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	<title type="text">Asus | The Verge</title>
	<subtitle type="text">The Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.</subtitle>

	<updated>2026-06-02T16:03:48+00:00</updated>

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		<entry>
			
			<author>
				<name>Antonio G. Di Benedetto</name>
			</author>
			
			<title type="html"><![CDATA[This could be Windows’ M1 moment — but expect it to cost a ton]]></title>
			<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/941215/windows-laptops-nvidia-rtx-spark-apple-m1-arm-price-ram" />
			<id>https://www.theverge.com/?p=941215</id>
			<updated>2026-06-02T12:03:48-04:00</updated>
			<published>2026-06-01T16:02:31-04:00</published>
			<category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="AI" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Analysis" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Asus" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Computex" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Dell" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gadgets" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="HP" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptops" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Lenovo" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Microsoft" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Nvidia" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Report" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Tech" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Windows" />
							<summary type="html"><![CDATA[Nvidia's announcement that it's getting into the consumer laptop chip space with RTX Spark is huge. Apple has proved for years that Arm-based chips can perform incredibly well while also delivering great battery life - at least on the Mac. In the Windows world, performance hasn't fully matched up under Qualcomm chips, mostly in the [&#8230;]]]></summary>
			
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											<![CDATA[

						
<figure>

<img alt="Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang holds up two RTX Spark laptops at Computex 2026" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Nvidia" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot_20260531_212701.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
	<figcaption>
		</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Nvidia's announcement that it's <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/940589/nvidia-rtx-spark-n1-n1x-laptop-desktop-pc-cpu-gpu-ai-release-date">getting into the consumer laptop chip space</a> with <a href="https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/940794/first-nvidia-rtx-spark-laptops-roundup-computex-2026">RTX Spark</a> is huge. Apple has proved for years that Arm-based chips can perform incredibly well while also delivering great battery life - at least on the Mac. In the Windows world, performance hasn't fully matched up under Qualcomm chips, mostly in the graphics department. There's clearly still untapped potential, and Nvidia seems to be promising to deliver it.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">This could be Windows' moment to blow us away with a new generation of supremely capable chips, much like Apple's back in 2020, with the introduction of the M1. But why does this launch feel simultaneous …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/941215/windows-laptops-nvidia-rtx-spark-apple-m1-arm-price-ram">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
						]]>
									</content>
			
					</entry>
			<entry>
			
			<author>
				<name>Jess Weatherbed</name>
			</author>
			
			<title type="html"><![CDATA[These are the first Nvidia RTX Spark laptops]]></title>
			<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/940794/first-nvidia-rtx-spark-laptops-roundup-computex-2026" />
			<id>https://www.theverge.com/?p=940794</id>
			<updated>2026-06-01T08:28:42-04:00</updated>
			<published>2026-06-01T07:29:52-04:00</published>
			<category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Asus" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Computex" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Dell" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gadgets" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="HP" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptops" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Microsoft" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Nvidia" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Tech" />
							<summary type="html"><![CDATA[Nvidia has officially entered the world of consumer laptop chips with the RTX Spark, and several device makers already have hardware lined up for it. Microsoft, Asus, HP, MSI, Lenovo, and Dell are expected to launch RTX Spark laptops sometime this fall, and some of those partner companies have shared details about what we can [&#8230;]]]></summary>
			
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<figure>

<img alt="Six up the upcoming Nvidia Spark laptops from Microsoft, Dell, MSI, and more, expected to launch in fall 2026." data-caption="A lot of details are still under wraps, but at least we know what the new Nvidia Spark laptops look like. | Image: Nvidia" data-portal-copyright="Image: Nvidia" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Nvidia-Spark-Laptops.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
	<figcaption>
	A lot of details are still under wraps, but at least we know what the new Nvidia Spark laptops look like. | Image: Nvidia	</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Nvidia has officially entered the world of consumer laptop chips with the RTX Spark, and several device makers already have hardware lined up for it. Microsoft, Asus, HP, MSI, Lenovo, and Dell are expected to launch <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/940587/these-are-the-first-confirmed-nvidia-rtx-spark-laptops">RTX Spark laptops</a> sometime this fall, and some of those partner companies have shared details about what we can expect.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The common feature shared by all of the upcoming launches is that <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/940589/nvidia-rtx-spark-n1-n1x-laptop-desktop-pc-cpu-gpu-ai-release-date">Arm-based Nvidia RTX Spark superchip</a>, though several variations are in the pipeline. The flagship version unveiled by Nvidia at Computex includes 20 CPU cores, 6,144 GPU cores, and 128GB of LPDDR5X memory - making it near identical to the GB10 ch …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/940794/first-nvidia-rtx-spark-laptops-roundup-computex-2026">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
						]]>
									</content>
			
					</entry>
			<entry>
			
			<author>
				<name>Antonio G. Di Benedetto</name>
			</author>
			
			<title type="html"><![CDATA[This extravagant gaming laptop could ruin other screens for you]]></title>
			<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/940221/asus-rog-strix-scar-18-elmb-gaming-laptop-motion-blur-handson-impressions" />
			<id>https://www.theverge.com/?p=940221</id>
			<updated>2026-05-31T11:24:14-04:00</updated>
			<published>2026-05-31T11:00:00-04:00</published>
			<category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Asus" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Computex" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gadgets" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gaming" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Hands-on" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptop Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptops" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Microsoft" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="PC Gaming" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Tech" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Windows" />
							<summary type="html"><![CDATA[My eyes have seen the PC gaming promised land, and it's a beautifully bright world without a shred of blurriness. It's warm, it looks lovely, and it's impeccably sharp. Also, it's expensive as hell. I've dipped my toe in this world by testing a pre-production version of the upcoming Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, which [&#8230;]]]></summary>
			
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<figure>

<img alt="A pre-production 2026 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 gaming laptop sitting on a black cut mat in front of a blue illuminated backdrop. The large black laptop is emanating colorful lights from its keyboard and underglow around its chassis." data-caption="A speedy 18-inch Mini LED that needs to be seen to be believed. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/268564_Asus_ROG_Strix_Scar_18_ELMB_2026_handson_prepro_ADiBenedetto_ADiBenedetto_0007.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
	<figcaption>
	A speedy 18-inch Mini LED that needs to be seen to be believed. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge	</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">My eyes have seen the PC gaming promised land, and it's a beautifully bright world without a shred of blurriness. It's warm, it looks lovely, and it's impeccably sharp. Also, it's expensive as hell.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">I've dipped my toe in this world by testing a pre-production version of the upcoming <a href="https://rog.asus.com/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-scar-18-2026/">Asus ROG Strix Scar 18</a>, which was recently announced ahead of Computex 2026. It's a gigantic 18-inch gaming laptop that comes with a top-of-the-line 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX CPU and can be fully kitted out with an RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and 128GB of RAM. Asus sent me a model to test that's maxed out on all specs except storage (it's got "just" 4TB). And of  …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/940221/asus-rog-strix-scar-18-elmb-gaming-laptop-motion-blur-handson-impressions">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
						]]>
									</content>
			
					</entry>
			<entry>
			
			<author>
				<name>Antonio G. Di Benedetto</name>
			</author>
			
			<title type="html"><![CDATA[If I could only have one laptop for work and gaming, I&#8217;d get this one]]></title>
			<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/935898/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-2026-intel-nvidia-review" />
			<id>https://www.theverge.com/?p=935898</id>
			<updated>2026-05-22T09:36:06-04:00</updated>
			<published>2026-05-22T09:00:00-04:00</published>
			<category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Asus" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gadgets" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gaming" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptop Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptops" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="PC Gaming" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Tech" />
							<summary type="html"><![CDATA[I've loved the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 since it launched in 2020. I bought one for my wife after reading about how awesome it was on a little site called The Verge dot com. Since then, the G14 has gotten some facelifts, chip bumps, an occasional special edition, a full redesign, and a 16-inch sibling [&#8230;]]]></summary>
			
