Laptop buying guide
Last updated: 29 September 2026
Whether you want a gaming laptop, a 2-in-1, or an all-rounder, the best laptop for you comes down to your budget, the specs that matter (RAM, storage, battery life) and your preferred platform (Windows, macOS or ChromeOS). Here's everything you need to know about laptops from all the best brands, including Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS and more.
In this guide
Learn which Laptop type suits me, from 2-in-1's to Gaming Laptops. Jump to >
Learn about the four latest technologies in Laptops: on-device AI, longer battery life, display types and fast processors. Jump to >
Check out the glossary and top frequently asked questions. Jump to >
What type of Laptop do you need?
This is the biggest decision. The main Laptop types manage power, portability and screen size differently, and suit different users and everyday needs. For most people, the best Laptop is the one that matches how they'll use it and the specs you actually need (around 16GB RAM is the usual benchmark), then balances upfront price against battery life.
Choose a Laptop if you want an all-purpose machine for browsing, study and office work, in a size and price that suits most everyday budgets. Choose a 2-in-1 if you want a keyboard on hand for everyday typing and a screen that folds flat or detaches for reading and note-taking, rather than switching between separate devices. Choose a Gaming Laptop if you want a large, high-refresh display and dedicated graphics for demanding play, rather than a single integrated chip doing double duty. Choose Windows if you want the widest choice of brands, prices and specs, with software that works the same way as most home and work PCs. Choose macOS if you want a seamless experience across your other Apple devices, with strong battery life and build quality built in. Choose ChromeOS if you want a simple, secure laptop built around browsing and cloud apps, with lower prices and less upkeep than a full desktop OS.
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An every day laptop is great for general use and is capable of doing a little bit of everything.
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2-In-1 Laptops are essential ultimate flexibility, from studying to playing games and so much more.
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A gaming PC is like a high powered regular computer, but it’s designed for PC gaming.
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Offering the widest choice of brands, prices and specs, with consistent software.
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Offer strong battery life and build quality, with seamless integration across your other Apple devices.
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ChromeOS laptops offer a simple, secure and low-cost option, with long battery life.
Quick decision guide
Tight budget, everyday browsing → Laptop
Study or work on the go, need to fold flat → 2-in-1
Serious gaming, need dedicated graphics → Gaming laptop
Want the widest choice of brands and prices → Windows
Already in the Apple ecosystem, want long battery life → macOS
Simple browsing and cloud apps, minimal upkeep → ChromeOS
Laptop types compared
Laptop type | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Laptop | Lower price than 2-in-1 or gaming equivalents. Wide range of sizes and brands. Simple, familiar design with fewer moving parts. | No tablet flexibility like touchscreen. Entry-level models can feel underpowered for demanding tasks. | Students and everyday users. Home office and study. Budget-conscious first laptop buyers. |
2-in-1 | Screen folds flat or detaches for reading and note-taking. Keyboard on hand for everyday typing. Flexible across tablet, tent and laptop modes. | Higher price than a standard laptop with the same specs. Hinge or detach mechanism adds a possible failure point. Battery can drain faster in tablet mode. | Students and note-takers. Frequent travellers wanting one device instead of two. Households wanting flexibility between browsing and typing. |
Gaming laptop | Dedicated graphics handle demanding games and creative software. High-refresh, large displays. Equally strong CPU and GPU rather than one carrying the other. | Higher price point than mainstream laptops. Heavier and bulkier to carry. Shorter battery life under heavy load. | Gamers and content creators. Households wanting one machine for play and heavy multitasking. Buyers who prioritise performance over portability. |
Windows | Widest choice of brands (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer) and price points. Broadest range of specs from budget to premium. Software compatible with most home and work systems. | Performance and battery life vary widely between models. More prone to bloatware and updates than closed ecosystems. Needs higher specs to match Apple's efficiency. | Buyers wanting choice across brands and budgets. Households already using Windows elsewhere. Anyone needing broad software and peripheral compatibility. |
macOS | Strong battery life and build quality. Seamless integration with iPhone and iPad. Consistent performance across the range. | Higher price point than comparable Windows laptops. Fewer hardware choices, Apple only. Limited compatibility with some Windows-only software and games. | Households already using Apple devices. Buyers prioritising battery life and build quality. Creative professionals wanting a consistent ecosystem. |
ChromeOS | Lower price than Windows or macOS equivalents. Simple, secure and low-maintenance. Long battery life thanks to lightweight software. | Relies on cloud apps and an internet connection for most tasks. Limited software compatibility outside the Chrome and Android ecosystem. Not suited to demanding creative or gaming use. | Students and everyday browsing. Buyers wanting a simple, low-maintenance second device. Budget-conscious households needing basic computing. |
What Laptop size and spec will suit me?
