They shipped faster processors, large battery enhancements, and thinner designs, but the core PC experience remained largely unchanged.

Q2 2026 feels different. Despite ongoing supply challenges, higher costs of components, and heated competition for AI hardware resources since Q1, the industry has begun a more visible transition.

From dedicated AI processors to ARM-based systems built around efficiency-first designs, laptop makers are no longer focused on performance alone.

The result is a new wave of machines that are not just faster, but built for a different computing era.

These are the key laptop trends shaping the second quarter of 2026.

1. Thinner, More Powerful Chassis

One of the most noticeable shifts in recent laptop launches between April and June is how much thinner devices have become without obvious trade-offs in performance.

This was especially visible around COMPUTEX 2026, where several manufacturers showcased slimmer systems that still delivered strong sustained workloads.

Historically, thin laptops came with compromises. Users mostly accepted reduced sustained performance in exchange for portability. That trade-off is no longer as pronounced.

Manufacturers have reduced motherboard footprints using high-density component layouts and improved power delivery systems. At the same time, more advanced vapour chamber cooling solutions are helping thin devices maintain stable performance under load.

The result is a new generation of laptops that are significantly slimmer, yet still capable of handling demanding tasks such as content creation, software development, and increasingly, on-device AI processing.

2. Democratisation of Premium Design and Materials

Another interesting shift is the spread of premium build quality across mid-range devices.

The gap between premium and mid-tier laptops is narrowing. Materials such as aluminium, magnesium alloys, and reinforced chassis designs, once reserved for high-end models, are now appearing in more affordable categories.

At the same time, reinforced polymers used in budget systems are becoming more refined in both feel and durability.

Manufacturers are responding to a market where buyers care as much about build quality and long-term durability as they do about specifications. As a result, even mid-range laptops released in Q2 increasingly resemble premium devices from just a few years ago.

For buyers, this shift translates into better durability and longer usable lifespans across more price points.

3. The Rise of Three-Chip Architecture

For years, laptop performance was defined by a two-chip model: CPU and GPU. The CPU handled general computing tasks, while the GPU accelerated graphics and parallel workloads.

That model is still in place, but it is now being expanded.

A third processor type, the NPU, or Neural Processing Unit, is becoming more important to modern laptop design. These chips are built specifically for AI workloads, which are now too common to be handled efficiently by CPUs or GPUs alone.

Tasks such as live transcription, real-time translation, image enhancement, content generation, meeting summaries, and contextual assistants are now being offloaded to dedicated AI hardware.

NPUs provide lower power consumption, faster response times, and improved privacy by keeping many AI processes on-device rather than relying on cloud processing.

4. OLED Becomes the New Baseline

Display technology is also going through a shift, with OLED panels moving from premium-only devices into mainstream laptops.

What was once a flagship feature is now becoming more common across mid-range and upper-entry devices.

This shift reflects changing user expectations. Professionals now spend long hours working across multiple apps, attending video calls, editing content, and consuming media. As a result, display quality has become a productivity feature rather than just a visual upgrade.

OLED panels provide deeper contrast, better colour accuracy, and improved viewing comfort in many scenarios. As adoption grows, OLED is quickly becoming the reference point for modern laptop displays rather than a luxury add-on.

5. Battery Life as an Ecosystem Feature

Battery performance is one of the most important buying considerations, but the approach to achieving longer endurance has changed.

Instead of simply increasing battery size, manufacturers are now focusing on system-wide efficiency.

ARM-based platforms, dedicated NPUs, optimised operating systems, and AI-driven power management are working together to allocate power dynamically based on workload. This ensures tasks receive only the energy they need, improving overall efficiency.

Battery chemistry is also evolving. Silicon-carbon (Si-C) battery technology is increasingly being used to improve energy density, allowing manufacturers to fit larger capacity batteries into thinner chassis without increasing bulk.

Together, these changes are extending real-world battery life without relying solely on larger physical batteries.

In essence, for professionals and organisations working in environments where power reliability and mobility are important, these changes are more than incremental upgrades.

The first quarter of 2026 was largely about laying the hardware foundation. Q2 is where that foundation begins to take shape in practical designs, and where software developers will increasingly define how far that hardware can go.

The post Top Laptop Hardware Trends Defining Q2 2026 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

After reviewing major announcements and launches from industry players like Microsoft, NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Dell, it is clear that this year’s edition was not dominated by a single processor launch or device.

Rather, artificial intelligence appeared to be the background of everything. Not the kind of AI we have been hearing about for years now in keynote presentations, but this time AI is being built directly into the hardware itself, with a special focus on the transition from generative AI in the cloud to Physical AI and Edge Computing.

The Silicon Highlights

While the laptops attracted greater attention, core tech enthusiasts were more interested in the processors powering them. We gathered the most important Silicon announcements from the event.

