Laptops for seniors

By 2ndactt/ Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

ASUS VivoBook (17.3inch) 

Features and specs > 

Source: Asus

• Processor: Up to Intel core i7 
• 17.3-inch HD+ (1600 x 900) 16:9 anti-glare display, or 17.3-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 anti-glare display depending on models. 
• Upgradeable memory up to 16GB
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB based on different models 
• Connectivity ports: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, combo audio jack
• Chiclet Keyboard, with 1.4mm key-travel
• 720p HD camera
• With privacy shutter
• Battery: 42WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion
• Weight: 2.10 kg (4.63 lbs)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 39.93 x 25.43 x 2.10 ~ 2.10 cm (15.72″ x 10.01″ x 0.83″ ~ 0.83″) 

Pros and cons >

Sources: Nextbook USA, Laptop Media, eComputerTips, TechRadar, Notebookcheck

Pros

• Affordable price.
• Provides varying features and specifications to choose from. 
• Good upgradability, with RAM upgradable to 16GB. 
• Satisfying performance for word processing, web browsing, and media consumption.
• Good battery life, allowing for extended use without needing to charge frequently.
• Some models come with dedicated graphics cards, making them suitable for gaming.

Cons 

• Weighing over 2 kilos, the device is difficult to carry around even in the house. 
• Some reviews said the battery life lasts only for about 5 hours, others said 4 hours. Heavy users need to charge the computer several times a day. 
•  Low-quality webcam makes images grainy.

Apple MacBook Air (13-inch) 

Features & specs > 

Source: Apple

• 13.3- inch LED-backlit display for an amazing view for watching or working. 
• Uses an advanced Apple M1 Chip (8-core CPU with 4 performance cores).
• Wide and easy-to-use Magic Keyboard with backlit display.
• Broad stereo sounds with a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
• The official website claims that battery life extends up to 15-18 hours.
• Configurable memory up to 16GB RAM
• It has a 720p FaceTime HD camera
• Resolution: 2560 x 1600 at 227 PPi
• Operating system: macOS
• Storage: 256GB up to 1TB
• Voltage: 100V to 240V AC
• Size: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.16-0.63 (inches) or 30.41 x 21.24 x 0.41-1.61 (cm)
• Weight: 2.8 lbs (1.29kg)

Pros & cons >  

Sources: Apple, Forbes, TechRadar, The Verge, Tom’s Guide

Pros 

• Sleek and lightweight, MacBook Air is highly portable. 
• Features with a secure enclave for storing passwords and payment detail, among other sensitive information.  
• The backlit keyboard makes it easy to type on. 
• Fitted with a high-resolution Retina display that promises sharp and vibrant colors and images.
• A large trackpad allows easy scrolling, clicking, and more on the computer. 
• On a single charge of battery, the computer boasts up to 12 hours of web browsing and 15 hours of video playback.
• Touch ID makes it easy to sign into the computer. 

Cons

• Unable to connect with multiple devices as the model has limited Thunderbolt and USB-C ports.
• Memory and storage capacity cannot be upgraded because they are soldered to the motherboard. 
• More expensive than many other laptops with similar specifications.
• No separate graphics card, so it may not be suitable for users who need video editing and gaming. 
• Even with Magic Keyboards, some users find it challenging to use, particularly if they are used to traditional laptop keyboards.
• Lacking a cooling fan, the Macbook Air can overheat sometimes. 

Apple MacBook Pro 2022 (13- and 16-inch)

Features & specs > 

Source: Apple

• Available in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR displays.
• All 2022 models feature Apple’s M2 Pro or M2 Max chip for fast and innovative performance.
• Backlit Magic Keyboard for all models. 
• The 16-inch model is fitted with six high-fidelity speakers. 
• The official website claims that the 13-inch model delivers up to 20 hours of battery life, while 14- and 16-inch models last up to 22 hours on a single charge. 
• 1080p FaceTime HD camera
• Resolution: 3024 x 1964 at 254 PPi
• Storage: 256GB up to 8TB
• Voltage: 100V to 240V AC
• 13-inch model dimension (H X W X D): 0.61 inch (1.56 cm) X 11.97 inches (30.41 cm) X 8.36 inches (21.24 cm)  
• 13-inch model weight: 3.0 pounds (1.4 kg)
• 14-inch model dimension (H X W X D): 0.61 inch (1.55 cm) X 12.31 inches (31.26 cm) X 8.71 inches (22.12 cm)
• 14-inch model weight: 3.5 pounds (1.60 kg) M2 Pro; 3.6 pounds (1.63 kg) M2 Max
• 16-inch model dimension (H X W X D): 0.66 inch (1.68 cm) X 14.01 inches (35.57 cm) X 9.77 inches (24.81 cm)
• 16-inch model weight: 4.7 pounds (2.15 kg) M2 Pro; 4.8 pounds (2.16 kg) M2 Max

