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This is the 14-inch gaming laptop to beat

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ASUS’ ROG Zephyrus G14 has been one of our favorite for damn near half a decade. But the 2024 model is on another level. That’s because even without a fresh generation of GPUs from NVIDIA, ASUS went and redesigned the entire thing anyway. And the result is a notebook with a gorgeous aluminum unibody chassis with a more mature design that doesn’t need to throw RGB lighting in your face to get some attention. This edition is also sleeker and lighter while still providing powerful performance. Though ASUS made a few trade-offs when compared to its predecessor, with a starting price of $1,600, the new ROG Zephyrus G14 is not only a better value than almost all of its 14-inch rivals, it’s also simply one of the best pound-for-pound gaming laptops around.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

For anyone who wants strong performance in a portable design, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is both pound for pound and dollar for dollar the best choice around.

Pros

  • Beautiful understated design
  • Gorgeous OLED screen
  • Strong performance
  • Good port selection
  • Punchy speakers
Cons

  • Bottom vents can get a bit toasty
  • Keyboard only has single-zone lighting
  • Armoury Crate app is kind of messy
  • RAM is soldered in

$2,000 at Best Buy

Design

Compared to previous models that were awash in RGB or had dot-matrix displays built into their lids, this year’s G14 is an exercise in restraint. It’s almost like the line has grown out of its awkward teenage phase and become a stylish but still fun-loving adult. The lid is accented by a simple diagonal slash with white (not RGB) LEDs embedded down the middle. Meanwhile, on the inside, there’s a sturdy deck with a large touchpad and surprisingly powerful speakers.

The one thing I miss is per-key RGB lighting instead of ASUS’ single-zone approach. After all, this is a gaming laptop and if you’re going to offer multiple colors, it’d be nice to have full customizability.

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 features a gorgeous unibody aluminum design. We just wish its keyboard supported per-key RGB lighting instead of ASUS' single-zone setup. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 features a gorgeous unibody aluminum design. We just wish its keyboard supported per-key RGB lighting instead of ASUS' single-zone setup.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

That said, the G14’s redesign isn’t just about style, it’s functional too. The switch to a unibody aluminum frame has strengthened the whole machine. There’s barely a hint of flex even on typically weaker parts like the lattice between keys. But more importantly, ASUS also reduced the laptop’s weight to just 3.3 pounds, which is noticeably lighter than rival notebooks with similar metal builds like the (3.95 pounds). Plus, even with the smaller size, the G14 features a healthy selection of ports including a full-size HDMI 2.1 jack, two USB-C (one of which supports Thunderbolt 4), two USB-A and a microSD card reader.

Display

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 features a gorgeous 14-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and vibrant colors. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 features a gorgeous 14-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and vibrant colors.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Another glowing component of the G14 is its OLED screen. In addition to producing vibrant colors, it has a sharp 2,880 x 1,800 resolution along with a 120Hz refresh rate and a color gamut that covers 100 percent of the DCI-P3 spectrum. Recently, I’ve been watching Three Body Problem and I’ve been absolutely loving the OLED panel’s excellent contrast and deep blacks. Furthermore, because ASUS includes a handful of color-calibrated settings for sRGB, D65 P3, DCI-P3 (but not Adobe RGB), the G14 is a very capable photo- and video-editing machine.

The one small issue is that because 2,880 x 1,800 is a somewhat uncommon resolution, you may not be able to play all of your games at their native resolution, which is an issue I encountered when playing Returnal.

Performance

A big change for the 2024 ROG G14 is that GPU options now top out with an NVIDIA RTX 4070 instead of a 4080 like on the previous model. That may be a bummer for some, but as I prefer laptops that are easier to carry around, I’m OK with trading out a little top-end oomph for enhanced portability. And with all models featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS chip along with at least 16GB of RAM (or 32GB like on my review unit) and 1TB of storage, you won’t be lacking in speed.

