Tried and tested: the best computers
Whether you need a tablet, a laptop, a bigger screen to go or a way to replace notepads, we’ve put them to the test and these five computers offer something new.
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Lightweight, stylish or something to replace your notebooks? There are a lot of computer styles from which to choose
APPLE MACBOOK AIR 2022
Indisputably one of the best-looking laptops on the market
$1899-$2349, apple.com/au
PROS
– Sleeker, beautiful design
– Better screen and webcam
– Graphics and power boost
CONS
– Limited connections
– Gets warm under pressure
– Screen ‘notch’ remains
The latest MacBook Air update is about more than just the chip inside it (though that gets a boost too). This model is ridiculously good looking, with rounded edges, a new Midnight colour option, a slightly lighter weight, and a larger, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display inside. Its webcam also gets a full HD upgrade, it has four stereo speakers this year, and it brings back the MagSafe charger. In terms of power, the new M2 chip has a more powerful GPU for better graphics, supported by up to 24GB RAM, and it still features an 18-hour battery life.
VERDICT: ★★★★½
LG GRAM 16
A lightweight laptop that can stand in for a desktop
$2809, lg.com/au
PROS
– Light despite big screen
– Windows 11 ready
– Option to add second screen
CONS
– High price for laptop
– No fingerprint scanner
– Average audio
LG’s latest laptop has hidden skills. Firstly, it’s surprisingly lightweight for a computer with a 16-inch screen at just 1.1kg. That screen is also touch-sensitive and comfortable on the eyes. Secondly, you can make this laptop fill your desk with an accessory LG calls View+. It’s a $600 portable monitor designed just for this laptop that adds a second 16-inch display to the device, allowing them to sit side-by-side and replicate a full desktop experience. Users can even stand the screen upright for an unorthodox view. Together, the kit is on the pricey side but it’s a new take on an old format that many may appreciate.
VERDICT: ★★★★
DELL XPS 13 PLUS
A surprisingly sophisticated laptop design overhaul
From $2379, dell.com.au
PROS
– Sophisticated design
– Handy, lit function keys
– Bright, 4K touchscreen
CONS
– Just two ports
– Gets warm during use
– Short battery life
With its silver lid shut, the latest Dell laptop could pass for any other 13-inch model. When you open it, however, you’ll see just how attractive a keyboard can be. All unnecessary distractions have been stripped back to create a flat, minimalist keyboard that spreads right to the edge, with function keys that light up when needed and a sleek glass trackpad. The XPS 13 Plus also boasts an OLED, 4K touchscreen that belies its size, and two USB-C ports. The limited connections will be challenging, however, and this laptop is also trickier to open and its battery life can run out after less than six hours.
VERDICT: ★★★½
REMARKABLE 2
A computer designed to organise all your notes and thoughts
$499, remarkable.com
PROS
– Writing feels natural
– Holds lots of notes and PDFs
– Syncs notes to your phone
CONS
– Marker sold separately
– Pauses to sync
– Some features need subscription
The Remarkable 2 is a device designed to be all of your notebooks in one. It features a 10.3-inch E Ink display on to which users can scribble with a dedicated marker to write notes, scribble designs, transcribe meetings, or create numerous to-do lists. Users can also send PDFs and books in ePUB format to the device to access them on the go, and it only weighs 403 grams, making it an easy everyday companion. Users who subscribe to its Connect service, for $10 a month, can also convert their handwriting to text, send notes by email, and use unlimited storage. Its marker is also an additional purchase.
VERDICT: ★★★★
APPLE IPAD PRO 12.9
The most beastly tablet on the market
$1649-$3549, apple.com/au
PROS
– Serious graphical grunt
– Better front-facing camera
– 5G connection
CONS
– High price for storage
– Just one USB port
– 41 grams heavier
If you’re looking for a tablet with the power of a laptop, Apple’s top-of-the-range iPad Pro from 2021 is hard to beat. This fifth generation tablet received important hardware upgrades including an M1 chip that boosts its graphics processing, support for a 5G connection, and a much-improved front-facing camera, now at 12 megapixels, for better video calls. Its 12.9-inch touchscreen has also taken another step forward, using Mini LED technology. The tablet does weigh 41g more than before, and its form looks very similar to the 4th gen, but it’s a smart choice for editing photos, big mobile games, or something more productive.
VERDICT: ★★★★½
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