ultra-portable Archives

Winsage

July 11, 2026

The Windows Central Podcast breaks down the Copilot OS leaks, the latest Microsoft layoffs, and what all of this means for the future of Windows and the company’s AI strategy

Microsoft has laid off 4,800 employees, particularly in the Xbox division, raising concerns about the effectiveness of its management structure, which includes 14 layers of middle management. A leaked internal project, "Project Aion," proposes a web-native operating system integrated within Microsoft Edge, replacing the traditional Start menu with Copilot. The podcast discusses consumer skepticism regarding AI adoption and the high costs of cloud-based large language models. Upcoming products include the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12, which will feature a new 24 GB RAM configuration and more affordable 8 GB options. Additionally, Microsoft has confirmed the discontinuation of the 10-inch Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go lines.

Winsage

July 11, 2026

Windows Central Podcast: Copilot OS leaks and Microsoft Layoffs

Microsoft is undergoing significant changes, including layoffs of 4,800 positions primarily in the Xbox division. An internal memo by Asha Sharma revealed 14 layers of middle management within Xbox, raising concerns about leadership effectiveness. The podcast discussed the reasons for the layoffs and management's failure to leverage franchises like Fallout and Minecraft. Additionally, a leak regarding "Project Aion," an experimental web-native operating system for 2024, was mentioned. The hosts also addressed consumer pushback against AI technologies and the associated costs. The anticipated launch of the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 will feature a 24 GB RAM option, while Microsoft has canceled the Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go lines.

Winsage

July 2, 2026

3 Old Windows Laptops Still Worth Buying In 2026

In 2026, the laptop purchasing landscape is affected by a price crisis due to AI data center demands, leading to higher costs for RAM, storage, and processors. Buyers are advised to consider laptops manufactured between 2019 and 2024 for compatibility with Windows 11, which requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM, with 8GB being the practical baseline and 16GB recommended for everyday tasks. 1. The Acer Swift X (2022) features an RTX 3050 Ti mobile chip, a Ryzen 5825U processor, and 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM, priced under ,000, and has a 4.4/5 rating on Amazon. 2. The Dell Latitude 7330 (2022) has a 1080p display, an Intel i5-1245U processor, and 16GB of RAM, available for around 0 from third-party sellers, and offers a convertible design. 3. The Acemagic LX15Pro is priced under 0, powered by a 5700U processor, has 16GB of RAM and a 512GB storage drive, and holds a 4.8/5 rating on Best Buy. The laptops were selected based on affordability, compatibility with Windows 11, and availability across multiple retailers.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

I saved a doomed Windows laptop by embracing Linux

The author switched from a MacBook Air to a nine-year-old ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5, which does not meet the requirements for Windows 11 due to its 7th-gen Intel processor. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October, leaving many devices like the ThinkPad considered "obsolete." The author installed Linux Mint on the ThinkPad, which is compatible with older hardware and provides a user-friendly experience. The ThinkPad has 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and was purchased for 0. Despite some challenges, such as reduced battery life and minor driver issues, the device remains functional for everyday tasks. Linux Mint is free and open source, requiring no mandatory agreements for installation.

BetaBeacon

January 6, 2026

How To Play PC Games On Your Android Device In 2026

Playing PC games on an Android device using GameHub and GameNative is legal and does not involve questionable workarounds. Game emulation for older systems and retro consoles is different and may have legality issues. GameHub and GameNative are recommended methods for playing games on Android, with GameHub being the best all-rounder. Tweaking settings may be necessary for optimal performance. Android handhelds have advantages over x86 gaming handhelds but may not be a proper replacement yet. The future for PC gaming on Android looks promising as more development is being done in this area.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Do more with a new Windows 11 PC

Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 PCs. Windows 11 offers enhanced security, improved productivity, and advanced features. It is designed for exceptional performance with powerful processors, rapid storage, high-speed memory, and stunning displays. On Copilot+ PCs, Windows 11 operates up to five times faster than five-year-old Windows machines and provides extended battery life. Microsoft aims for zero waste by 2023, promoting energy efficiency and recycling programs. Currys, as the UK's largest tech recycler, collects and recycles around 60,000 tonnes of outdated technology annually. Currys offers a diverse selection of Windows 11 PCs suitable for various needs and budgets.

AppWizard

September 26, 2024

Here’s why I’m hoping to score Lunar Lake inside my next handheld gaming PC: Intel’s Core Ultra 7 258V tested in games

The Asus Zenbook S 14 features an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor with eight cores, combining Lion Cove P-cores and Skymont E-cores, and is equipped with the Arc 140V integrated graphics unit. It delivers a commendable gaming experience at 1080p, outperforming the Intel Arc Graphics in the Zenbook 14 and competing effectively against AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in various titles. The Zenbook S 14 has a power draw of around 40 W during intensive workloads and maintains a similar form factor and specifications to the Zenbook 14. The Arc 140V iGPU surpasses the Intel Arc Graphics found in the 155H, and despite a lower clock speed, the 258V shows a 5% performance advantage in games like Hitman 3. In Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition, both the 258V and AMD chip achieve 27 fps, with Intel slightly ahead in 1% low frame rate metrics. The specifications include 32 GB LPDDR5X RAM, a 512 GB SSD, a 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a 72 Whr battery, and a weight of 1.2 kg. The Zenbook S 14 achieves 155 minutes of gaming in 3DMark's battery life test, outperforming the Zenbook 14 and Zephyrus G16. Compatibility issues with some titles may arise from early driver releases.

Winsage

September 5, 2024

A Longtime Windows User Makes First Impressions of Windows 11 – NEIU Independent

Users have 15 months left to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, which was released in late 2021. Less than 30% of current Windows users have switched to Windows 11. The review focuses on initial setup challenges, interface and usability, hybrid device experience, application and file management, and comparisons with other operating systems. The initial setup was complicated by the requirement to create an online account for certain features, leading the reviewer to ultimately create a local account. The interface is similar to Windows 7 and 10, offering reliability and extensive app support. The ASUS Vivobook's hardware, including a responsive touchscreen and 360-degree hinge, enhances the user experience by allowing seamless transitions between tablet and laptop modes. Users can download apps from both developer websites and the Microsoft Store without needing to log into a Microsoft account. Windows 11 improves multitasking with enhanced Windows Snap features, offering five organizational configurations for tiling apps. Apple plans to introduce a similar feature in their upcoming MacOS Sequoia. For those needing a new computer, investing in a device with Windows 11 is recommended, while users with functional machines may consider lightweight Linux distributions for secondary use.

Winsage

August 13, 2024

Dell XPS 13 (9345) review: Windows on ARM is here

The Dell XPS 13 (9345) is an ultra-portable laptop weighing 2.6 pounds, with dimensions of 11.62 x 7.84 x 0.60 inches. It features a 13.4-inch LCD or OLED display with resolutions of 1920 x 1200, 2560 x 1600, or 2880 x 1800. The laptop is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chipset and offers memory options of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB, along with storage options of 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. It has a 55Wh battery and is priced at ,299.99. The design includes a flat keyboard bed, an edge-to-edge display, and a 1080p webcam. It has two USB-C 4.0 ports but lacks a headphone jack. Pros include its lightweight, performance, battery life, keyboard, and design, while cons include limited port selection and high price.