Laptops, peripherals and computing gear
22 reviews · Page 1 of 2
Whether you're buying a laptop, a keyboard, or a monitor, computing accessories are one of the most confusing categories to buy in — because the right choice depends almost entirely on how you're going to use it.
For laptops and PCs, define your workload first. A machine for email and browsing needs completely different specs to one for video editing or gaming. Overspending on processing power you don't need is just as easy as underspending on RAM you desperately will. As a rule: for general use, 8GB RAM and a mid-range processor is plenty. For creative work, 16GB minimum.
For accessories, compatibility matters more than specs. A premium mechanical keyboard is worthless if it doesn't work with your operating system. Check compatibility explicitly before buying — don't assume.
Ergonomics are underrated. A decent keyboard, mouse, and monitor at the right height will do more for your productivity and long-term health than any spec upgrade. If you're spending hours a day at a desk, this is worth taking seriously.
Buy from brands that support their products. Driver updates, firmware fixes, and software support matter enormously for computing accessories. Cheaper no-name brands often have no ongoing software support, which can render the device useless after a Windows or macOS update.
Second-hand and refurbished can be excellent value. Laptops in particular can represent outstanding value refurbished — a professionally refurbished business laptop from a reputable reseller often outperforms a brand-new budget model at the same price.
Written by Marcus Knapman · How we review
| Product | Our Rating | Value | Quality | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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🏆 Editor's Choice
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop M5 chip with 10-core CPU an…
Apple |
★★★★☆ 4.3 | 3.8 | 4.7 | £1,014.97 | Read Review |
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💎 Best Value
ASUS Vivobook S14 M3407HA Metal Laptop | 14.0" WQXGA 2.5K Sc…
ASUS |
★★★★☆ 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.2 | £649.99 | Read Review |
|
🔥 Best Seller
HP Chromebook 15.6" | Intel N100 Processor | 4 GB RAM | 128 …
HP |
★★★★☆ 4.2 | 4.6 | 3.8 | £199.00 | Read Review |
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HP 15.6" Laptop | Intel Core i5 i5-1334U Processor | 16 GB R…
HP |
★★★★☆ 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.5 | £399.99 | Read Review |
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Dell Latitude 5400 14.0" Laptop, Intel i5-8365U, 16GB Ram, 5…
Amazon Renewed |
★★★★☆ 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.0 | £221.99 | Read Review |