{"id":1873767,"date":"2026-04-09T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873767"},"modified":"2026-04-09T11:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T08:00:00","slug":"i-tested-three-windows-laptops-in-the-macbook-neos-price-range-theres-no-contest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873767","title":{"rendered":"I tested three Windows laptops in the MacBook Neo\u2019s price range \u2014 there\u2019s no contest"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><main id=\"content\"><\/p>\n<div class>\n<article>\n<div class=\"duet--article--lede duet--page-layout--feature-article\">\n<div class=\"duet--ledes--feature-lede olmxu70\">\n<div class=\"olmxu71\">\n<div class=\"olmxu76\">\n<div class=\"bu4cqq5 bu4cqq4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1ymtmqp7\">\n<div class=\"olmxu72 _1ymtmqp3\">\n<div class=\"olmxu73\">\n<div class=\"_1p1nf4x0 _1p1nf4x2\">\n<div class=\"_1p1nf4x3\"><span class=\"_13g9mks17\"><\/p>\n<ul class=\"_1phh1th0\">\n<li>\n<div id=\"follow-category-breadcrumb-dmcyOmNhdGVnb3J5OjU4\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\"><span class=\"gnx4pm0 _4hoiss5 _1xwtict5 _1618ekm0\"><span class=\"_1ajq89ke _1ajq89k1 _1ajq89k0\"><\/span><span class=\"_1618ekm8\">Tech<\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<aside id=\"popover-dmcyOmNhdGVnb3J5OjU4-breadcrumb\" style=\"position:absolute;left:0;top:0\" class=\"_1wu3rm0 _6ytxv90\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"_1wu3rm1\"><button class=\"_1wu3rm3\"><title>Close<\/title><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"_1wu3rm5\">Tech<\/div>\n<p class=\"fv263x1\">Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.<\/p>\n<p><button class=\"duet--cta--button _1f7jm891 _1f7jm890 fv263x2 _1f7jm89g\"><span><title>Follow<\/title><\/span><span>Follow<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"fv263x4\"><a class=\"fv263x5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\">See All <!-- -->Tech<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div id=\"follow-category-breadcrumb-dmcyOmNhdGVnb3J5Ojk2\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\"><span class=\"gnx4pm0 _4hoiss5 _1xwtict5 _1618ekm0\"><span class=\"_1ajq89ke _1ajq89k1 _1ajq89k0\"><\/span><span class=\"_1618ekm8\">Gadgets<\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<aside id=\"popover-dmcyOmNhdGVnb3J5Ojk2-breadcrumb\" style=\"position:absolute;left:0;top:0\" class=\"_1wu3rm0 _6ytxv90\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"_1wu3rm1\"><button class=\"_1wu3rm3\"><title>Close<\/title><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"_1wu3rm5\">Gadgets<\/div>\n<p class=\"fv263x1\">Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.<\/p>\n<p><button class=\"duet--cta--button _1f7jm891 _1f7jm890 fv263x2 _1f7jm89g\"><span><title>Follow<\/title><\/span><span>Follow<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"fv263x4\"><a class=\"fv263x5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/gadgets\">See All <!-- -->Gadgets<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div id=\"follow-category-breadcrumb-dmcyOmNhdGVnb3J5OjQ1Mw==\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\"><span class=\"gnx4pm0 _4hoiss5 _1xwtict5 _1618ekm0\"><span class=\"_1ajq89ke _1ajq89k1 _1ajq89k0\"><\/span><span class=\"_1618ekm8\">Report<\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<aside id=\"popover-dmcyOmNhdGVnb3J5OjQ1Mw==-breadcrumb\" style=\"position:absolute;left:0;top:0\" class=\"_1wu3rm0 _6ytxv90\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"_1wu3rm1\"><button class=\"_1wu3rm3\"><title>Close<\/title><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"_1wu3rm5\">Report<\/div>\n<p class=\"fv263x1\">Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.<\/p>\n<p><button class=\"duet--cta--button _1f7jm891 _1f7jm890 fv263x2 _1f7jm89g\"><span><title>Follow<\/title><\/span><span>Follow<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"fv263x4\"><a class=\"fv263x5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/report\">See All <!-- -->Report<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class>\n<h1 class=\"_8enl992 _8enl990 _8enl997 _1xwtictb _1xwtict9\">I tested three Windows laptops in the MacBook Neo\u2019s price range \u2014 there\u2019s no contest<\/h1>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _8enl99i _8enl99g _1xwtictb _1xwtict1\">The cut corners of these Asus, Lenovo, and Acer laptops are glaringly obvious next to the Neo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1p1nf4xa\">\n<p class=\"_1643obv0 _1xwtictb\">If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. <a class=\"_1643obv1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/ethics-statement\">See our ethics statement.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_13g9mks2 _13g9mks0 _13g9mks21\">\n<div class=\"_13g9mks9 _13g9mksh\">\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-byline _1xwtictb _114qu8c0\"><span class><span>by<\/span> <!-- --> <span aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\"><span id=\"follow-author-author_byline_lead-dmcyOmF1dGhvclByb2ZpbGU6NDQ2\" class=\"t0jcdf0 gnx4pm0 _114qu8c2 _114qu8c4 t0jcdf1\"><span class=\"t0jcdf2\"><span class=\"_1ajq89ke _1ajq89k1 _1ajq89k0\"><\/span><\/span><span>Antonio G. Di Benedetto<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<aside id=\"popover-dmcyOmF1dGhvclByb2ZpbGU6NDQ2-author_byline_lead\" style=\"position:absolute;left:0;top:0\" class=\"_1wu3rm0 _6ytxv90\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"_1wu3rm1\"><button class=\"_1wu3rm3\"><title>Close<\/title><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"_1bw37384\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Antonio G. Di Benedetto\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1bw37385 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/195792\/ANTONIO_DI_BENEDETTO.0.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1wu3rm5 _1bw37380\">Antonio G. Di Benedetto<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1bw37381\">\n<div class=\"_1bw37382\">Reviewer, Laptops<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"fv263x1\">Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.<\/p>\n<p><button class=\"duet--cta--button _1f7jm891 _1f7jm890 fv263x2 _1f7jm89g\"><span><title>Follow<\/title><\/span><span>Follow<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"fv263x4\"><a class=\"fv263x5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/authors\/antonio-g-di-benedetto\">See All by <!-- -->Antonio G. Di Benedetto<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp5 tvl9dp1 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5 _1xwtictb\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-09T11:00:00+00:00\">Apr 9, 2026, 11:00 AM UTC<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"_13g9mksm\">\n<div class=\"_13g9mksx _13g9mks15\"><span class=\"_13g9mks16 _13g9mks17\"><\/p>\n<ul class=\"duet--article--share-buttons a8vjfv0\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"a8vjfvo\"><button aria-label=\"Copy link\" class=\"a8vjfv3 a8vjfv1\"><title>Link<\/title><\/button><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-label=\"Share article\" class=\"a8vjfv3 a8vjfv1\"><title>Share<\/title><\/button><\/li>\n<li>\n<div><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-label=\"Gift this article\" class=\"a8vjfv3 a8vjfv1\"><title>Gift<\/title><\/button><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_13g9mks24 _1ymtmqpr _13g9mks16 _13g9mks17\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_13g9mks19\">\n<div class=\"_10nsm938 _10nsm930 _10nsm932b\">\n<div class=\"_10nsm930 _10nsm93f _10nsm939\" data-concert=\"article_sponsorship_white_mobile_and_tablet\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_13g9mks1u\">\n<div class=\"_13g9mks1h\">\n<div class=\"_10nsm938 _10nsm930 _10nsm932c\">\n<div class=\"_10nsm930 _10nsm93d _10nsm939\" data-concert=\"article_sponsorship_white_desktop\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_13g9mks18 _1ymtmqpp\">\n<p class=\"_1643obv0 _1xwtictb\">If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. <a class=\"_1643obv1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/ethics-statement\">See our ethics statement.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu4cqq0\">\n<div class=\"olmxu75 bu4cqq1\">\n<div class=\"_1ibjt4j0\">\n<div class=\"_1ibjt4j2 _1ibjt4j1 sticky-nav-trigger\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--layout--entry-image _1b9pgly0\">\n<div class=\"_1b9pgly1 _1b9pgly2\">\n<div class=\"_1ymtmqpn _1ymtmqpx\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0002\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0002.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1ymtmqpm _1ymtmqpw\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0002\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0002.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"olmxu78\">\n<div class=\"duet--media--caption qama0i0\"><figcaption class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1xwtict2 qama0ia\"><em>The Neo king of affordable laptops.<\/em><\/figcaption><cite class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1xwtict2 qama0i5\">|  Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--layout--entry-body-container _1t5ltw90 _1ymtmqp3 _1ymtmqp15\">\n<div class=\"_1t5ltw91\">\n<div class=\"duet--layout--entry-body _9f4de40\">\n<div class=\"duet--ledes--standard-lede-bottom\">\n<div class=\"_1o1f7ku5\">\n<div class=\"_1gmcxs22 _1gmcxs20\">\n<div class=\"bnw2mz0\"><a class=\"bnw2mz1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/904705\/apple-macbook-neo-news-reviews-mods\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"bnw2mz2\">Part Of<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"bnw2mz3 _1wmjnw40\">The Neo Effect: How Apple\u2019s cheapest Mac is changing the PC game<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bnw2mz4\">see all updates <\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1n017go0 _1gmcxs26\">\n<div class=\"_1n017go3\"><a class=\"_1n017go6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/authors\/antonio-g-di-benedetto\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Antonio G. Di Benedetto\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"36\" height=\"36\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"_1n017go4\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/195792\/ANTONIO_DI_BENEDETTO.0.