HP reveals new ProBook PCs for the SMB

HP has announced a new lineup of its HP ProBook 400 series PCs specifically designed to meet the growing needs of SMBs.

The company's new PCs are made for the modern workforce and allow mobile professionals to be productive both in and out of the office.

The new ProBook 430 G6, ProBook 440 G6 and ProBook 450 G6 all sport an ultra-slim design with a precision crafted look. HP's new business-focused PCs borrow design concepts from its mainstream and premium PCs such as an ultra-slim chassis with crisp lines, clean edges and a professional looking natural silver finish.

Narrow bezels provide an optimal viewing experience while a new 180 degree hinge promotes collaboration by allowing users to lay the devices flat to make it easier to share content.

Unique business features

HP is well aware that SMBs require top-notch security to protect sensitive company data which is why its new ProBook series comes enhanced with a range of security features including the HP BIOSphere Gen4 firmware ecosystem to automate BIOS protection and device management capabilities.

The new PCs are also more durable thanks to the fact that they include a stamped aluminium top cover as well as a keyboard deck crafted from a single piece of aluminium.

Support for the latest global 4G LTE wireless technology will allow users to stay connected on the go while optional Intel 8th Gen quad-core processors and Nvidia discrete graphics will enable them to handle powerful workloads. HP Fast Charge will even allow the new ProBooks to recharge up to half of their battery life in just 30 minutes.

The HP ProBook 400 G6 series will be available this month starting at $589 (£458).

• We've also highlighted the best business computers

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Microsoft might be working on an even thinner Surface Pro Type Cover

It looks like Microsoft is working on a new design for the Surface Pro Type Cover that will make it thinner than previous versions.

The Type Cover is a screen protector for Microsoft’s Surface Pro lineup of Windows 10 tablets, which contains a keyboard that allows you to use the tablet as a laptop-like device.

According to a patent application by Microsoft, the company appears to be looking into ways to make a future Type Cover thinner, which will help make future Surface Pros slimmer and more portable as well.

It seems like Microsoft is thinking about integrating the trackpad, which is used to move the mouse cursor, directly into the keyboard’s circuit board in the type Cover, allowing for a thinner design.

Tactile importance

While Microsoft’s endeavours to make a future Type Cover, and the Surface Pro it attaches to, thinner, it does bring new challenges, especially when it comes to the feel of the keyboard and trackpad.

The thinner a keyboard is, the less travel the keys have, which means the less tactile feedback there is, and this can lead to an unsatisfying typing experience. 

It looks like Microsoft is taking that into account, by including hardware switches, for example, that help give a clicking sensation to the trackpad when used.

If Microsoft manages to make a thinner Type Cover that is still comfortable to type on, then this will be a welcome innovation that could make future Surface Pro devices even more svelte. However, it could also mean a price hike for the already-expensive Type Cover, which is often sold separately.

• Our pick of the best Windows 10 tablets

Via MSPoweruser

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iPad Pro (2018): Two weeks with the computer of the future

We tend to classify usage of our devices between two categories - content creation and content consumption. However, computing has evolved over the past few years, and while we continue creating and consuming content, we also spend a fair amount of time modifying it. This isn’t a new type of work - editors for example, have been taking work created by writers and modifying it to suit the publication they work for. 

The iPad has traditionally been looked at as a content consumption device - great for browsing the web and watching videos. There are exceptions such as the music or sketching industry where the iPad has been used to create phenomenal content. But for most of us, the iPad is better at consuming content than creating it. But it's also great at content modification - something many of us do on a daily basis.

Apple was kind enough to loan me the new 11-inch iPad Pro for a few weeks along with the Apple Pencil. This is the top-of-the-line model with 1TB of storage and LTE connectivity. To make things a bit easier to use, I personally bought the Apple folio keyboard cover to use with this iPad. 

This isn’t a review of the iPad Pro - Gareth Beavis has already done a fantastic job writing one up. Rather, this is a write-up of my usage of the iPad over a couple of weeks.

I have previously tried replacing my MacBook Pro with an iPad when the original 12.9-inch iPad was released but I ended up going back to the laptop for the flexibility it offered. I was pretty sure that the latest iPad Pro, at least with iOS 12, still wouldn't replace my laptop full time but I wanted to see how far along it had come.

Sizing it up

As with the last generation of iPad Pro, the 2018 model of the iPad Pro is released in two sizes. The smaller 10.5-inch iPad Pro is now an 11-inch version and the larger 12.9-inch version has the same screen size but comes in a smaller form factor. I definitely prefer the smaller one because of its light weight and size that’s more wieldly in one hand.

As you’d expect, the build quality is top notch, though the new iPad looks a bit generic now without the home button. My daughter thought it was a “tablet” and not an iPad which just goes to show how much weight Apple has in the tablet category - it’s either an iPad or just another tablet.

Defining work - most of it happens on the web

My workflow is divided between my Mac at the office, my MacBook Pro, and my mobile phone which I keep rotating between an iPhone and an Android phone. For many, the iPad is their one and only computer - my wife uses one as such. But her usage differs considerably from mine. I do a LOT of different things on my computer - from email, messaging and web apps to editing photos and videos and working through documents and spreadsheets. At any time, I have multiple apps open and switch between them frequently. 

On my Mac the most time is spent inside the Chrome browser. That’s how I access our CMS to edit articles, check my work email, create docs on GSuite, use Xero for company accounting and look at web analytics for daily usage. There’s tons more that I use Chrome for such as reading news websites, using Slack, Tweetdeck, WhatsApp, as well as Salesforce. 

The iPad doesn’t have a desktop-class browser, so what you get is mobile Safari which, IMHO, is it’s biggest weakness. Google Chrome is available for the iPad but, because of Apple's restrictions on iOS, it can't use its own rendering engine and has to stick to Apple's Webkit which pretty much makes it as impractical as mobile Safari.

That being said, there are iOS apps available for most web apps I use such as Xero, Salesforce and GSuite. Some of these apps don’t offer as comprehensive of a functionality as their web apps but are good enough to be used for most things. 

