Which touch screen laptop is best?
Touch screen displays are standard for smartphones and tablets, but many computer manufacturers have started incorporating them into their laptop designs. Touch screen displays add a degree of accessibility that lets you use your laptop like you would a tablet.
Touch screens are nifty, but you should still look for other specs and features when shopping around for a laptop. For example, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop is excellent if you want something high-quality from a trusted brand. It boasts a responsive touch screen display, an ultrafast processor and an advanced graphics card.
What to know before you buy a touch screen laptop
Do you need a touch screen display?
A touch screen laptop can be great for gaming, reading or work such as graphic design. Many manufacturers offer both touch screen and nontouchscreen models of laptops with the same specs, but the touch screen version usually costs more. It’s often viewed as an additional feature, but if you don’t plan on using it as you would a tablet from time to time, you may find that it’s not worth the extra money.
Clamshell vs. convertible vs. two-part laptops
Touch screen laptops come in three different designs: clamshell, convertible and two-part.
Clamshell laptops are like traditional laptops but with a touch screen. They’re available in a wide range of display sizes, but they’re not as portable or versatile as convertible or two-part laptops.
Convertible laptops have hinges that essentially let you fold them in half so you can use them as a tablet. They’re excellent for work requiring a stylus pen, reading or watching movies.
Two-part laptops are the most versatile as you can detach the display from the keyboard. They’re typically not the most powerful devices, but their portability makes them an attractive option for students and ideal for traveling.
Operating system
A Chromebook is your best bet if you want something lightweight and convenient for traveling. Chromebooks run Chrome OS, an online-based operating system with a streamlined look that’s easy to use. It’s sufficient for basic school and office tasks, but you can use a Windows laptop if you want more flexibility and customization.
What to look for in a quality touch screen laptop
Random-access memory
The more RAM a computer has, the more applications and software you can run simultaneously without experiencing a decrease in performance. Most laptops come with 4GB, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and some can have their RAM capabilities upgraded manually.
Central processing unit
Smaller two-in-one laptops or Chromebooks are designed primarily for convenience rather than high-powered performance, so they usually have slower processors. Fast processors are necessary for running high-powered software such as gaming and graphic design but are generally only found in larger, more expensive laptops.
Screen resolution
Laptops with larger displays usually offer full high-definition resolutions, but some have standard high-definition displays if you want something cheaper. A standard HD screen displays 720-pixel lines and looks great, but a full HD screen provides a sharper image since it displays 1,080-pixel lines.
How much you can expect to spend on a touch-screen laptop
You can get a Chromebook or laptop with an 11- to 13-inch touch screen display for $200-$500. Laptops with larger displays and more RAM or faster processors can cost $500-$1,000.
Touch screen laptop FAQ
How do I safely remove fingerprints from a touch screen display?
A. You can use a microfiber cloth to wipe down any touch screen display and remove fingerprints and dust particles.
What can I do if my touch screen isn’t responsive?
A. Running several apps at once can hinder your laptop’s performance and affect the responsiveness of its touch screen. Close any apps you’re not using or reboot your computer. If that doesn’t solve the issue, the touch screen may be damaged, in which case you’ll need to consult with a computer technician or contact the manufacturer if it’s still under warranty.
What’s the best touch screen laptop to buy?
Top touch screen laptop
What you need to know: This laptop is made by one of the most trusted computer manufacturers and is packed with plenty of great features.
What you’ll love: It has a sleek design, a fast Intel i5 Core processor and a 15.6-inch full HD touch screen with an antiglare LED backlight. It’s excellent for multitasking as it has 16GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD flash memory, and a high-end Intel UHD graphics card.
What you should consider: It’s not ideal for dark environments, since it doesn’t have a backlit keyboard.
Top touch screen laptop for the money
Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible Laptop
What you need to know: This laptop is perfect for those wanting the versatility of a tablet and the functionality of a computer.
What you’ll love: This lightweight laptop has a crisp 11.3-inch HD display and comes preinstalled with the necessary Google apps to get you through your work or school day. It comes with 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and an additional 100GB of Google Drive online storage.
What you should consider: Some customers found the headphone volume to be too low and the camera quality to be poor for video calls.
Worth checking out
Lenovo Chromebook 13-Inch Flex Laptop
What you need to know: This Chromebook laptop has a compact design and offers elite performance, making it ideal for those looking to boost their productivity.
What you’ll love: It offers up to 10 hours of battery life on a full charge and has a crisp full HD 13.3-inch display with an Intel i3 processor. It features a slim design, an impressive 360-degree convertible design, and the keyboard is highly responsive with minimal clicking noise.
What you should consider: It has only 4GB of RAM, and although the keyboard is responsive, some customers with larger hands have found it small and uncomfortable to type on.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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