How heavy are laptops? You might not be aware of this, but your laptop’s weight might impact its performance. Heavy laptops typically run slower because they heat up more quickly. Therefore, before making decisions, consider the weight of the laptop especially if you intend to use it for heavy work or gaming.
To prevent damage, certain companies put extra padding inside the laptop case. This does not, however, negate the fact that the laptop itself remains fairly heavy.
Laptop weight varies widely; some models weigh as little as 2 pounds and others as much as 10 pounds. Before purchasing a laptop, you should take its weight into account.
We will explain why you might want to take a laptop’s weight into account when making a decision, what weight you may anticipate based on the size laptop you desire, and what the majority of individuals like when it comes to laptop weight in this article.
Contents
How much does a laptop weigh?
Depending on its size, an average laptop weighs anywhere from two to eight pounds. How much a laptop weighs is mostly determined by its dimensions.
Laptops typically weigh between 1.98 and 7.96 pounds.
A laptop that is 13 to 15″wide weighs between two and five pounds overall. A laptop that is wider than 17 inches tends to be heavier overall, with an average weight ranging between five and eight pounds.
Ultrabooks, Chromebooks
Chromebooks are extremely portable devices that are excellent for both professionals and students.
These lightweight laptops are great for anyone who wants a laptop that is easy to slip into their bag or suitcase.
Chrome OS or Windows power both Ultrabooks and Chromebooks. Although Ultrabooks frequently weigh more than Chromebooks and are bulkier, they are still barely 2 to 3 pounds.
Ultraportable laptops
There are many on the market nowadays. Models with an average weight ranging between under 3 pounds to over 4 pounds are available. Some have touch screens while others do not. Some just have one USB port, while others have several. There are many options available, so you should be able to choose one that meets your requirements.
Consider ultraportable laptops that weigh between 2.5 and 3 pounds, if possible. Compared to larger computers, these are typically smaller and lighter. Generally, they have a 14-inch display, although they might not have any external ports. The extra ports can always be added later if you truly require them.
Thin and light laptops
These computers are excellent for tourists and students. There are models available with an average weight ranging between 3 and 6 pounds.
These compact, lightweight laptops are great for both learning and traveling. They are light enough for carrying around comfortably and compact enough to effortlessly fit in a briefcase or bag.
The Microsoft Surface Book, Lenovo Yoga, and Google Pixelbook are examples of thin and light laptops and they are slightly larger and heavier compared to ultraportable laptops.
Desktop replacement laptops
The laptops in this category are designed to take the place of desktop computers. Although these laptops are bulky and hefty, they contain powerful processors and graphics cards that are comparable to those found in desktop computers. An example is the HP Envy 17″.
They are excellent if you’re looking for desktop-level performance without the bulk and width of a conventional desktop computer. There are no ultra-compact, light computers available in this category. You’re going to find heavy laptops that weigh approximately four to six pounds instead.
Luggables laptops
Nowadays, the majority of luggable laptops weigh between 5 and 8 pounds. Although, some weigh at least ten pounds. These luggable laptops are known as “heavy-duty” models.
A 10-pound laptop may not seem like much, though if you’ve ever attempted carrying one, you will undoubtedly agree that it feels very heavy.
Therefore, be careful to plan appropriately if you intend to purchase a heavy-duty luggable laptop.
For instance, you might want to think about purchasing a bag that fits inside your vehicle if you intend to take it around daily. Alternatively, if your trip involves a lot of walking, you might want to consider purchasing a backpack rather than a laptop bag.
Despite weighing more than a typical luggable laptop, a heavy-duty model is nevertheless just as portable. It can still easily be taken around because it is fairly lightweight.
Therefore, be sure to take the laptop weight into account if you’re considering purchasing this type of laptop.
Factors that can affect the weight of a laptop
Below are the factors that affect the weight of a laptop.
Cooling system
Heavy metals and large plastic components are used in the cooling system, which adds significantly to the weight of the laptop as a whole.
The bulk of the cooling system’s weight is accounted for by the cooling fans. Larger fans are seen in laptops with better cooling systems.
You can have the fans taken out, however doing so exposes your laptop to the risk of heat damage.
Battery
The battery is another factor that determines the laptop weight. A laptop’s average weight slightly decreases if the battery is removed.
A larger battery is required for a more powerful laptop with greater processing power and larger fans to maintain battery life.
Therefore, due to their huge batteries, powerful laptops may weigh 0.5-1 pounds heavier.