A big part of work is communication, and we’ve been using Slack for a long time for internal team chats. The iPad app for Slack works really well for everything I do during a normal workday. Besides Slack, I also use Google Hangouts at times for video conferencing and the iPad is equally good for that.

Where the iPad failed me was with WhatsApp which is the default chat client for a billion users and is extremely popular in the Middle East for personal as well as work communications. There is no iPad client for WhatsApp and it doesn’t work using mobile Safari either so I’d have to manually pick my phone every time I got a message.

Other Apps

Besides using Chrome for everything I mentioned above, there are other apps that I use on the Mac on a daily basis. One of them is for accessing my RSS feeds, which helps me stay up to date in the rapidly changing work of tech. This is one area where the iPad provides a better experience than the Mac because of its touch screen. 

The app I use on my desktop is Reeder which is quite nice, but the one on my iPhone is Newsify which is also optimized for the iPad. It’s much more easier and visually appealing to browse through items on the iPad and catch up on the headlines.

I also use a password manager and my preferred option is 1Password which works equally well on the Mac as it does on the iPad, iPhone and Android. In fact, using 1Password on the iPad is a better experience than Mac because FaceID makes it much faster to authenticate.

While we use GSuite at work for documents and spreadsheets, there really is no way of getting around Microsoft Office - I get tons on attachments as Word, Excel or Powerpoint files. Microsoft makes good iPad apps for all of them and while I did face moments of frustration, especially when editing a Powerpoint presentation, it wasn't something I couldn't overcome.

Editing photos and videos

I'm not a professional photo editor but I do need to work on photos for reviews and articles. Most of my edits require cropping and resizing photos, changing colour levels and adding text layers. Using Pixelmator on the iPad allows me to do all of that and while I’m more comfortable using a Mac for this, it’s purely because I’ve been using a keyboard and mouse for decades.

If you like to do more than just edit images and actually create artwork, the Apple Pencil can be quite an amazing tool. Almost everyone I’ve met that has used a Wacom tablet for drawing on their computer has preferred working on the iPad Pro with Apple Pencil. 

Along with photos, I also work on Final Cut Pro for editing short videos, mostly for our Instagram channel with unboxing videos and such. Again, my workflow isn’t massively complicated but I do work with separate audio and video files which are imported from SD cards from cameras and voice recorders. 

While the iPad can import video files into the Photos app, it doesn’t see audio files from an SD card. This highlights the lack of a truly accessible file system on the iPad. I complained about this before when looking at the 12.9-inch iPad Pro a couple of years back and unfortunately, not much has changed since then.

To me, this was where I felt most restricted using an iPad. There are a couple of video editing tools available on the iPad such as iMovie which I found too basic. While Adobe has released Premiere Rush on the iPad, I haven’t played with it much, so for me it was unfortunate that I couldn't harness the power of Final Cut Pro on the iPad.

Conclusion

Let’s get one thing out of the way - the iPad is a fully functional computer for most people. I tend to use my computer for more things than the average person and I’ve been using PCs/Macs for decades. Despite this, I can almost see myself using this new iPad as my primary computer.

It’s better than the Mac at many things - I prefer the iPad for staying up to date with my RSS feeds or using Slack, as well as conferencing. FaceID is also so much faster to unlock my iPad versus TouchID on my 2015 MacBook Pro. And LTE connectivity lets me stay connected in and out of the office no matter where I go.

Where the iPad is still behind is with photo or video editing, and I see no reason why it can’t match up to the Mac, especially considering how crazy fast the performance is and how gorgeous it’s 120Hz screen is. 

The way I see it, there are a three areas that Apple needs to work on to make the iPad truly shine:

1) Better access to the file system. I can understand that Apple doesn’t want users sticking random USB drives on the iPad now that there is a USB port on the iPad. But there are ways Apple could allow opening specific file types- such as in the Files app on iOS, or making apps go through a secondary verification process to open specific file types.

2) Have a desktop version of Safari instead of mobile Safari. This will allow most web apps such as WhatsApp to run on the iPad even if there is no iPad specific app for it. 

3) Build support for a mouse/trackpad, which will tremendously help with apps that need precision such as photo and video editing apps. Apple already supports Pencil which allows a certain amount of precision work but there are certain apps and tasks that just work better with a pointing device.

I have no reason to believe that we won’t see some of this in iOS 13. In fact, the iPad Pro is the biggest reason I’m excited about the next version of the iOS. Apple has pushed the limits of hardware with this new iPad and it needs to give it the software it deserves. 

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Qualcomm's next flagship chipset Snapdragon 8150 expected to break cover on December 4

Renowned chipmaker Qualcomm is tipped to unveil the latest iteration of their high-end chipset series. The rumored Snapdragon 8150 succeeds the Snapdragon 845 and will be launched next month at Snapdragon Tech Summit in Hawaii on December 4th.

Several leaks from Chinese media claim that Qualcomm has started sending out invites for the unveil of Snapdragon 8150 at its yearly summit in Hawaii. According to PCPop, the invite contains a physical invitation and a Xiaomi VR all-in-one with Qualcomm Snapdragon 821. It is bundled with a VR version of a video in VR, which shows landscapes of Hawaii and lists event schedule and location at the end.

What to expect?

Snapdragon 8-series chipsets have been a constant choice of most Android phone makers. Last year’s Snapdragon 845 was seen on some of the most popular phones including the Pixel 3 and OnePlus 6T/6. Similarly, we expect the chipset to arrive on most flagship phones slated to launch in 2019. The first could be the US variant of the Samsung Galaxy S10. 

Qualcomm will be the third to introduce their flagship chipset for the year after Apple and Huawei. Apple announced its A12 Bionic with the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, whereas Huawei unveiled its Kirin 980 with the Mate 20 Pro last month.

The A12 Bionic and Huawei’s Kirin 980 are fabricated using TSMC’s 7nm process, where the A12 Bionic is the leader in terms of processing power overall, and the Kirin 980 by now has the highest benchmark scores among all Android smartphones. 

