Screen size
Diagonal size of laptop display.
The larger the screen, the more convenient the laptop for watching high-definition movies, modern games, working with large-format graphic materials, etc. Large screens are especially important for multimedia and gaming models. On the other hand, the diagonal of the display directly affects the size and cost of the entire device. So if portability is key, it makes sense to pay attention to relatively small solutions; especially since most modern laptops have video outputs like HDMI or DisplayPort and allow connection of large-format external monitors.
In light of all this, the actual maximum for laptops these days is
17"(17.3"); however
larger devices (18") reappeared at the beginning of 2023. The standard option for general purpose laptops is
15"(15.6"), less often
16", a diagonal of
13"(13.3") or
14" is considered small by the standards of such And smaller screens can be found mainly in specific compact varieties of laptops — ultrabooks, 2 in 1, transformers, netbooks; among such devices there are solutions for
12 ",
11" and even
10" or less.
Brightness
The maximum brightness that a laptop screen can provide.
The brighter the ambient light, the brighter the laptop screen should be, otherwise the image on it may be difficult to read. And vice versa: in dim ambient light, high brightness is unnecessary — it greatly burdens the eyes (however, in this case, modern laptops provide brightness control). Thus, the higher this indicator, the more versatile the screen is, the wider the range of conditions in which it can be effectively used. The downside of these benefits is an increase in price and energy consumption.
As for specific values, many modern laptops have a brightness of
250 – 300 nt and even
lower. This is quite enough for working under artificial lighting of medium intensity, but in bright natural light, visibility may already be a problem. For use in sunny weather (especially outdoors), it is desirable to have a brightness margin of at least
300 – 350 nt. And in the most advanced models, this parameter can be
350 – 400 nt and even
more.
Passmark CPU Mark
The result shown by the laptop processor in the Passmark CPU Mark test.
Passmark CPU Mark is a comprehensive test that is more detailed and reliable than the popular 3DMark06 (see above). It checks not only the gaming capabilities of the CPU, but also its performance in other modes, based on which it displays the overall score; this score can be used to fairly reliably evaluate the processor as a whole (the more points, the higher the performance).
Additional keys
The number of additional keys provided on the laptop keyboard.
Additional are called keys that do not belong to the standard set and perform various specific functions: calling the browser, controlling the media player, switching power and cooling modes, etc. Such equipment facilitates quick access to certain settings and applications. On the other hand, additional keys require additional space, and there is not much of it in laptops; in addition, some specific functions can be implemented through the Fn key, pressed simultaneously with one of the standard buttons. Therefore, this function is relatively rare in modern laptops, mainly among gaming models.
Preinstalled OS
The operating system (OS) installed on the laptop as standard.
The OS is the software base, the environment in which the rest of the “software” of the laptop functions. The capabilities of the device and its compatibility with certain software products largely depend on its brand and version / edition. Theoretically, the pre-installed operating system can be changed to another, but in fact this is not always justified. In particular, the pre-installed OS is usually optimally configured for a specific hardware configuration, while other options may not work correctly.
Among the operating systems relevant for modern laptops, it is worth noting, first of all, the various editions
of Windows 10 — in particular,
Windows 10 Home and
Windows 10 Pro(including versions with the so-called S Mode), as well as
Windows 11, which similarly have
Home and
Pro versions. . An alternative is
Linux(including the Endless OS version); and Apple installs a proprietary solution on its laptops — macOS. Of course, devices are produced
without a pre-installed OS at all (they also include laptops with DOS on board). Here is a more detailed description of these options:
— Windows 10. This OS was release
...d in the fall of 2014 as the next update of the desktop OS family from Microsoft and the successor to Windows 8.1 (number 9 was omitted for technical reasons). It introduced many innovations, such as the built-in Cortana voice assistant, the Edge browser, support for multiple desktops, updated Start menu and notification centre, a major update of standard pre-installed programs, etc. In addition, the system also received an edition of Windows 10 Mobile, which gave a high degree of integration between smartphones and PC / laptops; however, the mobile version was generally unsuccessful and was discontinued in early 2020. Windows 10 is paid, its cost is included in the price of the device. Currently, among laptops it can be found in the following editions:
- Windows 10 Home. "Home" edition — designed mainly for undemanding users who do not need special professional features. Windows 10 Home has all the basic features of the system, but lacks corporate tools, as well as the ability to manage the Update Centre and access the computer via remote desktop.
