Laptops

Best Laptops for Internet Surfing

Laptops have become one of the most vital tools to our lives. We use them for work, for keeping in touch, for shopping, home deliveries, planning events and booking vacations; our whole world revolves around the ‘digital’.

One of the main reasons we need laptops is for surfing the internet. The modern day has given us the world at our fingertips, we just need a great laptop to harness it.  But, you do not need a top of the range laptop that will break the bank and your brain just trying to use it. 

If you are looking for the perfect laptop for their intended use; surfing the web, then look no further. We have garnered the best laptops for internet surfing and will have you trawling the web in no time. 

The Web Winner

If you are in a hurry to get back online, we’ve searched for you. Without a doubt, one of the best laptops for internet surfing is the Acer Chromebook 314. Google’s own design, the Chromebook gives the Macbook and the regular laptop a run for its money.

Chromebooks are specifically formulated for internet surfing, and this laptop is a perfect option that fits all of the criteria. It is extremely quick when browsing the internet and comes with built in virus protection. The Acer Chromebook offers up to 12 hours of battery life, with built in storage and 100GB free Google Drive storage. 

If you are worried about missing out on programs like Microsoft Office, there’s no need. The Chromebook’s Google Suite can edit, download and convert your old Office files to be used in their free Google Docs, Slides and Sheets applications.

This product is the perfect all-rounder, offering quick browsing, great connectivity and is specifically built for the digital way we live today.

1. Acer Chromebook

Acer Chromebook 314, Intel Celeron N4000, 14' Full HD Display, 4GB LPDDR4, 64GB eMMC, Gigabit WiFi, Google Chrome, CB314-1H-C884

The Acer Chromebook runs on Chrome OS; a Google operating system that is designed for the internet surfing. This simple system has built in virus protection and updates automatically for easy access and stress-free browsing.

This chromebook boasts fast and responsive internet surfing capabilities, with an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM.

Although this product is not compatible with Microsoft Office systems, its Google Suite can fully edit, download and convert MO files into its own Google Docs, Slides and Sheets, so that you can work, edit and download documents as needed. 

The Google Play store has over 2 million Android apps to choose from that gives the Apple App store a run for its money. This chromebook has everything you need to browse the web with ease and accessibility.

It is lightweight and portable so you can take it wherever you go, and is the best laptop for internet surfing. 

Pros:

  • 14 inch HD display
  • Built in virus protection
  • Updates automatically
  • Fast internet browsing
  • Google Suite 
  • Built in storage + 100GB of free Google Drive storage
  • 4GB RAM
  • Intel Celeron processor
  • 2 USB ports
  • Lightweight and portable

Cons:

  • No disk drive

Buy‌ ‌Here:‌ ‌‌Amazon‌ ‌

 

Acer Chromebook 314, Intel Celeron N4000, 14" Full HD Display, 4GB LPDDR4, 64GB eMMC, Gigabit WiFi, Google Chrome, CB314-1H-C884
  • Chromebook runs on Chrome OS - an operating system by Google that is built for the way we live today. It comes with built-in virus protection, updates automatically*, boots up in seconds and continues to stay fast over time. (*Internet connection is required).
  • All the Google apps you know and love come standard on every Chromebook, which means you can edit, download, and convert Microsoft Office files in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
  • Get access to more than 2 million Android apps from Google Play to learn and do more.
  • Chromebooks come with built-in storage for offline access to your most important files and an additional 100GB of Google Drive space to ensure that all of your files are backed up automatically.
  • CB314-1H-C884 comes with 14” Full HD IPS Display, Intel Celeron N4000, 4GB LPDDR4 Memory, 64GB eMMC, Google Chrome and Up to 12. 5-hours Battery Life.

 

2. Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, 15.6 inches Full HD IPS Display, AMD Ryzen 3 3200U, Vega 3 Graphics, 4GB DDR4, 128GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 10 in S Mode, A515-43-R19L, Silver

If you need a laptop that can manage web pages, stream films and is quick off the mark, then this is the choice for you. The Acer Aspire 5 has a powerful Intel Core i5 processor, and runs on a Windows 10 OS. This stylishly silver laptop has all the features to offer for a multitude of uses. 

Its fast processor and SO-DIMM DDR4 RAM memory kit can help you surf the internet with fast performance and no glitching. This laptop offers the maximum connectivity with 3 USB ports and 1 HDMI port to connect you to every technology possible.

The Acer Aspire promises great support for media-heavy pages for better creativity, sharing and streaming. This 15.6 inch display with full HD specifications is great for streaming shows online and even protects your eyes with BlueLightShield Technology. 

For high performance, connectivity and entertainment, choose the Acer Aspire and get to surfing the web with ease. 

