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- Best overall: MSI Modern 15 B12M (Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
- Best budget: HP 15-fd (Core i5-1334U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
- Best premium: Razer Book 13 (FHD+ Touch, Core i7-1165G7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
- Best for travel: Razer Book 13 (FHD+ Touch, Core i7-1165G7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
- MSI Modern 15 B12M offers a larger 15.6-inch screen and practical ports for everyday work.
- Razer Book 13 is the more compact choice, with a 13.4-inch touchscreen and premium build.
- Both laptops use integrated graphics, so dedicated gaming laptops are better for demanding games.
- Acer Aspire 5, ASUS Vivobook 15, and other alternatives bring newer processor options to compare.
The MSI Modern 15 B12M is the better everyday-value pick, while the Razer Book 13 is the more portable premium option, and both have clear strengths for Black Friday 2026. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to explain which laptop fits your workload, travel habits, and gaming expectations.
The Razer Book 13 stands out with a 13.4-inch touchscreen and 16GB of memory. The MSI Modern 15 B12M counters with a larger 15.6-inch display, a roomy keyboard deck, and useful connectivity. Here's the bottom line: choose portability and premium details with Razer, or screen space and practical everyday value with MSI.
How We Picked
- Compared processor, memory, storage, display size, and graphics specifications across each listed configuration.
- Prioritized laptops suited to common tasks such as schoolwork, streaming, browsing, and productivity.
- Reviewed owner feedback and product information for keyboard comfort, portability, connectivity, and build quality.
- Included alternatives with distinct strengths so shoppers can compare the Razer and MSI options against other laptop styles.
- Considered gaming expectations honestly: integrated graphics handle lighter play, while demanding games call for a dedicated GPU.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razer Book 13 (FHD+ Touch, Core i7-1165G7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) | Frequent travel | 13.4-inch FHD+ touchscreen | Core i7-1165G7, 4 cores | 16GB LPDDR4x |
| MSI Modern 15 B12M (Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) | Everyday productivity | 15.6-inch Full HD | Core i5-1235U, 10 cores | 8GB DDR4 |
| Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M (Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) | Everyday multitasking | 15.6-inch Full HD | Core i5-1335U, 10 cores | 16GB |
| ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA (Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) | Home productivity | 15.6-inch Full HD | Core i5-1335U, 10 cores | 16GB |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3530 (Core i5-1334U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) | School and office | 15.6-inch Full HD | Core i5-1334U, 10 cores | 16GB |
| HP 15-fd (Core i5-1334U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) | Family computing | 15.6-inch Full HD | Core i5-1334U, 10 cores | 16GB |
| Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP (Core i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) | Home office | 15.6-inch Full HD | Core i5-1235U, 10 cores | 16GB |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Razer Book 13 (FHD+ Touch, Core i7-1165G7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
The Razer Book 13 (FHD+ Touch, Core i7-1165G7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is the best compact premium pick for commuters, with a 13.4-inch touchscreen and a slim aluminum build.
Best for: Frequent travel and portable productivity
- Display
- 13.4-inch FHD+ touchscreen, 1920 x 1200
- Processor
- Intel Core i7-1165G7, 4 cores
- Memory
- 16GB LPDDR4x
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Compact, premium aluminum chassis
- Touch display with a taller 16:10 aspect ratio
- 16GB memory suits multitasking
- Small screen is less suited to split-screen work
- Integrated graphics are not built for demanding games
Is the Razer Book 13 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Razer Book 13 is worth considering for shoppers who value portability, a premium finish, and a 13.4-inch touchscreen. The Razer Book 13 (FHD+ Touch, Core i7-1165G7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)'s 16GB of memory and 512GB SSD suit everyday productivity, while integrated graphics make it a weaker fit for demanding games.
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#2 · Top pick
MSI Modern 15 B12M (Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
The MSI Modern 15 B12M (Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is the best everyday large-screen pick for students and home users, with a 15.6-inch Full HD display.
Best for: School, home, and general productivity
- Display
- 15.6-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-1235U, 10 cores
- Memory
- 8GB DDR4
- Storage
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- Large screen gives documents and videos more room
- 512GB SSD provides useful everyday storage
- Practical ports support common accessories
- 8GB memory is limiting for heavier multitasking
- Integrated graphics are for casual rather than demanding gaming
Is the MSI Modern 15 B12M worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The MSI Modern 15 B12M is worth considering for everyday work, school, and streaming on a 15.6-inch screen. The Core i5 processor and 512GB SSD cover common tasks, but shoppers with heavy multitasking needs should prioritize a configuration with more than 8GB of memory.
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#3
Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M (Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M (Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is the best balanced alternative for everyday multitaskers, with a 15.6-inch Full HD screen and 16GB of memory.
