Performance: Overall this laptop's performance was Excellent. Tasks like email, word processing and web browsing will be speedy and you can even accomplish tougher tasks like video editing and mid-range gaming at top speed. Compared to other tested laptops, it was fast for common tasks such as web browsing and video conferencing. Applications start up quickly. 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 among the fastest for manipulating filters on multiple images, converting and editing videos, and rendering 3D models and calculating simulations. In addition, demanding video games will show smooth graphics and have a quick response. Its playback was smoother than most other tested laptops, even when video game settings were maxed out. With hybrid graphics, the laptop can dynamically switch to the dedicated graphics card when a performance boost is needed for demanding games or applications. Everyday tasks, like web browsing or playing videos, will default to the integrated graphics chip, which is more power efficient and can reduce noise and extend battery life.
Portability: This laptop is a Good choice for traveling, although not ideal. Battery life lasted 5.5 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 4.5 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results were sufficient to get through most of a workday of mixed use tasks, but not as notable as similar laptops. At 5.8 lbs, weight was typical for a laptop of this size category.
Ergonomics: The keyboard has large keys and was comfortably sized. The power button was well labeled and conveniently located. The touchpad was uncomfortably small, providing less space for gestures than most others tested. The touchpad has an unusual position to the right of the keyboard, an awkward placement for left-handed users. It also lacks space to rest your wrists, which could get uncomfortable when typing for long periods.
Display: The display quality was Excellent overall. Colors were accurately reproduced, realistic, and natural looking. The display was anti-reflective, so there was little or no glare when 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.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: The spacious 1TB solid-state drive offers plenty of room for storing your music, photos, and movies. The 1TB solid-state drive uses less power and accesses data more quickly than conventional hard-disk drives. You can connect common external devices such as hard drives and Blu-ray burners to the USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports for maximum performance. This laptop has a full-size HDMI port and supports DisplayPort over USB-C for connecting to an HDTV or monitor.
Downsides: There's no optical drive like a CD or DVD reader, so you'll have to buy an external drive if you need one. 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.