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 even includes a microSD card reader to make transferring media to the computer from a camera a bit easier. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 even includes a microSD card reader to make transferring media to the computer from a camera a bit easier.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

On Geekbench 6, the G14 matched the performance we saw from a larger XPS 16 with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H chip. In games, it hit 90 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 on ultra settings, which is just shy of a much more expensive Razer Blade 14 (101 fps). That said, there are some important details you should know. Unlike previous models, the latest G14’s memory is soldered to the motherboard, so there’s no way to add extra RAM later. Additionally, while both ASUS and Razer’s 14-inch systems appear to have the same RTX 4070 GPU, the G14’s is capped at 90 watts versus 140 watts for the Blade, which explains the small gap in gaming performance.

It’s also worth noting that heat can be an issue in certain situations. In normal use, it’s not a big deal as the fans rarely need to spin up when browsing the web or watching movies. But under load, because the G14’s vents are on the bottom of the notebook, your lap can get toasty fast. Thankfully, this won’t be a major problem if you’re gaming, since you’ll probably want to be at a desk or table to put an external mouse on anyway.

Battery life

The ROG Zephyrus G14 has a wealth of ports including ASUS' new Slim Power Jack ( far left).The ROG Zephyrus G14 has a wealth of ports including ASUS' new Slim Power Jack ( far left).

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

While the G14 doesn’t last quite as long as a traditional ultrabook, it still carries enough juice to last nearly an entire workday. On PCMark 10’s Modern Office rundown test, it lasted 7 hours and 29 minutes which is slightly better than the Razer Blade 14’s time of 6:46. And, new for 2024, ASUS has added its proprietary Slim Power Jack, which sort of looks like a USB-C port if you squint (but it isn’t). However, if you want to really travel light, the G14 supports charging via USB-C so you can leave the adapter at home. The one caveat is that USB-PD on this maxes out at 100 watts (versus 180 watts when using the included brick), so the battery may still discharge while gaming or performing other intensive tasks.

Wrap-up

Even though we already loved its predecessors, the 2024 ROG Zephyrus G14 has managed to take another big leap. It’s got an exquisitely crafted chassis along with a vibrant new display and boomier speakers – all while shedding nearly half a pound in weight. On the inside, you still get up to an RTX 4070 GPU. Sure, it’s a touch slower than a similarly equipped Blade 14, but considering our review unit costs $2,000 compared to $2,700 for the closest equivalently specced Razer, I’m happy to trade a tiny bit of performance to get a much more affordable machine. And that’s before you factor in a starting price of just for one with an RTX 4060. My biggest gripe is that ASUS’ Amoury Crate app still feels clunky, thanks to settings that are hard to find or toggles that don’t work like you’d expect. But make no mistake, the G14 is a great laptop – for both gamers and content creators – who want good performance in a portable package. So while I appreciate what the Blade 14 and other high-end notebooks can do, ASUS’ latest creation is the one I’d buy.

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Acer launches two all-new 14-inch gaming laptops alongside updated 16-inch models

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Acer’s midrange gaming laptop line has four new arrivals today following the company’s refresh of its flagship models at CES 2024. On Tuesday, the company unveiled a pair of new 14-inch entries alongside two refreshes of existing 16-inch models. The Intel-powered Predator Helios Neo 14 and Nitro 16 will join the AMD-fueled Nitro 14 and Nitro 16, launching globally later this spring.

As is often the case with pre-launch laptop announcements, Acer only reveals the devices’ minimum pricing rather than a full specs-to-cost breakdown (Acer says they aren’t yet finalized), making it impossible to gauge their overall value. You can expect that info closer to their respective launches in May and June.

Product marketing image for the Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 gaming laptop. An open version sits on th left, with a partially closed view from behind on the right. Grayish-blue background.Product marketing image for the Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 gaming laptop. An open version sits on th left, with a partially closed view from behind on the right. Grayish-blue background.

Acer

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 14, one of the two all-new models, is the first sub-16-inch variant in the high-performance line. (At $1,800 and up, it’s also the most expensive of the new batch.) That price gets you up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 185H (with dedicated AI acceleration) paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU. The lower-cost models will downgrade those to Intel Core Ultra 7 155H or Intel Core Ultra 5 125H and RTX 4060 or 4050 graphics.

The top-of-the-line variant has a 14.5-inch WQXGA (3072×1920) display with a 165Hz refresh rate, 100 percent coverage of the sRGB color spectrum and NVIDIA G-Sync support. Its cheaper variants will drop the resolution to 2560 x 1600 or 1920 x 1200 with a 120Hz refresh rate.

