The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, held in Las Vegas from January 9 to 12, showcased the latest innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and computing. Among the highlights were the new notebooks from seven major brands that featured the Intel Core Ultra processor, which is designed to enable high-end AI applications.
Intel launched its next-generation processor, Core Ultra, on December 15, 2023. The processor is based on the Meteor Lake architecture, which uses a hybrid design of high-performance and high-efficiency cores. The processor also integrates an AI engine that can accelerate various AI tasks, such as speech recognition, natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning.
According to Intel, the Core Ultra processor can deliver up to 2.5 times the AI performance of the previous generation, and up to 40% more performance per watt. The processor also supports the Intel Evo platform, which ensures a premium user experience with features such as instant wake, long battery life, fast charging, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
Intel claims that the Core Ultra processor is the first to meet the standard specifications for high-end AI notebooks, which include:
- At least 16GB of memory
- At least 512GB of solid state drive (SSD) storage
- At least a 14-inch display with full HD resolution and touch capability
- At least a 720p webcam with AI-enhanced video conferencing
- At least a dual microphone array with AI-enhanced noise cancellation
- At least a fingerprint reader or facial recognition for biometric authentication
- At least Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity
- At least one USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support
Seven major notebook brands unveil their AI products
In response to Intel’s launch, seven major notebook brands, namely Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Toshiba, introduced their new products that feature the Core Ultra processor and meet the standard specifications for high-end AI notebooks. These products aim to provide users with a seamless and smart experience across various scenarios, such as work, entertainment, education, and gaming.
Acer Swift 7
The Acer Swift 7 is a thin and light notebook that weighs only 890 grams and measures only 9.95 mm in thickness. The notebook has a 14-inch full HD touch display with a 92% screen-to-body ratio and Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection. The notebook also has a pop-up webcam that can be hidden when not in use, and a fingerprint reader that supports Windows Hello. The notebook boasts a battery life of up to 15 hours and supports fast charging that can provide four hours of use in 30 minutes.
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED is a dual-screen notebook that features a 15.6-inch 4K OLED touch display and a 14.1-inch ScreenPad Plus touch display that can extend the main screen or run independent apps. The notebook also has a stylus that can be used on both screens, and a detachable palm rest that can improve the ergonomics. The notebook has a Harman Kardon-certified audio system and a webcam with AI-enhanced face tracking and background removal.
Dell XPS 15
The Dell XPS 15 is a premium notebook that features a 15.6-inch 4K OLED touch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and HDR support. The notebook also has a carbon fiber palm rest, a backlit keyboard, and a precision touchpad. The notebook has a quad-speaker system with Waves MaxxAudio Pro and a webcam with AI-enhanced video conferencing. The notebook has a battery life of up to 13 hours and supports fast charging that can provide 80% of charge in an hour.
HP Spectre x360 15
The HP Spectre x360 15 is a convertible notebook that can switch between four modes: laptop, tablet, tent, and stand. The notebook features a 15.6-inch 4K OLED touch display with an anti-reflective coating and a 360-degree hinge. The notebook also has a stylus that can be attached magnetically to the side, and a fingerprint reader that supports Windows Hello. The notebook has a Bang & Olufsen audio system and a webcam with AI-enhanced face detection and lighting adjustment.
Lenovo Yoga 9i
The Lenovo Yoga 9i is a versatile notebook that features a 14-inch full HD touch display with a 360-degree hinge and a Dolby Vision HDR support. The notebook also has a leather cover that adds a touch of luxury and durability, and a glass palm rest that integrates a touchpad and a fingerprint reader. The notebook has a Dolby Atmos speaker system and a webcam with AI-enhanced noise cancellation and privacy shutter.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is a sleek and powerful notebook that features a 15.6-inch full HD AMOLED touch display with a 90% screen-to-body ratio and a 178-degree viewing angle. The notebook also has a metal chassis that is only 11.7 mm thick and weighs only 1.05 kg. The notebook has an AKG-tuned audio system and a webcam with AI-enhanced beauty mode and gesture control. The notebook has a battery life of up to 20 hours and supports fast charging that can provide 50% of charge in 30 minutes.
Toshiba Dynabook Portege X40
The Toshiba Dynabook Portege X40 is a durable and secure notebook that features a 14-inch full HD touch display with a 180-degree hinge and a matte finish. The notebook also has a magnesium alloy chassis that meets the MIL-STD-810G standard for shock, vibration, and temperature resistance. The notebook has a Harman Kardon-certified audio system and a webcam with AI-enhanced face recognition and iris scanning. The notebook has a battery life of up to 12 hours and supports fast charging that can provide 40% of charge in 30 minutes.
AI notebooks: A new trend for the future of computing
The new notebooks from the seven major brands demonstrate the potential of AI in enhancing the user experience and productivity. According to Digitimes Research, the global notebook shipments are expected to reach 220 million units in 2024, with AI notebooks accounting for 30% of the market share. The research firm also predicts that the standard specifications for high-end AI notebooks will become more common and affordable in the future, as more users demand smarter and faster computing devices.
