If you’ve ever glanced at a laptop spec sheet, you might’ve noticed the screen size listed in inches—say, 13, 15, or even 17.3 inches. But what does a 17.3-inch laptop really mean in terms of size? And how does it compare to other laptops? Is it portable enough for your daily grind? If you’ve been scratching your head wondering, “How big is a 17.3-inch laptop?”—you’re in the right spot. We’ll break it down, clear up the confusion, and help you decide if this size suits your lifestyle.
What Are the Physical Dimensions of a 17.3 Inch Laptop?
Let’s start simple. The 17.3 inches refers to the diagonal length of the laptop’s screen—from one corner to the opposite corner. But that measurement alone doesn’t tell the whole story about the laptop’s size.
The Screen vs. The Laptop Body
Think of it like this: your screen is just the window, but the laptop’s body extends beyond that window. You’ve got bezels (the frame around the screen), the keyboard deck, the trackpad, and the outer casing. All these add to the total size.
So, how big are we talking?
- Screen diagonal: 17.3 inches
- Approximate width: 15.5 to 16 inches (39.4 to 40.6 cm)
- Approximate depth (front to back): 10.5 to 11 inches (26.7 to 27.9 cm)
- Height/thickness: Usually ranges from 0.8 inches to 1.2 inches (2 to 3 cm), depending on the model.
These numbers can vary slightly depending on the laptop’s design and bezel size. For instance, a laptop with thin bezels might be a bit narrower than one with thick frames.
Here’s a quick table showing rough dimensions for a typical 17.3-inch laptop:
| Dimension | Size Range |
|---|---|
| Width | 15.5 – 16 inches (39.4 – 40.6 cm) |
| Depth (front-back) | 10.5 – 11 inches (26.7 – 27.9 cm) |
| Height (thickness) | 0.8 – 1.2 inches (2 – 3 cm) |
So why does this matter? Well, it’s a lot easier to imagine the physical space a laptop will take up if you think beyond the screen size.
Visualizing 17.3 Inches in Real Life
To visualize 17.3 inches, picture a standard laptop screen but bigger—almost like a TV. It’s about the size of a big school textbook or a typical sheet of A3 paper laid diagonally. Certainly larger than your average backpack laptop.
How Does a 17.3 Inch Laptop Compare in Size to Other Common Laptop Sizes?
Now, let’s put that 17.3-inch size into perspective by comparing it to other common laptop sizes.
Comparing 13, 15, and 17.3 Inch Laptops
13-inch laptops: These are the ultra-portable, slim machines. Think MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13. They typically measure about 12 inches wide by 8.3 inches deep. They’re light, fit almost anywhere, and are great for travel or working on the go.
15-inch laptops: The sweet spot for many users. Popular for balancing screen real estate with portability, like the MacBook Pro 15 or Dell Inspiron 15. They generally measure 14 inches wide by 9.5 inches deep.
17.3-inch laptops: Much larger, almost like a small desktop replacement. Width around 16 inches and depth about 11 inches.
To put that into a quick comparison table:
| Screen Size | Approximate Width | Approximate Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 13 inches | 12 inches (30.5 cm) | 8.3 inches (21 cm) |
| 15 inches | 14 inches (35.5 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) |
| 17.3 inches | 15.5-16 inches (39.4-40.6 cm) | 10.5-11 inches (26.7-27.9 cm) |
What Does This Mean?
A 17.3-inch laptop is roughly 30-40% wider and deeper than a 15-inch laptop. That’s quite a jump! If you imagine that a 15-inch laptop fits nicely on most airplane tray tables, a 17.3-inch one might be more of a squeeze.
Thickness & Weight Differences
Not just width and depth—weight matters too. A 13-inch ultrabook might weigh around 2.5 to 3 pounds. A 15-inch laptop can tip the scales between 4 and 5 pounds. But a 17.3-inch machine? Expect 6 pounds or more.
That weight difference affects portability big time.
Is a 17.3 Inch Laptop Portable Enough for Everyday Use?
Here’s where things get subjective. Portability depends on your lifestyle and expectations.
Will It Fit in Your Bag?
Standard laptop backpacks often cater to up to 15.6-inch laptops. While some are designed with adjustable compartments, a 17.3-inch laptop can be a tight fit or may not fit at all.
If you’re eyeing a 17.3-inch laptop, you might need a bigger bag—a messenger bag or a larger backpack designed for gaming laptops or mobile workstations.
Comfortable to Carry Daily?
At 6 or more pounds, a 17.3-inch laptop is definitely on the heavier side. For some, that’s fine—they’re used to carrying gear for work or creative projects.
