Best Laptop For All Around Performance
Best Laptops For All Purpose
LAST UPDATED OCTOBER 2020
Buying the best laptop does not have to be as difficult as you might think. Most people have an idea about their budget and what the computer will be used for. Despite this, many are overwhelmed by the huge range of models, sizes and price ranges. The reason why there are so many different models is simply that there are so many choices when it comes to hardware and chassis these days.
In addition, there are a number of components that affect the computer's functionality, performance and longevity. Two seemingly similar machines can perform differently due to a few factors. For example, if cooling is poor due to a cramped chassis with insufficient cooling components, the machine becomes very hot during use, which adversely affects hardware and performance. The computer will also have a shorter lifespan. But how do you know which computer to choose?
Choose the right computer
The journey towards choosing a suitable machine begins with your needs. What kind of machine are you looking for? Are you going to use it for work? Are you going to play games on it? Should you only use it to surf the web and send emails? Are you often traveling and would you like to bring your computer? Write down your preferences. Then it will be easier to sort out one that suits you! Data that is only used for surfing the web, social media and e-mail does not have to be very powerful, and then you can manage to find good models for a couple of thousand kroner. If you are going to use it in a work context, where you work a lot with data or graphics, you must have a slightly higher standard on the processor and video card. If you want to take it with you when you travel or to school, it is good if it is light and not too big. And if you are going to play the latest games on a laptop, you need to have a video card,
Simpler machines
You can often look at the name or category of the machine for which it is intended. A chromebook is, for example, a very simple machine intended for students and others who first and foremost need a machine to write on and surf with. It is compact and easy to carry. It does not have Windows, but instead Chrome OS, which is Google's own operating system. There are also several types of simpler machines.
Middle class
The next category is probably the most common. It's the 15-inch in the middle class. These are a good option for you who want a good machine that you can do a bit of most things on. For example, you can play some games on them, but rarely on the very highest graphics settings. You can also browse, check emails, review data in spreadsheets or edit photos. This type of machine is available in many different price ranges and often gives you a lot for your money.
Premium machines and special adaptations
Another category is ultrabooks. These are very compact and light machines of around 14 inches with powerful processors. These are often called work machines and are light machines that are easy to take with you on a business trip. The choice of material is also often of a more exclusive variety. They can also come with luxurious features such as fingerprint reader or reversible screen. These computers cost more than the other two categories we have mentioned above, as the composition of hardware and chassis is of a higher standard. On the other hand, the video card tends to have a relatively low profile, and is often integrated instead of free-standing. This means that these machines are not intended for you who work a lot with 3D images and video, or if you want to use it to play.
If you are looking for a gaming machine, there are series that are intended for this at the manufacturers. Some examples are HP Omen, Dell Alienware and Lenovo Legion. They have the latest hardware in the more expensive category and often a rather special look. The machine tends to come with programmable buttons, backlit keyboards and other things that gamers might want. They are usually not so mobile, but still compact when you think about what is under the shell. Portable gaming machines are usually relatively expensive. It is not uncommon for you to have to shell out around 15,000 to 20,000 kroner if you want to play the latest games with the highest quality graphics.
Save Money
A tip. You can save thousands on buying a laptop online compared to buying in a store. Newly produced computers with the latest processors and graphics cards are always bought online. A PC from the store can be several months old, and in the computer world this is a long time. Make sure the one you buy is new and matches your requirements.
With our buying guide you get updated tips and advice on the most interesting, best and most affordable laptops right now. We have also made a list of the most interesting laptop series from manufacturers such as Acer, HP and Asus. Also take a look at our guide on components and hardware.
For Best Gaming Laptops Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/BestGamingLaptopBuy
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1. Huawei Matebook 13
lots for the money
Type : Ultraportable Size : 13 inches, 2160x1440 pixels Processor : 1.8 GHz Intel Core i7-10510U (up to 4.9 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology) 8 MB cache, 4 cores) Memory : 16 GB DDR4 Hard disk : 512 TB GB NVMe M.2 SSD Graphics : Nvidia MX250 Weight : 1.6 kg Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 10 Other : 2 USB-C, headphone jack
The Huawei Matebook 13 is, at least in its top specification that we had for testing, a good example of how hardware, design and price can best be combined. At the time of writing, there are basically few computers with the same high specifications in this price range (the closest is Huawei's own Matebook 14 for a thousand bucks more).
Luxurious computer
Furthermore, the construction is more as we expect on computers a few price levels down. The whole machine is built in aluminum and feels very solid. To be a little picky, it should be said that the Matebook 13 is a little heavier than average, but still very light. In the same material you can find computers that are a few millimeters smaller in thickness, but it is still a thin and flexible construction we are dealing with here.
Fortunately, we avoid Huawei's nonsense by building the webcam into the keyboard, which always gives us a slightly flattering frog perspective in video calls. Instead, it sits where it should - across the screen.
Another positive feature is that the combined power button and fingerprint reader are located above the keyboard. Manufacturers often want to bake such things into a keyboard or mouse pad, which only confuses the whole setup, but we avoid that here.
While the mouse pad feels very tight and responsive, the keyboard is not the best you can find. It is good and works absolutely, but the keystroke is a little too short and a little spongy for the feeling of luxury to be expressed here as well.
Solid performance
As previously mentioned, you get a lot of performance for your money. To begin with in the form of a very nice screen with both good colors and a slightly higher resolution than the average. The sound from the speakers is also surprisingly high class.
A dedicated graphics card along with the latest generation Intel processor gives a real boost to most things. Although the MX250 graphics are not the roughest you will find, they are still enough to be able to play new games to a large extent. Despite the graphics card, the computer has a specified battery life of 11 hours, which in normal office work at least means almost a full working day before you can start to get nervous.
Huawei Matebook 13 is simply a top-class construction, with better hardware than the price tag should allow.
+Good build quality, Dedicated graphics card, Adapter for several ports is included
–Missing wifi 6, Slightly sad keyboard
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4.5 out of 5
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2. HP Pavilion 15-p046no
Size : 15.3 inches Processor : 2.0 GHz Intel® Core ™ i7-4510U Memory : 8 GB DDR3 Hard disk : 256 GB SSD Graphics : NVIDIA GeForce GTX 850M (4 GB DDR3 dedicated) Weight : 2.5 Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 8 Other : Full HD screen, HDMI port, USB 3.0, HD webcam, memory card reader, shockproof hard drive, fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard in full size, 90 days user support, 4 pcs. Beats Audio speakers
The Pavilion series is one of the world's best known and best-selling computer models and has been produced since 1995. There is a simple reason why HP has succeeded so well with this series, namely that you get a lot of computer for the money and access to HP's excellent customer service. We really like the new, clean design that feels exclusive and modern. The computer weighs just over two kilos and is solid and well built in every detail. The frame around the keyboard is made of aluminum, while the lid and bottom are made of high-quality hard plastic.
The HP Pavilion 15-p046no is a true workhorse. The computer has the latest generation Intel Core i7 processor with 22 nanometer technology and a large RAM of 12 GB. This high-performance combination of components makes the computer very fast and excellent for multitasking, while the operation is energy efficient, which gives longer battery life. The dedicated 2 GB graphics card enables the computer to handle graphics-heavy games and provides plenty of power even for advanced users. The 1 GB hard drive provides plenty of space for movies and photos.
The screen has full HD resolution and is bright, but we would like to see higher contrast and wider viewing angle. If you sit right in front of the screen, however, the viewing angle is more than good enough. The speakers are from Beats Audio facing the user. This is OK on a laptop, but we recommend adjusting the sound settings, as the preset sound is very tame. This is done via Beats Audio's own interface, with advanced functions for both recording and audio playback.
The touchpad is significantly better than what we are used to from other PCs. It has a comfortable surface coating and is both responsive and accurate, but it is not very sensitive at the far end of the edges. It does not have separate buttons for left and right clicks, but with a good multitouch function it does not matter much. The keyboard is quiet and has a good response.
The Pavilion series has several good and smart features, such as a shock-resistant hard drive, dual microphones with noise reduction and a light-sensitive HD webcam. In summary, we think that the high performance and good build quality combined with an attractive price make this an excellent purchase. This despite some small beauty flaws. This is a good choice if you are going to work with very demanding programs, such as music production, image processing or video editing, but it is also good as a gaming machine.
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5 out of 5
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3. HP Envy 17-j165eo
Size : 17.3 inches Processor : 2.2 GHz Intel® Core ™ i7-4702MQ Memory : 8 GB DDR3 Hard disk : 1 TB SATA (5400 rpm) Graphics : NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M (2 GB DDR3 dedicated) Weight : 2.85 Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 8 Other : Full HD screen, HDMI port, USB 3.0, HD webcam, memory card reader, shockproof hard drive, fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard in full size, 90 days user support, 4 pcs. Beats Audio speakers
Are you looking for a stylish 17-inch laptop that can replace your desktop PC? The specifications of the HP Envy 17-j165eo are extraordinary. Normally, you have to pay around NOK 10,000 for a similar benefit. The computer has a colorful screen with full HD resolution, a huge hard drive and a powerful dedicated 2 GB graphics card. The processor has the brand new Haswell architecture, which provides faster calculations and a significantly longer battery life. Combined with the large RAM, the computer provides a lightning-fast multimedia performance. This is an excellent choice if you are going to work with very demanding programs such as music production, image processing or video editing, but it is also good as a gaming machine. The format and weight are also very convenient for a machine of this size.
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5 out of 5
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4. Roger Samsung SE
A thin but maximized computer
Type : Gaming computer Size : 17.3 inches Processor : Intel® Core ™ i7-8750H (2.2 GHz) Memory : 24 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM Hard disk : 1 TB SSD Graphics : NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1080 (Max-Q, 8GB GDDR5X VRAM) Operating system : Windows 10 Pro 64 Other : 144Hz FHD display (sRGB), 3 ms. response time, 2 x 2W speakers with Smart AMP
Asus Rog Zephyrus is an ultra-thin laptop. An interesting detail is that the chassis opens at the back when you open the screen. This makes the computer extremely thinly folded - to be a game data - and at the same time gets a nice low slope angle when you fold up the screen.