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<figure>

<img alt="A rear view of an Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2026) laptop on a desktop with purple light behind it in the background." data-caption="The ROG Zephyrus G14 has been one of our favorite laptops for years, but high prices slightly tarnish the luster of this new version. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/268552_Asus_ROG_Zephyrus_G14_2026_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0012.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
	<figcaption>
	The ROG Zephyrus G14 has been one of our favorite laptops for years, but high prices slightly tarnish the luster of this new version. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge	</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">I've loved the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 since it launched in 2020. I bought one for my wife after <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/30/21197761/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-review-gaming-laptop-specs-features-price">reading about how awesome it was</a> on a little site called <em>The Verge</em> dot com.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Since then, the G14 has gotten some <a href="https://www.theverge.com/22702219/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-2021-gaming-laptop-review">facelifts</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/22938516/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-gaming-laptop-review">chip bumps</a>, an <a href="https://www.theverge.com/22629096/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-alan-walker-edition-dj-deck-gaming-laptop">occasional</a> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/18/21432977/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-acronym-amd-ryzen-9-4900hs-nvidia-rtx-2060">special edition</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/8/24025592/asus-rog-zephyrus-14-16-strix-scar-laptops-ces-price-specs-impressions">a full redesign</a>, and a <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24324299/asus-rog-zephyrus-g16-2024-gaming-laptop-review-amd-strix-point">16-inch sibling</a> - and it's remained great. Now, in 2026, Asus has new flagship models making the switch from AMD chips to Intel Panther Lake CPUs. And it now has something I have a soft spot for on any laptop: a full-size SD card slot.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The Zephyrus G14 already had me back in 2020, when it didn't even have a webcam, but now it feels like a laptop <em>specifically </em>fo …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/935898/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-2026-intel-nvidia-review">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
						]]>
									</content>
			
					</entry>
			<entry>
			
			<author>
				<name>Antonio G. Di Benedetto</name>
			</author>
			
			<title type="html"><![CDATA[These are the laptops I recommend for pretty much anyone]]></title>
			<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/931638/best-laptops-macbooks-windows-gaming-2026" />
			<id>https://www.theverge.com/?p=931638</id>
			<updated>2026-05-15T23:15:57-04:00</updated>
			<published>2026-05-16T08:00:00-04:00</published>
			<category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Apple" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Asus" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Buying Guides" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Dell" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gadgets" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gaming" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="HP" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptop Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptops" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Lenovo" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Microsoft" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="PC Gaming" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Tech" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Verge Shopping" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Windows" />
							<summary type="html"><![CDATA[Need a new laptop? It’s a tough decision. If you’re like most people, a laptop is one of the most expensive tech purchases you’ll make, and it’s something you’ll use and live with nearly every day for years to come. So there’s a lot riding on this pricey expense. I’ve tested all kinds of laptops, [&#8230;]]]></summary>
			
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<figure>

<img alt="Three rows of laptops on a green background." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Illustration by Alex Parkin / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/268528_The_best_laptops_you_can_get_AParkin.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
	<figcaption>
		</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph">Need a new laptop? It’s a tough decision. If you’re like most people, a laptop is one of the most expensive tech purchases you’ll make, and it’s something you’ll use and live with nearly every day for years to come. So there’s a lot riding on this pricey expense.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’ve tested all kinds of laptops, from cheap Windows computers and Chromebooks to bread-and-butter MacBooks and over-the-top gaming machines. These are the ones I recommend the most and why I think they might be a good fit for you.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Though the MacBook Air is still the easy recommendation for most people, that doesn’t make it the go-to answer for <em>everyone</em>. What if you need more power for video or photo editing, or for crunching large datasets? What if you prefer to run Windows? What if you play lots of games and want to take them with you? Or what if you want something that’s super repairable, or something that’s unusual? We’ve got some recommendations, including a Chromebook or two, a laptop with two screens, the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24319419/apple-macbook-pro-m4-max-pro-review-price-specs">16-inch MacBook Pro</a>, and the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/25/24185462/microsoft-surface-laptop-7th-edition-review">Microsoft Surface Laptop</a> with a Snapdragon X Elite chip.</p>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The best answer for most people</strong></h2>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268408_Apple_MacBook_Air_15_M5_laptop_ADiBenedetto_0010.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 9</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>A little more speed never hurts</li><li>Starts with more storage that’s twice as fast</li><li>Still one of the best laptops around</li><li>Great battery life and speakers</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Starting price is $100 more than M4 generation (though you get more storage for it)</li><li>The MacBook Neo now exists and costs less than half</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2026-MacBook-15-inch-Laptop/dp/B0GR1N82GJ/"> <strike>$1299</strike> $1099.99 at <strong>Amazon</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/482924/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-air%2F15-inch&amp;partnerpropertyid=7032191"> $1299 at <strong>Apple</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/15-inch-macbook-air-apple-m5-chip-with-10-core-cpu-and-10-core-gpu-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-midnight/JJGCQLKQL9/sku/6571043"> <strike>$1299</strike> $1149 at <strong>Best Buy</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><em><sub><em><strong>CPU:</strong> M5 (10-core) / <strong>GPU: </strong>M5 (8- or 10-core) / <strong>RAM:</strong> </em>16GB, <em>24GB, 32GB / <strong>Storage:</strong> 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB / <strong>Display:</strong> 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, 2560 x 1664 or&nbsp;2880 x 1864 , 60Hz, no touch option / <strong>Dimensions:</strong> 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches (13-inch) or 13.40 x 9.35 x <em><em>0.45 </em></em>inches (15-inch) / <strong>Weight:</strong> 2.7 pounds</em> (13-inch) or 3.3 pounds (15-inch)</sub></em></p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Just get the latest <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/894866/apple-macbook-air-m5-15-2026-laptop-review">MacBook Air</a>. It’s been a little same-y for a few years, but it’s still the best for a reason. Every part of it is good to great. It’s incredibly thin. Its keyboard is solid. Its haptic trackpad is excellent. Its speakers are loud and full-sounding (especially on the 15-inch). It’s got a very nice-looking display. Even its webcam is best in class. All that, and it balances a great level of performance with a battery that easily lasts around 13 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Both the 13- and 15-inch models are great for just about everything outside of hardcore gaming, heavy-duty content creation, or 3D modeling. An Air will serve you well for years to come. Many of us at <em>The Verge</em> still use work-issued M1 MacBook Airs from 2020, and they’re holding up great after five-plus years of service. An M5 Air (or M4 if you can still find a deal) could last you the better part of a decade.</p>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Apple MacBook Air 13 (2026, M5)</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268408_Apple_MacBook_Air_15_M5_laptop_ADiBenedetto_0020.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2026-MacBook-13-inch-Laptop/dp/B0GR1493ZV/"> <strike>$1099</strike> $899.99 at <strong>Amazon </strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/13-inch-macbook-air-apple-m5-chip-with-10-core-cpu-and-8-core-gpu-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-midnight/JJGCQLKXL7"> <strike>$1099</strike> $949 at <strong>Best Buy</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Read my full review of the </em></strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/894866/apple-macbook-air-m5-15-2026-laptop-review"><em><strong>M5 MacBook Air</strong></em></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></h5>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Want to spend less? Or shopping for a student?&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Apple MacBook Neo</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268387_Apple_MacBook_Neo_AKrales_0737.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 9</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Impressive performance for $600</li><li>Perfect for a middle school or high school student</li><li>The best mechanical trackpad around</li><li>Solid speakers and screen</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Small limitations: 8GB of RAM, slow storage, no keyboard backlighting, and only 20W charging with the included charger</li><li>Wish it weighed a little less, and its colors were more vibrant</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2026-MacBook-13-inch-Laptop/dp/B0GR6FHGXX"> $599 at <strong>Amazon</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/13-inch-MacBook-Neo-Apple-A18-Pro-chip-with-6-core-CPU-and-5-core-GPU-8GB-256GB-SSD-Silver/19664769612"> $599 at <strong>Walmart</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/13-inch-macbook-neo-apple-a18-pro-chip-with-6core-cpu-and-5core-gpu-8gb-memory-512gb-ssd-blush/JJGCQYXHHC"> $599 at <strong>Best Buy</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><em><sub><em><strong>CPU:</strong> A18 Pro (6-core) / <strong>GPU:</strong> A18 Pro</em></sub></em> <em><sub><em>(5-core) / <strong>RAM:</strong> 8GB / <strong>Storage:</strong> 256GB, 512GB / <strong>Display:</strong> 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 2408 x 1506, 60Hz, no touch option / <strong>Dimensions:</strong> 11.71&nbsp;x 8.12&nbsp;x 0.5&nbsp;inches / <strong>Weight:</strong> 2.7 pounds</em></sub></em></p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Enter the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/891741/apple-macbook-neo-a18-pro-review">MacBook Neo</a>. Most inexpensive laptops are bulky and creaky, with bad keyboards and screens. Like the Air, the Neo nails the basics, just at a lower price. Its build quality is unbeatable for its $600 price (or $100 less for <a href="https://www.apple.com/us-edu/shop/buy-mac/macbook-neo">students and teachers</a>). And while its A18 Pro processor is <em>technically</em> a smartphone chip, it’s faster than most Windows laptop chips in single-core performance — making it more than enough for everyday tasks. Its 8GB of RAM and relatively slow storage may feel lean for more intensive users, but the Neo performs great unless you <em>really </em>push it with dozens of Chrome tabs or heavier content creation apps.</p>

