Laptop displays: everything you need to know

Seeing in black and white

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Reviews of displays, including ours, will often make reference to black levels. You might be able to infer that this has something to do with how the display renders black, but it doesn’t explain much else.

Black level itself is expressed in a number, with lower being better. A black level of 0 represents a dark, pure black. The number is relevant because it has an influence on how a display handles dark images. If you ever watch a movie on a bad display you will notice that details are missing from dark scenes. That’s because the display isn’t capable of reproducing the darkest portions of the image.

White levels are the opposite. The higher the value, the better. A white level of 255 is the maximum on the RGB scale, so an ideal display will come close to that figure and display a bright, unblemished white. Modern displays have a better handle on white levels than they do black levels, so it usually is not a defining quality. But an exceptionally good or bad result can make a difference.

What to look for in a business laptop

Whether it’s a two-pound ultralight or an eight-pound traveling workstation, all laptops are basically desktop computers with built-in screens, keyboards, miniaturized components, and batteries. Without a doubt, the processor and the system’s size and weight get the most attention, but other areas like the screen and battery should also be considered.  

Processor

The brains of the operation, most Windows systems use Intel or AMD processors, although a small number of ARM-based CPUs are being used in ultralight systems. Apple has taken this idea to its logical conclusion with its M1 and M2 MacBooks.

The minimum processor you’ll need to satisfy users varies widely and depends on the tasks at hand. A receptionist or call center worker might need nothing more than an Intel Celeron or Pentium, while a salesperson might need an Intel Core i3 or i5 and a graphics designer an i7 or an M2 Pro.

RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is short-term data storage used for immediate processing tasks such as displaying websites, running Excel calculations, or showing CAD imaging. It comes in many sizes and speeds, and having more generally translates into better performance. 4GB should be the bare minimum for any business computer, even for buyers on a strict budget. 16GB is better for typical office workers — and the more RAM you get, the happier your users will be.

IPS vs. VA vs. TN

You’ll likely see laptop specifications listing one of these three display types. They’re an indicator of the technology powering your display and the benefits they provide.

TN, or twisted nematic, is the oldest of the three and enabled the use of flat LCD displays, pushing bulky, heavy, curved CRT screens out of the picture. This technology is still in use today, offering extremely high refresh rates and response times. The biggest flaw of a TN panel is viewing angle, which begins to lose color as you move your head away from the center. Gaming laptops typically gravitate to this technology due to the benefits previously mentioned.

IPS, or in-plane switching, made its debut on smartphones. Mobile devices needed not only wider viewing angles, but also richer colors and better black levels so screens could be seen outdoors. This technology eventually made its way into standard desktop monitors and laptop displays, enabling better color accuracy when editing various media. Newer IPS panels now push higher TN panel-like refresh rates beyond 200Hz along with extremely low response times.

VA, or vertical alignment, serves as a compromise between IPS and TN technology. It offers the best contrast ratio of the three and better colors than TN panels, but its response time can be slower than both TN and IPS displays. Viewing angles are closer to IPS but not quite as wide. You’ll mostly see this technology used in TVs, though it can also be applied to laptop displays to keep the overall cost down.

Ultimately, you’ll want to decide what you want from a laptop display. If you’re a professional who’s editing photos, a laptop with an IPS display would be ideal. If you’re gaming on the go, a TN or VA panel may be more appropriate.

Ultraslim laptops

Slim is in when business travelers need a powerful notebook that won’t weigh them down.

The slim, sleek laptops in this class squeeze the essential elements of mainstream systems into smaller, more travel-friendly packages — but at a price. Typically measuring around half an inch thick, ultraslims must balance battery life and performance potential.

Windows ultraslims often use midrange AMD Ryzen or Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. ARM-based chips like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx and Apple’s M1 and M2 truly shine in this category because of their low power profiles. While vendor battery life claims need to be taken with several grains of salt, Apple says its M2-powered MacBook Air can run for upward of 18 hours on a charge. Using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx processor, the ThinkPad X13scan go for 28 hours, according to Lenovo.

Because these systems spend lots of time remotely connected to the internet and the company’s server infrastructure, Intel-powered Windows ultraslims take security seriously, with most having Intel vPro and TPM. The ThinkPad X13s takes a different route with TPM and Microsoft’s Pluton security system, which uses Snapdragon’s Secure Computing Unit (SCU) to protect the system’s software from being compromised as well as receive authenticated Windows updates directly from cloud servers. Note, however, that it requires Windows 11 to operate.