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=96\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1n017go5\"><span aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\"><span id=\"follow-author-standard_article_details-dmcyOmF1dGhvclByb2ZpbGU6NDQ2\" class=\"t0jcdf0 gnx4pm0 _114qu8c2 _114qu8c3 t0jcdf1\"><span class=\"t0jcdf2\"><span class=\"_1ajq89k1 _1ajq89k0\"><\/span><\/span><span>Antonio G. Di Benedetto<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<aside id=\"popover-dmcyOmF1dGhvclByb2ZpbGU6NDQ2-standard_article_details\" style=\"position:absolute;left:0;top:0\" class=\"_1wu3rm0 _6ytxv90\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"_1wu3rm1\"><button class=\"_1wu3rm3\"><title>Close<\/title><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"_1bw37384\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Antonio G. Di Benedetto\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1bw37385 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/author_profile_images\/195792\/ANTONIO_DI_BENEDETTO.0.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1wu3rm5 _1bw37380\">Antonio G. Di Benedetto<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1bw37381\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"fv263x1\">Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.<\/p>\n<p><button class=\"duet--cta--button _1f7jm891 _1f7jm890 fv263x2 _1f7jm89g\"><span><title>Follow<\/title><\/span><span>Follow<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"fv263x4\"><a class=\"fv263x5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/authors\/antonio-g-di-benedetto\">See All by <!-- -->Antonio G. Di Benedetto<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p> <span class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1n017go7\">is a reviewer covering laptops and the occasional gadget. He spent over 15 years in the photography industry before joining The Verge as a deals writer in 2021.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"zephr-anchor\" class=\"_1ymtmqp11\">\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy2 _17nnmdy0 _17nnmdy7 _17nnmdy5 _1xwtict1 _17nnmdyb\">When the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/891741\/apple-macbook-neo-a18-pro-review\">MacBook Neo<\/a> arrived last month, I knew <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/report\/894090\/macbook-neo-pc-windows-laptop-competition-asus-footinmouth\">Windows laptop makers were in trouble<\/a>. For $599, the Neo offers fantastic build quality and solid performance in a sleek and ultra-portable package. Windows laptops in this price range tend to be ugly, cheap-feeling, and a little slow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">Despite years of rumors, the MacBook Neo still seemed to take the Windows world by surprise. I expect proper competitors to pop up just as soon as the companies can manage, but I wanted to see what the competition in the PC space is like now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">So I asked a bunch of laptop manufacturers to send me their best answers to the MacBook Neo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj1 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div style=\"position:relative\">\n<div class=\"_1ymtmqpj\">\n<div class>\n<div style=\"background-image:none\" class=\"duet--media--content-warning ucljxw0\">\n<div class=\"duet--article--image-gallery-image kqz8fh0\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5\" id=\"dmcyOmltYWdlOjkwODU2MA==\"><a class=\"kqz8fh1\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0020.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"One of these is not like the others.\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0020.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--media--caption qama0i0\"><figcaption class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1xwtict2 qama0ia\"><em>One of these is not like the others.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">The MacBook Neo is a 13-inch, 2.7 pound all-aluminum laptop with an A18 Pro iPhone chip for its processor and just 8GB of RAM, starting at 256GB of (slow) storage. It costs $599 (or $499 for students and teachers), and for $100 more you get double the storage and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the power button. There aren\u2019t any all-aluminum, 13-inch Windows laptops out there for $600. All of the Windows laptops I tested have MSRPs above $600 but are usually cheaper.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">Asus sent a $700 <a href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fasus-vivobook-16-16-fhd-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-with-16gb-memory-1tb-ssd-indie-black%2FJJGGLR7XFQ\" rel=\"sponsored\">Asus Vivobook 16<\/a> with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor (currently $530), Lenovo put up a $750 <a href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Flenovo-ideapad-slim-3x-copilot-pc-15-3-2k-touchscreen-laptop-snapdragon-x-x1-26-100-2025-16gb-memory-256gb-ssd-luna-grey%2FJJGSH82JL5\" rel=\"sponsored\">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x<\/a> with a Snapdragon X chip (currently $550), and Acer sent an Intel Lunar Lake <a href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Facer-aspire-14-ai-14-laptop-intel-core-ultra-7-256v-8-core-arc-140v-gpu-16gb-ram-1tb-ssd-windows-11-a14-52m-72fh-gray%2FJJ8V8HX55G\" rel=\"sponsored\">Acer Aspire 14 AI<\/a>, which is down from $1,050 to just $530. Dell and HP are between laptop generations and didn\u2019t have any current models to send.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">By Windows budget laptop standards, these are all good values. And on paper, they should be competitive. Each has an eight-core processor (versus six on the Neo), 16GB of RAM instead of 8GB, and between 256GB and 1TB of storage \u2014 the slowest of which is twice the speed of the Neo\u2019s storage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj1 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div class=\"_18t3ez01\">\n<div class=\"duet--article--scorecard _18t3ez05 _18t3ez04\" data-product-filter id=\"product-card-dmcyOnByb2R1Y3Q6OTA4MzMz\">\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0k\"><a class=\"_18t3ez0g _18t3ez0c\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fasus-vivobook-16-16-fhd-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-with-16gb-memory-1tb-ssd-indie-black%2FJJGGLR7XFQ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0002.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><a class=\"_18t3ez0j _18t3ez0d\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fasus-vivobook-16-16-fhd-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-with-16gb-memory-1tb-ssd-indie-black%2FJJGGLR7XFQ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0002.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq0\">\n<p class=\"_16zyrvq1\">4<\/p>\n<p class=\"_16zyrvq2\">Verge Score<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez09\">\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0a _18t3ez0b\">\n<h3 class=\"_18t3ez0l\"><a class=\"_18t3ez0y\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fasus-vivobook-16-16-fhd-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-with-16gb-memory-1tb-ssd-indie-black%2FJJGGLR7XFQ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Asus Vivobook 16 (AMD Ryzen 7 7730U)<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0q\"><span class=\"_18t3ez0t\">$<!-- -->530<\/span><span class=\"_18t3ez0u\">$<!-- -->700<\/span><span class=\"_18t3ez0v\">24<!-- -->% off<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0r\"><span class=\"_18t3ez0s\">$<!-- -->530<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq5 _1xwtict1\">\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq6\">\n<h4 class=\"_16zyrvq8\">The Good<\/h4>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _16zyrvq9\">\n<ul>\n<li>It\u2019s kinda cheap for a 16-inch laptop, I guess?<\/li>\n<li>Decent port selection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq7\">\n<h4 class=\"_16zyrvq8\">The Bad<\/h4>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _16zyrvq9\">\n<ul>\n<li>Sometimes feels slow<\/li>\n<li>Crummy screen, trackpad, speakers, and webcam<\/li>\n<li>Very smudgy black plastic<\/li>\n<li>Only one USB-C and a barrel plug charger<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0w\"><a class=\"_18t3ez0x\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fasus-vivobook-16-16-fhd-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-with-16gb-memory-1tb-ssd-indie-black%2FJJGGLR7XFQ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">$530 at Best Buy<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq3\"><a class=\"_16zyrvq4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/pages\/how-we-rate\">How we rate and review products<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">Let\u2019s start with the least expensive. The Asus Vivobook is a large 16-inch laptop with a dull and plasticky build. Its chassis creaks and flexes nearly anywhere you touch it. The screen is large, but anything displayed on it looks drab, dim, and slightly blurry. 1920 x 1200 resolution is passable on a 14-inch screen, but not stretched across 16 inches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">The news isn\u2019t better elsewhere. Its trackpad makes a loud hollow sound with every click, while its keyboard feels a little mushy. Its speakers are also audibly grating, making music and podcasts sound empty. And when on a call, the 720p webcam rendered a low-res, noisy image. It often struggled with backlighting from a window behind my head, with the image going from too dark to making me look like I was on the surface of the sun.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj1 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div style=\"position:relative\">\n<div>\n<section aria-label=\"carousel\" class=\"duet--article--gallery _1ymtmqpj _1etxtj10\">\n<div class=\"_1ymtmqpx _1etxtj11\" id=\":R35ir6eqr96:\">\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0001.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The Vivobook\u2019s black plastic chassis is a smudgy fingerprint nightmare. This was as good as I could get it after multiple cleanings.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj15 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0001.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0003.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;A little low-res for such a large screen.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0003.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0004.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;It\u2019s good to have a fingerprint sensor, but the location here is slightly annoying.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0004.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0006.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;Not sure what\u2019s going on here with this caution-like accent on the Enter key. Or why the stickers on the deck are so large.