Update: A big iPad Pro 3 leak has given us our first look at the possible design of the slate as well as revealing a number of features.

The iPad Pro 3 is the next Apple tablet to deserve an update, and we're now hearing the first rumors of its new features, many that incorporate iPhone X technology.

Sure, we recently saw the entry-level new iPad 2018 launch with education-focused ideas, but if you're looking for a more powerful refresh of the existing iPad Pro 10.5 and iPad Pro 12.9 (2017), that's said to be coming soon.

Apple is bent on making its iPad Pro series a 'laptop replacement' for as many users as possible, almost treating its Pro tablets as if they're touchscreen MacBooks. With iOS 11 and its tablet-focused software, Apple got closer to fulfilling that vision.

The iPad Pro 3, for this reason, will almost certainly remain expensive, and it still might not be a laptop replacement for absolutely everyone, no matter how much Apple tries to convince you otherwise and no matter how much it charges.

Will the new iPad Pro for 2018 be a game changer? it appears to be in for interesting changes. Here are the details we've gathered and our best educated guesses at the price, release date and certain specs and features based on Apple’s history.

Cut to the chase

• What is iPad Pro 3? The next flagship iPad Pro
• When is iPad Pro launch? Possibly September 12
• What will iPad Pro 3 cost? Likely at least £619/$649/AU$979

iPad Pro 3 release date and price

The iPad Pro 3 release date is still subject to much speculation, with the tablets rarely appearing at the same time of year each time we see a new one.

The iPhone XI launch event, likely happening on September 12, is a good choice. It will make current iPad Pro buyers feel less cheated by leaving longer between new models, and iOS 12 will be ready on day one.

When the last iPad Pro tablets launched, iOS 11 included big tablet features, but everyone not on the beta was waiting three months to experience them.

There's additional evidence that it could be coming soon too, as an Apple tablet has seemingly passed through the EEC (Eurasian Economic Commission), which is something we'd expect to happen not too long before launch.

Whenever the iPad Pro 3 tablets do come out, they'll surely have a high price. The iPad Pro 10.5 starts at £619/$649/AU$979, so with Apple seemingly being done with 9.7-inch Pro models that’s probably the minimum you’ll pay.

iPad Pro 3 news and rumors

We've now seen renders supposedly showing the design of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3, and you can see them below.

Details include slim bezels and no home button or fingerprint scanner, so Face ID is sure to be included. But the bezels are still big enough that there's no need for a notch.

It looks to still have a metal back, four speaker grilles and a dual-lens camera, but some other things have changed - the Smart Connector has moved to the bottom of the back (when held in portrait), there's seemingly no 3.5mm headphone port, and there's an unidentified button on the right edge.

The source adds that apparently the iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) comes in at 280.6 x 215 x 5.85mm (or 7.77mm including the rear camera bump), making it smaller than the iPad Pro 12.9 (2017).

You won't hear Apple official call it the 'modern iPad,' but that name has been found in iOS 11.3 code. 

'Modern iPad' doesn't sound very meaningful, but the phrase 'modern iPhone' was used ahead of the iPhone X's release. The suggestion is that the term could refer to all those fancy new features, like Face ID and an almost bezel-free screen.

Indeed, the idea that the new iPad Pro for 2018 could allow you to unlock your tablet with your face rather than your finger is a rumor we've heard more than once. 

In fact, a Face ID setup screen has even been found in the iOS 12 beta for iPad. The same beta also contains multiple user support for Face ID - a feature which would be more useful on a tablet than a phone.

Apple may give the iPad Pro 3 a notch too, as the iOS 12 beta also moves the status bar clock to the left edge, leaving empty space in the middle where a notch would go. That said, the renders above don't include a notch, so don't count on that.

If Apple goes with an all-screen display design, it could allow the new iPads to either increase the in screen size, or stay the same size and shrink the body. That'd be a big deal for the sometimes cumbersome 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and based on the information we've heard so far shrinking the body of the 12.9-inch model is what Apple has chosen to do. 

For the smaller 10.5-inch iPad though it could mean a slight increase in size as we've seen a report claiming it will have an 11-inch display.

Elsewhere in rumor land, sources in the supply chain are claiming that the iPad Pro 3 will use a new octa-core A11X Bionic chipset. That's an upgrade on the hexa-core A11 Bionic chipset in the iPhone X.

Apparently it will also be smaller, coming in at just 7nm, which could mean it's more efficient, and it will supposedly include a neural processing unit, which further points to the possible inclusion of Face ID, as that's largely powered by AI.

Beyond that, we can guess at a few things. For example, as Apple has just introduced a new size with the 10.5-inch model we probably won’t see any new sizes this year.

We wouldn’t expect much change to the camera either. Apple has stuck the same 12MP and 7MP rear and front snappers as the iPhone 8 has on its latest slates, which is serious overkill for a tablet, so should serve the Pro range well for at least another year.

Other existing features, such as the True Tone display with 120Hz refresh rate, quad-speakers and Smart Connector are also likely to return.

What we want to see

Great as the current iPad Pro models are they’re also very expensive, and still lack some key features or trail behind rivals in certain ways. With that in mind here’s a list of the things we most want to see from the iPad Pro 3.

1. Water resistance

Apple has added water resistance to its phones, but so far not its tablets, and while it’s less needed on a tablet since it’s too big to drop in a glass and unlikely to be used in the rain, it could still come in handy.

Drinks still spill and people use tablets when cooking or by the pool, so knowing that the iPad Pro 3 could survive a dunk would be reassuring, especially given how much these things cost.

2. Even better productivity skills

Apple is really pushing the productivity potential of the iPad Pro, yet in most cases it still can’t quite match up to a laptop.

iOS isn’t versatile enough even with iOS 11, and accessories such as the Smart Keyboard tend to be overpriced for what’s ultimately a mediocre experience.

Better, lower priced accessories would help, along with further changes to iOS, bringing it more in line with a desktop operating system. More full, desktop quality software, such as Photoshop, would help too. To some extent that’s out of Apple’s hands, but it could make deals with developers, or just make the platform more appealing to them.

3. A lower price

The iPad Pro is an expensive bit of kit, there’s no getting around that, whichever size or model you pick. Given the amount of tech packed in it’s not necessarily bad value, but it can be hard to justify the outlay, especially when there are cheaper tablets and it’s not a full laptop replacement.

So we’d like to see a price cut for the iPad Pro 2, or at the very least (and far more likely) the price remaining the same, while the tech and storage capacity improves.

4. A sharp OLED screen

The iPad Pro 2 in both its 10.5 and 12.9-inch sizes has a screen with a pixel density of 265 pixels per inch, which is fairly sharp, and the overall screen quality is high.

But there are sharper screens on tablets, laptops and phones, so we’d like to see Apple raise the resolution, especially as an iPad should be a prime candidate for 4K content.

And as well as a new resolution, we’d like to see a new display technology, namely OLED. Apple has now used this for the iPhone X, so it’s entirely possible that the iPad Pro 3 could benefit as well.

5. Face ID

Apple debuted Face ID on the iPhone X, letting you simply look at the phone to unlock it. That means no more home button, which in turn allows for a bigger screen in the same size shell. These are all good things, and things we’d like from the iPad Pro 3.

6. Better battery life

The iPad Pro 2 doesn’t have bad battery life, far from it if you’re using it mostly as a media device, but if you plan to use the thing as a full laptop replacement you’ll probably only get 6-7 hours out of it.