<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Read my full review of the </em></strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/891741/apple-macbook-neo-a18-pro-review"><strong><em>MacBook Neo</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></h5>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The laptops to get if you prefer Windows</strong></h2>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Microsoft Surface Laptop, 13-inch</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/257765_Microsoft_Surface_Laptop_13_2025_ADiBenedetto_0001.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 8</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Exquisite hardware that feels great to touch and use</li><li>Very good keyboard and one of the best mechanical trackpads</li><li>Battery can stretch to 1.5 days (with native Arm apps)</li><li>3:2 aspect ratio screen is ideal for productivity</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Webcam doesn’t support Windows Hello</li><li>Loss of magnetic charging port</li><li>Snapdragon X still has app and game compatibility issues that competing chips do not</li><li>Why have Home, Page Up, and Page Down keys instead of media controls?</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Windows-Touchscreen-Snapdragon/dp/B0DZBRW359?th=1"> <strike>$1249.99</strike> $1099 at <strong>Amazon (512GB, violet)</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/microsoft-surface-laptop-13-2k-touchscreen-snapdragon-x-plus-2025-16gb-512gb-storage-copilot-pc-platinum/JJGXPXTCH6"> <strike>$1249.99</strike> $1089 at <strong>Best Buy (512GB, platinum, violet)</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/configure/surface-laptop-13-inch/8mzbmmcjzqv3"> $1149.99 at <strong>Microsoft (256GB)</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><em><em><sub><strong>CPU:</strong> Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 / <strong>GPU:</strong> Qualcomm Adreno / <strong>RAM:</strong> 16GB / <strong>Storage:</strong> 256GB, 512GB / <strong>Display:</strong> 13-inch (1920 x 1280) 60Hz touchscreen / <strong>Dimensions: </strong>11.25 x 8.43 x 0.61 inches / <strong>Weight:</strong> 2.7</sub></em></em> <em><em><sub>pounds</sub></em></em></p>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/257745_Surface_Pro_AKrales_0016.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 8</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Beautiful fanless design</li><li>Great battery life</li><li>The keyboard is a lot sturdier</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Windows still needs a better UX in tablet mode</li><li>The thick display bezels</li><li>No haptic touchpad</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Touchscreen-Snapdragon-Platinum/dp/B0DZ5DBD83"> <strike>$1149.99</strike> $999.99 at <strong>Amazon (512GB)</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/microsoft-surface-pro-copilot-pc-12-touchscreen-snapdragon-x-plus-16gb-memory-256gb-ufs-device-only-platinum/JJGXPXT353"> <strike>$1049.99</strike> $899.99 at <strong>Best Buy (256GB)</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/microsoft-surface-pro-copilot-pc-12-touchscreen-snapdragon-x-plus-16gb-memory-512gb-ufs-device-only-platinum/JJGXPXT359"> <strike>$1149.99</strike> $999.99 at <strong>Best Buy (512GB)</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><em><em><sub><strong>CPU:</strong> Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 / <strong>GPU:</strong> Qualcomm Adreno / <strong>RAM:</strong> 16GB / <strong>Storage:</strong> 256GB, 512GB / <strong>Display:</strong> 12-inch (2196 x 1464) 90Hz touschscreen / <strong>Dimensions: </strong>10.8 x 7.47 x 0.30 inches / <strong>Weight:</strong> </sub></em></em>1.5 <em><em><sub>pounds</sub></em></em></p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Microsoft’s entry-level <a href="https://www.theverge.com/reviews/671554/microsoft-surface-laptop-13-inch-review">Surface Laptop 13-inch</a> and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/reviews/679175/microsoft-surface-pro-12-inch-review">Surface Pro 12-inch</a> are sleek little Windows computers. One is a conventional clamshell and the other a convertible tablet, so you can take your pick from two very well-built devices with metal chassis, great screens, and good keyboards and trackpads. Their Snapdragon X processors are fast enough for everyday tasks and some creative work. But one of their biggest strengths is their extra-long battery life and lengthy standby times. Both the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro can easily tackle a standard workday on a single charge, plus a few more hours, and barely lose any charge overnight, unlike most Windows laptops. Unfortunately, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/911322/microsoft-surface-price-increase-ram">Microsoft recently jacked up its Surface prices</a> due to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/839353/pc-ram-shortage-pricing-spike-news">RAMageddon</a>, so they’re not as competitive with the MacBook Air as they used to be. (This is a problem across the industry; <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/893038/framework-ram-storage-price-increases-march-2026">other Windows computers</a> are also <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/917571/asus-zenbook-duo-is-finally-up-for-preorder-but-costs-400-more-than-expected">getting more expensive</a>.)&nbsp;</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Alternatively, if you want something that feels even nicer and runs an Intel chip for wider app and game compatibility, check out the new <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/851047/dell-xps-14-16-13-laptops-brand-return-ces-2026">Dell XPS 14</a>. I’m still working on my review of it, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see how good the XPS is again after I loathed the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/reviews/611176/dell-xps-13-laptop-review-9350-intel-lunar-lake">XPS 13</a>. I’m glad to see Dell resurrected its most notable brand, and it’s actually good — great hardware, a lovely tandem OLED screen, and nice performance from Intel Panther Lake chips. But it <a href="https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/new-xps-14-laptop/spd/xps-da14260-laptop/useda14260wcto01#customization-anchor">starts around $1,900</a> and climbs much higher with options.</p>

