In a world where tech moves faster than ever and miniaturization measures continue to astound, one of the most pressing questions around laptops is their weight.
The average adult may desire portability and easy transport, but they need to be informed of the different weights and choose a laptop which best meets their needs.
But How much do laptops weigh?” Well, on an average, the weight of a laptop can range from 1 to 5 pounds. At the lower end, you may find netbooks and Chromebooks that weigh in at just a few ounces, while at the higher end, you may find gaming laptops that weigh up to 10 pounds or more.
In this article, we’ll explore the foundational question along with the main types of laptops and their associated weights, as well as look at some of the ways manufacturers have endeavored to make them lighter.
Armed with this knowledge, readers can make the best decision for their personal laptop needs.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at the different types of laptops and their respective weights.
What Are The Different Types Of Laptops?
When it comes to laptops, there are a variety of different types on the market, each with its own distinct features and capabilities to suit different needs.
The most common type of laptop is the traditional clamshell laptop, which features a monitor and keyboard in a single unit and closes to form a small and simple device.
Ultrabooks are a laptop designed for portability, featuring the same components as a traditional laptop, but with a much lighter build and thinner profile.
A convertible laptop combines a laptop and a tablet in one device and comes with a touchscreen and hinges that allow the laptop to fold back into a tablet shape.
Gaming laptops are designed with faster processors and deep graphics capabilities for gaming enthusiasts and require a more powerful device to run.
Finally, Chromebooks are laptops running Google’s Chrome OS specifically for internet browsing, emailing, and other light computing tasks.
When it comes to weight, the different types of laptops can vary, ranging from light and portable models to powerful and bulky gaming laptops.
Traditional laptops typically weigh between two and five pounds and feature a thicker and heavier design than other laptop types.
Ultrabooks and Chromebooks are more lightweight, typically around one to three pounds, while gaming laptops are often on the heavier side, with some weighing over 10 pounds.
Convertible laptops may weigh more or less depending on the type of hinge used, whether it is a typical clamshell hinge or a more intricate 360-degree hinge.
No matter the type of laptop that suits your needs, the wide variety of options on the market makes it easy to find one that fits your lifestyle, allowing for plenty of flexibility when it comes to mobility and portability.
How Much Do Laptops Weigh On An Average?
The average weight of a laptop varies depending on the make and model. On average a laptop usually weighs between two and seven pounds.
But some can weigh up to ten pounds or more. Laptops with larger screens typically weigh more than laptops with smaller screens.
The weight of a laptop is an important part to consider when purchasing one. If the laptop is going to be transported often, a lighter weight model is generally more suitable.
For more stationary use, a heavier model may be preferred as it is typically more powerful.
The battery type and size can also affect the weight of the laptop; typically a laptop with a bigger battery will be heavier than one with a smaller battery.
Typical laptop weights range from 2.5 lbs to 5 lbs and can go up from there depending on the components inside.
Ultrabooks are among the lightest laptops typically weighing just over two pounds. Gaming laptops tend to be the heaviest, often weighing over ten pounds.
The laptop material is also an important factor to consider. Laptops with plastic cases are usually lighter than those with metal cases. Aluminum is a popular material used, as it is both lightweight and durable.
Overall, the average weight of a laptop falls between two and seven pounds and can vary greatly depending on the model, battery size, and material used.
Purchasers should consider their needs and the weight of their laptops when selecting the appropriate model.
Common Types Of Laptop Materials
There are a variety of materials used to construct laptops from the base chassis to the components, and these materials play a role in the overall weight of the machine.
Although metal laptops are still a popular choice, the use of lighter materials has become much more prevalent in the industry.
In this section, we will take a look at some of the most common types of materials used to create laptops in order to get a better understanding of their weights.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight metal and is used to create a durable and lightweight laptop chassis.
It is often used as the base material for more expensive laptops due to its generally higher cost compared to plastics.
