Tag Archives: windows

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus leak shows a laptop with an Android tablet as the screen

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Laptops are no longer what they used to be. Sure, the majority still come in the standard clamshell design, but even those sometimes have touchscreens or even second displays. And then there are laptops that are actually tablets in disguise, folding backward or splitting in half. These convertibles and detachables, respectively, have shifted the landscape of portable computers, opening the doors to more use cases and features. For the most part, however, they’re all still typical Windows laptops, but Lenovo might be putting an odd twist to the design with a 2-in-1 laptop whose screen transforms into an Android tablet when detached from its main body.

Designer Name: Lenovo (via “Apocalypse“)

The idea behind a 2-in-1 laptop, popularized by the likes of the Microsoft Surface Pro, is actually the reverse of a laptop. Technically, it’s more of a tablet that you can attach to a keyboard, whether that keyboard simply serves as a cover or a weighted base like a regular laptop. All the electronics are actually behind the screen, from the processors to the storage to even the battery, making the screen completely standalone.

What Lenovo might have in mind, however, is to have two different operating systems installed on the device, working independently depending on the situation. When the screen is docked on the keyboard, it will display Windows that’s running in the base. Once pulled out, however, that screen becomes a standalone tablet running Android and not Windows.

ASUS Transformer Book Duet

As odd as that might sound, it’s not exactly completely new. Back in 2014, ASUS announced what would have been the crowning glory of its Transformer Book line of 2-in-1 detachable laptops. The Transformer Book Duet could run both Android and Windows, though you have to boot into each one separately. Here, all the computing hardware is still on the display, and the keyboard is just an accessory to keep the screen anchored down. ASUS’s ambitions, however, were allegedly crushed by both Microsoft and Google who didn’t want their operating systems to be living under the same roof. That was nearly a decade ago, however, and Lenovo might be thinking it’s time to stir things up again.

What isn’t clear is whether it will be a case of a dual-boot tablet again or if Lenovo will be doing things a little differently. It’s possible to have a complete set of hardware inside the keyboard, running Windows, while the tablet has its own hardware dedicated to running Android. That makes the division of labor a little simpler and you don’t have to reboot over and over again to switch between operating systems. Unfortunately, that would also mean you can’t use Windows in tablet mode and take advantage of the stylus for creating digital art. Then again, Windows hasn’t really been great on tablets, which is why there would be interest in putting Android there in the first place.

The post Lenovo ThinkBook Plus leak shows a laptop with an Android tablet as the screen first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft Windows Ugly Sweater arrives in time to bring holiday jeer

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The Christmas season is often associated with staying warm (if you’re living in the northern hemisphere) and having fun, and there’s a rather recent tradition that combines those with tongue-in-cheek humor. Ugly sweaters are exactly what their names imply, intentionally designed to be ridiculously laughable so that there’s really no room for misinterpretation. Making a pun on being a “soft wear” company, Microsoft has been releasing such unfashionable wearables for half a decade now, poking good-natured fun at its own products. This year’s design is an ode to the early 2000s, bringing back fond and not-so-fond memories of one of the longest-lived Windows versions of all: Windows XP.

Designer: Microsoft

Parts of the Windows XP design have perhaps forever been engraved in people’s memories, at least for those old enough to be using computers by 2001 onward. The candy-like “Luna” theme, the familiar login sound, and, of course, the iconic wallpaper that’s actually a photo of a landscape in Sonoma County, California. It’s this wallpaper, named “Bliss,” that Microsoft is bringing in somewhat low-res quality to this year’s Ugly Sweater, taking wearers and onlookers for a trip down memory lane, whether they like to or not.

Bliss is simple yet captivating, basically a picture of a green hill against the backdrop of a blue sky and white clouds. As its name suggests, it evokes a sense of serenity and calm, which is hardly the emotions you’d associate with using Windows XP, especially when the dreaded BSOD or Blue Screen of Death rears its ugly head. Nonetheless, it’s a powerful and admittedly warm image, just the perfect match for a warm piece of clothing.

That is, of course, if you’d be fine wearing what is practically the Windows XP wallpaper, letting everyone see your loyalty to the operating system or to the company. It’s not a perfect recreation of the wallpaper, though, and is more pixelated than what you’d see on a screen. It’s almost as if someone booted the sweater in Safe Mode, and there’s probably some underlying message there that we missed. And yes, there’s a very large mouse cursor there, fortunately pointing nowhere embarrassing.

This year’s Windows Ugly Sweater does have some hidden beauty, at least in how it is trying hard to save the environment. Specifically, Microsoft has partnered with The Nature Conservancy for this project, though exact details haven’t been laid out. At least you’ll be feeling a little good about yourself every time you intentionally put a large target on your back by wearing such an incredibly comical sweater this holiday season.

The post Microsoft Windows Ugly Sweater arrives in time to bring holiday jeer first appeared on Yanko Design.