<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Read our full reviews of the </em></strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/reviews/671554/microsoft-surface-laptop-13-inch-review"><strong><em>Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch</em></strong></a><strong><em> and </em></strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/reviews/679175/microsoft-surface-pro-12-inch-review"><strong><em>Surface Pro 12-inch</em></strong></a>.</h5>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Need a bigger Windows laptop? (Hey, my eyes aren’t what they used to be either.)</strong></h2>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Asus Zenbook A16</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/268251_Asus_Zenbook_A16_laptop_review_ADiBenedetto_0006.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 8</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Incredibly light for such a capable 16-inch laptop</li><li>Great battery life and a lovely OLED</li><li>Very good performance with lots of RAM</li><li>Hell yeah, an SD card slot</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Beige color isn’t for everyone (though the satin finish is nice to touch)</li><li>The usual Windows on Arm disclaimer — compatibility issues with some specialized apps and many games</li><li>Okay speakers</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/asus-zenbook-a16-16-3k-oled-laptop-copilot-pc-snapdragon-x2-elite-extreme-48gb-ram-1tb-ssd-zabriskie-beige/JJGHGSCXZV/sku/6671011"> $1699.99 at <strong>Best Buy</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.asus.com/us/laptops/for-home/zenbook/asus-zenbook-a16-ux3607"> $2199.99 at <strong>Asus</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><em><em><sub><strong>CPU:</strong> Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme / <strong>GPU:</strong> Adreno X2-90 / <strong>RAM:</strong> 48GB / <strong>Storage:</strong> 1TB / <strong>Display:</strong> 16-inch (2880 x 1800) 120Hz OLED touchscreen / <strong>Dimensions: </strong>13.92 x 9.54 x 0.54 ~ 0.65 inches / <strong>Weight:</strong> 2.87</sub></em></em> <em><em><sub>pounds</sub></em></em></p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/907864/asus-zenbook-a16-snapdragon-x2-elite-extreme-review">Asus Zenbook A16</a> is as impressive as it is beige. It’s meant to be a MacBook Air fighter, and it’s a formidable alternative, with Qualcomm’s powerful X2 Elite Extreme chip inside. At $1,699.99, it isn’t cheap, but you get a massive 48GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, and a huge 16-inch OLED display. (A similarly priced 15-inch MacBook Air comes with 32GB of RAM and just 512GB of storage.) Despite this large, lovely screen, the A16 weighs just 2.87 pounds / 1.3kg — only a smidge more than the much smaller MacBook Neo. It’s the lightest 16-inch laptop around, and it’s even got an SD card slot, which I love. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/862985/asus-zenbook-a16-snapdragon-x2-ces-early-testing-hands-on">I’ve experienced firsthand</a> how it’s powerful enough for some heavy photo editing under pressure.</p>

<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Read my full review of the </em></strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/907864/asus-zenbook-a16-snapdragon-x2-elite-extreme-review"><strong><em>Asus Zenbook A16</em></strong></a>.</h5>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Need a Chromebook for a kid or just simple browsing?</strong></h2>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Asus Chromebook Plus CX34</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24997607/236833_Asus_Chromebook_Plus_CX34_AKrales_0047.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 displaying The Verge homepage between an iced coffee and a cup of colored pencils." /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 8</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Excellent look and build</li><li>Sharp 1080p display</li><li>1080p webcam with AI features and physical shutter</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>No touchscreen option</li><li>Stiff touchpad</li><li>Battery life could be a <em>bit </em>better</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/ASUS-Chromebook-Plus-CX34-14-inch-Touch-Laptop-with-Google-AI-Intel-Core-i3-1215U-8GB-RAM-128GB-UFS-Gray/5098188355"> <strike>$399</strike> $369 at <strong>Walmart (128GB)</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.asus.com/us/laptops/for-home/chromebook/asus-chromebook-plus-cx34-cx3402/shop/"> $499.99 at <strong>Asus (256GB)</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><em><em><strong>CPU:</strong> Intel Core i3-1215U / <strong>GPU: </strong>Intel UHD / <strong>RAM:</strong> 8GB / <strong>Storage:</strong> 128GB, 256GB UFS / <strong>Display:</strong> 14-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, non-touch / <strong>Dimensions:</strong> 12.9 x 8.4 x 0.74 inches / <strong>Weight:</strong> 3.17 pounds</em></em></p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">For a fairly affordable Chromebook that’s still solid, stick with the tried and true <a href="https://www.asus.com/us/laptops/for-home/chromebook/asus-chromebook-plus-cx34-cx3402/shop/">Asus Chromebook Plus CX34</a> for about $400. It’s got an older 12th-gen Intel processor, 8GB of RAM, and a basic 1080p screen. But it’s one of the cheapest Chromebooks around with the “Plus” designation, meaning it’s one of The Good Ones.</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Chromebooks are in a bit of a weird spot now that <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/928479/google-googlebook-laptops-android-tease-aluminium-chromebook">Googlebooks</a> are on the horizon and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/report/929374/google-googlebook-laptops-aluminium-os-questions-concerns-ai-gemini">we don’t know a lot about them just yet</a>. Our former top pick, the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/reviews/697878/lenovo-chromebook-plus-14-laptop-google-chromeos-review">Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14</a>, remains an excellent laptop — the best of the best Chromebooks. But in recent times it’s shot up from a fair $650 starting price to <a href="https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/model/laptops/lenovo/lenovo-edu-chromebooks/chromebook-plus-gen-10-14-inch-mediatek/len101l0056">$800</a> to <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/lenovo-chromebook-plus-14-oled-2k-touchscreen-laptop-with-gemini-mediatek-kompanio-ultra-910-16gb-memory-256gb-ufs-seashell/JJGSHGLZ78">$1,000</a>. Yikes. At this point, only get the Lenovo if it’s on a big sale. Otherwise, just get a MacBook Neo.</p>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Okay, here’s what I’d actually buy myself if I could only own one computer</strong></h2>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/rogzeyphg14_solo.webp?