I've been reviewing laptops for years - these older models work great and will save you money

2026-02-16 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Computer Hardware · Depth: Novice, short

Summary

ZDNET's editorial analyst highlights four older laptop models offering significant value due to Presidents' Day sales and rising RAM costs. The selection includes a refurbished 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro, available for $500 (67% off its original $1,500 price) with 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, noted for its M1 processor's performance and energy efficiency. Also featured is the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, priced at $1,196 (12% off $1,359), equipped with an AMD Ryzen AU 7 Pro processor, Radeon 880M graphics, and 32GB RAM. The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, at $1,200 (25% off $1,600), offers an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, Intel Arc graphics, a 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen, and S Pen support. Lastly, the 2024 Asus Zenbook S 16, costing $1,000 (33% off $1,500), features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor, AMD Radeon graphics, 24GB RAM, and a 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen within a ceraluminum chassis.

Key takeaway

For budget-conscious professionals or students seeking reliable computing, you should prioritize older, high-quality laptop models, especially during sales events like Presidents' Day. Focus on devices with proven performance, robust build quality, and strong display specifications, as these often outperform newer, entry-level machines at similar price points. Your decision to buy refurbished or slightly older models can yield substantial savings without compromising daily usability.

Key insights

Older, high-quality laptops offer compelling value amidst rising new device prices, especially during sales.

Principles

• Refurbished units extend product lifecycle.
• Performance often outlasts market cycles.

Method

The selection process prioritizes models with strong hardware, performance, and high-quality displays, combining hands-on testing with customer reviews to identify worthwhile deals.

In practice

• Consider refurbished M1 MacBook Pros for budget.
• Evaluate AMD Ryzen-powered laptops for performance.
• Look for OLED displays for creative tasks.

Topics

• Laptop Deals
• Refurbished Laptops
• M1 MacBook Pro
• AMD Ryzen Processors
• OLED Displays

Best for: General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.