Windows laptop Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

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 20, 2024

The best Windows laptops we tested in 2024: Our pick lasts longer than the M4 MacBook Pro

The landscape of Windows laptops in 2024 features a variety of options, including robust workstations powered by Qualcomm technology, dual-display devices, and discreet gaming machines. The 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is highlighted as the top choice, equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite processor and exceptional battery life. The HP Omnibook X 14 is noted as the best mid-range option, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is recommended for budget-conscious users. The Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9) is recognized as the best 2-in-1 laptop, and the Alienware m16 R2 is identified as the best gaming laptop. Upcoming models include the Dell XPS 13, HP Omnibook Ultra Flip, and Framework Laptop 13, with updates expected after testing. The HP Omen 17 gaming laptop received mixed reviews, praised for performance but criticized for keyboard, speakers, and battery life.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

Rising to the TOPS: How will NPUs and Windows AI grow in 2025?

In 2024, Microsoft introduced the "Copilot+ PC" branding for AI-capable laptops, while Apple launched Apple Intelligence. These developments have led to mixed outcomes, with features like real-time translations and on-device speech-to-text being beneficial, but others, such as Windows Recall, still proving their value. By 2025, mainstream developers are expected to integrate on-device AI into Windows applications, influencing consumer purchasing decisions. The term "TOPS" (Trillions of Operations Per Second) is becoming important for evaluating the AI performance of Windows laptops, with a minimum of 40 TOPS required for Microsoft's "Copilot PC+" designation. Qualcomm's Copilot+ PCs reported around 45 TOPS, significantly higher than Intel's 11 TOPS. By the end of 2024, premium Windows laptops are expected to see a three- to four-fold increase in NPU performance compared to 2023 models. Analysts speculate further performance improvements may occur towards the end of 2025. Despite the potential for a two- to three-fold enhancement in on-device AI performance, experts caution against overemphasizing TOPS figures, which may not accurately reflect real-world performance. The lack of a unified API for leveraging NPU capabilities in Windows complicates matters for users of Copilot+ laptops without Qualcomm chips. Although AMD and Intel have released competitive chips, Qualcomm currently holds an advantage with exclusive support for certain applications. Microsoft is promoting its low-level machine learning API (DirectML) and the Windows Copilot Runtime, which may enhance the Copilot+ PC ecosystem. While cloud-based AI solutions remain an option, the cost of these services is expected to rise, making on-device AI more appealing. The introduction of ChatGPT Pro highlights the financial implications of cloud access compared to on-device NPU usage, which incurs no additional costs. The pace of on-device AI adoption in Windows' software ecosystem is anticipated to accelerate in 2025.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft just fixed 72 Windows security flaws — update your PC right now

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday updates for 2024 addressed 72 security vulnerabilities, including 17 classified as Critical, 52 as Important, and one as Moderate. One vulnerability, CVE-2024-49138, is actively exploited and relates to privilege escalation in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver. Microsoft has mitigated 1,088 vulnerabilities this year. The flaw allows attackers to gain elevated system privileges and has been recognized by CrowdStrike. It is the fifth actively exploited CLFS privilege escalation vulnerability since 2022 and the ninth patched this year. Microsoft is implementing additional verification steps for log files and has introduced new security mitigations using Hash-based Message Authentication Codes (HMAC). This vulnerability is listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog by CISA, requiring Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies to remediate it by December 31st. The most critical vulnerability this month is CVE-2024-49112, a remote code execution flaw affecting the Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). Other significant remote code execution vulnerabilities include CVE-2024-49117 (Windows Hyper-V), CVE-2024-49105 (Remote Desktop Client), and CVE-2024-49063 (Microsoft Muzic). Users are advised to update their systems promptly and ensure Windows Defender is activated.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