The same leak suggested that the Snapdragon 8150 has an unusual core configuration, with one high-performance core, three medium cores and four energy-efficient ones. 

The Snapdragon 8150 is expected to take on Huawei and Apple’s latest. In fact, a rumor recently surfaced suggesting the SD 8150 to be the most powerful chipset revealing AnTuTu score of 362,292, which is far higher than any other Android chipset result. It also beats A12 Bionic chipset which scored 352,405 on AnTuTu.

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The best laptops for engineering students

If you’re studying engineering in 2018, you’re going to want to find a laptop that’s both powerful and flexible enough to handle everything you throw at it. The best laptops for engineering students will have the best graphics cards, in order to handle all the complex applications and computational tasks that studying engineering can require.

The exacting demands of an engineering student can in some cases make the hunt for the perfect laptop slightly easier, as it narrows your options in an increasingly crowded market.

However, it’s hard to find a laptop that can manage to pack in the power you need without breaking the bank – luckily Black Friday and Cyber Monday are here. So, we decided to put together a list of the best laptops for engineering students, so you can find the best laptop for school, while still taking advantage of Black Friday laptop deals.

• Check out the best 2-in-1 laptops

As expected from a Dell workstation laptop, you get cutting edge components and the type of flexibility in the customisation process that sorely lacks with the SOHO-oriented Inspiron range. This is Dell's Precision workstation at its best: from the latest Intel quad-core CPU to a plethora of other high end parts, like an Nvidia Quadro GPU this is the best laptop for engineering students. 

Lenovo hails this model as the world's first multi-mode workstation, one that manages to combine power and creativity thanks to a 360-degree hinge that has, to some extent, set the standard when it comes to convertible or 2-in-1 designs. 

What's more, it is one of the very rare laptops to come with built-in Wacom Active ES pen technology, capable of delivering 2048 levels of pen pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition.

This makes it an excellent laptop for engineering students who need something easily portable, yet also very powerful.

This is one of the best gaming laptops, but it also does a great job as a mobile workstation for engineering students. Yeah, it’s pricey, but it measures in at just 0.88 inches thick with a 17-inch 4K multi-touch display and built-in Wi-Fi. If that’s not enough to sell you on it, the Razer Blade Pro also introduces the Razer’s Ultra-Low-Profile Mechanical switches to a laptop for the first time. This keyboard bears a resemblance to an everyday chiclet keyboard, but press down on it, and you’ll feel the authentic click. This really is one of the best laptops for engineering.

Read the full review: Razer Blade Pro

The Samsung Notebook 9 is what other 2-in-1 laptops have aspired to be since their conception. It hones in on the S-Pen, Samsung’s own proprietary stylus with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity (the same as Microsoft’s new Surface Pen), a nifty little accessory that conveniently doesn’t require charging. Although the touchscreen display is only 1080p, at between 350 and 450 nits of brightness, you won’t be paying any mind to the pixels, or lack thereof. Plus, the lengthy battery life more than makes up for this hybrids few setbacks.

Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 9 Pro

• This product is only available in the US at the time of writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the HP Spectre x360 15.

The Dell Inspiron 15 Gaming is another powerful gaming laptop that also doubles as an excellent laptop for engineering students thanks to a powerful processor and dedicated graphics card. As with most Dell machines, you're able to choose from a range of components to add to this machine, so you can configure the Dell Inspiron 15 Gaming laptop to suit your needs and your budget.

Quick Links to Back to School deals

So, what do you need to look for in a laptop for engineering students? As we mentioned, you're probably going to be running complex programs, such as AutoCAD, which means you're going to need to have a laptop with enough power to run them.

We'd recommend a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor and at least 8GB of RAM, though 16GB is even better.

Many of the programs engineering students rely on are also graphically intensive - especially ones such as CAD, MATLAB and Solid Works that are used for 3D modelling and video rendering. This means it's essential to have a laptop with a dedicated graphics card - rather than an integrated one powered by the processor.

This is why the best gaming laptops are good choices for engineering students, as they offer that kind of graphic power, and the fact that they can handle games for when you unwind after classes won't hurt either.

A big screen with a high resolution is also advisable, and if you're going to be working on site a lot, it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the rugged laptops that are built to withstand accidents on work sites.

With those requirements in mind, here is our list of the best laptops for engineering students. 

• Discover the best laptops you can buy in every category

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The best cheap Chromebook deals on Black Friday 2018

With so many cheap Chromebook deals on the internet around right now, there’s a huge selection of great devices to choose from. You might think that the best Chromebooks are already quite economical, but we’re here to tell you that we’ve managed to score deals that quite possibly achieve the impossible, by going a few steps cheaper – thanks to Black Friday especially.

You don’t need to worry about us prioritizing affordability over quality either. Because the best cheap Chromebook deals around include several computers capable of running Android applications through the Google Play Store.. Without further delay, let’s dive in.

Our favorite Chromebooks on sale

This is where you should begin your search for a Chromebook. At 14 inches in screen size and inside an adorable frame, the HP Chromebook 14 offers a fine middle ground for the indecisive shopper. With standardized parts inside, this Chromebook can do essentially all its closest rivals can and then some, with its microSD card reader and slew of ports – unlike similarly-priced, tinier Chromebooks.

Read our full review: HP Chromebook 14

It’s almost as if Dell hand-crafted this Chromebook to get work done in the classroom. It’s got an indicator light on the lid that teachers can use as if the student raised his or her hand to answer (or ask) a question. And, it’s rubberized in many places to better survive drops and dents. It’s an awfully mobile laptop, too, making it sensible for work at almost any class level, or if you just want a lightweight web browser and email machine.

Read our full review: Dell Chromebook 11

If you’re looking for a large laptop but don’t want to pay the price, Chromebook deals are the right ones to hunt. Acer’s crafted a strong, 15.6-inch Chrome machine that can house plenty of beefier components than most other laptops at its price range. It doesn’t do much that’s exclusive to its larger size so much that it simply does those things more. For many, that’s a selling point worth trying to find the best deal over, and this just so happens to be the best one.

