Windows 11 is one step closer to fixing laptop touchpads and the Start menu

windowscentral.com Jul 21, 2026

Windows 11 is one step closer to fixing laptop touchpads and the Start menu

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 21, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Sean Endicott, a seasoned journalist at Windows Central, specializes in Windows 11, Surface hardware, Microsoft 365, AI, and broader Windows ecosystem coverage. Since 2017, he has produced over a thousand articles, including breaking news, feature pieces, and opinion columns. Endicott also authors the weekly Windows Wrap column, curating key stories and contextualizing them within the PC landscape. Prior to Windows Central, he earned a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism and worked in live media production. In addition, he coaches youth American football in Nottingham, earning BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year honors in 2024.

💡 Why It Matters

· Endicott’s deep expertise and consistent reporting shape public understanding of Microsoft’s evolving products, while his dual role in sports demonstrates the breadth of skills journalists bring to tech coverage.

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Dell 14S review: Nearly 36 hours of battery life comes with compromises

The Dell 14S is a new productivity laptop featuring a sleek design and premium materials, positioning itself as a middle-of-the-road alternative to the XPS line. It offers class-leading battery life, reportedly reaching nearly 36 hours, alongside a colorful OLED touchscreen and robust port selection including Thunderbolt 4. However, the device faces significant compromises. Most configurations rely on Intel Graphics, resulting in dismal 3D performance and so-so overall value for money. The display also lacks brightness. Starting at $1,269 for the base model with an Intel Core Ultra 5, the tested unit with a Core Ultra 7 and OLED screen cost $1,469, though it was discounted to $1,199. While it includes modern connectivity like WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, the Dell 14S is deemed unexciting compared to competitors like the MSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+ or Acer Swift Edge 14 AI, which offer more compelling hardware features for similar or lower prices.

💡 The Dell 14S illustrates the current market tension between extreme battery efficiency and raw processing power. By prioritizing endurance over graphics capability, Dell targets users who value longevity but forces them to accept noticeable performance limitations in a competitive mid-range segment.

windowscentral.com · Jul 21

These special Surface PCs are reserved for true Manchester United fans

Sean Endicott, a veteran Windows Central writer, specializes in covering Windows 11, Surface devices, Microsoft 365, AI, and related ecosystem developments. Since joining the site in 2017, he has authored over a thousand pieces, ranging from breaking news and analysis to feature stories and opinion columns. Endicott also pens the weekly “Windows Wrap,” which curates the most significant stories of the week and contextualizes them within the broader PC landscape. Prior to his full‑time role, he earned a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and worked in journalism and media production, gaining experience in live broadcast environments. Outside technology, he is an award‑winning American football coach in Nottingham, recognized as the 2024 BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year.

💡 His dual expertise in fast‑moving tech reporting and live media production gives readers nuanced, timely insights into Microsoft’s evolving strategy.

sea.mashable.com · Jul 19

We found the 6 best laptops for college students after years of…

Mashable published a comprehensive guide identifying the six best laptops for college students, based on years of rigorous testing. The list features a mix of Apple and Windows devices tailored to specific student needs. The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) is highlighted as the best overall MacBook, praised for its powerful chip and portability despite a recent price increase. For Windows users, the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI offers exceptional thinness and an OLED display. The Dell 14S leads in battery life, while the Apple MacBook Neo serves as a budget-friendly option with strong single-core performance. Engineering and gaming students are directed toward the Acer Swift X 14 AI, which provides discrete graphics and ample ports. Finally, the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) is recommended for graphic design majors due to its superior speed and mini-LED display, though it carries a higher price tag. Each selection balances performance, design, and value.

💡 Recent price hikes across multiple models force students to weigh premium features against budget constraints more critically than before. This curated list cuts through market noise, helping buyers match specific academic demands like engineering or design with the most cost-effective hardware available.

techradar.com · Jul 17

MacBook users are filing off the sharp corners of their laptops for…

Apple MacBook users are increasingly modifying their laptops by filing down sharp chassis edges to improve wrist comfort during lap usage. Software engineer Max Bretschneider recently documented this process, detailing how they used metal files and progressive sandpaper to smooth the device’s corners. Bretschneider described the modification as initially intimidating but ultimately straightforward, resulting in a more ergonomic tool. This trend is not new; evidence suggests users have been sanding MacBook edges since at least 2010. Designer Kent Walters also shared a similar modification in April 2026. The practice highlights a growing user preference for ergonomic adjustments over Apple’s strict design aesthetics. By removing the sharp angles that press against wrists, owners aim to enhance daily usability. While the process requires careful taping and clamping to protect sensitive components like the keyboard and trackpad, proponents argue the physical comfort gains outweigh the risks. This grassroots movement challenges the notion that Apple’s design standards are universally optimal for all user needs.

💡 Persistent ergonomic complaints force users to physically alter premium hardware, exposing a disconnect between aesthetic perfection and daily usability.

windowscentral.com · Jul 16

Microsoft’s Snapdragon X2 Surface Laptop 8 and Pro 12 for Business are…

Microsoft has begun shipping its new Snapdragon X2‑powered devices, the Surface Laptop 8 and the Surface Laptop Pro 12, targeting enterprise customers. Both models feature Qualcomm’s latest ARM‑based processor, promising longer battery life and built‑in 5G connectivity, while retaining the familiar Surface design language. The Laptop 8 retains a 13.5‑inch PixelSense display, 8 GB of RAM as standard, and optional LTE, whereas the Pro 12 expands to a 12‑inch high‑resolution screen with a detachable keyboard and integrated security hardware such as TPM 2.0. Pre‑installed with Windows 11 for ARM, the devices support Microsoft 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, and are priced for bulk corporate procurement. Availability starts today through Microsoft’s commercial channels and select retailers worldwide.

💡 ARM‑based Surface laptops give businesses a thin‑client‑like option that blends native Windows experience with cellular‑first mobility, reshaping enterprise device strategy.

windowscentral.com · Jul 16

Alienware made an “entry-level” gaming laptop with RTX 5050 graphics — but…

The Alienware 15, an entry-level gaming laptop with an RTX 5050 GPU, offers strong gaming performance with DLSS upscaling but is hampered by a limited 512GB SSD that leaves only 332GB of usable space. Priced from $1,399.99, it also suffers from loud fans and a keyboard that gets excessively warm during use.

💡 The Alienware 15 attempts to bridge the gap between budget and high-end gaming laptops, but its cramped storage and thermal issues highlight the challenges of packing powerful hardware into a compact, affordable design.