Welcome to your weekly dose of tech news! This week, we're diving into a range of topics, from Apple's latest hardware releases and innovative concepts from Mobile World Congress to the impact of tariffs on tech prices and some killer laptop deals you won't want to miss. Let's get started!
Apple's New M4 MacBook Air and More
Apple recently unveiled its much-anticipated M4 MacBook Air, starting at $999. The company also introduced the M3 iPad Air and refreshed Mac Studio models featuring M3 Ultra and M4 Max chips. The Engadget Podcast delved into these announcements, discussing the improvements in hardware and performance.
Hosts Cherlynn Low, Devindra Hardawar, and Nathan Ingraham debated the merits of these new devices compared to earlier models. "The M4 MacBook Air offers a significant performance boost," noted Devindra Hardawar during the podcast, "making it a compelling upgrade for many users."
Mobile World Congress 2025: Innovation on Display
Mobile World Congress 2025 showcased some exciting innovations, though the event's significance has evolved since the pre-COVID era. Lenovo presented intriguing concepts, including a Solar PC powered by built-in solar panels and foldable laptop accessories. Xiaomi also unveiled its 15 Ultra phone with a Leica camera attachment.
The Engadget team discussed the challenges of maintaining excitement at large tech events and highlighted Lenovo's experimental designs. These concepts hint at the future of mobile computing, with a focus on sustainability and versatility.
Tariffs and Tech Prices: Expect to Pay More
Prepare for price hikes on tech gear! New tariffs on goods imported from China have doubled, with the US government now imposing a 20% tax. This affects everything from laptops and desktop computers to PC components and smartphones. Retail giants like Best Buy and Target have already warned about imminent price increases.
According to Falcon Northwest CEO Kelt Reeves, "[The] PC industry is infamously low margin, so no one can afford to ‘cushion’ 20 percent." This means businesses will likely pass the increased costs directly to consumers.
Industry experts anticipate reduced availability of parts and longer wait times as companies adjust to the new tariffs. Some manufacturers are exploring shifting production out of China, but these changes will take time. The CHIPS and Science Act aims to boost domestic electronics production, but its future is uncertain.
Hot Laptop Deals You Can't Miss
Looking for a new laptop? Now's the time to snag a deal! Whether you need a budget-friendly Chromebook, a powerful gaming rig, or a premium laptop for work and play, there are plenty of discounts available.
PCWorld has rounded up the best laptop deals, categorized for your convenience. Some top picks include:
- Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 ($449.99): A great budget option with an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.
- LG Gram 16 ($649): A lightweight mid-range laptop with a high-resolution display and impressive battery life.
- Acer Nitro V ($949.99): A powerful gaming laptop with an Intel Core i9 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU.
- Acer Swift X 14 ($1,099.99): A premium laptop with a stunning OLED display and powerful hardware for demanding tasks.
Don't forget to check retailers like B&H, Newegg, Adorama, and Best Buy for the latest discounts. And remember, Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school season are prime times for finding even bigger savings!
Lenovo Expands Aura Edition Lineup
Finally, Lenovo has expanded its Aura Edition lineup with the Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition and Yoga Pro 7i Aura Edition laptops. These models join an already impressive range of Aura Edition laptops, offering consumers even more choices.
That's it for this week's tech roundup! Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the latest trends and deals in the world of technology.