Read our full review: Acer Chromebook 15

Not long after killing off the Chromebook Pixel, Google has revived it in a way that no one was expecting leading into its reveal. Now, it’s called the Google Pixelbook, and it takes a sharp turn away from its predecessor. That’s mainly because we’re looking at a machine that can run Android apps natively in addition to bolstering Chrome OS. With ample storage space, nigh-perfect stylus integration and Google Assistant, the Pixelbook is the best Chromebook you can buy. That said, while Google Pixelbook deals will be hard to come by, it's one of the most-searched laptops right now, so it's worth calling out – not to mention being on the lookout for hot deals.

Read the full review: Google Pixelbook

The R11's subdued design may not win any awards, but behind that white shell is a surprisingly slim laptop destined to last an entire day's work. It’s even among the first Chromebooks to support Android apps by way of the Google Play Store. So, if you’ve ever wanted to use Firefox on a Chromebook, now you can. The R11 packs day-long battery life, sharp performance and a 360-degree hinge for the touchscreen. It won't burn your wallet, thereby making cons, like an iffy trackpad and barely-HD screen, a little easier to take.

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook R11

Acer tends to run the show in our Chromebook roundups, and for good reason: it makes great Chromebooks. If you want the look and near-feel of a MacBook Air, despite its waning presence, Acer makes a Chromebook for that. Its Chromebook 14 looks and feels like Apple’s famous notebook on the outside, but of course can’t truly feel like using one with how little it costs. Still, a full HD screen is one thing this super-cheap laptop has and the MacBook Air doesn’t, so there’s that.

Read our full review: Acer Chromebook 14 

• Now, here are the best Chromebooks we’ve reviewed – bar none

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

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The best 2-in-1 laptop in Australia: find the best convertible for your needs

The world of portable computing has expanded rapidly in recent years, both in terms of popularity and viability. The growing 2-in-1 category offers up some of the best features of the notebook and the tablet in the one schmick package, but it can be hard to compare them when the category is so fresh.

What defines a 2-in-1 is its ability to morph from a notebook as you know it – complete with keyboard and trackpad – to a tablet with a touch interface. Some products, like Microsoft's Surface Book range, allow for the keybed to detach completely, while others simply flip it around the back of the device.

Generally, a device in this category will have compatibility with a stylus, making it an ideal companion for creatives and professionals on-the-go, although not all of them will include a stylus by default.

Here, we've gathered all our knowledge from extensive reviews, benchmarks and field tests, and put together a list of the most worthwhile 2-in-1s on the Australian market today.

• Looking for a more conventional laptop? Check out our guide on the best notebooks in Australia.
• Maybe you're after the other extreme in a tablet? We've got a best tablets guide as well.

Can't decide what type of laptop to get? Watch our buying guide below:

After Intel released its new Kaby Lake R 8th-generation processors late last year, Taiwanese laptop-maker Asus felt the need to squeeze them into its product lines. And we’re glad it did, as the ZenBook Flip S UX370 is a machine that has plenty of performance to spare, packing ultrabook specs into a 2-in-1 form factor without letting the price skyrocket out of control.

Read the full review: Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370

Already established as a fantastic gaming-capable laptop, the Dell XPS 15 has been transformed into a very capable 2-in-1 with a discrete-class Radeon RX Vega GPU. What this means is that you can get a beautiful convertible laptop, but you don’t have to give up any power. And, while that means that it’s a little more expensive than some others (and the fans get a bit loud at times), it’s worth it in our book.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 

Having introduced a touchscreen and convertible design to Google’s cloud-based Chrome OS, the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is made better by its compatibility with Android apps. That’s right, just like the Pixelbook (which unfortunately, you can't officially get your mitts on Down Under), you can use the Asus Chromebook Flip for Google Play apps, albeit only after installing an out-of-the-box update.

Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip

We already loved the 13-inch Surface Book, so when we first heard that a 13-inch Surface Book 2 was on the way, our expectations shot into the sky. Microsoft’s second 2-in-1 laptop isn’t perfect, but it’s an impressive device held back by a handful of concessions. The Surface Book 2 does feature both a cutting-edge 8th-generation Intel processor and an Nvidia 10-series graphics chip, making it suitable for gamers and creative types alike. When you take that power and pair it with its nifty convertibility, it’s easy to see why it’s a winner.  

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13-inch)

While it doesn’t offer the same level of graphics performance, the Lenovo Yoga 920 is a much more affordable alternative to the Surface Book 2. For anyone who’s looking for value rather than a fully-detachable screen, the Lenovo Yoga 920 has a lot to offer. The design, for example, is less pronounced and has the subtlety of a more traditional Ultrabook, and that slighter figure doesn't come with too much of a power sacrifice, either.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 920

The inclusion of AMD's new Ryzen mobile processors and integrated Radeon graphics make for an improvement over HP's previous Envy x360 efforts and even bring it closer to a gaming-capable unit. While the battery life could be better and the chassis is a little on the bulkier side, the performance is just as sturdy as the stylish enclosure and presents a decent option for those looking for a powerful, portable solution.

To be fair, we loved the 13-inch Surface Book 2 already, so when we first caught word that a 15-inch Surface Book 2 was in the works, our expectations were amplified. In the end, Microsoft’s second 2-in-1 laptop isn’t perfect, but it is an impressive feat held back by a handful of (frankly necessary) concessions. For starters, this machine features cutting-edge 8th-generation Intel processors and Nvidia 10-series graphics, making it a neat option for gamers and creatives. Pair that with its nifty convertibility, and we have ourselves a winner.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch)

Although the Acer Spin 5 doesn't opt for a 4K screen, 16GB of RAM, a bigger SSD or other upper tier specs, its middling innards actually make for a surprisingly good-value 2-in-1. The combination of its well-optimised Core i5 CPU with 8GB RAM and a 1080p display make for a machine that handles its power efficiently, lasting longer on battery and not causing excess heat or noise. Throw in the affordable price tag and the Acer Spin 5 is definitely worth considering.

