Category: Uncategorized

Everything I imagined a fun, no-frills camera to be

Verdict

The Fujifilm X half is an interesting camera as it’s nothing like any other camera in the brand’s lineup. It’s small and compact and it features a 17.7MP 1-inch sensor that actually takes lovely photos. You get access to Fuji’s 13 most popular film simulation recipes and filters, and the camera has a dedicated Film Camera Mode which doesn’t let you see photos until you connect it to your phone. Long battery life is the cherry on top of the cake. However, I wish some features could have been implemented better, especially given the premium you’re paying for the X half.

Pros

• +Compact and lightweight
• +Lovely image quality
• +Film Camera Mode works well
• +Clever, easy-to-use twin displays
• +Long battery life

Cons

• -Some features could have been implemented better
• -JPEGs only
• -Expensive

>>>Replacement battery for Fujifilm FinePix V10 Z1 Z2 Z3 Z5FD

It isn’t very often that I come across a camera that amuses me or tickles my fancy, but the Fujifilm X half has done just that. It’s a very interesting camera, and it’s unlike most other cameras in the brand’s current lineup. It combines both digital and analog photography by introducing a Film Camera Mode that doesn’t let you view your photos until you ‘develop’ them on your smartphone. Neat!

Fuji’s beautiful color science is on full display as you have access to the brand’s most popular film simulation recipes, as well as an array of filters. Its twin displays are clever and well implemented, although I wish some features (like the dim monitor) were better. And while the camera takes good photos, it can’t shoot in RAW. It doesn’t come cheap either, given the above.

Is it one of thebest camerasfor you? Read my full Fujifilm X half review to find out.

Fujifilm X half review: Cheat sheet

• What is it?A small, pocketable camera that combines digital and film photography with analog-like features
• Who is it for?Anyone who wants a compact, no-frills camera with very basic controls that takes great photos
• How much does it cost?The Fujifilm X half is available for$849/£690
• What do we like?It’s compact, takes lovely images, comes with dedicated Film Camera Mode, and the twin displays are great
• What don’t we like?It can’t take RAW photos, some features could have been implemented better, and it’s expensive given its basic specs

>>>Replacement battery for Fujifilm FinePix S100FS S200FS S200EXR S205EXR

Fujifilm X half review: Specs

Specs	Fujifilm X half
Price	$849 / £690
Sensor	17.7MP 1-inch CMOS
Processor	Not specified
Stabilization	None
AF system	Contrast detection
Focus modes	Single AF, Continuous AF, Manual Focus
Viewfinder	OVF
Display	2.4-inch Color LCD touchscreen, approx. 0.92 million dots
ISO range	200-12,800
Max video resolution	FHD/48p
Ports	USB-C, 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I
Wireless/Bluetooth	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Max shooting speed	1fps
Max shutter speed	15m to 1/2000s (stills) | 1/24s to 1/2000s (video)
Battery life (Stills, CIPA)	880 shots
Battery life (Video, CIPA)	95 minutes (FHD/24p) | 85 minutes (FHD/48p)
Size	4.16 x 2.53 x 1.8 inches
Weight	6.73oz (body only)

>>>Replacement battery for Fujifilm F440 F450

Fujifilm X half review: Price & availability

Announced in June 2025, the Fujifilm X half is unlike any other camera in the brand’s lineup. It’s a fixed-lens digital camera with a dedicated film photography mode that makes photography simple and intuitive, and the camera’s all about having fun. It retails for$849/£690, and is available in three colorways: Black, Charcoal and Silver.

There aren’t any other cameras like the X half as, like I said, it blends digital and analog photography. It takes vertical, half-frame photos so one may compare it to film cameras like thePentax 17($499) and theKodak Ektar H35($49). It’s also nearly as expensive as an interchangeable lens camera like theFujifilm X-M5($799).

So why wouldn’t you just buy the X-M5 instead? If you want a pocketable, compact camera that you can get past security at concerts; or a camera that doesn’t require you to know the ins and outs of photography yet still takes good photos — you’d get the X half.

Fujifilm X half review: Design

The Fujifilm X half is a very small camera, and I think it looks great — although I do wish its body was made of metal rather than plastic. Still, it’s cute and eye-catching. It’s available in three colors: Black, Charcoal and Silver. I tested the Black model which looks great, butI also spent a couple hours with the other colorways, and the Charcoal is my favorite.

The camera measures just 4.16 x 2.53 x 1.8 inches, so it’s highly pocketable, and it weighs barely anything at 6.73oz. Carrying it in my jacket’s pocket and even my jeans’ back pocket was easy. In fact, it’s a whole ounce lighter than myGoogle Pixel 7 Pro!

It’s a great camera to handle too. Given its compact size, I used it easily with just one hand to take photos and capture video footage. I have medium-sized hands and had no problems using the camera with both hands either.

Ports

Unsurprisingly given the Fujifilm X half’s size and purpose, its ports are minimal. There’s a USB-C port on the left-hand edge for data transfer and charging. There’s no 3.5mm input or output or micro HDMI support.

The camera’s bottom plate houses the battery pack and one SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I memory card, both of which are located behind a hatch. And that’s about it. Like I said, it’s a no-frills camera meant for beginners and casual photographers.

Monitor

The Fujifilm X half sports twin LCD touchscreens. The main monitor is a 2.4-inch Color LCD touchscreen with a resolution of approximately 0.92 million dots. In my testing, this touchscreen was highly responsive, but I wish it was a smidge brighter as I struggled to see it in direct sunlight. I also wish it was slightly bigger as it only takes up a third of the space on the back panel, but it’s on purpose as it fills up with a half-frame 4:3 shot.

The other vertical, rounded touchscreen is located next to the main monitor. It enables you to swap between film simulation recipes as well as advanced filters, such as fisheye, light leak, expired film, etc. Again, it proved very responsive and I didn’t notice any lag between changing the settings — I thoroughly enjoyed using it.

Viewfinder

I primarily used the Fujifilm X half’s monitor to take photos and didn’t find myself naturally reaching for the viewfinder, as the camera’s very small. The OVF is really basic and doesn’t display any useful information — it feels redundant on this camera. The LED lamp next to the viewfinder is handy, though, as it switches between red and green depending on whether the camera is buffering and saving a video to the SD card and the like.

Weather-sealing

At this price point, most cameras aren’t weather-sealed. For instance, the Fujifilm X-M5 isn’t weather-sealed and neither is the Fujifilm X half. I’d advise against using it in heavy rain or in very dusty or sandy conditions. It’s a shame, as this camera is very easy to travel with, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Fujifilm X half review: Controls & app

There aren’t many physical controls on the Fujifilm X half as its touchscreen enables you to change every setting. I found it easy to use and quick to swap between different exposure and shutter speed settings via swipes and taps.

