Google has teased a new line-up of laptops coming later in the year called Googlebooks.

In what was a brief announcement at the Android Show, Googlebooks appear to be a confirmation of a long-running rumor: a new operating system based on a fusion of ChromeOS and Android, and essentially a Gemini-native successor to Chromebooks.

“We’re bringing together the best of Android, which comes with powerful apps on Google Play and a modern OS that’s designed for Intelligence, and ChromeOS, which comes with the world’s most popular browser,” Google’s senior director for laptops and tablets, Alex Kuscher, wrote in a blog post.

“The result is Googlebook: a new category of laptops built with Gemini’s helpfulness at its core, designed to work seamlessly with the devices in your life and powered by premium hardware. We’re sharing a sneak peek into the Googlebook experience today and will have a lot more to share later this year.”

What to expect with Googlebooks

Googlebooks will be the first laptops designed “from the ground up” for Gemini Intelligence, the company said in its announcement. The first Googlebooks are expected in the fall from the usual vendors such Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

Gemini and its AI capabilities will assist you the moment you open a Googlebook laptop, the company said. One of the first new features is the “Magic Pointer” which adds extra functions as you hover the cursor over various apps.

The cursor will also come alive with “just a wiggle”, according to Google. The wiggle brings up quick and contextual suggestions that depend on where it is on the screen.

Pointing at a date in Gmail, for example, will suggest setting up a meeting. Or selecting two images can create a visualization; the presentation showed a couch being placed in a living room.

Many of the features appeared to be more about everyday life, rather than business use cases. Though it isn’t hard to imagine where capabilities like custom widgets or remote mobile access can help at work.

The latter will allow you to access your mobile from the laptop.

The announcement does raise a few questions, particularly for the future of Chromebooks, but we expect more details to come over the summer.

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AI PCs are expected to make up a significant portion of the total PC market by the end of 2025, according to new research from Gartner.

Analysis from the consultancy shows AI-powered devices will account for 31% of the global market by the end of this year, with total shipments expected to reach over 77 million units.

This growth rate is projected to continue well into 2026, Gartner noted, with 143 million units shipped and AI PCs expected to command a 55% share of the overall PC market.

“By 2029, AI PCs will become the norm,” Gartner said.

Challenges are expected, however. Ranjit Atwal, senior director analyst at Gartner, said while AI PCs are “reshaping the market” their adoption has slowed slightly due to tariffs and “pauses in PC buying caused by market uncertainty”.

“Nevertheless, users will invest in AI PCs to ensure they are prepared for the growing integration of AI at the edge,” he added.

Enterprise and consumer demand is ramping up

Notably, a divide is emerging between consumer and enterprise preferences on AI PCs, Gartner found.

“Their decision primarily revolves around the choice of AI PC processor platform,” the consultancy said. Gartner forecasts that Arm-based laptops, for example, will command a larger share of the consumer market due to application compatibility challenges.

In the business segment, however, decision-makers typically prefer x86 on Windows, which is projected to account for 71% of the AI laptop market in enterprise domains this year.

Software availability and customization is also a key factor in purchasing decisions, Gartner revealed, which is prompting a rethink among vendors in terms of integration.

By the end of 2026, 40% of software vendors are expected to “prioritize investment in AI capabilities” directly on devices, marking a huge increase from just 2% in 2024.

“The future of AI PCs is in customization,” Atwal commented. “It lets users configure their devices with the apps, features and functions they want. The more users interact with a vendor’s AI PC, the better the vendor understands them, allowing for ongoing improvements and stronger brand loyalty.”

The AI PC goldrush continues

AI PCs have become a key focus for device manufacturers over the last two-and-a-half years, representing a route out of sluggish post-pandemic sales. Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger said AI PCs would be the “star of the show” in 2024.

While this didn’t quite materialize, more recent research shows pending device refresh cycles, combined with Windows 10 end of life in October this year, means enterprise interest is ramping up.

Analysis from IDC in March 2025 found eight-in-ten IT decision makers plan to invest in AI PCs this year, with the consultancy projecting that these devices will represent 93% of the market by 2028.

IT decision makers are excited at the prospect of equipping staff with AI-powered devices, the study noted.

Eight-in-ten also believe they will have a positive impact on employee efficiency, for example, with on-device AI capabilities helping to eliminate repetitive tasks and drive productivity.

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When Lenovo unveiled the IdeaPad Slim 3x at Mobile World Congress earlier this year, it touted the device as an "AI laptop". That's thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon X chip, the fourth chip to feature Qualcomm's custom Oryon CPU cores and the third in the X Series, which enables the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x to process AI tasks on-device rapidly.

It's not all about AI, though, as the IdeaPad Slim 3x packs many other interesting features that set it apart in the budget laptop market. There's an open SSD slot that can fit an extra SSD for users who want to expand the laptop's storage capacity, and it comes reinforced with MIL‑STD‑810H durability, making it one of the toughest affordable laptops around.

It's less impressive in other areas; the laptop's 15-inch OLED display can feel dim in bright environments, and its keyboard layout will take a bit of getting used to. Still, considering its $649 price tag, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x definitely delivers value for money.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x: Design

While budget laptops often have a cheap, bulky feel, that isn't the case with the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x. It features a MacBook-esque aluminium chassis, which lacks the cool premium feel of an Apple device but looks the part nonetheless. It also feels impressively sturdy thanks to the laptop's military-grade MIL‑STD‑810H durability standard, which means it should be able to withstand knocks and tumbles.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x is just 0.7 inches thick despite its rugged nature. Although it doesn't quite match the MacBook Air's featherweight aesthetic, the Slim 3x still fits neatly into a backpack and is an ideal size and weight for working on the go.

Despite the laptop's slim profile, ports are plentiful on the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x. The laptop ships with full-sized USB‑A ports, USB‑C, an SD card reader, HDMI, and a headphone jack.

Aesthetically, Lenovo keeps things clean and minimalist. The IdeaPad Slim 3x features a subtle "Luna Grey" finish, without any unnecessary flashy accents.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x: Display

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x features a 15.3-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS non-touch display at 60Hz. The screen is excellent for indoor use, featuring great contrast, deep blacks, and punchy colors. At the same time, its real estate makes it particularly well-suited for productivity tasks such as document editing, web browsing, and side-by-side multitasking.

However, we found that in bright environments, though the screen remains legible, the laptop's maximum brightness level struggles to keep up, so it might not be the best device for working in the garden.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x: Keyboard, touchpad and webcam

Unlike most affordable Windows laptops, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x boasts a dedicated numeric keypad next to its full-sized chiclet keypad. While handy for productivity, the keys are condensed slightly to fit the laptop's 15-inch layout, and it means the rest of the keyboard is aligned to the left, which takes a bit of time to get used to. During our first few days with the IdeaPad Slim 3x, we found ourselves making a bunch of mistakes while typing due to the unusual keyboard layout, though it soon became familiar.

The power button is also located on the side of the IdeaPad Slim 3x, which took us a while to find when we first unboxed the laptop. The keys themselves are a pleasure to type on. Key travel is modest but firm, enabling speedy typing without fatigue. There's no backlight built into the keyboard, though, which makes typing in low light less enjoyable.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x also features a generously sized clickpad, delivering smooth gestures and tactile clicks. Though slightly offset to one side, it's accurate and comfortable, despite occasional hollow clicking sounds typical in budget models.

You'll also find a fingerprint sensor underneath the keyboard, which, though oddly placed, was easy to set up and makes for near-instantaneous logins.

In a subtle top‑bezel hump above the laptop's display you'll find a 5MP camera with webcam privacy shutter, ideal for the privacy-conscious. We found camera quality decent enough for the occasional video call, though it doesn't match the webcam's performance on the MacBook Air or more expensive Windows laptops.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x: Performance and AI

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor under the hood, the chipmaker's take on Apple's in-house processors. Qualcomm claims this chip is the most efficient processor it's built for Windows, while its integrated NPU means it's designed for handling AI workflows.

The exact chip inside the IdeaPad Slim 3x is the Snapdragon X Elite X1-26-100, an 8-core ARM-based processor with a maximum clock speed of 2.97 GHz. The processor comes paired with an Adreno GPU that supports light gaming and smooth video playback, 16GB RAM, and an integrated 512GB SSD that can be expanded thanks to the open SSD port.

During our time with the IdeaPad Slim 3x, the laptop handled web browsing, productivity tasks, and video playback with ease. However, it started to stutter slightly when put under serious pressure, such as gaming.

However, AI performance is where the IdeaPad shines, no doubt thanks to the processor's integrated NPU that's designed to accelerate local AI tasks such as voice dictation, image processing, and Copilot+ functions. We found that Microsoft's onboard AI assistant processed queries impressively quickly, making the IdeaPad Slim 3x a solid choice for those after an affordable laptop that can easily handle AI workloads.

Thermals and noise remained in check too; the laptop rarely made a noise, and we found the whirring only ramped up under sustained loads such as gaming.

Battery-wise, we found Lenovo's claims of "all-day" battery to be somewhat exaggerated; we averaged at 6-7 hours of mixed usage from the onboard 60Wh battery. However, this rarely caused a problem thanks to the laptop's fast-charging capabilities, which give you two hours of use after just 15 minutes on charge. The only downside is the hefty power cable.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x: Is it worth it?

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x is a well-rounded budget laptop that punches above its weight, particularly with its robust design and rapid on-device AI processing. While it's not built for gaming or heavy content creation, and it's unusual keyboard layout will take a bit of time to get use to, the IdeaPad Slim 3x handles everyday productivity, streaming, and AI-assisted tasks with ease – the latter of which is particularly impressive for a laptop at this price point.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x specifications

Acer has announced the launch of new ultra-thin Copilot+ PCs in a major update to its Swift device family.

Unveiled at the Computex 2025 show in Taiwan, the Swift Edge 14 AI and Swift Go AI Series boast new Intel Core Ultra 200V Series processors alongside integrated neural processing units (NPUs).

In an announcement, the device manufacturer said the Swift device NPUs can max out at over 40 TOPS and are designed specifically to contend with “the most demanding AI workloads”.

Both devices are approved to run Windows Recall (albeit currently in its preview format) and feature a dedicated Copilot key.

Here's what users can expect from the new devices.

Under the hood of the Swift Edge 14 AI

Acer’s new Swift Edge 14 AI Copilot+ PC is very lightweight - and we mean very. It comes in at just 0.99kg, or roughly 2.18 lbs, meaning it edges the MacBook Air by more than half a pound on the weight front.

The device also boasts a 14-inch 3K OLED display with edge-to-edge glass. Acer is keen to highlight its “cinema-grade visuals” thanks to 100% DCI-P3 color gamut support and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600-certification.

Better still, it’s the first laptop globally to incorporate Corning Gorilla Matte Pro surface treatment, which means users can expect a significant reduction in glare and screen reflection compared to alternative anti-glare surfaces.

On the performance side, the Swift Edge 14 AI can be equipped with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 288V, making it a powerful device for a wide array of applications like image processing and text interpretation.

Meanwhile, in addition to the NPU, the device also comes equipped with an in-built Intel Arc GPU, again making it ideal for generative AI performance, the company claims.

Other key features include:

• Up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory
• Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 storage
• An impressive 21-hour battery life
• Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
• Dual USB Type-A ports

While weight is a key talking point on Acer’s side, so is the general size of the device, which features a “premium ultra-thin chassis” made from a high-grade magnesium-aluminum alloy material.

This, Acer said, will offer better durability compared to alternatives that rely on aluminum alone.

The Acer Swift Edge 14 AI will be available in EMEA in June and the UK in August, the company confirmed, and will set you back upwards of £1,399.

Swift Go 16 AI and Swift Go 14 AI

Acer is framing the new Swift Go launch as perfect for ‘productivity and fun’. With the 16 and 14 AI powered by Intel Core Ultra 7 processors 258V and Intel Arc graphics, both are powerful devices designed to balance the line between basic consumer and professional use.

Moreover, the lower price compared to the Swift Edge 14 could be a key appeal. Exact pricing for the UK market wasn’t revealed today, but in EMEA the 14 comes in at €1,199 while the 16 starts at €1,299 compared to the €1,599 for the Swift Edge.

Both devices offer support for up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory and a 2 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD. Battery life clocks in at up to 16 hours, so a few hours less than the Swift Edge 14 but still a powerful device for hybrid workers.

Again, the Go series devices are ultra-lightweight, measuring in at 15.9 mm (0.60 inches) thick, making it a handy device for those on the move.

Acer was keen to highlight the display capabilities on the aforementioned Swift Edge, and the same rules apply with the Swift Go series devices, with the 16 AI boasting a 16-inch, 2K OLED screen. The Swift Go 14 AI, meanwhile, features a 16:10 WUXGA (1920x1200) OLED panel.

Both are VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 500 certified, according to Acer, and come with Eyesafe 2.0 certification.

Other key features include:

• A 1080p FHD IR webcam for biometric login
• HDMI 2.1 and USB Type-C ports
• Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 or above

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Modular laptop designer Framework says it is “temporarily pausing US sales” in response to the disruption caused by US tariffs on Taiwanese imports.

The sales pause will apply to a limited number of Laptop 13 configurations, the company confirmed in a statement on social media this week, with models impacted by the decision set to be removed from its online store.

This means the Laptop 13 base systems using Intel Core Ultra 5125H and AMD Ryzen 5 7640U processors will be temporarily unavailable. The company is yet to provide information on when customers will see them back in store.

“For now, these models will be removed from our US site. We will continue to provide updates as we have them.”

When asked about the sales pause by an X user, the firm attributed the move to US tariffs. Other consumer hardware manufacturers have also announced similar moves in response, including Nintendo.

"We priced our laptops when tariffs on imports from Taiwan were 0 percent," the company said. "At a 10 percent tariff, we would have to sell the lowest-end SKUs at a loss."

“Other consumer goods makers have performed the same calculations and taken the same actions, though most have not been open about it.”

Framework’s modular, repairable devices have surged in popularity in recent years.

In February, the firm unveiled the latest addition to its future-proofed laptop range with a new 12-inch touchscreen notebook.

The Framework Laptop 12 will feature 13th generation Intel Core processors in both i3 and i5 variants alongside support for up to 48GB of DDR5-5200 RAM, 2TB of NVMe storage, and Wi-FI6E.

Tariffs spark big tech concerns

The launch of tariffs by the US administration has sparked widespread concerns over costs in both the enterprise and consumer tech markets.

Analysis from IDC earlier this week warned the policy could halve global IT spending over the next six months. The consultancy said the wave of tariffs will likely drive up technology prices and disrupt supply chains.

On the consumer hardware front, Canalys has issued a similar warning. Analysis from the research firm suggests tariffs could hamper worldwide PC shipment growth in the coming months.

Global PC shipments grew by 9% in Q1 2025, Canalys found, with OEMs ramping up shipments to the US in anticipation of the tariffs coming into effect. The next few months could see stunted growth, however.

“As the next round of higher tariffs on more countries goes into effect, both direct and indirect impacts threaten global PC market recovery and Windows 10 end of support induced momentum for the remainder of the year,” Canalys said.

“The impact of tariffs on consumer demand is expected to be greater, as purchasing a more expensive PC will need to be prioritized against other spending categories also facing price increases. Businesses, especially SMBs, will also face some pressure that could slow down momentum for the critical transition away from Windows 10 ahead of the October 2025 End-of-Support (EOS) date.”

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The majority of the new Chromebook Plus models emerging from Google's Chromebook partners are thin-and-light laptops designed to prove that Chromebooks can do more than browse the Web and tackle homework; they can handle the kinds of office and creative workloads that you'd normally associate with a conventional Windows laptop. The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 offers a more heavyweight spin on the same idea. 

This is a more powerful, big-screen Chromebook with the kind of ergonomics you might want in an all-day productivity device. And while it doesn't have the performance, screen, or specs of 'gaming' Chromebooks like the Acer Chromebook 516GE, it comes in without the bling, and at the sort of price point many SMBs are looking for.

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Design

By dint of its 15.6-inch screen, the Chromebook Plus 515 is a fairly chunky laptop, with a desktop footprint of 360.6 x 248.4mm and standing nearly 2cm tall at its thickest point towards the rear when closed. It's crafted from dark grey plastics with a metallic finish rather than aluminum, but it looks and feels more expensive than you might expect, with an eye-catching faux brushed aluminum texture to spice up the lid. 

Crucially, it feels very solid, especially in comparison to many budget Chromebooks. Nothing about the construction creaks, the deck doesn't bounce when you're pounding away at the keyboard, and there's not too much flex if you apply some torsion to the corners of the lid. At 1.68Kg it's just about portable, and it shouldn't have any problems surviving a regular commute. Acer claims it's passed MIL-STD 810H certification for shock, vibration, and temperature resistance.

The temptation with a 15.6-inch or larger laptop is often to cram in a numeric pad, and while that makes sense for spreadsheet warriors, it often has a negative impact on the layout for everyone else. Asus has resisted the temptation with the Chromebook Plus 515, opting instead for a spacious layout where all the Ctrl, Shift, Alt, and Return keys are the size you would expect, where the Chrome OS function keys are also full-width keys, and even the cursors get a little separation. It's backlit too, with five levels of brightness.

As for the feel, it's a little softer and less snappy than the absolute best Chromebook keyboards, but the travel, size, and weight of the keys make it very comfortable and relatively fast. The larger-than-usual palm rests and the way the screen raises the typing angle also help. Having spent a few days working on the Chromebook Plus 515, I'd be perfectly happy to come back for more.

Acer gets some ergonomics bonus points thanks to the excellent touchpad. Formed from recycled plastics into a surface dubbed Oceanglass, it doesn't have the cold feel of the real deal, but it's impressively smooth and hard to fault on accuracy or response. What's more, it's massive, measuring 12.5 x 8.2cm, making it usable even when you need to make precise selections or navigate documents at speed.

Connectivity is relatively basic, but you have all the essentials, with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C ports, an HDMI 1.4 output, and a single USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A. You also don't get Wi-Fi 6E networking, just the regular Wi-Fi 6. 

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Display

While Google's Chromebook Plus requirements have a mandatory minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080, the actual image quality on the first wave of Chromebook Plus models has been a bit of a mixed bag. The Chromebook Plus 515 is one of the better examples. It's still a little dimmer than we'd like, with a maximum brightness of 283cdm2, while sRGB coverage is fairly low, at 65.9%. If you're hoping to work outside or near a window in bright sunlight, you're still going to struggle with visibility. Yet in most conditions, the image looks richer and more punchy than the numbers might suggest, and viewing angles and contrast aren't bad at all. For serious image-editing or design work, you'll need something with more color depth and color accuracy, but for everyday productivity tasks, it's going to be more than fine.

The audio is even better, thanks to a DTS-branded speaker system that dishes out not just volume but some actual body, along with surprisingly immersive stereo sound. In video chats and meetings, you can hear the other participants clearly, and the built-in mic does a solid job of picking out your voice from the background noise as well, especially if you use the new AI Noise Cancellation feature that's exclusive to Chromebook Plus. The 1080p webcam also delivers decent image quality, where Google's AI-enhanced lighting can also help. However, the picture still grows noticeably grainy in gloomy or artificial lighting, so don't expect top-notch quality in every situation.

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Performance

The Chromebook Plus 515 comes in two guises, differing only in their choice of CPU. The lower-cost version has a Core i3-1215U with 2 performance cores and 4 efficient cores running 8 threads at up to 4.4GHz, while the more expensive version reviewed here has a Core i5-1235U with two P-cores and eight E-cores.

While this should give the Core i5 Chromebook Plus 515 a real advantage in multi-threaded tests against the Core-i3-powered Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, it's not as large as you might expect. The Acer scores 1802 in Geekbench 6 single-core against 1791 from the Asus, and 6019 in Geekbench 6 multi-core against 5172. Its results are in the same ballpark as the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip, which uses the same CPU. Both lag behind the Acer Chromebook Spin 714, which uses a newer, faster Core i3-1335U. 

This is a very decent performance because this spec allows the Chromebook Plus 515 to go toe-to-toe with some Chromebooks costing significantly more. More importantly, it feels slick and snappy in everyday use, whether you're just working with the Docs and Sheets apps open and a mass of browser tabs in another window, or exploring the creative potential of more demanding Android and Linux apps.

You have to be realistic about your battery life expectations, given the size of the screen, but the Chromebook Plus 515 can scrape through over nine hours of 1080p video playback from a single charge. In practice, we've never had any difficulties getting from 9 am to 5 pm without a pitstop, especially if you don't keep the brightness levels maxed out all the time.    

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Is it worth it?

The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is a superb business-ready Chromebook if you're on a budget, competing with Chromebooks in the class above on performance while providing solid ergonomics and a decent screen. If you need mobility or higher-speed connectivity, then you'll either need to increase your budget or make different compromises elsewhere, but if you spend most of your time in one location and you're looking for a Chrome OS workhorse, they don't get much stronger or more reliable than the Chromebook Plus 515.

Acer Chromebook Plus 515 specifications

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is arguably the best Chromebook most of us should buy right now, thanks to its slimline body, practical 2-in-1 design, high-performance spec, and excellent 16:10 screen. But what if your Chromebook budget doesn't stretch to the £699 required per device? Enter the Acer Chromebook Plus 514. 

One of the first wave of premium Chromebooks bearing Google's new Plus designation, it gives you a screen of the same size with the same resolution, good working ergonomics, and a capable spec based on AMD's new Ryzen 3 7320C CPU, all for less than two-thirds of what you'd need to spend for the Spin 714. You'll have to abandon any hope of a sleek metallic chassis and a super-bright display, but if you're trying to cut your IT costs, you need to make some sacrifices somewhere. With the Acer Chromebook Plus 514, you're making them in mostly the right places.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Design

While it might look like a gunmetal alloy from a distance, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is all plastic. It's also larger, thicker, and heavier than the Chromebook Spin, measuring 19.9x319x227mm to the high-end Acer's 18x322x224mm and, at 1.45 kg, weighing 8g more. All of this is to be expected, and while the Chromebook Plus 514 isn't exactly the world's most dynamic-looking laptop, the faux-metallic finish looks reasonably good, with a two-tone texture pattern to decorate the lid. More importantly, the construction feels rock solid. The chassis passes MIL-STD-810H certification for durability, and there's barely any undue flex in the body and only a minimal amount in the lid.

Connectivity is more adequate than amazing, but you get two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C ports, with one on either side, along with a single USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A port and an HDMI 1.4 video output. That should cover most peripherals and output to a 1080p or 1440p display at 60Hz, but you also have Bluetooth 5.2 for keyboards, mice, and headsets, plus Wi-Fi 6 for hooking up to the home or office network.

The keyboard's backlit, with five levels of adjustment, and gives you a good, fairly standard Chromebook layout with Ctrl, Alt, Space, and Enter keys that are big enough to find by feeling alone. Some might get tripped up by the On/Off key and Launcher key, which sit where the Delete and Capslock keys usually sit, but that's par for the course with Chromebooks and something users soon adjust to. The same goes for the slightly soft action. Sure, it would be nice to have a little more click, but there's just enough travel and it only takes an hour or so to get up to your usual typing speed.

The trackpad uses Acer's OceanGlass material: a smooth surface fashioned from recycled ocean plastics that feels more like glass than many plastic touchpads and proves very accurate and responsive while in use. That's lucky, as there's no touchscreen support or USI stylus on this Chromebook, so you need to be able to rely on the touchpad just to get around.

At the top of the display sits a 1080p webcam, producing crisp, well-exposed video for online meetings and video chats. These also benefit from the AI-enhanced video meeting features built into Google Plus, with background blur and automatic lighting enhancements available at the click of the buttons that appear at the bottom of the screen. This is arguably the least appreciated killer feature of Chromebook Plus, bar the built-in file sync capabilities, which ensure that up-to-date offline copies of your most-used documents and files remain available, even when you don't have an Internet connection to hand. Plus, when you do connect, your local files will sync right up.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Display

The Chromebook Plus 514's screen has its good points. The combination of the 14-inch size, 16:10 aspect ratio, and 1920 x 1200 resolution gives you a clean, crisp image that seems weirdly larger than a regular 16:9 14-inch screen, really helping if you work across multiple documents or apps. Meanwhile, blacks and grey tones look relatively dark by LCD standards, though nowhere near as deep and inky as on an OLED screen. 

However, this screen isn't bright enough for use in all conditions. We measured the maximum luminance at 258.2 nits, and it can look washed out if used close to a window or in bright artificial light. It only covers 64% of the sRGB color gamut, and colors aren't anywhere near as vivid or as varied in their hues as on the Chromebook Spin 713 or the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip. That's bad news if you need to edit images and video or want the best possible image for your post-work Netflix binge, but it's mostly fine for productivity work in the office or home office. The screen is the single biggest issue with this laptop, and even then it's still far from a deal breaker.

Admittedly, the audio doesn't help this Chromebook's case; it's thin even at low volumes and close to unlistenable with the volume whacked right up. Still, it's usable for video calls and meetings, the microphones should capture your voice clearly – and you can always plug some headphones in.  

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Performance

The Chromebook Plus 514 is one of only two current  Chromebook Plus devices based on AMD rather than Intel technology, with a Ryzen 3 7320C APU and 8GB of RAM. We're talking Core i3 rather than Core i5 performance levels. Still, with Chrome OS that's often fast enough, and you can comfortably run multiple Web apps and have a dozen browser tabs open in the background without seeing any sign of slowdown. More demanding Android apps run perfectly well, and there's barely any pausing or grinding away as you flick between desktop views or launch a new app. For everyday email, browsing, and productivity work, this is all the Chromebook you will need, for the next few years at least.

If you want to talk numbers, the Geekbench 6 scores of 1169 (single-core) and 3571 (multi-core) leave the Chromebook Plus 514 lagging behind the Asus Chromebook Vive CX34 Flip and Acer Chromebook Spin 714, with 1815/6292 and 1882/6568 respectively. In the multi-threaded Jetstream benchmark, the Chromebook Spin 514 scores 186.485 the Vibe CX34 Flip's 260.655, and the Spin 714's 246.922. Yet these differences don't have as much impact in real-world use as they might on a Windows laptop, and the Chromebook Plus 514 costs significantly less.

Playing back 1080p video on a loop with the brightness level set to 170cdm2, the Chromebook Plus 514 made it through just under 9 hours before giving up the ghost. That's a little disappointing when the Chromebook Plus 714 keeps going for over 13 hours, but it should be enough to see you through the average working day, especially if you can top up midway through. Again, you can't expect the premium experience when paying under £400.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Is it worth it?

Acer's first Chromebook Plus makes a good-budget business laptop. It's fast enough for most purposes, and Acer has the basics of the design, connectivity, and keyboard right. It's small and light enough to handle a little mobile use, but large and comfortable enough to work on through the average day. While the screen isn't as bright or vibrant as a premium Chromebook's screen, it's good enough for everyday productivity use cases, and the webcam and useful Chromebook Plus enhancements count for a lot.

If you want more luxurious materials and a sleek design, you'll still need to splash out on a high-end Chromebook like the Spin 713, but as an affordable, everyday laptop for employees with fairly basic needs, the Chromebook Plus 514 takes some beating.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514 specifications

Asus's new Vivobook Pro 16X arrives in the market just in time to go head-to-head with Apple's newly updated MacBook 16. That could prove to be either perfect timing or terrible timing. It's terrible if it doesn't prove able to compete with Apple's new wunderkind, perfect if it can, significantly as it undercuts the entry-level M3 MacBook Pro 16 in terms of cost.

As a package, the new Vivobook Pro 16X ticks all the boxes. Pride of place goes to a 120Hz 3,200 x 2,000 OLED screen but buried inside, you will find a 24-core Intel Core i9-13980HX processor with 32GB of RAM, an Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU, a high-capacity 90Wh battery and a spacious 1TB SSD. 

ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X: Design

The Vivobook Pro 16X is a somewhat angular affair, much like all the current generation of Vivobook machines. It's a smart, though generic piece of design and is available in two colourways: Cool Silver and Zero Degree Black. For 2023, Asus has made efforts to reduce the weight by incorporating more recycled plastic into the chassis and body, so the new model weighs an impressively low 1.9kg. 

The external dimensions of 333 x 249 x 22mm are par for the 16in laptop course and make it narrower than the MacBook Pro but a little thicker. Despite the increased use of plastic, it's a solid laptop, though the aluminum lid is a little more wobbly than I'd have liked. Like many Asus laptops, it meets the US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard for resistance to shock, temperature, and particle ingress.

On the right side of the Vivobook Pro 16X, you'll find two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1 video output that can support 8K/60Hz video, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 data port, and a 3.5mm audio port. On the left are a second USB-A port, the DC jack for the 230W power brick, a gigabit RJ-45 port, and an SD card slot.

The eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that the second Thunderbolt port is new for 2023, as is the SD card slot, with the 2022 model having a less useful (certainly for professional photographers) MicroSD card receptacle.

Removing the base is a straightforward affair, and once inside, you can access the wireless card, both SODIMM RAM mounts, and the SSD bay, though sadly, there isn't space for a second SSD. Our test machine's 1TB Solidigm SSD returned poor sequential read and write speeds of 3,365MB/s and 2,042MB/s, respectively.  We've seen MacBook Pro's return double those speeds. The wireless card is an Intel AX211 component that supports 6Ghz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3.

ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X: Keyboard, touchpad, and webcam

The two-tone grey keyboard is easy on the eye, and the distinction between the dark grey enter keys, light grey alphanumeric keys, bright red escape key and the twill-pattern on the Enter key isn't entirely a matter of aesthetics. We found it improved our focus on the central part of the keyboard when typing. The keys have 1.4mm of travel and a clean action with a positive end stop. The action is entirely silent.

Behind the keys is a three-level white backlight, which we suspect works better with the darker keys of the black model than the grey keys of our silver model, but that's more a matter of personal taste.

The trackpad is a spacious 130 x 85mm affair with a smooth surface and firm, positive corner click-action. Swipe in from the top right corner, and the Asus DialPad comes to life. Spin your finger around this, and you can adjust system settings like the volume or brightness and now also set it to adjust anything that you can assign a Windows keyboard shortcut to. 

Though initially intended to work closely with Adobe's creative apps, the DialPad has evolved into a more broadly helpful feature on Asus' creative laptops. The DialPad is managed via Asus' ProArt Creative Hub software, which comes preloaded, though you have to download the DialPad CP plug-in from the Microsoft Store. Once set up, you can use the DialPad for all manner of shortcuts, like zooming in and out of your web browser or controlling the Spotify app.

For a premium laptop, the webcam is a little underwhelming. Granted, it can record video at 1080p and 30fps but images look grainy even in well-lit environments. It's no match for the MacBook Pro's webcam and should be better for the money. The webcam doesn't support Windows Hello facial recognition, so you are limited to the one-hit fingerprint scanner built into the power button for biometric security. At least the camera has a physical security shutter.

Next to the camera array is a sensor that detects ambient light levels so the system can adjust the brightness of the display and keyboard backlight to best suit your environment.

ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X: Display

The display is a very impressive 16-inch, 120Hz OLED affair. It's as good as any OLED screen available on any laptop. The 3,200 x 2,000-pixel panel isn't quite as sharp as the MacBook Pros at 235dpi to 254dpi, but the difference is beyond the human eye to discern. It's bright, too, hitting 385cd/m2 in SDR mode and 605cd/m2 in HDR mode, earning it a Vesa DisplayHDR True Black 600 certificate. 

There is color aplenty thanks to some large gamut volumes of 147% sRGB, 104.2% DCI-P3, and 101.3 Adobe RGB, all validated by Pantone. The display is also superbly accurate, with Delta E variances of just  0.76 vs the sRGB profile with the sRGB clamp on and 0.81 vs the DisplayP3 profile with the screen in the respective color mode. Those results are outstandingly good.

HDR performance is hugely impressive, with infinite contrast and superbly saturated colors. Whether you are just watching video gaming or creating HDR content, the Vivobook Pro 16X's display is a joy to behold, even if it can't match the searing brightness of the MacBook Pro's Mini LED display. 

Asus claims a 0.2ms response time for the screen. While we're not sure about that –G2G response times are like electric car ranges, to be taken with more than a pinch of salt – motion fidelity is excellent, with hardly any discernible ghosting or smearing. Gaming and 3D modeling animations look superb on the Vivobook.

ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X: Specs and performance

The Vivobook Pro 16X goes like the devil himself is chasing it, thanks to the Nvidia GPU having a TGP of 140W rather than being tuned down as you often find in "creative" laptops and a MUX switch to help extract the maximum frame rate. 

In our standard 4K multi-media benchmark, the Vivobook scored 587 points, which is an excellent score and one only significantly bettered by the latest generation of fire-breathing uber-gaming laptops from Asus ROG and Alienware.

For comparison, the Vivobook Pro 16X's little brother, the Asus Zenbook Pro 14, a laptop that is hardly lacking on the performance front, scored 461. The difference is down to the extra 10 CPU cores the Pro 16X has (2 Performance, 8 Efficiency) and the higher TGP setting on the RTX 4070 GPU. The M2 Pro MacBook Pro scored 418 points. I'll be interested to see how much the new M3 chipset closes that gap when we get the new MacBook Pro in to test.

The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 25,669 and the PCMark 10 score of 8,239 put the Vivobook Pro 16X comfortably inside the top decile of laptops we've tested at ITPro.

Graphics performance is equally impressive, with the Vivobook running the SPECviewperf 3Dsmax-07 3D modeling test at 96fs and scoring 12,060 in the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark. The Vivobook Pro X16 won't disappoint if you fancy heavyweight gaming. It managed to run Cyberpunk 2077 at FulllHD and with raytracing at 60fs. Forgo ray tracing, and that number will jump to 98fs.

Despite its impressive level of performance, the Vivobook Pro 16X keeps its cool. When running the FurMark GPU stress test, the GPU temperature peaked at 82°C, but the external casing never became more than warm to the touch with external temperatures peaking at 38℃ in the center of the keyboard deck. Fan noise peaked at 67dB(A) which is acceptable for a laptop running on such high-power components.

Battery life is the Vivobook Pro 16X's Achilles' heel. Run the Nvidia GPU hard (on battery power, it won't exceed 67% TGP), and the 90Wh battery will drain in around one hour. In our usual battery rundown test using VLC to loop an SD video with the display set to 170cdm/2, the battery lasted for 3 hours 15 minutes, an improvement but still a poor showing considering the battery capacity. As always, Apple rules the roost regarding battery life, but that's irrelevant if, like me, you don't spend much time away from a power socket.

ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X: Is it worth it?

The Vivobook Pro 16X is available in two versions. One with a 165Hz 2,560 x 1,600 IPS screen an Intel Core i7-1365HX CPU, and the Core i9 OLED model we have on test. The Core i7 model is generally on sale for around £2,000, but some retailers have the OLED machine on sale for the same price, which makes it an absolute steal.

The new M3 MacBook Pro 16 has a starting price of £2,599, but you only get 18GB of combined RAM and 512GB of storage compared to Asus's 32GB of system RAM, 8GB of vRAM, and a 1TB SSD. If you up the MacBook Pro's spec to that of the Vivobook, you are looking at a final bill of £3,200, a considerable premium for a laptop whose advantages are limited to much superior battery life, faster storage, and a better webcam.

Compared to the 2022 Vivobook Pro 16X, Asus has made some worthwhile upgrades beyond the next-gen CPU and GPU such as the addition of a MUX switch, an extra Thunderbolt 4 port, and moving from a MicroSD to an SD card slot. Given the Vivobook Pro 16X's level of performance and extraordinary omnicompetence, it's hard not to describe it as excellent value, especially when you can pick up the OLED model for the same price as the IPS version.

ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X specifications

Asus' new BR1402 laptops are aimed at educational and enterprise users who need a rugged and affordable machine that's easy to upgrade or repair and that offers some features that are rare on budget laptops like a touch-screen and an ethernet port and others like a 13MP primary camera that are as rare as hen's teeth no matter what the price.

The rugged, modular construction should bring clear benefits to IT support staff who have to deal with end users who, due to age or disinterest, are somewhat careless and try to ram a USB stick into an HDMI port or who are prone to simply dropping their laptops or spilling beverages over them.

Asus BR1402: Design

Durability, be it in the workplace or the classroom, was clearly a priority for the designers of the BR1402. For a cheap laptop, it's surprisingly solid, the lid is impressively resistant to twisting and has a rubber coating on the back to protect it from impact. The base also has a rubberized finish and large rubber feet to prevent it from being inadvertently knocked off a desk. 

The hinges that attach the lid to the body are unusually stiff and robust, even for a convertible. If anything, they are a little too stiff, as opening the lid without using a second hand to hold down the base is impossible.

Less noticeable to the eye is the US MIL-STD 810H military-grade resistance to shock, vibration, particle ingress, and temperature extremes and the ISO 22196-standard antimicrobial treatment, which is apparently resistant to alcohol-based cleaning solutions.

All the robustness does come at a cost, though: At 1.7Kg and 333 x 229 x 21mm, the BR1402 is neither light nor thin for a 14in laptop. Some youngsters may find a 1.7Kg laptop quite literally more than a handful, and the thickness makes it somewhat cumbersome in tablet mode, even for adult hands. 

Where the BR1402 excels is in the range of I/O ports with Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 1.4b, two Type-C ports (the one on the right is 2.0 spec and primarily for charging while the one on the left is 3.2 Gen 1 spec and supports DP Alt Mode video output), two USB 3.2 Gen 1 data ports and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The right side also houses a spring-loaded garage for the bundled MPP 2.0 stylus, a volume rocker for use in tablet mode, and a power button with a built-in fingerprint reader. Without Windows Hello IR facial recognition, the scanner is the only biometric option. Despite the slightly awkward position of the scanner, we found it to work reliably.

