Tag: Ultrabook

  • Lenovo Launches New 15-Inch Laptop with Intel Panther Lake Globally

    Lenovo Launches New 15-Inch Laptop with Intel Panther Lake Globally

    Key Takeaway

    1. Lenovo’s updated IdeaPad Slim 3i 15IPH11 features Intel’s Panther Lake platform, up to 24 GB RAM, and configurable displays including potential OLED options.
    2. The device supports 65 W charging with 50 Wh or 60 Wh batteries, and offers Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 connectivity options with Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4.
    3. Starting prices vary by region, with UK at £949.99, Europe between €1,019-€1,319, and North America featuring a high-end model with Core Ultra 7 355, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB storage.

    Lenovo’s Recent Updates to Its IdeaPad Lineup

    Lenovo is always improving their laptops which is seen with the new updates on the IdeaPad Slim series lately. They’ve introduced a couple of new models like the 13-inch and 15-inch IdeaPad Slim 5x Gen 11 versions in April, using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 platform. Prior too, they released 16-inch versions of the IdeaPad Slim 5 with AMD Gorgon Point and Intel Panther Lake processors, showcasing the company’s broad approach to catering different user needs.

    New Features and Specifications

    The newest update is the IdeaPad Slim 3, now featuring Intel’s Panther Lake platform with a 15.3-inch display with 16:10 aspect ratio. It replaces the older 15IRU10 model which used Raptor Lake-U processors like the Core 5 120U (currently priced at USD 415). This latest model can be configured with either the Core Ultra 5 322 or Core Ultra 7 355 processors anywhere they’re sold, and offers up to 24 GB RAM. keep in mind that Lenovo solders 8 GB of RAM and keeps one SODIMM slot open for upgrades.

    Battery, Connectivity and Display Options

    In terms of power, Lenovo is offering either 50 Wh or 60 Wh batteries that support fast charging at 65 W. The device can also be connected via Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7, augmented with Bluetooth 5.3 and 5.4 respectively, depending on the model’s configuration. Also, there’s a likelihood to see future configurations with 1600p OLED displays at 165 Hz, but currently, only models with a 1200p resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate are available. These screens peak at 400 nits brightness and cover 45% of the NTSC colour space.

    Pricing and Availability

    In the UK, the starting price for the IdeaPad Slim 3i is £949.99 for the version with Core Ultra 5 322. In Europe, it ranges from €1,019 to €1,319 with the same processor. In North America, Lenovo is only offering a pre-configured model with a Core Ultra 7 355, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB storage. At the time of writing, this SKU is selling for CAD 1,679 and $1,199 in the U.S. markets. It is clear that Lenovo is trying to cover a broad audience with various configurations available across regions.


  • Choose the Dell XPS 16 with Core Ultra X7 Instead of New XPS 16 Core Ultra 7

    Choose the Dell XPS 16 with Core Ultra X7 Instead of New XPS 16 Core Ultra 7

    Key Takeaway

    1. The performance difference between the Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7 is minimal, making the Ultra 7 a less cost-effective choice.
    2. Upgrading from the Core Ultra 5 or 7 to the Ultra X7 results in significant performance gains of up to 70% CPU and 150% GPU.
    3. It may be more beneficial to allocate budget towards storage or a higher-quality display instead of the more expensive, similar-performance Ultra 7 option.

    Introduction of the 2026 XPS 16 and Its Processors

    The brand new 2026 XPS 16 comes with three different Panther Lake processors that its currently able to be configured with: the Core Ultra 5 325, the Core Ultra 7 355, and the more powerful Core Ultra X7 358H. Surprisingly enough, you might think that the performance gap between these CPUs would just grow in a straight line, but that’s not really the case at all.

    Performance Differences Between CPU Options

    When comparing how well each of these CPU options does, the charts below show a clear difference between the XPS 16 Core Ultra 5, the XPS 14 Core Ultra 7, and the XPS 16 Core Ultra X7 setups. We haven’t tested the XPS 16 Core Ultra 7 yet, but it’s expected that it performs pretty much the same as the XPS 14 Core Ultra 7. Moving from the Ultra 5 to the Ultra 7 doesn’t seem to give you much extra power, despite it costing more, so if your thinking about buying the new XPS 16, it might be wise to skip the Ultra 7 and spend that cash elsewhere, maybe more storage or a OLED screen.

    Why the Ultra X7 Is a Game Changer

    If you upgrade from the Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 to the Ultra X7, that’s where the XPS 16 truly stands out. The performance of both CPU and GPU can jump by up to 70% and 150% respectively. Interestingly, this significant boost comes with just around 35% more power usage. Some might say Dell should have just dropped the Ultra 7 entirely since customers end up paying more for very little extra, but the Ultra X7 really is where the power upgrades shine brightest.

    Additional Benchmarks and Performance Insights

    Furthermore, if you want to dive deeper into the performance metrics, plenty more benchmark comparisons are available on our detailed review of the XPS 16 with the Ultra X7 setup, giving you all the granular details you might need.

