Windows 11 came out earlier this month, and while the reviews have been generally positive for this free OS upgrade, the hardware requirements, especially for older PCs, can be rather confusing. It makes little sense that a four-year-old PC may be unable to upgrade to Windows 11, at least not officially.
Some PC makers have already launched new computers running Windows 11 out of the box. But most PCs in the market will likely still come with Windows 10. If you're uncertain if the PC you're eyeing is Windows 11 ready, check the manufacturer's FAQ about the upgrade process. For example, Asus has helpfully included a list of models that are eligible for the upgrade. Check the Windows 11 websites for other major PC makers here: Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. If you need help picking a good Windows 11 ready notebook, we have shortlisted five models below, from affordable gaming notebooks to premium laptops.
Acer Nitro 5
Mid-range gaming notebooks don't get more affordable than the Acer Nitro 5. It packs the latest hardware, including a GeForce RTX 3060 graphics chip and a 144Hz IPS display for just slightly over S$2,200. It may not have the edgy gamer aesthetic of more expensive models, but it gets the job done nevertheless.
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED
If producing multimedia content is your thing, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED could be right up your alley. This dual-screen notebook is built for content creators who need a mobile but powerful notebook. It features a lovely OLED screen, a top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 chip, 32GB of RAM, and Nvidia's GeForce RTX 3070 graphics. The only catch is its price tag — S$4,998.
Dell XPS 13 (2021)
One of our favourite laptops of all time, the Dell XPS 13 is a luxurious ultrabook that feels more like a hand-crafted product than a mass-produced one. Highlights include its solid yet lightweight chassis and the carbon-fibre palmrest. This Intel Evo computer also comes with a crisp and bright OLED screen that's surrounded by ultra-slim bezels. Prices start from S$1,899 for a Core i5 model.
HP Spectre x360 14
If you're looking for a 2-in-1 convertible that can switch between tablet and notebook forms, the HP Spectre x360 14 is one of our top picks. I liked its included stylus, which can attach magnetically to the side of the laptop. And while it's not cheap at almost S$3,000, its eye-catching design, OLED screen, and battery life (over 7 hours) make it worth the price.
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
With its down-to-earth design, useful features (16:10 screen and webcam privacy shutter), and gaming specs, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is excellent for both work and play. It punches above its weight for gaming performance, and runs cool even in the most intensive gaming benchmarks. More importantly, it's priced rather competitively for its specs, with a starting price of around S$2,700.
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