Robo & Kala 2-in-1 Laptop Review: A Windows on ARM computer that finally makes sense

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PROS:


  • Beautiful and bright OLED display

  • Handsome design and impressive build quality

  • Great battery life and fast 65W charger

  • Easily accessible and removable SSD storage

  • Unbeatable price point

CONS:


  • No 4G or 5G connectivity

  • Audio output is a bit muffled

  • Keyboard can't lie at a more ergonomic angle

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Robo & Kala 2-in-1 Laptop brings an affordable Windows on ARM experience in a stunning package and with very few compromises.

Windows laptops are a dime a dozen, and those that turn into tablets have also become quite numerous. That includes the laptops that fold over backward, a.k.a. “convertibles,” as well as those that split into two parts or the 2-in-1 laptops. The latter category tries to smash together the productivity of a laptop with the portability of a keyboard-less tablet, but being Windows devices, a lot of them are hampered by hardware considerations, from weight to battery life. Microsoft’s solution was to put Windows on a hardware platform known exactly for its compactness and longevity, but Windows on ARM seemed almost dead on arrival, or at least on life support. Most of the devices that came out from well-known OEMs, including Microsoft, turned out more like duds, so imagine our surprise when a fresh new name blazed into the scene, bearing a new Windows on ARM 2-in-1 laptop that promised to change your perception of this kind of portable productivity machine. Naturally, we couldn’t resist giving the Robo & Kala a test drive to see if it can deliver “New Ways to Inspire.”

Designer: Robo & Kala

Aesthetics

Right off the bat, the Robo & Kala Computer grabs your attention with its handsome design that you might not have come to expect from a lesser-known brand, especially after you hear about its price tag. The anodized aluminum feels solid yet light, giving you confidence whenever you hold it in your hands. Moving away from the common and rather drab silvers and blacks of most tablets, the laptop’s greenish tinge adds a distinct visual character to the device, making sure you’ll remember it as being a one-of-a-kind product.

In many ways, the Robo & Kala is taking aim at the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, which also comes in a Windows on ARM variant. That’s immediately evident when you see the built-in kickstand that has become the hallmark of the Surface Pro line. There are also a few similarities here and there, both in design and hardware, but those are minimal and incidental at best. It’s almost too easy to write it off as a Surface Pro 9 clone, but you’ll definitely be missing out on the key selling points of the device.

The sometimes subtle differences, however, do have significant implications. At only 690g light and 7.3mm thin, the Robo & Kala is quite possibly the thinnest and lightest Windows on ARM 2-in-1 laptop in the market, squarely beating not only the Surface Pro 9 but even the Surface Go 3. The edges of the tablet are slightly curved, unlike the current flat design trend, giving it a more pleasant appearance and softer hold. The bezels around the display are also quite narrow, noticeably more than Microsoft’s flagship. All in all, Robo & Kala’s design and build quality punches above its price point, an unexpected yet very pleasant surprise right off the bat.

Ergonomics

Being light and thin isn’t just a bragging point for Robo & Kala. It means that the device is more comfortable to carry and hold, especially as a tablet. Even with the optional keyboard that brings the total weight to around 1.04kg, the device doesn’t get exceptionally heavy, at least compared to a regular laptop or even the Surface Pro 9 5G with a keyboard (1.19kg). That said, it’s definitely no iPad Air, and the large size will still bear down on your arms if held for long periods of time.

The Robo & Kala Computer has an optional keyboard cover, not unlike the Surface Type Cover, that magnetically attaches to the tablet and connects using those golden pogo contact points, also not unlike the Surface Type Cover. Where the two clearly differ is that Microsoft’s design allows the keyboard to rise just a little bit near the hinge, creating a more ergonomic inclined angle for typing. There’s none of that here, but R&K makes up for it with a rather ingenious feature. When you detach the keyboard, it switches to a Bluetooth connection so you can continue typing using the same keyboard but perhaps in a more comfortable position.

This versatility of design makes 2-in-1 laptops like Robo & Kala truly unique and appealing. It’s a laptop when you need to be productive but a tablet when you want to detach, figuratively and literally. That said, the disadvantage of this kickstand-based design is that you need a lot more space to place the device on when it’s in laptop mode, whether it’s on a table or on your lap. In fact, the Surface Pro and similar 2-in-1 devices have been criticized for being “un-lappable” in this manner, though you can still make do when push comes to shove. Fortunately, the kickstand is steady and rigid, ensuring that the device stays in place no matter how hard you rock that keyboard.

Performance

What sets Robo & Kala apart from the vast majority of Windows 2-in-1 laptops is the hardware that runs inside, particularly the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 silicon, an ARM-based processor that is closer to the ones running on your phone or tablet than the Intel or AMD chips powering most Windows computers. This is pretty much the same “Microsoft SQ3” used on the Surface Pro 9 5G, just without whatever exclusive magic Microsoft and Qualcomm cooked up behind closed doors. This is a powerful processor, closer to benchmark performance to last-gen Intel Core i3 chipsets, and with 16GB of RAM, it would theoretically cover all your computing needs, including some light gaming.

