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Sleek and Stylish – Top Ultrabooks and Premium Laptops of 2023

Welcome to the elite enclave of ultrabooks and premium laptops, where cutting-edge power blends seamlessly with portability. Today, where every keystroke feels like a step into the future, we present to you a curated collection of the top Ultrabooks and Premium Laptops of 2023. The future is now, and it’s wrapped in aluminium, powered by silicon, and adorned with the promise of limitless possibilities.

HP Pavilion Plus 14

Check out the HP Pavilion Plus 14—it’s got that sleek and slim vibe, packs a punch with its speedy performance, and you can even opt for a striking 90Hz OLED display. Need storage? No problem, it’s got a whopping 1TB. It is loaded with a Core i7 H-Series CPU and the best part? It won’t break the bank. The laptop boasts a solid build quality, a bunch of ports to play with, and a crispy 5-MP webcam to capture your good side.

Yeah, it’s got a few quirks, but overall, this Pavilion Plus is the real deal if you want a top-notch ultraportable without burning a hole in your wallet. Whether you’re grinding through assignments, rocking professional life, or jet-setting around the globe, the Pavilion Plus 14 has your back. It’s quick, it’s light, and just makes life easier. Seriously, if you’re hunting for a trusty, lightweight sidekick, this bad boy in any setup is a winner.

Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra

Samsung isn’t just killing it in the smartphone and foldable arena, their laptops are making waves, too! Meet the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, a legit jaw-dropping 16-inch screen that’s basically a visual feast and not just a pretty face. This bad guy is powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i7, rocks Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-Series graphics, throws in 16GB of RAM, and serves up a speedy 1TB SSD storage, all crammed into a chassis that’s just 0.65 inches thick. Yep, you read that right.

The Book 3 Ultra flaunts a dazzling 2880 x 1800-pixel, 120Hz, Super AMOLED 2X masterpiece display. It’s a showstopper, no doubt. With its heftier weight of 3.95 pounds, indeed, it’s a heavyweight champion. The webcam and battery could use a little boost, but seriously, those are just minor blips in a laptop that’s dangerously close to perfection. If you’re after a powerhouse that doesn’t compromise on looks or performance, the Book 3 Ultra is where it’s at.

Apple MacBook 14” Pro (M3)

Apple recently launched the MacBook Pro 14-inch with the M3 chip, and it’s a performance powerhouse with a dazzling display, robust graphics, and an epic battery life that won’t stop. The 14-inch mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display steals the spotlight, it’s among the best in laptop town, shining even brighter with improved SDR content. Sure, you miss out on the Space Black colour, but Space Silver and Space Gray still bring the chic vibes.

Under the hood, the M3 chip is a game-changer, handling everything from a swarm of tabs to quick photo edits like a champ. Geekbench confirms it, scoring 20% faster than its predecessor. Yes, it’s significantly costlier than the 13-inch, but the upgrades are worth it—bigger, more colourful display, sharper webcam, more ports, and a performance boost that’ll make you smile. And let’s not forget that jaw-dropping 17 hours of battery life. It’s the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

LG Gram Pro 17 (2023)

The LG Gram Pro 17 is the heavyweight champ of big-screen ultraportables. Sporting a massive 17-inch display with a sleek 16:10 aspect ratio, this gangsta brings the wow factor. It’s not just about the size, though; it’s got the performance to match and the battery life to live long enough. Sure, it’s a bit heavier than its predecessor, but that’s because it’s flexing a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics chip.

It may not win the sturdiness award or the budget-friendly category, but dang, it’s a delightful surprise in the “having it all” department as it is lightweight and rocks a spacious display. If you’re craving the portability of an ultraportable but drooling over-the-screen real estate of a desktop-replacement laptop, the LG Gram Pro 17 is your match made in tech heaven. It’s the dream combo in an easy-to-carry package.

Dell XPS 15 (9530)

Dell’s XPS lineup still reigns supreme, and the XPS 15 (9530) is the shining example of why. If you’re not in the market for a one-trick pony but want a laptop that can handle your everyday hustle, the XPS 15 is your tech soulmate. Packing a punch with a killer 13th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, the laptop doesn’t flinch when it comes to performance. It’s your go-to for seamless multitasking. Stacked with 32GB of RAM and a speedy 1TB SSD, it’s not just brains; it’s got the brawn, too.

