I'm lost. I don't know which laptop is right for me

Laptops Suggest a Laptop
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Hello,
I have to admit I don’t know much about computer specs or hardware details, so I’m having a hard time figuring out which laptop would suit me best.
I’d really appreciate some advice from someone more experienced.

Here are the models I’m currently considering:

  • Samsung Galaxy Book 5 – Intel Core Ultra 7 255U, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 15.6" → €891 (some reviews mention poor battery life)

  • MacBook Air M4 – 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 13" → €1039

  • MacBook Air M4 – 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 13" → €1395

  • MacBook Pro M4 – 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 14" → €1371

  • Lenovo ThinkBook 16 – Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 16" → €1049

  • ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED – AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 350, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 16" → €1099

  • Acer Swift – Intel Core Ultra 7-256V, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 14" → €909

What matters most to me is:

  • Longevity (reliability, solid build quality, and long-term support)

  • Storage capacity (ideally 1 TB)

  • A good price-to-performance ratio, without paying too much just for the brand

I’d also like to do some soft gaming, I want something fast, stable, and long-lasting for work, studying, and everyday use.

Given all this, which of these laptops would you recommend as the best balance of performance, durability, and value for the money?

Thank you very much for your time!

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Hi,

In terms of longevity, battery life, reliability —> macbook air/pro M4

In terms of gaming (on games that are not compatible with macos) —> Lenovo thinkbook (with the specs you just mentioned), ASUS vivobook S16.

If games is not a priority, and you’re looking for something reliable for academics, programing and something powerful; blindly go with a macbook pro. It has the best price to performance ratio with being the most efficient from others (hence the great battery life).

If your games are not compatible with macos, or you hate macos and prefer windows; go with a laptop that has good CPU ( core ultra 7 255H or core ultra 9 285H). Good amount of RAM(32 GB). pick any laptop with these specs you will be fine. I would suggest you to get a Lenovo ( YOGA models, or the ThinkPad or IdeaPad series, thinkbook is not recommended) or the ASUS zenbook 14 or zenbook S14.

If you can wait then wait till Feb of next year, panther lake cpus will be released those are newer better chips.

2 Likes
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I agree with what nerd said

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I would also add that some apps will not work on macOS, for example, I found that anything relying heavily on CUDA (the Nvidia toolkit), like CAD software, is basically dead on macOS because of Apple’s insistence on using Metal, their propietary API, over CUDA or Vulkan, which is why some apps either refuse to have macOS versions or dropped them in the Apple Silicon transition. (Well, that and Gatekeeper being Windows Vista UAC but more malicious and annoying imo.)

There’s also the fact that Apple laptops do not have easily replaceable storage; you’ll need tools for desoldering and soldering SSD NAND chips to do so, making it impossible for most users. And getting 1 TB on a MacBook Pro will likely push past that price point you’re looking at.

(For me, I do like the hardware of MacBooks, especially their touchpads, speakers, and overall build quailty, but their buggy macOS versions recently, lack of alternative OS support, and right to repair refusals leave me hesistant to use them for me. Again, this is just my two cents.)

I would also probably strike down the MacBook Airs if you need sustained performance because the Airs are passively cooled (without a fan) so performance over a long period of extended work is going to not be great due to thermal constraints.

The Acer laptops generally do not have good build quality. And this is coming from somebody who owned at least two Acer Predator laptops and has seen their other Swift laptops in person.

I don’t know much about the ThinkBook series unfortunately, so this may be the best option if you don’t need very high dGPU performance. The Asus Vivobook S 16 Is another alternative if you want AMD, but again, I don’t know much about the Vivobooks.

The TL;DR? I don’t think at this price point you’re going to get all of your requirements. But @Nerd is probably right on the nose here. I’d either get a MacBook if you can deal with macOS (which is not an easy task imo) or I’d probably wait for Intel’s Panther Lake at CES 2026. If you absolutely cannot wait and need a Windows laptop before Black Friday 2025, I’d take my chances on the ThinkBook or Vivobook and make sure the return policy is good.