I've been reviewing laptops for years - these older models work great and will save you money
Source: ZDNet
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
Over the past few years at ZDNET, I’ve tested countless laptops. I’ve gotten my hands on mobile computers with bold experimental designs as well as machines with incremental upgrades. Many of these devices have been largely forgotten by the tech world, but not by this reviewer—those older models have aged gracefully.
Also: The best laptops of 2026 – I’ve tested dozens of laptops and these are the best ones
Older laptops can still deliver strong performance, excellent build quality, and reliable everyday use—qualities that are especially important now as prices skyrocket due to rising RAM costs. I noticed many of these older machines returning to sale for Presidents’ Day this weekend, at prices that make them more compelling than newer models.
If you’re on a budget and can’t afford an expensive new computer, this guide highlights the best older laptops you can still confidently buy today.
Best Older Laptops with Great Deals
1. Apple MacBook Pro 13‑inch (M1) – Geek Squad Certified Refurbished
- Current price: $500 (67 % off)
- Original price: $1,500
- Specs: 8 GB RAM • 512 GB SSD • 13‑inch Retina display
- Review: M1 MacBook Pro – ZDNET
When Apple introduced the M1 processor it marked a turning point for the MacBook line, delivering a major leap in performance and energy efficiency. Even years after launch, the M1 MacBook Pro feels fast in everyday use, handling heavy multitasking while staying cool and quiet. The 8 GB of RAM may limit power users, but for most tasks the laptop performs admirably, all inside the familiar lightweight chassis.
If you can stretch your budget a bit, Back Market offers a 32 GB‑RAM version for around $750.
2. Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 (AMD)
- Current price: $1,196 (12 % off)
- Original price: $1,359
- Specs: AMD Ryzen 7 Pro • Radeon 880M GPU • 32 GB RAM • 14‑inch Eyesafe‑certified display
- Review: Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 – ZDNET
The sixth‑generation ThinkPad refines the classic formula with thoughtful upgrades. Its AMD Ryzen 7 Pro CPU and Radeon 880M graphics deliver smooth, responsive performance for everything from document editing to coding. The high‑resolution, Eyesafe‑certified screen reduces harmful blue light, making long sessions comfortable. Additional highlights include Wi‑Fi 7 support, a robust port selection, and a durable matte‑black chassis.
3. Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360
- Current price: $1,200 (25 % off)
- Original price: $1,600
- Specs: Intel Core Ultra 7 • Intel Arc GPU • 16‑inch 3K OLED touchscreen (120 Hz) • S Pen support
- Review: Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 – ZDNET
Samsung’s Galaxy Book series often flies under the radar, yet it offers a compelling option for creative professionals. The Book5 Pro 360 pairs an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU with Intel Arc graphics for reliable performance in demanding apps. Its 16‑inch 3K OLED display delivers rich colors, deep blacks, and a buttery‑smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. The 360° hinge lets the screen fold flat, and the included S Pen provides low‑latency, precise input for sketching, note‑taking, and navigation.
4. Asus ZenBook S 16 (2024)
- Current price: $1,000 (33 % off)
- Original price: $1,500
- Specs: AMD Ryzen 9 AI • AMD Radeon GPU • 24 GB RAM • 16‑inch 3K OLED touchscreen (120 Hz, DCI‑P3, Pantone‑validated) • ceraluminum chassis (3.3 lb)
- Review: Asus ZenBook S 16 – ZDNET
The 2024 ZenBook S 16 is a premium, design‑focused laptop that excels in both aesthetics and performance. Its lightweight ceraluminum chassis (ceramic‑aluminum composite) offers impressive durability without bulk, weighing just 3.3 lb. The 16‑inch 3K OLED panel provides a 120 Hz refresh rate, full DCI‑P3 coverage, Pantone validation, and excellent contrast—ideal for creative work. Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen 9 AI CPU, Radeon graphics, and 24 GB RAM handle demanding workloads and light gaming with ease.
Presidents’ Day Details
When is Presidents’ Day?
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February. In 2026 it falls on February 16.
How we chose these deals
ZDNET only writes about deals that genuinely capture our attention. We look for products we’d personally buy and confidently recommend to readers, friends, and family. For this roundup we focused on older laptops that offer meaningful discounts and limited‑time offers.
Our evaluation criteria included:
- Hardware quality – CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and build materials.
- Performance – real‑world benchmarks and day‑to‑day responsiveness.
- Display quality – resolution, color accuracy, refresh rate, and eye‑care features.
- User feedback – customer reviews and long‑term reliability reports.
The goal is simple: highlight worthwhile deals and great savings so you can shop smarter.
Editorial standards | How to turn on God Mode in Windows 11 | All prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing and may change.