Best Windows Laptops: Black Friday 2019 – Deals & Buyer’s Guide

Best
Windows Laptop
Windows Central
2019

If you have a new Windows laptop in your sights, Black Friday is a great time to buy. You’ll likely see prices on some of the great laptops featured here slashed considerably, but even if they’re not, you’re still looking at the best of the best. We’re keeping our buyer’s guides updated leading up to Black Friday to ensure you’re getting the best buyer advice possible, and our deals team is working around the clock to bring you the best discounts featured right here.

Best Overall: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390)

The original Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 was a bit of a letdown due to underpowered Intel Y-series CPUs and disappointing battery life, but the refreshed 7390 model has cleaned things up. You’re now able to get 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs and a full workday of battery life, which is impressive from a convertible with this grade of touch display. It’s sized at 13.4 inches with a 16:10 aspect ratio, available in either 1920×1200 or 3840×2400. With Dolby Vision HDR400 certification and excellent color, you’re going to love this laptop every time you open the lid.

The slim chassis is understated and gorgeous, with a dual-hinge setup that lets you rotate the display around for tent, stand, and tablet modes. Combined with an active pen, this laptop is quite versatile. Platinum, silver finish is available for the outer shell, while you have black carbon fiber or artic white woven fiber interior options. Ports include two Thunderbolt 3, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The design means you can’t get inside to upgrade hardware yourself, but there are plenty of configuration options available from Dell.

The second-gen maglev keyboard included here for a responsive feel, and there’s a large Precision touchpad to promote productivity. If you’re interested in consuming media, know that the down-firing speakers on the XPS 13 2-in-1 are actually quite loud and full. For some extra security, a fingerprint reader is built into the power button.

The Surface Laptop 2 was a fine Ultrabook, and Microsoft has made numerous small changes to the 13.5-inch Laptop 3 to make it even better. It’s now available with 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs and up to 16GB DDR4x RAM, as well as Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and a faster solid-state drive (SSD) up to 1TB that can be replaced. It’s also now rocking a USB-C port, as well as USB-A, Surface Connect, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The keyboard and touchpad are both quieter than the Laptop 2, and typing is about as good as it gets. The touchpad is about 20% larger, and it’s using Precision drivers for the best experience possible.

The overall design is as good as ever, with hidden antenna lines for a more streamlined look. If Alcantara — the fabric finish that we saw on the palmrest of the Laptop 2 — isn’t your thing, the Laptop 3 can be had with a standard aluminum finish throughout. An IR camera sits above the display for extra security through Windows Hello.

The 13.5-inch touch display is a knockout. It has a boxy 3:2 aspect ratio with 2256×1504 resolution, and it’s compatible with the Surface Pen for a stellar inking experience. It would be nice to see Dolby Vision or some anti-glare properties, but at least it hits nearly 400 nits brightness to help combat bright lights. Expect battery life to hit somewhere between seven and eight hours on a charge.

HP’s 13-inch Spectre x360 has for the last few years been close to perfection, though it did have a few major flaws. With the refreshed 2019 mode, however, HP has done some great things. It now has a Precision touchpad for better pointing experience, and the relatively thick bezel has been slimmed by 66%.

The webcam still sits above the display despite the new bezel, and HP has even managed to cram in IR hardware for facial recognition through Windows Hello. Overall, the laptop’s chassis has shrunk, and the once top-firing speakers now live on the bottom. Still, there’s a 60Wh battery that delivers excellent battery life.

Grab the 13.3-inch touch display in either FHD or 4K AMOLED. The latter has anti-reflective glass to cut glare, and sRGB, AdobeRGB, and DCI-P3 presets offer excellent color straight from the factory. For better performance, the Spectre x360 has been upgraded to 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs, as well as up to 16GB of RAM and a 2TB M.2 PCIe SSD. Wi-Fi 6 connectivity is a nice final touch.

