The next Windows laptop to take on the MacBook Air

Launched at Computex 2024, the Snapdragon X platform along with devices from Asus, Microsoft, etc. attracted attention thanks to its power and power optimization. Within a year, more than 80 devices were introduced, becoming the means for Windows to respond to Apple Silicon. The platform also provides superior artificial intelligence power, preparing for the future of AI at the edge.

In the second year, manufacturers gradually optimized the device, effectively exploiting the technology and strengths of the new solution. While in the beginning, laptop manufacturers mainly reused the frame (barebone) of Intel or AMD chip lines. The trend repeats what Apple did with the M1 and M2 series. Manufacturers using Arm chips have more space to arrange components or reduce size.

A typical example of this trend is the Asus Zenbook A14 model. The product line is completely new, built specifically for the Arm platform. Because the system is simple, does not require massive heatsinks, the company minimizes components, significantly reducing the weight of the device. Thanks to that, the Taiwanese company can create a 14-inch machine that is less than 1 kg, but does not sacrifice durability and sturdiness.

The Ceraluminum material (ceramic and aluminum) is also an interesting innovation of Asus. The device surface is more friendly, less affected by temperature. The device does not get too cold when opened or hot when operating like normal metal. This is also a rare model under 1 kg that can be opened with one hand.

Due to the priority of thinness, the device only uses passive cooling and has no fan. However, the impact is not serious because Snapdragon X is a low-power processor, limiting heat generation. The device is also easy to manufacture with trendy colors, less glossy and the surface limits stains.

The device's trackpad and keyboard are also arranged to suit a compact laptop. The keys have short travel but good feedback, and are just the right size for fast typing without getting used to it. The trackpad is large, covered with glass, and fully supports multi-touch protocols.

The Zenbook A14's battery life is also outstanding for its thin and light size. With light tasks, it lasts about 30% longer than the MacBook Air M3. It's also significantly better than a Windows computer using a Core Ultra. The highest-end CPU also uses less than 50W of power, so the company only needs to equip the charger with a 65W rating, reducing the accessories that customers need to carry.

In return, the product's connection ports are not diverse. The company arranged 2 USB-C ports on one side. If charging, users only have one left to connect accessories. The device's OLED screen has FullHD resolution, lower than Zenbook versions with 2K standard in the same price range.

The biggest problem with the Arm Windows platform is that there are not enough applications, while the emulator is not efficient. At Computex 2025, Qualcomm representatives committed to this technology. They are trying to bring more popular applications to the system. In the future, games like Fornite will also support it.

In Vietnam, the device costs 28 million VND, not easy to access for new customers in the office laptop line. In return, users get a "change of pace" with a new platform with a cool machine, good battery and customization potential instead of being closed like MacOS.

Source: https://znews.vn/dai-dien-laptop-windows-tiep-theo-de-doi-dau-macbook-air-post1554443.html