Brightness
The maximum brightness that a laptop screen can provide.
The brighter the ambient light, the brighter the laptop screen should be, otherwise the image on it may be difficult to read. And vice versa: in dim ambient light, high brightness is unnecessary — it greatly burdens the eyes (however, in this case, modern laptops provide brightness control). Thus, the higher this indicator, the more versatile the screen is, the wider the range of conditions in which it can be effectively used. The downside of these benefits is an increase in price and energy consumption.
As for specific values, many modern laptops have a brightness of
250 – 300 nt and even
lower. This is quite enough for working under artificial lighting of medium intensity, but in bright natural light, visibility may already be a problem. For use in sunny weather (especially outdoors), it is desirable to have a brightness margin of at least
300 – 350 nt. And in the most advanced models, this parameter can be
350 – 400 nt and even
more.
Contrast
The contrast of the screen installed in the laptop.
Contrast is the largest difference in brightness between the lightest white and darkest black that can be achieved on a single screen. It is written as a fraction, for example, 560:1; while the larger the first number, the higher the contrast, the more advanced the screen is and the better the image quality can be achieved on it. This is especially noticeable with large differences in brightness within a single frame: with low contrast, individual details located in the darkest or brightest parts of the picture may be lost, increasing the contrast allows you to eliminate this phenomenon to a certain extent. The flip side of these benefits is an increase in cost.
Separately, we emphasize that in this case only static contrast is indicated — the difference provided within one frame in normal operation, at constant brightness and without the use of special technologies. For advertising purposes, some manufacturers may also provide data on the so-called dynamic contrast — it can be measured in very impressive numbers (seven-digit or more). However, you should focus primarily on static contrast — this is the basic characteristic of any display.
As for specific values, even in the most advanced screens, this indicator does not exceed 2000: 1. But in general, modern laptops have a rather low contrast ratio — it is assumed that for tasks that require more advanced image characteristics, it is more...reasonable to use an external screen (monitor or TV).
RAM type
Laptops mainly use different variants of DDR (so-called double data transfer memory). Here is a list of common types of such memory:
— DDR3. Third generation DDR RAM. Outperforms outdated DDR2 in terms of speed and power efficiency. However, it is also outdated against the background of the fourth version and new items - DDR5.
— DDR3L. A modification of DDR3 memory that supports operation at a reduced voltage - 1.35 V instead of 1.5 V (Low Voltage - hence the index L). Lower voltage contributes to both lower power consumption and better performance. Note that conventional DDR3 memory cannot be installed in such a slot, while the reverse option is quite possible.
—
DDR4. A memory standard released in 2014. Introduced further improvements in speed (up to 25.6 GB / s in the future) and energy efficiency. The most popular among laptops of recent years of release.
—
DDR5. The procession of the fifth generation of the DDR standard began at the turn of 2020-2021. It provides for approximately a twofold increase in memory subsystem performance and increased bandwidth compared to DDR4. Instead of a single 64-bit data channel, DDR5 uses a pair of independent 32-bit channels that work with 16-byte packets and allow 64 bytes of information to be delivered per clock on each channel. New memory modules require a voltage of 1.1 V, and the maximum volume of one DDR5 bar can rea
...ch an impressive 128 GB.
It is worth noting that different types of RAM are not interchangeable.
Some laptops have LPDDR4, LPDDR4X, LPDDR5, LPDDR5X RAM. It was developed by a specialist for mobile devices and is non-expandable, since the corresponding memory modules are built directly into the motherboard. The use of "RAM" standards LPDDR is determined by the achievement of an optimal balance between the performance of the laptop, its size and battery life.In box
Additional items included with the laptop.
—
Stylus. Dedicated touch screen pen (see above); respectively, found only in laptops with this feature. The stylus is more accurate than a finger, which can be indispensable for some tasks, such as drawing and signing documents electronically (on the screen).
—
Docking station. An additional accessory in the form of a characteristic stand designed to expand the capabilities of the laptop. For more details, see "Connecting the docking station", here we note that such a "stand" is not necessarily supplied in the kit, so this point is specified separately. The only exceptions are 2-in-1 laptops (see "Type") — the removable lower part of such a device, where the keyboard is located, in this case is also considered a docking station, and it is included in the package by definition.
—
Backpack / bag / case. Includes one of the following accessories. Which option is included in the kit should be clarified separately, however, all such accessories provide additional convenience in carrying, protection from dirt, damage and prying eyes, and may also provide space for additional accessories (mouse, external HDD, etc.). In general, bags are the most popular option — they are relatively inexpensive and at the same time practical, the bag can be used when traveling around the city, and even on a long trip. Backp
...acks are less common: they are more voluminous, functional and comfortable for long-term wear, but they are also more expensive. The covers are as simple as possible, they are designed mainly for transportation in a car or in a bag with other things, as well as for carrying over short distances (for example, within the same office complex).
— Mouse. Classic computer mouse, without which it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to work in most modern operating systems. However you can use a touchpad or trackpoint for the same purposes (see "Manipulator"), however, such devices are still less convenient and functional than a traditional mouse.
— Adapters. Various adapters (adapters) for connecting devices using a different type of plug to laptop ports. Adapters from USB-C to other standards are especially popular nowadays — the USB-C connector is very versatile and can be used for different types of data, and manufacturers often refuse more specialized connectors to save space. Thus, modern laptops can be equipped, in particular, with adapters from USB-C to an audio jack (usually 3.5 mm mini-Jack — for connecting headphones and computer speakers), to HDMI (for connecting external screens) and to USB A (for peripherals with full-size USB plugs). Of the other types of adapters found in the kit, USB A — LAN can be noted: the standard LAN connector is rather bulky, and it is difficult to use it in thin cases.Material
The main material from which the laptop case is made.