Undo the screws in the base panel, and you can lift the keyboard out of the laptop's body, but you need to take care of the two ribbon cables connecting the underside of the keyboard to the motherboard. 

You can access the single SODIMM memory mount via a small access panel in the base, so you don't have to take it completely apart to replace the single RAM stick.

The arrangement of the internal components is such that anyone handy with a screwdriver can remove the battery, the thermal module, the ports on either side, and the keyboard with much greater ease than on a more conventional laptop. According to Asus, the screen is equally easy to replace, but we didn't start taking the lid apart to see how straightforward a process that would be.

Asus BR1402: Keyboard, touchpad, and webcam

The keyboard is a basic affair without a backlight, and the layout is wholly conventional. The absence of a numeric keypad was no surprise, given that this is a 14in design. The keyboard deck itself is reasonably solid, with only a slight amount of give in the center. The keyboard is also billed as spill-resistant, though, as always, where the border between spill-resistant and waterproof rests is not made clear.

The keycaps themselves are flat and the key travel is a pretty generous 1.5mm though the end stop is slightly more spongy and vague than we would have liked. But again, for the price, it's par for the course.

At 130 x 75mm, the trackpad is of standard size, and the plastic surface is smooth and pleasant to the touch. The click action feels a little dead, but once again, we've encountered worse on cheap laptops.

The BR1402 comes with two cameras, a 720p webcam in the usual place, which also has a manual privacy shutter, and a 13MP primary camera above the F3 button. Both do a surprisingly good job taking bright and crisp images in all but the very worst lighting conditions.

The 13MP primary camera is no match for the average modern smartphone camera array, but we can't think of many other laptops with primary cameras, so we can't kick it too hard on that score.

Asus BR1402: Display

The gloss-finish 1,920 x 1,080 touchscreen is a basic affair. Maximum brightness is a meager 281cd/m2 which does raise issues when using the BR1402 outdoors, and there's not a lot of colour thanks to gamut volumes of just 56.1% sRGB, 38.6% AdobeRGB and 39.7% DCI-P3. With so little gamut coverage measuring the Delta E colour variance was almost a pointless exercise, but for the sake of completion, the figure was a very high 6.2. 

Of course, those results are pretty much what you have to expect from a £500 laptop where a FullHD resolution and IPS panel are not always to be taken for granted. Thankfully it is an IPS panel and supports wide viewing angles, and it is covered in Corning Gorilla glass, so it should be difficult to scratch. Judging by the absence of fingerprints after use, the screen also has an oleophobic coating.

The touchscreen and the MPP 2.0 stylus that Asus bundles behaved impeccably. The Asus SA204H stylus is a good quality item for something bundled gratis with 4,096 pressure levels and a pair of programmable buttons. It's very convenient for taking notes or sketching.

Considering the price point, the stereo speakers buried inside the BR1402 do a good job. They produce a decent amount of volume – 71bD(A) measured from a pink noise source at a 1m distance – and are surprisingly composed with impressive depth and detail and more than a hint of bass. We've heard much worse from laptops costing much more.

Asus BR1402: Specs and performance

The BR1402 is available with either an Intel Core i3 N304 or an Intel N200 CPU. Our review unit featured the latter with 8 GB of DDR4 memory, and as you might expect, performance wasn't great; it's only a quad-core processor with a maximum clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a TDP of just 6W.

It's also worth remembering that the N200 and the N305 only have 9 PCIe 3.0 lanes (the Core i5-13400, for comparison, has 20 PCIe 4/5), which have to be spread across the built-in storage, four USB ports, the 1GbE Ethernet port, the Wi-Fi 6 Dual-band adapter, and the cameras. That's presumably why the Type-C charge port only supports USB 2.0 data speeds.

Our standard multi-media 4K benchmark returned a score of just 56 points which is very low and on par with a 2019 Intel Core i5-7200U. The GeekBench 6 scores of 1268 (single-core) and 2807 (multi-core) and Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 2,138 tell a similar tale: This is a laptop for basic computing jobs like web browsing, email, communications, and media consumption but nothing more. 

Such basic jobs are performed with brio, and the system never bogs down, as some other cheap machines built around two or three-year-old Celeron CPUs want to do. But ask more of it, especially regarding graphics performance, and it will stagger badly and slow to a near-glacial speed.

Storage comes courtesy of 128GB of Universal Flash Storage 3.1, which unsurprisingly proved very pedestrian, recording sequential reads and write speeds of just 945MB/s and 300MB/s, respectively. That's quite abysmal, but this machine is not designed to shunt large amounts of data around.

Wireless communications are handled by the ubiquitous Intel AX201 card, which supports Wi-Fi 6 – but not 6Ghz Wi-Fi 6E – and Bluetooth 5.3.

Thanks to that low-power CPU, the 50Wh battery kept the BR1402 running for 8 hours and 50 minutes in our video run-down test. In more varied use, we were easily able to get more than 10 hours from a single charge which is sufficient to get you through even the longest of work or school days. The bundled Type-C charger is a very small and light 45W affair.

Asus BR1402: Is it worth it?

At present, there are two models of the BR1402 on sale in the UK, the N200-powered BR1402F convertible touchscreen model on test for £599.99 (£499 exc VAT) and the BR1402C Core i3-N305 model, which is a conventional laptop with a 180-degree rather than a 360-degree lid hinge and a price tag of £439.99 (£365 exc VAT). 

Given the presence of features like the touchscreen, 13MP secondary camera, and wide range of ports, it's impossible not to see the BR1402 as pretty impressive value for money, especially if you are after something that needs to shrug off the overly enthusiastic attention of the young or the overly careless attentions of their elders. 

The BR1402 may be limited in performance when compared to the latest Raptor Lake Core i5 laptops, but they are more expensive. Obvious competition for the BR1402 comes from Chromebooks like the new Acer Chromebook Spin 714 but even that is more expensive and lacks the ruggedness and modularity of the BR1402.

Asus BR1402 specifications

The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is one of the first of a new tier for ChromeOS that showcases a new set of requirements Google would like all Chromebooks to adopt. To get the 'Chromebook Plus' label machines will need at least an Intel Core i3 or an AMD Ryzen 700 CPUs, an IPS panel with at least 1080p, a matching webcam, and 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. 

By meeting this criteria, Chromebook Plus laptops will have access to an array of AI-powered features, such as the Magic Eraser tool. There will also be a spate of tools and capabilities coming down the line, such as an AI-based text reader that highlights points of interest – great for meetings where you have little time to read lots of reports or volumes of data. 

Of all the areas of technology to thrive under the pandemic, Chromebooks were arguably the least surprising. They're budget laptops that appeal to students and small businesses with a simplistic operating system and a fair amount of reliability. But what is coming with Chromebook Plus feels far more premium and this is the case with the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34.  

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Design

The design of the CX34 is better seen than it is felt, in that the plastic chassis feels very low quality. However, it has an attractive design with minimal bezels and a striking finish. There is an all-white option, which looks very chic, but our review unit is a light charcoal that elegantly contrasts with the black keys. To the eye, it almost appears to be a more premium laptop but touch it and you will know it is not. It is, however, a great example of doing more with less.  

It is a little heavier than one would expect at 1.44kg (3.17 lbs) but easy enough to carry on the road or to and from meeting rooms. We haven't dropped it yet, but it doesn't feel all that durable. There is a slight flex to the display portion, but nothing really to be concerned over. 

If you are a security-conscious person, the machine has a neat little webcam slider at the top of the display. Admittedly, this can be tough to get a grip on due to its thinness, but it is a great feature for those who want that little bit of reassurance of privacy. This should also appeal to small businesses that want to give their workforce more agency over their security. 

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Display, keyboard and trackpad

There is a 14in FHD anti-glare display on the CX34, with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. Some will see this as a dull screen and, admittedly, we haven't been massively impressed with its color replication. In our tests, the CX34 showcased 60% for sRGB gamut color volume, which is lower than pretty much most modern laptops – anything above 90% is the standard. 

However, it is worth judging this as a low-budget Chromebook, one which its users aren't likely to use for intensive photo editing of color work. The dull screen was nice to work on – the anti-glare coating stopped rogue lights and prominent sunshine from disrupting our tasks. A touchscreen element would have been nice, but again, not having that capability is probably why the price is so low. 

Look down from the screen and you may see where this laptop makes up for it; the beautiful backlit chiclet keyboard has 1.4mm travel and a nice clack to accompany your typing. It feels spongy, in the nicest way possible, and very responsive. 

The trackpad, however, feels very stiff and its operation could be more convenient when highlighting text or copying and pasting. The reach is fine, and there are comfortable spaces on either side for resting palms, but that click action is tougher than it needs to be. 

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Specs and performance

The minimum requirement for the Chromebook Plus brand is an Intel Core i3 chip, which the CX34 has – i3-1215U, to be specific, with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. This is a win for a sub-$400 as it gives you 6 cores of great performance. 

In Geekbench 6, the Chromebook CX34 offered up impressive results with 1,791 for single-core workloads and 5,172 for multi-core. We noted that very little of that test strained the machine into making much noise. Indeed, in our time using it, no amount of downloads, new windows, or applications hamper the performance or cause any significant heat out of the chassis. It is a little bit of a workhorse. 

That is until we get to battery life which wasn't especially great; under our looped video test, the CX34 lasted 7hrs and 12min. That's less than the average work day. Admittedly, our tests our intentionally intensive, and for real-world use, the CX34 had more than enough staying power for our day-to-day workload. Only after multiple meetings did we notice the battery running out especially quickly.  

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Features

When it comes to features, the CX34 – and probably most of the laptops in this tier – are works in progress as there are still features to come which we mentioned earlier. However, the CX34 comes with a crowd-pleasing selection of ports with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C for support display/power delivery, a HDMI 1.4, and a 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack – which is always welcome. There is also Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. 

The 1080p webcam is crisp and clean, and the ChromeOS supports it with some AI features that improve parts of your video call experience. There are buttons to 'improve lighting' and 'Cancel background noise' and they work well. What's more, they're built into the platform level, so it works whether on Zoom or Meet, but it just makes mid-call adjustments easy. 

Another simple, but great, feature is the Offline File Sync, which automatically downloads straight from Google Drive. It was a little complicated to turn on, you'll need to go into the advanced settings, but once it's on you can transfer files in the background and you'll see a little checkmark that notifies you they're now available offline. 

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Is it worth it?

For less than $400 the CX34 is a real solid work or study machine. This should appeal to businesses that want uniformed Chromebooks that won't push them over the budget – work gets done on this machine and it looks cool. Comfortable keyboard, snappy processor, clever controls, and more AI features coming, what is not to like? Well, for starters, there is the less-than-fantastic display and the cheap overall feel, plus also that stodgy trackpad. The CX34 is not without fault. 

However, this is the most affordable of the first cohort of Chromebook Plus laptops, and at just $399 we do mean budget. The other models from Acer, Lenovo, and HP are all above $400 and we can safely assume more expensive devices will come out over the next few months or years. So the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is the runt of the litter, but only in price.   

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 Specifications 

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is Acer's successor to the Spin 713; for years Acer's flagship Chromebook and one of the best-loved Chromebooks. While still a compact, convertible Chromebook, the Spin 714 does things a little differently, ditching the square design and screen of the Spin 713 for a more conventional form factor with a widescreen 16:10 display. 

But if you're worried that this spoils this Chromebook's usability, don't. Like its illustrious predecessor, the Spin 714 is one of the best business Chromebooks out there, giving you everything you need to be productive in a lightweight, flexible, and surprisingly affordable package.   

Acer Chromebook Spin 714: Design

At 322 x 224 x 18mm, the Spin 714 is a little bigger than the old Spin 713, which measured 300 x 235 x 17mm. However, it's also slightly lighter, at a very manageable 1.37Kg. It retains the old all-metal build and 360-degree hinge, enabling it to work in a choice of clamshell, tablet, tent, and stand modes, and the MIL-STD 810H construction is as solid and robust as the old model's. If you're looking for a Chromebook that can survive life on the move, the Spin 714 won't let you down. 

Connectivity is up to scratch as well, with two Thunderbolt 4/USB Type-C ports, an HDMI 2.1 output, and a single USB 3.1 Type A. One of the Thunderbolt 4 ports will be out of action while the device is charging, but you always have the option of a USB Type-C or Thunderbolt 4 dock to charge it up and connect your keyboard, mouse, and screen while you're sitting at your desk. You're well covered for wireless connectivity, too, with Wi-Fi 6E to connect to the fastest mainstream WiFi networks and Bluetooth 5.1 for headsets, mice, and keyboards.

The convertible form factor makes this a versatile device, and Acer has included a garaged USI stylus, which slots away neatly in a garage while not in use. It's very capable by Chromebook stylus standards, with 4,096 pressure levels plus tilt sensitivity. It's great for making notes, sketches, and annotations during meetings or presentations.

Like the Spin 713, the Spin 714 has solid ergonomics, with a spacious, well-laid-out chiclet keyboard with large, flat-topped keys and a good-sized trackpad. There's plenty of travel and a nice, light action, though the bounce back after actuation could be slightly snappier. As for the trackpad, it's accurate and responsive whether navigating Chrome OS and cloud-based apps or browsing the Web. You may want a mouse for precision work, but this is a comfortable machine for working all day long. 

Acer Chromebook Spin 714: Display

That's helped by the 14-inch display, which gives you just enough screen space for a good working environment in what's still a very portable Chromebook. While fans of the Spin 713 might miss the old 3:2 aspect ratio and 2256 x 1504 resolution – it always made the screen seem bigger than it was – the Spin 714 still has a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 1920 x 1200 resolution. Text and images look clean without obvious pixelation, and a high brightness level (up to 387cdm2) helps boost clarity and contrast. 

Add the fact that the screen supports 93.6% of the SRGB color gamut and 71% of DCI-P3, and you've got a fine screen for office work, light image editing, or streaming video. With an average Delta E of 1.8, color accuracy is also very good.

The sound is another plus point, with more volume and better clarity than on cheaper Chromebooks as long as you don't whack the volume up too high. The built-in dual microphone array also does a fine job of handling chats and conference calls, while the 1080p webcam gives you well-exposed and detailed videos for Google Meet meetings and Zoom calls.

Acer Chromebook Spin 714: Performance

The Spin 714 is one of the first Chromebooks out there with Intel's 13th generation Core CPUs, and even though our test model came with a Core i5-1335U rather than a high-end Core i7, it's still a very speedy device. With a single-core score of 1387 in Geekbench 5 it's slightly slower than the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip, but it makes up for it in the multi-core benchmark with 5704 to 5243.

In Geekbench 6 its scores of 1882 (single-core) and 6568 (multi-core) both put it ahead of the Asus, with 1815 and 6292. In the complex. Multi-tasking Jetstream benchmark, it's the Asus that pulls ahead at 260.655 to 246.922, but given that the Vibe CX34 Flex is the fastest Chromebook that we've tested, that's no disaster. Whether you're planning to stick to Cloud-based apps or explore Android or Linux software, the Spin 714 should handle it all with ease. In everyday use, it's flawlessly fluid and snappy.

If you can't quite stretch to the Core i5 version, there is a Core i3-1315U version available for roughly £100 less. Based on previous experience with Core i3 Chromebooks, this shouldn't feel in any way slow, and you may not notice any difference if you don't keep a few dozen browser tabs open or multitask with Linux apps.

This Chromebook's battery life is absolutely stellar. Left to run with a 1080p video file, it kept going for 13hrs and 16mins before running out of power. Given the high levels of performance and 14-inch screen size, that's impressive, and during testing, we had no issues getting through a full working day of use.

Acer Chromebook Spin 714: Is it worth it?

There are areas in which you could argue the Spin 714 falls behind its predecessor, particularly the lower-resolution screen. Yet overall it still succeeds as a powerful, well-designed Chromebook that can handle hard work, chats and meetings, collaboration, and a little entertainment after hours. It's slightly more expensive than your average Chromebook, but the great build and quality screen are both worth paying the extra for. This is the new champ of reasonably-priced business Chromebooks, and very easy to recommend for enterprises of all sizes.

Acer Chromebook Spin 714 specifications

Dell's XPS 13 series laptops, longtime stalwarts of the upmarket compact business laptop scene, have looked the same for several years. Like the XPS 15 and XPS 17, they followed a standard design, albeit with trademark carbon fibre-covered decks. 

Then in spring 2022, Dell threw its design language out of the window, forked the XPS 13 range, and tried a different path with the XPS 13 Plus compact laptops. Both ranges still feature a 13.4-inch display, but the base XPS 13 has lost the carbon fiber the larger models use and now runs on Intel's 12th generation lower power U-series chips, while the XPS 13 Plus devices get the latest Raptor Lake 28W P-series processors. The XPS 13 Plus machines also now look quite different from the XPS 13 laptops, with a bold and unique design for the keyboard deck. 

Dell XPS 13 Plus: Design

With the lid closed, the Dell XPS 13 Plus doesn't look or feel that different from the basic XPS 13 range or the majority of compact premium laptops. With none of the inspired design touches that make the Asus Zenbook S 13 such a looker, it's rather plain. 

The build quality is a little special, though, because Dell has used high-grade aluminium for both the lid and body, making them immune to twisting and bending. The finish is also immune to greasy fingerprints.

Open the XPS 13 Plus up – a perfectly balanced one-finger operation – and you'll find a screen that takes up 92% of the lid with impressively thin bezels of just 4mm at the sides and 5mm at the top and bottom. Below it sits a unique keyboard design which I'll discuss later.

For such a solid machine, the XPS 13 Plus is surprisingly light at just 1.26kg and very compact at 295 x 199 x 15.3mm. I don't see how you could make a sub-14-inch laptop much smaller. For comparison, the doyen of ultra-compacts, the MacBook Air, weighs 1.24Kg and measures up at 304 x 215 x 11.3mm though it does have a slightly larger 13.6-inch display.

Dell is following Apple in the trend for minimal physical connectivity: All you get are two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one on each side at the back, one of which you will need for charging.

There's not even a 3.5mm audio jack, something even Apple offers in its MacBook Air though the now almost universal reliance on Bluetooth to connect earphones to smartphones arguably lessens the impact of this design choice. Dell does bundle 3.5mm audio and USB-A adaptors, but I would still suggest investing in a good Type-C dock.

You can remove the base panel from the XPS 13 Plus without too much trouble, but you'll be wasting your time. Everything is soldered in place, with the exception of the SSD. An Intel AX211 card manages wireless communications, which supports 6Ghz Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.

Dell XPS 13 Plus: Keyboard, Touchpad and Webcam

The keyboard design – called Zero-lattice by Dell – runs edge-to-edge and provides the largest keys possible on a laptop this size with minimal gaps between each keycap. Above the keyboard are 15 always-on illuminated symbols on a capacitive touch bar – shortcuts for common functions such as print screen, volume, display, and keyboard illumination, and play/pause.

Tap the Fn key, and the middle 13 of these symbols vanish to be replaced with backlit F1 to F12 icons. You can use the Fn-Lock to have the function key icons rather than the symbols as the default. Below the keyboard three is an uninterrupted, full-width sheet of glass. So much for the aesthetics – which are stunning – but does it all work?

The keyboard itself is a delight, with plenty of travel and clean and positive typing action. The sheer size of the keycaps (20mm square by my measurement) means even the most inaccurate typist should hit the right keys most of the time. 

The capacitive buttons above the keyboard are a game changer, too: tapping the icon for Volume Up or Brightness Down is faster and easier than searching for it on a graphically crowded Fn keycap and pressing Fn + the relevant key.

The invisible touchpad takes some adjusting to because there's no visual reference to where  it starts and finishes. Give it a few hours, though, and the location becomes intuitive. Once you've crossed that bridge, it's nigh-on perfect; smooth, tactile and quiet. The click-action is pretty shallow but also very positive and clean.

There is a power button with a built-in fingerprint reader in the top right corner of the keyboard, but my device had the lid-up power-on option enabled in the BIOS. When you open the laptop, the Windows Hello IR camera scans your face and logs you in.

The keyboard has one small issue; the backlight. White-behind-white backlights can create contrast problems, and the XPS 13 Plus is no exception; the backlight is only useful in very low-light environments. Thankfully, the black keycap markings are very easy to read in most lighting conditions, so you shouldn't need to use the backlight until things get genuinely dim. One way around this problem would be to buy the Graphite model with a grey keyboard. 

The 720p is the Achilles heel of the XPS 13 Plus. Image quality is poor in anything other than perfect light and isn't what I'd call great even then. The 1080p webcam in the Zenbook 13 S leaves the Dell in its dust. 

Dell XPS 13 Plus: Display

The 13.4-inch display OLED touchscreen (made by Samsung) is a masterpiece. The 3,546 x 2,160 resolution gives a super-crisp 310dpi pixel density while the peak brightness is impressive – for an OLED panel – 380cd/m2. The contrast ratio is effectively infinite thanks to the inky zero luminescence blacks.

The display covers gamut volumes of up to 163.9% of the sRGB, 116.1% of DCI-P3 and 112.9 Adobe RGB. It's colour-accurate, too, with a Delta E variance of just 0.34.HDR performance is top-class. With Windows in HDR mode, peak brightness jumps to 555cd/m2 from a small (<10%) screen area.

HDR performance is spectacular, with colors really popping and superb saturation. My usual suite of 4K HDR test videos has never looked more impressive on a laptop. If I had to find fault with the screen, I'd point out that the refresh rate is a humdrum 60Hz, but on a productivity laptop, that's not really an issue.

Dell XPS 13 Plus: Specs and Performance

The 12-core Core i7-1360P processor is one of the most well-balanced members of the Raptor Lake family, with eight 'efficient' and four 'performance' cores and a maximum Turbo clock of 5GHz performance. It's powerful but efficient.

Our review unit's 16GB of quad-channel DDR5 RAM certainly didn't hurt its benchmark results, but you can specify 32GB of memory if you want even more performance.

The XPS 13 Plus – at least in this specification – has enough power to handle most day-to-day productivity tasks. The 4K media benchmark score of 352 comfortably outclassed the Zenbook S 13, which is itself no slouch and scored 194, and the M2 MacBook Air, which scored 201.

Without a discrete GPU, the XPS 13 Plus depends on Intel's Iris Xe chip for graphics work. Rendering a 5-minute 4K video clip in DaVinici took 3 minutes and 5 seconds, which is not at all bad for a laptop in this class.

The industry-standard PCMark 10 Office and 3DMark Time Spy benchmarks produced scores of 5,698 and 1,992 from the XPS 13 Plus, comfortably ahead of the Zenbook S 13's 5,371 and 1,589. The Samsung SSD in the XPS 13 Plus proved a solid performer recording sequential read and write speeds of 5,120MB/sec and 2,918MB/sec, respectively.

Dell XPS 13 Plus: Battery Life

Our usual test is to set the screen brightness at 170cd/m2, disable wireless connectivity, and run a video in VLC until the lights go out. The XPS 13 Plus lasted for 7hrs and 45mins. That is three hours less than the Zenbook S 13 managed but not a disgraceful result for a laptop with a 52Wh battery and a 3.5K OLED display.

As always, the M2 MacBook Air can do much better than this, running for 17 hours before the lights went out but by Windows (rather than Windows on ARM) standards, but you can still get a full day of graft out of the XPS 13 Plus without recharging. Incidentally, the bundled 60W USB-C charger is a very small and lightweight affair.

Dell XPS 13 Plus: Price

This incarnation of the XPS 13 Plus will set you back £1,595 with Windows 11 Pro and Intel's vPro platform or £1,499 with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS though you can pay as little as £1,199 if you opt for the FullHD non-touch screen, Core i5 model with just 8GB of RAM. 

Comparing broadly similar specifications, the Asus Zenbook S 13 costs £1,499 (direct from Asus and including a £100 discount) while the M2 MacBook Air will lighten your wallet to the tune £1,649 for a machine with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, the latter a must-have given how pedestrian the 256GB SSD is.

Considering that the Dell XPS 13 Plus has a much higher resolution display than either the Asus or Apple laptops, and has a touchscreen, and a more powerful CPU, it's difficult not to regard the Dell as pretty good value for money. Of course, the Asus counters that with a superior selection of I/O ports, while the Apple has a much better battery life.

At the end of the day, all three are fine laptops, and your decision may come down to whether or not you think the XPS 13 Plus keyboard deck is a triumph of design over function or vice versa. Bauhausian quibbles aside, I like the keyboard, trackpad, and capacitive buttons on the XPS 13 Plus, so it would be my choice.

FAQs

Dell XPS 13 Plus Specifications

Last year Google – with exquisite timing – launched a range of gaming Chromebooks within a few weeks of shuttering its own game streaming service, Stadia. Luckily, something really good came out of this mess: a selection of Chromebooks from Acer, Asus, and Lenovo that mixed high-end specs with decent screens and solid ergonomics, and that happened to be good at just about everything, not just streaming games. 

The Asus Chromebook Vibe is the latest and smallest of this mini-wave of gaming Chromebooks, arriving in the UK months after rivals like the Lenovo IdeaPad 16 Gaming and the Acer Chromebook 516GE. Don't dismiss it for its distinctive looks or gaming focus. It's a brilliant Chromebook for business.

Asus Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip review: Design

For a start, it's versatile, with a 14-in, 16:10 screen inside a 2-in-1 convertible body, with a compact 319 x 235mm desktop footprint and a weight of 1.7 kg. At 21mm thick, it's not the thinnest or lightest 2-in-1, but it's manageable for commuters or mobile workers, while still providing the big screen, trackpad, and keyboard you need for a full day's work. You can use it in the standard clamshell or tablet formats, with the touch-sensitive screen folded flat behind the keyboard, but it's also quite effective in a tent mode for watching video on the move.

The looks are distinctive, with a white powder-coated aluminum body, a light grey keyboard and bright orange WASD keys and accents on the palm rests, but they don't scream 'gamer' at you and, when closed, the Vibe CX34 Flip looks perfectly professional. 

There's no numeric pad, which means there's plenty of room for a spacious layout and large, square flat-topped keys, complete with Shift and Alt keys you can find by touch alone and a separated cursor pad. The light action, quick response, and firm deck underneath make it very fast and comfortable to type on. You might not be so keen on the orange WASD keys or RGB backlighting in a business setting, but you're free to limit the palette for working hours and, you can always let your hair down once you're back at home.

The touchpad is also wider than usual, measuring 13 by 6.6cm, which helps when you're navigating Google Sheets worksheets or browser-based collaboration apps. What's more, Asus bundles in a xxx stylus, which slots into the left-hand edge. It lacks the angle and pressure sensitivity you need for serious art or design, but it's fantastic for doodles, notes, and annotations, particularly paired with Google's Cursive app.

The Vibe CX34's larger size means there's also more scope for connectivity, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, an HDMI output, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, and a micro SD card slot. There's also Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5 connectivity, while users of wired headsets will be grateful for a good, old-fashioned 3.5mm headphone socket. 

Asus Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip review: Display

The screen is full HD rather than the QHD found on some high-end Chromebooks, but don't hold that against it. It has a 1920 x 1200 resolution to cover the 16:10 aspect ratio, and there's barely a sign of pixelation at this screen size. The 144Hz refresh rate only comes into its own when streaming games rather than in normal operations, but it's a plus if you're happy to subscribe to GeForce Now's most expensive Ultimate tier for some after-work gaming.

With a maximum brightness level of 425cdm2 and low black levels, contrast and clarity are excellent, and it covers 95% of the sRGB color gamut and 72% of DCI-P3. Whether you're working in Google's Workspace apps or watching downloaded Netflix shows on the commute home, it looks good, and the built-in audio is fine for casual viewing, not to mention web chats, meetings, and calls.

Disappointingly, the webcam is limited to 720p resolutions, so the image is a little grainy, though exposure holds up well In low-light conditions. The mic captures voices well, and overall audio is richer and more rounded than on the majority of Chromebooks, easily good enough for chats and conference calls or watching Netflix downloads on the way home from a meeting.

Asus Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip review: Performance 

One thing these gaming Chromebooks consistently bring to the table is good-to-great performance; with their lightweight operating system and reliance on web-based apps, even relatively low-spec Chromebooks tend to feel speedy, but with a Core i5 or Core i7 CPU they really fly. Our test model's Core i5-1235U and 8GB of RAM saw it post scores of 1435 (single-core) and 5243 (multi) In Geekbench 5, and 1815 (single-core) and 6292 (multi) in Geekbench 6. In the demanding, multi-tasking JetStream 2 benchmark it scores a very credible 260.655, putting it ahead of high-end Chromebooks like the Asus Chromebook CX9, let alone mid-range devices with Core i3 or ARM CPUs, such as the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 or the Acer Chromebook Spin 514.  

Battery life won't be a problem, either. The Vibe CX34 Flip lasted 10hrs and 47mins streaming 1080p video in our rundown test, and on our own experience will happily cruise through an eight-hour working day without a recharge, with 10 to 20% left in the tank.

If you're not a fan of the style, Asus also produces a more sedate, grey version, the Chromebook CX34 Flip, with a slightly lower Core i3 spec, plus an AMD variant, the CM34 Flip, with a Ryzen 3 CPU. But if you're happy to pay a little extra for performance, the Vibe CX34 Flip is an absolute bargain. It's ideal for for more demanding SMB users, and one of the most effective working Chromebooks you can buy.

Asus Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip specifications

While you might associate Chromebooks with schools and budget student laptops they're actually a solid choice for business, as Chrome OS and Google's ecosystem have made real inroads into the office over the last decade. 

In a way, Chromebooks are perfect for the ways many enterprises work today; more and more of us are spending most of our working hours using cloud services and web-based apps, while Google Workspace has become a credible alternative to Microsoft's Office 365 ecosystem. Chromebooks can help the associated management infrastructure scale up well for everything from SMBs to multinationals, and you're not tied into Google Workspace. Chrome OS laptops will run Linux apps, containerized apps, or even Office 365's web-based apps without a problem.

Crucially, Chromebooks are still very affordable, with mid-range business-grade Chromebooks available from $500 to $700, and even high-end Chromebooks coming in at $900 to $1300. We've been using and testing Chromebooks and Chrome OS devices since 2015, including key models from Acer, Asus, HP, Samsung, and Lenovo, not to mention Google's own Pixel and Pixelbook laptops. In this guide, we'll look at what you should look for in a business-ready Chromebook and recommend some of the best Chromebooks available today.

How to choose a Chromebook for business

Long gone are the days when all Chromebooks were cheap and chunky silver plastic clones of more expensive laptops. They now come in a wide range of form factors, from 10in tablets with clip-on keyboards to luxury ultraportables and 17in desktop replacements. As with any laptop, there are always trade-offs between size, weight, and portability on the one hand, and ergonomics and performance on the other. If you or your team are working mostly from the home or office, go for a 14in to 16in Chromebook for comfortable all-day working. If you're on the road, take a look at smaller 13in to 14in laptops and convertibles.

It's not hard to find a Chromebook for business with 2-in-1 convertible designs and touchscreens, and many are now bundling in a stylus. However, while Google is working to make Chrome OS a more touch and tablet-friendly operating system, the user interface and most Web-based apps are still built around standard desktop ways of working. Consider these features a plus rather than a must-have.

Chromebook for business core specs and displays

Processing power isn't as crucial on a Chromebook as on a MacOS or Windows laptop. That's partly because the OS itself is extremely lightweight, and partly because the Web-based apps you'll spend most of your time working with do much of the heavy lifting at the server end. For this reason, you can get away with budget Pentium or Core i3 processors and just 4GB of RAM, or even ARM-based Mediatek Dimensity and Qualcomm Snapdragon CPUs. However, moving up to a Core i5, Core i7 or Ryzen 3 CPU will give you snappier performance when you're working between multiple apps, and give you more scope to run Android or Linux apps (more on this later). Having 8GB of RAM will also give you more headroom when you have a dozen or more browser tabs open in Chrome.

Some of the cheapest Chromebooks still feature low-resolution 1366 x 768 screens, but it's not hard to find full HD displays on budget and mid-range models, or QHD screens on the more premium, business-grade options. Just be aware that some screens on budget Chromebooks suffer from low brightness levels and poor color performance; spending more will usually get you more vibrant and accurate colors and an overall brighter display.

Chromebook for business connectivity and battery life

Don't forget the practicalities. Most Chromebooks have now standardized on USB-C for connectivity and charging, and Thunderbolt 4 support is becoming more common. You can expect Wi-Fi 6 on all bar the cheapest Chromebooks, along with Bluetooth 5.0 and upwards. Budget Chromebooks still have a nasty tendency to use slow, cheap MMC storage, but 128GB to 512GB SSDs are now standard on mid-range and premium options. With most files and documents stored online rather than locally, you don't need as much storage space as on a Windows laptop. 

As a rule, Chromebooks tend to excel when it comes to battery life, thanks to the focus on energy-efficient processors and the lightweight nature of the OS itself. With the screen brightness turned down from maximum you should expect ten to twelve hours from most Intel and AMD-powered Chromebooks, and often significantly more from their ARM-based brethren.

Chromebook for business software and services

Needless to say, Chromebooks are a natural fit for businesses adopting Google Workspace. Single Chromebooks practically take care of themselves, updating quietly and quickly in the background, while Google provides simple but effective management tools for larger fleets. Google also takes care of security, meaning there's no reason to install dedicated anti-virus software or do anything beyond your existing network infrastructure. 

However, you're not limited to Workspace. The Office 365 Web apps offer a bridge between Chrome OS and any existing Office setups in the business, while you're free to work and collaborate using the likes of Slack, Trello, and Monday, either through the browser or through Android apps. Improved Linux compatibility also opens up other options there, including LibreOffice, GIMP, and more, though there are a few hoops to jump through to get everything up and running. Chrome OS can also integrate with key cloud storage services, including Box and Dropbox, so you're not restricted to holding everything on Google Drive.

What is the best Chromebook for business?

Acer Chromebook Vero 514

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook

Acer Chromebook 516GE

Asus Chromebook Flip CX3401

How we test

The laptop on this list will have been put through a series of performance tests and the results of those are then used to measure comparable performance for the display, the CPU, and the battery. To test the display, IT Pro uses a calibrator and the Display Cal software to measure both brightness and sRGB color coverage. For the latter, we look for a strong representation of the sRGB color spectrum, with a score above 94% generally seen as good.

To measure CPU performance on Chrome OS we run GeekBench performance tests – this is the case with all Qualcomm-based laptops.

When it comes to battery life we put each laptop through a looped video test. This is done with a video file that repeats until the battery runs out. The machine itself is set to flight mode, so it can't be interrupted, and the display brightness is fixed at 170cd/m2. Generally, a laptop that lasts around 10hrs is seen as good, though high-priced laptops are expected to offer over 12hrs.

Dell is not exactly an obscure name when it comes to business devices. The firm has long been associated with professional desktops and laptops, and to this day most would see a Dell laptop as a decidedly corporate offering. The Latitude line is specifically aimed at enterprises, so one would expect to find within it the very best Dell has to offer; thankfully, these expectations are not misplaced.

Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 review: Design

This is a seriously sleek design, with dark brushed metal and understated, confident lines. On the interior, users are treated to a soft-to-the-touch metal body. Weighing in at 1.54 kg, and measuring just 31 x 21 cm (12.02" x 8.46") the Latitude 9440 is also eminently portable. It would sit well inside any laptop bag or backpack, and can comfortably be carried around the office on a day-to-day basis with no backache. 

This is especially important for the device's 2-in-1 pedigree – it would simply be no good if, in tablet mode, the device couldn't be easily carried around. Thankfully, the Latitude 9440 impresses in both laptop and tablet modes and takes up very little space on any desk regardless of which mode it is in.

Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 review: Keyboard and trackpad

The keyboard on the 9440 is a real joy to use. The key presses are pleasingly tactile, with each key soft to the touch in a continuation of that decidedly premium feel. With keyboards, one often makes a trade-off between the experience of actually using it and its noise level. But the Latitude 9440 does not compromise here, and key presses are also gentle on the ear.

If there is one thing to call out, it's that the keyboard is not full-sized. While this will only annoy a certain subset of people, namely those who prefer to input numbers through the dedicated numpad, it's worth mentioning. The small form factor of the keyboard also means that the arrow keys are condensed – annoying for those using them in creative apps or spreadsheets.

When it comes to the trackpad, it's more of a mixed picture. Although it's a great size, and can comfortably support a good deal of movement, it's not the most accurate when it comes to fine motor movements, such as for creative fine-tuning in the Adobe suite. The touchscreen is your friend here – certainly, if you have a Dell Active Pen included, which will let you add brush strokes on Photoshop or even select spreadsheet cells with pinpoint accuracy. However, those who prefer to stick to the trackpad may be a tad disappointed.

Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 review: Display

The Latitude 9440 comes with a stunning display. Tack sharp, bright, and with an incredibly thin bezel, this is a screen that will suit almost any user. At first glance, the display provides excellent color recreation, with a good degree of contrast and clarity.

In our in-house tests, the display matched 100% of the sRGB color gamut, with 78.4% Adobe RGB and 82.9% DCI P3. That beat the Honor MagicBook X16 bu some way, but more than that, this should put it in good stead for creative use, though those who rely on the Adobe color gamut for their livelihood may not find what they are looking for here.

At 500 nits, this is also a seriously bright display that will serve users well no matter how bright their surroundings – just make sure to turn the brightness down before opening an app in light mode, or suffer the startling consequences.

Of course, as a 2-in-1, this is also a touchscreen display, which can be combined with the Dell Active Pen for creative applications. There's really nothing to complain about here, with solid performance and an instant switch between laptop mode and landscape or portrait tablet mode.

Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 review: Hardware and performance

Throughout our tests, the Latitude 9440 performed to a very high standard. It tackled processing tasks with aplomb, running dozens of Edge tabs simultaneously without sweating a bit and also boasting impressive speeds when it came to file transfers and extraction.

The device also packed a punch when it came to creative apps. Rendering 10-15 seconds of multi-track 4K footage through DaVinci Resolve in under a minute is no mean feat, especially for a device as light as this, and it would complement any creative professional's tools well.

In Geekbench 6, the Latitude 9440 achieved a single-core score of 2,531 and 8,930 for the multi-core. It's a great score, better than the 2021 XPS 15's scores of 1,551 and 8,707, and competitive with the M1 Macbook Pro's 2,374 and 12,149.

In our battery tests, the device endured constant video playback for 11 hrs and 10 mins, an impressive performance that bodes well for the device's ability to endure an entire working day or long-haul commute with no problems. This was without top-ups or battery savers, so in everyday use, it may last even longer.

One point to note is that when performing the most intense tasks, the Latitude 9440 did have a tendency to ramp up the fans noticeably. This was accompanied by a troubling buzzing noise, emanating somewhere near the left display hinge. Assuming this buzz isn't standard across the range however, the fan noise is well below any level that could become uncomfortable.

Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 review: Ports and features

In exchange for its lightness and thin profile, the Latitude 9440 comes equipped with what has to be described as a disappointingly limited port selection. True, many offices have USB-C port hubs these days, but it would have been nice to see at least an HDMI port.

An exception to this is the inclusion of the universal aux port on the right-hand side of the device, a functional inclusion that will bolster support for wired headphones and headset use.

The device boasts some of the best laptop speakers we've heard in recent years, rivaling those of the Macbook range. Users can enjoy quality audio whether they're adjusting the sound mixing in a creative application, or pumping up webinar audio for an entire room of attendees to listen into.

In addition to its audio capabilities, the Latitude 9440 boasts a very capable high-resolution webcam and a decent internal mic that will meet the needs of the majority of business users.

Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 review: Price

The overall premium feel of the Latitude 9440 is reflected in its price tag: £2,511 ($3,189). There's no denying that this is a hefty total, particularly in comparison to other capable laptops that come in cheaper like the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED. It's hard to feel like you're not forking out for the folding hinge and touchscreen, the usefulness of which may vary. 

That said, what you get for the money is well worth it. Stylish, capable, and quite shockingly portable, the Latitude 9440 would make an attractive addition to any business backpack. Those looking for an ideal all-rounder: take note.

Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 specifications

The HP Spectre x360 is back and this time it is gunning for the creatives with an intuitive stylus and a remarkably vivid display. There have been quite a few variations of this laptop over the last few years, but this here is the 'ef0046na' model – the latest one. 

It starts at $1,399 and looks largely the same as the previous model. However, there is an upgrade inside with an Intel i7 chip and 13.5in OLED display. The latter is also a touch screen and the whole device flips into tablet mode, which again, underlines its main target audience – creative folk. 

HP Spectre x360 (14-ef0046na) 2023 review: Design

This is a PC brand that shares its name with the bad guys from the world of James Bond, but it's the type of stylish laptop that 007 himself would be proud to carry; it's sleek, smooth, and undeniably cool. From its neatly rounded edges to its elegant gold accents, it is a fashion statement as much as it is a work machine and, what's more, it comes with a rather fetching faux-leather Attaché case. 

You can flip it into tent mode and either use it to stream, present, or doodle with the stylus, which also has its own magnetic space on the side of the display. It is a work of art and it makes the XPS 13 look painfully dull in comparison. If there is one issue with the design, we would prefer a lighter machine; the Spectre x360 is heavy – it weighs over three pounds – and you will feel that extra bulk when carrying it in a rucksack.

HP Spectre x360 (14-ef0046na) 2023 review: Display, Keyboard, and trackpad

A 14in display might not be ideal for visual workloads; professionals will understandably use a high-quality monitor for photo editing, graphic design, or even illustration, but the screen on the Spectre x360 is extraordinary. The 13.5in OLED display has a 3,000 x 2,000 resolution that is bold, vibrant, and luminous. What's more, it possesses a real pixel sharpness. 

With our calibrator, the HP Spectre x360 offered impressive results: for gamut color coverage it showcased 100% and 170% for volume – extremely impressive, leaving the Dell XPS 13 Plus and the MagicBook X16 in the dust. But then it gets even better when you check out its Adobe scores – 96% for coverage and 117% for volume. A seriously decent display for the creatives (though it is only 14in). 

That quality remains high when it comes to the chiclet keys which are black and underlit. The keys themselves are slightly punchy, in the best way imaginable with plenty of travel and a soothing clack when you type. The only oddity here is the placement of the fingerprint sensor which is between the arrow keys and the right-sided Alt button. That feels like a very unnatural place for that to go. 

There are no such faults with the nicely sized trackpad, which has a decent click action and wide range. There's also plenty of room on either side of it for palms to rest. This was comfortable to type on and perfect for both work and fairly long casual use. 

HP Spectre x360 (14-ef0046na) 2023 review:  Specs and performance

Our review unit for the Spectre came with an Intel Core i7 1255U (12th Generation) chip that was paired with 16GB DDR4 of RAM and 2TB of PCIe SSD storage. We expected a good performance here, and we were not disappointed. In Geekbench 6, the Spectre offered up 2,120 for single-core workloads and a rather impressive 8,129 for multi-core. That's on par with the Dell XPS 13 and not too far off an M1 MacBook. 

In our looped video test, the Spectre lasted 8hrs 56mins which is a good indication that this is a machine suitable for work; under intense use, it basically lasts just beyond a typical working day. Other laptops can hold out for almost 10hrs, like the MacBook Pro, but over 8hrs is on par with the Dell XPS and the Asus Zenbook 14.

Sadly you can only get around 30% charge in 30 minutes, in our experience, which could be better. If you're in a bit of a busy spot and not near a charger for long you can only pray for power-light jobs to work on. 

HP Spectre x360 (14-ef0046na) 2023 review: Features

For features, the Spectre has a few eye-catching extras, such as the stylus and the inclusion of HP Concepts, which is a delight; we only really used it for note-taking with the stylus, but there is a wealth of options for creative drawing or design, even some planning. It's very easy to use in that you're not limited to certain tools but also not overwhelmed by endless options and complex capabilities. You can just start getting on with your projects and not be delayed by having to learn too much about the usage.

Another win is the stylus, which is nice and light. It feels very responsive and handles well, though it doesn't charge when you connect it to the side of the display, you need to plug it into the USB charger, which is a little bit annoying, but not a deal breaker. 

Elsewhere, we have the usual rooster of features, such as Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and Windows 11 Home. However, connectivity could be better with just an audio jack, a MicroSD slot, a USB Type-A (3.2), and two Thunderbolt 4 connectors. For power and connecting to monitors. We do miss those HDMI slots.  

HP Spectre x360 (14-ef0046na) 2023 review: Price

As good as the HP Spectre x360 is, there is no getting away from the hefty price tag. A starting point of $1,399 is a lot for businesses to consider when there are many cheaper alternatives – even from a creative point of view, Asus' Zenbook range is much more affordable. 

However, this is a top-of-the-range laptop, it compares well to the Dell XPS and the MacBook. Its OLED display is brilliantly bright, its keyboard is slick and that stylus is a joy to use. Plus, there's a decent chunk of power with the Intel i7 chip. Battery life could be better, but aside from that this is 360 degrees of awesome. 

HP Spectre x360 (14-ef0046na) specifications

What’s the device you use in a work context most often? Chances are, it’s a laptop for sheer convenience. 

In 2023, many office workers fall into one of three categories: those who are fully remote, those who are in the office every day, and those who work a hybrid pattern that combines the two.

Business leaders know with more mobile employees than ever, they have to invest in appropriate devices; ultraportable laptops and workstations are both appealing to different categories of hybrid workers for different reasons. Less is true of the once almighty all-in-one PC: when was the last time you even thought of one?

With hybrid workers able to take powerful laptops with them everywhere they go, what good is an all-in-one?

We no longer need a jack of all trades

There was a time when all-in-one PCs played a solid role in the midweight computing space, with a primary user base of office workers performing simple tasks. But with the gap widening between power and portability, they now sit in an uncomfortable middle ground as a jack of all trades but a master of none. In a way, they’re the clock radios of computing. Once a popular and convenient product, they’ve been outmaneuvered by a range of more capable products in the years since their height.

Laptops are getting more powerful, while many business applications are moving further to the cloud and therefore demand very little from the hardware. Those who are left with a persistent need for power, such as creatives or developers looking to run generative AI models locally, vie for workstation desktops or high-performance business laptops.

All-in-one PCs offer less bang for your buck when it comes to the components – and by quite a margin if your business is large enough to have a team that can source aftermarket desktop parts like GPUs on a case-by-case basis. You’d be hard-pressed to even find the parts for an all-in-one PC. Ask a forum how to build one and you’ll be kindly told to change your mind.

“But all-in-one PCs come bundled with great monitors,” is an argument that doesn’t wash either. In some offices, monitors are the one piece of hardware that you can reliably find at every desk, and it’s also easier to establish a dual monitor setup with a laptop and display.

Another argument for all-in-one PCs is that they take up less space on a desk. Ignoring the fact that with a keyboard included, their impact is much the same as a laptop, this is also an area where micro PCs such as the Mac Mini shine.

A business that buys a job lot of micro PCs, and a similar number of cheaper 4K (or even 1080p) monitors can focus on investing in more expensive, color-accurate displays for the select few employees who really need those features day-to-day. This is also a more scalable solution – external display stock can be increased or decreased depending on the size of the relevant workforce.

Many businesses have also operated on a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model for some years, with mass reopenings after the worst of COVID-19 having only driven this further. This does come with downsides such as a lack of administrator controls that could open users up to programs unsuitable for work or even to malware, but it in the short term can be an incredibly cheap choice for smaller companies.

Perhaps surprisingly, there’s more call for someone who works remotely to have an all-in-one PC. For one, an inexperienced worker can turn on their device simply and with no need to plug in an external monitor, or peripherals such as a webcam or microphone that they may desperately need in order to stay in touch with their colleagues.

But the same is true for a laptop – which comes with the added benefit of having an integrated keyboard and mouse. Foldable devices like the Asus Zenbook 17 Fold, which promise to deliver all this on a larger screen while remaining portable. Yes, they’re a bit of a gimmick right now and carry eye-watering price tags. But ultimately they’re another nail in the coffin when it comes to the supposed benefits of all-in-ones.

But what about when things go wrong?

Sometimes, manufacturers claim all-in-one PCs are easier to fix, as all the components live under the same roof and are therefore more replaceable. This may be true versus, say, laptops, as despite pushes for a ‘right to repair’ in recent years, most laptops, tablets, and phones are still embarrassingly difficult for users to fix.

But when one considers that, like a laptop, the all-in-one PC is likely to have to be shipped back to a manufacturer to be repaired, the hegemony of its parts is exposed as a less important factor. On top of this, it’s far easier to ship a laptop than an entire desktop/monitor combo.

It’s no surprise that the world’s favorite all-in-one device, Apple’s iMac, has endured into the era of Apple silicon but is also routinely given some of iFixit’s lowest repairability scores. No. If an IT department is looking for a machine into which they can easily swap a new SSD in four years’ time or just dust out occasionally, they’ll pick a desktop.

The time has surely come to say arrivederci to the all-in-one PC. Losing out on every metric to another device in the ecosystem was once acceptable in the name of convenience. But in today’s more specialized world, there’s just no room for a machine that seeks to do it all, and fails to win in anything.

Microsoft's next-generation Surface Laptop will reportedly be made available in both AMD and Intel configurations.

The Surface Laptop family is one of Microsoft's most successful hardware ranges, offering a series of slim, sleek ultra-portable laptops that compete with the MacBook Air, Dell XPS, and more.

The fourth-generation Surface Laptop is reportedly due to come out in the spring, and the German tech site WinFuture has the scoop on some details.

The biggest news is that all Surface Laptop 4 models will reportedly be made available with a choice of AMD or Intel chips. In the current Surface Laptop 3 lineup, the 13.5in model comes exclusively with Intel chips, while the 15in model is available only with AMD chips.

According to WinFuture, the AMD models will include Ryzen 4000-series processors, while the Intel models will feature the latest 11th-generation Intel Core processors.

Beyond that, the Surface Laptop’s design will change very little, as it’ll reportedly maintain its sleek, simple, and minimalist look.

WinFuture also claimed all Surface Laptop 4 models would have 8GB or 16GB of RAM and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of SSD storage. There will also be an Intel model available with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, according to the report.

AMD continues making serious gains in the chip market and its overall revenue for 2020 was up 45%. It had a strong finish to 2020, as its server and chip business recorded a 176% annual revenue increase in the final quarter of 2020.

As soon as you clap eyes on the Samsung Galaxy Book Ion, you can tell this is a special machine. This is no MacBook Air clone, clad in dull grey aluminium, but a laptop with its own identity that hits all the right notes for a 13in ultraportable: it’s light at 970g, robust and packs a stunner of a screen. The company couldn’t have chosen a better machine to announce its return to the British laptop market.

Or, to be absolutely correct, a better pair of machines. As well as the 13.3in model on test, the Ion is also available with a 15.6in screen, but with precisely the same core specs: 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD and a Core i5-10210U processor.

Samsung Galaxy Book Ion 13.3in review: Design

Whichever model you choose, we suspect you’ll love the design. The Ion is available only in “Aura Silver”, which has an attractive, pearlescent sheen when light falls on it. With a metallic blue strip running along the spine of the laptop, it looks distinctly different from the rest of the ultraportable crowd.

The way the Ion’s hinge lifts up the base at the rear, along with its angular body, brings back pleasant memories of the old Sony Vaio Z laptops. It’s tiny too: it measures 12.9mm thick when closed, while 4mm bezels to the left and right of the screen (and a 7mm bezel above) make it clear that Samsung has squeezed as much as possible into the space available. It’s also a supremely light 1.19kg.

You don’t get the same feeling of brutal ruggedness as a MacBook Pro, but that’s the trade-off with ultra-light laptops. Despite this, the Samsung Galaxy Ion is tough in all the right places. If you give the chassis a twist, it barely moves; there’s certainly no creaking or cracking to indicate poor build quality. The display backing is more flexible, but there’s no rippling in the LCD if you push your fingers hard on the rear of the lid.

Samsung Galaxy Book Ion 13.3in review: Keyboard and trackpad

We found typing on the Galaxy Book Ion a comfortable experience, but you shouldn’t expect the best keyboard in the world. The keys – while large and easy to touch-type on without too many typos – lack the well-dampened feel of rival machines, and there isn’t much travel to them, either.

The layout is also imperfect. We like the double-height Enter key and the cursor, while the Backspace and Delete keys are again a good size, but the fingerprint reader is awkwardly placed just next to the right-hand Shift key, shrinking it and crowding it over to the left. This meant we frequently ended up tapping the reader instead of Shift.

It’s a similar story with the touchpad, which is okay but not brilliant. We like the smooth glass top and the fact that it’s so wide, but the built-in click action feels insubstantial. That said, we didn’t have any issues with its accuracy or reliability.

Samsung Galaxy Book Ion 13.3in review: Display

You might be prepared to forgive the keyboard and touchpad’s minor foibles, however, once you lay eyes on that glorious QLED display. On this, the smaller model, it measures 13.3in across the diagonal and the resolution is 1,920 x 1,080, giving an aspect ratio of 16:9.

We prefer the taller aspect ratio of the Surface Laptop 3 and Dell XPS 13, but the brightness and colour performance are like nothing else we’ve seen on a laptop. This is a truly stunning display, outshining the very best that even Apple has to offer.

First up, outdoor mode: hit Fn+F10 and the display will gain a significant boost to brightness, allowing you to continue working in the brightest of outdoor sun. Indeed, peaking at an incredible 791cd/m², this is the brightest laptop display we’ve ever tested. Only rugged laptops, designed for such challenging outdoor conditions, can go beyond this.

Colours, too, are sumptuous. The display has been factory-calibrated to the sRGB colour space, yet it’s also capable of reproducing the full Adobe RGB (99%) and DCI-P3 colour spaces (101.8%). The Ion’s only weakness is accuracy, with an average Delta E of 2.64 rather than the sub-one scores we’re gradually becoming used to with top-end laptops.

For those wondering if a Full HD display is enough on a 13.3in screen, let us quickly dispel any worries: it���s gloriously detailed in action. In our opinion, a high dpi on laptop screens is massively overrated – and we wouldn’t have any concerns about choosing the 15.6in Ion, which also has a Full HD resolution.

Samsung Galaxy Book Ion 13.3in review: Specs and performance

If you want a quiet life, engage Samsung’s Silent mode. Otherwise, the internal fans whir away constantly when the laptop is plugged in; an attempt to keep the Core i5 chip at an optimum temperature despite the slim chassis.

This machine was never going to top the performance charts, though, and its 72 overall score in our benchmarks underlines that fact. That’s in line with our expectations for a tenth-generation Core i5 chip with 8GB of RAM for company, but if it’s speed you’re after then choose a Dell XPS 13 with a Core i7 and 16GB of RAM instead.

It’s a similar story for 3D acceleration, with the Samsung Galaxy Book Ion scraping its way to 31fps in the onscreen GFXBench Car Chase test and 26fps off-screen. Likewise, average 720p frame rates of 36.4fps in Dirt: Showdown and 11.5fps in Metro: Last Light emphasise that this laptop is for lighter gaming duties only.

There’s only one area where this laptop is screamingly fast, in fact, and that’s SSD performance. Taking into account both read and write speeds (2,508MB/sec and 2,148MB/sec), it’s one of the fastest SSDs we’ve found in an ultraportable, although it can’t quite match the Asus ZenBook Flip S UX371.

The most impressive aspect of the Galaxy Book Ion’s performance, however, is its battery life. In our video-rundown tests, where we set the display to a moderately bright 170cd/m² and engage Flight mode, the Ion lasted for 13hrs 3mins. That’s above average for a Windows 10 laptop - although it’s still dwarfed by the Asus ExpertBook B9450F’s 22-hour result.

Samsung Galaxy Book Ion 13.3in review: Ports and features

Samsung hasn’t forgotten the practicalities, either, with plenty of ports and sockets along the edges. On the left are a full-sized HDMI and Thunderbolt 3 port, alongside a 3.5mm headset jack and DC charging port (the Ion can also be charged via that Thunderbolt port), while on the right edge is a pair of USB 3 ports and a microSD tray.

The latter also supports Samsung’s UFS memory cards, which are faster than regular SD cards, offering read and write speeds of up to 500MB/sec and 200MB/sec respectively. Alas, these are hard to come by; you can’t even buy one from Samsung’s own UK website, so it looks like you’ll be stuck using slower standard microSD cards for some time.

There is a way to add more high-speed storage, though, if you don’t mind getting busy with a screwdriver. Inside the chassis, the Samsung Galaxy Book Ion has space to add both extra storage and RAM, with one slot available for each. That’s not something you often see in ultraportable laptops.

Samsung Galaxy Book Ion 13.3in review: Verdict

There are so many things to love about the Samsung Galaxy Book Ion that its foibles don’t spoil things. It’s fast and responsive. It’s light and thin. And, unlike so many other rival ultraportables, there are loads of ports to play with; you can even expand the storage by adding a second SSD internally.

Combined with a stunning display, a battery that just won’t quit and a reasonable price, it goes together to produce an ultraportable laptop of rare quality. Welcome back to the world of Windows laptops, Samsung – you’ve been sorely missed.

Samsung Galaxy Book Ion 13.3in specifications

LG’s latest is called the Gram for one key reason: to draw attention to its weight. This machine tips the scales at a symbolic 999g, which makes it lighter than most rivals – an important consideration if you need a notebook that won’t weigh you down.

The 14in Gram is unsurprisingly slim and stylish, and it’s powered by Intel 10th Gen internals. And, with a price of £1,125 exc VAT, this model slots right into the mid-range ultraportable market.

LG Gram 14 review: Design

The Gram is disarmingly light, which is important for a machine that may spend more time on the road than most. Get beyond the weight, though, and it’s middling. It’s 17.5mm thick for instance, but it’s more than 20mm thick when its feet are included. In 2020, that’s unremarkable.

There’s little special about the aesthetic design, either. The Gram is made from magnesium alloy that’s smooth on the outside and slightly powder-coated on the interior. It’s certainly not ugly, but it’s hardly eye-catching either.

The Gram feels like a featherweight, but there’s a downside to this – build quality. The lid is far too weak and can be flexed back and forth easily, and the area around the trackpad and keyboard has some flex to it. The underside feels stronger, but there’s still noticeable movement.

The Gram has been certified with MIL-STD-810G protocols for shock, pressure, dust ingress and high and low-temperature conditions, but it doesn’t feel sturdy. We’d recommend using a protective sleeve, which is a shame – it partially negates the Gram’s weight advantage.

The Gram doesn’t look any better when stacked up against its rivals, either: the 2020 iterations of the Dell XPS 13, Huawei MateBook X Pro and Apple MacBook Air only weigh around 250g more, and they’re all stronger and slimmer. They arguably look better, too. The Dell has its trademark carbon-fibre interior, the Huawei is available in two metallic shades and the MacBook Air is a bona fide modern classic.

LG Gram 14 review: Keyboard and trackpad

Thankfully, the quiet and comfortable keyboard is much more appealing. There’s a moderate amount of travel, and the buttons feel solid and weighty, almost with the kind of tactile bump that you’d find on a mechanical desktop unit. Ultimately, the LG feels a little heavier and more solid than rivals while still offering plenty of speed. For long typing sessions, it’s very good, and you’ll only want to look elsewhere if you prefer the shallower, snappier action provided by competitors.

In some minor areas, the keyboard is more mixed. The keys are a good size, with a smart font and a neat concave shape, but the white backlighting is only available in two levels.

Meanwhile, the trackpad has a smooth, accurate surface and two fast buttons. The overall build quality of the machine has an impact here, though – the whole pad pushes down when you’re clicking the buttons. It’s usable, but not robust.

LG Gram 14 review: Display

The 14in display uses a Full HD resolution, which is ample for mainstream work. Quality levels are reasonable, too; the 334cd/m2 brightness level is good enough for indoor use but isn’t bright enough for the great outdoors. It’s paired with a decent black point of 0.26cd/m2, and those figures create a contrast ratio of 1,285:1. That respectable figure helps this screen create vibrant bright colours and reasonable depth in darker areas. The Delta E of 2.31 is good, too – just below the point at which human eyes can detect deviations.

There are weaknesses, though. The colour temperature of 7,320K is cool and it means the screen looks a little washed-out, and the Gram’s display rendered a good but not outstanding 94.9% of the sRGB colour gamut. Uniformity in the bottom-left corner is poor though – the brightness dips by 18% in this area.

The Gram’s display is good enough for most work tasks, including mainstream photo-tweaking. More quality can be found elsewhere, though. The Dell XPS’ Full HD variant is brighter, with better colour accuracy, while the Apple and Huawei machines are both brighter and sharper.

LG Gram 14 review: Hardware and performance

The Gram is powered by an Intel Core i7-1065G7. It’s a new, low-power 10th Gen chip with four Hyper-Threaded cores, and it has a base speed of 1.3GHz alongside theoretical single- and all-core Turbo speeds of 3.3GHz and 3.9GHz. The specification is rounded out with 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD with superb read and write speeds of 3474MB/s and 2223MB/s.

When it comes to graphics, this machine uses Intel’s integrated GPU, so it’s restricted to media duties, casual games and light photo-editing. It’s solid hardware, though – the Dell and Apple machines are virtually identical, while the Huawei has a slightly older Core i7 chip alongside modest Nvidia graphics.

LG’s machine compares well on paper, but its performance is underwhelming. In our multi-tasking test it scored 57, and it returned a lacklustre overall benchmark score of 73. Dell’s machine scored 76 and 89 in the same tests, and even the Huawei and its older CPU scored 78. Those benchmarks were measured in the LG’s default performance mode, but opting for peak performance only improved the Gram’s score to 76.

The Gram does compare well to the MacBook in Geekbench 5. We reviewed Apple’s Core i5 model, but the LG scored 1,255 and 3,291 in Geekbench 5, and anecdotal evidence suggests that those scores are a little quicker than Apple’s Core i7-based machine.

The underwhelming performance can be explained by examining the chip. In the single-threaded image-editing test the processor occasionally peaked at its single-core turbo speed of 3.9GHz, but it was often far slower and its cores hit peak temperatures beyond 90°C – far too hot. In the tougher video-editing and multi-tasking benchmarks the temperatures remained toasty, and the speeds settled at around 2.3GHz and often dipped below 2GHz.

The relative lack of speed won’t cause issues in day-to-day tasks – for web-browsing and running Office applications the muzzled CPU is quick enough. If you want to push the components further in photo-editing software, database tools and other tougher apps, other machines are better.

Happily though, the reduced CPU speed does mean that the Gram is quiet – fan noise is barely audible, even when the components are stressed. Battery life is excellent, too. In our video playback test, the LG lasted for 14 hours and six minutes, which is stunning – twice as good as rivals and easily enough to handle dawn until dusk. Pushing the components and brightening the screen will limit that lifespan, but you’ll still easily get ten hours of use.

LG Gram 14 review: Ports and features

The Gram serves up two full-size USB 3.1 ports and a Type-C connector that supports power delivery, display output and Thunderbolt 3. Elsewhere, there’s an audio jack, an HDMI port and a microSD card slot, and an Ethernet adapter is included.

It’s good connectivity, especially compared to other machines in the same bracket. The Dell and Apple machines have more USB Type-C ports but they lack HDMI and full-size USB, and the Huawei has no card slot.

Elsewhere, there’s a fingerprint reader in the power button, a Kensington lock slot and TPM 2.0, and dual-band WiFi 6. Sadly the webcam doesn’t support Windows Hello or IR, and there’s no privacy shutter. Don’t expect much from the speakers, either. They’re fine for casual media duties, but they lack mid-range clout and the top-end is a bit tinny.

LG Gram 14 review: Verdict

The Gram makes plenty of noise about its 999g weight, but this sub-kilogram achievement feels like a gimmick that hinders this machine in several key departments.

It’s light and it has excellent battery life, but the Gram’s build quality is a step behind the competition and it affects the trackpad – which undermines the good keyboard. Under the hood, the CPU is throttled, and screen quality is reasonable, but bettered elsewhere.

Rivals from Dell, Apple and Huawei range in price from £1,333 exc VAT to £1,416 exc VAT, and that extra outlay delivers better screens, more CPU power and sturdier, slimmer and better-looking designs. Their keyboards and trackpads are arguably superior too, depending on your preferences.

The Gram is solid if you need a lightweight, long-lasting machine, and it’s certainly not bad in any respect – it’s a fine everyday ultraportable. However, more power and quality can be found elsewhere for a little more cash.

LG Gram 14 specifications

Although the rise of 2-in-1, hybrid and convertible devices was originally dismissed as a fad, laptops like Microsoft's Surface Pro have gradually crept into both the home and the workplace, changing the way we use our technology.

While they haven't supplanted the traditional clamshell form-factor just yet, laptop-tablet hybrids have enabled people to be more flexible, more productive and more efficient. If you want to get in on the action, we've rounded up the best 2-in-1 laptops in the business.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6

The sixth iteration of Microsoft's category-reshaping convertible may not add much in the way of new features or design tweaks, but it's still one of the most capable and polished hybrid devices on the market today. If you've got a last-gen Surface Pro you can safely skip it, but otherwise it's an excellent investment.

Price when reviewed: 958 (exc VAT)

Read our full Microsoft Surface Pro 6 review for more information.

HP Spectre Folio 13-ak0001na

This lush, leather-clad laptop has a lot going for it. Aside from its elegant appearance, it's also got an astonishing 17hr battery life and an amazing screen. It compromises in other areas, of course - most notably in its use of a slightly underpowered dual-core processor - but as a general-purpose ultraportable, it's hard to beat.

Price when reviewed: 1,249 (exc VAT)

Read our full HP Spectre Folio 13-ak0001na review for more information.

Lenovo Yoga 730 15in

2-in-1s are often on the smaller side, designed to be stowed easily in a bag. Not so for this 15in behemoth, which focuses on power and performance rather than portability. Featuring a quad-core 8th-gen Core i7 with an Nvidia GTX 1050 GPU and a 4K display, this convertible is definitely no slouch when it comes to speed.

Price when reviewed: 1,250 (exc VAT)

Read our full Lenovo Yoga 730 15in review for more information.

Microsoft Surface Go

Although it's technically the more affordable, lower-powered sibling to the Surface Pro 6, Microsoft's teeny 10in tablet actually ends up being a more versatile device than its bigger brother, mainly by virtue of the fact that it features a USB-C port. Battery life is disappointing and performance is only so-so, but it's still an absolutely superb device, and our pick of the Surface range.

Price when reviewed: 424 (exc VAT)

Read our full Microsoft Surface Go review for more information.

Dell XPS 15 2-in-1

Dell's reputation for high-quality devices hasn't come from nowhere, and its flagship 15in convertible is testament to why the company's laptops are so beloved. It offers outstanding performance and a very creditable battery life combined with a high-quality touchscreen display, all wrapped in a chassis that showcases Dell's long-established design prowess.

Price when reviewed: 1,415 (exc VAT)

Read our full Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 review for more information.

Lenovo Yoga 920

Not only one of the better-looking convertibles on this list, it's also one of the most powerful. Lenovo's Yoga 920 has so many great things going for it: a beautiful look, superb internal hardware, and an elegant hinge design that makes it stand out among rivals. Only an average at best screen holds the Yoga 920 back from true greatness, although its high asking price may also be a deal-breaker.

Price when reviewed: 1,124 (exc VAT)

Read our full Lenovo Yoga 920 review for more information

When it comes to kitting out an office or workplace, the best business laptop is the right tool for the job at hand. This doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive, the newest, or even the most powerful. It's about picking the right machine for the role.

Do you need all-day battery life? A powerful dedicated GPU? A color-accurate display? Are you a Windows or macOS organization? Would you consider a Windows on ARM device? What's your policy on Copilot buttons? There are lots of key purchasing decisions to make – and, thankfully, lots of great laptops to choose from.

In this article, you'll discover our top picks for the best business laptops in every major category. IT Pro's team of laptop-reviewing experts has decades of experience in laptop reviewing, and in the past 12 months, we've rigorously tested and reviewed a broad selection of laptops from Apple, Dell, Lenovo, HP, and more.

What to look for in a business laptop

It's been another stellar year for laptops. The ARM-based competition from Qualcomm and Apple has given the x86 chips from both AMD and Intel some much-needed competition, and the result is that the latest generation of chips provides a more potent cocktail of application performance, graphics power, and battery life than ever before.

This is great news for buyers: whether you want an affordable everyday business laptop, a long-lasting ultraportable, or a mobile workstation, there's plenty of great hardware out there to fit every use case, both in x86 and ARM-based flavours. You want a powerful, portable laptop and all-day battery life? Your wish has been granted.

AI remains on everyone's lips – and it also remains on their laptops. The neural processors (NPUs) in laptop chips are steadily increasing in power, and both Apple and Microsoft are harnessing that new resource to deploy a range of AI-powered features in their operating systems. These features aim to both boost productivity, power local large language (LLM) models, and shift battery-sapping video, image, and audio processing onto the NPU for more power-efficient operation.

Oftentimes, though, it's the far more basic, physical aspects of a laptop's design which elevate it above the competition: the display, keyboard and touchpad, the connectivity, the upgradability – or lack of it. These are the crucial factors in laptop design that you can only evaluate with proper hands-on testing. And that's why all of the laptops we recommend here have been tested by experts who use these devices for day-to-day work, and benchmark and test every key aspect of their performance.

Read on, and you'll discover our pick of the best laptops that have crossed our desks in recent times. Whether it's an affordable everyday laptop, a high-end ultraportable, or a heavyweight workstation, you'll find something for every desk.

Best business laptops

The Asus ExpertBook Ultra borrows a little glitz from the consumer-focused ZenBook range and brings some much-needed glamour to the business portable. It's also a potent demonstration of just how dramatically Intel's latest Panther Lake generation has caught up with the competition.

The hardware is luxurious. A stunningly bright, vivacious OLED touchscreen takes centre stage, and despite the 14-inch 2,880 x 1,880 panel, Asus has somehow kept the kerb weight down to an impossibly slight 0.99kg.

It's not delicate, though: the featherlight shell is built from magnesium alloy with a 'Nano-Ceramic' coating and has a MIL-STD-810H accreditation for toughness. A matte layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus shields the OLED screen from damage, too. You'd expect an 11mm-thick laptop to feel delicate, but the ExpertBook Ultra is anything but.

Nor is it poorly connected. You get two Thunderbolt 4-equipped USB-C ports, one on each edge, and also a further two USB-A ports, which reach USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 are included, too – although it's worth noting that there's no physical Ethernet socket.

The advances made by Intel's Panther Lake chips are transformative. The result is a laptop which is able to balance quite formidable power – both in applications and gaming – with excellent power efficiency. The 70Wh battery kept going for almost 21 hours in our tests.

For more information, check out our full Asus ExpertBook Ultra review.

Sometimes you just need a good everyday laptop. A simple balance of sturdy build, ample performance, and good battery life. The Omnibook 5 delivers exactly that for a retail price of around £900 – and far less if you shop around.

Bear in mind, though, that this is a Windows on ARM device. If that doesn't immediately rule it out for your business – software compatibility issues can be a dealbreaker – then Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus chip offers a good balance of stamina and performance. It's around 25% slower than its Elite cousins, but we've found performance to be more than ample for everyday browser-based work. It consistently lasts a full day of work with some left in the tank.

Only GPU performance disappoints. Qualcomm is behind the competition here, and the modest Adreno X1-45 GPU limits it to very casual gaming.

Most buyers are unlikely to care. The 14in chassis is finished in a nicely solid-feeling aluminium chassis that's around 13mm thick and weighs in at 1.3kg. Pop open the display, and you're faced with a comfy-feeling keyboard and a decent-sized mechanical touchpad. The only complaints are minor: the half-height Enter key is one, the touchpad's loose, rattly feel is the other.

The presence of a decent OLED screen really sweetens the deal. Color accuracy is good, brightness reaches an ample 300 nits, and it covers around 99% of DCI-P3. That's impressive for the money.

For more information, check out our full HP Omnibook 5 review.

If it's desktop-adjacent power you crave, then the Pro Max 16 Plus is a superb investment. The specification is highly customisable, the chassis handles high-power CPU and GPU combinations, and the design is rock-solid. Only the cramped keyboard really irks.

The beauty of the Pro Max 16 Plus is that you can build it to your specification. If your use case needs a powerful CPU, no GPU, and a fancy OLED touchscreen that is just burning your IT budget, then you can keep the price under £1,500. If, however, you want a top-end CPU, 128GB of CAMM2 RAM, up to three PCIe 5.0 SSDs, and one of Nvidia's high-end RTX Pro chips, you can relieve a big chunk of your IT budget with ease.

We tested a fully stacked model with a Core 9 Ultra 285HX, RTX Pro 5000, 128GB of LPCAMM2 memory, and a 2TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD; the bill totted up to over £7,000. Around £500 of that was due to the stunning 3,840 x 2,400 OLED touchscreen – and we can confirm that its DisplayHDR 1000 True Black certification is well deserved.

Connectivity is a highlight. You get drop-jaw 2.5GbE Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, two USB-C Thunderbolt 5 ports, a single USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, two 5Gbps USB-A ports, a 3.5mm headset port, and a full-sized SD card slot. There are optional extras, too: a smartcard reader, Bluetooth, and WWAN.

Bear in mind that the 'mobile' in mobile workstation is relative. Even the most basic specification tips the scales over 2.5kg, and that's before you've considered the extra bulk of a big, brick-sized power supply. You'll need a big, sturdy bag, and you'll get a workout thrown in for free.

For more information, check out our full Dell Pro Max 16 Plus review.

Chromebooks are not always championed when it comes to laptops – even in this Chromebook Plus era. They're often seen as the last resort of IT stock, the machine you take when your Mac or your Surface machine is out of commission. But the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is different and doesn't deserve to be tarred with that brush.

For starters, it's genuinely brilliant – not 'brilliant for a Chromebook' but actually, surprisingly good. The i5 model we tested proved to be the fastest Chromebook from 2024, with a Geekbench 6 multithreaded score of 7608 – that put it ahead of the excellent Asus ExpertBook CX54.

The integration of Google's Gemini AI into Chrome OS is also a big shot in the arm for Chromebooks and, what's more, there is an argument to make about it being more useful than some of Microsoft's more flashy Copilot+ features.

While employees might want Apple Macs, or the flashest Windows devices, IT teams should go against the grain and look at Samsung's Chromebooks. From as little as £649, your employees can have a stunning slimline laptop with a lovely OLED screen. One that is fast, lean, efficient, and easy to manage for small businesses or larger enterprises.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus review here

Squeezing the sort of hardware that keeps hardcore creatives or power-users satisfied into a 13.3in laptop is no easy feat but Asus has managed it and with some aplomb with the new ProArt PX13. Inside this compact laptop, you'll find a 100W Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU, AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and 2TB of storage. And there's a 360-degree lid thrown into the bargain for true convertible flexibility.

Made from matt-black aluminium the ProArt PX13 isn't the lightest 13.3in laptop on the market at just shy of 1.4Kg but the 360-degree hinge accounts for some of that and the whole package is MIL-STD 810H-rated so it should prove every bit as robust as it feels.

