Lexar expands consumer storage while AI drives up memory costs
CheckMag Lexar celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026. For the celebrations, the storage manufacturer gave us a closer look at its manufacturing capabilities and vision.
Laptop
All reviews, news and articles on laptops can be found on this topics page.
Dell launches new MacBook Neo rival with 120Hz touchscreen and sleek design
The Intel Wildcat Lake Dell XPS 13 is now available to purchase. It's a new MacBook Neo rival with a 120Hz touchscreen, sleek and lightweight build, and quad-speaker setup. The starting price is $599.99 for students and $699.99 for the rest.
Video | A premium laptop for a budget price! - Dell XPS 13
After the successful comeback of the XPS 14 and XPS 16 earlier this year, Dell is also staying true to their promise to make the XPS family more affordable with the all-new XPS 13.
And the small, lightweight laptop might actually redefine what you can expect from a budget-friendly laptop in 2026. (Ad)
Developer bypasses Apple's restrictions to unlock the M4's true AI potential
A developer on X has reverse-engineered Apple's M4 Neural Engine to unlock 15.8 TFLOPS of hidden AI training capability, bypassing Apple's software restrictions through a custom Model Intermediate Language built entirely outside the official CoreML and Metal development ecosystem.
Asus launches affordable business laptop with Ryzen AI 5 330, 16GB DDR5 RAM
Asus has launched the Dawn 7S Ryzen Edition in China at 6,999 Yuan (around $965), a business-focused laptop powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 with a 50 TOPS NPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM expandable to 96GB, a 1TB SSD, WiFi 7, and a 70Wh battery with 65W fast charging, with global availability yet to be confirmed.
New HP OmniBook Ultra 14 has one key advantage over the Dell XPS 14
The XPS 14 may be the more popular option, but this year's OmniBook Ultra 14 is twice as bright for superior HDR support than the Dell alternative.
Microsoft releases new 15-inch Surface Laptop with higher resolution display and more powerful processors
Microsoft has released a new 15-inch laptop globally. Sold with a higher resolution display than its predecessor, the new Surface Laptop 8 15-inch also features up to 64 GB of RAM and a 12-core Snapdragon X2 Elite chipset with up to 19 hours of battery life in official tests.
Premium business laptop with a budget display - Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 5 AMD Review
Let down by the display. Lenovo updates the ThinkPad T16 Gen 5 with a new chassis, which improves the repairability as well as the speakers. However, the performance of the base model is very low and the biggest issue is the underwhelming screen quality, especially considering the high base price. Update: Linux tested
AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 215, Radeon 740M, 16", 1.9 kg
Microsoft releases new 13-inch laptop with Snapdragon X2 Elite and 64 GB RAM
Microsoft has released a new 13-inch laptop globally. Packing Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 platform, the Surface Laptop 8 13.8 also combines a 120 Hz display with up to 64 GB of RAM, a Snapdragon X2 Elite chipset and 20 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n with Nvidia RTX Spark and haptic trackpad appears on product pictures
The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n is one of the first laptops to use the brand-new Nvidia RTX Spark ARM chip, which offers 20 CPU cores and a Blackwell GPU featuring 6,144 CUDA cores. This chip is designed to compete with the Apple M5 Max. A leak reveals the laptop's design in detail.
Maono debuts P Series hybrid audio interfaces for creators, musicians, and podcasters
The Maono P1 and P2 hybrid audio interfaces allow creators and performers to capture 24-bit, 192 kHz audio from microphones and musical instruments for live streaming and music production from phones and laptops. Both can be connected to DSLRs, enabling live mixing of recorded performances.
Office laptops 2026 compared: this should be the standard battery life today
Longer endurance is always a plus for a laptop, as long as it doesn’t come too much at the expense of weight and price. But what kind of battery life is currently appropriate for a business laptop? Using the Schenker Connect 15 as an example, we take a look at what 6.6 hours is still worth today.
