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The back-to-school season is upon us, and finding the perfect laptop can feel like a daunting task. The ideal machine balances performance, portability, and affordability. Your choice of operating system will likely be driven by existing preferences or course requirements. Prioritize a quality display, comfortable keyboard, responsive trackpad, and adequate connectivity.

For Windows users, processors such as the Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7, the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series, or a Qualcomm Snapdragon X are solid choices. Aim for a minimum of 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage to ensure smooth multitasking. Standout laptops include the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2025, M4), praised for its battery life and performance; the MacBook Pro 14 (2024, M4), tailored for content creation; the Framework Laptop 13, championing repairability; the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13, known for its long battery life; and various Chromebook options from Lenovo, Acer, and Asus, including the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714, and Asus Chromebook Plus CX34. Power users may want to consider the Asus Zenbook S 16, or the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 for gaming. (Source: The Verge)