Consumer Electronics Show (CES) took place Jan 9-12, and many new laptop concepts and models were unveiled this year at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Here are the top three picks we are excited about:
1 – Asus Zenbook Duo
2 – Alienware m16 R2
3 – Dell XPS 14
So, if you are interested in why we picked these models and learn more about their specs, please keep on reading.
Our Top 3 CES 2024 Laptop Picks
Asus Zenbook Duo
OK, full disclosure: We picked this laptop purely for its novelty dual-screen feature and a detachable magnetic keyboard. Asus did come up with dual-screen laptops before (think ZenBook Pro Duo UX581), but the 2024 model has an entirely different approach.
When folded, the new CES 2024 Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406 laptop looks almost like a regular Zenbook Duo model: Aluminum top lid, widescreen display, and a regular keyboard trackpad once you open it. However, the keyboard is magnetic and fully removable, allowing for five (!) different modes:
- Laptop mode. Classic 14-inch notebook
- Dual-screen mode. Unfold the dual screen with the keyboard attached. The dual-screen method eliminates the need to jump between tabs or different browser windows, allowing users to focus better on a task.
- Dual-screen mode with (virtual) keyboard. Here, the bottom screen can be used as a full-size keyboard. Perfect for casual use and entertainment.
- Desktop mode. It allows you to stack up screens, splitting your work depending on how you want it displayed.
- Sharing mode. Enables users to share files and content during online meetings with ease. Once the user lays the Zenbook Duo flat, other participants can view their display without extra steps for an uninterrupted workflow.
Hardware
The CES 2024 UX8406 Asus laptop can be configured to an Intel Core Ultra 7 or an Ultra 9 processor options, Intel Arc graphics, and 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD storage. The buyer can also choose between 16GB and 32GB onboard RAM variations.
The new Asus Zenbook Duo offers OLED display technology with up to 3K 120Hz NanoEdge touchscreens.
As for I/O ports, the model has one (1) USB USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A,
two (2) Thunderbolt 4 ports, one (1) HDMI 2.1, and a headphone mic jack, which isn’t bad given the laptop’s compact size.
Who is the New CES 2024 Asus ZenBook Duo Laptop for?
Although expensive (starting at $1499.99), the model will serve best for students, programmers, developers, and media professionals.
While it is still early to speak to the model’s pros and cons and the practicality of the dual-screen feature, early reports point to complaints about lack of storage size flexibility and subpar CPU performance. Many dev professionals, however, find the flexible dual-screen feature very handy and a major selling point.
Alienware m16 R2
We think a 16-inch screen might just be the perfect size for a gaming laptop. Yes, we love the Alienware m16, and the R2 version focuses on enhancing its already awesome features.
The CES 2024 m16 R2 laptop surprised gaming enthusiasts with an updated design, even better performance, and a cool Stealth mode. Unfortunately, Dell did not fix the subpar battery performance, but short battery life is very much a given with gaming notebooks.
But let’s talk more about the redesign. The Alienware m16 R2 sports the Dark Metallic Moon color aluminum slim-profile chassis. The thermal cover the previous version had was removed, reducing the laptop’s size by 15%.
The model also have got an updated FHD camera, QHD+ screen, and new Intel Core Ultra family processors. RAM and storage-vise, buyers can confirm their computers with either 16GB, 32 GB, or 64GB memory and up to 8TB M.2 storage at the time of the purchase.
The display is a 16-inch 2560×1600 panel, 240Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB, ComfortView Plus, NVIDIA G-SYNC + Advanced Optimus. Gamers can count on crisp visuals with a low 3ms response rate and no detectable lag. Needless to say, the model will run AAA titles smoothly.
Aside from the chassis redesign, one of the most exciting additions is the Stealth mode. The feature lets users activate Quite Mode by pressing the Fn + F2 keys. It turns off the RGB lights and cuts down on power usage.
Alienware m16 R2 CES 2024 gaming laptop is currently available on the Dell site with prices starting at $1699.99.
Dell XPS 14 Laptop
Another CES 2024 Dell model to be excited about. Users know and love the XPS line, but this is the first time the manufacturer has introduced a 14-inch version. The XPS 14 could easily be a slightly cheaper Windows-based MacBook Pro 14 replacement.
As expected, at 3.8 pounds, the laptop is light, sleek, and portable. And now, it has an even better OLED 3.2K screen, an FHD webcam, and more I/O ports.
Hardware-wise, the model is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU (no other versions), has Intel Arc and GeForce RTX 4050 graphics options, up to 64GB RAM, and 4TB M.2 NVMe storage. Users can pick between FHD+ non-touch and 3200×2000 OLED touchscreen versions, Platinum or Graphite colors.
However, the lack of clickable Fn keys and a physical trackpad can be problematic for some. The battery is also not that great, but you can get a solid 3-4 hours of moderate use on a single charge. As expected, the new Dell XPS 14 comes with a price tag. Finally, the base model runs $1699 + tax, while maxing out on the upgrades will put you well over the $3000 threshold.
In Conclusion
At this year’s CES, tech companies surprised us with numerous new gadgets and software developments. Aside from the three featured, there are many more shoutout-worthy computers, and we will feature plenty of them in our future posts. Most of the technology introduced in January is already available for purchase. So, if you are looking to score it any time soon, consider Gadget Salvation as your marketplace to sell a used laptop you want to upgrade.