7 settings to change on your Windows 11 PC to maximize battery life

Windows PCs, particularly newer laptop models, have improved battery performance, but users often experience reduced battery life over time. A three-year-old Windows laptop may drop from six to seven hours of screen time to struggling to reach three hours. Software adjustments can help maximize battery life. 1. Lowering screen brightness to around 30-40% can extend battery life. 2. The Battery Saver option in Windows 11 can be manually enabled to disable power-hungry activities. 3. Reducing display and sleep timeout settings can conserve energy. 4. Disabling unnecessary startup applications can save battery resources. 5. Turning off animation effects can improve battery life, especially on older devices. 6. Shutting down the laptop instead of just closing the lid can prevent unexpected battery drain. 7. Changing the power mode from Balanced to Best power efficiency can significantly extend battery life.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

Computer owner shares frustration after seeing concerning message on Windows laptop: ‘I will not be buying a new one’

Microsoft will end free security updates for Windows 10 in October, prompting concerns among users about the need to purchase new devices, especially as the company promotes Windows 11. Users have expressed frustration over "programmed obsolescence," which forces consumers to buy new models more frequently. The financial impact of planned obsolescence can reach approximately ,000 over a consumer's lifetime, contributing to significant environmental issues, including the generation of over 68 million tons of e-waste in 2022, with only 22% recycled properly. Some users are considering alternatives like Linux to avoid the costs of new computers. Companies like Staples and Redwood Materials offer recycling programs for e-waste.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

Time is almost up on the best Windows laptop deal I’ve seen for Cyber Monday — so good I bought it twice!

The Surface Laptop 7 is available at a discounted price of 9 during Cyber Monday, making it one of the most sought-after laptops of 2024. It features a touchscreen display, a keyboard and trackpad, and is powered by the Snapdragon X Plus with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. The 15-inch variant has a price drop to 9, offering 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, which is more affordable than an entry-level MacBook Pro with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. The Surface Laptop 7 is recommended as the best Windows laptop currently available.

Winsage

November 28, 2024

Your next laptop should be a Copilot+ PC (like the Acer Swift 14 AI)

By 2025, it is projected that 80% of customer service teams will use generative AI, contributing USD 4.4 trillion annually to business processes. Generative AI allows for human-like conversations and is reshaping workflows across various sectors. Copilot+ PCs are designed for advanced AI features, requiring modern processors, a minimum of 16 GB of RAM, and at least 256 GB of SSD storage. The Acer Swift 14 AI features a 47 TOPS NPU, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of SSD storage, and boasts a battery life of up to 29 hours. It includes AI-powered applications like User Sensing 2.0, Multi-Screen Assistance, and PurifiedVoice 2.0, enhancing productivity and user experience.

Tech Optimizer

November 22, 2024

Microsoft Defender Is Not Enough Anymore—This Malware Gets Around It

A victim lost over ,000 in cryptocurrency due to a malware attack that bypassed Microsoft Defender. The attacker persuaded the victim to download a malicious application disguised as a game called Orbit Unit via Telegram. The malware accessed the victim's Google passwords through an unlocked Bitwarden, compromising his cryptocurrency wallet. Despite having Malwarebytes installed, it did not provide real-time protection, only identifying the malware after the damage was done. Researchers confirmed that Microsoft Defender failed to block the malware or detect it once operational. The malware used PowerShell to execute scripts and installed a deceptive Chrome extension to steal credentials and manipulate browser activity. In tests, Malwarebytes with real-time protection blocked the malware, while Bitdefender prevented access to sensitive information. The malware did not execute if the user was located in Russia, Ukraine, or Belarus. SafetyDetectives advised against storing wallet passwords digitally and recommended using reputable antivirus software with real-time protection. They also suggested limiting cryptocurrency in browser wallets and using hardware wallets for significant amounts.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

The best Windows laptops we’ve tested: Our No. 1 pick beats M4 MacBook Pros

The Windows laptop market is diverse, featuring options from Qualcomm-powered machines to dual-display and gaming setups. A curated guide highlights the best Windows laptops of 2024, all rigorously tested for performance and build quality. The top choice is the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor, known for its high performance and battery life. The HP Omnibook X 14 is recommended as the best mid-range option, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is ideal for tighter budgets. The Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9) is noted as the best 2-in-1 laptop, and the Alienware m16 R2 is the top choice for gaming. Black Friday in 2024 falls on November 29, with retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart expected to offer significant deals on Windows laptops.