Category: Computers

February 18, 2025
SanDisk Plans 1-Petabyte SSD, Release Date Uncertain
Key Takeaways
1. SanDisk plans to develop solid-state drives (SSDs) with capacities up to 1 petabyte (1PB) using UltraQLC technology.
2. UltraQLC integrates Kioxia’s BICS 8 3D QLC NAND memory with a proprietary controller featuring 64 NAND channels for improved performance.
3. The controller includes hardware accelerators that enhance storage functions, resulting in lower latency and higher reliability.
4. Initial UltraQLC SSDs will use 2-terabit NAND memory chips, enabling capacities up to 128TB, with future plans for 256TB, 512TB, and 1PB.
5. SanDisk emphasizes the design’s focus on density, performance, and power efficiency to meet modern data infrastructure needs.
At a recent Investor Day, SanDisk shared its grand plans to create solid-state drives (SSDs) with astonishing capacities reaching up to 1 petabyte (1PB = 1,024TB). These innovative drives will utilize the company’s cutting-edge UltraQLC technology. Although they provided an exciting overview of these high-capacity drives, SanDisk didn’t mention when we can expect to see them on the market.
Details on UltraQLC
UltraQLC isn’t exactly a new type of memory. Instead, it’s an integrated platform that merges Kioxia’s BICS 8 3D QLC NAND memory with a state-of-the-art proprietary controller that boasts an impressive 64 NAND channels and tailored firmware.
The controller plays a crucial role in the system’s performance. It is equipped with domain-specific hardware accelerators that take over essential storage functions usually performed by firmware. This setup leads to lowered latency, heightened throughput, and enhanced reliability in hyperscale storage settings. Moreover, the controller smartly adapts the SSD’s power usage based on the demands of the workload, which helps in maintaining energy efficiency. An advanced bus multiplexer further aids the system by handling the large data flow from the dense 3D QLC NAND memory stacks, ensuring all channels are effectively used without any drop in performance.
Insights from SanDisk’s Leadership
UltraQLC is specially designed based on our years of experience and what we’ve learned lately to be effectively used in modern data infrastructures without sacrificing density, performance, and power efficiency. The design centers on three main aspects: BICS 8 NAND technology and future NAND advancements, customized controllers, and superior system design, explains Khurram Ismail, the new Chief of Engineering and Product Management at SanDisk.
At first, SanDisk’s UltraQLC SSDs will use 2-terabit (2Tb) NAND memory chips, allowing for capacities up to 128TB. While the 64-channel controller is capable of supporting even larger capacities, pushing it too far might affect performance. Looking into the future, SanDisk expects to create higher-capacity NAND devices, paving the way for SSDs that can reach 256TB, 512TB, and ultimately the ambitious goal of 1PB in the upcoming years.
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Tags: BICS 8, SanDisk, UltraQLC
February 18, 2025
New Leak Uncovers Lenovo’s Latest Foldable Screen Laptop
Key Takeaways
1. Innovative Design: The ThinkPad Flip features a foldable display, allowing for multiple use modes, such as a vertical display or a dual-screen setup.
2. Connectivity Features: The laptop has limited I/O options, likely including USB-C/A ports, and a webcam positioned in a notch on the top display.
3. No Visible Crease: Renders do not show a crease where the two screens meet, though a crease is expected in the final version.
4. Specifications Unknown: Details about the laptop’s specifications are not yet available, but it may use Intel Arrow Lake-H or Lunar Lake processors, or AMD Ryzen AI 7 alternatives.
5. Source of Information: The insights about the ThinkPad Flip were shared by Evan Blass on a private account on X.
Evan Blass has unveiled a lot of what Lenovo plans to present at MWC 2025. However, an earlier leak missed an important piece of information about one of its most creative laptops: the ThinkPad Flip. As the name indicates, its display folds similarly to the popular Galaxy smartphones.
Innovative Design
This unique design creates various potential uses, though not all seem very practical. You could have a huge vertical display, or fold one side and use the other side like a tablet. Another option is to use one screen for yourself while showing content to coworkers or friends on the other screen.
