Last week, I gave the LapBook 12.3 a thorough review including benchmarks, comparisons and more. Due to the popularity of the device and those wanting to see it in action here are the matching video review and quick recap for those who missed it.
Chuwi LapBook 12.3 revisited
Chuwi is a new but growing brand out of China specializing in affordable but more quality laptops. Previous releases include the Chuwi Hi13, which brings a smart pen, touch screen, and 2-in-1 features. The LapBook 12.3 is the smaller cousin of the LapBook 14, but it has a different look and a few clever tricks.
LapBook 12.3 specifications
| Category | CHUWI 12.3 LapBook |
|---|---|
| Processor | 7th-Gen ("Apollo Lake") Intel Celeron N3450 at 1.1GHz with burst to 2.2GHz |
| Internal storage | Toshiba 64GB eMMC |
| Expandable storage | One M.2 2242 SSD slot |
| RAM | 6GB LPDDR3 1600 MHz |
| Display | 12.3-inch IPS matte non-touch |
| Resolution | 2736 x 1824 3:2 aspect |
| Graphics | Intel 500 |
| Ports | one USB 3.0, one USB 2.0, 3.5mm jack, micro TF Card, micro HDMI |
| Wireless | Intel AC-3165 (2.4/5GHz) 802.11a/b/g/n |
| Camera | Front-facing 2.0MP |
| Battery | 36 Whr |
| Weight | 3.04 lbs (1.38 kg) |
The CNC machined aluminum build is solid and looks classy. While the design is a bit imitative of Apple's MacBook Air, it works here considering the $300 price.
While the Intel Celeron processor is not the fastest, it holds its own with Windows 10. The 6GB of RAM and easily accessible M.2 SATA3 expansion slot though make this device stand above most budget laptops, but it's the display that gives the LapBook 12.3 the edge.
Killer high-resolution display
The LapBook features a 12.3-inch IPS display with a 2736 x 1824 resolution. That's the same screen size, aspect, and even resolution as the Surface Pro with a whopping 267 pixel-per-inch screen density.
While the LapBook 12.3 is a matte, non-touch display, the Surface Pro is glossy, touch, and supports pen input. That's a tradeoff, for sure, but many people are fine with owning a classic laptop, and the LapBook is just that.
Besides the very high resolution, the LapBook's screen is also very color accurate with a 99 percent sRGB rating in our calibration test. That is an unusually high result with a $300 laptop, something that devices in the thousand-dollar range struggle to achieve.
You could argue not everyone needs a nearly 3K resolution display, but it is great to have options at this price level.
Chuwi LapBook – Brilliant design, few compromises
In my few weeks with the Chuwi LapBook, I came away impressed.
Sure, the trackpad is mediocre, and the keys are bit smaller at the 12-inch level, but the overall build quality, 6GB of RAM, easily expandable internal storage, and that excellent display make it a good choice for those who want to stretch their dollar.
Full review of the Chuwi LapBook 12.3
Some people will opt for a proper 2-in-1 PC, but for those who just want a quality classic laptop without breaking the bank, the Chuwi LapBook 12.3 should be on your shopping list for consideration.
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