Best Laptop 2017

Processor
For smooth performance and a good user experience, you'll want to be choosy about your processor. Even in a less-expensive system, the average processor is more capable than ever of handling routine tasks, but if you need speed, select carefully. At the top of the heap are Intel's Core i5 and Core i7 processors, which can be found in midrange and premium models. Most ultraportables will utilize the latest Intel 14nm chips, the 7th Generation Core CPUs code-named "Kaby Lake." These processors, Intel's fastest and least power-hungry to date, are typically paired with 8GB of memory, though you will see some premium systems boasting up to 16GB of RAM.

A few middle-of-the-pack models will opt for processors in Intel's Core M line. These m3, m5, and m7 CPUs are capable but low-powered, intended to bridge the gap between more expensive Core i5 and i7 chips and the Intel Atom processors you find in inexpensive Windows tablets. The design of a Core M CPU allows for processing power that approaches that of Core i5 chips, but with lower power consumption and no need for cooling fans. This results in slimmer laptop designs, quieter operation (no fans mean no fan noise), and longer battery life, often extending past 8 hours. Core M–equipped systems are a good choice for those who want the most portable ultraportables. They aren't usually less expensive, though, and you may find yourself paying more than you would for something that's more powerful, but also slightly thicker and heavier. You'll have to find the right balance of physical design and performance to fit your needs.

Aside from Intel's near-ubiquitous CPUs, you will see a few less-expensive systems featuring processors from other manufacturers, primarily AMD. While AMD chips support the same range of uses as Intel chips, from Web browsing to video editing and gaming, they aren't as common in ultraportables. If you aren't sure about the model used in the system you're considering, take a look at our reviews (particularly the results of our benchmark tests) to see how it will fare in real-world conditions.

Finally, at the low end are Intel's Atom and Celeron processors. These budget processors are both inexpensive and energy-efficient, but power users may find themselves frustrated by slow performance, limited RAM allotments (1GB to 2GB), and 32-bit software support instead of 64-bit. You will definitely feel a difference in performance speed, but you can probably make do if you're a casual user.

Graphics
Also important is the graphics processor. Ultraportable systems almost exclusively rely on integrated graphics, such as Intel's HD Graphics 620. This level of horsepower is usually enough for streaming media and maybe editing the odd photo, but isn't enough for substantial gaming. If you want to do more with media and perhaps some gaming, you'll need a discrete graphics card, like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070. These cards require more power and cooling, and as such are generally only seen in bulkier systems like gaming laptops and some desktop-replacement notebooks. There are some rare exceptions like the Razer Blade, but by and large these systems are not suited to gaming. Don't expect the integrated graphics to suffice for playing much more than a few less-demanding games on lower detail settings.