NVIDIA’s RTX Superchip Platform

As the biggest player in the AI silicon market currently, NVIDIA delivered one of the most ambitious visions at COMPUTEX 2026.

Last week, the company unveiled a new ARM-based architecture designed specially for AI-heavy PCs. Instead of treating AI as an additional feature, NVIDIA designed the RTX Superchip Platform to function specifically for AI processing.

It combines an ARM CPU, the Blackwell GPU architecture and a massive pool of unified memory. This chipset stack, built directly into a PC, ensures optimal AI capabilities for creators, professionals and power users without any dependence on cloud services.

AMD Ryzen AI and Gaming Series

AMD also joined the AI computing conversation with a new lineup similar in concept to NVIDIA’s Superchip Platform.

The AMD Ryzen AI series also focuses heavily on AI efficiency, but comes with larger and more capable NPUs designed to carry out heavier AI workloads with lower power consumption.

AMD didn’t stop there. It also released the Ryzen Gaming series (AM5) during COMPUTEX week to reinforce its position in the gaming silicon market.

Although AI dominated the headlines, gaming remains a major area in the PC industry. This is why AMD created the Ryzen AM5 processors for stronger multitasking, higher frame rates and platform support up to 2029.

Qualcomm Brings AI to the Budget Segment

While most manufacturers focused on premium AI hardware, Qualcomm filled the budget space with its Snapdragon C series chipset. We noted that this new chipset series means a new wave of entry-level Windows laptops starting from as low as $300 or around N400,000.

This could support the growth of new ARM-based laptops in emerging markets, especially in Nigeria, where many people rely on imported used devices.

Top Laptop Highlights From COMPUTEX 2026

If processors were the brain of the show, laptops were the public face.

At COMPUTEX, manufacturers clearly divided their products into three categories, which were gaming, business and affordable AI PCs. While designed for specific use cases, their functions often overlap.

Gaming Laptops at COMPUTEX 2026

Gaming laptops continue to evolve in energy efficiency and durability, and COMPUTEX 2026 made that even clearer.

The gaming rigs released last week were not just built to run demanding games more smoothly, they were also marketed as AI devices capable of handling productivity during the day and gaming at night.

The two most attractive devices in my opinion, were the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 and the ASUS ROG Zephyrus (G14 and G16).

We picked these rigs because of their balance between creative workloads, AI tasks, and gaming performance, while maintaining lightweight, portable designs suitable for travel.

They both come with NVIDIA’s latest RTX 50-series graphics, making them a strong choice for gamers who also want top-tier productivity.

Budget Laptops at  COMPUTEX 2026

Budget PCs are becoming more interesting. This segment was one of the most important categories at the event, because it affects more users, especially in emerging markets.

For years, budget laptops mostly came with compromises, but this narrative is beginning to change. The devices released in this category deserve attention.

Dell XPS 13 Refresh

Dell surprised fans by bringing premium design and performance to its XPS 13 lineup.

Starting from around $599, this could be a strong challenge to Apple’s MacBook Neo, which offers less for $699.

Acer Swift Air 14

Another solid contender in this category is the Swift Air 14.  It comes with the Intel Core Series 3 (Wildcat Lake Processor), similar to the Dell XPS 13.

With a 120Hz display, modern AI capabilities, and competitive pricing ($699), Acer is demonstrating that users no longer need to spend flagship money to experience next-generation computing features. So basically, this laptop offers a higher value for money than the MacBook Neo which sells for a similar price.

COMPUTEX 2025 was themed “AI NEXT” to herald what we are seeing in the 2026 edition.

The most important story was not a single chipset, laptop, or manufacturer completely stealing the show.

It was the industry’s collective decision to make AI a standard feature of modern computing. And judging by everything we observed from COMPUTEX 2026, the industry is making more progress.

The post COMPUTEX 2026 Highlights: AI PCs, Ryzen Chips and Budget Laptops appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This massive transformation represents an aggressive hardware migration, as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) phase out legacy Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) in favor of premium display architectures to capture high-margin segments.

According to a comprehensive sector forecast by global market research and advisory firm Omdia, this ten-year structural shift is being supercharged by two main catalysts: rapid hardware efficiency gains and the massive ecosystem roll-out of AI-enabled personal computers (AI PCs).

The Architecture Shift: Why LCD is losing Ground

For years, LCD panels dominated the mobile computing landscape due to mature supply chains and low production costs. However, as form factors shrink and compute loads increase, display performance has become a major product differentiator.

