From gaming laptops to 2-in-1 options, rugged designs to ultra-thin models, you can find the best laptop for your lifestyle, courtesy of these brands.
Best-reviewed
Lenovo
While you wouldn’t think it, Lenovo is the brand to check out if you’re looking for some of the best-reviewed laptops out there.
Best for gaming
Razer
When it comes to PC gaming, Razer is a premiere name, offering premium laptops in a thin body without sacrificing power.
Best customer support
Apple
Apple doesn’t just offer premium laptops — their premium customer service ensures that those who buy a MacBook will have it for years to come.
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers.If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
To survive in today’s world, a laptop is pretty much a necessity. Whether you’re a contractor using a 2-in-1 to show off floor plans, or a college student who needs a Chromebook for class, they make life much more manageable in terms of keeping track of your goals and getting things done.
But with all the different big-name brands like Apple, Dell, and Microsoft offering every type of laptop you could possibly imagine, the waters can get a little muddy when it comes to choosing the right one for you.
SEE ALSO: Best laptops for kids
At first glance, that’s not an easy question to answer. Since there are laptops capable of doing everything you could want or need, it almost seems impossible to find “the one.” It can be even more difficult when trying to separate these devices by brand, and trying to find out what advantages some companies offer over others.
How do I go about shopping for a new laptop?
Choosing a laptop is mostly dependent on what you’ll be using it for. Beginner laptop owners need something user-friendly and straightforward, frequent travelers need something light with a long battery life, designers and gamers need top-notch 4K graphics and quick central processors, and everyone needs something that will last.
WATCH: Here are our favorite laptop brands of 2020
Take stock of what you need and want you’d like your new computer to accomplish. Do you want to be able to zip between browser tabs at lightning speed? Do you want to able to run video games? Do you need to be able to switch from a laptop to a tablet at a moment’s notice? Answering these questions will help you narrow down exactly what type of laptop you need, and in turn, what brands you should be directing your attention to.
What size laptop should I be looking for?
This will ultimately be decided by two factors: Personal preference and lifestyle.
On the personal preference front, you really just need to figure out if you want a huge display, or something more portable that you can chuck into your backpack.
Lifestyle is where practicality comes into play. If you travel often and usually have your computer on your person in some way, you’re going to want to go with something more light and compact. On the other hand, if you’re a huge movie buff or graphic designer who doesn’t normally take their laptop on the road with them, spring for a 15-inch (and higher) screen.
How much should I spend on a new laptop?
It’s hard to say — at the end of the day, it’s really going to come down to your budget.
You should really think hard about what you’re going to use your laptop for. If you need a device with lots of power under the hood and ample storage space, aim for something in the $800 and beyond range. If you’re only using your laptop to edit the occasional Google Doc or Excel spreadsheet, then you can probably get away with spending below the $500 mark. Remember: Don’t blow your savings if you don’t need to.
Is a cheaper laptop even worth it?
When it comes to tech in general, you really do get what you pay for. But, thanks to the bar-raising devices that have come out in the last few years, a cheap laptop can actually take you pretty far. It’s all about knowing which one to select — depending on what you use your laptop for the most, staying stingy might be your best option. (Here are our favorite budget-friendly laptop models under $500, and the best under $300, for reference.)
So, what laptop brand should I pick, then?
If you’re looking to invest in some new tech for 2020, we set out to help make that search a little bit easier. By diving deep into each brand’s strengths and weaknesses, we distilled the options down to what we think should be the most worthy of your consideration. From customer reviews, to body design, to brand alternatives, and more, these are the best laptop brands to shop from in 2020.
Excellent reviews across the board • Wide selection of laptops
Poor customer support
With a large selection of laptops, Lenovo is the brand to lean on for consistently positive reviews.
Lenovo
While you wouldn’t think it, Lenovo is the brand to check out if you’re looking for some of the best-reviewed laptops out there.-
Popular line:
ThinkPad -
Chromebooks available:
No -
2-in-1s available:
Yes
A laptop could look like the best thing since sliced bread on paper, but if it’s poorly reviewed, that could be the kiss of death. Expensive tech should deliver on the claims it makes, and if people are saying that it doesn’t, consumers should stay wary.
Positive reviews, especially when it comes to laptops, are still the best barometer to go by when looking for a new device. And for 2020, no brand has been as well-reviewed as Lenovo.
