It seemed like a refreshing spring had begun with the cherry blossoms blooming, but before we knew it, the heat was coming. I knew to some extent that spring and fall were shorter, but this year it feels especially shorter. The sudden heat and wet rain can make you feel depressed, but it is also the season when you worry about your laptop. I don’t know about general office laptops, but for high-performance laptops or gaming laptops, heat control is important, so it’s a poison in the humid and hot summer.
So, it’s early, but just when I was thinking about cleaning the air conditioner, I occasionally get asked what good gaming laptop products there are these days. This is usually done in February or March, when the new semester begins, but there are cases where people buy a laptop late because they think they do not need it, or when the laptop they were using cannot withstand the sweltering heat and does not perform as well as it should, so they want to purchase a new high-performance laptop. .
However, there is a special time to buy a laptop. It is ideal to aim for promotional periods that begin around the start of the new semester or large open market discounts held once a year. At this time, new products with incredible performance are released, and popular products can be purchased at a low price. Coincidentally, large-scale open market discounts are held every year in May and November, so they will begin soon this year as well. It is a good idea to look now to see if there is a good product to replace your laptop at that time.
However, as the types of processors have become more diverse, the number of laptop series for each brand has also increased. As a result, many people did not know which brand and series product to buy. So, to serve as a reference for purchasing, we have briefly summarized the characteristics and main points of each series of laptop brands. The brands of products to be introduced this time were ASUS, Lenovo, and HP laptops. Of course, there are other manufacturers, but I inevitably excluded some of them because I thought it could get complicated if I covered all the brands.
for a moment! Essential things to check before buying a laptop
What should you look for in a high-performance laptop?
Before looking into recommended laptops, let’s check what aspects you should pay attention to before purchasing a high-performance laptop. Notebooks (laptops) have multiple processors gathered in a narrow space, which is more limited than regular PCs (desktops), and heat generation has to be taken into account, so even with the same processor, performance is lower. However, the degree of this drop varies slightly from product to product, and is due to TGP. To put it simply, it is convenient to think of it as the amount of power supplied to major processors such as CPU and GPU. Of course, the higher the TGP, the more full performance can be achieved without using more power.
This is especially important for high-performance gaming laptops. General laptops use built-in graphics or are equipped with an appropriate external graphics card, but are relatively free from TGP limitations. However, gaming laptops need to supply high power to both the CPU and GPU, so TGP is important. Before buying a gaming laptop, you should check how much TGP the product supports.
Other than that, basic performance according to usage is important. For example, if you plan to carry it around often, the weight and size (inches) are important. If you plan to use it outdoors or in a bright room, the brightness of the display is important. If you need to do design-related work, color gamut or contrast ratio are important. Although the average performance has increased these days, it is most common to choose a series based on its characteristics and whether it suits your needs.
For example, there are cost-effective products with good performance at a reasonable price, and there are product lines that feature business-specific functions and light weight. Of course, there are also premium product lines equipped with powerful performance and various functions. It is important to find a product that allows you to utilize all the features as much as possible, along with your wallet. Now, let’s find out what products are good for each feature. Of course, since this topic is a high-end laptop, only products with strong CPU and GPU were selected. If you are looking for simple office use, you can buy a Gram or Galaxy Book.
Business/Creator Line
Thin and simple design, gorgeous display
Laptops specialized for business or other tasks have a thinner and more modern appearance than general gaming laptops. Since it is for business or work purposes, it is designed to be unobtrusive and have a clean design so that you can focus on your work. It also features a display with high resolution and high color gamut. Color distortion is an important problem in many tasks, so avoid it.
Most products weigh less than 2kg. If you are doing business, you will probably have to carry it around a lot, so the weight was reduced considering this. It usually does not exceed 2 kg, but is more often between 1.6 and 1.9 kg.
One thing that is a bit disappointing is that if the thickness is reduced, the free space inside will naturally decrease, making it difficult to dissipate heat. However, if it is a business laptop, it is bound to be sensitive to noise, so you have no choice but to lower the TGP. Therefore, performance is often lower than that of products with the same processor. Usually, the CPU is fine, but the GPU doesn’t perform as well as it should.
ASUS – Vivobook
ASUS’ VivoBook is a laptop for creators specialized in displays, and the display function is emphasized accordingly. It is equipped with a high-performance processor. The CPU is especially powerful and the price is reasonable.
Although it is a creator product, its basic performance is superior and its design is clean, making it good for business and other work purposes. Based on the recently released ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED N6506 model, it is equipped with a 3K resolution 120Hz and 100% OLED DCI-P3 display, making it easy to work with. It weighs about 1.8 kg. The processor can be equipped with up to Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and RTX 4060. Additionally, it is equipped with B&O audio, so you can enjoy distortion-free sound quality.