That’s still not bad, but an extra couple of hours would really help, so whether through a bigger battery or more efficient components and software, we’d like to see Apple eke extra life out of the iPad Pro 3.

7. A new look

The iPad Pro has a slim, light and stylish design, but it’s more or less the same one Apple’s been using for years, so we’d like a complete overhaul for the iPad Pro 3. Something new and exciting that could tempt those with older models to upgrade.

That could take the form of a glass back, a curvy screen, zero bezels, or something else altogether. But if there’s one thing Apple’s almost always great at it’s design, so we’re sure it’s up to the task.

• 8 things Apple still needs to announce in 2018

Samsung Galaxy Tab deals remain popular with android tablet enthusiasts around the world. If you're not careful when shopping for one, they can be surprisingly expensive. That's where we come in though with our price comparison technology working hard to find you the best prices from the most reliable retailers.

We'll find you the latest offers over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4, S3, S2, Tab Pro, Tab S, both Tab As and more.

If you're after the super newest Galaxy Tab S4, you're in luck, as we've added the latest deals. We'll walk you through various older models too so you can work out which one is best for you and then we'll help you find the best price. 

If you're looking for a wider variety of manufacturers, make sure you check out our cheap tablets page.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 deals

The Samsung Galaxy S4 deals are going to be pricey for a while given it's the newest model in Samsung's lineup. The Tab S4 is a step up from the older tablets as Samsung has attempted to bring an optional desktop experience to the operating system to make it compete with Microsoft's professional-facing Surface devices. Sadly, this also means you'll have to buy the keyboard and mouse separately if you want the full Dex experience. The S Pen Stylus is included at no extra charge though. Truth be told, if you're not too bothered about the new desktop-modes, you could save a lot of money by opting for the older, but still excellent, Tab S3 model.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 deals

Samsung's 2017 tablet has the likes of the iPad Pro and Surface Pro in its sites and could be a contender, especially if you're a fan of the Android ecosystem. With a new glass back, it's clearly been taking style tips from the gorgeous Galaxy S7 lineup and the new Super AMOLED screen supports HDR - a tablet first.

Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S3

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7-inch deals

Samsung's latest flagship Android tablet is a real stunner

With a stunning AMOLED screen to match any of Samsung's latest smartphones, this 9.7-inch Android tablet is one of the absolute best out there. It's the thinnest tablet in the world - thinner even than the iPad Air 2 - and is also super lightweight but very powerful.

Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

Seven inch tablets are the ideal size for most people, offering a screen bigger than smartphones (although some are getting close to this size now!) but still being comfortable to hold in one hand while reading or watching video. The nonslip backing ensures it won't be sliding out of your hand either.

The Galaxy Tab A is also a great size tablet to take with you out of the house on your commute or on your hols. And with a battery that lasts up to 11 hours between charges, you'll be doing just that as much as you want and be able to leave the charger at home if you're only out for a day or two.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1-inch deals

The best value large Galaxy Tab screen

If you're looking for one of the larger Samsung Galaxy Tab screens, but don't want to spend too much money, the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 strikes a fine balance of size, performance and cost.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8-inch deals

The 8-inch and possibly more sensible version of Samsung's best tablet

With the same specs as the 9.7-inch model above, the Tab S2 8-inch is smaller, cheaper and probably the better option. Android works a lot better on this size screen and the low price of this model makes it a really great buy.

Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 deals

The 8.4-inch version of Samsung's best Galaxy Tab

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S is a year older than the S2 and also comes in two sizes - 8.4-inch and then the slightly bigger and more expensive 10.5-inch. If you want one of the best Android tablet on the market, one of these two devices will do you proud because it's not a lot slower than the latest model but does have much better battery life. Whether it be the stunningly good screen or the powerful internals, this is an amazing tablet. Here are the best Galaxy Tab S 8.4 deals currently available...

Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 deals

The 10.5-inch version of Samsung's most highly specc'd Android tablet

There's a lot to be said for the 8.4-inch version above - it could well be the absolutely perfect size for a touchscreen tablet. But if you want something a little bigger, the Tab S 10.5 is simply superb. It's got all the same features as the tablet above but features a bigger screen. If you want an iPad-beating tablet running Android, this is the one. Here are the best Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 deals...

Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 deals

This incredibly big tablet is also incredibly good

If you're looking for a super-sized tablet your options are fairly limited, yet Samsung offers up two with the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 being joined by the incredibly similar Note Pro 12.2. The battery life on the Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 is rather impressive. With light to medium use you should be able to get two days usage from one charge, which is a massive plus for those on the move who do not necessarily have access to a power point throughout their working day.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 deals

It's a few years old now but good at the right price

If you want a budget tablet you could do worse than the 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3. It's by no means the most feature packed Galaxy Tab around, and even when it was new it wasn't the best, but prices make everything relative and this is a very cheap option!

 Welcome to our list of the best laptops money can buy in 2018. If you're looking to buy a new laptop, whether it's a thin and light ultrabook, a budget machine or even a powerful gaming laptop, then we've got the best laptop suggestions for you.

We're constantly updating this list of the best laptops to feature the very latest laptops that in our view are worthy of inclusion. The brilliant Acer Predator Helios 300 is our latest edition to this best laptops list, earning its place with a combination of affordability and power, making it one of the best gaming laptops for people on a budget.

This list doesn't just include the best high-end laptops, but also features the best budget laptops, top gaming laptops and our pick of the brilliant 2-in-1 laptops as well.

Each laptop on this list has been tested by us at TechRadar. Our thorough reviews look at all aspects of these laptops to make sure they really are the best of the best. With our recommendations, along with our very own price comparison tool, it's never been easier to buy the best laptop for your needs.

The best laptops of 2018:

The Huawei MateBook X Pro is our new pick for the best laptop money can buy in 2018, after years of this list being dominated by the (still excellent) Dell XPS 13, which is now in second place. While Huawei hasn't been making laptops for as long as more established manufacturers in this list, it has absolutely knocked it out the park with the MateBook X Pro. This is a gorgeously-designed laptop with a stunning screen (albeit with a rather odd aspect ratio), and it comes packed with cutting edge components that allows it to perform brilliantly, and a battery life that runs rings around many of its rivals. It also has a very competitive price, giving you features, design and performance for quite a bit less money.

Read the full review: Huawei MateBook X Pro

Although the Dell XPS 13 has been knocked in the second place, it is still an absolutely brilliant laptop. There's a good reason it was at the top of our best laptops list for three years running.

The 2018 Dell XPS 13 is a slimmer, more powerful version of the award-winning laptop with a stunning 4K display and a gorgeous Rose Gold on Alpine White color option. Packing an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU and a bezel-less ‘Infinity Edge’ display, this Dell XPS 13 is more expensive, but its still worth every penny. It’s no wonder the Dell XPS 13 continues to be the most popular Windows laptop in the world. Better yet, there’s a wide range of customization options, so you can make the Dell XPS 13 the best laptop for you. 

