Your ... Empire Of Wisdom: 15 best laptops you can buy in 2016

Best laptops

Update: The practical Dell Latitude 13 7000 has been usurped by the lithe and luxurious HP Spectre. Read on to see why this Ultrabook is worthy of a spot on our most prestigious mobile computing shortlist!

Once thought to be replaced by tablets, laptops are on the rise again thanks to Windows 10's arrival, Nvidia's efficient Pascal graphics cards and fresh new Skylake processors from Intel. Between gaming laptops that hook up to liquid-coolers, thin and light Ultrabooks and incredibly affordable Chromebooks, laptops are more plentiful and diverse than ever. So much so that even Microsoft has gotten into the game with the Surface Book, the company's first ever laptop.

With ample variety to choose from, picking the best laptop for your needs is more important than ever. Those who crave fast boot up times on a lightweight machine to carry might drool over an Ultrabook. Serious gamers will gravitate towards gaming laptops tailored to their processing and graphical needs. Meanwhile, those after flexibility might fancy a convertiblelaptop-tablet hybrid.

It might seem overwhelming at first - what with all of the available choices - but we're here to help you find the best laptop for you. Believe us when we say that there is a perfect laptop out there for you. With this guide, you'll find the absolutely best machines available today.

1. Dell XPS 13

Dell's latest Ultrabook is a masterpiece ahead of the curve

CPU: 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-6200U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen:13.3-inch QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800) | Storage: 128GB SSD

Gorgeous bezel-less display

Lightweight, compact frame

Off-center webcam

Small frame limits battery life

The Dell XPS 13 is, bar none, the best laptop you can buy today. It features a revolutionary design that's astonishingly thin and light. Fitting a 13.3-inch screen into an 11-inch frame is no small feat; however, Dell has pulled off a miracle creating a nearly borderless Infinity display. It's a powerful and long lasting machine even by today's Ultrabook standards. The XPS 13 comes outfitted with Intel's latest Skylake processors plus lighting, quick storage and memory, all while coming in at a very affordable starting price. For these reasons, it easily takes the top slot as the best Ultrabook, the best Windows laptop and the best overall laptop.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13

2. Asus ZenBook UX305

Better than the MacBook and at a fraction of the price

CPU: 900MHz Intel Core i5-6200U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen:13.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS display | Storage: 256GB SSD

Incredibly thin and light

Vibrant, glare-free screen

Weak sauce graphics

Tinny speakers

If you're looking for a Windows alternative to Apple's latest rose-tinted MacBook, the Asus ZenBook UX305 might be more your speed. Though it looks like a MacBook clone from every angle, it's actually superior in almost every way. From its purple-tinged aluminum design to its sharp display and hearty helping of built-in storage space, the UX305 puts Windows back in style, fanless design, long battery life and all. And, while the low-cost is enticing, if you're shopping for something with a bit more horsepower (not to mention an even more compact design), look no further than the Asus ZenBook 3.

Read the full review: Asus ZenBook UX305

3. Toshiba Chromebook 2

One of the best looking and most powerful Chromebooks

Gorgeous 1080p screen

Core i3 power

Annoying screen glare

A bit pricey

If a sharp screen and fast machine is what you seek, invest in a Toshiba Chromebook 2. It packs a wonderfully colorful full HD screen and an almost overly capable Intel Core i3 processor. Though this particular model comes at a higher premium than other Chromebooks, there's the option of picking a lower-end Celeron model. Either way, this 13-inch laptop is one of the more attractive Chrome OS machines available today and it can run as fast as the overpowered Google Chromebook Pixel 2.

Read the full review: Toshiba Chromebook 2

4. 13-inch MacBook Air

Light and faster than ever

CPU: 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 6000 | RAM: 8GB | Screen:13.3-inch, LED-backlit glossy display (1,440 x 900) | Storage: 256GB SSD

Excellent battery life

Nippy storage

Dated design

Low-res display

When you're looking for something with rock solid reliability, there's always the MacBook Air. Although the latest iteration sticks to its guns with a dated design and low-resolution screen, the Air isn't showing any signs of slowing down on the performance front. Thanks to a capable CPU, this thin and light machine can handle everything from simple web browsing to serious number crunching and even some light gaming. Sure the New MacBook is lighter and thinner, but it does not come with the Air's spread of full-sized ports nor a 13 hour battery life to last you though an entire day.

Waiting for the MacBook Air 2016 upgrade? It may be right around the corner.

