Top 2017 Compact Laptops That Remain Excellent Choices for 2018

This comprehensive guide reviews the best compact laptops from 2017 that remain excellent choices in 2018. Featuring detailed insights into models like the Microsoft Surface Book 2, Samsung Notebook 9 Pro, Surface Pro 4, and Razer Blade Stealth, the article highlights their specifications, features, and value. Perfect for professionals, students, and gamers, these laptops combine portability, performance, and affordability. Whether you're seeking a versatile hybrid, a sleek ultrabook, or a portable gaming device, this guide helps you make informed decisions to find the ideal compact laptop for your needs in 2018.

Leading 11-inch, 12-inch, and 15-inch Laptops from 2017 for 2018 Buyers

As each year progresses, the technology industry releases a slew of innovative laptop models designed to enhance productivity, portability, and entertainment. While new releases often overshadow previous models, many 2017 laptops remain relevant, offering robust specifications and excellent performance at more affordable prices. For consumers seeking compact yet powerful laptops in 2018, understanding the standout models from 2017 can help make informed decisions. This comprehensive guide features some of the most impressive 11-inch, 12-inch, and 15-inch laptops from that year, highlighting their key features, specifications, and purchasing options to ensure you find the perfect device for your needs.

Microsoft Surface Book 2: A Premium 2-in-1 Powerhouse

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is often regarded as one of the best 2017 laptops to consider for 2018, thanks to its exceptional performance and innovative design. This high-end device is equipped with an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, offering remarkable processing power suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and intensive multitasking. It comes with 16GB of RAM, ensuring seamless performance when running multiple applications simultaneously, and offers a substantial 256GB SSD for fast storage access.

The Surface Book 2 features a 13.5-inch or 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, which delivers vibrant visuals and sharp details, enhancing both creative work and media consumption. A standout feature is its versatile 2-in-1 design, with a detachable screen that transforms this laptop into a portable tablet—ideal for designers, students, and professionals on the go. The device includes dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics, enabling smooth gaming, 3D modeling, and other graphics-intensive tasks.

Despite its premium specs, the Surface Book 2 has become more accessible since its launch, with prices around $2,299 at popular retailers like Adorama. Its build quality, combined with its powerful hardware and flexibility, makes it an outstanding choice for users seeking a premium portable workstation that adapts to various workloads.

Samsung Notebook 9 Pro: A Stylish and Functional 15-inch Laptop

Samsung made a significant impact in the ultrabook market with the Notebook 9 Pro, a highly versatile 15-inch device that merges productivity and style. Launched in 2017, this model is noteworthy for its sleek design, robust hardware, and a built-in stylus, catering to creative professionals and students alike. Powered by an Intel Core i7-7500U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, the Notebook 9 Pro provides smooth multitasking capabilities and rapid data access.

The device features a 15-inch Full HD display with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it excellent for content creation or entertainment. The inclusion of a dedicated AMD Radeon 540 GPU enhances the device’s ability to handle graphic-intensive tasks, including light gaming and multimedia editing. Equipped with multiple ports—such as USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and headphone jack—it offers extensive connectivity options, allowing users to connect various peripherals without hassle.

At approximately $1,349 on BestBuy, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro presents remarkable value for a premium-grade ultrabook. Its combination of portability, power, and stylish design makes it a relevant choice for 2018 buyers looking for a reliable work and entertainment laptop without breaking the bank.

Microsoft Surface Pro 4: The Versatile 12-inch Hybrid

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 stands out as an excellent 12-inch hybrid device, perfect for users prioritizing portability and flexibility. Equipped with a 6th Generation Intel Core i5-6300U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, it provides a balanced mix of performance and efficiency. Its compact form factor, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, allows users to work comfortably while on the move.

The Surface Pro 4's lightweight design—roughly 1.73 pounds—makes it easy to carry and ideal for students, professionals, or travelers. The device supports an active stylus, which enhances productivity by enabling precise drawing, note-taking, and creative tasks. Its impressive battery life ensures long hours of use, whether in meetings, classes, or during travel.

Priced at about $649 on Amazon, the Surface Pro 4 offers great value as a hybrid device that combines the best aspects of a tablet and a portable laptop. Its durable build and versatile features keep it relevant even in 2018, especially for users seeking a compact, powerful device for everyday tasks or creative projects.

Razer Blade Stealth: Compact Gaming and Productivity Ultrabook

The 2017 Razer Blade Stealth is a premium ultrabook designed for both gaming enthusiasts and power users who need a portable yet capable device. It features an Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, delivering strong performance in a slim, 13-inch chassis. Its sleek aluminium body exudes quality and durability, making it suitable for travel and daily use.

The Razer Blade Stealth includes a high-resolution display, multiple connectivity options such as HDMI, USB-A, and Thunderbolt 3, enabling easy connection to external monitors, peripherals, and external graphics docks. This flexibility transforms the device into a gaming-ready machine when paired with external GPUs, making it an ideal choice for casual gaming on the go.

Although 12-inch gaming laptops are relatively rare, the Razer Blade Stealth's emphasis on portability without sacrificing performance has made it a popular choice among professionals and gamers alike in 2017. Its combination of sleek design, powerful specs, and expandability maintains its relevance for 2018 users seeking a versatile, high-performance ultrabook.

Conclusion: Choose the Best Compact Laptop for Your Needs

With the rapid evolution of laptop technology, many powerful 2017 models continue to be excellent choices in 2018. Whether you need a high-performance 2-in-1 workstation like the Surface Book 2, a stylish ultrabook such as the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro, a versatile hybrid device like the Surface Pro 4, or a portable gaming-capable ultrabook like the Razer Blade Stealth, these laptops offer a range of features suitable for different needs and budgets.

As older models become more affordable, now is a great time to invest in a quality laptop that balances performance, portability, and price. Carefully assessing your specific requirements—be it creative work, business tasks, gaming, or casual browsing—will help you select the most appropriate device. The 2017 laptops discussed here remain relevant and capable of meeting the demands of modern users in 2018 and beyond.