What are you looking for in a laptop? An all-in-one that can replace your desktop, or something that’s so light it can be your constant on-the-road companion? The good news is that even the most powerful laptops here are light enough to be taken with you, and screens are now large enough and high-resolution enough to use for your work and serve as a portable TV alternative when you’re kicking back.
Some laptops boast touch-sensitive screens – though never if it’s a Mac laptop – and others are two-in-ones, that is, the screen folds back so you can use the device like a tablet. Many have fingerprint sensors, often mounted in the power button, so you can feel extra secure.
Most laptops use Windows, and all the models in our round-up have this, apart from the MacBook Pro, which has Apple’s own macOS software. This is arguably the most intuitive to use, but lacks a full range of programmes, so check that the applications you routinely use are covered before you buy.
All the laptops here have battery life that will get you at least through your working day, though carrying a power brick will always add peace of mind against the terror of battery anxiety. Certain models offer seamless connectivity to same-brand smartphones. The MacBook Pro links with Apple devices, the Huawei Matebook X Pro has extra integration with Huawei phones and the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra plays well with Samsung Galaxy phones. Read on to discover the best laptops, whatever your needs.
APPLE MACBOOK PRO 16-INCH
Best overall From £2,699 apple.com/uk
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The rail thing - Why airlines and train companies are partnering to increase options for travellers on short journeys
An intercity flight connection operated by train would have been almost unthinkable in the early 1990s, but in 2024 it will increasingly be the default experience at many European hub airports. European nations have been among the world's leaders in adopting high-speed rail for short-distance trips, along with Asian countries such as Japan and China.
Adventures in Albania - From paranoid dictatorship to dream travel destination, why the Balkan nation is ready for its moment in the sun
Over the past few years, tourism has shot up stratospherically; recent figures from the European Travel Commission show it's grown 86 per cent since 2019. Its GDP per capita has also been increasing, and last year stood at US$8,800, while the average monthly salary is now around 84,000 lek (£704). Foreign direct investment is also on the rise, with countries including Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands targeting sectors such as energy, mining, information and real estate to a value of around US$1.5 billion in 2022, according to UNCTAD's World Investment Report. Not bad for a country which used to depend on foreign food aid.
Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane, London
Watching Kanesaka work his magic is performance in itself
Scandic Spectrum, Copenhagen
An impressive corporate hotel just minutes from Copenhagen's centre
Kimpton Clocktower, Manchester
The perfect mix of gorgeous heritage design with cool, cosmopolitan attitude
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
A stunning success another calming experience in the capital
Eurostar Business Premier LONDON-PARIS
It remains the superior service for those travelling from London to Paris
Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER first class DOHA-HONG KONG
There is a lot to like, but my experience was far from perfect
4 HOURS IN...Vienna
You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the Austrian capital's museums, galleries and historic cafes
SWITCHING OFF IN...THE LOIRE VALLEY
Escape to the secluded forests of the Loire Valley for a digital detox