The typical design starts with 12.5- to 13.3-in. display that can show FHD (1920 x 1080) or UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution. Some offer OLED screens, and many have a touchscreen option. Low weight goes hand in hand with a slim profile — for instance, the Samsung’s 13.3-in. Galaxy Book2 Pro is 0.5-in. thick and weighs in at 1.9 lb.

Other components typically include 8GB to 16GB of RAM, integrated Intel or AMD graphics, and an SSD with a capacity ranging from 128GB to 512GB. These systems are aimed at executives, with luxuries like high-end audio, full HD webcams and backlit keyboards.

Most ultraslims rely on 802.11ac Wi-Fi for internet connectivity, and ports are far sparser than those found on mainstream systems. While some include a dedicated HDMI connection for a display or projector, sometimes there’s only a single USB connection to the outside world. This makes packing a USB hub a necessity.

These sleek systems are the ones we lust after, although their high price tags make them appropriate only for the most mobile — or most high-profile — members of an organization.

Ultraslim laptops at a glance

• Target audience: The mobile power-elite, where every ounce and inch counts
• Pros: Slim and light; touchscreen available; up-to-date security
• Cons: Expensive; some are short on battery life; limited ports
• Price range: $1,100 to $2,500
• CPU: Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Apple M1/M2, Snapdragon 8cx
• RAM: 8GB to 16GB
• Storage: 128GB to 512GB SSD
• Screen size (diagonal): 12.5 to 13.3 in.
• Native resolution: 1920 x 1080 to 3840 x 2160
• Ports and connectivity: USB 3.0, C; HDMI; 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 5.2
• Weight: 1.9 to 2.9 lb.
• Examples: Apple MacBook Air; Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED; ; HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook Enterprise; Lenovo ThinkPad X13s; Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro

Buying tip: Get a system that’s easy to carry yet has the power and speed to get the job done.

Contrast ratio – Not really 1,000,000,000:1

Image used with permission by copyright holder

This phrase is one that you’ve almost certainly heard before. Display manufacturers love to use contrast ratios because of all the impressive zeros they get to slide in. Numbers are easy to understand, and the higher they are, the better their display seems on paper.

Contrast ratio is simply the ratio of luminance between the brightest color (white) and the darkest (black) on a display. Higher ratios are considered better because it means images will appear more defined and realistic. There’s just one small problem: No one uses a standardized test for contrast ratios. There are many ways to fudge the results, which is why there are inexpensive displays that claim insane ratios like 10,000:1.

When reviewing display specifications, you may see two different types of aspect ratios to confuse you even more: Native (or static) and dynamic. A native contrast ratio is the widest distance between dark and light a display can project at a given brightness setting. A dynamic contrast ratio is the widest distance between dark and light a display can project over a period of time. This latter contrast ratio type usually has insane numbers manufacturers love to promote, like 1,000,000,000:1.

You should trust contrast ratios as they’re reported in reviews. In-depth analysis using identical testing methods and equipment is the only way to discover a display’s true contrast.

BATTERY C RATE CHART

The below chart shows the different battery C Rates along with their service times. It is important to know that even though discharging a battery at different C Rates should use the same calculations as an identical amount of energy, in reality there are likely to be some internal energy losses. At higher C Rates some of the energy can be lost and turned in to heat which can result in lowering the capacity by 5% or more.

To obtain a reasonably good capacity reading, manufacturers commonly rate alkaline and lead acid batteries at a very low 0.05C, or a 20-hour discharge. Even at this slow discharge rate, lead acid seldom attains a 100 percent capacity as the batteries are overrated. Manufacturers provide capacity offsets to adjust for the discrepancies if discharged at a higher C rate than specified.

Nit picking

Brightness is important for mobile devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Most devices have a glossy display to enhance contrast, but the gloss makes reflections an issue in bright rooms or outdoors. These reflections can only be defeated by a bright display.

The nit is the standard unit of luminance used to describe various sources of light. A higher rating means a brighter display. Displays for laptops and mobile devices are usually between 200 and 300 nits on average. A rating over 300 nits is solid and a rating above 500 nits is extremely good. Only a few devices can put out that much light, though as HDR and OLED laptops become more common, that’s changing.

