Computing Buyer Guides

Refurbished vs new laptops: which is better value?

New and refurbished laptops can both be good buys, but the better choice depends on specification, condition notes, warranty cover, retailer stock and how long you expect to keep the device.New and refurbished laptops can both be good buys, but the better choice depends on specification, condition notes, warranty cover, retailer stock and how long you expect to keep the device.New and refurbished laptops can both be good buys, but the better choice depends on specification, condition notes, warranty cover, retailer stock and how long you expect to keep the device.New and refurbished laptops can both be good buys, but the better choice depends on specification,…

Best laptop deals from major UK retailers

Big discounts are only part of the story. A good laptop offer should still give you the right screen size, performance, storage, portability and software fit for work, study, streaming or gaming.Big discounts are only part of the story. A good laptop offer should still give you the right screen size, performance, storage, portability and software fit for work, study, streaming or gaming.Big discounts are only part of the story. A good laptop offer should still give you the right screen size, performance, storage, portability and software fit for work, study, streaming or gaming.Big discounts are only part of the story. A good laptop offer should still give you the right scree…

Best laptops with OLED displays

A sharper screen is only part of the decision. Learn how to filter OLED laptop options and compare the specification that really matters before you buy.A sharper screen is only part of the decision. Learn how to filter OLED laptop options and compare the specification that really matters before you buy.A sharper screen is only part of the decision. Learn how to filter OLED laptop options and compare the specification that really matters before you buy.A sharper screen is only part of the decision. Learn how to filter OLED laptop options and compare…

13-inch vs 15-inch vs 17-inch laptops: which size is best?

Choosing between a compact laptop, a mainstream 15-inch model and a larger desktop-replacement machine is really a trade-off between portability and productivity. Here’s how to compare the options sensibly.Choosing between a compact laptop, a mainstream 15-inch model and a larger desktop-replacement machine is really a trade-off between portability and productivity. Here’s how to compare the options sensibly.Choosing between a compact laptop, a mainstream 15-inch model and a larger desktop-replacement machine is really a trade-off between portability and productivity. Here’s how to compare the options sensibly.Choosing between a compact laptop, a mainstream 15-inch model and a larger desktop-replacement mach…

256GB vs 512GB vs 1TB laptop storage: which should you choose?

Choosing between 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage? Here’s how to compare laptop listings by capacity, SSD type, price difference and everyday use, so you can avoid paying for space you will not use or buying too little.Choosing between 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage? Here’s how to compare laptop listings by capacity, SSD type, price difference and everyday use, so you can avoid paying for space you will not use or buying too little.Choosing between 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage? Here’s how to compare laptop listings by capacity, SSD type, price difference and everyday use, so you can avoid paying for space you will not use or buying too little.Choosing between 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage? Here’s how to compare laptop listings by capacity, S…

How much RAM do you need in a laptop?

Before choosing between 8GB, 16GB and higher memory, compare RAM with the processor, storage, graphics and the type of laptop you actually need.Before choosing between 8GB, 16GB and higher memory, compare RAM with the processor, storage, graphics and the type of laptop you actually need.Before choosing between 8GB, 16GB and higher memory, compare RAM with the processor, storage, graphics and the type of laptop you actually need.Before choosing between 8GB, 16GB and higher memory, compare RAM with the processor, storage, graph…

Best lightweight laptops for travel and commuting

Commuters need a laptop that fits a bag, works comfortably on a train or café table, and does not force too many compromises. We rank current catalogue options by portability signals, value and availability, with clear checks to make before buying.Commuters need a laptop that fits a bag, works comfortably on a train or café table, and does not force too many compromises. We rank current catalogue options by portability signals, value and availability, with clear checks to make before buying.Commuters need a laptop that fits a bag, works comfortably on a train or café table, and does not force too many compromises. We rank current catalogue options by portability signals, value and availability, with clear checks to make before buying.Commuters need a laptop that fits a bag, works comfortably on a train or café table, and does not f…

HP vs Dell laptops: which is right for work and study?

Choosing between HP and Dell for work or study? Focus on the model’s processor, RAM, storage, display and portability, then compare current offers to see which brand gives you the stronger overall package.Choosing between HP and Dell for work or study? Focus on the model’s processor, RAM, storage, display and portability, then compare current offers to see which brand gives you the stronger overall package.Choosing between HP and Dell for work or study? Focus on the model’s processor, RAM, storage, display and portability, then compare current offers to see which brand gives you the stronger overall package.Choosing between HP and Dell for work or study? Focus on the model’s processor, RAM, storage, displ…

ASUS vs Lenovo laptops: which brand offers better value?

Choosing between ASUS and Lenovo? Focus on the processor, memory, screen, storage and the type of work you actually do, then compare live offers carefully rather than relying on brand reputation alone.Choosing between ASUS and Lenovo? Focus on the processor, memory, screen, storage and the type of work you actually do, then compare live offers carefully rather than relying on brand reputation alone.Choosing between ASUS and Lenovo? Focus on the processor, memory, screen, storage and the type of work you actually do, then compare live offers carefully rather than relying on brand reputation alone.Choosing between ASUS and Lenovo? Focus on the processor, memory, screen, storage and the type of w…

Apple macbook vs windows laptop: which should you buy?