Laptops made with aluminum chassis can weigh anywhere from 2 to 5.5 pounds depending on the model.
Plastic
Plastic is a cheaper and more lightweight choice of material when compared to aluminum. It is used in many budget laptops due to its low cost and superior durability, so the laptops are designed to last longer.
Laptops made with plastic can weigh as little as 1.8 pounds or as much as 4.5 pounds, depending on the design.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is the lightest of all laptop materials, and it is often used in high-end machines.
Because of their lightweight, laptops made with carbon fiber are usually quite thin, typically about 4 pounds with some models being even lighter than that.
Titanium
Titanium is an incredibly strong and lightweight material, so it is often used as an alternative to aluminum.
Laptops made with titanium are usually more expensive and heavier, with some models weighing as much as 8 pounds.
Magnesium Alloy
Magnesium alloy is an incredibly strong material that is still lightweight. It is an excellent alternative to aluminum and plastic, providing a lightweight chassis without sacrificing too much durability.
Magnesium alloy laptops also tends to be the lightest laptop material, with some models weighing as little as 1.5 pounds.
Factors That Affect Laptop Weight
The weight of laptops has a major impact on their portability, especially for those who need to carry their device from place to place.
While there is no single answer to “how much do laptops weigh”, there are certain factors that contribute to the overall weight of a laptop.
First, laptop size and display play a major role. Larger laptops, such as 17-inch models, are heavier than more compact 13-inch and 15-inch models.
Additionally, laptops that come with touch-screen displays generally weigh more than those that rely on regular displays.
In addition, laptop hardware influences weight. Laptops with high-end hardware such as graphics cards and powerful processors are usually heavier than their low-end counterparts.
Furthermore, additional hardware features such as a DVD/Blu-ray drive and expansive hard drive will also add to the weight.
Finally, the type of laptop material can also influence its weight.
Aluminum and magnesium-based laptops tend to be the lightest, while plastic and glass-based laptops are heavier on average.
Choosing a laptop with a thinner profile can also help to reduce overall weight.
In conclusion, there is no single answer to the question “how much do laptops weigh” as the weight of laptops depends on a range of factors such as size, display, hardware, and material.
Those looking for a lightweight laptop should consider these factors in order to pick the right one for their needs.
Types Of Laptops And Their Respective Weights
When deciding on a laptop, weight is often a major consideration.
Laptops come in various shapes, sizes, and weights, so it’s important to know how much certain types weigh before making your purchase.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the popular types of laptops and their respective weights.
Ultrabooks are thin and light laptops usually powered by Intel Core processors.
They usually range between 2 to 3.2 pounds. Laptops labeled 2-in-1s often come with a hybrid form factor featuring both a touchscreen tablet and a PC with a detachable or 360-degree rotating hinge. 2-in-1s typically range between 2.7 to 4 pounds.
Notbooks are small, lightweight laptops often used as mobile internet devices due to their compact size and portability. Netbooks typically weigh around 2.5 to 3 pounds.
Chromebooks are as lightweight as netbooks and tend to be more affordable. Chromebooks are typically around 1.5 to 3 pounds.
Gaming laptops tend to be the biggest and heaviest of the bunch due to their larger displays, more powerful components, and integrated cooling systems.
Their weight can range from around 4.5 pounds to as much as 7.7 pounds.
It’s important to note that the actual weight of your laptop may vary depending on the size and type of battery, accessories, and other components.
Laptop weight should always be taken into account and compared when choosing the right laptop for you.
Laptop Weight Range By Brand
When it comes to purchasing a laptop, the weight of the device may be an important factor in your decision.
Depending on how you plan to use your laptop, the weight can make a huge difference in portability, comfort, and convenience.
So, how much do laptops weigh? It depends on the brand, size, and other features, but the average weight ranges from 2 to 6 lbs.
Apple laptops tend to be the lightest on the market, with some models as light as 2 lbs.
