With a wide variety of brands and models available in the market, it can become difficult to make a choice when one goes out to buy a computer. Here is some help. This article lists the top rated laptops and desktops that you can currently buy.
The key to buying the right computer is to take stock of your own requirements and budget, and then choose the best machine that fits into those criteria.
New models of laptops and desktops keep getting introduced into the market practically every day, and this only adds to the confusion in the minds of customers. So, the best way to decide which one to buy for yourself is to see what you really need. The first step, which is pretty important, is to decide between a desktop and a laptop computer. Once this has been decided, move on to deciding the other major aspects, like memory, operating system, hard disk space, processor speed, monitor, graphics card, price, etc.
To make the task ahead simpler for you, here is a list of the best laptops and desktops that are available in the market, both, for daily use and for gaming purposes, along with their technical specifications and prices. Take your pick…
Computers for normal, everyday use need not be packed with top-of-the-line specs, which is the norm for gaming PCs. This is the reason why normal PCs cost a lot less than the ones meant for hardcore gaming. The options available in the market are plenty, but here, we have listed only the top rated PCs, which you should consider if you are in the market for a new machine meant for everyday use.
- 3.1 GHz Intel Core i7-4770S
- 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- 2 GB Nvidia GeForce GT750M
- 2 TB 7200 RPM HDD
- Microsoft Windows 8
Price: $2,248
The standout feature of this particular model is its brilliant touchscreen, which has a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440. Design wise, the all-in-one desktop has a clean and sharp look. It is best viewed in the head-on angle, with its edge-to-edge glass covered screen being the focal point. The recent upgrade to the line-up means that all models now feature 4th gen Intel processors, featuring the Haswell architecture. Overall, this is one of the best PCs available in stores.
- 3.4 GHz Intel Core i5-4670
- 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- 2 GB Nvidia GeForce GTX775M
- 128 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD
- Mac OSX Mountain Lion
Price: $2,199
Apple iMacs have long been considered to be the best all-in-one computers available in the market. The newest iteration makes use of the latest 4th gen Intel processors and improved Nvidia graphics. As far its design is concerned, iMacs have been and still are the best, with the use of highest quality materials and a sleek form. One of the downsides it has is the lack of a HDMI port, which is must these days. In spite of this, it is still one of the best desktops.
- 3.6 GHz AMD A-6 5400K
- 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- 512 MB AMD Radeon HD7540D
- 1 TB 7200 RPM HDD
- Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Price: $699
This is the best low-budget all-in-one desktop, and the current segment leader as well. It offers a lot for its price point, blowing away its competition in the process. It features an all-plastic body with a conservative design. It features AMD processors, which give the same performance as similar Intel processors, but at a much lower price. This is definitely the option to consider at the budget end of the market.
- 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7-4850HQ
- 16 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- 2 GB Nvidia GeForce GT750M
- 512 GB SSD
- Mac OSX Mavericks
Price: $2,599
The main attraction of the MacBook Pro is its excellent Retina display. This model also features the new 4th gen Intel processors, thus improving its battery life considerably. It has an all-aluminum body, which makes it look elegant and improves its sturdiness. This is the best Apple laptop you can buy, and for Apple fans, it is the ultimate one.
- 1.6 GHz Intel Core i5-4200U
- 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Intel HD Graphics 4400
- 128 GB SSD
- Microsoft Windows 8
Price: $1,399
This sleek laptop features a 13.3-inch display, with a resolution of 3,200 x 1,800. It features a touchscreen, thus making the Windows 8 experience all the more enjoyable. As far as its design is concerned, it is super sleek and super thin. The only negative aspect of this model is its price. It is even costlier than a similar spec MacBook Air, but it is worth the extra money nonetheless.
