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There was no single best laptop for everyone in 2019. The Wirecutter guide published by Scroll.in named the late-2017 Dell XPS 13 (9360) its best Windows ultrabook, while recommending different machines for macOS users, students on ChromeOS, business buyers, gamers, creative professionals and people who wanted a convertible. These are historical picks, not current buying advice: anyone shopping in 2026 should compare current models and verify software support, battery condition, warranty and price.
Which laptop was best for most people in 2019?
For a typical Windows user doing schoolwork, writing, web browsing or office tasks, the guide’s default recommendation was the Dell XPS 13 (9360)—specifically the late-2017, non-touch configuration. Its appeal was balance rather than top-end speed: a compact 13.3-inch 1080p display, light body, keyboard and trackpad suited to everyday work, Thunderbolt 3, and enough performance for ordinary productivity. The recommended configuration had an Intel processor, 8 GB of memory and a 256 GB SSD. The guide estimated that it could serve for three to four years, a judgment about expected useful life at the time, not a guarantee.
The model distinction matters. The pick was not every laptop called an XPS 13, nor the XPS 13 2-in-1. Similar names can hide different generations, ports, displays and components. The guide’s specifications and reasoning are in the February 15, 2019 article.
The XPS was not the right tool for demanding games, professional video editing or 3D modeling. Those workloads call for more graphics power and sustained cooling, usually at the cost of portability and unplugged runtime.
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- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
- 14" HD Display: 14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, anti-glare. See your digital world in a whole new way. Enjoy movies and photos with the great image quality and high-definition detail of 1 million pixels.
- Memory & Storage: 4 GB LPDDR4x & 64 GB eMMC Storage. Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. An embedded multimedia card provides reliable flash-based storage.
- Ports:2 x USB 3.0 Type-A，1 x USB 3.0 Type-C，1 x HDMI，1 x Headphone Jack
- Chrome OS: Chromebook is a computer for the way the modern world works, with thousands of apps. Enjoy the seamless simplicity that comes with Google Chrome and Android apps, all integrated into one laptop. It’s fast, simple, and secure.
Choose by workload, not by brand
| Need | 2019 guide’s pick | Why it fit |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday Windows laptop | Dell XPS 13 (9360), late-2017 non-touch | Portable, well-rounded machine for study and office work |
| macOS laptop | Apple MacBook Air (2018) | Thin, light choice for people who wanted macOS and Apple-device integration |
| Browser-first student | Asus Chromebook Flip C302CA | Compact convertible for web and supported Android-app work |
| Business laptop | Lenovo ThinkPad T480s | Keyboard, ports, durability and serviceability mattered more than minimum weight |
| Gaming | Asus ROG Strix Scar II GL504GS-DS74 | Dedicated graphics and cooling for gaming while plugged in |
| Creative work on Windows | Microsoft Surface Book 2, 15-inch configuration | Dedicated graphics and detachable display in a versatile system |
| Creative work on macOS | Apple MacBook Pro, 15-inch 2018 Touch Bar | Large high-resolution display and performance for Apple-based creative workflows |
| Occasional tablet or tent mode | Lenovo Yoga 920 | 360-degree hinge for a laptop-first convertible |
Best student laptop: match the machine to required software
Windows student: Dell XPS 13
The XPS 13 was the practical all-rounder for a student who needed conventional Windows applications and wanted a small laptop to carry between classes. Its 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD recommendation was aimed at ordinary study, not demanding engineering, design or media-production workloads. Check course requirements before choosing an ultrabook: specialized software, large projects and local media libraries may need more memory, storage or graphics capability.
Mac student: Apple MacBook Air (2018)
The 2018 MacBook Air suited students who preferred macOS, already used Apple devices, or valued access to Apple support where available. The guide praised its thin, light build, display and full-workday battery performance in its testing context. It also noted a price premium over similarly equipped Windows laptops, a low-travel keyboard and only two Thunderbolt 3 ports. This is the Intel-era 2018 model, not a later Apple-silicon MacBook Air.
Browser-first or budget-conscious student: Asus Chromebook Flip C302CA
The recommended C302CA configuration paired an Intel Core m3-6Y30 processor with 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage and a 12.5-inch 1920×1080 IPS touchscreen. Its compact convertible design, backlit keyboard, two USB-C ports, microSD slot and headphone jack made it a reasonable fit for browser-based school portals, documents and supported Android apps. It was not a substitute for a Windows or Mac laptop if coursework depended on desktop programs such as Photoshop or iTunes, demanding games, substantial local storage or reliable offline access. Before buying a used Chromebook, check its remaining automatic-update eligibility; support periods are model-specific and time-sensitive.