    Sources
    • MSI Prestige 16 AI+ Mercedes-AMG: Lunar Lake 4K OLED Ultrabook

      MSI Prestige 16 AI+ Mercedes-AMG: Lunar Lake 4K OLED Ultrabook

      Key Takeaways

      1. The MSI Prestige 16 AI+ Mercedes-AMG Limited Edition is priced at €2,199 and available in Germany and other locations.

      2. It features a 16-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels, 32GB RAM, and a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.

      3. The ultrabook is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor and integrated Intel Arc 140V graphics.

      4. Connectivity options include WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, and HDMI 2.1, among others.

      5. The design includes a Mercedes-AMG logo, a color scheme inspired by the brand’s vehicles, and comes with additional accessories like a wireless mouse and laptop sleeve.


      The MSI Prestige 16 AI+ Mercedes-AMG Limited Edition is now available in Germany and other locations, like Notebooksbilliger, where it sells for €2,199. This ultrabook has a thickness of 0.71 inches, weighs 3.3 lbs, and runs on the Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor, along with integrated Intel Arc 140V graphics.

      Specifications and Display

      The device features 32GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM and a spacious 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. It’s outfitted with a 16-inch OLED display that has a 16:10 aspect ratio, boasting a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels and a refresh rate of 60Hz. Thanks to the efficient Lunar Lake processor and a large 99Wh battery, this laptop is expected to deliver impressive battery life.

      Features and Connectivity

      Additional features include a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint sensor, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two 2-watt stereo speakers, and a 5MP webcam. The MSI Prestige 16 AI+ also comes with two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, one USB-A port, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, and an SD card reader, providing a wide range of connectivity choices. The Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Limited Edition mainly offers some design changes and extra accessories in the package.

      Design and Accessories

      For instance, it has a Mercedes-AMG logo on the lid, while the color scheme showcases gray, silver, and red accents, drawing inspiration from the brand’s vehicles. MSI also includes a wireless mouse, mouse pad, and a laptop sleeve that matches the overall design. For more information about the ultrabook, you can check the official product page.

      Source:
      Link


       

    • XMG EVO 14 Ultrabooks Now Feature AMD Ryzen AI 300 APUs

      XMG EVO 14 Ultrabooks Now Feature AMD Ryzen AI 300 APUs

      Key Takeaways

      1. The EVO 14 ultrabook series features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, up to 12 cores, and integrated Radeon 800M graphics for decent performance without a dedicated GPU.
      2. The cooling system allows processors to run at 65 watts consistently, with performance modes for high output, balanced operation, and quiet functioning.
      3. Display improvements include a 14-inch LTPS IPS screen with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,800 pixels, 500 nits peak brightness, and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
      4. The ultrabook offers a wide range of ports, including USB4, HDMI 2.1, Gigabit LAN, and supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a USB-C charging system.
      5. The entry-level model starts at €1,049, with options for upgrading processors, and future versions with AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors and Intel Core Ultra 200H CPUs are in development.


      MXG / Schenker has given the EVO 14 ultrabook series a makeover, now featuring up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU and brighter displays. The newly launched EVO 14 E25 models maintain a lightweight design, weighing under 1.5 kg, by not including a dedicated GPU. However, the Radeon 800M integrated graphics units provide decent performance for entry-level gaming and content creation. The inclusion of a 50 TOPS NPU marks a significant upgrade in performance compared to the last generation of mobile chips.

      Processor Options

      Alongside the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which boasts 12 cores and 24 threads, XMG has more budget-friendly choices available. These include the AI 9 365, which has 10 cores and 20 threads, and the AI 7 350 with 8 cores and 16 threads, both coming with slightly less powerful integrated graphics. Users can equip these processors with up to 128 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and as much as 16 TB of SSD storage using two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots.

      Enhanced Cooling System

      The cooling system has been reworked so that processors can consistently run at 65 watts. The top performance setting, known as ‘Overboost’, provides maximum output. There is also an ‘Enthusiast’ mode that balances high performance with quiet operation. For those looking for silence, the ‘Balanced’ setting limits the processor to 25 watts, offering near-silent functioning.

      Display Improvements

      On the display front, the 14-inch LTPS IPS screens now reach a resolution of 2,880 x 1,800 pixels and feature a 16:10 aspect ratio. They are brighter than the earlier models, with a peak brightness of 500 nits, up from 400 nits. The specifications remain unchanged, boasting a 120 Hz refresh rate that can drop to 60 Hz for lower power usage, along with full 100% sRGB color coverage and support for AMD FreeSync. Additionally, the XMG EVO 14 E25 comes with a Full HD webcam that supports Windows Hello, featuring a physical privacy shutter at the top of the display.

      Solid Port Options

      The port selection on this 14-inch model is impressive. It includes a USB4 port that supports DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR10, DP40), an extra USB-C 3.2 Gen2 port with DisplayPort 1.4a, two USB-A 3.2 Gen1 ports, and one USB 2.0 port. There’s also an HDMI 2.1 port (32 Gbps), a Gigabit LAN connection, and a 2-in-1 audio jack for headsets and microphones, plus a speedy SD Express-compatible card reader for standard SD cards. For wireless capabilities, it includes a Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 card. The 80 Wh battery charges exclusively via USB-C, and the overall dimensions of the new EVO 14 E25 are 311 x 220 x 17 mm, weighing in at 1.45 kg.

