
LAPTOPS


- TIPS & TRICKS
- If you can afford it, the 512GB option brings faster flash storage (and more of it, of course).
- Naturally the M2 Air performs better than the M1 version, but that older model is the value buy.

Apple MacBook Air 13in M2 (2022)
from R23 000 /digitalexperience.co.za
The signs pointing to an M3 MacBook Air upgrade were right. Apple has made it official for both the 13in and 15in models. They are sporting extra power under the hood – Apple claims a speed boost of 60% over M1 models – and will slot into the M2 price bracket with the older models receiving price cuts. The 13in M2-packing MacBook Air continues to head our list for now but that may well change
once we have had a proper look at the M3 Air.
Stuff says
Shame about the price hike, but this is still the Mac to buy for most users . It’s easy to see why

• Belkin 4-Port GaN Charger 108W
This brick lets you charge your Mac laptop through its 96W USB-C output… and juice up three other devices at the same time.


Apple MacBook Pro 14in M3 (2023)
from R37 500 / incredible.co.za
With good (M3), better (M3 Pro) and best (M3 Max) performance options, the MacBook Pro range finally feels coherent again. The 120Hz ProMotion screen is great, the speakers are beefy, and you get a plentiful array of ports including MagSafe charging. The power available at the very top of the range is properly awesome (and so is the pricing, at over seventy grand); but for most heavy users, an M3 or M3 Pro should be more than enough laptop.
Stuff says
Apple’s pro laptops now have even more power and no weak links.



ASUS VivoBook Pro 15 OLED (2023)
from R33 000 / asus.com/za
If you’re due for an upgrade, the Vivobook Pro 15 from 2023, with its AMD innards and typically excellent screen, is in the business of converting the creatively minded market to a Windows environment. If you’re a dedicated Mac fan, you might not be tempted but if you’ve ever wondered how the other half lives, this is a great way to find out. Come for Asus’ OLED panels if nothing else.
Stuff says
Ticks a lot of boxes well enough to warrant a spot in the top three.
ASUS VivoBook Pro 15 OLED (2023)
from R40 000 /consumer.huawei.com/za



Sits in a veritable sweet spot with decent performance, premium design, good set of features in a nicely portable package
Asus Zenbook S 16 (UM5606W)
from R41 000 / za.store.asus.com



If you can rummage up the dough, you won’t be disappointed with Asus’ MacBook competitor.
Asus Zenbook S 13 (2023)
from R33 000 / za.store.asus.com



The Surface 4’s successor is everything you’d expect from Microsoft’s fifth generation.
Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 (2023)
from R46 500 / dellonline.co.za



The 2023 model comes with slight CPU improvements and the same sleek design.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
from R24 000 / evetech.co.za



Microsoft’s latest hybrid device offers more performance than previous models.
Asus Vivobook S 15
from R30 000 / incredible.co.za



Snapdragon’s Elite X chipset is an excellent example of what you can achieve in a Copilot+ PC.
Asus TUF Gamin F17 (2023)
from R22 000 / computermania.co.za



Who says gaming on a budget means a tiny screen and disappointing performance? Certainly not Asus.