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Getac Announces Next-Gen B360X and B360X Pro Rugged Notebooks

Getac Technology Corporation (Getac), a leading provider of rugged computing and mobile video solutions and a manufacturer with advanced in-house capabilities, today announced the launch of its next generation B360X and B360X Pro fully rugged notebooks.

Both new devices build on the proven heritage of Getac's popular B360 series, offering upgraded AI-powered processing, a larger 14-inch screen size, enhanced security, and comprehensive connectivity options, all in a compact and portable form factor. This makes them ideally suited to frontline professionals in industries such as public safety, utilities, manufacturing and defense, who need powerful yet versatile devices to accomplish complex tasks in a diverse range of field environments.

Googlebook Launches With Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Processors

Intel today announced the first Googlebook devices powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors (codenamed Panther Lake), bringing together Google's next-generation computing with the proven performance, best-in-class connectivity and efficiency of Intel's flagship client platform. Launching with premium devices from Acer, ASUS and Lenovo, Intel-powered Googlebook laptops are thoughtfully designed and engineered to support the way people work, play and create.

Whether collaborating with colleagues, exploring new ideas, streaming content, or multitasking across apps, Intel-powered Googlebook laptops enable responsive performance and long battery life in sleek, modern designs, creating a fast, intelligent and seamless computing experience.

Acer Focuses on Repairability and AI-powered Performance With New Vero 16 Laptop

Acer today announced the Acer Vero 16 (V16-I71 / V16-I71T), a premium laptop that incorporates purposefully sourced materials and significant repairability without compromising performance. Its design makes the device easier to repair and upgrade, while the chassis leverages recycled materials and low-carbon aluminium. Powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the Acer Vero 16 is a Copilot+ PC that delivers responsive performance and advanced on-device AI features for productivity, content creation, and entertainment. Combined with a stunning 16-inch OLED display and modern connectivity, the Acer Vero 16 delivers top-notch capabilities in a purposefully designed package.

"Sustainability should be built into every stage of a product's lifecycle—from raw materials all the way to packaging," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. "The Acer Vero 16 embodies this philosophy through its thoughtfully sourced materials and repairability-driven design, while delivering the AI-powered performance consumers expect from a modern PC."

Dell Announces New Dell 14S With Intel Wildcat Lake CPU

Dell Technologies announced the new Dell 14S, a lightweight everyday Windows laptop designed for students and young adults who prioritize long battery life, portability, design and value. With a modern aluminium chassis, four expressive color options and up to 21 hours of battery life, the Dell 14S brings features typically associated with premium laptops to a broader segment of the market. It complements the XPS 13, giving Dell customers a choice between an everyday laptop and Dell's premium ultraportable experience. Students and young adults have typically had to choose between a laptop that looks great, lasts all day or fits their budget. The Dell 14S is designed around all three: a design that feels personal, a battery that lasts the whole day and a build quality that holds up, at a price point that makes it accessible to more people.

The Dell 14S is offered in four distinct colors: Linen, Dusty Rose, Washed Denim and Velvet Green, each bringing a different personality to the same sleek aluminium chassis. At 13.5 mm thin and 1.15 kg (~2.5 lbs), it is light enough to disappear into a bag and solid enough to survive it. The four-color options mark a deliberate return to expressive design in Dell's consumer lineup, reflecting the belief that the technology people carry every day should feel personal.

Computex 2026: XMG Pro 18 Brings 12 GB VRAM to Upper Mid-Range Mobile Segment

At Computex 2026 XMG announced the PRO 18 and PRO 18 Value Edition (VE) notebooks marking the company's return to the large-format laptop segment. Both notebooks share the same base platform as the existing PRO 16 series. The 2.8 kg chassis is approximately 24.5 mm thick and has a structurally stabilizing aluminium display lid. The XMG PRO 18 is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics card with 12 GB GDDR7. The display is an IPS panel at 2,560 x 1,600 pixels with a 300 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness and 100% DCI-P3 coverage. XMG is also planning a more budget-friendly Value Edition that features a Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus, RTX 5070 with the same amount of VRAM (12 GB) as the standard model and a display with the refresh rate scaled down to 180 Hz. Both laptops utilize a 99 Wh battery and Intel Binary Optimization Tools to improve gaming performance.

