MAY 2020 PCWorld 103Just as with gaming laptops, though, if you
need it now, or if you’re looking for a good
deal, you should find some affordable
9th-gen Intel Core H-based laptops just about
now. You’ll give up a little performance, but
these current models are already plenty
capable and available.
WAIT: IF YOU’RE AN
ULTRAPORTABLE
POWER USER
We know, we know, you don’t believe there’s
such a thing as someone who wants as much
performance as possible in an ultralight
laptop. After all, if you need the performance,
why not just step up to a 3.5-pound laptop
such as Asus’ ROG Zephyrus G14? But we
also recognize that there are people who
think going from, say, MSI’s Prestige 14 (go.
pcworld.com/pr14) at 2.8 pounds ($1,699 at
Amazon [go.pcworld.com/byms]) to
anything heavier is asking too much.
That’s why we’re recommending that those
who need as much performance as possible
should wait for the first Ryzen 4000 “U-class”
laptops. Unlike the H and HS variants, which
are rated at 45 watts and 35 watts, the U-class
Ryzens will sip power at 15 watts. With the
impressive performance we’re seeing with the
HS CPUs, we think the U parts will bring similar
verve to the ultraportable category.DON’T WAIT: IF YOU USE
YOUR LAPTOP FOR OFFICE,
BROWSING, AND
EVERYDAY USE
While high-end users have a lot to think
about, mainstream users who live in Office
and in browser windows don’t need to wait.
They can already enjoy smaller and lighterSome will think moving from MSI’s Prestige 14 to anything heavier is asking too much.