Sometimes it locks in the hinges halfway while we try to open it - then you have to close and open again for the lock to come loose. It is unclear what causes this.
The build quality is otherwise very good. The entire construction feels solid and stable at the same time as both material choice and design breathe premium. The frame around the screen is very thin. The screen itself is a bright case with a very short response time. Furthermore, it is just as sharp and has a nice color spectrum.
The backlit keyboard works well when playing in the evening.
Slightly strange layout on the keyboard
The biggest disadvantage of the Zephyrus is the location of the trackpad. This is located at the bottom right of the outer edge. When you play games, this makes no major difference, but every time you use your computer for something else. The placement gives you an oblique placement of hands and arms that feel unnatural even after several months of habituation. The easiest way is to start using the trackpad with just one hand, then the placement becomes more natural.
The solution to this is otherwise to buy an external mouse, a fairly small cost in the big picture, but at the same time a boring detail on an otherwise well-designed computer. On the other hand, those who play a lot probably still want to buy a dedicated gaming mouse to secure programmable buttons, response time and the like - hence our minus at this point becomes less important.
Insanely fast without burning
The performance of the Asus Rog Zephyrus is absolutely top notch. Our copy has a full 24 gigabytes of RAM - instead of 16 - which of course provides solid help. But we have no problem playing the latest titles on this computer or running 3D programs while we have 3-4 Adobe programs open and in use. It is simply phenomenal in terms of performance.
At the same time, it is very quiet and relatively cool even under high load. When the fans first start to go into high gear, it sounds a lot, but it is not the characteristic noisy sound that many computers have, but a less disturbing soundscape.
Asus Rog Zephyrus is suitable for you who are looking for a nice, slim game data that is easy to take with you to LAN and the like. Despite its compact design, it maximizes performance without burning your computer.
+Super thin and beautiful design, very high performance, successful solution for cooling, well built, crystal clear and bright screen
–Poor placement of the trackpad, sometimes locks in the hinges
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4.5 out of 5
Best price at:
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5. Huawei Matebook X Pro
old acquaintance who has become a little sharper
Data type : Allround / Multimedia Chip : Intel Core i7 10510 (4-core) 1.8 GHz Storage : 1 TB SSD RAM : 16 GB DDR3 Graphics Card : GeForce MX250 from Nvidia (2 GB memory) OS : Windows 10 Home Warranty : 1 year Other: Weight 1.33 kilos, Wifi 5, NFC, 17 hours operating time with minimal load
Huawei's Matebook X Pro took many by storm when it was released a few years ago. The visual similarities with Apple's Macbook Pro computers were striking, but many of the features that Huawei's computer had (perhaps especially the thin screen edges and the slightly different aspect ratio of a 3: 2 screen) were something many Apple fans had longed for. time.
The fact that the computer, in addition to being very pretty, was also powerful, well-built and robust, quickly made it a favorite among many consumers.
In the name of honesty, not much has happened visually since the first version of the computer was released a couple of years ago, but why should it be necessary? It's nice as it is. What above all indicates that this is a new computer is the new color variant with a dark green aluminum finish, which is also very pretty.
The computer is of course also upgraded further under the shell, and we can choose between Core i5-10210U or Core i7-10510U. If you choose the latter, you also get an SSD of 1 TB. We also notice that the graphics card has been upgraded from Nvidia's Geforce MX150 to MX250. The memory is 16 GB, which at least so far is sufficient for most things you might want to do.
The screen is a real source of joy and offers both brightness and pressure in the elite class. The resolution is still at the same 3000x2000 pixels as with its predecessor, and it is absolutely excellent, you ask us. We find the screen very exciting and stimulating with saturated colors. The black color is perfectly OK.
No WiFi 6
The keyboard is also a nice acquaintance, with an excellent stroke and a wonderfully well-balanced clicking sound. There is no annoying keyboard failure, which makes the computer feel robust and solid.
As always with non-Apple laptops, the trackpad is not perfect, but is one of the better ones in the Windows context.
A sad detail that still remains is the webcam, which is built into the keyboard. The advantage is that it can be pushed down physically, so that you are not exposed to it more than necessary. The downside is that you do not become so beautiful in the perspective offered. The camera is not first class either, so if you are going to use your computer a lot for video calls, there are better options.
The other sad thing is the lack of WiFi 6, which we do not really quite understand. It was perhaps a question of bringing down the price.
In Geekbench 5, the computer gets 3662 points, which is absolutely excellent. We also do not experience any performance issues in any context, although we never test any more advanced games on the computer. However, this is not primarily a gaming computer.
This is a pretty expensive computer in terms of performance, but you really get what you pay for. Huawei's Matebook X Pro also holds the position in the 2020 version as one of the clearly nicest laptops on the market. If stylish design and an impressive display are features that make you a little extra warm-hearted, it's hard to find a really good competitor. In that case, it must have been Dell's XPS 13.
+Welcoming design, high quality screen, fine build quality
–Expensive in terms of performance, WiFi 6 is missing
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4.5 out of 5
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6. MSI GL75 Leopard
fantastic performance but loud fan
Type : Game Size : 17.3 inches (IPS) Processor : Intel® Core ™ i7-10750H (2.6-4.7 GHz) Memory : 16 GB DDR4 (2x8 GB) Hard disk : 512 GB SSD Graphics : NVIDIA® GeForce ® RTX 2060 6GB Ports: 1 pc. HDMI, 3 pcs. USB 3.0, 1 pc. USB 3.1 type C generation 2, 1 pc. displayport
With a tenth-generation i7 processor, 120 Hz IPS display and a powerful RTX 2060 card, the MSI GL75 Leopard meets many of the requirements of a proper gaming computer, but does it hold up all the way?
The GL75 Leopard is embossed in MSI's classic red and black colors. The black finish gives a matte feel, which gives the machine a stylish look. The computer blends into the environment without any problems no matter where in the home you choose to have it.
The weight is approx. 2.5 kg, which is a lot for a computer, but not when it comes to gaming computers, since they have several heavier components on the inside. The screen measures a full 17.5 inches, but has narrow edges around, so it never feels particularly intrusive.
If you're looking for a really powerful computer that can handle more advanced games, the GL 75 will give you what you need, without much effort. You can basically play any game on the market with high FPS, which is great considering that this is a laptop.
In the included Dragon Center program, the GL 75 also has several different modes where you can run everything from battery-efficient options to maximizing your computer's performance.
The built-in "Giant speakers" are a bit of an exaggeration; the sound itself just approved. However, this is a gaming computer, and most people will use headphones, so this does not feel like a big problem.
The screen gives a fantastic depth. It has a very nice richness of color that really reflects the full potential of the colors. If you enjoy playing colorful games or single-player games where graphics play a crucial role in the experience, there is a sheer joy on this screen.
The screen has good brightness and handles daylight in a good way. Also from the side, the screen gives a good depth.
MSI GL75 has many outlets of different types and also a memory card reader, which is a small bonus today.
What is usually difficult for gaming computers is the fan, and this is no exception here. The noise from the fans is loud and can be heard through even the densest headphones, which can be frustrating, especially if you play a game where good hearing is important.
Since the GL 75 is equipped with two fans, you can turn off one fan with a single push of a button when it starts running at high speed, but it does not help much when the performance of the game is affected, and that is unfortunately the biggest disadvantage of this computer.
Since this machine is mainly aimed at gamers, we have done tests with some popular games.
League of Legends
- Highest setting: 200-240 FPS
What was really a bonus was the GL75's fantastic IPS screen. It really lifted the colors of the game and gave it depth - and with a fantastic 200-240 FPS, there was not much to complain about.
CS: GO
- Highest setting: 155–200 FPS
CS: GO was handled without major problems. The picture windows stayed strong, and everything felt very comfortable here. The computer and screen quickly felt comfortable, and clicking on HS or getting flickshots felt natural, and one could perform loudly without any problems. When playing at a higher level, however, it becomes more difficult for the GL75's screen (120 Hz, 25 ms) to keep up, so for the discerning we recommend an external screen of 144 or 240 Hz.
Fortnite
- Highest setting: 130–160 FPS
If we are going to talk about colorful games, Fortnite is a good example, and here the GL 75 really shines with its colorful and sharp screen. The game flows very well, and even with Epic settings you do not notice any interruptions, delays or major frame drops.
MSI GL75 Leopard is suitable for you who are looking for a really powerful gaming computer with a great screen, which does not need maximum refresh rate on the screen, and which can live with a little fan sound. Here you have performance so it sings after, and a really nice construction in general.
+Sharp and colorful screen, powerful components, well-built and well-thought-out construction
–Loud fans, slow screen at fast movements (high ms)
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4.5 out of 5
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7. HP Omen 17-AN004NO
Game PC with lots of power and good screen
Size : 17.3 inches Operating system : Windows 10 Home 64 Other : 120 Hertz full HD display, ANSI keyboard, Bang Olufsen speaker 3D Mark Basic Edition TimeSpy : CPU: 4 227 Graphics card: 5 455
HP Omen 17-AN004NO is an interesting gaming PC that combines high performance with a futuristic look and a great webcam for streaming. It is a hot option for you who want a gaming PC that can handle all the latest games, and who likes to stream. It may be a bit bulky and quite heavy, but the same goes for many gaming PCs in the 17-inch class. The screen is very good. The frame rate of 120 Hertz does very well in FPS games. Furthermore, it has a good viewing angle, good color reproduction and deep black color. The only thing we have to point out about this model is that it can feel a bit dull compared to some of the competitors. In terms of price, we would have liked to have seen a few more features and more exclusive material choices. For example, it has no fingerprint reader and feels a bit plastic-like. The thickness also means that we get a feeling of gnawing in the wrists after a period of use. A big advantage is that the computer stays well cooled even under load. The fan sound is of course a little louder then, but during normal use we do not notice anything at all. However, we never reach the stated battery life of almost 13 hours. Under load, we do not even reach a quarter of this. But when we use the computer in energy-saving mode and just surf, we get a number of hours of use, which must be considered approved for such a powerful and large computer. However, we never reach the stated battery life of almost 13 hours. Under load, we do not even reach a quarter of this. But when we use the computer in energy-saving mode and just surf, we get a number of hours of use, which must be considered approved for such a powerful and large computer. However, we never reach the stated battery life of almost 13 hours. Under load, we do not even reach a quarter of this. But when we use the computer in energy-saving mode and just surf, we get a number of hours of use, which must be considered approved for such a powerful and large computer.
