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Compare laptops based on how you'll use them rather than focusing on brand alone. Key factors include operating system, processor performance, RAM, SSD storage and screen size.
Windows, MacBook and Chromebook models each suit different needs, while 8GB of RAM is a practical starting point for everyday tasks and 16GB or more is ideal for multitasking, creative work and gaming. Choosing the right balance of portability, performance and battery life can help you find a laptop that matches your work, study or entertainment needs.
The right laptop depends on how and where you plan to use it, as different use cases call for different combinations of processing power, screen size and operating system. A laptop used mainly for web browsing and document work has very different requirements from one intended for video editing or gaming.
Laptops are available across three main operating systems: Windows, macOS and Chrome OS. Each platform runs different software, so checking app compatibility before buying saves complications down the track. The choosing a computer guide covers the key differences between platforms and form factors in plain terms.
Use case | Suitable laptop type |
|---|---|
Home and office use | A mid-range Windows laptop with 8GB to 16GB RAM handles most document, spreadsheet and video call needs |
Students | The best student laptops are lightweight models or 2-in-1 laptops that convert into a tablet work well for note-taking, research and presentations |
Creative and professional work | Higher-spec models with dedicated graphics and faster processors handle video editing, design and development tasks |
Basic tasks and browsing | Entry-level Windows laptops or Chromebooks are practical and affordable options for everyday computing |
Comparing laptop deals across specifications helps determine whether a model on sale offers real value or a cut-down configuration. The main factors that affect day-to-day performance are processor type, RAM, storage capacity and display quality.
Specification | What to check |
|---|---|
Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 cover most workloads; Apple M-series chips are found exclusively in Mac models |
RAM | 8GB is a baseline for general use; 16GB or more is preferable for multitasking or running heavier applications |
Storage type | SSDs load faster than HDDs; 256GB is a common entry point, with 512GB or 1TB offering considerably more room for files and programs |
Display size | 13 to 14-inch screens suit portability; 15 to 16-inch panels are better suited to longer working sessions at a desk |
Operating system | Windows offers the widest software compatibility; Chrome OS suits lighter use; macOS is exclusive to Apple hardware |
Chromebooks run Chrome OS and are designed for cloud-based work, making them a lightweight and affordable choice for browsing, email and Google Workspace. Chromebooks see some of the strongest deals during sale events and are among the most accessible laptop options available. They suit cloud-first users and students working in Google Workspace environments. Chromebooks do not run Windows or macOS software and require an internet connection for most tasks.
Copilot+ PCs are Windows laptops with a dedicated AI processor built in, designed to run AI-assisted features directly on the device. The laptop buying guide provides a fuller breakdown of how to weigh each specification against your intended use.
Processor and RAM are the two components that most directly affect how quickly a laptop responds during use. A faster processor handles more tasks at once, while additional RAM reduces the likelihood of slowdowns when multiple applications are running at the same time.
Gaming laptops require a dedicated graphics card (GPU) alongside a fast processor, as the GPU renders the visuals in games and GPU-intensive applications. Most standard laptops use integrated graphics, which covers everyday tasks but is not suited to demanding games or 3D rendering work. Entry-level gaming laptops handle most popular titles at medium settings at 1080p, while the mid-range bracket delivers high settings at 1080p on current titles. During sale events, mid-range models often become accessible at entry-level prices, narrowing the gap between tiers.
Computer storage type also affects perceived speed. Laptops with NVMe SSDs load operating systems and applications noticeably faster than those using older SATA SSDs or hard drives, even when the processor specifications appear similar on paper.
Use case | Recommended configuration |
|---|---|
Basic use (browsing, email, documents) | Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD |
General productivity and multitasking | Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD |
Creative work and video editing | Intel Core i7/i9 or Apple M-series, 16 to 32GB RAM, 512GB to 1TB SSD |
Gaming | Dedicated NVIDIA or AMD GPU, Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, 16GB RAM minimum |
Portability matters when a laptop is used across multiple locations, as weight and battery life both affect how practical a model is to carry and use away from a power outlet. Most 13 to 14-inch laptops weigh between 1.2kg and 1.6kg, while 15 to 16-inch models typically sit between 1.8kg and 2.5kg.
Manufacturers advertise battery life based on light-use testing conditions, which often differs from real-world performance under typical workloads. A claimed 12-hour battery rating may return 7 to 9 hours of practical use depending on screen brightness, active applications and wireless connectivity settings.
Factor | What to compare |
|---|---|
Weight | Under 1.5kg for ultraportable models; 1.5 to 2kg for mid-size; above 2kg for desktop-replacement configurations |
Battery capacity | Measured in watt-hours (Wh); a higher Wh rating generally indicates longer run time between charges |
Charging | Some models support USB-C charging, allowing a compact travel charger to replace the standard power brick |
Screen hinge | 360-degree hinges allow full tablet mode; standard hinges typically open to around 135 degrees |
2-in-1 laptops for students offer a convertible design that switches between laptop and tablet modes, which suits drawing, note-taking and touchscreen interaction.
2-in-1 laptops are worth comparing against standard laptops during sale events, as the price gap over a standard clamshell narrows during EOFY and Black Friday. That changes the value calculation for users who would benefit from the touchscreen. A laptop bag or sleeve is worth factoring into any laptop purchase to protect the device during daily transport.
