TLDR: A 17.3″ or similarly sized laptop is worth buying if paired with a good resolution. Go big if you prefer immersive visuals and desktop-like comfort over portability, but make resolution a non-negotiable factor in your purchase.
Large-screen laptops – typically with 17.3-inch displays – promise expansive visuals and desktop-like comfort. They’re popular among gamers, creators, and professionals who crave more workspace. But resolution quality plays a critical role in whether that big screen is actually beneficial.
The Benefits of Big-Screen Laptops
- Immersive Visual Experience: A 17.3″ or similarly sized display with good resolution – at least Full HD, can feel cinematic for movies, games, and creative work.
- Productivity Boost: More screen real estate means easier multitasking – multiple windows side by side without feeling cramped, provided the screen resolution is good. Designers, editors, and analysts, and other professionals especially benefit from the extra workspace, reducing reliance on external monitors.
- Better Cooling = Better Gaming & Creative Performance: Bigger chassis of the 17.3″ and other large laptops allow for less cramped internal component layout. This enables better cooling that is crucial for high performance. That’s why big laptops often house stronger GPUs and CPUs, plus better cooling systems.
- Comfortable Keyboard & Layout: Larger laptops typically include full-sized keyboards with numeric keypads, improving typing comfort for data-heavy tasks.
- Desktop Replacement: A 17.3″ laptop can serve as a true desktop alternative, offering portability without sacrificing screen size.
The Drawbacks
- Portability Issues: A 17.3″ laptop may not fit comfortably in smaller bags or on airplane tray tables.
- Shorter Battery Life: Larger screens consume more power, reducing battery life compared to smaller laptop displays.
- Weight & Bulk: Heavier and bulkier than average laptops, making them unsuitable for carrying around much.
- Competition from Rising 16″ Models: Slightly smaller laptops balance portability and screen space, appealing to many users.
- Resolution Pitfall: Some 17.3″ laptops still ship with HD+ (1600×900) resolution. On such a large screen, this results in pixelated text and less workspace. Buyers should avoid these models unless price is the absolute priority.
Who Should Buy a 17.3″ Laptop?
- Gamers: For immersive visuals and good cooling of powerful hardware.
- Designers & Creators: Extra screen space plus high resolution is a winning combo.
- Business Professionals: Ideal for spreadsheets, presentations, and multitasking.
- Home Users: Great desktop replacement, provided resolution is at least Full HD.
What are Popular 17.3″ & Big-Screen Laptops
Unfortunately, 17.3″ and other big-screen laptops aren’t as prominent as more popular sizes ranging from 14″ to 16″. The 17.3-inchers are typically either gaming laptops or mobile workstations, which are separate from the mainstream everyday laptop category.
If you want an everyday big-screen notebook, check out the HP Essential and Omni 7 17.3″ models, as well as corresponding models from the older Dell Inspiron and Lenovo IdeaPad series. Dell, Lenovo, and other popular manufacturers except HP have actually ditched the 17.3″ offers in 2026.
Check Out 17.3″ Laptop Deals
Ready to buy a 17.3-incher? Check out deals on them before buying.