By Administrator Introduction
The year two thousand sixteen marked an interesting point in the evolution of laptop technology. It was a time when the industry was pushing boundaries in design, performance, and portability. We saw a surge in ultra-thin laptops, improved battery life became a standard expectation, and the concept of the two-in-one device started to gain real traction. It was a year that offered a variety of choices, catering to diverse needs, from students to business professionals to hardcore gamers. This article serves as a nostalgic trip back to that era, highlighting some of the best laptops of two thousand sixteen. We’ll explore what made them stand out, their strengths and weaknesses, and the target audience they were designed for. The criteria for our selection include overall performance, battery longevity, design aesthetics, unique features, and the value they offered to consumers at the time. Let’s dive in and revisit some of the iconic machines that defined the laptop landscape of two thousand sixteen.
Top Laptops of Two Thousand Sixteen
Let’s delve into the standout laptops from two thousand sixteen, categorized to help you understand their specific strengths and target users.
Best Overall
The Dell XPS Thirteen consistently topped many best-of lists in two thousand sixteen, and for good reason. It managed to strike a near-perfect balance between performance, portability, and aesthetics. Featuring a stunning InfinityEdge display that minimized bezels, the XPS Thirteen offered a large screen experience in a remarkably compact chassis. This laptop was powered by Intel’s sixth-generation Core processors, delivering smooth performance for everyday tasks and even some more demanding workloads.
Pros:
Its sleek and lightweight design made it incredibly portable, perfect for those constantly on the move. The InfinityEdge display was a true game-changer, maximizing screen real estate while minimizing bulk. Battery life was impressive, easily lasting through a full workday. The keyboard was comfortable and responsive, making typing a pleasure.
Cons:
The integrated graphics were not suitable for heavy gaming or graphics-intensive tasks. Some users found the webcam placement awkward due to its position below the display. The price point was also relatively high compared to some competitors.
Target Audience:
The Dell XPS Thirteen was ideal for professionals, students, and anyone seeking a premium, portable, and powerful laptop for everyday use.
Original MSRP:
Around seven hundred ninety-nine dollars to well over one thousand five hundred dollars, depending on configuration.
Best for Students
For students needing a reliable and affordable device for note-taking, research, and coursework, the HP Spectre xThree Sixty was a strong contender. This two-in-one convertible laptop offered a versatile design that could be used as a traditional laptop or folded into a tablet for a more interactive experience. Its lightweight construction made it easy to carry around campus, and the long battery life ensured it could last through a full day of classes.
Pros:
The two-in-one design offered flexibility for different learning styles. The responsive touchscreen and included stylus made it ideal for note-taking and sketching. The battery life was excellent, and the price point was relatively affordable compared to other two-in-ones.
Cons:
The performance wasn’t as powerful as some other laptops in its price range. The display, while decent, wasn’t as vibrant or sharp as some premium models.
Target Audience:
Students seeking a versatile, portable, and affordable laptop for academic purposes.
Original MSRP:
Around seven hundred dollars to one thousand dollars, depending on configuration.
Best for Business
The Lenovo ThinkPad XOne Carbon has long been a favorite among business professionals, and the two thousand sixteen model continued that tradition. This laptop was known for its durability, security features, and excellent keyboard. It was built to withstand the rigors of daily use, with a carbon fiber chassis that was both lightweight and incredibly strong. The ThinkPad XOne Carbon also offered a range of security features, including a fingerprint reader and a TPM chip, to protect sensitive data.
Pros:
Its durable construction made it resistant to damage from drops and spills. The keyboard was widely regarded as one of the best in the business, offering excellent tactile feedback and a comfortable typing experience. Security features provided peace of mind for protecting sensitive data.
Cons:
The design was somewhat utilitarian and less stylish than some competitors. The price point was relatively high.
Target Audience:
Business professionals needing a durable, secure, and reliable laptop for work.
Original MSRP:
Around one thousand two hundred dollars to over two thousand dollars, depending on configuration.
Best for Gaming
For gamers seeking a powerful and portable gaming machine, the ASUS ROG GSeven Fifty Two V was a solid choice. This laptop featured a powerful Intel Core iSeven processor and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card, capable of handling demanding games at high settings. It also had a large display with a fast refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
Pros:
Its powerful hardware delivered excellent gaming performance. The large display with a fast refresh rate provided a smooth and immersive gaming experience. The cooling system was effective at preventing overheating during extended gaming sessions.