Graphics-wise, you’ve got Intel Iris on the entry models, but if you’re feeling fancy, the pricier versions boast an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, making the laptop a legit gaming contender. The XPS 15’s 3.5K OLED display is definitely a showstopper, it’s sharp, vivid, and downright stunning, it’s like carrying a visual feast wherever you go. If you want a laptop that’s as versatile as your day-to-day needs and looks damn good doing it, the XPS 15 is your ticket to ride.

Asus Zenbook 14″ OLED

Don’t wanna break the bank but still want a killer ultrabook? Then, the Asus Zenbook 14″ OLED (UM3402YA-WS51T) is all set to see you. It might not have the same longevity as the Spectre x360, but it won’t make your wallet cry either. Let’s talk perks: fingerprint reader? Check. USB-C charger? You bet. And the touchpad? Surprise—it moonlights as a number pad. The webcam isn’t winning any Oscars, but it gets the job done. Still, the Zenbook 14″ is no slouch, it’s got that on-the-go vibe and the battery? It’s a workhorse, lasting you through a full day of hustle. So, if you’re all about that great value without burning a hole in your pocket, the Zenbook 14″ is here to rock your tech world.

Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 (2023)

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 (2023) will rock your tech world, it’s a speed demon with killer features, all wrapped up in a design that screams sophistication. Seriously, this thing is a head-turner, boasting a sleek chassis that plays host to a 360-degree-rotating soundbar and an OLED display that’s basically a feast for your eyeballs. Performance-wise, the laptop flexes its muscles, leaving competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 in the dust in most of the benchmarks. So, if you’re in the market for a laptop that’s not just a powerhouse but also a showstopper, the Yoga 9i Gen 8 is the one for you.

10 Green-tech companies to watch out for the betterment of the environment

The world is currently facing a spectrum of environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. In response to these issues, many companies are now focusing on sustainability as a core part of their business strategy. Among these companies are several big tech firms leveraging their technological expertise and resources to create a more sustainable world. Here are the top 10 big tech companies that are leading the way in sustainability.

Google

Google has prioritised sustainability in its operations and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. In 2020, Google announced that it had eliminated its entire carbon legacy, meaning it has offset all of its emissions since its founding in 1998. The company has also committed to carbon-free by 2030 and pledged to use only carbon-free energy by 2030. The company has also invested in renewable energy, intending to reach 100% by 2030. The company has implemented various sustainable practices, including reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles.

Microsoft

Sustainability is a core value at Microsoft, and the company has made significant efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. In 2020, Microsoft announced its commitment to be carbon negative by 2030, meaning the company will remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. Microsoft is also working to be water positive, meaning it will replenish more water than it consumes and has committed to zero waste goals. Additionally, Microsoft is investing in renewable energy and has pledged to use 100% renewable energy by 2025.

Dell

Dell has implemented various initiatives to reduce environmental impact by setting goals like achieving 100% renewable energy for their global electricity use by 2040 and using 100 million pounds of recycled content in their products by 2030. Dell also focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their operations and supply chain, promoting responsible recycling practices, and designing their products with sustainability in mind. They have also partnered with NGOs and other organisations to advance sustainability in their industry and promote social responsibility.

Amazon

Sustainability is a key priority for Amazon, and the company has made significant progress in reducing its environmental impact. Amazon has set ambitious goals to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and to power its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025. The company is also working to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of its products and packaging. Amazon has launched several initiatives such as the Climate Pledge Fund, which invests in sustainable technologies and services, and the Sustainable Energy Program, which provides funding for renewable energy projects.

Apple

Apple is committed to sustainability across its operations, from its products to its supply chain and beyond. The company has set ambitious goals, such as achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its entire value chain by 2040 and using only recycled or renewable materials in its products. Apple also works closely with its suppliers to improve its environmental practices and reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, Apple has implemented various energy-efficient measures, such as powering its data centres with 100% renewable energy.

Tesla

Tesla has made sustainability a core part of its mission and business practices. The company’s primary objective is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by creating products that minimize the negative impact on the environment. Tesla’s electric vehicles are designed to be energy-efficient and emit zero emissions, reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. Moreover, Tesla’s solar products enable homeowners and businesses to generate electricity from renewable energy sources. Tesla also uses sustainable materials in their products, such as recycled materials in their battery cells and vegan leather in their car interiors.

IBM

IBM has a longstanding commitment to sustainability and has integrated it into its business strategy. The company has set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water resources, and minimize waste. IBM has also incorporated sustainability into their products and services, offering solutions that enable clients to reduce their environmental impact. IBM has also invested in renewable energy, with over 40% of its electricity coming from renewable sources. The company’s sustainability efforts have earned recognition from organisations such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the Carbon Disclosure Project.

