As there isn’t much computer news to report on during the holiday season, I’m reflecting on the last year’s laptop advancements in my latest column and highlighting the best ones we’ve experienced.
Even though these great features might be present in some of the best laptops of the year, they may still not make the list due to their high price or because they’re not publicly available yet.
These laptops offer a thrilling glimpse of the future, and more improved versions are likely to emerge in the years to come.
Despite the numerous flaws, it’s commendable that laptop producers are willing to take a risk and add some creativity in an industry that usually sticks to what is safe.
Now without further delay, we would like to share the laptop innovations that really sparked our interest this year and that we are looking forward to seeing more of in the coming year.
Foldable screen – Asus Zenbook 17 Fold OLED
When I tested the Asus Zenbook 17 Fold OLED laptop in August, I fell in love with its foldable screen. It altered my laptop experience as I can now tilt the big 17-inch display like a tablet while working and then fold it away when it’s time to go home.
I was impressed with how seamlessly Windows switched between horizontal and vertical orientation when I placed the keyboard on top of the screen or rotated the device.
When it was time for me to send back the Asus Fold OLED after the review period, I was really sad about losing it.
However, this device is not without problems; its hefty price of more than £3000 and its comparatively lower performance and battery life are some reasons why.
Therefore, it’s hard to recommend the Asus Zenbook 17 Fold OLED in its present state. Regardless, opening up the possibility of using foldable designs is still thrilling.
Although this technology isn’t ready yet, there’s no denying that foldable laptops are going to have an immense effect on the industry in the coming years.
2022’s Most Innovative Laptop Feature: Ctrl+Alt+Delete
Touch Bar – Dell XPS 13 Plus
I thought Apple’s Touch Bar design on the previous MacBook Pro would cause other laptop manufacturers to stay away from this concept for a while, but I was definitely wrong; Dell has implemented its own version of the Touch Bar on its latest device.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus includes a Touch Bar which can be switched to different shortcut icons whenever the function key is pressed.
Although it’s not endowed with the same features as Apple’s Touch Bar, this turn-out proved to be a good balance between innovation and tradition.
Looking ahead to 2023, it would be great if Dell took this concept further and allowed users to select their own custom shortcuts.
In any case, this was an excellent beginning as Dell took a chance to alter the conventional method by advancing the keyboard into the modern age.
3D screen – Acer Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition
When Avatar was released 13 years ago, 3D technology was at its highest peak. But slowly over time, interest faded away and it became close to impossible to buy a 3D TV.
Despite this, I was stunned when Acer launched the SpatialLabs laptop in 2022, allowing gamers to play in 3D without any sort of glasses.
3D technology makes gaming even more amazing, from God of War to Shadow of the Tomb Raider; it provides an extra layer of depth and detail to your surroundings. There’s no doubt that it improves your experience.
Despite this, though, there are still a few downsides; currently, only around 50 games work with the technology and there are some technical issues.
Also, it’s necessary to keep your head still so that the 3D effect will work correctly.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition suggests that 3D gaming could be popular in 2023 and beyond. It’s a pleasant surprise to see something innovative for laptop screens other than OLED and high refresh rates.
AI features – Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G
Conversations about laptop processors usually only focus on how fast they can make the laptop. Microsoft, however, wanted to break the mold with their Surface Pro 9 5G which has a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that is great for AI processing.
I had a chance to try it out during a Microsoft event.
The representative demonstrated several useful functions – one of them being to make it appear like you’re looking directly into the webcam while on a video call.
The Surface Pro 9 is able to track your head and keep your face in the frame, even if you are moving around the room. Additionally, Microsoft’s laptop has features that help block out background noise; making it easier for people on a video call to hear you rather than any distractions.
Anyone who is familiar with the newest developments in smartphone technology may not be overly impressed as Google has been working on cutting-edge AI features for a long time.
It’s good to see the laptop market progressing and beginning to realize that there’s more to a processor than high performance, especially as AI shows great potential.
Have you tried any of these laptops? Tell us in the comments section below.
