What you need to know
- ASUS announced new Zenbook S 14, Vivobook S 14, Vivobook 14/16 Flip, and ExpertBook P5 laptops at IFA 2024.
- All laptops are powered by Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 2 mobile processors with huge improvements to efficiency and graphics performance.
- The laptops are expected to receive Copilot+ access starting in November.
- Preorders for the Zenbook S 14 go live on September 6 at Best Buy; prices start at $1,399.99. Vivobook S 14 preorders go live on September 5 at Best Buy, with prices starting at $999.99.
- ExpertBook and Vivobook Flip models are expected in Q4 2024.
It’s been a busy week leading into IFA 2024, which officially begins on September 6. Intel announced its new Core Ultra Series 2 laptop processors (CPU) to kick things off in a big way, and ASUS is following up with its own announcement surrounding laptops with the new Intel hardware inside.
Among the five Intel-equipped laptops introduced, it is the Zenbook S 14 (UX5406SA) that has particularly piqued my interest due to its striking features. Boasting a 3K OLED display, this laptop is packed with top-tier specifications and sports an incredibly slender and lightweight design. Similar to the other laptops presented here, it will gain access to Copilot+ starting in November, as Microsoft continues to broaden its reach into Intel and AMD hardware
Beginning this coming week, you can place a preorder for both the Zenbook S 14 and its counterpart, the Vivobook S 14, at Best Buy. The Vivobook Flip and the business-oriented ExpertBook models will be available later in the year
Let’s take a look at the new ASUS laptops coming in 2024.
The ASUS Zenbook S 14 might be the x86 Copilot+ PC to beat
As an analyst, I must admit that the ASUS Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) has earned its spot at the top of my recommendation list. Over time, ASUS has consistently improved the design and features of this laptop, culminating in this exceptional latest version
The new ASUS S 14 bears a resemblance to the Zenbook 14 (UM3406) we’ve recently evaluated, but ASUS has skillfully made it sleeker while also enhancing its power and efficiency due to the incorporation of the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors
The Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) has a lightweight build, tipping the scales at approximately 2.65 pounds or 1.2 kilograms. It’s also incredibly slim, measuring merely 0.47 inches at its thinnest point. At its thickest part, which is due to the wedge design, it expands to just 0.51 inches. As I delve deeper into the laptop’s specifications, these compact dimensions become even more impressive
This device features a stunning 14-inch OLED screen boasting a resolution of 2880×1800, a swift 120Hz refresh rate, and a brightness of 500 nits, all with HDR activated. It covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, has been PANTONE validated, and supports both touch interaction and ink drawing. If you regularly work with content that demands precise color reproduction, this display should meet your needs perfectly
Over the screen sits an FHD webcam equipped with an infrared sensor for Windows Hello. While it would be great to have a higher resolution, the Windows Studio Effects and smart camera technology by ASUS should ensure you always appear at your best
ASUS skillfully accommodated a total of four speakers (two 1-watt woofers and two 1-watt tweeters) within the compact design, with Dolby Atmos providing additional sound refinement. The connectivity options are cutting-edge, offering Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, dual Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, among other features
As an analyst, I’d describe the device as follows: This laptop comes in two stylish colors – Zumaia Gray and Scandinavian White. It boasts a powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU, paired with Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics for smooth performance. Additionally, it can accommodate up to 32GB of high-speed LPDDR5x-8533MHz RAM, and offers a spacious 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for ample storage capacity
The latest Intel CPU incorporates a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) boasting 48 TOPS of power for speedy local AI processing, making it capable of managing Copilot+ AI tools within Windows. Now, we’ve learned that Copilot+ will be available on select Intel and AMD laptops starting in November, and the Zenbook S 14 is one of them
Prices start at $1,399.99, and preorders are expected to go live at Best Buy on September 6.
The ASUS Vivobook S 14 is an affordable Zenbook alternative
The Vivobook S 14 (S5406SA) serves as a budget-friendly option compared to the Zenbook, but with a lower price tag comes a design that’s slightly bulkier and heavier, boasting fewer premium features. Despite this, it sports a comparatively slim chassis, weighing only 2.87 pounds (1.3kg), and it’s just 0.55 inches thick at its thinnest point
This laptop boasts a more substantial battery capacity (75Wh versus 72Wh) compared to the Zenbook, which suggests better performance on a single charge. Both devices share Intel Core Ultra Series 2 CPU options, but this model’s OLED display offers lower resolution (1920×1200 or FHD+) and refresh rate of 60Hz, potentially extending its battery life even further. If the Vivobook truly provides longer battery life than the latest Zenbook, it could prove to be a cost-effective choice for frequent travelers seeking extended runtime
For a non-gaming laptop, the one-color RGB keyboard backlight could be quite intriguing, offering excellent contrast against the Neutral Black and Mist Blue finishes
The latest versions of Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 offer cutting-edge wireless connections, while the dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, audio jack, and microSD card reader make it a breeze to link up your preferred laptop peripherals effortlessly
This should prove to be a great Windows laptop for anyone who wants to try out Copilot+ AI tools on an x86 system without overspending. Preorders are expected to go live at Best Buy on September 5, with prices starting at $999.99.
