Tag: Core Ultra 7 355

  • HP 14-Inch Laptop Launches Globally: 800 Nit Display, 32GB RAM

    HP 14-Inch Laptop Launches Globally: 800 Nit Display, 32GB RAM

    Key Takeaway

    – HP EliteBook 8 G2i 14 now on sale in Europe, starting at £1,348 / €2,251.
    – Available with Intel Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7 (Panther Lake) processors.
    – Core Ultra 7 355 is the only configuration offering up to 32 GB of RAM.
    – 1200p display standard; 800-nit options exist, but 1600p 120 Hz VRR panel is not yet available.
    – No confirmed release date for other markets, including the US.


    New EliteBook 8 Models Appearing

    HP continues to quietly release its latest batch of EliteBook 8 laptops. Presented almost three months ago, the EliteBook 8 G2 range is already available in 13-inch and 13-inch convertible forms with Intel Panther Lake processors. Based on the company’s March announcement, a total of six models will be are coming.

    14-Inch Variant Hits Europe

    Now, HP has started selling the EliteBook 8 G2i 14 across Europe. For context, the new 14-inch laptop replaces the Arrow Lake-based EliteBook 8 G1i ($1,475), rather than the AMD counterpart we reviewed in October 2025. Nonetheless, a new AMD model is on its way to receiving a global release too.

    Pricing and Configuration Details

    In the meantime, the EliteBook 8 G2i 14 starts at around £1,348 in the UK with a Core Ultra 5 325 processor, 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage and a 1200p display backed by a 68 Wh battery. In comparison, HP has priced this configuration at €2,251 in the Eurozone. However, only a Core Ultra 7 355-powered SKU, priced at over €200 more, is orderable at the time of writing.

    UK Options and Display Choices

    Alternatively, the EliteBook 8 G2i 14 is available in the UK with the Core Ultra 5 335. Only the Core Ultra 7 355 is configurable with up to 32 GB of RAM, though. Also, HP sells its new 14-inch laptop with 800-nit displays in some instances, too. Unfortunately, a promised 120 Hz VRR panel with a 1600p resolution is yet to materialise. Likewise, it is unclear when HP will begin selling the EliteBook 8 G2i 14 in other markets, such as the US.

    • Core Ultra 5 325 with 16 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, 1200p display starts at £1,348 (UK) or €2,251 (Eurozone)
    • Core Ultra 7 355 SKU costs over €200 more in the Eurozone
    • Core Ultra 5 335 option available in the UK
    • Only Core Ultra 7 355 can be configured with up to 32 GB RAM
    • 800-nit display avalible in some configurations
    • 120 Hz VRR 1600p panel not yet released

    Future Availability

    Likewise, it is unclear when HP will begin selling the EliteBook 8 G2i 14 in other markets, such as the US. Nonetheless, a new AMD model is on its way to receiving a global release too, so consumers in other regions may have to wait a little longer for the full range.


  • HP Launches Compact Laptop with Intel Panther Lake and 32GB RAM

    HP Launches Compact Laptop with Intel Panther Lake and 32GB RAM

    Key Takeaway

    – HP EliteBook 8 G2i 13 now available in Europe, featuring Intel’s new Panther Lake Core Ultra 7 355 processor.
    – The laptop includes a powerful Xe3 iGPU, superior to older Arrow Lake-based models.
    – Key specs: 13.3-inch 1200p IPS display (up to 800 nits, 100% sRGB), 62 Wh battery with 100W charging.
    – Weighs 1.31 kg and measures just 11.8–15.5 mm thick.
    – UK pricing starts at £1,537 (16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD); Eurozone starts at €2,497 but with a 400-nit display.


    A few months have passed since HP updated its EliteBook 8 series with new models. Now, the company has started selling the compact EliteBook 8 G2i 13 in Europe. Currently, we cannot find the new laptop on any of HP’s other regional stores, though.

