Six trendsetting PCs that set the bar in 2014
We've rounded up a half dozen laptops, desktops, tablets and hybrids that showcase some of the amazing leaps -- and a few of the disappointments -- that the PC market delivered in 2014.
Among the highlights were a shiny new version of OS X , the first Intel Core M products, and an improved wave of Chromebooks. Indeed, the combination of better hardware and the Chrome OS have made Google's upstart laptops a viable option -- so much so that Microsoft and PC vendors have responded with credible full Windows machines that hit that same $200 barrier. But with the full version of Intel's next-gen Broadwell chip and Windows 10 not hitting until the calendar turns, 2014 had a "wait til next year" vibe to it.
Below you'll find the most notable computers of the year -- warts and all -- from the superslim Lenovo Yoga 3 to the stunning new 5K iMac. But, this was also a year without a singular "must-buy" PC, which means you'll have to really do your homework (or read our reviews) to find the right machine for you.
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
With a thin watchband-like 360-degree hinge, this lightweight hybrid was a serious contender for our favorite mobile PC of the year. But the brand new Intel Core M platform inside it led to unimpressive performance and downright disappointing battery life. That said, it still looks and feels great. Read the full review of the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro .
Alienware Alpha
After nearly one year of previews, this console-like mini desktop PC finally shipped -- albeit without the Steam OS, which has been delayed into 2015. It really did make it easy to play PC games on a TV, but the low-end specs may not age well, and console-style interface needs some work. Read the full review of the Alienware Alpha .
Apple iMac with 5K Retina display (27-inch)
Anyone looking for bold new MacBook or iMac designs from Apple this year (or last year) will be disappointed, but the internal upgrade to a bold 5K (as in 5,120x2,880) display on the high-end 27-inch iMac is stunning to see, especially close up. The downside is that unless you're editing 4K video and have a big budget, it's a purchase that's hard to justify. Read the full review of the 5K iMac .
Toshiba Chromebook 2
At first, 2013 seemed like the year of the Chromebook. Now it looks like 2014 is actually when these small, low-cost, online-only laptops finally came into their own, with value-packed models such as this 11-inch from Toshiba with a full HD display. Read the full review of the Toshiba Chromebook 2 .
HP Stream 11
One of the more pleasant surprises this year, the $199 11-inch HP Stream, a full Windows PC that's priced like a Chromebook, was decently constructed and ran for eight hours on our tough battery test. Sure, it won't do much more than surf the Web, but it exceeded our modest expectations by a lot. Read the full review of the HP Stream 11 .
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
After being fairly skeptical about the first and second generations of Microsoft's laptop/tablet hybrid, the third model scores by upgrading to a higher-resolution screen and slimmer body with an adjustable kickstand. The design is so flexible, it works nearly everywhere (except in your lap). Read the full review of the Surface Pro 3 .