Good Computers To Buy
At CNET, our laptop experts have collective decades of experience testing and reviewing laptops, covering everything from performance to price to battery life. This hand-curated list covers the best laptops across various sizes, styles and costs, including laptop computers running on Windows, MacOS and Chrome.
good computers to buy
MacOS is also considered to be easier and safer to use than Windows, especially for people who want their computers to get out of the way so they can get things done. Over the years, though, Microsoft has done its best to follow suit and, with Windows 11 here, it's trying to remove any barriers. Also, while Macs might have a reputation for being safer, with the popularity of the iPhone and iPad helping to drive Mac sales, they've become bigger targets for malware.
Introduced in 2021, this fully redesigned iMac is still Apple's current go-to all-in-one (note that the larger 27-inch iMac has been discontinued as of March 2022). It's built on the same M1 chip found in many of Apple's computers, with a gorgeous 24-inch screen replacing the previous 21.5-inch version. The 1080p webcam is a big upgrade, and the rainbow of available colors -- hearkening back to the 1999 iMac G3 -- is a welcome addition. Just be prepared to spend up for the myriad storage and accessory upgrades.
Compact all-in-one desktops make good centralized family computers. The HP Chromebase takes it a step further by pairing one with the simple and secure Chrome OS -- the same operating system found on the Chromebooks your kids are probably using at school. With a 21.5-inch touchscreen attached to a gray fabric-covered base, the desktop looks like a supersized version of Google's own Nest Hub smart display (and with Google Assistant baked in, you can use it like one, too). Inside, though, is up to an Intel Core i3-10110U processor, up to 16GB of memory and up to a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD. The full-HD display even rotates vertically, perfect for viewing vertical videos, following recipes or scrolling your favorite sites.
The 24-inchers are good for kids, but adults should probably go for 27 inches and up. Expect to pay at least $800 at that latter size, especially if you want to avoid underpowered Intel Core i3 or AMD Athlon CPUs. The HP Envy 32/34 and Apple iMacs are examples of high end all-in-one computers, but here's a more reasonably priced alternative.
Rendering is a similar story, mainly using your CPU and RAM, so while most traditional desktop computers can get by with 16GB (or even 8GB), you'll want to stick as much in as you can afford. 32GB is the sweet spot, but the more the merrier.
Gaming computers and laptops share a few things in common with those optimized for creative professionals: You need a fast CPU, a powerful GPU to run your games/applications and as much RAM as you can afford.
This makes gaming PCs a great alternative to portable workstations, especially as many manufacturers don't create desktop computers with creative professions like video editing in mind, which is why you may have noticed that this list is dominated by Apple-branded hardware and gaming PCs.
Lag can happen for all sorts of reasons, especially with cheaper computers or older hardware. If your computer meets the minimum system requirements, then common fixes include a quick restart, or if you're working on a big project, dividing it up into smaller chunks to lessen the strain on the computer's processor. Consider also defragmenting your hard drive, or updating your video drivers.
To determine the best laptop computers for older adults, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on products from leading brands, evaluating them based on price, screen size, display quality, battery life, data storage and more. Read ahead to discover which laptop computers stand out as our top picks.
Lightweight devices make avoiding strain or agitation of conditions like arthritis easier. Laptop computers range in weight from 2-8 lbs, so shopping for lighter devices is a good idea for users with arthritis. The weight of any device should be clearly listed on the packaging, or in product description online.
Many bike computers now include a giddy array of features when linked up to phones and other sensors, including incoming call and text alerts, tracking which allows your riding buddies or family at home to see your location in real-time, and even which gear you are in with electronic drivetrains.
Bluetooth and ANT+ cycling computers will link up to external sensors so you can pair them with devices such as heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, speed or power meters, and more. This unlocks a whole host of possibilities and can help you step your training up a notch.
Beyond simply providing live readouts for auxiliary devices, some cycling computer brands claim their computers can use this data to establish VO2 max and FTP (Functional Threshold Power), as well as provide insight into needed recovery time and training load.