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13

With the Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch), Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops in the world. The Surface Book 2 has some powerful enough components to handle most day-to-day tasks, and even some light gaming and video editing if you go for a model with a dedicated graphics card. Brilliant build quality and excellent battery life makes this a wonderful device for using as either a laptop, or as a powerful Windows 10 tablet. It also comes in a 15-inch version, which is more powerful and with a larger screen. If you're after a more affordable 2-in-1 device, then the Acer Switch 3, below, is well worth checking out.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

Some of the very best laptops in 2017 have been 2-in-1 devices, and Lenovo has added to that list with the excellent Lenovo Yoga 920. It features a wonderfully slim design, and its build quality is exceptional. The 360 degree hinge allows you to convert the laptop into a tablet-like device, making it flexible in all senses of the word. It's cheaper than the Surface Book 2, and while it doesn't offer quite the same quality when in tablet mode, it's an excellent device with plenty of power and bags of battery life. It's definitely a worthy alternative, and it's easily one of the best laptops we've seen this year.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 920

If you're after the latest and greatest laptop from Apple, welcome to the 13-inch Macbook Pro with touchbar. It's the best laptop Apple has ever made, and builds new features into the classic design. Of course the headline feature is the touchbar - it's a thin OLED display at the top of the keyboard which can be used for any number of things, whether that be auto-suggesting words as you type or offering Touch ID so you can log in with just your fingerprint. If you're a massive fan of the Macbook Pro 2017 you'll be happy with this model but there are some serious reasons why you should consider one of the Windows alternatives. For a start, this laptop is very expensive for what is is, especially considering the better value alternatives. On top of this, it's not as powerful, the screen is lower-res versus the competition and isn't touchscreen friendly, plus the battery is a bit disappointing too. So if you're open to switching to a PC, definitely consider the XPS 13 as a more modern, cheaper alternative. But if you're a steadfast Apple die hard, this is definitely the best laptop for you!

Read the full review: Apple Macbook with touchbar (2017)
See more like this: The best Macs and Macbooks 2017

The new MSI GS65 Stealth has knocked our previous choice of the best gaming laptop, Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501, off this list, thanks to its excellent array of cutting edge components, which includes an 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8750H CPU and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 GPU. It's also more reasonably priced than the Zephyrus GX501, and its subtle design means that it can double as a work or study laptop without raising any eyebrows. If you're looking for a more affordable gaming laptop, however, check out the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming below.

Read the full review: MSI GS65 Stealth 

The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a fantastic affordable gaming laptop that proves that even if you don't have the kind of money to buy the MSI GS65 Stealth that also features on this best laptops list, you don't have to sacrifice too much when it comes to power. The Acer Predator Helios 300 packs some excellent components, such as a new 8th generation 6-core Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics card and 16GB of RAM. While it's still an expensive proposition compared to regular laptops, for a gaming notebook you are getting a heck of a lot of power for the price.

Read the full review: Acer Predator Helios 300

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is 2017's best laptop for you if you're looking for the perfect cross between a nimble Windows tablet and a fully functional laptop. The base version of the Surface Pro 4 is just a tablet - you get the main unit itself with kickstand but if you want the Surface Pen or the fantastic Type Cover keyboard you'll need to pay extra for a bundle or buy it separately. Often the best value option is a bundle but even the tablet on its own represents pretty good value. The Surface Pro, alongside the also-excellent Surface Book laptop, is to Windows what the Pixel is to Google's Android. It's the benchmark Windows device, with software and hardware working together in perfect harmony. So if you need a new laptop and a tablet, the Surface Pro is the best does-it-all 2-in-1 option. If you want this but need something a little cheaper, check out the Acer Switch 3 below!

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro 4
See more like this: The best 2-in-1 laptops 2017 

Last year’s Dell XPS 15 was already one of the best laptops you could buy, but now that Dell has taken the beautiful redesign of the Dell XPS 13 and applied it here – while also making it a convertible. Well, it’s amazing. Not only do you get one of the most aesthetically pleasing 15-inch laptops on the market, but it also packs one of those new Intel  Kaby Lake G-series CPUs featuring ‘discrete-class’ Radeon graphics. This means that this laptop packs serious power – even if it can get a little loud.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 

If you want the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 but you want to spend a lot less, the Acer Switch Alpha 12 is definitely the your best option. It's designed around essentially the same concept as the Surface Pro and it's a less capable thanks to slightly lower power innards, but for most tasks it's a brilliant little machine. What's more, to add further value this 2-in-1 laptop/tablet comes with the keyboard upgrade which means no little extras to pay for. As usual it comes in several different versions, with USB Type-C, 8GB RAM, an IPS display and Intel Core i3 7100U CPU coming with the more expensive option.

Read the full review: Acer Switch Alpha 12
See more like this: The best 2-in-1 laptops 2017 

Which type of laptop is best for you?

General laptops: Where the best cheap laptops are found, devices that focus more on practicality than style, portability or power. That’s not to say they can’t be fast, but you’ll typically find a non-Ultrabook clamshell laptop with an HD screen and spinning drive-based storage for less than $600 or £400.

Ultrabooks: Where you’ll find thin-and-light notebooks sporting SSD storage and display resolutions that exceed 1080p. Paired with powerful, albeit mobile-centric components and especially long battery life, the best Ultrabooks will cost a pretty penny – AED 3,000 or more.

2-in-1 laptops: Here is our picks of the best 2-in-1 laptops that are available right now. Outfitted with both detachable and 360-degree rotating hinges, these hybrids are the most versatile way to experience Windows 10 on a touchscreen.

Gaming laptops: Need a laptop to play games (almost) just like a shiny desktop PC can? Then you’ll want one of the best gaming laptops. These machines generally cost quite a bit but give you a great gaming experience on the go. 

Laptop-tablet hybrids: Designed from the tablet-first approach to laptop-tablet hybrids, the best Windows tablets pack beyond-HD touchscreens, sometimes with kickstands in their frames or provided via keyboard covers. These generally shine with a stylus, and range from the budget to the premium price ranges.

The original Surface Laptop might not even be a year old yet, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t get excited for its sequel, does it?

In this article, we’d like to lay out our expectations for what the Surface Laptop 2 will look like. No matter how much we love the original, Windows 10-powered Surface Laptop, there’s always room to improve.

With the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, the Surface Laptop has access to a ton of productivity-focused features, making the back to school angle more compelling – and we expect the Surface Laptop 2 to follow suit. But, when can we expect the Surface Laptop 2 to arrive? Well, now that Microsoft is actively testing and developing Redstone 5, and its business is booming, we could be seeing a Surface Laptop 2 announcement soon – especially with the rumored 2019 redesign of the Surface Pro.

Still, because there isn’t much in the way of concrete information, all we can do is speculate about the key Surface Laptop 2 details, like possible features, release date and price. We’d also like to create a kind of wish list. So, keep this page bookmarked, and we’ll keep it updated with all the latest news and rumors.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The would-be second Surface Laptop
• When is it out? Probably around October 2018 
• What will it cost? Likely as much as – if not more than – the current model

Surface Laptop 2 release date

Unfortunately, we know next to nothing regarding when we’ll see the next Surface Laptop from Microsoft. So, that leaves us with the release of last year to base any speculation upon.

The first Surface Laptop came out in June 2017 in the US. Now, Microsoft seems to like to alternate between different Surface devices year after year, so that would lead us to believe the Surface Laptop 2 would be coming out in 2019. However, we haven’t heard anything about any Surface hardware so far this year, so anything is on the table. Right now, we’d have to put our finger on October being the next possible time to push out a Surface Laptop 2.

Granted, Microsoft hasn’t been awfully consistent with the release timings of its Surface Pro or Surface Book products. So, maybe we’ll see an announcement in the next couple weeks in time for the back to school 2018 season, but a September or October release date is far more likely. 

Surface Laptop 2 price

Again, there has been little to no information regarding the Surface Laptop 2 price. So, we only have the current model’s pricing to go off of.