When searching for your perfect Laptop, consider RAM, storage and resolution working together. For RAM, 4GB to 8GB suits everyday browsing, email and music, while 16GB to 32GB is worth the extra cost for gaming, graphic design and video editing, which need more memory to run smoothly. For storage, an SSD costs more than an HDD but is faster and more reliable, and around 120GB to 250GB is plenty if your files are stored elsewhere or in the cloud.
Screen size and resolution matter just as much. Look for at least full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and choose your size based on how you'll use it: a smaller, lighter screen suits travel and portability, while a larger screen makes content easier to view and work with from a distance.
“Protecting your files and personal details from harmful viruses and malware is critical, so if you don’t already have virus protection software, purchase it with your new laptop to ensure your online security is up to date and working properly”
- Erem Karabadjak, The Good Guys Buyer - Computers, Printers & Monitors.
The top 6 asked questions
Explore our articles and buying guides — written to answer the questions our customers ask most.
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The top 5 2-in-1 Laptops for students
Updated 25 August 2026 · 4 mins readTossing up whether to purchase your child a laptop or tablet for school? With a 2-in-1 laptop, students will be setup for home learning with a device that best suits their educational tech needs. Your child can take notes and complete exercises on the laptop's keyboard, then quickly convert to tablet mode when they're away from their desk or for better accessibility when using Apps. Check out some out our best 2-in-1’s from brands like Microsoft, Lenovo, HP and Dell.
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Quick links: Laptops | Gaming Laptops | Macbook | 2-in-1 Laptops | Microsoft Surface PCs | Chromebooks | Laptops Deals
Key features to look for
Once you've settled on type, these are the features worth paying attention to:
Feature | Why you should look for it |
|---|---|
Processor | The biggest driver of price and performance. Everyday users and students can go for a cost-friendly option, while gamers, video editors and graphic designers need more power to keep up with demanding programs. |
Memory (RAM) | The more you have, the faster your programs run and the more you can run at once. 4GB to 8GB suits browsing, email and music, while 16GB to 32GB handles gaming, video editing and creative work. |
Storage | An SSD is faster, more reliable and pricier than an HDD. Around 120GB to 250GB is plenty if you store files in the cloud or on an external drive. |
Screen resolution | Look for at least 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) — anything lower and you're compromising on picture quality. |
On-device AI (NPU) | Newer Copilot+ laptops run AI tasks locally, making AI-powered features faster and more responsive without needing an internet connection. |
Touch screen | Lets you switch between keyboard and mouse or tap the screen directly. |
Battery life | The longer it lasts, the better, especially if you're using your laptop on the go. |
Ports | HDMI to connect to a TV or monitor, USB-A/C or Thunderbolt for other devices, and an SD card reader for photos and videos from a camera. |
Backlit keyboard | Lights up your keys for easier use in low light. |
Webcam and microphone | Clear video and audio make a real difference for video calls, meetings and online classes. |
Fingerprint or facial recognition | Lets you log in securely and quickly without typing a password every time. |
Weight | A lighter laptop is easier to carry every day, especially if you're commuting, studying or travelling. |
Virus protection software | Protects your data and files from viruses and malware, so it's worth adding from day one. |
Laptop bag | Keeps your device protected and easy to carry with you. |
External hard drive | Gives you extra storage and a backup copy of important files if something happens to your laptop. |
Wi-Fi range extender | Keeps your connection reliable from anywhere in the home. |
USB hub or HDMI adapter | Adds extra ports if your laptop is short on connections for other devices or a second monitor. |
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Laptop Technology glossary
We’ll break down all the tech talk and acronyms that you need to know.