Connectivity is bang on point with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 on the wireless side along with two Thunderbolt 4 and a single 10Gbps USB-A port, an HDMI 2.1 video output, an SD card reader, and a dedicated DC-in jack so you don't have to sacrifice a Type-C port to charging duties.

Performance from the new 'Strix Point' AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 is impressive but it's the graphics performance from the 100W TGP RTX 4070 GPU that marks the ProArt PX13 out from the herd. To find a better performer you'll need to invest in a larger and more expensive high-end gaming laptop.

The 2.8K OLED screen covers 99.5% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and recorded a Delta-E variance of just 0.48 which is outstanding. All-in-all It's a great display for creative work and media consumption: HDR content looks particularly impressive. The 60Hz refresh rate rather limits the ProArt PX13 when it comes to motion fidelity and gaming but it's hardly a deal-breaker.

The keyboard is of very high quality and the touchpad is surprisingly large given that this is quite a small laptop. Built into the upper left part of the touchpad is Asus' DialPad, a virtual scroll-wheel that provides granular access to tools in several creativity apps though its real strength is its deep integration with Adobe's creative apps.

Read our full Asus ProArt PX13 review here

Apple hasn't reimagined the MacBook Pro for the arrival of the M5, but then it didn't need to. The 14in model is the smaller of the two Pros, and it's a beautiful thing both inside and out.

The design is simple and elegant and the 1.55kg aluminium body is tough. It's not just a looker, though. The keyboard and touchpad remain top of the heap, with a lovely crisp feel to the keys and a haptic touchpad which doesn't put a foot – well, finger – wrong. It's still the benchmark by which laptop touchpads should be judged and demonstrates the benefit of tight hardware and OS integration.

Connectivity is eminently sensible compared to some rival laptops, too. You get three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, HDMI 2.1, a full-sized SD card reader, and – yes – a 3.5mm headphone socket.

The move from M4 to M5 is quiet evolution rather than revolution, adding a little more single core power and some neural AI processing chops, but if you can pick up an M4 model on the cheap, then do – it's more than good enough. Bear in mind that, at the time of writing, buying direct from Apple only gives you the choice of M5, M4 Pro or M4 Max. For power users, the previous generation Pro and Max chips still outmuscle the M5.

The 14in Liquid Retina display is a typical highlight. The 3,024 x 1,964 resolution is sharp, the 120Hz refresh rate is slick and the Mini LED backlighting pushes brightness over the 1,000 nit mark with ease. You'll need to pay an extra £150 for the matte Nano-texture screen finish if anti-glare coatings are top of your wantlist, though.

Unfortunately, UK and EU buyers won't get a charger in the box. The EU push to reduce e-waste means you'll be paying an extra £59 for the privilege of charging your new MacBook. US buyers can gloat quietly.

For more information, check out our full Apple MacBook Pro M5 review.

The Acer Aspire Vero 16 is a solid 16in business laptop that costs a little less than most. For well under £1,000, you're looking at a 16-inch laptop with a capable all-round specification and good design. Throw in MIL-STD-810H certification for toughness, and you have a recipe for affordable laptop success.

At the time of writing, we're seeing the Vero 16 down to as little as £750 at some retailers – for that money, it's very easy to forgive the all-plastic build. Not that you'll mind: the base feels taut and well-constructed, and there's only a little give in the lid. The 1.8kg weight is modest, and you can remove the base and replace the battery or SSD as required.

There's no skimping on connectivity. You get two Thunderbolt 4-equipped USB-C ports, a pair of 5Gbps USB-A sockets, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5mm headphone output. Ethernet is absent, but fast onboard Wi-Fi 7 offers some consolation.

The 16:10 panel is a welcome sight: the 1,920 x 1,200 resolution makes the Windows desktop feel more roomy than on a standard Full HD panel. That's not the highest resolution, but the quality is superb. Color accuracy is good, and the panel covers 99.8% of the sRGB color gamut and 82% of DCI-P3.

Performance is also good across the board thanks to the Lunar Lake chips. NPU performance is low at 13 TOPS, but everyday applications – and even games – run incredibly well thanks to the Core Ultra 7 255H in our review sample. For GPU-based duties, the display's modest resolution is more a blessing than a curse. Efficiency is excellent, too, with an impressive 17-hour-plus runtime.

For more information, check out our full Acer Aspire Vero 16 review.

HP's big-screen convertible is a consumer model, but it gets a lot right. The 360-degree hinge allows it to transform from a standard laptop into tent mode and through into tablet mode. The USB-C stylus adds some welcome inking support, too.

It's another good-looking laptop from the HP camp. The chassis is clad in plates of aluminium, which add a nice, sturdy feel, and it weighs a reasonable 1.88kg. The all-important 36-degree hinges feel reassuringly solid, too.

Connectivity hits the spot. There's one full-sized USB-A port on either flank, and two USB-C ports, one of which supports Thunderbolt 4. Full-sized HDMI 2.1 and a 3.5mm headphone socket are welcome, too. Networking is solely wireless: you get Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

The OLED panel has a crisp 2,880 x 1,800 resolution, and peak brightness reaches 520cd/m2 in HDR mode. Color accuracy is great, and it also covers 100% of DCI-P3 and 95% of Adobe RGB. Impressive stuff.

Given the gloriously bright OLED display, the 15-hour battery life comes as some surprise. Performance from the Intel Lunar Lake chip is good, but we'd steer buyers towards a 32GB model, as the on-chip RAM is not upgradeable.

The only slight issue is that the integrated GPU struggles with the display's native resolution – you'll need to use Intel's XeSS upscaling to get playable framerates.

For more information, check out our full HP OmniBook X Flip 16 review.

FAQs

Why are business laptops more expensive?

You may have noticed that laptops which are specifically aimed at business buyers tend to be noticeably more expensive than those which are mostly consumer-focused. Although this is partially attributable to the fact that businesses can usually afford to drop a little more cash on their purchases, there are several good reasons why business laptops are more expensive.

For one thing, they’ll often come with AMD Ryzen Pro or Intel vPro chips. These special professional-grade components don’t confer any additional performance advantages, but they include extra security and manageability features designed to make it easier for IT admins to manage large fleet deployments.

Business machines are also more likely to have a wider range of ports and connectivity options, as many offices still rely on older connections like HDMI or even VGA for connecting to projectors and other peripherals. Other additional features like biometric security and better access to internal components for the purposes of repair and upgrade are a more common sight on business devices, too.

How long do business laptops last?

Another factor in why business laptops tend to command higher price tags is that they last longer than personal machines. The manufacturer’s warranty will generally cover a standard consumer laptop for a year, but business machines often come with a three year warranty.

Even beyond that, the typical device refresh cycle for most companies tends to be around five years - which means that business laptops will need to last for at least that long with no major problems in order to avoid unhappy customers. In fact, some companies can sweat their laptops for as much as ten years before replacing them – although they may upgrade certain components such as storage and RAM every so often.

Should I buy a convertible business laptop?

Convertible laptops allow users to seamlessly flip between tablet-style operations and the more traditional laptop form-factor. In theory, this offers increased flexibility and greater productivity, but while it can be a convenient way to display your screen for an informal presentation to colleagues, you may find its workplace utility to be somewhat limited unless you’re a big fan of taking handwritten notes or doing digital illustration.

The Dell XPS is a stalwart in the tech giant's laptop arsenal and its 13in 'Plus' variation is one of its very best. A refreshed design, smaller, portable size, and innovative keyboard design make the 13 Plus a laptop for the modern worker.

The keyboard design, known as 'zero-lattice', runs from edge to edge to house larger keys. The benefit here is that even the most inaccurate of typists can pick up a decent speed. The travel is good too, as it allows for a nice clean typing action across largely silent keys.

However, the real innovative part is the always-on illuminated symbols that run along the top of the keyboard. This appears to be Dell's take on Apple's ill-fated touch bar but with a more useful layout, with shortcuts for functions like print screen, volume dials, display controls play, and pause buttons.

You can also tap the Fn key and have the middle 13 of these symbols vanish to be replaced with backlit F1 to F12 icons. You can use the Fn-Lock to have the function key icons rather than the symbols as the default. Magic.

How we test

When we review a laptop, there are a number of tests that we use to determine its capabilities. To measure the quality of the display, we use the open-source DisplayCal app and a dedicated colorimeter to determine the maximum brightness, the contrast ratio and how much of the sRGB color gamut it covers (as well as the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB gamuts where applicable) – which determines the range of colors the screen can reproduce. We also measure the average Delta-E rating, which indicates how accurately those colors are displayed.

Performance is tested by running it through our own in-house benchmarks, which consist of three tests: an image conversion test, which gives an indication of single-threaded speeds, a video encoding test, which makes greater use of multi-core processing, and a multitasking test which runs both processes simultaneously while also playing a video. This test is the most strenuous and is designed to push processors to their limits. These tests give us individual scores, as well as an overall result.

We'll also run the Geekbench 5 performance test to confirm the accuracy of these results, as well as assessing its performance in day-to-day tasks throughout our evaluation period. Storage is tested using the AS SSD benchmark.

In order to measure battery life, we'll charge the battery fully, then set the display brightness as close to 170cd/m2 as possible using a color calibrator, turn on flight mode and play a looped video until the battery dies. This gives us a consistent figure to compare the battery life of different models, although it may not necessarily give us an indication of real-world battery life. For this, we assess how long the battery lasts over several days of actual use, subjecting it to a range of workloads and activities.

Launched almost five years ago, you may be a little surprised to see that we're still avid fans of the Asus Zenbook UX305.

The latest version has moved on from the original notebook, but it has kept its best features - portability, functionality and its low price point in comparison to similar set-ups.

Some consider this as the cheaper alternative to the MacBook Air, but it should be considered a feat in its own right, mostly because its design gives the MacBook a run for its money, even though its features probably aren't as advanced.

The premium version of the UX305, the UX305CA offers up a little more than the standard version. There's a more powerful processor, a bump up to 256GB of storage on its SSD and 8GB of RAM. All contribute nicely to its boosted performance.

Its screen is also more superior, boasting a 3,200x1,800 pixel display - certainly something worth viewing before ruling this little number out and a vast improvement on its predecessor in our opinion.

Design

Both the standard and premium version of the Asus Zenbook UX305 is finished with a beautiful anodised aluminium casing, resemblant of the MacBook Air. However, it's lighter than Apple's cheaper laptop, weighing in at 1.2kg, with a thickness of just 12.3mm, compared to the MacBook's 1.25kg and 15.6mm thickness.

Although it's light, this doesn't mean it's not sturdy and the Asus Zenbook UX305 certainly doesn't feel as if it would break particularly easily. The edges are nicely rounded, rather than the sharper edges of the MacBook Air and this offers a premium finish that we've already touched upon above.

One big difference between the Asus and the Apple is that Asus' ultra-light notebook is available in three colours - Ceramic White, Aurora Metallic and Obsidian Black, which all add a little personality. Our review sample was in the latter colourway, with a spun metal effect on the outer casing. It's something usually only seen on the higher-end Asus devices, so it's pleasing to see this on a lower-end device too.

When opened you will immediately notice that the overlapping screen creates a small lip that ever-so-slightly raises the keyboard. This not only provides a neat way of improving airflow, but also helps make typing noticeably easier. Much like the MacBook air, the exhaust grills are hidden just in front of the hinge, meaning there are no unsightly vents spoiling the aesthetics.

Keyboard and trackpad

The base of the UX305CA is strikingly similar to the MacBook Air, with its slightly sunken keyboard and centrally placed hinge. It is also just as easy to type on, as the chiclet keys are given ample spacing and are all appropriately sized, so we experienced very few miss-types. The base is also covered with a slightly grainy texture, which provides a pleasant surface for resting your hands while typing.

A significant oversight is the lack of backlighting, which is something customers have come to expect for ultrabooks in this price range. Not only does it add that little extra in terms of luxury, typing in dark rooms is near-impossible without it. It does suggest a smattering of cost-cutting on an otherwise premium-looking ultrabook.

The touchpad is a generous size and the pleasant coating to its surface makes it comfortable to use. Asus has also included some smart gestures, including swipe scrolling for web pages, which help make the experience that much easier. The pad does suffer from a little too much surface friction, and a smoother pad would have been welcome.

However, the biggest issue I found was with the left and right clicks, which give satisfying feedback when pressed but require just a tad too much force. This makes using the pad with one finger a bit of a chore, compared to the easy click of a MacBook Air.

Hardware

The model we reviewed came with a fairly standard 256GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, although a version is available with 128GB and 4GB RAM. Models with QHD or FHD displays are also available, with or without touchscreens.

Asus seems to have recognised that the Core M-5Y10c processor, although offering low-power consumption and heat output, was just a tad too sluggish in the UX305. Instead, the newer model has been fitted with a Skylake M3-6Y30, offering a bump up from 0.8GHz to 0.9GHz, with turbo boost potential of 2.2GHz. While only a small increase, it is certainly welcome, although don't expect the power output of the Core i5 or i7 model variants.

Benchmarking showed moderately worse performance than the Zenbook UX305, which is surprising given the slightly beefier processor. The M3-6Y30 managed a score of 19, one point lower than its predecessor, though the same processor in the HP Spectre X2 scored a 23. This suggests some bottlenecking somewhere, likely due to a need to keep temperatures to a minimum. However, this still provides enough juice to get great performance on general tasks.

The SSD is suitably nippy, providing boot speeds of around 16 seconds, while the 8GB of RAM provides more than enough memory for multitasking. Our tests only revealed slight slowdown with more than 15 browser tabs open, more than 10 apps running including Microsoft Word and Netflix, and an active install. In other words, for day-to-day business use, the machine is more than capable of handling anything you throw at it. This speed means if you need to change work location, the ultrabook can be closed and will awaken from sleep mode in seconds.

Battery life is a little disappointing though, lasting 7.5 hours with continuous web browsing and playing a streamed video. With most coffee shops and train services limiting access to charging points, if you are on the go a lot, the battery life is short enough to be a niggling worry. The culprit is likely the choice of a 44Wh battery, which is surprisingly stingy given the 56Wh batteries available in Dell and HP ultrabooks. Additionally, the higher resolution screen is almost certainly a drain on overall battery life.

The UX305CA comes with three USB 3.0 ports, which is pretty generous given the thickness of the device. You also get a headphone jack, SD card slot and a micro-HDMI port for external displays. For anything else, you're out of luck, as there are no USB Type-C ports or opportunities for Thunderbolt 3 connections. As for networking, this is covered by an 802.11ac WiFi card and Bluetooth 4.0.

Display

The version we reviewed came with a 13.3in 3,200x1800 resolution QHD IPS touchscreen display, although a 1920x1080 version is available. The screen offers incredible detail for images and movies, while retaining a surprisingly crisp view from most angles, given that it has a glossy finish.

The screen is also incredibly bright and provides auto adjustment levels that can be toggled on or off using the keyboard. Asus states that it can achieve a brightness of 300cd/m2, however our own benchmarking revealed white levels of 409cd/m2. Yes, this ultrabook can get exceptionally bright, although the auto adjust feature will serve you very well for day to day work.

Though there can be no argument that the screen is a beautiful addition, the QHD upgrade feels unnecessary. The first issue you will encounter is the lack of reliable scaling options. Windows 10 will require some tweaks to scale up to QHD, otherwise menus will appear slightly blurry. Additionally, Windows still has a problem with scaling third-party apps, and so you may find that programs such as the Adobe suite will not scale correctly and appear extremely small on screen. The high resolution is also a likely source of added battery drain, which may account for the unimpressive results.

What is also unnecessary is the inclusion of a touchscreen, which, while perfectly functional, provides almost no benefits over a standard display. We have yet to be convinced by the need for a touchscreen on a non-convertible device, and the UX305CA does nothing to change that. Thankfully a non-touchscreen model is available for both the QHD and 1080p versions.

This is also not a gaming device, and using the modest onboard graphics you won't be able to take advantage of the QHD screen. The integrated Intel HD 515 graphics chip provides a meaningful boost over the Intel HD 5500 in the UX305, but in reality you won't be playing anything other than low demand indie titles on this device, unless you scale it right down to 720p.

Verdict

The portability and fast boost speeds serve business users exceptionally well, though the inclusion of a QHD screen feels like an unnecessary feature that only hikes up the price. With a price tag of around 749, you may wish to save some money and go for the 1,920x1,080p version that is currently available featuring the exact same internal specs for 100 cheaper.

Looking at other alternatives on the market, the QHD version does not hold up well to competition. For the same price you could go for an HP Envy 13, which comes with a more powerful 7th generation i5 processor, keyboard backlighting and a slightly larger SSD, while opting for a more sensible 1080p resolution screen.

The Asus UX305CA ultrabook is simply an updated model to a genuine MacBook Air replacement. It can handle word processing and web browsing with ease without getting hot; though don't expect to be doing any video rendering or high-end gaming. It features an excellent keyboard and a decent trackpad that are both very comfortable to use.

But, with a QHD and some niggling cutbacks, such as the lack of a backlit keyboard, we're reluctant to recommend this ultrabook over others on the market.

Verdict

The upgraded UX305CA brings some welcome hardware and quality of life changes, including an excellent keyboard that makes typing a joy. But the head-scratching inclusion of a QHD screen hikes the price up too high to remain competitive. Stick with the 1080p version or explore alternative options.

This review was first published on 15/06/2017 but has since been updated

Microsoft's flagship hardware, the Surface Pro, comes in many guises but the series can be a bit hit and miss with the critics. However, the fifth generation of Surface Pro not only did great upon release in 2017, but it has also held up well over the last five years. Despite a Surface Pro 6, Pro 7 and Pro X, the Pro 5 still holds a precious place in the hearts of consumers.

It probably didn't help that the Surface Pro 6 appeared to be an unashamed hardware refresh, with very few changes to the formula, so no real reason to upgrade. What's more, the upgraded Intel Core i5 Kaby Lake processor only translated to a slight performance boost - the Pro 6 only scored slightly higher than the 5 in GeekBench tests. Battery life also went the wrong way, with the Pro 6 lasting just eight hours in our looped video test, far off the 11 hours and 30-plus minutes with the Surface Pro 5.

Just like all those people that used Windows 7 until the last minute, some love the Surface Pro 5 and no matter what is presented as an upgrade will change their minds. This is why the device is almost earning a sort of cult-like status within the laptop world.

The original review continues below

If there's one product line that has done more to popularise 2-in-1 devices than any other, it's Microsoft's Surface Pro family. The sleek, shiny detachables have made the historically unpopular category appealing almost single-handedly, thanks to an elegant aesthetic combined with impressive performance.

Now we have the latest addition to the line, simply dubbed the Surface Pro. The successor to the Surface Pro 4 has big shoes to fill though; that device was not just one of our favourite hybrids of 2015, but one of our favourite laptops overall. Matching its combination of speed and portability is no mean feat.

Thankfully, it appears that Microsoft has changed very little with its latest hybrid, keeping the same look and feel as its predecessor with only minor tweaks to its features and functionality. The exception to this is some rather beefy upgrades to the internal hardware, which combined with the classic design looks like a recipe for success.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) review: Specs and performance

Although it's now been surpassed by Intel's 8th-generation Coffee Lake chips, the Surface Pro's Kaby Lake processor is still frighteningly fast. Our Core i7 review unit, paired with 16GB of RAM, racked up an astounding overall score of 102. Not only is that considerably better than any other Microsoft device to date, but it's also beating out pretty much all of its competition from the likes of HP and Dell. In fact, that's approaching the kind of speeds we'd expect from a desktop PC.

Convertible devices are sometimes a little lacking in the battery department, but that's not the case here. In our battery tests, the Surface Pro lasted more than 11 and a half hours. That's an absolutely stonking result - especially given the amount of performance on display - and you can count on Microsoft's new hybrid to power you through even the most demanding workdays, and then some.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) review: Display

As you can probably guess, the display is also excellent. The quality of the 12.3in PixelSense screen is immediately evident, underlining how Microsoft has built this device for graphic designers. Brightness is blazing, and the levels of deep contrast ensure it is great for office work as well as watching films.

This display should be perfect for photo editing as it covers almost 95% of the sRGB colour spectrum and the gorgeous 2736 x 1824 screen means that both video and pictures will look super sharp and full of detail.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) review: TypeCover keyboard

Microsoft has also updated the Surface Pro’s TypeCover keyboard. However, you might find it hard to tell the difference as hardly anything has changed from the Surface Pro 4’s keyboard. This isn’t a bad thing as the former TypeCover was truly excellent. It wasn’t only one of the best laptop keyboards around, but also the best detachable laptop keyboard we’d ever seen.

The new TypeCover, thankfully, retains this achievement, and the small additions that Microsoft has made, a water-resistant Alcantara covering and a slightly increased travel distance on the keys, have only helped to make it better. It may still be beaten by the keyboard on the latest MacBook Pro, but not by much.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) review: Design and appearance

When it comes to the device’s actual design, not much has changed compared to the Surface Pro 4. Microsoft has discovered the perfect design for a detachable hybrid device, as we can see from the legions of organisations that have copied it, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The new device is slightly thinner and lighter than the Pro 4 and the hinge has been slightly improved, but apart from that, it’s business as usual.

This is good as the Surface Pro is absolutely lovely. It is thin, light, has an attractive matte-finished chassis, and is by far one of the most eye-catching devices on the market - and that’s taking Apple’s range of devices into account too.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) review: Ports and features

Another touch that will please creatives and digital artists is the new Surface Pen, which has been upgraded from last generation's model. Microsoft has more than quadrupled the level of pressure sensitivity and added tilt shading to make it even more like using a real pencil.

If there's one flaw, it's in Microsoft's choice of ports. The Surface Pro has just one USB 3.0 port and a mini DisplayPort and doesn't support the emerging USB-C standard. The main benefit of using USB-C is that one port can do everything - it allows you to charge your device, connect peripherals like keyboards, mice and displays and even connect to wired internet networks. It's great for agile working because you don't need to spend five minutes unplugging everything if you need to duck out of the office in a hurry.

It's a shame that the Surface Pro doesn't support this, as it's the only thing holding it back from being the best business device on the market today.

Taking it on the go is also made much easier and more convenient by the addition of an LTE-enabled model, which allows you to stay connected even without a Wi-Fi signal, either via an e-SIM or by popping in a nano-SIM.

Microsoft claims that the device will still retain around 90% of its battery life even when using it exclusively on a mobile connection, although we haven't had an opportunity to test this out. LTE speeds are capped at 450Mbps, unfortunately, which is a shame considering Gigabit LTE is on the horizon.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) review: Verdict

So there are some flaws with the Surface Pro 5, and let's be honest, newer models have a better spec sheet, but this model is still an excellent 2-in-1. It's compact, well built and, still, extremely powerful.

You can also get the Pro 5 relatively cheaply - £434.99 on Amazon for an i5 model with 8GB of RAM. There used to be options for higher spec versions that would take you above £2,000, but it doesn't appear to be available now with Microsoft keen to move consumers on to its newer machines.

Those newer models may be a bit flashier and offer the latest and greatest tech around, but there is something to be said for the Pro 5 and its evergreen feel. It is a great Windows hybrid laptop, certainly for the price.

Update: The Surface Laptop 2 is now here.

The Surface Laptop now has a sequel. Announced in October, the Surface Laptop 2 doesn't offer a great deal more than extra performance, with the 4GB configuration no longer available, and with the Kaby Lake chips replaced by Coffee Lake versions.

As our sister site Expert Reviews points out, this may be a touch disappointing but does give the new version a real edge over its predecessor in most performance areas. In its 4K media benchmark tests, the new version scored 84 to the old model's 49. That still leaves it a little behind the latest Dell XPS 13 (96) but a way ahead of the newest Asus Zenbook 13 (75).

Unfortunately, it does seem to move backwards in the battery stakes. While the first version of the Surface Laptop lasted ten hours and 42 minutes in our tests, the newer edition drops dramatically to seven hours and seven minutes.

Given the older version now starts at 540.83 (excl. VAT) compared to the new one's 815.83, you may still consider the original to be the best option.

The original review continues below

Microsoft is today as much as hardware company as it is a software one, having made some truly impressive devices across a range of device categories.

Perhaps chief among these are its market-leading 2-in-1s that form the Surface Pro range, or its more capable Surface Book, both of which deliver a mix of outstanding performance and luxury, which forms an incredibly versatile package.

While these devices have targeted the popular convertible market, the Redmond-based company has also taken a stab at revamping the traditional laptop. This mid-range, non-convertible device is built for those users that don't necessarily need the power of a Surface Book, or want to pay the high entry price, but want Microsoft's new Surface design style.

Being a mid-range device, its specs deliver enough power for the everyday business user, with a host of productivity features, built on Microsoft's lightweight Windows 10 S operating system -- something of a rival to Google's ChromeOS.

The Surface Laptop has been available for some time now, so we want to ask whether Microsoft's next-generation laptop has managed to stay relevant in a market that's increasingly moving towards 2-in-1s, or whether it's a dud that will soon be consigned to history.

Design

Although Microsoft may not be as well-known as Apple when it comes to making beautiful laptops and devices, the company has really taken a step in the right direction over the last few years, focusing on form as well as functionality. No device is as much of a testament to this as its Surface range of computers, with the Surface Laptop at the top of the beauty scale. We would go as far to say it's the best-looking Microsoft-manufactured laptop we've ever seen.

As the Surface laptop sits right in the middle of the Surface Pro and the Surface Book, it's appropriate that its design is a hybrid between the two. It takes on a clamshell design, just like a traditional laptop, but with the keyboard almost identical to the Surface Pro's TypeCover keyboard.

The finish is a classy matte magnesium finish (yes, it's very similar to the MacBook range of aluminium casings) with smooth feathered edges. Although the 3mm lid adds a bit to its bulk (perhaps some would view unnecessarily to such a level), it does need to be slightly thicker than others in the same bracket because it's, of course, a touchscreen display.

This does mean it's not as skinny as the lighter-weight Surface Book, but it is a little lighter than the more heavyweight Surface Pro. Its thickness is 14mm and it weighs 1.2kg - 300g more than the comparable 12in MacBook. Some of this bulk is due to the touchscreen - a feature not included in the MacBook Pro or Air for that matter.

Another minor (but noteworthy) point is that the Surface Laptop has a beautiful hinge action, opening smoothly and effortlessly. This may seem like a trivial point, but you would be surprised how many notebooks get this wrong, requiring a little bit of effort to actually prise apart.

The Surface Laptop offers a greater degree of portability than the Surface Book, whilst still retaining a clamshell form-factor. However, it's worth remembering the Surface Pro's TypeCover is an absolutely excellent keyboard, so opting for the Surface Pro over the Surface Laptop really isn't much of a compromise on that front.

It is totally gorgeous though. If you're looking for something that's going to make the Apple crowd eat their words about the MacBook's superior design values, this might finally be the machine to do it: the Surface Laptop is an absolute beauty to behold.

Keyboard and trackpad

Microsoft has used the newest version of its Surface Pro TypeCover's design in the Surface Laptop, which brings a tactile, soft-touch and water-resistant Alcantara coating to the device. It's a welcome addition to a full-sized laptop, as until now it was only available on the company's 2-in-1 Surface range. In fact, its predecessor as shipped with the Surface Pro 4 was one of our favourite ever keyboards.

Since it was first launched on the market in 2015, Microsoft has largely stuck to the same formula with its TypeCover and the version featured in the Surface Laptop is no different, save for a little extra space and one small change to the key-switch design, which are both bonuses for usability.

In conclusion, we don't have any complaints about the Surface Laptop's keyboard and trackpad design -- in fact, it's a dream to use, with excellent responsiveness. We would even go as far to say it's one of the best keyboards we've ever used on a Windows machine and only narrowly misses out on the accolade of being our favourite keyboard overall, which falls to the MacBook Pro's unbeatable keyboard.

Display

Microsoft's Surface Laptop packs in the same PixelSense touchscreen technology Microsoft uses in all of its devices, which offers a decent resolution of 2256 x 1504 rather than the QHD resolution you'd expect from such a device.

What is even stranger is the aspect ratio of the Surface Laptop. Rather than packing in a 16:9-sized display, the Surface Laptop's screen is a little squarer, with its 3:2 aspect ratio. Although this theoretically means you'll see more detail on the screen, it also means you'll see some rather unsightly black bars running along the top and bottom of the screen if you're watching a widescreen video.

Apart from that, it's definitely an excellent display - the brightness isn't as powerful as it could be and lighter colours are sometimes washed out, but the colour accuracy is great and the contrast ratio is fantastic; images are packed with detail and crisp. It will do justice to any films you choose to view on it and it's more than capable of carrying out photo editing.

Specs and performance

When the Surface Laptop first launched, it was packing a very capable set of specifications indeed, including Core i5 and Core i7 versions of Intel's 7th-generation Kaby Lake processors and 4GB, 8GB or 16GB of RAM. At the time, these were pretty cutting-edge specs, but they've now been surpassed by Intel's newer 8th-generation chips.

For example, the Surface Laptop's score of 49 in our benchmark tests - while more than enough to content with the meatiest of ultrabooks at the time - is now lagging behind mid-range notebooks from the likes of Acer, thanks to the power of their Coffee Lake CPUs. The Laptop is still plenty powerful enough to cope with the moderate to heavy workloads, but you'll get more bang for your buck with a newer chip.

Battery life is always a crucial concern for ultrabooks, and the Surface Laptop still acquits itself capably here, racking up a score of 10hrs 42mins in our battery benchmarks. This is on par with other business-grade notebooks like the Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, so we have no complaints at all on that score. It also uses Microsoft's Surface Connect charging standard, ensuring that it's compatible with the power adapters of virtually all of the company's previous devices.

Software

Now we come to the part that's made the Surface Laptop such a controversial machine - Windows 10 S. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 S is designed for security and performance, but the headline feature is that it only permits the installation of Windows Store apps.

Windows 10 S proved to be a controversial and largely unpopular proposition when it first launched, with many users baulking at the idea of only having access to Windows Store's relatively meagre catalogue of software.

Thankfully, you can upgrade from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro (and it'll soon be a separate mode that you can toggle on and off), but it's easy to see why some people aren't relishing the thought of only being able to use Windows apps. The Windows Store, it must be said, does not exactly have a shining pedigree, and has come under frequent criticism for the selection and quality of available apps.

However, the fact that Windows 10 S only runs Windows Store apps may not be the deal-breaker it initially appears to be. Microsoft is making a concerted effort to improve its storefront, announcing a number of new features at its Build 2017 event to make it easier for developers to get their apps onto it. In theory, this means that we should start to see an improvement in the Windows Store going forward.

Aside from this though, there's also the fact that the vast majority of apps also have web-based versions that can be run in Microsoft's Edge browser. Workflow tools, document suites and even enterprise software like CRM and ERP packages can all be run as web apps, meaning that many business users won't even need to install any apps aside from the default software included with Windows 10 S.

It's also worth bearing in mind that 10 S is still a variant of Windows 10 Pro - which means that you'll still have access to a sizable chunk of Microsoft's enterprise features. This includes access to Windows 10's mobile device management features, Bitlocker encryption, Windows Update for Business and Windows Store for Business, as well as Azure AD domain join and enterprise state roaming with Azure AD.

Ports and features

Unfortunately, ports are an area in which the Surface Laptop seriously falls down. Like the Surface Pro, it's only got one full-size USB 3.0 port and one Mini DisplayPort - but USB-C is nowhere to be found.

It's an incredibly frustrating omission; not only is USB-C an excellent enabler of flexible and agile working models, it's also critical for future-proofing your device, as more and more manufacturers move to using USB-C as their primary form of connection.

It's a real shame, and the Surface Laptop definitely suffers for not having USB-C, particularly in comparison with other, cheaper ultrabooks which do feature it. Of course, Microsoft will be offering a dock with USB-C support, which connects via the Surface Laptop's power adaptor - but that's an additional cost on top of an already rather pricey device.

Elsewhere, there are other features commonly found in Microsoft's premium devices. It includes support for Windows Hello's facial recognition, the Surface Pen and even the Surface Dial - although you can't use it on the screen in the same way as with the Surface Studio.

Verdict

Microsoft has made some slightly baffling decisions with the Surface Laptop. Debuting Windows 10 S - an operating system that would be most at home on a low-budget Chromebook rival - on what is otherwise a top-notch ultrabook is an odd choice, as is spurning the incredible versatility of the USB-C standard.

Get past these hiccups, however, and you'll find that the Surface Laptop is a truly excellent device. It's not blowing you away with any new, fancy features, but what it is doing is delivering one of the most solid, well put-together notebook experiences you can get, with an absolutely superb keyboard, gorgeous design values and a satisfyingly premium feel.

It's showing its age a little in the performance department, and there are more powerful options available that offer better value for money. Truth be told though, none of them really offer as pleasing a package as the Surface Laptop. It may not be the quickest or most versatile, but as ultrabooks go, the Surface Laptop is one of the most attractive around.

Pictures: IT Pro

This review, written by Adam Shepherd, was originally published in August 2017, but has been subsequently updated, most recently in November 2018

Verdict

As a first stab at a proper lightweight notebook, the Surface Studio is a capable and accomplished offering. It's held back slightly by the omission of USB-C connectivity and the decision to ship it with Windows 10 S, but it's otherwise an absolutely superb device.

Some enterprise laptops prize functionality and power over looks, leaving employees with a capable but unattractive slab of a machine that they're forced to lug around. The HP Elitebook X360, however, is most certainly not one of those. Not only is it packed with a rather formidable array of components and features, it's also one of the most gorgeous business devices we've come across.

Looking at the Elitebook X360, it's easy to see why HP has such a great reputation for computing devices in general and enterprise devices in particular. Featuring a fully rotatable 360-degree hinge, a touchscreen and a full complement of business ports and features, it's an excellent option for those that want the power of an ultrabook with the added versatility of a convertible.

HP Elitebook X360 1030 G2: Design

Like most of HP's premium notebooks, the Elitebook X360 oozes quality. The aluminium unibody is accented with diamond-cut edges, it has an understated, professional aesthetic and the whole thing is deeply attractive without being garish.

Despite its sleek looks, there's an air of sturdiness to it that instils a sense of confidence in its ability to stand up to a bit of punishment. It's well-deserved, too - the X360 is designed to pass the MIL STD 810G tests that certify a device as rugged enough for use by the US military.

At 1.27kg with a 14mm thickness, the Elitebook X360 is a little on the chunky side when compared to other convertibles, which tend to be less than a kilogram. However, the X360 includes an excellent full-size keyboard, powerful internal components and a healthy allocation of ports, so it's easy to forgive.

As a convertible, the X360 is fully reversible, so you can flip the screen over and use it as a tablet, or stand it up in tent mode. It's a little too heavy to use comfortably as a tablet in day-to-day operations, but it's well suited to occasional use. For example, it's perfect for meetings where you need to refer to notes, but don't want to be awkwardly toting around a traditional clamshell.

We're still not 100% sold on the utility of convertible devices for office workers versus traditional laptops, but the X360 has gone some way to convince us.

We found ourselves actually using the additional functions like tent and tablet mode quite a bit, and they actually did encourage us to be more agile in the way we worked.For example, it turned out to be much more convenient to proof-read documents in a coffee shop with the X360 folded over and held like a clipboard than it was to simply use it in a traditional form-factor.

HP Elitebook X360 1030 G2: Keyboard and trackpad

The Elitebook X360's keyboard is similarly polished. Typing feels satisfying, and the backlit keys offer excellent travel depth and feedback, with no sign of the mushiness exhibited by cheaper keyboards.

The touchpad is also great; large enough to capably navigate the screen, whiile clicking offers a firm response. It's really nicely-finished too, and your finger glides over the touchpad's surface with ease.

While not quite as satisfying to use as the MacBook or Surface Laptop's keyboard, the HP Elitebook X360 is certainly one of the better notebooks we've used for typing, and we had absolutely no issues with it.

HP Elitebook X360 1030 G2: Performance

As a business-grade device, you'd assume a certain level of hardware capability from the X360, and it delivers. HP hasn't yet updated it to Intel's newest 8th-gen CPUs, but the 7th-gen Kaby Lake chips it uses still perform very admirably indeed. It's available with either a Core i5-7200U processor or a Core i7-7600U processor and either 4GB, 8GB or 16GB of RAM.

Our review unit used a Core i5 chip and 8GB, but despite this mid-level spec, it coped with our benchmarks well, racking up an overall score of 53 in our performance tests. This puts it behind newer laptops with more recent chips, but slightly ahead of the Surface Laptop and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, and it means it's more than capable of keeping up with demanding professional applications.

The battery life is excellent for a convertible, too - especially one that uses a full-fat Kaby Lake processor. With a measured battery life of 10hrs 46mins, it's more than capable of powering you through a full day of work with juice to spare.

Even better, it supports Thunderbolt 3 in addition to using a traditional charger. This flexibility means that you needn't sacrifice port space in order to juice it up but also ensures you won't be caught short in the event that you leave your adaptor at the office.

HP Elitebook X360 1030 G2: Display

Unfortunately, the X360's 13.3in screen is a little bit of a letdown. For starters, it's only available in the UK with a 1080p resolution, as opposed to other territories where it comes with an optional 4K panel. While 1080p isn't sub-par, it would have been nice to have to option of increased visual fidelity, particularly for those who may be looking to use the X360 for photo editing tasks.

The colour accuracy is a little disappointing too, covering a markedly lower percentage of the sRGB spectrum than Dell's XPS 13 or the Surface range, according to our tests. This isn't a major issue for most users - colours are still punchy and vivid - but again, it's not ideal for graphic designers or photography professionals. The X360's maximum brightness is below the average, too.

It's not enough of a problem to put us off the device or to spoil our experience, and movies, images and documents are still represented well. It is a shame, however, particularly since HP's displays are often excellent.

