16 best laptops

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The wide variety of the modern laptop computer market allows everyone to choose the optimal model, even for the most demanding needs. But such a wide range has a downside – the difficulty in choosing and identifying shortcomings. Today we offer you a rating review from experts, which will greatly simplify the task and help you choose the most suitable laptop at an affordable price.

Rating of the best laptops

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best inexpensive laptops – price up to 30,000 rubles	1	DELL INSPIRON 5570	35 690 RUB
	2	Acer TravelMate P2	RUB 26,991
	3	Lenovo IdeaPad 320	RUB 15 390
	4	Acer Extensa EX2540-56MP	RUB 27,990
	5	HP 250 G6	RUB 14,815
The best laptops for quality and performance	1	ASUS Vivo Book Pro 15 N580GD	RUB 72 385
	2	DELL INSPIRON 7577	RUB 62,600
	3	MSI GL62M 7REX	RUB 59,419
	4	Lenovo Legion Y520	RUB 57,625
	5	HP PAVILION POWER 15	RUB 50 631
	6	Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3	RUB 63,590
The best laptops in the premium segment	1	Apple MacBook Pro 15 with Retina display Mid 2018	RUB 176,990
	2	DELL XPS 15 9575	RUB 127,000
	3	Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5	RUB 92,000
	4	Lenovo THINKPAD X1 Carbon Ultrabook	RUB 93,900
	5	ASUS ZenBook Flip S UX370UA	RUB 79 828

The best inexpensive laptops – price up to 30,000 rubles

Let's start traditionally with the most popular and mainstream segment – the most affordable laptops. Our experts have identified five noteworthy models from the market offer, in which the relatively affordable cost does not imply too significant deterioration in performance.

All listed models are equipped with a Kensington lock slot, a slot for working with memory cards, an HDMI video interface, wireless modules Bluetooth version 4.0 and Wi-Fi, an integrated network card with RJ-45 output to a wired LAN.

DELL INSPIRON 5570

Rating: 4.8

To begin with, consider a laptop manufactured by DELL (USA). This is the most expensive model in the 'budget' group, but in absolute terms it can still be safely attributed to the category of inexpensive laptops.

With a screen size of 15.6 “the dimensions of the laptop are 380x258x19.9mm, weight – 2.02 kg. TN-matrix detailing – 1920×1080. Screen surface – matte. The keyboard is equipped with a pleasant backlight. Optionally, the screen can be a touchscreen with multi-touch support, but this choice is inevitable will affect the cost and take the laptop out of the budget category.

The potential buyer is offered a fairly wide selection of modifications of this model. You can choose the generation of the processor – from Core i3 to i7 with two or four Kaby Lake-R or Skylake-U cores and a frequency of 1.6 to 2 GHz. The 2.4 GHz DDR4 RAM can be installed from a minimum of 4 GB to a maximum of 16 GB.

An exhaustive selection of combinations of equipping a laptop with a video subsystem is available: in the minimum version it can be a standard built-in Intel HD Graphics 520, in the maximum, two cards at once – the aforementioned built-in from Intel and a dedicated Radeon 530 from AMD. The capacity of the SMA video memory of a single card is from 2 to 4 GB.

In terms of hard drives, options are also offered: a classic HDD with a capacity of up to 2 TB (5400 spindle revolutions per minute), a single solid-state SSD with a capacity of up to 256 GB, or a combination of both types of media. An optical DVD-RW drive is also included.

The set of peripheral interfaces includes one USB Gen 2.0 and two USB Gen 3.1 Gen 1 Type A. Optionally, Type-C can be installed with support for charging and video streaming (for discrete video adapters only).

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• good sound;
• efficiency and consistency of the functional modules;
• touch screen as an option;
• backlit keyboard;
• excellent autonomy;

disadvantages

• questionable cooling efficiency;
• the discrete graphics card is soldered and cannot be replaced.