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 8</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Balanced performance, battery life, and portability</li><li>OLED display</li><li>Programmable LED strip on the lid</li><li>Great keyboard and smooth trackpad</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Gets a bit hot and loud under load</li><li>Soldered RAM</li><li>Thermally throttles its GPUs</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-14-oled-3k-120hz-gaming-laptop-amd-ryzen-9-270-16gb-lpddr5x-geforce-rtx-5060-1tb-ssd-platinum-white/6629420.p"> <strike>$2299.99</strike> $1899.99 at <strong>Best Buy (5060)</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://rog.asus.com/us/laptops/rog-zephyrus/rog-zephyrus-g14-2025/"> $2199.99 at <strong>Asus (5070)</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-14-3k-oled-120hz-gaming-laptop-copilot-pc-amd-ryzen-ai-9-hx-32gb-ram-nvidia-rtx-5070-ti-1tb-platinum-white/6613954.p"> <strike>$2549.99</strike> $2489.99 at <strong> Best Buy (5070 Ti)</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><em><em><sub><strong>CPU:</strong> AMD Ryzen 9 270, HX 370 / <strong>GPU:</strong> Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, RTX 5070, RTX 5070 TI, RTX 5080 / <strong>RAM:</strong> 16GB, 32GB / <strong>Storage:</strong> 1TB / <strong>Display:</strong> 14-inch OLED, 2880 x 1800, 120Hz, 500 nits / <strong>Dimensions: </strong>12.24 x 8.66 x 0.63 inches / <strong>Weight:</strong> 3.31 pounds</sub></em></em></p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The laptops I’ve outlined above are all fantastic. They’re also just a liiiiittle boring, because they don’t take into account playing lots of games, which is what first got me into PCs as a kid. That’s why my personal choice for one computer to do it all are the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16. They strike a great balance between work and play, being sleek and travel-friendly and offering good battery life during the workday. But once you sign off, their discrete Nvidia GPUs and lovely OLEDs offer a whole lot of fun for gaming.</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The 2025 models of the Zephyrus G14 and G16 are still easy recommendations in 2026, especially if you can find a deal. The 2026 revision is a small update that mostly bumps the chips to Intel Panther Lake, though I’ve got my eye on the new G14 since it’s making the switch from a microSD card slot to full-size SD. Just brace yourself for how expensive it might be. Asus didn’t announce any pricing at CES, and since then all its 2026 models have landed at significantly higher prices than last gen. If you’re shopping for a deal on the 2025 models, I like the entry-level <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-ga403um-laptop-14-0-2-8k-amd-ryzen-9-270-16gb-lpddr5x-1tb-ssd-win-11-home-w-usb-hub-platinum-white/JJGHT5JQVS">Zephyrus G14 with RTX 5060 GPU</a> (which is thinner than the higher configs) and the <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/asus-rog-zephyrus-g16-16-oled-2-5k-240hz-gaming-laptop-intel-core-ultra-9-32gb-ram-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5070ti-2tb-ssd-platinum-white/JJGGLH7QZG">G16 with RTX 5070 Ti</a> (a good sweet spot for the larger model).</p>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Now, here’s the MacBook I’d buy for myself if I’m <em>just </em>focusing on creative work</strong></h2>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2025, M5)</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/258013_Apple_M5_MacBook_Pro_14_laptop_ADiBenedetto_0002.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="A 2025 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 on a marble bar top with a dark mirrored reflection behind it." /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 9</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Everything good about the M4 model, with just a little more speed</li><li>Still a very good value for an all-purpose creative workflow machine</li><li>Best-in-class battery life</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Just a snoozer of an update</li><li>Space black finish can <em>still</em> be a little smudgy</li><li>Apple’s price structure may <em>still</em> have you longing for M4 Pro / Max</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2025-MacBook-Laptop-10%E2%80%91core/dp/B0FWD623D1"> <strike>$1699</strike> $1499.99 at <strong>Amazon</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro"> $1699 at <strong>Apple</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/14-inch-macbook-pro-apple-m5-chip-with-10-core-cpu-and-10-core-gpu-16gb-memory-1tb-ssd-space-black/JJGCQL8L2P"> <strike>$1699</strike> $1549 at <strong>Best Buy</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><em><sub><em><strong>CPU:</strong> M5 (10-core / <strong>GPU: </strong>M5 (10-core) / <strong>RAM:</strong> 16GB, 24GB, or 32GB / <strong>Storage:</strong> 512GB (discontinued), 1TB, 2TB, 4TB / <strong>Display:</strong> 14.2 Liquid Retina XDR, 3024 x 1964, adaptive refresh up to 120Hz, no touch option / <strong>Dimensions:</strong> 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 / <strong>Weight:</strong> 3.4 pounds</em> </sub></em></p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The base <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/803349/apple-macbook-pro-14-m5-2025-review">14-inch MacBook Pro with M5</a> is my personal sweet spot for content creation without spending tons and tons of money. The 14-inch size makes it easily portable, and it’s powerful enough to fit my needs as a part-time pro photographer. It’s also a great starting place for a college student or young professional getting into creative fields.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The pricier M5 Pro / M5 Max models set the high mark for performance across video production, 3D rendering, and pro work. If you’re a full-time creative professional or developer, the upgrades to an M5 Pro or M5 Max are worth it. If that’s you, take your pick of 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pros and get the best one you can comfortably afford. It’s sure to provide you with excellent performance for well over five years. I saw that in my <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/898062/apple-macbook-pro-16-m5-max-m1-comparison-review">M5 Max MacBook Pro</a> review, where I retested the M1 Pro and M1 Max models and heard firsthand from professional users how well those were still holding up.</p>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2026, M5 Max)</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268395_Apple_MacBook_Pro_16_M5_Max_ADiBenedetto_0004.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 8</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Still the best</li><li>Amazing performance and battery life</li><li>Double the starting storage, and it’s blisteringly fast</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Still very expensive, with a $400 price increase over the M4 Max (though you get extra storage)</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/482924/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F16-inch-space-black-standard-display-apple-m5-max-chip-18-core-cpu-32-core-gpu-36gb-memory-2tb-storage&amp;partnerpropertyid=7032191"> $3899 at <strong>Apple</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/16-inch-macbook-pro-apple-m5-max-chip-with-18-core-cpu-and-32-core-gpu-36gb-memory-2tb-ssd-silver/JJGCQLZTC7"> $3899 at <strong>Best Buy</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1957120-REG/apple_mbp_m5p_175_16_macbook_pro_m5.html"> $6149 at <strong>B&amp;H Photo (review spec)</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Read my full review of the </em></strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/803349/apple-macbook-pro-14-m5-2025-review"><strong><em>14-inch M5 MacBook Pro</em></strong></a><strong><em> and </em></strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/898062/apple-macbook-pro-16-m5-max-m1-comparison-review"><strong><em>16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro</em></strong></a>.</h5>