HP Elitebook X360 1030 G2: Ports & features

One of the most striking things about the Elitebook X360 is just how many ports HP has managed to cram into it. Most convertibles make do with one or two, but the X360 has two full-sized USB 3.0 ports, a USB-C port, a HDMI output, a microSD card slot and even a security card reader. This is a very healthy complement, and ensures that you'll never need a dongle or adaptor again.

HP included with the Elitebook X360 the company's Active Pen (which is sold separately), and while it's perfectly functional, it still doesn't feel quite as intuitive or as pleasant to use as the Surface Pen. HP also hasn't included any way of attaching the pen to the X360.

This is a real bugbear of ours - if you're going to include a stylus with your product, then include some way of keeping them together, too - otherwise, it inevitably ends up getting lost. The Surface Pro's magnetic pen holder is the perfect blueprint for how to do this right, and it's frustrating that more companies haven't followed Microsoft's lead.

Unsurprisingly for a business-class device, the X360 is packed to the gunnells with enterprise security and management features, including Sure Start Gen3 BIOS protections and the aforementioned smart card reader. Elsewhere, there's Windows Hello biometric authentication, including both facial recognition and a fingerprint reader.

HP Elitebook X360 1030 G2: Verdict

HP's business ultrabooks are generally superb, and the Elitebook X360 is no exception to this trend. Sleek, attractive, and dripping with power and functionality, this machine is a mightily capable enterprise powerhouse.

It's also one of the most versatile and well-rounded convertible laptops we've seen. It's got all the ports you could wish for and more than enough raw horsepower to handle just about anything you can throw at it without sacrificing its thin, lightweight design.

It's not perfect - the screen is somewhat disappointing, and the Active Pen feels a tad superfluous - but it's one of the best business laptops around. For organisations that want to maximise the productivity and flexibility of their workers, the HP Elitebook X360 is a must-buy.

Verdict

Despite being let down by a somewhat disappointing screen, the HP Elitebook X360 is a phenomenal business-class hybrid. It's got plenty of power, a plethora of ports and a sharp, elegant aesthetic to ensure that you'll stand out at your next client meeting, making it a very worthwhile investment indeed.

Apple's MacBook Pro is now somewhat venerable by laptop standards. The latest design was launched in 2016 to great fanfare, and got even better last year with the upgrade to Intel's 7th-generation Kaby Lake CPUs. However, Apple's challengers have been nipping at the MacBook Pro's heels ever since, and companies like Acer, Dell and HP are gaining ever more ground on it.

With so much competition, has the MacBook Pro still got what it takes to keep Apple as king of the notebook hill?

MacBook Pro 13in (2017) review: Screen, keyboard and trackpad

There's no denying the 2017 MacBook Pro's screen is still stunning. Not only are the colours vibrant, with accurate contract and brightness throughout, but images are pin sharp on the 2,560 x 1,600 pixel retina display. Always one of the MacBook Pro's most redeeming features, the resolution does definitely not disappoint. Bravo again, Apple.

Just as the brightness and contrast deserve praise, so does colour reproduction. Apple's decided to give the 2017 MacBook Pro something of a feature boost, with a wider DCI P3 colour gamut. This means the colours are richer and offer a pretty spot-on reproduction of colours - better than the majority of the notebooks available today.

Whether you use a MacBook Pro to edit images and video, or just want to watch YouTube, play around with files or need it for more intricate design work, the screen makes this all a breeze.

The MacBook Pro's keyboard is unquestionably one of the best on the market. Rather than attempting to maximise the travel distance and feedback of each key, Apple has essentially done the opposite, shaving travel time down to a bare minimum.

This would be a negative point, were it not for the fact that it has also scaled down the amount of force needed to actuate each keystroke, meaning that after a brief adjustment period, your fingers will be gliding over the keys with effortless speed and grace. It's a far cry from the solid 'thunk' of a good mechanical keyboard, but feedback is still firm and satisfying as well.

The MacBook Pro's trackpad is another highlight, providing plenty of room to manoeuvre while offering appropriate sensitivity levels that let you move to the edges of the screen without having to reposition your finger. Unfortunately, the left and right clicks aren't quite punchy enough to provide the sort of feedback we enjoy on other trackpads, but this is a fairly minor gripe.

We can do nothing but praise the accuracy of the MacBook Pro's trackpad. The fact it responds to every tiny stroke makes it ideal for intricate tasks such as photo and video editing that are usually more suited to an external mouse or even a graphics tablet.

Multi-touch gestures have also seen much improvement in this latest version of Apple's portable hardware, making it much easier to stroke using two fingers or more to complete actions. Even if you're yet to uncover this seemingly secret world, now's the time to give it a go.

MacBook Pro 13in (2017) review: Design and features

Unfortunately, Apple hasn't had a change of heart and has still omitted the majority of 'standard' ports, such as a full-size USB connector. Along with the USB, the Thunderbolt 2, SD card reader and HDMI ports are also gone. All except the standard 3.5mm jack have been replaced by Thunderbolt 3 slots that can be used for everything, including data transfer tasks and hooking up printers, an external mouse if you're not keen on using Bluetooth, a monitor and just about everything else you may want to add.

The lower-cost iterations of the MacBook Pro only have two ports too (and one will need to be used for charging the laptop if you like to work with it plugged in), so only having one port will cause some annoyance. If you opt for the more expensive Touch Bar-enabled laptop, you'll have four to play with, but that comes at a hefty price.

This may prove a pain for a large chunk of MacBook users. If you're using it as a desktop replacement, it means you may need to rethink your workstation setup, as monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals likely won't connect directly to Thunderbolt 3 ports. Your best option is to invest in a dock, which adds extra hassle and expense onto an already pricey device.

There's a silver lining, though, and that's that having to use a dock can actually streamline your workspace and make you more mobile. You can get your whole setup connected in one stroke (connect your monitor, keyboard, mouse and any other peripherals to the dock, which then connects to your MacBook with one cable), making it easier to flit between mobile and desk-based working.

That's something you're going to want to be doing a lot, too - this is Apple's thinnest, lightest MacBook Pro yet, and it's never been easier to sling it in a bag when you're heading out the office. In fact, it's the same weight as the equivalent MacBook Air and as thin as the Air's thickest point, although it doesn't taper to a fine edge. In terms of mobility, it's definitely Apple's best laptop thus far for working on the go.

While it may seem like an odd point to mention, the MacBook Pro's hinge is really nice. The movement is smooth, with noticeably less force needed to adjust it than older models. It shouldn't make that much difference, but it's a small touch that gives it a satisfyingly premium feel.

MacBook Pro 13in (2017) review: Hardware and specs

Apple hasn't refreshed the MacBook Pro's hardware since mid-2017, so it's still sporting last generation's Kaby Lake chips. The 13in model comes with a Core i5 processor, with a base clock speed of 2.3GHz for the entry-level non-Touch Bar version and 3.1GHz for the higher-specced version with Apple's Touch Bar tech.

You can also swap both processors out for slightly faster options at the point of purchase, and both come with 8GB of LPDDR3 memory as standard, with an option to beef that up to 16GB. Both versions of the 13in MacBook Pro use Intel's built-in graphics processing - in order to get a proper discrete GPU, you'll need to upgrade to the 15in model.

These aren't bad specifications, necessarily, but they're no longer quite as cutting-edge as they used to be. It's starting to show, too - the most recent Dell XPS 13 outclassed Apple's top-end MacBook Pro by more than 60% in multi-core performance, according to our Geekbench tests.

Having said that, the 2017 MacBook Pro has had a significant bump over its Skylake-powered predecessor. According to our benchmarks, it's around 10% faster. However, when we ran it through the Geekbench tests, it was more than twice as fast as the 2016 MacBooks at single-core operations, and around a third faster for multi-core tasks. It's roughly on par with the Core i5 version of Microsoft's latest Surface Pro, pulling slightly ahead in terms of multi-tasking.

Even if it's no longer top of the pile in terms of performance, we still wouldn't expect the newest crop of MacBook Pros to struggle with anything but the most demanding of tasks, and our review unit did not disappoint. Even when running the latest version of Adobe Photoshop, LibreOffice, Spotify and three Chrome windows with more than 10 tabs each, the MacBook Pro didn't break a sweat, and you're unlikely to see slowdown unless you start seriously pushing it to the max with intensive rendering tasks.

The 2016 MacBook Pro's already-excellent storage speeds have also been improved on, with an upgrade to both read and write performance. The 2017 MacBook Pro's read speed has had a negligible speed boost of around 5%, bringing it up to about 2.1GB/sec, but write speeds have had a massive 69% uptick, pushing them to a blazing 3GB/sec. We managed to transfer 8.5GB of files in mere seconds.

These speeds are blazing, to say the least, and outstrip the competition by a country mile. If you've ever been bothered by long load times, the new MacBook Pro should make those frustrations a thing of the past.

Unfortunately, one area where the latest MacBook Pro has slipped slightly is in terms of its battery life. The 7hrs 30mins score it racked up in our benchmark tests isn't exactly shameful, but it's more than two hours less than last year's model and less than a full workday.

This is the price that you pay for Kaby Lake's improved performance over its predecessor, but it's an irritating compromise that we could have done without. On the other hand, Thunderbolt 3 charging means that it's compatible with a huge range of third-party power supplies, so juicing back up shouldn't be a problem.

MacBook Pro 13in (2017) review: Verdict

When Apple first debuted its redesigned MacBook Pro in 2016, it was a seriously impressive machine; sleek, sophisticated and without an ounce of uncessary fat on it, it was the pinnacle of notebook design in a number of ways. Last year's addition of 7th-generation Kaby Lake chips made it even more attractive, offering some of the best performance around, and it richly deserved the five-star score and Editor's Choice award that we gave it when we first reviewed it.

Two years on from the initial launch, however, and the blush has come off the rose to a certain extent. Apple's top-spec MacBook Pro is now being outperformed by cheaper Windows alternatives thanks to Intel's 8th-gen processors, and while Apple's design still hasn't truly been equalled from an aesthetic standpoint, its rivals are now both thinner and lighter.

It's still a heavyweight performer, and you're very unlikely to be disappointed by it in any particular way - but the fact is that it's now even worse in terms of value for money than it was originally. If you've got the cash to splash and nothing but Apple will do, then it's still the MacBook to buy, but if you want a cheaper, more portable and more powerful option, then Dell's XPS 13 is the notebook to go for.

This might not last long though; rumours suggest that Apple may be about to unveil a new line of Coffee Lake MacBook Pros, and if it does, we fully expect them to re-establish the Cupertino company's place at the top of the heap.

Update 07/02/2018: Lenovo has issued a worldwide recall of fifth generation Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon machines built between December 2016 and October 2017, following the discovery that they contain an unfastened screw that could damage the device's battery and potentially cause it to overheat.

The company was alerted to the problem after three customers complained that a loose screw, which was left in the device when being manufactured, had caused damage to their laptop and its battery.

Although there have been no instances of fire damage or harm to users, Lenovo has advised customers to stop using affected devices immediately and schedule a free service appointment through Lenovo's support channel to have their laptop checked for unfastened screws.

Lenovo has provided a support portal for customers wishing to check whether their machine is part of the recall, which is available here. You will need to find the serial code and description tag on the back of the device, which details the machine type and its build date.

Only the 5th generation model of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is said to be affected by the issue, specifically those with machine type tags '20HQ', '20HR', '20K3', and '20K4'. Any models built after November 2017 are unaffected.

Original review:

Lenovo's ThinkPad range is one of the oldest on the market, celebrating its 25th anniversary earlier this year. Originally developed by IBM before Lenovo acquired the product line in 2005, the ThinkPad is one of the most venerable mainstays of the IT department.

Don't be fooled by its age, though. Despite its advancing years, the latest ThinkPad model - the X1 Carbon - is hardly a dinosaur. Lenovo has put some serious effort into making sure its newest fifth-generation ThinkPad is the thinnest, lightest, and most powerful yet.

2017's X1 Carbon sheds some of the weight and thickness of the previous model and has received a processor upgrade in the form of a seventh-generation Kaby Lake chip. The changes come at a cost however, as the self-proclaimed "world's thinnest 14in ultrabook" now starts at 1,149 exc VAT.

Design

The newest ThinkPad is a far cry from Lenovo's squat, boxy paving slab-type design of old, with a thin, sleek look that's clearly a product of years of refinement. As the name suggests, it is built from carbon fibre and smothered in a wonderful soft-touch coating that covers the entirety of the laptop - by far its most striking feature.

It still retains a flavour of the classic ThinkPad aesthetic, however, with the telltale logo in one corner and the trademark red detailing around the TrackPoint nipple and physical mouse keys. It's one of the most elegant-looking machines on the market, effortlessly blending modern sensibilities and timeless style to create an understated but sophisticated business machine.

At 322 x 216 x 15mm, its footprint is somewhat larger than competing 13in ultrabooks in this price range. It is bigger and chunkier than the most recent Dell XPS 13 and the 13in Macbook Pro, but thanks to that carbon fibre, it is much lighter at 1.1kg. In fact, it is lighter than most of its competition, including the wafer thin Acer Swift 7. A larger but lighter body makes perfect sense from a business user perspective, as it affords for optimal portability without having to scrimp on connectivity.

The X1 Carbon is surprisingly generous when it comes to port options. Users are treated to two USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, two USB 3.0, a full sized HDMI slot, a headphone port, and the option for an ethernet connection, although this requires a bundled Lenovo adapter. It even comes with a nifty slot that supports both MicroSD and MicroSIM, although this is oddly located on the rear edge beneath the screen, requiring you to partially close the laptop to reach.

Keyboard & trackpad

Lenovo also hits it out of the park when it comes to the keyboard. The keys have a longer travel time than rivals such as the Dell XPS 13, and require fractionally more actuation force when pressed. If you're used to the light key presses of the Macbook range, particularly the new Macbook Pro that opts for a miniscule travel time and very little key pressure, you may find the X1 Carbon a little cumbersome. However, for those that like to feel a little more impact while typing, it is one of the finest typing experiences on the market, especially as it's paired with that soft-touch material.

However, there are a couple of niggling problems with the keys. We feel the the navigation arrows are too small to use comfortably, and you may find yourself accidentally pressing the nearby page up and down keys, which frustrated us to no end. The keyboard backlighting could also benefit from being a little brighter.

As is Lenovo tradition, the ThinkPad also comes equipped with both a traditional trackpad, and a red TrackPoint stick in the centre of the keyboard that pairs with two physical left and right mouse keys under the space bar. The stick allows for movements that are far more precise than the trackpad, with very little effort and without having to lift your hands away from the keys, although it takes some getting used to.

Unfortunately, to accommodate for the physical left and right keys, the trackpad is uncomfortably small, and while it functions well using Microsoft's Precision Touch, you'll find your fingers touch the edges far too easily.

As this is a business grade ultrabook, Lenovo has opted to add a few handy extras that are typically absent on rival machines. Next to the trackpad is a fingerprint reader, which comes as standard, allowing users to sign in using Windows Hello, and as an optional extra Lenovo will also add an NFC reader for the scanning of smart cards and devices.

Display

Thankfully, that larger frame doesn't go to waste, as Lenovo has managed to squeeze in a 14in IPS anti-glare screen with some beautifully thin bezels, which will make you immediately think of the the InfinityEdge display on the Dell XPS. It is nice to see that Lenovo chose the perfectly acceptable 1920 x 1080p resolution, as anything higher is often of no benefit and needlessly bumps up the price.

In terms of performance, the screen is one of the weakest aspects of the X1 Carbon. Although it is marginally brighter than the Dell XPS 13, at 312cd/m2 it is still too dull to use reliably outside in direct sunlight, and is put to shame by the Macbook Pro's 500cd/m2 display. While colours are sharp and vibrant, 82% coverage of the sRGB colour spectrum is a disappointingly average score for a device of this price range, and is again outshone by the Macbook (99%) and the XPS 13 (92%).

Hardware & performance

As with any decent business grade ultrabook, the X1 Carbon comes with an impressive array of hardware and software configurations. There is a choice of various Core i5 and core i7 processors available depending on how much power you're after, as well as a range of storage options and either 8GB or 16GB of RAM. You're also able to add a host of preinstalled software suites, including Office 365 and Adobe products, and upgrade to Windows 10 Pro if you wish. You even have the choice to upgrade to a more powerful adapter for faster charging.

Our review model came with a Core i7-7500U processor at 2.7GHz, with 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. In our 4K benchmarks the X1 Carbon achieved an impressive overall score of 52, which was two points higher than the Dell XPS 13 running an almost identical spec. Importantly, the X1 Carbon managed 10 hours and 20 minutes in our battery tests, which is quite frankly excellent and almost 2 hours 40 minutes longer than both the XPS and Macbook Pro.

As is to be expected from Intel's 'U'-series processor range, the X1 Carbon delivers a pretty decent performance while maintaining an all-day battery life. It easily handled multi-tab browsing across two displays without breaking a sweat, and fired up applications almost instantly. There's even enough muscle here to power more demanding apps like the Adobe Creative suite, and that's before taking the optional 16GB of RAM into consideration.

A note on price

The exact specification of the model we reviewed is currently priced at 1,272 exc VAT, which includes an upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. However prices range from 1,101 exc VAT, to 2,211, and that's before factoring in all the smaller hardware extras and software packages.

Verdict

The Lenovo X1 Carbon is a wonderfully stylish machine that offers understated luxury along with some superb extras that appeal directly to a business user. It is deceptively light given its overall size, offering excellent portability while still providing a superb selection of port options. It should also be able to handle most of what you can throw at it, with a battery life that will easily last a full working day.

The only down side is the fairly average display, which is somewhat disappointing for a device in this price range. However, for day-to-day business use, this shouldn't be a problem, and the 14in 1080p display with super slim bezels is otherwise great.

The X1 Carbon sits between the Dell XPS 13 and the Macbook Pro in terms of price and performance, yet its battery life eclipses both, which we feel ultimately matters most for business users. With a great selection of configuration options, which is to be expected from a Lenovo business grade ultrabook, The X1 Carbon is also a highly tailorable machine, so you're bound to find something that fits - so long as you're willing to pay.

Verdict

While not the thinnest ultrabook around, it is certainly one of the lightest, offering excellent portability and one of the most generous array of ports and optional extras we have seen on a device. It's built from the ground up to be a business companion, and it lives up to that beautifully. Only a mediocre screen keeps it back from true greatness.

2017 has been an excellent year for technology and hardware. Consumers have been wowed by the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and a list of redesigned Apple products, while businesses have been able to take advantage of unparalleled processing power thanks to servers from companies like HPE and Dell.

With such a wealth to choose from, it's hard to pick which products have been most impressive, but with some careful thought, we've sifted through the year's launches to bring you IT Pro's top products of the year.

Best laptop

Winner - Apple MacBook Pro

Apple's top-end MacBook models are widely regarded as the gold standard in business-class notebooks, and with good reason. Combining a sleek and stylish design with nigh-unbeatable performance thanks to 2017's upgraded Kaby Lake model, the MacBook Pro is an absolute powerhouse for everyone from developers to designers.

It's not entirely without problems - we wish Apple had included a couple of ports besides Thunderbolt 3, for example, and the Touch Bar version has some battery life problems - but features like the ultra-shallow keyboard and mammoth trackpad set it apart from its competition.

Highly commended - Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Another heavyweight in the enterprise hardware space, Lenovo's venerable ThinkPad range has a sterling pedigree. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is sturdy, reliable and well-suited to tasks of all stripes, with a truly excellent keyboard and finely-tuned features for businesses.

Best tablet

Winner - Apple iPad Pro

Apple has thoroughly dominated the tablet computing category this year - and not just because it's been one of the only companies to release a premium tablet. The company's devices have been sophisticated, powerful and portable, and the iPad Pro is the perfect combination of all three.

The Apple Pencil support made it an excellent choice for designers and artists, but now that Apple has introduced a file manager and a suite of proper multi-tasking capabilities, the iPad Pro can genuinely be considered as a laptop replacement. Showcasing the very best of Apple's design abilities, both the 10.5in and 12.9in iPad Pro models are the pinnacle of tablet design.

Highly commended - Apple iPad

If you can't quite bear to part with the 620 starting price of the iPad Pro, Apple's entry-level iPad makes a handy compromise. While it doesn't have the full range of productivity features seen on the Pro range, the basic iPad is still sleek and speedy enough for day-to-day use.

Best 2-in-1

Winner - Microsoft Surface Pro

One look at how many companies have aped the design of Microsoft's flagship convertible should give you a good indication of how popular the Surface Pro is. The kickstand design is elegant and intuitive, and the keyboard is one of the most satisfying typing experiences we've had, whilst also being amazingly thin and light.

There's no compromise on components, either; the 12.3in screen is pin-sharp and absolutely gorgeous to boot, and one of Intel's seventh-generation processors provides a serious amount of oomph. Forget compromise; this 2-in-1 does everything a laptop can, and then some.

Highly commended - HP Elite X2 Folio

While it's definitely borrowing some design inspiration from the Surface Pro, the HP Elite X2 Folio brings a few things to the table that Microsoft's device doesn't. It's user-upgradeable, for example, which could end up saving corporate IT departments a whole heap of time and money in the long term.

Best Chromebook

Winner - Google Pixelbook

Chromebooks aren't just cheap and cheerful laptops for schools, and Google's out to prove it with the Pixelbook. A razor-thin body and eye-catching design is backed up by surprisingly powerful internal hardware and all the AI-powered software features you'd expect from a flagship Google product.

What's more, improvements to Chrome OS and the ability to run Android apps mean that the Pixelbook is (very nearly) as versatile and capable as a standard Windows laptop. It's expensive, but it's liable to inspire serious notebook envy wherever you go.

Highly commended - HP Chromebook 13

At around 600, the HP Chromebook 13 is much more affordable than the pricey Pixelbook, without making too much of a compromise on design or performance. Like most Chromebooks, it'll struggle with seriously heavy-duty workloads, but for general tasks, this lightweight machine should perform very well indeed.

Best smartphone

Winner - Samsung Galaxy S8

2017 has been a truly excellent year for smartphones, and the Samsung Galaxy S8 has been firmly leading the charge. The first major smartphone out of the gate with an edge-to-edge OLED display, the S8 set an example followed by companies like OnePlus, Honor and even Apple.

Combine this with one of the best smartphone cameras we've ever seen, super-quick internals and a very capable battery life, and it all adds up to a device that's very attractive indeed. Move over, iPhone; there's a new king in town.

Highly commended - Google Pixel 2

The follow up to last year's surprise hit, the Google Pixel 2 is a deeply impressive piece of technology powered by intelligent AI features and smart UI design. Its real selling-point is an absolutely world-class camera, which has yet to be beaten by any other smartphone. Were it not for a slightly underwhelming screen, the Pixel 2 would be topping our list this year.

Best 1U server

Winner - Dell EMC PowerEdge R640

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R640 is part of the company's recently-launched 14th generation of servers, and Dell has pulled out all the stops to cram this space-efficient 1U rack server full of storage and power. Not only does it have full support for Intel's Xeon Scalable processors, it's also got some mightily impressive storage options.

On top of that, Dell's iDRAC9 management console is a smash hit, offering a comprehensive overview of operational information, security-centric features and outstanding remote management and administration capabilities. It's every bit the equal of HPE's superb iLO5 controller.

Highly commended - Lenovo ThinkSystem SR630

Expansion potential is the name of the game here, with Lenovo's ThinkSystem SR630 offering plenty of internal space for further upgrades, despite a compact 1U form factor, and Xeon Scalable processor support for improved performance. More importantly, the XClarity Controller will make remote management a breeze.

Best 2U server

Winner - Dell EMC PowerEdge R740xd

The first server in Dell EMC's 14th-generation PowerEdge line, the PowerEdge R740xd is an excellent example of what customers can expect from the company now that the merger between Dell and EMC has been completed. Remote management capabilities have been improved, and EMC's expertise has been put to use with a superb array of storage features.

It's also a powerful showcase of Intel's relatively new enterprise-grade Skylake-SP Xeon processors. The R740xd supports the whole family, all the way up to Intel's 28-core Platinum Xeon monster, and its sheer processing power is tough to beat. Blue-chip vendors, take note: this is how it's done.

Highly commended - HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10

Like the PowerEdge, HPE's tenth-generation flagship 2U server features Xeon Scalable processor support and extensive storage options. It's an improvement over the previous iteration in just about every way, and it's got the huge room for expansion too, making it a great option for growing businesses.

Best tower server

Winner - HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen10

Smaller businesses on a tighter budget may think that cutting-edge Xeon Scalable servers are out of their reach, but not anymore. The 10th-generation update to HPE's ProLiant ML110 tower server brings SMBs excellent performance coupled with generous expansion options.

It also comes with HPE's outstanding iLO5 management controller, providing plenty of remote management, monitoring, and security features. For smaller organisations that want a heavyweight server without the top-end price tag, this is an excellent choice.

Highly commended - Fujitsu Server Primergy TX1320 M3

If you're tight on space, Fujitsu's smallest-ever tower server will be right up your street. Not only that, but it's also great value. Combine that with beefy Xeon processors and heaps of clever design features to make the most of the limited internal space, and you've got a very capable package.

Best security appliance

Winner - WatchGuard Firebox T70

The biggest thing that the WatchGuard Firebox T70 has going for it is its virtually unbeatable price. Not only is it extremely competitive, it's also one of the highest-performing desktop appliances we've ever seen, with 4GBits/sec firewall throughput.

It's bundled with a year's subscription to WatchGuard's enterprise-class software suite too, including anti-spam, anti-virus and web-content filtering, as well as a Gold-level support subscription. Lastly, it has top-notch monitoring features for ultimate peace of mind.

Highly commended - Kerio Control NG300W

The Kerio Control NG300W is one sturdy UTM appliance, with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, a 2.4GHz Intel Atom CPU, and an inbuilt heatsink. It doesn't fall down on security features either, offering a comprehensive and well-rounded package. The only absence is anti-spam features, but otherwise, it's an excellent security appliance.

Best storage array

Winner - HPE MSA 2052 Storage

HPE has raised the bar with its 5th-gen MSA 2052 storage appliance, doubling the performance of an already-excellent array whilst keeping it at the same wallet-friendly price as its predecessor.

Performance is accordingly excellent, and it's twinned with a load of powerful features to make virtualisation, deployment, and recovery as easy as possible. Considering that it includes HPE's full suite of data tiering capabilities as well, it's a steal.

Highly commended - Broadberry CyberStore 224S-WSS rack

Despite going up against titans like HPE, Dell EMC, and Fujitsu, Broadberry was first out of the gate with a Windows Storage Server 2016 appliance - and for a very attractive price, too. On top of that, the Broadberry CyberServe 224S-WSS comes with 26 hot-swap SFF drive bays, heaps of network connection options, twin Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 processors and 64GB of RAM.

Best NAS drive

Winner - Qnap TS-1685 desktop

For those that want high-volume desktop storage capabilities, it's hard to beat Qnap's TS-1685. Not only does it feature 16 hot-swap drive bays, it's also got blazing network performance thanks to its four 10GbE Ethernet ports, and support for expansion via additional PCIe cards.

You'll be hard-pressed to match its performance in terms of disk read and write speeds as well. Add in a whole heap of backup and storage features, and the TS-1685 is a superb addition to any small office setup.

Highly commended - Netgear ReadyNAS RN426

Data protection is top of the priority list for this SMB-friendly NAS drive. Backup performance is excellent, with cloud sharing, disaster recovery and snapshot features aplenty. It's also nice and hardy, thanks to its rock-solid steel construction.

Best printer

Winner - Xerox VersaLink C400DN

The first thing that's likely to attract SMBs Xerox's VersaLink C400DN is the low price, but one of the most useful features is the large variety of onboard apps available for it, including heaps of cloud and network printing tools. It's also one of the rare printers that supports wired and wireless networking simultaneously.

Print quality is absolutely superb, delivering razor-sharp and detail-packed pictures and documents at exceptional speeds. As if that wasn't enough Xerox offers a lifetime on-site warranty - all you have to do is buy a toner pack in the last 60 days of your warranty period, and the company will renew it for another year. Can't say fairer than that.

Highly commended - Brother MFC-L8900CDW MFP

Although its initial purchase price isn't as attractive as some of its rivals, this A4 laser printer makes up for it with a battery of excellent cloud and security features, combined with speedy, high-quality prints. Running costs are reasonable, too, so TCO shouldn't be a problem later down the line.

Let's not beat around the bush: the Apple MacBook Air was and still is one of the most lightweight, powerful notebooks around, offering that beautiful Apple style and functionality. It was first released more than ten years ago and although at the time many didn't think it was possible to integrate the same features into a super-slim laptop as the company packed into its desktops and other laptops, they were soon proven wrong.

A decade on and the MacBook Air is still a firm favourite. The exterior hasn't changed much as all, with a super-slim aluminium casing. But the internals really have changed with the times and that definitely comes with a warm welcome.

Design and build

We're glad Apple hasn't changed the design of the MacBook Air too much. Although it could be considered a plain Jane by some (because it doesn't come with the same colour selection as the more expensive and bulkier MacBooks), the silver aluminium casing really is fine. It looks good, feels good when you run your hand over it and who doesn't love than ultra-thin style?

2017's MacBook Air is just as slimline as its predecessors, with a profile of just 17mm at its thickest point. It's also still incredibly lightweight at just 1.35kg and that's with a whole lot of power packed in under the hood.

The backlit keyboard, which hasn't been given the "butterfly" switches treatment given to the new 12in MacBook Retina, has excellent tactile feedback although is perhaps just a little rattly, but the keypress action is nonetheless pleasing and there's enough travel to make it comfortable to type on for long periods.

The touchpad works exceptionally well, with no Windows-based laptop able to match the precise feel of Apple's design. Taps and clicks are effortless while gestures such as two-fingered scrolling, back and forward browser commands and two-fingered "right-clicks" are reliable, accurate and instantaneous. It makes navigating the macOS Sierra operating system incredibly easy.

Connectivity and Thunderbolt 2

There are two USB3 ports - one on the left and one on the right - as well as a 3.5mm headset jack, an SDXC card reader and a Thunderbolt 2 port. This is the first notable upgrade to the MacBook Air, which was previously equipped with a Thunderbolt connector.

The difference between the two is purely a speed upgrade: connected devices now have 20Gbps of bandwidth to play with instead of 10Gbps. The peripherals you can connect are the same: high-speed storage (such as RAID arrays) and high-resolution monitors (with Thunderbolt or DisplayPort inputs). But with this new, improved performance, huge files such as ultra-HD/4K video will be easier to handle when streaming to your MacBook Air and simultaneously writing it to another drive. Up to six devices can be connected over Thunderbolt (using an external hub) simultaneously.

Thunderbolt 2 will be of particular importance to business that use external storage for large files, such as media companies and firms with reams of data on external hard disc that needs to be sifted through at high speed.

Elsewhere, you still get 802.11ac wi-fi connectivity, great for connecting to the latest networks with better coverage and higher speeds than 802.11n. There's no gigabit ethernet connector but you can buy a Thunderbolt to gigabit ethernet connector direct from Apple for 29, or a bit cheaper elsewhere on the web.

Screen

We were disappointed to see that Apple hasn't boosted the resolution of the Air's 13.3in screen. The 1,440 x 900-pixel resolution is still perfectly usable and items on screen look reasonably sharp. But they lack the detail and crispness you get on higher quality displays such as those in use on the MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 13.

Colour coverage remains an issue, with just 70% of the sRGB gamut served by the TFT panel. This lack of colour performance is offset slightly by a very bright backlight and matt screen that makes this laptop suitable for use outside and in bright office conditions. Viewing angles are sub-par, though, particularly when adjusting the screen vertically. It would have been nice to have a higher quality or higher resolution panel in the Air, and at this price it's starting to look a little bit lacklustre.

Performance, storage and battery life

As you might expect from what is now effectively the entry-level device for the MacBook range, the Air doesn't have the top-of-the-line specifications featured in the MacBook Pro or new MacBooks. For example, it still has a fifth-generation 'Broadwell' line dual-core Intel Core i5-5250U chip, whereas the newer notebooks have Intel's seventh-generation 'Kaby Lake' CPUs. You can upgrade the Core i5 chip to a Core i7, though.

It runs at a base clock speed of 1.8GHz up from 2015's 1.6GHz and you can also use Turbo Boost, a new feature from Apple that effectively allows you to overclock the processor while still running at a safe temperature. The device comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB storage as standard. If you need an extra oomph, though and you have 150 going spare you can upgrade this to 512GB.

Operating system

At the time of writing, the 13in MacBook Air runs macOS Sierra out of the box. This is likely to change towards the end of September, however, when Apple finally releases macOS High Sierra.

High Sierra was demoed at WWDC 2017 but is still currently in beta testing. You can read more about what to expect from the new operating system here, but for the time being, let's dig into macOS Sierra.

Sierra was released in June 2016, with Apple ditching the 'OS X' moniker at the same time. It brought Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, into the dock and allowed the software to perform complex file queries in natural language.

You can also use your Apple Watch (assuming you have one) to unlock your computer and there's also support for Apple Pay as well as a Universal Clipboard function, which works across Apple devices.

For full details of macOS Sierra's specs, click here.

Conclusions

The 2017 upgrades to the MacBook Air are minor, so if you're looking for Apple to completely overhaul this device you may be a little disappointed. While the rest of the recipe is great, we're still underwhelmed by the screen and it's an area that could definitely do with a bit of attention.

This is concerning since the MacBook Pro continues to improve: the cheapest model with a Retina Display is 1,249 and has a more powerful processor. This may push some buyers to go for the Pro, although it is 300g heavier than the Air and the battery life is slightly shorter.

Update: Apple also boosted the 13in Air configuration to 8GB of RAM as standard. This is a very welcome, although long overdue, addition. It is enough to keep the Air ticking over, but we would love to see a bigger update with new Skylake processors, Thunderbolt 3 and a higher quality screen.

Verdict

Performance and storage upgrades keep the already superb MacBook Air ticking over, but the iffy quality screen is starting to hold it back

Processor: Intel Core i5-5250U 1.6GHZ

GPU: Intel HD Graphics 6000

Memory: 8GB LPDDR3 SDRAM

Storage: 256GB SSD

Connectivity: Dual-band 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0

Ports: 2 x USB 3, Thunderbolt, SDXC Card slot, 3.5mm headset jack

Dimensions: (WxDxH): 325mm x 227mm x 170mm

Weight: 1.35kg

After years of being scorned by consumers and businesses, hybrid devices have become an accepted (even desired) category, and we've got Microsoft's Surface Pro range to thank for it. The Surface Pro 4 has shown that you don't need to sacrifice the performance of a laptop in order to have the functionality of a tablet, and it's wrapped up in a gorgeous exterior to boot.

Design and TypeCover

The Surface Pro 4 shares the design sensibilities of Microsoft's other hybrid devices, with a matte magnesium alloy chassis and integrated adjustable kickstand. It's sturdy and functional, but also looks sleek and elegant, with an air of understated confidence.

The magnetically attached TypeCover screen cover still doubles as a keyboard and trackpad, and it's one of the best examples we've seen to date. It's easy to take off and reattach, and the connector is standardised across generations, which means you can use the superlative TypeCover released alongside the most recent Surface Pro.

With heaps of resistance and crisp, firm feedback from keystrokes, the TypeCover is one of the most pleasant keyboards we've ever used on any device. The trackpad is superb, too. The only gripe we have with it is that it's sold separately to the Surface Pro itself (and at a not insubstantial price, too).

Measuring 8.45mm (without the TypeCover keyboard) and weighing 800g, it's light for a laptop, but slightly weightly compared to most tablets. It's too heavy to comfortably use handheld for more than a few minutes at a time, but it's not going to weigh you down at all when slung in a bag and taken out and about.

The keyboard cover is now stiffer than before. Although this comes at the expense of added thickness and weight (which takes the combined weight to 1.1kg), it means it's now actually possible to use the Surface Pro 4 on your lap in most circumstances - a feat that couldn't be said for previous models. There are still caveats though - the bigger your lap, then the more stable the Surface will be. Stability will also still be compromised if you cross your legs, although it's less of a problem that it was with previous Surface Pros.

Screen, Stylus and Extra Features

The 12.3in screen is very bright, almost painfully so, with great colour accuracy and contrast. It also has a high resolution of 2736x1824 pixels, although that's sometimes as much of a hindrance as it is a benefit. Although the benefits of a high resolution screen are obvious, some Windows programs still haven't been updated to take advantage of all those pixels, so fuzzy, pixellated graphics or unreadably small text are still recurring problems, albeit not quite as common compared to just a year ago.

The high resolution, and the sheer size of the screen, are both essential for using graphics apps and the included stylus though. Drawing, painting, sketching and note taking would be trickier and more fiddly on anything less. Although the Surface Pen, as Microsoft calls its stylus, isn't quite as precise and lag-free as the optional Apple Pencil for the iPad Pro, it's still very good. It has a grippy texture, and a flat side so it doesn't roll away when placed on a tablet. We especially like the ability to magnetically dock the stylus to the side of the tablet, making it less likely you'll lose or misplace it.

We like the eraser at the opposite end of the pen, as well as the ability to quickly double press it to launch Microsoft OneNote. The only disappointment here is the inability to customise this shortcut, so you can quickly launch the note taking program of your choice instead of OneNote.

Windows 10 has other stylus-oriented features, such as the ability to annotate web pages in Microsoft's Edge web browser. More stylus-specific features will arrive in a forthcoming Windows 10 update. These include a central launchpad in Windows for stylus-enabled apps, an updated virtual sticky notes app that will recognise handwritten dates and times as well as tools such as an onscreen ruler. Third-party app developers should easily be able to add the latter into their apps. If so, all these improvements should further improve the utility of the stylus.

