Apple Macbook Air (M2)
from £1249 / go.stuff.tv/airm2
With its super-powered M2 processor, the latest version of Apple’s ‘basic’ laptop leaves the M1 model – an excellent machine in its own right – in the dust. This revamp redefines the Air in a meaningful way, instantly renders the 13in Macbook Pro obsolete, and sets a yardstick by which Apple’s entry-level devices will now be judged.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Shame about the price hike, but this is still the Mac to buy for most users
● NOW ADD THIS
Belkin 4-Port GAN Charger 108W
This brick lets you charge your Mac laptop through its 96W USB-C output… while juicing up three other devices. £80 / belkin.com
TIPS & TRICKS
If you can afford it, the 512GB option brings faster flash storage (and more of it, of course). Naturally the M2 Air performs better than the M1 version, but that older model is the value buy.
Apple Macbook Pro 16in (2023) from £2699 / go.stuff.tv/pro16
Powered by either an M2 Pro or an M2 Max processor, the latest Macbook Pro is a special machine… and it shows that, if Apple’s chips continue their trajectory, the rest of the PC industry will struggle for some time to come. Debates about whether the Mac should have a touchscreen or whether the ipad Pro should run macos are for another time, because what’s on offer here is remarkable – if you have the budget, it’s the ultimate do-anything computer.
Stuff says ★★★★★
If you’re looking for a productivity powerhouse, you’ve just found it
Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED from £1400 / go.stuff.tv/duooled
Clearly the Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is not for everyone – but it’s still an amazing piece of work with a full-width second screen that really does make a huge difference to productivity. If you spend all your time in Premiere Pro, or have worn down the alt-tab keys on your current laptop, that extra display will be a gamechanger. Performance is also superb, even if it needs to crank the cooling fans to keep temperatures in check and battery life isn’t so stellar.
Stuff says ★★★★★
An innovative and powerful PC, despite some design compromises
LG Gram 16
★★★★★ from £1299 / go.stuff.tv/gram16
An incredible ultraportable that’s among the best Windows has to offer, and with great battery life.
Dell XPS 13
★★★★★ from £949 / go.stuff.tv/xps13 There’s little else that’s quite so well rounded… but see also the beefier 13 Plus model.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Pro Gen 7 ★★★★★ from £720 / go.stuff.tv/7ipro
A solid performer that hits a price point and misses the usual snags. Alienware x17 R2
★★★★★ from £1999 / go.stuff.tv/x17
Aimed at serious players, this machine glides through games with all settings maxed.
Huawei Matebook X Pro
★★★★★ £1400 / go.stuff.tv/xpro
This is a real powerhouse of a Windows laptop. See also the equally slick Matebook 14s.
HP Chromebook x2
★★★★✩ £500 / go.stuff.tv/hpx2
A great showcase for what Chromebooks can do, and a true hybrid.
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360
★★★★✩ from £1549 / go.stuff.tv/3pro360
A premium 2-in-1 with a gorgeous screen and plenty of power – if only it had a bit more stamina.