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The 5 best laptops for 2024
Apple, Asus, Dell, Lenovo, Panasonic
The latest laptop computers are thinner, lighter and more powerful than ever. They also typically feature extremely bright, vibrant and high-resolution displays, a nice selection of ports and a rechargeable battery that will keep the computer going for a full work day or longer. The best laptop computers can replace the need for a desktop — especially if you use it with a portable monitor.
Whatever you’re computing needs, there’s a laptop that’ll help you be more productive, get your work done, communicate more effectively, or be entertained whenever and wherever you like.
Our picks for the best laptop computers of 2024
Sure, you can spend less than $500 and get a decent Windows laptop computer or Chromebook, but if you want a machine that can handle all of your needs — high-end gaming, working with complex spreadsheets, editing video, managing multiple email accounts, participating in virtual meetings, word processing, or streaming high-res video — plan on spending anywhere from $1,500 to several thousand dollars. Here are our top picks:
Our team of in-house consumer technology experts have done the testing and research to curate this roundup of the five best laptop computers. We’ve included models that effortlessly run Windows 11, as well as a high-end MacBook Pro. Our goal is to provide the information you need to purchase a higher-end laptop computer that could become your primary computer, but that can easily be taken and used while you’re on the go.
Best Windows-based laptop computer overall: Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582)
Amazon
Operating System: Windows 11 | Display Size: 15.6 inch touchscreen (main screen); 14 inch 4K touchscreen (secondary screen) | Display Type: OLED HDR | Display Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10870H with Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU | CPU Speed: 5.0 GHz | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Size: 14.17 x 9.81 x 0.85 inches | Weight: 5.16 pounds | Battery Life: Up to 3.6 hours (using both displays) or 4.7 hours (using main display only)
We selected the Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED as our top pick for several reasons. Its hardware configuration makes it a versatile computer for handling a wide range of everyday and advanced tasks. It also offers a higher-end OLED primary touchscreen, along with a smaller one above the keyboard. This secondary screen gives you even more ways to use this powerful machine.
At the time of purchase, choose between several pre-configured models. The one we chose offers the most robust selection of hardware and features — including a more powerful CPU and GPU, along with a 1TB SSD for internal storage. The battery life suffers due to the power needs of two displays, but if you do anything involving video, graphics, animations or high-def photos, the OLED display makes that content look fantastic. And the second display makes it easier to interact with certain apps, use two apps at once.
Another feature that make this laptop stand out is its built-in “ErgoLift” stand. Adjust the angle of the laptop (and its keyboard) when it’s on a flat surface to make it more comfortable to use. You also get a convenient LED numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard, making it easier to crunch numbers. It’s the design and overall performance of this computer that makes it appealing for a wide range of Windows users.
Best Apple MacBook Pro overall: 16″ MacBook Pro with M3 Max processor
Amazon
Operating System: MacOS Sonoma | Display Size: 16.2 inches | Display Type: Liquid Retina XDR | Display Resolution: 3,456 x 2,234 pixels | Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz | Processor: Apple M3 Max | Unified Memory: 18GB, 26GB or 48GB | Storage: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB or 8TB SSD | Size: 14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches | Weight: 4.8 pounds | Battery Life: Up to 22 hours
You can get a decently powered MacBook Pro for as little as $1,599. But if you need the best of what Apple has to offer in a laptop, it’s this 16-inch MacBook Pro, which is powered by the new Apple M3 Max processor (Apple’s fastest and most powerful).
To say this laptop is souped-up and high-end is an understatement. It handles any task you throw at it, no matter how intense, while maintaining an extra-long battery life. The Liquid Retina XDR display lacks touchscreen capabilities, but is simply stunning to look at. Thanks to its up to 120Hz refresh rate and the 10,000 mini-LEDs that make up the display, animations and high-action video will always appear buttery-smooth and detailed — with excellent contrast, brightness and color accuracy.
Meanwhile the Apple M3 Max processor offers a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU and 128GB of unified memory for the fastest and most efficient graphics rendering so far, with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. This processor is up to 80% faster than the M1 Max processor running in a MacBook Pro. It’s this configuration that makes it ideal for software development, photo editing, graphic design, music creation, video editing, gaming or anything that requires massive power.
