HUAWEI MateBook D 16

Finding the right laptop for college is a surgical affair – make the wrong move and you might lose a kidney. Students require a device that handles word processing, post-pandemic video conferencing, and something with enough oomph for gaming, streaming, photo and video editing. Traditionally, only MacBook Pro had the muscle to deliver these goods without the laptop spluttering to a halt like a broken wheelchair. But now, ladies and gents, Mac has a Mate.

The Matebook has HUAWEI stamped on its cover, but it might as well stick DURABLE on there instead. Solid, strong, slim, it looks built to withstand the rigours of a three-year college course and the Buckfast spillages that entails. Serial typists are treated to a chunky, comfortable, responsive keyboard that contains shortcut keys for calculator and camera.

There’s security in the form of a fingerprint scanner to dissuade kleptomaniacs in your halls of residence; two type USB-C ports; 2 USB-A ports; an HDMI port; and a headphone jack. Gaze ye upon D 16’s 16” LCD panel, beaming images upon your brain in 16:10 ratio: a full view display with over one billion colours and rivers of visual real estate (the only time accommodation-starved students in Dublin will hear that phrase uttered).

The 12th Gen, Intel Core i7 processor runs multiple tasks and browser windows at once, and the screen is Low Blue Light certified to prevent your eyeballs from melting. The version we tested had the full 16GB of RAM. Budgets might dictate a lower 8GB (both versions handle light gaming and run Windows 11 out of the box). The wide-angle 1080p camera is perfect for video calls and, through the magic of AI, follows you to make sure you are positioned in the middle of the screen and includes noise reduction (useful for video conferencing at parties). The laptop’s AI supposedly improves connectivity speeds too.

D 16 removes the need for virtual clutter through a cross-device collaboration system that connects laptop to phone, Bluetooth speaker, printer, etc., creating an eco-system reminiscent of macOS. Mac fans may not be dissuaded, but if Windows are on your mind this laptop is the ideal Apple alternative to accompany you through college life.

10/10

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