Connectivity Features
According to the images, the ThinkPad Flip appears to have limited I/O options. There’s a pill-shaped cutout on each side, which will probably hold the USB-C/A port. Additionally, the webcam is located in a notch on the top display. While the renders don’t show a visible crease where the two screens meet, it’s highly likely that there will be one in the final version.
Specifications Unknown
Sadly, the specifications for the Lenovo ThinkPad Flip are still unclear. Considering its design, it seems reasonable to expect it to be equipped with either an Intel Arrow Lake-H or Lunar Lake processor. If there are AMD alternatives, it might feature a Strix Point-based Ryzen AI 7 variant.
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Tags: Lenovo, MWC 2025, ThinkPad Flip
February 17, 2025
Asus ROG Flow Z13: AMD Strix Halo 2-in-1 Release and Pricing Info
Key Takeaways
1. The AMD Strix Halo APUs, including Ryzen AI Max 390 and Ryzen AI Max+ 395, are expected to be released soon, with initial reviews on February 18.
2. Asus will hold a launch event for the ROG Flow Z13 (2025) on February 25 in China.
3. The highest-priced ROG Flow Z13 (2025) model will cost $2,699.99, featuring Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, 128 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1 TB SSD.
4. This model is $500 more expensive than the earlier price mentioned at CES 2025.
5. AMD has reportedly restricted independent benchmark tests for the new APUs.
It appears that the release of the AMD Strix Halo APUs is just around the corner. Although the Ryzen AI Max 390 and Ryzen AI Max+ 395 were highlighted at CES 2025, many reviewers claim that AMD has prohibited the sharing of independent benchmark tests.
Upcoming Reviews and Launch Dates
As reported by @9550pro, the initial reviews for Strix Halo are expected to be available on February 18. The actual launch of Strix Halo devices is likely to occur shortly after that. A recent post from Republic of Gamers (ROG) on Weibo indicates that Asus will hold a launch event for the ROG Flow Z13 (2025) in China on February 25 at 11:00 UTC (19:00 CST). This will replace the previous model that was powered by Raptor Lake and Nvidia Ada Lovelace, currently selling for $1,749.99 on Amazon.
Pricing and Specifications
Sadly, Asus has yet to reveal any additional information. However, the company has confirmed the details of all launch SKUs, with the most expensive option priced at $2,699.99. This model features AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, 128 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1 TB M.2 2230 SSD. To put it another way, the top-of-the-line ROG Flow Z13 (2025) will be $500 more than what Asus initially stated during CES 2025. For further hardware specifics, check out our ROG Flow Z13 (2025) launch article.
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Tags: AMD Strix Halo, ROG Flow Z13, Ryzen AI Max+ 395
February 17, 2025
Apple M4 MacBook Air Release Soon; M5 MacBook Pro Timeline Leaked
Key Takeaways
1. The iPhone SE 4 will be revealed this Wednesday.
2. The new MacBook Air with the M4 chip is expected to launch by March, possibly as early as February.
3. After the MacBook Air, Apple will focus on the M4 Mac Studio and M4 Mac Pro, set to launch in the summer.
4. The Apple M5 chip will debut in a MacBook Pro in the fall, with the M5 iPad Pro coming in the first half of 2026.
5. Other anticipated products include a new AirTag, iPad Air, smart home hub, and updates to Apple Watch and Apple TV 4K.
Apple has announced that the iPhone SE 4 will be revealed this Wednesday. A recent report from Bloomberg has shared some insights about what we can expect moving forward. One of the main highlights is the upcoming 2024 MacBook Air (around $1,099 on Amazon), which is not expected to have many enhancements apart from the new Apple M4 chip. New units of the MacBook Air have been on their way from factories to Apple’s warehouse for several weeks now.
