Gaming laptops we recommend

Update: And now for something completely different. In place of the awesome Acer Predator 15 arrives the MSI GT72S G Tobii, a 17-inch gaming laptop that's the first to incorporate eye-tracking tech from – you guessed it – Tobii. Read more at spot #7 below!

You don't even need to tell us what happened when you told your friends that you want to buy a gaming laptop. Their inner elitist got the best of them, and bashed you for not just building an outright gaming desktop. But we get you. Building a gaming PC takes knowledge and dexterity that you just don't have or care to develop.

That's where the gaming laptop shines, as a fast lane to PC gaming. No need to build a case or even buy a monitor. Of course, that convenience usually comes with a hefty price tag. Most vendors start their asking prices at around $1,400 (about £900, AU$1,900) for 13 and 14-inch products, whereas the biggest and beefiest 17 and 18-inch models can skyrocket upwards of $3,000 (around £1,900, AU$4,000).

If you're ready to accept that a gaming laptop will almost never be as affordable or offer the same level of performance as a comparably-priced gaming desktop, then your decision is already made. But again, the gaming notebook is a device of convenience and portability over raw power. Without further ado, here are our favorite gaming laptops that we've reviewed thus far.

1. Origin EON15-X

A desktop-grade CPU in an unbeatable gaming laptop

CPU: 4GHz Intel Core i7-4790K | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M (8GB GDDR5 RAM), Intel HD Graphics 4600 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 LED Backlit Matte Display | Storage: 240GB SSD; 1TB HDD (5,400 rpm)

Great value

Desktop-grade performance

Razor thin viewing angles

The Origin EON15-X is a real head turner. It packs a desktop processor into a fairly compact 15.6-inch laptop that, while smaller, offers even more performance compared to other, bigger hardcore gaming rigs. This extra CPU power is handy for users who need to edit video and other processor intensive tasks that a mobile chip can't handle. You'll also get an extra kick of performance in no matter what game you're running. This machine is definitely worth consideration over all others.

Read the full review: Origin EON15-X

2. Gigabyte P35X v5

Underneath the plain exterior lies a 4K gaming beast

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M 8GB GDDR5, Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 SDRAM | Screen: 15.6-inch, UHD 3,840 x 2,160, IPS LCD | Storage: 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD

See more Gigabyte P35X v5 deals

Splendid performance at 4K

Surprisingly decent battery life

Poor ergonomics

Pointless optical drive

The Gigabyte P35X v5 is a mighty powerful, 4K gaming laptop equipped. While most machines have failed to play games at Ultra HD resolutions, this 15-inch rig has come closest to making it a reality with speed Intel Core i7 processor and an Nvidia GTX 980M stacked with the maximum amount of video memory on a mobile GPU. All of this overwhelming power will see that you're able to play 4K games at a decent 30 to 60 fps clip. All the while, the P35X v5 offers decent battery life to boot.

Read the full review: Gigabyte P35X v5

3. Lenovo Ideapad Y700 15-inch

An attractive and long lasting 15-inch gaming laptop

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M (4GB DDR5 VRAM), Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 (2,133MHz) | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD LED AntiGlare Backlit Multitouch (1,920 x 1,080) | Storage: 128GB SSD, 1TB HDD (5,400 RPM)

See more Lenovo Ideapad Y700 15-inch deals

Stylish look

Ample battery life

Gets hot

Terrible trackpad buttons

Entry-level gaming are a great introduction into the glorious world of PC gaming, and from performance to looks, it's hard to beat the Lenovo Ideapad Y700. It's an inexpensive machine that stands out amongst other budget gaming machines with its all metal chassis and included SSD. It also comes packed with enough power to run modern games at decent settings.

Read the full review: Lenovo Ideapad Y700 15-inch

4. Gigabyte P57Wv5

A 17-inch gaming laptop that's almost too good for the money

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ | Graphics: Nvidia Geforce GTX 970M (3GB GDDR5); Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Screen: 17.3-inch full HD 1,920 x 1,080 IPS LCD | Storage: 256GB M.2 SSD, 1TB HDD (7,200 rpm)

See more Gigabyte P57Wv5 deals

Fantastic performance

Accurate IPS screen

All-plastic body

Overly sensitive trackpad

Want even more storage, a bigger screen and increased graphical power? Well then the Gigabyte P57W v5 has you covered. For a 100 smackers more than the Lenovo Y700, this 17-inch gaming laptop offers a Nvidia GTX 970 graphics card for bigger and better gaming and double the storage to hold those said games. The laptop's all-plastic body leaves more to be desired, but in terms of performance, this machine delivers in spades and that's what most gamers really care about.

Read the full review: Gigabyte P57Wv5

5. MSI GS60 Ghost Pro

The best thin-and-light gaming laptop

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 6700HQ | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M, Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 eDP Wide View Angle | Storage: 128GB SSD; 1TB HDD

See more MSI GS60 Ghost Pro deals

Performance pusher

Stupendous keyboard

Fleeting battery life

A bit expensive

High on mature styling and light on weight, the MSI GS60 Ghost Pro is one of the thinnest gaming laptops you can buy. Don't think this svelte machine has sacrificed performance for the sake of cutting weight. It still comes packed with a high-end Intel Skylake processor and graphics card to make it a one of the strongest platforms we've ever tested. Just make sure to stick with a 1080p resolution and medium to high visual settings.

Read the full review: MSI GS60 Ghost Pro

6. Asus ROG G752

This mobile PC gaming powerhouse throws a hefty punch

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M (3GB GDDR5); Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Screen: 17.3-inch, full HD 1,920 x 1,080, IPS LCD | Storage: 128GB SSD; 1TB HDD (7,200rpm)

See more Asus ROG G752 deals

Distinguished design

Top-end specs and performance

No 4K screen

Poor battery life

The Asus ROG G752 has an aggressive design that sets it apart from many of the world's sedate gaming laptops. Instead of donning the typical appearance of black plastic, the ROG G752 sports a shell with brushed aluminium panels, angular lines and the glowing red segments. On top of its in-your-face styling this 17-inch gaming laptop delivers a hefty performance and it can play modern games at a smooth clip even if you put the graphical setting to max. The only thing the Asus ROG G752 is missing is the option of a high-res 4K display.

