Steve Jobs once compared a computer to a truck. It’s the tool you reach for when it’s time to get serious work done. If your current laptop needs more than just a tune-up, you’re in luck. We spotted some deals this week on laptops to handle an array of needs, from basic web browsing to office tasks and beyond.
For advice on how to choose a device and even more recommendations, check out Our Favorite Chromebooks, Best Laptops for Every Type of User, and Best Budget Windows Laptops.
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Chromebook Deals
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Photograph: LenovoPacking a 10.1-inch screen, this Chromebook is a bit more portable and comfortable to hold for longer periods of time than larger convertibles. Senior reviewer Scott Gilbertson gave the Duet an 8/10, WIRED Recommends award for its excellent keyboard, 13-hour battery life, and higher-than-expected build quality at this price.
Lenovo’s Thinkpad C13 Yoga Chromebook (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of our favorite Chromebooks. It has everything ThinkPad fans love—there’s a great keyboard, a sturdy, no-nonsense design, and yes, the little red TrackPoint in the middle—but instead of Windows or Linux, it runs Google’s Chrome operating system.
We haven’t tested this Acer, but the 2-in-1 design is similar to the Acer Flip C434, which we love. The Spin 311 is a slightly less powerful Chromebook. The Intel Celeron processor and 4 gigabytes of RAM won’t be enough to edit video, but they should be fine for web browsing, email, and light document editing.
Whether you’re looking for a student Chromebook or just an affordable device to tackle light-duty needs, such as web browsing and document editing, this Asus gets it done while weighing only 2.2 pounds and measuring just 0.7 inches thick. The 11-inch screen can be cramped, and trying to do anything more than light web browsing with this will be a stretch, but you’d be hard pressed to find a cheaper laptop.
Laptop Deals
Surface Pro 7
Photograph: MicrosoftThe MacBook Pro got an update to the fantastic Apple M1 chip in late 2020, but the short-lived mid-2020 version with a 1.4-GHz Intel Core i5 is still a great deal if you’re more of an enthusiast for Apple devices than Apple prices.
Don’t be so distracted by the ultrathin bezels that you fail to note the 11th-generation 2.8-GHz Intel i7 quad-core processor and 16 GB of RAM under the hood. The Book 13 is a powerful machine well suited for demanding tasks. It ships with Windows 10 but includes a free upgrade to Windows 11.
There’s the solid-performing 2-GHz Intel Core i7 processor and 8 GB of RAM, but the star of the spec sheet is the 512-GB solid-state drive for storage. HP also threw a few security-minded features into the Envy X360, including a fingerprint sensor for sensitive tasks and a physical switch to block the built-in wide-angle webcam.
The Vostro is a business-level laptop that eschews a razor-thin case and solid-state drive for time-tested components, such as a 1-TB hard drive and an acre of ports for peripherals and accessories. Make sure you enter the code SAVE50 to get the final $50 off the $549 sale price. This configuration also comes with a free upgrade to Windows 11.
More Electronics Deals
Google Nest Mini
Photograph: GoogleThese wireless ear buds offer active noise cancellation, IP5 sweat resistance, and 38 hours of battery when you bring along the included charging case. Use the code BUDS20 at checkout to receive the discounted price.
Not every room in a home needs a big, expensive hub device with a screen. For rooms where you only need to access Google Assistant with your voice, a Nest Mini is an affordable way to expand your smart home to every nook and corner.
Keep an eye on your luggage, bicycle, or other devices with a Bluetooth tracker tucked discreetly inside. The augmented reality on a compatible Samsung phone (Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Fold 2) will help you make your way back to your misplaced things. The Bluetooth tracker has a range of up to 120 meters if there are no obstacles in the way.
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