Brian Westover

Lead Analyst, Hardware
Brian Westover

If you’re after laptop buying advice, I’m your man. I’ve been reviewing PCs and technology products for more than a decade. I cut my teeth in PC Labs, spending several years with PCMag.com before writing for other outlets, among them LaptopMag.com and Tom’s Guide. While computers are my main focus, I am also the resident Starlink expert, and an AI enthusiast. I’ve also written at length about topics ranging from fitness gear and appliances to TV and home theater equipment. If I’ve used it, I have opinions about it, whether somebody’s paying me to write them up or not.

    • The Best Chromebooks for 2024

      Mostly under $500, web-centric Chromebooks can be superb budget-laptop values, capable of plenty for little money. Here's how to buy the right Chromebook, backed by our deep reviews of today's top models.

      1 week, 2 days By Brian Westover
      The Best Chromebooks for 2024 (Roundup Laptops)
    • The Best Ultraportable Laptops for 2024

      Need a featherweight laptop that lasts all day on a battery charge? Thin, light, and power-efficient, these ultraportables are our top performers in testing.

      1 week, 2 days By Brian Westover, Matthew Buzzi
      The Best Ultraportable Laptops for 2024 (Roundup Laptops)
    • The Best Cheap Laptops for 2024

      These low-cost Windows laptops and Chromebooks make short work of everyday computing (and sometimes more), and some ring up for less than $500. See the best we've tested.

      1 week, 2 days By Brian Westover, Tom Brant
      The Best Cheap Laptops for 2024 (Roundup Laptops)
    • The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2024

      Can't decide between a laptop and a tablet? Get both with a 2-in-1. Our shopping advice and product recommendations will help you find the convertible or detachable that's right for you. (We've tested loads of them.)

      1 week, 3 days By Brian Westover, Tom Brant
      The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2024 (Roundup Laptops)
    • The Best Work Laptops for 2024

      Got work to do? Laptops built for business are thinner and more powerful than ever. Find your next mobile work companion: Check out our favorite business laptops, backed by our deep-dive reviews.

      1 week, 3 days By Brian Westover, Tom Brant
      The Best Work Laptops for 2024 (Roundup Laptops)
    • The Best 17-Inch and 18-Inch Laptops for 2024

      Muscle up! Today's biggest-screen notebooks are formidable desktop alternatives for work and play alike. Here's how to choose the right 17- or 18-inch laptop, gaming rig or workstation, along with our top lab-tested picks.

      1 week, 3 days By Brian Westover, Eric Grevstad
      The Best 17-Inch and 18-Inch Laptops for 2024 (Roundup Laptops)
    • The Best Chromebooks for Kids in 2024

      Chromebooks are now a staple of American education. If your child needs one for schoolwork or playtime, here's help with the specs, the features, and everything else you need to know before you buy.

      1 week, 4 days By Brian Westover
      The Best Chromebooks for Kids in 2024 (Roundup Laptops)
    • The Best Laptops for Video Editing in 2024

      Film student or video pro? You don't need a studio to make a rough cut in the field. These top laptop picks can breeze through demanding video-editing tasks. See the best we've tested.

      2 weeks By Brian Westover, Tom Brant
      The Best Laptops for Video Editing in 2024 (Roundup Laptops)
    • The Best Laptops for Kids in 2024

      An inexpensive PC can be a powerful educational tool for your child. Here's how to shop for a kid-friendly laptop, as well as our top models to buy. (Most are budget-priced, and all have been tested in depth.)

      2 weeks By Brian Westover, Tom Brant
      The Best Laptops for Kids in 2024 (Roundup Laptops)
    • The Best Laptops for College Students in 2024

      Looking for a computer for taking remote classes, or just for carrying around campus? Start your "best college laptops" short list with the top-rated, best-value models we've tested.

      2 weeks, 4 days By Brian Westover, Tom Brant
      The Best Laptops for College Students in 2024 (Roundup Laptops)
    • 8 Things I Really Hate About Starlink

      Living in a rural area, I've relied on SpaceX's satellite internet every day for years. It's been great, mostly—but a few things about the service grind my gears. Here's what to look out for if you're considering signing up.

      4 weeks By Brian Westover
      8 Things I Really Hate About Starlink (OPINIONS Networking)
    • The Best Laptops & Desktops of Computex 2024

      Computex 2024 saw a wealth of systems on display that reflect the AI hardware revolution. These are our 10 favorite laptops and desktops from the show.

      1 month, 1 week By Brian Westover, Matthew Buzzi, John Burek
      The Best Laptops & Desktops of Computex 2024 (News Laptops)
    • The Best of Computex 2024

      If last year's Computex was all about AI, 2024 takes it to a whole new level, with AI-ready silicon in almost every product we've seen on the show floor in Taipei this week. These 16 PCs, components, and peripherals stand out as our best in show.

      1 month, 1 week By Brian Westover, Matthew Buzzi, John Burek
      The Best of Computex 2024 (News Laptops)