Acer TravelMate P2

Rating: 4.7

The second number in the rating, our experts suggest considering a very well-proven laptop from Acer. Actually, this is even a whole series of notebooks for the mass user. We will describe the capabilities of this solution using the example of the most popular and best-selling P259-MG series.

The screen parameters here are completely analogous to the previous item – 15.6-inch diagonal, budget TN-type matrix, matte surface. The only difference is the detail options. Here you can choose from a minimum resolution of 1366×768 and a maximum resolution of 1920×1080. Laptop dimensions – 381.6x259x30.2mm, weight – 2.4 kg.

The P259-MG series offers two CPU options – dual-core (core – Skylake-U) Core i3 or i5. Frequency – 2 to 2.3 GHz. RAM-memory capacity – from 4 to 8 GB, can be upgraded to 32 GB in two slots. The allowed variations with the graphics module: integrated card in the weakest configuration and mobile dedicated GeForce 940MX from NVIDIA with 2 GB of RAM maximum.

The complete set of hard drives completely repeats the previous laptop: the choice from a non-mechanical SSD drive and a classic HDD with a capacity of up to 2 TB in various combinations. Also 'on board' there is an optical DVD-RW drive.

When connecting peripherals, one should proceed from the following technical capabilities: a set of USB ports of all three generations, VGA and HDMI video outputs.

According to user reviews, this model is characterized by a very good autonomy, which is provided by a 2800 mAh battery from 4 cells.

Advantages

• strong build;
• good autonomy;
• ergonomic trackpad;
• efficient and quiet cooling;

disadvantages

• inconvenient placement of connectors.

Lenovo IdeaPad 320

Rating: 4.6

Further in the rating of the best budget laptops, experts suggest paying attention to a laptop manufactured by the company Lenovo – this Chinese brand has long become synonymous with inexpensive, but sufficiently high-quality electronics.

The laptop measures 378 mm in length, 260 mm in width and 22.9 mm in thickness. The laptop weighs 2.2 kg.

The laptop is notable for the richest variety of available modifications. The choice begins with the most noticeable part in all respects – the screen. With a dimension of 15.6 “diagonally, the matrix detailing is possible in two versions – 1366×768 or 1920×1080. The matrix type is IPS, and this distinguishes this model from the previous two. The screen surface is matte. There is a useful option – a fingerprint scanner.

The range of processors offered is impressive – from the weakest and cheapest Celeron, mobile Pentium from Intel and E2 from AMD to the more powerful Core series starting with the i3 and ending with the most powerful i7. The frequency, accordingly, varies in a wide range – from 1.1 GHz to 2.7 GHz. An even richer selection of graphics cards – built-in HD Graphics modules of various specifications from Intel are offered, as well as a whole set of discrete AMD Radeon or NVIDIA GeForce subsystems for almost every taste and wallet, except perhaps the most expensive top-end solutions. SMA video memory capacity – from 2 to 4 GB. As for RAM memory, the choice here is not so wide – from 4 to 8 GB, and the type of memory itself is not the fastest – DDR4 at 1.6 GHz.

The configuration of hard drives is exactly the same as the two models described above: mechanical and solid state drives for 128-256 GB and 1-2 TB, respectively, in various combinations, including a pair. DVD drive is offered as an option and can be canceled.

The set of interfaces for connecting external devices is rather limited – two USB 3.0 Gen 3.0 Type A ports and one Type-C, plus an HDMI video output.

The autonomy of this model is not the brightest, but acceptable for a budget laptop – according to the manufacturer, the lithium-ion battery life is on average 5 hours.

Advantages

• the widest choice of modifications;
• unfolds 180 degrees;
• quiet cooling;
• IPS matrix (TN configurations are also available);

disadvantages

• flimsy touchpad;
• very mediocre sound.

Acer Extensa EX2540-56MP

Rating: 4.5

Now let us turn your attention to an interesting solution from another manufacturer of mostly inexpensive equipment – Acer. He found a place in the ranking due to, paradoxically, unpretentiousness and the absence of a kaleidoscope of modifications, like in previous models. The modest bundle determined the affordable price, and this laptop will suit those users who do not need high performance and do not want to understand the modifications when buying.

