Cover Image for A little-known monitor manufacturer launches one of the year's most coveted laptops: it weighs less than 1 kg, features an Intel Lunar Lake processor, and has a 14-inch screen, but it will only be available in Japan.
Wed Oct 16 2024

A little-known monitor manufacturer launches one of the year's most coveted laptops: it weighs less than 1 kg, features an Intel Lunar Lake processor, and has a 14-inch screen, but it will only be available in Japan.

Unitcom presents a stunning yet very appealing laptop.

Unitcom has launched the iiyama PC, a laptop that features a design with either a 14 or 16-inch display and comes with various attractive features. This model is equipped with Intel's Core Ultra 2 series processors, known as Lunar Lake. The device's casing, made from magnesium alloy, allows the laptop to be lightweight without sacrificing sturdiness. The 14-inch version of the iiyama PC weighs less than 1 kg, making it an extremely light option in the laptop realm. For context, the 14-inch MacBook Pro weighs 1.55 kg with the lighter M3 chipset.

The lightweight nature of the iiyama PC is ideal for those who often travel with a laptop, as this is one of the most valued aspects in choosing such a device. Additionally, the laptop offers Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and compatibility with Microsoft's new Copilot+ initiative for PCs, which requires the use of the latest Intel chips to unlock various artificial intelligence features in Windows and its associated applications. It also includes a 5 MP webcam for added convenience.

However, the downside of the iiyama PC is its geographical exclusivity, as it will only be available in Japan. This will limit many users' ability to acquire it, leaving potential interested buyers resigned to not being able to purchase one. This model is offered in three versions, with prices ranging from 169,800 yen (£870) for the most basic 14-inch model, to 199,800 yen (£1,000) for the 16-inch option.

Since the iiyama PC will not be accessible to most consumers, other options in the market have been evaluated. Currently, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 is considered one of the best alternatives, offering 13th generation Intel Core i7 processors and storage capacities ranging from 1 TB to 4 TB, in addition to a lightweight and portable design. For those on a tighter budget, the Acer TravelMate P4 is another good option as it provides reasonable specifications, good battery life, and a Thunderbolt port at an affordable price. One cannot overlook the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (2023), which remains an excellent choice, especially for those who are not fully immersed in the Windows ecosystem.