Kim’s picks

Here’s a tech-savvy tip most people overlook: Just like returning clothes that don’t fit, you can often return a laptop if it’s not the right fit for you. The key is understanding the seller’s return policy. I’ll break it down so you don’t end up with an expensive doorstop.

Know the basics

Here’s what to look for in a return policy that lets you take a “try before you buy” approach:

1. Return period: These range from 15 days to 90 days.
2. Shipping and restocking fees: Some sellers hit you with return shipping or restocking fees of up to 25% of a laptop’s original price.
3. Surprises: You may have to keep every bit of the original packaging, or the clock on your return windows could start the second you hit “Buy,” not when it’s delivered.

So, where’s the best place to buy?

• The best: Costco and Walmart both have a 90-day return window with very little in the way of fine print or picky policies.
• The worst: Best Buy’s return policy is only 15 days. You get 60 days if you pay up to $180 for a My Best Buy annual membership. Don’t shop here.

What about Amazon? The return window is 30 days for laptops that didn’t start when they arrived, were delivered in a damaged condition or are still in an unopened box. If you open the box or it works, you’ll pay a 15% restocking fee. Pro tip: If you’re a good Amazon customer, hop into a chat with their customer service team and ask them to reverse the charge. This worked for me!

I asked my IT genius, John, to pick his favorite Windows and Mac laptops. He shops for the tech we use here in the studios, so you’re in fabulous hands.

Windows of opportunity

💰 HP 17 Business Laptop ($486): Powered by an i3 processor that gets the job done for browsing, banking and school or work. The 17.3-inch screen is also big without being bulky.

💰💰 Dell Inspiron ($616, 5% off): For about $100 more, you get a touchscreen and a slightly more powerful i5 processor. It can handle heavier-duty stuff, like casual gaming and programming.

💰💰💰 HP Envy ($1,129): All the bells and whistles, including an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD. Zoom-zoom!

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We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

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