Best 13-inch laptops
In many ways, a 13-inch laptop is the perfect size for a portable PC; they’re not as fiddly and squint-inducing as netbooks, but not as heavy and awkward as a full-on notebook.
And, there are plenty of PC and Mac options available, too.
For a broader view, look at our best laptops in the world today. But whatever you do, read on to find our favourite 13-inchers of the past few months in no particular order.
1. Dell XPS 13
A revolution in laptop design
CPU: 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-6200U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800) | Storage: 256GB SSD
Gorgeous bezel-less display Strong performance No Ethernet port Off-center webcam
Fortunately for us, the XPS 13 isn’t all beauty and no brains. This laptop features the horsepower to make work and play enjoyable, and it has just enough battery life to never leave you in a lurch. Regardless of whether you choose to upgrade to the touchscreen quad HD+ version, or if you stand pat with the full HD model, the Dell XPS 13 will provide you with a delightful experience for years to come.
2. 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display
The smallest MacBook Pro is a force of nature
CPU: 2.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 6100 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch IPS, 2,560 x 1,600 pixels | Storage: 128GB SSD
See more MacBook Pro 13-inch with Retina display deals
Faster processor Superb battery life Force Touch underdeveloped Unchanged design
Though it may not have the 12-inch MacBook’s slick design, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina features Apple’s Force Touch Trackpad that uses different levels of sensitivity instead of mechanical buttons to make clicks. Solid Apple build quality, a great display and decent levels of performance across the board make the new MacBook Pro with Retina one of the safest bets on a 13-inch laptop today.
3. Lenovo Yoga 900
Lenovo’s flagship Ultrabook bends to your will
CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, up to QHD+ 3,200 x 1,800 IPS display | Storage: 512GB SSD
See more Lenovo Yoga 900 deals
Gorgeous display Slim design Shallow keyboard No pen input
Lenovo practically invented the convertible laptop with its Yoga product line, and the Yoga 900 bears the fruits of its labors throughout the years. Equally as sleek as the Yoga 900 yet packing the power of Intel’s Core-series processors, it piles brains, beauty and brawn into one delightful package.
4. Asus ZenBook UX305
A truly excellent ultrabook at a very agreeable price point
CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, up to QHD+ 3,200 x 1,800 IPS display | Storage: 512GB SSD
See more Asus ZenBook UX305 deals
Vibrant, glare-free screen Excellent keyboard and trackpad Weak sauce graphics Tinny speakers
The ZenBook UX305 is a well-built, fully metal machine that’s thin, light and attractive. Now available with Intel’s full-fat Core i-series processors in addition to the usual Core M chips, the UX305’s astonishing value makes it hard to ignore. Updated with a gorgeous QHD+ display, it stands out as a shining example of a computer that offers power and portability in a small package that doesn’t break the bank.
5. 13-inch MacBook Air
The best battery life in a 13-inch laptop
CPU: 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 6000 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, LED-backlit glossy display (1,440 x 900) | Storage: 256GB SSD
See more 13-inch MacBook Air deals
Fantastic battery life 802.11ac Wi-Fi No Retina screen Not easily upgradeable
In a market densely populated with slim-line laptops from a massive range of manufacturers, Apple’s MacBook Air fights on admirably – though it started showing its age on the outside a long time ago. It has Intel’s fifth-generation Core-series processors rather than the newest Skylake variants, but it’s still a capable machine; even more so since Apple made 8GB of RAM standard across the line. If you don’t like the look of its lowly 1,440 x 900 pixel-resolution display, there’s always the 12-inch MacBook – and new MacBook Air models are expected to launch this summer.
Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article
Source: techradar.com
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What about Sony Vaio Z Series? It blows out of the water the competition. It has full power Ivy Bridge i7, best display than all those above (as gamut/color reproduction), it's incredible light (1,12kg), insanely fast SSD, 8GB RAM, Power Media Dock with Blu-ray writer, and top quality assembly materials.
Biased.
Are you tempted by the idea of an "iPad Pro" at all Ian? Maybe an iPad-like device that runs OS X?
The biggest failing of all of these is the lack of dedicated graphics. I can understand the lack at low pricepoints, but if I paid £800+ for a laptop I'd expect it to be able to do some light gaming. Very disappointing that it can't given the (high) price.
Absolutely I think an iPad running osx would be fantastic.
Have to say though buddy like everthing else in life……….You get what you pay for !!
Just wanted to point out that the Asus Zenbook UX305 description in the article is actually describing the Toshiba Satellite Z930.
Beware of the xps 13 inch 2015 model. I own one and the trackpad is awful . Yes awful! (purchased Sept 2015) There are lots of complaints about it and Dell isn't taking it seriously. I have upgraded to the latest bios and trackpad firmware – no luck. If you are not convinced, search Google for "Dell XPS 13 2105 trackpad problems".
Good spot! This has been corrected.
Been an Apple user since a kid on Apple IIE. I'm making the jump to a Windows 10 i7 machine. Tired of Mac Flash conflicts, and Macs are just plain overpriced.
Why isn't the 13" Retina Display MacBook Pro on here? That thing is extreme!
Why do all these best laptops start at >£700
Why not include a Brazos option (£250)
i7 PC MACHINES>mbpros fact
This coming from a longtime faithful Mac user.
Apple is trying to turn MBPro into an Air, thinner,less durable, no fans for cooling…. Expect a lot of Genius Bar visits after the release lol
What about Alienware 13" Gaming laptop it costs same as macbook pro and has superior graphic card among other.
ya these 13 inch small notebooks are really portable and easy to handle specially when it comes to handling projects reports for the college students of the final year
If you live within the apple eco system then apple laptops/Desktops are a natural way to go.
I have used apple computers for years and love the expreience, however its mainly the software that has kept me here all these years.
If you are a windows person though there are some really excellent devices availible these days, all the tablet laptop hybrids etc are great looking machines.
The new Macbook Pro 13" is the best option for anyone interested in buying a new laptop. As a windows user for years, it does take some getting use to but, you will never have to deal with the frequent "updates" and worry about renewing your virus protection every year.