With most laptops coming with excellent features and specs, you now need to consider laptop weight. If you travel a lot, you’ll want a laptop that is extremely lightweight and easy to carry.
Persons working from home also want a good balance between the screen size and laptop weight. They need a laptop with a large screen for a better view, but light enough to carry around the home.
So, how much does a laptop weigh? Average laptops with a 13 to 15 inches screen will weigh around 2.8 to 4 lbs. However, in general, modern laptops weigh from 2-8 pounds. Gaming laptops will weigh a little more than most home and office laptops.
There was a time when laptops weighed up to 15 pounds and were compared to PCs. However, the trend is slowly changing with manufacturers making lighter laptops to match the demand.
Join me as I discuss more about laptop weights and the five common laptop weight categories.
How Much Does An Average Laptop Weigh?
The mobility factor is the most essential thing about laptops. They give users the freedom to carry them wherever they go. When you consider the size and components of a PC, then you must appreciate laptops. But this does not mean taking just any laptop without considering the weight.
A typical modern laptop will weigh 2-8 pounds. This is still considered pretty lightweight. However, small 13-15 inch laptops will even weigh less at 2.8 to 4 pounds. Heavier laptops that weigh 5-8 pounds are usually gaming laptops.
Take a step back to when the first laptops emerged. The idea was to have a portable machine, pretty capable of performing all PC functions. However, the latest laptop models have gone beyond portability. We now have pretty thin and sleek laptop designs.
Laptops can be classified into five different categories. Let’s dig deep and see their sizes and weight categories.
Five Common Categories of Laptops
Desktop replacements: Desktop replacements are among the heaviest laptops with extra features. These are laptops designed to work to computer standards but remain portable.
Most of them are high-end gaming laptops that require a lot of power. The extra weight can be attributed to a larger battery. They also feature a bigger fan to ensure excellent heat dissipation.
Desktop replacement laptops are a little heavier. They weigh around 4 pounds and measure 15 by 11 by 1-2 inches.
Luggables: Luggables are probably the heaviest laptops and are much closer to PCs. A good example of a luggable is the Compaq Portable II. It is an outdated computer weighing around 15 pounds.
This class of laptops is extremely heavy and extensive. Their sizes measure 18 by 13 by 1 inch and most weigh above 8 pounds.
Thin and Light: We also have thin and light laptops that measure 11-15 inches and screen sizes of 11 by 0.5-1.5 inches. Most thin and light laptops weigh an average of 3-6 pounds.
They weigh a little more than ultraportable but are still pretty lightweight. A good example of a thin and light laptop is the 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro, Google Pixelbook, Lenovo Yoga 920, Microsoft Surface Booking, and Dell XPS.
Ultraportable: Ultraportable laptops are the most common type of laptops. The laptop sizes in this class measure 9-12 by 8-9 by 0.2-1.3 centimeters. They are extremely lightweight and weigh 2-5 pounds.
Laptops in this class are extremely lightweight and quite easy to carry. These laptops are a perfect choice for travel and outdoor use. A few examples of laptops in this class include the HP Elitebook, HP Spectre Folio, Acer Swift 7, and Apple MacBook.
Ultrabook/Chromebook: Lastly, we have the Chromebooks which are also known as Ultrabooks. Laptops under this category are the most lightweight. There are more laptops than categories.
Ultrabooks have been named Intel because of the notebooks. It also uses a Windows operating system. A Chromebook is a laptop running on the Chrome operating system.
They are extremely lightweight measuring a mere 2-3 pounds. Average sizes of ultrabooks range from 9-13.5 by 8-9 by <1 inch.
Which Hardware Components Increase Laptop Weight?
So, what components increase laptop weights? Fans take a big part in the laptop’s weight. This is because laptops need bigger fans to cope with high speeds. There are usually one or more fans on a laptop.
The chipsets, CPUs, and graphics need to work at high speeds to make laptops powerful. This requires powerful fans to cool everything down.
Additionally, laptops with larger and more fans will require larger cases for efficient heat dissipation. This is because larger cases will supply larger heat, sinks, and vents for better airflow. This also adds to more laptop weight.
A second component that increases laptop weight is the battery. Larger batteries are needed for more powerful laptops. This is why powerful laptops weigh more than less powerful ones.
A third component that adds weight to laptops is the ports. More ports in a laptop mean more weight. This is why you’ll find some of the lightweight laptops weighing very little. A good example is the 12-inch Apple MacBook with just one USB Type- C port.
Lastly, laptop screen sizes add more weight to laptops. Laptops with bigger screens will weigh more than lightweight laptops. Laptop screen sizes can range from 9 inches to 18 inches.
Choosing the Right Laptop for You: Weight vs Travel
When it comes to choosing the best laptop for your needs, weight must be considered among other factors. With a clear knowledge of how much does a laptop weigh, it’s time to choose the right one for your needs. If you use a laptop for basic needs, a lightweight notebook can get the job done.
However, if you need extra features and keep your laptop on your desk most of the time, then consider a desktop replacement.
The weight of a laptop should not be a big factor when you don’t travel or move around with your laptop often.
Conclusion
That wraps everything from me! You now know: how much does a laptop weigh and how to choose the right one according to your need. Most laptops weigh 2-8 pounds which is pretty lightweight. The weight of a laptop can influence your purchase decision. Make sure you understand your laptop needs and choose a matching laptop.