HP

HP is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. One such initiative is the HP Sustainable Impact program, which aims to create a circular and low-carbon economy by designing products with recyclable materials, reducing waste and carbon emissions, and promoting responsible manufacturing practices. HP has also set ambitious goals, such as achieving 100% renewable electricity in their global operations by 2035 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from their global operations and supply chain by 60% by 2025.

Cisco

Cisco is a company that recognises the importance of sustainability and has made significant efforts to reduce its environmental impact. They have set ambitious goals by 2025, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% from their global operations and supply chain, achieving 100% renewable energy for their global electricity usage, and implementing circular economy principles in their product designs. The company also prioritise social responsibility, focusing on ethical business practices and working to bridge the digital divide through initiatives such as its Networking Academy program, which provides free IT training to underserved communities worldwide.

Intel

Intel recognises the importance of sustainability and has taken significant steps to reduce its environmental impact. They have set ambitious goals by 2030, including achieving net positive water use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60%, and achieving zero waste to landfill across their global manufacturing operations. Intel has also implemented sustainable product design practices, such as reducing the size of its packaging and using more energy-efficient technologies in its products.

Popular Companies Who Began Their Journey From A Garage

The secret of getting ahead is getting started, and not every multinational company begins with huge sophisticated office spaces and wealthy founders. Some of them start their journey with hope and passion, and when it comes to choosing a start-up place within a budget, no place is better than a household garage.

Famous founders, who we idolise today, were once ordinary people who decided to achieve their dreams with exceptional drive and motivation but how they started their journey is still the talk of the town. So, here are the top 10 popular companies who began their journey from a garage and proved that great ideas could come from anywhere but works adequately if the place is your garage.

Amazon

Founder: Jeff Bezos

We all know about Amazon and who owns it, thanks to its worldwide reach and customer friendly service. It all started with one dream when Mr Bezos quit his job at a Wall Street investment firm and moved to Seattle to try his hands in the online bookselling industry, and the rest you know is history.

Currently, Amazon is the world’s largest e-commerce marketplace, but to your surprise, when Mr Jeff Bezos started Amazon in 1994, it was just an online bookstore and used to deal with only book-related sales and operations right from Bezos’ household garage in Bellevue, Washington.

Today, Jeff Bezos is one of the wealthiest guys in the world, and Amazon is one of the biggest companies in the world, but the initial days of Amazon were packed with struggle as it took them an entire year to sell their first book, which makes sense to the quote, patience is the key element to success.

Amazon began as an online bookstore and has since expanded to various other e-commerce products and services, including audio and video streaming, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Mr Bezos has announced he would step down from his role as CEO of Amazon on 5th July 2021 and fly to space on 20th July 2021 along with his brother, Mark Bezos.

Disney

Founders: Disney Brothers

The Walt Disney Company is well-known as a pioneer of animated cartoon films and famous for creating iconic cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. In 1923, Walt and his brother Roy moved to Los Angeles to their uncle’s house and set up their first studio, Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, in the one-car garage and started operating from there, looks like a very humble and dedicated beginning.

The first-ever film they shot in this tiny garage was Alice Comedies, which would later inspire Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. Later on, in 1926, they changed the company’s name to The Walt Disney Company. Disney faced a lot of sorrows in its journey toward prosperity but conquered all the combats and became one of the world’s most popular and biggest entertainment conglomerates, with current worth over $200 billion.

Google

Founders: Larry Page & Sergey Brin

The world is made up of tiny matters, and you won’t believe it, but Google also followed the same path. Yes, the world’s most famous search engine and the basic need of modern life began its official journey in current YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki’s 2,000-foot Menlo Park garage in September 1998.

Two Stanford Graduate students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, started Google as a research project in January 1996, and after a couple of years, they decided to register the domain name www.google.com on 15th September 1997. The main goal behind creating Google was to organize and maintain all kinds of information on a single platform accessible to all people worldwide.

In March 1999, the company shifted its base along with its eight employees to Palo Alto, California, home to several prominent Silicon Valley technology start-ups. Today, Google is the most trafficked site in the world and has also launched other helpful websites, applications and devices like Gmail, Google+, Google Drive, Pixel phones and Google Nest.

Harley Davidson

Founders: William Harley & Davidson Brothers

Everyone knows about the unique and distinctive sound of Harley Davidson Motorcycles, but not everyone knows that the world’s first Harley Davidson was built in a 10 by the 15-foot wooden shed at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The shed was equivalent to a garage because they didn’t have cars.