We tested Linux on the new Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 5 AMD
Lenovo's ThinkPads offer support for Linux out of the box and some models can also be purchased with Linux. We tested the current ThinkPad T16 Gen 5 with Linux and checked the support of functions and features.
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ price is so high it can buy an RTX 5060 gaming laptop while leaving plenty for handheld console
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is the first handheld gaming console to use the Intel Arc G3 Extreme SoC. This makes the Claw 8 EX AI+ the most powerful portable console on the market, as the Arc G3 Extreme features the impressive Arc B390 iGPU. However, it also makes the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ super expensive.
Laptop prices climb as RAM becomes a major cost driver
What started as a DIY memory crunch is now hitting everyone. AI data centers are swallowing the world's DRAM, driving the cheapest 32 GB DDR5 kit to around $439 and pushing midrange laptops past $1,200. With memory now accounting for about 35 percent of a PC's component cost, relief isn't expected before late 2027.
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 with Core Ultra X9 is a surprising gaming powerhouse
The Intel Panther Lake series is turning everyday office and business subnotebooks into capable gaming machines powerful enough to run the latest demanding titles at decent 1080p settings.
Samsung Galaxy Book6 Edge launches with 18-core ARM chip and 120 Hz AMOLED display
The Samsung Galaxy Book6 Edge packs a 120 Hz AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, and two USB 4 ports into a 12.3-millimeter-thin laptop. The Galaxy Book6 Edge is now available in stores.
Why almost every laptop is missing this practical feature
Many notebook manufacturers talk about sustainability and long product lifespans. At the same time, one feature that could significantly improve both has all but disappeared—except on a single current business laptop.
These notebooks left us impressed: Spring 2026 laptop review highlights
In this big "Best of", we present the absolute frontrunners from Notebookcheck's latest test wave. Having put a total of 46 new notebooks through their paces in the last few months, we have now picked the most exciting ones. So, with your permission, allow us to bring the best laptops into the limelight.
Lenovo launches new 15-inch laptop globally with 1,100 nit OLED display and 96 GB VRAM
Lenovo has launched a new 15-inch laptop globally. Equipped with a 165 Hz OLED display and AMD's Strix Halo platform, the Yoga Pro 7 15ASH11 supports up to 96 GB VRAM with dual SSD slots and an 84 Wh battery, too.
Latest HP OmniBook Ultra 14 is an almost perfect successor to the Spectre series
The redesigned OmniBook Ultra 14 this year gets everything right in terms of looks and performance, but the new keyboard layout takes some getting used to.
Deal | This RTX 5090 gaming laptop with 240Hz OLED just got a big discount
The Acer Predator Helios AI is a flagship gaming laptop with expensive but future-proof components such as the RTX 5090 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX. Thanks to a markdown of 14% or $500, the 16-inch notebook is now on sale for its lowest price in a while.
Video | Thin & light with upgradable RAM! - MSI Stealth 16
MSI already unveiled their next-gen thin & light gaming laptop, the Stealth 16, during CES earlier this year, and finally got the chance to get our hands on a sample to run some benchmarks.
So let us see if the sleek 16-incher can compete with the ROG Zephyrus G16, Lenovo Legion 7/7a, or the Yoga Pro 9
Core Ultra X9 388H runs slower than Core Ultra X7 386H in first benchmarks
The new HP OmniBook Ultra 14 is available with the Core Ultra X9 but with no X7 option even though the X9 costs more and might offer no performance advantages over the X7.
175 W GPU in the MSI Raider 16 Max HX averages only 147 W in Extreme Performance mode
We compare and contrast all the confusing power profiles available on the latest MSI gaming laptop. You'll want to know the differences between them if you intend to play any games on the system.
Deal | 3.2K OLED, Core Ultra 9, RTX 5060: 16-inch Lenovo laptop gets massive price cut
The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 Gen 10 Aura Edition is a good-looking laptop for multimedia users who are looking for a sleek 16-inch machine with a dedicated Nvidia graphics card and a vibrant OLED screen with a 3.2K resolution, very high peak brightness and complete DCI-P3 color space coverage.