OLED panel technology offers fundamental engineering advantages over conventional backlit LCD systems:

• Per-Pixel Illumination: Eliminates traditional backlighting, allowing for true blacks and deep contrast ratios.
• Energy Draw: Lower power consumption on darker user interfaces, directly extending battery runtime.
• Response Velocity: Significantly faster pixel response times, making them highly attractive for high-end enterprise computing, gaming, and creative workloads.

The Ecosystem View: Omdia’s data identifies mobile PC displays (notebooks, tablets, and specialized monitors) as one of the fastest-growing verticals within the broader display ecosystem. The firm projects OLED demand across mobile PCs to sustain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 34% over the forecast window.

Supply Chain Dynamics and the Rise of Tandem OLED

To capitalize on this shifting demand, tier-one display suppliers are aggressively restructuring their capital expenditure. Manufacturers are actively commissioning next-generation fabrication lines capable of processing larger substrate sizes, specifically optimized for notebook-sized form factors.

A major sub-trend reinforcing this $11.5 billion valuation is the rapid industrialization of Tandem OLED technology.

By stacking two layers of organic light-emitting material instead of one, tandem displays effectively double peak brightness while significantly extending the operational lifespan of the panel.

Macro Implications for Emerging Tech Hubs

For tech-driven economies and regional consumer markets like Nigeria, this technological transition will directly impact device procurement cycles, local enterprise device lifecycle management, and the pricing structures of incoming hardware.

As premium tech brands establish OLED as the baseline configuration for AI-capable laptops, older LCD-equipped models are expected to trickle down into entry-level tiers.

This shift will create clear cost-performance choices for local enterprises looking to optimize their corporate IT infrastructure over the next decade.

The post OLED Notebook Display Market Projected to Hit $11.5bn by 2033 on AI PC Wave appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The company just unveiled a completely redesigned XPS 13, a laptop that not only redefines one of Dell’s most recognisable product lines, but also enters the market as a direct challenge to Apple’s vision with the MacBook Neo.

For years, the XPS laptops have been known as Dell’s premium Windows lineup, and often a direct competitor to Apple’s MacBook Air category.

However, this model takes a different approach, bringing a premium 2.2 pounds, 12mm thick build into a much more affordable price range.

Starting from $699 for the standard version and $599 for the student version, Dell is clearly targeting budget-conscious consumers that Apple had in mind when introducing the MacBook Neo, albeit with a bigger performance difference.

What powers the XPS is Intel’s newest Wildcat Lake processor unveiled in April 2026. This chip delivers a performance that comfortably outperforms the MacBook Neo in many areas.

This creates an interesting situation for Apple, which likely expected the Neo to dominate the entry-level premium laptop segment this year with little resistance.

With the new Dell XPS 13 now available, the conversation has switched beyond affordability to value. So where exactly does this Windows laptop outperform the MacBook Neo?

More Competitive Pricing

• Dell XPS 13: $599 or N820,000 for student version ($699 for standard version)
• MacBook Neo: $699 or N960,000

Before anything else, the biggest advantage is the price itself. Apple intended to attract more users, especially budget-conscious first-timers into the Apple ecosystem with the MacBook Neo, but this Windows-dominated segment seems more competitive than they thought.

Both the XPS 13 and MacBook Neo target users with budget constraints, while the Neo further targets markets with low MacBook usage, but Dell’s competitive pricing immediately undercuts Apple’s offering.

More importantly, Dell achieved this without overly reducing hardware quality. This makes the XPS 13 one of the most aggressive value-focused laptops announced this year.

The Newer Intel Wildcat Lake Processor

The inclusion of Intel’s latest Core Series 3 processor gives Dell access to newer CPU architecture efficiency and improvements. The MacBook Neo’s A18 Pro chip doesn’t just fall behind when it comes to raw performance, it was originally made for the iPhone 16 not laptops.

For everyday productivity, multitasking and office applications, the new Wildcat Lake processor from Intel is positioned as one of the best for its price at least for now.

Full Windows Flexibility

Unlike the MacBook Neo which remains tied to Apple’s ecosystem, the XPS benefits from the ecosystem flexibility that Windows offers.

Users have the freedom to access a wider range of software options, easier hardware compatibility, higher freedom when connecting accessories, and even the freedom to change the OS itself.

For students and professionals or people who want to test Apple’s ecosystem for the first time, this flexibility remains a good reason to stick to the Windows-powered XPS 13, especially in Nigeria where performance is as important as the price.

Premium Design without Premium Pricing

Historically, Dell reserved their best industry design for high-end XPS laptops. This latest model changes this strategy. But despite its lower price point, the laptop maintains the thin profile, lightweight build, and premium aesthetics that earned it the initial respect it had in the Windows market. So basically, users are getting flagship-level design at a significantly lower entry cost.

Is the XPS 13 A Better Investment for Nigerians Who Can Afford a $500+ Laptop?

