Anime Last Stand Tier List (December 2025) Best Units Ranked
Welcome to the most comprehensive Anime Last Stand tier list you’ll find anywhere! I’ve spent countless hours analyzing every unit…
Finding a quality laptop under $800 doesn’t mean settling for mediocre performance anymore. December 2025 brings incredible value across gaming, productivity, and creative work all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a student juggling classes, a professional working remotely, or someone who needs reliable computing power, there’s a laptop here that fits your needs.
I’ve rounded up 10 standout models that deliver premium features at budget-friendly prices. From Apple’s impressive M4 MacBook Air to powerful gaming rigs with RTX graphics, these laptops prove you don’t need to spend thousands for excellent performance. Each one offers something unique, whether it’s all-day battery life, 2-in-1 versatility, or gaming prowess that rivals more expensive machines.
| Laptop Model | Key Spec | Price | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Air M4 | 18-hour battery | $749.00 | Students & Creatives | Amazon |
| HP OmniBook X Flip 14 | 2-in-1 Convertible | $849.00 | Versatile Computing | Amazon |
| Acer Nitro V 15 | RTX 4050 + 165Hz | $799.99 | Budget Gaming | Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 | 14-hour battery | $818.99 | Business Users | Amazon |
| Lenovo LOQ Essential | RTX 4050 Gaming | $729.99 | Entry Gaming | Amazon |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop | 23-hour battery | $749.99 | Premium Portability | Amazon |
| Lenovo Yoga 7 16″ | 16″ 2-in-1 | $799.99 | Multimedia Multitasking | Amazon |
| Dell 14 Plus | Intel Ultra 7 NPU | $794.00 | AI Workloads | Amazon |
| ASUS Vivobook 14 | Ryzen AI 50 TOPS | $649.99 | Everyday Computing | Amazon |
| Acer Swift Go 14 | QHD Webcam | $839.00 | Remote Workers | Amazon |
Shopping for budget laptops in 2025 means you’re getting technology that would’ve cost twice as much just a year ago. AI-powered processors, high-refresh displays, and dedicated graphics cards have all trickled down to the sub-$800 price bracket.
Processor power matters more than ever. Intel’s Core Ultra series and AMD’s Ryzen AI chips bring built-in NPUs (Neural Processing Units) that handle AI tasks locally meaning faster photo editing, better video calls, and smoother multitasking. If you’re just browsing and streaming, even mid-range chips like the Core i5 or Ryzen 5 will serve you well.
Don’t compromise on RAM and storage. At this price point, 16GB of RAM should be your baseline it’s the difference between smooth multitasking and constant slowdowns. For storage, prioritize at least 512GB SSD, though 1TB is becoming standard. Avoid eMMC storage entirely; it’s painfully slow compared to proper SSDs.
Graphics depend on your use case. For everyday work and media consumption, integrated graphics are perfectly fine. But if you’re into light gaming, photo editing, or video work, look for dedicated GPUs like NVIDIA’s RTX 4050 or Intel Arc graphics. These enable smooth 1080p gaming and accelerate creative software significantly.
Battery life ranges dramatically. Business ultrabooks like the Surface Laptop deliver 20+ hours, while gaming laptops with powerful GPUs might give you just 6 hours. Consider how you’ll use it tethered to a desk most of the time, or carrying it between classes all day?
Build quality separates good from great. Aluminum chassis feel more premium and durable than plastic. Check for features like backlit keyboards, fingerprint readers, and military-grade durability testing (MIL-STD-810H). These details matter for longevity.
The biggest mistake? Assuming cheaper means underpowered. Many laptops in this guide pack specs that rivaled $1,500 machines from two years ago. The Acer Nitro V’s RTX 4050 GPU, for instance, delivers legitimate 1080p gaming performance that used to require premium gaming laptops.
Don’t ignore the display. A terrible screen ruins everything else. Look for at least FHD (1920×1080) resolution and 300 nits brightness minimum. If you’re working with color-sensitive tasks, prioritize 100% sRGB coverage. High refresh rates (120Hz+) aren’t just for gamers they make everyday scrolling noticeably smoother.
