Don't settle for 8GB of RAM. While retailers still sell base models with 8GB, modern multitasking and AI workloads will make these machines feel sluggish quickly.
Buying a laptop in 2026 is no longer just about picking a screen size and a price point. With the arrival of AI-powered processors, dramatic shifts in battery efficiency, and "RAMageddon" (rising memory prices), the landscape has changed. what to look for when buying a new laptop
: If a laptop has SO-DIMM slots (not soldered memory), you can often buy a base model and upgrade the RAM yourself for much less than the manufacturer charges for a "pro" tier. 3. Display: Your Window to Everything Don't settle for 8GB of RAM
In 2026, the "brain" of your laptop isn't just the Central Processing Unit (CPU); it now includes a for AI tasks. For Everyday Productivity : Focus on efficiency. Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite/Plus With the arrival of AI-powered processors, dramatic shifts
chips offer incredible 15–20 hour battery life for web-based work. Alternatively, look for or AMD Ryzen AI 300 series Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , which balance performance with new AI capabilities.
: The absolute recommended starting point for a smooth experience.
In 2026, experts suggest that display quality often impacts daily satisfaction more than the processor does. Nine things to consider before buying a new laptop