Laptops
Apple Launches New MacBook Pro
Apple today introduced the thinnest and lightest MacBook Pro ever, along with a breakthrough interface that replaces the traditional row of function keys with a brilliant, Retina-quality Multi-Touch display called the Touch Bar. The new MacBook Pro features Apple’s brightest and most colorful Retina display yet, the security and convenience of Touch ID, a more responsive keyboard, a larger Force Touch trackpad and an audio system with double the dynamic range. It’s also the most powerful MacBook Pro ever, featuring sixth-generation quad-core and dual-core processors, up to 2.3 times the graphics performance over the previous generation, super-fast SSDs and up to four Thunderbolt 3 ports.
The Touch Bar places controls right at the user’s fingertips and adapts when using the system or apps like Mail, Finder, Calendar, Numbers, GarageBand, Final Cut Pro X and many more, including third-party apps. For example, the Touch Bar can show Tabs and Favorites in Safari, enable easy access to emoji in Messages, provide a simple way to edit images or scrub through videos in Photos and so much more.
“This week marks the 25th anniversary of Apple’s first notebook; through the years each generation has introduced new innovations and capabilities, and it’s fitting that this all-new generation of MacBook Pro is the biggest leap forward yet,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With the groundbreaking new Touch Bar, the convenience of Touch ID, the best Mac display ever, powerful performance, improved audio, blazing fast storage and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity in our thinnest and lightest pro notebook yet, the new MacBook Pro is the most advanced notebook ever made.”
Building on innovations pioneered in MacBook, the new MacBook Pro features an entirely new enclosure design and all-metal unibody construction that creates an incredibly rigid and dense notebook that is amazingly thin and light. At just 14.9 mm thin, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is 17 percent thinner and 23 percent less volume than the previous generation, and nearly half a pound lighter at just three pounds. The new 15-inch MacBook Pro, at just 15.5 mm thin, is 14 percent thinner and 20 percent less volume than before, and weighing just 1.81-kgs, is nearly half a kg lighter.
Integrated into the power button is the convenience and security of Touch ID, one of the great features customers have come to know and love from their iPhone and iPad. Once you enroll your fingerprint in Touch ID on your MacBook Pro, you can quickly unlock your Mac, switch user accounts and make secure purchases with Apple Pay on the web with a single touch. Touch ID enables a quick, accurate reading of your fingerprint and uses sophisticated algorithms to recognize and match it with the secure element in the new Apple T1 chip.
The best Mac display ever delivers images that are more vivid, reveal even greater detail and appear more lifelike than ever. As thin as a MacBook display at .88 mm, the Retina display on the new MacBook Pro at 500 nits of brightness, is an amazing 67 percent brighter than the previous generation, features 67 percent more contrast and is the first Mac notebook display to support a wide color gamut. And with power-saving technologies like a larger pixel aperture, a variable refresh rate and more power-efficient LEDs, the display consumes 30 percent less energy than before.
Powerful processors, cutting-edge graphics, blazing-fast SSDs, high-speed memory and an advanced thermal architecture deliver amazing pro-level performance in a dramatically thinner enclosure. Sixth-generation dual-core Core i5 with eDRAM, dual-core Core i7 with eDRAM and quad-core Core i7 Intel processors deliver pro-level processing performance while conserving energy. The new 15-inch MacBook Pro features powerful Radeon Pro discrete graphics delivering up to 2.3 times more performance than the previous generation; while the 13-inch MacBook Pro comes with Intel Iris Graphics that are up to two times faster than before.
All models feature SSDs with sequential read speeds over 3GBps and Thunderbolt 3 which consolidates data transfer, charging and twice the video bandwidth in a single port — allowing users to drive a 5K display and power their MacBook Pro with a single cable.