For Nigerians who can actually afford a $500 – $700 laptop, the question may not be whether the XPS 13 is better than the MacBook Neo in terms of specs. Instead, it would be about what makes more sense in the realities of the local market.

Surprisingly, Dell may have a stronger case. For years MacBooks have enjoyed a reputation for reliability, and prestige. Many Nigerians who can spend N800,000 on a laptop see a MacBook as a long-term investment. However this time, Dell’s offering may be a more practical choice.

When you consider the Windows ecosystem, which is commonly used by most businesses, schools and offices in Nigeria, and a higher performance chipset combined with a premium reputation, the XPS is clearly a better choice.

However, some may still pick the MacBook Neo because they are already using an iPhone or other Apple devices.

The Dell XPS 13 was first announced in January during CES 2026; now, months later at COMPUTEX 2026, Dell has finally brought the device to the market.

The post Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Air: Which Laptop Should Nigerians Buy? appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This shift, although helpful, has also created a problem of choice for parents who can afford these devices. The issue goes beyond choosing between phones, tablets or laptops. It now comes down to which platform actually makes sense for students in 2026.

At the entry level, the market is largely divided between two similar devices in the same form factor. On one side is the Chromebook, a laptop designed for simplicity, speed and cloud-based learning.

On the other side are traditional Windows laptops, built for flexibility, offline productivity and wider software compatibility.

Both can handle schoolwork. From internet research and online classes to productivity apps and assignments, either option can get the job done.

But once you look beyond basic specifications, the differences become clearer, especially in Nigeria where infrastructure challenges still affect everyday computing.

Chromebooks

The biggest advantage of a Chromebook is not raw power, but convenience. Chromebooks run on ChromeOS, a lightweight operating system designed mainly for web-based tasks.

Opening the lid wakes the device almost instantly. Apps launch quickly and updates happen in the background, making the overall experience feel smooth even for younger students.

This simplicity matters more than many people realise.

With over 4.9 billion users worldwide, Google’s ecosystem is already used across schools and homes. Services like Google Docs, Google Drive and Google Classroom have become common tools for learning and collaboration.

Because Chromebooks are built around these services, the integration feels seamless and efficient. In many cases, cheaper Chromebooks can even feel faster than low-end Windows laptops during basic school tasks.

Security is another major advantage. Windows laptops are more vulnerable to malware and corrupt software, while ChromeOS uses a sandboxed system that significantly reduces system-level security attacks.

The limitation appears when workloads move beyond browser-based tasks.

Windows Laptops

A Chromebook works well for modern classroom activities, but Windows laptops are more practical for more use cases. This becomes more obvious as students move into higher classes and begin using more demanding software.

The closer a student gets to university level, the higher the chances they will encounter programs that work better on Windows, especially in STEM-related fields.

Advanced Microsoft Excel work, desktop coding tools, engineering software, offline CBT platforms and specialised educational applications still heavily favour Windows compatibility.

There is also the issue of internet dependence. Chromebooks have improved over the years, but many features still work best with stable internet access.

In Nigeria where network quality can be inconsistent and mobile data is still unreliable, and mobile data is expensive for many households, that dependence can be frustrating.

These factors explain why many parents still choose Windows laptops despite the convenience Chromebooks offer. However, the type of Windows laptop you choose still matters. Older or poorly configured models with weak hardware can create a frustrating experience.

Which One Fits the Average Nigerian Student?

For younger students who need a laptop mainly for online learning, browsing, typing assignments and attending video classes, Chromebooks are honestly difficult to ignore.

They are easier to maintain, often come with longer battery life and are less vulnerable to cyber attacks, but once long-term versatility is considered, Windows regains ground immediately.

And in Nigeria specifically, there are some additional realities that global reviews rarely cover.

• Power Supply: Chromebooks generally perform better in this area because ChromeOS is lightweight and more energy efficient.
• Durability: Cheap consumer laptops often age badly under typical Nigerian usage conditions. This is exactly why old model enterprise-grade Windows laptops are more popular locally. On the other hand, most Chromebooks are designed for rugged use.
• Repairs and Maintenance: Windows laptops are easier to repair almost everywhere in Nigeria. Spare parts are also easier to get, and technicians are more familiar with them. Chromebooks don’t have the advantage of a stronger repair ecosystem yet.
• Internet Dependence: A Chromebook performs best when there is reliable internet access. A Windows laptop remains more flexible even when connectivity becomes inconsistent.

Best Entry-Level Options Under N180K

At this price, expectations need to stay realistic. Most genuinely good options for this price are always used or refurbished models, but surprisingly, there are good choices to pick from.

• HP EliteBook 840 G5: For Windows, this remains one of the best recommendations for the N180K – N200k price range. It’s an 8th-generation Intel laptop that can still serve for school work, multitasking and productivity. The important thing is avoiding anything below Intel’s 8th generation at this price unless the price is far lower.