The Dell XPS 13 is well-loved here at Windows Central, and its latest 7390 refresh is better than ever. It’s now equipped with 10th Gen Intel Core hardware for excellent performance, and it can be configured with up to 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM and a 2TB M.2 PCIe SSD. This is all contained in a slim, premium chassis with a starting weight of just 2.56 pounds (1.16kg). Ports include two Thunderbolt 3, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The webcam has been moved back above the display where it belongs, and bezel is still as thin as ever. The 13.3-inch display seems to stretch from edge to edge, made even more brilliant if you opt for 4K touch instead of FHD touch and non-touch options. Color is outstanding in any of the displays, and you get up to 400 nits brightness to help combat glare.

Grab it in gold and white colors, and you can still opt for the classic dark look with the carbon fiber and silver combination. The keyboard has the same key travel and backlight as before, but it’s using a new maglev mechanism to help fit the slim body. The Precision touchpad is still one of the best around, and it’s sized to fit the rest of the laptop.

Lenovo’s IdeaPad S940 is a downright beautiful Ultrabook, ideal for anyone who doesn’t go in for a convertible design. The all-metal chassis has precisely cut angles, and it is incredibly slim while still packing in tons of features. It has a large Precision touchpad below the comfy keyboard, and quality speakers run along the sides of the keys. For ports, you get two Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Opt for FHD or 4K when it comes to the 13.9-inch display depending on budget and needs. Both are great, though the 4K option is truly a stunner. It hits 500 nits brightness, and 100% sRGB color accuracy, and the Contour Display technology makes the edges curve off like a smartphone. With the FHD display, you can expect a full workday of battery life, while the 4K display drops it down to about 6.5 hours.

For performance hardware, get up to a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 CPU, 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and a 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD.

The refreshed 7590 model of the XPS 15 is an awesome Ultrabook, available with a few display options. If you want the best, go with 4K OLED non-touch with 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction, or choose 4K LCD with 500 nits brightness to save a bit of money. There’s likewise an FHD display with 100% sRGB and 500 nits brightness.

For performance hardware, get up to a 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9980HK CPU, though the i7-9750H CPU is also stellar. Combined with a NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU with 4GB of VRAM, this is a laptop that can handle some specialized design and editing work.

The aluminum and carbon fiber chassis offers decent port selection, including Thunderbolt 3, two USB-A 3.1, HDMI 2.0, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The power button includes a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello, and the webcam sits back above the display for a better angle. A massive 97Wh battery inside gives you a workday of life without needing to find a plug.

A 17-inch laptop is great for multitasking thanks to the enormous display, but you often trade portability. However, the LG gram 17 weighs in at just 2.95 pounds (1.34kg), making it as light as a lot of 13-inch Ultrabooks. The huge display has a 2560×1600 resolution that’s great for photo editing, and it has a battery that will last for a full day before needing a charge.

Performance hardware includes up to an 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8565U CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SATA SSD, which is slower than PCIe versions but still far better than a standard HDD. Ports include Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, three USB-A 3.0, and a microSD card reader for generous connectivity.

The Precision touchpad seems small compared to all the available space, but it tracks well. Typing for long periods shouldn’t be an issue on the keyboard, and a fingerprint reader built into the power button adds security through Windows Hello.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 7 is back and better than ever. Instead of a Mini DisplayPort it now has a USB-C 3.1 port that’s capable of handling dual 4K displays, rounded out by USB-A, a microSD card reader, Surface Connect, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Wi-Fi 6 connectivity is available for blazing wireless speeds, and Bluetooth 5.0 is also included. The Pro 7 now has Instant On, meaning it’s ready to go as soon as you need it.

10th Gen Intel Core CPU options boost performance and add Intel Iris Plus integrated graphics, and models can be configured with up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM and a 1TB SSD. The display hasn’t changed, but that doesn’t mean it’s not gorgeous. The 12.3-inch touch screen still has a 3:2 aspect ratio and 2736×1824 resolution, complete with Surface Pen compatibility for a quality inking experience.

