MacBook Archives

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Introducing all-new Surface Copilot+ PCs: The Surface Pro, 12-inch and Surface Laptop, 13-inch

Copilot+ PCs are a new category of personal computing devices designed to enhance AI experiences and productivity. Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop (13-inch) and Surface Pro (12-inch) as part of this lineup, both featuring Snapdragon X Plus processors with Neural Processing Units (NPU). The Surface Laptop, available from May 20, 2025, starts at 9, is the thinnest and lightest model yet, and offers up to 23 hours of video playback. It has a full HD touchscreen, AI-enhanced camera, and a keyboard with a fingerprint reader. The Surface Pro, also powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, weighs 1.5 pounds and features a detachable keyboard and adjustable kickstand. Both devices incorporate sustainable materials, with the Surface Laptop using 100% recycled cobalt in its battery and the Surface Pro made from 82.9% recycled content. They provide access to AI tools for productivity, including features like Recall and Click to Do. Pre-orders for both devices are available, with the Surface Pro starting at 9 and the Surface Laptop at ,199.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft introduces Surface PCs that run AI models and cost less than earlier versions

Microsoft introduced two next-generation Copilot+ PCs, the Surface Pro convertible tablet and a traditional Surface Laptop, designed to operate AI models without internet connectivity. The Surface Laptop starts at 9, while the Surface Pro starts at 9, both reflecting a 0 reduction from last year's models. They are powered by an Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip with eight cores and have slightly reduced screen sizes of 12 inches for the Pro and 13 inches for the Laptop. The Surface Laptop now supports up to 16 hours of web browsing, an increase from 13 hours. The new machines run on Windows 11 and feature AI-enhanced capabilities, including a Recall function and improved file search. Preorders began on Tuesday for a release on May 20, with color options of platinum, ocean, and violet. Microsoft reported a nearly 75% year-over-year increase in Windows 11 commercial deployments.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft gives all Windows 10 users two new reasons to switch to Windows 11 now

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats and software bugs. Microsoft has launched two new devices, the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, to encourage users to upgrade. The Surface Pro features a 12-inch screen, a Snapdragon X Plus processor, and a 2-in-1 form factor, while the Surface Laptop has a 13-inch screen and offers a 23-hour battery life. Both devices include access to Copilot+ PC experiences and are available for purchase starting at £799.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft wants users to ditch Windows 10 before its imminent death — Using Copilot+ PCs with Recall to upsell Windows 11

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 through its new Copilot+ PCs. These PCs meet Windows 11's system requirements and feature AI-powered enhancements, including up to 13% faster performance than the MacBook Air M4, operating up to 5 times faster than five-year-old Windows devices, and offering up to 22 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing on a single charge. In January, Microsoft reported that 15% of premium-priced laptops sold in the U.S. during the holiday quarter were Copilot+ PCs, with expectations for this percentage to increase. Windows 11's market share is currently 42.69%, while Windows 10 holds 54.2%.

Tech Optimizer

April 24, 2025

4 things I wish somebody told me about Windows before I switched to it

The ongoing rivalry between Windows and Mac sparks passionate discussions among tech enthusiasts, with users appreciating the unique advantages of each platform. The Apple ecosystem offers limited premium models with consistent performance, while Windows provides a vast array of options, leading to significant performance variability based on specifications. Windows has a large selection of software, but its quality can be inconsistent compared to Apple's App Store. Additionally, Windows is more vulnerable to viruses and online threats, requiring robust antivirus solutions. Users may encounter more error messages and compatibility issues on Windows, necessitating more frequent restarts. Syncing files from an iPhone to a Windows PC can also be challenging for those accustomed to the Apple ecosystem.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Chrome failed to install on Windows PCs, but Google has issued a fix

Several Reddit users have reported difficulties installing Google Chrome on Windows PCs, a problem also experienced by the Laptop Mag team on multiple Windows 11 laptops. Users noted that the direct download from Google was problematic, while a workaround using the installer from ninite.com was successful. Issues were reported on both Windows 10 and 11, with speculation about a glitch in the latest installer release. Google acknowledged the issue and confirmed a fix had been implemented, allowing successful installations afterward. A step-by-step guide for resolving the installation hurdle was provided, recommending the use of an offline installer named “ChromeStandAloneSetup64.”

Winsage

March 24, 2025

The best Windows laptop for work has one major letdown

HP’s OmniBook Ultra 14 is a premium productivity laptop priced around ,100 for a model with a 1TB drive and 16GB of RAM, and approximately ,300 for a version with 32GB of RAM. It features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, a 12-core processor, and offers nearly 13 hours of battery life. The laptop weighs about 1.5kg and measures 1.5cm in thickness, with a design that combines aesthetics and functionality. It includes two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, a 3.5mm jack, and a USB-A port. The QHD IPS touchscreen is bright for indoor use, and it has an integrated camera and microphone for virtual meetings. The AI capabilities include an AI Assistant app and a dedicated Copilot button for Microsoft’s assistant, but the practical applications of the AI technology are limited. Comparatively, the OmniBook Ultra 14 outperforms other laptops in its category, such as the Framework Laptop 13 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, particularly in AI capabilities and processing power.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

Developer Review of Warp for Windows, an AI Terminal App

Warp for Windows has been introduced, providing a unified terminal experience for developers who previously lacked a Windows version. David Eastman tested Warp on an older AMD Phenom II machine running Windows 10, encountering initial compatibility issues due to the machine's lack of support for SSE4.1. The application no longer requires a mandatory sign-in, making it more accessible. Users can choose their preferred shell, including PowerShell and Git Bash, although Eastman faced functionality issues with Git Bash. Warp integrates AI features to assist in command execution, intelligently formatting outputs and allowing for chat-style interactions to generate scripts. It also offers session management capabilities, enabling users to organize workflows and share commands, which is beneficial for team collaboration in DevOps settings.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: Skype is DEAD and we’re taking it personally

The Windows Central Podcast discusses the official discontinuation of Skype, reflecting on the hosts' experiences and challenges. They also explore developments surrounding Copilot on Windows and the future of AI integration. Additionally, the podcast covers Lenovo's new line of PCs with unconventional designs and offers insights on the recently unveiled MacBook Air, comparing its value to competitors like the Surface Laptop 7.