The 13-inch Macbook Air, for example, weighs 2.75 lbs easily one of the lightest laptops available.
Apple’s lightest laptop, the 12-inch MacBook, weighs just 2 lbs.
Still, a powerful Apple laptop can have a heftier weight, with the 15-inch MacBook Pro coming in at 4.02 lbs.
Lenovo’s lightest laptop is the IdeaPad S145, at 3.3 lbs. Its yoga line also features lightweight laptops that range from 2.41 lbs for the C630 to 3.48 for the YOGA C930.
Also, Lenovo’s IdeaPad 330s is available in 17-inch and 15-inch models, both of which weigh around 4 lbs.
Another popular brand, Dell, offers several models that weigh 4 lbs or less. Its lightest laptop, the Inspiron 11 3000, weighs in at a mere 2.6 lbs.
Its larger XPS line has more powerful laptops, but many of them still weighs under 4 lbs. The XPS 13 9380 weighs 2.7 lbs, while the XPS 15 9570 weighs 4 lbs.
HP has some of the lightest models on the market, as well.
The Spectre Folio 13.3-inch weighs 2.3 lbs, while the HP Elitebook Folio G1 weighs only 2.2 lbs.
In general, laptop weight depends on the brand, size, and other features. Apple and HP generally have the lightest laptops available.
But, no matter what brand you choose, you can usually find a lightweight laptop that meets your needs.
Tips To Reduce The Weight Of Your Laptop
If you regularly carry a laptop with you, it’s important to be aware of its weight, which can make a difference in comfort and convenience over time.
Laptops can be surprisingly heavy, often ranging from fifteen to over ten pounds depending on the device.
Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce the weight of your laptop, so you can lug it around with greater ease.
1. First and foremost, consider investing in a laptop back or laptop sleeve. These accessories are not just stylish, they also provide extra cushioning, which means your device is better protected.
They also reduce the weight of the laptop by providing a separate protective case instead of relying on the laptop itself for protection.
2. Second, opt for a laptop with the lowest possible screen size. This will usually come at a price since the larger the screen size, the more powerful hardware you need. But the smaller screen size can contribute to a lighter laptop overall.
3. Third, look for a laptop with a magnesium alloy or aluminum chassis. For the most part, laptops with these two materials are lighter than models with plastic chassis.
4. Remove Unnecessary Components
If you’re looking to save even more weight, you can remove unnecessary components from your laptop. For example, if you don’t need an optical drive, you can remove it to save a few ounces.
Additionally, many laptops come with pre-installed software that you may never use. You can usually remove this software without affecting the performance of your laptop.
5. Use A Lighter Battery
Another way to reduce the weight of your laptop is to use a lighter battery. Many laptops come with standard 6-cell batteries that add quite a bit of weight.
You can usually upgrade to a 4-cell or 3-cell battery that will still provide plenty of power but will be much lighter.
6. Use A Lighter Charger
If you’re looking to save even more weight, you can use a lighter charger for your laptop.
Many laptop chargers weigh several ounces, so using a lighter charger can make a significant difference. You can usually find lighter chargers online or at your local electronics store.
7. Use External Storage
One way to reduce the weight of your laptop is to use external storage instead of internal storage.
Internal hard drives and solid state drives can add quite a bit of weight to your laptop, so using an external drive can save you some ounces.
Additionally, external storage is often cheaper than internal storage, so you may be able to save some money as well
Tips For Purchasing A Lightweight Laptop
Buying a laptop is a big decision, especially if you’re looking to purchase one that is lightweight and easy to travel with.
To make sure you choose the right laptop for your needs, here are some tips to consider when looking for a lightweight option.
1. Determine Your Priorities
When choosing a lightweight laptop, it’s important to first determine your priorities. What do you need the laptop for?
If you’re a student who needs to take notes in class and do research online, you’ll have different priorities than someone who needs a laptop for work or gaming.
