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 fast for common tasks such as web browsing and video conferencing. Applications start up quickly. It was fast when composing documents with images, calculating large data spreadsheets, and running other productivity tasks, and it was fast for manipulating filters on multiple images, converting and editing videos, and rendering 3D models and calculating simulations. 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 an excellent choice for traveling. Battery life lasted 18.25 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 17.25 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 2.9 lbs, weight was typical for a laptop of this size category.
Ergonomics: Some features of the keyboard, touchpad, and labeling, were well-designed, and were comfortable or 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. There's a dedicated number pad for faster data entry. The power button was well labeled and conveniently located. The display feels more flexible than on most other laptops.
Display: The display quality was very good overall. Colors were near-accurate, and mostly 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. Its display produces a wider array of colors than on most other tested laptops.
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. You can connect common external devices such as hard drives and Blu-ray burners using USB4 for maximum performance. This laptop has a full-size HDMI port and supports DisplayPort over USB-C for connecting to an HDTV or monitor. The power supply and chassis are lighter than the average weight of a comparable laptop and power supply. At about 11.8 ft length, the power cable is longer than most others, so you can worry less about power outlet locations.
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.