Intel vs. Snapdragon: Showdown below the 1-kg mark
A comparison of the MSI Prestige 13 AI+ and Asus ZenBook A14 finds Intel’s Core Ultra 9 386H to be outmatched by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite in CPU, graphics and battery tests. Despite differing battery capacities, the cheaper ZenBook A14 delivers stronger overall value.
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Core Ultra X9 review: Fully redesigned and so much better than before
Proper HP Spectre replacement. The redesigned OmniBook Ultra 14 addresses the size and display criticisms of the original 2024 model while boosting graphics performance significantly. However, the new keyboard can be a mixed bag.
Intel Core Ultra X9 388H, Arc B390 Panther Lake iGPU, 14", 1.3 kg
MSI Raider 16 Max HX proves Intel Arrow Lake is still a force to reckon with
The latest MSI Raider is one of the fastest gaming laptops available at the moment for users looking to maximum raw processor performance.
Deal | 2026 OLED laptop at great price: Acer Swift Go 16 AI with superb battery life and latest Intel CPU is 30% off
The Acer Swift Go 16 AI, which was launched earlier this year, is enjoying a big 30% discount at Best Buy. The laptop weighs only 1.4 kg (3 lbs.), carries a 16-inch OLED panel with touch input, and is built around the Core Ultra 5 322 SoC.
MSI Raider 16 Max HX has a simple feature we want to see on more laptops
The service hatch on the bottom panel makes it so much faster and easier for end users to add more storage or RAM without needing to worry about voiding warranties or accidentally breaking components.
This business laptop is enterprise through and through on paper – and a compromise in reality?
With the Connect 15, Schenker is clearly targeting business customers – and loads the classic 15-inch notebook with an unusual amount of hardware. Wi-Fi 7, an LTE option, and SmartCard support sound like modern enterprise-grade specifications. However, the test also reveals the downsides of this feature-heavy machine.
How to use the new Windows 11 Shared Audio feature
Learn how to use the Windows 11 Shared Audio tool to broadcast sound to two Bluetooth headsets at once, along with the hardware requirements.
Video | Nvidia RTX Spark laptops - something new, or just more of the same?
During Computex 2026, Nvidia finally unveiled their long-rumored Windows-on-Arm Laptop SOC, and together with a handful of hardware partner, they showed a new generation of premium performance laptops.
We got the chance to check them out, and wanted to share our opinion so far!
Framework Laptop 13 Pro is delayed, but not because of the DRAM crisis
With Intel Panther Lake, a haptic trackpad and a 700 nits bright display in a modular, repairable chassis, the Framework Laptop 13 Pro wanted to win over even the most demanding laptop buyers. However, problems during production mean that the laptop will now be delivered later than expected.
MSI Prestige 13 AI+ laptop review: The perfect companion for on the go?
Flyweight. With the Prestige 13 AI+, MSI is targeting mobile users who are often on the move and value a compact, lightweight laptop. Equipped with a brand-new Panther Lake processor, the 13-inch device is designed to win over customers looking for maximum portability.
Intel Core Ultra 9 386H, Intel Graphics 4 Xe3 PTL, 13.3", 888 g
New MSI Raider 16 Max "Apex" mode makes power profile options even more confusing
What's the difference between Extreme Performance mode, Apex mode, and Cooler Boost mode? The MSI Center software makes very little effort to educate the user.
Schenker Connect 15 price check: How quickly €1,000 turns into a €1,600 laptop
The Schenker Connect 15 in our review unit comes equipped with a smartcard reader, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, and 32 GB of RAM. Configurations on bestware start at just under €1,000, but the configurator quickly reveals how an entry-level office laptop can turn into a significantly more expensive machine. RAM and SSD options in particular push the price noticeably higher.