The stylus is powered by a single AAA battery. Surprisingly though, there's no way to check the battery life of the stylus so there's a possibility you could get left high and dry unless you keep a spare AAA to hand. It's baffling that Microsoft hasn't included a stylus battery life indicator widget in Window's system tray.

It has plenty of flexibility when it comes to hardware peripherals as it has a full-size USB 3.0 port, a micro SD slot and a Mini DisplayPort. One of the Surface Pro 4's best features was, surprisingly, its Intel RealSense forward facing camera. It worked perfectly with Windows Hello in Windows 10. Once set up, a quick glance at the camera was enough for Hello to recognise our face and unlock the Surface Pro. It was quick, accurate and not fooled by a simple photo of the registered face.

Battery Life and Performance

Battery life, while okay, was a little disappointing given that the Surface Pro 4 uses Intel's Skylake processors which are supposed to be even more power efficient than its energy sipping predecessors. It lasted just over seven and a half hours when browsing the web and playing music while connected to a 802.11n router. When playing H.264 video on a loop, it lasted just over eight and a half hours. While these scores aren't bad, other tablets and laptops can last much longer.

This is a shame, especially as our review sample was easily fast enough to replace most laptops and desktops for all but the most demanding workstation-level tasks. Our unit came equipped with 8GB of memory, a 256GB SSD and a 2.4GHz Core i5 6300U dual core processor.

The Surface Pro 4 has a fan, but it never became loud enough to be intrusive unless we really pushed it with something demanding such as our video editing test. Even then, it wasn't as flawed as some other Windows tablets which not only have loud fans but pump out uncomfortable amounts of fan through their cooling events.

This configuration comes at a high price of 1,079 inc VAT though (and remember, that price includes the stylus but not a keyboard cover). Although there are cheaper versions available, we'd currently recommend against them. There's a 849 model which retains the Core i5 but has only half the RAM and storage space, shortening its useful life span. There's an even cheaper 749 configuration based around the Core m3 processor, but performance is a distinct let-down.

Verdict

Although Microsoft's marketing would have you think otherwise, making a laptop-tablet hybrid is all about compromises - choosing and refining those features considered most important. Microsoft's basic design philosophy hasn't changed since the very first Surface Pro. What has is the quality of their materials, production processes and components allowing the Surface Pro 4 to be thinner, more stable and more comfortable to use than any of its predecessors. It's far more usable as a laptop thanks to its improved keyboard cover and, if peripheral flexibility is more important than weight, it's not a bad tablet either thanks to its ports and Windows 10.

It's still not perfect though, as you have to live with certain trade-offs. It's still not as effortlessly usable on a lap as a proper laptop, while its weight and continued paucity of touchscreen apps continue to hold it back as a tablet. Its battery life is also somewhat disappointing. We also noticed a few bugs in the driver for the Intel integrated graphics chip which caused the screen to go blank even while programs were actively running the only way to get around this was to plug in a second monitor temporarily.

The Surface Pro 4 is by no means a bad computer; it's merely a niche one and if you can live with its slightly odd, niche mix of design choices then it's a good computer.

This review was originally published on 26/11/2015 and has since been updated, most recently on 15/12/2017.

Verdict

The best Surface Pro yet, but it’s still not for everyone

Display: 12.3in 2736 x 1824 touchscreen

OS: Windows 10

Processor: 2.4GHz Core i5 6300U dual core processor

GPU: Intel HD 520

Memory: 8GB DDR3

Storage: 256GB SSD

Connectivity: Bluetooth 4 LE, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Ports: 1x USB 3, 1x Mini DisplayPort, 1 x combined audio, 1x micro SD

Dimensions: 201x292x8.5 mm (HxWxD without keyboard cover)

Weight: 800g (1.1kg with keyboard cover)

The Dell XPS 13 may have been on sale for a year now, but that doesn't mean it's yesterday's news. This laptop can still give its competitors including the MacBook a run for their money and with a rumoured Intel "Coffee Lake" chip upgrade coming next year, it's still well worth considering this sleek device as your next computer.

Design

In reality, very little has changed from its previous model, although this is by no means a bad thing. On the outside the two iterations are almost identical, both featuring an aluminium chassis, a lid that tapers to an edge measuring just 9mm, two USB 3 ports, and one Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C port. The only visible difference is that the newest model is available in a rose gold finish, as well as gunmetal grey.

Side by side it is difficult to discern any changes - so why the reboot? Well, the biggest improvements can be found under the hood.

Performance and battery life

While very little has changed on the surface, the real upgrades can be found on the inside. Dell has fitted the latest model with a seventh-generation Intel Core i7-7500U 2.7GHz processor, a much-needed boost over the sixth gen chip in the 2015 model. In our 4K benchmark tests, the quad-core Kaby Lake scored 50, a 9% performance increase over its predecessor. It's possible that this performance is about to get a further bump as well. The Dell XPS 13 is expected to be updated with Intel's latest Coffee Lake processor range in 2018. As for when this is likely to happen, it's hard to say. CES in early January seems an obvious choice, but Dell could wait until all the hubbub from the event has died down in order to make a bigger splash with its own announcement.

Though only a modest improvement, results were most likely bottlenecked by the 8GB RAM included in this model - there is a 16GB version, which would probably see more impressive numbers. Still, the upgraded processor will be welcome to those who find their older model begins to buckle under the strain of too many programs you'll find none of that this time round.

Sadly, there is a trade-off for that extra power, mainly a hit to the average at best battery. The XPS 13 managed to last just 7 hours 46 minutes in benchmark tests, a fairly disappointing lifespan compared to the 11 hours 30 minutes of the previous model. While this is enough to last a working day, especially if you're able to occasionally top it up, it's clear the device has issues with power efficiency. If you're a user that has come to rely on that impressive 2015 battery, upgrading could cause some issues.

Display

The screen is built using that familiar ultra-thin 'Infinity Edge' bezel that cuts away a lot of the excess border, a result that is undeniably gorgeous. It also frames a 13.3in, 1,920 x 1,800 display that features superb image and colour accuracies. As it covers 92% of the sRGB gamut, colours are wonderfully intense, while the contrast ratio of 1,109:1 ensures deep rich blacks and strong detail.

There is also an optional touchscreen available, which can come in handy in some instances, such as swiping between browser tabs. Although it's only 30 more, it adds 90g to its weight - ultimately an unnecessary luxury for most.

Dell has once again decided to place the webcam to the lower left of the display, rather than the standard centre top. It's a puzzling decision and an unwelcome hangover that makes finding a flattering angle for video chats needlessly difficult.

Keyboard and touchpad

The design of the keyboard on the XPS 13 is virtually identical to that of the 2015 model and for good reason it had already struck gold. Once again, the keys are well spaced out and provide a good amount of feedback with each keystroke. The keyboard is also backlit, a nice feature even if it is largely standard for this price range.

The touchpad is also a decent size, despite the device's slim frame, with enough room to comfortably perform gestures, making it a compelling alternative to a mouse. Our only gripe is that it tends to attract greasy fingerprints, but in the grand scheme of things this is a minor issue.

It is always reassuring to see an ultrabook designed with comfort in mind, particularly given the increased usage a busy work schedule will bring, and the XPS 13 does not disappoint. Dell has fitted the keyboard with a velvety smooth, carbon-fibre surround that makes typing a genuine pleasure a welcome change from the cold metal surfaces of many other devices in this price range.

Verdict

With the new and improved XPS 13, Dell has once again delivered one of the best Windows ultraportables on the market. Fans of the previous model will once again fall in love with Dell's 2016 offering, with all the comfort and style of last year's version combined with added performance.

It's certainly not the thinnest or lightest device on the market, but the ultra-thin bezel means that the footprint is much smaller than on other 13in laptops, making it vastly more portable than many of its rivals. Combined with the excellent display and sleek style, you'll be hard pressed to find a similar package in this price range.

If you already own the 2015 XPS 13, there are few improvements here to justify forking out on the upgrade, but for those looking for the best portable Windows experience, the latest Dell XPS 13 is a no brainer.

This review was originally published on 20 April 2017

Verdict

An improvement on the already fantastic MacBook alternative, this is one of the best portable Windows 10 experiences available.

Microsoft has released the new Surface Book 2 in the UK today but IT Pro managed to get a peek at it two weeks ago at Microsoft's Future Decoded conference in London. We looked at Microsoft's latest addition to its hybrid laptop range to see if the company could improve on its winning design we saw in the last Surface Book. With this in mind, don't expect too much to be different between the first and second-generation Surface Book.

To attract users to the Surface Book 2, Microsoft has played on a strength widely associated with the Surface range; customer choice. It's not only received a hardware upgrade but it's also available as a 13in and 15in model. Microsoft thinks this will delight customers who are looking for something light and easy to carry as well as those who prefer having a bigger screen to work with at a desk.

The Surface Book 2 fits snugly into Microsoft's wider strategy of manufacturing premium devices that cater for every type of user. Microsoft admits that the strangely-positioned Surface Laptop received a mixed response but thinks its newer sibling will appeal as a more powerful alternative to the Surface Pro.

The most obvious change with the Surface Book 2 is the choice of sizes. The 13in version has near identical dimensions to the previous generation, while the new 15in model offers a larger screen to work with. However, other than the larger size, the screens have more or less been left untouched. Interestingly the contrast ratio has been knocked down a touch to 1600:1, but this is unlikely to make much of a difference.

In fact, very little has changed on the exterior, and if you're a Surface Book owner, you'll struggle to find many differences. The keyboard keys still sit flush with its base, rather than having an indented outline, which gives it a gorgeous effect of being one solid chunk of matte aluminium. The typing experience is just as pleasant and accurate as it is on the first generation, and, true to Microsoft form, the touchpad is superb.

The fulcrum hinge, which has become arguably its most recognisable feature, makes a return, although Microsoft confirmed it had been reinforced on the 15in model to support the extra weight. Unfortunately, you're still required to let the device know when you plan to detach the screen from its keyboard, otherwise you risk forcing some incompatible apps into an error state. It's a niggling problem that will remain jarring for those used to the fluid transition between tablet and laptop found on the Surface Pro.

Interestingly, Microsoft appears to have buckled under the weight of demands for USB-C, which now replaces the mini DisplayPort of the Surface Book. Microsoft has typically been reluctant to embrace USB-C, and according to Microsoft's marketing team, this will remain a policy until the technology sees greater regulation. It's a confusing message given that USB-C was missing from the recently launched 5th-gen Surface Pro, and it's likely Microsoft is simply testing the waters.

It's also important to note that the Surface Book 2's USB-C ports use the plain old USB 3.1 connection standard, rather than Thunderbolt 3. This means that they can't be used to connect an external monitor and the data transfer rate is capped at 5Gbps, although it can be used to charge the laptop.

It's biggest problem remains its weight. At just over 1.5kg in its laptop form, it's fractionally heavier than its predecessor and therefore still a little uncomfortable to carry around. The good news is that the tablet screen is incredibly light, which is understandable given that most of the battery capacity, and its dedicated Nvidia GPU, are located in the keyboard.

Its processor, on the other hand, is built into the screen. The top end configuration uses an 8th-gen Intel quad-core i7-8650U, which makes it one of the most powerful devices of its form factor on the market.

What was slightly concerning was the reported battery life for the Surface Book 2 in tablet form. The majority of the battery capacity has been built into the keyboard, along with the dedicated Nvidia GPU, which means you get a reported 17 hours of battery life. However, once detached, Microsoft estimates you'll get just 5 hours of video playback. Admittedly this is still almost double the performance of its predecessor's tablet form, but it's still a little disappointing.

Alongside the Surface Book 2, Microsoft is also releasing a new mouse - and this thing is truly gorgeous. Unlike the angled shape that inspired the Surface Pro mouse, Microsoft has opted for a familiar ergonomic design that's proved incredibly popular among gaming companies. This shape, along with a wonderfully smooth surface texture, means it sits beautifully in the hand - it's by far the best mouse to come out of Redmond in recent years. It also features multiple function buttons and the nifty ability to sync with up to three devices, meaning you can swap between screens without having to screen-share.

Microsoft are selling four different version of the device, which change depending on which processor, internal memory and RAM you prefer. The Surface Book 2 starts at 1249 (all prices exc. VAT) and nets you 256GB of memory, an i5 Intel Core and 8GB of RAM. Adding an i7 processor will put you back to 1665.

If you want 512GB of memory and 16GB RAM it's going to be 2082.50 or 2499 if you want 1TB of memory. Both of these options come with the i7 processor.

If first impressions are correct, this is arguably Microsoft's finest Surface device. It builds on everything that made the original Surface Book a stellar machine, but creates added choice for users who want a slightly larger display. We will of course need to put the device through rigorous benchmarking before we can make a full assessment, but if Microsoft's claims are correct, you're getting 17 hours of battery life from a seriously powerful machine.

Microsoft is on a roll with its hardware, and the Surface Book 2 looks set to continue that. There's simply very little on the market that can come close to the mobility, power, and functionality that the Surface Book promises to provide.

Images: Roland Moore-Colyer

Chromebooks have a reputation as being cheap and cheerful - inexpensive, plasticky things that make up for the fact that they're hobbled in terms of power and flexibility by being highly affordable. But the Google Pixelbook threatens to shatter this reputation once and for all.

The company's previous flagship - the Chromebook Pixel - already showed us that Chromebooks could be expensive, desirable and capable all at once, but the Pixelbook ups the ante. Sleek, stylish and brimming with power and potential, the Pixelbook is Google's attempt to prove that Chromebooks are here to stay.

Google Pixelbook review: Design

There's no denying that the Google PixelBook is an incredibly snazzy-looking machine. Its matte-finished anodised aluminium chassis is razor-thin, with a sterile, almost antiseptic design that wouldn't look out of place on board some kind of utopian science fiction starship.

This is complemented by a white glass panel inlaid into the lid, with the touchpad and rubber wrist-rests creating a corresponding white strip on the base, and a similar rubber strip on the underside. This creates a unique, distinctive look that sets it apart from every other notebook and ties in with the aesthetics of Google's Pixel phones, but there's practical reasons behind it, too.

The rubber on the underside gives it improved traction so it won't slip on the desk, while the wrist-rests perform the same function when the laptop is flipped over into tablet mode. The glass panel on the lid even helps to improve wireless connectivity, as with the Pixel range. Speaking of which, the hinge itself is lovely, with a smooth action but enough stability to firmly stand up without too much wobbling.

However, we do have a couple of concerns about the design. First of all, although the white rubber wrist-rests look lovely when you first take the Pixelbook out of the box, we're concerned about how clean it's likely to stay. White rubber in particular has a tendency to discolour with age, as well as being more susceptible to picking up stains, scratches and other blemishes.

There's also the fact that the glass panel is more vulnerable to cracking than a standard aluminium shell. It's made from Gorilla Glass, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue if you're careful with it, but it's still at greater risk than a metal unibody would be.

These are minor niggles, though; overall, the Pixelbook is an absolutely gorgeous machine. At 10.3mm thin, it's a sliver of a thing, and the 1.1kg weight means it's eminently portable - perfect for slinging in a bag and taking to meetings.

Google Pixelbook review: Display

This compactness also applies to the display. The screen measures 12.3in across the diagonal, which is comparatively petite for a laptop; they tend to start at around 13in. It's closer in size to hybrid tablets like the iPad Pro or Surface Pro, and it shares the latter's 3:2 aspect ratio. As a result, there isn't quite enough screen real-estate to effectively use multiple on-screen windows at the same time, despite the fact that window snapping is an option.

On the other hand, this smaller size works in its favour when you need to use it as a tablet. While larger hybrids can often feel unwieldy, the Pixelbook is very comfortable to use clipboard-style for reading, sketching or making notes. Similarly, the large bezels - which we'd usually mark a premium laptop down for - are (with the exception of the enormous bottom bezel) necessary for allowing you to hold it as a tablet without accidentally pressing stuff on-screen. It's a touch too heavy to use as a handheld tablet for extended periods, but then we've yet to see a convertible that isn't.

The screen's quality is excellent, too. The 2400 x 1600 Quad HD panel is sharp and detailed, with excellent contrast and a very good maximum brightness of 462cd/m2. Colour accuracy is generally good, and the Pixelbook covered just under 95% of the sRGB colour space. The only hiccup is a problem with blues and purples tending to be oversaturated, but it's not especially noticeable in everyday use.

Google Pixelbook review: Keyboard and trackpad

If the Pixelbook has one crowning glory, it's the keyboard. Like the Surface Pro and MacBook Pro, Google has opted to give the Pixelbook a keyboard with minimal travel distance - less than 1mm, in fact - and sharp, responsive feedback. Typing is easy and fluid, and each keystroke feels deliberate and precise.

The keys are ever-so-slightly textured, and feel lovely to use. It's full of neat little touches, too, such as backlighting that only activates in dim conditions and function keys for opening the app drawer and invoking the Google Assistant.

The trackpad is similarly excellent - a smooth white glass slab, with superb sensitivity and firm, satisfying feedback from clicks. As mentioned above, it's flanked by two white rubber wrist-rests which, despite our concerns about their long-term cleanliness, provide a much more comfortable surface when typing than the traditional aluminium chassis. It's a lovely setup, and equal to the top-class examples offered by the likes of Microsoft.

Google Pixelbook review: Performance and hardware

Talking about a Chromebook's hardware is always a slightly tricky prospect. They generally tend to use lower-powered processors like Intel's Celeron or Pentium chips, but they also have much, much lower requirements than Windows laptops due to the lightweight nature of ChromeOS and the fact that web apps don't rely on local processing power. This means they can generally get by on a lot less, but performance compared to Windows machines is still commonly an issue.

Google has addressed this by fitting the Pixelbook with more powerful Intel processors. There's a Core i5 version with 8GB of RAM, available with a 128GB or 256GB SSD, and a forthcoming Core i7 version with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD. The i5 version that we tested uses one of Intel's seventh-generation Y-series processors - lower-powered dual-core CPUs designed for thin, fanless machines.

This can often result in slower performance than laptops that use 'fully-fledged' chips, but the Core i5-7Y57 chip used in the Pixelbook is clocked at a blazing 3.3GHz, which is considerably faster than most other laptops, let alone Chromebooks.

As a result, it was able to capably hold its own in our benchmarks, with comparable scores to HP's excellent EliteBook X360 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop. This notebook more than any other blows apart the myth that Chromebooks are universally underpowered. Laptop snobs may be surprised to hear this, but when it comes to performance, the Pixelbook is every bit the equal of high-end Windows laptops.

The only caveat here is that we experienced a couple of unexpected crashes and freezes while using the Pixelbook. Luckily, it boots so fast that we were up and running again within seconds.

Google Pixelbook review: Battery life

Performance is nothing without longevity though, and battery life is a key concern for ultraportables like the Pixelbook. Thankfully, this is another area in which the Pixelbook acquits itself admirably.

We measured a battery life of 8hrs 25mins in our benchmark tests, which is certainly respectable. It's lagging behind the Surface Pro by more than three hours and it's not quite hitting the 10-hour mark than many premium ultrabooks are capable of achieving, but it's enough to see you through a working day.

Even if you do find yourself running out of charge unexpectedly, Google has you covered. The Pixelbook offers fast-charging via the included USB-C charger - with 'fast' being the operative word. From empty, the Pixelbook took just over an hour to fully charge. An hour! That's an absolutely astonishing rate that we've yet to see any other device match.

Tiresomely though, issues crop up yet again here. The fanless design means that if you put the Pixelbook under extreme load, the area directly above the keyboard can get extremely hot. We registered a blistering maximum temperature of 48 degrees celsius, which is slightly concerning - although we should point out that while it often felt warm to the touch, it wasn't usually running at this extreme temperature.

Google Pixelbook review: Software

Many people - particularly techies and IT professionals - tend to turn their noses up at Chromebooks on the basis that they're severely lacking in functionality versus their Windows counterparts. At the root of this prejudice is the belief that Chromebooks need a constant internet connection to be able to do anything, but that's simply no longer true.

If you're using G-Suite apps like Google Docs or Sheets, you can also do all your normal work while offline, just as you would while connected. Documents stored in your Google Drive are accessible offline, and you can open up the relevant app and start working on something even without a connection. Any changes you make will be saved locally and then applied to the version stored on Google's servers once you're reconnected.

Unfortunately, Chrome OS is still hamstrung by certain limitations. Performing basic tasks is fine, but if you try and treat it like a normal laptop, you'll find yourself bumping up against a myriad of minor frustrations, like the fact that local file management is still a monumental headache compared to Windows or MacOS.

Another one of ChromeOS's drawbacks has historically been the fact that it's largely limited to web apps, but the Pixelbook goes a long way towards fixing this by giving users access to the Google Play Store's robust catalogue of Android apps. This removes a huge amount of the limitations of Google's desktop OS, but again, it's not without compromise.

First and foremost is the fact that you just won't be able to run some software, such as niche business applications or proper media editing tools. Yes, you can run app-based versions of tools like Adobe Lightroom, but you're just not going to get the same experience as the fully-fledged desktop versions.

As with Samsung DeX, many apps have been optimised to run on larger screens as well as smartphones, but most are just standard phone apps that expand to fill the screen. These can be expanded, but this just results in the default user interface being uncomfortably stretched out to cover a larger aspect ratio, which makes most apps look absolutely horrible.

Running apps as smartphone-sized windows isn't particularly onerous, however. In fact, we found that tiling multiple Android apps on an external monitor was a better way to keep an eye on things like Twitter feeds, calendar schedules and email inboxes than having them open in separate browser tabs.

Scaling issues aside, the addition of Android apps removes the last major issue that Chromebooks had. If there's anything that you absolutely need the Pixelbook to be able to do offline, aside from a few exceptions you'll be able to find an app to accomplish that task.

Google Pixelbook review: Google Assistant and Pixelbook Pen

Unsurprisingly, Google has also loaded the Pixelbook with features that take advantage of the company's machine learning chops. In this case, it takes the form of the Google Assistant, the AI helper that sits at the heart of the Pixel phones.

The Assistant is baked into the Pixelbook from the ground up; it can be summoned with a dedicated key on the keyboard (occupying the slot where the Windows or Option key would be on another device), by saying the 'OK Google' wake-word, or with the brand new Pixelbook Pen - which we'll talk more about shortly.

Once you get into the habit of using it, the Assistant is actually surprisingly useful. For starters, it makes it much easier to access the staggering power of Google's search algorithm. Not only that, but it also allows you to do all the stuff that the Assistant can do on phones, such as interacting with your apps and smarthome tech. If you can't get over the awkwardness of asking your computer questions out loud, you can also type your queries out - but that's not nearly as quick or as cool.

An alternative way of invoking the Assistant is via the Pixelbook Pen. Hold down the button on the side of the stylus and highlight an object, such as an image or a piece of text. The Assistant will then use object recognition and other fancy machine learning technologies to determine what it is you've selected and provide contextual search results about it, including links to any recent news stories, relevant videos, definitions and factoids.

The pen itself is nice - a smooth, uniform cylinder sporting the same two-tone white and matte-silver colour scheme as the Pixelbook itself. Writing is smooth and fluid, although it doesn't feel as natural as either the Surface Pen or the Apple Pencil. Still, it's fine for sketching and note-taking, which is likely to be more of a concern for most users than hardcore graphic design or art.

The biggest downside to the Pixelbook Pen is that it's 99. Admittedly, that's no more than Apple is charging for its stylus, but it was daylight robbery when Apple introduced it, and it's daylight robbery here as well. I don't care how nice it is; charging almost 100 for a stylus is borderline criminal.

Google Pixelbook review: Ports and features

Moving onto ports, Google has followed in Apple's footsteps and fitted the Pixelbook with one USB-C port on each side of the device for display, power and data transfer. As with the MacBook, couple of extra USB-C ports would have been appreciated, but it's hard to complain about the lack of traditional USB ports or display connectors. The Pixelbook is just too thin to accommodate anything larger than USB-C.

One odd bug that we noticed was that if you shut the Pixelbook, it loses any active Bluetooth connections. If you're listening to music with wireless headphones, whatever you're listening to will start blaring out of the laptop's speakers - an unfortunate issue that we discovered the hard way, and one that's likely to be annoying for anyone that uses Bluetooth headphones in a busy office. We found Bluetooth connectivity to be patchy in general.

Another weird quirk that affects business users is that depending on your organisation's corporate policies for Google accounts, certain flagship features may not be enabled. When we signed in with our work account, we found that the Google Assistant and the Google Play Store were both unavailable. When we signed in with our personal Google account, they were both ready and waiting for us.

Google Pixelbook review: Verdict

The Google Pixelbook is a truly spectacular machine. The whisper-thin and gorgeous-looking chassis hides an excellent screen, with a processor that offers surprisingly impressive performance for a Chromebook. If you've been looking for a device that proves Chromebooks are ready for the big time, well, this is it.

Unfortunately, it's also undercut by a myriad of smaller issues, from frustrations with ChromeOS's file management capabilities to issues with occasional crashes and bugs. These problems are infuriating - not because they make the Pixelbook unpleasant to use, but because they're the few blemishes that mar an otherwise perfect user experience.

There's also the matter of price; at £999 after tax, the Pixelbook is an expensive machine, up there with the MacBook Pro and Surface Pro. We think that its design, performance and features justify this price tag, but we wouldn't blame anyone for taking their money and spending it on a MacBook instead.

Even with all this in mind though, the Pixelbook is still an incredibly attractive machine. It's the nicest-looking laptop we've seen for some time, and it's got the hardware to back it up. Cap that off with Android app compatibility and some smart AI tech and you've got a very nice package indeed. As a showcase of the best Google has to offer, this laptop delivers the goods - and if it sparks a Chromebook renaissance, then so much the better.

Google Pixelbook specifications

Raspberry Pi wants to get more students interested in coding by granting them access to manipulate and customise the internal workings of the company's Pi-top, a laptop powered by the now iconic micro computer.

With a sliding keyboard that exposes a tray underneath which houses a variety of different parts such as the Raspberry Pi, a cooling device, and a modular track into which other add ons can be plugged in, the new Pi-top laptop hopes to educate students about computing in a interesting, entertaining, and inspiring way.

"When you go into an English literature class they give you Shakespeare. When you go into a history class, you get the top-40 hits of everything that's happened over the last thousand years, it's incredibly interesting. Then you go into computer science, and if you're lucky you'll change some colors on a screen using Javascript, or you'll print Hello world' and frankly it's not up to par with the other subjects." says Pi-top CEO Jesse Lozano as reported by TechRadar.

This new laptop wants to do more than just show students technological skills. Its purpose is to show them why they might want and need these skills.

Also included with the Pi-top is an Inventor's Kit which contains an add-on board, LED lights, motion sensors, and a microphone which can be added to the tray beneath the keyboard. The kit also includes different coding activities like Smart Robot, Music Maker, and Space Race, which are designed to help learn about and use code simultaneously.

"You can watch someone swimming on YouTube all you want, if you jump into a lake, you won't know how to swim." Lozano said.

The Pi-top is currently available and costs $284.99 (around 214) without the Pi and $319 (239) with the Pi included.

Given Microsoft's firm hold on the 2-in-1 market, it's unsurprising that we're starting to see a lot of copycat design. Asus' Transformer Pro T304 is one device that pulls this off flawlessly, and you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between the two from a distance. Of course, to knock the crown from Microsoft's head, you'll need to do more than simply look like the market leader to win over customers.

The Transformer Pro is one of those more brazen examples of a device attempting to undercut its rival. It not only looks and feels like Microsoft's device, it offers the sort of internal hardware you'd expect to find on a top-end Surface Pro, at a bottom-end price. Not only that, you're also getting a keyboard and stylus thrown in with the price.

On paper the Transformer Pro is an absolute bargain, with the potential to be a genuine 2-in-1 alternative. It's just a shame its hardware doesn't quite deliver.

Design & connectivity

The Asus Transformer Pro T304 follows all the same design principles enshrined by Microsoft Surface Pro range. It features the same style of kickstand that appears hidden when flush with the screen, the same elevated keyboard that folds over with a magnetic strip, and the same squared edges that make it feel more akin to a laptop than a tablet.

Yet that's by no means a bad thing. Let's face it, the Surface Pro is a refined device, and changing up any aspect of the design formula is risky unless you've got something compelling to replace it with. Of course, the upshot of that is the Transformer Pro, despite the Asus branding, is strikingly similar to Microsoft's 2-in-1, and if you don't like the Surface Pro, there's very little here for you.

That said, Asus' version is not quite a full fledged clone. One notable difference is the range of ports available, as the Transformer offers both a USB 3.0 and a USB Type C port, as well as a microSD slot and a full sized HDMI port. It also includes an integrated fingerprint scanner built into the power button, meaning you can unlock the device and sign in at the same time using Windows Hello. Our only wish is that it opted for a second USB C port rather than a dedicated power slot - a missed opportunity to provide just a tad more utility.

The kickstand, although it borrows heavily from Microsoft's range, the build quality is not of the same standard. It's 155 degree mechanical hinge lacks enough resistance at certain angles, meaning the weight of the display will push the stand outwards until it reaches a point where it can support it. It's an annoying oversight and is a far cry from the super smooth stand of the Surface Pro.

It's also slightly thicker and heavier than the Surface Pro, but the difference is so marginal that it doesn't hamper portability, and can be easily carried around or thrown in a bag.

Keyboard & trackpad & stylus

Just in case the price wasn't attractive enough, Asus decided to throw in a keyboard and stylus, a tactic that only Microsoft seems averse to.

The truly great thing is that the keyboard is excellent. It features nicely spaced keys with decent travel time and enough feedback to make typing an absolute breeze, although not quite as refined as the Surface Type Cover. Some keys are a little smaller than we'd like, such as the left shift button, which tend to slow down touch typing, but ultimately these are little niggles on an otherwise strong keyboard.

The Transformer Pro supports two versions of its keyboard, the first being a metal board coated in matching silver, and the one we reviewed. That metal finish provides a sturdy surface from which to type, however I found it tended to absorb heat fairly easily and made my palms uncomfortably warm. Another more immediate annoyance is the lack of backlighting on this version, which should really be a staple of any keyboard in this price range. If that's a deal breaker for you, you can opt for a non-metallic board with backlit keys.

The trackpad is also great, and its glass coated surface means there's none of that sticky resistance you sometimes get on other pads. Windows' multi-touch gestures work perfectly, and the left and right buttons have a satisfying click to them.

Asus' bundled aluminium stylus works well enough for basic writing tasks, although like the Acer Switch 5's offering, it's missing a lot of the headline features of rivals, such as shading or tilt-detection. It also features a fairly average pressure sensitivity of 1,024, which pales in comparison to the 4,096 level of Microsoft's Surface Pen and Samsung's S Pen.

Display

The Transformer Pro features a 12.6in QHD screen, which makes it slightly larger than the 12.3in that has become an unofficial standard. However, at 2160 x 1440p, it's a lower resolution than the Surface's 2736 x 1824, meaning the screen can't quite keep up in terms of quality. It's also disappointingly dull, with a maximum brightness of 260 cd/m2, making it a difficult device to use outdoors or in an especially well lit office. Colour reproduction was also disappointingly low at just 85.6%, no match for the Surface Pro's 95%.

You're able to improve the performance somewhat through Asus' Splendid Technology tool, which lets you switch between colour profiles, or use manual adjustment to tweak the screen to your liking. There's also Asus' Tru2Life app that promises to boost the vibrancy and clarity of colours in videos, although the effects are a tad underwhelming.

Overall, it's a perfectly good display for everyday use. It's QHD screen make images and videos appear sharp on the screen, and colours look decent enough. Just don't expect Surface Pro levels of quality here.

Hardware & performance

Our review model came with a Core i7 processor clocked at 2.7GHz, supported by 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. That's some serious hardware for a 1,300 machine. To get a Surface Pro of a similar spec (albeit with a more powerful processor), expect to pay at least 2,149, and that's before adding on the price of a keyboard and stylus. There's also an i5 model available with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD for 200 less.

Unfortunately the Transformer Pro struggled to deliver in our benchmark tests, scoring just 39 overall. That's around the same performance mark as the Surface Pro 4, but no where near the monster output of Microsoft's newest Surface Pro model (102).

In reality, the Transformer Pro T304 will serve nicely as a day to day workhorse. It may lack the power of similarly specced 2-in-1s, but it's more than capable of handling most work tasks with ease, and that 16GB of RAM is able to support more browser tabs and open applications than you'd ever use.

The biggest issue is its battery life, which lasted just 5 hours 40 minutes in our benchmark tests. It sits slightly behind most of its competitively priced rivals, such as the Acer Switch 5, but far behind the 11 hours 33 minutes achieved by the Surface Pro. In fact, that meagre battery life means all the multi-tasking potential is lost if you're working without a charger. It also means you're unlikely to get a full day's work out of the Transformer Pro, and the need to keep a charger nearby may be a deal breaker for some.

Verdict

On paper, the Transformer Pro T304 is every bit the Surface Pro killer we've been promised by similar devices trying to steal Microsoft's 2-in-1 crown. It's a similar design, with like for like specs, at a price point that significantly undercuts its rival.

However, in reality the much cheaper Transformer Pro buckles when held up to the same standard. Its i7 processor is far behind the power of the latest high-end Surface Pro, battery life is short enough to be a concern, especially if you're away from the office, and its display is average at best.

Yet there's still some serious value here that can't be ignored. For just over 1,300, you're getting a Surface lookalike with a monster spec, and a keyboard and stylus thrown in. Bottom-end Surface Pros start at 1,050, once you factor in the keyboard and stylus, and the price goes up significantly if you want beefy internals.

It's unfortunate that it's let down by a woeful battery life and underwhelming performance, and you're likely going to get a better deal if you opt for something a little cheaper, such as the Acer Switch 5. However, if you're after the look and feel of a Surface Pro, but you can't quite stomach the high asking price, then this is one of the best clones on the market.

Verdict

On paper the Transformer Pro promises to undercut Microsoft's market leading Surface Pro with beefy specs and like-for-like design, but underwhelming performance and a woeful battery life scupper its chances at the crown.

Hybrid laptops have risen to become a popular fixture of the PC landscape, thanks in no small part to Microsoft's excellent Surface Pro range, which proved that 2-in-1s can be both portable and powerful.

You may be tempted to think that HP's Elite X2 1012 is just another Surface Pro knock-off, given the marked similarities between the two devices. Look under the surface, however, and you'll find a machine that's more than worthy of any business's time.

Design

The design of Microsoft's Surface Pro range has inspired many copycat devices over the past few years, and HP's Elite X2 1012 is quite clearly one of them. Like the Surface Pro, it has a detachable metal keyboard and a fold-out kickstand to turn it from a tablet to a laptop and back again.

Surface Pro clones don't always offer the same rewarding experience as Microsoft's original tablet, but thankfully one of the things that HP has borrowed from Microsoft is a sleek and professional design sensibility. It's built from aluminium with a matte finish, and shares the Surface Pro's attractive and streamlined look, with a casing that also promises sturdiness and reliability.

As with all of its enterprise-grade machines, HP has put those promises of build quality to the test. The Elite X2 has been put through a huge range of trials to ensure that it can withstand a creditable amount of punishment; the kickstand can be opened and shut ten thousand times, the keyboard has been rated for ten million keystrokes and the device itself has been drop-tested from a height of more than half a metre onto concrete.

At 820g heavy minus the keyboard, it's a touch bulkier than the most recent Surface Pro. However, it's still far from unwieldy, and it's absolutely no trouble to cart around for the duration of a working day. In fact, it's even a touch thinner, at 8.2mm.

The biggest aesthetic difference between the Elite X2 and the Surface Pro is that the X2 uses a cut-out frame for its kickstand, rather than the full plate version used by Microsoft. While this could be slightly more versatile than the Surface Pro, we'd worry that it doesn't offer the same stability and structural integrity as a full plate version, and that it'd break more easily.

HP does have an ace up its sleeve, though, and that's user upgradeability. Pop out a couple of screws and you can get at the internal hardware, allowing you to replace components like the RAM, storage and screen.

This is a real selling-point for businesses that will be issuing large numbers of devices; many manufacturers don't make it easy to access the internal workings of their hardware, and if you need to send a machine back to the manufacturer every time an individual component fails, that can quickly become expensive. It's much cheaper to have simple component changes done by your in-house IT team if your corporate devices support it.

Display

Unsurprisingly, the Elite X2's 12.3in screen is another high point; HP generally has a good reputation with regards to its display technology, and that reputation is upheld here. The colour accuracy was very good indeed, covering a whopping 91.5% of the sRGB colour spectrum, and the maximum brightness of 388cd/m2 and 2736 x 1824 display resolution are similarly hard to fault. It's made from Gorilla Glass 4 too, so you can be confident that it won't shatter easily.

If there's one fault with the screen, it's that it doesn't feature any form of matte anti-glare coating. This feature has been cropping up on more and more laptops, and it makes working under tricky lighting conditions much more manageable. However, given that we've yet to see an anti-glare coating combined with Corning's excellent Gorilla Glass, we're happy to make a minor compromise on convenience for the sake of strength and stability.

Keyboard

You'd be forgiven for thinking that HP would struggle to match up to the exceptionally high standards set by Microsoft's TypeCover keyboards, but you'd be wrong. The Elite X2's folio keyboard is an absolute delight to use. it's effectively the same keyboard that we saw in HP's Elitebook Folio 1020, and it's no less impressive here. The aluminium keyboard frame ensures that the keyboard is solid and stable while you're typing, with the added benefit that it adds an air of sophisticated professionalism that Microsoft's colourful keyboards sometimes lack.

