Laptop Buying Guide

Top rated laptops for every day.
Best Overall
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14"
An ideal balance between performance and affordability this laptop has you covered with a strong processor, plenty of storage, a quality display, and solid battery life.
Best Performance
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 16"
A laptop built to handle your most demanding needs, equipped with a high-end processor and expanded memory to maximize your multitasking. A PC for the power user.
Best Budget and Value
HP 15.6" (8J0Z6UA)
Offering an unbeatable value for the price, this laptops offers reliable performance and portability for your lighter everyday tasks, like web browsing, emailing, and watching videos.
Avery's Picks. When considering the right Laptop, processor speed, storage capacity, and portability are top of mind for me. Check out a few of my favorite laptops I'd recommend to a friend. Avery C. Tech Expert.
Page 1 of 8
Processor. Think of the Processor(CPU) as the brain of the computer, it follows instructions to do all tasks your computer needs. And the speed that it completes these tasks are represented in their series number. For example, Intel processors typically range from 3 to 9, with 3 being the entry point and 9 being the peak performance option.
Processor
Think of the Processor (CPU) as the brain of the computer, it follows instructions to do all tasks your computer needs. And the speed that it completes these tasks are represented in their series number. For example, Intel processors typically range from 3 to 9, with 3 being the entry point and 9 being the peak performance option.
Memory (RAM)
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that provides temporary storage for data and programs actively in use. The CPU(processor) can quickly access and retrieve this data, enhancing your computers performance. Think of it like a painters palette, holding only the needed paints, or data in this case, that you need for what you're currently working on.
Memory (RAM) RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that provides temporary storage for data and programs actively in use. The CPU(processor) can quickly access and retrieve this data, enhancing your computers performance. Think of it like a painters palette, holding only the needed paints, or data in this case, that you need for what you're currently working on.
Storage. Laptops storage is important for several reasons. All your data, applications, files, images and even your operating system need to fit in this space, so you'll want to make sure you pick the size that fits your needs. Imagine its the library or archive of your computer, everything you've used or saved lives there. Also, keep in mind there are different types of Storage. SSD's are the modern standard, with faster loading times, improved system responsiveness and a lighter weight at a slightly more premium price.
Storage (SSD)
Laptops storage is important for several reasons. All your data, applications, files, images and even your operating system need to fit in this space, so you'll want to make sure you pick the size that fits your needs. Imagine its the library or archive of your computer, everything you've used or saved lives there. Also, keep in mind there are different types of Storage. SSD's are the modern standard, with faster loading times, improved system responsiveness and a lighter weight at a slightly more premium price.
Screen Size
Laptop screen size directly impacts your viewing experience, while it may not contribute to the laptops performance, it does play a large role in overall usability. Larger screens provide more real estate for multi tasking and content readibility, while smaller screens tend to be more portable and lightweight, a bit easier on the go.
Screen size. Laptop screen size directly impacts your viewing experience, while it may not contribute to the laptops performance, it does play a large role in overall usability. Larger screens provide more real estate for multi tasking and content readibility, while smaller screens tend to be more portable and lightweight, a bit easier on the go.
OS System. The Operating System is the primary software component that allows your computer to function. It provides the onscreen user interface while also managing all internal resources and facilitating interactions between all software and hardware components. Simply, without an OS, your laptop just wouldn't work at all.
OS System
The Operating System is the primary software component that allows your computer to function. It provides the onscreen user interface while also managing all internal resources and facilitating interactions between all software and hardware components. Simply, without an OS, your laptop just wouldn't work at all.
Battery Life
Battery Life directly affects the portability and extended usability of your laptop. A longer battery life allows you to use your laptop without being tethered to a power source.
Battery Life. Battery Life directly affects the portability and extended usability of your laptop. A longer battery life allows you to use your laptop without being tethered to a power source.
Graphics Card. A Graphics Card, or GPU, is important because it makes your computer handle visuals better, its like the visual powerhouse of the computer. Its a specialized component that helps with gaming, video editing and graphic design, smoothing out the images and making sure you see all the details you need.
Graphics Card
A Graphics Card, or GPU, is important because it makes your computer handle visuals better, its like the visual powerhouse of the computer. Its a specialized component that helps with gaming, video editing and graphic design, smoothing out the images and making sure you see all the details you need.
Elevate your gaming experience.
Consider Graphics Card, Screen Refresh Rate, and Screen Resolution for optimal gaming.
Let's dig in.
Graphics Card (GPU)
    The most essential component of your gaming setup, a graphics card determines the gaming capabilities and experiences you'll have.
  • The newest generation of NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX cards are the best place to start, then make sure they meet the requirements of the games you enjoy.
  • It's important to consider how many frames per second the graphics card you choose is capable of outputting. A higher frame rate means smoother and more responsive gameplay.
Refresh Rate
    Refresh Rate, measured in Hertz, refers to how many times per second the screen updates, or refreshes the image.
  • Common refresh rates are 60Hz, 100Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz. 60Hz is standard for casual gaming, and 144Hz+ for more serious gamers.
  • Consider how many frames your computer is capable of so you pick a screen to match and reduce motion blur.
  • Response Time is the amount of milliseconds it takes for a pixel on the screen to transition colors. For gaming, less than 5 ms is recommended.
Screen Resolution
    Whether it's the clarity of FHD, the heightened details of QHD, or the breathtaking precision of 4K, each option promises an extraordinary viewing experience.
  • Full HD: The starting point for a quality gaming experience, measured as 1920 pixels horizontally by 1080 pixels vertically.
  • Quad HD: Elevate your viewing with four times the resolution of FHD, these screens measure 2560x1440 or 1440p.
  • 4K: Immerse yourself with four times the pixels of QHD. These top-tier screens measure at 3840x2160.
find your pc. answer a few questions and we'll match you with a laptop
ai buying guide. learn more about ai tech and how it helps improve everyday tasks. learn more.
Best Selling Computer Accessories
Shop now
Best Selling Computer Accessories
Additional Services
Tech Help+
  • Support is offered for all your connected devices across your household – not just a single device.
  • Support even if your product was purchased outside of Staples.
  • 24/7 Tech Help available from set-up to troubleshooting.
Tech Recycling
  • Environmentally Responsible Recycling & Guaranteed Secure Data Destruction.
  • Prepaid 2-way shipping.
  • 100% contactless recycling of your old electronic devices.
Staples Accident Protection & Tech Plan
  • From repair to replacement, we've got you covered with no additional fees or deductibles. We'll keep you up and running!
  • Covers drops, spills, and cracked screens on tablets and laptops (ADH).
  • Easy online claims, available 24/7.
  • No deductibles. No additional fees. Covers parts and labor.
All the brands you know and love.