As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, 13.5-inch)
- Best budget: Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 (12.4-inch, Intel Core i5-1235U, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD)
- Best premium: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (14-inch, Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 2.8K OLED)
- Best for gaming: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024, AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, GeForce RTX 4070)
- System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch is the stronger choice for Linux development, gaming, and GPU-heavy work, with a GeForce RTX 4070 configuration.
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a compact Windows laptop with a 12.4-inch touchscreen and a practical design for everyday tasks.
- The Framework Laptop 13 offers a repairable, upgrade-friendly alternative for buyers who value long-term flexibility.
- Choose a performance laptop for demanding software and a smaller, lighter model for commuting, classes, and basic productivity.
The System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 serve very different laptop buyers: one prioritizes Linux performance and graphics power, while the other favors compact Windows convenience. For Black Friday 2026, the right choice depends less on brand loyalty and more on what you need to do every day. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the trade-offs clear.
My pick for most people who need portability is the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, while the System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch is the better fit for demanding workloads. Skip it if you expect a small laptop to handle serious gaming or graphics work: the Surface Laptop Go 3 is designed for everyday computing, not that kind of performance. The alternatives below cover repairability, premium business use, and gaming.
How We Picked
- Performance and workload fit: compared processor, graphics, memory, and storage configurations for common school, office, creative, and gaming needs.
- Portability and screen: considered display size, touchscreen options, and how practical each laptop is for commuting or desk use.
- Upgrade and repair options: looked at whether owners can replace or expand key components over the useful life of a laptop.
- Software and compatibility: considered Windows, Linux, and ARM app support as well as the needs of specialist software.
- Owner feedback and value: researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback, prioritizing useful features over headline specifications.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display size | Processor | Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch (Intel Core i9-13900H, GeForce RTX 4070) | Linux development and gaming | 16 inches | Intel Core i9-13900H | GeForce RTX 4070 |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 (12.4-inch, Intel Core i5-1235U, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) | Everyday Windows portability | 12.4 inches | Intel Core i5-1235U | Integrated Intel graphics |
| Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, 13.5-inch) | Repairability and upgrades | 13.5 inches | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | Integrated Radeon 780M |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (14-inch, Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 2.8K OLED) | Business travel | 14 inches | Intel Core Ultra 7 155U | Integrated Intel graphics |
| Dell XPS 13 9340 (13.4-inch, Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 3K OLED) | Premium compact productivity | 13.4 inches | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Integrated Intel graphics |
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024, AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, GeForce RTX 4070) | Portable gaming | 14 inches | AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS | GeForce RTX 4070 |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) | Modern mobile Windows use | 13.8 inches | Snapdragon X Plus | Integrated Qualcomm Adreno |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch (Intel Core i9-13900H, GeForce RTX 4070)
The System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch (Intel Core i9-13900H, GeForce RTX 4070) is the best Linux performance laptop for developers and gamers who need discrete graphics, with a GeForce RTX 4070 GPU.
Best for: Linux development, GPU-heavy work, and gaming
- Display
- 16 inches
- Processor
- Intel Core i9-13900H
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- Memory
- Up to 64 GB
- Linux-focused configuration and support
- Discrete graphics suit demanding workloads
- Memory and storage configurations offer room to grow
- Larger chassis is less convenient for daily travel
- Performance hardware is excessive for basic browsing and documents
Is the System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch is worth considering for Linux users who need strong graphics and processor performance. The System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch (Intel Core i9-13900H, GeForce RTX 4070)'s GeForce RTX 4070 and Intel Core i9-13900H target gaming, development, and creative workloads rather than lightweight everyday use.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 (12.4-inch, Intel Core i5-1235U, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD)
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 (12.4-inch, Intel Core i5-1235U, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) is the best compact Windows laptop for students and everyday users, with a 12.4-inch touchscreen.
Best for: School, travel, and everyday Windows tasks
- Display
- 12.4-inch touchscreen
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- Memory
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 256 GB SSD
- Compact size suits backpacks and smaller desks
- Touchscreen makes navigation straightforward
- Windows app compatibility fits common school and office tasks
- Small display is less comfortable for extended multitasking
- Integrated graphics are not intended for demanding games
Is the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is worth considering for students and commuters who want a small Windows laptop for everyday work. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 (12.4-inch, Intel Core i5-1235U, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD)'s 12.4-inch touchscreen and 16 GB memory configuration suit documents, video calls, browsing, and streaming.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3 · Top pick
Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, 13.5-inch)
The Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, 13.5-inch) is the best upgrade-friendly laptop for owners who value repairability, with a 13.5-inch display and replaceable components.
