On Thursday, Jan 23rd we looked at the range of devices on the market these days. As a general guide we looked at the Chuwi website https://store.chuwi.com. This is a Chinese company with outlets in many countries including Spain. It shows many form factors and models of laptops, mini PCs, tablets, 2 in one devices. Some are very cheap (old technology!) and according to reviews on the web, the build quality is a bit suspect. Still, we could see what’s available.
A MiniPC looks like a good replacement for a desktop, though because they are so small, they have problems of overheating. However, they have plenty of ports to connect peripherals to.
The trend for laptops is to get thinner and lighter. This means less space for ports and batteries and more cooling problems. https://www.quora.com/Why-are-they-making-new-laptops-so-thin-and-light-Honestly-I-dont-mind-my-laptop-being-1kg-heavier-and-thicker. This writer complains that laptops getting smaller as well as lighter – resulting in a cramped keyboard and small screen : https://www.tomsguide.com/opinion/laptops-are-getting-smaller-and-smaller-every-year-and-i-cant-take-it-anymore
A characteristic of Intel x86 processors is that they consume a lot of energy and run hot. This is a feature of their design and a big disadvantage in mobile devices these days. In contrast, RISC (Reduced Instruction Set) processors such as those made by ARM are more energy efficient. This has led some commentators to suggest that Intel chips are on their way out: https://www.xda-developers.com/reasons-x86-not-future-home-computing/
The connection ports these days are USB C – It’s mandatory in Europe. https://www.drivingeco.com/en/usb-c-ye-obligatorio-europa-nueva-era-comienza-2025/#:~:text=Sustainability%20Technology-,USB-C%20is%20now%20mandatory%20in%20Europe%3A%20A%20new%20era,waste%20and%20improving%20consumer%20experience.
Beware, the USB standard a has a shed-load of specifications and cables... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB A USB C port could be: USB 2, 3, 3.1, 3.2, USB 4, USB 4 2.0 with different transmission speeds. Beware of using the wrong charger for your tablet!
This article predicts roll-up laptops! https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/laptops/ces-2025-laptop-predictions-the-biggest-trends-i-expect
Tablets are also getting thinner and lighter, with larger screens – 10.9 inches is common. As in laptops, cooling and battery life are limiting factors. The brightness of the screen (in NITS) is something to look out for.
Perhaps you would prefer a pocket-sized device which uses AI to do everything – No keyboard or high -resolution screen required! In this case, why not talk to a Rabbit https://www.rabbit.tech/rabbit-r1
Good luck!
Chris Betterton-Jones – Knowledge junkie