Read the full review: Asus ROG G752

7. MSI GT72S G Tobii

More than meets the eye

CPU: 2.7GHz Intel Core i7-6820HK | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M (8GB GDDR5 RAM); Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 32GB | Screen: 17.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) anti-glare IPS | Storage: 256GB SSD (PCIe Gen3x4); 1TB SATA HDD (7,200RPM)

See more MSI GT72S G Tobii deals

Accurate eye-tracking

Solid gaming performance

Seeing three constant dots

Limited game compatibility

Despite lacking the visual-slash-desktop performance appeal of the GT72S Dominator Pro, the MSI GT72S G Tobii boasts a unique set of features you can't find anywhere else. Making use of Tobii eye-tracking technology, this version of the GT72S allows players to use their eyes as an additional control input, at least for a specific set of games. If you don't need the extra power (or at least don't want to shell out upwards of $3,000), the GT72S Tobii is an affordable solution with some tricks up its sleeve.

Read the full review: MSI GT72S G Tobii

8. Origin EON17-SLX

The ultimate gaming laptop built with desktop-grade power

CPU: 4GHz Intel Core i7-6700K | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 (8GB GDDR5 VRAM), Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 (2,133MHz) | Screen: 17.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS Matte Display with G-SYNC | Storage: 256GB SSD, 1TB Hybrid Drive (7,200 rpm)

See more Origin EON17-SLX deals

Nearly unrivaled performance

Sharp, aggressive styling

Awful battery life

Astonishingly heavy

The Origin EON17-SLX takes gaming laptops to their ultimate conclusion of being portable desktops. This 17-inch notebook comes packed with a desktop-grade Intel processor and Nvidia GPU chip, making it one of history's most powerful mobile machines. Of course, it comes with the sacrifice of portability in both weight and battery life. If these are worthy trade-offs for greater performance, you won't find a better machine whether you're a hardcore gamer to in the media creation business.

Read the full review: Origin EON17-SLX

9. MSI GT80 Titan

An outrageously sized and powerful gaming laptop

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-4720HQ | Graphics: 2 x Nvidia GTX 980M SLI (16 GB GDDR5); Intel HD Graphics 4600 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 18.4-inch WLED FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare Display | Storage: 256GB SSD; 1TB HDD (7,200 RPM)

See more MSI GT80 Titan deals

Authentic mechanical keyboard

Easily upgraded

H-E-A-V-Y

Impossible to use on your lap

The MSI GT80 Titan goes above and beyond to give gamers a desktop experience in a notebook with a complement of high-performance parts to a built-in mechanical keyboard. However, weighing in at nearly 10 pounds and measuring roughly two-inches thick, this laptop is seriously pushing the limits of what you can call portable. For all the strain it'll put on your back and wallet, though, this 18.4-inch gaming laptop absolutely plow through almost any graphically intense game you try to run. This gaming behemoth proved to be a monster with the best in class mobile GPUs so we can't even fathom what it could do with a Nvidia GTX 980.

Read the full review: MSI GT80 Titan

10. Alienware 17 (2015)

The Alienware 17 is an impressive refinement for this series of gaming laptops

CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-4710HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M (4GB GDDR5 RAM), Intel HD Graphics 4600 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 17.3 inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS anti-glare display | Storage: 256 GB M.2 SATA SSD + 1TB HDD (7,200 rpm)

See more Alienware 17 (2015) deals

Flexible desktop mode

Excellent large screen

Still quite expensive

Slightly bottlenecked Amplifier performance

The Alienware 17 is one of those few outrageously priced gaming laptops that's actually worth it. The notebook is a fully capable gaming machine on its own, but with the added power of desktop graphics through the GPU Amplifier it can play almost any game on Ultra settings.If you're looking for something smaller, the Alienware 13 also works with the optional GPU box.

Read the full review: Alienware 17 (2015)

• Windows 10 works well with games, too

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OS X 10.12

Update: There's now more evidence than ever indicating that Siri for Mac will arrive alongside OS X 10.12, though it may not cause as much of a stir as Cortana. Read on to find out more.

With Microsoft's Windows 10 heating up the PC market, Apple is due to do the same with the launch of a new version of OS X for Mac packed with new features and improvements.

This upcoming release, version 10.12, is all but confirmed to be revealed this June at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), and will supposedly do more than just provide bug fixes and performance updates, as we saw with the move from 10.10 Yosemite to 10.11 El Capitan.

So what's in store for Mac users? Officially, we don't know, but there are plenty of rumors swirling around that should get Apple fans hyped.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next version of Apple's desktop operating system
• When is it out? Most likely before or during November 2016
• What will it cost? Like the previous several versions, it will be a free update

OS X 10.12 release date

Honestly, the OS X 10.12 launch timing is almost a foregone conclusion. Apple has gotten this process so close to a formula that we just expect to see the new operating system demoed during WWDC in June, and in our hands by November. (With a beta preview over the summer, natch.)

While this really isn't the most exciting bit, the platform is supposedly codenamed 'Fuji'. And while that moniker doesn't directly reference California, Fuji apples are a common fruit found across the state. Food for thought.

However, Apple typically doesn't stick with code names in its final releases – OS X 10.10 Yosemite was originally referred to internally as 'Syrah'. That said, Apple has supposedly trademarked a long list of names based on California landmarks, animals and more.