The Windows 11 laptop has a 76Wh battery and offers up to 32GB of LPDDR5X SDRAM and 1TB of storage. It weighs 4.19 lbs, has a built-in 1080p webcam, and supports Intel Killer Wireless Wi-Fi 6E. It includes a USB-C/ThunderBolt 4 port with a microSD reader. On the cooling front, it uses a 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fan and Vortex Flow tech.

The Predator Helios Neo 14 arrives in North America in May, starting at $1,800.

Product marketing image of the Acer Nitro 14 gaming laptop. Two models float dramatically in the air: one facing forward with its screen and keyboard visible, the other (behind it) showing a back view. Grayish-blue background.Product marketing image of the Acer Nitro 14 gaming laptop. Two models float dramatically in the air: one facing forward with its screen and keyboard visible, the other (behind it) showing a back view. Grayish-blue background.

Acer

The Nitro 14 is the first 14-inch variant in the company’s midrange Nitro line. It should offer solid performance with up to AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and RTX 4060 graphics. Cheaper variants drop that down to a Ryzen 5 8645HS processor and RTX 4050 or 3050 graphics.

Its maxed-out model gives you a 14.5-inch 2560 x 1500 display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 9ms response time and sRGB 100 percent gamut support. The entry-level model drops that down to 1080p at 120Hz.

The laptop has USB 4 and USB 3.2 Type C ports, a pair of USB-A ports (including one with offline charging support), HDMI 2.1 and a microSD slot.

The Acer Nitro 14 arrives in North America in May. It starts at $1,300.

A gamer sits in a posh, modern-lit gaming room with an Acer gaming laptop. A second TV shows a different part of a game behind them.A gamer sits in a posh, modern-lit gaming room with an Acer gaming laptop. A second TV shows a different part of a game behind them.

Acer

The company’s updated Nitro 16 is launching in separate Intel and AMD variants with different model numbers (AN16-73 for Intel and AN16-43 for AMD). The former has up to an Intel Core i7-14700HX processor, while the AMD version has up to a Ryzen 9 8945HS (the same as the maxed-out Nitro 14). Otherwise, the two models are only separated by extremely minor weight differences (5.37 lbs for the AMD, 5.4 lbs for Intel) and Wi-Fi (Intel’s branded Killer Wireless Wi-Fi 6E vs. a nondescript Wi-Fi 6E for AMD).

As for the many specs the Intel and AMD variants of the Nitro 16 share, they both have Nvidia graphics, maxing out at RTX 4060 with 8GB of dedicated GDDR6 RAM. Cheaper models swap that for either an RTX 4050 or 3050.

Their screens have up to 2560 x 1600 resolution with 500 nits brightness, 165Hz refresh rates and a 3ms response time. The laptops each offer up to 32GB of DDR5 SDRAM and 2TB storage. They have 76Wh batteries with measly 720p webcams.

Both versions of the Nitro 16 will launch in North America in May. They start at $1,400. If you’re considering the new models, you can expect a more detailed configuration-pricing breakdown at or around launch time, so stay tuned.

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Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 RTX 4090 14inch laptop hands on

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 laptop with RTX 4090 graphics

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a powerhouse in the world of portable gaming laptops, boasting the impressive RTX 4090 Graphics Card. This latest model, released in 2023, is a testament to the perfect blend of portability and high-end performance. With a range of advanced CPU options, including the Ryzen 7 7735 HS and Ryzen 9 7940 HS, and GPU choices from the RTX 4050 to the RTX 4090, gamers are in for an exceptional experience.

When it comes to display, the G14 doesn’t skimp on quality. The 165Hz IPS screen with 99% DCI P3 color accuracy ensures vibrant and smooth visuals, whether you’re gaming or working on color-sensitive tasks. Some models even feature a mini LED display, elevating your viewing experience further.

RTX 4090 laptop

The design and build quality of the G14 feature magnesium alloy and aluminum body that is not only stylish but also lightweight and durable, ideal for gamers on the move. For those who like to customize, there’s an optional anime Matrix LED lid to add a personal touch.