With that, we know that Surface Laptop today starts at $799 (around £560, AU$1,000), a new configuration featuring a lower-power Intel Core m3 processor. The original starting model, meanwhile, starts at $999 (around £705, AU$1,250).

So, if we are to see a Surface Laptop 2 in 2018, it’s tough to expect Microsoft to deviate far – if at all – from this price in either direction.

Surface Laptop 2 specs

Unsurprisingly, we know nothing with any amount of concrete certainty about what kind of hardware will be inside the would-be Surface Laptop 2. But, again, we have the current models as a baseline for our best guesses.

It’s safe to assume that, if Microsoft goes the Intel route once again, 8th-generation Kaby Lake R or Coffee Lake processors will be included. Whether that’s the Core U series processors found in the best Ultrabooks, or the new G series models with embedded AMD Vega graphics is anyone’s guess.

Otherwise, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the existing basic RAM and storage configurations to remain the same, as memory and storage standards haven’t drastically changed since last year.

What we want to see in a Surface Laptop 2

With such little known about a would-be Surface Laptop 2 for 2018, that leaves us plenty of room to develop a wish list of sorts for the product. So, here are the major upgrades we want to see from a Surface Laptop sequel:

More (or better) ports, please
Frankly, Microsoft needs to get with the times and adopt USB-C 3.1 or Thunderbolt 3. The Surface Connect port is fine and allows for some of the same functionality – but it’s not as widespread as USB-C. Maybe just kill the DisplayPort and use USB-C instead? Who knows. At least we might finally be getting a dongle. 

LTE connectivity
Now that the Surface Pro LTE is on the horizon, we would love to see Microsoft’s other lightweight workhorse get nigh-universal connectivity. Whether that comes through an adaptation of the Surface Pro’s implementation, Intel’s new dedicated 5G modem or, say, a Windows 10 S on ARM implementation with Qualcomm, either would make the device that much more tempting.

Fast charging
It’s about time for this feature to become an expected standard on laptops. Fast charging techniques certainly have become an expected feature of high-end smartphones, so why not laptops? Such a move would only further solidify the Surface Laptop’s portability chops.

More colors
One of the Surface Laptop’s most attractive features is its propensity for color, with platinum, burgundy, graphite gold and cobalt blue options. Microsoft should absolutely blow this out of the water, as it very well could become the company’s iMac G3 moment.

• These are the best laptops for students we’ve seen this year

When the original Surface Book was first shown off by Microsoft, everyone fell in love. And, when the Surface Book 2 followed, it took everything the original did and turned everything up to 11 – creating one of the best 2-in-1 laptops running Windows 10 we’ve ever had the pleasure to use. So, you can understand why we’re a little hyped for the Surface Book 3 – even though we probably won’t see it for a while.

Just imagine – a Surface Book 3, but with an even sharper display, beefier components and Thunderbolt 3. It could be the perfect opposition to Apple’s ever evolving MacBook Pro lineup. If Microsoft launches a Surface Book 3 that improves on the Surface Book 2’s shortcomings, while backing up its successes, Microsoft may do even better than it already is.

Now, while there is little to no concrete information about the Surface Book 3, we can at least do a bit of speculation based on past releases and our tech expertise. So, with that in mind, let’s dive into what we think the Surface Book 3 may look like.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The would-be third Surface Book 2-in-1 laptop
• When is it out? Likely between September and November 2019
• What will it cost? Likely as much as – if not more than – the current model

Surface Book 3 release date

The Surface Book 2 was released by Microsoft in late 2017 – it’s not even a year old. So, if we follow the release pattern of Surface devices that aren’t the Surface Pro, you probably shouldn't expect the Surface Book 3 until late 2019 at the earliest.

Still, we have no clue when the Surface Book sequel will arrive. All we have to reference is an admittedly dodgy report from Christian Today, citing sources speaking to Gizmolead, reporting that the Surface Book will launch in October. Yeah, basically nothing worthwhile.

We really don’t think the Surface Book 3 will launch in 2018 but, hey – we’ve been wrong before. Until we get some more concrete information, or even rumors, we’re going to stick with our 2019 or 2020 Surface Book 3 release date speculation.

Surface Book 3 price

Unfortunately, because there’s no concrete information about the Surface Book 3 right now, we don’t really know anything about its price. However, we can look at the pricing of the Surface Book and the Surface Book 2 and do a bit of speculation.

Right now, thanks to a new lower-storage model, the 13.5 inch Surface Book 2 starts at $1,199 or £1,149, while the 15 inch version still sits at a $2,499 or £2,349 (AU$3,649) price of admission. If you ask us, that’s already enough scratch.

Still, let’s hope and pray that the would-be Surface Book 3 stays well within that price range, as we likely wouldn’t be able to afford much more.

What we want to see in a Surface Book 3

Since the earlier mentioned Christian Today article claims that the Surface Book 3 will have an Intel ‘Skylake-E processor (i9)’, an ancient line of desktop CPUs, we really can’t rely on it for any kind of solid hardware information. So, all we can do is create a wish list for what we want to see improved in the next Surface Book.

Use the extra space accordingly

Whether it’s through an expanded keyboard with the number pad or top-firing speakers with deep bass chambers, Microsoft has to make better use of the space afforded it with the 15-inch Surface Book design. As of now, it’s simply wasted space waiting to be utilized.

Thunderbolt 3, please

The Surface connector on the Surface Book 2 is flexible, sure, but it’s time for Microsoft to move onto Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C. Not only does Thunderbolt 3 allow for faster file transfers, it can also serve as a one plug hub for all displays and other peripherals you could want to connect. If the Surface Book 3 is really going to compete, especially in 2019 or 2020, it needs to respect this growing standard. Hey, but at least we’re getting a dongle. 

Better power management

One of the fatal flaws of the Surface Book 2 15-inch was it couldn't play games without draining its battery on top of pulling charge through its Surface Connector. While Microsoft might have told us it was designed creatives and not gaming, the same company was the one who gave it a built-in Xbox controller receiver. Whatever or whoever, the next iteration is made for, it should have improved power management as to not dip into its battery reserves for extra juice.

A 4K display would be nice

The current Surface Book 2 display comes in at 3,240 x 2,160 (260 ppi) at a 3:2 aspect ratio within the 15-inch model. It’s an absolutely fantastic screen, but with 4K media assets increasingly becoming the norm, surely digital creators would appreciate a screen that mirrors the sharpness at which they produce content.

All accessories included

For what it’s charging for current – and will charge for future – Surface Book products, Microsoft should include all of the essential accessories in the box. Yes, that includes the awesome Surface Dial alongside the Surface Pen in this case. It’s only fair for what is essentially a luxury item.

• These are the best laptops we’ve tested the world over

Slowly but surely, HP is rebuilding the reputation that made it such a beloved PC maker back in the day. And, it’s done so with the best HP laptops – the same brand of mobile workhorses that were thought to be extinct just a few years ago. But, thanks to the advent of Windows 10 and convertible laptops that aren’t terrible, even the best HP laptops are getting better and better as time moves forward. Just this year, we’ve seen HP transform into a company that concentrates on design flair rather than cheapness.

In some ways, this means the reintroduction of its increasingly prominent ‘privacy filter,’ called SureView, to an ever-expanding range of devices. In others, it equates to the gorgeous gold trimmings we’re seeing on HP’s high-end offerings, like the HP Spectre line of Ultrabooks and 2-in-1s. To help you find the best HP laptop for your demands, we’ve gone hands on with a wide range of hardware, narrowing our picks down to the 5 best HP laptops on the market in 2018.   