Upgradeability varies wildly. Some laptops like the MacBook Air have soldered RAM and storage, meaning what you buy is what you’re stuck with. Others, like certain Lenovo models, allow RAM and storage upgrades. If you might need more capacity later, check upgrade paths before buying.
Beware of misleading weight specs. Some listings include packaging weight rather than the actual laptop. A 14″ ultrabook shouldn’t weigh over 4 pounds if it does, double-check the real specs.
Finally, timing matters in December 2025. Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals can drop these prices even further, but inventory moves fast. If you see a configuration you want at a good price, don’t wait too long popular models sell out quickly during holiday sales.
At $749, the M4 MacBook Air represents Apple’s most affordable entry point into their ecosystem and it’s an absolute steal. The M4 chip combines a 10-core CPU (4 performance, 6 efficiency) with an 8-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine, delivering performance that embarrasses many Windows laptops costing hundreds more.
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560×1664) produces stunning visuals with 500 nits brightness and P3 wide color support. Whether you’re editing photos, watching videos, or just browsing, colors pop with accuracy that rivals professional monitors. True Tone automatically adjusts white balance based on ambient lighting a subtle touch that reduces eye strain during long work sessions.
Battery life hits an impressive 18 hours of video streaming, making this perfect for students with back-to-back classes or remote workers bouncing between coffee shops. The 53.8Wh battery paired with M4’s efficiency means you’ll rarely hunt for outlets. MagSafe 3 charging is a smart addition it snaps on magnetically and won’t yank your laptop off the desk if you trip over the cable.
With 16GB unified memory and 256GB storage standard, this configuration handles everyday tasks smoothly. The unified memory architecture means RAM is shared between CPU and GPU, eliminating data transfer bottlenecks. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports support up to two 6K external displays impressive for such a compact machine.
The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID feels responsive with good key travel, and the Force Touch trackpad remains unmatched for gesture control. At just 2.73 pounds, it’s genuinely portable without feeling fragile. macOS integration with iPhone and iPad is seamless if you’re already in Apple’s ecosystem.
Limitations: 256GB storage fills up fast with large files, and there’s no upgrading later since everything is soldered. Windows users switching to macOS face a learning curve, and some specialized software still lacks Mac versions.
The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 at $849 pushes the limits of what “under $800” can include (close enough!), but the versatility justifies the slight stretch. This 2-in-1 convertible flips 360 degrees, transforming from a traditional laptop into a tablet for drawing, note-taking, or media consumption. The included stylus makes it immediately useful for digital artists and students taking handwritten notes.
Intel’s Core Ultra 7-256V represents their latest architecture, combining 8 cores that boost up to 4.8 GHz with an Intel AI Boost NPU delivering 47 TOPS (trillion operations per second). This AI horsepower accelerates Windows 11’s Copilot+ features like Paint Cocreator and Live Captions, plus HP’s AI Companion software. The Intel Arc 140V GPU with 8GB dedicated VRAM handles light gaming and creative work surprisingly well.
The 14-inch 2K (1920×1200) IPS touchscreen offers sharp text and vibrant colors, protected by Gorilla Glass 3 for scratch resistance. Edge-to-edge glass gives it a premium look that belies the price. At 16:10 aspect ratio, you get more vertical space for documents and web browsing compared to traditional 16:9 displays.
With 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD, this configuration provides ample headroom for multitasking and file storage. The mix of ports (2× USB-A, 2× USB-C, HDMI, 3.5mm audio) ensures compatibility with older peripherals alongside modern accessories. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 keep connectivity fast and stable.
Considerations: At 3.06 pounds and 0.58 inches thick, it’s not the lightest 2-in-1, though still portable. Battery life specs aren’t detailed by HP, but similar configurations typically deliver 8-10 hours solid but not exceptional. The “professionally customized” seller note suggests this may be refurbished or upgraded by a third party, so verify warranty coverage.
For gamers on a budget, the Acer Nitro V 15 at $799.99 delivers shocking value. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (6GB VRAM) combined with Intel’s Core i7-13620H processor handles modern games at 1080p with high settings. DLSS 3.5 technology uses AI to boost frame rates while maintaining visual quality you’ll hit 60+ FPS in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Fortnite without sacrificing eye candy.
