Testing Methodology Overview
All laptops featured in this guide underwent thorough hands-on testing. This process included scrutinizing their build quality and utilizing them in daily workflows over several weeks. Tasks performed involved working with various documents, checking emails, streaming videos, using webcams for photography, participating in video calls, and gaming where applicable, along with exploring unique software features.
Additionally, several of the latest laptops underwent industry-standard benchmark tests, specifically the Lenovo Yoga 7i 14, Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, and Acer Nitro V 15. These benchmarks replicate real-world tasks and provide scores that facilitate easy performance comparisons among different laptops. Starting with these assessments marks our commitment to transparency in future laptop reviews.
Performance Analysis
The evaluation of overall performance involved running the latest version of Geekbench 6, which assesses CPU capabilities through common tasks, allowing us to record and compare multi-core scores—the higher the score, the better the performance.
For gaming laptops, we also tested graphical performance by playing Cyberpunk 2077, a demanding AAA title that challenges system capabilities. Laptops equipped with dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics were subjected to tests both with and without DLSS technology enabled to gauge raw power and AI-enhanced performance.
Following this, we employed 3DMark’s Time Spy benchmark specifically designed for gaming PCs, noting that higher scores indicate superior graphics capabilities.
Battery Life Evaluation
In our assessments, we aim for 11 to 12 hours of battery life in tested MacBooks, with over 15 hours considered outstanding, while Windows laptops are evaluated for a range of nine to ten hours, with 12 hours seen as optimal. For gaming laptops, a minimum of two hours is acceptable, but reaching four hours earns commendation. Chromebooks are expected to last at least eight hours, ideally between nine to ten hours.
Our battery life tests have included a variety of approaches. We implemented PCMark 10 on the Surface Laptop Go and Acer Nitro V 15, alongside CrXPRT 2 for the Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch. Each test involved running multiple applications until complete battery depletion.
For the Yoga 7i, a video rundown test was performed using a looped 1080p version of Tears of Steel at 50 percent brightness.
To standardize our battery life testing going forward, we will use the Tears of Steel rundown on all MacBooks and Windows laptops, while continuing with PCMark 10 for gaming laptops and CrXPRT 2 for Chromebooks.
Conclusion
After assessing hands-on performance and benchmark results, our laptop recommendations reflect overall value for money. In this guide, a “cheap laptop” is defined as one costing less than $1,000.
These laptops are part of a larger ongoing evaluation process. We continually test and assess new models across various categories, and while not every laptop makes the final list, we strive to keep this guide updated with new contenders for the top picks.