But if you’re someone who needs to lug your laptop around campus, commute on public transit, or carry it for hours, this weight can become a real pain.
Can You Work Anywhere?
The size also affects where you can use it. Picture a cramped coffee shop or a small desk at the library.
- Can you comfortably open and use a 17.3-inch laptop there?
- Will the large footprint crowd out your notebook or coffee cup?
- Can you use it on an airplane tray table? Usually, no, or it will be pretty uncomfortable.
In short, if you want ultra-portability, a 17.3-inch laptop probably isn’t your best choice.
What Are Typical Use Cases or Benefits of a 17.3 Inch Laptop?
So, if 17.3-inch laptops aren’t the easiest to carry around, why do people buy them?
1. Desktop Replacement
Many folks use these big laptops as desktop substitutes. They get the power of a full-sized machine—bigger screen, stronger processors, and better cooling—without needing a separate monitor or PC setup.
For example, a freelance video editor might have a 17.3-inch laptop at home, connecting it to external drives and peripherals. The large screen helps with detailed work like editing footage or multiple windows at once.
2. Gaming Laptops
Gaming laptops often start at 15 inches but many go up to 17.3 inches—sometimes more.
Why? The bigger size means:
- More room for better cooling systems (so the machine doesn’t overheat during long gaming sessions)
- Space for a full-sized keyboard, sometimes with a numeric keypad and customizable RGB lighting
- Larger, clearer displays that bring games to life
If you’re a gamer who wants power close to a desktop but still wants some portability, a 17.3-inch gaming laptop is a sweet spot.
3. Creative Professionals
Graphic designers, 3D artists, and video producers often prefer a larger screen so they can see details clearly without needing multiple monitors.
A 17.3-inch laptop lets them work from different locations—coffee shops, client sites, home offices—without sacrificing screen space.
4. Multitasking and Entertainment
Some people just love the immersive experience of a large screen for watching movies, streaming sports, or running multiple apps side by side.
With a 17.3-inch laptop, movies feel almost cinematic. Multitasking becomes easier because you have more room to arrange windows without squinting.
Summary Table: Size, Portability, Use Cases
| Aspect | 13 inches | 15 inches | 17.3 inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen diagonal | 13 inches (33 cm) | 15 inches (38 cm) | 17.3 inches (44 cm) |
| Approximate width | ~12 inches (30.5 cm) | ~14 inches (35.5 cm) | 15.5-16 inches (39.4-40.6 cm) |
| Approximate depth | ~8.3 inches (21 cm) | ~9.5 inches (24 cm) | 10.5-11 inches (26.7-27.9 cm) |
| Weight range | 2.5-3.0 lbs (1.1-1.4 kg) | 4-5 lbs (1.8-2.3 kg) | 6+ lbs (2.7+ kg) |
| Typical use case | Ultra-portable, travel | General use, balance | Gaming, creative work, desktop replacement |
| Portability | High | Moderate | Low to moderate |
Does a 17.3-inch laptop fit in a regular laptop bag?
Usually not, unless the bag is designed for larger laptops or gaming machines. Measure your bag’s laptop compartment to be sure.
Is a 17.3-inch laptop too heavy for a daily commute?
It depends on your tolerance. At 6 pounds or more, it can get tiring fast, especially if you’re walking long distances or carrying other items.
How does screen size relate to weight?
Generally, bigger screens mean bigger bodies, which means more weight. But factors like materials and battery size also affect weight.
Can I use a 17.3-inch laptop on an airplane tray table?
It’s a tight squeeze and often uncomfortable. Smaller laptops are better for flying.
Final Thoughts: Should You Go Big or Stay Compact?
In the end, picking a laptop size depends on your priorities:
- Want something light and portable? Stick with 13- or 15-inch sizes.
- Need power and a big screen at home or office? A 17.3-inch laptop could be perfect.
- Game a lot or do creative work? The extra screen space and performance options are worth the size.
Remember, the 17.3 inches is just the screen diagonal, but the laptop’s full size is bigger. It’s like comparing a window to the entire wall.
So next time you see “17.3-inch laptop,” you’ll know it’s a beastier machine—one that demands more space, but gives you a richer experience in return.
References
[1] According to Laptop Mag’s size and weight specs, typical 17.3-inch laptops weigh over 6 pounds and measure about 15.5 x 10.5 inches (https://www.laptopmag.com).
[2] TechRadar explains how screen size relates to portability and use cases (https://www.techradar.com).
[3] PC Gamer’s guide to gaming laptops details benefits of larger screens for gaming performance (https://www.pcgamer.com).
Danny Inayat