Internal expandability options across both models include two SO-DIMM sockets supporting up to 128 GB of DDR5-6400 RAM (with CSO-DIMM support), paired with dual M.2 SSD storage slots split across individual PCI Express 5.0 and PCI Express 4.0 lane configurations. The rear features the power input, HDMI 2.1, Mini DisplayPort 2.1 and a Thunderbolt 4 port supporting up to 140 W Power Delivery. On the side it sports one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with 100 W Power Delivery, three USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, SD Express card reader and a 2-in-1 audio jack. Wi-Fi 7, 4-speaker sound array, a 151.5 × 96.5 mm glass touchpad and a Full HD webcam complete the specifications.

Acer Launches New Swift Air 14 Powered by Latest Intel Core Series 3 Processors

Acer today introduced two new Swift laptops—the Acer Swift Air 14 and the Acer Swift Spin 14 AI. Both Windows 11 PCs with dedicated NPUs, the thin-and-light devices feature the latest technology and powerful on-device capabilities to run AI workloads and offer exclusive AI experiences.

James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc., remarked: "In addition to a new high-powered convertible laptop, we are delighted to be launching the thin-and-light Acer Swift Air 14 powered by the latest Intel Core Series 3 processors. With robust performance housed in a sophisticated design, this new laptop caters to the value the market needs, delivering advanced capabilities and AI features in an accessible laptop that is as refined as it is powerful. The Swift Air 14 represents Acer's commitment to making cutting-edge technology more broadly available, wrapped in the elegant chassis the Swift family is known for."

Acer Broadens Portfolio with Two New Laptops Powered by the Latest Snapdragon Processors

Acer today introduced the Swift Spin 14 AI and the Aspire Go 15, broadening the company's laptop portfolio with a greater range of devices powered by Snapdragon. A premium ultraportable AI laptop, Swift Spin 14 AI features a Snapdragon X2 Elite or Snapdragon X2 Plus processor.

"Snapdragon X2 Series processors deliver leading performance combined with a highly portable, convertible design, coalescing to result in more than the sum of their parts in Acer Swift Spin 14 AI," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. "With these synergies, this laptop powered by Snapdragon is the ultimate engine for high-output achievers who demand uncompromising speed, AI integrated processing, and multi-day battery life."

MSI Unveils New Raider and Crosshair Gaming Laptops with Up to 300W Combined Power

MSI, a global leader in gaming, content creation, and business & productivity laptops, proudly introduced the redesigned Raider and Crosshair gaming laptop series, built for gamers seeking high-performance 16-inch laptops with the latest Intel Core Ultra 200HX Plus processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs. The new lineup delivers up to 300 W combined CPU and GPU power on select Raider models and up to 200 W on select Crosshair models, alongside upgraded cooling, OLED display options, and rear I/O for cleaner cable management. These models set a new benchmark as the most powerful gaming laptops in the industry.

MSI has also upgraded its existing 18-inch gaming lineup, including the Titan 18, Raider 18 Max, and Stealth 18. In addition to featuring the Intel Core Ultra 200HX Plus processors, users can experience ultra-smooth visuals through top-tier specifications such as a 4K 240 Hz Mini LED display.

Global PC Shipments Grew 3% in 1Q26 as Supply Chain Impacts Emerged

According to the latest research from Omdia, total shipments of desktops, notebooks, and workstations in 1Q26 increased by 3.2% year-over-year to 64.8 million units. Notebooks (including mobile workstations) saw a modest year-over-year increase of 2.6% in Q1 to 50.8 million units. Meanwhile, desktops (including desktop workstations) performed slightly better, up 5.4% to 14.0 million units. Growth was supported by vendors and channel partners pulling orders forward ahead of a widely anticipated increase in component costs, the continuation of the Windows 10 replacement cycle that is still driving commercial refresh budgets, and by a heavier than usual slate of spring product launches across both Windows OEMs and Apple.

"With supply-chain pressures still building, Q1's modest growth is likely to mark the high point for the year," said Ben Yeh, Principal Analyst at Omdia. "Memory and storage costs are expected to rise further and more steeply than previously assumed from Q2, squeezing PC vendor gross margins and forcing them to pass costs through to channel partners and end-customers. AI data center build-outs are crowding consumer categories out of memory and storage supply, which have already seen roughly five-fold and three-fold cost increases respectively since Q1 2025. CPU prices are a smaller but compounding pressure, with Intel and AMD projecting increases of 10-25% into Q2."