At first glance, you may find it surprising that Lenovo is the best-reviewed laptop brand, especially when put up against other names like Apple, Microsoft, or HP. While these aren’t poorly reviewed by any stretch of the imagination, it’s simply the fact that from laptop to laptop, Lenovo keeps a level of consistency across its products that contribute to those positive reviews — they’ve built trust with their across-the-board high-quality performance.
The ThinkPad line is Lenovo’s go-to iteration of laptops for anyone searching for an excellent, well-rounded device — like the T470. The sturdy design and long-lasting build quality, speedy performance under the hood, and impressive battery life make it a well-rounded piece of hardware. The X1 Carbon is also reviewed very well across the media landscape (including customer ratings, too) — the most common praises being the Carbon’s thin design and battery life, among a slew of other features.
On the whole, Lenovo has maintained a level consistency that has been reflected in their positive reviews leading up to this point — if that’s a deciding factor in finding your perfect laptop in 2020, Lenovo is a go-to choice.
Positive reviews, especially when it comes to laptops, are still the best barometer to go by when looking for a new device. And for 2020, no brand has been as well-reviewed as Lenovo.
At first glance, you may find it surprising that Lenovo is the best-reviewed laptop brand, especially when put up against other names like Apple, Microsoft, or HP. While these aren’t poorly reviewed by any stretch of the imagination, it’s simply the fact that from laptop to laptop, Lenovo keeps a level of consistency across its products that contribute to those positive reviews — they’ve built trust with their across-the-board high-quality performance.
The ThinkPad line is Lenovo’s go-to iteration of laptops for anyone searching for an excellent, well-rounded device — like the T470. The sturdy design and long-lasting build quality, speedy performance under the hood, and impressive battery life make it a well-rounded piece of hardware. The X1 Carbon is also reviewed very well across the media landscape (including customer ratings, too) — the most common praises being the Carbon’s thin design and battery life, among a slew of other features.
On the whole, Lenovo has maintained a level consistency that has been reflected in their positive reviews leading up to this point — if that’s a deciding factor in finding your perfect laptop in 2020, Lenovo is a go-to choice.
Excellent customer service • macOS offers smooth performance
No major changes to hardware • Limited choice
Customer support can make or break someone’s experience, and no one does it better with laptops than Apple.
Apple
Apple doesn’t just offer premium laptops — their premium customer service ensures that those who buy a MacBook will have it for years to come.-
Popular line:
MacBook -
Chromebooks available:
No -
2-in-1s available:
No
As great as modern technology is, we still haven’t reached a point where everything works 100% of the time (and we probably never will — that’s just the nature of pushing technology to its limits). That’s why it’s important to have good customer support to keep the user base happy, and keep products lasting as long as they possibly can. No company does that better right now than Apple.
In a way, it’s almost a necessity for Apple to invest in its customer support, given the quality (and high price tag) of their products. That doesn’t mean their newer MacBooks are low quality, it’s the opposite — it’s all about ensuring longevity. When you buy a MacBook, you’re buying the customer support that comes after your purchase, too, so it shouldn’t be all that surprising that it’s good.
Thankfully, Apple consistently (well, mostly consistently) lives up to its users’ expectations. Apple Care agents normally respond quickly to questions about laptop functions or possible difficulties, whether it be on the Apple website, social media, or the long-forgotten “phone call.” If you need to get your MacBook serviced, you can take it to the closest Apple Store to get it checked out — just be sure to make an appointment, or you’ll be waiting for quite a while.
And if you have AppleCare+, accidental damage is covered for those surprise drops and cracks. There are usually some light repair fees, but it’s still better than having to drop another $2,800 on a brand-new computer.
Customer support can be the “be all, end all” when it comes to a company’s consumer trust, though it’s true that you generally tend to hear more about negative experiences than positive ones. Thankfully, Apple has been able to stay on the opposite side of that, so if you need your MacBook checked out, you’ll be in good hands.
In a way, it’s almost a necessity for Apple to invest in its customer support, given the quality (and high price tag) of their products. That doesn’t mean their newer MacBooks are low quality, it’s the opposite — it’s all about ensuring longevity. When you buy a MacBook, you’re buying the customer support that comes after your purchase, too, so it shouldn’t be all that surprising that it’s good.
Thankfully, Apple consistently (well, mostly consistently) lives up to its users’ expectations. Apple Care agents normally respond quickly to questions about laptop functions or possible difficulties, whether it be on the Apple website, social media, or the long-forgotten “phone call.” If you need to get your MacBook serviced, you can take it to the closest Apple Store to get it checked out — just be sure to make an appointment, or you’ll be waiting for quite a while.
