 4060 GPU and an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, it comfortably runs modern titles on the higher graphics settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"acer-nitro-v-16-further-considerations\">Acer Nitro V 16: Further considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The thing about the Nitro V 16 is that it really leans into the gamer aesthetic with its sharp lines and glowing keyboard. If you dig that style, cool. If not, this might not be the laptop for you. The battery life lasts about four hours, which is typical for a laptop in this category, but you probably can\u2019t game untethered\u2013at least not for very long!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"instant-buy-box-title-7\">Asus ProArt P16 \u2013 Best content creation laptop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/asus-proart-p16-1.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"Asus ProArt P16 - Best content creation laptop\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Big touchpad with virtual scroll wheel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gorgeous 4K OLED display<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More connectivity than the competition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good battery life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chassis is light, but doesn\u2019t look remarkable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPU performance falls behind the best<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can get hot under load<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-asus-proart-p16\">Who should buy the Asus ProArt P16?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If it\u2019s laser-sharp visuals and raw power you\u2019re after, the Asus ProArt P16 delivers. The 16-inch 3840\u00d72400 display is perfect for photo editing, watching movies, or design work. It\u2019s also rocking an Intel Core i9 CPU and an RTX 4070 GPU, which is the kind of power you\u2019ll need for something like video production. Battery life is strong too, lasting over nine hours, and it supports lightning fast USB 4.0 transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"asus-proart-p16-further-considerations\">Asus ProArt P16: Further considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Performance and display quality are the standout features here, of course, but understated design deserves a mention too. Some may find the all-black chassis too plain while others find it elegant. Also, under heavy workloads, the chassis can run a little warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"instant-buy-box-title-8\">Microsoft Surface Pro (2025) \u2013 Best ultraportable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PXL_20250523_111538119.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"Microsoft Surface Pro (2025) - Best ultraportable\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compact and well-built<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good office performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All Copilot Plus features available<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good battery life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Narrow screen to work on<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No HDR support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No charger included<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-microsoft-surface-pro-2025\">Who should buy the Microsoft Surface Pro (2025)?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re always bouncing between places\u2014on the train, working from coffee shops, or just working around the house\u2014the Surface Pro 2025 is kind of perfect. It\u2019s super light (1.51 pounds!) and still powerful enough to handle all the usual stuff like emails and Zoom calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus CPU, it\u2019s great for anyone who wants something that works like a laptop but feels like a tablet. You can doodle or get work done, all without feeling like you\u2019re lugging around a heavy brick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"microsoft-surface-pro-2025-further-considerations\">Microsoft Surface Pro (2025): Further considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The compact screen won\u2019t suit everyone for full-time multitasking, and there are only two USB-C ports (you\u2019ll want a dock or hub). Also, while battery life can stretch surprisingly far, it varies widely. Expect around two hours at full brightness under heavy use or up to 19 hours with lighter tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, if your work mostly lives in the cloud and you value portability above raw power, this is the best ultraportable Windows device you can get right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"instant-buy-box-title-9\">MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo \u2013 Best 2-in-1 laptop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/msi-summit-13-ai-plus-evo-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo - Best 2-in-1 laptop\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spectacular battery life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attractive and robust design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plenty of RAM and solid-state storage for the price<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cramped keyboard and touchpad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IPS touchscreen\u2019s image quality doesn\u2019t stand out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lackluster CPU and GPU performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-msi-summit-13-ai-evo\">Who should buy the MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyone seeking a versatile 2-in-1 laptop with long battery life will love what the MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo brings to the table. Its nearly 21-hour battery life ensures productivity throughout the day without needing another charge up. The included MSI Pen2 stylus and bright display make it an especially strong choice for creatives and note takers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"msi-summit-13-ai-evo-further-considerations\">MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo: Further considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The chassis is primarily plastic, which isn\u2019t a huge deal in the short term, but durability may be affected over time. The keyboard\u2019s also got a compact layout, which may be uncomfortable if you\u2019ve got bigger hands, and the audio quality is average at best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"instant-buy-box-title-10\">Framework Laptop 13 (2025) \u2013 Best laptop for upgrading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/framework-13-2025-13.