In 1901, 20-year-old William Harley outlined layouts for a small engine designed for use in a regular pedal-bicycle frame and started working on a motor-bicycle project for a couple of years along with his childhood friend Arthur Davidson. The project was completed in 1903 with the help of Arthur’s brother Walter Davidson, and soon they officially founded Harley-Davidson in 1903.

Harley Davidson was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression along with the Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company. Today, Harley Davidson is the most well-known and respectable motorcycle brand in the world. Their engines’ deep, rumbling and muscular sound still make people go crazy to buy these motorcycles.

Hewlett-Packard (HP)

Founders: Bill Hewlett & David Packard

Stanford University has something with developing future-oriented students, and we’re back again with another founder duo from Stanford. Bill Hewlett & David Packard were students of electrical engineering at Stanford, who later on founded Hewlett-Packard, popularly known as HP, in 1939, inside Packard’s 12 by 18 foot rented garage in Palo Alto, California, with an initial investment of $538, equivalent to $9,891 in 2020. Today, the Packard’s garage is recognised as the birthplace of HP and Silicon Valley.

The very first product HP developed was an audio oscillator (HP200A), and one of their first clients was Bud Hawkins, Chief Sound Engineer for Walt Disney Studios, who bought eight audio oscillators for testifying the surround sound systems installed in theatres for their motion picture Fantasia. Following its inception, HP has evolved into a robust and active company, developing numerous computers, laptops, printers, 3D printing solutions, and other computer-centric accessories with advanced technologies.

Apple

Founders: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak & Ronald Wayne

Without standards, there can be no improvement, and one should learn how to set high standards and win hearts from Apple, which is currently amongst the group of insanely popular international brands. However, it is widely believed that it was founded in the household garage in 1976 by a trio Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak & Ronald Wayne. Apple’s first product was the Apple I computer which was designed and hand-built entirely by Wozniak.

One of their first big orders was from a local retailer who ordered 50 units of Wozniak’s Apple I computer at $500 apiece, which they hand-built in 30 days. Ronald Wayne gave up on the company before it finished the first-ever order. The first big order helped the company achieve more, and shortly the team continued to create the Apple II computer. Later on, they built a Macintosh line of products which made them millionaires.

Steve Wozniak permanently left Apple in early 1985, stating the company had been going in the wrong direction, but time proved who was going in the wrong direction. Today, Apple is worth $2.2 trillion and leading a technological revolution with its devices like iPhones, iPods, iPads, Macbooks and Mac computers; special thanks to the late Steve Jobs, who helped transform the world of computers through Apple.

Microsoft

Founders: Bill Gates and Paul Allen

Microsoft is a household name, and if you’re not aware of it, you must be living in an alternate dimension, existing in parallel to the human world. When childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in 1975, they had a small garage, and they thought it’s enough space to start a coding company.

Bill Gates and Paul Allen were keen on developing programming language and software operations; they collaborated with IBM and built their first operating system and licensed it for $80,000. They decided to name the company Microsoft, short for micro-computer software, which was a suggestion from Paul Allen.

Furthermore, they developed their most popular operating system, called Windows, which currently runs on 80% of the computers in the world. Recently, the company launched its latest OS, Windows 11, the most advanced version of Windows. Today, Microsoft is worth $1 trillion, and its co-founder Bill Gates is the 2nd richest person in the world.

Dell

Founder: Michael Dell

Dell is one of the largest technology corporations in the world that develops, sells, repairs, and supports computers and related products. Still, its founder Michael Dell is not a familiar name for us like we know Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, though he’s also a college dropout like them who made a name in the computer world by designing customized computers for people. Michael Dell dropped out of school to focus full-time on his business and founded Dell Computer Corporation in 1984, headquartered in his dorm room.

The company designed the first computer of its design in 1985, the Turbo PC, and sold it for $795. Later on, Michael moved to North Austin to expand the company from his own office, which he acquired through the early profits. Over the years, Dell grew up as one of the trustworthy brands in the computer world. Currently, Dell is worth $78.05 billion and competing fairly with several computer manufacturing opponents like HP, Lenovo and Acer.

Lotus Cars

Founder: Colin Chapman

If you are a fan of competitive racing and sports cars, you must be aware of the Lotus Cars, which manufactures lightweight and fine handling sports and racing cars. The Norfolk headquartered British automotive company was founded in 1948 by then 20-years old Colin Chapman in a garage where he built his first racing car, and the first factory was situated in old stables next to the railway hotel in Hornsey, London.

