I’ve been reviewing laptops for years – these older models work great and will save you money
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Over the past few years at ZDNET, I've tested countless laptops. I've gotten my hands on mobile computers with bold experimental designs to machines with incremental upgrades. Many of these machines have been largely forgotten by the tech world, but not by this reviewer. Those older models have aged gracefully.
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Older laptops can still deliver strong performance, have excellent build quality, and provide reliable everyday use -- qualities that are important now as prices skyrocket due to rising RAM costs. I noticed many of these older machines returning to sale for Presidents' Day this weekend, and at prices that make them more compelling than newer models. So if you're on a budget and can't afford an expensive new computer, this guide highlights the best older laptop you can still confidently buy today.
Best older laptops with great deals
- Current price: $500 (67% off)
- Original price: $1,500
It's hard to find a brand-new M1 MacBook Pro these days since the model is now over five years old. However, refurbished units are widely available, and Best Buy currently has Geek Squad Certified Refurbished 13-inch M1 MacBook Pros on sale for $500, a $1,000 discount. This particular model comes with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.
Review: M1 MacBook Pro
When Apple introduced the M1 processor, it marked a turning point for the series, presenting a major leap in performance and energy efficiency. Even years after its launch, the M1 MacBook Pro feels fast in everyday use, easily handling heavy multitasking while remaining cool and quiet. Power users might find the 8GB of RAM limiting, but for most tasks, this laptop performs very admirably. All this great hardware is nestled inside that familiar lightweight design the series is known for.
If you're open to spending a bit more, Backmarket has a 32GB RAM MacBook Pro for around $750.
Show more- Current price: $1,196 (12% off)
- Original price: $1,359
I had a hard time deciding which Lenovo laptop to include in this list, having tested so many great models. After much deliberation, I chose the sixth-generation Lenovo ThinkPad T14s. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it refines the ThinkPad formula with thoughtful upgrades.
Review: Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
Powered by an AMD Ryzen AU 7 Pro processor, Radeon 880M graphics card, and 32GB of RAM, the T14s delivers smooth, responsive performance all day, every day. It doesn't matter whether you're editing documents, streaming a movie, or writing code; this laptop can handle it all. Its 14-inch, high-resolution display is Eyesafe-certified, meaning the screen actively reduces the amount of harmful blue light emitted. Rest assured that you can stare at this panel for hours and not feel fatigued.
Other notable features include support for Wi-Fi 7, a robust selection of ports, and a durable matte black chassis.
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- Current price: $1,200 (25% off)
- Original price: $1,600
From my experience, Samsung's Galaxy Book series often flies under the radar in the laptop space, and that's a real shame. These are excellent machines for creative professionals who want a powerful, agile machine with a standout display. A perfect example is the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360.
Review: Galaxy Book5 Pro 360
This laptop runs on an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor paired up with an Intel Arc graphics card, delivering reliable, top-tier performance for demanding creative applications. Its standout feature is the 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen, which delivers rich colors and deep blacks while running at 120Hz for smooth on-screen motion.
As the name suggests, the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 has a fully flexible hinge, allowing the screen to fold all the way back. It also supports the company's S Pen. This accessory offers low latency and precise input, making sketching, note-taking, and navigation feel effortless.
- Current price: $600 (25% off)
- Original price: $800
The Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 is a solid convertible laptop from 2024 that's worth consideration if you're shopping for a new midrange model. It is a reliable machine that comes with a touchscreen connected to a flexible hinge. The display flips all the way back, turning the laptop into a tablet -- an especially useful feature for users annotating documents or sketching.
Review: Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1
There are multiple configurations available. My review unit ran on an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, a Radeon 780M graphics card, and 16GB of RAM, all of which worked together to deliver smooth everyday performance and noticeably quick image rendering. Admittedly, the 14-inch touchscreen isn't the most vibrant, but it is high-resolution, and the anti-glare coating helps maintain clear visibility under bright light.
Other notable features include a comfortable keyboard, Dolby Atmos speakers, as well as a robust cooling system.
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- Current price: $1,000 (33% off)
- Original price: $1,500
Finally, we round out the list with the 2024 Asus Zenbook S 16, a premium laptop I highly recommend to people who prioritize design and display. Its lightweight, durable chassis is made from ceraluminum, a ceramic-aluminum composite that delivers impressive toughness without adding bulk. Weighing just 3.3 pounds, the Zenbook S 16 is easy to carry around all day, from home to the office and everywhere in between.
Review: Asus Zenbook S 16
The 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen is a major highlight. It boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, full DCI-P3 color coverage, Pantone validation, and excellent contrast, making this machine the perfect choice for creative work. You can't have a screen this nice without the proper hardware backing it up, and Asus' device delivers in spades.
Under the hood, it houses an AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor, an AMD Radeon graphics card, plus 24GB of RAM, which altogether handle demanding workloads with ease. It even supports light gaming.
FAQs
When is Presidents' Day?
Presidents' Day is observed on the third Monday of February. This year, the holiday lands on Feb. 16.
How did we choose these Presidents' Day deals?
ZDNET only writes about deals that genuinely capture our attention. These are products that we'd want ourselves and would confidently recommend to our readers, friends, and family alike. For this roundup, I actively searched for great older laptops with meaningful discounts and limited-time offers.
Beyond pricing, I evaluated key features of these laptops, prioritizing models with solid hardware, strong performance, and high-quality displays. In addition to our own hands-on experience, I also considered customer reviews to see what matters to real people who already own and use the products we're recommending. Our goal is simple: it is to highlight worthwhile deals and great savings so you can shop smarter.
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