The diagonal screen size of this model is 15.6 inches. Detailing – 1366×768, matrix – TN, screen surface – matte. The overall dimensions of the laptop with this screen are 381.8x258x24.6mm, weight – 2.4 kg.

The only compromise processor option is offered – Core i5 from Intel on two Kaby Lake cores with a frequency of 2.5 GHz. The factory equipment with RAM implies variations only with the type of memory – DDR3L or DDR4 and its frequency – 1.6 or 2.133 GHz. The capacity is only 4 GB. You can increase the volume yourself up to 16 GB. Graphics Module – Only Integrated HD Graphics 620 from Intel

The factory equipment with hard drives is minimal – one traditional 500 GB mechanical media. Inside the case, space and connectors are allocated for the upgrade, so if you wish, you can add a solid state drive to the device. No optical drive installed.

The set of peripheral connectors is also quite modest, like everything else – in addition to the HDMI video output, which is 'mandatory' for this group, there are two more USB ports of generation 2.0 and one USB 3.0.

The battery capacity and power parameters are 3220 mAh and 48 Wh, respectively. The battery itself consists of four cells, the principle is lithium-ion or lithium-polymer. The autonomy declared by the manufacturer is about 6.5 hours.

Advantages

• upgradeability;
• high-quality heat removal;
• good battery;

disadvantages

• weak ergonomics of keys and touchpad.

HP 250 G6

Rating: 4.4

And in conclusion of the rating of the best laptops from the most inexpensive, let us consider a model that our experts could not ignore due to the record affordable cost against the background of quite impressive characteristics and a wealth of choice of modifications.

Screen parameters are similar to almost all previous solutions – diagonal size 15.6 “, detailing – 1366×768 or 1920×1080, matte surface. Case dimensions – 380 mm in length, 253.8 mm in width, thickness – 23.8 mm. Laptop weighs 1.86 kg.

In terms of the richness of the choice of modifications, this laptop is very similar to the above model from Lenovo. So, here we offer exactly the same set of processors (except for E2 from AMD) on 2-4 cores of various generations and specifications and frequencies from 1.1 to 2.7 GHz. The factory-installed RAM capacity is 4 or 8 GB, and in terms of speed, variations from 1.6 to 2.4 GHz are possible. The system has a TPM 2.0 cryptographic chip.

The set of possible options for the graphics module is very wide, and the emphasis is on the integrated HD (UHD) Graphics from Intel series from 400 to 620 (605 for UHD). A complete set of a stand-alone card is also possible – Radeon R5 M430 or Radeon 520 from AMD with SMA or GDDR memory with a capacity of 2 GB. Only one card can be active.

The configuration of hard drives allows the installation of a traditional HDD (capacity – up to 1 TB, spindle rotation 5400 rpm), non-mechanical SSD (up to 256 GB), or both. Mechanical connects via Serial ATA, solid-state via M.2. An internal optical DVD-RW drive is offered as a voluntary option.

Peripherals can be connected to a laptop via a single USB 2.0 interface, not counting the VGA and HDMI video outputs. There are also two USB Gen 3.1 (Gen 1) Type A.

The lithium-ion battery can be composed of three or four cells with a total capacity of 31 to 41 Wh.

Advantages

• wide range of modifications;
• the most affordable price;
• there is a TPM 2.0 cryptochip;
• relatively low weight;
• good autonomy;

disadvantages

• noisy cooling;
• few USB connectors.

The best laptops in terms of quality and performance – price up to 50,000 rubles

Next, we propose to consider a set of laptop models, the performance of which is sufficient to solve more serious problems than the previous group of devices. Experts included in the rating six laptops from different manufacturers, which meet high requirements for performance and quality, but at the same time do not exceed 50 thousand rubles in price.

All of the following models are equipped with the following interfaces: wireless – Wi-Fi radio module, Bluetooth, HDMI video output. Additional interfaces are described individually for each model. Also, each laptop has a Kensington lock slot and a slot for reading memory cards.

