You probably already know that a touchscreen laptop is more expensive than the non-touch version. But there are other, non-monetary premiums you have to pay for the touch capability, including a bigger drain on your battery.
Laptop Magazine points out a few issues with touch screen laptops: the lack of any matte displays in this laptop category (while noting that most consumer laptops these days have glossy screens), the ergonomic issues of reaching across the keyboard, and thicker and heavier builds. These are issues we’ve looked at before — compromises that you might be willing to make for that touch interface.
One surprising find Laptop made, however, was that the battery life hit for touch screen laptops — about 24 per cent comparing a ThinkPad X1 Carbon with and without touch — remains even after disabling the touch screen. Apparently, the touch digitiser continues to suck up power even when disabled.
This might give you pause for thought if you regularly use your laptop unplugged and battery life is more important than the touch interface.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Touch-Screen Laptop [Laptop]
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One response to “Touchscreen Laptops Are A Battery Drain, Even With Touch Disabled”
Take this with a grain of salt, there are plenty of 2 in 1s with a touchscreen only that get great battery life. The LCD panels behind the digitizer were different in all configurations tested which can have a huge effect, and no word on setting all LCD panels to a consistent brightness.