Laptops
Apple’s MacBook refresh comes with faster CPU, rose-gold finish
Apple just announced a refresh for its 12-inch MacBook weeks before its developer conference in June, where it is expected to show off the latest operating system updates for all its devices. As expected, the second-generation model doesn’t bring any design overhauls, though it addresses two major issues many users raised with the original ultra-thin laptop: computing power and battery life.
To that end, the new MacBook steps up to an Intel Skylake processor that delivers improved graphics performance, in addition to featuring faster flash storage. According to Apple, the changes under the hood should translate to a 20 percent overall improvement in computing and battery consumption (10 hours of Web browsing compared to nine hours on the previous iteration).
Of course, there are holdovers from last year’s Macbook, including an 8GB RAM module and a single USB Type-C port that takes care of everything from charging to data transfers to external display support. Which can be a bummer because it forces you to buy accessories you otherwise wouldn’t get for other MacBook models or Windows-based machines.
Perhaps more importantly, the latest MacBook comes in Apple’s now-signature rose-gold finish (a.k.a. pink) besides gold, silver, and space gray. That alone could drive throngs of women to Apple’s retail locations. Not to mention it could spawn countless rose-gold notebooks running Windows 10.
Pricing for the MacBook remains the same as last year, with the 2016 model starting at $1,299 (P60,000) and going all the way to $1,599 (P74,000) for the version with a slightly faster processor. Apple will begin selling it in select markets this week.
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Laptops
Alienware celebrates 30th anniversary with new Area-51 laptops
The series features Alienware 30, an all-new design language.
Despite the rise of more gaming brands, Alienware is still one of the most recognizable names for gamers who want dedicated hardware. This year, the brand is celebrating its 30th anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, Alienware has launched the new Area-51 and Aurora notebooks.
Alienware Area-51
Alienware’s Area-51 lineup is the brand’s flagship line of notebooks, packing in the best of the best from the industry. This time is no different.
First of all, the new series will rock Alienware 30, a new design philosophy made especially for the 30th anniversary. On the outside, the laptops have fluid contours, emphasizing curves opposed to the industry’s more angular contemporaries. It also has a Zero Hinge, which hides the laptop’s hinge from view. Finally, it has pillowed palm rests to make usage easy for long gaming sessions.
The 16-inch model can rock up to a WQXGA Anti-Glare OLED screen, featuring 240Hz refresh rate and 620 peak HDR nits. It will also have an LCD option. Alternatively, the 18-inch model has a WQXGA screen, featuring 300Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness.
Inside, the Alienware Area-51 boasts up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 24GB GPU. For memory, gamers can enjoy up to 64GB Dual-Channel DDR5. Finally, for storage, the series can rock up to 2TB SSD natively but can support up to 3 slots, allowing for up to 12TB of internal storage.
The series will have a sizable 96Whr battery. This is complemented by a 280W adapter and the brand’s largest fans by volume to keep things cool.
Alienware 16X Aurora
For those who portability over raw power, the new Alienware 16X Aurora fits inside any day-to-day kit. For example, it ditches the thermal shelf typical of most gaming notebooks today to increase portability. It has rounded edges to make it easier to grasp and to create a slightly pillowed palm rest, similar to its flagship counterpart.
The 16-inch WQXGA OLED panel touts 240Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time, and 620 nits HDR peak brightness.
Inside, the notebook has up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU. These specs are paired with up to 64GB Dual-Channel DDR5 memory and up to 2TB SSD.
Finally, the Alienware 16X Aurora will have a 90Whr battery. This is supported by up to a 280W charger (for the RTX 5070 variant).
Price, availability
Both series are available starting today, March 17.
Apple disrupts the industry with their latest MacBook — an affordable to say the very least.
If you’re a student, a first-time Mac owner, someone who’s been priced out of this ecosystem their whole life, someone who just needs a laptop for basic tasks but one that looks great, without slowing them down, this is it!
Or maybe you’re torn choosing between the MacBook Neo and the more powerful M5 MacBook Air?
Well, that’s what we’re here for. Here’s our review with the all-new MacBook Neo.
Laptops
Hands-on: NEW iPhone 17e, iPad Air, MacBooks, Studio Displays
What Apple has announced other than the MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo was the star of yesterday’s Apple event, and it has every right to be but it’s been a big week for Apple.
So as promised, we also went hands-on with every other device announced this week: iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, M5 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and the new Studio Displays.
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