- Windows 10 Pro. An extended edition of Windows 10 described above, designed for use in the professional field and designed for IT professionals and advanced enthusiasts. In addition to all the features available in the Home edition, it also offers a number of professional and corporate tools — in particular, Active Directory, remote desktop, BitLocker encryptor, and a tool for working with Hyper V virtual machines. however, the more advanced Pro For Workstations edition is designed for high-end workstations, and it simply does not make sense to use it in laptops.
- Windows 10 S Mode. “S-Mode” is a specific version of Windows 10 available for both the Home and Pro editions described above. Such solutions differ from the original OS in limited functionality. So, various programs can only be installed from the Windows Store, the ability to install from third-party sources is not available. This results in restrictions on the use of peripherals: for some external devices, special functions may not be available due to the inability to install a proprietary driver (however, manufacturers of such devices are gradually correcting the situation by writing applications for the Windows Store). Only the standard Microsoft Edge is available as a browser, and Bing is available as a built-in search engine. All this narrows the possibilities for using the system, but significantly increases its security and speed. The latter is especially effective with weak hardware: on such equipment, Windows 10 S Mode is much more comfortable to use than one or another original edition. As for security, it is ensured by careful control of applications published in the Windows Store. The creators position S Mode as the best solution for the educational sector, but in general, this edition is well suited primarily for simple tasks like Internet surfing or working with documents. It is possible to switch from S Mode to the regular version of Windows 10 in the appropriate edition for free — however, this action cannot be undone, and most often it leads to significant performance losses.
— Windows 11. The first major system update from Microsoft in the last six years since the release of "tens". The OS has redrawn most of the icons of standard programs and window controls, the lion's share of actions is accompanied by new animation. The main thing in the redesign is the Start menu button that has moved to a place in the centre of the lower part of the screen. Together with the operating system, Android applications debuted in the Microsoft Store. In general, the system can be considered as a big update of Windows 10 with a serious redesign of the interface, rather than a radically new OS.
As before, Windows 11 is divided into two large camps: Home and Pro. More narrowly targeted versions of this operating system (Education, Enterprise, Mixed Reality, etc.) are also being released.
— macOS. The operating system used exclusively in Apple computers and laptops. Until 2016 it was known as OS X, earlier, until 2012 — as Mac OS. In general, it is considered very reliable and stable, and not without reason: there are relatively few computers for this system, which allows you to well optimize the software part for specific hardware platforms. In terms of application, macOS has proven itself as a solution for professional use: working with documents, design, audio and video editing. At the same time, relatively few games have been created for this OS. The system is updated regularly, and updates are free and available for the life of the laptop. In addition, it is worth noting that macOS is increasingly integrated with Apple's mobile operating system — iOS. So, as of 2020, for owners of "apple" technology, in particular, the following features are available: moving tasks from device to device (for example, you can start writing a letter on a laptop and finish on a smartphone); shared clipboard; duplicating an image from a computer / laptop screen to an iPad; using a portable gadget as an interactive graphics tablet for Mac (including in notes); the possibility of voice and text (SMS) communication from a computer / laptop via a smartphone; transferring photos and scanned materials from a smartphone to a computer / laptop; Mac auto-unlock with Apple Watch, etc.
— Linux. Free and open source operating system. Developed and maintained by a community of programmers around the world. It has its own graphical interface and software tools, which is quite sufficient for solving most everyday tasks, and open source code gives experienced users ample opportunity to customize the system and write their own software. At the same time, there are different Linux distributions — both complex and advanced for enthusiasts, and simple and "friendly", designed for inexperienced users (the representative of the second category, in fact, is the Endless OS described below, but it is often positioned as a separate "OS") . In addition, almost no viruses and other malicious programs are made under Linux. In general, this OS is quite enough for most simple household and work tasks, but games and professional software for it are produced noticeably less than for Windows.