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0006.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0007.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;On the left, a single USB-A.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0007.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0008.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;On the right, two more USB-A, one USB-C, HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack, and a barrel-plug power port.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Asus_Vivobook_16_AMD_ADiBenedetto_0008.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"_1etxtj1h _1etxtj1f\"><title>Previous<\/title><\/button><button class=\"_1etxtj1h _1etxtj1g _1etxtj1f\"><title>Next<\/title><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj18\">\n<ul class=\"_1etxtj19\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1b _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj1d\" style=\"height:30px\"><strong class=\"_1etxtj1e\">1<!-- -->\/<!-- -->6<\/strong><span class=\"duet--media--caption inline _1etxtj1k qama0i0\"><figcaption class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1xwtict2 qama0ia\"><em>The Vivobook\u2019s black plastic chassis is a smudgy fingerprint nightmare. This was as good as I could get it after multiple cleanings.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">The Vivobook\u2019s AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor has eight cores, but the Neo\u2019s are 75 percent faster. The Ryzen CPU is serviceable for light tasks like web browsing and basic apps, but even with 16GB of RAM it sometimes hangs longer opening apps thanks to its slower single-core performance. And the battery life isn\u2019t anything special either. Trying to get through a regular workday of mixed usage (Chrome tabs, Google Docs, streaming music, and a short video call) yielded a maximum of six hours before it died. It does have a pretty good port selection, including three USB-A (one 2.0 and two 3.2), a headphone jack, HDMI 1.4, and one USB-C that can also be used for charging \u2014 which is good, because otherwise you\u2019d have to bring the Vivobook\u2019s barrel-plug charger with you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj1 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div class=\"_18t3ez01\">\n<div class=\"duet--article--scorecard _18t3ez05 _18t3ez04\" data-product-filter id=\"product-card-dmcyOnByb2R1Y3Q6OTA4MzM1\">\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0k\"><a class=\"_18t3ez0g _18t3ez0c\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Flenovo-ideapad-slim-3x-copilot-pc-15-3-2k-touchscreen-laptop-snapdragon-x-x1-26-100-2025-16gb-memory-256gb-ssd-luna-grey%2FJJGSH82JL5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0008.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><a class=\"_18t3ez0j _18t3ez0d\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Flenovo-ideapad-slim-3x-copilot-pc-15-3-2k-touchscreen-laptop-snapdragon-x-x1-26-100-2025-16gb-memory-256gb-ssd-luna-grey%2FJJGSH82JL5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0008.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq0\">\n<p class=\"_16zyrvq1\">5<\/p>\n<p class=\"_16zyrvq2\">Verge Score<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez09\">\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0a _18t3ez0b\">\n<h3 class=\"_18t3ez0l\"><a class=\"_18t3ez0y\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Flenovo-ideapad-slim-3x-copilot-pc-15-3-2k-touchscreen-laptop-snapdragon-x-x1-26-100-2025-16gb-memory-256gb-ssd-luna-grey%2FJJGSH82JL5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0q\"><span class=\"_18t3ez0t\">$<!-- -->550<\/span><span class=\"_18t3ez0u\">$<!-- -->750<\/span><span class=\"_18t3ez0v\">27<!-- -->% off<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0r\"><span class=\"_18t3ez0s\">$<!-- -->550<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq5 _1xwtict1\">\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq6\">\n<h4 class=\"_16zyrvq8\">The Good<\/h4>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _16zyrvq9\">\n<ul>\n<li>Fantastic battery life<\/li>\n<li>Pretty good keyboard<\/li>\n<li>Decent port selection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq7\">\n<h4 class=\"_16zyrvq8\">The Bad<\/h4>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _16zyrvq9\">\n<ul>\n<li>Crappy, stiff trackpad<\/li>\n<li>Worst of the worst speakers<\/li>\n<li>Only one USB-C and a barrel plug charger<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0w\"><a class=\"_18t3ez0x\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Flenovo-ideapad-slim-3x-copilot-pc-15-3-2k-touchscreen-laptop-snapdragon-x-x1-26-100-2025-16gb-memory-256gb-ssd-luna-grey%2FJJGSH82JL5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">$550 at Best Buy<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq3\"><a class=\"_16zyrvq4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/pages\/how-we-rate\">How we rate and review products<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">The $749.99 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x has a slightly smaller, <em>slightly<\/em> better-looking screen than the Vivobook, and it\u2019s the only touchscreen of the bunch. But at 300 nits the 15.3-inch display is equally dim and still middling quality. The keyboard here is better, with a touch of that tactile feel and deeper key travel that Lenovo is known for, but that\u2019s about the only highlight of its build.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">The trackpad feels stiff and sometimes difficult to click. And the speakers are the worst of this bunch. I like to listen to electronic music, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/music.apple.com\/us\/album\/marathon-vol-i-somewhere-in-the-heavens-original-game\/1877959843\"><em>Marathon<\/em><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/music.apple.com\/us\/album\/armored-core-series-original-soundtrack-special-tracks\/1767779537\"><em>Armored Core <\/em>soundtracks<\/a>, to focus, but the speakers are so thin and treble-y that the repetitive beats, rather than letting me lock in, just gave me a headache.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj1 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div style=\"position:relative\">\n<div>\n<section aria-label=\"carousel\" class=\"duet--article--gallery _1ymtmqpj _1etxtj10\">\n<div class=\"_1ymtmqpx _1etxtj11\" id=\":R382r6eqr96:\">\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0005.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;These speakers are just so bad.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj15 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0005.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0003.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The keyboard is alright though.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0003.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0002.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;This laptop could be quite good with a better trackpad, non-garbo speakers, and another USB-C port. And if it could have all that and be the same price, of course.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0002.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0004.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;A fingerprint sensor on the keyboard deck isn\u2019t as sleek as ones built into a power button, but it\u2019s easy to find by feel.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0004.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0007.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The power button is on the right side, along with a USB-A port and SD card slot. Love me an SD card slot.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0007.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0006.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;On the left is another USB-A, one USB-C, HDMI, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a barrel plug charging port.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Lenovo_IdeaPad_Slim_3x_ADiBenedetto_0006.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"_1etxtj1h _1etxtj1f\"><title>Previous<\/title><\/button><button class=\"_1etxtj1h _1etxtj1g _1etxtj1f\"><title>Next<\/title><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj18\">\n<ul class=\"_1etxtj19\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1b _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:16.666666666666668%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj1d\" style=\"height:45px\"><strong class=\"_1etxtj1e\">1<!-- -->\/<!-- -->6<\/strong><span class=\"duet--media--caption inline _1etxtj1k qama0i0\"><figcaption class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1xwtict2 qama0ia\"><em>These speakers are just so bad.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">The IdeaPad Slim uses a super efficient Arm-based Snapdragon X1-26-100 chip. While it\u2019s the lowest-end of Qualcomm\u2019s X1 processors, it performs fine for everyday tasks. An Arm chip means you can run into edge cases of app incompatibility, but it\u2019s increasingly rare in the kinds of work most everyday users do on a computer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">The bright spot of the IdeaPad and its chip is battery life. It easily lasts a full workday and well beyond on a single charge. It\u2019s the longest-lasting laptop of our battery rundown web-browsing test, running for over 21 hours. You can leave the charger at home for the day and not care, and that\u2019s great because like the Asus it\u2019s another barrel plug. Also like the Asus, it\u2019s got a decent port selection, with a USB-C that also charges the laptop, two 5Gbps USB-A, HDMI 1.4, a 3.5mm audio jack, and even an SD card slot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj1 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div class=\"_18t3ez01\">\n<div class=\"duet--article--scorecard _18t3ez05 _18t3ez04\" data-product-filter id=\"product-card-dmcyOnByb2R1Y3Q6OTA4MzM0\">\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0k\"><a class=\"_18t3ez0g _18t3ez0c\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Facer-aspire-14-ai-14-laptop-intel-core-ultra-7-256v-8-core-arc-140v-gpu-16gb-ram-1tb-ssd-windows-11-a14-52m-72fh-gray%2FJJ8V8HX55G\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0008.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><a class=\"_18t3ez0j _18t3ez0d\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Facer-aspire-14-ai-14-laptop-intel-core-ultra-7-256v-8-core-arc-140v-gpu-16gb-ram-1tb-ssd-windows-11-a14-52m-72fh-gray%2FJJ8V8HX55G\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0008.