This MacBook Pro is also equipped with a six-speaker system, a 1080p-resolution webcam, a decent collection of ports, plus both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support for wireless connectivity. The integrated TouchID fingerprint sensor is just one of its advanced security features. And of course, this MacBook runs the latest version of MacOS Sonoma and comes with the same generous collection of preinstalled apps as other MacBooks.
Best innovative laptop computer: Lenovo Yoga Book 9i
Amazon
Operating System: Windows 11 | Display Size: 2x 13.3 inch touchscreens | Display Type: OLED | Display Resolution: 2,880 x 1,800 pixels | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Processor: 13th Gen Intel i7-1355U with integrated Intel Iris X2 graphics | CPU Speed: 1.7 GHz | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Size: 11.78 x 8.03 x 0.63 inches | Weight: 2.95 pounds | Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
Ideal for almost all laptop users, this model offers a 13.3-inch OLED display with the right combination of CPU, GPU and storage. But Lenovo has taken the concept of a high-end display a giant step forward. The Yoga Book 9i offers two 13.3-inch OLED touchscreens and a detachable keyboard. This gives you more functionality and on-screen real estate than a typical 2-in-1 laptop or a traditional one.
With two displays, you can run two apps at the same time; a single app on both screens; or reposition the screens to face in opposite directions — a great option for presentations. What we love most about this laptop is its innovative design that really improves functionality.
And what’s even more remarkable is the small size and low weight of this laptop. It offers a sleek and ultra-modern appearance. You also get enough computing power for advanced applications. When the Yoga 9i’s displays are positioned like a traditional laptop, the detachable keyboard can be placed over part of the bottom screen, so you can enjoy traditional laptop functionality. The keyboard stays put thanks to magnets. Just remove it if you want to use both screens.
Having two full-size screens in one laptop can greatly improve productivity, while providing you with all kinds of ways to interact with the computer.
Best laptop computer for durability: Panasonic Toughbook 55
Amazon
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | Display Size: 14 inch touchscreen | Display Type: IPS | Display Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8365U vPro with Intel UHD graphics | CPU Speed: 1.6 GHz | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Size: 13.6 x 10.7 x 1.3 inches | Weight: 4.6 pounds | Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (20 hours with extra batteries) | Waterproof Rating: IP53
Sure, some people use a laptop in a comfortable office. But if you need a full-featured computer to run in potentially harsh environments, this Panasonic Toughbook 55 is the Windows laptop computer for you.
You get the processing power of an Intel Core i5 with Intel graphics, along with a decent amount of internal storage (that can be upgraded at the time of purchase). This laptop also gives you the option to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi 6E or cellular tech. But it’s the durability of this computer that sets it apart. It offers an IP53 waterproof rating with a spill-resistant keyboard. You also get ASTM D4169-16 certification for its ruggedness against drops, shocks and other mishaps.
The 14-inch touchscreen display offers a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, so it can be viewed clearly outside. You’ll also discover a nice collection of ports and an impressive battery life, giving you the computing power you need, even when you’re off the grid.
Another unique feature is the computer’s modular expansion capability. Within its expansion areas, you can insert an optical drive, barcode reader, SSD drives, or battery packs. Beyond focusing on durability and functionality with its Toughbook product line, Panasonic has put a strong emphasis on security.
Best laptop computer for gaming: Dell Alienware x16 R1
Amazon
Operating System: Windows 11 | Display Size: 16 inches | Display Type: QHD+ | Display Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 pixels | Refresh Rate: 240Hz | Processor: 13th Gen Intel i9-13900HK with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 | CPU Speed: Up to 5.4 GHz | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Size: 11.41 x 14.36 x 0.73 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Battery Life: Up to 6.5 hours
For the longest time, the gaming capabilities of a Windows-based laptop computer couldn’t rival dedicated gaming machines. Well, if you’re willing to spend the money, that’s no longer true.
The Dell Alienware x16 R1 is our top pick for a gaming laptop. It integrates a nice collection of higher-end hardware into a computer that’s easy to transport. Battery life suffers a bit as a result of the power needed, but we like other perks this model offers, such as configurability at the time of purchase.
Between the computer’s CPU and GPU (from Intel and Nvidia), the display’s resolution (with its fast refresh rate) and its 1TB of internal storage, this laptop can tackle the most advanced cloud-based or locally installed games.
