The announcements at CES 2025 have ushered in a new era for Windows laptops, showcasing innovative advancements in technology and design. New CPU and GPU revelations, notably Nvidia’s RTX 50-series cards, promise substantial improvements in graphics and processing power. These enhancements herald a future where gaming laptops, in particular, will benefit from greater capabilities and superior performance. Featuring offerings from industry giants like Dell, Alienware, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, MSI, and Razer, CES 2025 highlighted both incremental updates and breakthrough innovations in the world of laptops.
Among these manufacturers, several have managed to capture attention with groundbreaking ideas, exceptional power, and unprecedented thinness and features. These laptops not only push the boundaries of what a laptop can do but also blend high performance with user-friendly designs. From rollable screens to lightweight builds, here are the standout laptops from CES 2025:
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6
Rollable Display Innovation
Touted as the coolest and outright best in show at CES 2025, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is notable for its rollable display. This innovative feature sets the laptop apart in an era where traditional design limitations are being questioned. The rollable display represents a significant shift, blending cutting-edge technology with practical functionality. Such a departure from mainstream laptops introduces new ways for users to interact with their devices.
Lenovo has integrated unique software functions tailored for Windows to complement the hardware. Despite potential challenges in perfecting this integration, Lenovo appears committed to ensuring a seamless and practical user experience. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 shows resilience in everyday handling, including scenarios like closing the lid with the screen extended and fitting it into tight spaces. This combination of innovation and usability is set to make the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 a pioneer in its category.
Motorized Screen and Unique Features
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6’s motorized screen that expands and retracts on demand signifies a significant advancement in laptop technology. This capability not only adds a futuristic appeal but also offers practical uses, such as increasing screen real estate when needed without sacrificing portability. Such a feature could revolutionize user interactions, providing a dynamic and adaptable display that caters to varying needs.
This unique aspect of the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 might result in it becoming a niche product, akin to Lenovo’s dual-screen Yoga Book 9i or Asus’ ZenBook Duo. However, its innovative design and functionality could pave the way for future developments in laptop technology. The motorized screen, combined with robust software integration, represents a new benchmark for multifunctional and versatile laptops.
Asus ZenBook A14
Lightweight and Portable
The ZenBook A14 embodies Asus’s ambition to rival the MacBook Air by focusing on sheer thinness and lightweight design. Weighing only 2.18 pounds, this laptop is not just a powerhouse in terms of technology but also stands as an exemplary model of portability. Its feather-like build caters perfectly to users who prioritize mobility without wanting to compromise on essential performance aspects.
Employing an Arm-based Snapdragon X processor, the ZenBook A14 could potentially deliver impressive battery performance. Despite its lower core count in comparison to previous processors, this new processor promises energy efficiency. The decision to integrate a Snapdragon X highlights Asus’s strategy to blend performance with battery longevity, making it an attractive choice for professionals frequently on the move.
Energy Efficiency and Design
While it might not dethrone the MacBook Air, the ZenBook A14 offers a compelling case for itself as a lightweight and energy-efficient alternative. Its sleek and sophisticated design ensures it remains a stylish addition to any tech-savvy individual’s arsenal. The near-weightless build makes it an ideal option for those who need their laptop to be effortlessly portable.
Asus’s focus on using an Arm-based processor also underscores the growing trend of energy-conscious computing. Potential users could see significant benefits from reduced power consumption, resulting in longer battery life and lesser environmental impact. With its blend of sleek aesthetics and practicality, the ZenBook A14 is poised to make a mark among the latest ultrabooks.
Razer Blade 16
High-End Gaming and Creative Power
Razer’s high-end Blade series has established a reputation for delivering products that blend the aesthetics of a MacBook Pro with high-end gaming capabilities tailored for Windows users. Continuing this legacy, the Blade 16 model for 2025 brings a sleeker chassis while maintaining robust features such as multiple ports, RTX 50-series GPUs, and a high-quality OLED display. Notably, the 2025 version also incorporates AMD CPUs for the first time, broadening its appeal to gamers and creative professionals.
These high-performance components imply that the Blade 16 could become a central player in the gaming laptop market. The combination of Nvidia’s latest GPUs and AMD’s powerful processors offers a synergy that can handle the most demanding games and applications. While the neon green logo remains a polarizing element, it’s clear that the Blade 16 is designed to impress users who demand both style and substance in their devices.
Sleek Design and Performance
The aesthetic appeal of the Blade series has always been a strong selling point, and the 2025 model underscores this with a sleek design that is both functional and visually appealing. Beyond gaming, this laptop also caters to creative professionals who require high-end specifications for tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design. The OLED display ensures color accuracy and vibrant visuals, crucial for professional-grade work.