There's a chance that the final name will be based on a body of water, given that the previous two versions of OS X were named after major California landmarks (Yosemite in 2014 and El Capitan currently), while the 2013 version was named after a major body of water, Mavericks.

As for the OS X title itself, Apple may have affirmed previous rumors that it would switch back to the MacOS label by using that term in its most recent environmental report, which has since been fixed to read OS X instead.

Whoops.

However, it could have easily been a typographical error, it's possible Apple will ditch the OS X name altogether and go with MacOS version 1 (v1). We'll see in June.

Will Siri finally make an appearance?

The biggest new feature said to be slated for OS X 10.12 is the inclusion of the Siri virtual personal assistant. Siri was launched on iOS back in 2011, and surprisingly Apple has yet to bring it to Macs. Now, there's substantial evidence now that the assistant will arrive with Fuji.

A recent screenshot of the application dock in OS X 10.12, as spotted by MacRumors, points to a new icon using the same color scheme as Siri on iOS and Apple TV. Mac users will apparently get the same hands-free functionality offered by other versions of the program.

What may be prompting Apple to move forward with Siri integration is Microsoft's inclusion of its Cortana virtual assistant in Windows 10, with that marriage made legal back in July 2015.

Unlike Cortana, however, Siri for Mac won't enable itself automatically. Instead, users will reportedly have to delve into their settings and turn it on manually.

Cortana can be found not only on PCs, but on Android, Windows 10 Mobile and Apple's own iOS platform. Microsoft is pushing Cortana everywhere, for example, by adding a low smartphone power indicator to your PC, and sharing map directions across multiple devices. You can even use Cortana on the PC to find your iPhone if you misplace it.

By adding Siri to the Mac platform, Apple could offer the same services for iPhone and iPad owners with a Mac.

What we want to see

Look, as much as we've been impressed by the subtler improvements in El Capitan, there will always be room for more. (That would be the case even if it had earned more than four stars from us.)

From even simpler backup and file management to some select app improvements, we have a few ideas for how Apple could craft an even faster, more versatile OS X.

A better backup solution and file system

Apple's Time Machine has been around for quite a while, enabling Mac users to back up data to an external hard drive (USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt), to a network's Time Capsule or OS X Server, or to an external drive connected to a network's AirPort Extreme base station. However, Mac users want something newer and better to manage loads of large files, such as HD movies and personal videos.

Because of this, Apple may be working on better – or at least more secure – iCloud features so that Mac users can upload and store these large files easily without penalty, and access them from any device. Currently, iCloud plays host to the camera roll, documents, mail, app data, videos, settings and other device-specific information, and enables users to share stored media with friends and family.

Apple's iCloud service currently comes with 5GB of free online storage, with 25GB, 200GB and 1TB options increasing in price. But Apple may want to introduce larger capacities at lower prices, so that storing data like HD movies and TV shows in the cloud isn't quite so painful.

With that in mind, to support a new back-up system, Apple may be working on a new file system for OS X in the process. The current HFS+ file system, developed by Apple, is rather old and decrepit, introduced back in January 1998 with the release of Mac OS 8.1.

However, rumors that have long been churning – like, for years – point to the possibility of an entirely new in-house file system, or defaulting to something like Sun Microsystems's ZFS platform or the Boot File System (BFS). Meanwhile, Microsoft seems to still be using the NTFS file system in its new Windows 10 platform – developed over 20 years ago.

The death of iTunes

Many Mac owners want to see the end of iTunes. Honestly, the software is clunky and slow, making the act of shoving files and media to and from a Mac to an iPhone or iPad an annoying task, even on a Windows-based PC.

Rather than have one bulky solution to handle device syncing and content management, customers have requested that Apple develop a standalone sync application as well as separate apps dedicated to video, music, podcasts, and text content.

Take Google's highly-popular Android platform, for instance. The company allows customers to explore and purchase products both within an on-device 'store' app and through a web browser. In turn, Google provides standalone apps for each type of media: Play Music, Play Books, Play Movies and so on.

Apple customers can even access these Google-based apps on the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad. You can't say that about Apple's services on Android.

On that note, many users would like to see a web-based storefront for purchasing media that's accessible from any device, so that clunky software isn't required. They also want the ability to sync media to an Android device, and preview video in the Mac App Store, as well as demoing some of the software Apple offers in its Mac-based storefront.

Better support for Swift

For developers, a new file system would be nice, but better support for Apple's Swift programming language, launched back in 2014, would be great, too. Created for iOS, OS X, tvOS and watchOS, this open-source platform supposedly makes app creation "interactive and fun" by generating code faster, compiling apps faster and providing a new assistant to help developers in the app-creation process. Improved syntax even enables 'expressive' code and provides improved consistency.

Apple would be smart to make it so OS X 10.12 provides an update to Swift that will allow developers to convert their older pre-Swift apps to the new Swift platform. A native feature related to saving data should also be included in OS X 10.12, although information about this specific detail is currently scarce. Swift, by the way, is supported on Linux, too.

A better photos app

Finally, we have the Photos app, which will reportedly see another improvement in OS X 10.12 that will bring it up to speed with the discontinued iPhoto 9.6.1 app for Mac. Not much is known about these improvements rumor-wise, but there are murmurings that the app will not see Aperture-level functions.

However, for the Photos app on iOS Apple may introduce editing tools, like touch-based brushes for changing the parameters of a photo, and the ability to edit EXIF information. The Mac version could well see the addition of these rumored editing tools, too.

More to come

Naturally, all eyes are focused on Apple's WWDC 2016 conference in June. We expect there will be more features shown than what we've pined for here, in addition to an overall improvement in performance, more bug fixes and tweaks to the overall experience.

And the good news is that June is not that far away…

Gabe Carey also contributed to this article

• What about that Surface Pro 5?

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Picking the perfect Mac

Buying a new Mac isn't as easy as picking out a new iPhone. With a phone you only have to worry about cost, color, and capacity, but when upgrading your computer you need to consider portability, power, speed, storage, screen size, pixels, expansion needs and more.