Swiping down on the main touchscreen lets you pair the camera with a smartphone and enter Film Camera Mode. Tapping on the latter basically turns the X half into a film camera. You get to select the number of shots (36, 54, 72), toggle date stamp on or off, and choose the exposure mode.

The main touchscreen will then show you a shot counter. And just like on a film camera, you won’t be able to see the photos until you exhaust the roll and connect the camera to your phone and use the X half app to ‘develop’ the photos. The app itself is extremely easy to use with a clean interface, and there is some joy to be had in watching your photos come through on your phone.

This isn’t really film photography, as purists will rightly argue, but I still think it’s a lot of fun! I liked not being able to see the photos I’d taken until I ‘developed’ the roll. Some photos came out imperfect, as is the nature of film, and I loved that. It quickly became my favorite feature.

Located on the top plate is a lever that lets you take a second photo and stitches them into one composition, creating a diptych and letting you tell a two-part story — like a half-frame film camera. You also need to use this lever to advance the ‘film roll’ when in Film Camera Mode. Although this is fun, it’s finicky because there were a few instances where I had to do it twice to advance the film.

Fujifilm X half review: Image quality

The Fujifilm X half features a 1-inch CMOS sensor that captures 17.7MP images. As with most other Fuji cameras, color reproduction is faithful and you get access to 13 film simulation recipes for extra creativity (while on Fuji’s more premium cameras like theFujifilm X-T50, you get access to 20+).

Given its compact size and good image quality, the X half and its 32mm prime lens are best suited to travel, street and candid portraits.

In bright conditions, the X half takes stunning photos with popping colors, even in the Provia Standard color profile. Shadows and highlights are balanced well, with a nice amount of contrast, as you can see in the photos in the gallery above. You can also see plenty of detail in the flowers and leaves which is very commendable for a camera of its size.

As I mentioned up top, there are 13 film simulation recipes to choose from. The photos in the gallery above were shot in Nostalgic Neg, Acros and Velvia Vivid. I love Nostalgic Neg so I’m really pleased it has made an appearance on the X half. Fuji says that it has only added its most popular film sims to this camera, which includes Astia and the newest Reala Ace.

Alongside film sims, you have access to several filters, such as Light Leak, Toy, Mini, Expired Film, Vignette, Mirror, Double Exposure and more. You can see a few examples above of Double Exposure, Mirror, Green Expired Film and Toy.

You can’t use these in conjunction with the film sims, though. Still, they allow you to get more creative and experiment with different styles. Double Exposure is a classic and still remains my favorite even after testing all of the others on the X half.

ISO performance

One of the Fujifilm X half’s drawbacks is that it cannot shoot RAW images, so once you click the shutter for a JPEG, that’s it — your color profile is baked in and you’ll have much les freedom in post production than with RAW files.

When I test a camera’s ISO performance, I compare the RAW file against the straight-out-of-camera (SOOC) JPEG as this lets us compare how well a camera’s in-camera noise processing performs versus the unprocessed RAW file. As I didn’t have that option with the X half, I’ll just analyze how well the noise processing worked on JPEGs.

The X half has an ISO range of 200-12,800. As is the nature of the camera, keeping in line with the film feel, the photos it takes are slightly grainy anyway, although noise naturally gets worse at high ISO values too.

But are they sharp? The photos in the gallery above were shot at ISO6,400, 8,000, 10,000 and 12,800. The first two shots are fairly sharp as you can make out the boundaries of every sticker in the Lego F1 car. However, at ISO10,000 and 12,800, there is a loss in sharpness around the car’s nose and in the driver’s helmet — this is from the camera’s processors smoothing out noise, sacrificing definition.

It’s important to remember that this camera is very small and has a 1-inch sensor. Such small sensors generally struggle at high ISO values.

Fujifilm X half review: Battery life

The Fujifilm X half has a mahoosive battery life. It utilizes the NP-W126S Li-ion battery pack — the same as the one in theFujifilm X100VI($1,599) — and according to CIPA numbers, the X half can take 880 stills on a single charge. For video, when recording at FHD/24p, you can achieve 95 minutes and this drops to 85 minutes when shooting at 48p. Regardless, that’s fantastic.

CIPA ratings are derived under very strict testing conditions, and real-world results will always differ. I put the camera through a battery test where I kept taking photos indoors with the monitor, without changing film sims or filters, and I took nearly 950 photos before the camera died. That’s a great number as you won’t need to worry about running out of juice on a long road trip or at a festival.

Fujifilm X half review: Verdict

With long battery life and film simulation recipes and filters available at your fingertips, the X half lets you get creative while still remaining hassle-free. It’s the perfect camera for concerts, festivals, candid portraits, and more… as long as you don’t mind the steep price tag as it costs nearly as much as an interchangeable lens camera like the Fujifilm X-M5. Also, I wish the screen was a touch brighter and the camera shot RAW images.

Regardless, if you can afford it and want a simple, cutesy camera to accompany your professional gear, the X half is a fantastic choice. It proves that specs aren’t always everything — sometimes it’s about having fun.

Pros & Cons

• Fantastic, premium Mini-LED display
• Decent performance overall
• Large touchpad and full-size keyboard

• Disappointing battery life
• Heavy, unwieldy 2-in-1 design

>>>Replacement adapter for Dell XPS 8950 Optiplex 7000

Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250) Specs

Class	Convertible 2-in-1, Desktop Replacement
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM (as Tested)	32 GB
Boot Drive Type	SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)	1 TB
Screen Size	16 inches
Native Display Resolution	2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology	Mini LED
Variable Refresh Support	None
Screen Refresh Rate	90 Hz
Graphics Processor	Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)	0.67 by 14 by 9.9 inches
Weight	4.52 pounds
Operating System	Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)	9:38

Dell’s freshly renamed and reclassified 16 Plus 2-in-1 (model DB06250, which starts at $999.99; $1,449.99 as tested) aims to blend robust performance with a versatile design in a large-format convertible laptop. However, the nature of a 16-inch 2-in-1 presents a unique challenge: While convertible laptops aim for portability and intuitive tablet use, a display of this size is often unwieldy and bulky as a tablet. The Dell 16 Plus struggles to mitigate the inherent problems of size and weight, leading to a design that feels physically cumbersome and, coupled with somewhat disappointing performance, ultimately weighs down what is otherwise a well-made laptop. For a truly portable and long-lasting 16-inch convertible, we recommend the Editors’ Choice-award-winning LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16 (2025).>>>Replacement battery for Dell Precision 5470

Configurations and Pricing: A Three-Tier 2-in-1

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250) is available in multiple configurations, with varying processors, memory, and storage options. The base configuration, which starts at $999.99, includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor with Intel Arc 130V integrated graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. This version has a standard, 16-inch IPS touch-screen display with FHD+ (1,920 by 1,200) resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate.