Some other features available on cycling computers are framed as training tools but are also useful and enjoyable for cyclists who are just out riding for the fun of it. These include alerts signalling how much longer a climb is and live Strava segments introducing some friendly competition against others or your own personal bests.
If any of these sound familiar, it is probably worth seeking out a cycling computer with decent battery life. Many computers will have a claimed battery life of between 15 and 20 hours, but this is of course dependent on use.
There are many smartphone handlebar mounts and cases available to keep your phone safe and secure while riding, but they are likely to be less waterproof than cycling-specific computers. That said, keeping the phone in your pocket or pack remains an option for data collection.
The Cressi Leonardo is a recreational dive computer with a simple design. Designed, developed, and produced 100% in Italy, the Leonardo is one of the leading entry-level computers on the market today.
Combining depth sensors, timers, detailed decompression status, ascent rate alarms, and even more features, dive computers take away the complicated calculations, allowing you to get on with looking at the fishes, wrecks, and reefs.
Its range of dive computers is no different, with the Aladin, Mantis, and Galileo ranges all featuring reliable, easy-to-use, durable, high-performing computers. The next-gen Galileo is the G2, which incorporates everything ScubaPro customers love about the Galileo and taking it to the next level.
Another great feature available on some computers is keeping track of different gas blends and oxygen exposure when diving with enriched air and Nitrox. Some will even manage multiple blends and allow you to switch between them during a dive.
Some computers have an electronic compass. They are supposed to be a little less sensitive to having to be perfectly level and can remember headings for you. I have heard mixed opinions about how useful and accurate they are.
It\u2019s never easy to pick one specific\u00a0best dive computer,\u00a0and you really should\u00a0use this guide\u00a0to dive deeper into the dive computers that fit your need.\nHowever, at this very moment, these are our favorites:\nMost innovative: Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic+ Dive ComputerBest Entry Level: Cressi Donatello Dive computerFor combined Diving and Sport: Garmin Descent G1 SolarCompact Technical Dive Computer: Shearwater TericDoes Everything: Garmin Descent Mk2 & MK2iGood & Simple: Oceanic Geo 4.0" }},"@type": "Question","name": "How do DIVEIN.com test the dive computers?","url": " -computer/#HowdoDIVEIN.comtestthedivecomputers?","answerCount": 1,"acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "We test products the same way we live and work with them, evaluating them on performance, tech, craftsmanship, value, and other factors.\n\nWe get our hands on each dive computer and use it as intended. This gives us\u00a0first-hand experience.\nWe also spend hours reading reviews from others, so we can know every good and bad thing about each product and each little part\nWe write each review\u00a0unbiased\u00a0and\u00a0honest!\n\n" ,"@type": "Question","name": "What is a dive computer?","url": " -computer/#Whatisadivecomputer?","answerCount": 1,"acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "A dive computer often looks very similar to a dive watch!\nIt automatically tracks the diver\u2019s time and depth on each dive. The real-time information helps to ensure you don\u2019t dive too long \u2013 or go any deeper than will be safe, based on the diving you\u2019ve previously done that day.\n" ,"@type": "Question","name": "What is the best dive computer for a beginner?","url": " -computer/#Whatisthebestdivecomputerforabeginner?","answerCount": 1,"acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Even for beginners, it\u2019s important to know that there\u2019s a huge difference in dive computers and each divers personal need. You should\u00a0use our guide\u00a0to dive deeper into the dive computers that fit your need.\nHowever, since you asked; these are the best beginner dive computers of 2023:\n" ,"@type": "Question","name": "What are the best dive computers for Advanced divers?","url": " -computer/#WhatarethebestdivecomputersforAdvanceddivers?","answerCount": 1,"acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "When you\u2019re diving a lot and you want a dive computer that meets your needs.\nHere are the best dive computers that cover an experienced diver:\n\nOceanic Geo 4.0\nSuunto D6i\nGarmin Descent MK2i\nShearwater Teric\n\n" ]}Related Reviews Review of: Apple Watch Ultra Dive Computer: Oceanic+Read full review 041b061a72