ASUS Vivo Book Pro 15 N580GD

Rating: 4.9

This group is opened by a powerful and bright laptop of the super popular ASUS trademark. Even in the smallest configuration offered by the manufacturer, the laptop demonstrates impressive capabilities. And besides, this is the only laptop in the group with a 4K screen. Its performance is sufficient for comfortable work with resource-intensive graphics.

The dimensions of this model are 380x256x20.5mm, the diagonal screen size is 15.6 “. The total weight of the laptop is only 1.99 kg. Image detail is IPS-matrix – 3840×2160. The screen has a matte outer surface. An important advantage is a strong aluminum case. The keyboard is equipped with a high-quality three-level backlight.

The configurations offered by the manufacturer are based on two versions of powerful processors – 4-core Core i5 or 6-core Core i7 from Intel with Coffee Lake (H) cores with a frequency of 2.2 to 2.3 GHz. The factory equipment with RAM is quite impressive – a minimum of 8 GB and a maximum of 16 GB (the upper limit of what is possible). The video module is exclusively discrete and full-fledged (not mobile, without restrictions) GeForce GTX 1050 from NVIDIA with 4 GB video memory.

Like the maximum equipping with RAM, the developers did not skimp on the standard set of hard drives. So, in this case, a configuration is proposed immediately with a 'tandem' of classical and solid-state carriers. The first with a capacity of up to 1 TB, the second up to 256 GB. A mechanical HDD, however, is not the fastest (5400 spindle revolutions per minute), but this disadvantage is more than offset by all the advantages of the second SSD media. There is no optical DVD drive in this version.

Peripheral devices are connected via two USB Gen 2.0 ports or one optional USB 3.0. A fingerprint scanner is used for strict authorization.

In general, this laptop is good for almost everyone, and the only distinct flaw is a rather weak 47 Wh battery, which is clearly not enough to ensure long autonomy of such powerful electronics.

Advantages

• 4K screen;
• increased resistance to external mechanical stress;
• rich keyboard backlighting;
• high quality sound;
• metal case;
• powerful electronics even in the smallest configuration;

disadvantages

• large and heavy power supply;
• insufficient battery capacity.

DELL INSPIRON 7577

Rating: 4.8

Next in our rating is a productive laptop from the American company DELL. There is no clearly pronounced emphasis on this or that functionality, but in general, quite high performance in all key indicators.

The diagonal dimension of the screen is exactly 15 inches, the matrix is ​​IPS with excellent viewing angles. Matrix detail – 1920×1080. The outer surface of the screen is matte. The robust metal case measures 389 mm long, 274.7 mm wide, and 24.95 mm thick. The laptop weighs 2.65 kg. Features a full-size backlit keyboard (optional) and waterproof properties.

Similar to the previous model, it offers a choice of powerful Core i5 or i7 processors with four Kaby Lake-H cores. As for the frequency, in this case it is even slightly higher than that of the above-described ASUS solution – from 2.5 to 2.8 GHz. Likewise, an impressive amount of RAM is offered already in the factory configuration – from 4 to 16 GB, but the possibilities for an upgrade are twice as wide – up to 32 GB. In addition to the standard integrated graphics card, the laptop is equipped with a dedicated video module manufactured by NVIDIA – it can be a GeForce GTX 1050, 1050 Ti or 1060 with a memory capacity of 2 to 6 GB. Only one video card can be active.

The developers approached the configuration of hard drives quite interesting and more than reasonable. So, the user's choice is offered as many as four combinations of a mechanical hard drive with a capacity of up to 1 TB, a non-mechanical SSD with a capacity of 128 to 256 GB and another solid-state one with a modest volume of 8 GB, which is supposed to be used strictly for cache. Solid-state drives in combination with HDD fully compensate for the 'sluggishness' of the latter (spindle speed – 5400 rpm). There is no optical DVD drive in this model.