The 15.6-inch FHD IPS display refreshes at 165Hz, crucial for competitive shooters where smoother motion gives you an edge spotting enemies. With 82.64% screen-to-body ratio, the bezels stay relatively thin for an immersive experience. Combined with 16GB DDR5 RAM (expandable to 32GB via two slots), you can game while running Discord, streaming software, and browser tabs without stuttering.
Storage is generous at 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD enough room for Windows, several AAA titles, and your media library without constant uninstalling. The dual-fan cooling system with dedicated exhaust keeps the i7 and RTX 4050 from throttling during marathon gaming sessions. Acer’s NitroSense software lets you adjust fan curves and monitor temps in real-time.
Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6, Killer E2600 Gigabit Ethernet for lag-free online gaming, and Thunderbolt 4 for fast data transfer. The backlit keyboard includes a numeric keypad handy for productivity work between gaming sessions. At 4.66 pounds, it’s portable enough for LAN parties or gaming at a friend’s house.
Trade-offs: Battery life averages around 6 hours with light use, dropping to 2-3 hours under gaming load this is a plug-in gaming machine. The plastic chassis feels less premium than aluminum alternatives, but it’s durable enough. Fan noise ramps up under load, though that’s expected with dedicated gaming cooling.
The Samsung Galaxy Book4 at $818.99 targets business professionals who need reliability and all-day battery life. Intel’s Core 7-150U processor (10 cores, 12 threads, up to 5.4 GHz) provides responsive performance for Office productivity, video conferencing, and multitasking. While it lacks a dedicated NPU (unlike some newer chips), integrated Intel graphics handle typical business workloads smoothly.
Battery life reaches 14-15 hours depending on workload enough for a full day of meetings, email, and document editing without outlet hunting. The 15.6-inch FHD (1920×1080) display at 300 nits brightness remains readable in bright office environments. Dolby Atmos stereo speakers (2×2W) punch above their weight for presentations and video calls, delivering clearer audio than typical laptop speakers.
Security features include a fingerprint reader for quick Windows Hello login, TPM 2.0 chip for encryption, and Kensington lock slot for physical security. The backlit keyboard makes typing in dim conference rooms comfortable. With 16GB LPDDR4X RAM and 1TB SSD, you’ve got room for large spreadsheets, presentations, and client files.
Port selection is business-friendly: 2× USB-A 3.2, 2× USB-C (USB4 with DisplayPort), HDMI, microSD reader, Ethernet, and 3.5mm audio. This mix ensures compatibility with projectors, monitors, and legacy peripherals without dongle hell. Wi-Fi (specs mention 802.11ac, though newer models typically include Wi-Fi 6) and Bluetooth keep you connected.
Samsung’s ecosystem integration shines if you own a Galaxy phone SmartThings lets you control smart home devices, and Windows integration enables seamless file sharing and notification syncing. Bixby, Alexa, and Cortana support provide voice assistant options.
Notes: Specs list Windows 11 Pro, though some configurations may ship with Home edition verify before purchasing. The “Lifetime Office” claim from third-party sellers is misleading; Microsoft 365 typically requires subscription. At 3.42 pounds, it’s reasonably portable for a 15.6-inch business machine.
At $729.99, the Lenovo LOQ Essential 15 represents the cheapest path to RTX-powered gaming in this lineup. The NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU paired with Intel’s Core i5-12450HX (3.1 GHz base) handles 1080p gaming admirably. You’ll hit 60+ FPS in most modern titles at medium-high settings, with esports games like Valorant and League of Legends easily pushing 144+ FPS to match the display’s refresh rate.
The 15.6-inch FHD IPS display at 144Hz and 300 nits brightness provides smooth motion and decent visibility in various lighting conditions. With 100% sRGB color coverage, it’s also suitable for casual photo editing or content creation. The screen-to-body ratio keeps bezels manageable without feeling dated.
Here’s the compromise: 8GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD. For pure gaming, 8GB works but limits multitasking expect to close background apps during gameplay. The 512GB storage fills quickly with modern game installs (Call of Duty alone can exceed 200GB). However, these are likely upgradeable on most LOQ models, giving you an upgrade path when budget allows.
