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Antonio G. Di Benedetto

Antonio G. Di Benedetto

Reviewer, Laptops

Reviewer, Laptops

    More From Antonio G. Di Benedetto

    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    HP announces over 30 new business laptops with Intel and AMD chips — and just one with Qualcomm.

    There are new laptops across HP’s EliteBook, ProBook, and ZBook lines in varying sizes and chip configurations. Some highlights include the EliteBook 6 G2q (the lone Snapdragon X2 model of the bunch) and the EliteBook 8 Flip G2i 2-in-1 , which has a garage for an optional stylus.

    Most of HP’s new models launch in April, but some are due in June and July. Prices are TBD.

    If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

    <em>The 14-inch HP EliteBook 6 G2q will start with a six-core Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus chip but goes up to a 12-ciore X2 Elite.</em>
    <em>There are lots of screen options, including configurations with OLED, 120Hz refresh, and QHD resolution.</em>
    <em>But the base model has a “low power” LCD with 1920 x 1200 resolution that only goes up to 300 nits of brightness and covers 62.5 percent of the sRGB color space. </em>
    <em>Right-side ports include ethernet and one 5Gbps USB-A. The other side (not pirctured) has another slow USB-A port and two USB4 ports alongside HDMI 2.1</em>
    <em>The 13-inch EliteBook 8 Flip G2i is an Intel-based 2-in-1 with the “latest generation” Intel Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors. That should mean Panther Lake.</em>
    <em>HP claims its optional pen has the “world’s longest battery life” and that it gets two hours of use from a 30-second charge.</em>
    <em>I guess if you don’t buy the pen that garage on the side remains empty. How sad.</em>
    <em>Ports on the Flip G2i include two Thunderbolt 4, one standard USB-C, one USB-A, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack.</em>
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    The 14-inch HP EliteBook 6 G2q will start with a six-core Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus chip but goes up to a 12-ciore X2 Elite.
    Image: HP
    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    I’m testing the MacBook Neo’s competition. What do you want to know?

    I said PC makers are ill-prepared to compete with the MacBook Neo, and I’m putting it to the test. I’ve started calling in $600-700ish Windows laptops from Lenovo, Asus, Acer and more to pit against the Neo.

    What do you want to know about them? What tests would you like to see? And what other laptops should I call in?

    If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

    A lifesize prop skeleton sits at a table in front of a stack of laptops with the top one opened towards it.
    Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
    The new MacBook Pro is still fast as hell

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    Verge Score

    And we re-tested the M1 Pro and M1 Max models to see how far the M5 Max has come.

    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    Asus announces refreshed ROG Strix gaming laptops with new Intel 200HX Plus chips.

    The Asus ROG Strix G16 and G18 are getting a chip bump to the new Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus. Both also have upgraded displays, with the G16 reaching 300Hz and the 240Hz G18 now using Mini LED. Pricing and availability are TBD.

    Asus is also teasing a new flagship ROG Strix Scar 18 with RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and 290HX Plus CPU, expected in Q2.

    If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

    <em>The new ROG Strix G models, with their wraparound RGB underglow.</em>
    <em>One big ROG Strix family.</em>
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    The new ROG Strix G models, with their wraparound RGB underglow.
    Image: Asus
    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    Dell’s Precision laptops return with new Intel Panther Lake models.

    Now that Dell has brought back XPS, it’s Precision’s turn. Dell is announcing new Pro Precision 5 and Pro Precision 7 laptops to replace the iPhone-sounding Dell Pro Max. They’ll come in 14- and 16-inch sizes with Intel Panther Lake CPUs and optional Nvidia Pro Blackwell GPUs. Most models are expected in May, though pricing is TBD.

    <em>The Dell Pro Precision 5 14 will start with an Intel Core Ultra 5 336H processor with integrated graphics, and offer an optional RTX Pro 500 Blackwell discreet GPU.</em>
    <em>The 16-inch Dell Pro Precision 5 will start with similar specs but can be optioned with up to an RTX Pro 2000 GPU.</em>
    <em>The Dell Pro Precision 7 models also offer Intel Panther Lake and Nvidia Pro discreet graphics, but there’s an option for a Core Ultra X7 chip with Arc B390 integrated graphics.</em>
    <em>Stepping up to the Pro Precision 7 models also means getting Dell’s latticeless keyboards. Which I don’t find to be an upgrade, but that comes down to personal preference.</em>
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    The Dell Pro Precision 5 14 will start with an Intel Core Ultra 5 336H processor with integrated graphics, and offer an optional RTX Pro 500 Blackwell discreet GPU.
    Image: Dell
    MacBook Air M5 review: a small update for the ‘just right’ Mac

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    Verge Score

    The Air can’t ignore the new $600 elephant in the room sitting below it, but it’s still the right pick for many.

    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    PC makers are not ready for the MacBook Neo

    Apple’s new affordable MacBook should have the Windows world rethinking things.

    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    Antonio G. Di Benedetto
    ‘Hey, what laptop should I get?’ Probably this one.

    I tested the new MacBook Neo non-stop for our big review and also did a subscriber AMA on it. (Thanks again for all the great questions!) The Neo is the new easy answer for most basic users wanting an affordable laptop.

    I’m curious. For those buying one, what color are you getting?

    I reviewed the MacBook Neo, ask me anythingI reviewed the MacBook Neo, ask me anything
    Antonio G. Di Benedetto