Unexpected Contender: A 16-inch Windows Laptop in My Top Five

The Geekom X16 Pro's Surprising Appeal

Typically, my laptop preferences lean towards the compact 13- or 14-inch models. However, exceptions do arise, much like the one I encountered recently. There's this particular laptop that challenged my bias against larger devices.

The Geekom X16 Pro, despite its plain facade, holds more charm than initially perceived. Equipped with an Intel Core U9-185H or U5-125H, along with Arc graphics and a built-in NPU, this machine offers remarkable capabilities for its cost. Let's delve deeper into what makes this device noteworthy.

First Impressions and Unboxing Experience

Upon unwrapping the X16 Pro, its unexpected lightness struck me—considerably less than my trusty MacBook Pro despite its larger 16-inch size. Specifically, it weighs 2.87 pounds, a shade lighter than the 3-pound MacBook. Resting on my lap, its presence is barely felt.

Starting up the device, however, reminded me of the reasons for my mixed feelings towards Windows. Initiating Windows 11 took over an hour and included unnecessary setup interruptions that almost drove me to switch to Linux. Sticking with it tested my patience, but it's important to note these challenges weren't a fault of Geekom's.

Geekom X16 Pro: Display and Usability

The laptop's screen is commendable. It's not a 4K Retina, but offers a 16:10 IPS panel with 2.5K resolution, 100% sRGB color, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a brightness up to 400 nits, making it suitable for general use. Yet, for activities like video editing, one might desire something more color-accurate.

Crucial for writers, the keyboard provides a solid typing experience, although getting accustomed to the positioning of certain keys, like the right Shift and arrow keys, took a bit of adjustment. The touchpad is spacious and responsive enough, holding its own even against more premium devices.

Performance in Real-world Scenarios

As is my customary approach, I gauged the laptop's capabilities by installing a sizable AI model to test speed. The execution was swift, with the download completing in under five minutes, a performance that stands well even in comparison with higher-end systems.

Gaming performance was my next focus. I opted for Eternium, a game I've enjoyed on other platforms. The gameplay was seamless, outperforming my experiences on Android devices, proving the X16 Pro's capability in handling simpler games efficiently.

Should You Consider the Geekom X16 Pro?

Currently priced around $1,300, the Geekom X16 Pro might not be the cheapest option. Yet, when balancing features like its high-performance CPU, generous RAM, and extensive storage, its value proposition becomes more apparent. Among the machines I've reviewed, this model firmly secures a spot in my top five.

To sum up, while it's not impeccable, for typical everyday tasks, the X16 Pro is an attractive choice.