Update | Lenovo outs Yoga Pro 16 laptop with beefier RTX 5070 GPU and 64 GB RAM at much higher price
(Multiple inaccuracies fixed) Lenovo is spicing up the Yoga Pro line with more powerful graphics and a gaming laptop cooling setup, all with a maxed-out memory configuration. That also means a significant price increase compared to the base RTX 5060 version that the company sells in the US.
Video | RTX 5080 meets Ryzen X3D - our Computex workstation, the Aorus Master 16
Aorus just launched an update to their high-end 16-inch laptop, the Aorus Master 16.
We had the chance to take it for a spin during Computex in Taiwan and use the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D- and full-wattage RTX 5080-powered laptop as a workstation for our videos, and to enjoy the occasional game, of course!
MSI Raider 16 Max HX costs over $3000, doesn't even have Advanced Optimus or G-Sync
The first 16-inch Raider model nails it when it comes to raw performance and the OLED viewing experience. The overt lack of Advanced Optimus, however, is nevertheless disappointing considering the price.
Schenker Connect 15 (E26) review: Business laptop with a replaceable battery, SmartCard, Wi-Fi 7 & LTE
Business toolbox. Wi-Fi 7, LTE, a SmartCard reader, and a replaceable battery have become increasingly rare in modern business laptops. The Schenker Connect 15 focuses on exactly these features, combining enterprise-friendly capabilities with quiet and power-efficient hardware.
Intel Core 5 120U, Iris Xe G7 80EUs, 15.6", 1.9 kg
MSI Raider 16 Max HX laptop review: Faster than the Titan 18 HX
No performance compromises. The new Raider 16 Max HX packs an insane level of power even when compared to most larger 18-inch gaming laptops, but be prepared for a somewhat thick and heavy system.
Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop, 16", 2.7 kg
Video | The ultimate, immersive gaming laptop setup .. and the best laptop stand!
When it comes to total immersion in video games, Razer offers by far the most robust portfolio, not only when it comes to light, but with their haptics, you can also "feel" your games.
We gave it another test run in 007: First Light, and it's still as awesome as ever. They also just launched a new high-quality USB/XLR mic, and we finally have to talk about their laptop stand ...
Mobi Fold: New Logitech compact wireless mouse detailed before imminent June 2026 global release
Logitech is on the verge of releasing a new compact wireless mouse globally. In the meantime, the company has been spotted revealing the accessory's name and design. A prominent leaker has shared pricing information ahead of time, too.
Video | The fastest handheld meets the most beautiful 18" Gaming Laptop!
MSI not only showed off one of the fastest handhelds for 2026, but also delivered once again with a unique special edition for the Titan 18HX, alongside their take on a 2-in-1 RTXSpark-powered performance laptop!
We had a chance to go hands-on with all their new products during Computex 2026! (Ad)
Buggy Dell and HP software bricking Windows 11 PCs
Many Windows 11 users are facing infinite reboot loops and BitLocker recovery screens. Telemetry confirms faulty Dell and HP utilities are to blame.
HP releases new 14-inch laptop internationally with 800 nit display and 32 GB RAM
HP is now selling the EliteBook 8 G2i internationally with a 14-inch display. Featuring up to an 8-core Intel Panther Lake processor, the new laptop can also be configured with up to 32 GB of RAM and an 800-nit display.
Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday: High-stakes updates and hidden features
Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday introduces core shell performance updates and expanded Task Manager NPU metrics, alongside critical Secure Boot certificate-validation requirements.
Lenovo releases new 14-inch ThinkPad laptop globally with 120 Hz VRR display and Intel Panther Lake processors
Lenovo has finally released one of its new 14-inch ThinkPad laptops globally. Equipped with a choice of Intel Panther Lake processors, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 also has up to 32 GB of RAM and an optional 120 Hz VRR display at its disposal, as well as dual SSD slots and an aluminium base cover.
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