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"Framework Laptop 13 (2025) - Best laptop for upgrading\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Repairable and upgradeable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Great keyboard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Display is easy on the eyes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High up-front cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Battery life lags way behind<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not quite seamless design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-framework-laptop-13-2025\">Who should buy the Framework Laptop 13 (2025)?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Need a laptop that\u2019s super easy to upgrade and tough enough to stick around? The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is where it\u2019s at. You can swap out pretty much anything\u2014RAM, storage, even the motherboard if you want. It runs on an AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor and is slim enough to toss in your bag and go wherever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"framework-laptop-13-2025-further-considerations\">Framework Laptop 13 (2025): Further considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The price might sting a bit upfront, and the built-in graphics are okay for everyday stuff, but don\u2019t expect to game on it. Battery life\u2019s decent, but nothing groundbreaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-choose-the-best-laptop\">How to choose the best laptop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whats-the-best-laptop-style\">What\u2019s the best laptop style?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular ones are fine for everyday stuff. 2-in-1s are cool because the screen flips around. Chromebooks are cheap and good if you mostly do web browsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-power\">How much power?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depends on what you\u2019re doing. For basic web or email, an Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 works fine. If you\u2019re into video editing or creative stuff, an i7\/i9 or Ryzen 7\/9 is better. And if you\u2019re handling heavy 4K editing or lots of apps, a Ryzen 9 is your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"discrete-graphics-vs-integrated-graphics\">Discrete graphics vs. integrated graphics?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re gaming or editing videos, you want a proper graphics card (like Nvidia or AMD) for better performance. But if you\u2019re just browsing or watching stuff, the built-in integrated graphics work just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-ram\">How much RAM?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>8GB of RAM is plenty for most stuff. If you\u2019re gaming, 16GB is better, and 32GB will keep you covered for a while. Content creators should try to get as much RAM as they can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whats-the-right-display-size\">What\u2019s the right display size?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re doing video editing or a bunch of media stuff, go for a bigger screen, like 15 to 17 inches. But for most people, 13 to 14 inches hits the sweet spot. Bigger screens mean heavier laptops, so 13 or 14 inches is usually the best combination of portability and value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"battery-life-expectations\">Battery-life expectations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re gonna carry your laptop around, try to get one that lasts 10 to 12 hours on a charge. That\u2019s usually enough for a long flight or a full day of classes. Some of the new Snapdragon laptops are even crushing that, withone going up to 25 hours thanks to their super-efficient chips. Just remember, bigger batteries usually mean heavier laptops.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"laptop-pricing-guide\">Laptop pricing guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Good laptops usually run $500 to $750, but if you\u2019re on a budget, Chromebooks or basic business laptops under $500 work fine. Around $750 to $1,000 gets you better screens and more power. Over $1,000 means premium build and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gaming laptops cost more (expect $1,000+ for decent 1080p gaming). Better graphics and features can push prices into the thousands, but $1,200 to $2,000 usually gets you a powerful rig.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dont-forget-the-ports\">Don\u2019t forget the ports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I like laptops with lots of ports so you don\u2019t need adapters. Having both USB-C and USB-A is great, and an HDMI port is a bonus and super handy for hooking up to a monitor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We review a lot of laptops. Only the most exceptional earn a spot on this list. Whether you\u2019re cranking out school projects, diving into your favorite games, or binge-watching late into the night, your laptop should keep up with you\u2013not the other way around. But let\u2019s be real. Picking the right one can feel overwhelming. &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2025\/07\/14\/best-laptops-our-experts-pick-the-top-11-models\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Best laptops: Our experts pick the top 11 models<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1645","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-acer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1645","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1645"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1645\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1646,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1645\/revisions\/1646"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1645"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1645"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1645"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}