The actual typing action is lovely too, offering crisp, defined feedback and an impressive travel depth, considering the relative slimness of the keyboard. Rattling off long passages of text using the X2's keyboard is an absolute breeze, and although we very slightly prefer the Surface Pro's keyboard, there really isn't that much in it.

It uses magnetic detachment, as is pretty much standard for this type of hybrid, and slots home with a satisfying thunk. The trackpad is nice too. It's not quite as large as we would have liked, but it's smooth, fluid and supports multitouch gestures.

In addition to the usual input methods, the X2 also supports HP's Active Pen. It's not quite as polished an experience as rival styluses like Microsoft's Surface Pen or the Apple Pencil, but writing with it feels fluid and natural enough to cope with basic drawing or note-taking, if not detailed artistic tasks.

Performance and battery life

Gone are the days when having a hybrid device meant compromising on performance. Although Intel still produces lower-powered chips designed for 2-in-1s and other highly mobile devices, they're no longer hobbled, substandard chips in the vein of the old Core M processors - the company's U-series processors can absolutely hold their own.

For proof of this, look no further than the Elite X2, which carries an Intel Core i7-7600U and knows how to use it. Coupled with 16GB of RAM, it racked up a score of 53 in our benchmark tests, which is speedy indeed, considering the similarly priced, and specced, Asus Transformer Pro 2-in-1 hit just 39.

While it's still lagging a little bit behind the Surface Pro, it's more than capable of keeping up with most other 2-in-1s and even some ultrabooks, and will happily handle intense workloads and multitasking without a hint of complaint.

Battery life is a less impressive story, unfortunately. In our tests, it managed just 6hrs 32mins, which isn't as lengthy as we'd like. In fact, it's probably not going to see you through a full working day unless you're judicious about limiting your power consumption. This is a shame, as it limits the versatility of an otherwise excellent hybrid.

Ports and features

As one of HP's business devices, the Elite X2 is more generous than most Surface Pro-type devices when it comes to ports. Along with a USB 3.0 port, there's a Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C port allowing it to be connected to a powered dock for data, power and display transfer. It also has a MicroSD card slot for expanding the storage beyond the capacity of the 512GB SSD and a SIM tray for adding 4G data connectivity.

There's a depth-sensing camera offering Windows Hello biometric login support, and the X2 also comes with Windows 10 Pro as standard, offering a range of enterprise management functions. HP has included several of its own business management tools as well, including third-generation Sure Start BIOS protection and the HP Manageability Integration Kit.

Verdict

The HP Elite X2 1012 is a sterling example of how to do a business hybrid right. It may take a substantial amount of inspiration from Microsoft's Surface Pro range, but HP hasn't fallen into the trap that many manufacturers fall into by only borrowing the design and forgetting about the impressive performance that makes the Pro line so beloved. On top of that, the company has also added some business-friendly features, such as a raft of management tools and the ability to upgrade parts, that will make IT admins and CIOs very happy indeed.

Granted, the X2 lags very slightly behind the Surface Pro in terms of its technical performance, but we're inclined to forgive that on the basis that the X2 is almost 400 cheaper than Microsoft's product. All in all, the HP Elite X2 1012 is a wonderful hybrid device, and makes an excellent addition to any businesses device portfolio.

Google's Pixel event is finally upon us, and if last year's showcase is anything to go by, the "Made by Google" hardware brand is likely to see some shiny new additions.

This time last year Google made its first foray into both smartphone and smart assistant markets, with the launch of the Pixel and the Google Home speaker. Although these headlined the show, we also saw the launch of its Daydream View headset, its answer to the virtual reality craze, and the launch of Google's mesh-Wifi, promising to end dead spots.

That drive into the hardware market is unlikely to slow down this year, and today's Google event is likely to showcase a host of new gadgets, as well as refinements to existing ones. However, the thing that has everyone talking is its next-generation smartphones - the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

Google has now shared a link to a livestream of the event, which is expected to begin at 9am PDT/ 5pm BST.

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

When the Pixel 2 is finally announced, there will be very little Google will be able to surprise us with. As is the case with pretty much every other major smartphone release, most of the Pixel 2 specs and details have already been leaked.

The smaller Pixel 2 is unlikely to see much in the way of major change, at least on the outside. In fact, most of the attention will be drawn to the Pixel 2 XL, which is rumoured to feature a curved QHD display, with a screen-to-body ratio similar to the iPhone X and the Galaxy S8, suggesting the XL is joining the super-slim bezel club.

Sources speaking to Android Authority suggest the smartphones will use Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB storage options. Although the single lens camera will make a return, it's likely to receive some serious software upgrades, including support for optical image stabilisation for both front and rear cameras.

Pricing is expected to start at $649 (around 599) for the 64GB model, with the XL starting at $849 (around 630).

For a full roundup of all the latest Pixel 2 rumours, head to our hub.

Pixelbook

It's been some time since Google made any moves with ChromeOS, and the platform was was noticeably absent from last year's Pixel event. Until now it appears the company was content with letting third-party manufacturers like Acer and HP dictate the future of the Chromebook, however Google is rumoured to be announcing its return with the Pixelbook - a tablet-Chromebook hybrid.

According to Droid Life, the Pixelbook will be a 2-in-1 Chromebook featuring an entirely revamped design to that of its predecessor, the Chromebook Pixel laptop. It's also rumoured that Google will be selling a stylus for the first time, dubbed the Pixelbook Pen, which will be bundled with the Pixelbook.

If the rumours are true, the Pixelbook will start at $1,199 (around 887), going up to $1,749 (around 1,294) depending on the specs you opt for. That puts it squarely in the same price bracket as Microsoft's Surface Pro range, arguably the king of 2-in-1 ultraportables. Reports also suggest it will be available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB variations, which if true would be a surprising deviation from the Chromebook standard that favours cloud-based storage over chunky hard drives.

Google Home Mini / Google Home Max

Having launched its first foray into the smart speaker market a year ago with the Google Home, Google appears to be ready to launch a miniaturised version of its system to rival the Echo Dot. Rumours suggest the Google Home Mini will cost around $49 (near 40), which will be a perfect choice for those that want access to Google's assistant, but don't necessarily need that larger speaker. Its arrival will also bring a host of new colours, while retaining that mesh look of its larger sibling.

Surprisingly, Google is also thinking big with its home speaker, and is reportedly getting ready to unveil yet another entry. The larger device, known as Google Home Max, seems to be Google's attempt to compete with Apple's upcoming HomePod, featuring a more premium design and better hardware, although specific details are scarce.

Daydream View

Although the virtual reality craze is beginning to tire, Google is also reportedly gearing up to launch its second attempt at its headset, known as Daydream View 2, almost exactly a year after its first.

Images secured by Droid-Life of the device show a number of subtle changes to its design, including the closing of the gap between the front flap and the headset that would tend to let in too much external light on the first model. It's also likely that Google has been tweaking the internals of the headset, but we'll have to wait until later today to see what changes have been made.

Early rumours pointed to a $99 (75) price point for the Daydream View 2, only $20 more than the first model.

Google Assistant headphones

One of the more contentious changes to the Pixel 2 will be the removal of the 3.5mm headphone port, meaning users will be reliant on USB Type-C headphones. However, 9to5Google managed to unearth some references to the Google Assistant while digging through Google App 7.10 beta files, suggesting Google is working on a wireless solution.

Much like Apple's AirPods, it would take the sting out of being forced to ditch widely available 3.5mm headphones, but let's hope the price is a little easier to stomach.

The 12in Galaxy Book is Samsung's larger 2-in-1 offering, placing itself in direct competition with Microsoft's Surface range. We gave Samsung's 10.6in version three out of five stars, with the majority of our complaints stemming from its smaller size. The 12in model addresses most of those issues, providing a much larger space to work on and a keyboard that is no longer too cramped to use.

However, the biggest issue is that Samsung is attempting to market this device against the Surface Pro, banking on the fact you get a keyboard and stylus bundled in. Ultimately, the 12in Galaxy Book's cheaper build quality and old-fashioned keyboard style make it feel a little overpriced.

Design & connectivity

Samsung's 12in Galaxy Book is essentially a larger, slightly thinner but slightly heavier version of its 10.6in model. Samsung has once again opted to use plastic for the body of the device, which is even harder to stomach on a machine with a starting price of 1,099. The good news is that it tries its hardest to look like aluminium, so it's certainly doesn't feel tacky or cheap.

In fact the Galaxy Book family is a gorgeous-looking device range, the 12in version being the finest yet. Along with having a larger screen than the 10.5in, it's also 1.5mm thinner while only 100g heavier. That bigger work surface makes it a little more cumbersome to hold in the hand, but ultimately it feels like a far more refined device than its smaller sibling.

Samsung has also sweetened the deal by adding two USB C slots to the 12in version, as opposed to just one on the 10.6in model. It's a particularly savvy move on the part of Samsung, given that Microsoft, its main rival in the 2-in-1 market, continues to eschew USB C on its Surface Pro range. Microsoft's argument is that most customers use the connection to charge their devices, something already covered by a magnetic connector on the Surface Pro. However, its networking, device connection and screen sharing capabilities are incredibly handy for business users, so it's great to have more than one on the Galaxy Book.

Unfortunately, that's all that's new with the 12in model. There's still a distinct lack of port options - no USB 3.0, HDMI or mini DisplayPort, connections that are still commonly used despite the rise of USB C.

Keyboard & trackpad

The 12in Galaxy Book comes bundled with a suitably larger keyboard than its sibling, which makes a monumental difference to its performance as a 2-in-1. Instead of the absurdly small keys of the Galaxy Book 10.6in, you get a keyboard that functions superbly, offering nicely spaced keys that are much bigger and far easier to type on. Feedback is also far more satisfying, as the keys require marginally more force to press down. Thankfully, this includes the space bar, which is incredibly pressure-sensitive on the 10.6in model.

That extra room also works wonders for the - admittedly already great - trackpad. It's coated in the same rubberised material as the main board, making it easy to perform gestures, and it functioned well with all the built-in Windows 10 gestures.

The 12in version essentially fixes all the problems that plague the 10.6in model, although some inadequate design choices remain. The case still acts as both a keyboard and a protective shell, meaning to stand the tablet upright you're reliant on shaping the case into its various configurations. It's a far less elegant approach than the built-in kickstand of the Surface Pro.

Another issue is that, much like the Pad Pro's all-in-one case, the keyboard lies flat against whatever surface you're using it on. While some users might not mind the feeling of typing on a flat surface, we've always preferred a slight elevation, something that 2-in-1s like the Surface Pro and Acer Switch 5 solve neatly with a folding magnetic strip.

Ultimately, it's a perfectly usable keyboard, but its reliance on the old fashioned all-in-one case approach means it can't quite compete against detachables that have built-in stands and elevated boards. They're simply more functional and less fiddly than a folding case.

Display

The 12in Galaxy Book offers a stunning screen, with an even better performance than its sibling. That larger panel affords a higher resolution at 2160 x 1440, which gives the screen a much sharper look, and colour accuracy is once again superb, covering a staggering 99% of the sRGB gamut, one of the highest we've tested on a tablet.

While not the brightest screen around, at 376cd/m2 you're still getting a device that will perform well outdoors in all but the harshest of sunlight. Samsung knows how to build a quality display, and anything you run on this thing will look great.

Hardware & Performance

The 12in model comes with a 7th generation Intel Core i5-7200 processor, clocked at 2.5GHz and capable of turbo boosting to 3.1GHz. There are two versions available, one with 128GB of SSD storage and 4GB of RAM, and another with 256GB and 8GB of RAM.

We reviewed the latter of these, which produced an overall score of 47 from our demanding benchmark tests. That's a comparable performance to the similarly specced model of the Surface Pro 4, or the Acer Switch 5. That means it will be able to easily handle most day-to-day work tasks, such as heavy internet browsing, word processing, or app multitasking - particularly with the model sporting 8GB of RAM. What won't come as a surprise is that this isn't built to be a powerhouse machine, so don't expect it to handle heavier duties like large video editing projects.

It also compares to the Surface Pro 4 when it comes to battery life. It managed to last 8 hours and 10 minutes in our video playback tests, which is almost a full hour more than the 10.6in Galaxy Book, and is perfectly capable of handling a full day's work. The issue is that its rivals, particularly the new generations of Surface Pro and iPad Pro, are pushing 11 or 12 hours of battery life.

Verdict

The 12in Galaxy Book is by far the best in the range. It offers a solid 2-in-1 Windows 10-based experience, truly excellent screen performance, and an all-day battery life, with the power to meet most daily work needs. It's an impressive device, and comparable to Microsoft's excellent Surface Pro 4.

However, therein lies the Galaxy Book's main problem - although the Galaxy Book is cheaper than the new Surface Pro, it feels like it's a generation behind. You get comparable performance, battery life, and out of the box experience to the Surface Pro 4, only Microsoft's tablet is 200 less and comes with a far superior keyboard.

At 1,269, it's 20 more than a similarly priced, latest generation Surface Pro, and even with a keyboard bundled in, it's difficult to recommend Samsung over Microsoft - you simply don't get the same premium quality. Alternatively, if you're in need of something with decent power and battery life, there's cheaper alternatives available, including the iPad Pro.

Verdict

Although it fixes most of the issues of its 10.6in sibling, the 12in Galaxy Book markets itself too closely against the Surface Pro, which only serves to highlight its limitations. While the best of Galaxy Book range by far, performance and build quality place it a generation behind its rivals.

CPU: 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200 Dual Core 2.5GHz (3.1GHz boost) RAM: 8GB GPU: Intel HD 620 Screen: 12in, 2160 x 1440 Dimensions: 291 x 200 x 7.4mm, aluminium, 754g Ports: microSD up to 256GB, 2x USB C, headphone Storage: 256GB SSD

With the iPad Pro, Apple has spent years trying to convince the world that a tablet can act as a genuine replacement for your laptop. Previous iterations never quite managed to convince us that an iPad could function as well as a laptop, particularly for business users.

That may have changed with the latest generation of iPad Pro, however. Apple has overhauled the display, fitted it with a powerful new processor and promised some seriously impressive productivity and functionality upgrades when iOS 11 hits devices. But can the new and improved iPad Pro family really cut it as a fully-fledged laptop replacement?

Who uses the iPad Pro?

Before we delve into the details of the product, it's worth thinking about how the iPad range has been deployed in the enterprise. There's essentially two scenarios: one where an iPad acts as a secondary device - a 'carry around' - when the user has a bigger laptop or desktop computer; and one where the iPad acts as the user's sole device. This latter scenario sounds like it's less common, but Apple has actually had some success in pitching the iPad Pro as a device for field workers and certain office-based employees.

As a secondary device, the iPad Pro's main competition is probably from high-end Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. However, in the latter scenario the competition is mainly from Windows convertibles like Microsoft's own Surface Pro series.

So with this in mind, how does the latest iPad Pro fare against both these kinds of competition, and in both scenarios? Let's look at how the device shapes up.

iPad Pro: Design, display and specs

If you're expecting a radical redesign of the iPad with the latest models in the Pro range, you'll be disappointed. They're very much still iPads, and follow the same design formula that we're all familiar with. The iPad design is iconic, which is partly why it hasn't really changed since the iPad Air.

The only slight variations to the previous generation of iPad Pro are some minor adjustments to weight, thickness and the size of the screen bezels - all of which are practically negligible. The 10.5in model is a couple of millimetres thicker and around 30g heavier than the 9.7in version it replaces (which is to be expected, given the larger footprint and screen size), while the bigger 12.9in version is around 30g lighter than its predecessor.

Both devices still feel light and comfortable to use, and are excellently-balanced in the hand. The 12.9in version can be slightly unwieldy due to the sheer size of it, but this is easily fixed by pairing it with a stand or folio case.

The real improvements aren't cosmetic though - they're under the hood. Apple has updated all the key elements of the tablet, starting with the screen. The TrueTone display on the iPad Pro 9.7in was already the best screen we'd seen on any device, but Apple hasn't been content to rest on its laurels. Instead, it's ramped up the refresh rate to a maximum of 120Hz, which makes things like scrolling much more responsive. It's also introduced a feature that it's calling ProMotion, which allows it to run the screen at a lower refresh rate if fast motion isn't happening on screen.

ProMotion sounds a little gimmicky, but it's not: it's probably the best thing to happen to mobile screens since the dawn of the retina era. It makes that much difference to how smooth everything looks on screen. There's none of the lag you associate with swiping around on cheaper screens.

This faster refresh rate also contributes to a more responsive experience with the Apple Pencil, which now has a response time of just 20ms - a whole millisecond less than the latest iteration of the Surface Pen. Also contributing to this is some smart code behind the scenes which uses machine learning to predict where the Pencil will move next, and literally "draw ahead" by a millisecond or two. A trained artist we asked for an opinion described the Pencil as easily the most responsive on-screen drawing experience they had ever used, and the first which came close to paper.

If that was all Apple had done, it would be a decent upgrade. But there's more: a lot more. The processor has been updated to the new Apple A10X Fusion ARM chip, which, as we'll see, pushes performance even further. The 32GB configuration is gone, with the range now running 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, something which sounds crazy for a tablet but which makes complete sense if you're considering the iPad as a genuine laptop replacement.

And of course, Apple being Apple, it had to update the camera too, which is now the same 12MP unit as on the current iPhone 7, widely regarded as amongst the best phone cameras in the world. You might only ever use this for scanning documents - and in conjunction with apps like Office Lens the iPad makes a great document scanner - but you'll get some really good results.

iPad Pro: Performance and battery life

The iPad Pro series were already the fastest tablets we've seen, and the introduction of the A10X Fusion chip pushes this even further. Our Geekbench 4 CPU test delivered scores of 9380 for multi-core and 3,930 for single core. That's just under double the multi-core performance of the device the 10.5in iPad Pro replaces, and more than double the 4,208 scored by the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. Effectively, the iPad Pro now offers more than twice the multi-core performance of its nearest Android competitor.

Put that into a wider context and it's even more impressive. The Core m3 version of the new Surface Pro scores 5,342 on the same Geekbench multi-core test. The Core i5 version scores 7,544. The iPad Pro 10.5in isn't just scoring "good for a tablet" numbers: it's outperforming the latest desktop processors.

And it's doing this without compromising on the all-day battery life which iPad users want. In our tests, the 10.5in model delivered 12hrs 59mins, which is a significant improvement on the iPad Pro 9.7in's 8hrs 56mins, and easily beats the Galaxy Tab S3's 11hrs 43mins. The larger 12.9in model saw this score drop slightly to 12hrs 18mins, but considering the mammoth size of the display, this is neither a surprise nor a disappointment.

iPad Pro: Pricing and comparison

If you're expecting low-cost tablet prices from the iPad Pro, you can look away now: these devices are priced to compete at the high end, not the low end. When they were first launched, the cheapest iPad Pro - the 10.5in version with 256GB of storage and no 4G connectivity - cost 709 including VAT, with the most expensive configuration setting you back more than 1,100.

However, Apple has now increased the prices, it would seem and now the 256GB Wi-Fi-only iPad Pro costs 769, while other iPad Pros have seen a price increase of around 60 too according to Ars Technica.

Although Apple hasn't officially said why it has increased prices or in fact issued a formal statement highlighting the price shift, 9to5Mac has speculated the company has been forced to increase its prices because of the rising cost of NAND storage. According to analysts, the type of storage the iPad Pro uses is in short supply and as a result suppliers have had to up their prices. This gets filtered down to the customer - you - and unfortunately means the iPad Pro is a lot more expensive to buy.

"Average contract prices of client-grade SSDs in the PC-OEM market are rising this first quarter because not only PC clients are aggressively stocking up their inventories, smartphone clients are also maintaining strong demand for storage components," senior research manager of DRAMeXchange Alan Chen said back in March.

"At the same time, the industry-wide transition to 3D-NAND and 2D-NAND TLC production has sharply reduced the supply of Flash memory of the 2D-NAND MLC type. Thus, the price increase of MLC-based SSDs is outpacing that of TLC-based SSDs."

This was referenced by Apple CFO Luca Maestri on an earnings call in its second quarter earnings call, although he didn't specify the company would need to put its prices up.

But this does make the iPad Pro eye-wateringly expensive. It's worth remembering though that the iPad Pro is outperforming most high-end laptops in terms of display quality, battery life and performance. Considering that Microsoft's latest Surface Pro range starts at almost 800, the iPad actually isn't all that expensive for what you're getting.

iPad Pro: Software

Of course, there's an objection to that point: the iPad Pro runs iOS 10, where the Surface Pro runs Windows 10. And there's no doubt that Windows 10 is, at present, a much more powerful operating system in terms of the richness of applications built on top of it and what you can do with it.

However, Apple is releasing iOS 11 in the autumn and this will add features which some enterprise users will welcome. First, multi-tasking support has been extended and cleaned up, making it easier to have persistent workspaces with two or three applications on screen. Second, drag and drop support has been added, making what you can do with multiple apps on screen more powerful. And finally there's a single Files app which houses all your documents, local and in Apple and third-party cloud services, which is going to make the iPad a much more PC-like' experience.

Conclusions

Apple is to be congratulated for continuing to push the iPad forward. It would have been easy for the company to rest on its laurels and carry on making tablets in the same way as everyone else, as relatively simple devices with lower performance than PCs.

With the iPad Pro series, Apple is demonstrating that it's determined to create tablets which get ever-closer to laptop performance, and under some circumstances exceed it.

From an enterprise perspective, whether the iPad is right for you depends on your workforce. For anyone in the field, particularly those whose primary application is some kind of SaaS system accessed through a dashboard (Salesforce, Oracle, and so on), giving them an iPad rather than a laptop increases agility, delivers better ease of use and deployment, and they're getting a high-end machine which will make them happier and last between four and five years.

For office-bound workers who spend all day staring at their screens, this iPad is less of a good fit - at least until iOS 11 is released, at which point it may be appropriate for more types of user. For these staff, the laptop is still king of the hill - but with this iPad Pro, Apple has definitely made a much more compelling argument for the tablet as your only business machine.

Verdict

A screen upgrade would have been enough to net the new iPad Pro a perfect score, but the fact that Apple has stuffed in a host of additional upgrades means it's impossible not to recommend it. It's definitely top of the tree, easily the best product in its category and arguably one of the best products all-round that Apple has ever made.

Although Microsoft continues to assert its dominance in the 2-in-1 market, that hasn't stopped potential upstarts from undercutting the leader with value-for-money devices. Samsung's latest Galaxy Book is just that; a spiritual successor to the the Tab Pro S that offers a both a keyboard and stylus for 150 less than the entry-level Surface Pro.

The 10.6in Galaxy Book is looking to attract a buyer that is put off by the 1,000+ prices of premium rivals. It's lightweight, sleek-looking, and features an excellent screen for the price range, and works great with Windows 10. Unfortunately, cost-cutting results in a noticeable drop in quality, particularly with the keyboard, which holds it back from being a genuine Surface Pro alternative.

Design & connectivity

The Galaxy Book follows a very similar design format to Samsung's Galaxy TabPro S, although the extra internal horsepower gives it a chunkier 8.9mm frame. However, the most important thing to know is that the Galaxy Book is framed in plastic, despite attempts to appear like it's built from aluminium.

That's particularly galling for a device that starts at a retail price of 649, and while it feels well built, it doesn't exactly scream 'premium'. It's also a tad heavier than we'd like at 640g, almost 200g more than the new 10.5in iPad Pro, which makes it a little cumbersome to hold in one hand.

Much like the Acer Switch 5, the Galaxy Book comes bundled with a keyboard, which is always great to see at this price range. Yet for a device that's pitching itself as a detachable, its smaller 10.6in screen and curved frame suggest it's very much still a tablet. Think more iPad Pro with a keyboard attached, rather than the true hybrid approach of the Surface Pro.

That tablet-first approach is also evident in its selection of ports, which is woefully limited. You do get a USB-C port and a microSD slot - but that's it. It lacks the extra USB slot found on the Acer Switch 5, or any additional display connectors, such as the mini DisplayPort of the Surface Pro. You'll likely have to pick and choose what device you have connected, or rely on a cumbersome and costly array of dongles.

Keyboard, trackpad & stylus

As a device that aims to double as a business workhorse, keyboard quality is everything - but unfortunately, this is one of the Galaxy Book's weakest attributes.

The keyboard case itself is well built, and offers a soft-touch rubberised coating that feels great on your palms while typing. You can also shape the case for three different viewing angles, making use of some magnetic strips built into the rear of the device, which is a little more generous than typical case-reliant stands.

It even features a stylus loop so you can store your S Pen next to the keyboard. This seems like a less elegant solution than the Surface Pro's magnetised pen holder, but in reality it's far more practical. It's a robust, functional, and easy-to-clean case, so it's a shame that the typing experience is subpar.

Even though the keys have a satisfying feedback and decent travel time to them, they're tiny, in some cases too small to touch-type effectively. The top row of keys, including the function set, are all barely the size of a fingertip, and the caps lock and tab keys are difficult to instinctively locate. What also irritated to no end was the incredibly pressure sensitive space bar, which would produce gaps in text whenever I rested my hands on the keys.

Given the tablet is only 10.6in in size, it's reasonable to expect a fairly cramped keyboard, but still, the reality of a smaller screen means typing will always suffer. It's perfectly usable for day to day browsing and light tasks, but extensive writing sessions are going to be fairly laborious and full of errors.

The trackpad, however, performs admirably given its smaller size. It's coated in the same soft-touch material found on the rest of the board, making it easy to perform gestures, and it worked beautifully with the built-in Windows 10 multi-touch commands.

Although it seems generous of Samsung to include its S Pen in the bundle, it's important to note that this can't quite match the performance of the Surface Pro stylus. It features 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity, almost half that of the Surface and iPad pens, although it's lighter than previous S Pens and no longer needs a battery to function. The main issue is that it's made from plastic, and while it is easy to use and feels nice and light in the hand, it screams 'budget'.

Display

True to form, Samsung doesn't disappoint when it comes to the screen. Of course, it can't quite match the performance of the Galaxy S8's QHD OLED screen, but it's certainly impressive for a 1,920 x 1,260 LCD display.

It does particularly well with colour reproduction, covering 92% of the sRGB gamut, which is just shy of the coverage levels of the Surface Pro and iPad Pro. It also has a maximum brightness of 387cd/m2 and a 928:1 contrast ratio, both of which are significantly higher than the Switch 5's 341cd/m2 and 845:1 respective scores.

While not the most impressive screen around, it does its job well, and offers decent viewing angles and a brightness that is good enough for outdoor use.

Hardware & performance

The 10.6in version of the Galaxy Book features a 1.GHz 7th-gen Core m3 processor with a 2.6GHz turbo boost, supported by 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. The 12in model comes with a Core i5 processor, with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB storage options.

While 1.0GHz doesn't sound like a lot, it's perfectly suitable for daily tasks, such as web browsing and word processing, and Windows 10 feels smooth and responsive. It's also capable of boosting itself to 2.6GHz during intense periods, such as opening a bunch of webpages or programs.

In our benchmark tests it achieved an overall score of 25, which puts it on par with the Surface Pro's m3 variant, but vastly behind the powerhouse 10.5in iPad Pro. In reality, that means it's going to be perfectly suitable for web browsing and light work tasks such as word processing, but will buckle if you try to multitask too many programs at once. However, that modest spec and fanless design does mean it's whisper-quiet as a result.

The main issue is the battery life. It managed just 7hrs and 18mins in our benchmarks, which should be enough to get you through a working day, but is disappointing given the weak output of the CPU. That's significantly behind the iPad Pro 10.5in's score of 12hrs 59mins, but more than the slightly cheaper Acer Switch 5, which got a result of 5hrs 51mins.

Verdict

The Galaxy Book is aimed squarely at those customers who want a Windows 2-in-1 experience at a price that's a little easier to stomach than the Surface Pro range. It's main selling point is the inclusion of a keyboard and stylus for 649, a full 150 less than the price of the lowest-end Surface Pro, even without accessories.

In that respect, the 10.6in Galaxy Book offers a complete Windows 2-in-1 package. The issue is that quality suffers as a result. With a plastic frame and a keyboard that is near-unusable for fast typists, it's not quite the steal it first appears.

If you're fixed on Windows 10, there are some better value for money alternatives. For 100 more you can get Acer's Switch 5, which offers a higher-quality tablet, keyboard and stylus package, only with a far superior processor and liquid cooling. If you're open to different operating systems and want something with a little more power, the iPad Pro 10.5in blows the Galaxy Book out of the water for the same price. There are simply more compelling alternatives on the market.

Verdict

An affordable Windows 10 2-in-1 that offers decent screen performance for the price. However, it's held back a inadequate keyboard that makes it difficult to use as a workplace detachable device. More compelling machines are available on the market, at a similarly affordable price point.

Fujitsu is one of the stalwarts of the enterprise IT industry, and has been producing fit-for-purpose laptops and PCs for decades.

But, is enterprise-grade performance and functionality still enough in a world where more and more workers are demanding IT equipment that's as satisfying as the kit they use at home? As manufacturers like Dell start offering devices that can match the likes of the MacBook range for aesthetic value, for example, Fujitsu's new Lifebook U937 may have some work to do to keep up.

Design

Weighing in at around 960g, the U937 feels very light indeed. It's comfortably under the 1kg upper limit of what we'd consider an ultraportable, and feels a lot less hefty than many of its competitors. Put it in your bag, and you're liable to forget that you're carrying anything at all.

It's also appealingly slim. At 15.5mm thick, it's not the thinnest laptop on the market, but it's very far from bulky, and the fact that the increased thickness allows Fujitsu to include a very robust selection of ports (which we'll talk more about later) means it's a trade-off well worth making.

One trade-off that isn't quite so easy to stomach is that the U937 feels incredibly flimsy. The company claims it's constructed from magnesium, but it feels distinctly thin and plasticky, with the lid in particular feeling very insubstantial indeed. It bends alarmingly under the slightest pressure, and we've little doubt that we could snap it clean in two without applying much force.

Although this is likely part of what makes it so light, it's got worrying implications for the U937's longevity and build quality. We'd be incredibly worried about it breaking if we ever dropped it, and we have serious concerns about its long-term longevity over a period of, say, several years.

The textured, matte-black finish doesn't feel articularly pleasant, either. It's got a distinctly cheap, tacky feel to it, and presents a much less satisfying user experience than aluminium-bodies rivals like the MacBook Air. Visually-speaking, it's not too hideous - its matte-black and charcoal colour scheme is professional and understated - but it's definitely not winning any beauty contests, either.

Keyboard and trackpad

Alas, the keyboard is a letdown too. Although feedback and response is excellent, the chiclet keys are slightly lacking in travel depth, and there's no backlighting to speak of - which is a serious oversight in a laptop as expensive as this. We also found ourselves frequently hitting the Page Up and Page Down keys by mistake, as they're located directly over the left and right arrow keys.

The trackpad is another disappointment. It uses separate left and right mouse buttons, rather than the all-in-one trackpad design that has become the norm. Having to reposition our finger every time we wanted to click on something proved to be a persistent annoyance, and we had to tweak the sensitivity to stop it feeling sluggish.

It's disappointing to see compromises like this being made - particularly in a machine that's supposed to be an enterprise-grade device and which carries an enterprise-grade pricetag.

Display

Thankfully, the U937's 13.3in touchscreen IPS panel puts on a strong display. The 1080p screen has a measured contrast ratio of just under 1000:1, which is very good, and a maximum brightness of 318cd/m2 is bright enough to use in all but the harshest of lighting conditions. It's lacking the matte, non-reflective coating seen on other laptops, however, which means that screen glare could be a problem when using it in direct sunlight.

We measured its colour accuracy at more than 92% of the sRGB colour spectrum, so it should be more than good enough to use for graphic design and editing work. Movies and video are also rich and detailed so a joy to watch on this machine.

Specs and performance

Another area where Fujitsu hasn't scrimped is the specifications, and it's here that the U937 really shows off its credentials as a business laptop. It features Intel's latest business-grade chips and a healthy complement of memory. The model we tested had a Core i5-7300U vPro processor and 8GB of RAM under the hood, but various configurations are available, topping out with an i7-7600U and a whopping 20GB of RAM.

As we expected, it proved to be more than a match for our benchmarks, racing through them to earn a highly commendable final result of 55, which is better than most Core i7-powered business laptops and even creeping up on the performance of lower-end workstations.

Despite the high-powered components, battery life hasn't suffered a huge amount either. In our tests, it lasted 8hrs 7mins before the battery ran out and although that's trailing behind the 10-hour scores clocked up by recent releases, it's not too shabby considering the power-hungry internals.

The only complaint we had with it was an occasional tendency to run slightly hot, but this is a minor problem compared to how sterling the performance is otherwise. It's incredibly fast, and more than capable of handling anything the average enterprise user will likely throw at it.

Ports and features

One of the headline features is Fujitsu's enterprise-grade security, which offers numerous login methods, including facial recognition, smart card identification and even the company's PalmSecure technology, which reads the unique pattern of veins in your hand to provide biometric authentication.

Unfortunately, they're not available right out of the box. Instead, we had to download the Workplace Protect management software, as well as the drivers for the PalmSecure reader itself. Once we'd downloaded and installed the necessary software, however, setting up the advanced security measures was quick and relatively painless.

Facial recognition is fast and accurate - provided you're in brightly-lit conditions. Rather than the special depth-sensing IR cameras used by Windows Hello's facial recognition, Fujitsu's version uses the standard webcam built into the U937 - which means that if the lighting isn't good, then it won't be able to match your face.

Logging in via PalmSecure takes longer and needs a bit of maneuvering. Indeed, it requires you to hold your hand in a very specific position before it will read it. It's not especially convenient and we're not convinced it's that much more secure than standard biometric authentication methods like fingerprint readers. These login methods also don't integrate with Windows Hello, which means they can't be centrally managed through the OS, and don't integrate with it quite as smoothly.

If you're looking for a laptop that's all but guaranteed to support your existing IT equipment, the U937 is the one for you. It's sporting just about every port imaginable, including a HDMI output, an SD card reader, two USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port, a SIM card tray, and a SmartCard reader. Fujitsu has even managed to cram an Ethernet port into the 15.5mm-thin chassis, thanks to a nifty pull-out design.

Rounding out its business credentials, the U937 also ships with Windows 10 Pro, so it's ready to integrate into an enterprise environment out of the box.

Verdict

The Fujitsu Lifebook U937 is a seriously mixed bag. The internal hardware is excellent, and offers business-grade performance that will easily see you through all but the most high-intensity tasks. The display, too, is excellent and Fujitsu has included a number of business-friendly features like heaps of connectivity and authentication options.

Where it falls down, on the other hand, it falls hard. The build quality is extremely disappointing and the chassis feels cheap, plasticky and decidedly not robust. The keyboard and trackpad, too, feel like they belong on a much less expensive machine. Using the U937 doesn't feel anywhere near as premium or satisfying as it should, given the eye-watering price.

Inside this laptop beats the heart of a formidable business beast - it's just a shame that it's housed in the body of a five-year old mid-range notebook.

Verdict

This powerful business ultraportable is betrayed by a flimsy chassis and decidedly disappointing build quality. It's got heaps of potential, but there's just too many compromises to recommend.

The Acer Switch 5 is the latest example of a style that's becoming increasingly popular among users wanting a the flexibility of a tablet, with the power and functionality of a laptop.

Unsurprisingly, there's now a healthy selection of Windows-based 2-in-1 devices out there, and the Switch 5 offers a spec and price point to rival Microsoft's highly rated Surface range.

The Switch 5 builds on last year's Switch Alpha 12 by providing greater power and a more refined design, while keeping that excellent liquid cooling system. But, with a starting price of over 200 more, it worth the extra cash?

Design & connectivity

The Switch 5 follows a similar design philosophy of its older sibling the Alpha 12, although this time Acer has chosen to add a new serrated-style edge to the tablet frame. The most important thing to note is that the tablet feels exceptionally well built, and seems robust enough to survive a few accidental drops.

At less than 1kg and 12mm thick with the keyboard attached, the Switch 5 is certainly light and thin enough to slot easily into a bag or carry around an office and is only marginally thicker and lighter than the more expensive Surface Pro 4.

While connectivity options are fairly limited on the Switch 5, it does include a USB Type C port, a premium port option that's either missing on rival devices, or reserved for charging the battery. You also get a USB 3.0 port, as well as a headphone port and MicroSD card slot located on the top edge of the screen.

Acer also makes excellent use of space by integrating a fingerprint scanner into the power button on the upper left side of the tablet. It's a novel way of adding a premium feature to an existing function, and is especially useful when waking the tablet from sleep, as you're powering up and logging in at the same time.

The stand is by far the most interesting aspect of the Switch 5, and for us, alas, it's also one of its weakest. It uses a single metal bar shaped to the lower half of the tablet, that pops out and rests at an initial angle, but then can be slid further out by pushing on the tablet screen.

The issue is that, unlike the Surface Pro's smooth hinge, the Switch 5 stand will pop back to its initial position if the weight of the tablet isn't pushing down on it. That means if you decide to move the tablet for any reason, or accidently lift it up while it's on your lap, you will need to readjust the screen each time. The stand offers superb angles, allowing you to almost lie the tablet flat on a surface, but the snapback function may frustrate more than it helps.

The metal stand is also not the most attractive solution we have seen on a 2-in-1, and its edges feel a little too sharp and unrefined to be picked up with ease. It's also somewhat difficult to push the stand outwards with one hand, as the bar sits near flush to the tablet. Functionally, it does its job very well, we just wish Acer had spent a little more time refining the design.

