[USA] Looking for laptop ~$1,400 for cybersecurity work and occasional gaming
Country:
USA
Budget:
$1,400 USD
Are you open to refurbs/used options?
Maybe, if the value is significantly better
Screen size
16"
Weight limit
Under 5 lbs if possible, nothing too bulky
Purpose
Cybersecurity learning and occasional gaming
Form factor
Standard/Clamshell
Intended usage
Primarily cybersecurity learning — TryHackMe, running WSL2, occasional VMs for security labs. Secondary use is freelance web development. Light gaming on the side — nothing too demanding, mostly lighter titles. Would love to have the capability to game without it being the main focus. Coming from a desktop setup so I want something that can handle real work away from my desk.
Desired battery life
15 hours ideally, minimum 12 hours real world usage
in order of most important to least important
Battery life, performance, weight, size
Info/Requirements
Windows 11 preferred. Needs to look professional — not looking for heavy RGB gamer aesthetic. OLED would be a nice bonus but not required.
Open to suggestions even if they differ from what I think I want! Thank you soo much for any feedback!!
PS: I looked into a company called framework not sure if anyone has heard about them. But, they do some pretty cool stuff with modular laptops, my main thing with that was always being able to easily upgrade it and if something broke I could easily replace is. But, my laptop just crapped out on me and I would really like to get a new one sooner rather than later. I have a best buy total tech membership so whatever I get will get automatic coverage.