Rank #2
- Performance: Powered by Intel Celeron N4500 dual-core processor with up to 2.8 GHz burst frequency and 4MB L3 cache, this HP Chromebook delivers smooth multitasking for everyday computing. With 4GB LPDDR4x-2933 RAM and Intel UHD Graphics, enjoy seamless web browsing, video streaming, and productivity apps. Chrome OS boots in seconds and updates automatically, keeping your laptop secure and running at peak performance for students, professionals, and home users.
- Immersive 14-Inch HD Display: Experience clear, vibrant visuals on the 14-inch diagonal HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare display with 250 nits brightness and 62.5% sRGB color accuracy. The micro-edge design maximizes your viewing area with an impressive 80% screen-to-body ratio, perfect for streaming movies, video calls, and document editing. The anti-glare coating reduces eye strain during extended use, making it ideal for all-day productivity and entertainment in any lighting condition.
- Advanced Connectivity & Ports: Stay connected with Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) for faster wireless speeds and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device pairing. Equipped with versatile ports including 1 USB Type-C 10Gbps (with USB Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4), 2 USB Type-A 5Gbps ports, 1 HDMI 1.4b, and 1 headphone/microphone combo jack. Connect external monitors, transfer files quickly, charge your device, and expand your workspace effortlessly for maximum productivity and flexibility.
- All-Day Battery & Premium Design: The battery keeps you powered throughout your day, while the included 45W USB Type-C power adapter ensures fast charging. Featuring a sleek modern grey finish with vertical brushing pattern on the keyboard deck, this lightweight 3.35 lb Chromebook combines style and portability. The full-size modern grey keyboard and HP Imagepad provide comfortable typing and precise navigation for work, school, or entertainment on the go.
- Enhanced Security & Multimedia: Built-in H1 secure microcontroller protects your data and privacy with enterprise-grade security. The HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones delivers crystal-clear video calls and online meetings. HD Audio with stereo speakers provides rich, immersive sound for music, videos, and calls. With 64GB eMMC storage, you have ample space for essential files while Chrome OS seamlessly integrates with Google Drive for cloud storage.
Student who writes by hand: Lenovo Yoga 920
The 13.9-inch Yoga 920’s 360-degree hinge and pen support made it suitable for someone who wanted to annotate or take handwritten notes but primarily needed a laptop. The stylus was not included in the recommended configuration. A convertible can fold into tablet mode, but it remains thicker and heavier to hold than a dedicated tablet.
Best business laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad T480s
The T480s was the guide’s choice for office users, programmers and others who valued a durable keyboard, a broader set of ports and serviceability over the slimmest possible chassis. Its recommended configuration included a Core i5-8250U, 8 GB RAM, a 256 GB PCIe SSD, a 14-inch 1080p IPS display, a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader. Depending on configuration, business features could include vPro or smart-card support.
Among its practical advantages were a spill-resistant keyboard, replaceable battery and upgradeable memory and storage. There was only one memory slot, however, which limits upgrade flexibility. Business buyers should also confirm the exact display and security options rather than assume every T480s configuration is identical.
Rank #3
- 【14" HD Display】With a 14-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, anti-glare display, indulge in enhanced productivity and entertainment pursuits with the captivating clarity and brilliance of this display, sure to elevate your experiences.
- 【Intel Celeron N4500 Processor】Efficiently handles everyday tasks with low power consumption, making it ideal for web browsing, streaming, and light productivity.
- 【4GB DDR4 RAM】Ample bandwidth available to smoothly run numerous programs concurrently without experiencing any slowdowns.【64GB eMMC】Speed up tasks with rapid responses and ample storage capacity.
- 【Intel UHD Graphics】Enjoy smooth visuals for everyday tasks, video streaming, and casual entertainment with efficient integrated graphics performance.【720p HD Camera】Video chat with vibrant clarity, even in low light.【Microsoft Copilot】Kickstart your creativity and productivity with Microsoft Copilot.
- 【Windows 11 S】12.76 x 8.86 x 0.71 Inches, 3.42 lbs. 【Ports】1 x USB-C 3.0, 2 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1x Headphone/ microphone combo. WiFi 6+Bluetooth5.4.
