Microsoft has launched the Surface Laptop 7 with 5G, available for pre-order starting at $1,799, featuring a reengineered design optimized for 5G connectivity, but it comes with a high price tag and is only available through business channels. The device includes advanced antenna placement and a new multi-layered laminate for better signal performance, and is part of Microsoft's broader push into business-focused Surface devices.
Dell has rebranded its XPS line as 'Premium' laptops, launching the Dell 14 Premium and Dell 16 Premium with updated Intel processors, new Nvidia RTX GPU options, and similar designs to their XPS predecessors, now available in the US and Canada starting at $1,649.99 and $2,699.99 respectively.
Framework has introduced a new version of its modular Laptop 13 featuring Intel's Core Ultra Series 1 CPUs, a 2.8K 120Hz VRR display, and an improved webcam. Existing users can upgrade their current models with these new components. The new laptops start at $899, while upgrades for older models begin at $449. The company has also reduced prices on earlier models and components.
Framework has introduced new upgrades for its Laptop 13, including a 120Hz display, improved webcam, and Intel Core Ultra chips, all of which can be retrofitted into existing laptops. The company is also offering new expansion modules and reduced prices for its AMD Ryzen 7040 series laptops. Preorders are now open, with shipping starting in August.
Framework has announced a new Framework Laptop 13 powered by Intel Core Ultra with a 2.8K display option, shipping this summer. The new model features a 13.5-inch 2880 x 1920 120Hz display, a 9.2MP web camera, and improved thermal management. The existing AMD Ryzen 7040 series model will also get the 2.8K display and a high capacity 61Wh battery. Prices for pre-built systems start at $949 USD, with a DIY edition at $799 USD. Framework also introduced new SD and USB-C Expansion Cards and an English International Keyboard for Linux users. The laptops will be available in Finland, Denmark, and Sweden next month.
The MSI Claw, a handheld gaming device powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, is now available for $699, with higher-specced models set to release soon. It features a seven-inch, 1080p, 48–120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR) LCD display, Intel Arc graphics chip, 53Wh battery, and Hall effect triggers and joysticks. Preorders come with freebies and availability starts on March 15th. The device joins the growing portable PC market alongside competitors like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally.
The most anticipated laptops of 2024, announced at CES, include models from Asus, Acer, HP, Lenovo, Alienware, MSI, Razer, and Dell, featuring the latest Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen 8000 series CPUs, 14th-gen Intel HX series, and upgraded screens such as 240Hz OLED panels. Notable designs incorporate new features like compact cooling systems, Wi-Fi 7, and dual-screen setups. Prices range from $1,500 to $5,400, with features catering to both work and play, and some models offering Thunderbolt 5 support and swappable mechanical switches for gamers.
MSI has officially priced its upcoming gaming handheld, The Claw, at $699 for the Core Ultra 5 135H model and $749 for the Core Ultra 7 155H model, positioning it as a premium option compared to competitors like ROG Ally and Legion GO. The Claw will be equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors and is set to be released with 16GB of RAM and 512GB or 1TB SSD options. The disparity between the 155H and 135H processors is less noticeable compared to previous models, and there were leaks hinting at a 32GB version, which is currently absent from the lineup.
CES 2024 showcased a range of intriguing laptops, including the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid, HP Omen Transcend 14, Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, Acer Swift Go 14, Dell XPS 16, Alienware m16 R2, Asus Zenbook Duo, HP Spectre x360 14 2-in-1, and MSI Titan 18 HX. These laptops feature Intel Core Ultra "Meteor Lake" chips and AI capabilities, catering to office workers, gamers, and prosumer users. Notable features include sleek designs, OLED displays, powerful gaming performance, and AI-driven tasks, making them some of the best laptops of 2024.
MSI unveiled the Claw, a handheld Windows gaming PC designed to rival the Steam Deck, featuring an Intel Core Ultra chip. Hands-on testing at CES 2024 revealed larger, more comfortable grips compared to the Asus ROG Ally, but the performance and battery life are not yet finalized. The engineering samples exhibited stuttery gameplay and frame spikes, with the Intel chip defaulting to a 24W-27W TDP. Despite promising features like a 53Wh battery, Hall effect joysticks, and Wi-Fi 7, the Claw's performance currently falls short of the Steam Deck. AI-powered features and variable refresh rate are included, with MSI claiming up to two hours of battery life for demanding games.
MSI has unveiled its first handheld gaming device, the CLAW, featuring Intel's Core Ultra series processor and Xe-LPG graphics, with pricing starting at $699 for the base model and $799 for the higher-spec variant. The device boasts a 7-inch 120Hz IPS panel, 512GB storage, 16GB RAM, WiFi-7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 53Wh battery, with a release scheduled for the first half of the year. Weighing 675g, the CLAW is equipped with a larger air vent system for efficient cooling and is set to compete with other handheld gaming consoles like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally.
Alienware unveils its 2024 laptop lineup featuring the m16 R2, x16 R2, and m18 R2 models equipped with Intel Core Ultra and 14th Gen HX CPUs, along with NVIDIA RTX 40 GPUs. The x16 R2 boasts a 16" QHD+ display, while the m16 R2 offers a 16" QHD+ panel with AMD Freesync and G-Sync support. The m18 R2 features Intel 14th Gen HX CPUs and up to NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU support. Prices start at $1599 for the m16 R2, $2999 for the x16 R2, and $1899 for the m18 R2, with availability beginning on January 11th.
Acer introduces new Swift laptops, including the Swift X 14 with Intel Core Ultra, RTX 4070, and a 120Hz OLED display, starting at $1,399. Additionally, the more affordable Swift Go 14 and Swift Go 16 models feature OLED displays, H or U-series Core Ultra chips, and Intel Arc GPUs, starting at $749. All three laptops come with dedicated Copilot keys and are set to launch between February and March.
Acer introduces new models to its Swift series, including the Swift Go 14 with an Imax Enhanced OLED display, Swift Go 16 with a 16-inch 3.2K Imax Enhanced OLED display, and Swift X 14 with RTX graphics. These laptops feature Intel Core Ultra processors and various display options, with prices starting at $750 for the Swift Go 14 and $1,400 for the Swift X 14.
The Acer Swift Go 14 is a budget-friendly laptop featuring Intel's new Core Ultra chip and improved integrated graphics. While its design is uninspiring, the laptop offers good performance, great battery life, and a crisp 1440p webcam with effective AI features. The new chip's neural processing unit (NPU) is designed to assist with AI workloads, but its benefits will be more apparent as software catches up. The Swift Go 14 performs well on current apps and offers future-proofing for upcoming software updates. However, there are more appealing options available in the market.