There is nothing wrong with the performance of Omen 17-AN004NO. As I said, this is a real powerhouse. Playing the latest games, such as the Battlefield or Destiny series, in the highest graphics mode will certainly not be a problem. We do not experience hacking or other performance-related rarities. The games get a very good flow on the whole. The problem with this computer is primarily related to the keyboard and controls. One problem is that it is not possible to use the AWSD game keys to move around in games and at the same time use the touchpad to control the camera in the game. The touchpad turns off when you press the keys. This is good when writing, because then you do not risk moving the cursor by mistake, but less good during play. There is also no easily accessible button to turn off this setting. Furthermore, we would have liked to have seen that this game PD had an ISO keyboard. ANSI has a very compact Enter key, which may seem like a small problem, but it is actually very annoying even after several weeks of use. However, we appreciate the fact that the computer has a numpad and programmable keys. It also has a backlit keyboard with the AWSD game keys extra well marked. This means that Omen 17-AN004NO still exceeds many of the requirements you want for a computer in this price range. Above all, it can handle all the new games - and with bravura. However, we appreciate the fact that the computer has a numpad and programmable keys. It also has a backlit keyboard with the AWSD game keys extra well marked. This means that Omen 17-AN004NO still exceeds many of the requirements you want for a computer in this price range. Above all, it can handle all the new games - and with bravura. However, we appreciate the fact that the computer has a numpad and programmable keys. It also has a backlit keyboard with the AWSD game keys extra well marked. This means that Omen 17-AN004NO still exceeds many of the requirements you want for a computer in this price range. Above all, it can handle all the new games - and with bravura.
+Very high performance, marked game keys, good screen and webcam, efficient cooling
–ANSI keyboard layout, short battery life, partially dull materials
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4.5 out of 5
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8. Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB
Flexible computer in several respects
Size : 13.9 inches Processor : 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7-7500U Hard disk : 1,000 GB SSD Graphics : Intel HD 620 Performance measurement : CPU: 1,943 Graphics card: 313 (3D Mark Basic Edition TimeSpy Weight : 1.38 kg Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 10 Home 64 Other : 4K IPS screen (3840 x 2160 pixels), ISO keyboard, fingerprint reader, JBL speaker, 3 USB (1 "always on")
Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB becomes the best work PC due to its perfect blend of performance and versatility. This computer may have a relatively juicy price tag, but is on the other hand packed with features. For example, you can fold the screen and use it as a tablet. The fact that the computer is so incredibly thin means that we are not disturbed by the keyboard on the underside - it is actually not noticed at all. It also has a touch screen that allows you to give stylish presentations. This fits in very well with Windows 10, which has largely the same focus. The ability to fold the screen 180 degrees backwards also allows you to place it as a half-open book resting with the long side facing the desk, and then have Skype meetings via webcam. This means that the computer takes up very little space, which is convenient for you who often have meetings on the go. However, the computer is not very large, so size is rarely an issue when in normal mode. The hinges are also very good. It does not fold unless we want it to. The webcam is otherwise razor sharp and ideal for video conferencing.
Yoga 910-13IKB has a very good screen with a phenomenal image quality. We find no problems with light bleeding or the like. It also has excellent sharpness and color reproduction. But everything is not just gold and green forests on this computer. We may think that the graphics card is a bit weak in light of what you pay. This is absolutely no computer you can play games on or use for other graphics-intensive tasks. We should also have seen more exclusive materials, and it does not feel as expensive as it actually is, when we touch it. Furthermore, the specified battery life of 12 hours does not correspond to what we get. We reach a little over half when we put the computer in normal mode and have active programs running. But it is still approved. It's also fast thanks to the really sharp processor. If you are a computer addict who tends to have many windows and programs open at the same time, you do not have to worry about the waiting time when you switch between programs or start new ones. It is also not stupid that you can charge your mobile phone via the USB port despite the fact that the computer cover is closed. If you have a job where you occasionally have to give presentations, or who often have digital meetings or travel a lot, this is really the computer for you.
+Phenomenal screen, smart construction, good webcam, touch screen functionality
–Boring choice in terms of graphic performance
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4.5 out of 5
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9. Asus ZenBook UX430UQ
Compact and discreet 14-inch of high build quality
Size : 14 inch Processor , Intel Core i7-7500U Memory : 16 GB DDR4 Hard Disk : 512 GB SSD Graphics : NVIDIA GeForce 940MX Graphics Performance : CPU: 2116 Graphics: 441 (3D Mark Basic Edition TimeSpy) Weight : 1.3 kg Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 10 Home 64 Other : Full HD screen, fingerprint reader, full-size keyboard, Harman Kardon speaker
The Asus ZenBook UX430UQ is a very interesting computer for business users, as it combines a sober design with a very small chassis despite the 14-inch screen. It both looks and feels like a premium computer. You can hardly find dead surfaces around the screen. Furthermore, the machine is very thin and weighs just over a kilo, and this makes it easy to carry. It is also very fast. Opening windows and switching between programs is incredibly fast, even when you have many programs running. What we are missing is a better graphics card. It actually has a dedicated graphics card in it, which is very unusual in the ultrabook segment, so that way this model stands out. But the result in terms of graphics performance is unfortunately still quite disappointing. This is not the computer you use to play on,
Overall, the ZenBook UX430UQ is a really good computer. The screen maintains great quality, with good sharpness, nice color reproduction and a very good viewing angle. The brightness is automatically adjusted according to the conditions in the room. The computer stays cool even under heavy load, and the fan noise is not something we notice. Battery life in normal use is barely six hours, which is two hours shorter than specified, but still clearly approved. Considering that the computer is mobile, we would have liked longer battery life, for example for long-haul flights. What we may be missing on the UX430UQ is the little extras, such as the ability to rotate the screen and a truly maximized battery life - something that would have made it stand out and add some more added value. However, if this is not something you feel the need for, This is a very affordable computer. It is suitable for anyone who works with numbers and documents, and who wants a fast computer that oozes a sense of quality, but without costing the shirt. In the same way, it is suitable for students with a little extra budget who want a computer with good build quality.
+Furiously fast, very good screen, compact and light, high build quality
–Poor graphics performance, somewhat poor in features
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4.5 out of 5
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10. Lenovo Yoga S940
powerful work computer for a wide audience
Data Type : Premium / Allround Chip : Intel Core i7-1065G7, 1.3 GHz 4-core Storage : 512 GB SSD RAM : 16 GB ddr4 Graphics Card : Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 OS : Windows 10 Home (64-bit) Webcam : 720p Other : Speakers from Dolby Atmos Sound System, shockproof hard drive, 14 inch UltraHD screen, 2 pcs. Thunderbolt 3, USB 3 gen 2 type a, headset.
With its low weight, the S940 is both light and slim. The design is minimalist and feels good, both in the hand and in the bag, which it slides easily into.
Lenovo's 14-inch ultra-HD glass screen gives the S940 a very colorful, rich and razor-sharp image. The black color is really black, and in movies that have dark sequences with little light, the screen still gives a good depth and clarity. The screen is perfect for photo and movie editing.
The built-in speakers are signed Dolby Atmos. They give a detailed sound and a deep bass to a laptop to be, but the sound level is unfortunately very low even if we set it to max.
The built-in graphics card works well with lighter games like Minecraft and similar indie games, but if you want to play heavier and more demanding games, this is not the right computer. However, the powerful processor together with the RAM gives this computer all the power you need, for example, for editing heavier images in Photoshop, or if you like to have several tabs up to stream movies, study, look at stock graphs or the like. Then it manages the job without problems.
The hard drive has plenty of space and is fast. Since you have chosen to insert an SSD, the disk is more shockproof / durable, which reduces the risk of future damage.
The keyboard may feel a little plastic-like. You get used to it after a while, and then it feels natural.
The pressure sensitivity of the mouse pad works so that the underside is dominant when you click, and the higher up you get, the more resistance there is. This is an annoying solution, since you have to customize the click according to where you hit. On a premium computer, the solution would be more thoughtful.
There is room to plug in an adapter for both mouse and extra screen.
One might complain that the S940 has gone all the way to USB-C, but as the development is, this is going to be the future and the next step - maybe a little inconvenient for some right now, but in the future it will be a matter of course .
The built-in fan maintains a low noise level even when running at high speed. It has a soft sound and is quieter than, for example, Macbook, which has a more distinct sound at high speed. There is also a rubber rib on the underside of the S940 that lifts it up and provides better airflow.
The S940 has many smart features, such as the ability to let your computer detect your face and log in without having to enter a password, as well as blur the background during video chats with BackBlur.
In a test with BEP Benchmark, which is a program that tests the battery life, the battery life landed at approx. 2 hours and 20 minutes when using the full capacity of the computer. When we just surf and stream movies, the battery life is about 7 hours. So the battery life is clearly approved with a small star in the margin.
With its included 65-kW charger, the charging time in standby mode is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. It seems we are mostly made.
If you want a computer, this is not for you, as the integrated graphics card is weak. And if you are just going to surf, you can get away cheaper, since the price of this computer is in the higher tier. Lenovo Yoga s940 is mainly suitable for you who want a powerful PC where you can without much effort edit photos or work with several programs or tabs up at the same time. A work computer, simply.
+Powerful components, fantastic screen, minimalist design, low weight
–Long charging time, bulky mouse pad, only 2 USB-C sockets
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4 out of 5
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11. Surface Pro 6
another technical show
Type : Ultraportable Size : 12.3 inches, 2736x1824 pixels Processor : 1.6 GHz Intel Core i5-8250U 6 MB cache, 2 cores) (also available with Core I7) Memory : 8/16 GB DDR4 Hard disk : 128GB-1TB SSD Graphics : Intel UHD Graphics 620 Weight : 770 g Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 10 Other : 1 USB 3.1, Mini Displayport, micro SD card reader, headphone jack
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is still a pure showcase of technical engineering, despite the fact that the hybrid computer has looked largely the same since generation 3. It is thin, light and very flexible. At the same time, age is beginning to appear in different ways.