Once you know what you need the laptop for, you can narrow down your choices and find the best one for your needs.
2. Consider The Size
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a lightweight laptop is the size.
You want to make sure that the laptop is small enough to be portable but large enough that it’s still usable.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a laptop with a screen size that’s between 11 and 13 inches.
3. Weight Is Important, Too
In addition to size, you also want to consider the weight of the laptop. The lighter the better, of course, but you also don’t want to sacrifice too much in terms of performance.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a laptop that weighs less than 4 pounds.
4. Battery Life Is Key
Another important factor to consider is battery life. When you’re choosing a lightweight laptop, you want one that will last all day long without needing to be plugged in. Look for laptops with at least 9 hours of battery life.
5. Choose The Right Processor
When it comes to choosing a processor for your lightweight laptop, you have two main choices: Intel or AMD. Both are good choices, but Intel processors tend to be more expensive. If you’re on a budget, AMD is a good option; if price isn’t an issue, go with Intel.
6. Get Enough RAM
When it comes to RAM, more is better – but only up to a point. For most users, 4GB of RAM will be plenty; if you plan on doing some serious gaming or video editing, however, you may want 8GB or more.
7. Storage Space Is Important, Too
In addition to RAM, you also need to consider storage space when choosing a lightweight laptop.
If you only plan on using the laptop for basic tasks like browsing the web and checking email, 128GB of storage space should be plenty.
However, if you plan on storing photos or videos or installing lots of programs, look for a laptop with at least 256GB of storage space
What To Look For When Comparing Laptop Weights
No two laptops are quite alike, and that is especially true when it comes to weight. Knowing how much a laptop weighs is an important factor to consider when in the market for a new laptop.
To help shoppers make the best decision for their individual needs, there are a few key points to keep in mind when looking at laptop weights.
The most obvious point to consider is the physical weight of the laptop. Many laptop brands offer models that range in size and weight, meaning that shoppers can accurately weigh the manufacturers’ stated values against individual needs.
It’s also important to note that laptop manufacturers usually list the weight without factoring in any additional features, such as a carrying case or additional hardware.
1. Battery Life
When comparing laptop weights, one of the most important things to look for is battery life. Laptops that have a longer battery life are typically going to be heavier than those with a shorter battery life.
But, the extra weight is worth it if you know you’ll be able to use your laptop for a longer period of time without having to worry about recharging it.
2. Processor
Another important thing to look for when comparing laptop weights is the processor. A laptop with a faster processor is going to be heavier than one with a slower processor.
3. Screen Size
Screen size is another factor to consider when comparing laptop weights. Laptops with larger screens are typically going to be heavier than those with smaller screens.
However, the extra weight is worth it if you need the extra screen real estate that a larger screen can provide.
4. Graphics Card
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, then you’ll want to make sure it has a good graphics card.
Graphics cards can add a lot of weight to a laptop, but they’re also essential for tasks that require high-end visuals.
5. Storage Capacity
Storage capacity is another thing to keep in mind when comparing laptop weights. Laptops with larger storage capacities are typically going to be heavier than those with smaller storage capacities.
6. Operating System
The operating system that comes installed on a laptop can also affect its weight. Laptops that come with Windows 10 tend to be heavier than those that come with other operating systems like macOS or Linux.
Final Words
In conclusion, the weight of laptops can vary greatly depending on the make and model of the laptop, but typically, an average laptop will weigh between two and five pounds.
This can make laptops incredibly portable, making them useful and convenient on the go.
Moreover, it is important to note that while they may be relatively light in weight, laptops can still be quite expensive and can be easily damaged if not handled with care.
By considering the materials, size, battery life, and any additional accessories when choosing a laptop, shoppers can find the perfect combination of weight and performance that fits their individual needs.
Ultimately, the best laptop for you will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
By doing your research and understanding what to look for when comparing laptop weights, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect laptop that fits your needs.
