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At CES 2025, MSI is launching a huge lineup of upgraded laptops with various specs that cater to an array of budgets. But of everything, one system stood out and if you take even a quick look at it, I think you can see why. As part of MSIs Titan Series, not only is the Titan 18 HX the biggest and most powerful system the company makes. However, the special Dragon Edition features a ton of unique design traits that ensure it will never get lost in a crowd. On its lid is a hand-drawn close-up of a scaled monster (no AI art here) which was then acid-etched into the aluminum resulting in an incredibly detailed and textured surface. You're literally staring into the eye of the beast. But it doesnt stop there because there are also Norse-inspired runes carved into its lid along with an RGB-lit logo. Meanwhile on the inside, theres a metallic ring and a dragon sculpture embedded beneath the deck that MSI says was created using advanced 3D printing and layering techniques. And in case that isnt enough, the touchpad also features customizable RGB lighting, because hey, its still a gaming laptop. The Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition isnt all show and no go though, as it features top-of-the-line components including next-gen Intel HX series processors, NVIDIA RTX 5090 graphics, PCIe Gen 5 SSD storage, Wi-Fi 7 and a total device power of 270 watts. MSI also included a vapor chamber to help keep thermals in check while the massive 18-inch mini LED display features VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification and a 120Hz refresh rate. Even the keyboard has been tweaked to include low-profile mechanical Cherry MX switches to deliver a thoroughly desktop-like experience but in a package that you can still (sort of) carry around. The Titan HX Dragon Edition is also part of a bundle that includes a matching wyrm-themed mouse, desk pad and packaging. Sadly, because of certain embargo restrictions from MSIs partners, I wasnt allowed to power on the Titan 18 HX to see if its performance truly matches its roaring appearance. On top of that, MSI has yet to reveal official pricing or availability, though that last part might be a big deal as this system is clearly intended only for people with the heart (and wallet) of a dragon.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/the-msi-titan-18-hx-dragon-edition-is-fierce-as-hell-040055155.html?src=rss
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While parent company Dell is doing a big rebrand of its entire PC portfolio, at CES 2025 Alienware is sort of returning to its roots by bringing back the classic Area-51 name back for its new flagship laptop line. Available in 16- and 18-inch versions, the resurrected Area-51 gaming notebooks feature what Alienware is calling a brand-new industrial design. Though if you look closely, you can see some similarities to existing systems like the x14 and x16. Both models sport a striking anodized liquid teal paint job with an almost iridescent quality. Around back, the companys Aurora lighting has been integrated into the rear of the system to create a striking gradient effect on the laptops thermal shelf. And as before, you still get plenty of customizable RGB lights on the inside including behind both the touchpad and keyboard. But the Area-51 laptops most distinctive feature might be its bottom, where Alienware has installed a Gorilla Glass window with an integrated vent to help manage airflow while also giving you a peek at the hardware inside. The company claims that thanks to its new thermal architecture, Area-51 laptops have 35 percent better airflow while being 15 percent quieter than before. Theres also a new hinge design thats meant to hide exterior components while still allowing for easy access and stability. Naturally, as Alienwares latest flagship gaming laptops, the new Area-51 notebooks should offer top-notch performance thanks to support for up to Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPUs, 64GB of RAM (at up to 7200 MT/s, the highest yet on any Alienware laptop), 12 TB of PCIe Gen 5 SSD storage and next-gen NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPUs. More specifically, both models can handle up to 175 watts of total graphics power with an additional 105 watts dedicated to the CPU. Unfortunately, the devices I played around with were mostly locked down, so I wasnt able to play games or meaningfully test their processing power. That said, as the two launch systems for a new generation of laptop design, theres a lot to like about Alienwares revamped Area-51 laptop line. I absolutely love the new color, which is closer to emerald than teal in my opinion. Meanwhile, having up to 280 watts of total device power means theres no shortage of computing oomph. I even like the glass panel on the bottom, though I do wonder how much extra weight that added compared to sticking with aluminum like on the rest of the system. Thats because at 7.6 pounds for the 16-inch model or a whopping 9.8 pounds for the 18-inch version, these things definitely arent light. The other concern is that with high-end launch configurations starting at $3,199 when they go on sale sometime in Q1, theyre not exactly affordable either. However, Alienware says that less expensive entry-level models will arrive later starting at a more reasonable price of $1,999.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/alienware-revived-its-area-51-laptops-with-serious-performance-and-far-out-designs-040038956.html?src=rss
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HP only has one all-new laptop in its Omen gaming line to show off at CES 2025, but it looks like a doozy because the company claims its the most powerful 16-inch notebook it has ever made. The Omen Max 16 looks like HP took a standard Omen 16 (which is retaining the same design but getting refreshed with new components for 2025) and then crammed in as many high-end components as it could. This includes support for CPUs from both Intel and AMD with up to a Core Ultra 9 275HX or Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 along with a range of NVIDIA RTX 5000-series GPUs. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget But the blazing specs dont stop there, because the Max 16 can also be equipped with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM (at 5,600 MT/s), PCIe Gen 5 SSDs and either OLED or IPS displays with 240Hz refresh rates. So there shouldnt be many questions about this thing delivering a ton of speed. Connectivity also looks solid with two Thunderbolt 4 ports (with support for USB power delivery), two USB-A jacks, Ethernet, 3.5mm audio and HDMI 2.1. But the features I like the most are some of the smaller touches HP added, like a new vapor chamber the first ever on any Omen gaming laptop. Thanks to a new liquid Cryo compound, the Max 16 should have much improved thermal management, while the addition of reversible fans are designed to keep the inside of the laptop clean. HPs thought process is that by occasionally spinning its fans backwards, the machine can blow out any dust stuck inside. This might not sound like a big deal, but let me ask, when was the last time you opened up your laptop and gave it a good cleaning? If youre like most people, probably never. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget Meanwhile, in case the Max 16s RGB-lit keyboard doesnt draw enough attention, theres a new lightbar on the front of the system that pumps a ton of color. Alternatively, in a bit of company synergy, the laptop also has a built-in wireless receiver that allows it to connect to up to three different HyperX peripherals without the need for extra dongles or adapters. Its not a game changer, but definitely nice if you already own a pair of late-model Cloud headphones. Finally, in an attempt to get the most out of the Max 16s beefy hardware, HP is adding Omen AI to its Gaming Hub app. Admittedly, shoehorning AI into everything is a bit of an overdone trend, but the idea seems solid as the company says it will use machine-learning to adjust settings in order to deliver optimal performance with the touch of a single toggle. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget Unfortunately, due to embargo restrictions from one of HPs hardware partners, I wasnt allowed to game on the Omen Max 16 myself. However, the company is claiming increased framerates by 25 percent or more depending on the title. Sadly, this means Ill have to reserve judgement on the system until I can get one in for more in-depth testing. But, at least on paper and from some of its clever new features, it feels like HP has an intriguing new flagship for anyone looking for big performance from a relatively portable gaming notebook. HP has yet to announce official pricing for the Omen Max 16, though it is slated to go on sale sometime later this spring.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/the-hp-omen-max-16-is-its-most-powerful-gaming-laptop-yet-040025199.html?src=rss
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