Laptops expire, too: Before you buy, search for that exact model on endoflife.date. If it’s already at its end of life, or EOL, move on. That means it’s not going to get any more security updates and isn’t safe to use. If it’s close to its EOL, you can do better: Check out our latest laptop picks.
Secret to trying a laptop out at home
Here’s a tech-savvy tip most people overlook: Just like returning clothes that don’t fit, you can often return a laptop if it’s not the right fit for you. The key is understanding the seller’s return policy. I’ll break it down so you don’t end up with an expensive doorstop.
Know the basics
Here’s what to look for in a return policy that lets you take a “try before you buy” approach:
- Return period: These range from 15 days to 90 days.
- Shipping and restocking fees: Some sellers hit you with return shipping or restocking fees of up to 25% of a laptop’s original price.
- Surprises: You may have to keep every bit of the original packaging, or the clock on your return windows could start the second you hit “Buy,” not when it’s delivered.
So, where’s the best place to buy?
- The best: Costco and Walmart both have a 90-day return window with very little in the way of fine print or picky policies.
- The worst: Best Buy’s return policy is only 15 days. You get 60 days if you pay up to $180 for a My Best Buy annual membership. Don’t shop here.
What about Amazon? The return window is 30 days for laptops that didn’t start when they arrived, were delivered in a damaged condition or are still in an unopened box. If you open the box or it works, you’ll pay a 15% restocking fee. Pro tip: If you’re a good Amazon customer, hop into a chat with their customer service team and ask them to reverse the charge. This worked for me!
I asked my IT genius, John, to pick his favorite Windows and Mac laptops. He shops for the tech we use here in the studios, so you’re in fabulous hands.
Windows of opportunity
💰 HP 17 Business Laptop ($486): Powered by an i3 processor that gets the job done for browsing, banking and school or work. The 17.3-inch screen is also big without being bulky.
💰💰 Dell Inspiron ($616, 5% off): For about $100 more, you get a touchscreen and a slightly more powerful i5 processor. It can handle heavier-duty stuff, like casual gaming and programming.
💰💰💰 HP Envy ($1,129): All the bells and whistles, including an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD. Zoom-zoom!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Bursting into flames: Protect yourself from lithium-ion battery hazards
Powering my cellphone? A lithium-ion battery. E-bike? Lithium-ion. Same goes for my iPad, MacBook, electric toothbrush, portable battery pack. I could go on.
The same goes for your tech. As it starts to warm up, we need to talk about safety. Fires from our little gadgets can get out of control quickly.
Do the new AI laptops live up to the hype?
A new wave of AI laptops from top brands like Dell, Lenovo, and Asus just hit the market. With a hefty price tag, are they really worth it?
Heads-up, Apple shoppers: Scammers are walking into Apple Stores with fake IDs and QR codes to steal laptops before the real buyers show up. It’s not quite clear how the shysters are getting the intel, so keep an eye on your order status and pick up your new tech ASAP.
15,000 employees
Are getting laid off at Intel. After reporting $1.6 billion in quarterly losses, Intel is axing 15% of its workforce by the end of this year. So, what the heck is going on? Microsoft and Apple both ditched Intel chips in their newest laptops.
I wish I could help every one of you
That’s where the pros at my sponsor Dell come in. We use Dell gear at Komando HQ. Dell laptops, PCs and servers power my national radio show, podcasts, this newsletter and everything else we do.
If you’re shopping for your small business, side hustle or new venture, you can chat with a small business expert for free advice on the right hardware. No obligation to buy, either.
Tidy your tech: Best cable organization and cord management options
Everyone seems to own laptops, smartphones, desktop computers, Internet of Things devices and so much more. It’s great to be connected, but what isn’t great is all those tangled cords.
Thankfully, there are tons of organizing tools to choose from. Whether you want to hide those cables swinging from your TV or move the wires out of your way on your computer desk, we’ve got the right organizers for you.
Don’t Google these words: A couple searched for “pressure cooker” and “backpacks” on the husband’s work laptop. (I know, right?) Of course, this search got flagged by his IT department … because they’re both homemade bomb ingredients. Just a reminder: Your IT department knows everything you do on a company-issued device.
🇰🇵 Live fast, die Jong: A Nashville man could spend 20 years in prison for helping North Koreans infiltrate U.S. companies. North Korean intelligence used his identity to get remote IT positions, then had company-issued laptops sent to his home. Then the North Koreans logged onto these laptops to spy on U.S. companies.
Start saving up now: Laptop tech has been stagnant for years, but the times, they are a-changin’. Computer makers are using chips that allow laptops to run large-scale AI models directly on the device. You’ll get better performance, tighter security and less reliance on the cloud (paywall link) — but expect laptop prices to skyrocket.
Not just a rumor anymore: Apple is officially cooking up a foldable MacBook for 2027. This analyst says it’ll have a 20.3-inch screen and could change how we use laptops forever. As for pricing, well, it’s Apple, so start saving now.
💲 One man’s trash: Microsoft’s Trade-in Program turns old gadgets into green. Head to its site, pick what you’ve got (laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, whatever), and receive up to $500. Amazon has the same program, so check to see which offers you more moolah.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
If you bought one of these defective laptops, Apple might owe you money
Consumer products and vehicles get recalled often, but it’s rare to get anything of value in return. When a car has a defective component, manufacturers usually repair it for free. Tap or click here for details on 160K vehicles recently recalled.
These laptops have an expiration date
When you think of “expiration date,” electronics don’t come to mind. In this 1-minute podcast, what to look for so you don’t buy a computer near the end of life.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Protect your tech: Time to update Chrome, Windows and iOS
One of the easiest ways to protect against security flaws, hacks, bugs and viruses is to keep your software and devices updated. Developers push updates and patches to repair known security issues and prevent future ones.
Need a new computer? Save up to 45% with Dell's summer sale
You’ve come to the right place if you want to upgrade your home office setup. You’re also shopping at the right time since our sponsor Dell Technologies is slicing prices for its Summer Sale. It’s one of the best 2022 tech sales you’ll find: You can snatch a powerful gaming laptop for less than $1,000.
Security updates issued for 100+ laptop models over malware risk - Update now
One of your first lines of defense against malware is to keep your devices updated. Security patches fix bugs and vulnerabilities that hackers use to get into your system, so staying updated is crucial.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has been a hotbed of scams and hacks. Crooks will always take advantage of significant events to target fresh victims. Tap or click here for tips on five things you need to update now because of the Ukrainian war.
The world complains about these consoles, mobiles and laptops the most
They say the cream always rises to the top. On the opposite side, the scum sinks to the bottom. For every beloved Apple and Android product, there’s an equally-loathed item that users vent about on social media.
Electronics Hub wanted to see which devices people complain about the most. Its team created a complaint detection tool that analyzed thousands of tweets that mentioned popular tech products. They used Twitter because it’s usually the No. 1 place people go to when they want to scream into the social media void.
10 tips and tricks for your new iPad
The holiday season has passed, and it’s time to play with your new toys. Tech products are always a popular gift under the Christmas tree, and you’re spoiled for choice between phones, tablets, smart speakers, laptops and more obscure items like smart temperature-controlled coffee mugs.