      Pricing and Availability

      The entry-level configuration of the XMG EVO 14 (E25), which includes an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, 16 (2×8) GB DDR5-5600 RAM, and a 500 GB SSD, starts at €1,049, tax included. Users can upgrade to the Ryzen AI 9 365 for an additional €125 or to the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 for €290. The ultrabook can currently be bought with either the Ryzen AI 7 350 or the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. A version featuring the Ryzen AI 9 365 is anticipated to be available by the end of July.

      Future Developments

      As a quick update, XMG has announced that they are working on an upgrade for the XMG EVO 15 with the E25 model that will feature AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors, with more details to be shared later. Additionally, for the 15.3-inch version, XMG intends to offer a model powered by Intel Core Ultra 200H series CPUs, which is not expected to launch until later this year.

      Source:
      Link


    • Fujitsu FMV Note U AI Laptop: 36-Hour Battery, Intel Lunar Lake, 1.85 lbs

      Fujitsu FMV Note U AI Laptop: 36-Hour Battery, Intel Lunar Lake, 1.85 lbs

      Fujitsu says that their latest FMV Note U is the lightest Copilot+ laptop in the world. Weighing in at just 1.85 lbs, it surely ranks among the lightest laptops available. Even with its slim design, the company has successfully incorporated a fairly sizable 64Wh battery, promising up to 36 hours of battery life when in idle mode.

      Battery Performance

      When it comes to watching videos, the battery life dips down to 15.5 hours, and it’s probably even less when using office applications or browsing the internet. Given its incredibly light weight, this super thin Windows laptop still offers a significant battery alongside an efficient Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. This chip includes four performance cores that can reach boost speeds of up to 4.8 GHz, four efficiency cores, and the fast Intel Arc Graphics 140V. The chassis meets the MIL-STD-810H certification, indicating that it is quite robust and durable.

      Connectivity Options

      The ultrabook comes with a good variety of ports, which includes two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, a microSD card reader, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and even Gigabit Ethernet, which is uncommon in this weight category. Additionally, the FMV Note U supports Wi-Fi 7. The device features a 14-inch 16:10 IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, along with a fingerprint sensor and a 1080p webcam.

      Availability and Pricing

      Currently, the Fujitsu FMV Note U UA-K1 ultrabook is only sold in Japan. The base model, which comes with a Core Ultra 5 226V, 16 GB of RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage, is priced at ¥214,000 ($1,375). The top-of-the-line configuration features a Core Ultra 7 258V, 32 GB of RAM, and a 2 TB SSD, costing ¥332,800 ($2,139). Officially, Fujitsu’s notebooks are available only in Japan and the US, meaning that potential buyers from Europe will need to import the new FMV Note U.

      Source:
      Link


       

    • World’s First Laptop with 4320Hz PWM Dimming OLED Display

      World’s First Laptop with 4320Hz PWM Dimming OLED Display

      Honor has introduced the latest model in its MagicBook series, the Honor MagicBook Art 14, during a press conference today. This ultrathin AI-powered PC is designed for users who need both portability and high performance. Let’s delve into the specifics.

      Honor MagicBook Art 14 Specifications

      The design is a standout feature of this laptop, as suggested by its name. Constructed from aerospace-grade materials, the MagicBook Art 14 is exceptionally lightweight at just 1.03kg (2.27 lbs) and measures only 1cm in thickness.

      Despite its slim build, the laptop houses a 60Wh battery capable of delivering up to 9.5 hours of use on a single charge. It also offers a variety of I/O ports, including Thunderbolt 4, full-function USB-C, USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

      The laptop boasts a 14-inch OLED touchscreen display with a 3.1K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen can reach a peak brightness of 700 nits and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut for precise color accuracy.

      One of its most remarkable features is that it’s the first laptop globally to incorporate 4320Hz ultra-high frequency PWM dimming technology, which helps reduce screen flickering and eye strain.

      Performance Choices and AI Features

      The MagicBook Art 14 offers two processor options: Intel Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7. Despite its ultrabook form factor, it includes dual fans for effective heat dissipation. Memory options go up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

      Honor also integrates a suite of AI features in the MagicBook Art 14. These include AI smart search, AI knowledge Q&A, AI document summary, and AI-powered audio and video capabilities like scene recognition, sound object separation, background noise elimination, and two-way noise reduction.

      For added security, the laptop features a “Smart Eye” magnetic camera, allowing users to physically cover the camera when not in use. The audio setup includes six professional-grade speakers enhanced by Honor’s proprietary spatial audio algorithms.

      Price and Availability

      The MagicBook Art 14 comes in two color choices: Sunrise Impression and Summer Olive. The starting price is 7,999 yuan ($1,105) for the Intel Core Ultra 5 model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. There’s also a 32GB memory variant with the same configuration, priced at 8,499 yuan ($1,170).

      For those opting for the Core Ultra 7 model, it comes in a single 32GB/1TB configuration, priced at 9,499 yuan (~$1,310). The laptop is available for purchase on Honor’s official website in China.