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1).The best Macbook for creators
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is an expensive laptop, but now that the 2023 model is out, we expect that shoppers will be able to find discounts. If you can find one, you'll almost certainly be satisfied with what this machine can do.
In our benchmarks, which test a variety of creative tasks including encoding, playback, and export time, the MacBook Pro 16 did better than any laptop we've ever used — the only other machines that have come close to matching this thing in some of our benchmarks are high-end desktop PCs. The battery life is also record-shattering. The 16-inch configuration with the M1 Pro processor lasted 16 hours in my testing — making it the longest-lasting laptop we've ever reviewed. (The M1 Max configuration doesn't last quite as long, but still got us through a work day.)
Elsewhere, we have basically no complaints about the newest MacBook Pro. It has a gorgeous display that can reach 1,000 nits when playing HDR content. It pairs that with the best set of speakers we've ever heard from a laptop. And these Pro models can output to multiple external displays, while the Air is limited to one.
If you're looking for a machine that can accommodate a demanding workload while also serving as an excellent multimedia device when you're off the clock, the MacBook Pro 16 is the best device for you.
The new 16-inch MacBook Pro is a creative powerhouse equipped with Apple's latest silicon. Configurable with either the M1 Pro or M1 Max, the 16-inch screen can be lent out to up to three external displays and a 4K TV simultaneously thanks to its vast array of ports.
14-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro (2021)
$2049
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is a stellar laptop in many ways, with a brilliant display, a great keyboard, fast specs, and several useful ports.
2). HP Spectre x360
It's hard to come up with a single complaint about the Spectre x360 14. It's a drop-dead gorgeous machine with a sturdy build and a premium look and feel.
But the Spectre x360 14 isn't just pretty to look at: it's also a pleasure to use as a daily work driver. Intel's latest 11th Gen processors and Iris Xe integrated graphics deliver snappy performance with no slowdown or freezes that we observed. And we got an average of 10 hours of battery life out of the device — one of the best results we've ever seen.
On the outside, the Spectre includes a roomy 3:2 display, and if FHD resolution doesn't suit your fancy, there are OLED and 1,000-nit options available. There's even a packaged stylus, which attaches magnetically to the side of the Spectre — handy if you're using the device as a tablet. Pretty much every other aspect of this laptop, from its comfortable keyboard and smooth touchpad to its bass-heavy audio and practical port selection, rivals or exceeds the best convertibles on the market.
Such an exceptional package of features doesn't come cheap, and many customers will find everything they need in a less expensive product. But the Spectre x360 14 is the new gold standard of Windows convertibles. Overall, it's the best Windows laptop you can buy. Read our HP Spectre x360 14 review.
HP Spectre x360 14
$1550
The HP Spectre x360 14 is the best 2-in-1 laptop of 2022.
3) Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 is a compact and reliable laptop. Its beautiful chassis, excellent 16:10 display, and great performance make it an excellent choice for general-purpose users. My review unit (an i7 model) blew through the work tasks I needed it to do without any slowdown or heat. It did quite well in both gaming and media work.
There is also a fancier Dell XPS 13 Plus available for purchase, which will include all kinds of new features the XPS 13 doesn't have including an OLED display option, borderless haptic touchpad, and LED touch function keys. We're looking forward to reviewing that model very soon. Read Dell XPS 13 review.
Dell XPS 13
$849
Dell's XPS 13 is the ultimate execution on the traditional thin-and-light clamshell laptop design. It's sleek and compact, has a great keyboard and trackpad, and has excellent performance.
