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. Graphical tasks run faster among other models with only integrated graphics.
Portability: This laptop is an excellent choice for traveling. Battery life lasted 16.5 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 18 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. In heavier loads, the battery lasted longer than expected, so you're less likely to need a charge as you run more performance intensive tasks. At 2.8 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. The power button labeling was hard to read when the laptop is off, and it was inconveniently placed, either difficult to reach or too easy to accidentally press. The touchscreen is smooth enough for fast swipes, and fingerprints clean off easily. Testers liked the sturdy build of the chassis.
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, a plus for viewing in bright indoor lighting 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 OLED display produces a wider array of colors and has better contrast than on most other tested laptops, which can help add realism to videos or slideshows. The laptop comes with X-Rite pre-installed, which allows a selection of different preset color modes.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: Laptop has a touchscreen. You can connect common external devices such as hard drives and Blu-ray burners using USB4 Gen 3x2 (40 Gbps) for maximum performance. This laptop has a full-size HDMI port and supports DisplayPort over USB-C for connecting to an HDTV or monitor. It is backed by a longer-than-typical 14-month warranty. It has a longer-than-typical 14 months of free tech support by telephone.
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. It lacks any full-sized USB-A ports, so you will need an adapter if you have accessories that require this USB type.