A beautiful 2-in-1 with a strikingly thin frame, the HP Spectre x360 now brandishes the sheer power that Intel’s 8th-generation Kaby Lake R processors allow. So, despite its slim chassis and weighing only 1.26kg, this version of the Hewlett-Packard flagship is ready not just to stream 4K video, but to run your favourite games at 720p using integrated graphics tech. And, if you’re a creative, it comes with the HP Pen, unlike some stylus-less hybrids. 

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360

Despite its fierce competition, the Miix 510 from Lenovo still stands its ground as a portable, powerful and affordable option for 2-in-1 computing. While there are a few others that beat it on specs, the price that Lenovo has delivered this value-laden package can be convincing enough as is. Arriving with an active pen stylus and available at some pretty low prices at this stage, this is a decent alternative to the pricier models on the market.

Read the full review: Lenovo Miix 510

For years, HP’s Spectre line of Ultrabooks and 2-in-1s has been all about elegance and performance, and the 2018 HP Spectre x360 15 is no different. Packed with an 8th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, Nvidia MX 150 graphics and 16GB of RAM, you’re going to be able to do anything your work day throws at you – even up to some light gaming. However, the Spectre x360 is a bit heavy for a 2-in-1, so you likely won’t be using it in tablet mode very often, instead putting it in tent mode to watch some movies on its gorgeous 4K panel.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 15 2018 

• The best laptops of 2018 in Australia: our picks of the top laptops on sale now
• Best tablet 2018: the top slates tested and ranked

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The best Ultrabooks in Australia for 2018: top thin and light laptops reviewed

We can largely thank Apple and its MacBook Air for the Ultrabook trend we're seeing. Where large, clunky laptops aren't sleek enough, and thin, portable tablets aren't powerful enough, the Ultrabook shines.

A unibody chassis packed with some of the best SSDs, processors and battery life available to devices this size, the Ultrabook is a thin and portable marvel that'll let you get on with your business, browsing or buffering without the lengthy wait times.

With TechRadar's extensive reviewing and lab testing, we've got a strong idea of what's going to cut it in today's Ultrabook landscape, and on this page we've ranked the best of the best so that you can find yourself a bargain on the cream of the crop.

Whether you're chasing the well-known brands like Dell, HP, Microsoft and Lenovo, or some surprise entrants like Huawei and Razer, we've got you covered.

• The best laptops in Australia: our picks of the top laptops on sale now
• The best 2-in-1 laptop in Australia: find the best convertible for your needs

If you want to know exactly what to consider before buying an Ultrabook, check out our video below:

The Huawei Matebook X Pro's November 22 arrival puts it firmly in the top place of our Australian ultrabook list. This gorgeous laptop brings high-end components into an elegantly-designed package that puts even the MacBook Pro to shame – all this on a decent battery life to boot. And, with its 3K touchscreen, the Huawei MateBook X Pro has a display that’s just as nice to look at as the chassis. It’s really the best Ultrabook you can buy today. 

Read the full review: Huawei MateBook X Pro

Weighing in at a measly 1.21kg and measuring just 76mm thick, the Dell XPS 13 is the epitome of an Ultrabook, and it has the reputation and power to back up the 'Ultra' part too. You won’t find that it’s the most affordable Ultrabook, but it's one of the most well-balanced option in Australia right now, with a healthy portioning of power and portability. It wields the latest 8th-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 CPUs, obviously, but it also rocks three USB Type-C ports and the option of an Alpine White finish that we’re absolutely in love with. 

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13

There aren't many Ultrabooks as illustriously designed as the Lenovo Yoga 920: a 2-in-1 laptop that’s as dreamy to look at as it is to use. In contrast to its nearest competitors, such as Microsoft’s Surface Book 2, it doesn't weigh nearly as heavy on the wallet either. For the modest price you pay, you’re getting a gorgeous, all-metal finish that can be flipped inside out for extended functionality. It also houses the latest 8th-generation Intel processors, just in case speed was a concern.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 920

While we acknowledge that Intel's Ultrabook specification is basically the Windows response to Apple's MacBook Air, it wouldn't be fair to not give Apple right of reply in this field. The latest MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is a sleek beast, offering some excellent and reliable performance with its quad-core CPU, and while you will be paying the kind of premium you'd expect from Apple, there are few Ultrabooks out there that get the balance of design and user experience quite as right as the MacBook Pro.

Read our full review: MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2018)

When you lay your eyes on the HP Spectre 13 for the first time, you might be blinded by its sheer beauty. HP has taken the already-beautiful Spectre, and spruced it up with gold trim and packed it with internal specs that blow the competition out of the water. One of the first Ultrabooks packing a quad-core CPU, the 2017 Spectre 13 more than doubles the CPU performance of most of its competitors. It comes at the cost of battery life, but clocking in at just under 6 hours – the battery is still passable. 

Read the full review: HP Spectre 13 

Razer has to deal with the common misconception that it’s solely a gaming laptop and peripheral company, a reputation it subverted when it introduced the Blade Stealth back in 2016. And, if you’re unconvinced, the latest edition of the Razer Blade Stealth may change your mind by turning into a 13.3-inch, QHD+ beauty. There’s no longer the option for 4K, but the performance this Ultrabook delivers is worth the compromise. 

Read the full review: Razer Blade Stealth

Rarely does a company think of everything when designing a laptop, but for what it’s worth, the HP Spectre x360 comes surprisingly close. It’s a 2-in-1 convertible laptop, which by default makes it not for everyone. Still, for those right-brained users out there, it comes bundled with a Windows Ink-compatible stylus, unlike the vast majority of hybrids. That would mean very little if the HP Spectre x360 didn’t have great sound and visuals, though it evidently does.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360

Anyone familiar with Apple’s thinnest and lightest laptop would be wise to compare the Asus ZenBook 3 to the 12-inch MacBook. The similarities are obvious, but one look at the specs and the differences stand out too. Adorned with the choice of a U-series Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, the ZenBook 3 is awfully powerful considering it’s less than half an inch thick and weighs two pounds. The port selection is sparse, but ultimately it’s well worth the sacrifice.

