By Administrator Remember the days of dial-up internet? Just kidding (sort of!). But let’s take a trip back to two thousand sixteen. The tech world was buzzing with augmented reality hype, fidget spinners were strangely popular, and the laptop landscape was brimming with innovative designs and impressive performance. It was a year of pushing boundaries and refining existing technologies. This article isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it’s a look back at some of the most noteworthy and, dare we say, coolest laptops that graced the market during that time. We’re going to explore the machines that captured our attention with their features, aesthetics, and overall appeal.
So, what makes a laptop “cool,” especially when we’re looking back with the benefit of hindsight? It’s a multifaceted thing. “Coolness” in two thousand sixteen wasn’t just about raw power; it was a combination of innovative features, striking design, impressive performance, and sometimes, even its accessibility. It was about what these laptops brought to the table that was fresh, exciting, and forward-thinking. We are going to explore the laptops that have these cool characteristics.
Criteria for Selection: What Made a Laptop Cool Back Then?
Defining “coolest laptop two thousand sixteen” involves several factors. Let’s break down the key elements that contributed to a laptop’s cool factor in that era:
- Innovative Features: Two-in-one designs were gaining momentum, touchscreens were becoming more refined, and some laptops experimented with new input methods beyond the traditional keyboard and trackpad. Did the laptop try something new and interesting?
- Design & Aesthetics: Slim profiles, premium materials (like aluminum and carbon fiber), and eye-catching colors were all the rage. A laptop’s design had to be aesthetically pleasing and stand out from the crowd. Sleekness was key.
- Performance: Processors were getting faster, dedicated graphics cards were becoming more common in thinner devices, and solid-state drives were finally becoming more accessible. Could the laptop handle demanding tasks without breaking a sweat?
- Price Point: While some cool laptops were undoubtedly premium, did any models offer a compelling combination of features and performance at a more accessible price point? Value was a consideration.
- Market Impact: Did the laptop influence the industry in any way? Did it set a new standard for design, performance, or functionality? Did it inspire other manufacturers?
With those criteria in mind, let’s dive into some of the coolest laptops of two thousand sixteen.
The Contenders: Defining Coolness Laptop by Laptop
Dell XPS Thirteen: The InfinityEdge Wonder
The Dell XPS thirteen was a game-changer. From a brief glance, its target audience was professionals and students. Dell’s XPS line had been gaining momentum for its build quality and reliability, but the two thousand sixteen model took it to another level, largely thanks to its groundbreaking InfinityEdge display.
Why It Was Cool: The near-borderless display was revolutionary. It allowed Dell to cram a thirteen-inch screen into a chassis typically reserved for eleven-inch laptops. The overall design was sleek, lightweight, and felt incredibly premium. It was truly a “coolest laptop two thousand sixteen” contender.
Pros: Stunning display, compact design, excellent performance for its size, long battery life.
Cons: Limited port selection (a sign of the times, unfortunately), and the webcam placement was awkward.
Key Specs: Intel Core i-series processors, up to sixteen GB of RAM, solid state drive storage, thirteen point three-inch InfinityEdge display.
Legacy/Impact: The InfinityEdge display became a defining feature of the XPS line and influenced the design of countless other laptops. It pushed the industry towards slimmer bezels and more immersive displays.
HP Spectre: A Gem of Design
HP took a bold step with the Spectre, targeting consumers who wanted style, and thinness. It wasn’t just about specs; it was about making a statement.
Why It Was Cool: The HP Spectre was ridiculously thin – one of the thinnest laptops on the market at the time. Its design was also striking, featuring a two-tone color scheme (typically black and copper) and a hinge that resembled a piece of jewelry.
Pros: Incredibly thin and light, eye-catching design, solid performance for everyday tasks.
Cons: Battery life was decent, but not exceptional, and the performance wasn’t as high as some of its thicker competitors due to thermal constraints.
Key Specs: Intel Core i-series processors, eight GB of RAM, solid state drive storage, thirteen point three-inch display.
Legacy/Impact: The Spectre demonstrated that ultra-thin laptops could still be stylish and functional. It influenced other manufacturers to prioritize design and portability.
Microsoft Surface Book: The Detachable Innovator
Microsoft continued its push into the hardware market with the Surface Book, aiming to attract creatives and professionals who demanded both power and versatility.