Keyboard, trackpad & stylus

The great thing about the Switch 5 is that it comes bundled with both a keyboard and stylus. As great as the new Surface Pro is, the fact that you have to spend extra in order to get a laptop experience is a bitter pill to swallow. In this respect, there's genuine value behind the Switch 5's price point of 899.

The keyboard, albeit less refined, is similar to the Surface Pro's, using the same magnetic strip to connect to the base of the laptop without a fuss, that folds over and gives the board a slight elevation. It's a technique that makes typing a far more comfortable experience than a flat board, and you get none of that 'bounce' you find on elevated keyboards offered by cheaper competitors. Given the price of the device, the keyboard lives up to expectations - decent travel time and some nicely spaced keys make fast typing a breeze.

We had few complaints about the trackpad, which worked perfectly when using swiping and navigating around the screen and has some satisfying clicks for the left and right sides of the pad. However, the surface is coated in plastic, rather than the glass or metal of premium boards, and so you may occasionally find your fingers sticking to the board. It's also flush with the spacebar, so it sits slightly off to the left, but it's a decent size and shouldn't cause you any issues.

The stylus works well enough for basic writing tasks, but it lacks a lot of the headline features of rivals, such as shading or tilt-detection, and its fairly average pressure sensitivity of 1,024 pales in comparison to the Surface Pen, iPad Pencil or Samsung S-Pen, each with sensitivities of over 4,000. Ultimately, you're unlikely to find a great deal of use for the stylus, but it's capable nonetheless.

Display

The Switch 5's QHD screen is arguably its worst feature. Though that resolution seems generous, it's supported by a woeful 216ppi, meaning images are not at sharp as rival QHD devices.

Colour replication is similarly mediocre, covering just 78% of the sRGB gamut with a contrast ratio of 845:1, resulting in slightly washed out colours and greyish blacks. It's visibly inferior when compared to the Surface Pro's 97% range and 1,297:1 contrast ratio.

The display is redeemed somewhat when it comes to maximum brightness, which sits at 341cd/m2. This is bright enough cope with most environments, but this should be much higher for a machine of this price range.

Although the bezels are a tad larger than we'd expect for a modern 12in tablet, our biggest gripe is that the right bezel is significantly larger than the left, almost half a centimetre in fact. This is perhaps to help reduce the strain on the screen when picked up, but the result is a screen that looks a little lopsided.

Hardware & performance

Our review model came packed with a Core i5 clocked at 2.5GHz, backed up with a generous 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. Although there's also a more expensive model that comes with an Core i7 clocked at 2.7GHz and a 512GB SSD, the range is disappointing in its scope for customisation.

In our demanding benchmark testing, it achieved an impressive overall score of 44, which is identical to the score achieved by the i5 Surface Pro 4, and far superior to the 30 scored by the Lenovo Miix 510. The main issue is that it only managed 5 hours and 51 minutes in our battery tests, which is on par with rival devices, but significantly behind the 11 hours 30 minutes of the 2017 Surface Pro.

The Switch 5 does have a secret weapon in the form of Acer's liquid cooling system known as LiquidLoop. This means that even under heavy loads, the machine stays completely silent.

The Switch 5 can easily handle multi-tab browsing and light video or image editing tasks, and more than a match for word processing. It's a perfectly capable companion device for all but the most technically demanding of business users, with the added benefit of being one of the quietest machines on the market.

Verdict

At almost 400 cheaper than the new Surface Pro equivalent, the Switch 5 is worthy of your attention if you're in the market for a 2-in-1. Unfortunately, while the Switch 5 is a formidable rival to the Surface Pro 4, it does very little to build on a device that has been on the market for two years. Some questionable design choices and a woeful display prevent it from being a Surface killer, and we'd even go as far to say it's difficult to recommend over the older Surface Pro 4.

Yet the Switch 5 is a decent addition to the Acer series and improves on the Alpha 12 in almost every way. At 899, the Switch 5 is a capable 2-in-1 that offers some excellent features that help it standout from its rivals. There are some inspired design choices, such as liquid cooling and built-in fingerprint scanning, and the inclusion of a keyboard and stylus means you're provided with everything you need to start working. If you want that Surface Pro experience, but you'd like to save some cash, the Switch 5 is a great alternative.

Verdict

With a spec to rival the Surface Pro, and some accessories thrown in, the Switch 5 offers a decent 2-in-1 experience at a great price point. Unfortunately, woeful display performance and an average battery life hold it back from being a true challenger to the Surface range. Still, the Switch 5 is a great companion device if you're in the market for something cheaper.

As an agile salesperson with a busy schedule of meetings, pitches and presentations, my one key requirement in a laptop is reliability. I'll often be travelling from meeting to meeting with limited office time in between, so I need the ability to work at any time, from anywhere with ease, and trust that my laptop won't deny me this flexibility. I haven't had the best luck with regards to this over the years. I have been let down on far too many occasions during a client meeting by the unwelcome, and surprisingly unpredictable, drained battery.

I'm currently three days into using my new HP Elite X2 1012, and the battery life has been the first aspect to pleasantly surprise me. So far, I haven't even had to reach for the charger, despite unreservedly using it for a combination of writing emails, watching videos and designing presentations.

I'll be honest and admit that looks really do matter - when it comes to my laptop anyway. My role requires me to be presentable and there is nothing that ruins my professional style more than accessorising with a chunky, unattractive brick of a computer. Luckily the Elite X2 is a stunning device - housed in a sleek, matte aluminum casing, with glossy black detailing. I'm now pleased to reach for my mobile device in a meeting, safe in the knowledge that it's more likely to receive nods and comments of approval, rather than sniggers and jokes.

With previous devices, I've actively avoided taking them away from my desk at the end of the day for fear of being weighed down on my journey home. I want to be productive on the go, but without the back strain which comes with carrying a heavy, bulky device and this sentiment is certainly shared with the rest of my team. The lightness and portability makes me actually want to take it home, and look forward to using it at home as my personal device too. While it does feel ever so slightly heavier than some other hybrid devices I have encountered, it does feel reassuringly durable, making it a sound choice for someone like me, who will often be rushing between locations.

This leads me onto the aspect I have been most impressed with so far - the flexibility. I've used a variety of 2-in-1 devices before but felt they never quite reached the full potential in each mode. I have since reverted back to using separate laptop and tablet devices, favouring to use them respectively to serve different purposes for both work and leisure. However, HP's Elite X2 2-in-1 eliminates this need by providing the best of both worlds. Over the past few days, I have just as easily made notes on a group presentation using the detachable keyboard coupled with the stylus, as I have settled down to catch up on my favourite television programme at home using the device in tablet mode.

Initial impressions are that the Elite X2 is a great piece of kit and a dream to use for someone who is frequently out and about and needs to be able to fall back on technology in multiple use scenarios. The real test will come next week, when I will be using the device for a full client proposal, right the way through from design to presentation. I'll be reporting back on that in my next blog post.

Find out if your business is ready for the future.

Although Asus has yet to produce a truly outstanding ultrabook, it does do consistently well in the budget and mid-ranger tiers. Recently the company has shifted its focus to high-end devices, and the ZenBook UX330AU is its latest attempt.

Packed with a Core-i7 and featuring a design heavily inspired by the MacBook, the ZenBook 330 is aiming to take on the big boys of enterprise and pro-sumer computing - and with its 900 pricetag, it may just succeed.

Design and dimensions

With that in mind, the ZenBook 330 looks appropriately premium, with a slender ultrabook frame and a brushed-aluminium finish on the lid. Its slender frame is also suitably attractive, and at 13.6mm it is thinner than the new MacBook Pro.

It is also incredibly light for its price range at just 1.2kg - that's lighter than the Dell XPS 13 (1.29kg) and only slightly heavier than the HP Spectre Pro 13 (1.16kg), both of which are much pricier rivals.

Sadly, in the hands this expensive looking device feels rather cheap. The lid, which we are assured is made from aluminium, lacks the premium quality chassis seen in other notebooks in this category, and displays a disturbing amount of flex when picked up. As a result, we have some major concerns for its durability as a workhorse device.

The rest of the body is made from a "metallic-coated plastic", which does nothing to sway our opinion that Asus has skimped on quality to create an attractive price point. It looks great from a distance, but up close you will find the build quality is disappointing for a 900-plus ultrabook.

Keyboard and trackpad

The keyboard is something of a mixed bag. The backlit chiclet keys are nothing to write home about and feel slightly mushy and unresponsive to use, but the travel distance is good (especially considering the svelte frame) and the matte finish gives them a satisfying feel. The keyboard itself doesn't feel cramped either, which can often be a danger with 13in laptops.

The poor build quality rears its ugly head once again here, however; there's a noticeable flex while typing, as the plastic body literally bows inward under the force of your keystrokes when you're typing with any kind of force.

The trackpad is also a bit rubbish - at default sensitivity, the cursor moves at an absolute crawl. It's also a little too small to be totally comfortable, and requires frequent repositioning of your hand. Clicking doesn't take a great deal of actuation force, which is nice, but there's also a lack of feedback and travel depth which feels a little unsatisfying.

Display

The IPS panel is matte-finished, meaning that glare shouldn't be a problem even outside or under harsh fluorescent lighting, and the viewing angles are pretty good. It's also got a ridiculously high-resolution 3200 x 1800 QHD+ panel, so text and images should be pin-sharp.

The maximum brightness isn't fantastic initially, although turning off the ambient brightness sensor can noticeably improve that. Unfortunately, the screen's matte coating means that blacks can appear crushed and colours can at times look a little flat and muted. This is a shame, as it's otherwise a really good display.

The quality is excellent, with pin-sharp details. We noticed some slight problems with the image post-processing, but on balance it's an excellent screen both for business use and video.

Specs and hardware

Althugh the build quality is poor the specs for this product are surprisingly good. The ZenBook 330 is fitted with a full-fat Intel Core i7 6500U processor, 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SATA3 SSD. This is more logical for a device that costs most of a grand; compared to rival ultrabooks from companies such as Dell and HP, it's a steal. This is because the Core i7-fitted XPS 13 and Spectre Pro 13 are both more than 300 more expensive.

These specs helped it during our benchmarks as the ZenBook 330 reached an impressive overall score of 46. That's the same as the XPS-13, and the ZenBook also beat Dell's offering in our multitasking tests.

It won't be able to stand up to any hardcore video editing, but apart from that, Asus' ultrabook is a highly capable machine. It's easy to browse the web, edit documents and multitask, and it can also run Adobe Photoshop as well as multiple media-heavy Chrome tabs without a fuss.

It has a credible battery life of 6 hours 47 minutes which was much better than we were expecting considering that the ZenBook has a Core-i7 processor and a QHD+ panel to power. It won't be enough to get you through a full day of work but thats not unusual at this bracket and price point.

Ports and features

The Zenbook 330 features an odd assortment of ports and connectors. It's got two full-sized USB ports (one of which offers fast-charging for mobile devices), one first-generation USB-C port, a micro-HDMI port and an SD card reader. This seems like a halfway-house between the modern trend of replacing everything with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 slots and the older strategy of including as many different ports as possible.

The micro-HDMI and SD card ports in particular seem like strange additions - we'd have preferred that space to go to more USB-C slots, or a full-size HDMI input. It's got a larger variety than many of its rivals though, and as always, any ports it's lacking can be added through judicious use of adapters and docks.

Asus has also stuffed the ZenBook with its usual array of after-market bloatware and third-party apps. It's not the only company doing this by a long shot, but it's certainly among the most egregious and it's a habit we wish it would shift.

Verdict

Reviewing the ZenBook 330UA has been something of an emotional rollercoaster. First impressions are excellent, and the design is immediately arresting. Once we started using it, however, it became clear that Asus has cut some corners regarding the quality of the materials.

The flip-side of this, of course, is that the ZenBook is phenomenally good value. For less than a grand, you get a razor-thin ultrabook with 8GB of RAM, a QHD display and an almost cutting-edge Core-i7 processor, which is an absolutely superb deal - especially when you consider that its more well-known competitors are at least 300 more expensive.

As ultrabooks go, the ZenBook is a damn fine example, and we found ourselves growing rather attached to it. The weight and dimensions make it extremely portable, and it backs this up with performance to match much pricier rivals.

It's not perfect, by any means - the build quality could be better, and we wish Asus didn't stuff its machines with quite so much aftermarket bloatware - but if you're looking to pick up an enterprise-grade Windows laptop for under a grand, you could do an awful lot worse.

Verdict

If you can get past the slightly iffy materials and build quality, the Asus Zenbook UX330UA is one of the most cost-effective ultrabooks around. With an i7 processor, a QHD+ screen and a sub-£800 pricetag, it easily undercuts its competition.

Processor: Intel Core i7 6500U Processor, Intel Core i5 6200U Processor

Operating System: Windows 10 Home - ASUS recommends Windows 10 Pro

Display: 13.3" (16:9) LED backlit QHD+ (3200x1800) 60Hz Anti-Glare Panel with 72% NTSC with IPS

Supports ASUS Splendid Technology with WideView Technology

Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 520

Storage: Solid State Drives: 512GB SATA3 M.2 SSD and 256GB SATA3 M.2 SSD

Keyboard: Illuminated Chiclet Keyboard

Card Reader: Multi-format card reader

WebCam: HD Web Camera

Networking: Wi-Fi; Integrated 802.11 AC (WIDI Support); Bluetooth (built-in Bluetooth V4.1),

Interface:

• 1 x COMBO audio jack
  2 x USB 3.0 port(s) *1 1 x USB-C Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps)
  1 x micro HDMI
  1 x SD card reader
• Audio:
• Built-in Stereo W Speakers And Array Microphone
  ASUS SonicMaster Technology
• Battery: 57 Whrs Polymer Battery; Up to 12 Hours web browsing
• Power Adaptor;Plug Type :ø4 (mm)
  Output : 19 V DC, 2.37 A, 45 W
  Input : 100 -240 V AC, 50/60 Hz universal
• Dimensions
  323 x 222.3 x 13.65 mm (WxDxH)
• Weight: 1.2 kg with Battery

In the Swift 7, Acer has delivered a truly beautiful machine that is designed for those who prize a thin frame above all else. It's one of the thinnest ultrabooks on the market, a frame you would normally expect to find in the 1200 - 1500 range. It also happens to be a lovely-looking machine, wrapped in striking black and gold aluminium.

Before you go thinking that this is a steal, however, you should know that Acer has had to make a number of sacrifices to make the Swift 7 this thin, nowhere more so than its performance.

Design

The first thing that is immediately obvious about the Acer Swift 7 is its superb build quality. Acer has clearly taken inspiration from the HP Spectre 13, with its aluminium covering, a matte black colour on the lid and underside, which opens up to reveal a striking gold on the keyboard and trackpad. It's a bold choice of colours that gives it an understated feel, while offering a lick of luxury at the same time.

It is also fairly light and astonishingly thin, measuring just 9.98mm and weighing 1.1kg. That makes it thinner than Dell's latest model of XPS 13 (15mm) and even slimmer than HP's ultra-thin Spectre 13 (10.4mm), although it is marginally heavier. What's more, you're paying 400 less for basically the same portability.

Despite the thin chassis, Acer has been able to maintain a solid build quality - thanks largely to its aluminium body - which gives it a sturdy feel even when picked up at the very edge of the device.

While we felt the overall design was gorgeous, the matte black on the lid and underside mean it's almost impossible to keep clean, attracting every single fingerprint and greasy mark. It's particularly problematic given how often you will be picking the thing up, and we can't help feel that either a different colour or material would have worked better.

Keyboard and trackpad

The keyboard itself, while having nicely spaced keys, felt a little too squishy and unsatisfying for our tastes, and some users may find the lack of decent feedback when typing an issue. The keyboard is also missing backlighting, a significant oversight that should be a staple for devices in this price range.

Another niggle is a lack of indicator lights for the Caps Lock or Num Lock keys. Instead, it opts for an on-screen overlay to tell you when Caps Lock is activated, but I found this would often fail to appear, and an additional set of lights beside the power indicator would have been welcome.

The trackpad, however, is superb, offering an oversized surface allowing for easy navigation using gestures. The edges of the pad are even framed with chamfered aluminium, avoiding that jagged edge you sometimes encounter on other models when moving your fingers from the pad.

Left and right clicks also require very little force, and it even features Microsoft's Precision Touchpad software, which improves accuracy and allows users to take advantage of built-in Windows 10 gestures as they're added. These little touches all come together to create a truly great trackpad experience.

Connectivity and features

It's not all rosy though; given its dimensions, you won't be surprised to hear that connectivity suffers as a result. The Swift 7 comes with a headphone jack and two USB-C ports used for charging and connecting displays and data transfer -- that's it, aside from the built-in Bluetooth.

Another issue is that these ports do not support Thunderbolt 3, which is becoming increasingly popular on higher end machines. As such you're limited to 5Gbps data transfer speeds, instead of a much speedier 40Gbp, as well as missing out on the other enhanced features of Thunderbolt. On the other hand, it does feature 2x2 802.11ac MU-MIMO Wi-Fi, which means faster and more reliable connections to your wireless network.

Display

The Swift 7 is only available in a 13.3in 1920x1080p configuration, although it does feature an IPS LCD display with a layer of Gorilla Glass 5 on top for some added scratch resistance. This is especially welcome on a device that is designed to be on the move a lot, and that added protection is reassuring.

Hardware & Performance

Disappointingly, the Acer Swift 7 is only available in one configuration in the UK. Packed with a 7th generation Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, on the surface it appears to be have decent specifications. There is an i7 option with a 512GB SSD available, however it appears that is currently only available in the US.

However, the first thing that should be addressed is that misleading Core i5 badge. Acer has chosen to fit the Swift 7 with Intel's Core i5-7Y54 processor, which is effectively a rebranded 'Core M' series chip. These dual-core processors are built to operate at low power states while producing minimal heat, which is perfect for ultrabooks using fanless designs, helping to keep thickness down to a minimum.

The downside is that these chips sacrifice power as a result, meaning the i5 badge is no longer an indicator of performance, and it's difficult to tell at a glance whether it is tuned for beefy output or light web browsing.

With any Y-series chip, you shouldn't expect a speedy machine, but the up-side is that an ultra-low power rating of 4.5W will ensure it stays relatively cool during longer sessions. Given the fanless design, you should expect to feel some heat just above the keyboard when doing anything particularly demanding, but nothing excessive.

Unsurprisingly, that Y-series processor performed fairly poorly during our benchmarks. It achieved an overall score of just 29 in our 4K benchmark tests, and was even out-performed by its much cheaper cousin, the Acer Swift 3, which scored 32.

These benchmark results are admittedly dire, and the Swift 7 will buckle if you try and do any particularly strenuous tasks with it. However, light to medium workloads shouldn't overly tax it, and it should cope perfectly well with day-to-day work tasks or multi-tab browsing, particularly given the generous 8GB of RAM provided.

As you're sacrificing performance for lower power consumption and thermal output, you'd expect the tradeoff to be a decent battery life. However, the Swift 7 managed just 7 hours and 6 minutes in our video playback test, and while this is by no means a disaster, it is still disappointing given the amount of power that is sacrificed for portability.

Still, it's enough to last through a working day, particularly if you have access to occasional power top-ups.

Verdict

Acer has delivered one of the thinnest ultrabooks you can buy, in a price range that is relatively low compared to its rivals. The keyboard may not be spectacular, but it is certainly useable, and when paired with that fantastic trackpad you have an ultra-portable that is a joy to use. It also helps that it has a gorgeous looking design.

But aside from that ultra-thin frame, there's very little to shout about. Performance is average at best, and for that power sacrifice you aren't getting much in the way of added battery life. With the omission of keyboard backlighting, a meager offering in terms of ports, and a lack of different configurations, we can't help shake the feeling that Acer has cut too many corners. Even if you are able to get your hands on the US i7 version, we feel this would be even less value for money, as it is also stuck with the Y series processor.

If you're after the thinnest ultrabook around that can be used for general work purposes, you will struggle to find anything better than the Swift 7. But for those who don't mind adding a few millimetres or forking out a little extra, there are plenty of more compelling options available. For example, for 200 more you could get a Dell XPS 13 with a capable 7th generation quad-core i7 processor, a frame that is only 15mm thicker, and a battery that lasts almost a full hour longer than the Swift 7.

Verdict

The Swift 7 is beautiful looking machine with one of thinnest frames on the market, but it’s let down by a low performance CPU and too many cut corners. A solid ultrabook for those that want something thin, but otherwise there’s very little it offers over rival devices.

Microsoft has unveiled the latest addition to its line up of first-party devices: the Surface Laptop.

Revealed by Microsoft's Surface chief Panos Panay at an education-focused event in New York yesterday, the Surface family's newest member is gunning directly for Apple's flagship notebooks.

Panay claimed the device is thinner and lighter than the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, with better performance and longer battery life than any MacBook currently available.

These impressive claims aredriven by Intel's seventh-generation Kaby Lake chips. The Surface Laptops ship with a Core i5 or Core i7 kaby Lake processor, with up to 16GB of RAM.

Redmond's new device has a 13.5in touchscreen using Microsoft's PixelSense technology, and just like its other devices, the company is touting superb colour accuracy. There's no word on the resolution as yet, but it will be compatible with design-focused accesories like the Surface Dial and Surface Pen.

Unfortunately, the Surface Laptop is running a little light on ports. It features a full-size USB Type-A port, but lacks the much more versatile and increasingly common USB-C. It also uses mini DisplayPort, instead of the much more widespread HDMI connector, which could leave a lot of users high and dry in terms of connections.

Design-wise, the new laptop looks like a hybrid between the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book, featuring a proper clamshell hinge, but a fabric-covered keyboard reminiscent of the Surface Pro 4's TypeCover.

However, there are some notable red flags that may end up putting both consumers and businesses off Microsoft's new notebook. For starters, the Surface Laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 10 S, the company's new education-focused OS. Anyone wishing to use the full-fat version of Windows 10 will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for a one-time fee.

The stripped-down operating system can only run Windows Store apps, meaning that users will find themselves unable to use many traditional desktop programs. Microsoft claims that this is to ensure that all the apps are secure and Microsoft-verified, but customers may end up frustrated by the lack of flexibility.

Commentators have also remarked on how expensive the new device is. The Surface Laptop starts at $999, which nets customers a Core i5, with a 128GB SSD and just 4GB of RAM. To get the top spec, which includes 16GB of RAM and a Core i7 processor, you'll have to shell out over $2,000.

The Surface Laptop will start shipping out to US customers on 15 June, but there's currently no word on UK availability. Based on the launch timetables of previous devices though, we can predict that it may take up to six months before the new notebook makes it to the UK.

Pictures courtesy of Microsoft

The Toshiba Portg X20 is the company's latest stab at reclaiming some of the ground stolen by Apple and others in the business-class market. This sleek 2-in-1 is packing some serious specs, including powerful internal hardware, stonking battery life and enterprise-grade biometric security. But has Toshiba done enough to muscle its way back into the business notebook arena?

Design

The Portg X20W initially looks attractive, but unfortunately the build quality isn't quite as appealing. Despite using a magnesium chassis, the Portg feels somewhat flimsy and creaky, and it doesn't have the premium sheen of some of its sturdier, aluminium-framed rivals. It doesn't feel cheap, necessarily, but it feels markedly less expensive than models like the MacBook and the Dell XPS 13.

This is a shame, because the design is otherwise good. The hinge feels sturdy with a smooth action, and once we positioned it we didn't have any worries about it shifting or falling down. Visually, it looks sleek and professional, with a brushed-aluminium effect on the black lid and keyboard surround - we just wish Toshiba had splashed out a bit more for sturdier materials, particularly given the exceptionally high price.

On a brighter note, the 1.1kg weight puts it squarely towards the top end of its bracket in terms of portability. It's far from heavy, and it won't weigh down your bag when you're out and about. At 15.4mm, it's not as thin as some of its rivals, but this also means that the Portg can fit in a full-sized USB 3.0 port and a proper Kaby Lake chip, so it's a compromise we're more than happy to make.

Keyboard, touchpad and touchscreen

Of course, like virtually all convertibles, it's a touch too heavy to be comfortably used as a tablet for any extended period of time. It works beautifully in both tent and stand mode, however, and it's not nearly as weighty as some other 2-in-1 devices we've seen.

The keyboard itself is generally good - the keys are well-spaced with decent travel depth, and we had no problems typing for long stretches with it. The only complaint we had with it is that the feedback from the keys isn't quite as crisp and defined as we would have liked, although we've seen far worse and this is hardly a deal-breaker.

The trackpad, unfortunately, is less impressive. It feels small even for a 13in laptop, and we found ourselves having to reposition our finger quite often to reach from one edge of the screen to the other. This can be alleviated somewhat by bumping the sensitivity up in the options, but the fact we had to do this at all is discouraging, particularly on a 1,400 business machine. Compared to the generous 140mm x 66mm trackpad on the Acer Swift 7, Toshiba's 100mm x 57mm offering feels somewhat miserly.

Display

The Portg's screen isn't particularly attention-grabbing on first glance. While the matte-coated panel is well-suited to harshly-lit office environments, it lacks the razor-thin bezels that make devices like the XPS 13 so immediately attractive and its 1080p resolution is merely average rather than impressive.

Look beneath the surface, however, and you'll find a rather excellent display. The Portg offers superb contrast, a capable 354cd/m2 maximum brightness and excellent colour accuracy. There's a touch of undersaturation on the reds, but on the whole, however, the sRBG coverage is excellent, with a rate of over 95%. It really is a superb screen, and one that's as suited to photo and video editing as it is to standard office work - if you don't mind the entry-level resolution, that is.

The touchscreen is smooth and responsive, with the Portg's AES stylus and palm-rejection technology ensuring that jotting down notes or sketches can be done quickly and easily. It's not quite as well-suited to graphics work as something like the Surface Book or the iPad Pro and the stylus isn't quite as fluid and natural to use as the likes of the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen, but it's perfect for quickly annotating documents or taking notes in meetings. Plus, it has the advantage of being bundled for free, whereas both of the above examples are sold as after-market extras.

Specs

Shipping with 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core i7-7500U processor, the Portg isn't exactly skimping on power. The inclusion of a proper, full-fat Kaby Lake processor as opposed to the low-profile Y-series models seen in other ultraportables means that the Portege can handily compete with its main rivals on performance.

Not only does it run rings around most of the other ultraportables we've tested, an overall score of 53 puts it above even Dell's excellent XPS 13, which is high praise indeed. Scoring highly for both single and multi-core operations, the Portg can safely handle all the workloads you'd expect from a high-end business device.

Of course, the price of using a full-power processor is that the Toshiba has had to sacrifice the fanless design sported by competitors, opting for a 'Hybrid Air Cooling System' in order to keep things chilled. Not only does this increase the thickness, it also means that the Portg can occasionally go into what we at IT Pro call 'hairdryer mode' when over-taxed, emitting a loud and incredibly irritating whine as the fans go into overdrive to maintain thermal efficiency.

Theoretically, this should only happen when you push it to the absolute limit, but we found it happening with some regularity - at least once a session, in fact. This is a real embarrassment on a machine of this price, and it was loud enough to actually be disruptive in an office environment, which is hardly ideal.

The battery life, thankfully, was a brighter note. In our battery benchmark tests, the Portg racked up a mammoth score of 10hrs 58 mins. This outstrips not only Dell's XPS 13, but even the mighty MacBook family - another seriously impressive feat.

Ports and features

As is common for ultraportables, connectivity options are light - there's just one USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 port for power and data and a USB 3.0 port, in addition to a 3.5mm jack for headphones and microphones. While this is about the standard for ultraportable devices, the fact that the Portg is a quite a bit thicker than a standard ultraportable makes it feel a little bit mean that more options weren't included.

If the connectivity features are somewhat lacking, however, the security features certainly aren't. The Portg features support for Windows Hello's biometric authentication in two forms, courtesy of a fingerprint reader built into the trackpad and an IR camera. This is in addition to Toshiba's BIOS and TPM 2.0 encryption, giving you peace of mind that your business data is going to stay secure.

Verdict

Don't be fooled by its unassuming exterior - under its demure shell, the Toshiba Portg is secretly an enterprise-grade powerhouse. It blows other ultraportables out of the water, and even manages to match the mighty Dell XPS 13 in terms of raw performance.

Toshiba has also managed to pack in a superbly high-quality display. The resolution might not match up to more impressive rivals, but in terms of colour accuracy, contrast and general fidelity, it's a professional-grade panel.

There is, however, a fly in the ointment, and that's the price. At 1,399 - excluding VAT - the Portg is stonkingly expensive. It's around 200 dearer than the XPS 13 2-in-1, for example, and more than 250 more expensive than the touch-enabled XPS 13 (which comes with a QHD+ display).

This somewhat sours what is otherwise an excellent proposition. It feels like a high price, especially given the handful of niggles like the fan noise and build quality. However, there's still an awful lot to recommend the Toshiba Portg X20W, and if you can look past the expensive price tag, you'll find yourself with a frighteningly capable business machine.

Verdict

The Toshiba Portege X20W is a beast of a machine, with performance and battery life that quashes even Dell's excellent XPS 13. It's pricey, but if you want an ultraportable that doesn't compromise on power then the X20W will scratch your itch.

I should probably be upfront and make it clear that I'm a Mac user. I haven't used a Windows computer regularly for quite some time, having bought into the wider Apple ecosystem of OS X and iOS devices. So although I've spent time with Windows 10 Pro, I haven't really used it in anger, so to speak.

What has intrigued me about Windows 10 Pro is its ability to function in a plethora of environments it doesn't matter if I'm using a desktop, a laptop or a tablet, they can all run the same operating system; a trick that Apple still hasn't pulled off. And it's that operational versatility that has made convertible and 2-in-1 devices far more attractive than they have ever been.

So I've decided to give a business focused convertible device a go for a while, marrying thin and light design, with high performance and versatile usability. The HP EliteBook X360 is a beautiful device with a full aluminium chassis, making the transition from a MacBook Pro completely painless in terms of look and feel. The 13.3in screen means it's roughly the same size as my old MacBook Pro while being noticeably lighter the EliteBook X360 weighs less than 1.3kg!

Given that Apple is intent on reducing the number of ports on its laptops the MacBook has just a single USB-C port, while the 13in MacBook Pro still only has two HP doesn't expect me to make such compromises with a plethora of ports around the chassis including a full-size HDMI port and smartcard reader.

From a laptop perspective the EliteBook X360 certainly seems to tick all the right boxes, while I'm getting to grips with Windows 10 Pro faster than I expected. I've set up all my virtual desktops just like OS X, and although it took me a while to realise that I need to swipe left and right with four fingers instead of three to switch desktops, the OS transition has been far less painful than I'd expected it to be.

One Windows 10 Pro feature that I'm completely sold on is Windows Hello; not that I'm in the habit of forgetting my passwords, but being able to switch the X360 on and have it recognise my face and log me in automatically is pretty cool. Obviously this only works because HP has placed an Intel RealSense camera above the screen, and that's just one of the many security features built into this machine. I can choose to augment Windows Hello facial recognition with biometric fingerprint security or even smartcard authentication after all, if the worst should happen and I lose my laptop, I want to make sure that no one can access anything on it.

If you're using a mobile device as your sole computer it needs to be ergonomically adept I spend a lot of time typing long documents, so a first rate keyboard is paramount. So far I've found both the keyboard and touchpad on the EliteBook X360 to be excellent, while the added functionality of the touchscreen is definitely something I can see myself starting to rely on.

As already mentioned, the touchpad gestures are slightly different from my old MacBook Pro, but it hasn't taken me long to adapt. And with the additional gestures and functionality provided by the touchscreen, there are many shortcuts to aid productivity and efficiency.

Early indications are that the HP EliteBook X360 is a great piece of kit for highly mobile power users it's thin, light and very easy to get on with, while Windows 10 Pro delivers some genuine advantages over OS X that I'm learning to love.

Keep in mind that I've only used the EliteBook X360 as a laptop so far, with little to no experience of it as a tablet device, but I'll definitely be doing that before my next blog post.

Find out if your business is ready for the future.

Acer has been attempting to raise its profile as a maker of prosumer and business-grade hardware in recent years, with a series of notebooks aiming to take on higher-priced devices like the MacBook and XPS ranges.

After reviewing Acer's surprisingly good Swift 3 notebook, we were expecting big things from the company's latest 2-in-1. The flagship of its convertible line, the Acer Spin 7 aims to cement Acer's position as a contender in the realms of high-end hybrids - but can it match its established rivals?

Design

We were immediately taken with the Spin 7's design. With the lid closed, the all-metal chassis is only 11mm thick, and the clean lines and understated, minimalist aesthetic go together to create a striking-looking device. Sadly, our positive feelings quickly began to fade away once we actually started using it.

The 360-degree hinge is the first flaw - it's simply not stiff enough to hold the display firmly in place. Flip the Spin 7 over into tent mode, and it feels like it's in constant danger of falling over. Worse still, it even wobbles slightly back and forth when you're typing in laptop mode. Attempt to carry the Spin 7 across the room with the display upright, and it barely makes a few steps before sagging downwards and pointing towards the floor.

At 1.2kg, it's among the lightest 14in notebooks we've seen. This feat is even more impressive when you consider that it's a touchscreen model too, as this generally adds a couple hundred grams to the weight. However, while it is undeniably light for a 14in laptop, the Spin 7 is too heavy to comfortably use as a handheld tablet - like many convertible 2-in-1s, it's a much better laptop than it is a tablet.

Keyboard and trackpad

It's tough not to like the Spin just a little, though. The gorgeous looks get it off to a good start, and it's all the better for marrying that handsome figure with a rather nice keyboard and trackpad. Despite the thin base, the chiclet keys have just enough travel and responsiveness to feel good under the finger, and the ultra-wide trackpad is great - multi-touch gestures such as swiping between open programs are an absolute breeze.

However, the Spin 7 does lose points for having no keyboard backlighting. This should be an essential feature by now and the fact that Acer has neglected to include it feels like a missed opportunity, especially for this kind of money.

Performance and hardware

Sadly, Acer hasn't outdone itself in the hardware stakes. On paper, it sounds like it should be a potent performer: in addition to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, a shiny sticker on the chassis proudly proclaimed that it's fitted with a seventh-generation Core i7 processor. However, a surprisingly lacklustre showing in our benchmark tests prompted us to take another look.

While it acquitted itself capably in our image editing benchmarks, it seriously underperformed in the video editing and multitasking tests, scoring much lower than we'd expect from a 5th-generation i7 processor, much less one of Intel's latest models.

On closer inspection, however, we discovered that the Spin 7 uses one of Intel's Y-series Kaby Lake chips. In other words, it's a rebranded Core m7 processor, which explains its rather unimpressive results in the more demanding portions of our benchmarks.

With this in mind, the Spin 7's results actually look very respectable; it offered performance roughly on par with what we'd expect from what's effectively a Core m7 chip, and it even outperformed Apple's 12in MacBook.

It's worth bearing in mind, though, that it's still roundly trounced by any of Intel's full-fat processors. Kaby Lake's low TDP talents have allowed Acer to pare the Spin 7 down to a sliver, but the trade-off is performance. If processing power is what you're after, you'll get better performance at a cheaper price from one of last year's Core i5 Skylake notebooks.

Indeed, one of the keys to the Spin 7's slenderness is that it's forgone fans completely. The silence is welcome, but despite the power-efficient Kaby Lake processor, the chassis does tend to heat up noticeably even under light use. Push it harder with heavyweight applications, and it gets uncomfortably hot. According to our measurements, the temperature of the area just above the keyboard hit almost 50 degrees, even with a relatively minor load on the processor.

As you'd expect with a chassis this pared-down, there's hardly any room for ports on the Spin 7. You're left with just two USB Type-C slots, which is an acceptable number, although more would be welcome - especially given that you'll need to use one when charging the unit.

Display and battery life

Things start to look up when we get to the 14in Full HD display, which is really rather good. As it covers 95.3% of the sRGB colour spectrum, colours are vibrant and natural, and the maximum brightness of 321cd/m2 means that legibility shouldn't be a problem even on sunny days. Contrast is great too, which helps to eke out plenty of detail from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. The glossy screen finish does mean that glare could prove an issue under harsh fluorescent lighting, though.

The decision to stick with a 1080p panel over a more impressive QHD or 4K resolution helps to extend the battery life, and it's clearly a necessary compromise. Although the Spin 7's score of 6hrs 57mins in our battery tests is firmly respectable for a notebook this thin, a higher resolution would unquestionably have shaved this down by at least a couple of hours.

If an ultra high-definition display is a sticking point, however, higher resolution displays can be found in rival machines at the expense of processing power and touchscreen functionality.

Verdict

The Acer Spin 7 gets an awful lot right; it's lovely to look at, the trackpad is a joy to use, and it's one of the thinnest convertibles we've ever seen. However, it's a machine that is built on compromise, which ultimately proves to be its downfall.

Issues with build quality - such as the lack of keyboard backlighting and the disastrous hinge - make it feel cheap. At the same time, its 1,200 price tag puts it in the same ballpark as the 12in MacBook and the Surface Pro 4, both of which are much more refined machines.

The Spin 7 is too flawed to be a credible convertible, and too underpowered to rival the best ultrabooks. Whether you're hunting for a lightweight 2-in-1 or a business-grade laptop, there are several better-performing and more cost-effective alternatives which we'd buy instead.

If you're after an ultraportable laptop, the new Dell XPS 13 offers substantially better performance and a much higher build quality for only 50 more, while those who need touchscreen functionality are advised to go for Microsoft's latest Surface Pro, which is better value with a much more attractive screen and hinge.

Verdict

While there’s a lot to like about this device, it’s also dogged with compromise. It’s hampered by poor performance, a high price tag, and questionable design choices - an unfortunate combination that means you’re better off looking elsewhere.