Our midrange version tested in this review is a step-up model with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics, 32GB of memory, 1TB of SSD storage, and a better display. It’s still 16 inches but has a sharper 2,560-by-1,600-pixel resolution, a faster 90Hz refresh rate, and superiormini-LEDtechnology (more on that later). This model sells for $1,449.99.

The top model moves up to the best CPU option, an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V with Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics. The other upgrades stay the same, but the price bumps up to $1,699.98.

>>>Replacement battery for Dell Precision 7670 7770

Design: More Laptop Than Tablet

While 16-inch convertible2-in-1 laptopsare pretty rare, they do exist. The larger format and convertible design usually focus less on portability and more on creating different ways to interact with the system, such as digital illustration for hobbyists or professionals, and handwritten note-taking. It’s unclear which use cases Dell had in mind, but the lack of portability is certainly evident.

This 2-in-1 sure has strong window presence for shoppers. 

Tipping the scales at 4.52 pounds, this is no featherweight. While that weight is fine for a desktop replacement laptop, picking it up in tablet mode is like hefting an anchor. You might have the option of using this as a tablet, but that doesn’t make it as portable as most 2-in-1 laptops. In fact, it’s more than a pound heavier than the LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16, and you’ll feel every ounce of it.

The aluminum chassis is available in shades of blue: Ice Blue, which is more of a silvery color, and Midnight Blue, the darker, blue-gray finish used on our review model. If it didn’t have blue in the name of the color, I would simply call this a dark gray or even a near black, but it is ever so slightly tinted blue, so I’ll go with it. Regardless of your chosen color, the laptop features a color-matched touchpad and color-coordinated keycaps. The result is quite slick-looking, if not particularly exciting.

Just look at how tall this thing as a “tablet.”

Dell’s aluminum construction is also sturdy, though you’ll feel some noticeable flexing when you lift the open laptop by one corner, which I’d expect from any slim 16-inch machine. The dual axle hinge, which lets you use the laptop in display, tent, and tablet modes, is also fairly sturdy and will hold its position well when you use the touch screen in laptop mode.

Touchpad, Keyboard, and Display: Comfy and Crisp

Throughout my time with this laptop, I found its large touchpad comfortably spacious, giving me plenty of room to tap and swipe. Likewise, the larger keyboard benefits from a numeric pad alongside the standard keys. Thanks to the 16-inch design, the keyboard never feels cramped or crowded, even with the extra keys. 

This keyboard and touchpad take full advantage of the laptop’s larger dimensions. 

Dell’s step-up display option is a 16-inch touch screen with a 1600p resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and mini-LED backlighting. Mini-LED provides better HDR support, giving it near-OLED levels of contrast, while still providing excellent brightness and vibrant color.

The color saturation made possible by mini-LED comes through even in these photos. 

In actual use, the Dell 16 Plus is a comfortable desktop replacement, with a spacious keyboard, a wide and responsive touchpad, and a fast and vibrant touch screen. As a clamshell laptop, I’d have no complaints. The difficulty comes with the 2-in-1 capability, where the laptop’s large screen becomes a downright unwieldy tablet. The sturdy aluminum construction translates into a slim but heavy design to carry.

On the left side of the laptop, you’ll find two USB-C ports (one DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery, the other withThunderbolt 4support) and an HDMI output.

This laptop uses USB-C for charging instead of a proprietary power connector. 

On the right is a USB-A port and a 3.5mm headset jack. It’s a capable collection of ports, but on the larger 16-inch frame, it still feels like other connections, like an Ethernet port or an SD card slot, should be available.

There’s enough room that Dell could have put an SD card slot here. 

Performance Testing: Capable, But Not Class-Leading

For this review, we’ve compared the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 against top competitors like theAcer Swift 16 AI($1,199.99 as tested), an excellent desktop replacement with similar processing and graphics, theLenovo Yoga 7 16 Gen 9($799.99 as tested), a similar convertible, and the Editors’ Choice-winningLG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16 (2025)($2,549.99 as tested), which earns top marks as a 16-inch convertible with a genuinely ultraportable design.

Test System Configurations

SCREEN SIZE & RESOLUTION	PROCESSOR	GRAPHICS	RAM	STORAGE
Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250)	16-inch, 2,560 by 1,600	Intel Core Ultra 7 258V	Intel Arc Graphics 140V	32GB	1TB SSD
Acer Swift 16 AI	16-inch, 2,880 by 1,800	Intel Core Ultra 7 256V	Intel Arc Graphics 140V	16GB	1TB SSD
Lenovo Yoga 7 16 Gen 9	16-inch, 1,920 by 1,200	AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS	AMD Radeon 760M	8GB	512GB SSD
LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16 (2025)	16-inch, 2,880 by 1,800	Intel Core Ultra 7 255H	Intel Arc Graphics 140T	32GB	2x 1TB SSD

Battery and Display Tests 

We test each laptop’s battery life by playing a locally stored 720p video file (the open-source Blender movieTears of Steel) with display brightness at 50% and audio volume at 100%. We make sure the battery is fully charged before the test, with Wi-Fi and keyboard backlighting turned off. 

To gauge display performance, we also use a Datacolor SpyderX Elite monitor calibration sensor and software to measure a laptop screen’s color saturation—what percentage of the sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color gamuts or palettes the display can show—and its 50% and peak brightness in nits (candelas per square meter).

In battery testing, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 disappointed us, lasting less than 10 hours while competitors lasted 17 hours or more. The shorter battery life and the heavy, bulky design limit the portability of this oversized 2-in-1. 

However, Dell’s display quality is superb. Color reproduction is at or near 100% in all major color gamuts, putting it slightly ahead of even the best competitors. It also led the pack in brightness, brighter than all three competitors. That brighter display panel is likely thanks to the mini-LED tech behind it. (It looks even better when displaying HDR content.)

Final Thoughts

Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250)

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250) is a contradiction. On one hand, it’s a well-built machine with a sturdy aluminum chassis, a comfortable keyboard and touchpad, and a genuinely excellent mini-LED display that provides vibrant colors and impressive brightness. The price isn’t terribly high, comparatively speaking, and it’s competent in everyday productivity tasks, even if it would benefit from a dedicated GPU. We’d be happier if it were a desktop replacement with a clamshell design.