- Much larger Force Touch trackpads — 46 percent larger on the 13-inch MacBook Pro and twice as large on the 15-inch MacBook Pro;
- More responsive and comfortable typing on the keyboard with a second-generation butterfly mechanism;
- Louder, more true-to-life sound through speakers with double the dynamic range and improved bass;
- macOS Sierra, the world’s most advanced desktop operating system, with new features like Siri integration, Universal Clipboard, Apple Pay on the web and Photos, which helps you rediscover your meaningful memories, organize your library and perfect shots like a pro.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at AED 5,999 features a 2.0 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz, 8GB of memory and 256GB of flash storage, and ships today. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with the revolutionary Touch Bar and Touch ID starts at AED 7,199 and features a 2.9 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz, 8GB of memory and 256GB of flash storage, and ships in two to three weeks.
The 15-inch MacBook Pro starts at AED 9,499 features the revolutionary Touch Bar and Touch ID, a 2.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.5 GHz, 16GB of memory and 256GB of flash storage, and ships in two to three weeks.

Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft Intros New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business

Microsoft has launched its latest Surface for Business Copilot+ PCs in the Middle East, featuring the powerful Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors. This new lineup, including the Surface Laptop, Surface Pro, and the upcoming Surface Laptop with 5G, is designed to boost productivity and AI innovation for professionals in the region.
Check out what Microsoft 365 Copilot can do for you:
Engineered for exceptional performance, enhanced security, and seamless connectivity, these PCs offer unparalleled speed and efficiency for demanding tasks like multitasking, data analysis, and creative work. The sleek Surface Laptop provides a reliable and stylish solution with a high-resolution display and long battery life. The versatile Surface Pro offers tablet flexibility with laptop power, ideal for professionals on the go. For constant connectivity, the Surface Laptop with 5G will provide lightning-fast internet speeds, ensuring productivity anywhere.
“We are excited to introduce the new lineup of our Surface for Business Copilot+ PCs, which are designed to empower professionals across the Middle East to thrive in today’s highly dynamic business landscape,” said Zubin Chagpar, Senior Director and Business Group Leader for Modern Work & Surface Devices at Microsoft CEMA. “In today’s fast-evolving, AI-powered work environment, businesses seek tools that not only boost productivity but also spark creativity and innovation. With cutting-edge performance, enhanced AI capabilities, and seamless connectivity, this new lineup empowers professionals to excel in their work, no matter where they are. At Microsoft, we remain deeply committed to empowering every professional across the workforce to achieve more, and the Surface for Business Copilot+ PCs are a testament to this mission.”
These Copilot+ PCs are Microsoft’s most secure Windows devices yet, featuring the Microsoft Pluton security processor enabled by default. This chip-to-cloud security technology, embedded in the CPU by silicon partners, provides a secure vault for sensitive data like passwords and encryption keys, protecting against physical and remote attacks.
Alongside the new PCs, Microsoft is launching several innovations. The new Surface USB4 Dock offers enhanced connectivity with faster data transfer and multi-display support. Microsoft Teams Rooms on Surface Hub 3 are improved for seamless meeting collaboration. Finally, the Security Copilot in the Surface Management Portal provides advanced security features and insights for efficient Surface device management and protection by IT administrators.
The new Surface for Business Copilot+ PCs are now available for pre-order. The Microsoft Surface Laptop for Business with Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) has been available for delivery in the Middle East market since March 4, 2025, and the Microsoft Surface Pro for Business with Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) can be pre-ordered now for delivery starting March 24, 2025.
Gadgets
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY Review: A Reliable Business Laptop with Strong Performance and Exceptional Battery Life

Lenovo’s ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY is a bold step forward in the business laptop category, combining sleek design, robust build quality, and cutting-edge features tailored for professionals. It’s a device primarily focused on delivering exceptional battery life and reliable productivity, though it presents a mixed bag of features.
Design and Build Quality
The ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY boasts a minimalist yet sophisticated design that’s focused on working professionals. The chassis is crafted from a premium magnesium-aluminum alloy, making it both lightweight and durable. The matte finish not only resists fingerprints but also adds a touch of elegance. The laptop’s slim bezels and compact form factor make it highly portable for a 16-inch device, while the hinge mechanism feels sturdy and allows for smooth one-handed opening. The keyboard deck is rigid, with no noticeable flex, and the overall build quality inspires confidence for daily use in demanding environments.
