Diving into the New Era of Copilot+ PCs: My First Impressions

I recently got my hands on my first two Copilot+ PCs for review, and both have left a strong impression. I’m talking about the stunning HP EliteBook Ultra 14 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition, both of which have just been released.

While these laptops are almost the same in size and weight, the HP EliteBook is built for enterprise users and includes features like the highly valued Wolf Security. On the other hand, Microsoft aims the Surface Laptop at those who might otherwise choose an Apple product.

Both of these devices outperform their Apple competitors, yet neither HP nor Microsoft has integrated smartphones to the level that Apple has, which Apple users greatly appreciate.

Despite both Microsoft and HP having the capability to build superior hardware compared to Apple, neither has made an effort to provide a more comprehensive solution, rendering these Apple comparisons somewhat futile.

This week, let’s delve into Copilot+ PCs, concluding with my Product of the Week—a notable new electric car.

HP EliteBook Ultra 14

The HP EliteBook Ultra 14 is a stunning piece of technology. It comes in Dragonfly Blue, a color I’ve adored in laptops until someone creates a purple one. HP once made my all-time favorite notebook, the old Qualcomm-powered Folio, which would have been the perfect configuration for these new Copilot+ PCs. Fortunately, my second favorite was the earlier Dragonfly notebook in the same color as this EliteBook.

EliteBook Ultra 14 | Image Credit: HP

Offering 28 hours of video playback and weighing just under three pounds, this notebook is impressive. It features 16GB of memory, a 512GB hard drive, a decent display with 300 nits of brightness (suitable for indoor use), and costs just under $1,700.

Its standout feature is the latest Wolf Security anti-malware software, which leverages AI for improved threat identification and mitigation. This unique solution is unbeaten in the market. With ongoing attacks from hostile nation-states like Russia, China, and North Korea, especially targeting those in large companies holding valuable information, this level of security is crucial for a business-focused laptop.

The EliteBook Ultra includes two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a headphone jack. Its power supply is a small USB-C unit that occupies one of the USB-C ports when in use. This notebook also supports the Wi-Fi 6E standard.

Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition

The Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition is equally attractive. It is available in four colors: sapphire, dune, platinum, and black—the latter being my personal favorite.

Surface Laptop, 7th Edition | Image Credit: Microsoft

The Surface Laptop utilizes the innovative PixelSense display, offering a perfect aspect ratio for Windows, which seems exclusive to Microsoft’s products. It features around 400+ nits, making it better suited for outdoor use, although it’s not yet ideal. Starting at just under $1,000, a configuration similar to the HP EliteBook costs just under $1,400.

This Surface Laptop’s dimensions and weight mirror those of HP’s EliteBook, and it remains my favorite Surface configuration, despite the Surface Pro being a more high-performance product due to its WAN option. Given that both products use Qualcomm solutions, this should be a standard feature in all such configurations, as WAN modems are a traditional strength of Qualcomm.

The more powerful screen results in reduced video viewing battery life for the Surface Laptop, but it still offers an impressive 20 hours.

A key differentiator of the Surface Laptop is its power supply. Unlike many other laptops, it doesn’t occupy a USB-C slot, thus allowing both USB-C ports to be freely used. Additionally, it includes a USB-A port and a headphone jack. The power supply is designed to easily disconnect if the cord is tripped over, protecting the device from damage—an essential feature for anyone working from home with kids or pets.

Microsoft’s online trade-in program currently offers up to $600, making this an even better value if you have an old laptop that is ready to be retired.

Wrapping Up

I am particularly impressed with the appearance, battery life, and security features of the HP EliteBook Ultra, but I lean toward the display, power supply, and price (especially with the trade-in) of the Surface Laptop, 7th Edition. Both of these laptops are standout products from their respective companies, showcasing impressive engineering and design.

While my ideal product would still incorporate the old HP Folio configuration, I would be more than happy using either of these laptops. The EliteBook Ultra 14 and Surface Laptop, 7th Edition represent just the first wave of AI-enabled laptops.

Future versions are likely to deviate more from current standards as they further explore what a conversational PC interface can become, potentially rendering the keyboard and touchpad obsolete over time.

Additionally, in the coming year, more apps will emerge supporting the NPU in both of these products, enhancing their desirability even further. Currently, with Microsoft Recall on hold, the main feature distinguishing these Copilot+ laptops is their Cocreator support. This app is indispensable for someone like me, as my mother and stepmother were artists, and I lack drawing skills entirely.

Ultimately, this is merely the beginning of our journey toward an AI PC future, but I predict the conclusion will look radically different.

Product of the Week: 2025 Audi RS E-tron GT

Image Credit: Audi Communications

I recently purchased a used Audi e-tron GT. If it’s possible to fall in love with a car, I’m smitten with this one. The vehicle had only minor changes from its 2021 debut until 2024, making my 2022 model a tremendous value. However, the 2025 model is a significant leap forward, representing the fastest production car Audi has ever produced.

My version, the GT, has approximately 460 horsepower but boosts acceleration to 522 horses, while the RS version adds another 100 horsepower. This gives my car a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds, and the RS version a stunning 2.9 seconds. Impressive, isn’t it?

The 2025 GT takes it a step further with 671 HP and a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds. The RS version jumps to 845 HP with a 2.8-second 0-60, and the RS GT Performance version has an astounding 912 HP with a 0-60 in 2.5 seconds. This nears the Tesla S Plaid’s blistering 1.98-second 0-60. Considering that the fastest modified C8 Corvettes clock in at 2.2 seconds, these are remarkable numbers for unmodified sedans.

The e-tron GT is a GT sedan with dimensions similar to, though lower than, a Tesla Model S. It boasts a more luxurious interior and, in my opinion, superior aesthetics.

The new e-tron GT is equipped with a more advanced suspension that not only quickly raises the car for easier entry and exit but also combats nose lift during acceleration and maintains flatter turns than I’ve ever seen in a production sedan or GT car. Its demo model is highly impressive. The new version also extends range by around 100 miles, a significant improvement, and it features Porsche Taycan underpinnings.

One of my favorite features in the new model is the addition of an over-boost button that delivers a substantial performance boost when pressed. My 2022 model does this automatically when I floor it, but having a button adds an element of fun.

2022 Audi e-tron GT | Photo by Author

The e-tron GT has never been an economical choice. It starts at over $100,000 and can approach $200,000 when fully loaded. However, the ability to embarrass a supercar driver is often worth the cost to me, given the incredible torque produced by its unique two-speed transmission and motor.

I’m infatuated with my 2022 Audi e-tron GT, making the new 2025 model my Product of the Week.