Best gaming laptop: Asus ROG Strix Scar II
The recommended ROG Strix Scar II GL504GS-DS74 configuration combined an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070, Intel Core i7-8750H six-core processor, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD and 1 TB hybrid drive. The guide valued its gaming performance, cooling and screen. It also found substantial trade-offs: bulky weight, very poor battery life away from a charger, conspicuous styling, no G-Sync and no Thunderbolt 3.
A gaming laptop is not automatically a better everyday laptop. Compared with an ultrabook, this class is generally heavier, less efficient on battery and more expensive, in exchange for stronger graphics. This specific GTX 1070 system is a 2019-era recommendation; game compatibility, component condition and performance expectations should not be inferred from its former ranking.
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Windows creative work: Microsoft Surface Book 2
The guide recommended the 15-inch Surface Book 2 with a 4K display, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 graphics. It offered a detachable screen, dedicated graphics, a strong keyboard and trackpad, and a varied port selection that included USB-A, USB-C and a full-size SD card reader. The guide praised its battery life relative to the laptops it had tested, but did not consider its screen accurate enough for the most demanding video color-grading or print-production work. A sharp 4K image alone does not establish color accuracy.
Rank #4
- Laptop 180° Open Angle: This laptop's hinge opens flat to 180 degrees, giving you the flexibility to adjust the screen for presentations, team collaboration, or your ideal viewing position. Whether working, sharing, or presenting, this adjustable-screen notebook adapts to any situation with ease
- Office 365 & AI Assistance Included: The laptop comes with a 1-year Office 365 subscription preinstalled, supporting your work from day one. Plus, the laptop’s built-in AI assists with chatting, writing, reading, meetings, and drawing—simplifying daily tasks and saving you valuable time
- Performance & Storage: Powered by a Celeron J4105 quad-core processor, 12GB RAM 256GB SSD, this laptop computer handles multitasking with ease. Expand via SSD up to 2TB or TF card up to 1TB. So you never run out of space for files, media, and more
- FHD Ultra-Narrow Display: Featuring a 15.6" FHD display with 1920x1080 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, this laptop offers rich colors and clear detailing. Its narrow bezels optimize the usable screen space, delivering a more engaging viewing experience with lifelike imagery
- 7000mAh Battery & Reliable Connectivity: This laptop packs a 7000mAh battery for work and entertainment without frequent charging. 5G Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 deliver stable connections for streaming, browsing, and file transfers. With USB 3.2, Type-C, and Mini HDMI ports, easily connect devices and more
macOS creative work: 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro (2018)
The 2018 15-inch Touch Bar MacBook Pro was aimed at Apple users needing a larger display, faster processors and dedicated graphics for professional photo, video, audio or print workflows. The recommended configuration had a 2.8 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD and Radeon Pro 560 graphics. Its 15.4-inch 2880×1800 Retina display and color coverage were strengths. The guide criticized the shallow keyboard, short battery life, high price and reliance on adapters for common connections such as USB-A, HDMI and DisplayPort. This is the 2018 Intel generation, not the later 16-inch redesign or Apple-silicon models.
How to choose between them
- Software: Choose around the applications your team or clients require; a Windows-only tool can outweigh display or chassis preferences.
- Color-critical output: Confirm measured display accuracy for the exact configuration and workflow. High resolution is not proof of color fidelity.
- Graphics and sustained work: Dedicated graphics can help, but long renders also depend on cooling, memory and storage.
- Ports: Count the connections you actually use—such as SD cards, monitors, USB-A devices or audio equipment—and account for any hub or dock.
- Mobility: More power and larger screens commonly mean more weight and less time away from a charger.
Mac, Windows or Chromebook?
The guide’s useful rule was to stay with the operating system you already knew unless a concrete need justified switching. Many mainstream applications existed on multiple platforms or had alternatives, but specialized institutional software, games and hardware utilities can make compatibility decisive. Windows was the safer fit for many games, specialized business applications, varied ports and upgrade-oriented choices; macOS made sense for buyers invested in Apple workflows; ChromeOS fit work that could stay in a browser or supported app.
Support is also local and conditional. Apple Store access may be convenient where a store is nearby, but availability, repair costs and warranty coverage depend on country, device condition and ownership status. Compare support options for the actual machine rather than treating brand reputation as a guarantee.