Over the next few decades, Lotus emerged as one of the top racing and sports car manufacturing companies where Lotus was also involved in Formula One racing via Team Lotus, winning the Formula One World Championship seven times. Lotus encountered financial troubles after the death of Colin Chapman, and later on, it was bought by General Motors. Currently, Lotus is owned by Chinese multinational group Geely which holds a 51% controlling stake in Lotus and the remaining 49% were acquired by Etika Automotive.

Along with these 9 companies, several other companies started their journey from a Garage or even smaller space, including Mattel – a toy manufacturing company founded in 1945 and popular for products like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and more. The next on the list is Maglite – a flashlight manufacturing company which Anthony Maglica founded in 1979, and last but not least is Nike, which began as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964 and started its journey from the trunk of a car, which is way smaller than a garage.

Affordable Laptops for Students: Graduation Days

Not on my watch. A perfect line by Nestor Carbonell creates an impact to ensure that the story of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises starts on a high note. The same line can make many hinging points when you are beginning your graduation. If you need a laptop that can cater to your requirements and resolve your budgetary constraints, this article is perfect for you. Why? Because this Exhibit blog will provide a comprehensive list of affordable laptops for students. Let’s begin.

#1 Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook

A brand like Lenovo can make you LEANOver your thoughts due to the sophisticated specifications it brings through their wide range of laptops. This laptop can serve your needs properly by letting you use it during the lectures when your professor is taking the session. It is because this laptop has the capability to switch to tablet mode. Hence, you also get a stylus when you want to use it as your laptop. Apart from this, you get this laptop in two variants – ice blue and iron-grey. The RAM may bring hiccups to you as it is merely 4 GB, along with 128 GB internal memory, but care about the price too. You can order this laptop at INR 26999/-.

#2 ASUS VivoBook 14

They claim it as the world’s smallest colorful 14 inches UltraBook. You have never seen color variants for sure. Okay, if the color doesn’t matter to you, check out the processor – i5 Core. If it’s about play, track the graphics card – NVIDIA. You name it, and you will get it for sure. Even for memory ASUS VivoBook 14 can provide a dual storage system. What about ergonomics? Ahh, now you hit the bull’s eye. With this laptop, you get a better typing position due to the 2-degree keyboard tilt. But wait! considering such damn fantastic features can stop you due to its price. Order it at INR 30999/-!

#3 HP 245 G8

The Stones of Venice writer John Ruskin was right about quality. He rightly said that quality could never be an accident but a constant intelligent effort. And, with HP, you get that intelligent effort and quality as well. Why? Because the newly launched HP 245 G8 has everything that you need. A Ryzen 3 processor, 1 TB hard disk, AMD Radeon, 7 hours of standard battery life, etc., can definitely save your day when it comes to work or play. If the weight of an HP laptop is what concerns you, think again! This 1.7 kg chap is available at INR 31,490/- and is an essential contender in the list of affordable laptops for students.

#4 Acer Aspire 3 Athlon

Wimbledon 2021 has witnessed one of the finest games. The Serbian and global star Novak Djokovic showcased how to win a match in 46 seconds. 46 seconds? But how? ACES. And, Acer must be having the same ideology to deliver aces of laptops which is true for Acer Aspire 3 Athlon. This INR 25863/- laptop may feel deserted as it may not have those specifications. But that’s not the case at all. Why? The 1.9 kg laptop has an AMD Radeon graphics processor with an Athlon Dual Core processor. Security is the major top-notch slot in this slot due to the Firmware Trusted Platform Module. Think again if you feel that a hard disk drive won’t be big at such a price – 1 TB.

#5 HP Chromebook x360

Portable. Versatile. Compact and stylish design. This laptop has ChromeOS in it. The Intel Celeron processor provides a speed of 1.1 GHz. Even if you are not charging it, you can use it for at least 9 hours. This laptop allows you to go for multiple logins. If the screen size of 12 inches is worrying, consider the price again – INR 29,9990/-.

Affordable Laptops for Students

Get ready to combat your college days with the laptops that bring affordability, durability, and quality. One of these laptops will surely create wonders for you.