But since this is a 2-in-1 system with a convertible design, we must consider features like weight, battery life, and portability. At 4.52 pounds and with disappointing battery life (less than 10 hours in our tests), the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 (DB06250) is awkward and too heavy to be a truly convenient tablet. If genuine portability and 2-in-1 versatility are priorities, and your budget allows, the award-winning LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16 is the clear superior option and worth the investment.

Power and ports abound, but heavy loads make this 2-in-1 warm up.

Verdict

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is a strong performer with lots of ports, but it runs hot under intense tasks and doesn’t last all day on a charge.

Pros

• +Strong performance among Windows ultrabooks
• +Speedy SSD
• +Lots of ports

Cons

• -Mediocre battery life
• -Runs hot under load

The idea of a convertible is one of balance and flexibility. It’s could be one of thebest ultrabooks, but could also be a tablet; It’s powerful, but portable; You can write, or you can type. With the HP OmniBook X Flip 14, ($1,509.99 as tested), the balance falls in the favor of performance.

The AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor delivers powerful productivity performance, and its plethora of ports allow for a ton of accessories and external drives.

But there are tradeoffs in battery life and heat, which may affect your decision based on the type of work that you do.

>>>Replacement battery for HP TPN-DB1H N08497-005

Design of the HP OmniBook X Flip 14

The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is inoffensive. I don’t think anyone will mind the rounded corners and straight edges on the “meteor silver” chassis, but I find that this design lacks all of the personality found on the old HP Spectre x360 premium ultraportables. HP has designed a laptop I would expect to see in an Ikea showroom without a logo on it.

The system feels sturdy with a metal build that doesn’t flex (except the hinges, which are supposed to on a convertible!).

What the system lacks in charm, it makes up for in ports. The left side has a USB Type-A port good for 10 Gbps, HDMI 2.1, and a pair of USB Type-C ports (one at 40 Gbps, the other a slower 10 Gbps). On the right side, there’s another USB-A 10 Gbps port and a headphone jack.

I needed two hands to open the system (I prefer to be able to just use my thumb). The bezels around the display are reasonable, but what may surprise more people is the lattice-free keyboard, meaning that there are barely any gaps between keys. If this looks familiar to you, it’s because Dell went this way a few years ago with the Dell XPS 13, though HP had the sense to keep the function row. I do wish HP had kept the accent colors from the HP OmniBook X on this laptop; That would’ve given it a bit of spark.

Measuring 12.32 x 8.60 x 0.58 inches and weighing in at 3.11 pounds, this system is easy enough to fit in a backpack. Its chief rival, theLenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1, is lighter at 2.91 pounds, though it’s a thicker 0.65 inches.

Traditional laptops in this price range are similar in size, like the14-inch MacBook Prois 3.4 pounds and 0.61 inches, while the14-inch Lenovo ThinkPad X9is 2.8 pounds and 0.61 inches.

>>>Replacement battery for HP EliteBook 840 G11

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 Specifications

CPU	AMD Ryzen AI 7 350
Graphics	AMD Radeon 860M (integrated)
Memory	32GB LPDDR5-7500
Storage	1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Display	14-inch, 2880 x 1800, OLED, touchscreen
Networking	MediaTek MT7925 Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Ports	1x USB Type-C 40Gbps, 1x USB Type-C 10 GBps, 2x USB Type-A 10GBps, 3.5 mm headphone jack, HDMI 2.1
Camera	5MP webcam, IR for Windows Hello
Battery	59 WHr
Power Adapter	65 W USB Type-C
Operating System	Windows 11 Home
Dimensions (WxDxH)	12.32 x 8.60 x 0.58 inches (312.93 x 218 x 14.7 mm)
Weight	3.11 pounds (1.41 kg)
Price (as configured)	$1,519.99

>>>Replacement battery for HP EliteBook 440

Keyboard, Touchpad, and Stylus on the HP OmniBook X Flip 14

HP told me that the OmniBook X Flip’s lattice-free keyboard “deliver[s] an even faster, more comfortable typing experience.” In practice, the keyboard has a tactile feel, but even my trained touch typist fingers occasionally mashed the wrong key. On the monkeytype typing test, I reached 110 words per minute, which isn’t bad but not my fastest. I also ended up wwith a higher-than-average 5% error rate.

I can get used to the keyboard design. It does, however, have a few inherent flaws. Because keys are forced into a grid, the idea of my preferred “inverted T” arrow design goes out the window in favor of half-height up and down keys. It also means that the length of some keys, like Enter, Backspace, Tab, and Shift are dictated in part by the size of the letter keys.

I also think some of the function keys can be rethought. I think HP can do better than F2 being used for emoji and F1 pulling up the project display settings. The programmable F11 key could be nifty, except that you have to choose between two HP apps as opposed to using it for whatever you want. HP has software for this on theMicrosoftStore, but it didn’t work for me.

The touchpad is a run-of-the-mill mechanical clickpad, though it feels a bit plasticky. It clicks and is good enough at gestures and tracking my finger for my liking. I wish HP would switch to a haptic touchpad, but otherwise this is largely inoffensive.

The stylus that came with our unit, an HP Rechargeable MPP2.0 Tilt Pen, attaches magnetically to the right side of the notebook for storage. It’s about the length of a standard pen, with two barrel buttons near the top. There’s no top button or eraser, which would be nice to have, but the default pen tip is nice and smooth on the touchscreen. To charge the stylus, you can slide up a side panel to reveal a USB Type-C port.

Audio on the HP OmniBook X Flip 14

HP’saudiois pretty decent for a 14-inch laptop.The Indigo Girls’ “Closer to Fine” filled my apartment with loud volume, clear harmonies, and balanced acoustic guitars. At the highest volumes, the speakers sounded a bit tinny, so you’ll want to keep it somewhere in the middle.

Like many laptops of this size, there’s basically no bass to speak of. Daft Punk’sAerodynamicwas pretty flat.

My biggest issue with these speakers is that you can feel them at work under the wristrest as you type. The vibrations bothered me, especially at higher volumes. At low volumes, around 35%, it wasn’t an issue at all.

Sometimes, convertible 2-in-1s sound best in specific positions. HP has the laptops on a lip under the wrist rest, so even in tablet mode, they’re never blocked. For the most part, the sound was fairly consistent no matter how I used the notebook.

Upgradeability of the HP OmniBook X Flip 14

To get into the OmniBook X Flip 14, you’ll need to remove three screws and loosen one captive screw. All of them use the same Torx T5 screw head. Keep the screws organized — the two near the palm rest are far shorter than the one that comes out from behind the laptop’s right hinge. From there, a pry tool behind the hinges should pop the base clean off.

