Also: I found a mini PC that performs like a speed demon (and comes in bold colors) The Mini certainly gave it a run for its money. And while being hampered by an inferior OS. Note to all companies sending me PCs to review: Please send me machines with Linux preinstalled. Not only do I find it far easier to review computers with Linux, but it also shows consumers that you do offer open-source options.
Acer is announcing a new Swift Air 16 at IFA 2025, and it's an absolute featherweight of a 16-inch laptop. Weighing in at 2.18 pounds / 0.99kg with an IPS display or 2.43 pounds / 1.1kg with its optional OLED, the Swift Air is lighter than even a 13-inch MacBook Air. It also packs more ports than the MacBook, and will start at a lower price of €999 when it launches in November. (North American availability and pricing is still TBD.)
HP rebranded its laptop lineup last year, renaming its high-performance business devices to the EliteBook X series. The first laptop from this series I've tested is the 14-inch , an impressive enterprise laptop with a lot to like, but a few considerations that make it unique. This is a business laptop aimed at professionals, and it aims to combine the connectivity of a ThinkPad, the sleek form factor of a MacBook, and HP's signature minimalist, if non-descript, design.