Apple’s MacBooks are known for having the brightest screens on a laptop. Its 13-inch MacBook Pro we reviewed had a screen that maxed out at 548 nits. Televisions are a different story, and the brightest go north of 1,000 nits.

APPLICATIONS REQUIRING HIGH C RATES

There are an increasing number of applications and devices on the market that require a high C Rate battery. These include industrial and consumer applications like RC models, drones, robotics, and vehicle jump starters. All these applications require a powerful energy burst in a short period of time.

Most jump starters can require up to 80C Rate discharge and in the RC industry there are high-rate discharge batteries used up to 50C Rate! There are some batteries on the market that claim even higher C Rates based on maximum pulse discharge rates, which require the battery to reach full discharge in just a few seconds. However most applications, do not need such high C Rates.

Screen resolution

Dan Baker/Digital Trends

You’ve probably heard it before, but screen resolution refers to the number of pixels packed into the vertical and horizontal areas of any given display. Some of the most frequently used screen resolutions include 1,920 x 1080, and even 1,024 x 768. These numbers can get confusing thanks to the different display aspect ratios available. Sometimes these resolutions are listed at FHD, 1440p, 1080p, 4K, or QHD. Each of these terms still refers to the total amount of pixels packed into the screen resolution.

For instance, 1080p packs a standard 1,920 x 1080 resolution, whereas QHD and 4K pack in 2,560 x 1,440 or 3,840 × 2,160, respectively. Our guide to buying displays and monitor resolutions is available, but the short version is, the higher the resolution, the sharper the picture. That is often what you can get in new displays, and what newer terms like 4K or QHD refer to.

Displays — and laptops — with 1080p or FHD resolutions happen to be the most common and cheapest in the market. In more recent times, 4K options have also become available, but are often quite expensive. The Dell XPS 13 is one of the best laptops we recommend. It comes with both 1080p and 4K options, though we’d usually recommend the 1080p option, as it helps save on battery life.

Is Laptop AC or DC?

You have seen me mention DC and AC repeatedly in this article already. If you are still wondering what these abbreviations mean, here is the answer: DC stands for direct current, and AC stands for alternating current. Both forms of currents are part of our everyday lives, and they have their peculiarities.

For example, a significant difference between the two currents can be deduced from their names. The direct current flows in one direction only, but the alternating current constantly changes direction as it is being supplied to the devices it powers for use. So which one does your laptop use? 

A laptop runs on direct current (DC) usually. With the battery intact, the type of current supplied to the integrated networks of circuits and processors which allows you to use your laptop for several functions is the direct current; this is because your laptop’s battery is a direct current generator, and it invariably supplies a direct current to your laptop to power it.

Mobile workstations

Power, performance, and price go hand in hand with this genre of notebook.

Whether it’s an engineer working in a construction trailer or an animator creating the next anime cartoon hit, when a worker needs the utmost in portable power, only a mobile workstation will satisfy. With the fastest processor, loads of RAM, and a take-no-prisoners graphics engine, these are the power elite of the notebook world.

The key here is that mobile workstations typically get the best of everything, starting with a high-end Intel Core i5, i7, i9, or Xeon. The Core i9 1290H processor popular in this class has 14 computing cores versus two or four for most notebooks. These systems have a discrete graphics accelerator with between 2GB and 64GB of dedicated video memory. On the Apple side, the MacBook Pro 16″ is built around an M1 Pro or M1 Max system-on-a-chip with a 10-core CPU, a 16- to 32-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine.

Displays range from 14 to 17 in. and show between FHD (1920 x 1080) and UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution. While touchscreens remain rare here, some workstations have calibrated displays so the on-screen color matches what prints.

To do their job, these mobile monsters need certification with a variety of software packages. Even if you don’t plan to use them all, it’s a good idea to insist on accreditation for everything from AutoCAD and SolidWorks (design) to Paradigm VoxelGeo (energy exploration) and Autodesk Stingray (virtual reality) — it means the system is more robust and is able to handle all kinds of different high-intensity software.

Because these are fat programs, load up on RAM (32GB to 64GB) and storage space. While a 2TB SSD should be plenty for most, the HP ZBook Power G9 Mobile Workstation and the MacBook Pro 16″ can go up to 8TB.

On non-Apple mobile workstations, Windows 10 or 11 Pro comes standard, and they don’t skimp on security. Most have TPM, vPro processors, and some biometric authentication method, like a fingerprint scanner or a Windows Hello-capable camera.

