Buzz
When buying a laptop, we tend to focus on specifications like CPU, GPU, RAM, SSD capacity, or the machine's design. However, there are many other factors that you should consider to ensure a satisfying purchase.
Screen Brightness
A screen is not just about its size, be it 13', 14', or 16'; it must also radiate brightness for a delightful viewing experience. A dim screen can dull colors, diminish contrast, and potentially make prolonged work sessions uncomfortable. Sometimes, you may not even realize how dim your screen is until you experience one with higher brightness. Trust me, it makes a world of difference 😁
One challenge is not every manufacturer discloses a screen's brightness, often measured in units called nits. You might need a specialized tool to measure it accurately. For instance, the XPS 13 2020 boasts an average screen brightness of 417 nits, HP Spectre x360 has 369 nits, MacBook Pro shines at 408 nits, Surface Laptop 3 reaches 348 nits, and MSI Prestige 14 clocks in at 269 nits (data sourced from LaptopMag).
The uniformity of screen brightness
The uniformity factor can significantly impact your viewing experience, especially when content is placed along the edges of the screen. Take, for instance, my 2016 LG 4K monitor; it noticeably darkens when windows or PiP videos are positioned at the periphery. Even on my MacBook Pro 16' from 2019, there's a subtle contrast between the edges and the center. Surprisingly, the 2021 MacBook Pro 16' seems to have overcome this discrepancy.Once again, uniformity isn't a feature that manufacturers readily advertise. It's challenging to encapsulate it in a single numerical value. Personally, I assess uniformity by direct observation, a method impractical for online purchases. Manufacturers might not boast about it, but the impact is evident when scrutinizing the product. Professional measuring tools or a keen eye can unveil the truth about uniformity.For an in-depth understanding of brightness uniformity, you can explore BenQ's explanation and illustrative examples on their website: brightness uniformity. They provide insights that are easy to grasp, shedding light on a topic often overlooked in the realm of display quality.
Screen Resolution
Having a large screen alone doesn't guarantee quality; it needs to be coupled with a high resolution for an optimal experience. Unless you have specific reasons not to opt for a high-resolution display (such as software incompatibility or exclusively using the laptop for gaming where high resolution isn't a priority), a resolution around 2K or 3K is generally preferable for most tasks that involve prolonged screen time.
Don't Overlook Weight
If you merely glance at the numbers, you won't fully grasp how much heavier the machine is. Take the MacBook Pro 16 2021, weighing 2.2kg for the M1 Max model, compared to the 2kg of the MacBook Pro 16 2020. However, the difference when holding the 2021 model is significant, heavier indeed, despite the gap being only 200g. In the realm of electronics, just a few dozen grams can already feel like a substantial difference, not to mention a hundred grams.Certainly, when buying a laptop for portability, who wouldn't prefer a slim and light device? So, pay close attention to the weight factor. If possible, go to a store and try carrying it to see if it suits you, and check if it feels tiring when you put it in your bag.Recently, I've been using the Fujitsu UH-X, weighing only 749g. It's unbelievably lightweight. Trust me, it's a game-changer.Exploring the Wonders of Touchpad
Some laptops boast exceptional touchpad experiences, like the Surface Laptop 3 or the more recent Fujitsu UH-X. Not all Windows laptops come with mediocre trackpads. Factors such as sensitivity, precision, surface area, and whether the touchpad is glass-covered are crucial aspects to consider. These nuances become significant, especially when a mouse is not readily available. Even with a top-notch trackpad, you might find yourself leaving behind a relatively large accessory at home.
And don't assume that using a computer necessitates an external mouse. If your laptop's trackpad is excellent, you might even forgo an external mouse, except for tasks like pinpointing small details in Photoshop or engaging in gaming adventures.
I personally prefer touchpads that are covered with glass and have a spacious surface; it just makes mouse navigation more enjoyable.
