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MateBook Unleashes Fantastic Laptop Light – Gadget

What is this?

So light! That’s the first description that comes to mind when you start using the Huawei MateBook X Pro. Weighing just 980 grams and measuring 13.5 mm thick, the laptop represents engineering excellence in its combination of elegant design, solid performance and high portability. It is so surprisingly well-suited to taking on a complicated journey that it is a modern marvel that harks back to Milton’s ancient saying: trip the light fantastic.

The use of magnesium alloy in the construction not only contributes to its lightness, but also ensures durability, despite the temptation to think that light = fragile. The aesthetic approach is called Skyline Design, which describes a subtle gradient curve that gives the laptop a sophisticated look. The color options, Morandi Blue and White, also provide a sophisticated look that adds style to functionality.

The 14.2-inch screen is also a testament to engineering excellence: with an incredibly thin bezel that still houses the webcam, and a 93% screen-to-body ratio, the screen is larger than many laptops that have a wider and taller foldable screen.

The flexible OLED screen offers a 3.1K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing exceptional clarity and vibrant colors. Why flexible? Well, unlike rigid OLED screens that often present patterns that resemble interference when viewed at an angle, the flexible screen eliminates such distractions, providing a superior viewing experience.

According to Huawei, this is also possible thanks to precise color calibration, which guarantees accurate color reproduction and makes this laptop ideal for creators who care about accurate color reproduction.

Performance is smooth and lag-free, thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, paired with an improved Arc Graphics system. This means it can handle demanding tasks like video editing and 3D modeling.

The cooling system includes Huawei’s shark fin design and an ultra-thin vapor chamber module that dissipates heat and maintains performance during heavy use. The fan blade design and AI-assisted intelligent temperature control also enhance cooling efficiency and keep the laptop cool and quiet.

The 70Wh battery provides up to 11 hours of local video playback, which isn’t bad for such a lightweight design. If you want a quick power boost, the 90W SuperCharge Turbo mode offers fast charging, giving you two hours of use after just 10 minutes of charging. This adds to its portability, for someone on the go who needs to power up their device in a pinch, or when charging availability – and time – are limited. Connectivity is excellent, with Metaline’s advanced 3D antenna technology not only enabling long-distance connections, but also maintaining them.

The Super Device feature enables seamless collaboration with other Huawei devices, including phones, tablets, and headphones.

It’s not billed as an AI computer, as is the standard marketing approach these days, but it can hold its own with the best of the AI ​​pack. For example, AI Camera and AI Sound capabilities improve videoconferencing, and AI Search supports cross-device search.

Despite these impressive features, the MateBook X Pro isn’t without its limitations, but they aren’t flaws, rather they’re exaggerations. For example, the high-resolution, high-refresh-rate OLED screen, while visually stunning, may not be necessary for those who don’t use such advanced specs and may consider it an over-engineering that inflates the price.

The lightweight and slim design results in fewer ports and connectivity options, such as the lack of a USB-A port, which is a problem that can easily be solved by using an external USB hub.

The premium materials and advanced technology of course contribute to the high price tag, which means it’s less accessible to budget-conscious consumers. Other powerful laptops offer similar performance at a lower price point, but without the MateBook X Pro’s astonishing portability.

How much is it?

The suggested retail price of the Huawei MateBook X Pro 2024 is R39,999.

Why does this matter?

The Huawei MateBook X Pro is a step forward in laptop design and performance, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It offers a compelling combination of lightweight design, high performance, and a high-quality display. It’s an attractive option for users who need both portability and performance, and who can justify the investment.

What are the biggest negatives?

  • Advanced materials, high-performance components, and cutting-edge display technology all contribute to the laptop’s high price tag, making it less accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
  • Slim and lightweight design means fewer ports and connectivity options.

What are the biggest positives?

  • The 14.2-inch flexible OLED screen provides exceptional clarity and vivid colors.
  • The Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and Arc graphics chip allow you to perform demanding tasks calmly, quietly and economically.
  • So light! Weighing just 980 grams and measuring 13.5 mm thick, it is a breakthrough in combining power and portability.

* Arthur Goldstuck is CEO of World Wide Worx and Editor-in-Chief of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on social media at @art2gee.