Yearender | How laptops have evolved in 2023: Thinner, lighter, and more versatile

Laptops have always been a popular choice for people who need a portable and powerful device for work, education, or entertainment. However, in recent years, laptops have faced stiff competition from smartphones and tablets, which offer more mobility, convenience, and connectivity. To keep up with the changing demands of consumers, laptop manufacturers — especially this year — have introduced several innovations and improvements in their products, making them thinner, lighter, and more versatile than ever before.

One of the most noticeable trends in laptop design in 2023 is the reduction of weight and thickness. According to a report by IDC, the average weight of laptops sold in India in 2023 was 1.6 kg, down from 1.8 kg in 2022. Similarly, the average thickness of laptops was 18.5 mm, compared to 20.2 mm in 2022. This makes laptops easier to carry around and fit in bags or backpacks.

Some examples of thin and light laptops are the HP Spectre 14-Ef0075tu X360, which weighs 1.34 kg and is 16.9 mm thick; the Apple M3 Macbook Pro, which weighs 1.58 kg and is 15.5 mm thick; and the ASUS Vivobook 14X, which weighs 1.4 kg and is 16.8 mm thick.

However, some of my favourite thin, light, portable and powerful laptops are these:

A diminutive yet powerful gaming laptop, the ROG Flow X13 is the smallest yet in ASUS' ROG lineup. The Flow X13 measures less than 12x9 inches, weighs 1.30 kg, and sports a 13.4-inch QHD screen, with incredibly powerful internals and an impressive battery life.

HP Dragonfly G4: HP's Dragonfly G4 laptop is a high-end, compact, and powerful machine with excellent hardware, including a 13th-gen Intel i7, 32 GB RAM, and 1 TB storage. It's pricey, starting at Rs 2,20,000, but justifies the cost, with features like a SIM tray for on-the-go data, impressive ports, a vibrant 13.5-inch touch display, and good battery life.

Dell Alienware x14 R2: The Alienware x14 R2 impresses with its perfect blend of portability and power, housed in a stylish chassis featuring a 14-inch QHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate. With top-notch specs and a lightweight chassis, it is neither too big nor too small. Despite the premium starting price of ₹2,06,990, it is among the best gaming laptops of the year.

Another trend is the adoption of SIM support in laptops, which allows users to access cellular networks and internet services without relying on Wi-Fi or tethering. This feature is especially useful for people who travel frequently or work remotely, as they can stay connected and productive anywhere. According to a report by Counterpoint Research, the market share of laptops with SIM support in India increased from 12% in 2022 to 18% in 2023. Some popular models that offer SIM support are the HP 15-Fd002, ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED, Dell Latitude 7440 Ultralight, and the Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3.

Another trend is the emergence of laptops with detachable keyboards and flexible or foldable displays, which blur the line between laptops and tablets. These devices can be used in different modes, such as laptop mode, tablet mode, tent mode, or stand mode, depending on the user's preference and situation. These devices also offer more screen space and better viewing angles, making them ideal for watching videos, playing games, or browsing the web. Some examples of such laptops are the HP Spectre 14-Ef0075tu X360, the ASUS Vivobook S 14 Flip, and the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18.

These trends show that laptops have evolved significantly in 2023, becoming thinner, lighter, and more versatile. These features make laptops more competitive with smartphones and tablets, as they offer more functionality, performance, and flexibility.

If 2023 has taught us anything, it is this — laptops are no longer just devices for work or study, but also for mobile entertainment and leisure.