Release Timeline
The M4 MacBook Air is expected to be available by March at the latest, and there’s even a chance it could arrive as early as February. After that, Apple will shift its attention to the M4 Mac Studio and M4 Mac Pro, both of which are anticipated to launch in the summer. Following this, the Apple M5 chip will make its debut in the fall. Interestingly, the report mentions that the M5 chip will first be introduced in a MacBook Pro, while the M5 iPad Pro won’t be released until the first half of 2026. This represents a significant change in Apple’s strategy for launching its M-series chips, as the current ARM chip first appeared in an iPad Pro.
Other Product Launches
In addition to new Macs, the iPhone 17 series and updated Apple Watches, Apple is also rumored to have several other products lined up for this year. These include a new AirTag with better Bluetooth range, a new iPad Air, and an iPad 11 expected in the first half of 2025. Later in the year, we might also see a new HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV 4K. Another intriguing product that might launch this year is Apple’s smart home hub, which is said to include a powerful Apple A18 ARM chip, a nearly square 6-inch display, and a unique smart home user interface. Additionally, an upgraded 27-inch Studio Display with mini-LED backlighting is reportedly planned for release by 2026, but a successor to the Pro Display XDR seems to be off the table for now.
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Tags: Apple A18, iPhone SE 4, MacBook Air M4
February 17, 2025
ASUS Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16 Launching in India with Snapdragon
Key Takeaways
1. ASUS is launching AI-enhanced Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16 laptops in India, available for pre-order on Amazon India from February 24, 2025.
2. Both laptops feature Snapdragon X series processors, specialized AI chips, and ASUS AI software, emphasizing portability with a thickness of 1.34 cm and a weight of 0.89 kg.
3. The Zenbook A14 model includes a 14-inch OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon X1 processor, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, along with advanced cooling and connectivity options.
4. ASUS claims impressive battery life of up to 32 hours on a single charge for both laptop models.
5. The Zenbook A14 is made with a Ceraluminum chassis, which is lighter and stronger than aluminum, and offers a variety of I/O ports for enhanced usability.
ASUS is preparing to introduce its AI-enhanced Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16 laptops in India. These new devices, powered by Snapdragon X series processors, will be available for pre-order on Amazon India beginning February 24, 2025, at 1 PM IST. The product page on Amazon is already up, showcasing the main specifications.
AI-Powered Features and Design
Both laptops come with specialized AI chips and ASUS AI software. They utilize Snapdragon X processors, which include the Snapdragon X Elite with up to 12 cores and threads, alongside an NPU that can achieve 47 TOPS. The focus on portability is evident, with these laptops measuring just 1.34 cm in thickness and weighing only 0.89 kg. Customers can choose between Silver and Grey color variants.
Impressive Battery and Security Measures
Battery performance is another standout aspect, with ASUS boasting a remarkable battery life of up to 32 hours on a single charge.
Zenbook A14: Key Features
Recently, ASUS launched the Zenbook A14 (UX3407QA-PS76) in the U.S., and it is expected to be the same model that will be released in India. This model includes:
– Asus Zenbook A14 (UX3407QA-PS76)
– 14-inch OLED NanoEdge display (1920×1200 resolution, 100% DCI-P3, 60Hz refresh rate)
– 2.18 lbs (998 grams) weight, made with a Ceraluminum chassis (30% lighter and three times stronger than aluminum)
– Qualcomm Snapdragon X1 processor with Hexagon NPU for AI-related tasks (up to 45 TOPS)
– 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
– Dual-fan cooling system for consistent performance
– Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Snapdragon Seamless technology for enhanced connectivity
– Snapdragon Sound technology for superior audio and voice calls
– Complete I/O ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x USB 4.0 Gen 3 Type-C, 1x HDMI 2.1, and 1x 3.5mm combo jack
– 65W Type-C charger that supports 100-240V AC input
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Tags: AI-powered laptops, Asus Zenbook A14, Snapdragon X processors
February 17, 2025
Sneak Peek: Upcoming Honor MagicBook Pro 14 Features and Specs
Key Takeaways
1. The MagicBook Pro 14 features a D12 heat pipe and dual fans for improved cooling efficiency, supporting demanding tasks.