The Pro 7 keeps cool under load, and you can expect about eight hours of battery life from a model with Core i5 CPU. For some extra security, an IR camera is included for Windows Hello.

The Surface Go might appear underpowered at first ⁠— and no doubt won’t cut it for a lot of people who are dealing with specialized work ⁠— but it’s actually a versatile, portable device with a lot to offer.

Performance hardware includes up to an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD, enough to tackle everyday productivity tasks and even some light gaming. The addition of 4G LTE options means you can stay connected just about everywhere, and you’ll get a full workday of battery life from a charge.

The 10-inch display has an 1800×1200 resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio, it’s compatible with the Surface Pen for a stellar inking experience, and by adding a Type Cover, you get a true laptop. Ports include USB-C, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Lenovo’s Yoga C lineup has been overhauled with both 14- and 15-inch sizes for the C940. Both still feature a soundbar hinge with impressive audio, though it’s now a single piece rather than split into two. This delivers a more seamless look, and sound is just as good as before, if not better. The display comes in either FHD or 4K touch options, and bezel is slim for a premium look. A pen, built into the chassis, offers a quality inking experience.

If you opt for the larger 15-inch version, you’ll have access to a 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9880H vPro processor (CPU), 16GB of DDR4 RAM, 2TB M.2 PCIe NCMe solid-state drive (SSD), and dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics card (GPU) with 4GB of VRAM. The 14-inch model isn’t far behind, with a 10th Gen Core i7-1065G7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 2TB PCIe SSD. Note it lacks a dedicated GPU.

Both models include two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a single USB-A 3.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack, and both come with a fingerprint reader and webcam shutter for better security. Keyboards are comfy no matter the size, but only the large C940 comes with a number pad.

Dell’s Latitude 7400 2-in-1 blurs the lines between business and standard consumer laptop, offering up 15 hours of battery life (wow), a durable brushed aluminum all-metal body, and a great selection of ports. It’s a bit on the heavy side compared to some other convertibles, but the large battery and touch display are worth it.

There’s no 2K or 4K options available, but the FHD low-watt display does have great color and contrast, especially for a business device. It hits 100% sRGB and 77% AdobeRGB, both excellent results, and you can add an optional Active Pen to the mix for quality inking. Above the display, set into the thin bezel, is an IR camera that will lock and unlock your laptop for you as soon as you sit down or walk away from the device.

For those who want to stay connected at all times, there is a 4G LTE option you can choose at checkout. A SIM slot resides on the right side of the laptop, below the microSD card reader; other ports include two USB-A, 3.5mm audio, two Thunderbolt 3, and HDMI.

The refreshed 7th Gen ThinkPad X1 Carbon still brings a black carbon finish for the durable chassis that’s been put through a bunch of durability tests. It’s an ideal laptop if you’re working in the field, especially thanks to LTE connectivity. Unfortunately, there’s no Wi-Fi 6.

A 14-inch display is available in a few different flavors, from efficient low-power FHD to stunning 4K with Dolby Vision HDR400. For something in between, there’s a QHD option. All displays have precise color, and the bezel is slim for a premium look. A PrivacyGuard feature can be added, which helps keep your display private when working in public. Other notable security features include a fingerprint reader, camera shutter, and IR camera for facial recognition.

10th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU options offer lots of power and can be combined with 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD. Ports include two Thunderbolt 3, two USB-A 3.1 (Gen 1), HDMI 1.4, Ethernet extension, and 3.5mm audio.

Lenovo has refreshed the ThinkPad X1 Extreme for a second-generation model, no equipped with 9th Gen Intel Core CPU options up to an i9-9880H vPro. It offers some serious power, made better by a NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU with 4GB of VRAM. Rounding out specs is up to 64GB of RAM and a 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD. This is a laptop for power users, and it has been put through durability testing to ensure it can withstand a harsh life.