The ASUS Vivobook 14/16 Flip add convertible hinges for extra versatility
Apart from standard Vivobook laptops, ASUS additionally produces convertible versions, which come in sizes of 14 and 16 inches. The unique 360-degree hinges enable you to switch between tent, stand, and tablet modes when a traditional clamshell shape is not suitable. Moreover, these models feature touchscreens that support stylus input with the ASUS Pen 2.0 for writing or drawing purposes
It seems that 16-inch convertibles are quite big when it comes to functioning as a tablet, yet I acknowledge ASUS’s approach of providing two sizes to cater to various users. For many individuals, a 14-inch device strikes the ideal balance, but those who require additional screen space won’t be overlooked
Both convertibles run on a sizable 75Wh battery, which should provide plenty of juice for Intel’s efficient new Core Ultra Series 2 chips. ASUS offers up to a Core Ultra 7 258V CPU, which includes an integrated Intel Arc 140V GPU and NPU capable of 48 TOPS for Copilot+ and other localized AI tasks. You can also get up to 32GB of LPDDR5x-8533MHz RAM and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.
The 14-inch and 16-inch OLED screens share similar features, other than their size, with Full High Definition Plus (FHD+) resolution, a refresh rate of 60Hz, brightness at 400 nits, 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction, and a swift response time of 0.2ms. OLED screens are an excellent choice in today’s market, particularly given the significant reduction in their prices over time
Ports are also the same across models, with Thunderbolt 4, one USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio, and a microSD card reader. That’s a decent collection for any workflow, though I wish the standard USB-C was a second Thunderbolt 4.
As a tech-savvy individual, I’m eagerly waiting for the upcoming ASUS Vivobook 14 and 16 Flip convertibles. Unfortunately, they haven’t revealed the pricing details or a specific release date as of now. However, rumors suggest that we might see these devices hit the market in the last quarter of 2024
The ASUS ExpertBook P5 is a durable workhorse with Copilot+ AI tools
Last but not least is the new ExpertBook P5 (P5405) business notebook. It’s a 14-inch laptop that weighs in at 2.84 pounds (1.28kg), keeping it well within a reasonable weight to use as a travel companion.
The new ExpertBook, designed for experts, offers several safety measures. These include a dTPM chip, Secure Boot, an IR sensor compatible with Windows Hello, and a complimentary one-year plan for McAfee’s latest Deepfake Detector service
The ExpertBook P5 is equipped with Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 2 processors, boasting a top-tier Ultra 7 258V, featuring built-in Arc 140V graphics and an NPU capable of up to 48 TOPS. Anticipated for November, the device will have access to Copilot+ features, offering seamless integration with advanced AI tools directly within Windows
Today, ASUS unveiled one Intel laptop model that does not feature an OLED screen. While this might not significantly impact most business tasks, the laptop’s 14-inch screen remains remarkable, boasting a QHD+ resolution (2560×1600), a rapid 144Hz refresh rate, 400 nits of brightness, and 100% sRGB color coverage. This design should ensure comfortable viewing during extended work sessions
ASUS has not specified the exact cost of the upcoming laptop yet, but they have announced that it is scheduled to release in the last quarter of 2024. This timeline aligns well with Intel’s anticipated approval for Copilot+ in November
Intel and AMD’s upcoming access to Copilot+ is a big deal for many PC users
Previously, only those who purchased a Windows on ARM laptop equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor could access the Copilot+ AI tools in Windows 11. However, as of this week’s announcements, this requirement has been expanded
Starting in November, laptops equipped with AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2 processors will gain access, as Microsoft has made clear. Notably, the ASUS laptops discussed in this article fall under that category
Why does that matter so much? Even though Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Systems-on-Chip (SoC) are incredibly powerful and efficient, many PC users remain hesitant about transitioning to ARM64 architecture. Although app compatibility and emulation performance have significantly improved in the past few months, some persistent holdouts can create obstacles for certain workflows
With both AMD and Intel x86 CPUs now available for PC users, the choice isn’t as challenging anymore. We’ve tested and evaluated the ASUS Zenbook S 16 equipped with AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, appreciating its impressive performance and extended battery life. Although we haven’t yet gotten our hands on the new Intel Core Ultra Series 2 CPUs for testing, Intel boasts that they deliver comparable or superior performance-per-watt to the latest AMD and Qualcomm hardware
AI-powered computers are advancing at a rapid pace, and I’m eagerly anticipating the innovations that ASUS will unveil with their latest Intel-based laptops
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2024-09-04 20:15