Over the last few years, HP has been perfecting its flagship 13-inch convertible laptop – and it’s been one of our favorite 2-in-1 laptops for a few years running. It features perfectly slim bezels and it’s lightweight enough to use as a tablet comfortably. As a regular notebook, you won’t find many with a better keyboard, brighter display or two Windows Hello biometric solutions. 

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 

This might just be one of the most beautiful laptops we’ve ever seen. The ceramic white finish is complemented by a two-prong, glossy hinge design that’s absolutely irresistible. That’s all fine and dandy, but in terms of power it’s a winner, too. In fact, it leverages tehs heer might of 8th-generation Intel Kaby Lake R processors perfectly.

Read the full review: HP Spectre 13 

What it lacks in performance prowess, the HP Pavilion 15 makes up for in finesse. It’s one of the few remaining AMD-based laptops HP is still making, but the Ryzen chips on display here are nothing to shake a stick at – and will be enticing for anyone on a budget. It’s affordable, but don’t think it’s cheap. The HP Pavilion 15 is a rare example of a laptop that knows how to strike a balance, making it a fantastic value proposition, and one of the best laptops for students. 

No one wants to blow their entire tax refund on a laptop, which is why laptops like the HP Chromebook 14 G5 exist to begin with. It’s an economical Chromebook that never feels cheap, which is a distinction that Chromebooks wear like a badge of honor. This Chromebook in partiular boasts a sleek aesthetic, and passable performance, especially when you spec it out with the higher-end Celeron and 8GB of RAM. 

Gaming laptops have long been criticized for their lack of upgradeability, thereby making them more disposable than a gaming desktop by nature. HP, on the other hand, has subverted this crucial flaw by adding an essential features that most gamer’s notebooks lack. Specifically, the Omen X adds overclocking, meaning you determine performance rather than HP.

• Bill Thomas has also contributed to this article

• These are the best laptops to date, bar none

The Dell XPS 15 of 2018 came out a couple of months ago, strapped to the nines with 8th-generation H-series Intel processors, lightning fast SSDs and gorgeous displays. And, while we haven’t had a chance to do our full review on it, our hands-on time with it has left an extremely good impression. 

However, with all the rumors swirling round about new processors and GPUs, we want to look towards the future, and figure out what the Dell XPS 15 2019 is going to look like. Will it feature faster Whiskey Lake processors? Will Dell implement a better cooling solution? 

We don’t have any concrete information about the Dell XPS 15 2019 at this point. However, we can’t wait to find out what it’s going to look like. So, to help tide us over until the Dell XPS 15’s eventual 2019 refresh, we’re going to dive into some speculation, crafting a sort of wishlist for what we want to see from next year’s XPS 15.

Cut to the chase 

• What is it? The 2019 version of the Dell XPS 15 
• When is it out? Likely Q1 2019 
• What will it cost? Probably starting around $1,059 (£1,179 AU$1,699) 

Dell XPS 15 release date 

It’s too early to eke out any solid information about the Dell XPS 15 2019 release date, but we can always look to past releases to try and figure out when we’ll see the next-generation notebook. Things could shift a little bit either way, depending on when the next Intel mobile platform makes it to market – and there are all kinds of conflicting rumors on that front.

Over the last few years, the Dell XPS 15 has had a bit of an uneven release history. While the Dell XPS 15 2018 came out in May of this year, past XPS 15 models haven’t been totally consistent.

In February 2017, we got the Dell XPS 15 2017, but before that, the 2015 model dropped in October. It’s kind of all over the place, and it could mean we have to wait a very long time for the next one. However, we’re sure that if a ton of new hardware comes out, Dell will be close behind with a hardware refresh for the Dell XPS 15.

Dell XPS 15 price 

The current XPS 15 starts out at $1,059 (£1,179, AU$1,699) for a quad-core, 8th-generation Intel Core i5 chip, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB 5,400 RPM hard drive. However, you can spec it out for up to $2,959 (£2,279, AU$3,999) for a Core i9, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

We think Dell is going to continue to follow the same model for the XPS 15 2019 – offer an entry-model laptop for around $1,059 and allow users to turn all the dials up to 11 if they so choose. That being said, we could see Dell raising the price a bit for the entry model, as it has for the last couple years.

Again, we won’t know what the pricing is going to be until we get closer to launch, so stay tuned.

What want to see from Dell XPS 15 2019 

The Dell XPS 15 is already one of the best Ultrabooks you can buy today, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have room to improve. So, we went ahead and created a wishlist of things we want to see from the Dell XPS 15 2019, to really elevate it into the laptop stratosphere.

Better cooling
The biggest drawback that the Dell XPS 15 has faced for the last few years is the thermal limitations introduced from its increasingly thinner designs. Don’t get us wrong, we love having such a portable notebook with this much horsepower behind it, but if you’re doing a lot of video editing or other workstation-class tasks, the Dell XPS 15 2018 likely won’t last very long. 

Because Dell is asking for so much cash at the high-end for the Dell XPS 15, we would love to see a more effective cooling design. If it comes at the cost of keeping the same thinness year over year, we can definitely live with that – it’s already easy to carry around, we just don’t want thermal throttle anymore.

More ports
For a 15-inch laptop, the 2018 Dell XPS 15 is a little light on port selection. It’s more robust than the MacBook Pro, as it actually features USB Type-A and an SD card reader. But, for a laptop with this spec and size, we’d love to see some Ethernet and maybe even a DisplayPort. We know, we’re entering the age of the dongle – we would just like to see a bit more flexibility out of such a premium device.

Move that webcam
At this point, it kind of feels like we’re beating a dead horse, but that webcam has got to move. Nobody who uses their webcam on a regular basis for video conferencing, or even the occasional hangout with friends, is going to appreciate a webcam that perpetually gazes up their noses.

It’s not an ideal situation for either end of the conversation, and it even makes Windows Hello kind of a pain. Please, Dell. We know you are all about that bezel-less design, but other laptop manufacturers have figured out a way to move their webcams to the top of the display with thin bezels. We have faith in you. 

Unlimited power
We know we just gave Dell a hard time for its thermal solution, but we still want more power. This might be hypocritical, but with Whiskey Lake, Coffee Lake-S and Cannon Lake rumored around the corner, we’re hungry for stronger performance. If there’s a way that Dell can find a middle ground – include a beefier processor while still upping the cooling, we’d be infinitely pleased.

That’s not to mention the rumor that Nvidia might be launching the mobile version of the GTX 1160 by the end of the year, which should bump graphics performance through the roof if Dell decides to implement it. Still, this is all wishes, so be sure to keep this article bookmarked, as we’ll update it just as soon as we get more reliable info. 

• Check out our list of the best Ultrabooks. 

For the last few years, the Razer Blade has enjoyed an enviable position among the best gaming laptops. Thin and portable without sacrificing power, it represents what some may say is the ideal when it comes to gaming laptops. 

Unfortunately, Razer is no longer alone in the ultra-portable gaming laptop world anymore – with devices like the MSI GS65 Stealth and the Gigabyte Aero 15X stealing some of Razer’s limelight. However, this just makes us more excited for what the Razer Blade 2019 will look like, because if one thing drives innovation, it’s competition. 

