Laptops

Lenovo Yoga S740 review: Great for work from home

Well, almost great because of some things

Published

April 7, 2020

Gab Orlina

Being stuck under quarantine meant that I had to work from the comfort of my own room. With the amount of tasks I had to accomplish within the 8.5 hours, I wanted a laptop that could help me accomplish these faster and more efficiently. Naturally, I had my work laptop with me but I decided to give another laptop a try during my work from home saga.

Luckily, before this quarantine started, I got my hands on the Lenovo Yoga S740 in a very beautiful package. The company pegs this as a creative mind’s laptop, doubling down on hardware pieces fit for photo and video work. When you’re not using it for Photoshop or Premiere Pro, it’s supposedly an excellent work laptop.

So, maybe it won’t be too bad to give this laptop a shot — even with my work laptop in full reach. Here’s what the Lenovo Yoga S740 brings to the table:

It has a 14-inch IPS glossy display that flips 180 degrees

It has an NVIDIA MX250 discrete GPU inside

It comes in a thin and light chassis, in the Iron Grey color

Masterful performance for its intended use

The Lenovo Yoga S740 comes with premium hardware fit for professional work laptops out there. The 10th generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 chip they put inside this device provides more than enough power for most of the tasks I did. From making tons of spreadsheets to doing some video editing, this device clearly holds its own against all of it.

It didn’t even take that long to boot up the laptop thanks to the 512GB M.2 SSD inside. Load times for most applications are what you’d expect from a new processor and 16GB of RAM inside. It’s almost like this laptop sets the standard for how work laptops should be based on the hardware.

With the NVIDIA MX250 inside, you can play games at a fairly decent frame rate. In my experience however, I don’t recommend it as part of your main activities with the device. Apart from playable frame rates of 30-40 FPS, the device warms up pretty fast and its thermals are not exactly built for that.

Solid battery life across the board

Lenovo claims the device can last up to 14 hours provided you just use it for most everyday tasks. On my end, I got about 10 to 11 hours all while using it strictly for work-related tasks like writing reports and processing data. When using the device along with social media, Netflix, and a little bit of gaming, it’s around 8 to 9 hours, which is pretty decent.

The device doesn’t take too long to charge either, as it took two and a half hours to fully charge it. If you decide to charge the device using the Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C port, it takes about three hours for a full charge. I found out that you can use any USB-C charger you have lying around, whether it’s for your phone or for your Nintendo Switch.

The way the thermals work confuses me

For me, it’s important to keep any portable device well ventilated. I’ve had experiences both with phones and laptops that just heat up real fast, then take a long while before cooling down. The Lenovo Yoga S740 proved to be no exception to this, but it also manages to do it a little worse than most laptops I’ve had — and I don’t know why.

For starters, the device has rubber feet that elevate it a little bit when placed on any surface. Ideally, this gives the laptop room to exhaust hot air through its ventilation grills underneath, which it was able to do on regular use. However, when you’re doing a lot of tasks at the same time (not necessarily gaming-heavy), the fans get loud and the hot air can’t get out properly. I say that mostly because I feel the warmth on the keyboard when this happens.

Another thing I observed was that even in sleep mode, this device pumps the fans up. Ideally, it shouldn’t pump out as much air as it should when you’re actively using it. However, when I decided to just put it to sleep by closing the lid shut, it still pumped out a lot of hot air. I thought closing the lid shut also means the device would be put in a low power state, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here.

Other features that deserve your attention

There were a bunch of other features that you should look at before even thinking of getting this device. First, the overall design is pretty great for any use case. The FHD IPS display folds up to 180 degrees, and honestly best used when you’re typing something while lying down. The speakers are found just beside the keyboard, and are pretty decent when you’re watching movies.

Second, the 720p IR camera is just, well bad. I didn’t run into any problems setting it up for Windows Hello’s facial recognition, which makes up for a lack of a fingerprint sensor. But the moment you start using the webcam on its own, it’s not promising at all. The images show obvious grain, not much attention to even sharpening the details a bit. If you ever need to do a conference call, this camera won’t help you.

And lastly, there are some ports that this device had to sacrifice but these were not good sacrifices. For most creative professionals, having an HDMI port also helps — apart from the Thunderbolt 3 port. Most external displays readily available still use an HDMI port, so there’s a missed opportunity there. Also, the lack of an SD card reader will have you sacrificing one of your two USB Type-A ports — especially for photographers.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

At PhP 74,995, the Lenovo Yoga S740 is one great on-the-go work device. The hardware inside is great for most work and creative tasks. Plus, it lasts pretty long provided you use it just for work or creativity purposes. You can game on it a little, but don’t expect mind-boggling frame rates unless you get the unit with the NVIDIA GTX 1650 inside.

