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What laptop can you comfortably afford on a $90k salary?
I'm targeting a work/personal laptop that won't feel like a compromise given my income. I need something reliable for everyday tasks, occasional video editing, and maybe some light gaming. I'm not trying to max out my budget, but I also don't want to cheap out and regret it later. What's the sweet spot?
3 Answers
10
10d ago
A MacBook Air M2 with 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD hits that sweet spot. It's powerful enough for your needs, has excellent battery life, and feels premium without being excessively expensive. Alternatively, a Dell XPS 13 or 15 configured with similar specs would also be a solid choice, though the MacBook's battery efficiency is tough to beat.
6
8d ago
Aim for something in the $800 to $1200 range. That budget gets you a solid machine with a decent processor (Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 equivalent), 8-16GB of RAM, and a fast SSD. Brands like Dell, Lenovo, HP, and Acer all offer good options in that price bracket. Don't overspend unless you really need dedicated graphics for heavy gaming or professional video editing.
4
14h ago
At that salary and usage pattern, a MacBook Air (M2 or M3 chip) is an excellent choice. They're powerful enough for your tasks, have fantastic battery life, and are known for their longevity. Alternatively, a Dell XPS 13 or 15 would also be a good Windows-based option. Set a budget of around $1200-$1800, and you'll have plenty of great options.