Requires accessories
Surface is by default a tablet with Windows. In the package you will only find the device itself and the charger. Previously, the Surface Pen was included in the package, but now it is a separate accessory.
Another accessory that is synonymous with the Surface is the detachable keyboard (in versions with or without a fingerprint reader) which is almost like a mandatory purchase with the tablet. This means that the price of a Surface goes up a lot right from the start, unless you have an old Surface keyboard, as this also fits with the newer model.
The look is almost identical to how it has looked in recent years. Really so pretty, but also a bit old-fashioned. The steplessly adjustable stand on the back is still as magically good as it always has been.
In addition to the flexible format, there are also our biggest downsides with the unit on the outside. The slim format obviously means that the number of ports must be kept to a minimum, but even when the Surface Pro 6 was released, it felt very sparse not to have USB-C in the form of a port or two. This problem is even clearer today.
Fantastic work machine
The format has never meant that the Surface Pro will be used as a gaming machine. But despite that, it has enough hardware to handle most daily tasks and several easier games. During normal office work, we are pleasantly surprised by the battery life, which without major problems practically lasts for an entire working day.
You buy Microsoft Surface Pro 6 because you want something really nice and handy to have with you when you are on the go. At the same time, it has enough power to handle most tasks. If, on the other hand, you can live with a more traditional ultra-light type, there are significantly more powerful machines for the same price that you do not need to buy an extra keyboard for.
+Good battery life, handy format, good build quality
–Keyboard could well have been included, no USB-C, bad with ports
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4 out of 5
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12. Lenovo Thinkpad X390
High safety focus and very good performance
Type : Business machine Size : 13.3 inches Processor : Intel Core i5-8265U Hard disk : 512 GB SSD Graphics : Intel HD 620 Performance measurement : Processor: 2861 Graphics card: 390 (3D Mark Basic Edition TimeSpy) Weight : 1.2 kg Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 10 Home 64 Other : Full HD IPS display, fingerprint reader, physical webcam protection
The Lenovo Thinkpad X390 is the latest model in a series of business computers that have looked about the same for many years now. In a way, this is a smart concept, because everyone who is used to the Thinkpad series will recognize themselves. The compact, matte black chassis, the tight hinges and the solid build quality are well known. At the same time, it gives a slightly outdated impression.
But there are many modern elements on this computer, despite the look. On the plus side, we notice things like fingerprint reader, many ports in light of the compact size, a physical protection that you can slide in front of the webcam, and a protection that prevents the curious from peeking at the screen from the side. You may also get a warning if someone peeks.
In other words, security is high, and so is the functionality for connecting external accessories such as monitors, memory cards, USB accessories, etc.
For those of you who work a lot with typing, programming or the like, the location of the Ctrl key on the keyboard will feel unfamiliar. It is also difficult to reach from an ergonomic perspective - especially if you use it in combination with, for example, the shift key.
Furthermore, the screen is a bit greyish compared to some other manufacturers' clearer and brighter screens.
Lots of power
The power of the X390's battery is nothing to speak of. We clock the battery life to about six hours under normal load, which is very good, even though it - just like with other manufacturers - is well below what is stated in the specifications. In energy mode, you get 2-3 more hours.
At the same time, the X390 maintains a very high performance. The capacity for calculations is solid, and it is extremely rare that the fan needs to start and disturb the peace of mind. It can handle just about anything you could want from a business computer in this price range.
On the few occasions the fan starts, the low but high frequency noise may be disturbed. This is the type of sound that easily penetrates through noise-canceling headphones. Fortunately, we rarely experience this, because despite the fact that we work in heavy programs and have several processes running at the same time, the computer stays cool and the fan is then mostly completely silent.
The keyboard has a nice haptic response, but it makes a lot of noise when we type on it. Some prefer this type of keyboard, others prefer lower and quieter keys.
Lenovo X390 is a classic business computer with a strong focus on safety, performance and battery life. It is suitable for you who want a workhorse, but who may not place as much emphasis on a stylish design. If you've been a fan of the Thinkpad series before, you'll probably like this compact yet easily accessible size.
+Very fast, mostly completely quiet, very high security
–Noisy keyboard, slightly dull design, grayish screen
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4 out of 5
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13. Dell XPS 13 9300
powerful computer for a wide audience
Data Type : Premium / Allround Chip : Intel Core i7-1065G7, 1.3 GHz 4-core Storage : 512 GB SSD RAM : 16 GB ddr4 Graphics Card : Intel Iris Plus Graphics OS : Windows 10 Home (64-bit) Webcam : 720p Battery : Approx. 10 hours Other : fingerprint reader, 13 inch 4K touch screen, shockproof hard drive, 2 pcs. USB C 1 Micro Usb readers, 1 headphone / stereo socket
The Dell XPS 13 9300 is a 13-inch computer that surprises positively. When you hear that a computer has a 13-inch screen, it is easy to hesitate a bit because of the size, but the XPS impresses with its 4K screen. It's hard not to be embraced by the incredible sharpness and depth. That it also has a touch adds an extra dimension, although the touch screen is quite common today.
XPS 13 9300 is a nimble and strong small laptop. The built-in RAM in the standard version is good enough for most tasks you will want to perform on a smaller screen, but if you want, you can get it up to a full 2 terabytes.
The design is sleek, and the computer gives an elegant impression. The frames around the screen are relatively thin, and the hinges are firm, but just right so that you can manage to open the computer with one hand.
The inside of the XPS is black and has a carbon-patterned bottom. The buttons are illuminated with a blue, clear light that provides a good overview when it gets dark. Dell has really hit the right note when it comes to design - everything feels stylish, simple and neat!
The graphics card is Intel's Iris Plus Graphics. This is a perfectly fine graphics card that works well for you who intend to use the computer for work, surfing and series / movies. The 4K screen is a very good addition when you want to look at photos and video.
However, the computer is far from sufficient for advanced games or 3D tasks. On the other hand, this is not the target group either. However, it is good enough if you want to play simpler games like Minecraft and the like.
The keyboard is incredibly easy to get used to, and it feels professional to type on. The keys follow the fingers and are very responsive; they never feel plastic or as if they have a delay.
The mouse pad is clearly approved. What can be a little annoying is that it is built with a plate that is more sensitive the further down you get on it, and a little slower higher up on the plate. However, you get used to this, and the part of the plate that is a little stiffer is so small that this does not become a big problem.
This computer is suitable for you who want a compact and powerful computer that is suitable to take with you on trips and other things. It is a good alternative for you who travel a lot for work. It is nice to write on and has a very good screen.
+4K touch screen, complete design, strong processor, comfortable keyboard
–Get sockets for mice, etc., slightly annoying mouse pad, screen with low Hz
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4.5 out of 5
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14. HP Elite Dragonfly
neat and recycling-based with many security features
Type : Business Computer Size : 13.3 inches Processor : Intel Core i5-8365U 1.6-4.1 GHz 6 MB cache 4 cores Memory : 16 GB Hard disk : 512 GB PCIe® NVMe ™ M.2 SSD Graphics : Intel UHD Graphics 620 Weight : 1 kg Warranty : 1 year submission service in case of material and production defects Operating system : Windows 10 Home 64 Other : Privacy filter, bio-protection, physical camera protection, 360-degree touch screen
HP Elite Dragonfly is a super-compact and ultra-lightweight business computer made largely from recycled materials. The light but powerful magnesium chassis, for example, is made from recycled magnesium, and the speaker system is made of so-called sea plastic, which is plastic that otherwise would not have been recycled, but ended up on land and eventually in the sea.
The build quality is impressive throughout. Everything from hinges to chassis exudes quality, and the design language is extremely inviting. The thin chassis and the narrow frames around the screen give extra plus in the margin. The guarantee is also a full three years.
Although HP has chosen to place speakers on the right and left of the keyboard, it never feels limiting in size. We type as quickly and easily on it as on other well-planned keyboards. The response in the keys feels fast and meets the fingers with appropriate resistance. It is a low keyboard, but not so low that it disturbs.
Reversible screen
The number of ports on the computer is - as expected given the size - somewhat limited. But here there is at least an HDMI for you who want to connect to an external monitor, and Thunderbolt for you who, for example, will be able to transfer large files to portable SSD drives at high speed.
The computer stays relatively cool even if you are running multiple browsers at the same time and with many tabs up. Our test copy has "only" an i5 processor under the shell, but still does a perfectly OK job when it comes to simpler image editing, lighter games and heavy Excel files.
This is far from the most powerful laptop we have tested in this segment, and with this price picture, the computer is the most expensive made considering the power you get. It does a good job with what it has, and is perfectly OK for office tasks.
Battery life is approved, but no more. We manage to get out in less than 6 hours during normal use and without energy-saving functions running, however with the brightness of low 50 percent. On long trips, you still have to pack the charger in your luggage.
The screen is a touch screen, and it comes with a pen that you can use to draw, sign documents and the like. The button on this can be set as a shortcut to various commands. You can also use your finger.
Since the screen can be rotated 180 degrees, you can also use your computer as a tablet or stand it upright to watch movies.
The touch screen has a somewhat limited brightness and does not feel as perfect as some of the competitors do. It pulls a little towards yellow tone, without it necessarily being negative - what one prefers is, of course, a matter of taste.
A welcome detail is that Dragonfly has a physical camera cover that you can pull for. Another security benefit is the built-in separate chip that provides very good BIOS protection, as the computer can repair itself before the operating system starts up and without your help. Also, this allows you to easily recover your computer. Furthermore, it has a privacy filter. If you click on the function key for this, it will be difficult for people next to you to see the screen, and this works just fine.
The HP Elite Dragonfly is hardly a power machine of rank, but it is a good alternative for you who are often on the go and looking for a very light, yet write-friendly computer. It withstands tough handling, is extremely portable and has a number of welcome safety features. It is also suitable for the thorough user who wants a computer with high build quality and a nice design language.