For peripherals, there are three USB 3.1 Type-A connectors and one Thunderbolt 3. The capacity of a four-cell lithium-ion battery is 56 Wh.

Advantages

• powerful performance;
• compact SSD for cache;
• backlit waterproof keyboard;
• easy access inside for an upgrade;
• efficient and quiet cooling;
• attractive appearance;
• high-quality assembly;

disadvantages

• quite massive and dimensional.

MSI GL62M 7REX

Rating: 4.7

Continues the ranking of the best laptops from the laptop manufactured by the Taiwanese company MSI. The model is in some respects similar to the previous one from DELL, and in others it has both noticeable advantages and disadvantages.

Diagonal screen size – 15.6 “. Matrix – TN with a detail of 1920×1080. As an option, it is possible to install an IPS matrix with better viewing angles than TN and much more adequate color reproduction. Laptop dimensions – 383 mm long, 260 mm wide, thickness – 29 mm Laptop weight – 2.2 kg.

As in the case of DELL INSPIRON 7577, the manufacturer offers two variants of the central processor – Core i5 or i7 with four Kaby Lake-H cores and frequencies from 2.5 to 2.8 GHz. The minimum factory configuration with RAM is 8 GB, the maximum is 16 GB. The upper limit of retrofitting is 32 GB (two slots). There is a standard integrated video card, to which a dedicated GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 4 GB GDDR5 memory is included.

The developers have been quite generous in equipping the laptop with hard drives. So, it is possible to choose from a mechanical capacity of up to 1 TB, solid-state 128 GB, or a pair of them. An important difference from the model above is that the SSD is connected via a high-speed M.2 interface, which adds significantly to the performance.

The set of interfaces for peripherals is as follows: one USB version 2.0 port, two USB 3.0 Type A ports, one USB 3.0 Type-C, Mini DisplayPort, S / PDIF digital audio output.

The battery consists of six cells with a total power / capacity of 41 Wh.

Advantages

• keyboard backlight;
• gaming opportunities;
• metal body, stylish design;
• high-quality cooling;
• fast interface for SSD-drive;

disadvantages

• low autonomy.

Lenovo Legion Y520

Rating: 4.7

Now let's look at a laptop manufactured Lenovo, which, without exaggeration, can be considered special in this rating group. Namely because this is a gaming laptop, and this is emphasized already in its special design – an expressive, slightly aggressive appearance, a black carbon-like case with red artifacts and a predatory reddish keyboard backlighting.

The dimensions of the model's case are 380 × 265 × 25.8mm, weight – 2.4 kg. The diagonal dimension of the screen is 15.6 '', a high-quality IPS-matrix with a detail of 1920 × 1080 is installed. The keyboard backlight is two-level.

As in the previous examples, there are two options for choosing a processor – Core i5 or i7 on Kaby Lake-H cores with a frequency of 2.5 to 2.8 GHz. The factory default RAM configuration is 4 to 16 (the upper physical limit for this model) GB. Modifications also provide a choice of video subsystem. It can be a Radeon Pro 560 or RX 560 graphics card from the RX 560, or three options from NVIDIA – GeForce GTX 1050, 1050 Ti or 1060.

The standard equipment includes a 'tandem' hard drives at once – a classic HDD with a capacity of 1-2 TB and a non-mechanical SSD with a capacity of 128 to 512 GB with a connection via a high-speed PCI Express interface. The mechanical drive is not the fastest (5400 spindle rpm), but the presence of an SSD completely eliminates this moment.

The peripheral capabilities of the laptop are quite ascetic. In addition to the 'required' interfaces, there are four other USB ports of different generations and specifications. The battery is composed of three cells, the total power / capacity is 45 Wh.

Advantages

• gaming laptop;
• stylish design with backlit keys;
• effective cooling;
• solid assembly, quality materials;

disadvantages

• lid wobble when typing or playing; mar
• easily soiled surface of the case.

HP PAVILION POWER 15

Rating: 4.7

Another laptop that experts included in the rating is a high-performance solution from Hewlett-Packard. Like almost all previous models, even minimal modifications here have more than decent characteristics.

