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 its speed was adequate for manipulating filters on images, converting and editing videos, and rendering 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 a Very Good choice for traveling. Battery life lasted 10 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 6.25 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results could get you through a typical workday, under a workload of mixed use. At 4.7 lbs, weight was typical for a laptop of this size category.
Ergonomics: The keyboard has large keys and was comfortably sized. Its low contrast letters were difficult to read, although 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 was not as rigid than other rated laptops.
Display: The display quality was Very Good overall. Colors were in the ballpark, though not completely accurate. 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 smaller array of colors than on most other tested laptops.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: The 256GB 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 1 for maximum performance. Gigabit Ethernet provides fast transfer of data over a local network. This laptop has a full-size HDMI port 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.