    Exclusive Panther Lake Processor

    While we wait for those to arrive, HP is offering the EliteBook 8 G2i 13 exclusively with the Core Ultra 7 355 from Intel’s Panther Lake family. An 8-core processor, the Core Ultra 7 355 also features a 4-core Xe3 iGPU that easily outperforms the equivalent found in older Arrow Lake-based Elitebook 8 G1i models (curr. $1,099 on Amazon). Additionly, HP has paired this Panther Lake processor with a 62 Wh battery that supports up to 100 W charging.

    Dimensions and Display Details

    Moreover, the laptop measures 301.8 x 214.9 x 11.8~15.5 mm, weighs 1.31 kg and features a 13.3-inch IPS display that combines a 1200p resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 800 nits peak brightness and 100% sRGB colour space coverage. That screen offers solid brightness for outdoor use, making it a decent choice for professionals on the move whom need reliable visibility.

    Pricing and Configurations

    The EliteBook 8 G2i 13 starts at £1,537 in the UK with 16 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and a 512 GB SSD. At the time of writing, the same configuration runs to €2,497 in the Eurozone but with a 400-nit display. Alternativly, HP is selling essentially the same configuration with 32 GB of RAM for £1,889 in the UK. Please see the company’s website for more details.

    Additional Availability

    HP Germany & HP UK (1) (2) provide the primary sales channels for this model at launch. It remains unclear when other regional stores will list the device, but its likely they’ll follow soon given the products intial rollout. For now, European buyers have the best access to this compact business laptop with its advanced processor and premium build quality.


  • HP Slim 17-Inch Laptop with Arc B390 & Intel Panther Lake

    HP Slim 17-Inch Laptop with Arc B390 & Intel Panther Lake

    Key Takeaway

    – New OmniBook X 17 trades discrete GPU for Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics (dedicated RTX 5050 model coming in 2026).
    – Features a 17.3-inch 1080p IPS display with 16:9 aspect ratio, 400 nits brightness, 100% sRGB, and touchscreen.
    – Configurable with up to 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 2 TB PCIe Gen 5 storage.
    – All SKUs share the same 76 Wh battery.
    – Pricing starts at $1,499 (US), CAD 2,199 (Canada), €2,099 (Eurozone), varying by region and specs.


    HP has now started selling a new OmniBook X with a 17-inch display. To recap, the company introduced a Lunar Lake-based model last year (curr. $999 on Amazon). While the older OmniBook X 17 was available with up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, the newer model currently trades a discrete GPU for up to Intel’s Arc B390 integrated graphics. A GeForce RTX 5050-powered model should be launching later in 2026, though.

    Pricing and Memory Details

    HP offers its new 17.3-inch laptop with 24 GB or 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 2 TB of PCIe Gen 5 storage, too. All SKUs ship with the same 76 Wh battery and 1080p IPS display, though. Featuring a 16:9 aspect ratio, the display also delivers 400 nits peak brightness with 100% sRGB colour space coverage and touchscreen support.

    Regional Pricing Variations

    The OmniBook X 17 starts at $1,499 in the US with a Core Ultra 5 325 processor, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Limited SKUs means that the same laptop costs CAD 2,199 in Canada with the more powerful Core Ultra 7 355. Likewise, the 17-inch laptop costs at least €2,099 in the Eurozone by virtue of HP including 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD and the Core Ultra X7 358H with Arc B390 graphics. Please see HP’s website for more details.

     


  • Lenovo Debuts ThinkPad with Intel Panther Lake & 120Hz Display

    Lenovo Debuts ThinkPad with Intel Panther Lake & 120Hz Display

    Key Takeaway

    – ThinkPad E16 Gen 4 now available in Europe and North America after earlier Asia-Pacific launch
    – Configurable with up to Core Ultra 7 355H or Core Ultra 5 336H processors
    – Offers 16GB/32GB RAM, up to 1TB storage, and 48Wh or 64Wh battery options
    – Starting prices: $1,399 (US), £1,410 (UK), €1,359-€1,670 (Eurozone)
    – Base model in North America comes with Core Ultra 5, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, Wi-Fi 7, and fingerprint reader


    Extended availability for a budget ThinkPad

    Lenovo has now increased the availability of the ThinkPad E16 Gen 4 to Europe and North America, meaning thier affordable 16-inch notebook is finally landing in these regions after a prior launch in Australia, East Asia and Southeast Asia at the end of May.

