Keep i7 YOGA 9i and RYZEN 9 ASUS G14 or wait for Alder Lake / Raptor Lake and DDR5.
Keep i7 YOGA 9i and RYZEN 9 ASUS G14 or wait for Alder Lake / Raptor Lake and DDR5.
My 2012 model 3rd Gen Intel i5, 16 GB (maximum capacity) Lenovo X230 purchased in mid-2014 remains functional and serves as my main computer. I occasionally perform image-editing tasks on it, though certain Topaz AI applications like Sharpen AI or Gigapixel AI can be slow. After seven and a half years, I considered exploring newer laptops and decided to invest in a Yoga 9i Shadow Black 2-in1 touch-enabled 4K model with an i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, and another machine—a gaming laptop from ASUS G14 (though I’m not a gamer) equipped with a Ryzen 9 5000HS and 16 GB RAM (upgradable to 40 GB), plus a discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3060 GPU with 6 GB dedicated VRAM. This setup handles the aforementioned Topaz programs efficiently, and both the Yoga 9i and the ASUS G14 offer impressive performance. I purchased each model for around $1300, both of which were quickly updated to Windows 11, and I find the pricing quite appealing.
Although both represent significant upgrades compared to my current Lenovo X230, and I intended to retain them, I now face some doubts. My X230, although not upgradeable to Windows 11, and my other 2016 i3 desktop is still operational, is still performing well. The Alder Lake (possibly Raptor Lake) and DDR5 are on the horizon. I remain within the extended holiday return window, pondering whether it’s worth holding onto my $2600 investment for another year or two, to acquire potentially superior laptops—especially since I had a strong desire for at least 32 GB of RAM (ideally 64 GB) on both systems.
The ASUS G14 is upgradeable to 40 GB RAM but only supports 16 GB in dual-channel mode. The 14-inch Yoga 9i is notably slim and lightweight at 3.1 lbs and 0.6 inches, whereas the ASUS G14, while smaller by gaming laptop standards, weighs about 3.6 lbs and is bulkier than I preferred. My concern is whether waiting a year or two—possibly up to three years—for one or two cutting-edge laptops (preferably a Lenovo Thinkpad) with all the features would be worthwhile, and whether I could secure two comparable devices: a highly portable model suitable for daily use and image processing, and another ultra-thin, lightweight machine powered by a Ryzen 9 for advanced tasks.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
I recommend waiting to see what CES offers and holding off until at least the first quarter or mid-year, when announcements are frequent. If you're looking for a system that boosts earnings, it's best to take advantage of what's available now. Regarding Windows 11 support, those not using it should consider switching after its first year to resolve any known issues. The same applies to early adopters on hardware—don't be the first to test it, no matter how much you can afford it.
Thank you for your reply, Lutfij.
I don’t use my devices for business purposes.
The topic is the delay between CES announcements and when production becomes stable.
I’m not among the early adopters. I’m assuming it will take at least three years, maybe four, for laptops with 13th Gen Raptor Lake CPUs and DDR5 RAM to fully stabilize and become more affordable. Do you think your estimate is accurate? Of course, by then there would be even more advanced technology ahead, but I’m not concerned—my X230 has been reliable enough so far, it can’t be pushed further, so I’ll need to upgrade between now and the next few years or so. And with Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, my X230 won’t be compatible with Windows 11, which means I might have to let it go a bit sooner or wait until another year before considering an upgrade again after about five years.
P.S. Another minor worry is the loss of USB A ports. Next year it could become very difficult to find laptops with two USB A ports, as seen with the ASUS G14 and even the Yoga 9i now has only one.