There are some things that do deserve a second opinion before you get this device. The lack of substantial ports, a grainy 720p camera, and the hard pumping thermals leave a lot to be desired. But, if you feel that you can manage with these, then this device is great on its own.

Overall, I think that this is a great alternative to most work laptops I have. When I’m not using it for work, it’s also great for most past times I have. If I were a creative professional, I’d highly consider getting this, but maybe once the quarantine is over.

Laptops

The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition gets it right after ten generations

All ten generations lead up to this.

Published

October 3, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

To me, the original foldable is the Lenovo Yoga. Sure, a laptop technically folds, but a true foldable can shift between different form factors. That’s what the Yoga series can do. Now, ten generations later, the Yoga 7i Aura Edition is back, guns blazing and ready to take on the world again.

How many ways can you use the Yoga?

As always, the biggest draw of the Yoga 7i is its flexibility. This isn’t just any normal laptop. With its flexible hinge, you can fold it into a tent or into a tablet. All three modes are usable in their own way, of course.

Ten years ago, I never found a genuine way to use the other modes. I always asked myself, “Why would I ever use the other modes if the laptop mode is good enough?” Now, using all three modes just feels natural. It might be that I’m at an age that appreciates clearer division of tasks, but it could also be Lenovo’s better designs. And I’m leaning towards the latter.

Each mode feels like there’s a reason why it should exist. Instead of just a quirky design choice, both tent and tablet modes have worthy uses.

More power underneath

Despite how light the Yoga 7i is, it’s packing much more power underneath its chassis. It has an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, paired with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.

This looks like overkill. If you’re using this notebook purely for work, this is definitely too much. But for the package that it’s coming with, it feels like a bonus. Yes, it can handle all your daily work needs but also so much more.

Midway through testing, I was invited to showcase more of what the processor can do. At the time, my approach to the Yoga 7i was as an all-arounder, rather than as a premium or a gaming notebook. It felt pointless to force the notebook into a gaming-sized cubbyhole. Boy, was I wrong.

This thing can handle games. Obviously, it won’t be enough to play modern titles that need beefy graphics. The integrated graphics chip is impressive, though. Silksong was a no-brainer; the hardware worked even only on battery power. Overwatch 2 also worked, but I had to tone down some settings to get a smoother frame rate. Finally, if I forced it with lower settings, the notebook could even play a bit of Forza Horizon 5.

This performance was more than I expected from this lithe notebook. Going back to our quandary in the previous section, this is where the Yoga 7i’s tent mode shines: as an entertainment hub after a long day’s work.

OLED is finally here

Speaking of being an entertainment hub, the Yoga 7i just sparkles with its 14-inch WUXGA OLED screen. Once again, the notebook’s unassuming looks doesn’t betray the beasts lurking underneath.

Recently, I’ve gotten so enamored with displays that support True Black 500. The Yoga 7i is brilliant at showcasing deep blacks and vibrant colors. Playing the dark levels of Silksong, the contrast melds almost seamlessly with the black bezels. It’s easy to forget that you’re staring at a screen. Besides gaming, the notebook feels perfect for watching movies.

Similarly, the touchscreen was smooth and responsive. However, if you’re particular about smudges, fiddling around with the touchscreen display can leave fingerprints. The package does come with a stylus, though. The Lenovo Pen works well enough for using the device without fingers.

It’s a confusing layout

Anyone who’s used a laptop and a tablet before will know that the both of them have different layouts. The former, of course, has a keyboard and a power button right above it. Meanwhile, the latter has its power button on the side.

The Yoga 7i has a unique layout. Rather than the traditional placement for a notebook, Lenovo’s latest convertible laptop has its power button on the side, much like a tablet. This throws me off so much. Normally, when you carry a laptop while it’s in use, you grasp it by its sides. If that’s also where the power button is, there will be times when you’ll accidentally press the button by mistake. This was a big point of frustration because it felt like I had to relearn the simple act of picking up a laptop.

Additionally, it’s still unnatural for me to have a full keyboard behind a tablet. The Yoga 7i features novel ways to use a convertible notebook. But the price is coping with tiny irregularities foreign to how you normally use a notebook or a tablet.

