The Great Tech Rebound: Why Computers Are Crushing the “Top Gadgets in Forbes” List Again

Remember a few years ago when everyone claimed the “PC was dead”? We were all supposed to be living in a post-computer world, tapping away on iPads and smartphones for everything from spreadsheets to video editing.

Well, the latest rankings are in, and it turns out the reports of the computer’s death were greatly exaggerated. In fact, if you look at the recent Top Gadgets in Forbes, you’ll notice a distinct trend: computers aren’t just on the list; they’re climbing to the very top.

From the surge of Apple’s M-series chips to the sudden necessity of local AI processing power, the “laptop” has reclaimed its status as the ultimate power tool. Let’s dive into why the humble computer is suddenly the sexiest gadget on the block again.

Key Takeaways: The 2025 Gadget Shift

• Performance is King: Portability used to mean sacrificing power. Today, “Pro” notebooks outperform most desktops from three years ago.
• The AI Boom: Local “Agentic AI” requires hardware that smartphones simply can’t handle without melting.
• Work-From-Anywhere 2.0: The “digital nomad” lifestyle has matured, shifting demand from “companion devices” to “do-it-all machines.”
• Apple’s Dominance: Apple continues to lead the Forbes rankings by successfully blurring the line between consumer gadgetry and professional workstations.

The AI Revolution: Why Your Phone Isn’t Enough

For the last decade, we moved toward the cloud. We thought we didn’t need local storage or heavy-duty processors because the “cloud would handle it.”

Then came 2024.

With the rise of Agentic AI—autonomous AI agents that can browse the web, code, and manage your emails in the background—the demand for local NPU (Neural Processing Unit) power has skyrocketed. Forbes’ latest gadget analysis highlights that the most “valuable” tech isn’t the one that connects to the cloud, but the one that processes your data securely on your desk.

This is a massive reason why computers are climbing the list. You can’t run a complex, local LLM (Large Language Model) effectively on a smartphone without significant lag and battery drain. But on a new MacBook Pro or a high-end Windows AI PC? It’s a breeze.

Portability vs. Power: The Gap Has Closed

In the past, if you wanted the #1 spot on a “top gadgets” list, you had to be small. The Razr, the iPhone, the Blackberry—they all fit in your pocket. Computers were the “boring” tools sitting in the home office.

However, the latest Forbes features showcase machines that are thinner than a legal pad but faster than a Ferrari.

Comparison: Top Gadget Categories 2024 vs. 2025

Why Apple is Leading the Climb

You can’t talk about the Top Gadgets in Forbes without mentioning Apple. Their transition to silicon has essentially reset the industry. By creating chips that are incredibly energy-efficient yet monstrously powerful, they turned the laptop back into a “gadget” people actually want to show off.

It’s no longer just a work tool; it’s a status symbol and a creative hub. Forbes notes that the “climb” is largely driven by the MacBook’s ability to maintain high resale value and professional utility, making it a “smarter” investment than a smartphone that feels obsolete in 12 months.

Beyond the Screen: The Ecosystem Play

One interesting observation from the Forbes reports is that computers are climbing because they act as the “brain” for all other gadgets.

Your smartwatch, your smart home, and your VR headset (like the Vision Pro) all rely on a central hub for deep management and content creation. The computer has become the conductor of the digital orchestra. Without it, your other gadgets are just talented soloists without a script.

People Also Ask (FAQ)

What is currently the #1 gadget in the world?

While smartphones like the iPhone 15/16 Pro Max remain the most popular in terms of unit sales, Forbes and other tech authorities often rank high-performance laptops like the MacBook Pro (M3/M4) as the “top gadget” for value, productivity, and technological impact in 2025.

Are laptops still considered “gadgets”?

Absolutely. The definition of a gadget has evolved from “small electronic toy” to “indispensable tech tool.” As laptops become thinner, more powerful, and integrated with AI, they fit the modern definition of a top-tier gadget.

Why is Apple always at the top of Forbes’ list?

Apple consistently ranks high due to a combination of brand value, innovation in hardware (Apple Silicon), and a seamless ecosystem. Their products aren’t just gadgets; they are parts of a lifestyle that Forbes’ audience—primarily professionals and investors—highly values.

Will AI PCs replace standard laptops?

Yes. We are currently seeing a transition where “AI PC” is becoming the new standard. Within the next two years, any laptop that doesn’t have a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) will likely struggle to make any “Top Gadgets” list.

The Verdict: Don’t Call it a Comeback

The computer didn’t really go anywhere—it just went to the gym. It’s leaner, faster, and smarter than ever before.

As we move deeper into an era defined by artificial intelligence and remote professional excellence, the devices that offer the most “utility per square inch” will always win. Right now, that’s the computer.

Ready to upgrade your tech stack? Whether you’re an Apple enthusiast or a Windows power user, the message is clear: the most important gadget you own is the one that allows you to create, not just consume.

Check out our other deep dives into the latest tech trends and stay ahead of the curve!