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 fast for manipulating filters on multiple images, converting and editing videos, and rendering 3D models and calculating simulations. 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 Fair choice for traveling. Battery life lasted 5 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 3.5 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results were inadequate for a typical day of mixed use, and you'll need to charge the battery more often than similar laptops. At 5.8 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 conveniently located, but its labeling was hard to read when the laptop is off.
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.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: The spacious 512GB and 1TB hard drive offer plenty of room for storing your music, photos, and movies. The 512GB 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 using USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) for maximum performance. Gigabit ethernet provides fast transfer of data over a local network. This laptop has a full-size HDMI port and a miniDP port for connecting to an HDTV or monitor. At about 12.3 ft length, the power cable is longer than most others, so you can worry less about power outlet locations.
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. The power supply and chassis are heavier than the average weight of a comparable laptop and power supply.
