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CES 2021 witnessed the debut of numerous cutting-edge laptops boasting powerful configurations, unique designs, and innovative features. These devices are set to hit the market in the coming months. For those in the market for a new laptop, here are some noteworthy models to consider:Introducing the ASUS ROG Flow X13
Instead of utilizing Thunderbolt 3 connection, ASUS ingeniously devised a special connection harnessing 8-lane PCIe 3.0. Consequently, the RTX 3080 on this dock can operate with double the bandwidth compared to Thunderbolt 3 (4-lane PCIe 3.0), eliminating any bottleneck concerns. With the increased bandwidth, the dock features an additional 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (5 Gbps) and an Ethernet port alongside 2 display ports, HDMI, and DisplayPort. It also powers the laptop upon connection, requiring only a compact 280W power adapter. Weighing just 1 kg and as large as a notebook, users can conveniently carry it alongside their ROG Flow X13 laptop.The price tag for this laptop + dock combo falls around 3000 USD.Acer Predator Triton 300 SE
The Predator Triton 300 SE stands out as a special edition of the Triton 300 series, featuring a 14' display instead of the typical 15.6', and a sleek anodized aluminum chassis in gray, departing from the characteristic soft-touch coating of the Predator line. Acer has streamlined gaming elements such as the illuminated Predator logo and simplified thermal vents, aiming towards creative content creators. Internally, it boasts an impressive 14' IPS 144Hz thin-bezel display, a spacious keyboard layout with large keys, and RGB backlighting. This slim device measures just 17.7mm thick and weighs approximately 1.7kg.
Equipped with the 11th generation Intel Core i processors (Tiger Lake), albeit belonging to the H35 series, placing it between the high-performance Tiger Lake-H and power-efficient Tiger Lake-U. The Tiger Lake-H35 series offers 3 options: Core i5-11300H, and Core i7-11370H/11375H SE, with a maximum of 4 cores and 8 threads. The Predator Triton 300 SE is configured with the Core i7-11375H SE, boasting a maximum turbo frequency of 5GHz and a multi-core turbo of 4.3GHz. Tiger Lake-H35 also features Intel Iris Xe graphics with up to 96 Execution Units. Alongside the Tiger Lake CPU is an Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU. It supports up to 24GB of RAM, with 8GB soldered onto the motherboard, and up to 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD.
The Predator Triton 300 SE is also one of the pioneering laptops on the market to support Nvidia Advanced Optimus technology. The most significant improvement is the support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) synchronization directly with the integrated Iris Xe GPU, instead of relying solely on the discrete GPU like the RTX 3060. This means that when the system utilizes the Intel integrated GPU to run certain 3D applications for power efficiency, the Nvidia GPU will handle frame synchronization without needing to operate at full load.Predator Triton 30 SE is priced starting at 1400 USD.Introducing the powerful Dell Latitude 9420
The Dell Latitude 9400 series has undergone significant enhancements both in design and specifications. This line of laptops maintains a 14' screen size but now offers a 16:10 aspect ratio, with optional FHD+ or QHD+ resolutions, brightness up to 500 nits, and 100% sRGB color gamut coverage. The Latitude 9420 is a versatile machine featuring a 360-degree rotating touch screen design, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6 DX, and supporting an Active Pen for touch input.
Dell is stepping up its focus on AI and security by equipping its webcam with a SafeShutter, an automatic shutter that closes when not in use. Users can also press a button to disable both the webcam and microphone. The Dell Optimizer software, powered by AI, promises enhanced performance.
The Latitude 9420 comes with an Intel Core 11th generation processor, with a maximum option of 32 GB LPDDR4X-4266 RAM. Although the RAM cannot be upgraded, the laptop features 2 M.2 slots for SSD upgrades. It's worth noting that the M.2 slot on the Latitude 9420 only supports the shorter 2230 form factor, instead of the more common 2280.In addition to Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, the Latitude 9420 offers the option of 4G LTE or 5G data connection with Qualcomm's modem solutions such as the Snapdragon X20 4G or X55 5G. The pricing for the Latitude 9420 series has not been disclosed yet, with availability slated for March.Introducing the HP Elite Folio
The Elite Folio redefines business computing with its unparalleled mobility. Resembling a luxurious leather notebook, it seamlessly transforms into various modes for ultimate versatility: a sleek laptop, a convenient tablet for sketching, or a compact presentation mode for content consumption or meetings. This innovative design echoes HP's iconic Spectre Folio introduced in 2018, now refined to perfection.
The Elite Folio boasts a 13.5' IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280, featuring a 3:2 aspect ratio and Gorilla Glass 5 protection. What sets this device apart from HP's CES 2021 lineup is its utilization of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8CX octa-core processor, clocked at 3.1 GHz, and 5G support via the X55 modem. It offers up to 16 GB LPDDR4X RAM and a maximum of 512 GB internal storage.
Introducing the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen2 - a visionary leap in laptop innovation.
Experience the unparalleled sophistication of the ThinkBook Plus Gen2, boasting dual screens - a vibrant IPS display and an expansive e-ink panel nestled on the exterior.
Sleeker and lighter, the ThinkBook Plus Gen2 weighs a mere 1.3 kg and features the latest Intel Core processors, Thunderbolt 4 support, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Embrace the future with wireless charging capabilities and revel in up to 15 hours of battery life, extendable to an astounding 24 hours with e-ink display usage.The ThinkBook Plus Gen2 is priced around $1550.Introducing the MSI Stealth 15M.
The Stealth 15M is the thinnest 15.6' gaming laptop currently, measuring just 16.15 mm thick and weighing 1.7 kg. Its design sets it apart from previous MSI laptops, featuring a honeycomb speaker system, low-profile RGB backlit keyboard, and comes in two shell color options: black and ivory white.
The machine boasts a robust configuration featuring an 11th-gen Core i7 H-series processor, with 4 cores and 8 threads, clocking up to 5 GHz, paired with Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060. It supports up to 64 GB of RAM with 2 standard SO-DIMM slots, and offers upgradable SSD options with an M.2 slot supporting PCIe 4.0 SSDs. MSI has upgraded the cooling system with Cooler Boost 5, equipped with 6 copper heat pipes and slimmer fans.
The MSI Stealth 15M is equipped with a 15.6' FHD display running at 144 Hz refresh rate. It features a comprehensive set of ports including 1 Thunderbolt 4 port, 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 (10 Gbps) Type-C port with DisplayPort support, 2 USB 3.2 Gen1 (5 Gbps) USB-A ports, and an HDMI port.This machine is expected to be priced around 1500 USD.