    Processor options and performance context

    The ThinkPad E16 Gen 4 can be configured in Europe with up to a Core Ultra 7 355 or a Core Ultra 5 336H. These chips shoud provide more power than the Core Ultra 7 255U-based Gen 3 model we reviewed in July 2025, though our benchmarks show that the Core Ultra 7 255H-powered sibling (currently $1,289 on Amazon) holds an edge over the Gen 4. Notwithstand this, the laptop also comes with these display options.

    Memory, storage and other configurable features

    You can get 16 GB or 32 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB of M.2 2242 PCIe Gen 4 storage. A 48 Wh or 64 Wh battery is configurable, along with a fingerprint reader and Wi-Fi 7. Finishes include ABS or aluminium, but only in Eclipse Black colour. There is no mention of any other color at all sadly.

    Pricing and starting specifications

    In the UK, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 4 starts at £1,410, while Eurozone pricing ranges between €1,359 and €1,670, including taxes. The US price is $1,399 and in Canada it is CAD $1,939. All base models feature a Core Ultra 5 325 processor and 16 GB of RAM. Lenovo only sells a pre-configured unit in North America with 512 GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7, a fingerprint reader and its most basic display. Further details are available on Lenovos website.


  • Core Ultra 5 325 Benchmarks vs Core Ultra 7 355: Results Similar

    Core Ultra 5 325 Benchmarks vs Core Ultra 7 355: Results Similar

    Key Takeaways

    1. Laptops with Panther Lake Series 3 Core processors are now available, including Core Ultra 5 325, Core Ultra 7 355, and Core Ultra X7 358H models.

    2. The performance difference between Core Ultra 5 325 and Core Ultra 7 355 is minimal, with only a 4% advantage for the more expensive Ultra 7.

    3. Integrated graphics performance is similar for both Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7, with no noticeable difference in everyday applications.

    4. The Core Ultra X7 358H offers significant performance improvements, with multi-thread performance and graphics capabilities up to 75% and 2.5 times faster, respectively.

    5. Core Ultra 5 325 and Core Ultra 7 355 have similar specifications, resulting in comparable performance until upgrading to the Core Ultra X7 358H, which features more cores.


    Laptops featuring the Panther Lake Series 3 Core are now available for purchase, with popular choices such as the Core Ultra 5 325, Core Ultra 7 355, and Core Ultra X7 358H. Following our latest review of the 2026 XPS 16, we now have a representative model for each processor, allowing us to compare the three CPUs. Sadly, the performance differences observed can vary from minimal to significant.

    Performance Comparison

    Benchmarks indicate that the Core Ultra 5 325 and Core Ultra 7 355 show nearly the same performance levels, even though the Core Ultra 7 comes at a higher price. Our tests suggest that the Core Ultra 7 has an average performance edge of about 4 percent, but this small difference is usually not noticeable during daily tasks or in most practical situations.

    Graphics Performance

    In terms of integrated graphics performance, the results are similarly aligned. The Core Ultra 7 manages to secure just a few percentage points ahead of the Core Ultra 5 in 3DMark tests, which again is insufficient to create a noticeable difference in everyday applications.

    The transition from Core Ultra 5 325 to the Ultra 7 355 is rather underwhelming, being effectively a negligible upgrade.

    Upgrading for Better Performance

    For those looking for a more distinct performance enhancement, it is better to opt for the Core Ultra X7 358H model. This configuration offers multi-thread performance and graphics capabilities that can be as much as 75 percent and 2.5 times faster, respectively, compared to the Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7.