+Good environmental choice, Many reassuring safety features, Compact design language and high build quality, Very light, Comfortable keyboard
–Limited performance, Not so bright
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4 out of 5
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15. Asus Zenbook Duo UX481FL
dual screens, but still very good battery life
Type : Business computer Size : 14 inches Processor : Up to Intel® Core ™ i7 Memory : 8GB / 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 Hard disk : 512 GB PCIe® NVMe ™ M.2 SSD Graphics : NVIDIA® GeForce® MX250 (2 GB GDDR5 dedicated) Weight : 1 , 5 kg Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 10 Home 64 Other : Dual monitors (12.6 "FHD touch screen), ErgoLift hinges
The Asus Zenbook Duo UX481FL is a dual screen laptop. The upper screen extends down over half of the lower surface as an extension of this or as a completely separate screen. The lower screen can also be divided into several surfaces. For example, you can run your Spotify playlist on one section and a numeric keypad on the other.
If you get an account on Myasus, you also get access to app offers where you can find more apps for the second screen. There's not much there at the moment, but for gamers, Overwolf is an interesting alternative. Then you can see your stats in Fortnite, CS: GO or Dota 2 on the lower screen while playing on the upper.
We find that the lower screen is useful when we work a lot with research, or when we will be able to quickly fill in data in Excel sheets while looking at the data on the other screen. But whether you benefit from the extra screen depends entirely on your own needs. Over time, we find that we use it relatively infrequently and use it closed instead.
Long battery life
Using monitors naturally means that the computer draws more battery. Despite this, the Zenbook Duo has very good battery life. Not as good as what is stated in the specifications, but well above expected performance. We clock the battery life with dual screen, three different browsers, lots of tabs, Excel documents and music playback with 50% brightness on both screens to 10.5 hours.
The upper screen also has a really good viewing angle and a perfectly OK brightness. It has high sharpness and nice colors. The fact that the computer also rises slightly behind when you fold up the lid, means both that you get good ergonomics when you type on the keyboard, and that you see the lower screen better. The lower screen also has a good viewing angle and nice sharpness.
There is perhaps a somewhat slack resistance in the buttons on the touchpad, in addition to the fact that we had wanted a little more response on the keyboard. The trackpad is located at the bottom right. At first this is unusual, but you get used to it. However, it never feels as natural as a touchpad centrally, and moreover, it excludes the left-handed completely.
Duo has high performance and is able to play many of the latest games on high graphics. It may not be a dedicated gaming PC, but a good all-round choice for you who play on the computer once in a while, but also use it for work and film. It is also quiet and stays well cooled.
Zenbook is also available in a smaller model where the trackpad also acts as a screen. But the Duo has significantly better battery life, and on this the dual screen also comes in better use, as it is larger and better placed.
This is not the laptop you choose as a laptop option. From this point of view, it is somewhat heavy. It is also not a good choice for left-handers who want to avoid accessories. However, it is excellent for you who most intend to have the computer at home and want a powerful computer for all-round use. Especially for you who often work with several windows upstairs, and who quickly want to get a good overview.
+Brilliant battery life despite dual screens, Quality screen, High performance
–Somewhat slack resistance in the keys, placement of the trackpad, somewhat impractical
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4 out of 5
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16. Dell Inspiron G3
a budget-class powerhouse for gamers
Type : Game computer Size : 15 inches Processor : Intel® Core ™ i5-8300H (2.3 GHz and turbo mode: 4 GHz, 8 MB buffer) Memory : 8 GB DDR4 Hard disk : 128 GB SSD, 1 GB SATA Graphics : NVIDIA® GeForce ® GTX 1050 Ti (4 RAM) Weight : 2.35 kg Warranty : X years Operating system : Windows 10 Home 64 Other : Backlit keyboard, 60 Hz IPS screen (1920 x 1080), 3 USB A, Thunderbolt 3, SD card reader , 1 HDMI, Bluetooth 5.0, 720p webcam, 3D Mark Basic Edition TimeSpy: CPU: 3 889 Grafikkort: 1 749
Dell Inspiron G3 is a gaming computer in what can be called the budget class of gaming computers, and it comes with very powerful performance in relation to the price. In addition, the battery life is very good. In normal use, such as surfing, e-mail and simple games, it lasts just over four hours. Battery life may not be the most important thing for a gamer, but most people also use the computer for other things, and then it's nice to be able to free themselves from the wall socket for a while.
When it comes to the selection of ports, there is both SD card reader and HDMI output. Three USB ports also feel perfectly OK. However, we miss a USB-C port. It feels a bit outdated to have to settle for USB-A in this price range.
In terms of sound, the computer performs OK, but if you are going to listen to music or want a full gaming experience, you should buy a pair of speakers or headphones with a little better quality. The fan is also relatively loud when you press on the computer, so a pair of noise-canceling headphones can be a good investment. The computer also gets quite hot on the back when pressed, but when you only use the computer to surf, the fan sound is clearly approved. The same applies to heat generation.
Smart priorities The
Dell Inspiron G3 has good build quality. We experience no problems with uneven lighting, noise or loose details. It feels solid. What's a little boring about this computer is the design. This certainly does not feel like a computer in the tens of thousands of kroner class, but is rather quite budget-friendly in the material choices and in terms of the feel in the touchpad. The low keyboard, on the other hand, is comfortable with its short stroke. That it is backlit also feels like a plus. In addition, the computer is light and thin to be a gaming computer.
The fact that Dell has cut back on expensive materials and the touchpad feels like good priorities, as they have instead focused on performance. It does not reach up to 60 frames per second with max. 4K resolution graphics in the toughest games. But the fact that you can actually play the latest and most graphics-heavy games in full HD graphics is impressive. The Inspiron G3 simply has very good performance in relation to the price.
The absolute weakest thing about this computer is the screen. Apart from the good point of view, we do not have much good to say about it. It is poorly calibrated in color. The experience is that it is slightly light yellow-toned and not very bright. Unfortunately, this can drag down the experience a bit in the very best games.
Inspiron G3 is a gaming computer for you with a smaller budget who just wants to prioritize performance in order to play as heavy - and as many - games as possible. If you are looking for a very powerful gaming computer in the budget class, this is the model you should choose.
+Good battery life, fairly light, very good performance, comfortable keyboard, good viewing angle
–Sad material choice and design, poor screen, imprecise touchpad
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4 out of 5
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17. Surface Laptop 2
great dust magnet with short battery life
Type : Ultraportable Size : 13.5 inches, 2256 x 1504 pixels Processor : 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5-8250U (up to 3.4 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology) 6 MB cache, 2 cores) Memory : 8-16 GB DDR4 Hard Disk : 128GB-1TB GB PCIe M.2 SSD Graphics : Intel UHD Graphics 620 Weight : 1.25 kg Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 10 Other : Touch screen, Hello camera, 1 USB-A, 1 Display port
Surface Laptop 2 is a slim and light laptop with fantastic screen and very good build quality. Microsoft builds good computers that in a way can be seen as computers where they show how Windows 10 comes into its own. Usually this has meant hybrid computers in the borderland between laptop and tablet (Surface Pro and Surface Book). But for those who would rather have a regular laptop without any more dill, it is the Surface Laptop that applies.
Microsoft succeeded quite well with its predecessor and has - for better or worse - chosen to preserve much of the exterior of the Surface Laptop 2. Among the news we find, among other things, a matte black color alternative. The computer is also equipped with a very quiet and responsive keyboard with good stroke length on the keys.
The surface around the keyboard and touchpad is not made of plastic or metal, but is clad in synthetic mocca fabric (Alcantara). This gives a surprisingly soft and comfortable surface to put your wrists on, but it is unfortunately also like a big magnet for all kinds of small debris, which makes it look dirty.
Not much new, but it works
The touchpad itself is large enough and mostly just as responsive in use, even with several fingers. Sometimes something goes wrong and it does not detect a two-finger scroll, for example, but most of the time it works better at this point than many other Windows computers.
Although the screen is largely the same as last year, we have nothing to complain about. The touch screen works flawlessly, and the picture quality is consistently among the better among laptops.
Above it is the webcam, which also works as face recognition with Windows Hello, a login method that worked clockwise every time we started the computer, except once, when the sun shone directly on the camera.
Well-thought-out charging and good performance However,
something that could have been upgraded are the ports on the computer. Charger sockets, a USB, a screen port and a headset are on offer. The USB socket is great, but there could have been two. At the same time, it honestly feels a bit outdated with the Mini Displayport instead of USB-C, which is significantly more versatile.
The charger, on the other hand, gives a plus in the margin. This is attached to the computer with magnets, which really should have been standard on all laptops. The AC adapter also has a socket for charging via USB, which is a very nice detail.
The inside of the computer has been updated with modern versions of Intel processors and integrated graphics. In our test copy is an i5 processor that easily handles all the tasks we face. However, we are not completely satisfied with the battery life, and the computer shuts down after about five hours of normal browsing and document processing. This ruins a bit of the feeling that this is an ultra-portable computer.
However, if you can live with the toned-down port layout, the overall impression of the Surface Laptop 2 is really positive, and this is clearly one of the most interesting options if you are looking for a lighter computer with great power for everyday tasks.
+Good screen, fast computer, Hello camera works great, smart magnetic charger
–Attracts dirt, not so good battery life, extremely poor with ports
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4 out of 5
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24. Dynabook Tecra X40-F
well-built workhorse that does not stand out
Type : Business machine Size : 13.3 inches. Processor : 1.8 GHz Core i7-8565U Hard disk: 1 GB SSD Graphics : Intel UHD 620 Performance measurement : Processor: 1,212 Graphics card: 332 (3D Mark Basic Edition Time Spy) Weight : 1.22 kg Warranty : 1 year. Operating system : Windows 10 Home 64 Other : Harman Kardon speaker, micro SD card reader, dual USB 3.1 Type-C / Thunderbolt3 ports, 3.5mm audio input, 1 USB 3.1 port
The Dynabook brand belongs to Toshiba (which is also today mainly owned by Sharp). X40-F is one of the first flagship products to be released under this name. These are computers that are mainly meant for the corporate market, and it is above all the price that makes them competitive.
The X40F is a very neat and stylish little laptop. We would not describe it as extremely light or thin, but it is after all very handy.
It is also grip-friendly and stable, and should be classified according to the military standard MIL-STD810G, which should mean that it can withstand a little tougher handling. We have not exposed it to heavy loads, but can state that the build quality feels extremely solid.