Best for: Repairability and long-term upgrades
- Display
- 13.5 inches
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840U
- Resolution
- 2256 x 1504
- Memory
- DDR5, user-upgradeable
- Replaceable modules support repairs and upgrades
- High-resolution screen in a portable size
- Suitable for Windows or Linux setups
- Configuration and upgrades require more buyer involvement
- Integrated graphics are not a substitute for a gaming GPU
Is the Framework Laptop 13 AMD Ryzen 7 7840U worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Framework Laptop 13 is worth considering for buyers who want repairability and upgrade options. The Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, 13.5-inch)'s AMD Ryzen 7 7840U configuration pairs everyday performance with a 13.5-inch display, while replaceable components give owners more control over future maintenance.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (14-inch, Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 2.8K OLED)
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (14-inch, Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 2.8K OLED) is the best premium business laptop for frequent travelers, with a 14-inch OLED display.
Best for: Business travel and productivity
- Display
- 14-inch 2.8K OLED
- Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155U
- Memory
- Up to 64 GB
- Operating system
- Windows 11
- Business-focused keyboard and feature set
- OLED configuration provides a sharp display
- Lightweight design suits frequent travel
- Integrated graphics are aimed at productivity, not high-end gaming
- Premium design is more laptop than many basic users need
Is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is worth considering for business users who prioritize a portable work computer and a high-quality screen. The 14-inch 2.8K OLED configuration suits documents, presentations, and video calls, but it is not a gaming-first laptop.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Dell XPS 13 9340 (13.4-inch, Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 3K OLED)
The Dell XPS 13 9340 (13.4-inch, Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 3K OLED) is the best premium compact Windows laptop for display-focused users, with a 3K OLED screen.
Best for: Premium portability and media
- Display
- 13.4-inch 3K OLED
- Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Resolution
- 2880 x 1800
- Operating system
- Windows 11
- Compact design with a high-resolution OLED option
- Good fit for media and day-to-day productivity
- Premium construction and modern connectivity
- Compact layout takes adjustment for some users
- Integrated graphics limit demanding gaming
Is the Dell XPS 13 9340 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Dell XPS 13 9340 is worth considering for buyers who want a compact Windows laptop with a high-resolution OLED display. The 13.4-inch 3K screen is well suited to media and everyday work, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H handles productivity tasks.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024, AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, GeForce RTX 4070)
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024, AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, GeForce RTX 4070) is the best portable gaming laptop for players who want discrete graphics in a 14-inch design.
Best for: Portable gaming and creative graphics work
- Display
- 14-inch OLED
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- Memory
- 16 GB
- GeForce RTX 4070 supports demanding games and creative apps
- Smaller footprint than many gaming laptops
- OLED display makes games and video look vivid
- Gaming workloads use more power than basic productivity
- Memory is not user-upgradeable in this configuration
Is the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is worth considering for players who want capable graphics in a portable laptop. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024, AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, GeForce RTX 4070)'s GeForce RTX 4070 and 14-inch OLED display suit gaming and creative work, while its compact format is easier to carry than larger gaming systems.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD)
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) is the best modern Windows alternative for mobile productivity, with a 13.8-inch touchscreen.
Best for: Portable productivity and long unplugged work sessions
- Display
- 13.8-inch touchscreen
- Processor
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus
- Memory
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 256 GB SSD
- Larger screen than the Surface Laptop Go 3
- Designed for mobile Windows productivity
- Touchscreen supports direct navigation
- ARM app compatibility deserves a check before purchase
- Not designed for demanding gaming or GPU workloads
Is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8-inch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8-inch is worth considering for mobile productivity if your essential apps support its Snapdragon X Plus processor. The 13.8-inch touchscreen and 16 GB memory configuration provide a roomier, more modern alternative to the Surface Laptop Go 3.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, the System76 Oryx Pro or Surface Laptop Go 3?
The System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch is better for Linux development and graphics-heavy workloads, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is better for portable everyday computing. The Oryx Pro configuration here pairs an Intel Core i9-13900H processor with a GeForce RTX 4070; the Surface Laptop Go 3 pairs an Intel Core i5-1235U with integrated graphics.
Choose the System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch if you run Linux, use GPU-accelerated software, or play demanding games. Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 if you mainly use browser apps, documents, video calls, and Windows software in a small format. The Surface model is easier to carry, but the 12.4-inch screen leaves less room for multitasking. The Oryx Pro offers far more graphics capability, but its performance focus makes it a poor match for buyers who only need basic tasks.
