A premium-feeling 16-inch laptop computer for underneath $900

You would possibly acknowledge the GEEKOM identify from the mini PCs the model makes. But, do you know that GEEKOM additionally makes laptops? I’ve spent the previous few months with the GEEKOM GeekBook M16 and I’ve to say—I’m impressed.

8/10

Operating System

Windows 11 Pro

CPU

Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (16 cores, 22 threads, as much as 5.1GHz)

GPU

Intel Arc graphics (built-in)

RAM

16GB LPDDR5 (soldered)

GEEKOM’s GeekE book M16 laptop computer is the right laptop computer in your every day duties. It has an all-day battery life, Core Ultra 9 processor, and premium aluminum construct. Plus, it has each USB-C (with USB4) and USB-A ports in addition to HDMI output—no dongle wanted. 

Pros & Cons

• Aluminum construct feels far pricier than it’s
• Core Ultra 9 handles maker and CAD work
• USB4, HDMI and USB-A inbuilt, plus a dock within the field
• Big 99.9Wh battery with wonderful standby
• Fingerprint reader and backlit keyboard

• Display is barely 60Hz
• 16GB RAM is soldered
• Second SSD slot solely matches 2230 drives

Price and availability

The GEEKOM GeekE book M16 laptop computer is on the market to buy immediately from GEEKOM, Amazon, and Best Buy at a $899 MSRP.

GEEKOM’s aluminum chassis appears like a a lot pricier laptop computer

My solely actual gripe is the tiny second SSD slot

I wasn’t positive what I used to be anticipating after I first was advised the GEEKOM GeekE book M16 laptop computer was heading my approach. I have several GEEKOM mini PCs as it’s, and I figured it will be similar to these—first rate high quality however nothing tremendous spectacular.

My first ideas when pulling the GeekE book out of the field had been that I used to be very impressed with the construct high quality. It felt higher than laptops I’ve reviewed at twice this worth. The aluminum chassis may be very premium and GEEKOM undoubtedly did nicely with it.

The laptop computer has somewhat heft to it at almost 4 kilos, but it surely’s not too heavy. The aluminum actually does its job right here. All the perimeters are rounded and I do not really feel like wherever is just too sharp.

GEEKOM additionally went the additional mile and made the laptop computer (considerably) upgradable. The included 512GB NVMe SSD is user-replaceable and is the correct 2280 measurement, supporting as much as a 4TB drive. There’s a second M.2 slot at 2230 in size that helps as much as 2TB of storage if you happen to want extra.

Sadly, the RAM is soldered, so this laptop computer is ceaselessly caught at 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM with no improve path.

The keyboard is strong, although not wonderful. It’s not the worst laptop computer keyboard I’ve used, however I undoubtedly felt that the keys had been a bit extra stiff than I personally like. Overall although, I had no actual points utilizing the keyboard. The keys themselves simply aren’t my cup of tea.

GEEKOM additionally went the additional mile and put a fingerprint reader within the energy button in addition to backlit the keyboard. I point out that as going the additional mile as a result of this can be a sub-$1,000 laptop computer with extra premium options, and it is all the time good to name these issues out.

The Core Ultra 9 by no means as soon as felt gradual

It’s not Intel’s latest chip, however you’d by no means understand it in every day use

We’re on the third generation of Core Ultra processors now, so that is technically two generations behind. However, I by no means felt that.

I’ve used the GeekE book M16 to run my woodworking and laser store and it by no means skipped a beat. From operating CAD software program to controlling lasers, I by no means felt it decelerate.

Now, in heavy CAD work, like Fusion, it undoubtedly obtained a bit sluggish—however so does my M1 Max MacBook Pro or Ryzen 9 7900X desktop. Heavy CAD work is heavy regardless of the system.

The Core Ultra 9 185H on this laptop computer has 16 cores, 22 threads, and really can run at 55W sustained due to the additional tuning that GEEKOM did. Overall, I by no means observed it being sluggish within the day-to-day, and I’d don’t have any issues recommending this GeekE book to somebody who does maker-focused work (or any work, for that matter).

