Unveiling the Future of Laptops: Highlights from CES 2025
The year 2024 witnessed significant advancements in the realm of laptops, setting high expectations for this year's CES 2025. Held amidst the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas, the event saw industry giants unveiling a plethora of innovative devices slated to define the trajectory of 2025 and beyond. Among the array of announcements, some notable devices emerged as clear standouts, promising to introduce groundbreaking features and designs.
Revolutionizing Laptop Design and Performance
CES 2025 was dominated by some key trends, including the resurgence of gaming laptops with AMD chipsets, an abundance of OLED display technology, the intriguing "rollable" laptop concept, and the continuing evolution of ultra-thin, lightweight devices. Our focus remained on devices that bring something novel to the table, perhaps a multifunctional feature, an eye-catching design, or exceptional value.
Top Picks from CES 2025
| Best Laptop of CES | Starting Price | Display | CPU | GPU | RAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition | $1,399 | 15-inch OLED | Intel Core Ultra 7 200V | Up to Intel Xe2 Integrated GPU | up to 32GB |
| MSI Raider 18 HX AI | N/A | 18-inch Mini LED | AMD Ryzen 9 9955 | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 | up to 96GB |
| Asus Zenbook A14 | $899 | 14-inch Lumina OLED | Snapdragon X Plus | Qualcomm Adreno | up to 32GB |
| Razer Blade 16 (2025) | N/A | 16-inch QHD+ OLED | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 | up to 64GB |
| Acer Swift Go 16 AI | $949 | 16-inch 3K OLED | AMD Ryzen AI 300 | AMD Radeon 800M | up to 32GB |
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition: A Closer Look
Lenovo's ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition was crowned the best laptop at CES 2025. Upon initial inspection, it may appear understated, but its design incorporates several innovative elements. Notably, it abandons the traditional TrackPoint for a more streamlined keyboard and cover, while the "engine hub" at its base redesigns the cooling and port layout. Armed with an Intel Core Ultra 7 "Lunar Lake" processor, OLED display, and substantial RAM and storage, this laptop targets business professionals seeking a lightweight yet powerful device.
MSI Raider 18 HX AI: A Gaming Powerhouse
MSI made waves with its Raider 18 HX AI, featuring a formidable set of specifications that make it a gaming enthusiast's dream. Sporting an 18-inch Mini LED display and customizable per-key RGB lighting, this laptop offers variety with configurations running on either Intel or AMD processors. Its Matrix Light Bar and cutting-edge hardware ensure that it doesn’t just perform well; it also delivers an unforgettable visual experience.
Asus Zenbook A14: Lightweight and Affordable
The Asus Zenbook A14 stands out for its affordability and portability. Aimed at a broader audience, its Snapdragon X Plus processor and Lumina OLED screen offer excellent performance and vivid visuals at a competitive starting price. Weighing only 2.16 pounds and constructed with Asus's proprietary ceraluminum, it's deceptively lightweight without compromising on durability or battery life.
Razer Blade 16: Slim Design Meets Power
Breaking the stereotype of bulky gaming laptops, the Razer Blade 16 redefines slim, measuring just 0.59 inches thick. Despite its slender profile, it houses a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-Series GPU and AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 processor. With enhanced cooling technology and a high-refresh-rate OLED display, it promises to be both efficient and cutting-edge.
Acer Swift Go 16 AI: Accessible AI and Creative Potential
Finally, the Acer Swift Go 16 AI offers impressive versatility with its Ryzen AI series processor, supporting creative tasks from photo editing to AI applications. Its sleek design may not catch the eye initially, but the performance and affordability, starting at $949, make it an appealing choice for those seeking a well-rounded, AI-capable machine.
Choosing the Best: Key Considerations
The selection of top laptops at CES 2025 was guided by a focus on unique design perspectives, powerful hardware configurations, and practical feature sets. High-resolution displays with vibrant colors and fast refresh rates were critical factors, alongside the introduction of new generation processors and graphics interoperability. Furthermore, innovative inclusions like Wi-Fi 7 compatibility and extensive storage options played a role in these selections, promising consumers enhanced productivity and entertainment capabilities.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 CES showcased an exciting array of laptops that are set to redefine both gaming and professional landscapes. These select laptops not only embody technological innovation but also cater to varying consumer needs, from the business traveler to the avid gamer. With such promising devices on the horizon, 2025 is set to be an exciting year for laptop enthusiasts and tech users alike.