You also get two built-in speakers and four woofers that support Dolby Atmos, plus advanced cooling technology to maintain stability and performance. You also can upgrade to a Cherry mechanical keyboard with stainless steel switches, per-key RGB LED AlienFX lighting and 1.8mm key travel. And what would a gaming computer be without programable, full-color lighting built into the chassis? You get that as well.
What to consider when shopping for a laptop computer
Our computer experts have compiled this list of the top 12 things to consider.
- Design: There are traditional laptop computers, 2-in-1 computers (that serve as a laptop computer and tablet), laptops with a touchscreen display, laptops that are extra thin and lightweight, and those are are designed to be extra rugged. So ask yourself: What will you be using the laptop for?
- Operating system: Your two main options are Windows or MacOS. Focus on the OS of the equipment you’re already using. Also, make sure your laptop runs the very latest version that operating system. At the moment, this means either Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, or MacOS Sonoma.
- Display size, type, resolution, brightness and refresh rate: In addition to non-touch and touchscreen displays, the screens built into laptop computers vary in size, display type, resolution, brightness and refresh rate. Think about the level of detail, vibrance and color accuracy you want to see. In general, larger displays that offer high resolution, a higher than average brightness level and a faster refresh rate will increase the computer’s price, as will choosing a higher-end display type, such as an OLED.
- CPU and GPU: A computer’s CPU (or central processing unit) affects processing power, while its GPU (graphics processing unit) determines how efficiently the computer generates graphics. The faster and more powerful a computer’s CPU and GPU, the more expensive it will be.
- RAM: Consider this the computer’s short-term memory. It’s used to manipulate data while applications are running. Depending on the apps being used, having more RAM (or unified memory in the case of MacBooks) will determine how smoothly and efficiently a computer runsr.
- Internal storage: A computer’s internal storage determines how much content can be stored locally. This includes apps, data, documents, files, photos and other types of content. If you rely heavily on cloud-based applications and file storage, internal storage capacity is less important. For the average user, we recommend a laptop with at least 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, although you may find need 1TB.
- Battery life: If you’ll often use your laptop on the go, a more powerful battery will keep the computer running longer. Longer battery life is less critical if you’ll primarily be using the computer while sitting at a desk at home.
- Wired and wireless connectivity: All laptops have built-in ports, such as USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, Ethernet, a 3.5mm headphone jack or a memory card slot. The port array you need depends on what equipment you’ll be connecting. You also want to pay attention to the computer’s wireless connectivity. All offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but determine if the version of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that are offered are the most recent. At the moment, this means either Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. If the laptop you select offers cellular connectivity, make sure it supports 5G, which is significantly faster than 4G LTE.
- Speakers: If you plan to use the speakers built into your laptop, make sure your machine offers at least two. Some of the latest laptops offer at least four speakers and an integrated subwoofer to generate robust, room-filling audio.
- Keyboard layout: A computer’s keyboard design and layout, along with the size and location of the touchpad, dictates how comfortable it is to type. Some laptop keyboards include a numeric keypad on the right side, a separate line of function keys along the top, or other specialty keys. Some laptop computers offer backlit keys (which makes it easier to type in the dark) or support customizable RGB lighting.
- Dimensions and weight: The size of the computer’s display is a key factor in determining its overall dimensions and weight. Dimensions and weight impact how easy it is to carry and the size of the case you’ll need.
- Special features: This might mean two separate displays 0r a more rugged (or even waterproof) design. Before spending extra money for these features, make sure they’re things you’ll actually use.
What are the benefits of an OLED display?
If you plan to do anything related to video, digital images or animation, an OLED display can showcase more vibrant and accurate colors — with deeper blacks, brighter whites, a wider viewing angle and better contrast. That’s why we recommend an OLED for graphic designers, photographers, video editors, serious gamers, or anyone who wants to stream movies and TV shows. Whatever you’re viewing will look more immersive.
OLED displays can also be thinner, since they don’t require a backlight, so this can translate to a lighter laptop. For the best viewing, seek out a laptop computer that offers an OLED display with at least a 120Hz refresh rate, a high brightness level (measured in nits) and that offers HDR support. Yes, OLED displays do often increase a laptop’s price, but for many, the investment is well worth it.
Do I really need the latest computer?
