Laptops

Best Picks

Reviews

Asus ZenBook Flip S Evo

Asus ZenBook Flip S Evo

The Asus ZenBook Flip S Evo represents one of the first Intel Evo-certified convertibles featuring 11th Gen Tiger Lake processors and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. This 2-in-1 ultrabook delivers exceptional color accuracy through its 4K OLED touchscreen and maintains an impressively lightweight 1.2kg chassis. However, the premium display technology demands substantial power, resulting in below-average battery endurance that falls short of competing systems. Professional reviewers praised its sophisticated design language and solid everyday performance, while consumers consistently highlighted the vivid screen quality but noted concerns about thermal management and hinge stiffness. The system targets mobile professionals and content creators who prioritize visual fidelity and portability over marathon battery sessions.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7]

Review
Shrook Score
80
Generally Favorable
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 represents a meaningful evolution from its predecessor, addressing key performance shortcomings while maintaining the compact form factor that made the original popular. Built around Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor, this detachable 2-in-1 delivers sufficient performance for everyday ChromeOS tasks while maintaining excellent battery life. The included keyboard and kickstand eliminate the need for expensive add-ons, and the bright 2K display provides sharp visuals in a portable package. However, the compact size that enables portability also creates compromises in typing comfort and screen real estate for multitasking.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6]

Review
Shrook Score
80
Generally Favorable
ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605

ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605

The ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 positions itself as a sensible choice for users who prioritize screen space and productivity over premium features. Built around AMD Ryzen 5000 and 7000 series U-series processors with integrated graphics, this laptop delivers competent performance for general computing tasks while maintaining portability at 1.88 kg. The 16-inch FHD+ display with a 16:10 aspect ratio provides ample workspace for multitasking, though brightness limitations affect outdoor usability. Battery life emerges as a genuine strength, with users reporting over eight hours of light use. The keyboard offers comfortable typing with good key travel, while the large touchpad responds reliably to gestures. However, the laptop struggles with demanding workloads due to integrated graphics performance, and models equipped with 8GB RAM operate in single-channel mode until upgraded. The display's narrow color gamut produces washed-out colors, limiting its appeal for media consumption or creative work. Thermal management performs well, with the laptop remaining cool and quiet during typical use.[^1][^2]

Review
Shrook Score
74
Mixed or Average
Dell XPS 17 (9730)

Dell XPS 17 (9730)

The Dell XPS 17 (9730) represents the fourth iteration of Dell's flagship 17-inch productivity laptop, updating internal components while maintaining the proven design formula established in 2020. This 2023 refresh delivers Intel's 13th Generation Core i7-13700H processor alongside Nvidia's RTX 40-series graphics, providing substantial performance gains for professional workloads. The standout feature remains its stunning 17-inch UHD+ touchscreen with 3840x2400 resolution, achieving 100% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 color coverage. While the premium aluminum construction, exceptional build quality, and professional aesthetics continue to impress reviewers, critics note Dell has maintained the same external design for three consecutive years. The laptop serves demanding creative professionals and prosumers who require desktop-class performance in a portable form factor, though thermal management and component limitations prevent it from matching dedicated gaming systems.[^1][^2][^3][^4]

Review
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Dell Latitude 7450 2-in-1

Dell Latitude 7450 2-in-1

The Dell Latitude 7450 2-in-1 positions itself as a premium business convertible designed for professionals who demand flexibility and reliability. This aluminum-bodied device combines Intel's Core Ultra processors with comprehensive security features and convertible functionality, weighing just 1.5 kg while delivering approximately 11 hours of battery life. The machine excels at productivity tasks with its full port selection including Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, though it stumbles with a display limited to 60Hz refresh rate and modest 51% sRGB color coverage on base configurations. Dell has equipped this convertible with enterprise-grade features including vPro support, Dell Optimizer software, and multiple biometric authentication options, making it particularly attractive for IT departments managing large fleets.[^2][^3][^4][^1]

Review
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Dell Inspiron 15 7000

Dell Inspiron 15 7000

The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 represents a compelling midrange option for users seeking a capable desktop replacement without premium pricing. Available in standard laptop, gaming, and 2-in-1 configurations, the series delivers solid productivity performance through Intel Core i5 and i7 processors paired with dedicated graphics options ranging from NVIDIA GeForce MX250 to GTX 1650. The chassis exhibits sturdy construction with an all-metal build that competes with higher-end models. Battery endurance stands out as a consistent strength, with users reporting extended runtimes that support full workdays. However, thermal throttling under sustained loads and variable display quality across different panel options temper the otherwise positive reception.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6]

Review
Shrook Score
75
Generally Favorable
HP OmniBook Ultra 14

HP OmniBook Ultra 14

The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 represents the company's most premium consumer laptop offering, featuring AMD's latest Ryzen AI 9 processors that deliver exceptional CPU performance and battery life in a compact, well-built aluminum chassis. This Copilot+ PC supports Windows 11 and offers up to 32GB LPDDR5x RAM, 2TB storage, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. While the laptop excels in productivity tasks and can handle modern AAA gaming at respectable frame rates, it falls short in areas like keyboard quality, display characteristics, and port selection compared to similarly priced competitors. The device achieves approximately 8.5 hours of real-world battery life and features reliable instant-on capabilities that rival Arm-based laptops. Despite its \$1,350 starting price positioning it as a premium option, the OmniBook Ultra 14 ships with considerable bloatware and only offers a 60Hz IPS display when OLED options are becoming standard in this price range.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5]

Review
Shrook Score
80
Generally Favorable
Acer Swift Go 14

Acer Swift Go 14

The Acer Swift Go 14 represents a significant stride in the ultraportable category, delivering Intel Core Ultra processing power in an aluminum chassis that weighs under three pounds. This 14-inch laptop targets professionals, students, and content consumers who require reliable performance without bulk. Available with either a 60Hz FHD+ IPS touchscreen or a superior 90Hz 2.8k OLED panel, the Swift Go 14 provides display flexibility for different use cases. The laptop achieves excellent battery endurance of approximately 11 hours during typical productivity tasks. Its comprehensive port array includes dual Thunderbolt 4 connections, dual USB-A ports, HDMI output, and a microSD card reader. While the keyboard feels somewhat mushy during extended typing sessions and speakers lack bass depth, the Swift Go 14 compensates with strong productivity benchmarks, a quality 1080p webcam, and genuine value in the mid-range segment.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5]

Review
Shrook Score
86
Generally Favorable
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i

The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 represents the pinnacle of Lenovo's 16-inch gaming laptop lineup, delivering exceptional gaming and workstation performance through powerful Intel and NVIDIA hardware. Launched in 2025, this flagship model features a redesigned aluminum chassis, RTX 5080 graphics, and an outstanding OLED display that reviewers consistently praise as one of the best screens in any gaming laptop. The combination of high-end components and refined design makes it a strong contender for desktop replacement duty, though premium positioning means buyers must accept higher pricing and the thermal considerations inherent to powerful 16-inch gaming systems.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5]

Review
Shrook Score
82
Generally Favorable