laptop sales

Winsage
February 14, 2025
Microsoft has introduced a new icon on the Windows 11 taskbar that provides access to AI-driven Windows Studio Effects, which enhance video call quality with features like background blurring, simulated direct eye contact, improved lighting, and user centering. The icon appears when compatible applications are using the webcam, allowing users to see which application is accessing it, thus enhancing privacy. However, the feature is limited to devices with specific hardware requirements, including 16GB of RAM and a CPU with a neural processing unit (NPU), potentially restricting access for many users. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to promote AI features, but user feedback has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the lack of traditional taskbar functionalities and questioning the necessity of these enhancements for professional use.
Winsage
December 28, 2024
The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.
Winsage
December 1, 2024
Microsoft's Copilot+ PCs, launched in May, are marketed as "the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever," but users on X have challenged this claim, noting that devices with Snapdragon processors do not perform as well as high-end Intel or AMD chipsets. Critics have pointed out limitations for gamers and the lack of essential AI functionalities. Microsoft aims to capture 50% of the Windows PC market within five years, but the Copilot+ category currently represents a small fraction of laptop sales, with compatible laptops accounting for less than 10% of total shipments. While Arm chips like Snapdragon offer impressive battery life, Intel and AMD have improved their battery performance significantly. The reliance on an Arm-based processor has led to compatibility issues with certain applications and gaming titles, and some anticipated AI features are unavailable due to privacy and security concerns. Copilot+ PCs may be suitable for basic productivity tasks and web-based applications, but Intel and AMD still excel in processing power and compatibility.
Winsage
November 27, 2024
The global laptop market is expected to grow by 4.9 percent in 2025, driven by commercial upgrade cycles and the end of life for Windows 10. TrendForce predicts a recovery in laptop shipments starting late 2024, with annual shipments reaching 174 million units in 2024, a 3.9 percent increase from the previous year. By 2025, shipments are forecasted to rise to 183 million units. Despite this growth, demand for AI-capable devices remains limited, with businesses hesitant to pay a premium for AI PCs, which currently have a price increase of 10-15 percent over standard models. AI-capable PCs accounted for 20 percent of shipments to distributors in Q3 2024. The laptop market is significantly influenced by US trade policies, with China producing approximately 89 percent of total laptop manufacturing capacity.
Winsage
November 27, 2024
A recent analysis from TrendForce indicates that the anticipated surge in laptop sales for 2024 is primarily driven by updates in Windows 11 rather than AI features. The report states that the influence of AI-integrated notebooks on the market is minimal, with low current penetration rates. The North American consumer market is shaped by aggressive promotions and a focus on entry-level models, while premium AI PCs like Copilot+ are not aligning with current consumer demand. Many users prefer existing cloud-based AI tools and see limited benefits from upgrading to AI PCs. Privacy concerns and delays in key AI features have further complicated the situation. Global notebook shipments are projected to rise by 4.9%, reaching 183 million units by 2025, largely due to the discontinuation of Windows 10, which necessitates replacements for older devices that do not meet Windows 11 hardware requirements. Users are prioritizing cost-effective non-AI laptops over experimental AI PCs, reflecting a disconnect between industry innovation and consumer priorities focused on affordability and essential functionality.
Winsage
August 31, 2024
This year’s Labor Day sales feature significant discounts on laptops from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, starting before the official holiday on September 2. Major PC manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo are also offering discounts on their latest models. There are notable savings on gaming laptops from brands like Acer, Asus, Alienware, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Gigabyte, and Razer. The sales include budget-friendly Chromebooks, high-end MacBooks, and versatile Windows laptops. Consumers are encouraged to explore various options at their preferred retailers.
Winsage
June 27, 2024
- Fourth of July sales provide discounts on laptops from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and others. - Deals include discounts on Apple MacBook Air, HP Spectre Two-in-One, Asus TUF Gaming Laptop, and HP Touchscreen Laptop. - Fourth of July is a good time to buy a laptop with deals shaving off hundreds of dollars from typical prices. - Major retailers and manufacturers participate in Fourth of July sales, offering discounts on various products. - Genuine discounts, quality reviews, and remaining sale time are important factors in choosing the best Fourth of July laptop deals.
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