With large screens and all that power packed inside, mobile workstations are typically so big and heavy that they are akin to desktop systems, sometimes weighing 7 lb. or more. Most workers will use them to bring illustrations, videos, or CAD designs to meetings down the hall or to bring work home for the weekend.

The payoff of a big system is room for a mix of USB 3 and USB-C ports as well as HDMI, Ethernet, and, frequently, high-speed Thunderbolt. Mobile workstations also come equipped with 802.11ax Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity. These connections can be expanded with a docking station like the HP Thunderbolt Dock 280W G4, which adds a Thunderbolt 4 port and two Ethernet ports (for 1Gbps and 2.5Gbps speeds), as well as the ability to drive four 4K displays at the office.

All this adds up to power-hungry devices with huge fans. Figure the battery life will be disappointing at best, so plan on not straying far from an AC outlet. Many include a 280-watt power supply (versus a 65-watt one for a mainstream system).

While some workstations can cost less than $2,000, a fully tricked out model might go as high as $8,000. Most include a year of warranty coverage; our advice is to spring for the extended warranty, particularly if the laptop is going to travel.

Obviously not for everyone in the enterprise, these highly capable devices are for employees who have to churn through computational problems, work on CAD images of the company’s next-gen widgets, create videos, or perform other processor-intensive tasks while remaining (somewhat) mobile.

Mobile workstations at a glance

• Target audience: Engineers, designers, animation artists, and other workers who need to create detailed video work or churn through processor-intensive tasks
• Pros: Peak performance; top graphics hardware; lots of RAM; certified software
• Cons: Very expensive; big and heavy; short battery life
• Price: $2,000 to $8,000
• CPU: Intel Core i5, i7, Core i9, Xeon; Apple M1 Pro, M1 Max
• RAM: 16GB to 64GB
• Storage: 256GB to 8TB SSD
• Screen size (diagonal): 14 to 17 in.
• Native resolution: 1920 x 1080 to 3840 x 2400
• Ports and connectivity: USB 3.0/C; Thunderbolt; HDMI; VGA; Ethernet; SD card slot; 802.11ax Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 5.0
• Weight: 4 to 8 lb.
• Examples: Apple MacBook Pro 16″; Dell Precision 5570 Workstation; HP ZBook Power G9 Mobile Workstation; Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Mobile Workstation; MSI WE76

Buying tip: Look for a system with a dock that provides extra connections and can power multiple displays.

Can You Use C Batteries In Place Of D Ones?

Yes, you can use C batteries in place of the D type. But you must make sure that they are of the same voltage. So if the D batteries already in the device are 1.5 volts, you need to replace them with C batteries that are 1.5 volts.

What will happen when replacing D battery with C battery?

The differences in battery’s voltage and capacity determine how effectively the batteries provide power. 

For example, in a flashlight, the battery’s voltage will determine how bright the light emits from it. Whereas the current is what determines how long a flashlight is going to shine for.  

So, of course, batteries with a higher voltage will produce a much brighter light when the flashlight is turned on. As for batteries that come with higher amps, the light emitted will last for longer. 

So when you use a C battery rather than a D one, you won’t notice any difference in the brightness of the light. However, as the number of amps in a C battery is lower, then you’ll find that you’ll need to replace the batteries quicker as they have a much shorter running time. 

Buy Energizer MAX C Batteries here:

How To Use A C Battery In A D-Size Spacer?

The other thing you need to consider is the space in which the battery will sit. Remember, C batteries are slightly shorter in length than D batteries, so you need to make an adaptor to ensure they remain in place.

To use a C battery in a D-size spacer, you just need to place two quarters into the space where the battery sits, one at each end of the battery.

Refresh rate

Jayce Wagner/Digital Trends

Measured in hertz, the refresh rate is a term that explains how often a display can change the picture in a second. Common refresh rates include 60Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz, but these have nothing to do with color accuracy or resolution. Still, for gaming, refresh rates are especially important.

Playing games at a native refresh rate on a monitor or laptop is best since it can avoid screen tearing, where the video card is pushing out more frames than a display can handle. Older games and Esports titles can easily be pushed over 60Hz, and there can be a real benefit to playing on a monitor that can leverage all those extra frames. Most of our favorite gaming laptops enjoy high-refresh-rate screens.