<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />

<div class="wp-block-vox-media-highlight vox-media-highlight">
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Okay, those are the standard recommendations.</em></strong></h2>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none"><strong><em>But what if you want something a little more niche?</em></strong></h4>
</div>

<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Looking for desktop-level gaming in a laptop?</strong></h2>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025, RTX 5080)</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/247458_CES_2025_Asus_ROG_Strix_Scar_laptop_ADiBenedetto_0001.webp?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 8</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Great graphics performance in the latest high-end games</li><li>Lots of ports, including Thunderbolt 5</li><li>Easy access to RAM and SSDs</li><li>Quite the boisterous RGB light show</li><li>Nice QHD / 240Hz Mini LED screen</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Typical gaming laptop issues (pricey, hefty, and not great battery life)</li><li>Competition offers OLED screens</li><li>Customizing lid animations is a pain</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW1SB1F9"> <strike>$3299.99</strike> $3199.99 at <strong>Amazon</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/ASUS-ROG-Strix-SCAR-16-2025-Gaming-Laptop-16-Nebula-HDR-2-5K-240Hz-3ms-NVIDIA-GeForce-RTX-5080-Intel-Core-Ultra-9-275HX-32GB-DDR5-5600-2TB-PCIe-SSD-W/15422021532"> <strike>$3299.99</strike> $3231.99 at <strong>Walmart</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://shop.asus.com/us/90nr0ld1-m005n0-rog-strix-scar-16-2025.html"> $3299.99 at <strong>Asus</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><em><em><sub><strong>CPU:</strong> Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX / <strong>GPU: </strong>Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 / <strong>RAM:</strong> 32GB / <strong>Storage:</strong> 2TB / <strong>Display:</strong> 16-inch Mini LED 2560 x 1600, 240Hz display / <strong>Dimensions:</strong> 13.94 x 10.55 x 0.9 to 1.21 inches / <strong>Weight:</strong> 6.17 pounds</sub></em></em></p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 and Lenovo Legion Pro 7i are both excellent gaming laptops with Intel Arrow Lake processors and high-end Nvidia RTX graphics. I tested both with RTX 5080 Laptop GPUs, and they proved powerful enough to play the latest games on high settings in 2.5K resolution — even 4K for some slightly older or less-demanding ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Both laptops have lots of RGB lighting, great keyboards, and 16-inch displays with high 240Hz refresh rate. The Asus usually had a slight performance edge, but the Legion gets extra points for having an OLED display. Either of them are great options if you want a thicc-boy-style gaming laptop.</p>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (16-inch, Intel)</h3>
<div class="product-description">Lenovo’s Legion Pro 7i is a well built gaming laptop with a lovely 2.5K OLED display and a powerful RTX 5080 GPU, enough to handle 4K gaming on an external monitor. Its only major downsides are a lack of face or fingerprint unlocking and Lenovo’s tendency to pre-load some annoying bloatware.</div>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="300" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25817747/08_Legion_Pro_7i_10.png?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="The laptop with two “Legions” printed on its back." /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 8</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Great performance at 2.5K and even at 4K on an external monitor</li><li>Beautiful OLED screen</li><li>One of the best keyboards in this class of gaming laptops</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>No face or fingerprint unlock</li><li>Numpad makes things slightly cramped, with off-center trackpad</li><li>Lenovo&#8217;s apps are slightly more invasive with notifications than others</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/lenovo-legion-pro-7i-16-2-5k-oled-gaming-laptop-intel-core-ultra-9-275hx-32gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5080-1tb-ssd-eclipse-black/JJGSH3LVW3"> <strike>$4249.99</strike> $3068 at <strong>Best Buy (RTX 5080, 1TB SSD)</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1875949-REG/lenovo_83f50052us_16_legion_pro_7.html"> <strike>$3499</strike> $2999 at <strong>B&amp;H Photo (RTX 5080, 2TB SSD)</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Do you want to live that sweet dual-screen life?</strong></h2>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/268252_Asus_Zenbook_Duo_Intel_Panther_Lake_AKrales_0268.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 8</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Lovely dual OLEDs that now sit closer together</li><li>Versatile dual-screen form factor</li><li>Still a great single-screen clamshell</li><li>Strong performance and battery life</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Gets warm, but not lap-roasting hot</li><li>A little heavy and thick for a 14-inch</li><li>Vertical orientation compromises sound quality</li><li>Much pricier than last-gen</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.asus.com/laptops/for-home/zenbook/asus-zenbook-duo-ux8407/"> $2499.99 at <strong>Asus</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><em><sub><em><strong>CPU:</strong> Intel Core Ultra 9 386H, Core Ultra X9 388H / <strong>GPU: </strong>integrated Intel graphics (386H), integrated Intel Arc B309 GPU (388H),/ <strong>RAM:</strong> 32GB / <strong>Storage:</strong> 1TB / <strong>Display:</strong> Dual 14-inch (2880 x 1800) 48 &#8211; 144Hz OLED touchscreens / <strong>Dimensions:</strong> 12.21 x 8.21 x 0.77 &#8211; 0.92 inches / <strong>Weight:</strong> 3.5 / 4.7 poun</em>ds</sub></em></p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">By god, it’s the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/867548/asus-zenbook-duo-2026-intel-panther-lake-review">Asus Zenbook Duo</a>’s music! You can connect a second display to any laptop, but a laptop with two screens is even better. The latest Zenbook Duo is very expensive at $2,700, but you get two 14-inch OLEDs, a great detachable keyboard and trackpad, and an Intel Panther Lake chip that’s great on both performance and battery life. The integrated Intel Arc B390 GPU can even do some respectable 1200p gaming while you have Discord or your work Slack (or both) open on the other screen. The multitasking freedom you get from these two screens (in both landscape and portrait orientations) is a big part of the fun here. Plus, you can&nbsp; flex on everyone else at the coffee shop.</p>

<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Read my full review of the </em></strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/867548/asus-zenbook-duo-2026-intel-panther-lake-review"><strong><em>Asus Zenbook Duo</em></strong></a>.</h5>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Do you want a laptop you can repair or upgrade yourself?</strong></h2>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Framework Laptop 13 (2025, AMD Ryzen AI 7 350)</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/257702_Framework_Laptop_13_AMD_2025_ADiBenedetto_0001.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 9</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Still the repairability champ with excellent, modular port selection</li><li>Faster CPU performance over both Intel and previous AMD models</li><li>High-res 3:2 aspect ratio screen is great for productivity</li><li>Thin, light, and an overall great package</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Radeon 860M iGPU performance is a little lacking</li><li>Trackpad still feels a little cheap</li><li>Screen is a little lacking in contrast and color quality</li><li>Less repairable laptops offer more for similar prices or less</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://frame.work/products/laptop13-amd-ai300/configuration/new"> <strike>$1099</strike> $1049 at <strong>Framework</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><sub><em><strong>CPU:</strong> AMD Ryzen AI 5 340</em>,  AI 7 350, AI 9 HX 370 <em><em>/ <strong>GPU: </strong>Radeon 860M / <strong>RAM:</strong> 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 48GB, 96GB / <strong>Storage:</strong> 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB / <strong>Display:</strong> 13.5 inch IPS, 2256 x 1504 60Hz or 2880 x 1920 120Hz, no touch option / <strong>Dimensions:</strong> 11.68 x 9.01 x 0.62 inches / <strong>Weight:</strong> 2.87 pounds</em></em></sub></p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">There is no better laptop for a tinkerer than the user-repairable, user-upgradeable <a href="https://www.theverge.com/reviews/650608/framework-laptop-13-review-2025-amd-ryzen-ai-300">Framework Laptop 13</a>. There’s also the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/821420/framework-laptop-16-2025-nvidia-rtx5070-review">Framework Laptop 16</a> if you want something bigger with discrete graphics, but it’s not as easy of a recommendation due to its clunky, Erector Set-like build.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Framework has been cooking with its latest releases, and its upcoming <a href="https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/915508/framework-announces-laptop-13-pro-the-macbook-pro-for-linux-users">Laptop 13 Pro</a> and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/915436/framework-is-filling-the-laptop-16s-literal-gaps-with-one-piece-touchpad-and-keyboard-decks">updates to the Laptop 16</a> also look promising. But the standard Framework Laptop 13 with AMD Ryzen AI 300-series chips is a great all-rounder. It performs well whether you’re running Windows or your Linux distro of choice. You pay a premium for the flexibility Framework offers, but the potential for upgrades and easy self-service make it a better long-term investment. Plus, they’re the only laptops in production that allow you to choose your own ports and hot-swap them on a whim. It’s just awesome.</p>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Framework Laptop 16 (2025)</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/258105_Framework_Laptop_16_2025_ADiBenedetto_0009.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<div class="product-scores"><h4>Score: 6</h4><table class="product-pros-cons"><thead><tr><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Fully user-repairable and upgradeable</li><li>Sizable boost in gaming performance with RTX 5070</li><li>Amazing levels of customization, from ports to keyboard / trackpad alignment</li><li>Nice quality high-res, high-refresh LCD</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>A concerning amount of BSOD crashes during testing</li><li>Lid still has lots of flex</li><li>Side spacers are still uneven and creaky</li><li>Auto brightness is erratic and jumpy</li><li>Still feels a little janky, like a Franken-laptop</li><li>Original owners need to buy a new display for G-Sync</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://frame.work/products/laptop16-amd-ai300/configuration/new"> $2524 at <strong>Framework (review spec)</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Read my full reviews of the </em></strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/reviews/650608/framework-laptop-13-review-2025-amd-ryzen-ai-300"><strong><em>Framework Laptop 13</em></strong></a><strong><em> and </em></strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/821420/framework-laptop-16-2025-nvidia-rtx5070-review"><strong><em>Framework Laptop 16</em></strong></a>.</p>
						]]>
									</content>
			
					</entry>
			<entry>
			
			<author>
				<name>Antonio G. Di Benedetto</name>
			</author>
			
			<title type="html"><![CDATA[Behold the crown jewel of outrageous gaming laptops]]></title>
			<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/918529/asus-rog-zephyrus-duo-2026-intel-nvidia-5090-review" />
			<id>https://www.theverge.com/?p=918529</id>
			<updated>2026-04-27T17:27:57-04:00</updated>
			<published>2026-04-28T09:00:00-04:00</published>
			<category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Asus" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gadgets" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gaming" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptop Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptops" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="PC Gaming" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Tech" />
							<summary type="html"><![CDATA[The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo was my pick for the best laptop of CES: It had two high-end screens, great specs, and the promise of being a one-of-a-kind multitasking and gaming monster. Now that this over-the-top laptop is here, I can tell you it's as fantastic as I had hoped for. It's also as expensive [&#8230;]]]></summary>
			