There is a slight catch, however, when it comes to the world of Windows. Windows on ARM has grown up a lot compared to its earliest years, but software compatibility is still a thing. While it’s definitely possible to run “regular” Windows software on this device, it will be running on top of a software layer that affects performance, depending on what type of application it is. Some light games from Steam and image editing apps will do fine, but video editing software will be a hit or miss. That said, Windows 11 has support for running Android and Linux apps, and you might ironically get better performance from some of those apps. In short, while Robo & Kala can handle many tasks without breaking a sweat, some creative applications might not work well or at all on a case-to-case basis.

Robo & Kala comes with a 12.6-inch OLED touchscreen with a resolution of 2560×1600, a more normal widescreen 16:10 aspect ratio compared to the Surface Pro 9’s square-ish and bigger 3:2 LCD screen. Size isn’t the only difference, though, and the Robo & Kala computer surprisingly outdoes its Microsoft counterpart in vividness and brightness. OLEDs, after all, are known for their deep blacks and sharp colors, and although this 2-in-1 laptop doesn’t break through 2K resolution, it still delivers quite a punch. It does cap the refresh rate at 60Hz, which sounds almost outdated in today’s 120Hz world, but it is still decent and smooth, even with some games.

One of the advertised perks of switching from an Intel or AMD to an ARM-based processor like the Snapdragon 8cx or Apple Silicon is battery efficiency and long battery life. As always, manufacturers tend to be a tad too generous about their estimates, but our experience with Robo & Kala almost comes close to the promised 20 hours of uptime. On a single charge, we were able to get through two work days totaling about 17 hours. That’s actually impressive considering it only has a 41.4Wh battery, compared to the Surface Pro 9 5G with its 47.7Wh battery and advertised 19 hours of life, which is actually a lot lower in practice especially when you turn on 5G.

That last bit is actually one of the Robo & Kala Computer’s few big missed opportunities. Its only wireless connection is Wi-Fi 6, at least if you don’t consider Bluetooth 5.2. That means it has no cellular connection, whether 5G or even 4G, so you’ll need to be within an access point’s range to do anything that requires the Internet. That does dampen the device’s portability prospects, though that is also not that different from Wi-Fi-only iPads or most Windows laptops that don’t have built-in cellular modems either.

The overall package that Robo & Kala offers is quite decent and, in some aspects, even downright impressive. The keyboard accessory, although lacking some travel, is usable and, more importantly, backlit. Windows Hello authentication works like a charm. The dual stereo speakers are serviceable but you’d be better off putting on your favorite wireless headphones. The included Smart Pen, which magnetically docks to the right side for charging, is a pleasure to hold and use for scribbling notes or quick doodles. And the easily accessible SSD takes the pain away from one of the most common upgrades you’d want to make on this kind of device. Robo & Kala delivers a well-rounded set of features with very few compromises, which makes its price and value all the more mouth-watering.

Sustainability

Before we get to that point, however, we’ll have to discuss the design elephant in the room. Consumer electronics, given their sheer numbers, have a massive impact on the environment, from the moment they are manufactured to the day they are thrown out. Every little bit that turns the scales toward sustainability helps in the long run. Unfortunately, there’s not much we can say about the Robo & Kala Computer that would be in its favor in this aspect.

Using aluminum instead of plastic for the chassis is good but quite a small factor. Compared to regular laptops, 2-in-1 tablets like these are also more closed off, making repairs harder and more expensive. Given the small size of the company, it might not be surprising that Robo & Kala doesn’t yet have a strong sustainability effort in place. Hopefully, the success of their first product will let them steer the ship in the right direction sooner rather than later.

Value

Although they are far and few in between, Robo & Kala is not the only Windows on ARM game in town. There is, of course, the juggernaut that is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G, but there are other contenders from major OEMs as well. On the surface, this 2-in-1 computer might not have much going for it, but the narrative quickly changes when you take the current price tag into account. At the current discounted price of $599.99, which includes the device and the detachable keyboard, Robo & Kala easily outmatches the competition, no matter the brand. Even if it goes up to Kickstarter prices, it’s still nearly or more than half of the Surface Pro 9 5G with similar specs.

Of course, it’s not a complete steal at that price, even if you’re getting a quality piece of tech. It is, after all, Windows on ARM, and for all the battery-saving and lightweight benefits, it might come up short when it comes to meeting the needs of some users, especially designers, video content creators, and gamers. At the same time, however, Windows 11 has opened up a lot more possibilities compared to older generations of Windows on ARM, providing access to more software from different platforms that could fill in the gap. The Robo & Kala Computer is definitely a tempting Windows device to have, especially if you find yourself spending more time away from your desk.

Verdict

Although it’s still not popular as Microsoft would like it to be, Windows on ARM has come a long way, especially with Windows 11’s more expansive software compatibility. But more than software considerations, what turns Windows users off more are the options available in the market, particularly their prices. Given how much they might be sacrificing in terms of raw power and app compatibility, it’s almost laughable that they would be expected to pay the same price, sometimes even more, as an Intel or AMD equivalent. Sure, you’ll have a longer battery life, but that might not mean much if you don’t get much use out of the device anyway.

