The Best Laptops of 2016 – A Look Back at the Top Picks
To all those who predicted the demise of laptops in favor of tablets, prepare to be proven wrong. Laptops have not only stood their ground but continue to evolve, offering an unmatched level of productivity thanks to their desktop operating systems. The year 2016 witnessed a wave of exciting form factors, innovative technologies like OLED screens, and groundbreaking ideas for touch interfaces. If you want a glimpse into the future of consumer technology, look no further than the laptop. Here are the ten best laptops that made a mark in 2016.
10. Lenovo Yoga Book
The Lenovo Yoga Book introduces a unique concept that sets it apart from other laptops. While the screen functions like any other tablet, it’s the keyboard portion that steals the show. This device represents the closest consumer product to Microsoft’s never-produced concept Courier tablet—a digital note-taking device. The best part? No special paper is needed. Just place your paper or notepad within the guidelines on the Halo Keyboard surface, and you’re good to go. The Yoga Book captures your analog notes digitally, giving you the feel of writing on paper with the convenience of having a digital backup. While it may not be the most well-rounded laptop, the note-taking experience it offers is nothing short of magical.
9. Acer Chromebook R11
The Acer Chromebook R11 may be made of plastic and have a subpar trackpad, but don’t let that overshadow its positives. This convertible Chromebook is the best of its kind and one of Acer’s finest attempts at perfecting the Chromebook formula. It boasts an excellent display, a responsive touchscreen, and remarkable battery life. What truly sets it apart is the ability to run Android apps in Chrome OS, making it a versatile and budget-friendly option. Priced at $299, it offers incredible value without compromising on performance.
8. Surface Book With Performance Base
The Surface Book With Performance Base is Microsoft’s response to Apple’s MacBook Pro line. It caters to creative professionals and gamers, doubling the graphics power and extending the battery life compared to its predecessor. This laptop is a niche product aimed at a specific market, but it delivers precisely what its target audience desires. With a price tag of $3000, it may not be for everyone, but for those seeking top-tier performance and a truly pro-level experience, it ticks all the right boxes.
7. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (OLED)
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is a stunning achievement that might have a more limited mass appeal compared to other Lenovo Yoga products. However, it stands out thanks to its exceptional OLED screen—the same display technology found in other laptops on this list. The 14-inch 2560×1440 OLED display offers an unrivaled viewing experience that needs to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. It represents the future of laptop displays, and until more products integrate this technology, the X1 Yoga remains a standout choice.
6. MacBook (2016)
The 2016 MacBook impresses not only with its stunning “Rose Gold” color variant but also with substantial improvements under the hood. The updated Intel Core M processor in the SkyLake generation provides a significant boost in performance, addressing one of the few shortcomings of the original MacBook. Apple struck the perfect balance between design and functionality, creating a laptop that is both visually striking and worth the investment.
5. Lenovo Yoga 910
At first glance, the Lenovo Yoga 910 may not appear drastically different from its predecessor. However, its bezel-less design and stunning display set it apart. Lenovo now offers a 4K IPS screen option along with a FHD configuration, delivering an immersive visual experience. With its thin and light design, aluminum unibody construction, and iconic watchband hinge, the Yoga 910 is a sleek and attractive package that rivals the new MacBook Pro, all at a significantly lower price point.
4. HP Chromebook 13
The HP Chromebook 13 challenges Apple’s MacBook head-on, surpassing it in several areas while maintaining an appealing starting price of $499. With superior build quality, more ports, a higher-resolution display, and an excellent keyboard, the Chromebook 13 delivers a premium experience without the hefty price tag. Plus, it’s even thinner than the MacBook, making it a contender for those seeking a high-quality Chromebook.
3. HP Spectre x360
While the Surface Book remains a top choice for creative professionals, the HP Spectre x360 caters to everyday consumers. This notebook strikes the perfect balance between price, performance, and portability. It may lack some of the fancy features found in its more expensive competitors, but it compensates with affordability, a compact footprint, exceptional battery life, and fast performance. HP’s no-frills approach resulted in a beautifully designed convertible that offers great value for its starting price.
2. MacBook Pro w/ Touch Bar
The new MacBook Pro raised eyebrows due to its increased price and controversial changes. However, the product experience it delivers is undeniably excellent. Apple’s seamless integration of hardware and software shines through, despite some compromises such as the omission of MagSafe power and limited port options. The Touch Bar, in particular, stands out as one of Apple’s most innovative features in years. While it may not be perfect and comes with a premium price tag, the MacBook Pro is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
1. Dell XPS 13 (Kaby Lake)
For the past few years, the Dell XPS 13 has consistently claimed the top spot on the list of best laptops, and with good reason. Its breathtaking design, nearly bezel-less display, and slim profile make it a benchmark for other laptops in terms of aesthetics. While the 2016 model may not introduce groundbreaking design elements or revolutionary technology, it continues to offer an unmatched combination of beauty and performance. Dell’s approach of refining rather than reinventing pays off, and the new XPS 13 stands as an embodiment of excellence without any compromises.
There you have it—the top ten laptops that made waves in the year 2016. Whether it’s the innovative form factors, breathtaking displays, or exceptional performance, these laptops showcase the advancements and possibilities in consumer technology. If you’re looking for a laptop that stands out from the crowd and delivers an extraordinary experience, be sure to explore the offerings from Blog Hồng, your go-to source for all things tech!