Inside, there are only a few replaceable parts. First off is the battery, which is held in by four screws and, of course, connected by a cable to the motherboard.

The SSD and Wi-Fi card are also both accessible. There’s a protective layer over the CPU and heat pipes (probably for heat shielding) that partially covers these items, but you can peel it back with your fingers.

The SSD heatsink has a sticker on it that reads “REPLACE WITH HP SPARE N77394-001”, which happens to be a different number than is listed in the maintenance manual. HP isn’t really known for parts pairing, though, so I expect that any M.2 2280 SSD would work.

Heat on the HP OmniBook X Flip 14

The Flip 14 can get toasty under load. During our Cinebench 2024 stress test, the laptop measured 106.8 degrees Fahrenheit at the center of the keyboard, a cooler 91 F on the touchpad (that’s still warm for a touchpad), and 117.5 F on the bottom of the notebook.

​​Inside, the processor measured an average of 66.65 degrees Celsius.

The good news is that during regular usage under standard office workloads, the system never got nearly as hot.

Software and Warranty on the HP OmniBook X Flip 14

HP has filled the OmniBook X Flip 14 to the brim with software.

MyHP features settings options for audio,video, display, battery, and system control, as well as featuring warranty info. But it also features ads for HP peripherals. The app is slow and clunky, and many of the settings are better changed in Windows.

HP also includes a ton of software, including HP AI Companion (an AI assistant to answer questions about your computer that requires an HP account), HP Smart (to set up printers), HP Enhanced Lighting (a virtual ring light), HP support Assistant, HP System Event Utility, and more. That’s just the big ones.

While AMD’s CPU includes decent integrated graphics power, HP’s Omen Gaming Hub doesn’t make a lot of sense on this notebook.

HP continues to include partner software that bloats the start menu and the Edge browser, including links to Booking.com, offers from Adobe, and a Dropbox promotion for a free 100GB of storage for 90 days

HP sells the OmniBook X Flip 14 with a standard one-year warranty.

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 Configurations

We tested the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 in a custom configuration from HP’s website. This $1,509 version of the system has an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, as well as a 2880 x 1800 touchscreen and an upgrade to a Wi-Fi 7 module.

The base model is $1,099 at Best Buy, with the same AMDAPU, 24GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and a 1920 x 1200 touchscreen and Wi-Fi 6E. As of this writing, it’s on sale for $749.99. At that price, I’d definitely go for the cheaper option.

Bottom Line

HP’s OmniBook X Flip 14 is a great 2-in-1 if your primary focus is on performance. Its AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB as tested delivered strong scores in ourbenchmarks, particularly when compared to other Windows machines.

The system also has plenty of ports peppering its sides, making it great for those who use a lot of peripherals and external devices.

If you want more of an all-around device, however, you should take a look at Lenovo’s excellent Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition, another 14-inch 2-in-1 which has a similarly vivid screen to the OmniBook, but is even brighter. It also boasts longer battery life, and has far better battery life.

But the Yoga’s Intel processor wasn’t as powerful in our tests. For that, the OmniBook X Flip 14 is the way to go.

Amazon AlexaandApple Homeare two of the best smart home platforms around. Both support hundreds of devices, dozens of product categories, and offer a simple way to automate your smart home. However, there are some big differences between these two technologies, and choosing the wrong one could prevent you from syncing your favorite devices. Not all of the products that work with Apple Home (sometimes referred to as HomeKit) work with Alexa, meaning you need to be careful when choosing which to adopt.

Thankfully, both are excellent choices for your home. They also work withMatter, allowing you to access gadgets outside their primary platform. Choosing the right option for your home largely comes down to personal preference — and you should base your decision on which products you plan to use with the software. Love your Echo Show? Opt for Alexa. Prefer your HomePod? Apple Home is the better choice.

Here’s a closer look at Amazon Alexa and Apple Home to help you find the best platform for your needs. This includes a look at supported devices, hubs, and ease of use.

>>>Replacement battery for Apple Ipod Touch 5

What is a smart home platform?

Smart home platforms offer a centralized place to control all your smart home products. After loading up the software (whether it be on your phone or a hub device), you’ll be able to see a list of everything in your smart home and have easy access to all its controls.

Of course, you don’t necessarily need to use a smart home platform, as most smart home products come with their own standalone applications. But if you have tons of gizmos sitting around your house, each with its own app, it can be cumbersome to flip through all of them to carry out basic tasks. With a smart home platform such as Alexa or Apple Home, everything in your home can be accessed in one unified location.

>>>Replacement battery for Apple iPod Nano 4

Hub devices

Hub devices are the center of most smart homes, with both smart speakers and smart displays giving you ways to control the rest of your setup. However, Apple doesn’t have the most robust selection ofHomeKit hubs, as you’ll largely be limited to the HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, or a standard iPad Pro.

Note that iPads are no longer supported as a home hub on the new Home architecture, meaning you’ll likely want to use an Apple TV 4K or a HomePod as the brains of your operation.

Amazon Alexa, meanwhile, works with the entire Echo lineup (which includes a variety of smart displays and smart speakers), as well as third-party products like the Sonos One or Bose Home Speaker 500. Amazon also seems to be churning out more smart home hubs for Alexa than Apple is for HomeKit. In fact, Apple doesn’t even have a dedicated smart display for Home — although that could bechanging in the future. So if you’re set on adding a smart display to your home, you might have to wait a while if you pick Apple Home.

Winner:Alexa

Compatible devices

Without a doubt, Amazon Alexa is supported by more products than Apple Home. From video doorbells and smart thermostats tosmart speakersand robot vacuums, it’s hard to find a product that doesn’t work with Amazon’s smart home platform. Amazon itself churns out some of the best products for Alexa, including the Amazon Smart Thermostat, Blink Video Doorbell, and more.

Apple falls far behind Amazon in terms of sheer number of compatible products, but its smaller pool is arguably of similar quality. So while you won’t have dozens of smart speakers to choose from, having HomePod and HomePod mini support with HomeKit is a big win. There are also plenty of third-party products thatwork with HomeKit, including popular items from Nanoleaf, Schlage, and Ecobee. Expect to see this number balloon further asMattercontinues to roll out to more products.

For now, however, it’s hard to go wrong with Amazon Alexa, as you’re all but guaranteed to find something that fits your needs. Apple Home is no slouch, but its catalog is a bit smaller and typically a bit more expensive than the competition.