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq0\">\n<p class=\"_16zyrvq1\">6<\/p>\n<p class=\"_16zyrvq2\">Verge Score<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez09\">\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0a _18t3ez0b\">\n<h3 class=\"_18t3ez0l\"><a class=\"_18t3ez0y\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Facer-aspire-14-ai-14-laptop-intel-core-ultra-7-256v-8-core-arc-140v-gpu-16gb-ram-1tb-ssd-windows-11-a14-52m-72fh-gray%2FJJ8V8HX55G\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Acer Aspire 14 AI (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V)<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0q\"><span class=\"_18t3ez0t\">$<!-- -->530<\/span><span class=\"_18t3ez0u\">$<!-- -->1050<\/span><span class=\"_18t3ez0v\">50<!-- -->% off<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0r\"><span class=\"_18t3ez0s\">$<!-- -->530<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq5 _1xwtict1\">\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq6\">\n<h4 class=\"_16zyrvq8\">The Good<\/h4>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _16zyrvq9\">\n<ul>\n<li>A great, well-rounded processor in a cheap laptop (if you get it on sale)<\/li>\n<li>Lots of ports, including Thunderbolt 4<\/li>\n<li>Very good battery life<\/li>\n<li>Can lightly game on ultra-low settings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq7\">\n<h4 class=\"_16zyrvq8\">The Bad<\/h4>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _16zyrvq9\">\n<ul>\n<li>Washed out screen with noticeable light bleed<\/li>\n<li>Bad speakers<\/li>\n<li>Poor build quality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_18t3ez0w\"><a class=\"_18t3ez0x\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbuy.7tiv.net\/c\/482924\/614286\/10014?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Facer-aspire-14-ai-14-laptop-intel-core-ultra-7-256v-8-core-arc-140v-gpu-16gb-ram-1tb-ssd-windows-11-a14-52m-72fh-gray%2FJJ8V8HX55G\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">$530 at Best Buy<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_16zyrvq3\"><a class=\"_16zyrvq4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/pages\/how-we-rate\">How we rate and review products<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">The Acer Aspire 14 AI is the smallest and fastest of the Windows laptops I tested, and it has the most going for it \u2014 no doubt because it\u2019s originally a $1,050 laptop. Thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 7 256V \u201cLunar Lake\u201d processor, it\u2019s faster than the other two Windows laptops. It\u2019s still slower than the Neo on single-core tasks, but its multicore performance is better. When plugged in it can even handle a little gaming. I was able to play <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/entertainment\/890333\/marathon-live-service-game-mess\"><em>Marathon<\/em><\/a> decently enough to be competitive. It was only workable on the lowest quality settings, but that\u2019s better than nothing. And it has very good battery life. It doesn\u2019t last as long as the Lenovo, but it lasts longer than the Neo \u2014 I saw almost 12 hours during light use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">The chip is most of what you\u2019re paying for with the Acer, along with the port selection. While all three of these Windows laptops have a greater quantity and variety of ports than the MacBook Neo, only the Aspire 14 has Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1. Most of the rest of the laptop is just okay. We\u2019re still in subpar speaker territory. The keyboard isn\u2019t as good as the Lenovo\u2019s, but it\u2019s got enough key travel to feel fine. The trackpad is also passable compared to the Asus and Lenovo, but it still sounds plasticky when you click. And the laptop\u2019s deck flexes as you push down on or around the trackpad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj1 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div style=\"position:relative\">\n<div>\n<section aria-label=\"carousel\" class=\"duet--article--gallery _1ymtmqpj _1etxtj10\">\n<div class=\"_1ymtmqpx _1etxtj11\" id=\":R3b2r6eqr96:\">\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0001.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The Acer Aspire 14 has aluminum panels on its chassis, but they feel cheap and creaky.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj15 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0001.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0002.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;Sometimes when I look at the Acer Aspire I see old laptops from the early 2000s.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0002.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0004.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The keyboard and trackpad aren\u2019t terrible but they\u2019re also not good.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0004.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0007.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The ports are the real stars for the Acer. It\u2019s got one USB-A and a 3.5mm audio jack on this side.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0007.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0006.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;And over here are two Thunderbolt 4 ports, along with HDMI 2.1 and a second USB-A. Huzzah!&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Acer_Aspire_14_AI_Intel_ADiBenedetto_0006.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"_1etxtj1h _1etxtj1f\"><title>Previous<\/title><\/button><button class=\"_1etxtj1h _1etxtj1g _1etxtj1f\"><title>Next<\/title><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj18\">\n<ul class=\"_1etxtj19\">\n<li style=\"width:20%\" class=\"_1etxtj1b _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:20%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:20%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:20%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:20%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj1d\" style=\"height:30px\"><strong class=\"_1etxtj1e\">1<!-- -->\/<!-- -->5<\/strong><span class=\"duet--media--caption inline _1etxtj1k qama0i0\"><figcaption class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1xwtict2 qama0ia\"><em>The Acer Aspire 14 has aluminum panels on its chassis, but they feel cheap and creaky.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">But the Acer\u2019s biggest weakness is its display. The 1920 x 1200 resolution on the 14-inch LCD panel is fine, but it looks washed-out, and there\u2019s noticeable light bleed along some of the edges. It\u2019s only visible when viewing dark backgrounds or scenes, but it\u2019s unsightly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj3 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div class=\"duet--article--table _10m8eym0\">\n<h2 class=\"_10m8eym4\">Head-to-head component report cards<\/h2>\n<table class=\"_10m8eym2\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Laptop<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Screen<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Webcam<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Keyboard<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Trackpad<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Port selection<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Speakers<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Number of ugly stickers to remove<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Apple MacBook Neo<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">B<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">B<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">C<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">A<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">B<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Acer Aspire 14 AI<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">C<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">C<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">C<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">A<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Asus Vivobook 16<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">F<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">C<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">C<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">B<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">C<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">F<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"_10m8eym9\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">The flaws shown by all three of these Windows laptops \u2014 lackluster screens, crummy-sounding speakers, and middling trackpads \u2014 are almost impossible to avoid on laptops in this price range. But the game has changed: The MacBook Neo exists. And it smokes all of them in quality-of-life territory. It\u2019s got a brighter, more colorful screen; a trackpad you can easily click anywhere; a sharp webcam that does your face some justice; and speakers that don\u2019t assault your ears. It even has a hinge you can open smoothly with one finger \u2014 the Windows laptops snap closed or slide around if you try to do the same.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj1 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div style=\"position:relative\">\n<div>\n<section aria-label=\"carousel\" class=\"duet--article--gallery _1ymtmqpj _1etxtj10\">\n<div class=\"_1ymtmqpx _1etxtj11\" id=\":R3d2r6eqr96:\">\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0008.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The MacBook Neo\u2019s screen is one of its biggest advantages against these Windows laptops. It\u2019s noticeably brighter and more color accurate, as well as more vivid.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj15 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0008.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0009.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;In photos the differences look a little more subtle than to the naked eye, but look closely at the color in this drone photo. And see below for closer side-by-side comparisons.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0009.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0017.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;For all of these images I set each screen to its brightest setting without any auto-brightness or dimming and gave them ample time to warm up.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0017.