Allen Ngo

The 14-inch ThinkPad X1 is back this year powered by Panther Lake and a refreshed look. The list of minor changes add up to a noticeably better user experience especially depending on the configuration.

Most 2026 ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 SKUs have slower graphics performance than the 2025 ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 because of how the Panther Lake lineup works.

The 65 W USB-C AC adapter that ships with the latest OmniBook Ultra 14 is one of the most compact and easy-to-carry charger we've used.

The on-board magnetic garage is more reliable than having the pen hang along the edges of the chassis, but the overall smaller diameter is an unfortunate trade-off.

At a time when anything new can often cost more than two grand, the upcoming Wildcat CPU instead targets budget-oriented laptops designed for students or home multimedia playback. Performance results are nothing too exciting for better or worse.

The budget-oriented Wildcat Core 7 350 doesn't move the needle very much against the likes of the headline-grabbing MacBook Neo.

Dell and Apple are upping user expectations for what a sub $1000 laptop can be. Meanwhile, the dull and dark plastic design of the IdeaPad isn't necessarily getting buyers excited.

Dell and Apple are upping user expectations for what a sub $1000 laptop can be. Meanwhile, the dull and dark plastic design of the IdeaPad isn't necessarily getting buyers excited.

The Crosshair A16 HX is laser-focused on optimizing CPU and GPU performance alongside a high quality IPS display while trimming away luxuries like RGB lights, long battery life, good speakers, G-Sync, and Advanced Optimus. Gamers on tighter budgets may find the Crosshair worthwhile.

The 240 W adapter leaves almost no overhead for charging when running demanding loads simultaneously such as games.