Performance: Overall this laptop's performance was good, below that of many other models but still powerful enough for tasks such as email, word processing, web browsing, and streaming movies. Compared to other tested laptops, its speed was adequate for common tasks such as web browsing, video conferencing, and application startup. Speed was adequate when composing documents, working on data spreadsheets, and other productivity tasks, and it was slow for manipulating images, editing videos, and calculating simulations. Graphical tasks run slower among other models with only integrated graphics.
Portability: This laptop is an excellent choice for traveling. Battery life lasted 32.75 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 27 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results were outstanding enough to last well beyond a typical day of mixed use, lasting longer than most other similar laptops. At 2.7 lbs, weight was typical for a laptop of this size category.
Ergonomics: 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. The power button was conveniently located, but its labeling was hard to read when the laptop is off. We liked the sturdy build of the chassis, and the function row is touch sensitive and uses haptic feedback. The keyboard has a shorter-travel style, which may give less feedback when typing. The seamless touchpad lacks delineation and may be difficult to use for some.
Display: The display quality was very good overall. Colors were near-accurate, and mostly 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 has better contrast than on most other tested laptops.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: You can connect common external devices such as hard drives and Blu-ray burners 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 an HDTV or monitor.
Downsides: Some software is incompatible with the ARM processor on this model, including third-party anti-virus, cloud apps, and accessories with specialized drivers. 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.
