EDC (Every Day Carry) refers to the items that are carried daily in pockets or bags, such as mobile phones, Swiss Army knives, power banks, wallets, lighters, etc. In recent years, showcasing EDC items online has become a trend, with people displaying various cool gadgets in their bags through beautiful photos. For digital enthusiasts, their bags often contain digital cameras, Kindle e-readers, and more.
As the integration of computers continues to improve, carrying a computer has long ceased to be a novelty—Apple’s iPad, Microsoft’s Surface series, and Apple’s MacBook series are considered “the four major EDC items” alongside Kindle e-readers. Among them, the MacBook has maintained its charm in many EDC photos over the years.
After focusing on gaming laptops for a while, this time the “Microcomputer” testing room shifts its attention to everyone’s backpacks—besides the MacBook series, what other good laptops can accompany us on the go and become EDC choices?
The ZenBook 3, as a new generation product in the Asus ZenBook family, is equipped with the latest 7th generation Core processor. Its classic brushed concentric circle design gives it high recognition. The superior aerospace-grade material is lighter than the aluminum alloy used in regular laptops, yet its sturdiness is improved by 50% compared to conventional laptops. Its body is about 11.9mm thick and weighs approximately 910g, making it lighter than the previous generation.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 12.5-inch IPS screen (1920×1080)
Processor: Intel Core i5-7200U Dual-core Quad-thread (2.5~3.1GHz)
Memory: 8GB LPDDR3 2133 (4GB×2)
Storage: 512GB SSD (HFS512G39MND, Hynix 512GB SC300, SATA, MLC particles)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
Network Card: Intel Wireless-AC 8260 867Mbps wireless card
Battery: 40Wh
External Interfaces: Type C×1
Dimensions: 296mm×191.2mm×12.05mm
Weight: 0.902kg (including battery)
Reference Price: 8499 yuan
The carefully paired silent cooling fan allows the whole machine to run stably and quietly. Under the lightweight body, the ZenBook 3 aggressively adopts a single Type C interface plus a single 3.5mm headphone jack, with no other interfaces on the body. As a product that excels in both internal and external aspects, its internal hardware strength should not be underestimated. In addition to the 7th generation core i7 and i5 processors, 16GB of memory, the ZenBook 3 can also be configured with a 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD.
Considered a strong competitor to the Surface PRO, the Transformer 3 PRO is equipped with a metal stand that can open to a maximum angle of 155°, allowing you to set it to a comfortable viewing angle. Additionally, this machine comes with a stylus that supports 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity for drawing and quick note-taking. The uniform heat dissipation technology employed by the Transformer 3 PRO ensures a stable and effective cooling experience for the entire computer. The Transformer 3 PRO is crafted from magnesium-aluminum alloy, with a thickness of about 8.35mm and a weight of about 790g.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 12.6-inch IPS touchscreen (2880×1920)
Processor: Intel Core i5-6200U Dual-core Quad-thread (2.3~2.8GHz)
Memory: 4GB LPDDR3 1866 (2GB×2)
Storage: 256GB SSD (SD8SNAT256G, SanDisk Z400S, SATA, MLC particles)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520
Network Card: Intel Wireless-AC 7265 867Mbps wireless card
Battery: 39Wh
External Interfaces: Type C (40Gbps Thunderbolt 3)×1, USB 3.0×1, HDMI×1, 3.5mm audio interface×1
Dimensions: 298.8mm×210.1mm×8.35mm
Weight: 0.79kg (including battery)
Reference Price: 7499 yuan
In terms of hardware, the Asus Transformer 3 PRO features an Intel Core i7 processor and fast 16GB LPDDR3 memory, capable of easily handling demanding tasks. The interface configuration of the Transformer 3 PRO is generous, especially the 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Type C interface, which can even meet the bandwidth requirements for external mid-to-high-end graphics cards. Additionally, commonly used USB 3.0 and standard HDMI interfaces are also included.