Read the full review: 13-inch MacBook Air (early 2015)

5. Samsung Notebook 9

Greatness doesn't need to break the bank

CPU: 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-6200U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen:13.3-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) LED anti-reflective display | Storage: 256GB

Competitively priced

Nearly perfect display

Micro-sized video ports

Short battery life

The Samsung Notebook 9 may not be the flashiest title on the list, but at $949 it does offer more bang for the buck than you'll see in most laptops. That's because unlike much of the competition now, it's an Ultrabook with a full-fledged Core i5 Skylake processor. That alone makes it effectively more powerful than a MacBook with a better screen resolution than a MacBook Air while still retaining a lower price point. On the downside, it's the battery life that takes a hit as a result.

Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 9

6. Surface Book

The ultimate Windows 10 hybrid laptop

CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-6300U | Graphics: Intel HD graphics 520; Nvidia GeForce graphics |RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.5-inch, 3,000 x 2,000 PixelSense Display | Storage: 256GB PCIe3.0 SSD

Futuristic design

Seamless tablet separation

Battery life falls well below promises

Major updates are still in tow

If you're looking for a more traditional notebook, Microsoft knocked it out of the park with its first ever laptop, the Surface Book. Though it has a peculiar 3:2 aspect ratio and 13.5-inch screen that's outside of the norm for most Ultrabooks, it's one of the best designed convertible laptops ever created. As a standalone tablet, otherwise known as the Clipboard, it's the most powerful and thinnest Windows 10 computers in the world. Then docking the screen into the keyboard base affords it even more performance by way of a discrete GPU.

Read the full review: Surface Book

7. HP Spectre

Thin, powerful and delightfully chic

CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB LPDDR3 SDRAM | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080)IPS UWVA WLED | Storage: 256GB SSD

Tasteful glitz and glam

Tactile keyboard

Below average battery life

Spongy trackpad

One glance at the HP Spectre, and you'd think it belongs in a mansion. What you may be surprised to discover is that not only does it boast a premium appearance, but the HP Spectre is actually more powerful than the latest MacBook and for a lower price at that.

From the beautifully designed gold hinge to the optional Intel Core i7 configuration to the trio of USB-C ports, you'll not only look like you have one of the most capable (not to mention future-proof) laptops around, but you actually will. Although it only boasts a 1080p screen , that criticism is trumped by a work of supreme industrial design.

If there were ever a such thing as a MacBook killer, it would be called the HP Spectre - front and center, folks.

Read the full review: HP Spectre

8. Asus Chromebook Flip

A premium Chromebook that backflips on command

CPU: 1.8GHz Rockchip 3288-C | Graphics: ARM Mali T624 | RAM: 2GB LPDDR3 SDRAM |Screen: 10.1-inch, WXGA (1,280 x 800) IPS multi-touch display | Storage: 16GB eMMC

Fully metal construction

Excessive battery life

Large screen bezels

When most people think of Chromebooks, they might expect some cheap, plastic device that's only just good enough to get them through a day of surfing the web. Asus, on the other hand, offers the fully metal Chromebook Flip that doubles as a tablet just for the heck of it. The 10.1-inch, 2-in-1 Chromebook is an exceedingly light laptop that feels premium to the touch. Thanks its little known Rockchip processor, the Flip can outrun and outlast most other Chrome OS machines.

Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip

9. MacBook (2016)

Gorgeous, thin and light

CPU: 1.1GHz Intel Core m3 (dual-core) | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12-inch, 2304 x 1,440 LED-backlit IPS display | Storage: 256GB SSD

Terrific design

Surprisingly good speakers

Processor is still slow

High cost for low performance

Apple has updated its most attractive laptop yet with an Intel Skylake Core M processor. Still clocking in at 1.1GHz to start, the 2016 MacBook aims at those who don't need power as much as portability and pizazz. The stylish, aluminum unibody design and the Retina display are all back, too. Aside from a 3.5mm headphone jack, the only connector port remains USB-C, though the reversible interface has gained traction since last year's debut. If you're willing to lug cable adapters and take a performance hit in the name of stellar design, the brand new, appetizing Rose Gold finish might be just for you.

