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Review: Dynabook Portege X30W-J

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Dynabook is the new name for Toshiba branded laptops. The company has been launching one laptop model after the other quite regularly and the latest to come out of its assembly line is the new Portege X30W-J. This ultraportable and convertible laptop is built around the Intel Evo platform and comes packed with 28W 11th generation Intel Core processors, powerful Intel Xe graphics, and 16-hours of battery life.

The Portege X30W-J is quite lightweight, weighing less than 1kg, and measures just 17.9mm in thickness. The chassis of the laptop feels surprisingly strong for such a light body. This is because the company has used magnesium alloy for the chassis, which combined with a Corning Gorilla Glass for the matte screen makes it not only light but very strong, passing MIL-STD-810-G tests for drop, dust, humidity, temperature, and shock.

Inside the box, you get the Dynabook Portege X30W-J convertible laptop along with Dynabook Trupen, the power adaptor with two types of power plugs, the warranty info, and the quick start guide. The Dynabook Trupen runs on one AAAA-type battery, which is also included inside the box.

As soon as you open the lid that says Dynabook on the center, you come face to face with a 13.3-inch Sharp IGZO Full HD matte anti-glare touchscreen. This display offers a resolution of 1920-by-1080 pixels.

The display, as mentioned before, is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. It is also quite vibrant and provides excellent horizontal and vertical viewing angles, which is just what you need for a laptop that can also be used as a tablet.

Yes, the Portege X30-J is a convertible laptop. Since it comes with an x360 hinge, you can use the laptop in clam-shell, tablet, presentation, and flat modes.

Furthermore, the laptop comes with two cameras: one is a web camera with infrared, to support facial recognition login, while the other is mounted just above the keyboard, pointing up in laptop mode. This can also be used to take photos when in tablet mode.

Under the hood, the Dynabook Portege X30W-J comes with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 1135G7 processor running at a clock speed of 2.42-GHz. This is coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.

In terms of connectivity, you get two USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports that support data transfer, power delivery, and Display Port; one USB 3.1 port that supports USB Sleep-and-Charge; one HDMI-out which with 4K support; two built-in microphones that can pick up sounds from 4 meters away; one micro SD card slot; and one 3.5mm combo audio jack. You also get Harman Kardon stereo speakers for all your audio requirements.

In terms of performance, the Dynabook Portege X30W-J works wonders. The infrared-based camera is particularly fast at login and you can easily enroll your face through the Windows Settings Login options.

And for those of you that really worry about it, a built-in physical camera cover is there to make sure that even if the camera is activated nothing can be recorded.

Even though the Dynabook Portege X30W-J is slim and light, it does not cut corners when it comes to its performance. The laptop was able to handle everything we threw at it with aplomb. Day-to-day computing needs felt like a walk in the park and the laptop was even able to handle video rendering sessions with ease.

The bundled Dynabook TruPen also worked like a charm. The pen has a quick response time, so you actually feel like writing on the screen and you can even apply pressure – with support for up to 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity you can use it to put emphasis on some text or work the brush strokes on a digital image.

Even though the laptop comes with a dual-fan cooling solution, the Portege X30W-J was absolutely silent to use. While the tech specs claim that the laptop offers up to 16 hours of battery life, in our tests we were able to clock around 12 hours of battery life, which is great for mobile professionals. Also, since the laptop supports USB-C quick charge technology, you can get up to 4 hours of battery life from a quick 30-minute charge.

The Dynabook Portege X30W-J comes in at a price point starting at $1340 + VAT, which translated to approximately AED 4,921 + VAT. At this price point, the Portégé X30W-J comes across as value for money since it is an impressively lightweight convertible 13.3-inch laptop, with slim bezels giving it a decent screen-to-body ratio (81.3%). If you are a road warrior looking for a performance-based laptop that offers good battery life and fast charge capability, the Dynabook Portege X30W-J could be one of the options you could consider.

Price: $1340 + VAT

Photography by Ranbir Sen

Dynabook Portege X30W-J $1340 + VAT
  • Final Rating
3.5

Summary

Even though the laptop comes with a dual-fan cooling solution, the Portege X30W-J was absolutely silent to use. While the tech specs claim that the laptop offers up to 16 hours of battery life, in our tests we were able to clock around 12 hours of battery life, which is great for mobile professionals. Also, since the laptop supports USB-C quick charge technology, you can get up to 4 hours of battery life from a quick 30-minute charge.

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Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft Intros New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business

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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.

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Gadgets

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY Review: A Reliable Business Laptop with Strong Performance and Exceptional Battery Life

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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.
  • Final Rating
4

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.

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Gadgets

Acer Intros Five Innovative and Future-Ready Product Series for Education

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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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