The Razer Blade Stealth has a thickness of only 1.31 cm and weighs just 1.25 kg. It employs advanced CNC machining technology to work with aerospace-grade aluminum, resulting in a stylish yet sturdy appearance. The Blade Stealth offers a choice of a 4K (3840×2160) UHD display or another 2K QHD display with a resolution of 2560×1440. Both displays feature multi-touch, wide viewing angles, and high saturation.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 12.5-inch IPS IGZO touchscreen (3840×2160)
Processor: Intel Core i7-6500U Dual-core Quad-thread (2.5~3.1GHz)
Memory: 8GB LPDDR3 1866 (4GB×2)
Storage: 256GB SSD (MZVLV256, Samsung PM951, PCIe, TLC particles)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520
Network Card: Killer Wireless ac 1535 wireless card 867Mbps
Battery: 42.4Wh
External Interfaces: Type C (40Gbps Thunderbolt 3)×1, USB 3.0×2, HDMI×1, 3.5mm audio interface×1
Dimensions: 321mm×206mm×13.1mm
Weight: 1.278kg (including battery)
Reference Price: 11499 yuan
Additionally, the Blade Stealth features independent RGB backlit keys with Razer Chroma technology… Its ultra-thin body, Skylake Core i7-level configuration, Chroma backlighting, and external graphics card expansion for gaming performance… When the Razer Blade Stealth unveils its elegance, we realize its goal is to compete with established ultrabooks and business laptops like the MacBook Air, XPS 13, and ThinkPad X1 Carbon. Razer business laptops, doesn’t that sound cool?
The HP Spectre 13, released by HP in the first half of the year, defeated the MacBook, known for its thinness, with its 10.4mm thickness, becoming the world’s thinnest laptop at that time. Inspired by jewelry design, the color combination of rose gold and carbon gray gives the Spectre 13 a unique appearance compared to other HP laptops.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 13.3-inch IPS screen (1920×1080)
Processor: Intel Core i5-6200U Dual-core Quad-thread (2.3~2.8GHz)
Memory: 8GB LPDDR3 1866 (4GB×2)
Storage: 256GB SSD (MZVLV256, Samsung PM951, PCIe, TLC particles)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520
Network Card: Intel Wireless-AC 8260 867Mbps wireless card
Battery: 39Wh
External Interfaces: Type C×3
Dimensions: 325mm×229mm×10.4mm
Weight: 1.16kg (including battery)
Reference Price: 7999 yuan
It is not difficult to see that the Spectre 13 has adopted a more concise and elegant new logo. The rear of the Spectre 13 is undoubtedly the most eye-catching part of this product, with the rose gold color reflecting a noble temperament, and its curved design perfectly integrates with the overall body. The HP Spectre 13 has an appearance that refuses to be mediocre, but its stylish and luxurious style, along with its extremely thin body, is enough to capture the hearts of many users. For friends who expect both appearance and performance, the HP Spectre 13 is indeed a great choice.
The HP EliteBook 1040 G3 was touted as the “world’s thinnest 14-inch business laptop” when it was released, weighing 1.43 kg and measuring 15.8 mm thick, making it easy to carry without feeling cumbersome. Nowadays, when business professionals choose laptops, they consider not only the brand and performance but also appearance, which is also an important reference point. The HP EliteBook 1040 G3 features a full metal body, a matte spray paint process, and CNC diamond-cut edges, giving it a strong metallic feel; the curved edge design makes its originally tough style appear softer.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 14-inch IPS (1920×1080)
Processor: Intel Core i5-6200U Dual-core Quad-thread (2.3~2.8GHz)
Memory: 8GB DDR4 2133 (4GB×2)
Storage: 256GB SSD (SD7SN6S256G, SanDisk X300, SATA, TLC particles)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520
Network Card: Intel Wireless-AC 867M wireless card + Gigabit wired network card
Battery: 44.8Wh
External Interfaces: Type C×1, USB 3.0×2, HDMI×1, 3.5mm audio interface×1, SmartCard slot×1
Dimensions: 337mm×234.5mm×15.8mm
Weight: 1.43kg (including battery)
Reference Price: 7999 yuan
With a complete interface configuration and mainstream performance, the EliteBook 1040 G3, this “stylish business uncle” laptop is a great choice for high-end business professionals who pursue comprehensive performance, exquisite appearance, and excellent quality, often traveling between airports and office buildings.
Previously, the “Microcomputer” testing room gave the XPS 13 the title of “the pinnacle of minimalism”. With its outstanding market performance and reputation, this ultrabook with a narrow bezel design is truly deserving of its name. Not long ago, the new generation XPS 13 was launched in the domestic market, with no significant changes in appearance, only the addition of a rose gold color (officially called “No Constraints Gold”).
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 13.3-inch IPS screen (1920×1080)
Processor: Intel Core i7-7500U Dual-core Quad-thread (2.7~3.5GHz)
Memory: 8GB LPDDR3 1866 (4GB×2)
Storage: 256GB SSD (CX2-8B256, JMicron CX2, PCIe, MLC)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
Network Card: Killer Wireless ac 1535 wireless card 867Mbps
Battery: 60Wh
External Interfaces: Type C×1, USB 3.0×2, 3.5mm audio interface×1
Dimensions: 304mm×200mm×9~15mm
Weight: 1.268kg (including battery)
Reference Price: 8999 yuan
In terms of configuration, the new generation XPS 13 is equipped with Kaby Lake Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, with the maximum frequency (turbo frequency) also improved. For example, the Core i5 processor frequency has increased from 2.8GHz to 3.1GHz, while the Core i7 processor has increased from 3.1GHz to 3.5GHz. In addition to the new Killer 1535 802.11ac wireless card, the battery capacity has also been upgraded from 56Wh to 60Wh.
