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Asus’ lightweight 16-inch laptop is a formidable MacBook Air alternative

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Why This Matters

The Asus Zenbook A16 offers a powerful, lightweight 16-inch alternative to the MacBook Air, combining impressive specs like 48GB RAM and a vibrant OLED display at a competitive price. Its portability and performance make it a compelling choice for content creators and professionals seeking a versatile Windows laptop. This development signals increased competition and innovation in ultraportable laptops, benefiting consumers seeking high-performance, stylish devices.

Key Takeaways

is a reviewer covering laptops and the occasional gadget. He spent over 15 years in the photography industry before joining The Verge as a deals writer in 2021.

I already put Asus’ new Zenbook A16 through the wringer when I brought a pre-production unit with me to CES. I loved it for its ample power in an impressively light 16-inch chassis. It’s speedy enough for part-time content creation, it’s got lengthy battery life, and its large OLED screen is crisp and vivid.

Now, the final production model is here, priced at $1,599.99 for a configuration with a whopping 48GB of RAM — a spec-to-price balance that’s unheard of, especially in these uncertain times. All the strengths I witnessed from its pre-production days are still present, and the early hardware issues and software bugs I encountered have been fixed (as they should have). The result is a unique Windows laptop for anyone seeking the most screen real estate in one of the lightest and most capable packages, and a worthwhile alternative to a 15-inch MacBook Air.

Component report card Screen: A

Webcam: B

Keyboard: B

Trackpad: B

Port selection: B

Speakers: C

Number of ugly stickers to remove: 3

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