XPS 13 Archives

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows on Arm vs Intel: Which laptop platform is right for you?

The Windows laptop market has shifted towards devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This initiative, known as Windows on Arm, has produced notable products like the Asus ZenBook A14 and Dell XPS 13, which are praised for their performance in AI applications and impressive battery life. These devices can run Intel-based applications through an emulation layer called Prism, which translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, allowing compatibility with non-native software. While they perform well for office tasks and some creative applications, limitations exist in gaming and high-demand software due to the need for specific drivers and graphics performance. Currently, the market features three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. Pricing for these laptops often exceeds ,000, making Intel and AMD options more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

I tried Asus ZenBook A14. Now I can’t imagine using a different Windows laptop

The Asus ZenBook A14 is a lightweight laptop that weighs over 23% less than the MacBook Air and is crafted from a material called Ceraluminum, making it 30% lighter than aluminum and nearly three times stronger. It features a variety of ports, including two USB-C (v4.0) ports, a USB-A port, and an HDMI 2.1 port, offering more connectivity options than the MacBook Air. The keyboard provides satisfying feedback and ample travel, while the Windows Hello authentication system offers convenient security. The laptop has a 14-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and performs well with applications from Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, although it struggles with heavier workloads in Da Vinci Resolve. The ZenBook A14 has a battery life of around eight hours on a single charge.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Which Copilot+ PC is better for you?

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 features two variants: one powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chipset and the other by Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) chipset. The Qualcomm model starts at 9 for the 13.8-inch version and ,299 for the 15-inch version, while the Intel variant starts at ,499 for the 13.8-inch model and is projected to be around ,799 for the 15-inch model. Both models offer up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, with identical display options of a 13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz touchscreen and a 15-inch (2496 x 1664) 120Hz touchscreen. The Intel model has a USB-A 3.2 port, while the Qualcomm model has a USB-A 3.1 port. Battery life estimates suggest up to 22 hours of video playback for the Qualcomm model and up to 12 hours for the Intel model. Initial performance tests indicate that the Snapdragon X Elite has a multi-core score of 14,426, while Intel models are expected to score between 11,033 and 11,125. The Qualcomm model demonstrated a practical battery life of 15 hours and 44 minutes under web browsing conditions. Compatibility with Windows on Arm applications is improving, but notable gaps remain, such as the lack of a native Steam app. The Intel variant will be available starting February 18, 2025.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

Windows Recall support for Intel & AMD PCs: Eligible PC List

Microsoft has introduced an AI feature called Recall for Windows PCs, enabling users to retrieve actions or searches by capturing and storing screenshots in an encrypted format. Users can search for specific content using keywords, but Recall will only be available to select Windows 11 PCs. Initially exclusive to Snapdragon X SoCs, Recall now supports newer Intel and AMD CPUs with a 40 teraflops Neural Processing Unit (NPU). To use Recall, the system requirements include: - Windows 11 PC enrolled in the Insider Program (Canary or Dev channel) - 16 GB RAM - 256 GB SSD - CPU with 8 logical processors - NPU with 40 teraflops - Windows Hello for sign-in security and device encryption activated. Compatible devices include: - Acer Swift 14 AI - ASUS Vivobook S 15 and ProArt PZ13 - Dell Latitude 7455, XPS 13, and Inspiron 14 - HP OmniBook X 14 - Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x and ThinkPad T14s - Microsoft Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC - Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ PC - Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge Supported CPUs are: - AMD Ryzen AI 300 series - Intel Core Ultra 200V series - Snapdragon X Elite - Snapdragon X Plus More compatible systems and CPUs are expected by 2025.

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 10, 2024

Unwrap the magic of Windows 11 PCs this holiday

Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs are introduced as innovative devices ideal for the holiday season, offering security features, performance for work and leisure, and AI-enabled functionalities. Notable models include: - Acer Swift Go 14 AI: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, up to 28 hours battery life. Starting at 9.99. - Acer Swift X 14: Intel Core Ultra processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, 2.8K OLED display. Starting at ,299.99. - ASUS ProArt P16: AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics. Starting at ,699.99. - ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16: AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, GeForce RTX graphics. Starting at ,099.99. - Dell Inspiron 14 Plus: Snapdragon X Plus platform, up to 15 hours battery life. Starting at 9.99. - Dell XPS 13: Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors, up to 26 hours battery life, FHD+ display. Starting at ,159.99. - HP OmniBook X: High-resolution display, Snapdragon X Elite processor. Starting at ,089.99. - Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: 15.3-inch display, 22 hours battery life. Starting at 9.99. - Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus CPU, 14-inch OLED screen. Starting at 9.99. - Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge: AMOLED display, Snapdragon X Elite processor. Starting at 9.99. - New Surface Pro (11th Edition): AI-accelerated Copilot+ experiences. Starting at 9.99. - New Surface Laptop (7th Edition): Next-generation performance and Copilot+ experiences. Starting at 9.99. Various retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, offer these devices. Prices are U.S.-only and subject to change.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