This is a computer that is robust, and the keyboard is a particularly nice acquaintance. You can hammer loose during long sessions without being disturbed, and the response in the keys is just right. The shell is also cushioned and robust under the keyboard, which does not fail at all, even if you slam on everything you can.
The X40F is fine with gates, though nothing extraordinary. So it gets approved at this point, but no more.
Good with power, poorer battery and sound
When we open the lid, we quickly realize that the design of the screen is not as fancy as the rest of the computer. The surrounding frames can disturb aesthetically oriented people a bit. On the other hand, this is a decent 13.3-inch screen with 1080p resolution (it honestly feels like more than that). Toshiba has undoubtedly succeeded with both sharpness and color reproduction.
Unfortunately, the screen is not very bright, which reduces the overall impression a bit.
The screen is not suitable for you who want to play games, because this is primarily a business computer and we notice that there is a certain lag in the image from time to time.
This is not to say that it is not possible to play games with a Dynabook X40-F; after all, you have a Core i7 processor with four cores under the shell. Despite the integrated Intel UHD 620 graphics, we still manage to run Farming Simulator without problems, but this is also a game that makes no major demands on 3D rendering or offers any intense avtion that requires extremely fast response time.
A Geekbench test also confirms that there is quite a lot of power under the hood of this computer. Of course, the fact that there is support for up to 32 GB of working memory does not make matters worse. Whether this is really needed is another matter, and configuring this computer with less memory can of course make sense for most people if one wants to bring down the price.
The sound is unfortunately a case of wasted opportunities. Here, Harman Kardon is responsible for the technology, which usually means a clear, well-separated sound with good drive. However, the X40-F has a blurry sound with a suffocated treble that does not impress at all. This should turn out to have a slightly strange explanation - and that is that the speakers are in the bottom facing down. When we try to lift the computer with the keyboard up to face level, the potential is released and the sound suddenly becomes absolutely amazing. If you put the computer back on your lap, the sound will be bad again. Now the sound is probably not crucial for the typical X40-F target group, but you can rightly wonder what the point is with Harman Kardon sound if you still intend to "put the speakers in the closet and go for a curtain".
The battery is a bit disappointing. We only had it last for about four and a half hours before it was time to recharge. However, the included charging cable has a fairly generous length, something you are not always spoiled with in connection with laptops.
This computer is a challenger to, among other things, the Dell XPS 13 or Lenovo's Thinkpad. One can question whether Dynabook really catches up in the tough competition. If you need 32 GB of working memory and are chasing millimeters and grams, it still definitely deserves to be considered.
+Nice design, nice keyboard, good performance
–Weak battery life, some lag in the picture, speakers on the underside
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3.5 out of 5
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25. Toshiba Portégé X30T-E
fast computer and tablet in one
Type : 2-in-1, business computer with detachable screen Size : 13.3 inches (touch screen full-HD) Processor : 1.8 GHz Intel Core I7-8550U (up to 4 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology) 8 MB cache, 4 cores) Memory : 8 GB LPDDR3 SDRAM Hard disk : 256 GB SSD Graphics : Intel UHD Graphics 620 Weight : 1.4 kg (tablet only: 799 g) Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 10 Pro 64 Other :Fingerprint reader, 1 HDMI port, 1 USB-C, 2 USB 3, 5 MP webcam, shockproof hard drive, full-size keyboard 3D Mark Basic Edition TimeSpy : CPU: 2013 Graphics card: 313
The Toshiba Portégé X30T-E is a hybrid computer with the advantage that it comes with dual batteries - one in the screen and one in the detachable keyboard. The total battery life is only just approved. The battery in the screen clocks in at approx. 3 hours under normal load, which means you get around 6 hours in total. This is a distance from the promised 15 hours, but still OK considering the load and the competition. However, we would have liked to have seen a longer battery life in tablet mode.
A good thing is that it uses the battery in the keyboard first, so that you can later unplug the computer and then have a full battery left. Charging is done via USB-C.
The screen is very nice. Both contrast, color space and finger response are top class. The seamless design with the thin frame around it gives a discreet impression. The viewing angle is very good, and the screen does a satisfactory job of minimizing distracting reflections.
We may miss a memory card reader, but the selection of ports on the computer is otherwise approved.
From a performance standpoint, the computer is neither good nor bad. It has pretty good values for CPU power, but is worse when it comes to graphics. On the other hand, it targets the business segment, where process power is needed first and foremost. To be a hybrid computer that targets precisely this target group, it gets approved with a small star in the margin.
A big advantage is that the computer is so quiet. It also does not get very hot as long as you do not overload it.
Difficult docking location
The main disadvantage of the Toshiba Portégé X30T-E is the construction. It tends to tip backwards because the screen is heavier than the base plate. This is especially true if you are sitting with it in your lap. Furthermore, the hinges are not able to hold the screen up in all positions, and as soon as it comes back a little too far, it opens completely.
If you had distributed the weight differently between the keyboard and the screen, with a lower center of gravity for the screen and the center of gravity on the front of the keyboard, you might have been able to solve this problem. Now you have to use the fold-out stand at the back for the user experience to be good, which is not always suitable - for example if you sit with it in your knee.
The keyboard is otherwise well designed. The space is well utilized, and there is a suitable haptic response from the keys. It feels well built. The touch pad is both precise and just the right size and does not get in the way when writing.
The keyboard is backlit, which is useful when working in low light.
The Toshiba Portégé X30T-E is suitable for you who are looking for a 2-in-1 solution with a focus on a very good tablet part with a quality screen. As a laptop, it is, as mentioned, somewhat unbalanced and therefore gets poorer grades for mobility. However, if you sit at the desk, it works great. Battery life is approved and charging is fast.
+Quality screen, fast calculations, nice keyboard, dual batteries, quiet
–Unbalanced dock construction, battery life is no more than OK, memory card reader missing
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3.5 out of 5
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26. Lenovo Ideapad S340
Reliable work machine
Type : Working data Size : 14 inches, 1920x1080 pixels Processor : 1 GHz Intel Core i5-1035G1 (up to 3.6 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology) 6 MB cache, 2 cores) Memory : 8 GB DDR4 Hard disk : 1TB GB PCIe M. 2 SSD Graphics : Intel UHD Graphics 620 Weight : 1.4 kg Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 10 Other : 2 USB 3.1, 1 USB-C, 1 HDMI, SD card reader, headphone jack
Lenovo Ideapad S340 is characterized by problems that are often associated with mid-range computers. In the generation that our test computer comes from, there are no less than three different screen sizes, variants with both Intel and AMD processors and, as usual, a number of different configurations with regard to memory and storage. It's a shame, because this is by and large a very good machine.
Precisely our model can be seen as the top model among Intel computers, with a 14-inch screen and generous 1-terabyte SSD drive at an affordable price. However, other models in the series are equal in terms of function.
Plasthus
The S340 has a rather toned-down design in matt metal-colored plastic and very sharp lines. It may not be up to the level of ultra-laptops when it comes to form factor, but the thickness and weight still feel reasonable.
One thing Lenovo has improved over the years on its mid-range computers is the keyboard, which is both responsive and flexible. The mouse pad is also surprisingly responsive to the price range.
The screen does its job without disturbing with bad colors or bad sharpness - but also does not impress on that front. The camera above the screen has the nice standard Lenovo feature with physical sliding cover that completely shuts off the camera. However, the camera is not prepared for Windows Hello.
The performance is definitely on par with other computers in the segment. The I5 processor has a relatively low clock frequency as standard to save battery power, but can be solidly adjusted if necessary. This means that regular office work and surfing is no problem. If you want to play, however, you have to settle for a little simpler gaming, because the built-in Intel graphics are not as good as with a dedicated graphics card.
Battery life in normal use lands at about five hours, half of what Lenovo states in the specifications. It can of course be extended with lower brightness on the screen and the like, but it must still be considered standard.
The Lenovo Ideapad S340 is simply a computer for you who just want a computer. As a work machine for ordinary office tasks or as a surfing machine at home, it works just fine. It is well built and feels stable throughout, with a well built SSD drive. However, if you have any specific requirements in one direction or another, it quickly falls out of the list of purchase candidates.
+Good keyboard and mouse pad, adequate performance for home use, large SSD drive
–Slightly heavy, except for the SSD, the performance is a bit weak in light of the price
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3 of 5
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27. Dell Inspiron 15 5000 2-in-1
leisure computer with rotating touch screen
Type : Hybrid computer Size : 15 inches Processor : Intel Core i5 Memory : 8 GB DDR4 Operating system : Windows 10 Home 64 Other : Full HD rotatable 360 degree monitor, HDMI port, 2 USB 3.0, webcam, memory card reader, shockproof hard drive, replaceable battery 3D Mark Basic Edition TimeSpy : CPU: 2404, Graphics: 312
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 2-in-1 is a multifaceted computer that has both a touch screen and tablet mode. The screen is a beautiful creature. The glass extends all the way to the edges, and even though there are dead surfaces around the glass edge, the screen is perceived as larger than it actually is. The black color is clearly approved, and the viewing angle is very good.
However, the colors are not properly calibrated. So even though the color range is OK for the price range, the shades are not completely precise. However, this is not the computer you choose to work with image editing, as the performance is too poor and the problem is therefore quite marginal.
If you fold the screen 360 degrees backwards, Windows automatically switches to tablet mode, and you get a touch-adapted interface. There is not much difference, but it simplifies at least for those who want a smoother interface.
The touch on the screen is relatively sensitive, but not precise enough for those who will use the screen for anything other than pleasure. Besides, it's a bit slow, so it's not suitable for someone who draws semi-professionally. However, as a more general touch screen for notes and the like, it is absolutely super. The same if you play simpler games in the browser or want to read the morning newspaper with good ergonomics. Unfortunately, the computer gets quite hot - though with fairly dimmed fan noise.
The touch pad is in the way
The big problem with the Inspiron 15 5000 2-in-1 is the touch pad , ie in desktop mode. The disc is very large at the same time as it is very sensitive. This means that it often gets in the way when you are writing. You have difficulty finding an ergonomic writing position where you do not accidentally click on various functions at the same time. On many computers there may be a period of habituation that affects this, but in this case we do not succeed in finding a good writing position that solves the problem. It is a pity that it has this disadvantage, because the keyboard has at the same time very comfortable resistance.
