The best laptop deals you can get right now
This article provides a curated list of current laptop deals across various brands, including Apple, Microsoft, Asus, and Lenovo. It highlights discounted prices, key features, and potential drawbacks for each model to help consumers find a laptop that best suits their needs, from everyday use and creative work to gaming and specialized dual-screen functionality.
QUICK TAKEAWAYS
* Significant discounts are available on both recent and slightly older Apple MacBook Air and Pro models, offering value for different budgets.
* ARM-based Windows laptops like the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition provide excellent battery life and improving software compatibility.
* Asus offers strong options for both general use (Zenbook S 16 with AMD Ryzen AI) and high-performance gaming (ROG Strix Scar 16).
* Specialized laptops like the dual-screen Lenovo Yoga Book 9i are also discounted for users seeking innovative form factors.
KEY POINTS
Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020):* Available for $599 ($50 off), offering 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and 8-10 hours battery life, suitable for basic and light creative tasks despite a 720p webcam and limited external display support.
Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022):* Priced at $699 ($100 off), features 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, an improved 1080p webcam, and a lighter design, though the base 256GB SSD is slower than the M1 version.
Apple MacBook Air M4 (2025) & MacBook Pro M4/Pro (2024):* The M4 Air starts at $898 ($102 off) with 16GB RAM/256GB storage, and the M4/Pro MacBook Pros start from $1426 ($173 off) with 16GB RAM/512GB SSD, featuring Thunderbolt 4/5 ports, improved cooling, and advanced displays for professionals.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition:* Deals start at $889 ($211 off), powered by Snapdragon X chipsets for exceptional battery life and ARM-based Windows performance, including X86 app emulation.
Asus Zenbook S 16:* Available for $1200 ($600 off), this 16-inch laptop features AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 32GB RAM, 1TB storage, a 3K 120Hz OLED display, and solid gaming performance for its class.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025):* A high-end gaming laptop at $2899 ($400 off), boasting an RTX 5080 GPU, Intel Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, 2TB storage, a 2.5K 240Hz Mini LED display, and extensive port selection.
Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (2024):* A dual-screen laptop for $1500 ($500 off), offering two 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreens, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and includes a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, and stylus for versatile use.
PRACTICAL INSIGHTS
MacBook Value:* The M1 MacBook Air remains a strong budget option at $599, suitable for essential tasks and moderate creative work.
Performance Tiers:* M2 Air offers a design and camera upgrade, while M4 Air and M4/Pro MacBook Pros provide significant performance boosts, especially for demanding applications and gaming (with Pro models having better cooling).
ARM Windows:* The Surface Laptop 7th Edition's Snapdragon X chips deliver long battery life, but users should verify compatibility for critical X86 apps.
Gaming Laptops:* The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 is a top-tier gaming machine with a 240Hz Mini LED display and RTX 5080, capable of 4K 120Hz output to external displays.
Unique Form Factors:* The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i's dual OLED screens offer innovative workflow possibilities, though a physical keyboard might take getting used to.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
This information allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions based on their specific needs and budget. Individuals needing a basic, reliable laptop can consider the M1 MacBook Air. For those prioritizing a balance of portability, modern features, and improved performance, the M2 or M4 MacBook Air models are strong contenders. Professionals or users requiring intensive processing power for creative work or high-fidelity gaming will find the M4/Pro MacBook Pros or the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 more appropriate. Users interested in new Windows experiences and extended battery life can explore the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition, while the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i caters to those seeking a versatile, multi-screen setup for productivity and entertainment.