Which laptop is best for students and everyday use?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is the simplest pick for students who need a 12.4-inch Windows laptop for common schoolwork. The compact touchscreen format suits note-taking, web research, email, and video calls, and its 16 GB configuration provides a more comfortable memory baseline than entry-level options.
The Framework Laptop 13 is a better fit for students who value repairs, upgrades, and a larger 13.5-inch screen. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 suits students who also need business-class portability and a 14-inch display. For basic everyday tasks, a discrete GPU is unnecessary; prioritize a comfortable keyboard, enough memory, and a display size that works for your routine.
Which laptop is best for Linux, gaming, and creative work?
The System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch and ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 are the strongest graphics picks here, with GeForce RTX 4070 configurations. System76 is the more natural choice for Linux users, while ASUS pairs gaming hardware with a smaller 14-inch OLED screen.
The System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch makes sense for software development, GPU workloads, and a desk-first gaming setup. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is the more portable gaming option. Buyers focused on Linux should check their required applications, peripherals, and graphics workflow before choosing a laptop. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 and other integrated-graphics models handle general productivity well, but are not substitutes for laptops with discrete graphics.
Which alternatives offer the best balance of portability and power?
The Framework Laptop 13 offers a strong balance of portability, everyday performance, and repairability, while the Dell XPS 13 9340 puts a premium OLED screen in a compact Windows laptop. Neither alternative is a direct replacement for the GeForce RTX 4070 graphics in the System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch.
Choose the Framework Laptop 13 if repair access and component upgrades matter more than a sealed, premium design. Choose the Dell XPS 13 9340 for a high-resolution screen and compact Windows productivity. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8-inch offers a larger touchscreen and Snapdragon X Plus processor; verify support for essential apps before choosing an ARM Windows laptop.
What should you compare before choosing a Black Friday laptop?
Compare processor, graphics, memory, storage, and display size before choosing a Black Friday 2026 laptop. The System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch prioritizes discrete graphics, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 prioritizes compact everyday use, so their specifications serve different needs.
Check the exact configuration rather than relying on a model name alone: memory, storage, screen, and processor options vary across product lines. Confirm that your essential applications work with the laptop’s operating system and processor architecture. Also consider weight, ports, repair options, and warranty support. A well-matched laptop delivers more everyday value than an expensive feature you rarely use.
Buying Guide
Match the laptop to your main workload
The System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch suits Linux development and graphics-heavy work, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 suits school and everyday tasks. List your main apps before deciding.
Choose graphics hardware deliberately
A GeForce RTX 4070 helps with gaming and GPU-intensive creative tasks. Integrated graphics suit browsing, documents, streaming, and video calls without adding gaming-focused hardware.
Pick a screen size you will use comfortably
A 12.4-inch screen keeps the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 compact. A 14-inch or 16-inch display gives more room for side-by-side windows, editing, and long work sessions.
Check memory, storage, and upgrade options
Compare the exact configuration, not just the product family. The Framework Laptop 13 stands out for replaceable parts, while memory and storage options differ across the other models.
Verify operating system and app compatibility
Confirm Linux support for specialist hardware and Windows app support for ARM laptops. Check peripherals and work software before selecting the System76 Oryx Pro or Surface Laptop 7.
FAQ
System76 Oryx Pro vs Surface Laptop Go 3: which is better for Black Friday 2026?
The System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch is better for Linux, gaming, and demanding graphics tasks, with a GeForce RTX 4070 configuration. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is better for portable everyday Windows use, with a 12.4-inch touchscreen and integrated graphics.
Is the System76 Oryx Pro good for gaming?
The System76 Oryx Pro 16-inch is a good gaming fit in its GeForce RTX 4070 configuration. The discrete GPU handles demanding graphics better than integrated graphics, while the 16-inch screen offers more viewing space than compact everyday laptops.
Is the Surface Laptop Go 3 good for college?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a practical college laptop for notes, research, documents, browsing, and video calls. Its 12.4-inch touchscreen and compact design suit classes and commuting, while demanding games and graphics workloads call for a more powerful system.
Which alternative to the Surface Laptop Go 3 is best for upgrades?
The Framework Laptop 13 is the strongest upgrade-focused alternative in this guide. Its repairable design and replaceable components give owners more flexibility than compact laptops built around less accessible parts.
Which laptop in this guide is best for travel?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a strong travel pick for basic Windows tasks because its 12.4-inch size is easy to carry. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 suits travelers who want a larger 14-inch business display.
Should I choose an ARM laptop for Windows?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8-inch is a good ARM Windows option when your essential apps support its Snapdragon X Plus processor. Check specialist software and accessories first, since compatibility needs differ from standard Intel and AMD laptops.