The state-of-the-art computers and associated hardware we spotted at CES 2022
Companies that develop personal computers typically exhibit at CES every year. Except during the previous few of years when the epidemic made it a more subdued and semi-virtual affair (the thought of going to a traditional, crowded CES show floor in the age of coronavirus is basically the stuff of nightmares).
PC manufacturers did, however, reveal several
interesting products, and we've included a selection of our favorite PC hardware
from the event in the gallery below.
Laptop (Dell) XPS 13 Plus, Plus
Without a doubt, the Dell XPS 13 Plus was one
of the most talked-about laptops of CES, despite the fact that its design has
been the subject of some criticism. Dell opted to overhaul the design of the
XPS 13, notably adding a touch-sensitive strip above the keyboard (like Apple's
previous Touch Bar, but less adjustable) and a new hidden haptic trackpad.
Although the combination of these features and
a new keyboard with larger keys and narrower gaps results in a remarkably sleek
appearance, it is a significant change from what was once a near-perfect
laptop. However, Dell was able to increase the laptop's thermal headroom thanks
to these design tweaks, enabling the use of a more powerful 28W processor and
bringing the device's performance closer to that of 15-inch laptops.
ThinkPad Plus by
Lenovo (Gen 3)
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 has been on
our radar for a while, predating CES, but that hasn't diminished our enthusiasm
for it.
This laptop's standout feature is the enormous
8-inch screen that sits to the right of the keyboard, as can be seen in the
accompanying photograph. It's possible to use this 800 x 1,280 display as a
kind of integrated tablet because it's compatible with a genuine stylus. The
17.3-inch panel on the main display has a 21:10 aspect ratio, enabling for
three windows to be displayed side by side without causing any visual
distortion.
I really enjoy this layout, but I can see why
lefties would find it so frustrating. The ThinkBook Plus solves a major
complaint about 2-in-1 PCs with pen support: the inability to use both the
keyboard and stylus at the same time comfortably. For digital artists and note
takers alike, this could be a useful tool.
17-inch Asus Zenbook Flip
Displays that can fold up on smartphones are
gaining popularity, and now that technology is making its way to laptops. When
folded, the Asus Zenbook 17 Fold has about the same footprint as an extra-thick
13-inch laptop, but when opened, the display expands to a gigantic 17 inches.
Due to the 4:3 aspect ratio, the screen appears even bigger than it would on a
standard 17-inch monitor.
The computer can be used in two distinct ways.
As with conventional tablets, one features a virtual keyboard in the display's
foldable lower half. The other, more convenient option is to use a Bluetooth
keyboard and trackpad panel that can either rest on top of the screen's lower
half when being carried around or be taken off when being used in its entirety
as a standalone desktop. With the built-in kickstand, the massive screen becomes
a portable desktop display.
It's worth noting that this isn't the first
time we've seen a design like this; in 2020, Lenovo released the ThinkPad X1
Fold, which followed a similarly flexible blueprint; however, Asus's implementation
is more refined.
New Kinetic Personal Computer from
CyberPowerSystems
Why shouldn't desktop computers adopt the same
adaptability shown in mobile devices and laptops? The new Kinetic PC from
CyberPowerPC reanimates the desktop PC by equipping it with a thermally
adaptive chassis with adjustable ventilation ports.
Everyone has heard the old adage, "A picture
is worth a thousand words."
I won't lie and say that this PC made the cut
just for its aesthetic value, but then then, that's not why people buy
expensive desktop cases, is it? There are probably less expensive ways to
increase airflow, such as installing fixed vents that are always open, although
I suppose the adaptability of the modules could help reduce dust accumulation.
Assuming there is sufficient interest, CyberPowerPC is also thinking of selling
the case separately for roughly $250, perfect for those who would rather build
their own PC than buy a premade one.
An ASUS ROG Flow Z13
Previous models of ASUS' ROG Flow X13 made
headlines due to its 2-in-1 design and powerful internal GPU and optional
external GPU. Asus's newest 2-in-1, the Flow Z13, brings portability and
gameplay into a single package. That's the Microsoft Surface Pro for gamers.
The powerful tablet comes standard with an
Nvidia 3050 Ti GPU and an Intel Core i9 processor, but it can be upgraded to an
Nvidia 3080 or an AMD RX 6850M XT. The tablet still only weighs 1.1 kg despite
its many features (2.4 lbs).
While I agree that for the most majority of players, this isn't the best form factor, I can see how it could be handy for creative professions or even just kids who want to take notes while they game.
Sophia, a Project by Razer
Razer is known to flaunt its wares at CES. Do
you recall when it produced the huge mechanical keyboard? The business has
recently introduced a new modular gaming desk that integrates a number of
high-performance features—such as customizable hotkeys, a system monitoring
module, an external graphics processing unit (eGPU), a wireless charger, and
more—into a single, compact unit. The included screen can be either 65 or 77
inches in size.
Although its eventual success is up in the
air, it's encouraging to see PC manufacturers experimenting with novel form
factors. Also, the Razer Zephyr mask started out as an idea and is now a
commercially available device.
The HP Mini Z2 G9
I have a soft spot for compact, powerful
computers, and the HP Z2 Mini G9 certainly fits the bill. The PC has a small
footprint of 21.1 x 21.8 x 6.9 cm (8.3 x 8.6 x 2.7 in), yet it's packed with
cutting-edge components including an Nvidia RTX A2000 graphics card, 64 GB of
RAM, and the latest Intel vPro K-Series processors (which appears to be close
to an RTX 3060, albeit focused on professional applications).
HP further claims that the computer's thermals
are enough to prevent slowdowns, and that the RAM and graphics components can
be removed and replaced independently.
In Second Place: Any Computer With A Samsung
Odyssey Ark Display
For a long time, I've thought that more PC
gamers who have the room should use TVs as displays, and now Samsung has
developed the most gorgeous huge monitor I've ever seen (in photos, anyway).
The Samsung Odyssey Ark, a 55-inch monitor with a highly curved display that
eliminates the strange perspective distortion caused by seeing such a large
panel up close, is an impressive piece of technology.
Using such a large, high-quality screen from
such a close distance is reminiscent to playing a video game in an Imax cinema,
in my opinion. One more thing I like about the Odyssey Ark is that it doesn't
have a nerdy, gamer aesthetic. While I would love to play video games on this
Samsung display, I am left wondering about its refresh rate and latency.