A high-end laptop is ideal for people who need extra processing power or a superior display — graphic designers, video editors, programmers and professional photographers, for example. Business people and entrepreneurs can benefit too.
A souped-up laptop is also particularly useful for audiophiles, or fans of streaming TV shows and movies. And of course, hardcore PC gamers who want to enjoy their favorite action and graphic-oriented games have the need for a powerful CPU and GPU and a high-resolution display, plenty of RAM and ample internal storage space.
If you fall into one of these groups, spending a bit extra on a new laptop computer will ensure it offers the power, speed and overall performance you need.
But if all you’ll be using your computer for is the most basic of tasks — like web surfing, online shopping, email management, word processing, managing your schedule, participating in video calls, or crunching number using simple spreadsheets — you can save money by purchasing a less powerful, more entry-level computer, or even a Chromebook.
Whether you need to know about the very best laptop computers, the latest TVs, TV soundbars, desktop computers, smartphones, tablets, home projectors, or any other types of tech, we’re constantly expanding and updating our coverage to offer the most informative, timely and accurate information. While this roundup showcases a selection of higher-end laptop computers, if you’re shopping for a more budget-friendly option or a Chromebook, we’ve also got you covered.
Countries agreed on a deal to inject at least $300 billion annually in humanity’s fight against climate change, aimed at helping poor nations cope with the ravages of global warming at tense United Nations climate talks in the city where industry first tapped oil.
The $300 billion will go to developing countries who need the cash to wean themselves off the coal, oil and gas that causes the globe to overheat, adapt to future warming and pay for the damage caused by climate change’s extreme weather. It’s not near the full amount of $1.3 trillion that developing countries were asking for, but it’s three times the $100 billion a year deal from 2009 that is expiring. Delegations said this deal is headed in the right direction, with hopes that more money flows in the future.
“Everybody is committed to having an agreement,” Fiji delegation chief Biman Prasad said as the deal was being finalized. “They are not necessarily happy about everything, but the bottom line is everybody wants a good agreement.”
It’s also a critical step toward helping countries on the receiving end create more ambitious targets to limit or cut emissions of heat-trapping gases that are due early next year. It’s part of the plan to keep cutting pollution with new targets every five years, which the world agreed to at the U.N. talks in Paris in 2015.
The Paris agreement set the system of regular ratcheting up climate fighting ambition as away to keep warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The world is already at 1.3 degrees Celsius and carbon emissions keep rising.
Countries also anticipate that this deal will send signals that help drive funding from other sources, like multilateral development banks and private sources. That was always part of the discussion at these talks — rich countries didn’t think it was realistic to only rely on public funding sources — but poor countries worried that if the money came in loans instead of grants, it would send them sliding further backward into debt that they already struggle with.
“The $300 billion goal is not enough, but is an important down payment toward a safer, more equitable future,” said World Resources Institute President Ani Dasgupta. “This deal gets us off the starting block. Now the race is on to raise much more climate finance from a range of public and private sources, putting the whole financial system to work behind developing countries’ transitions.”
It’s more than the $250 billion that was on the table in the first draft of the text, which outraged many countries and led to a period of frustration and stalling over the final hours of the summit. After an initial proposal of $250 billion a year was soundly rejected, the Azerbaijan presidency brewed up a new rough draft of $300 billion, that was never formally presented, but also dismissed roundly by African nations and small island states, according to messages relayed from inside.
The several different texts adopted early Sunday morning included a vague but not specific reference to last year’s Global Stocktake approved in Dubai. Last year there was a battle about first-of-its-kind language on getting rid of the oil, coal and natural gas, but instead it called for a transition away from fossil fuels. The latest talks only referred to the Dubai deal, but did not explicitly repeat the call for a transition away from fossil fuels.
Countries also agreed on the adoption of Article 6, creating markets to trade carbon pollution rights, an idea that was set up as part of the 2015 Paris Agreement to help nations work together to reduce climate-causing pollution. Part of that was a system of carbon credits, allowing nations to put planet-warming gasses in the air if they offset emissions elsewhere. Supporters said a U.N.-backed market could generate up to an additional $250 billion a year in climate financial aid.
Despite its approval, carbon markets remain a contentious plan because many experts say the new rules adopted don’t prevent misuse, don’t work and give big polluters an excuse to continue spewing emissions.