• HP Chromebook X360: The best Chromebooks over the years have always come from either HP or Dell, and the X360 is a great option for students focused on browser-based learning.

The only warning is that buyers need to verify before purchasing any Chromebook to make sure they are within Google’s software support timeline. Some older Chromebooks are already approaching end-of-support dates, which means no future ChromeOS updates.

For younger students, especially at primary and secondary school levels, Chromebooks arguably make more sense. But for older students or household use,  Windows remains the safest investment because it can handle a wider range of tasks and software.

Interestingly, this category may change soon. Google is already pushing for deeper ecosystem integration with the newly announced “Googlebook”. This time powered by Gemini intelligence.

Regardless of which option parents choose, laptops are no longer optional tools for learning. They have become part of the modern classroom in much the same way smartphones already have.

The post Best Laptop for School Work in Nigeria? What to Consider before Buying Chromebook or Windows appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The world’s largest PC maker said fourth-quarter revenue rose 27% to $21.6 billion for the period ended March, beating analysts’ expectations of $18.7 billion. Profit attributable to shareholders climbed 479% to $521 million, above forecasts of $271 million.

Its shares jumped 15% on Friday, making it the biggest gainer on Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index.

Lenovo’s biggest business unit, which covers PCs, tablets and smartphones, recorded a 24% increase in revenue. The company said it was the division’s strongest quarterly growth in five years.

The results came as PC makers are currently dealing with high memory prices and supply shortages. Lenovo had earlier warned that the shortage could affect shipments across the industry. The company has also raised prices on some PCs to manage higher component costs.

“Supply (of memory chips) is in heavy shortage, and the cost is growing faster,” Lenovo Chief Executive Officer Yang Yuanqing told Reuters on Friday.

He added that Lenovo’s wider supplier network, including Chinese memory chip producers, helped reduce pressure on the business.

Chinese memory chipmaker ChangXin Memory Technologies recently identified Lenovo as one of its major customers in a prospectus filing. The chipmaker also reported more than 700% growth in first-quarter revenue as memory prices surged.

According to forecasts, memory chip prices doubled in the first quarter and could rise by as much as 63% this quarter. Demand from data centres has tightened supply for laptops, smartphones and cars.

Lenovo said its PC shipment growth outpaced the market by nearly six percentage points during the quarter. Research firm Counterpoint Research said global PC shipments rose 3.2% in the first quarter to 63.3 million units, while Lenovo’s shipments increased 9% to 16.5 million units. That gave the company a 26% share of the global market.

The company is also expanding its server business. Lenovo said its infrastructure solutions group, which includes its server operations, posted 37% revenue growth in the quarter, the fastest among all its business units.

It added that its server order pipeline had reached $21 billion as demand for data centre equipment continued to grow.

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Powered by Intel’s latest Panther Lake processor first introduced in CES 2026, this latest generation clearly focuses on enterprise performance. But while the new Surface 8 looks impressive, Microsoft is stepping into a more competitive space.

Apple’s Macbook Pro powered by its native M5 chip already dominates conversations about performance, efficiency and creator-focussed productivity this year.

So the big question is, can Microsoft’s newest Surface laptop truly compete with Apple’s Macbook Pro 2026 for serious business use?

This review covers a full comparison across 5 important factors.

Display Quality And Overall Screen Experience

Microsoft is giving users more flexibility this year with different screen size options to choose from. The Surface 8 comes in 13-inch, 13.6-inch and 15-inch versions, offering users more portability and productivity options depending on their workflow.

Meanwhile, Apple Macbook Pro M5 focuses on premium display sizes. The standard 14-inch MacBook Pro launched in October last year, and the more advanced M5 Max powered 14-inch and 16-inch variants arrived on March 11.

• Macbook Pro M5: Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED with ProMotion (up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate).
• Surface 8: 120Hz PixelSense display with a 2880 × 1920 resolution. Supports Dolby Vision and adaptive color.

When it comes to raw display quality, Apple holds a noticeable advantage with the Liquid Retina XDR Display technology. It delivers better contrasts, better brightness and colour consistency for creators handling design graphics heavy workloads.

Microsoft’s PixelSense Flow display on the Surface Laptop 8 is still nice for productivity, office work and entertainment, especially because of the smooth refresh rate. And unlike Apple, Microsoft still offers touchscreen functionality, which remains useful in case of note-taking, presentations and hybrid tablet workflows.

Chip Performance And Long-Term Efficiency

Performance is where this comparison becomes more interesting and also important as well, because we are treating enterprise usage.