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Best Value
- BUILT FOR EVERYDAY USE - HP 14, an entry-level, light workload configuration laptop. With up to 12 hours battery life and HP fast charge, it can keep you up and running all day long. Bring your ideas to life with the included one year subscription of Microsoft 365 including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Do more with AI as your personal assistant. Kickstart new projects with relevant answers, simplified solutions, and helpful advice
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Equipped with Intel Celeron N4500 processor and Intel UHD Graphics, the HP 14 delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks. With 4GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB storage (64GB eMMC + 64GB SD Card), it offers efficient multitasking and ample space for your files, apps, and media
- CRISP DISPLAY — Equipped with a 14" micro-edge display, coupled with anti-glare technology and 62.5% SRGB Color Gamut for comfortable viewing. Supports expanding the workspace with 2 external monitors via HDMI or USB-C, max resolution up to FHD (1920x1080) @60Hz without docking station. Plus, HP True Vision HD camera meets daily video chat or conference needs
- RICH CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS — Equipped with USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 1.4b, a headphone/microphone combo jack, an AC Smart Pin, and an SD Card Reader for expanded storage options. It also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 for ultra-fast, stable wireless connectivity
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Windows 11 Home in S mode is designed for security and performance, it can be switched out of S mode to Windows 11 Home (Open Windows Settings > System > Activation). Ideal for Family Entertainment, School Education, Daily Productivity, Casual Gaming, Streaming, Online Class, Remote Learning, Zoom Meeting, Video Conference, etc
What the recommended laptops cost in India at publication
The prices below are the Indian retail figures shown in the article when it was published in February 2019. They are historical figures, not current prices or comparable U.S. prices.
| Category | Model | Price shown at publication in India |
|---|---|---|
| Windows ultrabook | Dell XPS 13 (9360) | ₹93,990 |
| Mac laptop | Apple MacBook Air (2018) | ₹99,990 |
| Chromebook | Asus Chromebook Flip C302CA | ₹64,966 |
| Windows creative laptop | Microsoft Surface Book 2 | ₹264,799 |
| Mac creative laptop | 15-inch MacBook Pro (2018) | ₹254,990 |
| Gaming laptop | Asus ROG Strix Scar II | ₹297,999 |
| Business laptop | Lenovo ThinkPad T480s | ₹111,284 |
| 2-in-1 | Lenovo Yoga 920 | ₹149,990 |
The source identifies these as prices at the time of publication; it does not establish that they were universally available prices or directly comparable configurations in other markets. Do not convert them into present-day budgets without separate market data.
How to make a sound laptop decision
For a planned three-to-four-year ownership period, spend against the bottlenecks you will actually encounter: usable memory and storage, a comfortable keyboard, a display suited to the work, warranty and repair options. A premium badge or processor name alone does not guarantee upgradeability or long useful life.
- List required software first. Verify the exact application and version on the operating system you intend to use.
- Set realistic performance needs. Browser work and documents differ sharply from 3D modeling, professional video editing and demanding games.
- Estimate storage. Consider local projects, media files and whether cloud or external storage fits your routine.
- Inventory connections. Include monitors, projectors, card readers, drives, instruments and controllers; price any required adapter or dock.
- Test portability and ergonomics. Consider screen size, weight, keyboard feel and whether the device will be used on a desk or carried daily.
- Check battery expectations. Battery runtime varies with screen brightness, workload, configuration and battery health; gaming and rendering are especially charger-dependent.
- Compare warranty and repair paths. Confirm local coverage, parts availability, service options and repair cost before committing.
Should you buy one of these models in 2026?
These models are legacy products, so their 2019 recommendations do not establish that any particular unit is a sensible purchase today. If considering one used or refurbished, inspect battery health and cycle count, keyboard and trackpad wear, screen defects, SSD condition, charger wattage, USB-C charging, hinge movement, fan noise and thermal behavior. Verify that the advertised RAM and storage match the hardware, and check for BIOS passwords or corporate management locks. For a Chromebook, confirm remaining automatic updates; for any model, check current operating-system security support and the seller’s warranty and return terms.
For a current purchase, start with product families rather than assuming the old model remains best: Dell XPS laptops for premium Windows portability, ASUS ROG laptops for gaming, Lenovo ThinkPad for business-focused options, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro for macOS, and Chromebooks for browser-first work. These are current product-family pages, not endorsements of a particular configuration or price; compare the exact model, specifications and local terms before buying.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