Features and Specs
This laptop is packed with features that cater to modern professionals. It comes equipped with the latest Snapdragon X Plus processor equipped with a Hexagon NPU. You also get up to 32GB LPDDR5x-8448 RAM, and 1TB of M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage, ensuring lightning-fast performance for multitasking and data-intensive workloads. The laptop is also equipped with a variety of ports to enhance connectivity and functionality. It includes an HDMI port, an SD card reader, two USB-C ports (USB 10Gbps) supporting USB PD 3.1 and DP 1.4, two USB-A (USB 5Gbps) ports with one offering Always On functionality, a headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5mm), and a Kensington Nano Security Slot for added security.
Display and Webcam
The laptop features a 16-inch (2560×1600) IPS display with a brightness of 350 nits, 100% sRGB colour accuracy, and a 120Hz refresh rate. It includes Eyesafe technology for reduced eye strain and T-CON colour calibration for enhanced visual precision. The colors are vibrant and accurate, making it ideal for creative professionals.
The 1080p webcam is a significant upgrade, featuring a 3D IR sensor for facial recognition and Windows Hello support. The camera delivers sharp and clear video quality, even in low-light conditions, thanks to its AI-powered noise reduction and auto-framing capabilities. The built-in privacy shutter is a thoughtful addition, providing peace of mind for security-conscious users.
AI Features
The ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY shines in its AI integration. The AI Noise Cancellation feature enhances audio clarity during calls, filtering out background noise effectively. The AI-powered performance optimization dynamically adjusts system resources based on workload, ensuring smooth operation without manual intervention. Additionally, the AI-driven camera features, such as auto-framing and gaze correction, make virtual meetings more engaging and professional. As part of Microsoft’s Copilot+ program, the ThinkBook 16 G7 also features the standard Copilot AI programs like CoCreate in Microsoft Paint, Live Captions, and enhanced Windows Studio effects.
Battery Life
The ThinkBook 16 G7 excels in battery life, making it ideal for busy professionals. In real-world use, it lasted a full workday with heavy multitasking, only depleting to 50%. Lab tests showed it achieving an impressive 21 hours and 2 minutes, nearly double the mainstream laptop average of 11 hours and 18 minutes, even under rigorous testing conditions. The AI-powered battery optimisation further extends battery life by learning usage patterns and adjusting power consumption accordingly.
Overall Performance
The ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY excels in performance, handling everything from everyday tasks to demanding applications with ease. The combination of a powerful processor, ample RAM, and fast storage ensures seamless multitasking and quick load times. The thermal management system keeps the laptop cool and quiet, even under heavy workloads. Whether you’re editing videos, running virtual machines, or attending back-to-back meetings, this laptop delivers consistent and reliable performance.
Verdict
The ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY is a powerhouse designed for professionals who demand both style and substance. Its premium design, stunning display, and innovative AI features make it a standout choice in the business laptop market. While it comes at a premium price, the performance, build quality, and future-proof features justify the investment. If you’re looking for a laptop that combines productivity, portability, and cutting-edge technology, the ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY is an excellent choice.
Price: AED 4500 approx.
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY AED 4500 approx.
Summary
This laptop is packed with features that cater to modern professionals. It comes equipped with the latest Snapdragon X Plus processor equipped with a Hexagon NPU.
User Review
( votes)Gadgets
Acer Intros Five Innovative and Future-Ready Product Series for Education

Acer has introduced a new lineup of education-focused products at the BETT 2025 show, underlining its mission to transform the digital learning landscape. The launch includes five cutting-edge product series, thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of modern classrooms, from K-12 to higher education. With a strong focus on durability, eco-consciousness, and adaptability, Acer’s latest innovations are built to enhance learning experiences while reducing environmental impact.