So while Apple's Mac lineup is fairly streamlined and straightforward, there's still a lot to consider. If you decide you want a desktop, there's the Mac mini, iMac and Mac Pro to choose from.

If portability is your primary concern, you have the 12-inch MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook and MacBook Pro. Even if you pass on the build-to-order options, there are dozens of possibilities ranging from $499 (about £325/AU$646) all the way up to $3,999 (about £2,610/AU$5,181).

A new Mac is a long-term investment. You don't want to be stuck with the wrong one for years and years, so we sorted through every option for every model to help pair you with your perfect match. Head to the next page as we dive right in.

1. Mac Pro

A cylindrical tower of power

CPU: Up to 3.0GHz 8-core processor with 25MB L3 cache or 2.7GHz 12-core processor with 30MB L3 cache | Graphics: Up to dual AMD FirePro D700 GPUs with 6GB of GDDR5 vRAM each | RAM: Up to 32GB (four 8GB) or 64GB (four 16GB) of DDR3 ECC memory | Storage: 256GB PCIe-based flash storage (configurable to 512GB or 1TB) | Communication: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, Bluetooth 4.0, IEEE 802.11ac | Dimensions (WxDxH): 16.7cm x 16.7cm x 25.1cm

See more Mac Pro deals

Stellar design

Twin GPUs

Expansion ports

Internal expansion lacking

No bundled keyboard or mouse

The Mac Pro was cutting-edge when it launched in late 2013, and it's still one of the most advanced PCs money can buy - though an update wouldn't go amiss.

The new design, which made the machine much smaller and compact, introduced Thunderbolt, the high-speed connectivity option to the desktop, and a range of other high-end features that users wanted.

The most expensive Pro model can have a 12-core processor, 64GB of RAM, and 4 terabytes (4,000GB) of SSD storage without breaking a sweat. From here, users can add their own graphics cards, more memory, and run four displays.

The machine has power and performance to spare, with quad-core Intel Xeon E5 processors, dual AMD FirePro graphics cards, and super-fast PCIe-based flash storage. And its distinctive 9-inch-high cylindrical form fits great on any desk.

Of course, the Pro's price tag matches its performance - ranging from $2,999 (£2,499/AU$4,399) to around $10,000 depending on your storage, memory and processing needs - but it's as future-proofed as any Mac you'll find.

Even if OS X were to transform into some kind of a Multitouch hybrid in five years, today's Mac Pros will surely be able to handle it.

What's next for the Mac Pro?

The Mac Pro, unlike all of Apple's other desktops or laptops, is meant to be played with, expanded, and customised by people who work in film or music studios. Because of this, the Pro is unlike any of Apple's other machines and, as such, doesn't get updated as often by the company.

Apple has been under pressure to update the Mac Pro in recent times, however, as the iMac becomes more and more powerful. The next version of the Pro will most likely not come in 2016, however.

Read the full review: Mac Pro

2. 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display

Apple's biggest iMac puts everything on display

CPU: Up to 3.3GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz) | Graphics: Up to AMD Radeon R9 M395X with 4GB of GDDR5 memory | RAM: Up to 32GB of 1867MHz DDR3 memory; four SO-DIMM slots, user accessible | Storage: Up to 1TB of flash storage (SSD) | Communication: 10/100/1000BASE‑T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector) | Dimensions (HxWxD): 51.6cm (20.3 inches) x 65cm (25.6 inches) x 20.3 cm (8 inches)

See more 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display deals

Display

Performance

Core i7 costs extra

No Traget Display Mode

If you want the big screen of an iMac with the precision of a Retina display then there's only one iMac for you: the iMac with 5K Retina display. It comes with a choice of two quad-core Intel Core i5s at 3.3GHz and 3.5GHz respectively, a 1TB hard drive or Fusion Drive, and it's so pretty we want to marry it.

If you're dropping more than a grand and a half on an iMac you might as well go the whole hog and get the faster, Fusion Drive-packing model, packing a 5K Retina Display, 3.5GHz processor and Fusion Drive for £1,849 ($2,299).

If you can't afford or don't want the Retina iMac, you can pick up a new iMac from as little as £899 ($1,799) for the 21.5-inch model. The sweet spot is in the middle of the range: choosing the £1,049 ($1,999) model over the £899 one nearly doubles the processor speed, doubles the storage and gives you a better graphics system too.

What's next for the 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display?

Apple is unlikely to change anything big on the 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display in 2016, making way for other models—like the Pro or Mini—to get the limelight.

Read the full review: 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display

3. 21.5-inch iMac with 4K Retina display

A gorgeous 4K display on a compact all-in-one

CPU: Up to 4.0GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 4.2GHz) | Graphics: Up to AMD Radeon R9 M395X GPU with 4GB of GDDR5 memory | RAM: Up to 32GB of 1867MHz DDR3 memory; four SO-DIMM slots, user accessible | Storage: Up to 1TB of flash storage (SSD) or 3TB Fusion Drive | Communication: 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector) | Dimensions (WxDxH): TKTK

See more A gorgeous 4K display on a compact all-in-one deals

Display

Design

Fusion drive not standard

Chunky display bezel

If 27 inches is too much for you, Apple's 21.5-inch 4K iMac is much smaller but packs and equally sharp display. It goes toe-to-toe with the 27-inch 5K iMac's when it comes to pixel density, and it similarly supports the DCI P3 colour gamut that allows for accurate, vibrant colour.

The 4K iMac starts at £1,199 ($1,499) and can be upgraded with features such as a faster processor, more RAM and faster (and more capacious) storage.

It's not that much more affordable than the entry-level 27-inch iMac once you've ramped up the configuration, so it's worth bearing in mind whether spending the extra money would be worth getting hold of a larger display and much more powerful graphics capabilities.

