Performance: Overall this laptop's performance was very good. Tasks like email, word processing and web browsing will be accomplished quickly. Compared to other tested laptops, it was among the fastest with common tasks such as web browsing and video conferencing. Applications start up almost instantly. It was among the fastest when composing multiple documents with images, calculating large complex data spreadsheets, and running other demanding productivity tasks, and it was slow for manipulating images, editing videos, and calculating simulations. Graphical tasks run faster among other models with only integrated graphics.
Battery Life and Weight: This laptop is a fair choice for traveling. Battery life lasted 12.75 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 10.75 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results were notably longer than many similar laptops, under a workload of mixed use. At 2.7 lbs, weight was typical for a laptop of this size category.
Ease of Use: The laptop features, such as its keyboard, touchpad, and labeling were well-designed, making it comfortable and convenient to use. The keyboard has large keys and was comfortably sized. Its high contrast letters were easy to read, and the backlighting can be useful in dark rooms. Testers liked the sturdy build of the chassis.
Display: The display quality was excellent overall. Colors were accurately reproduced, realistic, and natural looking. The laptop's display was brighter than most and it's anti-reflective, a plus for viewing in a brightly lit room or outdoors. The display has a wide viewing angle, especially important if more than one person needs to see the screen at a time, say, for a video or presentation. Its display produces a wider array of colors than on most other tested laptops.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: The spacious [1] plenty of room for storing your music, photos, and movies. You can connect common external devices such as hard drives using USB4 Gen 3x2 (40 Gbps) for maximum performance. The fingerprint reader lets you log into your computer without typing in a password. This laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C for connecting to a TV or monitor. Based on results of a CR member survey, Apple laptops of a similar price to this model stood out as being meaningfully better than typical for experiencing certain problem areas such as slow startup speed.
Downsides: There is no memory-card reader, so you'll need to buy an external reader or connect your digital camera directly to this laptop to transfer photos. It lacks any full-sized USB-A ports, so you will need an adapter if you have accessories that require this USB type. At about 6.7 ft length, the power cable is shorter than most others, so you'd need to be mindful of power outlet locations.
