Maximize Your Productivity With These Expert-Recommended Touch-Screen Laptops
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Touch-screen laptops are taking their place as a top tech must-have these days, with light frames, zippy speeds, and long-lasting batteries. Considering that we swipe and scroll on our phones all day long, it makes sense that we would want that same convenience and functionality with our laptops.
Today's touch-screen computers fuse a desktop's brawn, a laptop’s slick ease, a mouse's pinpoint accuracy, and a keyboard's rapid-fire response. Imagine gliding through web pages, switching from crafting words, to doodling designs, to shuffling digital elements effortlessly with a simple touch or a sweep of a stylus.
There are a variety of touch-screen laptop styles to choose from, including sleek clamshell models, transformative 2-in-1 hybrids, and even Chromebooks. While Apple noticeably continues to leave a touch screen out of its product offerings, leaving its users to pivot to iPads or external screens, it has given Windows laptops an opportunity to thrive.
Windows runs heavy-duty software like Adobe Photoshop and After Effects, backed by AI smarts, offering a toolbox of features and lightning-fast outputs that mobile gadgets just can't match. So whether you're crafting content masterpieces or just love the thrill of scrolling with a swipe, here's a lineup of the top seven touch-screen laptops to buy now.
Best Touch-Screen Laptops
Best Overall: Dell Inspiron 7620
Best Budget: Lenovo Ideapad 3
Best Ultraportable: Dell XPS 13 9310
Best 2-in-1 Touch Screen Laptop: LG Gram 16
Best Chromebook: Acer Spin 714
Best 14-Inch: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best Performing: HP Envy
The Expert: I'm a tech journalist with a knack for diving deep into gadgets like laptops, tablets, and TVs. My reviews have found their way into The Atlantic and The Los Angeles Times. For this piece, I spent heaps of time getting up close and personal with touch-screen laptops, zeroing in on everything from their size and resolution to their price tags and build quality. It's not just about specs on paper; I've had hands-on time with these machines to see how they fare against their peers. And, as someone who owns and uses touch-screen laptops almost daily, I've got plenty of real-world experience to back up my insights.
What to Consider In a Touch-Screen Laptop
Pros and Cons
Many modern touch-screen laptops are 2-in-1 devices, meaning their screens flip over the keyboard or detach entirely to turn into a tablet. These are generally sleeker, lightweight designs that untether you from a workspace—you can easily go from knocking out an assignment at your desk to watching YouTube in bed. Navigating apps is faster, editing photos is easier, and you can draw on the screen.
With added functionality, though, comes a higher price tag; hybrid models are often more expensive than standard touch-screen laptops. Touch screens add to the cost and weight of your laptop, and depending on the display technology, may drain batteries faster.
Some of the models recommended here weigh less than 4 pounds (comparable to a 2-liter bottle of soda) and boast all-day battery runtimes. While prices for touch-screen laptops can surpass $1,500, there are an increasing number of affordable touch-screen models and Chromebooks as well. Keep keep in mind that not all touch screens match in quality. Some are designed to track single points of a screen, while better ones may support more features and stylus options.
Other Laptop Specs to Consider
CPU
The Central Processing Unit serves as the brains of your computer, carrying out all primary functions. Most laptops use Intel processors for their Central Processing Unit. You’ll generally want an i5 processor, but a higher-end i7 is better for gamers or content creators.
GPU
The Graphics Processing Unit creates the images displayed on your screen. While some are built into the CPU as dedicated graphics, a separate GPU is a must if you plan to play games or edit video without hiccups.
RAM
Random Access Memory temporarily stores information to be accessed quickly, which allows your computer to frictionlessly open programs or multitask. Basic devices like Chromebooks often skimp on RAM, packing a paltry 4 GB on average, since most tasks are web-based. Windows Machines can get by with 8 GB, but 16 GB is optimal for serious multitasking and snappy load times.
Storage
Data is stored on a Solid State Drive, or SSD. Most manufactures include 256 GB on average, which is okay for most users when paired with an external drive. But if you plan to store files directly on the machine, whether they be media or apps, we recommend at minimum 512GB of space.
