M3407GA-SF004W
Yoga Slim 7a Gen 11
OmniBook X Flip LaptopNGA 16-ar000ns
Gram Book 16U55U-G.AU85BN
The laptop with the best value for money
Finding a laptop with good value for money is not always easy. The available market offer is increasingly broad and many models provide similar features, although with small details that can make a difference: from battery life to screen quality, to build quality (click the following link if you are looking for a highly durable laptop) or connectivity options. Also, the most expensive device is not always the one that best meets each user’s needs. Therefore, before making such a purchase, it is advisable to evaluate the features it offers and the intended use.
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How we chose and tested the products
To carry out this comparison, I contacted four of the main laptop manufacturers so that each could propose the model that, in their opinion, stands out for its value for money. For several days, each replaced my work device. With them, I wrote Word documents, worked with Excel spreadsheets, browsed the Internet with multiple tabs open, managed files stored in the cloud through services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer, and used other tools common in my day, such as Canva. I also made occasional video calls.
The criteria I evaluated in each analysis were the following:
- Design: from the point of view of build quality and portability.
- Screen: how the panel is and its quality: brightness, sharpness, how colors are represented… Ideally, this image is accompanied by sound that is up to par.
- Performance: how the laptop performs in terms of power and efficiency. Also its AI capabilities. I can tell you that all of them belong to the Copilot+PC device family. Models with this label have specific features such as processors with a dedicated unit for tasks related precisely to artificial intelligence and AI functions in applications like Paint. They also have tools that improve video calls, facilitate productivity tasks, translate subtitles in real time…
- Others: such as battery life, connectivity options, keyboard ergonomics, touchpad response…
Why can you trust me?
I have been in tech journalism for two decades. During this time, I have had the privilege of witnessing how technology advances to make daily life easier and have been able to report it in various media. Although I have lost count of how many products have passed through my hands, I confess that the enthusiasm and feelings remain the same. Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, fitness bands, smartwatches… I set no limits when choosing a device and making the most of its possibilities as a keen technology consumer.
Gesture touchpad: ASUS M3407GA-SF004W
Who it is for: users who value the option of a lightweight laptop, with a reliable configuration and also an elegant design.
Why we chose it: like the other laptops I analyzed, it combines Windows AI functions, via Copilot, with others from ASUS. Among them are StoryCube, useful if you accumulate many photos and videos and don’t have time to organize them as you’d like, and OMNI, its virtual assistant: it looks like a mouse, moves around the desktop, and interacts at any time. During testing, I asked it to transcribe small voice notes — a function that currently only supports audio in English — and upload files to then ask questions about the information they contained.
The screen was very successful for me both because of its size (14 inches) and the fact that it integrates OLED technology. And I want to highlight the keyboard for offering a slight key elevation that favors more comfortable typing. By the way, the touchpad supports several practical gestures for daily use. Sliding a finger up and down along the left edge adjusts the volume, while the same movement along the right edge controls screen brightness. Also, sliding the finger left to right — or vice versa — along the top edge allows you to advance or rewind if playing a video.
Finally, note that battery management is very well handled, to the point that you forget the charger for quite some time. I also liked its design, beautiful and elegant, with the words ASUS Vivobook engraved on the lid. Added to this is a metal chassis that, besides giving it a refined look, conveys solidity without making the laptop heavy.
Its weak points: it’s a pity the screen is not touchscreen.
With Wi-Fi 7: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7a Gen 11
Who it is for: users looking for a laptop that combines maximum lightness and the best durability.
Why we chose it: it’s a pleasure to carry it from one place to another thanks to its 1.23 kg weight, although the best part is that its lightness is not compromised by the durability it promises: it has received MIL-STD-810H certification, so it is prepared to withstand demanding usage conditions.
Another strong point is the screen. At 14 inches and with OLED technology, it provides high contrast, with deep blacks and vivid colors, which I especially enjoyed when consuming multimedia content. When working, whether consulting files or ‘jumping’ from one tab to another, I found it very comfortable to do so directly with my finger, as this panel is touchscreen and its response was instant and very smooth.
In terms of performance, the experience was up to what I expected from its configuration, highlighting that the model sent to me allows storage of up to 2 TB; a capacity that provides plenty of space to store large files and install applications and other programs without worrying about available space.
