These are the laptops I recommend for pretty much anyone

The latest MacBook Air is the top pick for most people, thanks to its balance of performance, battery life, and portability.

The guide also points to alternatives for specific needs, including the MacBook Pro for heavier work and Microsoft Surface Laptop for Windows users.

Chromebook buyers, gamers, and content creators get separate recommendations based on budget and use case.

A repairable laptop and even a dual-screen option are included for readers who want specialized hardware.