Resolution
If you want a clear picture, the minimum resolution you should target is 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels), but 4k (3840 x 2160 pixels) is better suited for making out sharper details while watching video or editing photos.
How We Selected These Touch-Screen Laptops
I chose a variety of laptops, including high-end, mid-range, and budget models, to address different user needs. Testing criteria included touch-screen responsiveness, display quality, battery life, performance, build quality, and portability. I checked responsiveness to both touch and stylus inputs. This included testing smooth navigation, zooming, scrolling, and how accurately it handled drawing or writing.
Further, I assessed screen performance in various lighting conditions and a laptop’s ability to avoid accidental touches. Performance was evaluated using benchmark tests and real-life tasks like web browsing and video streaming. I looked at the laptops' construction, checking materials and design. Battery life was tested in typical usage scenarios to gauge how long each laptop lasted on a full charge.
Finally, I relied on the previous work of Hunter Fenollol and Paige Szmodis who contributed to this article with their initial testing and research.
Inspiron 7620
amazon.com
$1349.00
The 7620 offers a fresh vibe with its latest CPU with beefier internals, a snappier graphics card, and elevated design from the previous 7610, which had no touch screen. This offers four modes in which to work/play—laptop, tablet, tent, and stand—but this laptop may work best as a desktop replacement, as it tips the scales at 4.62 pounds.
It has a generous, bright 16-inch display (not OLED) with border-less visual effect for a more enjoyable movie watching experience. The redesigned keyboard minus the number pad sets you up for multimedia action. The touchpad could be larger, but you do get smooth navigation.
There is a range of inputs—two USB 3.2 Type A, USB Type C, two Thunderbolt 4, Headset, and HDMI. And with 13 hours of battery life, you can go through a whole day without needing a charge.
Ideapad 3i
amazon.com
$419.00
The IdeaPad 3i balances price with performance. It's equipped with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor (sufficient for everyday tasks and basic multitasking, but it's not powerful enough for more demanding applications or intensive multitasking), Intel UHD Graphics for basic graphics assignments, and 8GB of RAM for decent multitasking. The 512GB SSD provides adequate storage for most users.
Notably, this laptop has a clear and responsive 15.6-inch HD touch screen, which adds to its usability. It’s got decent battery life (7.5 hours), fast performance, and it’s lightweight at 3.6 pounds.
XPS 13 9310
amazon.com
$1199.99
Trevor RaabThe 9310 is a standout laptop in the lightweight market at 2.8 pounds. It sports a 13.4-inch OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and an Intel Core i7 processor for a balance of power and speed, suitable for both professional and personal use.
The laptop's design is similar to that of its predecessor, maintaining the XPS series' signature sleek and compact build. It is 0.58 inches thin, so it slips easily into a backpack. For connectivity, it includes two USB 3.1 Gen2 and two Thunderbolt ports, USB-C Power Delivery, two DisplayPorts, and a MicroSD card reader, so there are plenty of options for peripherals and external displays. The display is sharp and bright, though it has some limitations, like slow response times.
Gram 16
amazon.com
$1749.99
The LG Gram 16 offers a mix of strengths. It has a large 16-inch non-reflective screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing clear, high-quality visuals—ideal for watching videos or working on detailed projects. It's equipped with a powerful Intel i7 processor and Intel Iris graphics, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance.
This laptop also boasts a substantial 16GB of RAM and a large 2TB SSD so you are assured of ample space for files and programs. The Gram also features Dolby Atmos audio, enhancing the sound quality for an immersive 360-degree experience in music and movies.
As far as toughness, consider this laptop a beast: The Gram passed ten tests for military-grade durability including vibration, dust, high or low temperature, and more. A potential downside: This laptop runs hot when performing demanding processing tasks.
Spin 714
amazon.com
$779.00
The Spin 714 impresses with its versatility and robust performance. Its innovative 360-degree hinge design effortlessly transitions it from a laptop to a tablet, catering to a variety of user needs, and if you're planning to take it on the go, it's relatively lightweight at 3.09 pounds. The 14-inch display is notably vibrant and clear, enhancing both work tasks and media consumption.