MacBooks suit shoppers already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, while Windows laptops give you broader choice across brands, screen sizes and budgets. Here’s how to compare the options sensibly before you buy.MacBooks suit shoppers already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, while Windows laptops give you broader choice across brands, screen sizes and budgets. Here’s how to compare the options sensibly before you buy.MacBooks suit shoppers already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, while Windows laptops give you broader choice across brands, screen sizes and budgets. Here’s how to compare the options sensibly before you buy.MacBooks suit shoppers already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, while Windows laptops give you broade…

Best student laptops for university

Choosing a student laptop is a balancing act: enough RAM and storage for coursework, a screen you can work on comfortably, and a weight you will not resent carrying around campus. Here is how to compare portable models and retailer offers sensibly.Choosing a student laptop is a balancing act: enough RAM and storage for coursework, a screen you can work on comfortably, and a weight you will not resent carrying around campus. Here is how to compare portable models and retailer offers sensibly.Choosing a student laptop is a balancing act: enough RAM and storage for coursework, a screen you can work on comfortably, and a weight you will not resent carrying around campus. Here is how to compare portable models and retailer offers sensibly.Choosing a student laptop is a balancing act: enough RAM and storage for coursework, a screen you c…

Best tablets for drawing and digital art

Choosing a drawing tablet is less about buying the biggest screen and more about matching pen support, app compatibility and budget. Here’s how to compare Tablets for sketching, note-making, illustration and portable art without overpaying for features you may not use.Choosing a drawing tablet is less about buying the biggest screen and more about matching pen support, app compatibility and budget. Here’s how to compare Tablets for sketching, note-making, illustration and portable art without overpaying for features you may not use.Choosing a drawing tablet is less about buying the biggest screen and more about matching pen support, app compatibility and budget. Here’s how to compare Tablets for sketching, note-making, illustration and portable art without overpaying for features you may not use.Choosing a drawing tablet is less about buying the biggest screen and more about matching pen suppo…

Tablet screen sizes compared: 8-inch, 10-inch or 12-inch?

Choosing between a compact 8-inch tablet, an all-round 10 or 11-inch model and a larger 12-inch screen comes down to portability, viewing comfort, storage and value. Compare the specs that genuinely affect day-to-day use before you decide.Choosing between a compact 8-inch tablet, an all-round 10 or 11-inch model and a larger 12-inch screen comes down to portability, viewing comfort, storage and value. Compare the specs that genuinely affect day-to-day use before you decide.Choosing between a compact 8-inch tablet, an all-round 10 or 11-inch model and a larger 12-inch screen comes down to portability, viewing comfort, storage and value. Compare the specs that genuinely affect day-to-day use before you decide.Choosing between a compact 8-inch tablet, an all-round 10 or 11-inch model and a larger 12-inch scr…

Best iPad for your budget

A budget-led look at iPad choices, from entry-level everyday use to larger-screen creative setups, with tips on storage, Wi-Fi versus cellular and when a non-Apple tablet may be better value.A budget-led look at iPad choices, from entry-level everyday use to larger-screen creative setups, with tips on storage, Wi-Fi versus cellular and when a non-Apple tablet may be better value.A budget-led look at iPad choices, from entry-level everyday use to larger-screen creative setups, with tips on storage, Wi-Fi versus cellular and when a non-Apple tablet may be better value.A budget-led look at iPad choices, from entry-level everyday use to larger-screen creative setups,…

Best Android tablets for everyday use

Choosing between Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon Fire and other Android-style tablets can be confusing when the offers look similar. Focus on the trade-offs that matter: display size, storage, RAM, Wi-Fi or 5G, software ecosystem and stock availability.Choosing between Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon Fire and other Android-style tablets can be confusing when the offers look similar. Focus on the trade-offs that matter: display size, storage, RAM, Wi-Fi or 5G, software ecosystem and stock availability.Choosing between Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon Fire and other Android-style tablets can be confusing when the offers look similar. Focus on the trade-offs that matter: display size, storage, RAM, Wi-Fi or 5G, software ecosystem and stock availability.Choosing between Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon Fire and other Android-style tablets can be confusing when…

Best tablets with a stylus

Choosing a tablet for note-taking, sketching or document markup? Compare stylus compatibility, screen size, storage, weight and bundle details before you focus on the headline offer.Choosing a tablet for note-taking, sketching or document markup? Compare stylus compatibility, screen size, storage, weight and bundle details before you focus on the headline offer.Choosing a tablet for note-taking, sketching or document markup? Compare stylus compatibility, screen size, storage, weight and bundle details before you focus on the headline offer.Choosing a tablet for note-taking, sketching or document markup? Compare stylus compatibility, scre…

iPad vs Samsung galaxy tab: which should you buy?

Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab ranges both cover everyday browsing, streaming, study and creative work, but the best choice depends on what you already own and which live tablet deals are strongest.Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab ranges both cover everyday browsing, streaming, study and creative work, but the best choice depends on what you already own and which live tablet deals are strongest.Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab ranges both cover everyday browsing, streaming, study and creative work, but the best choice depends on what you already own and which live tablet deals are strongest.Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab ranges both cover everyday browsing, streaming, study and creativ…

New vs refurbished tablets: which is better value?

New and refurbished tablet listings can look very similar at first glance. Here’s how to compare them properly, from storage and condition to warranty details and retailer availability.New and refurbished tablet listings can look very similar at first glance. Here’s how to compare them properly, from storage and condition to warranty details and retailer availability.New and refurbished tablet listings can look very similar at first glance. Here’s how to compare them properly, from storage and condition to warranty details and retailer availability.New and refurbished tablet listings can look very similar at first glance. Here’s how to compare th…