Acer’s latest Chromebook range – featuring the Acer Chromebook Spin 512, Spin 511, and Chromebook 511 – brings classroom computing to a new level. Engineered for durability, these devices are designed to endure the wear and tear of daily academic life. Key features include easily serviceable keyboards, reinforced I/O ports, and impact-resistant structures that meet MIL-STD 810H standards, ensuring they can withstand accidental drops of up to 122 cm.
Integrated features include a Quick Insert key to easily access helpful ChromeOS features, spill-resistant designs, and TÜV Rheinland-certified Eyesafe displays, making these devices ideal companions for students’ demanding school days. The models incorporate PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic, OceanGlass touchpads made from ocean-bound plastic, are EPEAT registered, and Energy Star and TCO-certified.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 512 will be available in EMEA starting March 2025 at a price of $349. The Spin 511 will start at $329, and the Chromebook 511 will start at $299.
Acer’s new TravelMate laptops, including the TravelMate B5 14, TravelMate B3 11, and convertible TravelMate B3 Spin 12, are designed to meet the dynamic demands of today’s hybrid classrooms. Key durability features such as shock-absorbent bumpers, reinforced brackets, and mechanically anchored keyboard keys which ensure longevity and resilience. Each model is MIL-STD 810H certified and integrates Acer PurifiedVoice with AI-enhanced noise reduction for an immersive and productive online learning experience.
The TravelMate B5 14 features up to an optional 14-inch FHD IPS display and powerful yet energy-efficient performance to enable seamless multitasking. The compact TravelMate B3 11 offers a lightweight 11.6-inch design with various connectivity options, including dual USB Type-C ports. Meanwhile, the convertible TravelMate B3 Spin 12 empowers collaborative learning with its 360-degree hinge, a TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light-certified display for greater comfort while reading, writing and watching videos plus an optional fast-charging stylus for efficient notetaking.
The TravelMate B5 14 will be available in EMEA from February 2025, starting at $400 +VAT. The TravelMate B3 Spin 12 will be priced at $430 +VAT, while the TravelMate B3 11 will be available at $330 +VAT.
The Acer Chromebook Tab 311 is a simple, affordable, and secure computing experience for students. Featuring a lightweight, durable 610g frame and MIL-STD 810H compliance, it offers resilience against everyday drops and bumps. The Acer Chromebook tablet is also equipped with a heavy-duty 8,000 mAh battery that can provide up to 10 hours of battery life, helping students stay productive throughout long school days.
The Chromebook Tab 311 also supports optional add-ons, including a portfolio case with an adjustable multi-angle stand and a folio keyboard, letting students easily switch between typing, drawing, and viewing modes. Acer Chromebook Tab 311 will be available in EMEA in Q2 2025, starting at $329.
Acer takes multitasking to the next level with the PD3 Series portable foldable monitors. Available in two sizes – 15.6 inches (PD163Q) and 18.5 inches (PD193Q E) – the devices offer a versatile dual-screen setup for educators and students are designed to boost productivity, efficiency and entertainment experiences. Each monitor features a sleek, lightweight design and Dual FHD resolution (2160 x 1080) for crisp text and rich visuals. Acer VisionCare technology helps reduce eye strain during prolonged tasks, while a 315-degree ergonomic hinge enables versatile viewing angles for optimized productivity.
Ideal for multitasking environments, the PD3 monitors can serve as second or third screens, connected seamlessly through HDMI or USB-C. The Acer PD3 Series monitors will be available starting February 2025. The PD163Q will be priced at $399, while the PD193Q E will start at $499.
The Acer PD1520Us ultra-short-throw LED projector brings big-screen learning to even the smallest of spaces. With the ability to project a 100-inch image from mere centimeters, this compact, flexible projector is ideal for classrooms and training spaces and weighs just 740 grams. Enhanced features like Auto 2D Keystone correction, 4K compatibility, multimedia playback, a stable 30,000-hour LED lifespan and interactive app integration help create an engaging, cable-free learning and presentation experience. The Acer PD1520Us projector will be available in EMEA from March 2025, priced at $699. The optional battery kit will be available for $99, and the interactive module for $199.
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