Chuwi launches affordable Raptor Lake-U laptop with upgradeable RAM and storage

Chuwi has expanded its recently introduced NeoBook series with a larger model. The new NeoBook Plus takes most of the hardware from the regular NeoBook and moves it into a 15.6-inch chassis. It uses the same Intel Core 3 100U Raptor Lake-U processor, plus 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. Both are upgradeable, with two SO-DIMM slots for memory and two M.2 2280 slots for storage.

While the regular Chuwi NeoBook uses a 14-inch IPS panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio, the NeoBook Plus gets a larger 15.6-inch IPS display with a more conventional FHD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio. Chuwi does not specify the NeoBook Plus display's brightness or any other specifications other than a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

The NeoBook Plus measures 357.2 x 228.3 x 17.4 mm and weighs around 1.5 kg (3.3 lb). The larger chassis also fits a numeric keypad and a 57 Wh battery, up from 53.38 Wh on the non-Plus variant. Chuwi claims the battery can be charged to 60% in an hour using the included 65 W USB-C PD charger.

Connectivity remains one of the NeoBook Plus's strongest points. It features two USB-C ports (PD charging and 4K 60 FPS video output), three USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a 1 Gbps Ethernet jack, a microSD card reader and a 3.5 mm audio jack. For wireless connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. It also has a 720p webcam with a physical privacy shutter.

The Chuwi NeoBook Plus is currently listed for $539 in the US as part of a new-release promotion, down from its listed MSRP of $669. In contrast, the 14-inch NeoBook costs $499 at full price. Essentially, you’re paying $170 extra for a slightly larger screen, battery and a numpad.