    A glance at the specifications shows why the Core Ultra 5 325 and Core Ultra 7 355 perform so similarly. Both processors have the same amount of cores, cache sizes, integrated Xe3 4 GPU, NPU, and target TGP, which results in comparable performance. It isn’t until you upgrade to the Core Ultra X7 358H that you get a significant increase in cores for both the CPU and GPU, leading to much higher performance levels.

  • Intel 4 Xe3 GPU Benchmarks Show Over 50% Slower Performance

    Intel 4 Xe3 GPU Benchmarks Show Over 50% Slower Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Panther Lake processors offer two main options: Panther Lake-U (Core Ultra 7 355) and Panther Lake-H (Core Ultra X7 358H).
    2. There is a significant performance gap, with the Core Ultra 7 355 lagging behind the Core Ultra X7 358H by up to 60% in gaming benchmarks.
    3. In real gaming scenarios, the Core Ultra 7 355 often underperforms compared to older GPUs like the Arc 140V, but stays competitive with the two-year-old Arc 8.
    4. The Core Ultra 7 355 is adequate for gaming at 900p or 1080p on low settings but is not the best choice for GPU-intensive tasks.
    5. Power consumption during gaming is similar across the Core Ultra 7 355, Core Ultra X7 358H, and older GPUs like the Arc 140V, despite differences in performance.


    Laptops equipped with Panther Lake processors have started shipping after their introduction at CES 2026 last month. Customers can pick from two primary CPU options: Panther Lake-U, like the Core Ultra 7 355, or Panther Lake-H, like the Core Ultra X7 358H. After testing both alternatives, it’s important for users to make an informed choice since the performance gaps between Panther Lake-U and -H can be larger than one might think.

    Performance Gaps

    Similar to what we noted when assessing their raw CPU capabilities, the Core Ultra 7 355 can lag significantly behind the Core Ultra X7 358H in gaming performance, sometimes by as much as 60 percent according to 3DMark benchmarks. Overall performance lags behind last year’s Arc 140V/140T, sitting somewhere between the Xe 96 EUs and the two-year-old Arc 8.

    Gaming Experience

    The pattern holds steady when running real games where our test unit, the Core Ultra 7 XPS 14, would often fall short of the Arc 140V in most GPU-heavy scenarios but remains within 10 percent of the Arc 8. It serves as a competent GPU for playing demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at 900p or 1080p on low settings, although we strongly suggest opting for the Core Ultra X7 or even the rival Radeon 890M for tasks that are more GPU-intensive.

    Power Consumption Insights

    When it comes to power usage, one might think that the Core Ultra 7 355 would consume less power during gaming due to its newer architecture compared to CPUs with the Arc 140V or Arc 8. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality, as power consumption while playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the Dell XPS 14 Core Ultra 7, XPS 14 Core Ultra X7, and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 6 remains very close, with just a few watts separating them despite their significant performance disparities.

  • Lenovo Launches Affordable ThinkBook 14 and 16 G9 IPL Laptops

    Lenovo Launches Affordable ThinkBook 14 and 16 G9 IPL Laptops

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel’s Panther Lake focuses on high-end CPUs like the Core Ultra X9 and X7, but they may not dominate the market due to their placement in expensive laptops.

    2. Standard Panther Lake processors, such as the Intel Core Ultra 7 355, are aimed at budget-friendly laptops, making them more accessible to common users.

    3. Lenovo has launched new ThinkBook models (14 and 16 inches) featuring basic Panther Lake processors, targeting small and medium-sized businesses.

    4. The new ThinkBooks maintain a similar design to the previous generation but include an additional Thunderbolt 4 port and improved display options.

    5. Pricing for the latest ThinkBooks starts at €929 in Germany, making them significantly cheaper than previous Panther Lake laptops.


    When Panther Lake was introduced by Intel, the spotlight was on its high-end CPUs, especially the Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7. These premium processors attracted a lot of media attention, yet they might not capture a large portion of the market, as they’re likely to be used primarily in pricier laptops.