The Surface 8 is built with Intel’s latest Core Ultra 3 series, released earlier this year during the CES 2026 event. This chip is undeniably a perfect choice for AI-focused optimisation, multitasking and power efficiency, but Apple’s M5 chip still represents one of the strongest laptop chips in the industry right now.

For professionals or business users running dozens of browser tabs, juggling around multiple productivity softwares or running programs, the Surface 8 should perform very well.

This is mainly because Microsoft optimised this laptop to run their legacy softwares, which most of the planet’s professionals use, and also, now that Microsoft’s Copilot AI features has added extra productivity to the system’s experience.

Meanwhile, when it comes to Silicon per Watt performance, Apple’s M5 still performs better. This means that the  MacBook Pro can deliver workstation-grade power while maintaining impressive battery life and lower heat output.

For average enterprise use, both devices are above average  in terms of speed and efficiency. But when workloads become heavier and better performance is needed over longer periods, Apple still appears slightly ahead in optimization and thermal efficiency.

Memory and Storage Flexibility

• Macbook Pro M5: Starts at 16GB, with configurable options for 24GB or 32GB. Base configurations start at 512GB or 1TB for storage, and can be configured up to 4TB.
• Microsoft Surface Laptop 8: Base models start at 16GB RAM or 32GB RAM. Can reach 64GB RAM in higher versions. Storage ranges from 512GB to 2TB.

Microsoft made a very impressive upgrade this year on memory. The Surface 8 laptop can support up to 64GB of RAM, up from 32GB on the previous Surface 7.

This is a major improvement, especially for enterprise users handling virtualization, heavy AI workloads (running LLMs) and heavy multitasking environments.

Apple also offers good memory configurations, but only the Macbook Air came with extra RAM on the base model this year. This means, users who need larger memory capacities without immediately entering ultra-premium pricing range could find the Surface Laptop 8 more attractive.

For storage, both devices offer more than enough storage options for the average business user. They can reach up to 1TB and still support external inputs.

Design, Durability and Connectivity

Both Apple and Microsoft follow different design philosophies. While Apple priorities consistency and minimalism, Microsoft however, continues to experiment more aggressively with versatility and productivity-focused hardware features.

The Surface Laptop 8 reportedly introduces optional 5G support, something that Apple still refuses to bring to MacBooks. For business users constantly working remotely or traveling, built-in cellular connectivity could become genuinely useful.

The Surface lineup also maintains advantages like touchscreen support and more secure Windows enterprise integration, especially for organizations already deeply invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem. Apple has actually improved MacBook connectivity compared to previous years, but Microsoft’s Surface devices still tend to offer more flexibility for traditional enterprise setups without relying heavily on adapters.

Value for Money

Pricing is where they become more competitive. These laptops are premium devices in every sense, including the pricing.

• Macbook Pro M5: Starting around $1600 (Approx N2,200,000)
• Microsoft Surface 8 Laptop: Starting around $1950 (Approx N2,700,000)

Apples Macbook Pro M5 appears to be positioned as a more cheaper option compared to the Surface 8 Laptop, and it still offers the premium features and resale value unique to Apple.

With larger RAM options, Intel’s newest AI-focused processors and broader hardware flexibility, Microsoft may actually offer better overall value for average business users who do not necessarily need extreme creator-focused performance. Especially as major enterprise individuals and companies are tied to Microsoft’s legacy softwares.

The new Surface 8 Laptop is evidence that Microsoft is becoming more aggressive again towards premium hardware.

And unlike previous generations where Surface devices often felt somewhat experimental when compared to MacBooks, this new Surface Laptop 8 feels far more mature and enterprise-ready.

The post Microsoft’s Surface 8 is Here and it May Finally Rival Apple’s MacBook Pro M5 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

While many expected the spotlight to remain fully on Gemini and Android 17, the company has surprised the tech space with the announcement of the “Googlebook”.

Fifteen years back, Google partnered with laptop manufacturers like Acer, HP, Asus and Lenovo to launch Chromebooks into schools, offices and the general budget market. The idea was to create a simple and lightweight laptop that is built around the Web, instead of heavy desktop software.

Now in 2026, they are revisiting this same strategy, but this time, AI sits at the centre of the experience instead of just the browser.

The Googlebook is not just another Chromebook but with Gemini integrated. According to Google, they are positioning this as an AI-native device, that combines the strengths of Android and ChromeOS.

Intentions Behind the Googlebook

What makes it more interesting is the Chromebook direction Google seems to be taking. Chromebooks were designed to be fast affordable and minimalistic. From information around the Googlebook, it also appears to continue that simplicity, but with “extra wings”.

Features like the new Magic Pointer, a feature built by the DeepMind Team, allow the cursor itself to understand context on the screen and even make meaningful suggestions.

