Key Takeaways
1. ECS is returning to the laptop market, focusing on compact designs and AI-enhanced processors from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm.
2. The new UP42 series includes three 14-inch ultraportables and a 15.3-inch UP52PW model powered by Snapdragon X Plus chips.
3. All models feature a sleek metal design, 16.9 mm thickness, 1.5 kg weight, and display options of 1080p or 2560 x 1600 resolutions.
4. The laptops support up to 64 GB DDR5 RAM, have a single M.2 SSD slot for up to 1 TB storage, and offer various connectivity options including USB4 and HDMI 2.1.
5. Pricing is not yet revealed, but ECS aims to be competitive in the SEA market against brands like Lenovo, Asus, and MSI.
Back in the early 2000s, ECS was as well-known as Asus in the laptop industry, but they decided to concentrate on compact designs and embedded systems. With all major CPU manufacturers now providing AI-enhanced processors that consume less power, ECS is shifting its focus back to laptops. At Computex 2025, ECS is set to broaden its laptop range, showcasing a variety of specifications that will include processors from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm.
New Models in the Lineup
The fresh AI-infused ultraportables consist of three new 14-inch models from the UP42 series:
Additionally, there’s a 15.3-inch UP52PW model that runs solely on the Snapdragon X Plus chips.
Design and Features
Every new model boasts a sleek metal body with a 16.9 mm (0.66-inch) thickness and weighs just 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs). Two display choices are offered: one with an IPS 1080p panel and another with a 2560 x 1600 resolution, both featuring an 88% narrow bezel.
As of now, only the AMD specifications are available on the official website. ECS has not specified the precise CPU model, indicating only that it can have a maximum of 8 cores and 16 threads using Zen 5 tech. The devices support up to 64 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and include a single M.2 SSD slot that can hold up to 1 TB of storage. Other typical features include a 2 MP webcam with a dual microphone array, a wireless card up to RTL8852CE Wi-Fi 6E, plus a GbE NIC, Copilot+ compatibility, a fingerprint sensor on the trackpad, and options for either a 55 or 70 Wh battery.
Connectivity Options
The AMD variant provides a USB4 port, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, HDMI 2.1 TMDS video output, an audio jack, and a microSD card reader. The Intel version will likely include up to two Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the Snapdragon variant is expected to utilize USB4.
Though pricing details are not yet disclosed, given that ECS is currently more favored in the SEA market, the prices are likely to be competitive with rivals such as Lenovo, Asus, and MSI.
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