Quick checklist before you buy
Before selecting a laptop, it helps to define the main tasks it will handle. For everyday work and study, aim for a light, versatile machine with at least an entry‑level graphics solution, a modern processor, and a weight around 2.5 kg or less.
For serious professional work, prioritize a powerful processor, ideally a Ryzen 5 or Core i5, and maximize memory from the start, with 16 GB as a practical baseline. The graphics card and display quality should align with the specific duties, making it essential to weigh these components against the intended workload, notes Knyazev.
On a budget gaming laptop, start with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM. Consider Nvidia GeForce RTX series graphics, even on entry‑level models, since DLSS can extend usable life by boosting performance without a dramatic hit to image quality. When evaluating a full‑fledged gaming rig, the processor and GPU’s thermal design power (TDP) matter. A high TDP often signals more power, and many users find 100 watts to be a solid target. In practice, cooling must keep up with the heat, but more headroom is welcome.
Finally, if battery life is a priority, look beyond the advertised battery rating in watt-hours. The processor choice matters too, with modern AMD Ryzen models typically offering better efficiency than some Intel equivalents. A laptop without discrete graphics tends to run longer between charges.
The best laptop for school and work
For devices that travel frequently between classrooms and offices, weight and a sturdy build are crucial. A popular option in the current market is the Thunderobot 911 Air Wave D. Weighing approximately 2.15 kg, its metal and plastic chassis is designed to endure daily transport while remaining visually presentable on the go. Versatility is key, as this model suits video editing, online gaming, and 3D modeling or graphic tasks. Expert opinion emphasizes that an entry‑level graphics card is a sensible minimum for such a configuration.
Priced around 52,000 rubles, the Thunderobot 911 Air Wave D handles these tasks with an Intel Core i5‑11400H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics. Battery life sits around five hours, so bringing along a compact charger is advisable for extended use away from outlets.
The best laptop for viewing
When high‑end professional work is involved, gaming laptops often become a practical focus. Requirements vary by field: designers may seek displays with strong color accuracy, while editors may need ample RAM and a capable graphics card. This is the case with the ASUS TUF Dash F15 FX517ZM‑HN157, a model commonly cited for demanding tasks. It houses a robust Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, widely supported by professional software, and comes with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB SSD. Despite its strong performance, the display’s color reproduction is not ideal for all design work, which can limit its suitability for color-critical tasks.
The best budget laptop for gaming
Labeling a laptop as a budget gaming device can be misleading. For casual entertainment, it makes sense to identify the games first and choose hardware accordingly. The core of a gaming system remains the graphics card, so that choice drives the rest of the configuration.
For popular online titles, a GeForce GTX 1650 often serves as a practical entry point and can handle games like CS:GO and Dota 2 at modest settings. For more demanding projects, look toward RTX series GPUs that support DLSS, offering noticeable gains in performance with minimal compromise on visuals. The RTX 3050, a common entry in budget gaming builds, appears in models like the Thunderobot 911 Air XS D, priced around 70,000 rubles. Upgrading RAM by adding another stick to reach 16 GB is a common time‑to‑do step, and storage can usually be expanded beyond the default 256 GB SSD to suit larger game libraries and applications.
The best gaming laptops
Choosing a powerful gaming notebook becomes more nuanced as the hardware improves. More capable systems demand stronger cooling and better noise management. TDP serves as an approximate indicator of thermal output, with higher values signaling more heat and greater performance potential.
A representative option is the MSI Katana 17 B12VEK‑482XRU, featuring a total system TDP around 115 watts. This implies substantial processing and graphics capabilities, though it may produce noticeable fan noise under load. The 17‑inch 1080p display paired with an RTX 4060 or similar GPU supports DLSS 3.0, enhancing both image quality and frame rates in supported games. In the market, this model can be found around 100,000 rubles, offering a balance between power and price.
The best laptop with long battery life
For long unplugged sessions, the strategy is to avoid discrete graphics and favor energy‑efficient processors. Ryzen chips are frequently highlighted for efficiency. Battery capacity is often listed in watt‑hours, a more meaningful metric than milliamp hours for laptops. A model like the ASUS M1502IA‑BQ093, with about 42 Wh, can provide up to eight hours of typical use. It’s usually priced around 52,000 rubles and pairs a capable AMD Ryzen 7 4800H with integrated Radeon Vega 7 and 16 GB of RAM, delivering a solid all‑round experience without frequent recharges.