“What they’ve done essentially is undermine the mandate to try to reach 1.5,” said Tamara Gilbertson, climate justice program coordinator with the Indigenous Environmental Network. Greenpeace’s An Lambrechts, called it a “climate scam” with many loopholes.
With this deal wrapped up as crews dismantle the temporary venue, many have eyes on next year’s climate talks in Belem, Brazil.
The promotion of a three-star general who was part of the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan has been paused by Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, three sources familiar with the move confirmed to CBS News Saturday.
Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was slated to be promoted to a four-star rank and take command of the U.S. Army in Europe. However, he was not included in a batch of nearly 1,000 promotions that moved through the Senate Armed Services Committee this week despite receiving a Pentagon recommendation.
Mullin has put a hold on the promotion. The intention is to allow for the new Republican-controlled Congress and President-elect Donald Trump to weigh in on the promotion given Donahue’s involvement in the Afghanistan withdrawal, two sources familiar with the situation told CBS News.
Behind the scenes, there is an effort underway by the Army and other allies to convince Congress to move forward and lift the hold, which appears to be politically motivated, sources said.
ALLISON JOYCE/AFP via Getty Images
During the campaign, Trump frequently mentioned his surprise that no officers were consequently fired by President Biden for the chaotic withdrawal.
Military officers execute U.S. policy but do not create it. It was the Trump administration that in February 2020 brokered the deal with the Taliban to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan, but it was Mr. Biden who decided to execute that withdrawal despite the Taliban breaking the terms of that U.S. agreement.
Donahue was the last U.S. soldier to exit Afghanistan in 2021. The U.S. evacuated about 125,000 people, including 6,000 Americans, over the course of its withdrawal, during which dozens of Afghans and 13 U.S. service members were killed in a suicide bombing outside Hamid Karzai airport in Kabul.
The U.S. underestimated the speed with which the Taliban would capture Kabul and the well-documented U.S. logistical and planning failures have been a focus of multiple internal probes at the Pentagon, State Department, and in Congress.
An extensive State Department report released last year found that “insufficient” planning, communication failures and an inability to grasp “the scale and scope of the operation” contributed to the chaotic operation.
CBS News has reached out to Mullin’s office but did not receive a response. It is not clear whether Trump is aware of the hold.
contributed to this report.
President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his agriculture secretary, the last of his picks to lead executive agencies and another choice from within his established circle of advisers and allies.
The nomination must be confirmed by the Senate, which will be controlled by Republicans when Trump takes office Jan. 20, 2025. Rollins would succeed Tom Vilsack, President Biden’s agriculture secretary who oversees the sprawling agency that controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition.
Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as his former domestic policy chief. She is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration.
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Rollins, 52, previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Rollins’ pick completes Trump’s selection of the heads of executive branch departments, just two and a half weeks after the former president won the White House once again. Several other picks that are traditionally Cabinet-level remain, including U.S. Trade Representative and head of the Small Business Administration.
Trump didn’t offer many specifics about his agriculture policies during the campaign, but farmers could be affected if he carries out his pledge to impose widespread tariffs. During the first Trump administration, countries like China responded to Trump’s tariffs by imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports like the corn and soybeans routinely sold overseas. Trump countered by offering massive multibillion-dollar aid to farmers to help them weather the trade war.
President Abraham Lincoln founded the USDA in 1862, when about half of all Americans lived on farms. The USDA oversees multiple support programs for farmers; animal and plant health; and the safety of meat, poultry and eggs that anchor the nation’s food supply. Its federal nutrition programs provide food to low-income people, pregnant women and young children. And the agency sets standards for school meals.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has vowed to strip ultraprocessed foods from school lunches and to stop allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries from using food stamps to buy soda, candy or other so-called junk foods. But it would be the USDA, not HHS, that would be responsible for enacting those changes.
In addition, HHS and USDA will work together to finalize the 2025-2030 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They are due late next year, with guidance for healthy diets and standards for federal nutrition programs.
Compromise deal reached at COP29 climate talks for $300 billion a year to poor nations
GOP senator blocks promotion of general involved in Afghanistan withdrawal, sources say
Trump picks former White House aide Brooke Rollins to lead the USDA
Compromise deal reached at COP29 climate talks for $300 billion a year to poor nations
GOP senator blocks promotion of general involved in Afghanistan withdrawal, sources say