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"_1etxtj1h _1etxtj1f\"><title>Previous<\/title><\/button><button class=\"_1etxtj1h _1etxtj1g _1etxtj1f\"><title>Next<\/title><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj18\">\n<ul class=\"_1etxtj19\">\n<li style=\"width:33.333333333333336%\" class=\"_1etxtj1b _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:33.333333333333336%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:33.333333333333336%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj1d\" style=\"height:45px\"><strong class=\"_1etxtj1e\">1<!-- -->\/<!-- -->3<\/strong><span class=\"duet--media--caption inline _1etxtj1k qama0i0\"><figcaption class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1xwtict2 qama0ia\"><em>The MacBook Neo\u2019s screen is one of its biggest advantages against these Windows laptops. It\u2019s noticeably brighter and more color accurate, as well as more vivid.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">This trio of Windows laptops each has 16GB of RAM to the Neo\u2019s 8GB, but it barely makes a difference in actual use. They too can slow down a bit if you open tons of Chrome tabs on them just like the Neo. The Neo even beat the Lenovo and Asus in our Premiere 4K export test, even though it\u2019s short on RAM and completely fanless. Impressive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj3 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div class=\"duet--article--table _10m8eym0\">\n<h2 class=\"_10m8eym4\">Benchmark tests comparison<\/h2>\n<table class=\"_10m8eym2\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">System<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">CPU cores<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">GPU<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Geekbench 6 CPU Single<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Geekbench 6 CPU Multi<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Geekbench 6 GPU (OpenCL)<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Sustained SSD reads (MB\/s)<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Sustained SSD writes (MB\/s)<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Premiere 4K Export (lower is better)<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Street price as tested<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">MSRP<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">MacBook Neo \/ Apple A18 Pro \/ 8GB \/ 256GB<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">6<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">A18 Pro (5 GPU cores)<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">3402<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">8508<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">19798<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">1735.91<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">1684.05<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">8 minutes, 30 seconds<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$599<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$599<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Acer Aspire 14 AI \/ Intel Core Ultra 7 256V \/ 16GB \/ 1TB<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">8<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Intel Arc 140V(8 GPU cores)<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">2769<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">10930<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">28556<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">6391.51<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">5524.22<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">7 minutes, 28 seconds<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$529.99<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$1,049.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x \/ Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100 \/ 16GB \/ 256GB<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">8<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Adreno X1-26<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">2137<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">9728<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">9689<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">5738.86<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">2801.02<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">12 minutes, 59 seconds<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$549.99<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$749.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Asus Vivobook 16 \/ AMD Ryzen 7 7730U \/ 16GB \/ 1TB<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">8<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">AMD Radeon (8 GPU cores)<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">1925<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">6916<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">15594<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">3721.87<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">3254.11<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">15 minutes, 29 seconds<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$529.99<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$699.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"_10m8eym9\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">The MacBook Neo is the easy choice among these four laptops. It has its own struggles; you can totally bog it down with lots of Chrome tabs or by multitasking while running a heftier content creation app like Lightroom. But its single-core performance is better than any Windows laptop here, making it more than fast enough for most users. It\u2019s also colorful and fun, and its hardware is all-around great compared to other laptops in this price range (with the small exception that its keyboard is annoyingly not backlit). If I had to pick a Windows model among this selection, I\u2019d go with the Acer Aspire 14 AI. I\u2019d also connect a mouse and keyboard, plug it into a monitor and speakers, and try to use it that way as often as I could (but that takes it out of \u201cbudget\u201d territory if you don\u2019t own all those peripherals already). It\u2019s well rounded in terms of performance and ports, but not in hardware quality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">For some folks, it\u2019s also worth considering a nice Chromebook like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/reviews\/697878\/lenovo-chromebook-plus-14-laptop-google-chromeos-review\">Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14<\/a>. It\u2019s not as nice as the MacBook Neo, but it\u2019s close \u2014 it\u2019s got a lovely OLED screen, excellently tactile keyboard, good speakers, and fantastic battery life. ChromeOS is fine if you just need to live in a browser, or if you\u2019re comfortable enabling its Linux virtual machine to get access to more apps. But you don\u2019t get as fully featured of an operating system out of the box as you do with macOS or Windows. It\u2019s my favorite Chromebook, but these days I\u2019d still just take the Neo and <em>save<\/em> money in the process. (It\u2019s still wild to think of a Mac as the cheaper alternative to a Chromebook.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj1 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div style=\"position:relative\">\n<div>\n<section aria-label=\"carousel\" class=\"duet--article--gallery _1ymtmqpj _1etxtj10\">\n<div class=\"_1ymtmqpx _1etxtj11\" id=\":R3fir6eqr96:\">\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0016.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The Acer Aspire 14 (right) has obvious light bleeding when the screen displays black. It\u2019s really bad.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj15 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0016.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0014.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;Our site\u2019s blurple color is actually blurple on the Neo. On the Acer (right) it looks blue. Everything is quite washed out on this screen.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0014.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0015.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;I pulled up an old photo I took at a minor league baseball game to display some warm-tone landscape vibes on these screens. The Acer (right) has a noticeable color shift.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0015.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0013.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The Neo vs the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim (right) in our blurple test.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0013.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0012.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The Neo vs the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim (right) in the baseball photo comparison&lt;\/em&gt;.\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0012.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0010.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The Asus Vivobook (right) has the added detriment of looking a little softer than the others due to its large size at the same resolution.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0010.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj13\"><a class=\"_1etxtj12\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0011.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all\" data-pswp-height=\"1360\" data-pswp-width=\"2040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;em&gt;The Neo vs the Vivobook (right) in the baseball photo comparison. Like the others, it\u2019s dimmer and the colors are off.&lt;\/em&gt;\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1etxtj17 _1etxtj16 _1etxtj14 x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/268442_Apple_MacBook_Neo_competition_Lenovo_Acer_Asus_ADiBenedetto_0011.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=2400\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"_1etxtj1h _1etxtj1f\"><title>Previous<\/title><\/button><button class=\"_1etxtj1h _1etxtj1g _1etxtj1f\"><title>Next<\/title><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj18\">\n<ul class=\"_1etxtj19\">\n<li style=\"width:14.285714285714286%\" class=\"_1etxtj1b _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:14.285714285714286%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:14.285714285714286%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:14.285714285714286%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:14.285714285714286%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:14.285714285714286%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\">\n<li style=\"width:14.285714285714286%\" class=\"_1etxtj1c _1etxtj1a\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1etxtj1d\" style=\"height:45px\"><strong class=\"_1etxtj1e\">1<!