Dell Announces New Dell Pro Notebooks, Workstations, Monitors and Peripherals

Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) today introduces a transformed commercial portfolio spanning Dell Pro notebooks, Dell Pro Precision workstations, desktops, monitors and client peripherals. Thinner, lighter and more powerful, the new lineup brings a bold, refined design language to commercial devices—prioritizing sleeker silhouettes, premium materials and modern details that elevate everyday productivity. With advances in cooling, power efficiency and support for on-device AI, the portfolio delivers improved performance and long battery life in more portable form factors, enabling a consistent, elevated experience for everyone from frontline workers to senior executives.

Why it matters
Users want sleek, powerful devices. IT needs security, manageability and budget discipline. Dell's reimagined commercial portfolio delivers both. Advanced engineering—modular architecture, improved thermals, AI-ready silicon—allows thinner, lighter designs that maintain enterprise-grade performance and control. Organizations can now deploy modern hardware that professionals prefer without compromising on the standards IT demands.

Lenovo Unveils Next-Gen Workstations and Announces World's First 1,000 Wh/L Silicon-Anode Battery

Lenovo introduces the next-generation of AI workstations optimized for on-device AI development, inference and creation, including the ThinkPad P14s i Gen 7, ThinkPad P14s Gen 7 AMD, ThinkPad P16s i Gen 5, ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 AMD, ThinkPad P1 Gen 9 and the powerhouse desktop ThinkStation P5 Gen 2.

Designed for students, engineers, data scientists and everyone in between, the new workstations pack unprecedented performance capable of tackling even the most demanding workflows, including CAD, BIM, data science, AI development and more. Part of Lenovo's new Hybrid AI Advantage solutions with NVIDIA, the systems accelerate AI adoption, boost business productivity, and bring faster ROI from AI deployments, reflecting Lenovo's commitment to deliver smarter, more adaptive solutions to meet modern challenges.

Acer Debuts First TravelMate P4 & P2 Copilot+ PCs Featuring Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Processors with Intel vPro

Acer today unveiled a new lineup of TravelMate Copilot+ PCs that empower organizations of all sizes to unleash the full potential of AI. The new TravelMate P4 14 AI, TravelMate P4 Spin 14 AI, TravelMate P2 16 AI, and TravelMate P2 14 AI business laptops are powered by up to the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with Intel vPro, delivering real-world performance, long battery life, enterprise-grade security, and simplified manageability.

From SMBs to the public sector, the new lineup delivers a combination of performance, productivity, and security. The devices also represent the first Copilot+ PCs in the TravelMate P4 and P2 series, underscoring Acer's commitment to offering a robust commercial portfolio of AI-ready devices.

Lenovo Unveils New Business Notebooks and More at MWC 2026

At MWC 2026, Lenovo builds on the momentum from CES and Tech World to highlight its latest portfolio of AI-powered business devices, intelligent form factors, and enterprise-ready platforms, designed to help organizations scale AI with confidence. From modular AI PC concepts and rugged frontline tablets to the trusted ThinkPad portfolio and human-centric AI companions, Lenovo's MWC showcase highlights how innovation, reliability, and repairability come together to support modern work.

The new announcements reflect a continued focus on delivering democratized AI that is productive, adaptable, and protected, addressing the real-world needs of professionals, IT leaders, and enterprises operating across increasingly distributed environments. By combining AI-ready devices with strong repairability, platform choice across leading silicon partners, and enterprise-grade security and services, Lenovo is enabling businesses to adopt AI-powered computing without added complexity.

AMD Launches Ryzen AI 400 Series Processors for Mobile and Desktop

At Mobile World Congress 2026, AMD announced an expanded Ryzen AI portfolio with the launch of the AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series and Ryzen AI PRO 400 Series desktop processors. The new processors deliver powerful on-device AI acceleration and next-generation performance, enabling users to run AI applications and LLMs locally and tackle compute-intensive applications, including those for design and engineering, with ease. Additionally, AMD is expanding the Ryzen AI 400 Series mobile portfolio to include workstations.

With these additions, Ryzen AI 400 Series processors enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to offer next-gen AI PCs across high-performance desktops, laptops and mobile workstations optimized for modern workloads.