According to the press release from Google, the Googlebook is going to be heavily optimised for the Android ecosystem, because of the massive userbase and adoption on the laptop form. However, it might not be exactly an Android OS. According to Alex Kuscher, the Senior Director for Laptops and Tablets:

“We’re bringing together the best of Android, which comes with powerful apps on Google Play and a modern OS that’s designed for Intelligence, and ChromeOS, which comes with the world’s most popular browser. The result is Googlebook: a new category of laptops built with Gemini’s helpfulness at its core…”

This suggests that Googlebooks might just be an AI “bridge” between the Android ecosystem and ChromeOS.

What Problems Will Googlebooks Likely or Not Likely Solve?

Chromebooks were cloud-first laptops. Googlebooks appear to be AI-first laptops. This difference matters. But main question now is what problems this device category will solve.

For students or casual users, Googlebooks could be one of the smartest productivity laptops they can easily get. Fast booting, light software, Android app compatibility and Gemini assistance could easily make tasks like writing, research, multitasking and media consumption better than before.

For professionals, Googlebooks may also try to be an alternative to Microsoft’s Copilot or Apples AI-focused Macbook models. Especially now that Gemini is becoming a core function of Android, Chrome and Google Workspace, but there are still areas where it will struggle to perform well.

Heavy creative tasks like video editing, 3D rendering and professional software development will still most likely favour Windows laptops and MacBooks unless Google seriously upgrades performance and app optimisation. Some early reactions online are also sceptical about whether users really want AI integrated into every part of their laptop experience.

Google has not officially confirmed hardware specifications like the chipset yet, but might utilise the Google-designed Tensor chips. For other hardware components, Google mentioned that they are currently collaborating with big laptop brands like HP, Lenovo and Asus to make sure Googlebooks are built with premium craftsmanship and materials, coming in different designs.

Pricing might end up deciding the failure or success of this new idea. Chromebooks were popular because they were affordable, simple and practical, but if Googlebooks are expensive premium AI devices, they might risk losing the very market that made Chromebooks popular.

Microsoft is already pushing AI deeply into the Windows ecosystem with Copilot PCs.

Apple is also evolving to serve more users with budget-focused MacBooks like the “MacBook Neo” while quietly expanding Apple Intelligence.

Now Google is responding with something that sits between lightweight like a Chromebook, but intelligent like an AI workstation.

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According to the latest report from Omdia, global tablet shipments grew by just 0.1 per cent year-on-year to 37 million units in Q1 2026, reflecting a largely stagnant market, with Chromebooks mostly affected.

Although some regions, particularly Latin America as well as the Middle East and Africa, recorded stronger performance, analysts noted that much of the growth was driven by inventory build-up rather than actual end-user demand.

The report also noted that tablet shipments declined sequentially during the quarter, in line with normal seasonal trends, further highlighting the market’s weak momentum.

“Heading into 2026, tablets have been relegated in importance for vendors across margins, volume, and overall value,” said Himani Mukka, research manager at Omdia. “In this supply-constrained environment, consumers and vendors alike are being more deliberate about which devices to prioritize. PC vendors are focusing on notebooks and desktops, while those operating across both smartphones and tablets are gravitating toward smartphones due to their outsized contribution to overall business.”

“Within the tablet space, vendors’ focus in 2026 will be skewed toward the premium segment, where demand has held up better relative to the mass market,” added Mukka. “The volume tier is more challenged: promotional headroom is limited as there is little room to absorb further price increases, and tablets lack a structural refresh catalyst comparable to the Windows 10 end-of-support cycle in the PC market. The outlook for the second half of 2026 is expected to remain cautious, with volume market segments facing the greatest pressure on both shipment volume and value.”

“Within the PC segment, Chromebooks are currently the most impacted category, with volumes declining significantly,” said Kieren Jessop, principal analyst at Omdia. “Production indicators point to a weak near-term outlook, and education-related deployments are increasingly being deferred until market conditions stabilize. Ongoing supply constraints are also expected to delay the second phase of Japan’s GIGA School Program 2.0. While the first phase – extended from end-2024 through end-2025 – was completed without major disruption, the current supply environment is likely to introduce delays in the next phase.”

The global tablet market delivered a flat performance year on year in Q1 2026. Among leading vendors, Huawei and Lenovo recorded the strongest growth, with shipments increasing 28% and 20% year on year, respectively.

Apple retained its top position, shipping 14.8 million units and growing 7.9% year on year, supported by strong performance from the iPad Air.

Samsung ranked second, but faced pricing pressures, with shipments declining 12.6% year on year to 5.8 million units. Huawei placed third, shipping 3.2 million units and growing 28% year on year, as it continues to steadily expand its presence across Asia Pacific.

Supported by both shipment pull-in and education deployments, Lenovo followed with 3.0 million units, up 20% year on year. Xiaomi rounded out the top five, shipping 2.6 million units, reflecting a 13.6% year-on-year decline in the quarter.