Why It Was Cool: The Surface Book was a true two-in-one device. Its detachable keyboard allowed it to function as both a traditional laptop and a powerful tablet. The hinge mechanism was unique and visually appealing. This was a cool laptop because of what it could do that others couldn’t.
Pros: Versatile two-in-one design, excellent display, powerful performance (especially with the dedicated GPU in the base), and great for inking and digital art.
Cons: Expensive, the hinge created a noticeable gap when closed, and the tablet portion had limited battery life on its own.
Key Specs: Intel Core i-series processors, up to sixteen GB of RAM, solid state drive storage, thirteen point five-inch PixelSense display, optional dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GPU.
Legacy/Impact: The Surface Book helped popularize the two-in-one form factor and demonstrated the potential of detachable laptops.
Razer Blade Stealth: The Gaming Ultrabook
Razer targeted gamers and tech enthusiasts who wanted a powerful laptop that was also portable. The company was focused on bringing gaming features to everyday use.
Why It Was Cool: The Razer Blade Stealth was one of the first ultrabooks designed specifically for gaming. It was slim and lightweight, but it could be paired with an external GPU enclosure (like the Razer Core) to boost its graphics performance.
Pros: Sleek design, excellent build quality, comfortable keyboard, and compatibility with external GPUs.
Cons: Integrated graphics were limited for demanding games, and the external GPU enclosure was an additional expense.
Key Specs: Intel Core i-series processors, eight GB of RAM, solid state drive storage, twelve point five-inch or thirteen point three-inch display, Intel Iris Graphics.
Legacy/Impact: The Blade Stealth pioneered the concept of the gaming ultrabook, paving the way for future generations of thin and light gaming laptops.
Apple MacBook Pro (with Touch Bar): A Controversial Step Forward
Apple aimed to attract creative professionals and loyal Mac users who wanted the latest technology.
Why It Was Cool (and Controversial): The MacBook Pro introduced the Touch Bar, a contextual OLED strip that replaced the function keys. While the Touch Bar was divisive, it was undoubtedly an innovative attempt to reimagine laptop input. The design was also slimmer and lighter than previous models.
Pros: Sleek design, excellent display, powerful performance, Touch Bar offered new input possibilities.
Cons: Expensive, controversial Touch Bar, limited port selection (all USB-C), and the keyboard was criticized for its shallow travel.
Key Specs: Intel Core i-series processors, up to sixteen GB of RAM, solid state drive storage, thirteen point three-inch or fifteen point four-inch Retina display, Radeon Pro graphics options.
Legacy/Impact: The Touch Bar was a bold experiment that didn’t quite resonate with all users, but it demonstrated Apple’s willingness to innovate. The USB-C-only design was also a controversial move that ultimately pushed the industry towards wider adoption of the standard.
Honorable Mentions
Several other laptops from two thousand sixteen deserve a mention, even if they didn’t quite make the cut for the main list:
- Lenovo Yoga nine hundred: A versatile two-in-one with a watchband hinge.
- ASUS ZenBook Three: An ultra-thin and lightweight ultrabook.
- Acer Chromebook R thirteen: A solid Chromebook with a convertible design.
Trends of Two Thousand Sixteen
Several technology trends during two thousand sixteen contributed to the features and success of these “coolest laptops two thousand sixteen”:
- The Rise of USB-C: This reversible port was becoming increasingly common, though its adoption was still somewhat controversial.
- Solid-State Drive Adoption: Solid-state drives were becoming more affordable and widespread, significantly improving laptop performance.
- Bezel-less Screens: Dell’s InfinityEdge display kicked off a trend towards slimmer bezels, creating more immersive viewing experiences.
- Two-in-One Versatility: Convertible and detachable laptops were gaining popularity, offering users the flexibility of both a laptop and a tablet.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation
The laptops of two thousand sixteen represent a fascinating period in laptop evolution. From the groundbreaking InfinityEdge display of the Dell XPS thirteen to the innovative Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro, these machines pushed boundaries and paved the way for the laptops we use today. They showed us the potential of slimmer designs, more immersive displays, and versatile two-in-one form factors.
Looking back, it’s clear that the “coolest laptops two thousand sixteen” weren’t just about aesthetics; they were about innovation, performance, and the overall user experience. They set a new standard for what a laptop could be, and their influence can still be seen in the laptops of today.
Now, it’s your turn! What were your favorite laptops from two thousand sixteen? Do you remember the hype surrounding the Touch Bar? Share your memories and opinions in the comments below!