The Robo & Kala 2-in-1 Laptop is a surprising newcomer that came at the right time with the right price. Even though it’s considerably more affordable than its peers, it makes very few compromises that would ruin the overall experience. Its design and build quality are almost unbelievable at its price, and its performance, though not top-notch, is still quite adequate. It’s far from perfect and still has the same software problems that haunt all Windows on ARM devices. But considering what you’re getting for so little, you’d almost be willing to forgive those minor flaws.

The post Robo & Kala 2-in-1 Laptop Review: A Windows on ARM computer that finally makes sense first appeared on Yanko Design.

Squid-inspired smart windows make buildings more energy-efficient

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The University of Toronto researchers have been busy at work – busy drawing inspiration from the fluctuating and color-changing skin of squids and using it to create a multilayered fluidic system that can significantly bring down the energy costs associated with heating, lighting, and cooling buildings. More than a quarter of a building’s energy is lost via its glass-pane windows, and hence the university has developed liquid-filled panels, with the aim of retrofitting windows with them, and in turn, using these windows to supplement modern buildings.

Designer: University of Toronto

Squids move a certain type of pigment in their skin, which quite literally transforms the color and appearance of their skin. The University of Toronto utilizes a device that mimics this very movement and transports various liquids like dye solutions, glycerol, and carbon powder suspensions with the help of channels into thin plastic sheets. “It’s an advantage that this approach can use simple, relatively inexpensive, non-toxic, aqueous fluids,” said Benjamin Hatton, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Toronto.

By producing these liquid windows, the university hopes to make buildings more energy efficient, since currently, buildings consume about a third of the world’s energy. Smart building technologies such as automatic blinds and electro-chromatic blinds have been incorporated into modern buildings, but these systems have their limitations as well. They cant truly differentiate between the different wavelengths of light, nor can they control the distribution of light. The Univerisity of Toronto has instead created a rather dynamic and innovative system using simple and economical elements. Three thin sheets of Plexiglass have been joined together, each sheet holding 2-3mm of patterned channels in them. The researchers insert the different fluids through these sheets – water-based dye solutions or glycerol that absorb light of various colors, carbon pigment suspensions that control light transmission; and titania nanoparticle suspensions that are able direct the light that passes through.

“If we had just one layer that focuses on modulating the transmission of near-infrared light – so not even touching the visible part of the spectrum – we find that we could save about 25 percent annually on heating, cooling, and lighting energy over a static baseline. If we have two layers – infrared and visible – it’s more like 50 percent. These are very significant savings,” said Raphael Kay, who graduated with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. Currently, the panels they have developed are only 30×30 cm, but the team is hoping to build larger designs that can be used for larger constructions. They said that compared to the darkening windows available on the market today, these liquid windows can save 75% on heat energy, 20% on electricity for lighting, and 43% on total energy use annually.

The post Squid-inspired smart windows make buildings more energy-efficient first appeared on Yanko Design.

The best cheap Windows laptops for 2024

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Even though we at Engadget test and review a number of new Windows laptops every year, the cheapest notebooks don’t often make headlines. You won’t find pricey panels on these machines, nor will they include the latest high-powered graphics cards or ultra thin-and-light designs. But they have their place and can do a lot of things well. And it’s worth noting that not everyone needs a pro-level laptop — they just need the best machine that will fit their budget.

Companies like Acer, Dell and Lenovo make plenty of cheap Windows laptops that can be great for those who primarily use a computer to check email, shop online and occasionally video chat with friends and family. They can also be great for kids who have no business touching their parents’ pricey daily driver. We’ve tested a number of budget-friendly Windows notebooks — these are our favorites below, and we outline some buying advice for anyone looking for a cheap Windows laptop that balances capability with affordability.

What about Chromebooks and tablets?

You may be inclined to recommend a Chromebook or a tablet to anyone considering a budget Windows laptop. Those instincts aren’t wrong, but Chromebooks and tablets aren’t the best buy for everyone. Tablets have the most portability, but they will only work for the most mobile-competent users like kids who have been grabbing smartphones out of their parents’ hands since they’ve been dexterous enough to do so. Tablets can also be just as expensive as some of the cheapest Windows laptops, and that’s without a mouse or keyboard.

Chromebooks are a good alternative for those that basically live in a browser, the trade-off being you must give up the “traditional desktop.” And Chrome OS is a more limited operating system than Windows when it comes to the programs you can install and run.

What Windows laptops do well

Bangkok, Thailand - August 20, 2020 : Computer user touching on Microsoft Edge, a web browser developed by Microsoft, icon on Windows 10 to open the program.
Wachiwit via Getty Images

What can you realistically accomplish on a cheap Windows laptop? Quite a bit, especially if you’re doing one thing (or a limited number of things) at a time. They’re great for web browsing, checking email, video streaming and more. All of those things can be done on Chromebooks as well, but Windows laptops have a big advantage in Microsoft Office. While yes, there is a browser based version, the native, desktop apps are considered a must have for many and will run smoothly on even the most bare-bones budget laptop. The only caveat is that you may run into some slowdown on low-powered devices if you’re multitasking or working with large data sets in Excel or a lot of photos and graphics in Powerpoint.