16 Best AI PC deals for Black Friday: Save up to $400 off a new AI-ready laptop

AI PCs are gaining attention during the 2024 holiday shopping season, with significant Black Friday deals available. Key processors featured include AMD Ryzen AI, Apple M3 and M4, Intel Core Ultra 200V, and Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite. Current notable AI PC deals include: - Apple M3 MacBook Air: ,099 now 4 at Amazon. - HP OmniBook X: ,199 now 9 at Best Buy. - Dell XPS 13: ,399 now ,099 at Dell. Best AMD AI PC deals: - HP OmniBook Ultra (AMD Ryzen AI): ,379 now 9 at HP. - Asus Vivobook S 14 (AMD Ryzen AI): ,199 now ,013 at Amazon. Best Apple AI PC deals: - Apple M3 MacBook Air 15: ,299 now 9 at Amazon. - Apple M3 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): ,499 now ,199 at Amazon. - Apple M4 MacBook Pro 14: ,599 now ,399 at Amazon. - Apple M4 MacBook Pro 16 (32GB/1TB): ,999 now ,799 at Best Buy. Best Intel-powered AI PC deals: - Asus ExpertBook P5 (Intel Core Ultra 200V): ,099 now 9 at Asus. - Asus Vivobook S14 (Intel Core Ultra 200V): ,199 now 9 at Walmart. - Dell XPS 13 (Intel Core Ultra 200V): ,399 now ,099 at Dell. - Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 200V): ,299 now 9 at Best Buy. Best Qualcomm Snapdragon X Copilot+ AI PC deals: - HP OmniBook X (Qualcomm Snapdragon): ,199 now 9 at Best Buy. - Dell XPS 13 (Qualcomm Snapdragon): ,199 now 9 at Dell. - Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Qualcomm Snapdragon): ,289 now 9 at Lenovo.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

The Windows laptop I recommend to most people undercuts the MacBook Air (and it’s on sale)

Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop, which features a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor and is available in 13.8-inch and 15-inch models. Priced at 9 on Amazon, it has a sleek aluminum chassis with a bright 120Hz HDR touchscreen display. The laptop offers over 15 hours of battery life, making it suitable for remote work. It includes two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The device is noted for its performance improvements in creative software and has a responsive touchpad and a satisfying keyboard experience.

Winsage

September 5, 2024

ExpressVPN now supports the latest Arm Windows machines

ExpressVPN launched its Arm-compatible app in Beta on September 4, with a final product expected in mid-October. Users can download the app from the ExpressVPN Windows download page by selecting the ARM64 Beta Version. This development allows users of Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptops to enhance their online privacy without the limitations of emulated applications.

Winsage

August 31, 2024

MacBook vs Windows: Which is the best laptop for students?

The 2024 Back to School sales season has started, leading students and parents to search for laptops suitable for academic tasks and entertainment. The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M3 (2024) is priced at ,299 / £1,399 / AU,999, while the Dell XPS 13 (2024) starts at ,299 / £1,099 / AU,098.80. More budget-friendly options include the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 at 9 / £1,049.99 / AU,899, though MacBook Air models can be found for under ,000. MacBooks run on macOS, while Windows laptops use Windows, leading to different user experiences. MacBooks are favored for productivity and creative tasks due to Apple's M-series chips and software like Final Cut Pro and Creative Cloud. Windows laptops offer more customization and are better for gaming due to broader compatibility. In terms of design, MacBooks have a sleek, uniform appearance with limited ports, while Windows laptops come in various designs and configurations. Performance-wise, MacBooks are known for their powerful CPUs and battery life, often exceeding 14 hours. Recent Qualcomm AI PCs have begun to match or exceed MacBooks in battery performance. Choosing between a MacBook and a Windows laptop depends on individual needs, with MacBooks being better for creative work and Windows laptops excelling in gaming. Familiarity with the operating system and personal preferences regarding design and pricing also play significant roles in the decision-making process.