Laptops & Chromebooks

Suitable for gaming

All systems can play casual games such as solitaire and Angry Birds. Systems designated as suitable for gaming are more powerful and can play modern mainstream and intensive 3D video games with a frame rate and visual effects that does not make the game stop or stutter.

Blu-ray or DVD

Has either a Blu-Ray drive (B), which lets you watch Blu-Ray movies and read/write to CDs and DVDs, or a DVD drive (D), which lets you read/write to CDs and DVDs. Some computers have no optical drive installed (—).

Memory-card reader

At least one flash memory-card slot (CF, SD, XD, MS, etc.)

Facial recognition

Webcam can be set to scan your face for secure log-in.

Fingerprint reader

A biometric fingerprint reader for logging into your PC.

Display size

The diagonal measure of the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen.

Operating system (as tested)

The operating system that was installed on the computer at the time it was tested. The operating system is the software that controls the basic operation of the computer. Common examples are Windows and Mac OS. The operating system determines the "look and feel" of the PC.

Processor brand

Also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the processor is responsible for running commands and handling data. Processors come in different speeds and may have two or more cores (ex. dual-core), which let you more quickly process multiple complex tasks. This is the brand, or manufacturer, of the processor.

Processor model name

Also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the processor is responsible for running commands and handling data. Processors come in different speeds and may have two or more cores (ex. dual-core), which let you more quickly process multiple complex tasks. This is the listed model name and speed for the processor.

Memory

Also known as RAM, memory is a temporary storage area for data. Its size is an important factor for performance. We recommend at least 4GB of memory, or 8GB if you plan to run several large applications at the same time.

Storage

The amount of storage, a permanent area for the operating system, programs and data such as documents, music, and media files. Storage can be a hard drive, an SSD (solid state drive), or hybrid drive.

Video memory

The amount of dedicated memory built into a graphics adapter. Most models have integrated graphics, which have no dedicated memory but are still suitable for most applications, including photo editing and watching movies. Others have discrete graphic adapters, which typically have 1 GB or more of dedicated video memory, to deliver smoother and more realistic graphics for 3D games.

Native resolution

The number of picture elements ("pixels") across the horizontal and vertical dimension of the screen. The higher the resolution within a given size screen, the finer the detail that can be displayed. No scaling is needed to view a picture or movie of this size, or to match the display resolution with the native resolution, sometimes called Default or Recommended.

Video adapter

Also known as the video card, the video adapter processes all the data that you see on your screen. They come in different speeds and may be integrated (most common, but is slower and uses up memory) or discrete (which is faster and has its own dedicated memory). If you will not be playing complex 3D games, any integrated graphics adapter will do. Otherwise, buy a discrete graphics adapter with a graphics processor from ATI or Nvidia with at least 256 MB of memory.

Optical drive

The optical drive reads and/or writes to CDs and DVDs. Most PCs come equipped with a DVD-RW, also known as a DVD burner, which lets you read and write to DVDs. Some models come with Blu-Ray drives, which let you play high-definition movies.

Height

The height from the table, or thickness, of the computer while closed. This includes the keyboard dock on detachable laptops.

Depth

The depth, from the front edge to the back hinge, of the computer while closed. This includes the keyboard dock for detachable laptops.

Width

The width of the computer while closed. This includes the keyboard dock of detachable laptops.

Thin and light

Based on weight and thickness. This includes laptops that may be labeled "Ultrabook," "Sleekbook," "Thin and light," and "Ultrathin," among other terms.

Warranty length

The length in months of the manufacturer's standard warranty.

Tech support length

The length in months of the manufacturer's free technical support by telephone.

Battery capacity

The total energy contained in the battery, expressed in Watt-hours. A larger capacity battery will deliver longer battery life, but will add weight and sometimes will extend beyond the edge of the laptop.

Comes in S Mode

Windows computers that come in S Mode can only run apps from the Microsoft Store. This is one way to ensure system security and stability. They can be switched out of S Mode for free, allowing them to run third-party applications. We test computers switched out of S Mode.

WiFi type

The type of built-in 802.11 wireless networking supported. Computers with 802.11n also support 802.11g routers. Some models with 802.11n also support the 5GHz "high band," a standard suitable for apartments and other crowded areas.

Thunderbolt port

Has a Thunderbolt port for connecting peripherals such as an external hard drive. This includes ports that may be on the keyboard dock of detachable laptops. Thunderbolt is a high-speed port that can connect to DVI, HDMI and VGA through the use of adapters. Thunderbolt 3 is the newest version that supports faster speeds.

Digital video out

Has an HDMI, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt video output for sending a digital video signal to a computer monitor or HDTV.

Number of USB ports

Number of USB ports for printers, flash drives, or other peripherals. This includes ports that may be on the keyboard dock of detachable laptops.

Gigabit Ethernet

Support for 1,000 Mb/s networking.

HDMI output

An HDMI out port for sending a digital video/audio signal to a computer monitor or HDTV.