Lenovo’s cooling system uses a 100mm fan with ultra-thin 0.15mm blades for improved airflow, keeping the i5 and RTX 4050 from thermal throttling. The full-size keyboard with 1.3mm key travel feels responsive for gaming and typing. Battery life averages 6 hours for light use plan to stay plugged in for gaming sessions.
At 4.18 pounds and 0.9 inches thick, it’s slightly lighter than the Acer Nitro V while maintaining good build quality. Wi-Fi 6E (on some configurations) and Bluetooth provide modern connectivity, with USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI covering peripheral needs.
Considerations: The 8GB RAM bottleneck is real for heavy multitaskers budget for a RAM upgrade if you stream, game, and browse simultaneously. Storage will need management or expansion. But for $729.99, you’re getting RTX 4050 performance that would’ve cost $1,200+ just two years ago.
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 13″ at $749.99 achieves something remarkable: 23 hours of battery life. That’s not a typo. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus processor (8-core ARM architecture) sips power so efficiently that you can genuinely use this laptop for days between charges. For students, frequent travelers, or anyone tired of carrying chargers everywhere, this endurance is transformative.
The Snapdragon X Plus delivers competitive performance for everyday tasks web browsing, Office apps, video streaming, and light photo editing all feel snappy. With integrated Adreno GPU and AI engine hitting 45 TOPS, Windows 11’s Copilot+ experiences run smoothly, including AI-powered background blur in video calls and real-time caption generation.
The 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen (1920×1280, 16:10 aspect ratio) provides more vertical space than traditional 16:9 displays great for documents and web pages. Touch responsiveness is excellent, making Windows gesture navigation intuitive. With 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB SSD, you’ve got solid specs for multitasking and storage.
Surface Laptop’s build quality feels premium with clean lines and minimalist design. The keyboard offers comfortable typing, though key travel is shallow compared to ThinkPads. Wi-Fi 6E (802.11be) provides future-proof wireless connectivity, and Bluetooth keeps accessories connected reliably.
Compatibility caveat: As an ARM-based Windows laptop, some older x86 Windows software may not run or requires emulation (which impacts performance). Most modern apps work natively, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Chrome, and popular software. But check compatibility for specialized applications before buying.
Weight specs seem off: The listing shows 5.06 pounds, but Surface Laptop 13″ models typically weigh under 3 pounds. This appears to be a data error expect a lightweight, portable machine.
The Lenovo Yoga 7 16″ at $799.99 offers something unique: a large-screen 2-in-1 experience. Most convertibles stick to 13-14 inches for weight reasons, but Lenovo gives you a spacious 16-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS touchscreen that flips 360 degrees. This makes it ideal for multimedia consumption in tent mode, digital art with a stylus (sold separately), or traditional laptop productivity.
AMD’s Ryzen 7 8840HS (8 cores, 16 threads, 3.30–5.10 GHz boost) delivers strong multi-threaded performance for content creation, programming, and heavy multitasking. The integrated Radeon 780M graphics handle light gaming and GPU-accelerated tasks like video editing better than typical integrated graphics. Lenovo includes a Ryzen AI NPU for local AI processing, though software support is still catching up to Intel’s offerings.
The display hits 300 nits brightness with Dolby Vision support and TÜV Low Blue Light certification good for binge-watching shows or extended work sessions without eye strain. Anti-fingerprint glass coating helps keep the touchscreen looking cleaner. With 16GB LPDDR5x-6400 RAM (soldered) and 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, performance stays smooth even with dozens of Chrome tabs and multiple applications running.
Port selection is generous: 2× USB-C 3.2 Gen2 (with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4a), 2× USB-A 3.2 Gen1, HDMI 2.1, microSD card reader, and 3.5mm audio. The 71Wh battery paired with 65W USB-C charging provides decent all-day endurance, though exact runtime depends on usage (the large screen and powerful CPU draw more power than ultrabooks).
The backlit keyboard includes a numeric keypad (helpful on 16″ models), and the FHD IR webcam with privacy shutter supports Windows Hello facial recognition. Lenovo’s MIL-STD-810H military-grade testing suggests durability against drops and temperature extremes.
