Chuwi LapBook 12.3 video review: A $300 laptop with Surface Pro-like display

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

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CategoryCHUWI 12.3 LapBook
Processor7th-Gen ("Apollo Lake") Intel Celeron N3450 at 1.1GHz with burst to 2.2GHz
Internal storageToshiba 64GB eMMC
Expandable storageOne M.2 2242 SSD slot
RAM6GBLPDDR3 1600 MHz
Display12.3-inch IPS matte non-touch
Resolution2736 x 18243:2 aspect
GraphicsIntel 500
Portsone USB 3.0, one USB 2.0, 3.5mm jack, micro TF Card, micro HDMI
WirelessIntel AC-3165 (2.4/5GHz)802.11a/b/g/n
CameraFront-facing 2.0MP
Battery36 Whr
Weight3.04 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.

See at GearBest

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Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and wearable tech. He has reviewed laptops for over 10 years and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, Arm64 processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, performed polysomnographs in NYC, and was a motion-picture operator for 17 years.

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