Understanding Laptop Size and Weight

Laptops have become quite a common gadget to have nowadays. All the cool people seem to travel and go out with their laptops always on hand. If you are planning to buy a laptop of your own, then you should know that there are different types of laptops now available in different sizes and weights.

Here is a guide that will help you understand laptop size and weight specifications and help you if ever you plan to buy one.

When talking about laptop size, it usually refers to the external physical dimensions. This usually refers only to the laptop itself and not the other accessories that come with it but may also be required when being used.

When choosing laptop sizes, the required accessories of the laptop should also be taken into consideration aside from its physical dimensions. Laptops are designed to be portable, added accessories may lessen its portability.

When the laptop size may determine its level of portability, it should not be the only thing to be considered. The weight of the laptop should also be made part of the decision making when choosing a ideal laptop. Since laptops were designed to be carried around, weight becomes an important issue especially if the laptop is a requirement for daily travel.  

Weight specifications of laptops can be tricky from one manufacturer to another. Some laptops have weight specifications that include only its installed batteries. Many laptop manufacturers fail to mention the weight of the laptop power adapters which can easily add up from one to three pounds to a laptops total weight.

When buying a laptop, try to inquire about the traveling weight of a certain model. This would usually include all the other accessories needed by the laptop for portable use. This would provide you with a more accurate assessment of its actual weight.

Most portable laptops today have been categorized according to their weight and size. Since many laptop buyers look into physical specifications first and foremost when buying one, laptop types have been essentially categorized as the following:

Luggable- laptops with sizes that ranges greater than 18 inches in length, 13 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick. Luggable weigh more than 12 lbs on average.

Desktop Replacement Laptops- these are laptops that range in size greater than 15 inches long, 11 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick. These types of laptops also weight greater than 7 lbs.

Thin and Light Laptops- these are laptops that range from 11-14 inches long, less than 11 inches wide and from1-1.6 inches thick. These laptops also average from 5 to 7 lbs in weight.

Ultraportable Laptops- these laptops average 9 to 11 inches long, 8 to 10 inches wide and about 1.3 inches thick. Ultraportable weigh from 2 to 4 lbs on average.

Subnotebooks- the smallest laptop category, subnotebooks average less than 9 inches in length, 7 inches wide and 1.3 inches thick. Subnotebooks also average less than 2.5 lbs in weight