Winner:Alexa

Ease of use

Apple

With intuitive smartphone apps and responsive voice assistants, both Apple Home and Alexa are remarkably easy to use. Alexa works across both Android and iOS smartphones, while Apple Home is limited to iOS devices, but aside from that quirk, controlling your smart home is as simple as opening an app.

Winner:Tie

Verdict

Amazon

If you’re glued to the iOS ecosystem and don’t mind a smaller pool of products to choose from, there’s nothing inherently wrong with Apple Home. It’s functional, easy to use, and supports more than enough products to build a robust smart home.

Alexa, however, is an easy recommendation for everyone. With a catalog that’s bursting with top-tier products, you’ll never have a problem finding something that fits your needs and budget. Shoppers on a budget will find Alexa to be an incredible option, as you can pick up the Echo Pop to use as a hub for just $40 (and it’s often on sale for much less).

Alexa is also a great voice assistant, capable of tackling any task you throw its way. Siri performs voice tasks just as well as Alexa, but the fact that it’s limited to fewer products makes HomeKit harder to recommend.

All told, Alexa is probably a better choice for your smart home than HomeKit. With a wider variety of products and support for both Android and iOS devices, it’s hard to go wrong with Amazon’s comprehensive platform. HomeKit is a close second, but with fewer options and some big omissions, there’s not much of a reason to pick it over the competition.

These are the best budget laptops on the market

Ever since finding my very first PC that fit my budget (and need for power) back in 2009, I’ve been on the hunt for the very best budget laptops that offerallthe bang for your buck.

Now, with my expert team and I reviewing dozens of laptops each year, I can bring my search expertise to help you find one yourself.

Budget doesn’t have to mean bare minimum, and you may be surprised to find that productivity notebooks for work or studying (like theAcer Aspire Go 15) and even gaming laptops (check out theMSI Cyborg 15) with impressive specs won’t have to empty your wallet. Whether it’s a budget laptop for students or even some light video editing, I’m here to point you toward the ones worth investing in.

If you’re after even more affordable options, you’ll want to head over to our list of thebest laptops under $500.

>>>Replacement battery for Acer Extensa 5635Z 5635ZG

To make sure you’re saving cash without sacrificing too much, think about the following:

What will I use my laptop for?

Depending on what you generally do on a laptop, one may be more suited to you than others.

Studying or Work:If you’re looking to work on documents, answer emails or head into video calls while you’re jumping between work spaces, you’ll want a lightweight, portable notebook that has the power to multitask and last you more than just a couple of hours. That’s where theAcer Aspire Go 15(for Windows 11) andMacBook Air M1(for macOS) come in handy, as they offer decent performance, great battery life and great value for the money.

Casual use:If you prefer to have a laptop for browsing websites, binge watching your favorite shows or jotting down a few notes, the good news is you won’t have to pay a pretty penny for one. But you’ll still want a decent display or even a touchscreen to interact with them far more easily. Chromebooks excel at this, and theLenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plusor theLenovo Chromebook Duet 3are fantastic options. The former is more premium (but great for watching shows), while the latter is a 2-in-1 that offers versatility.

Gaming:If you don’t want to break you bank account on a gaming laptop but still want enough power to run popular PC games, especially when it comes to multiplayer titles, getting a machine that offers a strong enough CPU and GPU, along with enough RAM, is essential. Budget laptops won’t offer maxed-out graphics in AAA games, but they can still deliver excellent gameplay with smooth visuals. That includes theMSI Cyborg 15andAcer Nitro V 15, which boast RTX 40-series GPUs and surprisingly good performance — for the price, that is.

How much should I spend on a laptop?

This entirely depends on your budget, but anything around $500/£500 is considered an excellent price for a laptop. Although those numbers are a tad different for gaming laptops, as anything under $1,000/£1,000 is what you can expect from a budget gaming machine.

Now, notallbudget laptops are worth their low price. Some lean too hard on lackluster components to make up for their cheaper cost, but if it can barely open a Chrome tab or two without stuttering or, even worse, crashing, then there isn’t much point in spending money on it.

Still, there are several laptops that offer a great price-to-performance ratio, and you can find some for around $300/£300 while offering commendable power. If you’re only looking for an entry-level machine to get everyday tasks done, then a budget laptop will help you save while also giving you the performance you require.

>>>Replacement battery for Acer KT0020B001

The best budget laptop overall

1. Acer Aspire Go 15

The best Windows 11 budget laptop

Specifications

Display:15.6-inch (1920×1080) 60Hz LCDCPU:Intel Core i3-N305GPU:Intel UHD GraphicsRAM:8GB LPDDR5Storage:128GB UFS (Universal Flash Storage)Weight:3.86 poundsTested battery life:10:15

Reasons to buy

+Comfortable keyboard
+Useful port array
+Good battery life (10 hours tested)

Reasons to avoid

-Crappy 720p webcam
-Poor performance

Who is this for?

The Acer Aspire Go 15 is our favorite budget laptop because it is a solid workhorse with enough power for all your basic productivity needs. If you need something for the classic office work alongside some binge watching, this is a solid choice.

Why is it the best overall budget laptop?

It comes down to this offering the best balance across three key elements that make a good laptop. First, the port array with USB-A, USB-C and HDMI makes it easy to plug into any setup wherever you are. Second, the keyboard is comfortable to type on for hours on end. And third, with 10 hours of battery life, there’s impressive longevity here too.

What do we like?

????Comfortable keyboard:It’s rare that you see a good keyboard in a budget laptop, but Acer has pulled out the stops here with a well-spaced board with a nice comfortable, tactile impact on each key press.

????A whole lotta ports:Connectivity is key to the success of this laptop. With a pair of USB-A ports, a USB-C socket, HDMI out and a headphone jack, this is a good suite of ports that you can count on to plug into a TV for binge watching and your whole range of peripherals/accessories.

????Strong battery life:Longevity is normally an afterthought in cheap laptops, but with over 10 hours in our battery life testing, this is sure to last you a full day of work.

What don’t we like?

????Weak performance:With the N-series Intel Core i3 and UFS storage, this isn’t going to be able to do anything beyond your casual productivity and gaming via Nvidia’s GeForce Now.

Bottom line

The Acer Aspire Go 15 is a cheap laptop that doesn’t really feel that cheap in use. There are of course some cutbacks like the weak speakers and potato of a webcam. But for what you need a laptop for, Acer absolutely delivers.