A powerful enough battery

The Yoga 7i has a 70Whr battery. This seems pretty standard for a notebook. However, because it’s not a beefy machine, you can squeeze out more hours than with a normal laptop.

In my experience, it can handle a full 8-hour workday with ease. If I had to force it, the battery can last even longer. It wasn’t until the 12-hour mark before I felt too anxious to keep going on pure battery power.

It’s easy to charge, though. The notebook uses a USB-C port for power delivery. The charging brick is also conveniently small. If you’re familiar with it, it’s the same brick you’ll find with the Legion Go. It’s as small as a smartphone brick. Coupled with how light the notebook already is, it’s a breeze to carry the entire package for working outside.

Is the Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition your GadgetMatch?

Ten generations in, I’m still constantly impressed with the Yoga series. At first, I thought that it was a quirky addition to the laptop market. Now, because of all the improvements that can pack powerful hardware in a small package, I’m even more impressed.

The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition is a distillation of the past ten generations of the series. On its own, it is already a capable notebook for everyday tasks. Coupled with its flexibility, the 2-in-1 convertible is a head turner and a unique piece for your digital ecosystem.

Plus, it’s affordable! It costs only PhP 81,995.

With all of that said, the Yoga 7i Aura Edition gets a Super Swipe. Though my tastes lean more toward premium and gaming devices, the notebook impresses with great hardware and an affordable price.

Laptops

ASUS unveils latest ExpertBook B5, P5 laptops, more

Improved durability, security, performance, versatility, and AI processing

Published

October 2, 2025

GadgetMatch

ASUS has unveiled its latest ExpertBook B and P series laptops in the Philippines, which include powerful series headliners in the ExpertBook B5 and ExpertBook P5.

These latest laptops all come with improved durability, security, performance, versatility, and AI processing tailored for the current generation of professionals.

Headlining the new P series models is the ASUS ExpertBook P5, which the company dubs as a “serious productivity weapon” for professionals.

It is powered the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) for up to three times AI performance boost and up to 47 NPU TOPs.

In front is a 14-inch 2.5K 155Hz display for stunning clarity and ultra-smooth visuals. Inside is an all-day battery that can provide up to 28 hours of screen time.

All these features are housed in a sleek, aluminum chassis that is durable and lightweight at just 1.27 kilograms.

ASUS ExpertBook P series

Meanwhile, the ASUS ExpertBook PM3 is powered by up to AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO processors and up to 64GB of DDR5 dual-channel memory and up to 3TB of dual SSD storage.

Users can choose from either a 14-inch or 16-inch 2.5K 144Hz anti-glare display. The PM3 models come with ASUS ExpertCool thermal design, and can run up to 18 hours on a single charge.

Furthermore, the ASUS ExpertBook P3 features a 16:10 anti-glare display, ExpertCool for better airflow, and up to 13 hours of battery life.

It comes with an assortment of ports: two full-function USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type Cs, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type As, HDMI 2.1, TDMS, audio combo jack, RJ45 LAN, and Kensington Nano Security Slot.

This variant is powered by up to 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processors.

Lastly, the ASUS ExpertBook P1 offers users a great entry-level laptop for work and other tasks. It comes with an FHD display, up to an Intel Core i7 processor, and ample RAM and internal storage with room for expansion.

Pricing

ASUS ExpertBook P5 (P5405CSA): Starts at PhP 82,995
ASUS ExpertBook PM3 (PM3406/PM3606): Starts at PhP 78,495
ASUS ExpertBook P3 (P3405CVA/P3605CVA): Starts at PhP 61,495
ASUS ExpertBook P1 (P1403CVA/P1503CVA): Starts at PhP 42,995

ASUS ExpertBook B5

On the other hand, bannering the new ExpertBook B series releases is the ASUS ExpertBook B5. Pricing starts at PhP 82,995.

This notebook combines the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processors with Intel vPro and NVIDIA graphics for up to 99 total-platform TOPS.

That way, it is built to power even the most intensive multitasking sessions for business professionals, accelerating productivity.

In front is a 2.5K 144Hz display, while on the sides are two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports and HDMI 2.1, along with a card reader and nano SIM slot for 4G connectivity. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 7 for ultra-fast speeds.

In spite all of these, the ExpertBook B5’s lightest configuration weighs just about 1.29 kilograms, making it portable for those always on the go.

AI ExpertMeet: AI for work

The new ExpertBook B and P models also introduce the AI ExpertMeet software, which is ASUS’ suite of AI-powered tools to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Among its key highlights are AI Meeting Minutes which can capture and transcribe meetings, turning audio into clear text for easy review.