							<content type="html">
											<![CDATA[

						
<figure>

<img alt="A dual-screen Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo gaming laptop on a white coffee table." data-caption="Ridiculous? Yes. Awesome? Also yes. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/268497_Asus_ROG_Zephyrus_Duo_2026_gaming_laptop_ADiBenedetto_0014.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
	<figcaption>
	Ridiculous? Yes. Awesome? Also yes. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge	</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo was my pick for the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/858494/ces-2026-best-new-tech-tv-car-wearable#best-smart-home-device">best laptop of CES</a>: It had two high-end screens, great specs, and the promise of being a one-of-a-kind multitasking and gaming monster. Now that this over-the-top laptop is here, I can tell you it's as fantastic as I had hoped for. It's also as expensive as I feared. Our review configuration costs $5,500.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Woof.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">This laptop has <em>a lot</em> going on: two full-size 16-inch OLEDs, a top-of-the-line Nvidia RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, a near-top-of-the-line 16-core Intel Panther Lake chip, plenty of ports (including an SD card slot), and a great keyboard and trackpad you can remove and use via Bluetooth. These ar …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/918529/asus-rog-zephyrus-duo-2026-intel-nvidia-5090-review">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
						]]>
									</content>
			
					</entry>
			<entry>
			
			<author>
				<name>Antonio G. Di Benedetto</name>
			</author>
			
			<title type="html"><![CDATA[I tested three Windows laptops in the MacBook Neo’s price range — there’s no contest]]></title>
			<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/908328/macbook-neo-windows-laptop-competitors-asus-lenovo-acer-review-comparison" />
			<id>https://www.theverge.com/?p=908328</id>
			<updated>2026-04-17T13:39:11-04:00</updated>
			<published>2026-04-09T07:00:00-04:00</published>
			<category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Analysis" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Apple" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Asus" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gadgets" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptop Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptops" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Lenovo" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Report" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Tech" />
							<summary type="html"><![CDATA[When the MacBook Neo arrived last month, I knew Windows laptop makers were in trouble. For $599, the Neo offers fantastic build quality and solid performance in a sleek and ultra-portable package. Windows laptops in this price range tend to be ugly, cheap-feeling, and a little slow. Despite years of rumors, the MacBook Neo still [&#8230;]]]></summary>
			
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											<![CDATA[

						
<figure>

<img alt="A citrus colored MacBook Neo sits atop three Windows laptops: a Lenovo, an Asus, and an Acer." data-caption="The Neo king of affordable laptops. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0002.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
	<figcaption>
	The Neo king of affordable laptops. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge	</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">When the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/891741/apple-macbook-neo-a18-pro-review">MacBook Neo</a> arrived last month, I knew <a href="https://www.theverge.com/report/894090/macbook-neo-pc-windows-laptop-competition-asus-footinmouth">Windows laptop makers were in trouble</a>. For $599, the Neo offers fantastic build quality and solid performance in a sleek and ultra-portable package. Windows laptops in this price range tend to be ugly, cheap-feeling, and a little slow.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Despite years of rumors, the MacBook Neo still seemed to take the Windows world by surprise. I expect proper competitors to pop up just as soon as the companies can manage, but I wanted to see what the competition in the PC space is like now. </p>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">So I asked a bunch of laptop manufacturers to send me their best answers to the MacBook Neo.</p>
<img src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0020.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="&lt;em&gt;One of these is not like the others.&lt;/em&gt;" data-portal-copyright="">
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The MacBook Neo is a 13-i …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/908328/macbook-neo-windows-laptop-competitors-asus-lenovo-acer-review-comparison">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
						]]>
									</content>
			
					</entry>
			<entry>
			
			<author>
				<name>Antonio G. Di Benedetto</name>
			</author>
			
			<title type="html"><![CDATA[Asus’ lightweight 16-inch laptop is a formidable MacBook Air alternative]]></title>
			<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/907864/asus-zenbook-a16-snapdragon-x2-elite-extreme-review" />
			<id>https://www.theverge.com/?p=907864</id>
			<updated>2026-04-07T21:18:24-04:00</updated>
			<published>2026-04-07T10:00:00-04:00</published>
			<category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Asus" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gadgets" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptop Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptops" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Microsoft" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Tech" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Windows" />
							<summary type="html"><![CDATA[I already put Asus' new Zenbook A16 through the wringer when I brought a pre-production unit with me to CES. I loved it for its ample power in an impressively light 16-inch chassis. It's speedy enough for part-time content creation, it's got lengthy battery life, and its large OLED screen is crisp and vivid. Now, [&#8230;]]]></summary>
			
							<content type="html">
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<figure>

<img alt="A beige Asus Zenbook A16 laptop sitting on a beige couch in front of a record collection." data-caption="Only boring people choose beige. Am I right? | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/268251_Asus_Zenbook_A16_laptop_review_ADiBenedetto_0001.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
	<figcaption>
	Only boring people choose beige. Am I right? | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge	</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">I already put Asus' new Zenbook A16 through the wringer <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/862985/asus-zenbook-a16-snapdragon-x2-ces-early-testing-hands-on">when I brought a pre-production unit with me to CES</a>. I loved it for its ample power in an impressively light 16-inch chassis. It's speedy enough for part-time content creation, it's got lengthy battery life, and its large OLED screen is crisp and vivid.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Now, the final production model is here, priced at $1,699.99 for a configuration with a whopping 48GB of RAM - a spec-to-price balance that's unheard of, especially in <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/839353/pc-ram-shortage-pricing-spike-news">these uncertain times</a>. All the strengths I witnessed from its pre-production days are still present, and the early hardware issues and software bugs I encountered have be …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/907864/asus-zenbook-a16-snapdragon-x2-elite-extreme-review">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
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			<entry>
			
			<author>
				<name>Cameron Faulkner</name>
			</author>
			
			<title type="html"><![CDATA[Asus’ new open earbuds are a wonderful companion for handheld gaming]]></title>
			<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/893765/asus-cetra-open-wireless-gaming-earbuds-hands-on-impressions" />
			<id>https://www.theverge.com/?p=893765</id>
			<updated>2026-04-08T12:08:42-04:00</updated>
			<published>2026-03-14T09:00:00-04:00</published>
			<category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Asus" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Deals" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gadgets" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gaming" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Hands-on" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Headphones" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="PC Gaming" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Reviews" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Tech" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Verge Shopping" />
							<summary type="html"><![CDATA[The Cetra Open Wireless aren’t like most other gaming earbuds. They’re large, with an open-style design that rests just outside of your ears, letting game audio mix with sounds in your environment. These allow for immersion, but only if your environment is quiet enough. And turning them up might let those nearby hear what you’re [&#8230;]]]></summary>
			
