● TIPS & TRICKS

● The Sidecar feature on macOS Big Sur lets you use an iPad as a second display for your MacBook.

● Apple charges a hefty premium for extra storage, so consider a cheaper external SSD.

1

HOT BUY

Apple MacBook Air (M1)

from £999 / stuff.tv/AirM1

The early-2020 version was already the best MacBook Air ever – and this one brings a real step up in power. Apple’s amazing new M1 processor means that, for once, we aren’t hankering after a Pro for video editing and graphics-heavy gaming. It’s a pity about the rubbish camera, but this is a stunning laptop in every other respect.

Stuff says ★★★★★ 

Our go-to MacBook just keeps getting even go-to-er

● NOW ADD THIS 

Anker Power Expand 7-in-2 Hub

Turn the Air’s twin USB-C ports into a media hub with a mix of HDMI, USB, microSD and SD card connections. £40 / uk.anker.com

2

Apple MacBook Pro 13in (M1) 

from £1299 / stuff.tv/Pro13M1

The new M1 chip has given this business-class performer an injection of jet fuel. The 13in Pro remains a sturdy notebook, but its processing power is incredible. Our review unit, with just 8GB of RAM, left a higher-specced 2020 Intel MacBook Pro in the dust.

Stuff says ★★★★★ 

Believe the hype: the Pro with an M1 chip inside kicks big, big bottom

3

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

from £795 / stuff.tv/SurfaceLap3

The Surface Laptop 3 seems plain on paper – no second screen, no graphics card, no hybrid hinge, no fingerprint scanner – but Microsoft has put supreme attention to detail into every bit that matters. The keyboard, the speakers and the overall build quality are all superb.

Stuff says ★★★★★ 

Forget frills and gimmicks: this is everything a laptop should be

4

Apple MacBook Pro 16in

★★★★★ from £2399 stuff.tv/MacBookPro16 Not just a bump up in screen size, but a serious upgrade to the already top-class 15in Pro.

5

LG Gram 16

★★★★★ from £1399 stuff.tv/Gram16 LG’s latest lightweight machine is slick, light and well made – an impressive, versatile option.

6

Dell XPS 13

★★★★★ from £1599 /stuff.tv/XPS13 Style, portability, performance… there’s little else out there that’s quite so well rounded.

7

Razer Blade Pro 17

★★★★★ from £2200 / stuff.tv/BladePro17 Incredible power and quality make for a working and gaming beast.

8

Huawei MateBook X Pro

★★★★★ from £799 / stuff.tv/MateBookXPro Not massively better than the 2018 model, but this is a real powerhouse of a Windows laptop.

9

Google Pixelbook Go

★★★★✩ from £629 / stuff.tv/PixelbookGo A light and stylish touchscreen laptop built for those who like to live and work in the cloud.

10

Asus ZenBook 14 UX425J 

★★★★✩ from £900 / stuff.tv/ZenBook14 A laptop of evident quality in virtually every department at a surprisingly low price.