Top 5 Work From Home Laptops

The second wave of covid-19 thrusts us back into our homes, and mission work from home begins again. Now, looking at a maximum number of professionals working from home, everyone needs and wants to own the best laptop to finish off work and enjoy their extra hours with their family or with their other ventures. So, whether you’re looking for a laptop with massive battery life or one with a magical crisp display, here is our list of top 5 laptops for work from home culture:

Dell XPS 13 (9300)

Specifications

CPU	8th generation Intel Core i5 – i7
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 620
RAM	8GB-16GB
Storage	256GB – 1TB SSD
Screen	13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – 4k (3840 x 2160)

We’re beginning our list with an expertly designed Dell XPS 13 (9300) that combines tremendous power in a stylish thin, and stunningly small body. The award-winning 13.3″ laptop offers a Full-HD+ display, and it is powered by 8th generation Intel Core i5 and i7. The laptop boasts over 12 hours of battery life, and the webcam is now placed right above the screen that helps you attend video calls more smoothly. The i5 variant of the Dell XPS 13 features 8GB RAM with a 512GB SSD is priced at Rs 1,50,990, while the i7 model features 16GB RAM with a 1TB SSD is priced at Rs 1,95,790; the prices are hefty, but with all the features it stands tall in front of its other competitors.

MacBook Pro 13″

Specifications

CPU	8th-generation Intel Core i5 – 10th-generation Intel Core i7
Graphics	Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
RAM	Up to 32GB
Storage	256GB – 4TB SSD
Screen	13-inch Retina display with True Tone

Apple’s newly refreshed Apple MacBook Pro 13″ is powered by the new M1 processor and sets the benchmark for performance and battery life. If you’re a video editor and looking to decorate your editing table, then MacBook Pro 13″ is one of the best options you have in the market, as it works splendidly with FCP, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and more. Along with a magic keyboard, retina display and all other premium features, the new MacBook Pro 13″ provides an exceptionally well battery that keeps the device running for a long time. The 8GB memory and 256GB storage configuration model costs Rs 1,22,900.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

Specifications

CPU	Quad-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-i7
Graphics	Intel® Iris™ Plus
RAM	Up to 16 GB
Storage	Up to 512GB
Screen	13.5″ / 15” Touchscreen PixelSense™ Display

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is the most traditional laptop you would see in the market but it promises fast performance, premium design and a touch screen experience. It has been redesigned from the inside out to impact productivity. The laptop is powered by the latest 10th Gen Intel Core™ Processor with improved graphics and up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage. It has an exceptionally well-designed keyboard and trackpad, and it only takes about an hour to reach 80% of the battery, and when charged fully, it lasts up to 11 hours. The prices start at Rs. Rs 1,01,990 for the 128GB storage variant, and move up to Rs 1,27,990 for the 256GB.

HP Spectre x360

Specifications

CPU	Intel Core i7-1065G7
Graphics	Intel Integrated UHD Graphics 620
RAM	8GB
Storage	512GB SSD
Screen	13.30-inch

HP Spectre x360 is a convertible laptop from HP that raises the bar with the chipmaker’s latest innovations, including Thunderbolt 4 ports and an 11th Generation Tiger Lake processor with Iris Xe integrated graphics. It gulps up everyday work tasks with smooth operations with its 10th-generation 2.8GHz Intel Core i7 processor. The battery life is good and stays long for up to 10 hours. If you’re looking for a modern laptop with the best features, this one should be on your wishlist as it is one of the best laptops for day-to-day work. HP Spectre x360 prices start from Rs. 121,499.

Lenovo ThinkPad E15

Specifications

CPU	Intel Core i5-10510U / Intel Core i7-10210U
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	Up to 32GB
Storage	Up to 2TB SSD + Up to 2TB HDD
Screen	15.6”, Full HD (1920 x 1080), IPS

Lenovo has done an excellent job of overcoming the profile and the weight of the Lenovo ThinkPad E15; it is an unofficial successor of the ThinkPad E590. The plastic-made laptop has a terrific keyboard and display, and it also provides various options for upgradability. The Intel Core i5-10510U / Intel Core i7-10210U powered laptop stays a little down when it comes to battery life but manages to stay alive for up to 8 hours. If you’re running low on a budget or trying to save some money for lockdown life, this one will fulfil your both wishes as the ThinkPad E15 prices start at Rs. 59,490.

Green with Envy! HP Envy 15 reviewed

Hewlett Packard, or HP as it is most commonly known, has always been the go-to brand for style, functionality and reliability. Among its wide range of laptops is the latest Envy 15, which targets the professional users such as video editors, creators, and graphic designers. While it is loaded with top-notch specs, it does have its share of shortcomings. Will the HP Envy 15 make your colleagues green with envy? Find out.