    Regular CPUs for Common Users

    At the lower end of the spectrum are the standard Panther Lake processors, such as the Intel Core Ultra 7 355. This eight-core chip features a less powerful integrated GPU, making it less thrilling, but it will be far more prevalent, powering budget-friendly laptops like Lenovo’s new ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL and ThinkBook 16 G9 IPL.

    Lenovo’s New Offerings

    Lenovo has quietly rolled out these two models via their PSREF database, without much publicity. These laptops are designed for small and medium-sized businesses, coming with 14- and 16-inch screens. The ThinkBooks are equipped with basic Panther Lake processors, which range from the Intel Core Ultra 5 325 to the Core Ultra 7 355.

    In comparison to the previous generation, the 8th-gen ThinkBooks, like the ThinkBook 14 G8 (available on Amazon), don’t show significant changes, as the design remains the same. Besides the updated CPUs, the new ThinkBooks now come with an extra Thunderbolt 4 port instead of a standard USB-C. The 14-inch version even offers a new WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) IPS 120 Hz display option. Moreover, the battery capacity has increased from 60 to 64 Wh on the smaller model, and there’s a new 5 Mpix webcam option, up from the previous 1080p limit.

    Pricing Insights

    The pricing of the latest ThinkBooks is particularly noteworthy. In Germany, they are already listed with prices starting at €929, which is about €400 cheaper than the previously least costly Panther Lake laptop.

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  • Dell XPS 14 and 16 with Core Ultra 7 355 Shipping Early

    Dell XPS 14 and 16 with Core Ultra 7 355 Shipping Early

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 with the Core Ultra X7 358H processor have been available since late January, but more affordable options were initially missing.
    2. The new lower-tier models with Core Ultra 7 355 and Core Ultra 5 325 are now shipping earlier than expected, starting at $1600 for XPS 14 and $1750 for XPS 16.
    3. These lower-tier models are $400 less than the higher-end Core Ultra X7 358H versions and still offer the option for OLED displays.
    4. Upgrading to 32 GB of RAM or more is only available with the Core Ultra X7 358H model.
    5. Dell is planning to release models with the Core Ultra X9 388H processor, but the performance difference may not be significant for all users compared to Core Ultra X7 358H.


    While the Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 featuring the Core Ultra X7 358H processor have been on the market since late January, the more affordable options with the Core Ultra 7 355 and Core Ultra 5 325 were strangely absent. Consumers who weren’t looking for the enhanced performance of the Core Ultra X7 but still wanted the newest design had to shell out more money as a result.

    Good News for Budget Buyers

    Now, there’s good news for those customers! The two lower-tier Panther Lake models are shipping earlier than anticipated, with prices starting at $1600 for the XPS 14 and $1750 for the XPS 16. These new prices are at least $400 less than their faster Core Ultra 7 358H counterparts, and buyers can still opt for OLED displays if they choose. However, if you want to upgrade to 32 GB of RAM or more, you’ll have to stick with the higher-end Core Ultra X7 358H model.

    Upcoming Options to Consider

    Regarding the Core Ultra X9 388H, Dell indicates that options with this high-performance processor are still on the way. It’s important to note that the difference in performance between the Core Ultra 7 355 and the Core Ultra X7 358H is much greater than that between the X7 358H and the upcoming X9 388H, making the X9 model possibly not suitable for all users.

    Stay tuned for our upcoming review of the Core Ultra 7 355 Dell XPS 14 configuration in the near future.

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  • New MSI Prestige 14 Flip and 16 Laptops Now Available for Purchase

    New MSI Prestige 14 Flip and 16 Laptops Now Available for Purchase

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI introduced new 14-inch and 16-inch Prestige laptops using Intel’s Panther Lake platform at CES 2026.
    2. The new models include the Core Ultra 7 355 and the powerful Core Ultra X9 388H, replacing older Lunar Lake processors.
    3. Availability is currently limited in the UK to specific models, with the Prestige 14 Flip A4+ and Prestige 16 AI+ being offered at Currys.
    4. The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is now priced at $1,299 in the US, reduced by $100 from the initial price announced at CES 2026.
    5. Both UK and US retailers have started stocking these new laptops, but not all versions are available yet.