Specifications, features and benefits

  • CPU Options: Includes Ryzen 7 7735 HS and Ryzen 9 7940 HS processors.
  • GPU Options: Ranges from RTX 4050 to RTX 4090, with the G14 being the only laptop in 2023 to offer every 40 series GPU option.
  • Design: Sleek, portable, and available in gray or white, with an optional anime Matrix LED lid.
  • Display: Offers a 165Hz IPS display with 99% DCI P3 color accuracy, and a mini LED option for certain models.
  • Ports: Includes HDMI 2.1, USB-C with integrated graphics, USB 4/Thunderbolt, audio combo jack, USB-A ports, and a micro SD card slot.
  • Internals: Features one SSD slot, one replaceable RAM slot with 16 GB soldered, and a vapor chamber cooling system.
  • Battery Life: Provides solid battery performance, with slight reductions from previous models.
  • Software: Uses Armory Crate as the control center, with options for power profiles, GPU modes, and other customizations. An alternative software, GH helper, is also recommended.
  • Speakers: High-quality audio with minimal issues that can be fixed with additional foam padding.
  • Performance: The laptop handles gaming well, with the RTX 4090 model delivering impressive results even in silent mode.
  • Cooling: Manages heat effectively, with the ability to customize performance and fan noise levels.

The G14 excels in connectivity, offering a variety of ports such as HDMI 2.1, USB-C, USB 4/Thunderbolt, and more, making it easy to connect all your devices and external displays. The laptop is also built with the future in mind, featuring an SSD slot and a replaceable RAM slot, alongside 16 GB of onboard memory. Its vapor chamber cooling system is a standout, ensuring the laptop stays cool and performs optimally, even under heavy use.

While the battery life may not be as long as previous models, the G14 still offers a respectable duration between charges. The Armory Crate control center and GH helper software allow for detailed customization of power and GPU settings to optimize performance and battery life.

The audio system of the G14 provides an immersive soundscape, enhancing the gaming and multimedia experience. If any audio issues occur, they can typically be resolved with minor adjustments, such as adding foam padding. The RTX 4090 model, in particular, delivers stellar performance, running demanding games smoothly and quietly.

Effective cooling and noise management are essential in a gaming laptop, and the G14 meets these needs with customizable settings that keep the system cool and quiet. This ensures that gamers can enjoy long sessions without the worry of overheating or loud fan noise. Overall, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 stands out as a versatile laptop that excels in key areas such as portability, battery life, and performance. For those looki

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New Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max flagship 14-inch and 16-inch laptops

Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Max 14-inch and 16-inch laptops

Apple’s latest flagship laptop takes the form of the MacBook Pro powered by Apples most powerful M3 Max silicon chip to date and available in both 14-inch and 16-inch screen sizes. The M3 Max, a high-performance chip designed for demanding workflows such as machine learning programming, 3D art creation, and video editing. These new models are not only aesthetically pleasing but also pack a powerful punch in terms of performance, making them a worthy upgrade from older MacBook Pro models, especially those running the now removed Intel systems that have been replaced by the Apple M silicon chips.

  • 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 starts at $1,599 (U.S.) and $1,499 (U.S.) for education
  • 14‑inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro starts at $1,999 (U.S.) and $1,849 (U.S.) for education
  • 16‑inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,499 (U.S.) and $2,299 (U.S.) for education.

The M3 Max is and the M3 are the first chips for a personal computer built using 3-nanometer technology. This advanced technology provides improved GPU utilization and performance, making the M3 Max up to 2.5 times faster than the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Max. The M3 Max even outperforms the fastest Intel-based MacBook Pro model by a staggering 11 times. This increased speed and performance can significantly improve the user experience, especially for professionals who rely on its MacBooks for demanding tasks.

Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Max

One of the standout features of the new MacBook Pro models is its support for up to 128GB of unified memory. This expanded memory capacity allows for large and complex projects across multiple professional apps and plugins, making the new MacBook Pro an ideal choice for professionals involved in high-intensity computing tasks.

The M3 Max also introduces new rendering features to Apple silicon. These include hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, which can significantly enhance simulation, rendering, and noise reduction capabilities. These features can be particularly beneficial for professionals involved in 3D art creation and video editing.