And if you have AppleCare+, accidental damage is covered for those surprise drops and cracks. There are usually some light repair fees, but it’s still better than having to drop another $2,800 on a brand-new computer.
Customer support can be the “be all, end all” when it comes to a company’s consumer trust, though it’s true that you generally tend to hear more about negative experiences than positive ones. Thankfully, Apple has been able to stay on the opposite side of that, so if you need your MacBook checked out, you’ll be in good hands.
High-end gaming on-the-go • Thin design without sacrificing power
Very limited model options for now
Razer offers desktop power in a thin laptop body for gamers on-the-go.
Razer
When it comes to PC gaming, Razer is a premiere name, offering premium laptops in a thin body without sacrificing power.-
Popular line:
Blade -
Chromebooks available:
No -
2-in-1s available:
No -
Available at:
Amazon, Best Buy
When it comes to PC gaming, the right name definitely makes a difference. Sure, companies like Asus might offer their own gaming laptops, but if you’re looking exclusively in the gaming computer space, there might be no better name than Razer.
Started in 2005, Razer broke into PC gaming with the Boomslang mouse, and it was off to the races. Today, Razer peripherals are among the best products you can get to round out a gaming PC setup. Whether it’s a mouse with high DPI for responsive movement, a keyboard with mechanical switches for faster input, or a THX-infused surround sound headset, you can find some of the best accessories on the market from this company.
In the last few years, Razer also expanded into gaming laptops with the Razer Blade line. As opposed to other gaming laptops that lean on the bulkier side, Razer has been able to pack plenty of power into extremely slim bodies.
The model that captures this best is the 4K version of the Razer Blade Pro 17. Packing a GeForce GTX 1080 graphics and an Intel Core i7 processor, it isn’t lacking in the performance department. And since it’s VR-ready, you’ll finally be able to get yourself an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive without worrying about compatibility. There’s also the Razer Blade Stealth for anyone who doesn’t have the cash to drop on the more expensive Blade Pro 17. Just keep in mind, affordable pricing for Razer is still around $1,499 (which isn’t off-base for high-end gaming laptops).
One final bit worth mentioning that makes Razer special is that it’s still an independent company. Most big brands in the space serve as an arm to a parent company — Alienware is owned by Dell, for instance. This means that any Alienware laptop you get, while excellent, are still Dell laptops at their core. Since Razer is its own company, any product you get is distinctly Razer and allows them to stand out from the pack.
Started in 2005, Razer broke into PC gaming with the Boomslang mouse, and it was off to the races. Today, Razer peripherals are among the best products you can get to round out a gaming PC setup. Whether it’s a mouse with high DPI for responsive movement, a keyboard with mechanical switches for faster input, or a THX-infused surround sound headset, you can find some of the best accessories on the market from this company.
In the last few years, Razer also expanded into gaming laptops with the Razer Blade line. As opposed to other gaming laptops that lean on the bulkier side, Razer has been able to pack plenty of power into extremely slim bodies.
The model that captures this best is the 4K version of the Razer Blade Pro 17. Packing a GeForce GTX 1080 graphics and an Intel Core i7 processor, it isn’t lacking in the performance department. And since it’s VR-ready, you’ll finally be able to get yourself an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive without worrying about compatibility. There’s also the Razer Blade Stealth for anyone who doesn’t have the cash to drop on the more expensive Blade Pro 17. Just keep in mind, affordable pricing for Razer is still around $1,499 (which isn’t off-base for high-end gaming laptops).
One final bit worth mentioning that makes Razer special is that it’s still an independent company. Most big brands in the space serve as an arm to a parent company — Alienware is owned by Dell, for instance. This means that any Alienware laptop you get, while excellent, are still Dell laptops at their core. Since Razer is its own company, any product you get is distinctly Razer and allows them to stand out from the pack.
Spectre series is a great 2-in-1 option • Great customer service and warranty options • Easily adoptable into your daily life
Still has a slight bit of catching up to do against competitors, but it still deserves a place on this list
While HP isn’t the #1 laptop brand in the world at this point, their great Spectre 2-in-1 line and superior customer service make it a worthwhile option to look into.
HP
It may not be your first choice, but if quality customer service and an excellent 2-in-1 laptop line are important to you, don’t sleep on HP in 2020.-
Popular Line:
Spectre -
Chromebooks available:
Yes -
2-in-1s available:
Yes
In recent years, HP has really come into its own with its line of laptops, gaining a newfound reputation that can hold its own against the tech contemporaries of today.