Samsung Opens Up Galaxy Book6 Series Pre-orders in Europe, Starting at £949 MSRP

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the European launch of its latest premium PC lineup, Galaxy Book6 Ultra, Galaxy Book6 Pro and Galaxy Book6; delivering Samsung's most advanced Galaxy Book performance yet in a refined, perfectly balanced slim design. The latest lineup reflects Samsung's continued focus on delivering premium PCs that balance power, portability and intelligent productivity features for modern work and everyday use.

Performance Designed for Modern WorkFlows
Built with the newest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the Galaxy Book6 series is designed to handle demanding multitasking, creative workloads and AI-enhanced applications with ease. The upgraded processing platform enables significantly faster responsiveness, helping users work more efficiently whether they are editing content, collaborating online or managing complex tasks. Galaxy Book6 Ultra has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card to further enhance performance, enabling smoother visual experiences and supporting advanced creative tools powered by AI. Samsung also introduced an improved internal cooling structure across the lineup, allowing the devices to maintain stable performance even during intensive usage.

ASUS to Continue Support for PCs and Notebooks in Germany Despite Sales Ban

ASUS has released an official statement in response to the recent decision by a Munich court to prohibit the sale of its PCs and notebooks in Germany. Although the company is now unable to sell these products in Germany, it will continue to provide after-sales services, including support and warranty claims. This decision stems from a ruling that ASUS infringed on Nokia's HEVC/H.265 patents. As a result, ASUS is prevented from generating additional revenue in Europe's largest economy. The court found that the two OEMs, ASUS and Acer, did not demonstrate behavior consistent with willing licensees under FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) terms, leading the court to issue an injunction rather than limit the remedy to financial damages.
ASUSASUS has temporarily suspended its official website and online store in Germany following a Munich I Regional Court ruling (case no. Munich I - 7 O 4102/25) related to a patent dispute with Nokia. The suspension, resulting from a temporary injunction, affects select ASUS PCs and products using High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). All after-sales services in Germany remain fully operational, and existing customers will continue to receive uninterrupted support in full compliance with the current court order. ASUS is evaluating and pursuing further legal action to reach a fair resolution as soon as possible. ASUS continues to stand by its position and remains committed to our customers and partners.

Acer Japan Announces Imminent Price Increases for Laptops & Pre-built Desktop PCs

In mid-February, Acer is facing multiple challenges in Europe and Asia. This past weekend, news reports outlined a court-ordered cease and desist ruling that prevents PC and laptop sales in Germany. Last Friday (February 13), the company's Japanese office informed the local customer base about forthcoming price tag changes. Since November 2025, tech companies have wrestled with an extremely constrained supply of vital components. The regional branch's social media account described inevitable hikes: "due to rising prices of major components such as memory and SSDs, Acer will revise the prices of PC products on its official online store starting from February 20, 2026. Purchases at the current prices will be available until February 19. We will continue striving to improve our product value. We appreciate your understanding." The same notification was issued by the firm's gaming brand (Acer Predator/PlayMaster) to local customers. The Taiwanese multinational PC hardware manufacturer's Japanese division did hint about current circumstances not affecting a handful of items; their statement alluded to a non-specific selection of products remaining "unchanged" in terms of asking prices. At the time writing, Acer's other regional operations have not released similar warnings.

Apple M6 Chip Possibly Launching Around Late 2026

The first signs off an "earlier than expected" launch of Apple's futuristic M6 chip were linked to an allegedly expedited mass production cycle of Samsung Display's "8.6G OLED panels." This cutting-edge double layer design could debut on a majorly redesigned line of MacBook Pro models. A recent Bloomberg "Power On" newsletter, authored by Mark Gurman, projected a very general roadmap of forthcoming portable Mac computer products. In 2026, with possible slippages into the next year, the veteran Apple soothsayer believes that company leadership could be planning a crowded line-up of brand-new items. Within the first half, Gurman predicts launches of MacBook Pro 14 and 16-inch models that pack M5 Max or M5 Pro APUs.