So, what will Razer do with the Blade 2019? In short, we have no idea – but we can still sit down and hash out a wish list of sorts. So, sit back, relax, and we’ll dive into boundless speculation about the next ultraportable, ultra-premium gaming laptop from the storied  gaming brand. And, while you’re here, be sure to bookmark this page, as we’ll keep it updated with all the latest information.

Cut to the chase 

• What is it? Razer’s 2019 ultra-premium gaming laptop 
• When is it out? Likely around May 2019 
• What will it cost? Probably around $1,899 (£1,989, AU$2,899) 

Razer Blade 2019 release date 

We know the Razer Blade 2019 is coming, we just don’t know when. We can still speculate based on past releases, though. The last two models of the Blade have released in May, so it’s likely that Razer will follow the same pattern with the 2019 Razer Blade, too. 

We’re still not completely sure this is the strategy Razer is going to take, but we’re confident that we’ll find out more information throughout the next few months, and even early next year.  Either way, stay tuned, and we’ll update this article as soon as we hear more.

Razer Blade 2019 price 

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Razer Blade has always been its high price. Unfortunately, we don’t think it’s going to change with the 2019 model – people are still buying the Razer Blade, right? 

The 2018 Razer Blade starts at $1,899 (£1,989, AU$2,899), which will net you an 8th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM and a GTX 1060. This is about the same price as the 2017 model with similar specs, so we don’t expect Razer to move the price much one way or the other.  Especially since we might not see much improvement from the next generation of H-series laptop CPUs.

What we want to see from Razer Blade 2019 

The Razer Blade 2018 is already one of the most powerful gaming laptops on the market today, and while it doesn’t stand out as much as past Blade laptops, its still an incredibly solid laptop with very few notable flaws. However, that doesn’t mean Razer can’t improve upon its formula, so we went ahead and created a list of all the things we want to see in the Razer Blade 2019.

Better cooling, please
For all the powerful hardware shoved inside the Razer Blade, it doesn’t have the best ventilation, and while gaming, it can quickly get unbearably hot. If Razer plans to implement even more powerful hardware into the next Razer Blade, and we think they will, we can only see this problem getting worse, especially if Razer doesn’t tackle it head on.

We’re not sure how Razer could improve on it, but we think the conversation of thinness vs thermal performance is going to be prevalent among the best gaming laptops of 2019.

Unlimited power
Right now, we’re sitting at a crossroads, waiting for the next-generation offerings from both Nvidia and Intel. We’re not sure what either tech behemoth is going to bring to the table but we do have a ton of rumors to go off of. 

We’ve seen a leaked roadmap that suggests Intel is planning to kick off its 9th generation early next year, and Nvidia is rumored to be bringing 11-series mobile GPUs to market later this year. This could mean a world of difference for the Razer Blade in terms of performance, and we hope Razer takes advantage of all of it – as long as it keeps the temperatures in check.

Better battery
Razer keeps making the Blade thinner and more portable but with its short battery life, it’s still not as easy to travel with as it could be. The Razer Blade needs a bigger battery – we’re not sure how Razer would implement this without sacrificing its status as the ‘smallest 15-inch gaming laptop,’ but there has to be a way. 

With the exorbitant price that the Razer Blade carries, we feel like we can reasonably expect longer battery life. We’re counting on you, Razer.

Lighten the load
For as thin as the Razer Blade is, it’s still a quite a heavy machine. Weighing in at 4.63 pounds (2.10kg), its probably one of the heaviest gaming laptops in its class, and even the power brick is a chore to carry around.

This likely isn’t a huge issue for most users who just want a powerful laptop to use at home, but anyone who travels with their laptop is going to want something that’s a bit lighter. 

• Check out our list of the best gaming laptops.

The Dell XPS 13 has been one of the best Ultrabooks for the last few years in a row now, and the 2018 version especially blew us away with its sleek redesign and powerful components. However, we think it's time to look into the future, and create a sort of wish list for the Dell XPS 13 for 2019.

The current model is rocking 8th-generation Kaby Lake-R processors, plenty of ports and a 4K touch display. Still, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. We would love to see a beefier processor, and with Whiskey Lake supposedly around the corner, the Dell XPS 13 2019 could be one of the first laptops to use the new mobile Intel platform.

However, the current Dell XPS 13 isn’t without its flaws. We would love to see an improved webcam for one, as we’re currently stuck with a camera that looks up our nose, and we’d love to see a cheaper, entry-level model like the 2017 entry enjoyed. 

Now, we don’t have any concrete information about the successor to the best 13-inch laptop, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dive into a bit of speculation. So, be sure to keep this page bookmarked, as we’ll update it with any new information or speculation that comes our way. 

Cut to the chase 

• What is it? Dell’s next XPS 13 Ultrabook 
• When is it out? Probably around January 2019 
• What will it cost? Likely starting at $1,099 (£1,099, AU$1,869) 

Dell XPS 13 2019 release date  

Right now, there is no information about the Dell XPS 13 2019 release date. However, we can take a look at past releases to try and decipher when we can expect the next XPS 13.

The 2018 Dell XPS 13 launched just eight months ago in January of 2018, so it’s likely Dell will follow the same release window for the 2019 model. The second we look further into the past, this release window seems more nebulous. 

The Dell XPS 13 2016 came out in October 2016 with 7th-Generation Intel Core processors, and when it was refreshed in October 2017, nothing changed but the CPU inside. This refresh was simply a move from Kaby Lake to Kaby Lake R. We could see something similar happening when Intel pushes out its rumored Whiskey Lake U-series chips, which are supposedly launching later this year. 

However, that wouldn’t make it a new XPS 13. Instead, we might be waiting quite a while for a redesign as drastic as the one we saw earlier this year. Only time will tell, though, we may even be in for a brand new XPS 13 sooner than we thought.

Dell XPS 13 2019 price 

Right now, the Dell XPS 13 starts at $1,059 (£1,099, AU$2,199), and we wouldn’t expect the 2019 iteration to cost any less. 

However, we could see Dell reintroduce a more budget-minded entry model again, similar to the Dell XPS 13 2017 with 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. 

Either way, the Dell XPS 13 is an extremely popular laptop, so Dell doesn’t have a lot of motivation to drive the price of its flagship any lower than it already is – it’s already selling well enough. Either way, keep this page bookmarked, and we’ll add more accurate pricing information as soon as we know more.

What do we want to see from Dell XPS 13 2019? 

The Dell XPS 13 is already a fantastic device, and we have a hard time finding much wrong with it. However, there’s always room for improvement, so we went ahead and created a sort of wish list for the beloved laptop’s sequel.

A better webcam
The webcam in the 2018 Dell XPS 13 isn’t awful on paper, with a 720p resolution and a pretty decent picture. However, it’s still not at the same level as some of its Ultrabook rivals like the HP Spectre x360 and the Microsoft Surface Book. 

It’s not all about the sensor quality, though. The next iteration of the XPS 13 needs to have a better webcam placement. In the past we were willing to overlook its odd placement, due to the bezel-less InfinityEdge display, but if the Lenovo Yoga 920 can have a reasonably placed webcam, why can’t the Dell XPS 13?

Punchier processors
We’re not going to sit here and say that the processors in the Dell XPS 13 2018 aren’t good – they absolutely are – but, that doesn’t mean that we can’t hope for even faster CPU performance in next year’s model. 