Taking inspiration from competitors like Microsoft and Dell, HP has really raised the bar on ultra-portable, multifunctional laptops. Their more popular lines, like the aforementioned Spectre series and Envy devices, boast compact constructions, high processing speeds, and the propensity to fit nicely into a large swathe of lifestyles — from students, to working professionals, to content creators, and everyone in between.
The Spectre 2-in-1 series is actually a great, more affordable alternative to the Microsoft surface, packing in a gorgeous, vibrant display that’ll put a smile on any mobile movie buff or graphic designer’s face.
To top it all off, HP has really stepped it up in the customer service department, with countless reviewers waxing poetic about their comprehensive warranties that can garner you some much-needed protection for your tech in the long run.
If you’re looking for a more reasonably priced laptop alternative in 2020, or just need a high-quality 2-in-1 device, be sure to keep an eye on HP.
Taking inspiration from competitors like Microsoft and Dell, HP has really raised the bar on ultra-portable, multifunctional laptops. Their more popular lines, like the aforementioned Spectre series and Envy devices, boast compact constructions, high processing speeds, and the propensity to fit nicely into a large swathe of lifestyles — from students, to working professionals, to content creators, and everyone in between.
The Spectre 2-in-1 series is actually a great, more affordable alternative to the Microsoft surface, packing in a gorgeous, vibrant display that’ll put a smile on any mobile movie buff or graphic designer’s face.
To top it all off, HP has really stepped it up in the customer service department, with countless reviewers waxing poetic about their comprehensive warranties that can garner you some much-needed protection for your tech in the long run.
If you’re looking for a more reasonably priced laptop alternative in 2020, or just need a high-quality 2-in-1 device, be sure to keep an eye on HP.
Varied, well designed bodies • Wide range of choice
Lackluster customer support
With every choice serving a purpose, Asus offers some of the best and creative body design of any laptop brand on the market.
Asus
Whether it’s the durability of the affordable Chromebooks, or the extra cooling on the Zephyrus, Asus’ body design is second to none.-
Popular line:
VivoBook -
Chromebooks available:
Yes -
2-in-1s available:
Yes
Compared to years ago, most laptops today are extremely well designed. Whether it’s a slim, slick MacBook, or the durable body of an Acer Chromebook, it’s a far cry from the hard-plastic body of the old IBM laptops from the early 2000s. For 2020, Asus stands above all when it comes to design.
On one end, you have the more affordable Chromebooks and laptops that share some design points with other laptops at that scale, like hard plastic. The difference is that while other brands, like Dell or HP, are trying to save on cost, Asus finds a purpose for it. Case in point: the VivoBook W202NA. Asus designed the laptop with a combination of plastic and rubber to provide a more rugged and durable notebook that won’t succumb to drops. Thus, it’s serving a purpose in keeping the laptop working and in one piece, rather than just offering a cheaper device.
As you move up to mid-tier and high-end models, they truly exemplify the design mastery of Asus. Generally, Asus laptops sport a sleek, almost circular design with a brush metal look on most of their general models. Possibly the most visually striking and uniquely designed version offered is the ROG Zephyrus. While it’s a little more of a normal, angular build, the Zephyrus sports a surprisingly thin profile for the power it’s packing. On top of that, the bottom of the laptop flexes open, allowing the device to run cooler and quieter than other high-powered laptops.
These are the kinds of fine details that highlight the superb laptop design of Asus compared to other brands. That’s not to say that other brands have poor designs, but considering how distinct Asus manages to make their laptops feel, the design team deserves all the praise in the world.
On one end, you have the more affordable Chromebooks and laptops that share some design points with other laptops at that scale, like hard plastic. The difference is that while other brands, like Dell or HP, are trying to save on cost, Asus finds a purpose for it. Case in point: the VivoBook W202NA. Asus designed the laptop with a combination of plastic and rubber to provide a more rugged and durable notebook that won’t succumb to drops. Thus, it’s serving a purpose in keeping the laptop working and in one piece, rather than just offering a cheaper device.
As you move up to mid-tier and high-end models, they truly exemplify the design mastery of Asus. Generally, Asus laptops sport a sleek, almost circular design with a brush metal look on most of their general models. Possibly the most visually striking and uniquely designed version offered is the ROG Zephyrus. While it’s a little more of a normal, angular build, the Zephyrus sports a surprisingly thin profile for the power it’s packing. On top of that, the bottom of the laptop flexes open, allowing the device to run cooler and quieter than other high-powered laptops.