Read the full review: Asus ZenBook 3

It’s no secret that Apple has all but neglected the MacBook Air recently, but in some cases a Windows Ultrabook can be just as good, if not better. Take the Asus ZenBook UX310, for example, the long awaited follow-up to the award-winning ZenBook UX305. Donning a 7th generation Intel Kaby Lake processor, a 178-degree rotating QHD+ screen, a USB-C port and an all-aluminium shell, this truly is a candidate for the MacBook Air’s throne. 

 Read the full review: Asus ZenBook UX310

No, it’s not another 2-in-1 - the Surface Laptop is a full-on traditional laptop (with a touchscreen) designed by the Microsoft hardware design lab. From the Italian imported Alcantara fabric material decorating the keyboard to its beautiful 13.5-inch, 3:2 PixelSense display, there’s no questioning the Surface Laptop’s appeal at face value – but dig even deeper and you’ll find a notebook that’s arguably more competent than Apple’s more expensive 12-inch MacBook. And, keep your eye out – we’re expecting the Surface Laptop 2 sometime in 2018. 

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Laptop

If you’re looking to get your hands on an entry-level Ultrabook that can get some work done (without spending a fortune), the Lenovo Yoga 730 should be at the top of your list. Sure, it doesn’t have the longest battery life, but with how much (or how little) this device will set you back, it’s a worthy trade off – especially considering the speedy SSD storage, quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM you’re getting at the entry level. For anyone on a budget, the Lenovo Yoga 730 is certainly one of the best Ultrabooks around right now.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 730 

•  Looking for a new laptop? Check out the ultimate laptop buyers guide

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The best laptops of 2018 in Australia: our picks of the top laptops on sale now

If you're looking at getting yourself a new laptop but don't really know where to start, you're in luck – that's the entire point of this very page!

Here at TechRadar, we get to review the full breadth and width of currently-available laptops, so we're well and truly across what's worth the dosh and what's not.

Whether it's Apple's freshest MacBook Pro, the newly-arrived Huawei MateBook X Pro, or the latest winner in the Dell XPS range, we've painstakingly compared and contrasted each one in order to give you a rundown on the laptop with the best value.

We've taken into account ultrabooks, gaming laptops, 2-in-1s, and every other shape and size that laptops come in these days – so don't worry if you're in it for work or play, we've got you covered.

The best laptops of 2018:

Our pick for the pinnacle of laptops you can buy in Australia for 2018 is the Huawei MateBook X Pro. While it's seen success after success in the US and UK markets, the November 22 launch in Australia means that we can finally experience its glory Down Under as well, knocking the Dell XPS 13 off its long-held crown. The MateBook X Pro boasts a sleek and stylish design, a stunning screen, decent battery life, and the latest internal components to keep it powering through your everyday tasks, and even the more intensive activities you throw at it. It also has a very competitive price, giving you features, design and performance for quite a bit less money.

Read the full review: Huawei MateBook X Pro

What is it about the Dell XPS 13 that's kept it in pole position on our best laptop list for three years running, only to be knocked out by the arrival of the MateBook X Pro? In short, it really is the PC response to the MacBook. The 2018 Dell XPS 13 is a slimmer, more powerful version of the award-winning laptop with a stunning 4K display and a gorgeous Rose Gold on Alpine White colour option. The Dell XPS 13 rocks an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and a bezel-less ‘Infinity Edge’ display, this Dell XPS 13 continues to be the most popular Windows laptop in the world. What’s more, there’s a wide range of customisation options, so you can really make the Dell XPS 13 the best laptop for your needs. 

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13

The latest refresh of the ZenBook Flip S gives Asus a seriously powerful competitor in the 2-in-1 sphere. The Flip S UX370 has a new Kaby Lake R 8th-generation processor powering the device, plenty of RAM and a super-fast PCIe SSD in certain models. Its 2-in-1 design means you can use it as both a laptop and a tablet, and while it's not as affordable as some machines on this list, if you have the budget you'll be really happy with this fantastic device.

Read the full review: Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370

If you're after the latest and greatest laptop from Apple, we suggest you look into the 2018 model of the 13-inch Macbook Pro with Touch Bar. While Microsoft had the performance edge over last year's MacBook Pro, with the Surface Book 2, Apple has come out swinging with some seriously beefed up specs for the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2018, and even more so if you go for the larger 15-inch model. The headline Touch Bar – a thin OLED display at the top of the keyboard which can be used for any number of things, whether that be auto-suggesting words as you type or offering Touch ID so you can log in with just your fingerprint – is again included. It's certainly retained Apple's sense of style, but it comes at a cost. If you're open to switching to a PC you should consider the XPS 13, but, if you're a steadfast Apple diehard, this is definitely the best laptop for you!

Read the full review: Apple Macbook with Touch Bar 13-inch (2018)

The new MSI GS65 Stealth has knocked our previous choice of the best gaming laptop, Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501, off this list, thanks to its excellent array of cutting edge components, which includes an 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8750H CPU and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 GPU. It's also more reasonably priced than the Zephyrus GX501, and its subtle design means that it can double as a work or study laptop without raising any eyebrows. If you're looking for a more affordable gaming laptop, however, check out the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming below.

Read the full review: MSI GS65 Stealth 

Last year’s Dell XPS 15 was already one of the best laptops you could buy, but now that Dell has taken the beautiful redesign of the Dell XPS 13 and applied it here – while also making it a convertible. Well, it’s amazing. Not only do you get one of the most aesthetically pleasing 15-inch laptops on the market, but it also packs one of those new Intel  Kaby Lake G-series CPUs featuring ‘discrete-class’ Radeon graphics. This means that this laptop packs serious power – even if it can get a little loud.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 

If you’re looking for a thin and light gaming laptop, but you gasp whenever you see the price of the Razer Blade, the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 might be for you. Not only does this laptop pack a powerful CPU, it now includes a Nvidia GTX 1060 Max-Q – capable of running all of the latest games – in a laptop less than an inch thick. You won’t find a Nvidia MaxQ equipped laptop cheaper than the Dell Inspiron 15 7000, and it looks good, to boot.