Best for: Everyday multitasking and school
- Display
- 15.6-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-1335U, 10 cores
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- 16GB memory supports smoother multitasking
- Large Full HD display suits documents and streaming
- 512GB SSD balances speed and storage space
- Integrated graphics are not a substitute for a gaming GPU
- Configuration details vary by seller
Is the Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M is worth considering for shoppers who want a familiar 15.6-inch laptop with 16GB of memory. The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M (Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)'s Core i5 processor and 512GB SSD fit school and office tasks; check the listed configuration before choosing, since specifications vary.
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#4
ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA (Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
The ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA (Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is the best straightforward productivity alternative for home users, with a 15.6-inch Full HD display.
Best for: Home productivity and media
- Display
- 15.6-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-1335U, 10 cores
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- 16GB memory is a useful everyday multitasking baseline
- Full HD screen works well for video and documents
- 512GB SSD offers ample space for common files
- Integrated graphics limit demanding game performance
- Confirm the exact memory and storage configuration
Is the ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA is worth considering for general productivity, video, and schoolwork. A 15.6-inch Full HD display, 16GB of memory, and 512GB SSD make a well-rounded combination, though integrated graphics are best suited to casual play rather than graphics-heavy gaming.
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#5
Dell Inspiron 15 3530 (Core i5-1334U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 (Core i5-1334U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is the best familiar all-rounder for students and office users, with a 15.6-inch Full HD display.
Best for: School and office essentials
- Display
- 15.6-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-1334U, 10 cores
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Roomy display supports everyday document work
- 16GB memory suits multiple open apps
- 512GB SSD fits common work and media files
- Not designed for demanding gaming
- Retail configurations differ, so check the exact listing
Is the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is worth considering for school, office tasks, and everyday browsing. The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 (Core i5-1334U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)'s 16GB memory and 512GB SSD provide a practical baseline, while the 15.6-inch Full HD display gives work and streaming plenty of space.
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#6
HP 15-fd (Core i5-1334U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
The HP 15-fd (Core i5-1334U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is the best simple everyday alternative for students and families, with a 15.6-inch Full HD display.
Best for: Family computing and school
- Display
- 15.6-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-1334U, 10 cores
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Large Full HD display suits shared home use
- 16GB memory supports common multitasking
- 512GB SSD offers useful file capacity
- Integrated graphics are not meant for demanding games
- Exact specifications vary across 15-fd configurations
Is the HP 15-fd worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The HP 15-fd is worth considering for family computing, school assignments, and everyday productivity. The 16GB memory and 512GB SSD configuration is a sensible spec mix, but shoppers should confirm the exact processor, memory, and display details on the product listing.
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#7
Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP (Core i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP (Core i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is the best work-focused alternative for home-office users, with a 15.6-inch Full HD display.
Best for: Home office and productivity
- Display
- 15.6-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-1235U, 10 cores
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Work-oriented design fits productivity setups
- 16GB memory supports multiple active applications
- 15.6-inch screen gives spreadsheets and documents room
- Integrated graphics are not for demanding gaming
- Check the seller's exact configuration before purchase
Is the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP is worth considering for home-office tasks and everyday productivity. The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP (Core i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)'s 16GB memory and 512GB SSD support a useful work setup, while the 15.6-inch Full HD screen suits documents, spreadsheets, and video calls.
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Which is better, Razer Book 13 or MSI Modern 15?
The MSI Modern 15 B12M is the stronger everyday desk pick, while the Razer Book 13 is the better travel companion, based on their 15.6-inch and 13.4-inch displays.
The MSI Modern 15 B12M gives spreadsheets, video, and side-by-side windows more room. The Core i5-1235U and 512GB SSD cover common school and work routines, though its listed 8GB of memory is a constraint for heavy multitasking. The Razer Book 13 counters with 16GB of memory, a sharper 1920 x 1200 touchscreen, and a compact aluminum body. Those details suit a commuter who values portability and a premium feel.
Pick MSI for screen space and a familiar laptop layout. Pick Razer for a lighter daily carry and touch input. Neither integrated graphics setup is the right call for demanding gaming.
Which laptop should I choose for Black Friday 2026?
The MSI Modern 15 B12M is the most straightforward choice for general use, with a 15.6-inch display and 512GB SSD.
Start with how the laptop will be used. Students and home users often value a full-size screen, a comfortable keyboard area, and enough storage for documents and media. The MSI Modern 15 B12M covers those basics without aiming for a specialist workload. Shoppers who carry a laptop every day should give the Razer Book 13 more attention: its 13.4-inch size and 16GB of memory make a better portable productivity package.
Compare the exact memory configuration before choosing. The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M, ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA, and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 each offer a 16GB configuration for shoppers who keep several applications open.
Are Razer Book 13 and MSI Modern 15 good for gaming?
The Razer Book 13 and MSI Modern 15 B12M suit lighter gaming, but neither includes a dedicated graphics card.