Furthermore, the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 2-in-1 performs low in terms of performance, especially in terms of graphics.
Battery life of just over four hours feels short, and it takes several hours to fully charge it again. However, the battery stays well in standby mode, which is a big plus. In other words, there are several advantages, but also several disadvantages in widely different areas.
The combination of weaknesses means that the target audience for the Inspiron 15 5000 2-in-1 becomes a bit difficult to define. It does not work very well as a study computer, as the touchpad often interferes with writing sessions. It also has no graphics performance to speak of if you play games or do image editing.
If you have a clear idea of how to take advantage of the multifunctionality of the rotating screen in combination with the processor performance, the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 2-in-1 is a good computer for its price range. But there are several areas where we would like to see improvements so that the target group can become broader and the price advantage increase.
We would say that this computer is suitable for you who like to surf, watch movies and play simpler browser games where there is access to wall outlets. Simply an OK leisure computer for the home.
+Comfortable keyboard, nice touch screen, the battery holds up well in standby mode, high processor performance
–Fairly short battery life, unmanageably large touchpad, poor graphics performance, slow charging
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28. Lenovo IdeaPad 320-14ISK
Fast computer for easier tasks
Type : Budget Size : 14 inches Processor : Intel Core i3-6006U Memory : 6 GB SDRAM DDR4 (2 GHz, 3 MB cache, 2 cores) Hard disk : 128 GB SSD Graphics : Intel HD Graphics 520 Weight : 3.78 Warranty : 1 year Operating system : Windows 10 Home 64 Other : Full-HD TN panel (1920 x 1080), webcam 0.3 MP, bluetooth 4.1, 2 pcs. USB 3.0, 1 pc. USB 3.1 type C, HDMI, 802.11ac 3D Mark Basic Edition TimeSpy : CPU: 1345 Graphics card: 299
Lenovo IdeaPad 320 is a fast and easy budget computer with several aces up its sleeve. For example, it works quietly and stays cool even during more demanding tasks. The USB C port gives you fast transfer, which is good for the future, as USB C will take over more and more. In terms of appearance, the computer looks fairly standard. It does not stand out either positively or negatively. If we are to criticize anything about the design, it must be the large dovetails around the screen. In terms of weight, it is fairly standard. However, we give a plus for the shockproof SSD disk. There is also nothing to complain about the performance of the computer. The interface has a fast response. It is quick to open programs, and it is no problem to have several tabs and programs up at the same time, and at the same time switch between them. But as I said, this is a budget machine. Games or heavier programs are out of the question. Then you immediately notice that the computer starts to struggle, for example because tasks take longer than they would have done on a computer with higher performance. The graphics performance is also far from sufficient for you to be able to play games. On the other hand, it is also not intended for gaming, movie editing and similar tasks.
IdeaPad 320 has a perfectly decent battery life. If you do not overload it, it can operate for 3 hours before it has to be recharged. Under more normal conditions, it lasts just over two hours. In relation to price range and competition, this is relatively normal. The worst thing about the IdeaPad 320 in light of the target audience it targets is the screen. The colors are pale and the contrast is poor. Overall, the image feels a bit blurry. The result is a rather dull and sad experience. At the same time, the viewing angle is poor. If you are going to watch a lot of movies with your computer, there are significantly better models. The webcam is also not very high quality. The image becomes pixelated and woolly. If you are going to participate in video conferencing, you should buy an external camera as well. This computer is primarily suitable for students and people who want to be able to surf, write, calculate and manage without restrictions. It is good if you want to keep several simpler programs running at the same time and switch between them without having to wait for a response from the computer. Then it is a good buy.
+Fast for multitasking, OK battery life, cool and quiet
–Weak screen, poor webcam
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29. Alienware 15 R3 (2017)
Heavy laptop with a lot of power and hefty features, but also some shortcomings
Size : 15.6 inches (1920x1080 IPS Anti Glare 300-nits) Processor : Intel Core i7-7820HP (Quad-Core, 8 MB cache, configured to 4.4 GHz) Memory : 16 GB DDR4 Hard disk : 1 TB 7200 RPM SATA Graphics : NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 with 8GB GDDR5 memory Weight : 3.2 kg Warranty : X years Operating system : Windows 10 Optical drive : None Other :1 x HDMI port, 2 x USB, Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, IR camera (eye recognition for Windows Hello), memory card reader, backlit keyboard, six programmable keys
Alienware 15 is a powerful laptop with all the latest hardware and noticeably much power under the hood. It handles all the latest games at the highest resolution, and it is no problem to have several heavy programs running at the same time. However, it sometimes locks in the browser for a few seconds. Whether this has to do with the computer or Chrome is hard to say. However, another computer with the same operating system and parts from the same manufacturer under the hood does not have these issues. Alienware 15 does not lock during gaming, and therefore it is difficult to draw any solid conclusions.
Alienware 15 has several login options, where the biometric is the most interesting. When the computer enters sleep mode, press the power button to reactivate it. Then it reads your eyes with an infrared camera to determine if it should unlock or require a code. Unfortunately, the IR camera sometimes has difficulty starting despite recalibrations. This type of login therefore only works about every other time. The IR camera also has a function during use. If you ignore the screen, it will turn off after a while. This is an interesting feature, but it can be annoying at times - for example during long game sessions where you just have to go and get coffee quickly. We recommend that you set this feature as needed before beginning computer activities.
At the beginning of 2017, Alienware's new series received strong criticism due to the heat development from the number of active cores. According to Dell, the problem is now solved. Our test shows that it is still quite hot, but that our specimen is not affected by the heat development problems that have been discussed before. A disadvantage with so much power in a small shell is of course that the fans get to run a good deal. The fan noise is usually quite comfortable. But when the number of revolutions goes up, it emits a good deal of noise, and it can then be good to use headphones so as not to be disturbed. There has also been criticism that the build quality was not top notch. Among other things, several consumers have reported "light bleed" on the screen. However, our copy does not have these problems. The build quality otherwise feels solid. This is a heavy and stable machine.
The material is very matte. It is comfortable to rest your eyes on, but a little touch is enough to form a fat imprint. The keyboard is located quite far back, which makes the front edge of the computer uncomfortable when typing, if you do not have an ergonomic stand for your wrists. Furthermore, we miss USB ports and memory card readers. On a model without an optical drive, two USB ports feel very sparse. However, the illuminated keyboard is good, especially on a gaming machine for leisure use - as this is basically the case. You thus do not need to have the room lit when you play in the evening. In summary, this is a powerful gaming machine that handles most of what we face it, but due to the shortcomings it still has, it does not provide enough for the money to qualify for a top rating.
+Incredibly powerful, many features, backlit keyboard, programmable keys
–Keyboard location, material selection, IR camera, high fan noise
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2.5 out of 5
Components and hardware in a laptop
The components of a laptop are designed to be smaller and more energy efficient than components of a desktop PC. It is therefore expensive to buy a laptop with the same performance as a desktop computer. Advantages such as being portable and quiet, however, outweigh this, and laptops have been selling better than desktops for a few years now.
Here is a list of the most important components and key hardware that are included in a modern laptop.
Processor
The processor is the brain of the computer, and it decides and prioritizes various instructions and calculations. Intel and AMD are the two largest manufacturers, with brands such as Core, Atom, Fusion and Ontario. The speed of the processor is traditionally measured in the clock frequency hertz (HZ).
One can no longer draw the general conclusion that a higher clock frequency means a faster computer. For example, a 1.5 Ghz Intel Atom processor may not be as fast as a 1.3 Ghz Intel Core i3 processor. It is also not possible to compare the clock frequency of an Intel processor with an AMD processor, because the manufacturers measure in different ways. This makes it difficult to compare different processors with each other.
In general, you can say that you get the processor performance you pay for. More expensive models have four or six cores, higher bus speeds and 64-bit technology. The best processors right now are the latest generations of Intel processors based on the Kaby Lake R architecture, with model descriptions i3, i5 and i7. They have four-digit model numbers that begin with the number 8, such as the Intel Core i7-8550U.
Graphics card
The graphics card is an additional processor dedicated to computing what is displayed on the screen. These extra horsepower are needed for heavy graphics applications such as image processing in Photoshop, movie editing or to view high-resolution movies on an optional LCD monitor or TV. Prices vary from a few hundred bucks to several thousand kroner, depending on the graphics card's performance. With very expensive graphics cards, you can play graphics-heavy games such as Starcraft 2, Black Ops II or Battlefield 4. However, really powerful machines get hot quickly and need loud fans for cooling.
Manufacturers Nvidia and ATI dominate the market for separate dedicated graphics cards with their GeForce and Radeon series. If you are interested in knowing which graphics card is the fastest and best, you can read reference tests such as 3D-mark 2014.
If you only intend to use the computer to surf the web, pay bills or use office software, you can choose a cheaper graphics circuit. These are integrated into the regular processor and share memory when needed. Examples of graphics chips are Mobile Intel and AMD Radeon.
Screen
Today's LCD screens have better image quality, better brightness, better black level and higher contrast than ever. Glossy screens dominate, as these have better color reproduction than the matte screens that were common before. The disadvantage of this is that reflections occur more easily in a bright environment. To compensate for this, the brightness has improved and the best screens have up to 400 candelas per square meter at maximum brightness. The screen resolution is also better, and full HD in 1080p has now become common on larger screens.
If the laptop is to be used as the main machine, the screen size should be at least 13 inches. Computers with a screen size of 13 inches are easy to carry, but have poorer performance in lower price ranges. Many also think that such a size is too small for long work sessions. PCs with a 15-inch screen are the most purchased, as these generally have a good combination of performance, price and mobility. They are excellent for both home use and travel. 17-inch are often powerful machines where the processor, graphics card and large screen use a lot of power. They weigh a lot, but are a good choice for those who want to replace the desktop computer. Mini-PC, or Netbook, has screens between 9 and 12 inches and power-saving processors such as Intel Atom, AMD Brazos 2.0 or Nvidia Tegra 3. They are best suited as secondary machines for simple tasks such as surfing the web. Web PCs are available with Windows 8 and Linux, but also without an operating system.