Over the last few months, we’ve been awash in Intel rumors, from HEDT platforms like Coffee Lake-X to Whiskey Lake, which will likely be behind the 2019 Dell XPS 13. We likely won’t see the same massive leap in performance gained from Kaby Lake to Kaby Lake-R, but we could see up to a 500MHz boost to clock speed. That’s enough to make us want it. 

A cheaper entry-level model
While the XPS 13 is absolutely worth the price of admission, we would be lying if we said we didn’t want a cheaper model. Now, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend the 4GB of RAM found in the base 2017 Dell XPS 13, but it’s a nice option for someone who doesn’t have a ton of cash lying around and doesn’t necessarily need cutting-edge performance. Perhaps Dell could release an entry model featuring a Core i3 CPU under $1,000? 

• Check out our list of the best 13-inch laptops.

While it might not seem that way at first glance, a core inspiration for Microsoft’s new Surface Go tablet came from an executive’s time away from technology. That’s what Microsoft Modern Life and Devices team lead Yusuf Mehdi told The Washington Post recently.

In an interview, Mehdi recalls a three-month sabbatical in which he stayed away from connected tech as much as possible, only to feel great pride in everything he had accomplished in that time away from connected devices.

Mehdi goes on to say that the Surface Go captures how the company is thinking about how technology products and services should fit into users’ lives. In short, devices and services should work to get out of their way, not draw them in and keep them there.

Driving this new outlook for the company is a series of surveys that it conducted, finding that 59% of American respondents feel that their devices drive them to feel as if they should be ‘always on,’ and that 53% feel that having a mobile device on hand ‘forces’ them to work on the go.

How Microsoft is looking to get out of your way

Of course, Mehdi concedes that this is more a software issue than a hardware one in the interview, but regardless Microsoft heavily considered this in developing Surface Go. The tablet’s smaller size is meant for it to more easily disappear in your bag when you’re done working on it, while the LTE chip is designed to make getting in and out of online work environments easier.

Mehdi makes no claims as to whether Surface Go will actually be the answer for those who feel as if they’re drowning in connectivity, but intimates that this is the start of its devices and services working harder to get you back to your life as quickly as possible.

“All tech companies need to think broadly about how will this technology land,” Mehdi told The Washington Post. “How does it benefit people? Have we thought about the second order effects of landing with people? The more that we do that, the more we’ll get better and provide better outcomes.”

Naturally, this message couldn’t come at a better time, with companies like Facebook, Apple and Google under fire for designing products and services aimed to keep your eyes glued to the screen, making it easier for Microsoft to take this stance so as to look like the white knights of the tech world. 

Personally, we haven’t noticed much in our time with the Surface Go that personifies this stance, though it is an excellent device nevertheless. We’ll just have to take Microsoft on its word as the Surface line and Windows 10 software move forward.

• These are the best Windows tablets we've tested this past year

Panasonic has revealed a pair of refreshed rugged Windows 10 tablets with faster processors and an impressively diverse range of configuration options for those who need a slate that can survive in more extreme working environments.

The tablets in question are the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 and FZ-M1. They’ve had new processors introduced in the form of the Intel Core i5-7300 vPro and Core i5-7Y57 vPro respectively, and the base model of both comes with 8GB of system RAM and a 256GB SSD. Also, both run Windows 10 Pro.

Looking more closely at the FZ-G1 first, aside from the refreshed CPU as mentioned, this 10.1-inch tablet now has an infrared sensor for better security via Windows Hello facial recognition for biometric logins.

The front camera is a 2-megapixel affair, while the rear camera is an 8-megapixel model, the latter of which now has an LED flash.

On the connectivity front, Panasonic has introduced a dual pass-through antenna (of the external variety) which allows workers in the field to access 4G LTE and GPS simultaneously.

And when it comes to Point of Sale usage, a payment sleeve provides integration with the Verifone e355 in order to accept NFC, EMV and MSR payments.

The FZ-G1 tablet can also be equipped with a thermal camera as an optional extra, and storage can optionally be pushed up to 1TB (as mentioned, the base SSD is 256GB).

Bridge battery

So what about the FZ-M1? The new model of this 7-inch tablet incorporates a capacitive touchscreen (16:10 aspect ratio) for use with a stylus, and a ‘bridge battery’ that means you can hot-swap power packs with no need to turn off the device.

The slate also comes with an 8-megapixel rear camera, and Panasonic offers a diverse selection of accessories, including carrying cases and hand straps, plus desktop docking stations for when you get back to the office.

There are actually six different flavors of the FZ-M1 targeted at various industry sectors, including a model with an Intel RealSense camera – which could be used for architectural design, for example – and one with a thermal imaging camera (FLIR Lepton 3).

There’s also a ‘real-time kinematic’ model that can give your location within 10-50cm of accuracy, for those involved in building work and road construction who need that precise level of measurement. Another spin on the tablet boasts a passport reader, and there’s a more sleekly designed, aesthetically pleasing model for use in retail stores.

Panasonic provides a three-year warranty and these tablets are available now from authorized resellers, with the FZ-G1 starting at $2,799 (around £2,150, AU$3,800) and the FZ-M1 starting at $2,749 (around £2,110, AU$3,730).

• These are the best rugged tablets

Three new patents that Apple has filed have been spotted, and these represent yet more evidence that the company is considering making a MacBook with a virtual keyboard to replace the typical mechanical affair – or possibly a compromise solution which keeps a physical keyboard, but adds a large touch sensitive surround (more on that later).

This is nothing new, as we have previously seen patents that have envisaged a MacBook using a touch display in place of a keyboard base, and a virtual keyboard with haptic feedback (or indeed a dual-screen MacBook in a similar vein).

This time around, one patent, as spotted by Apple Insider, describes a MacBook with a base that has a transparent top – fashioned from either glass or plastic – with a number of sensors under this transparent layer which are in place to gauge where the user’s fingers are touching, and how much force the digits are applying.

Potentially, this virtual keyboard could incorporate a display that’s capable of illuminating the keys from underneath, and it could easily facilitate changing the keys to different symbols or languages (or even a keyboard layout fully customized to the user’s liking, or one that boasts controls for specific pieces of software, rather like the Touch Bar does for MacBooks right now).

The other patents cover different possible spins on a future notebook, such as a compromise solution where a mechanical keyboard is still used, but is surrounded – on the sides and at the bottom – by a touch sensitive area; like a giant U-shaped trackpad, in a way. The keycaps would also be touch sensitive according to this concept, and that would allow for the user to swipe gestures over them to achieve certain functions.

Another idea is an actual ‘keyboard’ accessory that’s merely the core physical keys fashioned as an overlay, which can be placed on top of the virtual keyboard base, and the latter would still be used to detect key presses. Essentially giving you an option on a physical keyboard of sorts when required for, say, longer typing sessions on a sprawling document.

Haptic feedback is also likely to be incorporated in whatever route Apple decides to take, as has been mentioned in previous patents.

Growing evidence

Does this mean that Apple is definitely working on some kind of virtual keyboard for future MacBook devices? No, but with the growing amount of material relating to this concept, it definitely seems this is a path Apple wants to take.

On a final note, the three patents also discuss potential ways of shoring up the MacBook’s keyboard against the ravages of dust and spillages. This would involve the addition of a protective membrane, as seen in the new MacBook Pro, except in this case it would be fully sealed and watertight to cover the keyboard entirely, but with material flexible enough that the actual usage of the keyboard wouldn’t be detrimentally affected.