It’s available with a 15.6-inch in standard FHD, FHD with Dolby Vision HDR400, 4K LCD with Dolby Vision HDR400, or stunning 4K OLED with HDR500. You’ll pay the most for the OLED version, but it does look the best. A webcam above the display features a privacy shutter, and you can add an IR camera for Windows Hello. A Kensington lock slot, fingerprint reader, and FIDO authentication round out notable security features.

The durable chassis is just 0.7 inches (18.4mm) thin and weighs about 3.76 pounds (1.7kg), keeping it portable. Ports include two USB-A 3.1, two Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0, an SD card reader, Ethernet expansion port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. An 80Wh battery offers lengthy life between charges, and a Wi-Fi 6 adapter is included for fast wireless speeds.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro X has branched out from the standard Pro lineup we’ve become accustomed to seeing over the last few generations. Instead of using Intel hardware, it has inside a custom Microsoft SQ1 CPU that’s essentially a beefed-up Snapdragon 8cx. Add in an Adreno 685 GPU, up to 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, and you have a 2-in-1 ideal for creative people on the move. A Snapdragon X24 modem offers LTE connectivity in all models.

Moving itself away from the Pro 7, the Pro X has a chassis with thinner bezel to accomodate a larger 13-inch display with 2880×1920 resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio. Combined with the new Surface Slim Pen, you’re getting an extremely versatile setup.

An IR camera for facial recognition adds to security, and two USB-C, Nano-SIM, and Surface Connect are available for connecting accessories. Like the Pro 7 and Laptop 3, the Pro X can power dual 4K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate using one USB-C port.

Bottom line

There’s basically a Windows laptop for every kind of user, including the one that wants to save money, spend a lot, or look forward to experimental form factors. Want to have a laptop to use just for work? There’s a model for you. Does your work involve intensive tasks like photo or video editing? There’s one for you, too. With all this in mind, the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) still offers the best combination of display, quality, and performance for the average Windows user.

You get stellar performance from 10th Gen Intel hardware, and the battery should last through a full workday, so you don’t have to worry about plugging in. The touch display has a boxier 16:10 aspect ratio that’s better for tablet mode, and it comes in either 1920×1200 or 3840×2400 resolutions. Either choice makes for a stunning display, complete with a slim bezel. This is through and through a premium laptop, and the added versatility from the convertible design means it will appeal to a large audience.

How to find the best Black Friday deals on Windows laptops

You should take your time when picking out a new Windows laptop; there are plenty of great options available, and you want to find something that’s a perfect fit. You want to consider an ideal size first, whether it’s something portable like a 10-inch 2-in-1 or something that makes for easy productivity, like a 17-inch Ultrabook. There are plenty of sizes in between, available in different form factors for convertible and notebook fans alike. Next, consider the display. Do you need touch? You’ll generally pay more and battery life will suffer, though, in many cases, you’ll be able to use an active pen for inking. Do you need 4K? It might look amazing, but prices rise accordingly.

Performance is likewise an essential factor, as you don’t want to pay for hardware you don’t need or find that you’re missing something crucial to the task at hand. Want to game or get into specialized work? You’re going to need a dedicated GPU. Just need a standard laptop for everyday productivity work? You should get by fine with standard performance hardware. Don’t forget to include storage in your process. An SSD offers the best performance, though high-capacity drives tend to raise the price considerably.

We’re expecting a bunch of great Black Friday sales on laptops from popular manufacturers, including Dell, Microsoft, HP, Razer, Lenovo, HP, MSI, and Huawei. Many of the Windows laptops included in this collection are recent refreshes to existing lineups, so be sure to keep an eye out for previous-gen models hitting all-time lows for Black Friday. And if you find a great Black Friday deal on one of our top picks, you’re already ahead of the game. Our dedicated deals team is busy finding the best sales on Windows Laptops, so be sure to check back often. Windows Central is the best place to shop Black Friday this year.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

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