Editing Laptop (section)

===Display===
The typical laptop has a screen in a clamshell form factor that when unfolded is upright to the user. Detachables typically use a kickstand to stay upright.

==== Screen technology ====
Laptop screens most commonly use [[liquid-crystal display|liquid-crystal display (LCD)]] technology, although [[OLED]] panels have been used in some models.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} The display interfaces with the motherboard using the [[embedded DisplayPort]] protocol via the [[low-voltage differential signaling|Low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS)]] 30 or 40 pin connector. Earlier laptops use the [[FPD-Link]] standard. The panels are mainly manufactured by [[AU Optronics]], [[BOE Technology]], [[LG Display]] or [[Samsung Display]].

==== Surface finish ====
Externally, it can be a ''glossy'' or a ''matte'' (anti-glare) screen.

==== Sizes ====
In the past, there was a broader range of marketing terms (both formal and informal) to distinguish between different sizes of laptops. These included [[netbook]]s, [[subnotebook]]s, [[ultra-mobile PC]], and [[desktop replacement computer]]s; these are sometimes still used informally, although they are generally not used anymore in manufacturer marketing.

{{As of|2021|post=,}} mainstream consumer laptops tend to come with 11", 13", 14", 15" or 16" screens. Larger and smaller models are available, but less common – there is no clear dividing line in minimum or maximum size. Machines small enough to be handheld (screens in the 6–8" range) can be marketed either as very small laptops or "handheld PCs", while the distinction between the largest laptops and "All-in-One" desktops is whether they fold for travel.

==== Resolution ====
Having a higher resolution display allows more items to fit onscreen at a time, improving the user's ability to multitask, although, at the higher resolutions on smaller screens, the resolution may only serve to display sharper graphics and text rather than increasing the usable area. Since the introduction of the [[MacBook Pro with Retina display]] in 2012, there has been an increase in the availability of "HiDPI" (or high [[pixel density]]) displays; {{as of|2025|post=,|lc=y}} this is generally considered to be anything higher than 1920 pixels wide. On PC laptops, this is most often 4K (3840-pixel-wide) resolution, although QHD (2560-pixel-wide) resolution is also a common option, and [[Display resolution standards|non-standard display resolutions]] are becoming more frequent.

External displays can be connected to most laptops, with most models supporting at least one.<ref name="3-Displays FAQ">{{cite web |title=Configuration 3-Displays FAQ |url=http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/CS-033714.htm |access-date=16 September 2014 |website=Intel.com}}</ref> The use of technology such as [[USB4]] (section [[USB4#Alternate Mode partner specifications|Alternate Mode partner specifications]]). DisplayPort Alt Mode has been utilized to charge a laptop and provide display output over one USB-C Cable.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple MacBook Pro 14 and 16 review: return to form |url=https://www.theverge.com/22751921/apple-macbook-pro-14-16-inch-2021-m1-pro-max-review |access-date=21 September 2022 |website=The Verge |date=29 October 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Refresh rates ====
Most laptop displays have a maximum [[refresh rate]] of 60&nbsp;Hz. The Dell M17x and [[Samsung]] 700G7A, both released in 2011, were among the first laptops to feature a 120&nbsp;Hz refresh rate,<ref>{{cite web |title=Dell refreshes Alienware M17x, Dell XPS 17 with 120Hz 3D HD screens, Sandy Bridge CPUs |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-01-06-dell-outfits-alienware-m17x-dell-xps-17-with-120hz-3d-hd-screen.html |website=Engadget |date=6 January 2011 |access-date=28 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Samsung 700G7A GAMER |url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/laptops/reviews/samsung/72784-samsung-700g7a-gaming-laptop-review |website=pocket-lint.com |access-date=28 April 2021 |language=en-gb |date=11 April 2012}}</ref> and more such laptops have appeared in the years since; higher refresh rate is often a distinguishing characteristic of laptops sold for gaming.