Lenovo – Yoga
Lenovo can choose the Yoga series, and you can choose one of the Yoga Pro / Slim depending on how to use it. Basically, the display and CPU are equipped with high performance, but there are slight differences depending on the model name. Yoga Pro is a high-performance product equipped with a powerful CPU and an external graphics card. So, if you need to do heavy work or use various tools at the same time, the Pro product is suitable, and if you mainly do business trips or light work, we recommend the Slim product.
Among the most recently released products, there are Yoga Pro 9i and Yoga Slim 7i. Both Yoga Pro 9i products are equipped with 3.2K resolution, 165Hz, sRGB 100% displays. The processor can be replaced up to Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and is equipped with RTX 4070. The thickness is 17.9mm and the weight is 1.95kg.
The Yoga Slim 7i is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155H, and the soon-to-be-released 9i product is expected to be equipped with the Ultra 9 processor. The graphics are a bit disappointing with built-in graphics and a 65Whr battery, but the thickness is 14.9mm and the weight is 1.4kg, so it has optimal specifications for business use.
HP – Elite Dragonfly
HP’s business and creator product lines are representative of Elite / Elite Dragonfly. This product is a business-focused product, and unlike other laptops, it is a model equipped with an Intel Iris X graphics card, not RTX. Instead, it has the advantage of being lighter and thinner than other products, making it suitable for business use.
The Elite Dragonfly G4 i5 32GB SureView 3Y, released in the second half of last year, is equipped with a 100% sRGB display with FHD resolution and 1,000 nits brightness. Although the resolution is a bit disappointing, the brightness is high so you can enjoy the screen anywhere. Additionally, it is equipped with Intel Core i5-1335U and Intel Iris It weighs approximately 1.1kg.
Business/Creator Notebook Three Line Summary
Advantages: There are many lightweight products. Excellent CPU and display performance makes it easy to perform various tasks.
disadvantage: Performance is relatively limited, so it may be difficult to run the latest high-end games.
suggestion: When necessary for business purposes such as frequent outings, conferences, meetings, classes, etc. If you need a laptop to use while working.
Cost-effective gaming line
It doesn’t matter as long as the game runs well!
The cost-effective line is usually equipped with a high-spec processor, but it is a product that is truly equipped with only the functions of a laptop without any additional functions. However, compared to the same specifications, it is a product with a huge advantage of being inexpensive. So, it is a lineup loved by many people.
However, as it is a cost-effective lineup, it is equipped with a processor with slightly lower performance compared to premium products. Still, except for the latest AAA games, it can run smoothly, and even high-end games have enough high-end performance if you compromise on a few options.
However, as they are low-spec products, there are some products with poor display performance in order to lower the unit price. In some cases, the resolution is FHD or the brightness is 250 to 300 nits, so check before purchasing. Of course, if you plan to use it as a sub-monitor, it’s okay.
ASUS – TUF Gaming
First of all, ASUS’ cost-effective line is the TUF series. Although it is not high-end, it is equipped with a sufficiently good high-performance processor and features a simple yet heavy design. What is unique about it is that it is a mil-spec certified product, and thanks to this, it boasts durability that can withstand a certain degree of impact or environmental factors.
It is a product that has been consistently loved for its incredible cost-effectiveness. The recently released ASUS TUF Gaming A16 2024 model is equipped with RTX 4070 along with AMD Ryzen 9 7845HX / 8940H, so most high-end games can be run smoothly through option compromise. .
Lenovo – LOQ
Lenovo’s cost-effective line is the LOQ series. There is a model equipped with a processor that has a reasonably good LOQ. There is nothing particularly special about it, but on the other hand, it is also a decent product with nothing defective. One major feature is Lenovo’s clean and unique design.
Most laptops try to use as much space as possible by applying the hinge at the very end, but Lenovo is slightly different, leaving some space behind the hinge. This uniqueness actually created Lenovo’s unique and attractive design. If you like individual and unique designs, this is a satisfactory product. Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9, released in March, is equipped with up to Intel Core i7-14700HX and RTX 4060 and provides sufficiently good performance.
HP – Victus
HP’s cost-effective line is Victus. HP’s prices are slightly higher than other brands, but its products are generally stable thanks to the know-how that HP has accumulated over a long period of time. Above all, it’s a good choice if you want a design that doesn’t look like a gaming laptop. It has a simple appearance with only the Victus mark, V, and stands out for its neatness, like an office laptop.
When you open the laptop, the hinge of the display is in the center, unlike laptop products, giving it a stable design. Another attractive point is the intake port engraved like a pattern on the top of the keyboard. It is equipped with speakers from HyperX, which is famous for its gaming gear, and provides rich sound quality. Bigtus gaming laptop 16-r1069TX, released early this year, is equipped with Intel Core i7-14500HX and RTX 4060.
Generally, laptops only have white and black models, but among the HP Bigtus models, there is also a blue color, so this is a good choice if you are emotional.