Modern laptops can use materials such as plastic (mostly
matte plastic),
aluminium,
magnesium alloy,
carbon fibre, and even glass. These materials are found both individually and in various combinations; the most common case is
aluminium with plastic, but more specific combinations exist. Here is a more detailed description of the most relevant options:
— Matte plastic. Plastic with a matte (not shiny) surface is one of the most popular materials for laptop cases today. This is due, on the one hand, to low cost, on the other hand, to good practical characteristics. So, such a case can be given any colour and any pattern can be applied to it. The strength of plastic is lower than that of metals or carbon fibre, but it is usually more than enough for everyday use. And the light weight is not only an advantage in itself — it also allows you to make the walls of the case thick enough; as a result, plastic cases are often found even among shockproof models. As for the matte surface specifically, it itself looks dimmer than the glossy one, but it is not so prone to pollution. In particular, fingerprints and palm marks are practically invisible on it; and the scratches that plastic is subject to do not stand out as clearly as on gloss. A bright a
...ppearance of the device can be given due to other design solutions — for example, keyboard backlighting (see above).
— Aluminium. From a practical point of view, aluminium alloys combine lightness and high strength; in addition, the metal conducts heat well, which improves the efficiency of cooling systems. Most of these cases have a characteristic grey tint, which looks quite stylish even without special coloring; and in some models, aluminium can additionally be given one or another colour. The main disadvantage of this material is a higher cost than plastic; as a result, it is used mainly in devices of the middle and top classes.
— Magnesium alloy. Such alloys surpass even the aluminium described above in strength, while they have a relatively small weight and excellent heat dissipation. However, this material is not cheap. Therefore, it is used quite rarely, and in its pure form — even less often; combinations of magnesium alloy with other, usually more affordable materials are more popular (see below for more details).
– Aluminium / plastic. Combination of plastic and aluminium elements in one housing. Usually, parts subjected to the greatest loads are made of metal, and the rest of the structure is made of plastic. These materials are described in more detail above, and their combination allows you to combine the advantages and partially compensate for the disadvantages. In particular, such combined cases are cheaper than all-metal ones and at the same time more reliable than plastic ones; in addition, they are easier to give a bright appearance than products made of aluminium or magnesium. This combination can be found even among relatively inexpensive laptops, although most metal-plastic models still belong to more advanced categories.
— Carbon fibre. Also known as "carbon". Usually, it is used in the form of a composite — a carbon fibre base is complemented by a plastic filler. Carbon belongs to the premium class materials: it is characterized by very high strength and at the same time low weight. A dark colour and a characteristic pattern on the surface give such cases a stylish appearance. However, carbon fibre is very expensive — much more expensive than even aluminium and magnesium, not to mention plastic. Therefore, such cases are a characteristic feature of top segment laptops. Also note that carbon does not tolerate point impacts; thus, and also to reduce cost, it is often used in combination with metals (see below for more details).
– Aluminium / magnesium alloy. Cases combining two types of metals. Usually, the main part of such a case is made of aluminium, and the individual, most important parts are made of magnesium. This allows some cost and weight savings compared to pure magnesium alloy cases, while at the same time providing greater strength and reliability than aluminium. A rarer and more specific variant is the 2-in-1 devices (see "Type"), where the top half is made of lighter aluminium (for easy portability) and the bottom half is made of durable magnesium.
– Aluminium / carbon fibre. Cases that combine elements of aluminium and carbon fibre. The specific set of parts from both materials can be different, but the upper side of the lower half of the device (where the touchpad and keyboard are) are most often made of carbon fibre. Such a surface not only looks good, but often also turns out to be more pleasant to the touch than aluminium. As for the general features, the combination of aluminium and carbon fibre can be used both for design reasons and for practical purposes — in order to compensate for the sensitivity of carbon to point impacts. In the latter case, the body elements that are most prone to such “troubles” are made of aluminium. In addition, replacing part of the carbon fibre with metal reduces the overall cost somewhat (but increases the weight).
— Magnesium alloy / carbon fibre. A combination similar to the aluminium with carbon described above, adjusted for the characteristics of magnesium alloys. Recall that such alloys, on the one hand, are stronger and more reliable than aluminium, on the other hand, they are somewhat heavier and more expensive. See also above for more details on the properties of carbon fibre. In general, this is a noticeably rarer option than aluminium + carbon: such cases are more expensive, while they have almost no significant advantages.
– Aluminium / glass. Quite a rare and even exotic option; in fact — the only case when glass is used as a material for laptop cases. It is found in certain premium-class models, including fashion ones. The aluminium case (see above) in such models is complemented by an overlay made of special high-strength glass — usually on the outer part of the lid, on the opposite side of the screen. Such glass resists scratches even better than a metal surface, and it further enhances the appearance. However, the practical advantages of such a combination, in fact, are limited to this, so that it is used mainly as an original design move.Weight
The total weight of the laptop — the device itself, without additional accessories (wires and power supply, mice, bags, etc.). For 2 in 1 models (see "Type"), the weight is indicated when assembled, with a keyboard connected.
Nowadays, models weighing
less than 1 kg are found even among fairly large devices — 14 – 15 ", not to mention smaller solutions. Laptops weighing
1 – 1.4 kg are also considered very light,
1.4 – 1.7 kg — light, weight
from 1.7 to 2.1 kg(more precisely, even up to 2.5 kg) can be called average,
up to 3.5 kg — more than average, and a mass of
more than 3.5 kg means that this is an advanced gaming or multimedia laptop designed primarily for power, not portability.
It is also worth remembering that when assessing the weight, the diagonal (size) of the device must also be taken into account. For example, 1.7 kg for a 13" laptop is a lot, and a 17" model can be considered very light if its weight does not reach 2.1 kg.
