What Laptop Should I Buy? The Specs That Matter Before Black Friday (2026)
5 November 2026 · By Ethan Fernandes
Buying a laptop in the Black Friday sales? The specs that actually matter in 2026, which cheap models to avoid, Windows vs Mac vs Chromebook, the deal traps, and the right choice for students, home workers and older parents.
Quick answer
For most people in 2026, buy a laptop with 16GB of RAM, at least a 256GB SSD (512GB is better), a recent Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen, Snapdragon X or Apple M-series processor and a Full HD screen. Avoid 4GB or 8GB RAM, eMMC storage and 1366x768 screens, and check Black Friday 'was' prices are real.
Black Friday is on 27 November 2026, and laptops are one of the most searched-for deals. They're also one of the easiest things to get wrong. Some of the most heavily advertised "bargains" are models with too little memory or storage, which feel slow within a year and can't be upgraded. A few minutes checking the specs before you buy makes all the difference.
The short version: for most people in 2026, look for 16GB of RAM, at least a 256GB SSD (512GB is better), a recent Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen, Snapdragon X or Apple M-series processor and a Full HD (1920×1080) or better screen. Avoid laptops with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, eMMC storage or a 1366×768 screen, however cheap. Check the "was" price is real before you buy.
The Specs That Matter
Memory (RAM): 16GB
RAM matters more than anything else for how fast a laptop feels with several tabs, Teams calls and apps open at once. In 2026, 16GB is the sensible minimum for most people, and it's required for Microsoft's Copilot+ PC features. 8GB will cope with very light use, but often can't be upgraded later, as the memory is usually built in.
Storage: SSD, 256GB minimum
Make sure it says SSD. Avoid "eMMC" storage, often 64GB or 128GB on very cheap laptops: it's slow, and it fills up with Windows updates alone. 256GB is enough if you keep photos in the cloud; 512GB is more comfortable for families and anyone storing photos and videos on the laptop.
Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7, AMD Ryzen 5 or 7: the safe choice for most Windows laptops.
- Snapdragon X: excellent battery life. Most everyday apps work well, but check any specialist software, older printers or games you rely on.
- Apple M-series in MacBooks: fast, quiet and long-lasting.
- Intel N-series, Celeron or Pentium: fine for email and web browsing only. Avoid them if you'll use Teams, Excel or lots of tabs.
Screen: Full HD or better
Look for at least 1920×1080 (Full HD), and an IPS or OLED panel. Avoid 1366×768 screens, which look fuzzy and fit much less on screen. For older eyes, a 15 or 16-inch screen and good brightness make a big difference.
Battery, weight and ports
Ignore the "up to 20 hours" headline and look for independent reviews. If you'll carry it every day, aim for under 1.5kg. Check it charges by USB-C and has the ports you need, such as HDMI for a TV or monitor.
Windows, Mac or Chromebook?
- Windows laptop: the widest choice and the best fit if you use Microsoft Office desktop apps, specific software for work or study, or a Windows PC already.
- MacBook: ideal if the family uses iPhones and iPads, as photos, messages and passwords move across seamlessly. Fewer settings to manage and very long-lasting.
- Chromebook: simple, secure and usually cheaper. Good for children's schoolwork and for anyone who only browses, emails and video calls. Check how many years of updates it gets, which is listed by Google for each model.
Which Laptop for Who?
| Who it's for | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Student | 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, light and long battery life. Check what the course or school recommends. |
| Working from home | 16GB RAM, a good webcam and microphone, a comfortable keyboard, and USB-C for a monitor. |
| Older parent | A bigger, bright screen, a simple setup, and the same system as the family uses so you can help. An iPad or Chromebook can be simpler still. |
| Family laptop | 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and separate user accounts with parental controls for children. |
| Photos and light video | 16GB RAM or more, 1TB storage or a good cloud plan, and an accurate, bright screen. |
Black Friday Traps to Avoid
- Inflated "was" prices. Consumer research regularly finds many Black Friday deals were the same price or cheaper at other times of year. Use a price history site such as PriceSpy before buying.
- Special sale models. A familiar name with a lower spec than the usual model: less RAM, less storage or an older processor. Compare the exact model number, not just the name.
- Old stock. Last year's or older models sold as new. Not always bad, but check the processor generation.
- Add-ons you don't need. Expensive extended warranties, setup packages and antivirus subscriptions. Windows already includes Microsoft Defender.
- Unknown sellers on marketplaces. Buy from a UK retailer, so you get a UK warranty and charger, and your consumer rights. Online purchases normally come with a 14-day right to cancel.
After You Buy
Setting up a new laptop properly takes longer than most people expect: updates, accounts, moving files from the old one and removing trial software. Our new laptop setup checklist goes through it step by step. If it's a Christmas present, see what to set up before you wrap it. And before passing on the old laptop, get your photos off it and wipe it properly.
How We Handle It
Not sure which deal to go for? We can give honest advice on which model suits you, then set up the new laptop at home across West London: moving your files and photos, setting up email, printers and backups, removing trial software and wiping the old one safely. You can also gift a setup visit with a new laptop. See our computer and laptop help.
Related Reading
Common questions
16GB for most people. It keeps the laptop fast with several tabs, video calls and apps open, and it's required for Copilot+ PC features. 8GB copes with very light use, but the memory often can't be upgraded later.
It's best avoided. eMMC storage is slow and usually small, often 64GB or 128GB, and can fill up with Windows updates alone. Look for an SSD of at least 256GB.
Some are, but many 'was' prices are inflated, and some sale models have lower specs than the usual version. Check the exact model number and use a price history site before buying.
Windows suits most people and anyone needing specific software or desktop Office apps. A MacBook fits families who use iPhones. A Chromebook is a simple, cheaper option for schoolwork, browsing and email.
One with a bigger, bright screen and a simple setup, ideally the same system the family uses so you can help. For browsing, email and video calls only, an iPad or Chromebook can be simpler still.
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