This year’s CES 2024 showcased a slew of exciting new PCs from major manufacturers, all emphasizing the latest advancements in “AI PC” technology. Despite the heavy promotion, practical applications for the new Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in the latest generation of chips remain somewhat limited. For now, enhanced video conferencing features like background blurring and noise-canceling audio stand out as the primary AI-driven tools that business clients are adopting.
However, both laptop manufacturers and chipmakers like AMD and Intel are confident that these AI capabilities will eventually make our devices more personalized and intuitive. Applications from companies like Microsoft suggest a future where our computing experience becomes more seamless and responsive. The next few years in the personal computer industry are shaping up to be more interesting than what we’ve seen in the past.
Here are some of the standout PCs from the exhibition. Most of these are high-end mainstream laptops, ideal for business users but not necessarily targeted at enterprise buyers. (I expect enterprise systems to see updates this spring, particularly with Intel rolling out vPro-supported versions of the Core Ultra series.) Gaming laptops, which all feature enhanced graphics capabilities, will be covered in a separate article.
Acer
One of the most striking machines at CES was Acer’s **Aspire 3D 15 Spatial Labs Edition**. This laptop features a glasses-free 3D display powered by Acer’s Spatial Labs software, offering an immersive experience without the need for special glasses. While 3D screens on laptops aren’t entirely new, the Aspire 3D 15 is noteworthy for its affordability, starting at around $1,400. This price point is made possible by its use of a low-end discrete graphics card (RTX 2050) and Intel’s 13th-gen (Raptor Lake) CPU.
Another impressive offering from Acer is the **Swift Go 14**, aimed at students and professionals looking for a lightweight, mainstream laptop. It features the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, an aluminum chassis, multiple ports, a 1440p QHD webcam (with a physical shutter), and a 2.8K OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate—all starting at approximately $800. The larger **Swift Go 16** offers a 3.2K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing excellent value for the price.
Dell
Dell has made significant updates to its flagship **XPS** series, unveiling new 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch models. These models follow the design language of Dell’s XPS 13+ with features like smaller bezels, a borderless haptic touchpad, and a capacitive touch function row replacing traditional keys. The design is sleek and modern, now available with OLED displays across the board.
The 13-inch XPS model starts at just 2.6 pounds and is equipped with processors up to the Intel Core Ultra 7 165, featuring a 13.4-inch OLED display with a maximum resolution of 2880 x 1800. The base model starts at $1,299, with the 14-inch and 16-inch models offering higher resolution displays and optional discrete graphics. The 14-inch XPS includes an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, while the 16-inch model can be configured with an RTX 4070. These models start at $1,699 and $1,899, respectively, and all feature a dedicated Copilot key for AI-driven tasks. However, the limited number of ports (three USB-C/Thunderbolt) might be a drawback for some users.
Dell also introduced the **UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor**, a 39.7-inch display with a resolution of 5120 x 2160 (WUHD). Designed for high-end professionals, it includes a 140-watt USB/Thunderbolt hub, wired Ethernet with Wake-on-LAN, pop-up USB-A and USB-C connectors, and a built-in KVM switch for connecting two machines. With a price tag of $2,499, this premium monitor offers top-tier features like a 120Hz refresh rate, ambient light sensor, and reduced blue light exposure.
HP
HP unveiled the new **Spectre x360 2-in-1** laptop in 14-inch and 16-inch models, both featuring the latest Intel processors, upgraded displays, and improved webcams. The 14-inch model now boasts a 2.8K OLED screen with a 120Hz variable refresh rate and IMAX certification. Powered by the Core Ultra 7 155 processor with an ARC graphics card, the Spectre x360 14 is priced starting at $1,499.99, while the 16-inch version, which offers an optional Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, starts at $1,599.99.
HP has also significantly upgraded the webcam, now featuring a 9-megapixel camera with low-light adjustment capabilities. These laptops are equipped with a dedicated AI chip enabling features like unattended lock, proximity wake, and privacy alerts. As a longtime user of the previous generation Spectre, I’m eager to see how these new models perform.
Lenovo
Lenovo introduced a refreshed lineup of commercial machines alongside Intel’s Core Ultra series launch, including the **ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12**, **X1 2-in-1 Gen 9**, and the consumer-oriented **IdeaPad Pro 5**.
The 2024 **X1 Carbon** has been redesigned with slimmer bezels, an optional 8-megapixel camera, and improved thermal management for better battery life. The new model also features tactile markings on the volume and input keys and a larger 120mm haptic touchpad. Weighing just 2.4 pounds, the X1 Carbon is a light yet powerful option, with a limited edition available starting at $2,989. A broader release, including enterprise versions with vPro support, is expected in March.
The **X1 2-in-1**, formerly known as Yoga, also received a makeover with an aluminum shell and a 2.8K OLED display. This model is more compact and now uses a larger magnetic pen instead of the traditional stylus. It’s set to launch in March with a starting price of $2,639.
Lenovo also updated the **Yoga Pro 9i**, a 16-inch laptop supporting Intel Core Ultra 9 processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPUs. With a 3.2K IPS display, rotating soundbar, and six speakers, the Yoga Pro 9i is positioned as a premium, high-performance laptop. The 14-inch Yoga 9i, a more portable version, comes with the Core Ultra 7 155H processor and offers 2.8K and 4K OLED screen options.
Conclusion
CES 2024 introduced a variety of innovative PCs, showcasing the industry’s shift towards AI integration and enhanced user experiences. From Acer’s affordable 3D laptop to Dell’s sleek XPS redesigns and Lenovo’s business-focused ThinkPads, the future of personal computing looks both exciting and promising.