The Windows 8 operating system is specially designed to be used with a touch screen and therefore has large finger-friendly icons. The touch feature is surprisingly often usable, but not all applications can take advantage of this technology quite yet. A number of manufacturers have started selling laptops with touch screens. Many users will love the touch function, since you then work the same as you do on an iPhone or an Android mobile phone. Others, on the other hand, think it's an unnecessary gimmick. However, many computer experts believe that touch screens will be standard on all computers in a few years.
Working memory
The operating system and all active software use the computer's working memory, also called internal memory or RAM. More memory means your computer can run multiple programs at once without slowing down. One should not be stingy with memory, as one then risks becoming a bottleneck that prevents the processor from using its full potential. However, since the motherboard usually has two memory slots, it is easy to upgrade a laptop with more RAM itself.
In the current situation, we recommend at least 4 GB of DDR3 internal memory.
optical unit
The optical drive does not have the same significance today as it did five years ago. Then they used a CD or DVD burner to store and move files, a function that has today been replaced by external hard drives and USB devices. Cheap online PCs and thin and expensive ultrabooks like the MacBook Air and ASUS Zenbook simply do not have room for optical devices. The optical drive thus seems to eventually face the same fate as the floppy disk drive.
Blu-Ray players have become very popular on multimedia machines. However, high-resolution video places great demands on the rest of the hardware on your laptop. For example, you must have an HDMI output to connect your computer to a TV or projector. To take advantage of the image quality of the computer screen itself, it must be able to display full HD resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixels. Since cheap integrated graphics circuits do not handle HD decoding, one must also have a good graphics card.
Harddisk
For hard drives, there are two factors that count: size and speed.
A larger hard drive allows you to install multiple programs and store multiple files. Users who download a lot of movies and music from the Internet are constantly in need of more storage capacity. A 500 Gigabyte hard drive is enough to store approx. 350 movies or 9250 hours of music. If this is not sufficient, you should purchase an external hard drive or stream the files from a media server or NAS server. External hard drives are important for backing up important files such as photos or movies.
A hard disk stores information magnetically on rotating metal plates. Speed is measured in RPM, rotations per minute, and today 5400 RPM is the most common in 2.5 inch hard drives used in most laptops. If you need extra performance, the next step is 7400 RPM. However, higher speeds lead to higher heat generation, noise level and battery consumption.
The fastest hard drives are based on the SSD (Solid State Drive) technology. They basically function as a large memory card and have no moving parts. They therefore have lower energy consumption and withstand shocks and impacts better than traditional hard drives. The disadvantage is that the hard disk space is small compared to the high price.
Battery
The power of a battery depends on how many cells it consists of, as well as capacity (mAh) and voltage (V). Higher values give longer use time, but also make the battery weigh more. The power consumption is also directly related to the performance of the laptop. Fast processors and powerful graphics cards consume battery power, so you will quickly need access to a charger or have an extra battery in your computer bag. A small online PC or an ultrabook can thus have a much longer service life than a portable gaming machine with a large battery.
The most common specifications today are 6-cell or 9-cell batteries. Manufacturers often give very optimistic estimates when stating battery life. It can last from two hours and up to twelve hours. However, one should take this information with a big pinch of salt, as they are based on optimal conditions. You can instead assume that the battery lasts 2/3 of the illuminated time when you surf and half the time if you watch movies or play games.
Today's batteries are of the lithium-ion or lithium-polymer type. They have a better service life and service life than the previous technologies nickel cadmium (NiCd) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH). They are also more environmentally friendly.
Connections
All laptops now come with both fixed and wireless connectivity options.
Fixed connections such as USB and Firewire are used to connect a variety of products to the computer. Such products can be, for example, digital cameras, printers and webcams. The latest standards USB 3.0 and Firewire 800 provide significantly higher transfer speeds, but these are mostly only found in more expensive machines.
The most common connections to monitors are the digital HDMI, DVI and Mini DisplayPort, but the older analog standards VGA and S-video still occur frequently. Built-in memory card readers provide smart file transfer shortcuts. A common port can support several different formats, such as SD, ExpressCard and Memory Stick pro.
Wireless connections such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have revolutionized the portability of laptops and laid the foundation for the modern clerk sitting in a café. To create a wireless network for Internet connection, you need a router. The latest models support the 802.11n standard, which is required for streaming high definition movies. Where there is no Wi-Fi, wireless mobile broadband via USB modem is a good option. With a 3G subscription, you can surf at 16 Mbit / s, while 4G provides speeds of up to 80 Mbit / s. If you do not connect your laptop to the Internet every day, keep it with a cheap prepaid card.
Antivirusr
We recommend that you purchase and install an antivirus program before connecting to the Internet. Antivirus scans your computer for malicious software, such as viruses, Trojans, or other malware designed to corrupt files, steal passwords, or bombard you with advertisements. The antivirus program detects and removes these malicious programs.
To work, the antivirus program must be up-to-date and active at all times when the computer is connected to the Internet. Modern antivirus programs update automatically and generally require very little processing power, so you will not even notice that it is running. There are many different manufacturers of antivirus software, but the basic features are largely the same. Some of the biggest manufacturers are McAfee, Panda and AVG.
The best laptops from the nine largest manufacturers
Most major PC manufacturers have a large and wide selection. To stand out in the crowd, many of them have focused on special model programs that they focus hard on. This can be a specific function, pre-installed programs or unique performance within a particular area. Because of this, these laptops are ranked top in many tests. Below, our computer expert provides advice regarding the most interesting series and model programs from the nine largest PC manufacturers. We find that these laptops are often at the forefront of development and innovation in the specific niche.
Acer Aspire
Affordable laptops for small businesses and families
Acer is the largest in Europe for laptops for regular users. Their biggest sales success is the very affordable Aspire series, which was launched back in 1999. Since then, they have sold millions of copies, and the target group is primarily small businesses and families. In recent times, many of the models have been equipped with touch screens, which makes them a nice mix of tablet and computer. The prices are also very affordable compared to the competition.
Rating: Lots of computer for the money, versatile PCs
Sony VAIO
- Luxurious quality and good guarantee
Sony's VAIO series is known for its elegant, robust and practical industrial design. The cabinet is made of carbon fiber and magnesium alloys. After rigorous testing of the quality of the PCs, Sony can offer a two-year warranty on the standard sizes. Vaio is packed with the latest in technology and is available in screen sizes from 10 to 16 inches. The screens have a high resolution, the cooling is quiet, and the keyboards are among the best on the market.
Assessment: Good quality, good guarantee, always the latest in technology, nice design
Apple MacBook Air
- Super light, innovative and made with precision
Unlike other computer manufacturers, Apple makes both the hardware and the operating system for its computers. This causes fewer problems since all components and drivers are tailored to fit together. Also, Macs are mostly completely spared from viruses and Trojans. There are also many who like Apple's unique user experience in Mac OSX and the computers' award-winning innovative design. The good MacBook Air laptops are among the lightest on the market.
Assessment: Smart operating system, multitouch mouse pad, backlit keyboard
HP Pavilion
- The world's largest selection of laptops for the consumer market
HP is the world's largest PC manufacturer and has popular computers for business use. The most important things for companies are reliability, security, easy configuration, guarantees and customer support. HP has used its experience with business computers and created the consumer-friendly ENVY series. These laptops are characterized by fast multimedia experiences and favorable price. All HP computers are made of quality metal. Almost every third computer sold in Norway is an HP computer.
Rating: The world's largest PC manufacturer, affordable multimedia machines
Dell Alienware
- Extremely powerful game data with lots of features
At Dell, it is the customer who decides the computer's performance, memory and hard drive. Then each laptop is custom made. Dell has a logistics system that ensures fast delivery and low prices. The Inspiron series is for price-conscious home users. The most interesting Dell models, however, are the powerful Alienware series for computer games. With the best graphics cards and fastest Intel processors, these computers are often the best in the test.
Assessment: Specially built laptops, extremely fast gaming machines
Toshiba Satellite
- Good multimedia machines and good warranty
Toshiba's cheap consumer models in the Satellite series have a neutral design, but beneath the surface there are several hidden advantages. A two-year standard warranty is among the best warranties on the market. Toshiba also focuses on multimedia experiences, with advanced audio technology and video upscaling. In terms of sound, Toshiba laptops are often the best in the test. They have sound cards from Dolby Advanced Audio and speakers from the quality brand Harman Kardon.
Rating: Cheap, good guarantee, very good support for multimedia as well as video and audio.
Lenovo ThinkPad
- Well-built and innovative notebook PCs for small businesses
In the 1990s, the ThinkPad series laid the foundation for the modern laptop. Many of the best innovations in the PC world have been introduced through ThinkPad, such as shockproof hard drives, waterproof keyboards and silent fans. Lenovo primarily sells business computers, but the consumer models are also well-built and practical. Many testers like Lenovo's patented TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard, which allows you to control the mouse without having to move your hand.
Rating: Classic test-winning series of laptops, TrackPoint mice
ASUS Zenbook
- Quick-start, thin and light ultrabook
ASUS has had a huge sales success with the Ultrabook series Zenbook, and we can understand why. The computers are extremely thin, light and beautiful and are made of brushed aluminum. Both the processor and the SSD hard drive maintain a high speed, and the speakers come from the quality brand Bang-Olufsen. Many of the latest Zenbook models also have a touch screen and backlit keyboard. The quality is very high, and the warranty is for a full two years. However, the price is stiff.
Rating: Super light ultrabook, excellent performance, good screens, good warranty
Compaq Presario
- Cheap computers for simple tasks
Compaq has been manufacturing computers since 1982. They focus on making cheap laptops for simple tasks such as surfing, Facebook, YouTube, Skype, Spotify and using online banking. Despite the low price, you get good customer support and good warranty schemes, since Compaq is now owned by the IT giant HP. Webcam, DVD burner, wireless network and USB ports are always included. For those who do not have high demands on powerful performance, the Compaq Presario series can be a good alternative.
Assessment: Very cheap, good for simple tasks, good customer support
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