Further out speculative M6-powered devices are reportedly on the cards for release in 2026, but Gurman's latest forecast does not designate a particular product range as a pioneer of next-gen chip usage. In the recent past, the allegedly 2-nanometer M6 chipset has been frequently linked to the aforementioned major MacBook Pro overhaul. Gurman did not pinpoint a specific family, instead envisioning a larger picture: "one wrinkle—I think the M6 chip is potentially coming sooner than people anticipate. Not necessarily in these next laptops, but still in the near future in some configurations. Apple released the M5 processor in October in three devices. Though it might seem soon for an M6, there was only a five-month gap between the M3 and M4." In the event of Apple's MacBook Pro OLED release window slipping into 2027, M6 SoCs could be deployed in a new wave of iPad Pro (2026) tablets. The company unveiled its eighth-gen design last October.

Lenovo Inadvertently Confirms Existence of New Laptop Models with NVIDIA N1(X) APUs

NVIDIA N1 and N1X mobile processors could be deployed in brand-new premium laptops and notebooks in the coming months. Earlier in the week, a DigiTimes article outlined a possible first quarter launch. This more positive prediction seemingly quashed older whispers of major developmental issues causing postponements into late 2026. Tellingly, NVIDIA and involved manufacturing partners missed a grand opportunity to unveil N1-series-powered devices at the recently concluded CES trade show. Earlier today, promising signs of pre-launch activity were sniffed out by the Huang514613 social account. In a now deleted post, the PC hardware detective outlined six Lenovo-made options, utilizing N1 or N1X APUs, destined to bolster the "Windows on Arm" initiative.

Since the publication of news reports, offending items have been removed from the Chinese manufacturer's Legion Space support page. Two pairs of unreleased IdeaPad Slim 5 and Yoga Pro 7 models are reportedly specced with the more mysterious N1 processor. Potentially, this non-X part could be a cut-down variant. The N1X processor is a better known property, with leakers linking it to Team Green's "GB10 Superchip"—this very capable package forms the basis of costly DGX Spark AI mini desktop PCs. A shipping manifest—sporting a November 2025 publication date—suggested Dell's recent-ish evaluation of N1X SoC engineering samples. Lenovo has inadvertently announced that forthcoming NVIDIA-based Lenovo Yoga 9 2-in-1 16-inch and Legion 7 15" designs will feature N1X processors.

Acer Debuts Its First Chromebooks for Students Powered by MediaTek Kompanio 540 Processor

Acer today unveiled the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and Acer Chromebook 311, its first two education Chromebooks powered by the newly available MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor. The new Acer Chromebooks have the features and performance technology students need to embrace a tech-forward curriculum and develop crucial 21st-century skills. Packaged in durable designs that can handle challenging school environments, the two new Acer Chromebooks help extend school districts' budgets and deliver a reduced total cost of ownership.

"Acer Chromebooks are acclaimed as a foundational technology to prepare K-12 students for a lifetime of learning," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. "Their durability, flexibility and ease-of-use help students collaborate and embrace new concepts with enthusiasm. Plus, they help teachers more effectively implement personalized learning strategies for their students, while IT departments can effectively manage Chromebooks to ensure sustainable operation and uninterrupted student learning."

Intel Reportedly Curating Separate "Panther Lake-H" Review Embargoes - Prioritizing Flagship Chip

Intel fully unveiled its Core Ultra Series 3 mobile processor family last week, just before CES 2026 kick-off time. Official press material outlined an important January 27 launch date. Team Blue's first wave of "Panther Lake-H" chips—designed for laptop/notebook and mini PC platforms—will not face much "new" competition later this month. AMD's Ryzen AI 400 series (aka "Gorgon Point") is reportedly due to arrive a few days earlier (perhaps January 22 in China), but this mild refresh of current-gen "Strix Point" and "Krackan Point" silicon is not expected to step-up in terms of deploying cutting-edge tech.

Curiously, a major prediction—courtesy of Golden Pig Upgrade—alleges that Intel is readying two separate review embargo days. The veteran tech soothsayer believes that reviews of Core Ultra X9 388H-based devices will be given the all clear for publication on January 26; the day before Team Blue's decreed launch date. Everything else from the Core Ultra "Panther Lake-H" APU series will get some attention on January 27, coinciding with relevant hardware getting released at global retail outlets. The North American giant's (rumored) two-tier launch week strategy has a whiff of micromanagement, but their supposed prioritization of the 16-core flagship makes some sense, due to past leaks suggesting that it will compete closely with AMD's range-topping "Strix Halo" option: the venerable current-gen Ryzen AI Max+ 395 model.