When it comes to specs, a bright spot for Windows laptops is storage. Even the most affordable devices tend to have at least 128GB SSDs. That will come in handy if you prefer to keep your most important files saved locally on your laptop. In contrast, cheaper Chromebooks often have less storage because they’re built on the assumption that you’ll save all of your documents in the cloud. Not only is that less convenient when you need to work offline, but it also limits the size of programs and files that you can download. So, Chromebooks aren't the best for hoarding Netflix shows before a long trip or for use as a gaming laptop.

Windows also has thousands of apps that you can download from its app store. Chromebooks have some Chrome apps, numerous browser extensions and the ability to download Android apps, but quality control is… inconsistent. Android apps, in particular, often haven’t been optimized for Chrome OS, which makes for a wonky user experience. Windows may not have as many apps as Android, but at least the experience is fairly standard across the board.

Windows also gives you the ability to download and use programs from other sources, like direct from the developer. You can run things like Adobe Creative Suite, certain VPNs and programs like GIMP, Audacity and ClipMate on a Windows device, which just isn’t possible on Chrome OS. Chromebooks limit you to the apps and programs in The Play Store and the Chrome Extensions store, reducing any others to unusable, space-sucking icons in your Downloads folder.

What to look for in a budget-friendly Windows laptop

While you can do a lot even when spending little on a Windows laptop, you must set your expectations accordingly. The biggest downside when purchasing a budget laptop (of any kind, really) is limited power. Many Windows laptops under $500 run on Intel Celeron or Pentium processors, but you can find some with Core i3/i5 and AMD Ryzen 3/5 CPUs at the higher end of the price spectrum.

Specs to look for in a sub-$500 Windows laptop

  • Intel Core i or AMD Ryzen 3 processors

  • At least 8GB of RAM

  • An SSD with at least 128GB of space

  • 1080p display

  • Mostly metal designs

We recommend getting the most powerful CPU you can afford because it will dictate how fast the computer will feel overall. RAM is also important because, the more you have, the easier it will be for the laptop to manage things like a dozen browser tabs while you edit a Word document and stream music in the background. However, with sub-$500 laptops, you’re better off getting the best CPU you can afford rather than a laptop with a ton of RAM because the CPU will have enough power to handle most tasks that cheap Windows laptops are designed for (If you’re editing RAW images or 4K video, you’ll want to invest in more RAM… and a laptop well above $500).

When it comes to storage, consider how much you want to save locally. If you primarily work in Google Docs or save most things in the cloud, you may not need a machine with a ton of onboard storage. Just remember that your digital space will also be taken up by apps, so it may be worth getting a little extra storage than you think you need if you know you’ll be downloading big programs. A final side note: SSDs are ubiquitous at this point, not to mention faster and more efficient than HDDs, so we recommend getting a laptop with that type of storage.

You also don’t have to settle for an entirely plastic notebook either. There are options in the sub-$500 price range that are made, at least in part, with metals like aluminum. Those will not only be more attractive but also more durable. As for screens, there’s a healthy mix of HD and FHD options in this price range and we recommend springing for a notebook with a 1080p display if you can. Touchscreens aren’t as common in the under-$500 space as standard panels, but you’ll only really miss one if you get a 2-in-1 laptop.

See Also:

A final note before we get to our picks: The best cheap laptop models change all the time. Unlike more expensive, flagship machines, these notebooks can be updated a couple times each year. That can make it hard to track down a specific model at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart or any other retailer. Also, we’ve seen prices vary widely depending on the configuration and retailer you’re looking at. We’ve listed some of our current favorite models below, but if you can’t find any of them available near you, just keep in mind our list of specs to look for in a cheap laptop – they’ll guide you to the best machines available at the moment.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-affordable-windows-laptops-123000512.html?src=rss

The best cheap Windows laptops for 2024

Posted on by

Even though we at Engadget test and review a number of new Windows laptops every year, the cheapest notebooks don’t often make headlines. You won’t find pricey panels on these machines, nor will they include the latest high-powered graphics cards or ultra thin-and-light designs. But they have their place and can do a lot of things well. And it’s worth noting that not everyone needs a pro-level laptop — they just need the best machine that will fit their budget.

Companies like Acer, Dell and Lenovo make plenty of cheap Windows laptops that can be great for those who primarily use a computer to check email, shop online and occasionally video chat with friends and family. They can also be great for kids who have no business touching their parents’ pricey daily driver. We’ve tested a number of budget-friendly Windows notebooks — these are our favorites below, and we outline some buying advice for anyone looking for a cheap Windows laptop that balances capability with affordability.

What about Chromebooks and tablets?