All major Chromebook vendors faced challenges in Q1. Lenovo, which ranked first and was a key participant in Japan’s GIGA School Program alongside its subsidiary NEC, saw shipments decline 11.2% year on year to 1.5 million units as the first phase of deployments concluded.

HP ranked second, shipping 1.0 million units, down 15.3% year on year. Acer placed third with 937K units, managing a relatively smaller decline supported by stable shipments in North America and increased shipments into APAC.

Dell experienced the steepest decline among the top five vendors, with shipments falling 28.3% year-on-year to 413K units.

ASUS, another key participant in Japan’s GIGA School Program 2.0, was the only vendor to record growth in Q1, with shipments rising 3.5% year on year to 406K units, accounting for a 9% market share.

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Announced at HP Imagine 2026, HP IQ combines on-device AI, proximity-based connectivity, and enterprise-grade manageability to boost productivity and collaboration across HP’s next-generation workplace devices, including AI-powered PCs.

“HP’s vision for the future of work is a connected, intelligent ecosystem that helps work flow across devices, spaces, and the moments in between,” said Tuan Tran, president of HP’s Technology & Innovation Organization.
“HP IQ connects these experiences, reducing digital friction while integrating seamlessly into IT environments.”

HP IQ Brings On-Device AI to the Workplace

At the core of HP IQ is local, on-device intelligence, transforming everyday devices into context-aware productivity tools.

According to the HP 2025 Work Relationship Index, frequent use of AI tools significantly improves employee engagement and productivity, an insight driving HP’s AI-first strategy.

HP IQ introduces a suite of AI-powered features debuting on the HP EliteBook X G2 AI PCs, including:

• Ask IQ: Provides contextual answers via text and voice
• Analyze: Extracts insights and summaries from documents (PDF, DOC, PPT, TXT)
• Notes & Knowledge: Organizes and tracks user interactions for continuity
• Meeting Agent: Captures meeting notes and ideas without interrupting workflow

These capabilities are designed to help employees automate routine tasks, gain insights faster, and make smarter decisions.

HP NearSense Enables Seamless Device Connectivity

HP IQ also introduces HP NearSense, a spatial intelligence technology that enables real-time device discovery, connection, and collaboration.

Key features include:

• Secure PC-to-PC file sharing via simple drag-and-drop
• One-click meeting access for conference room collaboration

HP plans to expand NearSense across its ecosystem, including:

• HP Poly video conferencing solutions
• Printers and scanners
• Workstations and peripherals

Future capabilities will include:

• Automatic device pairing
• Screen casting to nearby displays
• Driver-free printing and scanning

Adaptive AI Interface for Frictionless Workflows

Users interact with HP IQ through Visor, an intelligent interface that delivers real-time, context-aware actions without switching between applications.

Designed for both voice and text input, Visor adapts to user intent, enabling a more intuitive and uninterrupted workflow experience.

Local-First AI with Enterprise-Grade Security

HP IQ is built on a 20-billion parameter local AI model, ensuring:

• Faster response times
• Reduced reliance on cloud connectivity
• Enhanced data privacy and security

The hybrid architecture allows selective cloud processing only when permitted by enterprise policies, keeping sensitive data protected within organizational environments.

Built for IT: Centralized Control with HP Workforce Experience Platform

HP IQ integrates with the HP Workforce Experience Platform (WXP), providing IT teams with:

• Centralized device management
• Security and compliance controls
• Real-time monitoring and insights

“As HP IQ introduces a new intelligence layer across devices and workspaces, WXP serves as a trusted control plane for IT,” said Manoj Leelanivas, President of HP Solutions.
“Together, they deliver intuitive user experiences while ensuring governance and operational efficiency.”

HP IQ can also be deployed via enterprise tools such as Microsoft Intune, enabling seamless integration into existing IT infrastructures.

Positioning HP for the Future of Work

With HP IQ, HP is advancing its strategy to create a connected, intelligent workplace ecosystem, where AI enhances productivity, collaboration, and user experience across devices.

As organizations increasingly adopt AI-driven workflows, HP’s approach, combining on-device intelligence, seamless connectivity, and enterprise control, positions it as a key player in shaping the future of work.

Availability

HP IQ will be introduced at HP Imagine 2026, with early access starting on select HP AI PCs in Sprng (around May 2026). It is planned to expand to additional select HP notebooks, desktops, and Poly Studio Video Bars as part of a limited Summer 2026 release, with AI capabilities continuing to evolve through ongoing software updates. New HP IQ-enabled devices are expected to begin shipping in Fall 2026, with broader availability rolling out to more products across the HP portfolio starting in 2H 2026.

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