-- -->\/<!-- -->7<\/strong><span class=\"duet--media--caption inline _1etxtj1k qama0i0\"><figcaption class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1xwtict2 qama0ia\"><em>The Acer Aspire 14 (right) has obvious light bleeding when the screen displays black. It\u2019s really bad.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\">There\u2019s just no competing with the Neo at this price, at least at this time. There\u2019s Microsoft\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/reviews\/671554\/microsoft-surface-laptop-13-inch-review\">Surface Laptop 13-inch<\/a>, which is very close in quality to the Neo\u2019s build, but it still can\u2019t touch that A18 Pro chip\u2019s single-core performance. It starts at $900, though you can often find it for less. Climb into the $1,200-plus range (to the world of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/907864\/asus-zenbook-a16-snapdragon-x2-elite-extreme-review\">Asus Zenbooks<\/a>, Lenovo Yoga Slims, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2024\/6\/25\/24185462\/microsoft-surface-laptop-7th-edition-review\">13.8-inch Surface Laptop<\/a>, etc.) and things get much nicer with better builds, OLED screens, and higher-end chips. But then you\u2019re also competing with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/894866\/apple-macbook-air-m5-15-2026-laptop-review\">MacBook Airs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _17nnmdya _1xwtict1\">I\u2019ve heard murmurs that some PC laptop makers are aiming to release proper Neo competitors this year, but it\u2019s going to be difficult for any PC company to compete on price and hardware quality. Apple manages it with the Neo thanks to its vertical integration, complete with its own operating system and in-house chip. PC makers have to figure out a way to stop cutting the wrong corners, like screens, trackpads, and speakers. And they need to do that without raising prices. That\u2019s going to be hard, especially now. But if they can\u2019t, the Neo will be the easy answer again and again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--block-placement _1o279nj3 _1o279nj0 duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<div class=\"duet--article--table _10m8eym0\">\n<h2 class=\"_10m8eym4\">Specs as tested, compared<\/h2>\n<table class=\"_10m8eym2\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Laptop<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">MacBook Neo<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Acer Aspire 14 AI<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Asus Vivobook 16<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"_10m8eym5\">\n<h3 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Display<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">13-inch (2408 x 1506) 60Hz IPS LED<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">14-inch (1920 x 1200) 60Hz IPS LED<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">16-inch (1920 x 1200) 60Hz IPS LED<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">15.3-inch (1920 x 1200) 60Hz IPS touchscreen LED<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Display brightness<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">500 nits<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">300 nits<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">300 nits<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">300 nits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Display color gamut (measured)<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">sRGB: 98%AdobeRGB: 72%DCI-P3: 73%<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">sRGB: 66%AdobeRGB: 49%DCI-P3: 49%<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">sRGB: 69%AdobeRGB: 52%DCI-P3: 51%<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">sRGB: 68%AdobeRGB: 53%DCI-P3: 53%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Processor<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Apple A18 Pro<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Intel Core Ultra 7 256V<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">AMD Ryzen 7 7730U<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">RAM<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">8GB<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">16GB<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">16GB<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">16GB<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Storage<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">256GB SSD<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">1TB<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">1TB<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">256GB<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Webcam<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">1080p FaceTime HD camera<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">1080p with IR<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">720p with privacy shutter<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">720p with privacy shutter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Biometrics<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">None (Touch ID fingerprint sensor optional on 512GB configuration)<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Windows Hello face unlock<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Fingerprint sensor built into trackpad<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Fingerprint sensor built into chassis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Connectivity<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Ports<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">1x USB 3 (Type C) up to 10Gbps with DisplayPort, 1x USB 2.0 (Type C) up to 480Mbps, 3.5mm combo audio jack<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">2x Thunderbolt 4 \/ USB4 (Type C), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type A), HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm combo audio jack<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">1x barrel-plug charging port, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type C), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type A), 1x USB 2 (Type A), HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm combo audio jack<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">1x barrel-plug charging port, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type C), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type A), HDMI 1.4, SD card slot, 3.5mm combo audio jack<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Keyboard backlight<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">No<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Yes<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Yes<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Weight<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">2.7 pounds \/ 1.23kg<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">3.09 pounds \/ 1.4kg<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">4.14 pounds \/ 1.88kg<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">3.42 pounds \/ 1.55kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Dimensions<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">11.71 x 8.12 x 0.5 inches \/ 297.5 x 206.4 x 12.7mm<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">12.6 x 8.9 x 0.67 inches \/ 320 x 226.1 x 17mm<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">14.12 x 9.82 x 0.78 inches \/ 358.7 x 249.5 x 19.9mm<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">13.52 x 9.51 x 0.7 inches \/ 343.4 x 241.6 x 17.8mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Battery<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">36.5Whr<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">65Whr<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">42Whr<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">65Whr<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">MSRP<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$599<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$1,049.99<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$699.99<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$749.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"_10m8eym6\">\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">Street price<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$599<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$529.99<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$529.99<\/td>\n<td class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _10m8eym7\">$549.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"_10m8eym9\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--article--article-body-component\">\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1ymtmqpi _17nnmdy1 _17nnmdy0 _1xwtict1\"><em>Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedetto \/ The Verge<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tly2fw0\"><span class=\"tly2fw2\"><strong>Follow topics and authors<\/strong> from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"tly2fw3\">\n<li id=\"follow-author-article_footer-dmcyOmF1dGhvclByb2ZpbGU6NDQ2\"><span aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"gnx4pm0 _4hoiss4 _1xwtict5 _1618ekm0\"><span class=\"_1ajq89k1 _1ajq89k0\"><\/span><span class=\"_1618ekm8\">Antonio G. Di Benedetto<\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<aside id=\"popover-dmcyOmF1dGhvclByb2ZpbGU6NDQ2-article_footer\" style=\"position:absolute;left:0;top:0\" class=\"_1wu3rm0 _6ytxv90\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"_1wu3rm1\"><button class=\"_1wu3rm3\"><title>Close<\/title><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"_1bw37384\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Antonio G. 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class=\"fv263x5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\">See All <!