These are the kinds of fine details that highlight the superb laptop design of Asus compared to other brands. That’s not to say that other brands have poor designs, but considering how distinct Asus manages to make their laptops feel, the design team deserves all the praise in the world.
Widest range of models available • Excellent value at all prices
Customer support has been in decline, according to customer reviews
Acer is the brand to look at in 2020 for the best and most varied selection of laptops.
Acer
If variety is the spice of life, then Acer is as spicy as it gets thanks to their selection of laptops.-
Popular line:
E series -
Chromebooks available:
Yes -
2-in-1s:
Yes
Variety, as they say, is the spice of life. Giving someone choice means they’re more likely to find what they need, meaning another happy and loyal customer. And if you can offer that kind of choice with laptops, that’s even better. It’s this philosophy that has made Acer a go-to brand for 2020.
For anyone who needs a personal device for work or school, Acer has plenty of Chromebooks to choose from. For example, there’s the Chromebook 11 N7, which is a match made in heaven for students — the general body design, which is far more durable than most other Chromebooks, is impact-resistant. So, if you drop the N7, it shouldn’t crack or break under the pressure. Another bonus is the drain design, so if you accidentally spill some water on the keyboard, it won’t reach the components and fry the entire computer.
If you’re looking for something on the other, more high-end part of the spectrum, there’s plenty to choose from that provide both power and versatility. The best example of this is the Nitro 5 Spin, Acer’s 2-in-1 gaming laptop. The beauty of this device is how it delivers for two kinds of people — budget gamers, as well as working professionals. It includes an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card, making it perfect for anyone who needs a reliable gaming rig without breaking the bank. And since it’s a 2-in-1, it can be a great companion for those who need a high-powered laptop, instead of Chromebook.
Those are just two examples of the laptops available from Acer — there are plenty of others available from across the quality spectrum, from laptops that sport a mid-tier design, to the Predator gaming line that offers massive power in a portable package. Whatever you’re looking for, Acer most likely has it.
For anyone who needs a personal device for work or school, Acer has plenty of Chromebooks to choose from. For example, there’s the Chromebook 11 N7, which is a match made in heaven for students — the general body design, which is far more durable than most other Chromebooks, is impact-resistant. So, if you drop the N7, it shouldn’t crack or break under the pressure. Another bonus is the drain design, so if you accidentally spill some water on the keyboard, it won’t reach the components and fry the entire computer.
If you’re looking for something on the other, more high-end part of the spectrum, there’s plenty to choose from that provide both power and versatility. The best example of this is the Nitro 5 Spin, Acer’s 2-in-1 gaming laptop. The beauty of this device is how it delivers for two kinds of people — budget gamers, as well as working professionals. It includes an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card, making it perfect for anyone who needs a reliable gaming rig without breaking the bank. And since it’s a 2-in-1, it can be a great companion for those who need a high-powered laptop, instead of Chromebook.
Those are just two examples of the laptops available from Acer — there are plenty of others available from across the quality spectrum, from laptops that sport a mid-tier design, to the Predator gaming line that offers massive power in a portable package. Whatever you’re looking for, Acer most likely has it.
Dedicated, personalized customer support • Brand always innovates on previous models
Mid and low-tier laptops can be pretty lackluster
Dell continues to push the envelope with new ideas and innovations on some of their newest laptops.
Dell
Whether it’s space-grade heating materials or unrivaled settings customization, Dell continues to push laptop boundaries.-
Popular line:
Inspiron -
Chromebooks available:
Yes -
2-in-1s available:
Yes
Innovation is a big driver for success in the tech world. We are constantly looking for the next thing to make life that much easier. And when it comes to laptops, no company has been better about pushing the envelope than Dell.
Considering how many arms it has, from supplying Intel Core processors to seemingly every other computer company, to the variety of computers Dell produces, it makes sense that they would want to be one of the companies to set standards.
Dell laptops have been one of the biggest sources of that innovation, which is evident in the recent XPS 13 laptop. It’s one of the thinnest and lightest devices that Dell has ever released, and manages to address a common issue with laptops: Temperature. In fact, Dell even adapted the materials used in building the Mars Rover to create this laptop, so it can definitely take the heat. On top of that, their new software allows you to text and make calls directly from the laptop, which is a nice feature for the working professionals.
They even show gamers some love through their Alienware brand with the addition of a new control center. It’s available on newer models like the 15 or 17, and offers an easy means of going game-by-game to adjust settings and overclocking. These are saved as game profiles in the control center, so when jumping between games, your laptop won’t push itself too hard if it doesn’t need to. After all, not all games have high-power demands.