Both laptops use integrated graphics, which fit casual games and lighter titles at sensible settings. Game performance varies by title, resolution, cooling, and memory configuration, so check requirements for the games on your list. The Razer Book 13 has 16GB of memory, a helpful baseline for general multitasking alongside play. The MSI Modern 15 B12M's 8GB configuration is more restrictive when several apps or browser tabs stay open.
For demanding games, look for a gaming laptop with a dedicated GPU rather than treating either model as a gaming machine. Worth it for most players? The Razer and MSI picks make sense for mixed everyday use, not for chasing high frame rates in demanding releases.
Which laptop is better for travel and screen space?
The Razer Book 13 is the better travel pick with its 13.4-inch display, while the MSI Modern 15 B12M offers more screen area at 15.6 inches.
A compact laptop takes up less room in a backpack and makes cramped desks easier to manage. The Razer Book 13 adds a 16:10 touchscreen, a useful format for reading and vertical documents. The aluminum construction also gives it a premium feel. The MSI Modern 15 B12M favors a larger canvas for video, spreadsheets, and split-screen work, but its wider chassis is less portable.
Choose based on where work happens most. Commuters and frequent travelers should prioritize the Razer's smaller footprint. Home users who want a bigger built-in display should lean toward MSI or compare the Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M and ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA.
What specs matter most when comparing these laptops?
Memory, screen size, and graphics type are the three most important checks when comparing the Razer Book 13 with the MSI Modern 15 B12M.
Memory affects how comfortably a laptop handles multiple open applications. The Razer configuration has 16GB, while the listed MSI configuration has 8GB. Screen size is a direct trade-off: Razer has a 13.4-inch touchscreen, and MSI has a 15.6-inch Full HD display. Storage also matters; both named configurations provide a 512GB SSD for apps and files.
Graphics expectations deserve an honest check before checkout. Integrated graphics suit lighter games and everyday visuals, not demanding gaming. Confirm the exact processor, memory, screen, and storage listed for the specific configuration you are considering, especially when comparing product families with multiple versions.
Buying Guide
Choose a screen size for your routine
The Razer Book 13 suits frequent travel with its 13.4-inch display, while the MSI Modern 15 B12M offers 15.6 inches for desk work. Favor portability for daily commutes; favor screen space for spreadsheets, documents, and streaming.
Check memory before anything else
The Razer Book 13 has 16GB of memory, while the listed MSI Modern 15 B12M has 8GB. Pick 16GB configurations such as the Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M for heavier multitasking, and verify the exact listing.
Match graphics to your games
The Razer Book 13 and MSI Modern 15 B12M use integrated graphics. Casual play is a better fit than demanding games. Choose a dedicated-GPU gaming laptop if high graphics settings and demanding releases are priorities.
Compare storage and ports
The Razer Book 13 and MSI Modern 15 B12M each list a 512GB SSD. Check port selection against your accessories, including displays, storage drives, and headsets. A useful port mix saves carrying extra adapters.
Confirm the exact configuration
The HP 15-fd and other laptop families have multiple configurations. Check processor, memory, display resolution, and storage on the exact product listing before ordering. Model-family names alone do not guarantee matching specifications.
FAQ
Razer Book vs MSI Modern 15: which is better?
The MSI Modern 15 B12M is better for everyday desk use because its 15.6-inch display gives work and entertainment more room. The Razer Book 13 is the better portable option, with a 13.4-inch touchscreen and 16GB of memory in the listed configuration.
Is the Razer Book 13 good for gaming?
The Razer Book 13 handles lighter gaming, but its integrated graphics are not built for demanding titles. The 16GB memory supports general multitasking, while gamers who prioritize high settings should choose a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
Is the MSI Modern 15 B12M good for students?
The MSI Modern 15 B12M is a practical student laptop for documents, browsing, video, and everyday coursework. Its 15.6-inch Full HD screen and 512GB SSD are useful strengths. The listed 8GB memory is best suited to lighter multitasking.
Which laptop is more portable, Razer Book 13 or MSI Modern 15?
The Razer Book 13 is more portable because its 13.4-inch display and compact aluminum chassis take up less space than the MSI Modern 15 B12M's 15.6-inch design. Pick MSI when a larger built-in screen matters more than a smaller travel footprint.
What is a good alternative to Razer Book 13 and MSI Modern 15?
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M is a strong alternative for everyday multitasking, with a 15.6-inch Full HD display, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD in the listed configuration. Confirm the exact specifications on the product page before buying.
Should I buy a laptop with 8GB or 16GB of memory?
The Razer Book 13's 16GB configuration is the better fit for multitasking, while the MSI Modern 15 B12M's 8GB suits lighter daily workloads. Choose 16GB for several open applications, school projects, and longer-term flexibility.