The Arc built-in graphics had been additionally pretty strong. While it would not have wonderful efficiency, this sub-$1,000 laptop computer can sport. I performed No Man’s Sky on it with no issues, particularly when enabling XeSS. Forza Horizon 5 and 6 additionally run decently on it, although Horizon 5 undoubtedly runs smoother as it’s kind of of an older sport.

At the tip of the day although, this is not a gaming laptop computer—however it may undoubtedly nonetheless sport.

The show is strong for what it’s

I used to be pleasantly shocked with the expertise it supplied for underneath $1,000

I’ve undoubtedly been spoiled by high-end laptop computer shows. OLED screens, 3.2K resolutions, 120Hz refresh charges, inky blacks, ultra-bright panels, and extra. The GeekE book has none of that, however that is okay.

This laptop computer is underneath $1,000, and the display screen is definitely fairly good with that qualifier. It’s 16:10 with a 1920×1200 decision and a 60Hz refresh price. It truly appears actually good for these specs.

Never one time after I was trying on the show did I believe “I want it was larger decision” or “They ought to have put an OLED on this.” There had been just a few instances after I wished it was a better refresh price, like Dell put on its XPS 13, however that is not the tip of the globe.

For the kind of work that I’m utilizing the GeekE book M16 for, and for the kind of work I anticipate others might be doing with it, the display screen is excellent.

GEEKOM did not skimp on ports, and there is a dock within the field too

USB-A and HDMI inbuilt already beat a MacBook Air

We’re seeing more and more laptops going to USB-C only. Apple began the development a decade in the past, and lots of Windows laptops are undoubtedly shifting that approach. GEEKOM did not, although.

The GeekE book M16 truly has a reasonably strong port lineup. On the left facet there is a USB4 port at 40Gb/s, which is wonderful for hooking up issues like dedicated graphics cards or high-end docks. Next to that may be a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port at 10Gb/s. Between these two ports there is a HDMI 2.0 output.

On the correct facet of the laptop computer there are two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports at 5Gb/s every and a headphone jack.

This alone would usually be fairly strong I/O for a laptop computer, however GEEKOM went a step additional and included a USB-C dock within the field with the GeekE book M16. The dock provides Gigabit Ethernet, one other HDMI port, two extra USB-A ports, and USB-C Power Delivery passthrough for charging.

Battery life was additionally pretty nice throughout my testing, and the standby/hibernation mode works fantastically, too. For instance, I did quite a lot of touring between August and October, so the GeekE book sat idle for a majority of that point and did not drop a single p.c in cost.

During use, the 99.9Wh battery (which is the most important measurement you possibly can tackle a flight with out airline approval) undoubtedly felt spacious. I wasn’t capable of totally take a look at the 24-hour declare that GEEKOM makes for the laptop computer, but it surely would not shock me if it will go that lengthy on a single cost with mild use.

Should you purchase the GEEKOM GeekE book M16?

If you are searching for a sub-$1,000 laptop computer, I believe the GEEKOM GeekBook M16 is truthfully among the finest offers available on the market. Coming in at $899, and sometimes on sale for much less, it presents a premium construct, nice efficiency, and a strong total expertise.

I additionally love that GEEKOM wasn’t making an attempt to be Dell or Lenovo right here. They did their very own factor and it labored. This is a strong laptop computer from a mini PC maker and I believe anybody who buys it with that in thoughts might be very proud of it.

8/10

Operating System

Windows 11 Pro

CPU

Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (16 cores, 22 threads, as much as 5.1GHz)

GPU

Intel Arc graphics (built-in)

RAM

16GB LPDDR5 (soldered)

GEEKOM’s GeekE book M16 laptop computer is the right laptop computer in your every day duties. It has an all-day battery life, Core Ultra 9 processor, and premium aluminum construct. Plus, it has each USB-C (with USB4) and USB-A ports in addition to HDMI output—no dongle wanted.