Tech talk | Definition |
|---|---|
2-in-1 (convertible) laptop | A laptop with a screen that folds flat or detaches, letting it work as both a laptop and a tablet. |
ARM processor | A processor architecture used in chips like Qualcomm Snapdragon and Apple Silicon, offering strong battery efficiency as an alternative to traditional Intel and AMD processors. |
Battery life | How long your laptop runs on a single charge before you need to plug it in again. |
Biometric login | A way to log in securely using your fingerprint or face instead of typing a password. |
Bluetooth | Used for exchanging data over short distances, commonly used to connect peripherals like a mouse, keyboard or headphones to your laptop. |
Graphics Card | Processes and renders visual information, affecting your laptop's display quality and performance. Most laptops come with an integrated graphics card, suited to everyday activities like streaming video and casual gaming. |
Hard Drive | The physical component inside your laptop where your files and applications are saved. There are two types: HDD and SSD. |
HDD | Short for Hard Disk Drive, an older type of storage that's slower but generally cheaper than an SSD. Typically found in budget laptops. |
HDMI | A type of cable and port that lets you connect your laptop to another monitor or TV. |
NPU | Short for Neural Processing Unit, a chip built to handle AI tasks directly on your laptop. Found in newer "Copilot+" laptops, it makes AI-powered features faster and available without needing an internet connection. |
Operating System (OS) | The software that manages your laptop's hardware and runs your programs. Common laptop operating systems include Windows, macOS and ChromeOS. |
Picture Quality | Every laptop display is made up of pixels. The more pixels, the better the quality and detail, including text. Screen quality is measured in resolution. |
Port | A physical connector on your laptop for plugging in external devices, such as USB, HDMI and audio jacks. |
Processor | The chip inside your laptop, also called the CPU, that enables all functions and programs to run. It's the biggest factor in how smoothly your laptop performs. |
RAM | Short for Random Access Memory. RAM is what programs use to run, and determines their speed. The higher the RAM, the faster your programs run and the more you can run at once. |
Refresh rate | How many times per second your screen updates, measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate means smoother motion, useful for gaming. |
SD card reader | A port that lets you access data stored on SD cards, commonly used to store photos and videos from a digital camera. |
SSD | Short for Solid State Drive, a type of storage with no moving parts. It's more durable and faster than an HDD, letting you transfer, save and access files more quickly. Most modern laptops use SSD storage. |
Storage | The amount of data your laptop can save. The higher the number, the more you can store. |
Touchpad/Trackpad | The built-in mouse on a laptop, letting you control the cursor by moving your fingers across a sensitive surface. |
Touchscreen | A display you can operate by tapping or swiping, as well as with a keyboard and mouse. |
USB/Thunderbolt 3 | A cable and port that lets you connect devices, such as your phone, to your laptop. |
VRAM | Dedicated memory on a graphics card used to process images and video. More VRAM matters for gaming and creative work like video editing. |
Webcam | The built-in camera used for video calls, meetings and online classes. |
Wi-Fi | Wireless networking technology that lets your laptop connect to the internet and local networks without physical cables. |
FAQs
Entry-level Windows laptops start from under $500 and range up to under $4000 for a premium laptop with plenty of RAM and storage. Shop the biggest range of Windows laptops from the best brands, including Acer, Lenovo, HP, Dell, and Microsoft Surface from The Good Guys in-store and online.