Pros:

  • Intel Core i5 processor
  • Windows 10 OS
  • Webcam
  • 3 USB & 1 HDMI port
  • 8GB storage
  • 1920 x 1080 widescreen
  • 15.6 inch full HD display
  • BlueLightShield Technology
  • Portable
  • Supports media-heavy web pages and programs 

Cons: 

  • No disk drive
  • Weights 5.96 lbs

Buy‌ ‌Here:‌ ‌‌Amazon‌ ‌

 

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, 15.6 inches Full HD IPS Display, AMD Ryzen 3 3200U, Vega 3 Graphics, 4GB DDR4, 128GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 10 in S Mode, A515-43-R19L, Silver
  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor (Up to 3.5GHz); 4GB DDR4 Memory; 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • 15.6 inches full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED backlit IPS display; AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics
  • 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports & 1 HDMI port with HDCP support
  • 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Backlit Keyboard; Up to 7.5 hours battery life
  • Windows 10 in S mode. Maximum power supply wattage: 65 Watts

 

3. Apple Macbook Air

Apple MacBook Air (13-inch Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) - Space Gray (Previous Model)

If you are interested in the sleek and modern design of Apple’s Macbook products, then the Macbook Air is the perfect entry-level macbook.

You can choose between space grey, gold or silver for your preference. This macbook comes with an impressive 8GB of RAM and an Intel i3 processor that is bound to support your internet surfing needs. 

One of the great features of the Macbook is its colorful 13.3 inch retina display that is unrivalled in other laptops. The Macbook Air boasts a 256 GB of SSD storage and is able to load graphics much faster than a standard laptop.

The Macbook Air comes with an array of design features. These include a Magic Keyboard, Touch ID, and a Facetime camera. 

Even more so, the Macbook Air has a battery life of up to 12 hours! This macbook can manage absolutely anything you ask it to. 

Pros:

  • 8GB RAM
  • 256 GB SSD Storage
  • Intel i3 processor
  • 13.3 inch Retina display
  • Stereo Speakers
  • Fast graphics
  • Touch ID
  • All-day battery
  • Lightweight at 2.8 lbs
  • Portable 

Cons:

  • Much more expensive than other brands
  • No drive for CD/DVD 

Buy‌ ‌Here:‌ ‌‌Amazon‌

 

Sale
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) - Space Gray (Previous Model)
  • Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology
  • Backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID
  • Tenth-generation Intel Core i3 processor
  • Intel Iris Plus Graphics
  • Fast SSD storage

 

4. Lenovo Flex

Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop, 14 Inch FHD Touchscreen Display, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Processor, 12GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD, Windows 10, 81SS000DUS, Black, Pen Included

The Lenovo Flex has impressive speed and amazing 4K visuals so that you can enjoy surfing the web with ease and entertainment.

The 2-in-1 design is great for tablet uses like editing photos, taking notes, streaming movies and being creative with the free ‘active pen’! 

This product features built in virus protection, runs Windows OS and has both USB and HDMI ports so that you can stay connected wherever you are.

Pros: 

  • Touchscreen display
  • 2-in-1 design
  • Windows 10 OS
  • 10 hrs battery life
  • 80% charge in 1 hour
  • Comes with active pen to take notes or design
  • DDR4 RAM technology
  • Built in virus protection
  • USB & HDMI ports

Cons: 

  • No disk drive
  • Drains battery quickly

Buy‌ ‌Here:‌ ‌‌Amazon‌

 

Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop, 14 Inch FHD Touchscreen Display, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Processor, 12GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD, Windows 10, 81SS000DUS, Black, Pen Included
  • With a 1920 x 1080 full HD touch screen display and the powerful and efficient AMD Ryzen 5 3500U mobile Processor, you can work, stream, and game for hours, along with Radeon Vega 8 for fast video and photo editing. Includes HDMI, USB-C, and USB 3.1 inputs
  • Comprehensive, built-in, ongoing protection with Windows 10 helps protect you against viruses, malware, and ransomware
  • Convenient true block privacy shutter allows you to physically close your PC's webcam whenever you're not using it
  • With the included active pen, you can draw or take notes directly on the screen, anywhere you go
  • Up to 10 hours of battery life with recharge technology to power your laptop computer up to 80% in just one hour

 

5. Asus Chromebook Flip

ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2 in 1 Laptop, 14' Touchscreen FHD 4-Way NanoEdge Display, Intel Core M3-8100Y Processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC Storage, Backlit Keyboard, Silver, Chrome OS, C434TA-DH342T

If you are looking for something a little bit different, that is versatile and portable, then the Asus Chromebook flip meets all the criteria and does the job.

The Asus Chromebook offers a 2-in-1 design that lets you use it as a laptop and a tablet! This product runs on Chrome OS and has a mighty 4GB RAM and 32GB storage capacity.

The 14 inch HD display is great for spending hours online internet surfing and streaming your favorite films and tv shows. 