If they aren't important, Apple's smaller iMac is still a capable machine and packs one of the best 4K screens around.

What's next for the 21.5-inch iMac with 4K Retina Display?

As with the 5K iMac, it's highly unlikely that Apple will launch a new 4K model in 2016. It will, however, benefit from an upgrade to OS X 10.12, OS X El Capitan's successor, which is likely to launch around October.

Read the full review: A gorgeous 4K display on a compact all-in-one

4. 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina

Due a redesign, but still the most capable MacBook

CPU: Up to 4.0GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 4.2GHz) | Graphics: Up to AMD Radeon R9 M395X GPU with 4GB of GDDR5 memory | RAM: Up to 32GB of 1867MHz DDR3 memory; four SO-DIMM slots, user accessible | Storage: Up to 1TB of flash storage (SSD) or 3TB Fusion Drive | Communication: 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector) | Dimensions (WxDxH): TKTK

See more 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina deals

Display

Performance

Chunky and heavy

Poor keyboard

The name may suggest a high-priced machine, but the MacBook Pro is far more affordable than the desktop tower that shares its surname. If you're looking for more of a desktop replacement than a road companion, it's definitely the way to go.

We don't recommend the cheapest model, however. While it does have a zippy 2.5GHz i5 processor, we aren't wowed by the laptop's 13-inch non-Retina screen, 5400-rpm hard drive and 7-hour battery life. At $1,099 (£899/AU$1,549), we'd either get the upper-end Air for the same price or chip in another $200 to go Retina.

The extra money also buys double the RAM, three additional hours of battery life, a Force Touch trackpad, and Iris graphics. You'll give up quite a few gigs of storage (125GB vs 500GB), but the upgrade to a flash drive makes the tradeoff much more palatable.

You can spend even more for extra storage and a few megahertz, but most users will get what they need for $1,299 (£999/AU1,799). At the very top of Apple's laptop lineup is the 15-inch model, and it earns its premier spot.

Packed with a 2.2GHz or a 2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, a Force Touch trackpad, and 16GB of RAM, it's a screamer whether you're editing videos in Final Cut Pro or making music with Garageband.

Starting at $1,999 (£1,599/AU$2,799), this model is significantly more expensive than its smaller sibling but worth every penny. And the $2,499 (£1,999/AU$3,499) step-up brings more than the usual storage and chip bump; Apple has also crammed in AMD's Radeon R9 M370X graphics card, which makes this the only laptop advanced enough to power a 5K display.

What's next for the MacBook Pro with Retina?

2016 will likely be a slower year for the Pro as the other Mac laptops, especially the Air, play catchup. The Pro was the first Apple laptop to get the Retina display in 2012 and has continued to cater to users who want a lot of power on-the-go ever since. Check out our MacBook Pro 2016 release date, news and rumors article for all of the latest information on potential upcoming models.

Intel has a new range of processors out, called Skylake, and these may make it into the laptop in 2016. However, Microsoft has had problems with its Surface Book and Pro models—both of which compete with the MacBook Pro—and so Apple may be wary about adopting the chipsets. Over the next year, Intel may figure out the quirks, however.

The competition from Microsoft, among others, may also force Apple to update the Pro quicker, bringing newer and faster components to the laptops as they come out, rather than in the months after. The company is unlikely to switch from its once-yearly schedule for updates, however.

Read the full review: 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina

5. 12-inch MacBook

Small, but perfectly formed

CPU: Up to 1.3GHz Dual-Core Intel Core M processor (Turbo Boost up to 2.9GHz) with 4MB shared L3 cache | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB (1,866MHz LPDDR3) | Storage: Up to 512GB (PCIe-based flash) | Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi‑Fi; Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology | Dimensions: 28.05cm (11.04 inches) x 19.65cm (7.74 inches) x 1.31cm (0.52 inches)

See more 12-inch MacBook deals

Design

Display

Underpowered

Keyboard

Apple's 2015 MacBook refresh wasn't for everyone and, despite being rosier and "goldier" than ever, that contention hasn't changed with this year's upgrade. While both models supplanted the MacBook Air as the lightest and smallest laptop, the extra portability came with compromises.

Most notably, Apple replaced the standard USB 3 and Thunderbolt 2 ports with the brand-new USB-C protocol. While it's cool that a single cable can now handle both power and all sorts of data transfer, Mac users who are used to plugging in a variety of devices may find themselves frustrated picking through the various hubs and adapters required to complete even the most basic tasks.

There's also the keyboard. When the PowerBook debuted in 1991, Apple caused a stir by pushing the keys closer to the screen to create a natural palm rest and room for a trackball. Apple has attempted to change the game once again with the new MacBook, this time by re-engineering every key to be thinner and far less springy to the touch.

It feels quite a bit different than any other laptop we've ever used, so we recommend trying one at an Apple Store before making a decision. If those two concerns (and the loss of the glowing Apple logo) aren't an issue for you, the MacBook is pretty great.

Even though its 1.1GHz, 1.2GHz dual-core or 1.3GHz Intel Core M processor has nowhere near the power of the Pro or even the Air, the laptop is more than capable of running iMovie, Photos, and even Photoshop with ease, much thanks to the smooth-as-butter OS X El Capitan.

It's also easy on the eyes with a stunning design that's available in silver, space gray, gold in addition to a new rose gold finish, and it comes packed with the latest in portable technology, from the 2304x1440 retina display to the Force Touch trackpad. An affordable $1,299 (£1,049/AU$1,799) gets you 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD and an improved 10-hour battery.

What's next for the 12-inch MacBook?

While it's too early to start speculating on what's in store for the next MacBook hardware, this year's model was the tock to last year's tick, meaning it didn't get quite the performance boost it deserved. Even with the welcome touch of an elegant new color option, the MacBook could undoubtedly benefit from a set of full-on Core i processors. Check out our 12-inch MacBook release date, news and rumors article for all of the latest updates on potential upcoming models.

