10 Older Thin-and-Light Laptops to Consider Buying Used

The laptops in this list were introduced between roughly 2019 and 2022. They should not be presented as the “best laptops of 2026,” but several can still be sensible used or refurbished purchases at the right price.

Condition and exact configuration matter more than the family name. Before buying, verify the full model number, processor, memory, storage, display, battery health, operating-system support, charger, and return policy. Many ultraportables use soldered memory that cannot be upgraded later.

Quick comparison

Model	Original generation	Main reason to consider it	Important caution
Dell XPS 13 9315	2022	Compact 13.4-inch Windows design	Very limited ports; memory is not upgradeable
MacBook Air M2	2022	Quiet fanless design and efficient Apple silicon	Check memory capacity, battery health, and device locks
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i	Multiple years	Often inexpensive	Name covers many unrelated configurations
LG gram 16	2022	Large screen at about 1.2 kg on many configurations	Light chassis may feel less rigid than heavier rivals
HP Elite Dragonfly G3	2022	Sub-1 kg business clamshell	Not the convertible Dragonfly model described in some listings
Surface Laptop 4	2021	3:2 touchscreen and good keyboard	Repair and battery replacement can be difficult
Acer Swift 7 SF714-52T	2019	Exceptionally light at about 890 g	Old low-power platform and unusual webcam placement
Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13	2020–2021	About 966 g with a 16:10 QHD display	Soldered memory and few ports
HP Spectre x360 14	2020–2022 variants	Premium 3:2 convertible	Confirm the exact generation and inspect OLED panels carefully
Google Pixelbook Go	2019	Light, quiet ChromeOS hardware	Automatic ChromeOS updates end in August 2029

1. Dell XPS 13 9315

The XPS 13 9315 is a 2022 model with 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1230U or i7-1250U processors—not an 11th-generation system. Dell lists a starting weight of 1.17 kg (2.59 lb) and 13.4-inch 16:10 displays at 1920 × 1200 or 3840 × 2400, depending on configuration.

It remains compact and capable for office work, study, and travel. The trade-off is connectivity: the clamshell model relies on two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, and adapters may be required. Check that 16GB or 32GB of soldered memory was ordered if your workload needs it, because it cannot be added later.

2. MacBook Air M2 (2022)

Apple's 13.6-inch M2 MacBook Air weighs 1.24 kg (2.7 lb) and uses a fanless design. It is still a practical mobile Mac for writing, development, general creative work, and everyday use, provided the software you need runs on macOS.

For a used unit, check System Information for memory and storage, review battery cycle count and maximum capacity, test MagSafe and both USB-C ports, and confirm that Activation Lock and any organization management profile have been removed. An 8GB model can be limiting for heavy multitasking, and neither memory nor storage can be upgraded.

3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i

“IdeaPad 3i” identifies a broad budget family, not one fixed laptop. Screen size, weight, processor generation, display quality, memory layout, and ports vary substantially. A seller's title is not enough—ask for the machine type or full model number and compare it with Lenovo's specifications.

Avoid paying an ultraportable premium for a heavy 15- or 17-inch configuration. Check whether memory can be expanded and whether the display is at least Full HD with acceptable brightness. If a listing still shows Windows 10, remember that ordinary Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; verify Windows 11 eligibility and licensing before purchase.

4. LG gram 16 (2022)

The 2022 gram 16 combines a 16-inch 16:10 display with unusually low weight. LG lists 2.64 lb (about 1.2 kg) for some 16Z90Q configurations, while other variants differ. This is useful when screen area matters but a conventional 16-inch laptop is too heavy.

Confirm the exact suffix because processors, storage, and weight vary. Inspect the thin chassis, hinges, keyboard deck, and display for flex or damage, and test the large battery under a realistic workload rather than relying on its original advertised runtime.

5. HP Elite Dragonfly G3

The Elite Dragonfly G3 is a premium clamshell with a 13.5-inch 3:2 display, 12th-generation Intel processors, and a starting weight below 1 kg. It does not fold into tablet or tent mode; that description belongs to other Dragonfly generations or the Dragonfly Folio.

Used business models may include useful security and mobile-broadband options, but they can also be tied to corporate firmware settings. Confirm that BIOS passwords, asset-management enrollment, and drive encryption have been cleared by the seller.

6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

Surface Laptop 4 was sold with 13.5- and 15-inch 3:2 touchscreens and either 11th-generation Intel Core or AMD Ryzen Microsoft Surface Edition processors. The tall display, keyboard, and restrained design remain appealing for office and study use.

Check the exact processor rather than assuming every configuration performs alike. Inspect the touchscreen, keyboard material, Surface Connect port, USB ports, and battery. Repairability is limited compared with many conventional laptops, so a strong return policy is especially valuable.

7. Acer Swift 7 SF714-52T

This 2019 Swift 7 was remarkable for a weight of about 890 g and an extremely thin 14-inch chassis. Its low-power 8th-generation Intel processor is suitable for light browsing and documents, but it is far behind current laptops for sustained work, modern creative applications, and gaming.

The pop-up webcam placement is awkward for video calls, and age makes battery condition and replacement parts major concerns. Buy only at a price that reflects those limitations and after confirming that the exact unit can run a supported operating system.

8. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13

The original 13-inch Yoga Slim 7i Carbon starts at 966 g and pairs 11th-generation Intel processors with a 13.3-inch 16:10 QHD display. Despite “Yoga” in the name, this model is a clamshell rather than a 360-degree convertible.

It is still attractive for low-weight travel, but memory is soldered and port selection is mostly USB-C. Check screen condition, hinge alignment, the light-colored finish, and whether the included charger provides the required USB-C Power Delivery.

9. HP Spectre x360 14

The name covers several generations. The early 14-ea series used 11th-generation Intel processors, while later 14-ef models moved to 12th- or 13th-generation chips. Common strengths include a 3:2 touch display, 360-degree hinge, pen support on compatible configurations, and premium construction.

Some units have a 3000 × 2000 OLED panel. Inspect an OLED display for uneven wear or persistent image retention, and test the hinge in laptop and tablet positions. Confirm whether the pen and original 65W USB-C charger are included.

10. Google Pixelbook Go

The Pixelbook Go is a light 13.3-inch Chromebook from 2019 with a quiet fanless design and an excellent keyboard. It suits browser-based work and ChromeOS apps, but it is not a Windows laptop and cannot replace specialized Windows or macOS software.

Google lists the Pixelbook Go's Auto Update Expiration as August 2029. That remaining support window should be reflected in the price. Check the date on the device under Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details before buying.

Used ultraportable buying checklist

• Match the serial number and full model identifier to the manufacturer's specification page.
• Require at least enough soldered memory for the entire expected ownership period.
• Run the maker's hardware diagnostics and review battery health.
• Test every port, key, speaker, camera, microphone, Wi-Fi connection, and charging method.
• Inspect hinges, corners, display pressure marks, keyboard shine, and evidence of liquid exposure.
• Confirm that firmware passwords, Activation Lock, enterprise enrollment, and previous accounts are removed.
• Check the operating system's remaining security-support period.
• Compare the total cost with a newer laptop that includes a fresh battery and warranty.

Official references include Dell's XPS 13 9315 specifications, Apple's MacBook Air M2 specifications, Microsoft's Surface Laptop 4 features, and Google's Pixelbook update schedule.