Apple Mac Pro lineup compared

 

Liquid Retina XDR display

The new MacBook Pro models also boast a Liquid Retina XDR display, offering an immersive viewing experience. This, combined with a built-in 1080p camera, a six-speaker sound system, and a variety of connectivity options, makes the new MacBook Pro a comprehensive package of performance and convenience.

Battery life

In terms of portability, the new MacBook Pro offers up to 22 hours of battery life. This impressive battery life ensures that the MacBook Pro delivers the same performance whether it’s plugged in or running on battery, making it a reliable companion for professionals on the go.

Apple has also taken significant strides in terms of sustainability with the new MacBook Pro models. They are made from 100% recycled aluminum and use 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, along with 100% recycled tin soldering and gold plating in multiple printed circuit boards. This commitment to sustainability aligns with Apple’s goal to be carbon neutral across its entire manufacturing supply chain and all product life cycles by 2030.

macOS Sonoma

The new MacBook Pro models come with macOS Sonoma, which introduces new features for work and play. These include desktop widgets, improved video conferencing features, and an enhanced browsing experience.

Available in space black, silver, and space gray (for the 14-inch model), the new MacBook Pro models offer a blend of style and performance. With its enhanced capabilities and sustainable construction, these new models reaffirm Apple’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Whether you’re a professional looking for a high-performance laptop or an Apple enthusiast excited about the latest technology, the new MacBook Pro models with M3 Max are worth considering. For more information, full specifications and pricing options jump over to the official Apple website.

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New Apple MacBook Pro M3 14-inch laptop from $1,599

New Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 laptop from $1,599

The new MacBook Pro 14-inch powered by the latest Apple M3 silicon chip, is one of the the latest offerings from Apple unveiled today during its Apple event. The latest MacBook Pro M3 range have been designed to caters to a broad spectrum of users. From students and business owners to musicians and video editors, this laptop promises to deliver superior performance. With an advanced thermal system, it offers sustained performance that is up to 60% faster than the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1, says Apple.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 starts at $1,599, and doesn’t just promise speed but also efficiency, with a battery life that lasts up to 22 hours. This ensures that users can enjoy the same performance whether the laptop is plugged in or running on battery power. One of the standout features of this laptop is the M3 chip featuring 25 billion transistors — 5 billion more than M2.

Apple M3 silicon

It has a 10-core GPU featuring the next-generation architecture that is 65 percent faster than M1 for graphics performance. Games like Myst have incredibly realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. M3 has an 8-core CPU, with four performance cores and four efficiency cores, that is up to 35 percent faster than M1 for CPU performance. And it supports up to 24GB of unified memory.

The M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips are the first for a personal computer built using 3-nanometer technology. This technological leap forward offers a significant enhancement in the graphics architecture. The next-generation GPU with Dynamic Caching allocates the use of local memory in hardware in real time. This increases GPU utilization and performance, making it ideal for graphics-intensive tasks and applications.

Apple MacBook Pro M3

The GPU introduces new rendering features to Apple silicon, including hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing. These features make it a powerful tool for video editors and graphic designers, offering superior render performance. In fact, render performance in Final Cut Pro is up to 7.4 times faster than the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Core i7, and 60% faster than the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1.

Beyond graphics, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 also provides a significant boost in other areas. Code compilation in Xcode and spreadsheet performance in Microsoft Excel are significantly faster on this new MacBook Pro compared to previous models. This makes it an ideal choice for developers and business professionals who require efficient and speedy performance for their daily tasks.

Apple Mac Pro lineup compared

Other articles you may find of interest on the subject of Apple MacBook Pro laptops :

The laptop isn’t just about performance; it also shines in the display and sound department. All new M3 MacBook Pro models feature a Liquid Retina XDR display and a built-in 1080p camera. The six-speaker sound system offers an immersive audio experience, whether you’re watching a movie, listening to music, or on a video call. The laptop also offers various connectivity options, making it a versatile tool for both work and play.

The new MacBook Pro laptops are now available to preorder, with availability beginning November 7th 2023. With its advanced features and superior performance, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 is a laptop that caters to the needs of a diverse range of users. Whether you’re a student, a business owner, a musician, or a video editor, this laptop promises to deliver the performance and capabilities you need. To learn more about the new Apple MacBook Pro M3 jump over to the official website for full specifications, upgrades and pricing options.

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