Moreover, Razer has included multiple ports, emphasizing versatility and connectivity. This thoughtful inclusion means users do not have to compromise on peripheral connectivity despite the laptop’s slim profile. The Blade 16’s ability to balance between high performance and design sophistication makes it a significant contender in both gaming and creative spheres.
Asus ROG Strix Scar
Gaming Specs and Aesthetics
Asus continues to push the boundaries of gaming laptops with the redesigned Strix Scar series. Known for their substantial gaming specifications and vibrant RGB lighting, the 2025 model takes these elements to new heights. It introduces a 360-degree wraparound light strip and incorporates the programmable AniMe dot-matrix display from older Zephyrus models. These additions do not just enhance visual appeal but also offer personalization options that gamers highly value.
The powerful GFX specifications make the Strix Scar an excellent choice for serious gamers who need top-tier performance. High refresh rates and detailed graphics are fundamental for competitive gaming, and the Strix Scar delivers on both fronts. Asus’s commitment to enhancing the audio-visual experience is evident in these new features, catering to gamers who seek immersive and visually striking gameplay.
Personalized and Flashy Design
Though the Strix Scar impresses with its powerful specifications, its personalized and flashy design is what sets it apart. The 360-degree wraparound light strip can be customized to match the user’s preferences, adding a unique flair to the device. The AniMe dot-matrix display allows further personalization, letting users program animations or logos, thus giving the laptop a singular, individualistic identity.
These design elements serve more than an aesthetic purpose; they provide a sense of ownership and identity, which is significant in the gaming community. The Strix Scar 2025 model represents a blend of robust hardware and creative freedom, making it a standout choice for gamers who want their device to reflect their personality and gaming prowess.
MSI Titan Dragon Edition
Extravagant Design
MSI’s Titan Dragon Edition is the epitome of extravagance, showcasing an elaborate and visually striking design. It features a dragon motif accompanied by a 3D-printed medallion beneath the glass on the palm rest, framed by Norse runes. This impressive aesthetic appeals to ardent fans who appreciate unique and bold designs. The Dragon Edition is more than just a laptop; it’s a statement piece for gaming enthusiasts.
This striking design does not detract from the powerful performance that MSI is known for. Equipped with top-tier hardware, the Titan Dragon Edition offers high performance that can handle demanding gaming and professional tasks with ease. It stands as an example of how design and functionality can coexist harmoniously, offering a compelling package for users who want it all.
Practical Alternatives
However, for those who may find the elaborate design of the Dragon Edition a bit too much, MSI offers practical alternatives that do not compromise on performance. The Titan A18 HX AI laptop and the MSI Raider provide similar high-level functionalities in a more understated package. These alternatives ensure that users can still enjoy exceptional performance without the flamboyant design elements.
These practical choices underscore MSI’s dedication to catering to a broad audience. By providing options that balance performance with varying aesthetic preferences, MSI ensures that every user’s needs and tastes are met. Whether opting for the eye-catching Dragon Edition or the more subdued counterparts, users can expect top-notch performance and reliability.
Honorary Mention: Asus’ Perfume Laptop
Novelty and Design
Although not unveiled for the first time at CES 2025, the Asus Aidol 14 Air Fragrance Edition, limited to the Chinese market, continues to draw attention for its novelty. Featuring collaboration variants with designer Anna Sui, this laptop stands out with rose gold and lavender finishes. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the most unique aspect is its magnetic diffuser puck installed in the lid, which releases an oil-based fragrance during operation. This innovative feature caters to a niche demand for sensory-enhanced technology.
The impact of such a design choice goes beyond mere novelty. It introduces a personalized touch to the user’s experience, melding functionality with a sensory dimension often overlooked in tech products. This customizability extends to practical usage, making each interaction with the laptop slightly more pleasant and personal.
Scented Technology
While it may not replace the MacBook Air, the ZenBook A14 makes a strong argument for itself as a lightweight and energy-efficient option. Its sleek and refined design ensures it remains an appealing addition to the toolkit of any tech-savvy individual. The practically weightless build makes it perfect for users who require a laptop that is effortlessly portable.
Asus’s decision to implement an Arm-based processor highlights the growing trend toward energy-efficient computing. Users can expect notable advantages like reduced power consumption, which means longer battery life and a smaller environmental footprint. This focus on energy efficiency is particularly important as it aligns with current technological trends emphasizing sustainability and eco-friendliness.
Moreover, the combination of stylish design and practical functionality positions the ZenBook A14 as a noteworthy player among the latest ultrabooks. It’s clear that Asus has curated an appealing blend of aesthetics, practicality, and innovative technology, making the ZenBook A14 a competitive choice for those in search of a modern, efficient laptop.