Read the full review: Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming

When it comes to the best Chromebook laptop, you have a choice between two stark alternatives. There's the premium Chromebook Pixel, which we list further down this page, and then there's the excellent Asus Chromebook Flip C302, which combines premium features in a much more affordable package. For many people, Chromebooks are excellent and affordable laptops that are perfect for students, and the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is easily one of the best Chromebooks, and one of the best laptops, money can buy. It comes with an Intel Core processor, full 1080p display, touchscreen, backlit keyboard and USB-C port.

Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip

With the Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch), Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops in the world. The Surface Book 2 has some powerful enough components to handle most day-to-day tasks, and even some light gaming and video editing if you go for a model with a dedicated graphics card. Brilliant build quality and excellent battery life makes this a wonderful device for using as either a laptop, or as a powerful Windows 10 tablet. It also comes in a 15-inch version, which is more powerful and with a larger screen. If you're after a more affordable 2-in-1 device, then the Acer Switch 3, below, is well worth checking out.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

Last year's iteration of the MacBook is another win for Apple, and it's once again won us over with a gorgeous design, excellent performance and best-in-class battery life. Apple has updated the processors with Intel's 7th-generation Kaby Lake range, which means you get improved performance and longer battery life without sacrificing the thin and light design that the MacBook is famous for. While the MacBook 2017 is not designed as a pure productivity machine, like the more powerful and versatile MacBook Pro above, or as a gaming machine like the Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501, it's still one of the best laptops in the world right now thanks to being a super slim and light MacBook that you can take anywhere without even noticing the weight, and being a powerful showcase for macOS Mojave. If you're after a MacBook, this latest model is easily one of the best.

Read the full review: Apple MacBook

Some of the very best laptops in 2017 have been 2-in-1 devices, and Lenovo has added to that list with the excellent Lenovo Yoga 920. It features a wonderfully slim design, and its build quality is exceptional. The 360 degree hinge allows you to convert the laptop into a tablet-like device, making it flexible in all senses of the word. It's cheaper than the Surface Book 2, and while it doesn't offer quite the same quality when in tablet mode, it's an excellent device with plenty of power and bags of battery life. It's definitely a worthy alternative, and it's easily one of the best laptops we've seen this year.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 920

Which type of laptop is best for you?

General laptops: This broader category is dedicated to devices that focus more on practicality than style, portability or power. That’s not to say they can’t be fast, but you’ll typically find a non-Ultrabook clamshell laptop with an HD screen and spinning drive-based storage for less than $1,000.

Ultrabooks: Where you’ll find thin-and-light notebooks sporting SSD storage and display resolutions that exceed 1080p. Paired with powerful, albeit mobile-centric components and especially long battery life, the best Ultrabooks will cost a pretty penny – closer to $1,000 to $3,000.

2-in-1 laptops: Where notebooks that double as tablets are located. Outfitted with both detachable and 360-degree rotating hinges, these hybrids are the most versatile way to experience Windows 10 (or Chrome OS) on a touchscreen.

Chromebooks: Where you’ll find the best Chromebooks running Chrome OS. These do much of what Windows and macOS can in the browser, focused on cloud storage over local, while recently getting Android app support for touchscreen models. They generally cost less than $500.

Gaming laptops: Need a laptop to play games (almost) just like a shiny desktop PC can? Then you’ll want one of the best gaming laptops. These machines generally cost more than $1,000 and can quickly get into the $4 – 5,000 range for the beastlier models.

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Huawei’s sleek MateBook X Pro gets official Australian price, out this Thursday

Two weeks ago, it was officially announced that Huawei's MateBook X Pro would be landing on Australian shores on November 22, 2018, although pricing and availability details were yet to be locked down at the time. 

We now know that Huawei's ultrabook, which earned the title of "best laptop of 2018" in our five-star review, will start at $1,899 for the i5 version with 8GB of RAM, while the i7 model with 16GB of RAM will cost $2,599.

Available in either Space Grey or Mystic Silver, the MateBook will be sold at the flagship Microsoft Store in Sydney, as well as on Microsoft's online store. 

And, as a special Black Friday bonus, customers who purchase a MateBook X Pro between Friday November 16 and Monday November 26 will receive a saving of up to $300 – but only while stocks last.

Both models feature a 3000 × 2000 (3K) resolution display with touch functionality, a Dolby Atmos sound system, an ultra-slim (14.6mm) and lightweight (1.33kg) design and a 57.4Wh battery that offers up to 15 hours of usage. 

• The best Ultrabooks in Australia for 2018: top thin and light laptops reviewed

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iPad Pro bend tests show you need to be gentle with your tablet

It's simple physics that a large 10-inch tablet is going to be easier to snap than a small 5-inch phone, but thanks to a YouTube bend test and several user complaints it seems the new iPad Pros might be a little more prone to bending than anyone would like.

First up is the YouTube video from JerryRigEverything, which shows the 11-inch iPad Pro getting snapped in half with a certain amount of force – is it a reasonable amount? We'll let you decide. The iPad Pro in the clip goes through a number of other scratch and structural tests too, leaving it in a very sorry looking state at the end.

Perhaps more significantly, a small number of users on the MacRumors forums are saying their iPad Pros are becoming misshapen from a normal amount of use – being carried in a backpack, typically. Apple has replaced the affected units though.

Thinner than ever

It's too early to say whether the new iPad Pros are any easier to snap or bend than their predecessors – a device this shape is always going to be susceptible to deliberate attempts to bend it, and most iPad Pro owners are reporting no problems with bending.

At the same time we do know that the new tablets are thinner than ever before (just 5.9 mm or 0.23 inches) – by making the devices so slim, Apple may have made them easier to break too. The lesson is to take good care of your new iPad Pro, something we hope you were doing anyway.

If you are noticing a bend in your iPad Pro, take it into an Apple Store and get some expert advice on whether you can get it replaced as a defective unit. We'll be keeping an eye out for any more reports of Apple tablets bending more easily than they really should be.