A higher refresh rate can also make mouse movements and other aspects of Windows usage smoother, which isn’t life-changing but can add to the enjoyment of using your PC. It’s still predominantly beneficial for gamers, though.

Tablet/laptop hybrids

These 2-in-1 devices let users fold the keyboard out of the way or strip it away entirely for true mobility.

The essence of tablet computing is shedding nonessential elements to produce the most mobile-friendly systems around. The category is dominated by two basic designs for tablets that can double as laptops, each aimed at a different type of business user.

• First, detachable devices are built around true tablets that have snap-on keyboards available when needed for typing, making for the most travel-friendly package. They typically weigh just 1 to 2 lb., with full HD (or better) screens from 10 to 13.3 in.
• Convertible devices are typically a little heavier and thicker (2 to 3 lb.), but their design includes a high-quality keyboard. The devices have a 360-degree hinge that lets the screen bend over backwards to assume a multitude of configurations, including a tablet, an A-frame tent shape, a presentation machine (with the screen pointing away from the user), laid flat on a tabletop, and a traditional clamshell shape that puts the keyboard front and center. With screens up to 16.3 in., they show from full HD (1920 x 1080) to UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution.

Many of today’s hybrids are built around Intel’s Evo platform for mobile machines. In addition to a low-power 12th-generation Intel Core processor, at least 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, an Evo laptop must have the latest Wi-Fi 6E hardware and optional 4G mobile data (or better). It needs to weigh under 3.3 pounds and have USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 connections.

Be aware that hybrids often have minimal ports. In a few cases there’s only a single USB-C connection, which can force users to decide between charging the system or connecting it to a projector. A hub is a must-have accessory here.

With a stylus available for the touchscreen, they are good for sketching a diagram, marking up a document, or just doodling. On the other hand, these pens are easy to lose, so choose a tablet that holds onto the stylus. Some detachable tablets use magnetism, while some convertibles have a place to securely stash the stylus and charge it at the same time. When the pen is needed, press its edge and it pops out of the system’s side, ready for work.  

Be careful when shopping for tablets; many are geared toward consumers and come with Windows 10 Home. That said, several do come with Windows 10 Pro and include business-friendly features such as TPM and a fingerprint reader or webcam that supports Windows Hello. Some newer Windows 11 hybrids like the Acer TravelMate Spin P4 include AMD Ryzen PRO processors with integrated Microsoft Pluton security technology. Alternatives to Windows tablets include Chromebooks, Apple’s iPad Pro, and Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+, but they might require different apps to blend in with a business environment.

Many hybrids are highly configurable, with an array of processors to choose from, SSD storage ranging from 128GB to 1TB, RAM ranging from 4GB to 16GB, and prices that rise accordingly. When factoring costs, keep in mind that with convertible devices have built-in keyboards, which often cost extra with 2-in-1 tablets. With either type of device, a stylus may or may not be included in the base price. For instance, while the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 starts at $1,000, you need to add $280 for the keyboard cover and $130 for the Surface Slim Pen 2. That adds up to an acquisition cost of over $1,400.

Finally, don’t expect anything more than a one-year warranty on these systems. In other words, for those who travel, three years of extended coverage is a good investment.

Tablet/laptop hybrids at a glance

• Target audience: Those who travel light and are more oriented towards viewing content than creating it.
• Pros: Small and light; touchscreen; choice of add-on keyboard or convertible design; stylus
• Cons: Can be expensive; limited ports; accessories can be extra
• Price range: $650 to $2,900
• CPU: Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7; AMD Ryzen PRO; Apple M2
• RAM: 4GB to 16GB
• Storage: 128GB to 1TB SSD
• Screen size (diagonal): 10.2 to 16.3 in.
• Native resolution: 1920 x 1080 to 3840 x 2160
• Ports and connectivity: USB 3.0/C or Apple Lightning (iPad Pro); USB 3.0/C; HDMI; microSD; 802.11ax Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 5.2
• Weight: 1 to 2 lb. (detachable); 2.2 to 2.9 lb. (convertible)
• Examples: Acer TravelMate Spin P4; Apple iPad Pro; Asus Chromebook Flip CM3; HP Elite Chromebook Enterprise C1030; Microsoft Surface Pro 9; Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+

Buying tip: Try to get a tablet with a pressure-sensitive stylus that can help when sketching maps for clients or drawing a new product design.