Similar to mobile phones, laptop manufacturers are also rethinking standard form factors.
Here are some unique laptops I've come across recently. It has everything from dual screens to foldable screens and even user-replaceable parts. (I know, what a concept!)
ASUS Zenbook Duo 2024
This is an ultraportable laptop with two 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreens.
Can be used in dual-screen mode using built-in Bluetooth or on-screen virtual keyboard.
There's also a flat sharing mode, and you can even prop it up in desktop mode thanks to the built-in kickstand.
Yes, it can also be used as a regular laptop.
A recent Engadget review calls this the first dual-screen laptop worth buying.
Starting from $1500.
HP Specter Foldable PC
I found this at CES 2024 Las Vegas. It's a little bigger and more expensive, but you get many of the same features.
The difference here is that the laptop is one giant foldable screen.
You can use it as a regular laptop or remove the keyboard to create a larger 17-inch screen. Or you can have two 12-inch screens. Built-in smart software features allow you to snap windows into appropriate layouts.
It also has a built-in kickstand.
This one starts at $5000, likely thanks to its foldable display technology.
framework laptop 16
Remember when you could actually take out the processor on your desktop and install a new one?
What about a laptop computer that you can repair or upgrade yourself?
That's what you get with Framework's 16-inch laptop.
“Ultimately, the problem is that e-waste is piling up around the world as people reuse devices that are not designed to be upgraded or repaired,” said Nirav Patel, CEO of Framework. I am.
Framework laptops allow you to customize almost every component you need. It's also modular, so it can be easily replaced for repairs.
Machine prices start at $850.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 series
New this year: All laptops in Samsung's Galaxy Book4 series come with touch screens.
The top model has a new Intel Core Ultra 9 processor inside and adds an NPU. This is a neural processing unit that processes AI requests locally instead of in the cloud, resulting in faster responses.
The screen is large, bright, and incredibly clear. The keyboard includes new AI keys that will be seen on many computers at this time. Microsoft CoPilot, an AI assistant, launches. Will we be able to program it to summon an AI assistant of our choosing?
Somehow, Samsung has also managed to keep the entire package super lightweight.
If you have a Samsung phone, it will sync very well with this laptop.
Prices for the Galaxy Book4 series start at $1,100.
Bottom line: Laptop manufacturers are experimenting with new form factors to convince people to buy or upgrade new machines. That physical AI key will be an important way to convince people that they need something new.
Please note that Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means drivers and apps will no longer be updated and security patches will no longer be provided. This means you either plan to upgrade to Windows 11 at some point, or your computer is getting old and you need to consider a new one.