Thanks to its Chrome OS, the Spin 714 easily handles multitasking and demanding apps, showcasing efficient performance. A major highlight is its long-lasting battery life (up to 10 hours), allowing for extended use without the need for frequent charging. While I found the keyboard suboptimal in terms of comfort, this minor issue didn't detract from the overall experience.
Surface Laptop Studio 2
amazon.com
$3529.99
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 isn’t just a laptop; it's a creative machine wrapped in a sleek, innovative design. Thanks to its unique hinge that fluidly transitions between laptop, stage, and studio modes, it's like having a personal studio at your fingertips. This adaptability makes it a dream for creatives who switch between typing, sketching, and presenting. The long battery life of up 18 hours ensures your workflow, creative projects, or marathon movie watching can go on and on without interruption.
The 14.4-inch screen is a bright, crisp, and responsive visual treat, perfect for artists and designers. Under the hood, it's powered by the latest Intel processors and top-tier graphics, breezing through heavy-duty tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. However, it's a bit on the heavy side (8 pounds!) and carries a premium price tag.
Envy
amazon.com
$1959.00
With its dazzling 16-inch touch screen, the Envy is a feast for the eyes and a powerhouse of performance. This beauty features a screen that's not just big but also stunningly vivid and sharp, making everything from spreadsheets to Netflix binges look fantastic.
Touch-screen capability adds a whole new level of interaction, making work and play more engaging. This HP Envy is also solid under the hood, handling everything from daily tasks to demanding software with grace and speed. The solid build quality exudes luxury, yet it's packed with practicality. Sure, it's a bit hefty at 5.9 pounds, but it's a small price to pay for a trifecta of top-tier performance, eye-popping visuals, and sleek design.
Get a Feel For Laptops That Let You Touch, Swipe, and Scroll. Expert Sascha Brodsky Talks Battery Life, Screen Cleaners, and Whether You Need a Stylus or Not.
If I buy a computer with a touch screen, do I need a stylus, too?
A stylus is an optional but potentially valuable addition. Your fingers are perfect for everyday tasks like scrolling, tapping, and basic navigation on a touch screen. But a stylus? That's where precision comes into play.
It's a tool for those finer details, whether you're drawing, writing, or editing. It offers a level of control that fingers just can't match, making it ideal for creative or professional tasks. Some touch screens even have advanced features that are best utilized with a stylus, like pressure sensitivity.
In summary, while a stylus isn't necessary, it can significantly enhance the touchscreen experience, especially for users who value accuracy and detail in their work.
So Apple doesn’t make a touch-screen laptop?
Correct. Apple does not manufacture touch-screen laptops. Its MacBook line, renowned for its sleek design and powerful performance, has remained without a touch-screen option. Apple focuses on integrating touch capabilities in other products like the iPad and the Touch Bar on some MacBooks.
Will opting for a touch screen be a bigger drain on my battery?
Opting for a touch-screen laptop does mean a bit more demand on your battery. These interactive screens need extra power to respond to your touch inputs, slightly increasing energy consumption. But here's the good news: modern laptops are designed with efficiency in mind, so the difference in battery life is often minor.
It's all about balancing the convenience of a touchscreen with its impact on battery longevity. If you love the idea of swiping and tapping directly on your screen, this small trade-off in battery life might be well worth it. Consider your usage habits and priorities to make the best choice for your needs.
What is a good screen cleaner since fingerprint smudges might be an issue?
Dealing with fingerprint smudges on your touch screen? The solution is simpler than you think. A microfiber cloth is your go-to tool, adept at wiping away smudges and dust gently yet effectively.
For tougher marks, a screen cleaner designed for electronic devices is your best bet. It's important to avoid regular glass cleaners as they can damage the sensitive coatings on your screen. For a homemade alternative, a mix of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol works wonders.
Remember to spray the cleaner onto the cloth rather than directly on the screen, and use a gentle, circular motion to clean. This regular care will keep your screen looking clear and smudge-free.
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