During testing, I worked with numerous documents and windows open simultaneously, managed email, and used applications for more creative tasks, switching between them without noticing slowdowns. I also tried its AI functions. Not only those related to Copilot but also AI Now, Lenovo’s AI assistant: it’s not a typical chatbot but a tool to work with information stored on the laptop. That said, I needed several days to adapt to it. For example, with Knowledge Assistant you upload your own files — they can be Word documents, PDFs, or presentations, among others — for it to analyze and then answer questions about their content, locate specific data, or summarize one or more documents. Another function I used was PC Assistant, which allows consulting laptop information and managing certain settings using natural language in English.
Its weak points: although it can be solved by adding a hub or adapter, I missed having a built-in HDMI port and another USB-A port if needed.
Made of aluminum: HP OmniBook X Flip LaptopNGA 16-ar000ns
Who it is for: if what you want is a convertible laptop and you don’t need to carry it with you regularly.
Why we chose it: it integrates a 16-inch screen and, despite having a fairly thin profile, its 1.89 kg weight is noticeable when carrying it in a backpack. Made of aluminum, it has the added benefit of a flexible 360º hinge, so I was able to use it in different positions depending on the task. A panel of this size allows working and consuming content more comfortably; it is also touchscreen, OLED type, and with a variable refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, so scrolling on web pages or dragging windows is smoother and more fluid. This screen is complemented by a backlit and spacious keyboard, a large touchpad, and a generously sized wrist rest for comfortable work, even after several hours.
I would also recommend it for its sound section, battery life, and connectivity options. It also features a configuration available in different versions that easily adapts to the ‘average user’. Regarding AI, I have used not only the options available in Copilot but also AI Companion: that’s the name of the AI assistant developed by HP, which follows the same line I mentioned earlier when talking about Lenovo AI Now in the Yoga Slim 7a Gen 11 laptop review. You have a FAQ option, from ‘Performance’ you access the setup and support assistant to get the most out of the device, and if you create a ‘Library’ you directly group documents stored on the device to ask the AI about them, compare the information you indicate, or make a summary.
Its weak points: the charger tends to get hotter than desired and, at certain times, I also noticed an increase in the device’s temperature.
With LG gram Link to share content with your phone: LG Gram Book 16U55U-G.AU85BN
Who it is for: if what you need is a laptop that includes a separate numeric keypad.
Why we chose it: as with the HP laptop, it is aimed at consumers who need a large screen (16 inches) but do not want to completely give up the possibility of carrying it since its design seeks to offer greater durability.
Following the current trend, AI plays an important role so you can speed up certain tasks and dedicate more time to others. It was the first time I used LG’s artificial intelligence. It is called gram AI and, in practice, the experience is similar to the proprietary AI tools incorporated in the other laptops in the comparison; like them, you don’t need an Internet connection to use it and it ‘leverages’ the files and information stored on the laptop to provide answers to your questions. It is also possible to perform other tasks such as creating summaries and executing certain system actions through written commands in English like activating dark mode or battery saver.
It is the only one, moreover, that does not opt for an OLED panel but an IPS one. It is true that, compared to an OLED, at times you might miss higher contrast and deeper blacks, but for browsing the Internet and working it is a balanced screen: the image is sharp and colors are natural. Having received an anti-reflective treatment, it helps to work more comfortably when there are light sources around and prevents reflections from becoming too annoying.
Its weak points: the touchpad works correctly, but on some occasions it has not responded as quickly as I would have liked.
Other laptops with interesting value for money
If you are looking for an Apple laptop but your budget is tight
Frequently asked questions about the best value-for-money laptops
Which processor should I choose?
For everyday tasks, such as browsing the Internet, working with documents, or making video calls, a latest-generation Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 offers more than enough performance. If the laptop will be used for content editing, programming, or more demanding applications, it is advisable to upgrade to an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7.
How much RAM should I have?
Currently, 16 GB of RAM is the most balanced option to ensure smooth operation, even with several applications open at the same time. Although models with 8 GB are still valid for basic use, they may become somewhat limited over time.
Is battery life an important criterion?
Definitely. Good battery life allows you to work or study for much of the day without constantly depending on the charger. It is recommended that the laptop offers between eight and ten hours of real use, although this figure will always depend on the type of tasks performed.
What other aspects should be considered besides technical specifications?
Beyond the processor or memory, other aspects to consider include keyboard and touchpad comfort, screen quality, weight, or cooling system efficiency; all are factors that directly influence the experience.
*All purchase prices included in this article are updated as of September 1, 2026.
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