2. It includes dual 2280 hard disk slots, allowing users to easily expand their storage.
3. The laptop will have a 14.6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3120×2080, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a maximum brightness of 700 nits.
4. It incorporates Honor’s Oasis Eye Protection technology, beneficial for users spending long hours on the screen.
5. Details about the launch date and pricing are not yet available, but the laptop is positioned as a premium market contender.
Honor has offered a glimpse into the internal workings of its soon-to-be-released MagicBook Pro 14 laptop. Lin Lin, the Vice President of Honor China and the Director of the Smart Life Business Department, posted an image showcasing an early model of the laptop, emphasizing its cooling system and dual storage slots.
Internal Design Highlights
The MagicBook Pro 14 prototype is equipped with a D12 heat pipe along with two fans. This setup is anticipated to provide better cooling efficiency, allowing the laptop to handle demanding tasks more effectively. Additionally, it comes with dual 2280 hard disk slots, giving users the option to expand their storage easily.
The exact battery capacity is still unknown, but it is believed to be a key feature for the laptop. Lin Lin also responded to several inquiries in the comments, confirming that the device will come with an OLED Oasis eye protection screen. There will also be a U9 version available, though it will likely be on the pricier side.
Display Specifications
Earlier this month, the executive teased some details about the laptop’s display through a mysterious Weibo post. The MagicBook Pro 14 is set to boast a 14.6-inch OLED display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Reportedly, the screen will have a resolution of 3120×2080, support a 120Hz refresh rate, and reach a maximum brightness of 700 nits, making it suitable for indoor use.
In terms of software features, the display includes Honor’s Oasis Eye Protection technology, which is particularly beneficial for students and professionals who spend long hours in front of screens.
Launch and Market Positioning
Sadly, details regarding the launch date and pricing are still not available. Given its sophisticated cooling system, dual storage options, and high-resolution display, it appears that Honor aims to position this laptop as a formidable player in the premium market.
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Tags: honor, MagicBook Pro 14, OLED display
February 17, 2025
Arm Creates In-House Chip, Meta May Be First Customer
Key Takeaways
1. Arm is reportedly developing its own customizable CPU for data centers, potentially launching it this summer.
2. The company will collaborate with TSMC for the production of these new chips as a fabless chipmaker.
3. Softbank, which owns Arm, recently partnered with OpenAI to create extensive AI infrastructure, with Arm as a key player.
4. Arm’s chip designs are widely used in smartphones, mobile devices, and the latest Apple Macs, known for their power efficiency.
5. The new processors may support AI applications, increasing Arm’s relevance in the evolving tech landscape.
Arm could be set to reveal its own processor this year, according to new rumors. The well-known chipmaker might be developing in-house chips, potentially making Meta their first client. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
Arm’s New Chip Venture
A report from The Financial Times suggests that Arm is creating a CPU aimed at data centers, which will be customizable to meet the needs of various clients. As a fabless chipmaker, Arm plans to collaborate with TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), the largest contract chip manufacturer globally, to produce these new chips. Industry insiders believe these in-house processors might be launched as soon as this summer.
Partnership with OpenAI
This development comes just a month after Softbank, which owns Arm, partnered with OpenAI to create up to $500 billion in AI infrastructure. This large-scale initiative will include Arm along with Microsoft and Nvidia as key tech partners. Arm could play a significant role in this project, possibly connecting with AI-driven personal devices being developed by John Ive (a former Apple designer) and Sam Altman from OpenAI.
Arm’s Ubiquity in Technology
For those who might not know, Arm’s designs power almost every smartphone available today. They’re also found in most mobile devices and even run the latest Apple Macs and Qualcomm-powered Windows PCs. CPUs that utilize the ARM architecture offer impressive power efficiency without sacrificing performance, rivaling Intel and AMD chipsets. This is a key factor in their growing popularity in data centers that support AI applications.