It’s clear that improving the keyboard on its notebooks is a key area (ahem) for Apple, which is hardly surprising given the reliability issues the hardware has been criticized for in recent times. You can be pretty sure that further work on this front is something that’s in the pipeline.

• There's more than one MacBook on our best laptops list

Microsoft Surface Go, the affordable Windows 10 tablet, is now available to pre-order from the Microsoft Store, Amazon and other online stores.

There are two versions you can currently pre-order. There’s a Surface Go with 64GB storage, 4GB RAM and an Intel 4415Y CPU for $399/£379/AU$599.99, and one with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which can be pre-ordered for $549.99/£509.99/AU$839.99.

• The best Microsoft Surface Go deals

Both versions come with Wi-Fi connectivity. Models with LTE mobile data connectivity are expected later this year.

The Surface Go is currently available to pre-order in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.

• The best Windows tablets 2018: all of the top Windows tablets reviewed

The new Galaxy Tab S4 10.5 is a compelling Android tablet, but because its price may be out of reach for a lot of people, Samsung also announced a cheaper version today.

It’s the closely named Samsung Galaxy Tab A, and it, too, comes with a 10.5-inch display, slightly less memory with 3GB of RAM and a slower chipset in the Snapdragon 450. 

Samsung promises that this cheap tablet is more than enough for “high-quality streaming features” at a “budget price”. Much like the flagship Galaxy Tab S4, the Tab A 10.5 will be running Android 8.1.

Where the device really stands out, though, is its 1,920 x 1,200 display, which means that users will be able to consume their media on the go with a device that’ll presumably be pretty inexpensive.

And, while we don’t know how much the Tab A 10.5-inch will cost, it should be significantly cheaper than the flagship Tab S4, which is priced at $649.99 (£599, around AU$880).

High and low 

While most Android tablet manufacturers have abandoned Android tablets due to poor sales, Samsung is doubling down on them, announcing two tablets in one day to compete with the iPad in 2018. 

Samsung has been playing the tablet game for years now, but its new approach is interesting, with the Tab S4 featuring a desktop-like taskbar and optional keyboards – which makes it a more compelling device to work on. So, just like it’s interesting to stack the Galaxy Tab S4 vs the iPad Pro, we’re interested to see how this new tablet compares to the new 2018 iPad. For one thing, you shouldn’t expect S Pen or keyboard support, something cheap Apple’s tablet boasts.

The new 2018 iPad isn’t the only competition this budget Samsung tablet is going to have, either. The Microsoft Surface Go is coming out in a couple weeks, and looks to be comparable, as well. The battle of iOS vs Android vs Windows is about to begin.

We’ll know more about the pricing and the release date soon, so be sure to stay tuned. It’s going to be interesting to see where the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 carves out a niche in the market. 

• Check out the best tablets you can buy today. 

Samsung's just-announced Galaxy Tab S4 is the company's flagship tablet for 2018, and while that might be exciting news for some, the not-exactly-cheap price tag of $649 (£599, around AU$880) will likely put just as many potential buyers off.

Android tablet fans on a tighter budget need not fret, however, as Samsung still has you covered: it's also announced a new 2018 version of its larger Galaxy Tab A tablet. It even includes a lot of the same design notes as the Tab S4, although it has been somewhat scaled back when it comes to its range of features and overall horsepower.

Like the Tab S4, this cheaper option sports a 10.5-inch display, shares the same 7,300mAh battery and four-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system, but from there the two units do diverge somewhat.

Scaled back

For starters, the Tab A's 10.5-inch display is only a 1080p LCD panel, not the brilliant 2,560 x 1,600 pixel AMOLED screen you'll find on the Tab S4. There’s also just 3GB of RAM as opposed to 4GB, and 32GB of onboard storage instead of the options of 64GB or 256GB of the more expensive Tab S4s.

Also, under the Tab A's hood is a mid-tier Snapdragon 450 processor, as opposed to the S4's more powerful octa-core Snapdragon 835.

And horsepower isn’t the only thing that’s scaled back. Where the Tab S4 arrives with the S Pen and DeX support, the cheaper Tab A offers neither of those expansion options. Also missing on the Tab A is support for fast charging.

While the Tab S4 sports a 13MP rear camera and a front-facing 8MP snapper, the Tab A gets by with a 8MP (rear) and 5MP (front) camera system.

Family friendly

Although the Tab A lacks all the bells and whistles of its more premium counterpart, Samsung is marketing it to a much broader audience – one that theoretically doesn't need peak performance and top-of-the-line features.

Samsung says it considers the Tab A 10.5 to be “fit for the whole family” – it's a passable workhorse for adults and a good entertainment device for the kids. And with the latter in mind, the Tab A comes with a Kids Mode that gives parents control over what the kids watch and for how long.

Pricing information and an actual release date for the Tab A 10.5 hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s definitely not going to set you back a whopping $649 / £599. We’ll likely know more when the Tab S4 pre-orders go live on August 9, which is incidentally the same day that the highly-anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launches.

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 vs iPad Pro 10.5

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is official and it arrives with Apple's 10.5-inch iPad Pro firmly in its sights.

It boasts a 10.5-inch, 2560 x 1600 Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 835 chipset, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage (plus microSD slot), 13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, Android 8.1 and a 7,300mAh battery.

You'll also get the S Pen stylus included in the box, a one-up on Apple which charges you extra for its Pencil.

There are four, AKG-tuned speakers which support Dolby Atmos for a surround sound experience. The Tab S4 measures 249.3 x 164.3 x 7.1mm and weighs between 482g (for the Wi-Fi-only model) and 483g (for the Wi-Fi + LTE model). 

That makes it taller, thicker and heavier than the Galaxy Tab S3 (which has a smaller 9.7-inch display), and also thicker and heavier (but not as tall or wide) as the iPad Pro 10.5.

So how much is it? The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 price is $649 (£599, around AU$880), which is identical to the 64GB variant of the 10.5-inch iPad Pro. There's really no mistaking the competition here.

There's a more expensive Wi-Fi + LTE model as well, which will set you back £649 (around $850, AU$1,150).

• Read our hands on: Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 review

Productivity, but old power

Samsung is pushing being able to "get things done" with the Galaxy Tab S4, but there's no keyboard cover/stand in the box to help covert it into a hybrid laptop.

It is launching a separate Book Cover Keyboard though, which integrates a keyboard into the case, and it also provides Samsung Dex support, allowing you to use a traditional Bluetooth computer mouse with the Tab S4 - the first time Samsung has brought its DeX experience to a tablet.

There is a cost though, and the Book Cover Keyboard price is $149.99 (£119, around AU$200).

However, as much as Samsung is highlighting the computing-like functionality of its new slate, there's no getting away from the fact that it's chipset isn't the latest. In fact, the Snapdragon 835 was launched at the end of 2016, and has since been replaced by the Snapdragon 845.

It's a strange choice for a premium tablet that's going up against the well-established market leader in the iPad to not sport the latest power under the hood. That said, paired with 4GB of RAM, the Android interface should still run well.

There's also no fingerprint scanner or physical home button on the front, but the Tab S4 does come with an Iris Scanner to ensure there is a level of biometric tech on offer.

In the US, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 release date is set for August 10 with availability at Amazon, Best Buy and Samsung.com. Pre-orders open on August 9 - conveniently the same day as the Galaxy Note 9 launch.

At the moment it's not clear what the release date and availability of the Galaxy Tab S4 will be around the rest of the world, but we'll update this article as soon as we know.

• The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launches soon