Summary of three cost-effective gaming laptops
Advantages: Sufficient high specifications for an affordable price.
disadvantage: Only the basic functions of a laptop exist. It is highly likely that there will be no special additional features. TGP verification required.
suggestion: When your wallet is tight. When connecting a monitor and using the laptop display as a sub.
Premium gaming line
As powerful as a desktop, and at a price
So what product would you go for if you are looking for the best performance without worrying about money? These products are usually equipped with high-end processors and have a high TGP, providing performance comparable to desktops, and are also equipped with a powerful cooling system. In order to maintain stable high performance, some products have many built-in heat pipes or chambers but give up some weight. Therefore, it is a good product to use as a stationary device like a mini PC, but it is not suitable for use if you need to carry it around for business or business trips.
In addition to a simple processor, the display quality is good and various additional functions are also installed. Since it is a premium product, the design has more unique features than the laptops introduced. So, premium gaming products are fun to see the brand’s characteristic design.
In fact, for this amount of money, it is much cheaper to buy a high-performance desktop and you can still use the performance, but if you have to use a laptop for unavoidable reasons, it is also a good option to consider.
ASUS – ROG STRIX
ASUS Strix is ASUS’ representative gaming laptop. Each year, products equipped with various GPU processors are released, providing a wide range of choices. It is equipped with a powerful processor and a high-performance cooling system. However, it is also a somewhat burdensome product.
The recently released ROG Strix G18 2024 G814 is equipped with an Intel Core i9 processor 14900HX and RTX 4080, and the monitor also has good performance at 2.5K resolution and 240Hz. However, the heavy weight of 3 kg is a burden. It weighs about 0.8kg heavier than the entry-level model, the TUF series. Of course, the smaller 16-inch model is a little lighter, but it is still burdensome at 2.5kg.
Because it is a very good product except for the weight, it is one of the products that is very popular among hardcore gamers and gamers who mainly use it at home.
Lenovo – Legion
Lenovo’s premium gaming brand is Legion. High-performance products such as laptops, PCs, and UMPCs are given the name Legion. The Legion Pro 7i, the most recent model among gaming laptops, stands out for its simple yet rugged design as seen in LOQ, and the cover attached to the port slot emphasizes its unique style. The processor is equipped with an Intel Core i9 processor 14900HX and RTX 4080. Uniquely, the hinge can be expanded up to 180 degrees, allowing the angle to be freely adjusted.
Usually, high-end gaming laptops are equipped with a battery with a capacity of 90Whr, but this model was equipped with a battery with a maximum capacity of 99.99Whr. As it is a high-end laptop, it will consume a lot of power, but thanks to the large capacity battery, you can use it for a longer period of time even when you cannot connect to a power source. However, the weight has increased and the weight of 2.8kg can be a burden.
HP-OMEN
HP’s representative gaming laptop is OMEN. The most recently released OMEN 14 Slim boasts powerful performance despite its small size. True to its name, Slim, its thin thickness of 16.91mm and clean, no-frills design are attractive. However, the design of the text engraved on the inside is a factor that can differ in opinion, so it is necessary to check before purchasing.
HP OMEN 14 Slim fb0078TX Ultra is equipped with RTX 4070 and Intel Core Ultra 9 185H. Although it is a high-spec product, it is characterized by a light weight of 1.65kg. If a premium gaming laptop weighs this much, it is less burdensome to carry, so it can be used as a substitute for business when in a hurry. Unlike other premium gaming laptops, the port slots are divided into three directions.
Premium gaming laptop three-line summary
Advantages: High specs that rival desktops. The unique design satisfies the interior sensibility of a gaming room.
disadvantage: A burdensome weight. Fan noise is likely to be loud.
suggestion: If you have enough money but cannot use a desktop. For almost home use only.
finish
Find the product you need by understanding the different characteristics of each brand and series.
Overall, differences between brands can be seen in premium gaming laptops, and the cost-effectiveness and business models have similar specifications. However, as stated in the preface, what you need to check before purchasing a laptop is not only the processor installed, but also the TGP and price. Even if the same processor is installed, performance shows significant differences depending on the TGP value. The laptop itself is equipped with a mobile processor, so its performance is lower than that of the same desktop model, so wouldn’t it be unfair if the TGP was also lower?
Also, even if the performance is similar, there is a difference in price, so you must look carefully. Other than that, you can choose a product that suits your taste. If you’re going to use it with a monitor connected, look for a cheaper model with lower display specs. If you’re not going to play high-performance games or use it for work, there’s no need to buy a laptop with a high-end processor. If you want emotion, just find a product with a design you like.
Unlike PCs, laptops are a finished product, so this kind of weighing inevitably occurs. Therefore, it is a good idea to check which series of laptop you really need and gradually reduce the range. Before large-scale open market discounts begin, check in advance what laptop you need and hope that you can purchase a good product at a good price.
