After more than thirty years as a mainstay of consumer tech journalism, Laptop Mag has formally closed. Faisal Alani, global brand director at Future PLC, the publication’s owner, made the announcement at a staff meeting. The Verge claims that Alani informed staff members, “We’ve decided to close the Laptop Mag business effective today after careful consideration and a review of our long-term strategy.”
From Print to Legacy Digital
Originally published by Bedford Communications in 1991 as the Laptop Buyers Guide and Handbook, the journal soon established itself as a leading resource for news on mobile technology and laptop reviews. After being purchased by TechMedia Network (now Purch) in 2011, it made the switch to only digital programming in 2013. In 2018, Purch was purchased by Future PLC, the publisher of PC Gamer, Tom’s Guide, and TechRadar, adding Laptop Mag to its portfolio.
Read More: Laptop Mag Shuts Down After 30+ Years
“We are extremely grateful for your commitment, talent, and accomplishments to Laptop Mag, and we are looking forward to supporting you through this transition,” Alani said in his thank-you statement to the crew. Following the recent closure of AnandTech, another established tech website, Future PLC has announced yet another cut in its tech media assets.
If you want to keep tabs on stories like this as the tech media landscape keeps shifting, our roundup of the best websites about technology is a good place to start. And if industry shake-ups like this have you rethinking your own path, see our guide on how to start a tech career.
Conclusion
The closure of Laptop Mag isn’t just the end of a publication it’s the end of an era for tech journalism. For decades, Laptop Mag helped readers navigate the ever-evolving world of mobile computing, offering reviews, comparisons, and trusted insights.
As digital media continues to shift and consolidate, the loss of yet another respected voice in tech following AnandTech’s closure is a sobering reminder of the challenges legacy brands face. Still, the impact Laptop Mag had on the industry and its loyal readership will not be forgotten. It paved the way for how laptops are reviewed, understood, and chosen by millions. Its legacy lives on in the tech community it helped build.
Discussion about this post