MSI's Next-gen Prestige Laptops Demoed in NYC, with Intel "Panther Lake" APUs Onboard

Late last month, MSI and Intel held a special preview event in New York City. Members of the press, influencers, and other important figures were invited to take a closer look at a next-gen laptop products—with emphasis placed on a Prestige 2026 lineup. Placards and company representatives confirmed that demo units—aimed at business and productivity—were running on codename "Panther Lake" processors; produced via Intel Foundry's 18A process. Team Blue's Core Ultra 300 series is due for a proper unveiling at next month's CES trade show, but a lucky few have already taken early samples for a spin, including ETA Prime. The PC hardware YouTuber shared his experience (his video report can be viewed below) online; surmising that "Panther Lake" mobile performance exceeds preceding hardware generations, especially in the area of integrated graphics.

MSI's brand-new Prestige designs offer 13, 14 and 16-inch screen sizes. Customers can consider premium OLED panels (over standard IPS), granting high brightness levels and refresh rates. Accompanying literature outlines touch screen and pen support. The Taiwanese manufacturer has opted for a lightweight magnesium-aluminium chassis setup; a distinct upgrade over past Prestige material choices. Up to 13.9 mm slim profiles are matched with pleasing weight estimates: under a kilo for the 13-inch model, below 1.4 kg on the 14-inch option, and beneath 1.6 kg for the 16-inch configuration. Ultra-long battery life—a claimed 24+ hours—is touted as a standout feature. ETA Prime alluded to the development of a "Panther Lake"-powered next-gen MSI gaming handheld, but company reps would not officially confirm this mystery device's existence. MSI has remained relatively loyal to Intel regarding selections of gaming chipsets—earlier this year, a Team Blue exec engaged in some hyping up of "Panther Lake" and "Arrow Lake" capabilities within this market segment.

Acer Intros Chromebook Plus Spin 514 - First Acer Chromebook with MediaTek Kompanio Ultra Processor

Acer today announced the launch of the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 - its first Chromebook powered by the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra processor and featuring an integrated NPU. The premium convertible device combines efficient, AI-powered performance with long battery life, wrapped in a sleek but tough design.

"We are excited to introduce our first Chromebook with the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra processor, unlocking a new level of AI-powered capabilities that streamline multitasking, content creation, and productivity on an Acer Chromebook," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. "With its powerful performance, AI tools, and robust and premium build, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 will empower creators, employees, and teachers to create, work, and be productive from anywhere."

Acer Launches TravelMate X14 AI Business Laptop and New Projectors

Acer today announced a suite of commercial products at IFA 2025, designed to empower the modern workforce. The lineup includes the Acer TravelMate X14 AI Copilot+ PC and three new additions to the eco-friendly Vero projector series: the Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n.

"As AI is becoming increasingly important in modern business workflows, small and medium businesses need devices that integrate intelligent tools, robust security, and mobility," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. "The TravelMate X 14 AI was designed to deliver just that, powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and Copilot+ PC experiences, offering professionals a lightweight yet durable solution crafted to accelerate productivity and collaboration from anywhere."

Microsoft to Enforce Certain USB-C Features on WHCP Certified Laptops

The Type-C USB connector has made it a lot easier—at least in theory—to connect devices, but it's not without its faults, especially as it's been hard to know what capabilities both the ports and the cables deliver. The USB-IF has solved most of the issues on the cable side with clearer markings on certified cables, but that still leaves both computers and devices as a gotcha point. Microsoft has now announced that it has a new WHCP (Windows Hardware Compatibility Program) certification program for Windows 11 laptops that guarantees certain features from a Type-C USB port. No, it doesn't mean all new Windows 11 WHCP laptops will support USB4, which is something of a letdown, but it does guarantee that all USB-C ports on new WHCP laptops will support charging of the laptop and at least DP Alt mode for one display.

As the older USB 3.x standard doesn't support many of the features of USB4, there are several limitations to laptops that lack USB4 support, beyond just data transfer speeds over USB, such as PCIe tunnelling and Thunderbolt 3 support. However, Microsoft mandates Thunderbolt 3 support on all WHCP laptops with USB4 support. USB4 equipped WHCP laptops also have to support 15 W device charging and at least a pair of 4K 60 Hz displays via DP Alt mode. Microsoft's new WHCP certification does at least remove some of the guesswork when buying a new laptop, but until all laptops support USB4, there will still be devices with limited USB Type-C ports in the market.
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