The screen size is similar to all the above-described models in the group – 15.6 “, the matrix is ​​IPS with a detail of 1920×1080. The outer surface of the screen is matte. The dimensions of the case are 378×252.2×24.1, the weight of the device is 2.21 kg. A pleasant keyboard backlight adds expressiveness.

The processor can be selected from two performance options – Core i5 / i7 with four Kaby Lake-H cores and frequencies from 2.5 to 2.8 GHz. The factory equipment with RAM allows variations with a frequency – from 2.133 to 2.4 GHz and a capacity – from 4 to 16 GB. High starting performance of the video subsystem – only discrete GeForce GTX 1050 (or 1050 Ti) cards from NVIDIA with 2 or 4 GB RAM.

A slightly wider choice of hard disk equipment is offered. So, unlike previous models, you can initially install a faster mechanical HDD (7200 spindle revolutions per minute). In addition to it comes a non-mechanical SSD with a capacity of 128-256 GB. No optical DVD drive available.

The interfaces are represented by a set of USB ports of generation 3.1 of different specifications, including one with support for 5 Gbps and Sleep and Charge technology. The rest of the interfaces are listed above in the description of the model group.

The battery deserves a separate note with its relatively outstanding capacity – 70 Wh. It provides a nominal 11.4 hours of battery life and an average full charge of 1.5 hours.

Advantages

• powerful electronics;
• productive video;
• increased reliability based on user reviews;
• impressive autonomy;

disadvantages

• noisy cooling.

Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3

Rating: 4.

Closing this part of our rating is a laptop from a Chinese company Xiaomi, which is better known for its very good smartphones. This model clearly stands out against the background of the neighboring five laptops with its exceptional compactness and lightness with completely comparable technical characteristics.

Let's pay attention to the laptop weight – only 1.3 kg and dimensions – 309.6×210.9×14.8mm. Metal body with an elegant minimalist design reminiscent of laptops Apple. With such a compact size, the screen size is inevitably smaller than that of the neighboring examples – 13.3 inches diagonally. High-quality IPS-matrix with 1920×1080 detail.

The number of modifications of this model is offered only a few and they differ minimally. Processor – Core i5 / i7 from Intel with Kaby Lake cores and 2.5 or 2.7 GHz. Standard RAM memory with a capacity of 8 GB. The video card is only a separate mobile GeForce MX150 from NVIDIA with 2 GB of memory. Hard drive – Solid state SSD only, with a capacity of 128 to 256 GB.

To connect external devices, the laptop has USB Gen 3.0 Type A connectors (2 pcs.) And one USB Type-C interface. There is a fingerprint scanner for strict authorization.

The device is equipped with a 40 Wh battery, which provides an average of 9.5 hours of autonomous operation.

Advantages

• expressive color rendering;
• pleasant keyboard stroke, backlight;
• very good sound;
• metal case;
• high-quality assembly;

disadvantages

• does not read flash cards.

The best laptops in the premium segment

And the final group of devices in our roundup of the best laptops from – these are powerful top-end premium laptops.

Apple MacBook Pro 15 with Retina display Mid 2018

Rating: 4.9

Let's start with a laptop, the manufacturer of which does not require any special introduction – this is the legendary one Apple. The mid-2018 model is quite expected and logical in a number of parameters gives odds to the previous versions.

The diagonal dimension of the laptop screen is 15.4 inches, the built-in outstanding quality IPS-matrix Retina True Tone with image detailing 2880×1800. The surface of the screen is matte. All this is enclosed in an aluminum case with dimensions of 349.3×240.7×15.5mm, which is typical for Apple laptops. The device weighs 1.83 kg.

The system is based on a powerful Core i7 processor from Intel on six Coffee Lake cores with a frequency of 2.6 GHz. The manufacturer does not compromise with RAM either, but installs 16 GB at once. As for the video subsystem, there are already variations between the built-in module Intel UHD Graphics 630 and discrete Radeon Pro 560, 555X and 560X cards from AMD with 4 GB memory.