Tier | What it covers |
|---|---|
Entry-level | Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops suited to basic computing |
Mid-range | Mid-range Windows laptops covering general productivity and light creative work |
Higher-spec | Higher-spec Windows laptops and base-tier Apple Silicon laptops for professional use |
Premium | High-end ultrabooks, high-performance gaming laptops and Apple Silicon configurations |
The best laptops for work, gaming and watching movies guide covers recommended models across different use cases at various price points, while top laptops for students focuses on lower-priced options suited to school and university.
For tasks that don't require portability, a desktop computer typically offers better performance per dollar than a laptop at the same price, as the compact design of a portable device adds to manufacturing cost.
Identify your primary use: everyday productivity, study, professional work, creative work or gaming. The choosing a computer guide covers the trade-offs.
Choose your operating system: Windows for the widest software library, macOS for the Apple ecosystem, ChromeOS for cloud-first users.
Match specs to your use, with reference to the laptop buying guide: 8GB RAM as a minimum for general use, 16GB or more for creative or gaming workloads, SSD storage as a baseline.
Pick the right processor for your workload: Intel and AMD for Windows productivity and gaming, Apple Silicon (M-series) for Mac, Snapdragon X for Copilot PC battery life.
Compare current deals across Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, ASUS and MSI.
Confirm warranty and accessory bundle options (carry case, mouse, monitor) at checkout.
Add to cart or reserve in-store for collection at your nearest The Good Guys.
Laptop deals are just the start. The Good Guys has deals across TVs, washing machines, fridges, dryers, vacuums and phones.
The best time to buy a laptop on sale in Australia is typically during EOFY, Black Friday or Boxing Day, as these events consistently produce the largest deals across the broadest selection of models. Outside these periods, laptop prices also drop when manufacturers release updated ranges, generally between January and April.
Back-to-school season in January and February brings targeted laptop deals suited to students heading into a new school or university year. These promotions frequently focus on portable, entry-level to mid-range models, including Chromebooks and lightweight Windows laptops.
Everyday deals run throughout the year alongside the larger sale events, so good laptop deals are not limited to a single window. Models with updated processors or refreshed designs from the prior year often appear at reduced prices once newer versions arrive in stock.
Black Friday laptop deals in November bring some of the largest deals of the year on premium models from Apple, Dell and Lenovo, with sale pricing typically extending through Cyber Monday into early December.
Boxing Day laptop deals in late December bring reduced pricing on prior-year models with full warranty cover, which often appear at their most accessible prices during this window.
EOFY runs from late May through to 30 June and is one of the most active sale periods for laptops in Australia, covering the full range from Chromebooks and entry-level student configurations through to premium gaming and professional laptops. Larger reductions are commonly available on mid-range Windows, Chromebook and MacBook models during this window as the financial year closes.
Comparing the best laptop deals across different brands involves more than checking the sale price. Processor generation, RAM, storage type, display quality and port availability all affect whether a model represents genuine value for a specific use case.
Major laptop brands available at The Good Guys include:
Microsoft: Produces the Surface range, covering slim productivity laptops and 2-in-1 convertibles running Windows
Lenovo: Offers a wide range from budget IdeaPad models to the ThinkPad business line and Legion gaming laptops
HP: Covers entry-level to high-spec configurations including the Spectre and Envy ultrabook lines
Dell: Known for the XPS high-end range alongside lower-priced Inspiron and student-focused models
Acer: Offers competitive pricing across the Aspire everyday range and Predator gaming laptops
Apple: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models run macOS on Apple's own M-series chips, with strong performance and battery life
Beyond brand, processor generation is worth checking, as newer generations deliver better performance per watt even at similar clock speeds. RAM solderability matters for longevity, because soldered RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase. Port availability varies considerably across models at similar price points, with USB-A, USB-C, Thunderbolt and HDMI each serving different use cases.
Display panel type is also worth comparing: IPS panels offer wider viewing angles, while OLED panels deliver higher contrast for media and creative work. Manufacturer warranty terms and the standard coverage period round out the key pre-purchase checks.
A 2-in-1 laptop is worth buying during a sale if touchscreen and stylus support are genuinely useful to you. Students who annotate notes or use drawing apps benefit most from the convertible design of 2-in-1 laptops. The price gap over a comparable standard clamshell narrows during EOFY and Black Friday, improving the value calculation.
Trade-offs include a slightly heavier build and, on some configurations, reduced sustained performance under heavy workloads compared to a standard chassis at the same price.
A $1,000 budget covers entry-level gaming laptops in Australia, particularly during major sale periods. EOFY and Black Friday are typically the strongest periods for gaming laptops across all tiers. Entry-level configurations handle most popular titles at medium settings at 1080p.
For high settings at 1080p on current titles, stepping up a tier is the practical target. Above that, gaming laptops with higher refresh rate panels and more powerful GPUs handle current AAA titles at 1440p with ray tracing enabled, without thermal throttling under sustained load.
Laptops are eligible for Click & Collect at checkout, or can be delivered with delivery confirmed before you pay. Check what's in stock at your local store to see what you can take home today.
See the delivery and collection guide for full details.
¤Discounts apply to previous ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer.
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