You may be inclined to recommend a Chromebook or a tablet to anyone considering a budget Windows laptop. Those instincts aren’t wrong, but Chromebooks and tablets aren’t the best buy for everyone. Tablets have the most portability, but they will only work for the most mobile-competent users like kids who have been grabbing smartphones out of their parents’ hands since they’ve been dexterous enough to do so. Tablets can also be just as expensive as some of the cheapest Windows laptops, and that’s without a mouse or keyboard.

Chromebooks are a good alternative for those that basically live in a browser, the trade-off being you must give up the “traditional desktop.” And Chrome OS is a more limited operating system than Windows when it comes to the programs you can install and run.

What Windows laptops do well

Bangkok, Thailand - August 20, 2020 : Computer user touching on Microsoft Edge, a web browser developed by Microsoft, icon on Windows 10 to open the program.
Wachiwit via Getty Images

What can you realistically accomplish on a cheap Windows laptop? Quite a bit, especially if you’re doing one thing (or a limited number of things) at a time. They’re great for web browsing, checking email, video streaming and more. All of those things can be done on Chromebooks as well, but Windows laptops have a big advantage in Microsoft Office. While yes, there is a browser based version, the native, desktop apps are considered a must have for many and will run smoothly on even the most bare-bones budget laptop. The only caveat is that you may run into some slowdown on low-powered devices if you’re multitasking or working with large data sets in Excel or a lot of photos and graphics in Powerpoint.

When it comes to specs, a bright spot for Windows laptops is storage. Even the most affordable devices tend to have at least 128GB SSDs. That will come in handy if you prefer to keep your most important files saved locally on your laptop. In contrast, cheaper Chromebooks often have less storage because they’re built on the assumption that you’ll save all of your documents in the cloud. Not only is that less convenient when you need to work offline, but it also limits the size of programs and files that you can download. So, Chromebooks aren't the best for hoarding Netflix shows before a long trip or for use as a gaming laptop.

Windows also has thousands of apps that you can download from its app store. Chromebooks have some Chrome apps, numerous browser extensions and the ability to download Android apps, but quality control is… inconsistent. Android apps, in particular, often haven’t been optimized for Chrome OS, which makes for a wonky user experience. Windows may not have as many apps as Android, but at least the experience is fairly standard across the board.

Windows also gives you the ability to download and use programs from other sources, like direct from the developer. You can run things like Adobe Creative Suite, certain VPNs and programs like GIMP, Audacity and ClipMate on a Windows device, which just isn’t possible on Chrome OS. Chromebooks limit you to the apps and programs in The Play Store and the Chrome Extensions store, reducing any others to unusable, space-sucking icons in your Downloads folder.

What to look for in a budget-friendly Windows laptop

While you can do a lot even when spending little on a Windows laptop, you must set your expectations accordingly. The biggest downside when purchasing a budget laptop (of any kind, really) is limited power. Many Windows laptops under $500 run on Intel Celeron or Pentium processors, but you can find some with Core i3/i5 and AMD Ryzen 3/5 CPUs at the higher end of the price spectrum.

Specs to look for in a sub-$500 Windows laptop

  • Intel Core i or AMD Ryzen 3 processors

  • At least 8GB of RAM

  • An SSD with at least 128GB of space

  • 1080p display

  • Mostly metal designs

We recommend getting the most powerful CPU you can afford because it will dictate how fast the computer will feel overall. RAM is also important because, the more you have, the easier it will be for the laptop to manage things like a dozen browser tabs while you edit a Word document and stream music in the background. However, with sub-$500 laptops, you’re better off getting the best CPU you can afford rather than a laptop with a ton of RAM because the CPU will have enough power to handle most tasks that cheap Windows laptops are designed for (If you’re editing RAW images or 4K video, you’ll want to invest in more RAM… and a laptop well above $500).

When it comes to storage, consider how much you want to save locally. If you primarily work in Google Docs or save most things in the cloud, you may not need a machine with a ton of onboard storage. Just remember that your digital space will also be taken up by apps, so it may be worth getting a little extra storage than you think you need if you know you’ll be downloading big programs. A final side note: SSDs are ubiquitous at this point, not to mention faster and more efficient than HDDs, so we recommend getting a laptop with that type of storage.

You also don’t have to settle for an entirely plastic notebook either. There are options in the sub-$500 price range that are made, at least in part, with metals like aluminum. Those will not only be more attractive but also more durable. As for screens, there’s a healthy mix of HD and FHD options in this price range and we recommend springing for a notebook with a 1080p display if you can. Touchscreens aren’t as common in the under-$500 space as standard panels, but you’ll only really miss one if you get a 2-in-1 laptop.