As for hard drives, the developers offer an uncontested, but worthy option – the only solid-state SSD with a capacity of 512 GB. No optical drive installed.

The nominal battery life, according to the manufacturer, is 10 hours. Such autonomy is beyond doubt due to the more than decent power / capacity of the lithium-polymer battery – 83.6 Wh.

Useful and often needed options: fingerprint scanner, Touch Bar, keyboard backlight.

Advantages

• prestigious brand;
• high liquidity when switching to a newer model;
• stylish laconic design;
• metal case;
• reliability and continuity;
• excellent color rendering of the matrix;
• capacious battery;

disadvantages

• the Apple lack of interfaces.

DELL XPS 15 9575

Rating: 4.9

Continues the premium rating of the best laptops from a special model from DELL in every respect. Even a quick glance is enough to appreciate the elegant, thin, airy design of the laptop with a super-thin screen bezel and understand that the 'stuffing' will not disappoint in the least.

The screen of this model is larger than that of the above Apple – 15.6 “, the detailing of the IPS-matrix is ​​offered in two versions – 1920×1080 or 3840×2160. In addition to the outstanding resolution, the screen is not simple, but a multi-touch touchscreen Device dimensions: 354 mm long, 235 mm wide, thickness – 16 mm The laptop weighs 2 kg exactly. The case is metal, the keyboard is equipped with a pleasant backlight. For strict authorization, a fingerprint scanner is installed, and a slot for a Kensington lock to prevent theft .

The system is powered by a powerful Core i7 processor with four Kaby Lake-G cores and a frequency of 3.1 GHz. Equipped with RAM-memory – from 8 to 16 GB. The video module can be standard built-in, or a discrete Radeon RX Vega M GL with a memory capacity of 4 GB.

Like the above model from Apple, only one hard drive is installed – a solid-state SSD with a capacity of 512 GB. There is no optical drive, but there is a card reader.

The set of interfaces is quite limited – one USB 3.1 Type-C connector and two Thunderbolt 3 interfaces. The capacity / power of the lithium-ion battery is quite decent – 75 Wh.

Advantages

• extremely elegant 'expensive' design;
• flawless assembly;
• high-quality and pleasant to the touch case materials;
• support for stylus for drawing Wacom;
• 4K resolution (optional);
• powerful processor;
• capacious battery;

disadvantages

• extremely limited set of interfaces.

Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5

Rating: 4.8

Next in the ranking of premium laptops comes the real pride of the company Microsoft – Surface Book. I must say right away that this is not even quite a laptop, but something more – a transformer, in which the screen can be easily detached from the base, turning into a tablet. This is what determined some of the unusual parameters of the device.

So, with a diagonal screen dimension of 13.5 “, the detail is 3000×2000 and the screen, respectively, is not widescreen. Being a tablet at the same time, the screen has touch control with multi-touch support. When assembled, the dimensions of the gadget are 312 mm in length, 232 mm in width, thickness – 23 mm Laptop weighs 1.53 kg Metal case, design is extremely laconic, reminiscent of products Apple Front webcam has a relatively high resolution – 5 megapixels There is also a rear camera 8 megapixels The keyboard is backlit.

This model has several modifications that allow variations with key modules. So, you can choose a Core i5 or i7 processor with two or four Kaby Lake cores and frequencies from 1.9 to 2.6 GHz. RAM memory – from 8 to 16 GB. In the minimum configuration, the integrated HD Graphics 620 card from Intel can serve as a graphics module; in a more advanced version, a stand-alone GeForce GTX 1050 from NVIDIA with 2 GB memory is installed. Only one card can be active.

The hard drive is only offered with solid state SSD in capacities ranging from 128GB to 1TB. There is no optical drive, but there is a card reader.

As for the interfaces for peripherals, the situation is as follows: there are two USB type-A connectors of generation 3.1 Gen 1, one USB type-C connector, two Surface Connect interfaces, TPM 2.0 is supported.