Aesthetics and first impressions:

One glance at the HP Envy 15 is enough to conclude that it is indeed a professional laptop and it carries that badge with pride. Thanks to its aluminium build in a silver-metal finish, the laptop oozes subtlety and elegance. That is complemented by the stylish chrome HP logo on the display lid, while the slim bezels on the top and sides of the 15.6-inch full HD IPS display panel further enhance the sleekness of the laptop.
The bottom bezel, however, takes away some of the glamour with its rather large design. The backlit keyboard is flanked by speaker grilles on both sides (From Bang & Olufsen, particularly) that give out quite decent audio output, while the arrow keys are accompanied by a nifty fingerprint scanner. The touchpad is also quite smooth (more on that later).

Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, a full-size HDMI 2.0 port, a USB-A 3.1 port and a microSD card reader constitute the left side of the laptop. The right side houses a headphone jack and another USB-A 3.1 port. All this is housed in a sleek case measuring 14.1 x 9.3 x 0.7 inches (LxWxH) and weighing 2.14 kg. This does seem like a lot, but it can be seen as a compact design if you consider the specs it comes loaded with.

Video and Audio:

As mentioned above, the laptop gets a 15.6-inch full HD (1920×1080 pixels) IPS, anti-glare display. Its 60 Hz refresh rate might not be in the same league as 144Hz screens, but the display is clear, crisp, and colourful nevertheless. Most colours on-screen pop out vibrantly, but it isn’t too abrasive to the eye.

HP has added a 720p webcam to the mix, which does its job as it should but is nothing to ponder over. However, the highlight of the webcam is the external shutter and microphone mute keys on the keyboard. Coming to the B&O speakers, a decently stereo surround sound can be experienced, though an immersive experience is not guaranteed.

Hardware:

I can safely say that the HP Envy 15 gets one of the best keyboards to work on. Comfortable, intuitive and well-lit, the keyboard looks as pleasing as it is to work on. The trackpad also does its job well and there is hardly anything to complain about here. If you had to be nitpicky, you could wish for a bigger trackpad, but that will only be an occasional woe rather than a regular complaint. The keys are not only well-spaced, but the back-lighting also ensures that every individual key can be clearly seen. The layout is overall quite symmetrical and pleasing to the eye.

Internals:

Armed with an Intel Core i7-10875H CPU, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q GPU, 16GBDDR4 RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD, the laptop can take on anything that you throw at it. Be it heavy files, complex designs or intense gaming, there is nothing that the HP Envy 15 can’t handle. However, the laptop isn’t immune from heating, which it does after a while of extensive usage. It isn’t unmanageable, however, and can be overlooked as well. For the average commercial user, this laptop will fulfil all purposes and will still have the capacity for more. Nevertheless, it could offer a better performance had it been equipped with better internal components such as an Nvidia RTX series graphics card or 32GB of RAM.

Should you go for it?

Priced well above the Rs 1.50 lakh mark, the HP Envy 15 is not a casual buy for sure. But if you are willing to invest that kind of money, you will definitely be pleased with the outcome. There is not much that is left to desire for after owning an Envy 15, but that is only if you are a jack of all trades. Purpose oriented buyers such as gamers or professional video creators might want something more from it, but the Envy 15 will still carry all the tasks given to it diligently.

HP introduces esports scholarship at OMEN FanFest 2020

HP India today announced the inaugural ‘esports Gold Quest’ scholarships at the OMEN FanFest 2020, in support of the rise of PC Gaming culture in India. The ‘esports Gold Quest” scholarship is a program that will provide gamers with the necessary financial support, equipment, skills, and exposure to help them in their quest to compete on the global stage and become future esports stars.

With esports becoming a global phenomenon, HP recognizes the need to provide Indian talent with the right set of tools and guidance to compete at the world stage and bring the country its recognition in esports. The esports Gold Quest scholarships will select three applicants and will offer them an annual scholarship worth Rs 12 lacs each, which will include a full esports kit from OMEN, a monthly salary of 50k and an international training stint.

The scholarship will be open to Indian applicants in the 16 – 20-year age group. The nationwide talent hunt program for selection will roll out in Jan 2021 with final selections in June 2021.

With gaming breaking down boundaries and merging seamlessly with popular culture, a platform was needed to showcase its rise. The OMEN FanFest accomplishes this by bringing together influential figures in the world of esports, contemporary culture and gaming enthusiasts on a common stage, and celebrates PC gaming in a manner never seen before.

