How much does a laptop weigh? People carry their laptops to work, to school, and on trips, so the weight is often a concern. In fact, one of the first things people want to know is how much a laptop weighs.
Laptops tend to range from two pounds to eight pounds in weight, and they are divided into five categories by weight: Ultrabook and Chromebook, Ultraportable, Thin and Light, Desktop Replacement, and Luggables.
How Much Does A Laptop Weigh?
Understanding the differences in the five laptop categories can help you determine which laptop is the right one for your needs. In addition to weight, there are a few other differences as well. Take a look at the following:
Ultrabook and Chromebook: These laptops are actually types of laptops that use different operating systems. The Chromebook is a laptop that runs on Chrome OS. The Ultrabook is a laptop that uses Windows OS. They are both very light, weighing between two and three pounds.
Ultraportables: These laptops are made so that people can easily take them on the go, weighing between two and five pounds. This includes laptops such as the Apple Macbook Air, the HP EliteBook, the HP Spectre Folio, and the Acer Swift 7.
Thin and Light: Thin and Light laptops range in weight from three to six pounds, and they are exactly what they say. This category includes various models similar to the 13” Apple MacBook Pro, the Google Pixelbook, and the Dell XPS 15.
Desktop Replacement: These laptops are heavier, weighing around four pounds. People buy them when they want all of the performance of a desktop in a portable form. They usually have more power, and they will have a bigger battery and an extra fan to help prevent overheating. You will find the Alienware 17 R5 17 inch Gaming laptop and the MSI GP73 Leopard-209 in this group.
Luggables: These are the heaviest of the laptops, and they are uncommon. They can weigh as much as 15 pounds. These laptops are really portable desktop PCs, such as the Compaq Portable II.
Why Weight Matters
The weight of a laptop has a direct impact on its portability. If you have traveled by plane or train and brought a laptop along with you, you have probably noticed how much weight actually matters. Even if a smaller laptop lacks some of the functionality of a larger system, its portability makes it a desirable alternative.
You need to consider how much functionality you really need when traveling. It is important to understand what is included in the weight of a laptop as well. Manufacturers often list the weight of the laptop with a standard battery installed, but you may have a stronger battery, attachable media, or power adaptors, which will change how much weight you need to carry.
Having a portable laptop is meant to add convenience to your life, so the weight matters because you want to be able to carry it with you. The weight you should look for is the travel weight, as this should include any attachments that you need to bring with you when you travel.
What About the Size?
The size of a laptop is its external physical dimensions. Manufacturers will tell you the height, width, and depth of the laptop. To better understand how these dimensions are calculated, look at the following:
- Height: This is the size of the laptop from the bottom to the back of the display when the laptop is closed.
- Width: The width is measured from the left side of the keyboard across to the right.
- Depth: The depth is measured from the front of the laptop to the back.
If the laptop has external features such as an external CD drive or an oversized battery, these items may not be included in the measurement. The size is important because you will need to make sure that your laptop fits in a travel bag or in your briefcase. You should check the size of the power adaptor because you will need to bring it with you on a trip.
How Do Components Change Weight?
When a laptop needs more power, it will also need a bigger fan because the extra power produces extra heat. The bigger the fan, the heavier the laptop will be. This is the case for gaming laptops that need a lot of power. In addition, the size of the battery has an impact on the weight. If a laptop uses a lot of power, it might need a larger battery so that it will last longer.
Some companies have stopped including a CD/DVD drive in the laptops, and they can be purchased as external drives. In addition, some minimize the number of ports available. By decreasing the components, the manufacturer can produce a more lightweight computer. The benefit to this is that you can still purchase these components, but you can choose when to bring them with you.
How to Select the Best Laptop for You
The first thing you should do is determine what you want from your laptop. If you are going to use it every day, you might want a light one. You should ask yourself what functions you need. Do you need it to work cordlessly for extensive periods of time? If you are transporting it but have an outlet, you will not need a heavier, more powerful battery.
If you are using your laptop for frequent travel, you might want a more lightweight option. However, if you are using your laptop at a desk most of the day, you can use one with more power and features, and thus more weight. It really is a matter of personal preference based on your lifestyle and what you need the laptop to do for you.
Laptops have evolved tremendously, and you can find the one that is right for your needs. The key is to make sure that you understand what each laptop has to offer so that it will not be too heavy or cumbersome when you are commuting or traveling.