See Also:

A final note before we get to our picks: The best cheap laptop models change all the time. Unlike more expensive, flagship machines, these notebooks can be updated a couple times each year. That can make it hard to track down a specific model at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart or any other retailer. Also, we’ve seen prices vary widely depending on the configuration and retailer you’re looking at. We’ve listed some of our current favorite models below, but if you can’t find any of them available near you, just keep in mind our list of specs to look for in a cheap laptop – they’ll guide you to the best machines available at the moment.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-affordable-windows-laptops-123000512.html?src=rss

This power-packed workstation is an iMac knockoff for Windows users

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The sleekly designed iMac is a classy desktop computer boasting security that is far superior to a Windows PC. Still, it has certain loopholes such as high price, limited upgradability, and software restrictions. That said, Windows-based workstations have also made the wiser move towards a slimmer profile. Rather than expanding in size horizontally won’t it be great if a cool-looking workstation is there which makes use of the vertical space?

Designer: Chris Granneberg

Meet the WS1 Workstation concept designed by industrial design expert Chris Granneberg. This desktop inspired by the Sonos’ unique form is a power-packed computer to run software applications like SolidWorks, KeyShot, or the odd gaming session on the weekends. Just like an all-in-one iMac workstation, this Windows 11 PC has a very clean geometry and cool military green color, The 27-inch monitor is positioned adjacent to the rig holding the powerful hardware inside and the ports are placed to the side. The idea of a peppy desktop is something akin to the Xbox S-inspired all-in-one mini Windows PC.

The WS1 Workstation has a bit bigger volume than the one designed by New Land Design, but that’s understandable because of the high-end graphics card, cooling system and other components. The distance between them has to be optimal for enhanced cooling and performance – so a designer, digital artist or gamer won’t have any complaints about the slightly beefy proportions on the backside. The all-in-one PC has a height-adjustable screen to get just the right ergonomic as well as eye comfort for stress-free working for long hours too. The designer promises to add more ports and connectivity options to the PC in future iterations. Personally, I would like to see someone design such a PC with more color options and a slightly slimmer profile (if that’s possible with high-end hardware) to spice things up and take the challenge head on to Apple!

The post This power-packed workstation is an iMac knockoff for Windows users first appeared on Yanko Design.

What will Microsoft’s next digital frontier be? This POS system shows how ‘Windows Pay’ could revolutionize retail

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Microsoft’s current CEO Satya Nadella famously mentioned that his vision for the company was to make it like air – invisible, but completely surrounding every single thing you see. After Ballmer’s failed attempts at pushing Windows into smartphones and tablets, Nadella helped pivot it back on track, bolstering Windows and Azure to become the reliable and omnipotent services they are for both consumers and enterprises, while also acquiring LinkedIn and GitHub to really cement Microsoft’s widespread reach. So what’s the next frontier for the Redmond-based company? NFTs? Self-driving cars? Well, designer Bas Kamp believes the next place for the company to make its mark is in the payments industry. Created at a Microsoft Surface virtual design workshop, the Windows Pay concept is a combination of hardware and software that allows Microsoft to cement its place in the retail space by allowing Microsoft Surface tablets to become point-of-sales devices. In a world with oddly shaped POS units that eventually have to interface with Windows computers used by cashiers, Windows Pay makes everything simple and elegant, streamlining the process in a way that Apple Pay or Google Pay probably can’t.

Kamp’s conceptual system uses three hardware devices that pair up with the Surface Book to cover a wide range of scenarios. From a barcode reader that helps with scanning inventory to a tap-to-pay card reader to process payments and finally a traditional POS device for accepting cards and printing invoices, Windows Pay brings the archaic system of retail payments into the modern age with a refined design and experience.

Right above is the Digital POS device that lets you use magnetic strip cards to make payments. The product definitely echoes the Surface’s uniquely minimal design language, with sleek lines, sharp edges, geometric shapes, and the use of matte/chrome metal. While most POS devices come with archaic black and white screens and ugly keypads, the Windows Pay POS refines it by giving it a touch of minimalism. The interface on the Windows Pay POS is entirely touch-sensitive, with capacitive buttons and a minimal display that guides you through the payment procedure.

For newer cards with tap-to-pay features, or even NFC-enabled payment systems on Apple and Android devices, the Windows Pay Card Reader sits perpetually docked against the side of a Surface device, letting people instantly checkout with a mere tap of a card or smartphone. This makes checking out faster and works exceptionally well for self-checkout kiosks and terminals, leveraging the power of Windows Pay to help people easily make payments. The card reader doesn’t need a display, like the POS device. Instead, it sits docked against a computer, using the computer’s interface to simplify payments.

Perhaps the most eyecatching of all the products is the Windows Pay barcode scanner. Designed with a minimal form language and in a variety of eye-catching colors, the Windows Pay barcode scanner brings the entire retail experience into the modern age, equipping cashiers with the best modern tools to get the job done.

Kamp even took the liberty of designing a new Tablet/Laptop hybrid for Microsoft, relying on the Surface Book’s famous hinge design, and a modular setup that lets you swap out the keyboard for a secondary display.

