Maximize your laptop budget by buying smart! Laptops are pricey, but strategic timing can significantly reduce the cost. While new models constantly emerge, several periods offer substantial savings, even on the latest 2025 releases. With President's Day sales approaching, let's explore the optimal times to purchase a laptop.
Best Times to Buy a Laptop in 2025:
Major Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day Back-to-School Season: August-September New Hardware Releases: Typically early year or around October
Black Friday/Cyber Monday:
These sales are prime laptop-buying opportunities. New laptop hardware often launches early in the year or around October, leading to significant discounts on previous-generation models. Retailers aggressively clear inventory to make room for new stock. Savings of 20-30% are common. While you might miss the absolute newest features, the price savings can be substantial. Black Friday deals often extend beyond the initial doorbusters.
Black Friday falls on November 28th, 2025, but deals typically begin in late October. Expect deals to emerge shortly after Amazon's October Prime Day event.
Amazon Prime Day:
Prime Day usually offers decent, though not always spectacular, laptop deals. It's less likely to feature top-of-the-line models, but budget-conscious buyers can find solid options.
Prime Day 2025 is anticipated around mid-July, similar to previous years. This is a particularly good time to find deals on Chromebooks, which are already affordable and receive further price reductions during Prime Day.
October Prime Day:
Amazon's secondary October Prime Day event mirrors the summer sale, offering similar discounts leading up to the holiday season. Laptop deals are less prevalent than during Black Friday, but still worth considering for fall purchases.
Other Sales Events:
Beyond Black Friday and Prime Day, retailers frequently discount electronics during other holidays like President's Day (already offering sales!), Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July.
Seeking the Latest and Greatest:
If price is secondary to having the newest technology, monitor announcements from Nvidia, Intel, and AMD regarding new laptop hardware. CES often showcases the latest generation. For instance, CES 2025 highlighted AI assistants and Mini-LED displays, with Razer's RTX 5090 laptops receiving significant attention.
Ultrabook upgrades are frequent, but Intel's U-series processors often release at unpredictable times. Staying informed about tech news and rumors is crucial.
New Hardware's Impact on Pricing:
New hardware releases immediately lower prices on previous generations. While purchasing a slightly older model might seem less appealing, the generational improvements are often incremental. The performance difference between, say, a 13th and 14th-generation Intel processor is usually negligible for everyday tasks.
Top Affordable Laptops (Current Selection):
If you can't wait for sales or new releases, consider these budget-friendly options:
Dell XPS 13: A strong MacBook alternative. Price: $999.00 (Check Dell)
ASUS TUF Dash 15: Excellent budget gaming laptop (under $2000). Price: $1,149.99 (Check Amazon)
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Top detachable laptop; consider the SQ 3 processor. Price: $1,399.99 (Check Best Buy)
Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022): Excellent for everyday use. Price: $1,665.00 (Check Amazon)