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<figure>

<img alt="A photo of the Asus Cetra Open Wireless earbuds, showing their hook design that fits over your ear." data-caption="They look like your average open earbuds, but with optional RGB LED effects. | Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268381_Asus_Cetra_Wireless_earbuds_CFaulkner_0005.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
	<figcaption>
	They look like your average open earbuds, but with optional RGB LED effects. | Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge	</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The Cetra Open Wireless aren’t like most other gaming earbuds. They’re large, with an open-style design that rests just outside of your ears, letting game audio mix with sounds in your environment. These allow for immersion, but only if your environment is quiet enough. And turning them up might let those nearby hear what you’re listening to.</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Even if you love open-style headphones as much as I do, you will probably agree that they are not the best choice for every listening scenario or all people. However, the Cetra Open are some of the most comfortable and feature-packed gaming earbuds I’ve tried, and the sound quality — while lacking in bass compared to earbuds that get a tight seal — leaves little to be desired. Plus, they ship with the best USB-C 2.4GHz audio transmitter available, one with a passthrough USB-C port that lets you charge your device or an accessory as you listen.</p>
<div class="product-block"><h3>Asus Cetra Open Wireless earbuds</h3>
<figure class="product-image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="200" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268381_Asus_Cetra_Wireless_earbuds_CFaulkner_0001.jpg?w=300" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" /></figure>
<h3>Where to Buy:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-ROG-Cetra-Wireless-Earbuds/dp/B0GMYLH4BG/"> $229.99 at <strong>Amazon</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16826785285"> $229.99 at <strong>Newegg</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://shop.asus.com/us/rog/90yh0450-btaa00-rog-cetra-open-wireless.html"> $229.99 at <strong>Asus</strong></a></li></ul></div>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Before I started testing the Cetra Open, I spent most of my time alternating between the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24300648/steelseries-arctis-gamebuds-review-xbox-playstation">SteelSeries Arctis Buds</a> and <a href="https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23938336/sony-inzone-buds-ps5-pc-wireless-earbuds-gaming-review/">Sony InZone Buds</a> while gaming, both of which come with active noise cancellation, a snug fit, good sound, and USB-C transmitters of varying sizes that make listening to games on my Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2 a breeze. However, I didn’t consider switching back to either once I started using the Cetra Open for numerous reasons. I’ve been playing <em>Silent Hill F</em> and <em>Esoteric Ebb</em> on my Steam Deck without feeling like I missed out on their phenomenal sound design. They work great with my PlayStation 5, too.</p>

<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><img src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268381_Asus_Cetra_Wireless_earbuds_CFaulkner_0008.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="&lt;em&gt;The case has enough room inside to stow both the earbuds and the pack-in USB-C transmitter. All the components are also magnetized, helping them easily fall into place.&lt;/em&gt;" data-portal-copyright="" />

<img src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268381_Asus_Cetra_Wireless_earbuds_CFaulkner_0007.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;It’s really nice to have a USB-C audio transmitter that doesn’t hog the entire port&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" data-portal-copyright="" />

<img src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268381_Asus_Cetra_Wireless_earbuds_CFaulkner_0009.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;It’s certainly not the smallest charging case, but it does charge via USB-C.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" data-portal-copyright="" />

<img src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268381_Asus_Cetra_Wireless_earbuds_CFaulkner_0002.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;You can use the included reflective band to connect the earbuds behind your neck, alleviating any concern about one falling off your ear.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;" data-portal-copyright="" /></figure>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">I imagine several companies wish they had been the first to make the USB-C transmitter that Asus packages with the Cetra Open, as it elevates them to a must-own gadget if you play a lot of games on handhelds like the Switch 2 or Steam Deck. The transmitter has its limitations, though, such as only allowing for power passthrough — not video or data. Asus spokesperson Katie Grayum recently told <em>The Verge</em> that it supports up to 60W one-way charging, which, thankfully, is more than enough for modern gaming handhelds.</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Sound-wise, the Cetra Open deliver full-bodied performance with surprisingly solid bass and mids thanks to Asus’ Phantom Bass feature (it’s on by default). I use them a lot during my workday to listen to music, but I enjoy using them most to game at night on the couch near my wife as she reads. I’m able to hear game audio at a reasonable volume and stay connected by hearing every part of our conversation, instead of yanking an earbud out and asking, “What’d you say?”</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The hefty case charges via USB-C (it lacks wireless charging) and can charge the earbuds multiple times before running out of power. Asus claims the buds can last up to 16 hours per charge in Bluetooth mode with the RGB LEDs and mics off (fewer in 2.4GHz mode, which yields about 10 hours per charge in my testing). I’ve only had to charge the case twice while testing, and the buds themselves charge very quickly. I was able to take them from 70 percent capacity to fully charged in less than 20 minutes.</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The Cetra Open boast multipoint connectivity, too, letting you connect to two Bluetooth devices at once or to one Bluetooth device while connected to its 2.4GHz transmitter. Switching between sources is mostly seamless and requires no buttons, though listening through two audio sources simultaneously isn’t supported.</p>
<img src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268381_Asus_Cetra_Wireless_earbuds_CFaulkner_0004.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="An image that shows a person holding one of the Asus Cetra Open Wireless earbuds in a way to show its top-mounted button." title="An image that shows a person holding one of the Asus Cetra Open Wireless earbuds in a way to show its top-mounted button." data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="&lt;em&gt;Both earbuds feature a top-mounted button that can be customized using the Gear Link site on PC or via the Armoury Crate mobile app.&lt;/em&gt;" data-portal-copyright="" />
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Asus offers multiple ways to adjust earbud settings when you’re connected to the USB-C transmitter. On your phone, you can download the Armoury Crate app to dive into the options. On PC, you can simply use its browser-based Gear Link site — no download required. Both let you customize a host of audio and mic settings, as well as brightness and lighting effects. You can also change what happens when you press each of the earbud’s top-mounted buttons (custom commands can be set for single, double, triple, and quadruple presses). You can even switch the audio prompts between English and Chinese, or set it to play sounds instead of a prerecorded voice.</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Great wireless earbuds for gaming already existed before the Cetra Open. The InZone Buds and Arctis Buds are the better choice if you value snug-fitting earbuds and active noise cancellation. However, Asus’ new earbuds are a fantastic set for different reasons. They’re comfortable and non-isolating, and their USB-C transmitter gives you more flexibility to charge your gadget while you game.</p>

<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph"><em>Photography by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge</em></p>

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					</entry>
			<entry>
			
			<author>
				<name>Antonio G. Di Benedetto</name>
			</author>
			
			<title type="html"><![CDATA[PC makers are not ready for the MacBook Neo]]></title>
			<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.theverge.com/report/894090/macbook-neo-pc-windows-laptop-competition-asus-footinmouth" />
			<id>https://www.theverge.com/?p=894090</id>
			<updated>2026-03-13T08:31:08-04:00</updated>
			<published>2026-03-13T08:00:00-04:00</published>
			<category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Analysis" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Apple" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Asus" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Dell" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Gadgets" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Laptops" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Microsoft" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Report" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Tech" /><category scheme="https://www.theverge.com" term="Windows" />
							<summary type="html"><![CDATA[The MacBook Neo is here, and it took no time at all for an executive from a major PC manufacturer to put their foot in their mouth trying to discuss this new competition from Apple's $600 laptop. On Asus' latest earnings call, CFO Nick Wu said that the Neo and its aggressive entry-level pricing were [&#8230;]]]></summary>
			
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<img alt="A photo of a person using a laptop with their feet propped up on a window." data-caption="This thing is poised to eat their lunch. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/268387_Apple_MacBook_Neo_AKrales_0543.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
	<figcaption>
	This thing is poised to eat their lunch. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge	</figcaption>
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<p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/891741/apple-macbook-neo-a18-pro-review">MacBook Neo</a> is here, and it took no time at all for an executive from a major PC manufacturer to put their foot in their mouth trying to discuss this new competition from Apple's $600 laptop. On <a href="https://www.webcast-eqs.com/asus25q4/en">Asus' latest earnings call</a>, CFO Nick Wu said that the Neo and its aggressive entry-level pricing were "certainly a shock to the entire market." Wu also disclosed that Asus had some knowledge of Apple developing the Neo back in 2025, much as many of us had <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/694886/a-macbook-with-an-iphone-chip">heard rumors of a MacBook with an iPhone chip</a> for months - and yet, Asus and other PC makers seem to have been caught flat-footed. </p>
<p class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">What's worse is these company executives don't even seem to r …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/report/894090/macbook-neo-pc-windows-laptop-competition-asus-footinmouth">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
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