For macOS there are plenty of options ranging from a MacBook Air at $1299 to the latest MacBook Pro up to $6000+.
A modern PC is a thin and light computer that is faster, more powerful, longer battery life, efficient and secure than a traditional PC. Modern PCs operate in this way as they are equipped with a solid-state drive (we’ll cover this later on), which is faster than a traditional hard drive.
Just like a desktop computer, laptops can be used for a range of purposes, including for school and university, work, gaming, to listen to and download music and videos, graphic design and video editing, and for general use such as for searching the internet and completing online tasks such as paying bills online.
“Laptops continue to rise in popularity due to their mobile nature in that they’re able to be carried with you and used wherever you go,” says Erem Karabadjak, The Good Guys Category Manager - Computers, Print & Monitors. “Not only are devices becoming more thin and light, some laptops are extremely powerful and operate just as fast and efficiently as desktop computers. Laptops are essential for working from home, studying, connecting with friends, and playing online games.”
For more information about what to look for in laptops for purposes such as schooling, home office and gaming, please read on as we outline the inclusions you’ll need for each.
Just like a desktop computer, laptops and notebooks can be used for a range of purposes, including for school and university, work, gaming, to listen to and download music and videos, graphic design and video editing, and for general use such as for searching the internet and completing online tasks such as paying bills online.
“Laptops are rising in popularity due to their mobile nature in that they’re able to be carried with you and used wherever you go,” says Erem Karabadjak, The Good Guys Buyer - Computers, Printers & Monitors.
“Even though they’re portable and compact, laptops are extremely powerful and operate just as fast and efficiently as desktop computers.”
The process of taking a screenshot on your laptop depends on your operating system.
If you have a Windows laptop there is a button on your keyboard labelled "Print Screen" (or "Prt Sc" for short). Pressing this button will take a screenshot of your entire screen. If you only want to screenshot a specific section of your screen, your laptop will come with a program called "Sketch & Snip", which lets you select the area of the screen you want to screenshot.
If you are using a MacBook hold Command + Shift + 3 at the same time. Your screen will flash before returning to normal and the screenshot is typically saved to your desktop.
If you're using a Chromebook, press the screenshot key on your keyboard.
Before you clean your laptop, make sure it is turned off and unplugged from the charger. Next, remove and dust or debris with a dry microfiber cloth. To remove fingerprints or smudges spray 70% isopropyl alcohol onto a cloth and wipe down your screen. Do not spray the screen directly or use bleach. Allow the screen to air dry and buff away any residual streaks with a dry microfiber cloth. Make sure to avoid excess moisture.
If you are unsure, refer to manufacturer instructions for cleaning that came with your laptop.
For most general use, aim for at least 16 GB of RAM, which is the benchmark recommended for mainstream laptops. Budget or light-use machines can get by with 8 GB, while power users, creators and gamers should look for 32 GB or more to handle demanding software and multitasking smoothly.
The best value laptop balances your budget with the specs you'll actually use, such as processor class, RAM and storage. Mainstream laptops in Australia commonly sit between $1,200 and $2,000, offering a solid mix of performance and features for everyday work, study and home use without paying for extras you won't need.
Entry-level laptops should have a minimum of 256 GB SSD storage, which suits everyday browsing, study and office tasks. Mainstream users are better served by 512 GB, while gamers, content creators and power users should look for 1 TB SSD or more to comfortably store large files and software.
Look for a laptop that lasts at least 10 hours on test for everyday reliability away from a charger. If you're a frequent traveller or student who needs a laptop to last through a full day of classes or meetings, aim for a model tested at over 12 hours of battery life.
Screen size should match how you use your laptop. Smaller 13-14 inch screens suit portability for students and travellers, 15-16 inch screens work well for general home and office use, and gamers often prefer larger displays paired with a dedicated graphics card with at least 4 GB of VRAM.