-- -->Tech<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--layout--header-pattern _1ymtmqp11 _8syhok0\">\n<div class=\"mq7s703\">\n<div class=\"duet--layout--page-header wh8b410 wh8b411\">\n<div class=\"wh8b41i wh8b41f\">\n<h2 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup wh8b41n wh8b41m _1xwtict2 _1p81jqc0\">More in: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/904705\/apple-macbook-neo-news-reviews-mods\">The Neo Effect: How Apple\u2019s cheapest Mac is changing the PC game<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sticky-nav-trigger\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mq7s704\">\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r52 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/902433\/apple-macbook-neo-custom-copper-heatsink-liquid-cooling-thermal-throttling\">A MacBook Neo heatsink mod dramatically improves its gaming performance.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwjd _2xqpwj0\"><span><span class=\"_1lldluw2 _1xwtict5\"><span><span>Andrew Liszewski<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp2 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5 _1ymtmqps\"><time datetime=\"2026-03-27T17:23:00+00:00\">Mar 27<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r52 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/gadgets\/899029\/im-testing-the-macbook-neos-competition-what-do-you-want-to-know\">I\u2019m testing the MacBook Neo\u2019s competition. What do you want to know?<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwjd _2xqpwj0\"><span><span class=\"_1lldluw2 _1xwtict5\"><span><span>Antonio G. Di Benedetto<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp2 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5 _1ymtmqps\"><time datetime=\"2026-03-23T19:14:27+00:00\">Mar 23<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r52 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/897295\/thermal-pad-mod-macbook-neo\">A simple mod with a sliver of thermal pad boosts the MacBook Neo\u2019s performance.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwjd _2xqpwj0\"><span><span class=\"_1lldluw2 _1xwtict5\"><span><span>Terrence O&#8217;Brien<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp2 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5 _1ymtmqps\"><time datetime=\"2026-03-19T13:51:16+00:00\">Mar 19<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--layout--rail _1xql9yl0 _1xql9yl1\">\n<div class=\"_1xql9yl2 _1xql9yl4 _1xql9yl8\">\n<div class=\"_10nsm931q _10nsm930 _10nsm932c\">\n<div class=\"_10nsm930 _10nsm931r\" data-concert=\"medium_rectangle_variable\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1xql9yl2 _1xql9yl5 _1xql9yl8\">\n<div class=\"duet--layout--header-pattern _1ymtmqpg _1xql9yl7\">\n<div class=\"mq7s703\">\n<div class=\"duet--layout--page-header wh8b410\">\n<div class=\"wh8b41i wh8b41f\">\n<h2 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup wh8b41n wh8b41m _1xwtict2\">Most Popular<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sticky-nav-trigger\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mq7s704\">\n<div class=\"_1joemdy0\">\n<div class=\"_1joemdyd _1vx82920\">Most Popular<\/div>\n<ol class=\"_1joemdy1\">\n<li class=\"_1joemdy4 _1joemdy3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/features\/907359\/cgms-optimizing-metabolism-dexcom-abbott-wearables-health-tech\">\n<div class=\"_1joemdya _1joemdy9\">Continuous glucose monitoring made me continuously crazy<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"_1joemdy7 _1joemdy6 _1ymtmqpz\"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"_1joemdy4 _1joemdy3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/ai-artificial-intelligence\/908513\/the-vibes-are-off-at-openai\">\n<div class=\"_1joemdya _1joemdy9\">The vibes are off at OpenAI<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"_1joemdy7 _1joemdy6 _1ymtmqpz\"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"_1joemdy4 _1joemdy3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/gadgets\/908788\/iphone-air-magsafe-wallet-battery-modular\">\n<div class=\"_1joemdya _1joemdy9\">I finally get the iPhone Air<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"_1joemdy7 _1joemdy6 _1ymtmqpz\"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"_1joemdy4 _1joemdy3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/908302\/amazon-ending-support-kindle-fire-tablet-e-reader-pre-2012-older\">\n<div class=\"_1joemdya _1joemdy9\">Amazon is ending support for older Kindles and Kindle Fires<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"_1joemdy7 _1joemdy6 _1ymtmqpz\"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"_1joemdy4 _1joemdy3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/gadgets\/907002\/best-usb-c-aa-li-ion-battery-zepath\">\n<div class=\"_1joemdya _1joemdy9\">The only USB-C AA battery I\u2019d buy for myself is the Zepath 3600<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1xql9yl2 _1xql9yl8\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"_10nsm9324 _10nsm930 _10nsm932c\">\n<div class=\"_10nsm930 _10nsm9325\" data-concert=\"medium_rectangle_gamestop_desktop\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_10nsm9320 _10nsm930 _10nsm932c\">\n<div class=\"_10nsm930 _10nsm9321\" data-concert=\"connatix_right_rail\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1xql9yl2 _1xql9yl6 _1xql9yl8\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"duet--cta--newsletter a18g6g9\">\n<div class=\"a18g6gd\">\n<h2 class=\"a18g6gh\">The Verge Daily<\/h2>\n<p class=\"a18g6gi\"><span class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup\">A free daily digest of the news that matters 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_1xql9yl8\">\n<div class=\"_10nsm931w _10nsm930 _10nsm932c\">\n<div class=\"_10nsm930 _10nsm931x\" data-concert=\"btf_medium_rectangle_variable\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"duet--layout--article-recirc-color-container n5bh2k0\">\n<div class=\"duet--layout--article-recirc n5bh2k1 _1ymtmqp3\">\n<div class=\"n5bh2k3\">\n<div class=\"n5bh2k4\">\n<div class=\"duet--layout--header-pattern mq7s702\">\n<div class=\"mq7s703\">\n<div class=\"duet--layout--page-header wh8b410\">\n<div class=\"wh8b41j wh8b41f\">\n<h2 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup wh8b41o wh8b41m _1xwtict2\">More in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\">Tech<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sticky-nav-trigger\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mq7s704\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1owd140\">\n<div class>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _184mfto0 _1lkmsmo3\">\n<div class=\"_184mfto5 _184mfton _184mfto8 _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Dyson made a handheld version of its iconic fans\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/dyson_hushjet3.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0.024177949709866%2C0%2C99.95164410058%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_184mfto4\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/907802\/dyson-hushjet-mini-cool-handheld-personal-fan-specs-availability\">Dyson made a handheld version of its iconic fans<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _184mfto0 _1lkmsmo3\">\n<div class=\"_184mfto5 _184mfton _184mfto8 _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"I finally get the iPhone Air\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/DSC01695.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C10.571114553029%2C78.703125%2C78.703080976913&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_184mfto4\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/gadgets\/908788\/iphone-air-magsafe-wallet-battery-modular\">I finally get the iPhone Air<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _184mfto0 _1lkmsmo3\">\n<div class=\"_184mfto5 _184mfton _184mfto8 _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The AI RAM shortage is also driving up SSD prices\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/STKS523_RAM_SHORTAGE_D.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_184mfto4\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/908916\/ssd-storage-shortages-price-increases\">The AI RAM shortage is also driving up SSD prices<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _184mfto0 _1lkmsmo3\">\n<div class=\"_184mfto5 _184mfton _184mfto8 _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Neo Effect: How Apple\u2019s cheapest Mac is changing the PC game\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/03\/268387_Apple_MacBook_Neo_AKrales_0543.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_184mfto4\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/904705\/apple-macbook-neo-news-reviews-mods\">The Neo Effect: How Apple\u2019s cheapest Mac is changing the PC game<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _184mfto0 _1lkmsmo3\">\n<div class=\"_184mfto5 _184mfton _184mfto8 _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Microsoft\u2019s executive shake-up continues as developer division chief resigns\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/25832915\/STK095_MICROSOFT_2_CVirginia_D.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_184mfto4\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/908793\/microsoft-devdiv-julia-liuson-resignation\">Microsoft\u2019s executive shake-up continues as developer division chief resigns<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _184mfto0 _1lkmsmo3\">\n<div class=\"_184mfto5 _184mfton _184mfto8 _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Meta is reentering the AI race with a new model called Muse Spark\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/257980_Meta_Ray-Ban_Display_AKrales_0312.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_184mfto4\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/908769\/meta-muse-spark-ai-model-launch-rollout\">Meta is reentering the AI race with a new model called Muse Spark<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_1owd142\">\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr1 _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nrj _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nr7 _1ufh7nr6 _1ufh7nrc _1ufh7nrh _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Dyson made a handheld version of its iconic fans\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrf x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/dyson_hushjet3.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=16.682785299807%2C0%2C66.634429400387%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Dyson made a handheld version of its iconic fans\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrg x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/dyson_hushjet3.