Cons:
Its bulky design made it less portable than other laptops. Battery life was relatively short when gaming.
Target Audience:
Gamers seeking a powerful and portable gaming machine.
Original MSRP:
Around one thousand three hundred dollars to two thousand dollars, depending on configuration.
Best Two-in-One
The Microsoft Surface Book was a groundbreaking device that blurred the lines between laptops and tablets. This two-in-one featured a detachable display that could be used as a standalone tablet. It also had a powerful processor and a dedicated graphics card (in some models), making it suitable for both productivity and creative tasks.
Pros:
Its detachable display offered versatility for different use cases. The powerful hardware delivered excellent performance for both productivity and creative tasks. The high-resolution display was sharp and vibrant.
Cons:
The price point was very high. The hinge mechanism could be somewhat wobbly.
Target Audience:
Users needing a versatile and powerful device for both productivity and creative tasks.
Original MSRP:
Around one thousand five hundred dollars to over two thousand five hundred dollars, depending on configuration.
Best Budget-Friendly
For budget-conscious buyers, the Acer Aspire EFifteen offered a good balance of features and performance at an affordable price. This laptop featured a decent processor, ample storage, and a large display, making it suitable for everyday tasks like browsing the web, writing emails, and creating documents.
Pros:
Its affordable price made it accessible to a wide range of buyers. The large display was comfortable for working and watching videos.
Cons:
The performance wasn’t as powerful as some other laptops. The design was somewhat basic.
Target Audience:
Price-conscious buyers seeking a reliable laptop for everyday use.
Original MSRP:
Around three hundred dollars to six hundred dollars, depending on configuration.
Technology Trends of Two Thousand Sixteen Reflected in These Laptops
The laptops of two thousand sixteen collectively embodied several key technological trends that were shaping the industry at the time. The most notable of these was the relentless pursuit of thinner and lighter designs. Manufacturers were constantly striving to create laptops that were more portable and easier to carry around. This trend was evident in the Dell XPS Thirteen and the Lenovo ThinkPad XOne Carbon, both of which were remarkably thin and lightweight for their respective categories.
Improved battery life was another major focus. As laptops became more powerful, users demanded that they also be able to last longer on a single charge. The HP Spectre xThree Sixty and the Dell XPS Thirteen both excelled in this area, offering all-day battery life for typical usage scenarios.
The rise of two-in-one convertible laptops was also a significant trend. Devices like the Microsoft Surface Book and the HP Spectre xThree Sixty offered the versatility of both a laptop and a tablet, appealing to users who wanted a single device for both productivity and entertainment.
Advancements in display technology were also on display. Laptops were increasingly featuring higher resolution displays with improved color accuracy and brightness. The Dell XPS Thirteen’s InfinityEdge display was a prime example of this trend, offering a stunning visual experience with its near-borderless design.
The adoption of USB-C ports was also gaining momentum. USB-C offered faster data transfer speeds and the ability to charge devices more quickly. Many of the laptops on this list featured USB-C ports, paving the way for their wider adoption in the years to come.
Why Look Back at Two Thousand Sixteen Laptops?
There’s a certain value in revisiting older technology, even as newer models constantly flood the market. For tech enthusiasts, it offers a dose of nostalgia, reminding them of the innovations and designs that once captivated the industry. It allows us to appreciate how far laptop technology has progressed in a relatively short span of time. By examining the laptops of two thousand sixteen, we can gain a better understanding of the origins of many of the features and technologies that we take for granted today. Furthermore, older models can sometimes be found on the used or refurbished market at significantly lower prices. For those on a tight budget, a well-maintained laptop from two thousand sixteen might offer a compelling alternative to buying a brand-new, low-end machine, although prospective buyers should always proceed with caution and ensure the device is in good working condition.
Conclusion
The laptops of two thousand sixteen represent a fascinating chapter in the history of portable computing. They showcase the industry’s relentless pursuit of innovation in design, performance, and portability. From the sleek and powerful Dell XPS Thirteen to the versatile Microsoft Surface Book, these laptops offered a diverse range of choices for different users. While technology has undoubtedly progressed since then, these machines left a lasting legacy, shaping the future of laptop design and functionality. Looking back at these two thousand sixteen best laptops, we can appreciate the evolution of the technology and see how the past has informed the present. Do you have any fond memories of using or owning any of these classic laptops? The advancements made during this era helped pave the way for the sleek, powerful, and versatile laptops we enjoy today.