For now, though, Apple has the iPad Pro, which weighs 1.57 pounds and measures 6.9mm thick, for those who don't want the power of a Mac, meaning that the MacBook needs to be more powerful to remain attractive.

However, because it runs iOS, the iPad Pro isn't compatible with certain apps, namely legacy programs designed for OS X, meaning that there is still a market for a laptop that can also be transported easily.

Apple also has to consider the MacBook Air, which has either an 11- or 13-inch screen (albeit possibly not for long), and is aimed at professionals who are on-the-go but need a powerful laptop.

Read the full review: 12-inch MacBook

6. 13-inch MacBook Air

It's now possible to grab big Air for less

CPU: 2.8GHz 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz) with 4MB on-chip shared L3 cache | Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics | RAM: 16GB LPDDR3 memory | Storage: 512GB PCIe-based onboard flash storage | Communication: 802.11ac Wi‑Fi wireless networking; IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible; Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology | Dimensions (WxDxH): 19.7cm (7.7 inches) x 19.7cm (7.7 inches) x 3.6cm (1.4 inches)

See more 13-inch MacBook Air deals

Battery life

Nippy storage

Dated design

Display

The MacBook Air is in an interesting spot. While it's still one of the most popular and well-known notebooks around, the launch of the slimmer, lighter new MacBook has stolen some of its thunder, and we have to assume one of two things: either a major update is in the works, or it will soon be made obsolete by an expanding MacBook line.

Still, we wouldn't recommend going for the 11-inch MacBook Air, which is well past its sell-by date. But until then, we wouldn't discourage anyone from buying it. The MacBook Air will still give you all-day battery life, USB 3 and Thunderbolt ports, and an SDXC card slot.

Even without a Retina display or Force Touch trackpad, it's a very capable machine, with a 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB flash drive.

Either model can be had for less than a grand, and with identical specs, choosing between the two sizes comes down to preference, with just $100 separating the $899 (£749/AU$1,249) 11-inch version and the $999 (£849/AU$1,399) 13-inch one.

What's next for the MacBook Air?

The MacBook Air, which launched in 2008 and was then updated in 2010, is in need of a refresh—and the rumours suggest Apple is going to give it one. Check out our MacBook Air 2016 news, release date and rumors article for all of the latest information on potential upcoming models.

The Retina display, a branding term Apple gives to its highest-resolution displays, has not yet made it onto any of the Air models and the internals—which are currently made up of Intel's Broadwell CPUs from 2014—need a refresh for 2016.

The Air currently occupies an awkward, but necessary, spot in Apple's lineup between the Pro—which is aimed at people who don't want to do intensive tasks (like Photoshop) but do want to write or edit photos—and the MacBook.

The Air is Apple's best selling model, according to supply chain estimates, and continues to be the cheapest way of getting a laptop with a glowing Apple logo on the back.

The company is evidently not obsessed with keeping it bang up-to-date, but the refreshes slated for 2016—including a Retina display, updated internals, and better battery—will keep it new, and powerful, enough for most users.

Read the full review: 13-inch MacBook Air

7. Mac mini

Apple's most affordable Mac

CPU: 2.8GHz 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz) with 4MB on-chip shared L3 cache | Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics | RAM: 16GB LPDDR3 memory | Storage: 512GB PCIe-based onboard flash storage | Communication: 802.11ac Wi‑Fi wireless networking; IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible; Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology | Dimensions (WxDxH): 19.7cm (7.7 inches) x 19.7cm (7.7 inches) x 3.6cm (1.4 inches)

See more Mac mini deals

Design

Ports

Impossible to upgrade

No monitor

The Mac Mini is Apple's cheapest computer and has, for a long time, been its least powerful. However, thanks in large part to Intel's processor technology, the desktop can be used for heavier tasks and Apple has brought the low-end model up to a decent specification.

The desktop is popular both because of its price—which undercuts the cheapest MacBook Air by $400—and its design, which is small, sleek, and simple.

The Mini comes in three variants: a $499 option with a dual-core i5 CPU, a spinning hard drive, and 4GB of RAM; a $699 option with a more powerful processor, an SSD, and 8GB of RAM; or a $999 model which is comparable to the iMac at the same price.

The top-of-the-line Mac mini bumps the processor up to 2.8GHz and adds a Fusion Drive in place of the 5400-rpm spinner, but at $999, we wouldn't recommend it.

If you're willing to spend over a thousand dollars on a desktop computer, you'll be better served by moving up to an iMac. In the UK, the Mac mini runs from £399 to £799, while in Australia it starts at AU$699 and tops out at AU$1,399.

What's next for the Mac mini?

The Mac mini's internal hardware is nearly a year and a half old, and Apple could be looking to update it so that its low-end users get a decent experience when running OS X, which became more graphically intense with OS X 10.11 El Capitan, the newest version.

The 2016 model would likely include Intel's Skylake chips, which would yield big performance improvements, alongside other, newer internals, like RAM and an SSD option for the low-end model.

Read the full review: Mac mini

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

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Sony Xperia Z6 Tablet

Update: Sony has a brand new range of smartphones called the X range, but there's no word if the line-up will include a tablet. It may turn out that Sony has decided to kill the Xperia Z range altogether and if so the Xperia Z6 Tablet may be dead in the water...

Sony released the Xperia Z5 at the tail end of 2015, but its last slate was the Xperia Z4 Tablet a whole generation earlier. We've been due a new one for quite some time.

The Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet was a great attempt, topping our list of the best Android slates, at least until the Google Pixel C and Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 arrived. But there's plenty that Sony can do better and here you can see a check list of what we'd like to see to help them out.