Dell is consistently pushing their products to the next level, and we’re always excited to see what they do next, making it one of the best laptop brands out there right now.
Considering how many arms it has, from supplying Intel Core processors to seemingly every other computer company, to the variety of computers Dell produces, it makes sense that they would want to be one of the companies to set standards.
Dell laptops have been one of the biggest sources of that innovation, which is evident in the recent XPS 13 laptop. It’s one of the thinnest and lightest devices that Dell has ever released, and manages to address a common issue with laptops: Temperature. In fact, Dell even adapted the materials used in building the Mars Rover to create this laptop, so it can definitely take the heat. On top of that, their new software allows you to text and make calls directly from the laptop, which is a nice feature for the working professionals.
They even show gamers some love through their Alienware brand with the addition of a new control center. It’s available on newer models like the 15 or 17, and offers an easy means of going game-by-game to adjust settings and overclocking. These are saved as game profiles in the control center, so when jumping between games, your laptop won’t push itself too hard if it doesn’t need to. After all, not all games have high-power demands.
Dell is consistently pushing their products to the next level, and we’re always excited to see what they do next, making it one of the best laptop brands out there right now.
Surfaces have a “best of both worlds” design • Excellent build quality
Very limited choice
Microsoft’s Surface line offers a direct alternative to Apple products thanks to flexible, high-quality designs that combine the best of laptops and tablets.
Microsoft
Microsoft’s selection of 2-in-1s take a “best of both worlds” approach to laptops, and offers a great alternative to both MacBooks and iPads.-
Popular line:
Surface -
Chromebooks available:
No -
2-in-1s available:
Yes
Baseball has the Yankees and Red Sox, DC has Batman and The Joker, and computing has Microsoft and Apple. While the two have traded blows over everything from desktops to processors, Apple was the only one of the pair producing laptops. That changed over time, and now Microsoft finds itself on par with its competitor — or, in some cases, even outpacing Apple with a variety of 2-in-1 laptops.
Microsoft finally jumped into the space with the first Surface tablet back in 2012, and never looked back. The tablet was originally released to serve as direct competition to the iPad, which had long been the best premium tablet line on the market, but soon transitioned into the 2-in-1 combo we know it to be today. The Surface proved to be a success, offering a truly exceptional alternative to Apple’s iPads and MacBooks.
What has worked in Microsoft’s favor has been a more fluid design philosophy and features across all of its Surface products compared to Apple. While Apple has maintained a type of hardline separation between iPads and MacBooks, with each one distinctly a tablet or laptop, Microsoft has tried to blur that line with 2-in-1 options and flexible laptops. A good example of this is the Surface Book 2, the powerhouse laptop-tablet of Microsoft’s offerings. At first glance, you get a laptop that fits along the lines of the MacBook Pro, but if you need a power tablet, snap the screen off and now you have, in a sense, an iPad Pro. If you prefer a more traditional design, the Surface Laptop provides that while keeping some features, like the responsive touchscreen.
If there’s one downside to Microsoft’s approach, it’s that there’s still a limited choice, but the sheer flexibility makes up for the lack of options in spades. And if you can offer a legitimate alternative to Apple in 2020, especially with fewer options, then you’re definitely doing something right.
Microsoft finally jumped into the space with the first Surface tablet back in 2012, and never looked back. The tablet was originally released to serve as direct competition to the iPad, which had long been the best premium tablet line on the market, but soon transitioned into the 2-in-1 combo we know it to be today. The Surface proved to be a success, offering a truly exceptional alternative to Apple’s iPads and MacBooks.
What has worked in Microsoft’s favor has been a more fluid design philosophy and features across all of its Surface products compared to Apple. While Apple has maintained a type of hardline separation between iPads and MacBooks, with each one distinctly a tablet or laptop, Microsoft has tried to blur that line with 2-in-1 options and flexible laptops. A good example of this is the Surface Book 2, the powerhouse laptop-tablet of Microsoft’s offerings. At first glance, you get a laptop that fits along the lines of the MacBook Pro, but if you need a power tablet, snap the screen off and now you have, in a sense, an iPad Pro. If you prefer a more traditional design, the Surface Laptop provides that while keeping some features, like the responsive touchscreen.
If there’s one downside to Microsoft’s approach, it’s that there’s still a limited choice, but the sheer flexibility makes up for the lack of options in spades. And if you can offer a legitimate alternative to Apple in 2020, especially with fewer options, then you’re definitely doing something right.