• Here's our full review of the new 11-inch iPad Pro

Via The Verge

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Best Linux laptops of 2018

Best gaming laptops under Rs 50,000 for November 2018

No matter how much you play on our smartphone, tablet or console, nothing really beats gaming on a PC does it? And PC gaming is often better served by a laptop. There are several of these, which offer a great deal of performance without sacrificing much on portability. Here we have listed the best gaming laptops you can buy for less than Rs 50,000.

However, it is actually a bit tricky to choose the perfect gaming rig below Rs 50k, as none of them are properly suited for a hardcore gamer. You should aim for the right balance between processing power and graphics capability in the laptop you wish to buy.

We have selected the top 10 laptops that boast of optimum gaming capabilities while costing under Rs 50,000. 

Please note that the prices mentioned below are based on what was available at the time this article was written. These may slightly vary as deals and offers keep changing from time to time.

But before we begin with the gaming laptops, here's the best value for money all-round notebook you can buy under 50k right now. 

• Buy Dell Vostro 3578 on Amazon

Dell Vostro 3578 is the first suggestion from us if the purpose is all round usage from office/college work to a slice of multimedia at home. It packs the latest set of Intel i5 8th gen processor with 8GB DDR4 RAM to power all the basic office chores. It's 15.6-inch display is not the best in the range, but still does its job quite well. The design is as basic as you can expect but the build is quite solid with premium finish on the outer shell. Has most common connectivity ports and ample of power for the price. 
Budget gaming laptops from next page

With the 7th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU, the Lenovo Ideapad 320 80XL01D9IN clearly has the impressive processing power. However, this is not evenly matched with a capable graphics card. The 2GB GDDR3 NVIDIA GeForce 920MX simply doesn’t support hardcore gaming. Still, the laptop should be good enough for casual gamers to play on medium settings.

Externally, the Ideapad 310 80SM01HVIH is built quite decently. It supports a host of connectivity options ranging from dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth till Gigabit LAN and DVD Writer. This high-end laptop from Lenovo comes without Windows OS and you need to manually install it.

Asus has perfectly balanced the processing power and graphics performance of the R-Series R558UQ-DM983D. The 7th Gen Intel Core i5 paired with NVIDIA GeForce 940MX should be able to run most gaming titles with relative ease. The Full HD screen would surely be an eye candy - another plus for this machine. 

The build quality of the laptop is good and it won’t feel cheap in your hands. However, availability is indeed a concern as the Asus R-Series R558UQ-DM983D often goes out of stock at various online as well as offline retailers pretty soon.

The HP AY503TX is a well-built laptop with decent specifications. Despite being a year old model, it is quite relevant even in today's market. The AY503TX will be able to run average to flagship games with standard settings.

The company has priced all of its 7th Gen Intel Core i5 laptops above Rs 50,000. Nevertheless, the HP AY503TX is quite good for gaming as well as multimedia consumption.

This is a very good under-Rs 50,000 gaming laptop by Asus. While everything is perfect about the Asus R558UQ-DM540D, it is the below-average RAM that bothers us. Moreover, there is only a single RAM slot in the notebook. This means you can't upgrade the RAM.

Apart from this, the Asus R558UQ-DM540D is a very good offering. It sports the top notch Bang & Olufsen Speakers, which, combined with the Full HD Anti-glare display makes the notebook an excellent entertainment gadget.

It is quite surprising to find a laptop with GDDR5 graphics priced below Rs 50,000. For starters, GDDR5 GPUs are significantly faster than GDDR3 options and offer enormous improvements in gaming and other graphics intensive works. This does make the Lenovo Ideapad IP 320 80XL033MIN one of the most powerful gaming notebooks on a budget.

If you can bear with the tiny 2-cell battery here, buying it is a no-brainer. Furthermore, the notebook also comes with Windows 10 preinstalled, relieving you from the troubles of installing a fresh OS.

The HP 15-be001TX is a relatively powerful laptop with an affordable price tag. With a 6th Gen Intel Core i5 and AMD Radeon R5 M430 GPU, the performance should be smooth. The notebook would run average to high-end games under low to middle settings.

On the outside, the laptop looks quite decent, while sporting DTS Studio Sound enabled stereo speakers. However, the HD screen somewhat spoils the show.

For a price of Rs. 42,990, it is hard to believe how powerful the Acer Aspire E 15 E5-575G is! It is possibly the best laptop you can buy in the Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000 range. The notebook offers top notch graphics performance with great processing power and even comes pre-installed with Genuine Windows 10.

With the 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA 940MX GPU and 7th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU sitting inside, we can’t ask for anything better. The Acer Aspire E 15 E5-575G is actually too good a deal.

The Lenovo IP 320 80XL0375IN is another blockbuster laptop that offers out of the world price to performance ratio. For a price tag of just above Rs 40,000, this notebook offers a high-end GDDR5 GPU, which is usually found in machines costing upwards Rs 60,000. 

Admittedly, 4GB RAM is not the best fit for any gaming laptop, but one can only expect only so much on a budget.

However, there is a second RAM slot and you can always buy another RAM stick and slide it in. It supports up to 16 GB of RAM.

This is the DOS version of the Acer Aspire E 15 E5-575G and comes with identical specifications. The combination of 7th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor and 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce 940MX GPU is quite potent indeed. Even laptops costing upwards Rs 60,000 will have a tough time beating the Acer Aspire E 15 E5-575.

The Acer Aspire E 15 E5-575 takes the crown of being the best gaming laptop under Rs 50,000. It is simply unbelievable what the company is offering at only Rs 40,990. Besides, the notebook also rocks dual-band Wi-Fi, Stereo Speakers, DVD Writer and HD Webcam.

These are the absolute best gaming laptops you can get within Rs. 50,000. Go through each of the 10 notebooks carefully and choose the one that is best suited to your needs. A little tip: Swap the Hard Disk with an SSD and you will unlock these machines’ true potentials.

• Best laptops for students for under Rs 40,000

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