Many people’s understanding of ultrabooks originates from Acer’s Swift S3—such as a certain editor at MC. Around 2011, with advantages in appearance, performance, and price, the Acer Swift S3 became a representative of ultrabooks in computer stores. After several upgrades, the Swift series now continues under the name Swift, with the Swift 3 being the latest iteration of the classic S3 model.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 13.3-inch IPS screen (1920×1080)
Processor: Intel Core i7-7500U Dual-core Quad-thread (2.7~3.5GHz)
Memory: 8GB DDR4 2133 (4GB×2)
Storage: 256GB SSD (HFS256G39TND, Hynix 256GB SC300, SATA, MLC particles)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
Network Card: Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4A 867M wireless card
Battery: 49Wh
External Interfaces: Type C×1, USB 3.0×2, HDMI×1, 3.5mm audio interface×1
Dimensions: 341mm×236.6mm×17.95mm
Weight: 1.558kg (including battery)
Reference Price: 5999 yuan
Equipped with Intel’s 7th generation Core processor, 8GB dual-channel DDR4 memory, 256GB SSD, and a full metal body design, the Swift 3 is very competitively priced at 5999 yuan in the market. Overall, the Swift 3 does not stand out in any particular aspect and is a mature, well-rounded ultrabook.
The Dell XPS series products have shown us the charm of ultra-narrow bezels, offering a wider field of vision and a more compact body that is hard to resist. Now, a new product with a similarly narrow bezel design—the Dell Inspiron 7000—has emerged in the market. It not only inherits the panoramic micro-border design of the XPS series but also harmonizes the user’s dual demands for “appearance” and performance in terms of color and other hardware choices.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 14-inch IPS screen (1920×1080)
Processor: Intel Core i7-7500U Dual-core Quad-thread (2.7~3.5GHz)
Memory: 8GB DDR4 2400 (4GB×2)
Storage: 128GB SSD (SanDisk X400, SATA, TLC) + 1TB HDD (5400rpm)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 + NVIDIA GeForce 940MX (2GB GDDR5)
Network Card: Intel Wireless-AC 3165 867M wireless card + Realtek Gigabit wired network card
Battery: 42Wh
External Interfaces: Type C×1, USB 3.0×3, HDMI×1, 3.5mm audio interface×1, LAN×1
Dimensions: 323.3mm×227.1mm×18.95mm
Weight: 1.662kg (including battery)
Reference Price: 6099 yuan
The Inspiron 7000 features Intel’s 7th generation Core processor, an NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics card with 2GB of memory, an FHD IPS display, and a dual hard drive setup (SSD + HDD), making it a very sincere product. As for the price range, how about five to six thousand yuan?
Thinnest to the extreme—In September this year, Acer launched several Swift ultrabooks at the IFA 2016 in Berlin, including the Swift 7, claimed to be the “world’s thinnest Win10 laptop”. As of the publication of this article, the Swift 7 is only available overseas for around $1000, with the price in the mainland market yet to be announced.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 13.3-inch IPS screen (1920×1080)
Processor: Intel Core i5-7Y54 Dual-core Quad-thread (1.2~3.2GHz)
Memory: 8GB LPDDR3 1866 (4GB×2)
Storage: 256GB SSD (Kingston RBUSNS4180S3256GG, SATA, unknown particles)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615
Network Card: Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4A 867M wireless card
Battery: 42Wh
External Interfaces: Type C×2, 3.5mm audio interface×1
Dimensions: 325.12mm×228.6mm×9.98mm
Weight: 1.142kg (including battery)
Reference Price: $1049 (not yet available in the domestic market)
The Swift 7 laptop is focused on extreme thinness, crafted from a full aluminum alloy with a one-piece design, featuring a fanless design, with a body thickness of only 9.98mm, making it the first laptop under 1cm thick, surpassing the Apple MacBook and HP Spectre 13. It also weighs only 1.1kg—thanks to the new generation Core i5-7Y54 processor based on the Kaby Lake architecture (the original Core M5 series processors are now included in the i5 series). In terms of interfaces, the Swift 7 laptop only provides two USB Type-C 3.1 interfaces and a headphone jack.