>>>Replacement battery for Acer Predator Triton 300 SE PT314-51S

The best budget MacBook

2. MacBook Air (M1)

The best budget MacBook

Specifications

Display:13.3-inch (2560 x 1600-pixel resolution) IPS display — 400 nits brightnessCPU:M1RAM:8-16GBStorage:256GB-2TBWeight:2.8 poundsTested battery life:14:41

Reasons to buy

+Performance is still decent
+Amazingly long battery life
+Comfy Magic Keyboard
+Still getting years of OS support

Reasons to avoid

-Has thick bezels
-Light on ports
-Getting rather old by this point

Who is this for?

The M1 MacBook Air is the cheapest way to get an Apple laptop with all its macOS goodness (including all the Apple Intelligence features. This one is for the casual user who wants the perfect companion to their iPhone and AirPods.

Why is it the best budget MacBook?

MacBooks are typically some of the most expensive laptops you can buy. But with performance and a premium construction that still stands up to this day, the$599 M1 Airis a fantastic low-cost choice.

What do we like?

????M1 is still going strong:How is a four-year-old chip still capable of feeling zippy in terms of multitasking performance? I’m not sure what witchcraft Apple has pulled off here, but whether it’s multitasking, basic productivity or even some video editing, the M1 chip in the MacBook Air continues to impress.

????Battery life continues to shock:There are notebooks in 2024 that are still paling in comparison to the 14 hours and 41 minutes we achieved when putting the M1 MacBook Air through our grueling battery life test.

????A great keyboard and trackpad:Apple knows how to do good ergonomics, and these are on full show with the slick multi-touch trackpad and great-feeling chiclet keyboard.

What don’t we like?

????Just two USB-C ports:Where the Acer Aspire Go 15 thrives, the MacBook Air falls. With just two USB-C ports (one of which will be used for charging), you’re out of luck when it comes to plugging in more than one accessory unless you have a dongle

????You can feel the age:I know I’m talking up a big game on the M1 Air, and it still is pretty impressive to this day. But let me repeat — this is four years old. It’s well on the way to not receiving software updates, and you can feel it slowdown in intense moments of multitasking.

Bottom line

In 2020, we called the M1 MacBook Air “shockingly good” for its combination of speed and endurance. While it’s not so shocking anymore (we’re onM4 Macsnow to surprise us with performance and power efficiency), this is still a stellar budget buy.

The best budget gaming laptop

3. MSI Cyborg 15

The best budget gaming laptop

Specifications

Display:15.6-inch 144Hz FHD (1920 x 1080)CPU:Intel Core i7-13620HGPU:Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050RAM:16GBStorage:512GBWeight:4.37 poundsTested battery life:5:05

Reasons to buy

+Affordable price
+Cyberpunk-inspired design
+Great keyboard
+Solid gaming performance

Reasons to avoid

-Grainy 720p webcam
-Middling display
-Runs hot while gaming

Who is this for?

As you can probably guess by the name, this is for the gamer on a budget — the MSI Cyborg 15 gives you enough power for some solid 1080p gaming here while coming in at under $1,000!

Why is it the best budget gaming laptop?

The MSI Cyborg 15 deserves this moniker for the horsepower under the hood (including that RTX 4050 giving you access to Nvidia’s stellar DLSS tech), while also paying attention to the things that matter like giving you a fluid 144Hz display and a great keyboard to boot.

What do we like?

????The most powerful laptop on this list:Pairing 13th Gen Intel Core i7 with RTX 4050 graphics leads to some surprisingly impressive gaming performance. I know there are stronger GPUs out there for far greater prices, but for the lowest cost you can find, this can do more than you think — especially with DLSS turned on effectively doubling frame rates in a lot of your favorite AAA titles.

????Great keyboard:Sometimes, to invest more in the internals, you’ll get the keyboard equivalent of a wet sponge on a lot of cheap gaming laptops. Not here, though, as MSI has paid attention to the tactile impact of every key press.

????Large and in charge design:Some people may not appreciate this aesthetic, but I kind of dig it. The Cyberpunk-inspired design gives it a cool, edge look that is both gamer in feel but also utilitarian enough to not look weird on a desk.

What don’t we like?

????Mid display:It’s great to get a 1080p panel with 144Hz refresh rate, but you can feel the cheapness in its color and light blooming. Make sure you save up for a monitor for some better-looking gaming at home.

????Runs hot while gaming:It’s always good practice to use a gaming laptop on a desk, as they can get hot. That goes doubly so for the MSI Cyborg 15, which can hit a peak of 112 degrees Fahrenheit

Bottom line

If you’re keen to game on the go without breaking the bank, you can’t go wrong with the MSI Cyborg 15. There are a lot of strengths here from its internals to the keyboard and general gaming performance, that it’s easy to look past the naff webcam and surface temps.

The best budget Chromebook

4. Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

The best budget Chromebook for most

Specifications

CPU:Intel Core i3-1315URAM:8GBStorage:128GB eMMCDisplay:14-inch (1920×1200) IPS touchscreenDimensions:12.4 x 9 x 0.8 inchesWeight:3.57 poundsTested battery life:7:36

Reasons to buy

+Good performance
+Bright touchscreen
+Comfy keyboard
+Plenty of ports

Reasons to avoid

-Middling battery life
-No stylus included

Who is this for?

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a versatile and durable 2-in-1 with a 360-degree 1200p touchscreen, making it an excellent, affordable option for students and professionals who need the flexibility of a tablet and a laptop.

Why is it the best Chromebook on a budget?

At $499, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus offers exceptional value for what it offers. Not only is it a 2-in-1, but it delivers enough performance to run virtually any app you throw at it, a bright 1200p touchscreen for getting work done, browsing through websites and watching shows, along with a lightweight, premium-looking design with a keyboard you’ll find very comfortable to type on. For that price, it’s hard to go wrong.

What do we like?

????Premium, versatile design:The Flex 5i defies its budget-friendly price with a high-quality and sturdy build. The chassis feels durable and looks refined, with a flexible yet firm 360-degree hinge and a comfortable keyboard for an excellent user experience.

????Beautiful AMOLED display:This Lenovo Chromebook Plus excels with a 14-inch (1920×1200) IPS touchscreen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Its FHD+ resolution delivers a bright, colourful and highly responsive picture that surpasses what you’d think a laptop at this price could deliver.

????Speedy performance (for a Chromebook):Powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, the Flex 5i delivers impressive speeds. Paired with the lightweight ChromeOS, you can expect a consistently zippy and fluid performance for everyday tasks, just don’t expect the horsepower of other MacBooks or Windows laptops.

What don’t we like?

????Battery life is lacking:At under 8 hours until it cuts out, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus won’t exactly get you through a full workday, or even a one filled with classes. Not the worst, but it could be better.

????No stylus?:Touchscreens are made to be doodled on, but there’s no stylus included in the box. Fine for tapping away on, but for Chromebook, a simple stylus would have been nice to see.