Ketan Patel – Managing Director, HP India Market said, “Gaming and esports are among the fastest-growing competitive pursuits in India and globally. It is a stage on which Indian talent has the potential to compete with the best in the globe. As a market leader, we are working towards making the gaming ecosystem more inclusive for everyone, fueling the passion for gaming, and providing a launchpad for budding esports talent in the country. The scholarship program announced today is in line with our philosophy of ‘Play to Progress’ and we hope to see champions at the world stage from India soon.”

As a confluence of gaming and popular culture, the OMEN FanFest will bring together some of the biggest names in the world of esports and entertainment. These include Tirth Mehta, India’s first esports medalist; Ulrich Schulze, SVP, Product Management at ESL; Akshat Rathee, MD & Founder, NODWIN gaming, Abish Mathew- Standup Comic and other enthusiast gamers among many more.

The OMEN FanFest will also feature a contest that will offer participants the chance to become the fifth member of the HP OMEN Squad – which brings together people of diverse origins with one unifying goal to merge gaming with mainstream culture. Current members of the OMEN Squad include esports pro gamer Hellranger, professional live streamer Manasvini, gamer and content creator Ocean Sharma and stand-up comic Abish Mathew.

To further enhance the gaming ecosystem, HP is also announcing the ‘OMEN Crib’ – an entire gaming setup designed for the ultimate gameplay experience. The OMEN Crib comprises a dual monitor desk, keyboard, headset, mouse, mousepad, speakers and the OMEN gaming chair – all in a minimalist but stylish package.

Gamers stand a chance to win one OMEN Crib every week through a contest all through December exclusively on Flipkart.

The OMEN FanFest follows the recent unveiling of the brand-new range of OMEN laptops and accessories, updates to OMEN Command Center, and the HP Pavilion gaming 16. The OMEN range offers “First of its kind” hardware technologies in the industry enabling Gameplay experience to the next level and offers unmatched power without any compromise. OMEN and Pavilion PCs, and accessories provide an immersive experience to the gamers helping them stay connected, relaxed, and entertained while at home.

QUIBI | QUICK BITES, BAD STORY

From the day Quibi was launched, I had my eyes fixated on it. Firstly because it was Meg Whiteman who raised an eye popping USD 1 Billion, secondly it was trying to enter a space where the grand daddies like Apple, Google, Netflix, Amazon are heavily invested and willing to lose billions for their share of eyeballs. Literally this time. Back in India, I used to get these OTT platform startup pitches and my reply was simple: it is the airline business which will make you a millionaire from a billionaire. There is no way under the sun that any new OTT platform without any strategic bundle can be a profitable and sustainable business. Case in point, Netflix – Early mover advantage and the man Reed Hastings is simply outstanding. Let’s look at Amazon- Its prime membership and e-commerce play is big to keep churning content and throwing it for free. Imagine in future while you are watching an Amazon original and a pop up comes selling you any of its products. They are building their own advertising audience ready to be monetized in a few clicks Disney + Hotstar – For them the stakes are too high not to be in this space and even MX player for The Times of India is backwardly integrated with their own production jungle and their media muscle. Zee5 – Similarly if they don’t have their own OTT they will not be relevant any more, and if you are still not tired of all the above then there’s YouTube with billions of hours worth of free content which you can keep watching with your next generations ahead.

Coming back to Quibi, with its 10 minute – 5 USD service, on the face of it is a great idea. We want smackable content and just like 20/20 cricket matches, they are the need of the hour. But how many will pay for it? 10 minutes is a free spot served by YouTube. At first, the idea of mobile-first content, 10 minutes content and a great team led by Meg Whitman who has been associated with HP, Procter & Gamble, Walt Disney and that this will succeed was a no-brainer. But having attempted many startups myself and failed in many I can vouch that what looks on the surface as a brilliant idea, sometimes does a somersault once it goes on the floor. The project faced skepticism from the beginning, but there was a Hollywood heavyweight of Katzenberg’s reputation involved. As former chairman of Walt Disney Studios and a co-founder of DreamWorks Animation, it seemed that if anyone could disrupt the OTT shape in mobile viewership patterns, as Quibi was trying, it would be Katzenberg.

It’s easy to blame the present times for any failed business, but OTT and streaming apps have seen a huge uptick. But possibly, for Quibi dearth of content production since they were new in the business and the content factory was slammed with hard “Covid brakes.” In spite of shows like 50 states of fright and a dream team with 1.7 billion dollars in funding , streaming is a complicated space to disrupt. It’s almost like the e-commerce business after Amazon, Flipkart. That is where your search ends.