Apple Macbook Air (M1)
from £999 / stuff.tv/airm1
The early-2020 version was already the best Macbook Air ever – and this one brings a real step up in power. Apple’s amazing new M1 processor means that, for once, we aren’t hankering after a Pro for video editing and graphics-heavy gaming. It’s a pity about the rubbish camera, but this is a stunning laptop in every other respect.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Our go-to Macbook just keeps getting even go-to-er
● NOW ADD THIS
Satechi Type-c USB 3 Combo Hub
Two ports not enough? This hub adds loads more and sits snugly against the Macbook Air’s side. £49 / amazon.co.uk
Apple Macbook Pro 13in (M1) from £1299 / stuff.tv/pro13m1
The new M1 chip has given this business-class performer an injection of jet fuel. The 13in Pro remains a sturdy notebook, but its processing power is incredible. Our review unit, with just 8GB of RAM, left a higher-specced 2020 Intel Macbook Pro in the dust.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Believe the hype: the Pro with an M1 chip inside kicks big, big bottom
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 from £849 / stuff.tv/surfacelap3
The Surface Laptop 3 seems plain on paper – no second screen, no graphics card, no hybrid hinge, no fingerprint scanner – but Microsoft has put supreme attention to detail into every bit that matters. The keyboard, the speakers and the overall build quality are all superb.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Forget frills and gimmicks: this is everything a laptop should be
Apple Macbook Pro 16in ★★★★★ from £2399 / stuff.tv/macbookpro16
Not just a bump up in screen size, but a serious upgrade to the already top-class 15in Pro.
Dell XPS 13 ★★★★★ from £1379 / stuff.tv/xps13
Style, portability, performance… there’s nothing else out there that’s quite so well rounded.
Huawei Matebook X Pro ★★★★★ from £799 / stuff.tv/matebookxpro
Not massively better than the 2018 model, but this is a real powerhouse of a Windows laptop.
Google Pixelbook Go ★★★★✩ from £629 / stuff.tv/pixelbookgo
A light and stylish touchscreen laptop built for those who like to live and work in the cloud.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go ★★★★✩ from £549 / stuff.tv/laptopgo
A well-built ultraportable that does the basics well, but others offer more power for less cash.
MSI GS66 Stealth ★★★★✩ from £1399 / stuff.tv/gs66
Gets hot and bothered at times, but a great fit for gaming/work jugglers.
Razer Blade 15 Advanced ★★★★✩ from £2350 / stuff.tv/bladeadvanced
Razer’s Blade models are our favourite gaming laptops, and this is a worthy flagship.