- 1.3 GHz Intel Core i5-4250U
- 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Intel HD Graphics 5000
- 128 GB SSD
- Mac OSX Mountain Lion
Price: $1,099
This model was the first in the ultra-thin and ultra-portable category. MacBook Air has been at the top of this segment for long, and deservedly so. It also features the 4th gen Intel processors, which increase its already impressive battery life. Its only downside is the lack of a touchscreen and a higher resolution display. Design wise, it has the best form factor, being extremely thin and light.
Gaming computers need to have the best hardware specs to be able to seamlessly run the latest games. The main component of these computers is their graphics card. Games are graphically intense, and to be played in the highest settings, they need the latest and best graphics card. Other specs matter too, with processor and RAM being the next most important components. Given below are the most highly rated gaming machines available in the market.
- 4.7 GHz Intel Core i7-3970X
- 16 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Nvidia GeForce Titan SLI
- 2 TB HDD + 256 GB SSD
- Microsoft Windows 8
Price: $7,394
This is currently the best gaming desktop that money can buy. Its technical specs are a gamer’s dream. It offers the option to include as many as three top-of-the-line Nvidia graphics cards. Its design is sleek with a vertical chassis for effective cooling. The only negative it has is the lack of slots for upgrades or improvement. Although, you won’t require any, considering the impressive stock specs.
- 3.4 GHz Intel Core i5-4670K
- 16 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 770
- 1 TB HDD + 256 GB SSD
- Microsoft Windows 8
Price: $2,499
This desktop comes in the mid-segment of dedicated gaming PCs. It offers enough performance to run any game, but maybe not at the highest possible settings. It comes in a new small form factor (SFF) design, which is pleasing to the eye. The downside to the design being no room for expansion or upgrades. It provides considerable performance at its price, and the benchmark tests prove so.
- 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5-4570
- 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 640 Ti
- 1 TB HDD + 32 GB SSD Cache
- Microsoft Windows 8
Price: $999
This is an entry-level gaming desktop. It features the 4th gen Intel processors and Nvidia graphics card. It offers respectable performance for the price at which it is available. It includes a plethora of ports for connectivity, which is again an important thing for gamers. Its design is plain and understated, but it is made of the finest soft-touch materials. Its only downside is the 500W PSU, which may hamper future upgrade options.
- 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7-4900MQ
- 32 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- (2) Nvidia GeForce GTX 780M
- 750 GB HDD + 512 GB SSD
- Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
Price: $4,249
This the highest spec Alienware laptop that one can buy. This says a lot, as Alienware is considered to be at the pinnacle of gaming machines. It features the 4th gen Intel processors and two Nvidia graphics cards. As far as its design is concerned, it follows Alienware’s tradition of cutting-edge and over-the-top styling. It is a behemoth of a machine though, barely qualifying to be called a laptop.
- 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7-4072HQ
- 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 870M
- 256 GB SSD
- Microsoft Windows 8.1
Price: $2,399
This is an ultra-thin gaming laptop produced by Razer Blade. Its form factor is similar to that of a Macbook Pro. It is completely black, with the company’s logo featured on the top of the laptop. Its design is a refreshing approach in the gaming computers industry. Its sleek design is completely different from the usual bulky slabs of gaming laptops. It has a reasonable amount of kit, and can play most of the new games on higher settings.
- 2.4 GHz Intel Core i7-4700HQ
- 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 860M
- 1 TB HDD
- Microsoft Windows 8.1
Price: $1,349
This particular laptop packs in incredible performance in a relatively small package, which is affordable as well. It features the latest 4th gen Intel Processors, but the highlight of this product is the latest Nvidia graphics card that it offers. Design wise, it is understated and pretty simple, though that is the norm for almost all gaming laptops. It may not be as sleek as the Razer Blade, but it is not as bulky and gargantuan as the Alienware either.
Note: Prices and specs are subject to change without prior notice, and vary according to location and offers available.
These were some the best computers currently available in the market. Newer and better models keep getting launched periodically, and the prices keep fluctuating as well. So, it is advised that you check prices and availability of the model you plan to buy before making the decision to buy one.