Before that, there are a few rumors knocking around about when it could be released, so let's take a look.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? Sony's next flagship tablet
• When is it out? We thought the end of March, but that didn't happen
• What will it cost? Likely around £500/$785/AU$980

Sony Xperia Z6 Tablet release date

Mobile World Congress 2016 has been and gone. We thought that Sony would be revealing a new tablet at the event in Barcelona, but instead we saw the Xperia X range as well as a few concept devices.

But there was no word of the new tablet, even though a Japanese store manager was previously been informed that the current three models of Xperia Z4 Tablet are being discontinued and a new product is set to take its place.

Sony previously confirmed to the manager that it will be in place by the end of March 2016, so an MWC release date would have made sense. Sony may instead decide to release the tablet at a different time, but so far there's no word on when that will be.

Sony Xperia Z6 Tablet specs and rumors

In terms of spec, not much is known about the Xperia Z6 Tablet. The Xperia Z4 Tablet was packed full of high-end spec but the rumors have been few and far between here. We may end up seeing a new tablet from Sony, but what it looks like and what spec it includes will be a big surprise to all of us.

Sony Xperia Z6 Tablet price

Android tablets aren't always expensive, but when Sony makes one it usually comes in at the higher end of the market. Right now you can buy the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet for £499.99 or US$670 (about AU$972).

The tablet cost a little more than that on release, while the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact was a bit cheaper as well due to its smaller size.

We'd expect a high-end product from Sony for the Xperia Z6 Tablet, so it's likely to have an expensive price tag attached.

• Read our review of the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet

Sony Xperia Z6 Tablet: what we want to see.

Now here's what we want to see from the Sony Xperia Z6 Tablet.

1. A premium design

The Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet is thin, light and water resistant, but it just doesn't have the same premium appeal as the likes of the iPad Air 2 or the Google Pixel C.

Hopefully for the Xperia Z6 Tablet Sony will replace the polycarbonate back with a metal or glass finish, so the Z6 Tablet looks and feels as high-end as it is.

Of course materials are only half the battle. Ideally we'd like a well thought-out, stylish design too, that has more to shout about than just its premium construction.

2. More storage

Tablets live or die on their media capabilities and a big part of that is actually being able to store a large number of films, apps and songs.

Yet the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet has just 32GB of storage, which, while not a tiny amount, is definitely on the limiting side. Sure, there's a microSD card slot too, but getting a card adds an extra expense into the mix and built in storage is typically faster and more reliable. So we want at least a 64GB option on the Xperia Z6 Tablet and ideally even more.

3. An improved UI

Sony's UI was one of our biggest complaints about the Xperia Z4 Tablet. It's functional but bland and worst of all it's full of bloat, like Sony's Lifelog and Xperia Lounge apps, which will go unused by many and can't be deleted.

What we'd really love is just to get a pure, unadulterated version of Android on the Xperia Z6 Tablet, but that's not likely to happen, so hopefully Sony will at least cut down on the clutter.

4. A more competitive price

Sony's latest flagship tablet launched for £499.99 (about $785, AUS$980) and that's without 4G, making it pricier than even the iPad Air 2.

It's somewhat understandable that it would command a premium price. It is, after all, a high-end, feature-packed tablet, but if Sony's next slate is going to reach the top of the tablet table it could do with being a little more affordable.

5. A brighter screen

The Z4 Tablet has a gloriously sharp 2K screen, which is both bigger and crisper than the iPad Air 2's display, but what it lacks is brightness.

Indoors this isn't such an issue, but take it outside, especially on a sunny day, and it can be very hard to see much of anything. Hopefully Sony will sort that for the Xperia Z6 Tablet, giving us a screen that's as bright as it is sharp.

6. Smaller bezels

The Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet is slim and light but it's got some mammoth bezels. A certain amount of bezel is handy, as it means you can hold the tablet without obscuring the screen, but the Z4 Tablet takes it too far.

Hopefully Sony will slim them down for the Xperia Z6 Tablet, giving us the same size screen with a smaller footprint.

7. A more robust build

A big selling point of the Xperia Z4 Tablet is its dust and water resistance, but that conjures an image of a durable slate and in reality the Z4 Tablet looks anything but.

If Sony can make the Xperia Z6 Tablet more rugged without compromising the design too much that would be a big win. Perhaps it can take a leaf out of the Moto X Force's book?

8. A more versatile keyboard

Sony upped the productivity potential of the Xperia Z4 Tablet by shipping it with a detachable keyboard. It's a great addition, with well-spaced keys. But the keyboard dock only goes into one position, so you can't prop the slate up at loads of weird and wonderful angles.

It's also not waterproof, which seems like a bit of an oversight when the Z4 Tablet itself is, so hopefully the Z6 Tablet will have a more refined keyboard.

9. Fast charging

The Z4 Tablet has a long-lasting battery and it's a good thing too, because it takes an age to charge. There's no excuse for that any more, not when many devices support fast charging, so we want to see the Xperia Z6 Tablet support that too. Adding wireless charging into the mix would be a nice bonus as well.

10. A fingerprint scanner

Sony finally got into the fingerprint scanning game with the Xperia Z5, so we're hopeful that the Xperia Z6 Tablet will have one too.

If it does it should be good, as the Z5's is fast and accurate, giving you a convenient way to secure your device.

• You don't have to wait for the Z6 Tablet to get a great slate.

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The latest predictions from Gartner on the subject of the PC market heap further negativity on the already gloomy picture, although growth is still predicted in certain areas.

The analyst firm estimates that global PC shipments (that's desktop PCs and laptops) will drop to 232 million units this year – a pretty alarming figure when you consider that back in 2012, the figure was 343 million units.

Predicted total revenue for 2016 is $122 billion (around £83 billion, or AU$170 billion), which has dropped from the $219 billion (around £150 billion, or AU$305 billion) that was raked in four years ago.