There’s also AI Translated Subtitles for instant subtitles for live calls and recordings on the fly, as well as translations.

For video conferencing, there’s AI Noise Cancellation, AI Camera, and Webcam Watermark. AI Audio, meanwhile, can block off noise when a user records sound.

Multi-presenter mode also acknowledges multiple unique voices from different locations and distances so they are all conveyed at a similar volume.

ASUS ExpertGuardian, Military-Grade Standard compliance

All new ASUS ExpertBook models, including the entry-level options, also come with commercial-grade and NIST SP 800-155-compliant BIOS.

Coupled with Windows 11 Secured-core PC technologies, the laptops create a fortified defense against software vulnerabilities.

On top of these, ASUS offers a comprehensive five-year support for BIOS and driver updates.

Lastly, all new ASUS laptops have Military-Grade Standard compliance (MIL-STD-810), with the company subjecting models to more than 20 tests.

This is to ensure the laptops’ enhanced durability and longevity, complementing what it can provide on the performance and processing power side of things.

Tests include:

50,000 open and close cycle tests for the hinge
Drop test as high as 1.2 meters
Rump pressure test
Water spill-resistance test for keyboard
Metal plate-reinforced I/O ports tested to endure up to 9 kilograms
Screen durability
Various temperature tests (freeze/thaw test, solar radiation test, humidity test)
Altitude test of up to 15,000 feet
5,000 USB Type-A connections
Twist test to simulate normal handling and carrying

Laptops also come with 3-year on-site service, plus Accidental Damage Protection and 1-year plus international coverage in over 80+ countries under ASUS’ Comprehensive Warranty.

IFA 2025

TECNO debuts the MEGAPAD Pro at IFA 2025

Alongside the all-new TECNO Slim

Published

September 5, 2025

Vincenz

Just like the Chinese brand’s “Stop At Nothing” ethos, TECNO is unstoppable in releasing new devices in this year’s ShowStoppers at IFA 2025.

The Essential AI Tablet

TECNO’s latest product is the MEGAPAD Pro. This all-new tablet boasts a 12-inch 2K eye-care 90Hz display with up to 450 nits of brightness. It has achieved an 86% StB (Screen-to-Body) Ratio. Moreover, it has low blue light certification for better eye protection for prolonged use.

That display is backed by four Dolby-tuned speakers, as well as a large 10,000mAh battery rated that’s rated to last up to 8 hours of continuous usage.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

But it isn’t just your regular, old-fashioned tablet. TECNO has equipped it with all the latest and greatest AI tools such as content summaries, interactive reading, smart text recognition, and more.

There’s also the AI Drawing Board that transforms sketches turn into smart images. Additionally, Smart Scanner is capable of scanning documents and AR measurements.

For meetings, real-time translation in over 50 languages can be helpful as well as AI Noise Cancellation filters in filtering out that unwanted noise.

One can even instantly Ella, TECNO’s built-in Voice Assistant, via its dedicated AI key. This not only enables smarter interactions, it also boosts productivity and efficiency in learning.

And with the slim yet powerful hardware within, it’s a device that can also be used for play time and full-on entertainment. These all make the TECNO MEGAPAD Pro the suitable tablet for most students, professionals, as well as families.

Continuous AIoT Expansion

Alongside TECNO’s new products on the horizon, the Chinese uprising brand also showcases the power of its latest AIoT ecosystem.

Debuting alongside the new MEGAPAD Pro is the TECNO OneLeap. It’s one of TECNO’s freshest features where it can connect several TECNO Smartphones and PCs in one.

And with TECNO’s smart AI Ecosystem, it will seamlessly connect device without frills — not leaving out the latest TRUE 2 AI TWS earbuds, Watch GT AI Smart Watch, and more smart accessories in the lineup.

Even at the IFA 2025 show floor, TECNO has demonstrated the intelligent workflow between the MEGAPAD Pro alongside the all-new TECNO Slim as well as the MEGABOOK S14.

Altogether, they have achieved fast file sharing, make the tablet as a secondary monitor, and even control all devices at once. Furthermore, tablet and phone mirroring also worked well alongside Clipboard Sharing that shares all recently-copied texts / files from one TECNO device to another in real-time basis.

One can even stream videos or manage files with a breeze using gestures and/or keyboard controls.

With all these in mind, it will together create a smart, harmonious, and more streamlined access across all TECNO’s existing devices.