As the Black Friday week unfolds, the quest for a reliable and high-performing laptop intensifies. With seven years of experience in testing laptops, it’s clear that the current standards are exceptionally high, presenting consumers with a plethora of value-driven options that deliver remarkable performance. Whether you’re in search of a laptop tailored for programming or one optimized for photo editing, it’s advisable to set your budget above ,000 to ensure you make a well-informed choice.
Exploring the Benefits of Neural Processing Units
Among the myriad of features to consider, if extended battery life is a priority, one component stands out: the Neural Processing Unit (NPU). A prime example is the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, which, originally priced at ,599.99, is now available for ,199.99 on Amazon, offering a substantial savings of 0. This laptop, equipped with high-end hardware and a Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, is ideal for those who require mobility without sacrificing performance.
Recently, there has been a surge in the branding of ‘AI PCs’ or ‘Copilot+ PCs.’ These advanced machines are designed with cutting-edge hardware that facilitates on-device AI tasks, allowing users to leverage AI-powered tools like Microsoft Designer or Copilot without relying on an internet connection. While the current availability of on-device AI applications may be limited, the energy efficiency of NPUs makes them a transformative addition to laptops, significantly enhancing battery life.
NPUs function as specialized microprocessors that complement the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics card, processing vast amounts of data in parallel. Their performance is quantified in ‘trillions of operations per second’ (TOPS), with NPUs rated at 40 TOPS and above earning the Copilot+ designation. By offloading tasks typically managed by CPUs or GPUs—such as photo editing or code compilation—NPUs not only improve multitasking capabilities but also reduce power consumption, leading to extended battery life.
In my experience, laptops featuring NPUs tend to outperform their counterparts in battery longevity, often lasting several hours longer throughout a typical day. For instance, during my testing, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 achieved an impressive 17 hours and 31 minutes of battery life, while the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, designed for enterprise and development use, lasted an astounding 26 hours and 9 minutes. In contrast, models like the HP Envy x360 2-in-1 and HP Spectre x360 14, which do not include NPUs, recorded battery lives of 11 hours and 10 minutes and 14 hours and 29 minutes, respectively.
As you navigate the array of options this Black Friday week, consider prioritizing laptops equipped with NPUs. If your budget allows, investing in one of these advanced machines will likely yield significant long-term benefits.
For those eager to uncover the best Black Friday deals on laptops, our curated list is updated daily, featuring discounts on laptops, 2-in-1s, and workstations. Additionally, our main Black Friday deals hub showcases offers on a variety of products, from cameras to fitness equipment.
- Apple Macbook Air 13-inch M3 (2024): ,099 now 4
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition: ,199.99 now 9.99
- Dell Inspiron 16 Plus (7640): 9
- Asus ZenBook 15: 2.99
- LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1 (16T90SP): ,599.99 now ,099.99
- Lenovo Yoga 7i Gen 9 16-inch: 9 now 2.65
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