Gartner's Meike Escherich, a principal research analyst, commented: "PCs are no longer the first or only devices users are choosing for internet access."

Gartner reckons that it's the mid-tier PC vendors which are struggling in particular, and names Acer, Fujitsu, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba, which the company notes have lost 10.5% market share over the last five years (and some have retreated from the market).

It's not all bad news though. Tracy Tsai, research vice president at Gartner, observed:

"Nevertheless, PCs are still able to deliver in areas that smartphones and tablets cannot, with larger screens, ergonomic keyboards, greater storage and more powerful computer processors."

She added that PC manufacturers should be concentrating on optimising profitability going forward.

Upwardly mobile PCs

As for the bright spots, Gartner pointed to 'ultra-mobile premium PCs' – ultra-thin and light high-end laptops and convertibles – which will be the only market segment to actually grow in 2016. The prediction is a healthy 16% increase year-on-year to a total revenue of $34.6 billion (around £24 billion, or AU$48 billion).

The company reckons that these ultra-mobile PCs will become the largest segment of the PC industry by 2019 in terms of revenue, hitting $57.6 billion (around £40 billion, or AU$80 billion). Profitability for these premium machines is impressive, with Tsai noting that gross margin can reach up to 25% for machines which cost in excess of a grand.

Gartner also observed that high-end gaming PCs are a niche area where profits could be carved out in the longer-term, although this is a competitive arena.

Gartner's latest figures for Q1 2016 showed that total PC shipments fell to just under 65 million units, and that this quarter was the first time the numbers had fallen below that threshold since 2007, no less.

• 10 best desktop PCs 2016: which computer should you buy?

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Microsoft is soon going to make it compulsory for the manufacturers of Windows 10 PCs, tablets and smartphones to include TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for bolstered security.

In a TechNet post which covered the topic of TPM 2.0 compliance for Windows 10 devices in the future, Microsoft said it would be introducing the cast-iron requirement for systems to include TPM on the day before the anniversary of Windows 10's launch.

Redmond stated: "All shipping devices for Windows 10 across all SKU types must be using TPM 2.0 discrete or firmware from July 28, 2016. This requirement will be enforced through our Windows Hardware Certification program."

TPM is already present on a large number of business-targeted computers and notebooks, where security is always a heightened concern, but it's not so common for consumer machines. That will all change soon enough.

Pi exception

All hardware running Windows 10 desktop editions – that's Windows 10 Home, Pro, Education and Enterprise – must implement TPM 2.0 and ship with it enabled, along with all Windows 10 Mobile devices.

The exception to the rule is Windows 10 IoT Core where TPM will remain optional, so the likes of the Raspberry Pi won't be bound by this new Redmond directive.

TPM encompasses a raft of security mechanisms designed to protect a device from tampering and would-be intruders if the hardware falls into the wrong hands, and the newer TPM 2.0 standard offers a number of clear advantages over TPM 1.2 including support for SHA-256 hashing.

It can be implemented either in discrete form (a separate chip) or as firmware TPM.

Via: PC World

• What is TPM, and why does it matter to your business?

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One of the true tech joys in my life is digging out an ereader which was buried at the bottom of my bag for a few weeks and feeling overjoyed when I can just sit back and enjoy a book without having to worry about battery life.

If you buy the new Amazon Kindle Oasis though, that dream might be dead.

Amazon has seen fit to shrink the battery within its brand new Kindle in order to change the traditional ereader design to something a little bit different.

This time Amazon has focused on slimming down the body of the device for a lighter, thinner and more comfortable reading experience.

Instead of the average six week battery life of a Kindle, Amazon confirmed to me its new device only lasts two weeks between charges. That's not good enough.

During my brief time using the Kindle Oasis I'd agree it is by far the best reading experience of any ereader I've used, but I'm still very disappointed at that drop in battery life.

Most customers for a Kindle Oasis are likely to already own an ebook reader. At £269.99 (US$289.99, AU$449), Amazon's premium ereader is pitched at those looking to update to a newer, sleeker version, rather than those jumping into the world of ebooks for the first time.

That said, will Amazon make it clear to customers that battery life won't be anywhere near as good as you'd expect from an Amazon ereader? I fear it won't.

When you buy a McDonald's meal you do so because you know what you're getting – imagine getting a Big Mac box, opening it up and realising it was just a cheeseburger.

It's the same with the Kindle – I expect an impressive battery and I worry Amazon won't make it clear to users that they're in for a different experience.

Amazon has taken steps to make the battery life stronger, but not in a way you may expect. There's a smart battery case included in the box that looks gorgeous with a leather front and attaches to the back of your ereader to give you extra charge.

Stick one of these on and Amazon assured me you'll then get up to seven weeks battery life - but it means losing that revolutionary design the Kindle Oasis is selling itself on (and you're paying through the nose for).

The Kindle Oasis is an impressive idea and a step in the right direction for ereaders in general, but it's not worth crippling the key draw of an ereader.

Parting with £169 (US$219, around AU$250) for a Kindle Voyage felt like too much in 2014, but here we are two years later and we're being asked to spend considerably more to get an Oasis. You're paying more for less in terms of battery, and it's hard to sell the Oasis for that reason.

Even the nerds

So, who is the Kindle Oasis really for? Bookworms. But that's too broad a term. We're looking for affluent bookworms who prefer digital scripture over the printed page - which suddenly makes the market a very defined niche.

Even those amongst my team who call themselves literature fans are finding the Kindle Oasis a hard sell. Of those who take the plunge and buy one, some will be disappointed by the battery life.

Amazon has taken a step back in the search to make the ultimate ereader that little bit more like paper. The biggest USP of a physical book or ereader is that you don't need to charge it every night to read it... but that just got a little bit harder if you buy a Kindle Oasis.

• Read our hands-on of the Amazon Kindle Oasis

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