Bottom line

In short, the Lenovo Flex 5i is a fantastic deal, successfully mixing affordability with a quality feel. The screen is lovely, the keyboard is comfortable and it’s perfect for daily tasks. The only real catch is the so-so battery life, but for this price, it’s a brilliant choice.

The best budget 2-in-1

5. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

The best budget Chrome tablet

Specifications

CPU:Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2RAM:4-8GBStorage:64-128GB eMMCDisplay:11 inches, 2,000 x 1,200 pixelsDimensions:10.16 x 6.48 x 0.31 inchesWeight:1.2/2.1 lbs (tablet only/tablet + cover)Tested battery life:10:30

Reasons to buy

+Bright, sharp display
+10+ hours of battery life
+Packed-in keyboard cover is decent
+Surprisingly loud for a Chrome tablet

Reasons to avoid

-Still no headphone jack
-Lackluster cameras-Keyboard cover uncomfortable for sustained typing

Who is this for?

If you need something super lightweight for quick note taking and casual productivity, you can’t go far wrong with the Chromebook Duet 3. Ideal for students and workers on-the-go.

Why is it the best budget 2-in-1?

Windows 2-in-1s at this price usually suck, but in the Chromebook space, you can get a lot more for your money. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a fantastic convertible with a bright display, a surprisingly good keyboard cover and over 10 hours of battery life.

What do we like?

????Lovely display:Packing an 11-inch 2K display with multitouch, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is rather nice on the eyes and responsive to interact with too — great for work and entertainment.

????Solid design:The construction with its black aluminum chassis feels impressively premium to the touch. The detachable keyboard also has a nice travel to every key, and when all folded up, it’s sturdy and lightweight to carry around.

????Great battery life:In our battery life testing, the Duet 3 lasted 10 hours and 30 minutes — thanks to the lower intensity of that Snapdragon chip. This means that for your all-day usage, this will stick right there with you.

What don’t we like?

????No headphone jack:No option to be wired in here! Luckily, there is bluetooth, but the lack of a headphone jack is always going to be frustrating in any kind of laptop.

????Webcam = potato:Yes there are compromises, and for the Duet 3, it’s the webcam that takes a big hit with grainy pictures that look like they were taken on an early 2000s camera phone.

Bottom line

For a cheap 2-in-1, the Duet 3 focuses on the things that make this recipe work — a good display, nice-feeling keyboard, and long battery life. ChromeOS continues to go from strength to strength with regular updates from Google, to the point that you’ll completely forget the webcam is naff here.

The best cheap gaming

6. Acer Nitro V 15 (2024)

A great budget gaming laptop alternative

Specifications

CPU:Intel Core i5-13420HGPU:Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050RAM:8GB DDR5Storage:512GBDisplay:15.6-inch FHD (1980 x 1080) IPS, 16:9, 144Hz refresh rateDimensions:14.2 x 9.4 x 0.9 inchesWeight:4.6lbsTested battery life:5:41

Reasons to buy

+Stylish, efficient design for cooling and portability
+Smooth 144Hz display
+Wealth of ports
+Respectable gaming performance for the price

Reasons to avoid

-But general performance is still limited
-Fans get too loud
-512GB storage isn’t enough

Who is this for?

For anyone looking to get into PC gaming but doesn’t have the budget to dish out for the latest and greatest gaming laptops around. With its 144Hz display and solid gaming performance, it’s great for casual gamers looking to try out popular PC titles.

Why is it the best budget gaming laptop alternative?

Since it doesn’t come back with Nvidia’s RTX 40-series GPU, it’s understandable why some may want more of a modern gaming laptop with more up-to-date specs (such as the MSI Cyborg 15). However, for those after something even more affordable, and aren’t fussed about RTX numbers, it’s hard to go wrong with this Acer Nitro V 15.

What do we like?

????Stylish design:From its compact chassis to its subtle but sleek looks, this gaming laptop is a looker. Even better, it isn’t too big or heavy to lug around.

????Smooth visuals:Having a 15.6-inch FHD (1980 x 1080) with a 144Hz refresh rate on a laptop this affordable is a bargain. Plus, it’s big enough to take in small details in games and videos.

????Great gaming performance:Despite coming with a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 and an RTX 3050, this laptop still brings the heat, especially for the price it’s set at. For less demanding games, this laptop shines, but it can even push the limits on some high-quality PC titles, too.

What don’t we like?

????Loud fans:Make sure to wear some headphones, as the Nitro V 15 can sometimes sound like a jet engine at full throttle.

????Small storage:For a gaming laptop, you’ll need way more than just the 512GB of storage this laptop offers. It will mean having to install and uninstall games frequently, and that’s not what any PC gamer wants.

Bottom line

For a cheap gaming laptop that offers up enough gaming performance to play many of the latest games, the Nitro V 15 does an admirable job. It may not pack the latest specs or offer a premium design, but its price gives it an edge over those with beefier specs. If what you need is a decent system that offers good gameplay, the Nitro V 15 offers great value.

How to choose the best budget laptop for you

There are some things to keep in mind when you’re hunting for a good cheap laptop. Don’t expect bleeding-edge performance, a super premium design or even the most colorful displays. However, there’s no reason to compromise, as an affordable laptop can still take you far. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a laptop.

What operating system do you prefer?

There are various types of operating systems, with some being simpler and others offeringlotsof customization. ChromeOS is the simplest option but limited in scope, whereas Windows has vastly more capability but can be a battery hog. macOS tries to find a sweet spot, but apps can be pricey here. Figure out your use case and you’ll see how much you actually need your operating system to do.

How much battery do you need?

Will you be going long spells away from the plug outlet, or will you have charging capabilities wherever you go? There’s a sliding scale on all of our choices between performance and power efficiency, and how important this is will dictate what you’ll buy. If a laptop lasts around 8 hours (generally a working day), it’s doing an adequate job, but they should last a little longer than this. For gaming laptops, though, don’t expect long-lasting battery life, as these machines are made to be plugged in more often than not.

Are you a gamer?

This one is an easy one. If gaming is your primary concern, then a laptop like the MSI Cyborg 15 or Acer Nitro V 15 (2024) are the ones for you. If not, then you can turn your attention to others.

Seeing less than 1080p display quality?

You may see a lot of cheap laptops pack a less than full HD display. In the words of Admiral Ackbar: “It’s a trap!” You’ll be left with buyers’ remorse when you see just how much resolution you lose by going down this road. Generally, you’ll want a laptop that offersat leastFHD (1920 x 1080) quality. Yes, they’ll still be affordable.