Construction material
Metal or aluminum-made laptops tend to weigh more compared to those made of plastic.
READ ALSO: How much does the average laptop weigh: 2023 complete user guide
Why does laptop weight matter?
When examining laptop categories and laptop weights, the following should be taken into account:
Traveling
Do you travel frequently or not? You could opt for a lightweight laptop that won’t add additional weight to your luggage and is easy to carry on trains and airplanes. A lightweight laptop is easier to carry, however, it will also take up less space in your suitcase if you don’t have plenty of space.
If you use your laptop for presentations at seminars and business meetings, you may require additional ports, which are sometimes absent from lightweight laptops.
An ultra-lightweight laptop can be the ideal choice for you if the laptop will just be used for leisure while traveling.
College or work
If you’re thinking about buying a laptop for school, you should look for one that is both lightweight and powerful enough to remain functional for a long time. A midweight selection could be excellent for you because you also want to ensure that your laptop is heavy enough to survive being taken around as you go from one classroom to another.
Portability
You must assess the weight of your laptop about the tasks you need it to complete, taking into account the ports, power requirements, and screen size.
Although lighter laptops are easier to take out of a bag and return, a desktop replacement laptop would likely be a better choice for you if you intend to operate primarily from one location.
The average weight of some popular brands
Apple laptops
- Apple MacBook Air (13.3-inch, 2020) – 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg)
- MacBook Air (M2, 2022) – 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)
HP Laptops
- HP Pavilion x360 – 3.6 Pounds (1.63 kg)
- HP Envy x360 – 2.86 Pounds (1.3 kg)
Acer Laptops
The majority of Acer laptops are portable and lightweight. Before purchasing a specific model, don’t forget to verify the weight.
- Acer Swift 3 – 2.86 Pounds (1.3 kg)
- Acer Aspire 3 – 4.63 Pounds (2.1 kg)
Is laptop weight calculated?
Yes, it is. The weight of the laptop as a whole, including the battery, keyboard, touchpad, and other parts, is typically expressed in pounds or kilograms. The measurement is often done with the laptop completely set up, functional, and with all of its parts and accessories present.
FAQ
Is a 3 pound laptop heavy?
No. A 3 pound laptop is not considered heavy.
How much does a 15 laptop weigh?
The average weight of a 15-inch laptop is 4.5 to 6 pounds, or 2-2.7 kg. Nevertheless, the weight can change depending on the manufacturer, model, and material.
How heavy is a gaming laptop?
If you want power and performance in one computer, gaming laptops are a popular option. However, gaming laptops have an expensive price tag attached to them.
There are also a couple of lighter alternatives if you want portability without compromising power. Several brands now provide lighter versions of their gaming laptops, usually with more compact designs and lower specs compared to their full-size alternatives.
Gaming laptops weigh approximately 5 to 8 pounds (2.26 to 3.60 kg), making them heavier compared to an average laptop.
Larger batteries, greater RAM storage, larger screens, and intricate cooling systems with several fans and heat pipes are just a few examples of the sophisticated hardware components that make a gaming laptop heavier than a typical laptop.
How do I know the weight of my laptop?
You may determine your laptop weight in the following ways:
• Use a digital weighing scale to precisely determine the weight of a laptop.
• Google the model of your computer and the word “weight” to find out how much your laptop weighs.
• Weigh yourself, and write it down. Then, hold the laptop as you weigh yourself once more. The weight of the laptop is calculated by deducting the weight result without carrying the laptop from the weight while carrying the laptop.
• The company’s website or the technical specifications part of the laptop’s manual should be consulted. This weight, which is typically expressed in pounds or kilograms, accounts for the entirety of the laptop, which includes the keyboard, touchpad, battery, and other parts. To obtain a more precise estimation of the weight, look for the “travel weight”.
Conclusion
An average laptop weighs between slightly under 1.98 and 7.96 pounds. Buying a laptop can be a difficult task. Before making a purchase, there are several things to take into account, such as durability, weight, and battery life. Fortunately, anyone can figure out the ideal laptop for their needs with research and professional guidance.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that, when it comes to laptops, “lighter is better”. Even if you don’t intend to carry yours around with you at all times, lighter models typically have batteries that last longer. Additionally, compared to heavier models, they tend to have better performance specs.
Remember the old saying, “Buy cheap, buy twice”, as a last point. The likelihood that something will not survive as long as more expensive options is high, so don’t sacrifice quality just because it seems like a good price. I hope this guide is helpful and you can buy the best model for work or travel.