Pros: 

  • Up to 10hrs battery life
  • 2-in-1 design
  • 4GB RAM
  • 32GB storage
  • Chrome OS
  • Intel Core M3-811X processor
  • 3.2 lbs
  • 12 month free 100GB Google Drive storage
  • 3 USB ports

Cons:

  • No disk drive
  • No backlit/bright keyboard
  • Can be glitchy

Buy‌ ‌Here:‌ ‌‌Amazon‌

 

ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2 in 1 Laptop, 14" Touchscreen FHD 4-Way NanoEdge Display, Intel Core M3-8100Y Processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC Storage, Backlit Keyboard, Silver, Chrome OS, C434TA-DH342T
  • Plus Chromebooks offer fast performance, smooth video calls and ample storage.
  • 14 inch Touchscreen Full HD 1920x1080 4-way NanoEdge display featuring ultra-narrow bezels (5mm thin) around each side of the display that allows for a 14 inch screen to fit in the body of a 13 inch laptop footprint
  • The Full HD display has a durable 360 degree hinge that can be used to flip the touchscreen display to tent, stand, and tablet mode
  • Powered by the Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor (up to 3.4 GHz) for super-fast and snappy performance. If you use a ton of tabs or run lots of apps, this has the power to get it all done with ease
  • 4GB LPDDR3 RAM; 32GB eMMC storage and 2x USB 3.2 Type-C (Gen 1) and 1x USB 3.2 Type-A (Gen 1) ports plus a backlit keyboard (*USB Transfer speed may vary. Learn more at ASUS website)

 

Best Laptops for internet surfing Buyers Guide

How to find the right laptop specifications for you:

RAM

A laptop’s RAM plays a vital role when internet surfing. An internet browser will depend heavily on your laptop’s RAM, so it is important that you find one that can manage multiple tabs open at once, and heavy visuals online.  

A standard laptop should have at least a 2GB RAM. We would recommend purchasing a laptop with at least a 4GB RAM so that you can browse the internet with ease, use multiple tabs without any glitches or delays. 

OS System

There are three different types of operating systems available for laptops. Most branded laptops run off Microsoft’s Windows OS system; so this one has the most compatible software available. 

Apple Macbooks utilize their own operating system called Mac OS X, this is a very simple OS to use, and can run lots of different downloads and programs from the App Store for your Macbook. 

The latest version of a different OS system is Google’s own Chrome OS. This is a very basic OS that is super simplistic to use, but lacks the ability to download a lot of software. However, if it is just web surfing you need it for, Google’s OS system will do the trick.

Processor

The internal processor is an important factor of any laptop. However, if your main purpose is to browse the internet, then the processor is less of a necessity for you. Generally speaking, an internet browser should only use 5-10% of the processor, but a less powerful processor can struggle to load some sites.

The recommended processor is the Intel Core i3 as it is durable enough to withstand a lot of internet surfing. If you can, an Intel i5 processor is even better, but more expensive. Either way you should be able to surf the net with simplicity and ease. 

Battery Life

The standard laptop should have a battery life of around 7-8 hours of use. If you are on the go, you should look for a laptop that does not require charging for around 10 hours.

This way, you can take it wherever you need to and not have to worry about running out of battery in the middle of an important task.

Screen Size

Generally, most laptops come with the standard 1366 x 768 resolution which is great for the basic use of your laptop, and browsing the internet.

More portable or smaller laptops feature 11 inch to 13.3 inches that are manageable as well. You may prefer the larger screen size of 14 inches or above, but it can strain your eyes a little. 

Convertible

The latest trend in the laptop business is the 2-in-1 laptop. These laptops have all the functions of a regular laptop, but can be converted into a tablet for accessibility and portability.

You should consider whether you need a laptop both for regular use, and one that is compatible for browsing,editing pictures and taking notes like a tablet. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2GB RAM enough for internet surfing?

2GB RAM is the minimum requirement for internet surfing, and will manageably cope with running web pages.

However we do recommend a 4GB RAM to ensure you suffer no glitches or delays in your web browsing, and can load pages with a lot of media without any hindrance. 

Which OS is best for internet surfing?

Both Windows OS and MacOS X are great systems for internet surfing. They can load and operate browsers with ease. 

The Chrome operating system is specifically designed for basic internet surfing. The Chromebook is manufactured with internet surfing in mind, and therefore runs a simple design that is accessible and easy to use. 

Chrome OS is very limited in its applications as it runs off a Google system, and does not support Apple or Microsoft applications for the most part. However, if it is just internet surfing you want then this should not bother you. 

Can I use a chromebook for Word or Netflix? 

By now, you have probably heard us singing the praises of Google’s Chromebook. They are streamlined, inexpensive and easy to use.

But there are also a lot of downsides to the new laptop design. As it is a Google-owned system, it does not support Windows programs or Apple’s App Store. 

However, the Chromebook can be used for so many things. Google has its own office tools with Google Documents, Google Sheets, Google Drive and Google Slides.

These work in a similar way to Microsoft Office or Word. Best of all, these applications do not have the hefty price tag of similar competitors; they are completely free. 

Google has its own ‘app store’ called Google Play, which works basically the same as Apple and Microsoft Store, where you can download applications such as Netflix, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Photoshop and more.

In this sense, you can use a Chromebook for all the same basic uses as you would a regular laptop. 

About the author

Laptop Review Team

Laptop Review Team

At LinuxHint we have a specialized team focused on studying the Laptop Computer market and writing about this space, providing reviews and insights to users to both make the right decisions about which laptops to purchase and also show tips and tricks on how to get the most value from your machine