— EndlessOS. A free operating system, which is actually a specific distribution of the Linux described above. It has the same basic features and is fully compatible with Linux applications, and Endless OS has two key differences. Firstly, this OS was created for maximum simplicity, clarity and accessibility even for novice users. Secondly, the standard distribution of Endless OS includes more than 100 additional applications and a lot of reference materials — in case the user does not have the Internet or access to downloading applications is limited in speed or volume. However, there is an edition for those who have no difficulties with communication and who would like to independently choose a set of installed applications.
— DOS. Free operating system with minimal functionality: no graphical interface, controlled via a text command line. In fact, in modern laptops, such a system is intended solely for checking the overall performance; for other purposes, the use of DOS is impossible or does not make sense.
— No OS. The absence of any operating system in the laptop. This configuration does not allow using the device out of the box, but it has an important advantage: the user can choose a specific OS and its edition at his discretion, depending on current tasks and the available low-cost. However buying a paid “OS” separately from a laptop can cost more than purchasing a similar device with a preinstalled OS in the same edition; on the other hand, even with this in mind, such an option is often more preferable and profitable than buying a laptop with an unsuitable pre-installed OS.
The list of rarer and/or obsolete systems includes, in particular, the following:
— Android. Free and open source operating system developed by Google. Initially, it was created for mobile gadgets with the appropriate hardware (energy-efficient system-on-chip processors) and touch screens — primarily smartphones and tablets. Android itself is characterized by tight integration with Google services and an extensive set of applications available through the Google Play market; however, some manufacturers create proprietary software shells based on this OS, including support for their own services and software repositories. Specifically, in laptops, attempts to implement Android have not yet been particularly successful, so this OS can be found mainly in single models of transformers and 2-in-1 devices (see "Type"). This is partly due to the fact that this system is mainly entertainment and multimedia and is relatively poorly suited for work use (although the latter is also possible due to the abundance of applications).
— Windows earlier than Windows 10 (from newest to oldest):
- Windows 8 (in Core, Pro and RT editions);
- Windows 7 (five editions);
- Windows Vista (four editions);
- Windows XP.
All these systems are completely obsolete and are not installed on modern laptops. And for devices running Windows 7 and Windows 8, a free upgrade to Windows 10 is available.
— Chrome OS. Another software product from Google, originally created just for laptops (unlike Android). A key feature of Chrome OS is tight integration with web services: for example, until 2016, the system did not provide the installation of additional programs at all — instead, it was supposed to use web applications opened through the Chrome browser. Actually, Chrome is initially the software basis of the entire OS (hence the name). In the aforementioned 2016, it became possible to install Android applications from the Google Play store on Chrome OS. Specifically, laptops based on this operating system (“Chromebooks”), on the one hand, have shown themselves to be the most inexpensive and affordable devices, convenient, in particular, for use in the educational field. On the other hand, the lack of "native" applications can be a significant inconvenience; and software for Android is usually poorly optimized for ChromeOS — for a number of reasons, developers have little interest in such optimization. And the additional hardware capabilities of Chromebooks as a whole are noticeably more modest than those of their counterparts for Windows and macOS. As a result, such laptops are rare, and the prospects for the system itself are rather vague.
— Meego. Completely obsolete free operating system jointly developed by Nokia and Intel; has not been applied since 2013.Weight
The total weight of the laptop — the device itself, without additional accessories (wires and power supply, mice, bags, etc.). For 2 in 1 models (see "Type"), the weight is indicated when assembled, with a keyboard connected.
Nowadays, models weighing
less than 1 kg are found even among fairly large devices — 14 – 15 ", not to mention smaller solutions. Laptops weighing
1 – 1.4 kg are also considered very light,
1.4 – 1.7 kg — light, weight
from 1.7 to 2.1 kg(more precisely, even up to 2.5 kg) can be called average,
up to 3.5 kg — more than average, and a mass of
more than 3.5 kg means that this is an advanced gaming or multimedia laptop designed primarily for power, not portability.
It is also worth remembering that when assessing the weight, the diagonal (size) of the device must also be taken into account. For example, 1.7 kg for a 13" laptop is a lot, and a 17" model can be considered very light if its weight does not reach 2.1 kg.