Trade-offs: At 4.39 pounds and 0.67 inches thick, this isn’t the most portable laptop it’s a desktop replacement that can occasionally travel. RAM is soldered, so 16GB is your limit. But for anyone wanting a large-screen convertible without spending $1,500+, this hits a sweet spot.
Dell’s 14 Plus at $799.95 showcases Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7-256V processor, which brings significant AI capabilities to everyday computing. The Intel AI Boost NPU hits 48 TOPS, accelerating Windows 11 Copilot+ features and enabling local AI processing for tasks like photo enhancement, video call background blur, and intelligent search without sending data to the cloud.
The 8-core CPU boosts up to 4.8 GHz, handling demanding workloads smoothly. Intel Arc integrated graphics provide better performance than previous Intel UHD graphics, making this suitable for light creative work and casual gaming. With 16GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM (onboard) and 1TB SSD, the system feels responsive across multitasking scenarios.
The 14-inch 2.5K (2560×1600) display is a standout feature. At 16:10 aspect ratio with 300 nits brightness, text is sharp and images look vibrant. Dolby Vision support enhances HDR content, while Dell’s ComfortView Plus reduces blue light emission without the color shift typical of software filters. Anti-glare coating helps with reflections in bright environments.
Build quality impresses with an aluminum chassis that passed military-grade durability tests. The backlit keyboard includes a dedicated Copilot key for quick AI assistant access. At 3.42 pounds and 0.67 inches thin, it’s genuinely portable. Port selection covers modern needs: USB-A 3.2 Gen1, HDMI 2.1, USB-C 3.2 Gen2, and Thunderbolt 4 (supporting DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery).
Dell’s Intel Evo certification guarantees fast wake from sleep, responsive performance, and good battery efficiency. Wi-Fi (802.11be mentioned in specs, suggesting Wi-Fi 7) future-proofs wireless connectivity.
Considerations: RAM is soldered, so 16GB is your ceiling plan accordingly for future needs. Intel Evo laptops sometimes sacrifice raw performance for efficiency, so this won’t match gaming laptops in benchmark wars. But for AI-enhanced productivity and premium build quality at this price, it’s compelling.
At $649.99, the ASUS Vivobook 14 is the most affordable laptop here and it doesn’t feel like a budget machine. AMD’s Ryzen AI 7 350 (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5 GHz) provides snappy performance for everyday computing. The XDNA NPU hitting 50 TOPS (the highest AI performance in this lineup) accelerates Windows 11 Copilot+ features and AMD’s own AI software enhancements.
The 14-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) display at 16:10 aspect ratio and 300 nits brightness offers solid visibility and more vertical space than traditional displays. It’s perfect for documents, web browsing, and media consumption, though color accuracy isn’t specified (likely sRGB coverage is good but not professional-grade).
Battery life reaches 12 hours on a charge, with ASUS’s FastCharge technology juicing the 42Wh battery to 100% in about 80 minutes. For students or mobile workers, this combination of endurance and fast charging eliminates range anxiety. With 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, performance stays smooth for typical multitasking. Some Vivobook 14 variants include a SODIMM expansion slot for RAM upgrades check your specific model.
Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3, keeping speeds fast without the premium of Wi-Fi 6E. Port selection typically includes 2× USB 3.0, USB-C, HDMI, and 3.5mm audio (exact mix varies by sub-model). The backlit keyboard and large trackpad make daily use comfortable, and fingerprint reader availability depends on configuration.
At a listed 5.21 pounds, the weight spec appears inflated 14-inch Vivobooks typically weigh around 3.5 pounds. Expect reasonable portability for a budget laptop.
Value proposition: For basic computing web browsing, Office apps, video streaming, light photo editing this delivers more than enough power. The AI NPU future-proofs it as more software leverages local AI processing. You’re not getting gaming performance or professional-grade color accuracy, but for everyday productivity at $649.99, it’s hard to beat.
The Acer Swift Go 14 at $839 is purpose-built for remote workers who live on video calls. The QHD webcam delivers noticeably sharper video than typical 720p or 1080p cameras your colleagues will actually see you in clear detail. Acer’s PurifiedView technology optimizes lighting and color, while PurifiedVoice reduces background noise, making you sound professional even from noisy coffee shops.