Tags: AI Infrastructure, ARM, TSMC
February 17, 2025
Windows 11 Update Removes Support for Some CPUs, Users Safe
Key Takeaways
1. Microsoft has discontinued support for 8th, 9th, and 10th generation Intel CPUs with the Windows 11 24H2 update.
2. PC manufacturers must use at least an Intel 11th generation CPU for new systems to be compatible with Windows 11 24H2.
3. Users with older Intel CPUs can still update to Windows 11 24H2 without issues.
4. All removed processors support TPM 2.0, which is required for Windows 11 installation.
5. Microsoft has removed its official guide for installing Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 verification, making it harder for users to find this information.
With the latest Windows 11 24H2 update, Microsoft has decided to discontinue support for certain Intel processors that were previously compatible. Specifically, the 10th, 9th, and 8th generation Intel CPUs are no longer supported with this update. However, users won’t be affected by this change, which is a relief.
OEMs Guidance
The decision to remove these CPUs has raised some questions, but the revised list of compatible processors is meant for OEMs. This list acts as a guideline for manufacturers, helping them determine which Intel processors they should use in new system builds.
Consequently, PC manufacturers must utilize at least an Intel 11th generation CPU to ensure their systems are prepared for Windows 11 24H2 (Core Ultra 7 265K curr. $370.15 on Amazon). Users who currently have systems with the removed Intel processors can still proceed with the update, and their devices will continue to function properly.
TPM 2.0 Requirement
Regarding the processors that have been taken off the official support list, they all feature support for TPM 2.0, which is essential for installing Windows 11. The minimum system requirements for the operating system remain unchanged, so it is puzzling that Microsoft chose to drop these CPUs from the list.
Nonetheless, Microsoft has made some questionable decisions regarding their support policies. Recently, the company also took down its official guide that helped users install Windows 11 without going through the TPM 2.0 verification. Although the installation method is still functional, removing the guide from the official support website may make it somewhat harder for users to find the necessary steps.
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Tags: Intel 10th 9th 8th Generation, TPM 2.0, Windows 11 24H2
February 16, 2025
Asus NUC 13 Pro Mini PC Refresh with Raptor Lake-H Processors
Key Takeaways
1. Asus has updated the NUC 13 Pro mini PC series with more powerful 45-watt Raptor Lake-H processors, including the Core i5 13420H and Core i7 13620H.
2. The new mini PCs maintain the same compact chassis design and support up to 64 GB of DDR4-3200 RAM with two SODIMM slots.
3. Storage options include two M.2 slots for SSDs, with one supporting PCIe 4.0 and the other PCIe 3.0, plus the Tall variant can accommodate a 2.5-inch drive.
4. Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one 2.5 GbE LAN port, two HDMI 2.1 ports, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and one USB 2.0 Type-A port.
5. The NUC 13 Pro mini PC series is expected to launch in mid-March, with pre-orders starting at $455 for the Slim variant and $465 for the barebone Tall variant.
Before Asus took over the NUC branding, Intel brought out the NUC 13 Pro mini PC series, which was powered by Raptor Lake processors, including the Core i7 1370P that can reach up to 28 watts. Now, Asus has rolled out updated versions that come with more powerful chips. Specifically, these new models are equipped with 45-watt Raptor Lake-H processors.
Updated Variants
The refreshed lineup includes both Slim and Tall models, now featuring Intel Core i5 13420H and Core i7 13620H processors. Although these chips belong to the same 13th-generation family, the H-series variants offer greater power, which could result in noticeable performance improvements across various applications.
Design and Specs
The new mini PC series maintains the same chassis design as its predecessor, ensuring they remain compact enough for versatile setups. Additionally, the updated models have two SODIMM slots capable of accommodating up to 64 GB of DDR4-3200 RAM. For storage, there are two M.2 slots; one supports PCIe 4.0 x4 2280 SSDs (like the 2 TB Samsung 990 Pro, currently priced at $169.99 on Amazon), while the other supports PCIe 3.0 x1 2242 SSDs. The Tall variant also allows for the installation of a 2.5-inch storage drive.