    Hardly any time has gone by since MSI updated its Prestige laptop lineup with fresh 14-inch and 16-inch variants. Unveiled at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, these new laptops use Intel’s Panther Lake platform in different forms. For example, MSI highlighted the Core Ultra 7 355 and the much more powerful Core Ultra X9 388H during their initial presentations to take the place of older models that used Lunar Lake processors (curr. $1,280 on Amazon).

    Availability in Retail Stores

    Currently, some of these laptops have begun to appear at retailers in both the UK and the US. However, not all versions are available at this moment. MSI is limiting availability in the UK to Core Ultra 7 355 versions of the Prestige 14 Flip A4+ and Prestige 16 AI+. As a point of reference, Currys has both models in stock, featuring 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage for £1,449 and £1,399, respectively.

    Pricing Adjustments

    On the other side of the pond, the Prestige 14 Flip AI+ has made its way to the US for a price lower than MSI’s earlier claim. The company previously stated that Core Ultra X7 358H models would retail for $1,399, including a free Nano Pen. Yet, the price has been reduced by $100 since CES 2026. Now, both B&H Photo Video and MSI’s store offer this model for $1,299. For more insights into the Prestige Flip 14 AI+ and Prestige 16 AI+, check out our launch articles.

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  • Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura: New 1100 Nit OLED Laptop

    Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura: New 1100 Nit OLED Laptop

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition is now available for purchase, following its reveal at CES 2026.
    2. The laptop features a less powerful Core Ultra 7 355 processor with 8 cores and 4 Xe3 iGPUs, compared to the more powerful options available from Intel.
    3. Key specifications include a 75 Wh battery, 32 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and storage options of 1 TB or 2 TB, along with a 2.8K OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate.
    4. Pricing starts at £1,549 (~$2,086) for the 1 TB version, with the 2 TB version priced at £1,879 (~$2,531), including VAT.
    5. The laptop will be released on February 6, with Currys stating it will ship on January 27.


    Lenovo has officially begun selling the Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition, just under a month after its initial reveal. To give some context, this laptop made its first appearance at CES 2026, where it was one of several Intel Panther Lake laptops showcased by the company in Las Vegas this year. Notably, this new model replaces the 14-inch Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition with Lunar Lake (currently priced at $1,234 on Amazon) instead of its 15.3-inch counterpart that was launched a few months prior.

    Availability and Pricing

    When it was first announced, Lenovo didn’t share much about its availability or detailed pricing. Although the laptop is still marked as ‘coming soon’ in the US market, both Lenovo and Currys in the UK have already started making the device available for purchase. Even though the focus was on the Core Ultra X9 388H, Lenovo opted to launch the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition with the less powerful Core Ultra 7 355. This means the laptop is equipped with 8 processor cores (4+4) instead of the more powerful 16 (4+8+4), and it has 4 Xe3 iGPUs compared to 12 Xe3 cores that Intel promotes as the Arc B390.

    Specs and Features

    Aside from the processor options, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition boasts a 75 Wh battery, 32 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and storage options of 1 TB or 2 TB using M.2 2242 format. Additionally, Lenovo includes a stunning 2.8K OLED display that offers a variable refresh rate of 120 Hz and peak brightness of 1,110 nits. It also covers 100% of the AdobeRGB and sRGB color spaces, all while being housed in a lightweight design weighing just 975 g and measuring 312 x 212 x 13.9 mm.

    Pricing Breakdown

    Currently, the Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition starts at £1,549 (~$2,086) for the 1 TB storage option. Interestingly, Lenovo has set the price for the same configuration at £1,620 (~$2,182) and increased it to £1,879 (~$2,531) for the 2 TB version, which also includes a Windows 11 Pro license. Moreover, while Currys states that the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition will ship on January 27, Lenovo plans to release the laptop on February 6. It’s important to note that all the prices mentioned include VAT.

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