The Laptop I've ALWAYS Wanted!

The Laptop I've ALWAYS Wanted!

Introduction

This year marks a significant turning point for Windows laptops, finally shedding off their notorious reputation. With Intel and Qualcomm making strides in producing good devices, the anticipation for AMD's new tech heightened. Now, AMD has raised the bar with their all-new chip, incorporated into a new laptop release from Asus — the Zenbook S16.

AMD Ryzen AI9 HX 370: A Terrible Name with Stellar Performance

Naming conventions aside, the AMD Ryzen AI9 HX 370 stands out as a performance beast. The series features the high-end HX 370 and a base model HX 365. Both chips boast excellent performance and energy efficiency. Particularly impressive is the HX 370, enabling thin laptops like the Zenbook S16 to perform outstandingly.

Design and Build Quality

The Zenbook S16 is an ultrathin device, measuring between 12 to 13 mm thick. Despite the slim profile, it offers commendable performance thanks to the new AMD chip.

In terms of connectivity, Asus has done an excellent job:

• Two USB-C ports
• HDMI port
• USB-A port
• Full-size SD card slot

The top features a 'Cerametal' aluminum finish—a ceramic polymer bonded to aluminum that boasts durability and a unique look. It feels like polished concrete and is available in dark gray and cream colors. Another design highlight is the series of tiny holes for the grill, which are aesthetically pleasing and offer slight spill resistance.

Excellent Screen

Both models of the Zenbook S16 sport a 16-inch OLED panel, which delivers excellent image quality, color accuracy, and fast response times. The screens also support 120Hz refresh rates and are touch-enabled, with pencil support available in some configurations.

Impressive Performance and Energy Efficiency

With default power settings at 17 watts and performance mode at 28 watts, the new AMD chips manage to deliver applauding performance. Even at these reduced power settings, both chips showcase remarkable energy efficiency and low heat output, eliminating fan noise concerns.

Thermal Performance

The Zenbook S16 features a super-thin vapor chamber, graphite sheets, and dual fans, all contributing to excellent thermal performance. Even under gaming conditions, the thermal design holds up impressively. The keyboard, though, tends to get warm during intensive tasks.

GPU Variants

The Zenbook S16 includes different GPU options:

• Radeon 880m for the base HX 365 model
• Radeon 890m for the high-end HX 370 model

While these aren't top-tier for gaming, they are substantial for light to moderately demanding titles.

Video Editing and Keyboard

In terms of video editing, the HX 370 performs remarkably well, especially for such a portable system. However, the keyboard does warm up, although it remains functional.

The keyboard itself, while well-lit and responsive, would benefit from slightly more key travel. The trackpad is accurate, featuring extra controls for brightness and volume, although these controls seem underbaked.

High-Quality Speakers and Battery Life

Asus has set a high standard for laptop speakers, and the Zenbook S16 is no exception. Battery life is another strong suit, thanks to the energy-efficient AMD chips, providing long endurance for everyday tasks.

AI Capabilities

Despite boasting AI (NPU) capabilities, there hasn't been a killer app from Microsoft yet to fully leverage this potential. It's worth noting that this device isn't classified as a "Co-pilot Plus" laptop.

Pricing and Final Thoughts

With a starting price of $ 1,399, the Zenbook S16 positions itself as a premium product. The HX 370 model is slightly more expensive. This pricing reflects the unique combination of features and the premium finish.

Overall, the Zenbook S16 succeeds in delivering more than anticipated. For those seeking ultra-thin, high-performance laptops, this is a compelling option, but budget-conscious buyers might consider waiting for more affordable alternatives.

Keywords

• AMD Ryzen AI9 HX 370
• Zenbook S16
• Ultra-thin laptop
• OLED panel
• Energy efficient
• Vapor chamber
• Radeon 880m, 890m
• Battery life
• AI capabilities

FAQ

Q: What is the AMD Ryzen AI9 HX 370? A: It's a high-performance chip from AMD that powers the Zenbook S16, offering excellent performance and energy efficiency.

Q: How thin is the Zenbook S16? A: The Zenbook S16 is an ultrathin laptop, measuring between 12 to 13 mm thick.

Q: What display does the Zenbook S16 feature? A: It features a 16-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and touch capability.

Q: Does the Zenbook S16 have good thermal performance? A: Yes, it features a super-thin vapor chamber, graphite sheets, and dual fans, providing excellent thermal performance.

Q: What GPU options are available for the Zenbook S16? A: The base HX 365 model features the Radeon 880m, while the higher-end HX 370 model has the Radeon 890m.

Q: How does the Zenbook S16 perform in video editing? A: It performs surprisingly well, especially the HX 370 model, which has a higher core count.

Q: What is the priced range of the Zenbook S16? A: The starting price is $ 1,399, with the higher-end HX 370 model being slightly more expensive.

Q: What is unique about the design of the Zenbook S16? A: It features a Cerametal aluminum finish, tiny grill holes, and is available in dark gray and cream colors.