There are four areas to consider: screen size,resolution, screen jot down, andgraphics processor.
We take a look at each area to help you evaluate your options and needs.
For most people, screen size and resolution will likely matter most.
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Gamers and those who need high-definition video or other graphics-intensive capabilities will care more about the graphics processor.
Screen Size
Laptop screens have a range of sizes.
Larger screens provide an easier-to-view workspace and work well as desktop replacements.
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Ultraportables tend to have smaller screens, allowing for reduced size and increased portability.
This is typically the actual visible display area.
Laptop displays look best when graphics are run at this resolution.
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While it is possible to run at a lower resolution, doing so creates an extrapolated display.
Higher resolutions allow for greater image detail and increased workspace on the display.
The drawback to high-resolution displays is that fonts tend to be small and difficult to read without font scaling.
This can be a drawback for people with low vision.
Windows has this problem, in particular, with the latest high-resolution displays and desktop-mode applications.
Still, the screen jot down also makes a difference in performance.
The screen bang out refers to the LCD panel and the coating over the screen.
TN and IPS
There are two basic technologies used in LCD panels for laptops: TN andIPS.
TN panels have some disadvantages, including narrow viewing angles and colors.
TN panels offer less overall color, but this typically only matters for graphics designers.
Color refers to thecolor gamut, which is the number of colors that the screen can display.
IPS offers higher color and viewing angles.
IGZO
IGZO is a new chemical composition for building displays that replaces the traditional silica substrate.
The technology allows for thinner display panels with lower power consumption.
OLED
OLEDis another technology showing up in some laptops.
It has been used for high-end mobile devices such as smartphones for some time.
The primary difference between OLED and LCD technologies is that OLED doesn’t require a backlight.
Instead, pixels generate light from the display, which gives these screens better overall contrast ratios and color.
Touchscreens
Touchscreensare becoming a major feature of many Windows-based laptops.
This technology replaces the trackpad for navigating the operating system.
Some touchscreen laptops come with a display that can be folded or spun around, offering a tablet-style experience.
These are often referred to as convertible orhybrid laptops.
Intel’s marketing refers to such machines as 2-in-1 designs.
These look great in home environments where it is easier to control glare.
Most display panels that feature a touchscreen use a form of glossy coating.
Hardened glass coatings are better at combating fingerprints and are easier to clean.
While most consumer laptops feature glossy coatings, corporate-style laptops generally feature anti-glare or matte coatings.
The downside is that the contrast and brightness tend to be muted on these displays.
Graphics Processor
In the past, graphics processors weren’t much of an issue for consumer laptops.
The majority of users didn’t do much graphically that required 3D graphics or accelerated video.
This has changed as more people use their laptops as their primary computers.
The two major suppliers of dedicated graphics processors for laptops are AMD (formerly ATI) and NVIDIA.
AMD and NVIDIA have technologies that can allow certaingraphics processors to run in pairsfor additional performance.
AMD’s technology is referred to as CrossFire, and NVIDIA’s is SLI.
While the performance is increased, battery life for such laptops is reduced due to the extra power consumption.
