Laptops have become necessary partners. They have transformed the way we work, communicate, and connect with the world around us. Over the years, laptops have evolved from bulky, limited devices into sleek, powerful tools. Innovation and the demands of the global society fuel these advancements.
The advancements are now not limited to design only. You can now witness them in your laptop’s battery, efficiency, and security. Being a tech enthusiast, it’s always exciting to explore the future trends in laptop technology that reshape our digital experiences. So, let me share these trends with you as well.
8 Exciting Trends in Laptop Technology
As I mentioned, laptops and related technologies are advancing daily. I have researched and listed some of them. Let’s explore them together:
1. Long-lasting Batteries
Upcoming technologies have the potential to extend laptop battery life beyond previous models. Recent findings have shown promise in using advanced composite Sodium Sulfur (Na-S) to enhance battery capacity 4x and reduce costs.
Solid-state batteries (SSBs) also stand out as an innovation. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, SSBs are composed entirely of solid materials, offering improved safety and faster charging. Although SSBs face durability challenges, ongoing research focuses on the positive electrode to address these issues. It aims to achieve longer battery life and minimize the need for full charging.
2. Low-Cost Laptops
Over time, personal computer prices have significantly dropped due to improved manufacturing and increased competition. In the 1980s, they were expensive, but advancements brought costs down. By the mid-1990s, desktops were under $300, and laptops became cheaper in the 2000s.
Today, basic laptops/desktops cost $200-$300, mid-range $500-$800. High-end systems remain pricier, serving specialized markets. Technological progress, manufacturing efficiency, and competition decrease prices, enhancing accessibility for work, education, and leisure.
Factors affecting costs include components, graphics cards, R&D, marketing, and distribution. Future prices are expected to fall due to efficient production and competition. However, emerging tech like 5G and AI may temporarily increase costs.
3. Welcome to Big Screens
Laptop screens are getting larger—much larger. In the past, the average laptop display was around 13 inches. Nowadays, it’s closer to 15 inches. Some laptops even boast 17-inch or bigger screens.
A while back, laptop screens usually had a resolution of 1280×800 pixels. Today, the most common resolution is 1920×1080 pixels (Full HD), and upscale laptops showcase resolutions of 2560×1440 pixels (Quad HD) and 3840×2160 pixels (4K). More pixels mean more content fits on the screen, reducing the need to scroll.
Furthermore, bigger screens offer enhanced comfort for work. They decrease eye strain and provide a broader view of tasks.
4. Thin Laptops
Thin laptops are still popular. Despite their small size, they have advanced processing capabilities for improved performance. Thin computers frequently prioritize power efficiency, which leads to extended battery life. They are lightweight and easy to transport.
The transition to laptops with thin bezels surrounding the display will be a prominent trend in 2023. As a result, the screen-to-body ratio increases. Many popular laptops are switching from the standard 16:9 screen to a squarer 16:10 or 3:2 aspect ratio.
The top slim laptops in 2023 include:
- Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Intel Core i7 12th Gen,
- Dell Vostro 3425, HP Laptop 15s,
- Honour MagicBook 14,
- Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Intel Core i5 11th Gen.
5. Mini LEDs
Mini LED technology isn’t entirely new; it has gradually found its way into laptops over the past years. However, it’s predicted to make a big splash in the high-end market in 2023, especially with its introduction to upcoming gaming laptops. Some notable models include Asus’ ROG Zephyrus G14 and the Razer Blade 16. Other prominent brands like Asus and MSI are also embracing Mini LED technology.
Unlike regular LCD screens that utilize one or multiple large groups of lights to display images, Mini LED displays use numerous small diode clusters that adjust brightness individually. While Mini LED doesn’t offer the same contrast and theoretical power efficiency as OLED displays, it typically achieves higher peak brightness. It avoids concerns like burn-in and image retention associated with OLED screens.
6. AI-powered Security
AI integration into laptops is becoming a game changer for cybersecurity. Traditional security measures fall short of evolving cyber threats, making embedded AI protection essential. AI-powered laptop security uses machine learning and real-time data analysis to detect threats. It adapts to new dangers and enhances defense mechanisms. It identifies zero-day vulnerabilities and prevents exploits before patches exist.
AI offers personalized security by learning user behavior and detecting potential threats. However, to maintain strong AI defenses against evolving threats, regular updates are necessary. While AI-embedded protection holds great promise, it requires transparent policies and continuous development to ensure robust security.
7. Glass-free 3D Vision
At CES 2023, Asus revealed Spatial Vision, the world’s first glasses-free 3D OLED laptop display technology. A lenticular lens and advanced eye-tracking camera technology are used in this technique to create separate images for each eye, resulting in an autostereoscopic 3D view. The display can flip between 2D and 3D graphics, with the 3D imagery appearing to rise off the screen. The ProArt Studiobook 16 3D OLED and the Zenbook Pro 16X OLED include glasses-free 3D OLED technology. The computers are intended for product designers, artists, and other creative people who must thoroughly analyze a design before it goes into production. The glasses-free 3D technology is identical to that found in other Acer products.
8. 360-twist Hinge
Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Twist was a standout example of the 360-twist hinge laptop trend at CES 2023. This laptop has a centre-post hinge that enables horizontal rotation of the front and rear screens, allowing users to swap between an OLED panel and an E-Ink screen. The hinge can be rotated 360 degrees. It distinguishes and differentiates the design.
Other laptops on display at CES 2023 had appealing hinge designs, such as those that flex in multiple ways. The 360-degree hinge is a concept that has long been employed in convertible computers. However, as manufacturers seek to differentiate their goods and give new functions to users, the trend toward more inventive hinge designs will continue.
Final Thoughts
Technological trends never stop to surprise you. These were just some of them, and you never know what comes next! With these innovations, we are also becoming prone to cyberattacks. So while leveraging these trends, make sure you also follow laptop security essentials to protect your data. So, admire unique innovation, but don’t forget to secure your laptop and data.
