Charles Jefferies

Philadelphia

Contributor at PCMag

Freelance writer and reviewer for @PCMag and others (15 yrs experience); HRIS consultant (benefits/payroll systems) at PDS, Inc.

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Articles

Asus Zenbook S 14 (UX5406)

5 days ago | uk.pcmag.com | Charles Jefferies

Premium ultraportables often come with hefty price tags, but their cutting-edge technology and flashy designs can justify the investment over budget laptops. The Asus Zenbook S 14 (model UX5406; starts at $1,399 and $1,599 as tested) shines with its faultless build quality, vibrant OLED touch screen, versatile port selection, and impressive battery life.
Asus Vivobook Go 15

2 weeks ago | uk.pcmag.com | Charles Jefferies

The ideal budget laptop blends everyday usability, reliable performance, and a touch of creature comfort. Essentially, it should be functional without leading to buyer's remorse for not spending more. The Asus Vivobook Go 15 (in the model E1504FA-AS54 we tested) looks promising on paper, with a full-featured Windows OS—not the limited Windows in S Mode—and a super-low starting price of $299 for a base model (and $382 in our test configuration).
HP ZBook Power 16 G11 A

2 weeks ago | uk.pcmag.com | Charles Jefferies

HP offers a varied lineup of ZBook mobile workstations, but the entry-level ZBook Power 16 G11 A (starts at $1,199; $2,629 as tested) might be the most important. It admirably delivers creative performance on a big screen while maintaining the build quality and connectivity of higher-end ZBooks.
The MSI Titan 18 HX AI is one of the most expensive gaming laptops we've ever tested. It's a powerhouse, but it isn't perfect.

2 weeks ago | tomshardware.com | Charles Jefferies

MSI’s Titan 18 HX AI delivers chart-topping performance, an exceptionally vibrant screen, and all the technology you can dream of. Although its loud fans and brief battery life are pitfalls, this monster is a dream machine for those who can afford it.
Getac S510

3 weeks ago | uk.pcmag.com | Charles Jefferies

Semi-rugged laptops are built for durability and endurance, plain and simple. That's why you'll see so many of them in challenging, rough-and-tumble environments like police cruisers, ambulances, industrial worksites, and the remote outdoors. The Getac S510 (starting at $2,171; tested configuration priced at approximately $3,522) is not only one of the biggest semi-rugged laptops, it's one of the best. The S510 exemplifies reliability and performance, with an impressive array of features.
CTL Chromebook PX141EXT

3 weeks ago | uk.pcmag.com | Charles Jefferies

CTL's Chromebook PX141EXT (starts at $350; $420 as tested) is geared toward schools and government use. This 14-inch model might not have many luxuries, but it's sturdy and comfortable to use, and it offers a touch screen, ample connectivity, and long battery life. It's a no-nonsense Chromebook that won't compete with deluxe consumer models in the Chromebook Plus tier and at the high end, but it delivers fine value for its target market, earning our Editors' Choice award for that crowd.
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (7441)

1 month ago | au.pcmag.com | Charles Jefferies

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor, Dell's Inspiron 14 Plus (model 7441, starting at $849.99 and $999.99 as tested) serves as a solid, if unremarkable, everyday laptop. Its aluminum design adds a premium feel, and features like a touch screen, Wi-Fi 7, and multiple biometric options come standard. Although it doesn't stand out among midrange slimlines, it's well-rounded enough to be a worthy contender, particularly if you catch it on sale.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

1 month ago | au.pcmag.com | Charles Jefferies

Samsung's Galaxy Chromebook Plus ($624.99 as tested) elevates Google's Chromebook Plus campaign to new heights. This 15.6-inch laptop boasts a stunning AMOLED screen and an equally dazzling metal design, measuring under half an inch thin and weighing just 2.6 pounds. It also debuts new G (for Google) and Quick Insert keys for a productivity boost.
Acer Swift 14 AI

1 month ago | au.pcmag.com | Charles Jefferies

Helped by Microsoft's Copilot+ PC push, Qualcomm Snapdragon laptops have taken store shelves by storm. Our testing has shown that they are often solid alternatives to traditional x86 laptops. Acer's Swift 14 AI model SF14-61T-R3U1 (starts at $1,049.99; $1,199.99 as tested) lives up to the reputation these laptops have earned, boasting peppy performance and enough battery life for all-day use. Its high-resolution touch screen and useful port selection are also easy to appreciate.
Dell Pro Rugged 14

1 month ago | uk.pcmag.com | Charles Jefferies

A laptop built to withstand occasional jostling in a briefcase or a minor keyboard coffee spill is one thing; one ready for outdoor use, pouring rain, vehicle mounting, and extreme temperatures is another. Dell's Pro Rugged 14 (starts at $1,959; approximately $3,821 as tested) is what's known as a semi-rugged laptop and exceeds expectations even for that elite class.