Connectivity Options
The port layout remains unchanged. This means the new Asus NUC 13 Pro includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one 2.5 GbE LAN port, two HDMI 2.1 ports, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and one USB 2.0 Type-A port.
As for availability, the NUC 13 Pro mini PC series is expected to launch in mid-March. However, some retailers have already begun accepting pre-orders, with the barebone Tall variant priced at $465 and the Slim variant starting at $455.
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Tags: Asus NUC 13 Pro, Mini-PC, Raptor Lake processors
February 16, 2025
HP EliteBook X G1a: Premium AI Laptop Priced Above Gaming PCs
Key Takeaways
1. Powerful Specifications: The HP EliteBook X G1a features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 processor with 12 cores and 24 threads, and an impressive 128GB of LPDDR5x RAM, making it highly capable for AI computing tasks.
2. Premium Design: The laptop has a sleek aluminum alloy body, weighing 1.49 kg and measuring only 0.36 inches at the front, providing a professional and refined appearance.
3. High-Quality Display: It boasts a 14-inch OLED touchscreen with a 2.8K resolution, offering full sRGB coverage, 400 nits brightness, and HP Eye Ease technology for comfortable viewing.
4. Advanced Security Features: The device includes HP Wolf Pro Security Edition, a fingerprint sensor, and a 5MP IR AI camera for secure access and enterprise connections.
5. Robust Connectivity: The EliteBook X G1a offers extensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports, and HDMI 2.1, ensuring fast and versatile connections.
HP has subtly launched the 2025 EliteBook X G1a (HP EliteBook X G1a 14 inch Notebook Next Gen AI PC Wolf Pro Security Edition), a premium laptop geared towards AI computing. With a remarkable 128GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM, it exceeds the common 64GB cap found in most high-end Windows laptops. With a price tag of $4,299, it stands as one of the most robust AI-capable notebooks available.
Specifications of the EliteBook X G1a
The EliteBook X G1a is powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 processor, which boasts 12 cores and 24 threads, reaching a maximum boost clock of 5.1GHz. This processor is specifically crafted for AI tasks, allowing the laptop to efficiently operate large language models (LLMs) locally, with parameter sizes from 70 billion to 120 billion. The integrated AMD Radeon 890M GPU aids in graphic processes, however, it’s important to note that this device is engineered for processing rather than gaming.
Performance and Design
The impressive 128GB RAM is combined with a 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, providing rapid read and write capabilities for demanding tasks. Whether you are managing numerous virtual machines, analyzing large datasets, or deploying AI models while on the move, this hardware configuration is excessively powerful in a good way.
Sticking with HP’s minimalist aesthetic, the EliteBook X G1a features an aluminum alloy body weighing in at 1.49 kg (3.3 pounds). It’s sleek yet substantial, measuring only 0.36 inches at the front and 0.52 inches at the back. While its appearance may not be revolutionary, it offers a refined and professional vibe.
Display and Audio Quality
The 14-inch OLED touchscreen has a 2.8K (2880 x 1800) resolution with full sRGB coverage, 400 nits of brightness, and HP Eye Ease tech for reduced blue light exposure. The laptop also sports an audio system designed by Poly Studio, featuring a quad-speaker setup and dual-array microphones, ensuring clear voice communication.
HP has included robust connectivity options in the EliteBook X G1a, featuring Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for speedy wireless performance. The laptop is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps), one USB-C (10Gbps), an HDMI 2.1 port, a USB-A port, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack.
Security Features
The EliteBook X G1a comes with HP Wolf Pro Security Edition, which includes a three-year license, HP Sure Platform, and HP Tamper Lock for improved security. It also has a fingerprint sensor for biometric access and a 5MP IR AI camera that supports Windows Hello for secure enterprise connection.
The laptop is powered by a 74.5Wh battery, which should last a full workday under average loads. It comes with a 100W USB-C slim adapter, allowing for relatively quick charging, although HP has not provided specific battery life estimates.
Tags: AI Laptop, High-End Notebook, HP EliteBook X G1a