Intel’s Core Ultra 7-155H packs 16 cores (22 threads), providing serious multitasking horsepower for running multiple browser tabs, video conferencing, Slack, and productivity apps simultaneously without slowdowns. The Intel Arc graphics and AI Boost NPU enhance video processing and enable advanced features like intelligent background blur.
The 14-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) touchscreen with 100% sRGB color accuracy handles creative work admirably. At 16:10 aspect ratio, you get more vertical space for spreadsheets and documents. With 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD (plus a hidden second M.2 slot on some units, per user reports), you’ve got room to grow storage if needed.
Connectivity is where this shines: Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675 (2×2, tri-band) prioritizes bandwidth for video calls and reduces latency for cloud apps. Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support connects modern wireless headphones efficiently. Ports include Thunderbolt 4/USB-C plus additional USB and audio connections, covering peripheral needs.
The thin-and-light aluminum build at 2.91 pounds and 0.59 inches thick makes this genuinely portable. Intel Evo certification ensures fast wake from sleep and responsive performance. Battery life averages 12.5 hours enough for a full remote workday without scrambling for outlets.
Acer’s AI features include AlterView (adjusting display settings automatically) and Experience Zone software suite, though these are secondary to the core hardware capabilities.
Best for: Remote professionals who need reliable video conferencing, fast connectivity, and all-day portability. The QHD webcam alone justifies the price if you’re on camera frequently.
Best Under $700: The ASUS Vivobook 14 ($649.99) is the clear winner here. You get the latest Ryzen AI architecture and 16GB of RAM without breaking the bank.
Best $700 – $750: It’s a tie between the MacBook Air M4 ($749) for general users and the Lenovo LOQ ($728) for gamers. These serve completely different needs but dominate their respective niches.
Best $750 – $800: The Acer Nitro V ($799) offers the most raw graphical power with its RTX 4050, making it the top pick for serious multitasking and gaming.
| Model | CPU | RAM | Storage | GPU | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air | M4 (10-core) | 16GB | 256GB | 8-core | 13.6″ 2.5K |
| HP OmniBook X | Ultra 7 256V | 16GB | 1TB | Arc 140V | 14″ FHD+ Touch |
| Acer Nitro V | Core i7-13620H | 16GB | 1TB | RTX 4050 | 15.6″ 165Hz |
| Samsung GB4 | Core 7-150U | 16GB | 1TB | Intel Graphics | 15.6″ FHD |
| Lenovo LOQ | i5-12450HX | 8GB | 512GB | RTX 4050 | 15.6″ 144Hz |
| Surface Laptop | Snapdragon X | 16GB | 512GB | Adreno | 13″ PixelSense |
| Lenovo Yoga 7 | Ryzen 7 8840HS | 16GB | 1TB | Radeon 780M | 16″ WUXGA |
| Dell 14 Plus | Ultra 7 256V | 16GB | 1TB | Arc Graphics | 14″ 2.5K |
| ASUS Vivobook | Ryzen AI 7 | 16GB | 512GB | Radeon Graphics | 14″ WUXGA |
| Acer Swift Go | Ultra 7 155H | 16GB | 512GB | Arc Graphics | 14″ WUXGA |
Generally, no. While you can get by with 8GB for basic web browsing, modern applications and Windows 11 features run significantly smoother with 16GB. Most laptops on our list now include 16GB as standard for this reason.
Surprisingly, yes. The M4 chip supports hardware ray tracing and can play optimized titles like Resident Evil or Death Stranding very well. However, for a broader library of games (like Call of Duty or Valorant), a Windows laptop with an RTX GPU (like the Acer Nitro V) is superior.
This refers to Windows laptops that have a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) capable of over 40 TOPS (trillions of operations per second). Examples include the Surface Laptop and HP OmniBook X. They can run advanced AI features locally without slowing down your computer.
Most mainstream software (Chrome, Office, Zoom, Adobe Creative Cloud) now runs natively on ARM. However, some specialized older drivers or niche games with anti-cheat software may still have issues. Check your specific software requirements before buying the Surface Laptop.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop and HP OmniBook X are the leaders here, easily clearing 18-20 hours of real-world usage thanks to their efficient ARM and Lunar Lake architectures.
After reviewing these 10 best laptops under $800, here are my top picks for different users:
