There was no single best laptop for every buyer in 2016: the right choice depended on whether you wanted macOS or Windows, a conventional notebook or a convertible, a lighter carry, a particular screen, or enough ports to avoid adapters. This guide compares the models and configurations discussed in New Atlas’s December 2016 guide as a period snapshot—not as current buying advice.
How to compare the 2016 models
Start with the way you planned to use the computer, not a period review’s overall ranking. Operating system and ecosystem affect software and device compatibility; form factor determines whether a touchscreen laptop can also serve as a tablet; and weight, display configuration, keyboard and ports matter in daily use. Compare like configurations where possible: a touchscreen version can weigh more or have a different panel, and two laptops with the same model name may have different processors, storage or connectors.
- Operating system: Choose macOS or Windows based on the software and devices you use. Hardware comparisons alone do not settle that choice.
- Form: A standard clamshell prioritizes laptop use; a 2-in-1 hinge and touchscreen add tablet-style flexibility.
- Carry and display: Check the precise screen option and its weight rather than assuming every configuration is equally portable.
- Typing and connection: Consider keyboard and pointing-device preferences alongside the ports needed for your accessories.
- Configuration and price: Processor, memory, storage and historical price should be tied to the exact model and configuration.
Portable Windows laptops: XPS 13 and ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Dell XPS 13 (2016)
The XPS 13 was a compact Windows option with different display and weight trade-offs. Laptop Mag’s 2016 review reports 2.7 lb for the non-touch configuration and 2.9 lb for the touchscreen configuration. The non-touch option had a matte Full HD display; the touchscreen option was 3200 × 1800. In that review’s lab tests, the non-touch screen measured 93.6% sRGB gamut and the QHD touchscreen 105.7%—results from those tested units, not universal figures for every XPS 13.
The reviewed design included two USB 3.0 ports, an SD card reader, a headphone jack and a Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port. That mix offered more legacy connectivity than a USB-C-only setup, though buyers should still check whether their own devices require an adapter. Laptop Mag’s 2016 XPS 13 review is the source for these configuration weights, display options, lab measurements and port details.
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- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
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- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (fourth generation)
For frequent typing and business travel, Laptop Mag described the reviewed fourth-generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon as a 2.6-pound package and praised its keyboard, screen and battery-life balance. That is a review-era assessment of the tested machine, not proof that it outlasted every alternative in every use case. Read Laptop Mag’s 2016 X1 Carbon review for its review context.
Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro: distinguish the two models
“2016 MacBook Pro 13-inch” does not describe one interchangeable configuration. Apple’s archived specification pages distinguish a two-port model from a four-port model; their processor and storage configurations differ, so port count and base specifications should not be blended into one generic entry.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
Apple lists a 13.3-inch display at 2560 × 1600 pixels, 500 nits and P3 wide color for the two-port 2016 model. Its listed base configuration has a 2.0 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 8 GB of memory, a 256 GB SSD and two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports. Those are manufacturer specifications for this model, not a description of the four-port version. Apple’s technical specifications for the 2016 two-port MacBook Pro give the details.
Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
Apple documents a separate four-port 13-inch model with different base processor and storage configurations. Verify the exact model before comparing its performance, capacity or connector count with the two-port version. Apple’s technical specifications for the 2016 four-port MacBook Pro identify that machine.
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TIME’s August 20, 2016 recommendations listed historical starting prices of $1,499 for the non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro and $1,799 for the Touch Bar model. These are period prices, not present-day prices or a current value comparison. TIME’s 2016 laptop recommendations provide that historical context.
Convertible flexibility: Yoga 910 and HP Spectre x360
Lenovo Yoga 910
TIME’s 2016 guide highlighted the Yoga 910’s touchscreen and hinge as features that let it double as a tablet. This is the better category to consider if switching between laptop and tablet-style use is central to your routine; a conventional clamshell does not provide that same hinge-based flexibility. The guide’s assessment is historical, not a current ranking. TIME’s guide describes its period recommendations.
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- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
HP Spectre x360 13
The Spectre x360 is a convertible and must not be confused with the separate clamshell HP Spectre. TechRadar’s review of the 2016 x360, published February 15, 2018, praised its thin, light design, keyboard and battery, while identifying the absence of an SD card reader as a drawback. That review’s praise and criticism apply to the x360 model it covered. TechRadar’s 2016 Spectre x360 review gives its assessment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Thin clamshell alternative: HP Spectre
The HP Spectre discussed in TIME’s 2016 guide is a traditional clamshell, not the Spectre x360. TIME described portability, keyboard and performance as strengths and flagged trackpad and fan issues. Those are review-era judgments; they should not be applied to other Spectre models or generations. TIME’s historical guide identifies the model and its period assessment.
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- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Historical prices and buying a decade-old laptop now
TIME’s August 20, 2016 article listed the following prices. They show what that guide reported at the time; they do not establish today’s used-market value or availability.
| Model in TIME’s 2016 guide | Historical price reported by TIME |
|---|---|
| Dell XPS 13 | $799 |
| HP Spectre clamshell | $1,049 |
| HP Spectre x360, 13-inch | $1,159 |
| HP Spectre x360, 15-inch | $1,270 |
| MacBook Pro, non-Touch Bar | $1,499 |
| MacBook Pro, Touch Bar | $1,799 |
If considering a used or refurbished unit today, the exact model and configuration matter more than the old headline price. Check its condition, seller terms, battery state, included charger and required adapters, and whether its software support meets your needs. The sources cited here do not establish current stock, seller reliability, current prices or support status.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
