- The changing trends of NPU in hardware, its potential for offloading CPU workload to AI.
- Emerging ARM (snapdragon X) Windows laptops, extraordinary battery,
- but software compatibility.
- waiting on linux support,
- Lunar Lake generation was only one of a kind to even compete with power efficiency and Intel wont make it again.
- complete change in lineup of Dell,
- confusion with region specific Thinkpad models with region specific SKU limits and distinguished models.
- Mediocre specs of new thinkpad with extremely high pricing. T14 AMD not even 2k screen!
TreeOfPain
Contributor
It depends on your needs. 2025 is definitely a transitional year for laptops. But most of the new advancements are only useful for power users. For most people, existing laptops are good enough to last another 5 -6 years.
Koooshiiikk
Contributor
I think it all boils down to what you're optimizing for. You're right in pointing out the transition period 2025 represents. ARM-based chips like Snapdragon X offer extraordinary battery life and power efficiency, but there are still huge gaps in software compatibility, especially for power users relying on legacy applications or specific workflows. While Lunar Lake may have set a high bar for efficiency, it seems Intel's shift to other architectures might prevent it from becoming the new standard. And as you mentioned, Dell's changing lineup and the region-specific confusion around Thinkpads are certainly frustrating. However, the more overlooked aspect here is the rise of cloud computing and edge AI processing - you might not need as much raw hardware in the laptop itself if you're relying on cloud-based tools or leveraging off-device computing for heavier tasks. This could be a smart shift for some, especially as 5G and Wi-Fi 6E continue expanding.
In short, if you're not a power user who needs the latest chip or cutting-edge hardware right now, sticking with a well-specced laptop from last year might be a better deal than jumping into the current uncertain market. But if you're future-proofing, then watching the ARM and AI chip developments closely could be worthwhile, especially for the next few years.
In short, if you're not a power user who needs the latest chip or cutting-edge hardware right now, sticking with a well-specced laptop from last year might be a better deal than jumping into the current uncertain market. But if you're future-proofing, then watching the ARM and AI chip developments closely could be worthwhile, especially for the next few years.