The new ThinkPad S3 is actually an upgraded version of the S3 Yoga. Although the name drops the “Yoga” to further solidify its business attributes, the NEW S3 still retains the classic “flip-back” Yoga design. The S3 Yoga does not continue the ThinkPad’s “little black” style in color selection; the silver body design differs from the previous black business style. However, classic designs such as the built-in roll cage and the precise positioning “little red dot” are still present.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 14-inch IPS touchscreen (1920×1080)
Processor: Intel Core i5-6200U Dual-core Quad-thread (2.3~2.8GHz)
Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600 (8GB×1)
Storage: 512GB SSD (MZ7LN512HCHP, Samsung PM871, SATA, TLC particles)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 + NVIDIA GeForce 940M (2GB DDR3)
Network Card: Intel Wireless-AC 8260 867M wireless card + I219V Gigabit wired network card
Battery: 51.4Wh
External Interfaces: USB 3.0×3, HDMI×1, Mini DP×1, 3.5mm audio interface×1, “OneLink+” expansion interface×1
Dimensions: 322.4mm×222.8mm×19.1mm
Weight: 1.9kg (including battery)
Reference Price: 9299 yuan
The keyboard is designed with a breathing keyboard to avoid misoperation while in tablet mode, and it physically locks the keyboard frame to prevent wear. A rechargeable stylus can be drawn from the lower left corner of the body for easy writing on the screen, combined with built-in notes and screen sketching to provide a convenient drawing input experience. Although it weighs “up to” 1.9 kg, the NEW S3 features a very good number of mainstream expansion interfaces and, with an entry-level discrete graphics card, is suitable for both office and entertainment.
A must-have for “flower fans”—since its launch this year, the MateBook has proven to be more than just a Windows tablet with a dock keyboard. For many traditional PC manufacturers, the MateBook stands out in many details, showcasing various micro-innovation elements that Intel and Microsoft and other upstream manufacturers long for.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 12-inch IPS screen (2160×1440)
Processor: Intel Core M5 6Y54 Dual-core Quad-thread (1.1~2.7GHz)
Memory: 8GB LPDDR3 1866 (4GB×2)
Storage: 256GB SSD (SD7SN6S256G, SanDisk X300, SATA, TLC particles)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515
Battery: 33.7Wh
External Interfaces: Type C×1, 3.5mm audio interface×1 (also comes with external HUAWEI MateDock expansion dock for more interfaces)
Dimensions: 278.8mm×194.1mm×6.9mm
Weight: 0.64kg (excluding keyboard)
Reference Price: 7388 yuan
The MateBook’s confidence in standing out among laptops comes from Huawei’s long-standing deep understanding of the commercial user and mobile user demands. The entry-level performance model equipped with a Core M3 processor, 4GB memory, and 128GB SSD is priced at only 4988 yuan, but unfortunately does not include a dock. For those with higher performance needs, consider this higher-performance version we experienced, priced at 7388 yuan. For such a device that is functional, well-made, and has highlights while being affordable, it is worth a try.
As the concept of “born for fever” becomes increasingly vague, the Xiaomi laptop Air has emerged. The model we received does not have a discrete graphics card, but the Xiaomi Air 12.5, with its excellent craftsmanship and minimalist aluminum alloy design, can be considered a fine product at the price of 3499. If you need a laptop for typing, browsing the internet, watching dramas, or business trips, while requiring portability, craftsmanship, design, and price, it can be considered a lightweight laptop with good cost performance.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home Edition (64-bit)
Display: 12.5-inch (1920×1080)
Processor: Intel Core M3-6Y30 Dual-core Quad-thread (0.9~2.2GHz)
Memory: 4GB LPDDR3 1866 (4GB×1)
Storage: 128GB SSD (MZNTY128HDHP, Samsung CM871a, SATA, TLC particles)
Graphics: Intel GMA HD 515
Battery: 36.48Wh
External Interfaces: Type C×1, USB 3.0×1, HDMI×1, 3.5mm audio interface×1
Dimensions: 292mm×202mm×12.9mm
Weight: 1.07kg (including battery)
Reference Price: 3499 yuan
Due to space limitations, we divided the article into two parts. This is the first part introducing 12 portable laptops; we will push the second part of the article content next: actual testing and evaluation.
Want to know how the popular Xiaomi laptop, Huawei MateBook, Asus ZenBook 3, HP Spectre 13, and others perform in terms of screen color, disk performance, body weight, cooling, etc.? Stay tuned to the “Microcomputer” testing room (WeChat ID: MC-1981) for more testing feasts!