Read the full review: MacBook

10. Lenovo Yoga 900

A thoughtfully refined 2-in-1 convertible

CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 16GB | Screen:13.3-inch QHD+ 3,200 x 1,800 IPS display | Storage: 512GB SSD

Gorgeous display

Slim design

Shallow keyboard

Display drivers issues

Whereas the Lenovo Yoga Pro 3 had a winning design and underwhelming performance, the Yoga 900 is the full package. By integrating more powerful Intel Core i-series processors and a larger battery, Lenovo's latest flagship convertible can stand toe-to-toe with most Ultrabooks and even Microsoft's latest Surface Book. All this extra power has only made the Yoga 900 slightly thicker and heavier, however, it still largely retains a very thin and flexible frame for folding back into tablet mode. And, for those looking for the thinnest and lightest convertible machine, Lenovo has made an even more compact Yoga 900S.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 900

11. HP Spectre x360

Striking the perfect balance between a laptop and tablet

CPU: 2.2GHz Intel Core i5-5200 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5500 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 FHD Radiance LED-backlit touchscreen | Storage: 256GB SSD

Superbly thin Excellent performance and battery life

Too heavy for tablet usage

Weirdly wide trackpad

This beauty comes easily as one of our most recommended 2-in-1 laptops. It's one of the best looking and most powerful hybrid notebooks around, and the vibrant, bright display doesn't hurt either. Although it weighs nearly as much as a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro, its dimensions put it more in line with a MacBook Air. Plus, the fully metal body is a nice touch, even if it ends up making it a bit too heavy for prolonged tablet use. Users who want even more power and the best screen possible should look to the new Skylake model with an OLED screen.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360

12. MacBook Pro 13-inch with Retina display

Robust and stunning, the MacBook Pro is as good as old reliable

CPU: 2.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 6100 | RAM: 8GB | Screen:13.3-inch IPS, 2,560 x 1,600 pixels| Storage: 128GB SSD

Faster Processor

Superb battery life

Underdeveloped Force Touch

Unchanged design

The MacBook Pro is a tried and true road warrior. Whether you're a student, graphic designer, desk jockey, photographer, DJ or a simple everyday user, this is one of the most versatile and best laptops ever made. Along with delivering great performance and amazing battery life, this latest MacBook Pro comes with Apple's new fangled Force Touch trackpad giving you access to more gesture commands. It's an even more enticing option when you add up all the bundled freebies including office programs and software upgrades.

If you can wait a few months, though, the rumor mill suggests a MacBook Pro 2016 revision is in the works.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro 13-inch with Retina display (early 2015)

13. HP Spectre x2

A budget Windows tablet filled to the gills with tech

CPU: 1.2GHz Intel Core m7-6Y75 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12-inch, 1,920 x 1,280 WUXGA+ IPS WLED-backlit touchscreen | Storage: 256GB SSD

Ultrathin design

Exceptional Core M performance

Massive bezels

Recessed kickstand

While the Surface Pro 4 has established itself as one of the very best Windows 10 tablets in the market, the HP Spectre x2 is another standout device that comes at a very attractive price. This Intel Core M-powered 12-inch tablet is a smidge thinner while offering long battery life. Aesthetically, the Spectre x2 feels like an even more premium device with a solid metal body and stylish bar-shaped kickstand. It also comes jam packed with tech including a quadruple speakers and a total of three cameras - that said, if you're looking for the best stylus experience, the Surface Pro 4 still takes the cake.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x2

14. HP Chromebook 14

A fun, bright and affordable Chromebook

CPU: 1.83GHz Intel Celeron N2940 processor | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 4GB DDR3 | Screen: 14-inch 1,920 x 1,080 display | Storage: 16GB eMMC

Excellent keyboard and trackpad

Crisp, vivid screen

Not as powerful as some higher-end Chromebooks

Average battery life

With a 14-inch screen, this HP Chromebook isn't the smallest or lightest Chrome OS device out there. However, it strikes a good balance between ample screen space and portability. A top-notch keyboard and trackpad, coupled with a great screen, makes the Chromebook 14 a joy to write and browse the web on for very little money at all. On the other hand, if you're willing to shell out a bit more for an aluminum design and upgraded performance, HP's Chromebook 13 might be more your style.

Read the full review: HP Chromebook 14

15. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga

A 2-in-1 made for enterprise

CPU: Intel Core i7-6600U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 14-inch, 2560 x 1440 resolution QHD IPS touchscreen | Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD

QHD display

Impressive performance

Pricey

Battery life is disappointing

Historically, Lenovo has made itself known for its premium class of business-grade laptops. That continues to be the case with the ThinkPad X1 Yoga, the performance-stacked 2-in-1 complete with a 2,560 x 1,440 (OLED optional) display that's admittedly difficult to look away from. Though the absence of USB-C is questionable, as is the inclusion of Windows 10 Home in favor of Pro, its 14-inch screen is uncommon enough to keep professionals enticed. Unfortunately, the battery life, which we recorded in our review as a mere 3 hours 29 minutes, is the most concerning factor here. Have you an outlet nearby, though, and that concern is easily mollified.

Your ... Empire Of Wisdom

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

15 best laptops you can buy in 2016