The reason Windows Pay stands out as such a powerful concept is that even though it’s so remarkably designed, it makes natural sense for Microsoft to expand into payments. While Apple and Google will have you believe that their payment platforms and wallets are all the rage, the truth is that Windows finds itself in literally every payment gateway in the world, from the computer your cashier uses to bill you, to even the ATM you withdraw cash from. Although it would be a pretty massive undertaking for Microsoft to roll out this series of devices and services across every corner of the world, it does definitely make sense for the company, allowing them to cement themselves in retail and enterprise in a way that not a single other silicon valley giant can. If Nadella wants Microsoft to be like ‘air’, it should definitely look at the world of retail and payments – two places where Windows play an absolutely integral role.

Designer: Bas Kamp

The post What will Microsoft’s next digital frontier be? This POS system shows how ‘Windows Pay’ could revolutionize retail first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Xbox S-inspired all-in-one mini Windows PC rivals the iMac for good measure

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While Apple has a pricey proposition for buyers who can’t resist the mini form factor of the iMac, a new Windows all-in-one computer ignites hope for ones who have always liked the freedom of the world’s most-used PC.

The 2021 iMac with the M1 microchip on-board is the powerful all-in-one PC for all kinds of users – and of course – the funky color options to match the modern interiors. Although the limited ports and no upgrade option is a bit of a downer. That leaves most of (including me) craving an option that’s spiced up in Windows flavor. New Land Design seems to have caught onto the idea of an all-in-one Windows desktop PC – bringing another option for users who prefer the more open-ended OS and hardware environment.

The compact PC is inspired by the Xbox Series S design, and it’s fairly evident from the all-white theme. There are plenty of ports up-front (courtesy of re-rerouted IO) to satiate the need of power users who possess a lot of gadgets. The big Xbox-like housing in a Mini ITX has all the hardware components including the RAM, graphics card and more. The designers have crafted the mini PC in a manner to assist the bottom to top airflow for active cooling.

New Land Design has kept the dimensions of the mini Windows PC well within the practical realms and has not tried to outsmart the slim iMac design with an even slimmer profile. The screen has a modern bezel-less look and the height-adjustable movement hides away the ports when brought down to the lower end. Now, the only question remains unanswered – will you want to put this up on your desk anytime soon?

Designer: New Land Design

The post This Xbox S-inspired all-in-one mini Windows PC rivals the iMac for good measure first appeared on Yanko Design.

This nifty gadget turns any laptop or desktop monitor into a massive iPad Pro and Stylus

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Plug the Hello X3 in the top left corner of any display (or any flat surface) and suddenly you have a stylus-capable screen that you can draw on, annotate against, and present with.

Up until just 5 minutes ago, I was ready to throw a little over a grand at a new, 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil. I’m honestly reconsidering now after stumbling across this $120 gadget that transforms any flat surface into a stylus-friendly touchscreen. Titled the YELANG Hello X3, this 3-axis-shaped device plugs onto the corner of any flat rectangular surface (although it’s much more useful when mounted on a display), practically turning it into an iPad. The Hello X3 works with displays as large as 27-inches, and comes along with a pressure-sensitive stylus too to rival the Apple Pencil.

Click Here to Buy Now: $120 $189 (37% off) Hurry! Just 14 hours left!

Currently in its third generation (hence the X3 suffix), the Hello X3 expands on what its previous generations could do. It comes with a camera-sensor that can now read surface areas that are anywhere between 10-27 inches, has 2mm precision (which is alright, to be honest), a 120 fps response time, and here’s the best part, compatibility with both Macintosh and Windows-based systems. Just plug it onto your iMac or your Windows desktop monitor and you’ve got yourself a massive tablet PC that you can sketch on, make models in, edit documents, sign papers, or even use in a bunch of other productivity apps and softwares. If you’re traveling, the Hello X3 plugs right off and is portable enough to be carried right in your bag along with the stylus.

The Hello X3’s universal design is perhaps its biggest selling point, but it’s also matched by the fact that setting it up on a new device is ridiculously simple. Just pop the gadget on the top-left of the screen (it works with left-handed as well as right-handed users), plug it in via USB, and you’re ready to calibrate it. To calibrate the Hello X3 to your screen, just tap the 4 corners of the display with the stylus and you’re done. The stylus is thick and grippy like a marker or a fountain-pen, and sports a pressure-sensitive tip that can make thicker strokes if you press harder and thinner strokes if you lightly touch a surface. In just minutes, your 4K monitor turns into a graphics tablet.

The Hello X3 works with regular surfaces too. If you’re not really comfortable with drawing on vertical surfaces (which, let’s face it, can get uncomfortable), just plug the Hello X3 onto a drawing pad or a clipboard and you’ve got yourself a makeshift tablet PC (remember the Wacom Intuos?). This setup works rather well when you’re using a projector too, instead of a laptop or a desktop monitor. Each Hello X3 comes along with its own drawing-board for good measure, and a stand for your stylus when it’s not in use. The stylus has a standby time of 120 days, and a use-time of 4 hours, although it charges completely in just under 30 minutes. The YELANG Hello X3 is currently in its final hours of funding and is set to ship as early as September. Grab it at its special early-bird price of $120 on Kickstarter!

Click Here to Buy Now: $120 $189 (37% off) Hurry! Just 14 hours left!