The autonomy declared by the manufacturer is about 17 hours. According to user reviews, the real indicator is several hours lower.

Advantages

• transformer;
• unlocking by face scan, including in complete darkness due to the IR camera;
• metal case;
• high definition front camera;
• speed of work;
• high image quality;

disadvantages

• the declared autonomy is greatly overestimated in comparison with the real one.

Lenovo THINKPAD X1 Carbon Ultrabook

Rating: 4.8

The penultimate item in the ranking of the best laptops from the review is a very remarkable production ultrabook Lenovo. Actually, this is even a whole line, but we will consider the most demanded and sold series.

Ultrabook dimensions are 323.5 mm in length, 217.1 mm in width, thickness – 15.95 mm, weight – 1.39 kg. Equipped with a fingerprint reader and a Kensington lock slot. In addition to the touchpad, the PointStick serves as a positioning device.

The screen measures 14 inches diagonally. The image detail of the IPS matrix allows you to choose between the cheaper 1920×1080 and the more expensive 2560×1440. The surface of the screen is matte.

It implies the installation of one of two processor options – Core i5 or i7 on two Kaby Lake (U) cores with a frequency of 2.5 to 2.8 GHz. RAM-memory of LPDDR3 type with a frequency of 1866 MHz can be installed in the minimum version of 8 GB or in the maximum – 16 GB (it is the upper physical limit for this series). Video subsystem – only integrated Intel HD Graphics 620.

The hard drive is offered in the same way as the previous model – only a solid-state SSD with a capacity of up to 1 TB. No optical DVD drive. There is a card reader.

The situation with interfaces is slightly better than that of most of the neighboring laptops in the group. Thus, in addition to two USB 3.0 Type A ports, there is also an HDMI video interface and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. The LTE module is also noteworthy.

The lithium-ion battery of three cells with a total capacity / power of 57 Wh provides an autonomy of up to 15.5 hours.

The Ultrabook comes with a Mini Ethernet-Ethernet adapter.

Advantages

• thin and lightweight;
• high matrix resolution (optional) and image quality;
• high performance;
• effective cooling;
• quiet work;

disadvantages

• combined slot for memory card and LTE SIM card;
• The RAM memory is unsoldered and cannot be upgraded.

ASUS ZenBook Flip S UX370UA

Rating: 4.8

And at the end of the rating, let's take a look at the model, without which any review of premium laptops would look incomplete. This is a compact ZenBook Flip ultrabook from ASUS UX370UA series. The device weighs only 1.1 kg. This is the thinnest and lightest model in our entire review, and compared to its premium laptops, it is also the most affordable.

The diagonal dimension of the screen is almost the same as that of Microsoft Surface – 13.3 “. Detailing of the high-quality matrix is ​​offered in two versions – 1920×1080 and 3840×2160. With such a modest screen size, the 4K matrix deserves genuine respect. Touch screen with multi- support touch. Metal case with dimensions 313x218x10.9mm. There is a fingerprint scanner. The package includes a stylus-pen.

The Ultrabook is equipped with a choice of Core i5 or i7 processor. The number of Kaby Lake cores is from 2 to 4 with a frequency of 1.6 to 2.7 GHz. RAM-memory of the LPDDR3 type with a frequency of 2133 MHz is installed in a volume of 8 to 16 GB. Video subsystem only integrated HD (UHD) Graphics 620 from Intel.

Hard Drive – SSD only up to 1TB capacity. No card reader or optical drive is provided.

The peripheral interface kit includes two USB Type-C ports. The lithium polymer battery of two cells with a total power / capacity of 39 Wh provides a nominal autonomous operation of up to 11.5 hours.

Advantages

• The thinnest and lightest ultrabook in the review;
• the most affordable price in the premium group;
• physical flexibility – more than 180 degree opening on strong hinges;
• extremely attractive appearance;
• high-quality picture;

disadvantages

• limited set of interfaces.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.