If you’re a non-gamer, the best laptops are generally characterized by those that have less powerful GPUs, which can help you save money.
Some of the most powerful gaming laptops can cost as much as $5,000, which is overkill for most users.
Instead, many non-gamers will be better off with a more affordable laptop that still offers plenty of performance for tasks like browsing the web, watching movies, and working on productivity apps.
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Best Laptops for Non-Gamers
MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is among the best non-gaming laptops available.
While you can play plenty of games on the MacBook Pro and an increasing number of games are available on Mac OS, the MacBook series is not known in gaming circles like their Windows counterparts.
Part of it is legacy. Windows has long dominated the market, so most games were developed for PC rather than Mac.
While that’s changing, it’s still the case that there are far more games out there for Windows than Mac.
Apple computers have always had strong security. Apple takes a holistic approach to security, building it into both hardware and software.
And because Apple controls both the hardware and software of its devices, it can offer a more seamless and integrated security experience.
So if you’re looking for a laptop that will keep your data safe and secure and can handle everyday tasks extremely well, the MacBook Pro should be at the top of your list.
MacBook Air M1
The new MacBook M1 is also among the best non-gaming laptops on the market. It shares many of the same security features as the Pro model and can be a good fit for who don’t require a ton of computing power.
One of the most impressive things about the M1 is its performance.
It’s incredibly fast and efficient, making it ideal for tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
And because it’s so fast, you’re less likely to experience slowdowns caused by malware or other security threats.
If you’re looking for a powerful laptop that is one of the better models for non-gamers, the MacBook M1 is a great fit.
Dell XPS 13, 15
If you’re looking for a Windows laptop with security features that rival the MacBook Pro and don’t prioritize gaming, the Dell XPS 13 and 15 are great options.
Like the MacBook Pro, the XPS 13 and 15 have a built-in security chip (the Intel Core vPro processor) that provides hardware-based security features.
They also come with Dell Data Protection, which includes encryption and malware protection.
Also, these laptops have an infrared camera that supports Windows Hello, so you can log in very easily.
They also have fingerprint readers built into the power button, so you can easily enable 2FA.
So if you’re looking for a great overall Windows laptop where you can game but doesn’t focus on the gaming segment, the Dell XPS 13 or XPS 15 would be a great option.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is both secure and lightweight. It weighs just 2.5 pounds and is just 0.6 inches thick, making it easy to carry with you everywhere.
But don’t let its small size fool you – the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is packed with capabilities.
It has a fingerprint reader, an infrared camera, and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip that stores cryptographic keys, passwords, and digital certificates.
Additionally, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon comes with Lenovo’s own security software, which includes a password manager and a file encryption tool.
So if you’re looking for a lightweight laptop that packs a punch but isn’t as expensive as the high-powered gaming laptops, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a great option.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
If you want a laptop with the capabilities of a MacBook Pro but with the flexibility of a Windows operating system and doesn’t carry a gaming laptop price tag, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is a great option.
Like the MacBook Pro, the Surface Laptop 3 has a built-in TPM chip. It also comes an infrared camera that supports Windows Hello. It also comes with BitLocker encryption to protect your data if your laptop is lost or stolen.
Moreover, the Surface Laptop 3 has a cool feature called “Windows Sandbox” that enables you to run untrusted apps in a secure environment apart from your other applications.
So if you want a laptop that’s both secure and flexible, the Surface Laptop 3 is a great option.
HP Elite Dragonfly
The HP Elite Dragonfly is a great option for those who don’t prioritize gaming, as it’s available for a great price for those who mostly use it for email, spreadsheets, video, internet, and other productivity tasks.
It weighs just 2.2 pounds and is made with a magnesium alloy chassis that makes it both lightweight and durable.
The Elite Dragonfly also has a number of security features, including a built-in fingerprint reader, an infrared camera, and an HP Sure View privacy screen.
It also comes with HP Sure Start Gen5 technology to protect your BIOS from attacks and has HP Sure Recover to help you recover from malware or system failures.
So if you want a laptop that’s both lightweight and secure and is firmly in the non-gaming segment, the HP Elite Dragonfly is a great option.
Lenovo Flex 5
The Lenovo Flex 5 is a great 2-in-1 laptop for non-gamers. It has a 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB solid state drive.
It also has a 14-inch full HD touch screen display that can be folded back 360 degrees into tablet mode.
The Flex 5 is a great choice for those who want a laptop that is versatile and can be used for tasks like taking notes in class or working on creative projects.
The 5 Best Laptops For Non Gamers
Features to Look for in a Non-Gaming Laptop
When shopping for the best laptops for non-gamers, there are a few key features to keep in mind.
Processor
It’s important to choose a laptop with a processor that can handle your needs.
For most users, an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor will be more than enough power.
Storage space
You’ll want to make sure the laptop has enough storage space for your needs.
A minimum of 128GB of storage should be plenty for most users, but if you plan on storing a lot of media files or working with large files, you may want to consider a model with 256GB or even 512GB of storage.
Battery life
Battery life is always an important consideration when choosing any laptop.
Non-gamers will want to look for a model that offers at least 8 hours of battery life.
Portability
Many non-gamers prioritize portability in their laptop choice. If you plan on carrying your laptop with you often, you’ll want to make sure it’s lightweight and easy to transport.
Display quality
The display is another important consideration for any laptop user.
Non-gamers should look for a laptop with a Full HD or higher resolution display.
A higher screen refresh rate is not as important for most users, but if you plan on watching a lot of video content, you may want to consider a model with a 60Hz or higher display.
FAQs – Laptops for Non-Gamers
Are gaming laptops good for non-gamers?
No, gaming laptops are not necessarily good for non-gamers.
This is because they tend to be more expensive than traditional laptops, and they also have more powerful GPUs that non-gamers may not need.
What is the best laptop for a non-gamer?
The best laptop for a non-gamer will depend on their individual needs and budget.
However, some of the best laptops for non-gamers include the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3, Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, and Dell XPS 13.
What is the difference between a gaming laptop and a regular laptop?
Gaming laptops tend to be more expensive than regular laptops and they also have more powerful GPUs.
Additionally, gaming laptops often have special features like backlit keyboards and higher screen refresh rates.
Is it better to get a gaming or a regular laptop?
This will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for a more powerful laptop with special features, then a gaming laptop would be a better option.
However, if you are looking for a more affordable laptop, then a regular laptop would be a better option.
Summary – Laptops for Non-Gamers
Non-gamers have different needs than gamers when it comes to laptops.
They generally don’t need as much power, so they can save money by choosing a less expensive model.
However, they still need to consider features like processor choice, storage space, battery life, portability, and display quality.
Some of the best laptops for non-gamers include the Apple MacBook series (MacBook Pro, MacBook Air) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3.
