CES 2024 Laptops: Our Top Picks

Consumer Electronics Show (CES) took place Jan 9-12, and many new laptop concepts and models were unveiled this year at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Here are the top three picks we are excited about:

1 – Asus Zenbook Duo

2 – Alienware m16 R2

3 – Dell XPS 14

So, if you are interested in why we picked these models and want to learn more about their specs, please keep on reading.

Our Top 3 CES 2024 Laptop Picks

Asus Zenbook Duo

OK, full disclosure: We picked this laptop purely for its novelty dual-screen feature and a detachable magnetic keyboard. Asus did come up with dual-screen laptops before (think ZenBook Pro Duo UX581), but the 2024 model has an entirely different approach.

When folded, the new CES 2024 Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406 laptop looks almost like a regular Zenbook Duo model: an aluminum top lid, a widescreen display, and a regular keyboard and trackpad once you open it. However, the keyboard is magnetic and fully removable, allowing for five (!) different modes:

• Laptop mode. Classic 14-inch notebook

• Dual-screen mode. Unfold the dual screen with the keyboard attached. The dual-screen method eliminates the need to jump between tabs or different browser windows, allowing users to focus better on a task.

• Dual-screen mode with (virtual) keyboard. Here, the bottom screen can be used as a full-size keyboard. Perfect for casual use and entertainment.

• Desktop mode. It allows you to stack screens, splitting your work however you want it displayed.

• Sharing mode. Enables users to share files and content during online meetings with ease. Once the user lays the Zenbook Duo flat, other participants can view its display without extra steps, enabling an uninterrupted workflow.

Hardware

The CES 2024 Asus UX8406 laptop can be configured with an Intel Core Ultra 7 or Ultra 9 processor, Intel Arc graphics, and a 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD. The buyer can also choose between 16GB and 32GB of onboard RAM.

The new Asus Zenbook Duo offers OLED display technology with up to 3K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate on its NanoEdge touchscreens.

As for I/O ports, the model has one (1) USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A.

Two (2) Thunderbolt 4 ports, one (1) HDMI 2.1 port, and a headphone/mic jack, which isn’t bad for a laptop this compact.

Who is the New CES 2024 Asus ZenBook Duo Laptop for?

Although expensive (starting at $1499.99), the model will serve best for students, programmers, developers, and media professionals.

While it is still early to speak to the model’s pros and cons and the practicality of the dual-screen feature, early reports point to complaints about limited storage flexibility and subpar CPU performance. Many dev professionals, however, find the flexible dual-screen feature very handy and a major selling point.

Alienware m16 R2

We think a 16-inch screen might just be the perfect size for a gaming laptop. Yes, we love the Alienware m16, and the R2 version focuses on enhancing its already awesome features.

The CES 2024 m16 R2 laptop surprised gaming enthusiasts with an updated design, even better performance, and a cool Stealth mode. Unfortunately, Dell did not fix the subpar battery performance, but short battery life is very much a given with gaming notebooks.

But let’s talk more about the redesign. The Alienware m16 R2 sports a Dark Metallic Moon-colored aluminum slim-profile chassis. The thermal cover the previous version had was removed, reducing the laptop’s size by 15%.

The model also has an updated FHD camera, QHD+ screen, and new Intel Core Ultra family processors. RAM- and storage-wise, buyers can confirm their computers with 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of memory and up to 8TB of M.2 storage at the time of purchase.

The display is a 16-inch 2560×1600 panel, 240Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB, ComfortView Plus, NVIDIA G-SYNC + Advanced Optimus. Gamers can count on crisp visuals, a low 3ms response time, and no detectable lag. Needless to say, the model will run AAA titles smoothly.

Aside from the chassis redesign, one of the most exciting additions is the Stealth mode. The feature lets users activate Quiet Mode by pressing the Fn + F2 keys. It turns off the RGB lights and reduces power usage.

The Alienware m16 R2 CES 2024 gaming laptop is currently available on Dell’s site, with prices starting at $ 1,699.99.

Dell XPS 14 Laptop

Another CES 2024 Dell model to be excited about. Users know and love the XPS line, but this is the first time the manufacturer has introduced a 14-inch version. The XPS 14 could easily be a slightly cheaper Windows-based replacement for the MacBook Pro 14.

As expected, at 3.8 pounds, the laptop is light, sleek, and portable. And now it has an even better 3.2K OLED screen, an FHD webcam, and more I/O ports.

Hardware-wise, the model is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU (no other versions), offers Intel Arc and GeForce RTX 4050 graphics options, up to 64GB of RAM, and 4TB of M.2 NVMe storage. Users can pick between FHD+ non-touch and 3200×2000 OLED touchscreen versions, Platinum or Graphite colors.

However, the lack of Fn keys and a physical trackpad can be problematic for some users. The battery isn’t great either, but you can get a solid 3-4 hours of moderate use on a single charge. As expected, the new Dell XPS 14 comes with a price tag. Finally, the base model runs $1699 + tax, while maxing out on the upgrades will put you well over the $3000 threshold.

In Conclusion

At this year’s CES, tech companies surprised us with numerous new gadgets and software developments. Aside from the three featured, there are many more shoutout-worthy computers, and we will feature plenty of them in our future posts. Most of the technology introduced in January is already available for purchase. So, if you’re planning on an upgrade this year, consider Gadget Salvation as your marketplace to sell a used laptop and give it a new life!