Short answer: for most people in 2026, look for 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, a current-generation processor and a screen that’s bright enough for where you work. Below that, laptops feel slow within a year or two. Above that, you’re mostly paying for gaming, video editing or a premium build.
Laptops are some of the most heavily discounted items on Black Friday, but they’re also where “deals” are hardest to compare, because the same model name can hide very different specs. Here’s what to look for.
Windows, Mac or Chromebook?
- MacBook: best if you use an iPhone, want long battery life and a laptop that stays fast for years. MacBook Air is the right pick for most people; MacBook Pro is for heavy video, photo or development work.
- Windows laptop: the widest choice of sizes, prices and designs, and the only real option for most PC games and some work software.
- Chromebook: great for students and anyone who lives in a web browser. Cheap, simple and secure, but it won’t run most desktop software.
The specs that matter
| Spec | Good for most people | Skip if you see |
|---|---|---|
| Memory (RAM) | 16GB | 8GB or less on a Windows laptop |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 128GB or “eMMC” storage |
| Processor | A current-generation chip from Intel, AMD, Apple or Qualcomm | Bargain chips like Intel N-series on anything but a basic machine |
| Screen | Full HD or better, 300+ nits brightness | 1366 x 768 resolution or a dim 250-nit panel |
| Weight | Under 3.5 lbs if you carry it daily | 5+ lbs unless it’s a gaming laptop |
About ARM Windows laptops: laptops with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips have excellent battery life, and most everyday apps run well on them. If you rely on specialized software or older games, check that they support Windows on ARM before you buy.
Screens and battery life
- OLED screens look fantastic for movies and photos, with deep blacks and rich color. They can cost a little battery life.
- Brightness matters more than resolution if you work near a window. Look for 300 nits or more; 400+ is great.
- Battery claims are measured in ideal conditions. Expect real-world battery life to be noticeably shorter than the number on the box, especially on Windows laptops with bright screens.
How to spot a real Black Friday laptop deal
- Compare the exact configuration. The same laptop name can come with 8GB or 16GB of memory, 256GB or 1TB of storage. A big discount on a stripped-down version isn’t a deal.
- Watch for holiday-only models. Some “doorbuster” laptops are made just for Black Friday with cheaper parts. Search the full model number before buying.
- Check the price history. A crossed-out price only matters if the laptop actually sold for it. Every deal on CrustyCoupons is compared with the price we’ve tracked.
- Last year’s model can be the best value. The newest chip is often only a small step up, and the previous generation can be hundreds of dollars cheaper.
Black Friday 2026 is Friday, November 27, and many laptop deals start in early November. See every live deal on our Laptop deals page, or browse the whole Laptops & Audio aisle. Our Black Friday page collects the best drops as they appear.