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0.024177949709866%2C0%2C99.95164410058%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r53 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/907802\/dyson-hushjet-mini-cool-handheld-personal-fan-specs-availability\">Dyson made a handheld version of its iconic fans<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwjd _2xqpwj0\"><span><span class=\"_1lldluw2 _1xwtict5\"><span><span>Andrew Liszewski<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp2 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5 _1ymtmqps\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-09T00:01:00+00:00\">12:01 AM UTC<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr1 _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nr7 _1ufh7nr6 _1ufh7nrc _1ufh7nrh _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"I finally get the iPhone Air\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrf x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/DSC01695.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=8.4963756289322%2C3.6399006234473%2C61.710373742136%2C92.565508836076&amp;w=2400\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"I finally get the iPhone Air\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrg x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/DSC01695.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C10.571114553029%2C78.703125%2C78.703080976913&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r53 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/gadgets\/908788\/iphone-air-magsafe-wallet-battery-modular\">I finally get the iPhone Air<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwjd _2xqpwj0\"><span><span class=\"_1lldluw2 _1xwtict5\"><span><span>Allison Johnson<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp2 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5 _1ymtmqps\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-08T19:45:00+00:00\">Apr 8<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr1 _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nr7 _1ufh7nr6 _1ufh7nrc _1ufh7nrh _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The AI RAM shortage is also driving up SSD prices\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrf x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/STKS523_RAM_SHORTAGE_D.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The AI RAM shortage is also driving up SSD prices\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrg x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/STKS523_RAM_SHORTAGE_D.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r53 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/908916\/ssd-storage-shortages-price-increases\">The AI RAM shortage is also driving up SSD prices<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwjd _2xqpwj0\"><span><span class=\"_1lldluw2 _1xwtict5\"><span><span>Stevie Bonifield<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp2 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5 _1ymtmqps\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-08T19:32:49+00:00\">Apr 8<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr1 _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nr7 _1ufh7nr6 _1ufh7nrc _1ufh7nrh _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Neo Effect: How Apple\u2019s cheapest Mac is changing the PC game\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrf x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/03\/268387_Apple_MacBook_Neo_AKrales_0543.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=5.9486979166667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Neo Effect: How Apple\u2019s cheapest Mac is changing the PC game\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrg x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/03\/268387_Apple_MacBook_Neo_AKrales_0543.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r53 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/904705\/apple-macbook-neo-news-reviews-mods\">The Neo Effect: How Apple\u2019s cheapest Mac is changing the PC game<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwjd _2xqpwj0\"><span><span class=\"_1lldluw2 _1xwtict5\"><span><span>Antonio G. Di Benedetto<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp2 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5 _1ymtmqps\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-09T11:00:00+00:00\">An hour ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr1 _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nr7 _1ufh7nr6 _1ufh7nrc _1ufh7nrh _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Microsoft\u2019s executive shake-up continues as developer division chief resigns\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrf x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/25832915\/STK095_MICROSOFT_2_CVirginia_D.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Microsoft\u2019s executive shake-up continues as developer division chief resigns\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrg x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/chorus\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/25832915\/STK095_MICROSOFT_2_CVirginia_D.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r53 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/908793\/microsoft-devdiv-julia-liuson-resignation\">Microsoft\u2019s executive shake-up continues as developer division chief resigns<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwjd _2xqpwj0\"><span><span class=\"_1lldluw2 _1xwtict5\"><span><span>Tom Warren<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp2 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5 _1ymtmqps\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-08T16:56:43+00:00\">Apr 8<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr1 _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nrk _1ufh7nrl _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nr7 _1ufh7nr6 _1ufh7nrc _1ufh7nrh _10f040q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Meta is reentering the AI race with a new model called Muse Spark\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrf x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/257980_Meta_Ray-Ban_Display_AKrales_0312.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Meta is reentering the AI race with a new model called Muse Spark\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"_1ufh7nrg x271pn0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;)\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.theverge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/257980_Meta_Ray-Ban_Display_AKrales_0312.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&amp;w=2400\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r53 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/908769\/meta-muse-spark-ai-model-launch-rollout\">Meta is reentering the AI race with a new model called Muse Spark<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwjd _2xqpwj0\"><span><span class=\"_1lldluw2 _1xwtict5\"><span><span>Hayden Field<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp2 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5 _1ymtmqps\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-08T16:12:54+00:00\">Apr 8<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--ad--native-ad-linkset _8tvx5m4 _8tvx5m5 _8tvx5ma hidden\" data-native-ad-id=\"container\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"visually-hidden\">\n<div class=\"dynamic-native-ad-native_ad_linkset_link\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\"><\/p>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_8tvx5m7\"><span data-native-ad-id=\"preamble\" class=\"_8tvx5m8 _8tvx5m9\">Advertiser Content From<\/span><\/p>\n<div><img data-native-ad-id=\"logo\" src alt=\"Sponsor Logo\" class=\"_8tvx5mg\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"_8tvx5mj\" data-native-ad-id=\"title\">This is the title for the native ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"n5bh2k6\">\n<div class=\"duet--layout--header-pattern mq7s702\">\n<div class=\"mq7s703\">\n<div class=\"duet--layout--page-header wh8b410\">\n<div class=\"wh8b41j wh8b41f\">\n<h2 class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup wh8b41o wh8b41m _1xwtict2\">Top Stories<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sticky-nav-trigger\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mq7s704\">\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nrj _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwj4 _2xqpwj0\"><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp7 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:47:38+00:00\">Apr 8<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/ai-artificial-intelligence\/908513\/the-vibes-are-off-at-openai\">The vibes are off at OpenAI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwj4 _2xqpwj0\"><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp7 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:00:00+00:00\">Apr 8<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/features\/907359\/cgms-optimizing-metabolism-dexcom-abbott-wearables-health-tech\">Continuous glucose monitoring made me continuously crazy<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwj4 _2xqpwj0\"><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp7 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-08T19:45:00+00:00\">Apr 8<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/gadgets\/908788\/iphone-air-magsafe-wallet-battery-modular\">I finally get the iPhone Air<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwj4 _2xqpwj0\"><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp7 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-08T15:00:00+00:00\">Apr 8<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/entertainment\/905862\/the-miniature-wife-was-an-exercise-in-visual-trickery\">The Miniature Wife was an exercise in visual trickery<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwj4 _2xqpwj0\"><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp7 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:30:00+00:00\">Apr 8<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/gadgets\/907002\/best-usb-c-aa-li-ion-battery-zepath\">The only USB-C AA battery I\u2019d buy for myself is the Zepath 3600<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"duet--content-cards--content-card _1ufh7nr0 _1lkmsmo3 _1ufh7nr5\">\n<div class=\"_1ufh7nri\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class>\n<div class=\"_2xqpwj4 _2xqpwj0\"><span class=\"duet--article--timestamp tvl9dp7 tvl9dp0 _1xwtict5\"><time datetime=\"2026-04-09T11:00:00+00:00\">An hour ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"_1xwtict9 _1pm20r57 _1pm20r50\"><a class=\"_1lkmsmo0 _1lkmsmo4 _1lkmsmo5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/909087\/it-just-rolls-off-the-tongue\">It just rolls off the tongue.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tech Close Tech Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. 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