Pros & cons >  

Sources: Apple, TechSpot, LaptopMedia, Digital Trends, Forbes

Pros

• Improved display technology providing crisp and sharp fonts and images.
• Powerful operating system.
• Long battery life, providing extended use without having to charge frequently.
• 1080p high-definition camera.
• Sleek and stylish design.
• Excellent performance for heavy-duty tasks, including video editing and 3D rendering.
• Large trackpad and comfortable keyboard for ease of use.

Cons

• Costly. 
• Some users reported sticky keys problems.
• Limited connectivity, making it having to rely on dongles and adapters.
• With limited upgradability, Macbook Pros are difficult to upgrade.
• Limited graphics card options may not be suitable for high-end gaming or creative work.
• Not enough cooling capabilities may cause computers to overheat.

Acer Spin 3

Features & specs > 

Source: Acer 

• The Acer Spin 3 is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop with touchscreen. 
• Comes with a built-in stylus pen. 
• Features a 14-inch full-HD 1920×1080 display.
• Has a backlit keyboard.
• Claims to have up to 12 hours of  battery life. 
• The laptop weighs around 1.5 kg (3.31 lbs). 
• The dimensions are 302 x 222 x 15.9 mm.
• Has a large system memory size up to 16GB. 
• Provides solid state drive storage from 256GB to up to 512GB based on different models. 
• Powered by the Intel Core i5 and Core i7 based on different models. 
• connectivity ports: USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI. 
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6

Pros & cons >

Sources: Laptop Mag, CNET, Gadget Review, PCMag, Windows Central, Notebook Check

Pros

• 2-in-1, convertible design provides various modes of use, including laptop, tablet, and tent modes.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Multiple connectivity options. 
• Good display quality with wide viewing angles, making it ideal for video watching. 
• Offers enough performance for everyday tasks with a budget price. 

Cons:

• Keyboard is not as comfortable as other more higher-priced 2-in-1 laptops.
• The keyboard and touchpad may not be as comfortable or responsive as more expensive 2-in-1 laptops.

• Despite claiming to have long battery life, some users said it is below par. 
• May have limited storage capacity based on models.
• The tablet mode may not be comfortable to use because the keyboard gets in the way.

Surface Laptop 5 (13.5- and 15-inch) 

Features & specs > 

Source: Microsoft

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 for the 13.5-inch model; Core i7 for the 15-inch model.
• Dedicated graphic card: Intel Iris Xe Graphics. 
• Has a backlit keyboard.
• Memory: Up to 16GM RAM for the 13.5-inch model; up to 32GB for the 15-inch model. 
• connectivity ports: Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Connect port.
• Storage: models of both sizes have SSD options of 256GB or 512GB. The 15-inch model also offers 1TB storage. 
• Sport a 3:2 PixelSense™ Display with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 for the 13.5-inch model and 2496 x 1664 for the 15-inch one.
• Up to 17 hours of battery life for typical device usage, according to Microsoft.
• Dimension (L X W X H): 

13.5-model: 12.1” (308 mm) X 8.8” (223 mm) X 0.57” (14.5 mm)

15-inch model: 13.4” (340 mm) X 9.6” (244 mm) X 0.58” (14.7 mm)

• Size: 

13.5-model: 2.80 lbs (1,272 g)

15-inch model: 3.44 lbs (1,545 g)

• Compatible with Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP)

Pros & cons >

Sources: 

Forbes, LaptopMedia, PCMag, Windows Central, Tech Advisor, TechRadar, Engadget

Pros

• Good battery life. 
• With a resolution of 2256 x 1504 and excellent viewing angles, Surface Laptop 5 renders high-quality images. 
• Easy to use outdoors, as the display has a maximum brightness of 409 nits. 
• Comfortable and responsive keyboard.
• Strong performance for daily tasks.

Cons

• Has limited connectivity ports, with only 1 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, 1 USB-A, 1 3.5mm headphone jack, and 1 Surface Connect port.
• Expensive, compared with products of similar specifications.
• No SD card slot.
• The fabric material around the keyboard can lead to stains and wear over time.

15″ touch screens Laptops

Lenovo Thinkpad 15.6-inch laptop

15.6″ OLED Laptop

15.6″ laptops with IPS panel