Why Should You Buy an ARM Laptop?

Edmund_McGowan

Have you ever considered the architecture of your computer? Not the overall design, but the architecture -that’s the design and structure of the CPU (central processing unit) as well as its instruction set (the bridge between software and hardware). The architecture defines how your CPU works and interacts with other parts of the computer.

Our focus today is ARM architecture and how it benefits laptop users, delivering epic battery life and lightweight, ultimate portability.  

If you’re moving fast and don’t want to get slowed down by your laptop, then an ARM laptop may be just the ticket.

Read on to discover the spark that lit the recent rise in ARM based laptop popularity, as well as how they stack up next to traditional x86 architecture. Finally, we’ll finish with the Pros and Cons of ARM laptops and have a sneaky peek at the Acer Swift 14 AI Qualcomm PC.

What are ARM laptops?

ARM laptops focus on a small, highly optimized instruction set, and run on ARM operating systems such as Windows on ARM and macOS. Delivering power efficiency and greatly extended battery life, ARM laptops are designed to be slim and lightweight, while still holding their own in everyday multitasking.  

Before we wade deeper into the ARM arena, let’s quickly cover a few useful architecture acronyms. ARM is short for Advanced RISC Machine, while RISC means Reduced Instruction Set Computing. Prioritizing energy efficiency and simplicity, RISC design is commonly found in smartphones and increasingly in other portable devices such as laptops.

You may be wondering what caused the sudden increase in popularity for Windows ARM laptops? Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor was showcased at Computex 2024, reigniting global interest in ARM laptops. This surge in interest was largely down to the game-changing CPU, delivering dramatic improvements in performance, battery life, and of course AI integration.

ARM vs x86 architecture

To understand the differences between traditional x86 architecture and ARM, we need to look at the differences in their ISA (instruction set architecture). In contrast to the reduced interaction set computing (RISC) approach used by ARM processors, the traditional x86 architecture uses CISC (complex interaction set computing). CISC uses a larger set of instructions to complete complex tasks in fewer steps. This enables increased flexibility and processing power, but with more power consumption.

In layman’s terms, ARM processors consume less power and generate less heat, but typically display lower performance than x86 processors at the same clock speed. In contrast, x86 processors have higher power consumption and heat production, resulting in higher performance and ability to handle complex instruction sets. The ARM vs x86 debate is not really a case of which one is better, as you can see in this article, but more a matter of power efficiency and simplicity (ARM) vs performance and flexibility (x86).

Pros of ARM computers

Top notch battery life. As we saw in Computex 2024, the battery life of ARM devices is quite remarkable. This is all thanks to their energy efficient design: the simplified instruction set performs tasks with fewer, simpler operations. This requires less power, as the amount of transistors and processing tasks per cycle are reduced, in turn minimizing heat production. In combination with multiple cores that can “rest” when not in use, ARM processors incorporate graphics and other components into a single chip reducing the need for bucketloads of electricity to power the device.

More apps on ARM. While apps designed for x86 processors traditionally needed to be recompiled or run through emulators to function on ARM architecture, there are now an increasing number of apps that can be run natively on ARM devices. There are also an increasing number of ARM compatible apps and even emulators to run non-native apps on ARM Windows laptops, as you can discover here.

Lightweight and ready for the road. High power efficiency coupled with slim-line design make ARM laptops incredibly portable. For PC users in search of a device that fits comfortably in their backpack or briefcase, while delivering 24 hr+ battery life, ARM laptops cannot be bested!

For a few dollars less. Although ARM powered Windows laptops are a relatively recent arrival, their price tags are eminently approachable. Combining lightweight portability with solid multitasking power and long battery life, ARM laptops deliver shockingly good value for money.

Cons of ARM computers

Compatibility. As we mentioned above, there are ongoing software compatibility issues as well as limited support for x86-64 applications. The x86-64 architecture is the 64-bit CPU used in most home computers and servers -resultantly most applications are designed to run on this instruction set. As it stands there are limited ARM-native and compatible software, and many developers haven’t transitioned their software to ARM.

Performance. For resource intensive tasks like 3D rendering, virtualization and hyper-threading, ARM architecture doesn’t cut the mustard. X86 devices are still the preferred platforms for complex instruction sets and high performance capabilities.

Gaming. Let’s not forget gaming! With lower performance compared to x86 processors at the same clock speed, ARM processors won’t be able to handle AAA titles high end gaming. As you can see here, emulation is possible, and can be successful and efficient, but at this point in time, most games aren’t natively compatible with ARM architecture as they’re built for x86-x64 architecture.

Why should you arm yourself with an ARM computer?

If you’re after a laptop for general productivity and multitasking, then an ARM powered device may be the way forward. For stylish portability that won’t require you to remortgage your home, ARM laptops offer great bang for your buck. The lightweight, all-day battery life encourages productivity wherever you go, and when the day is done, ARM laptops are also the perfect platform for multimedia consumption.

The Acer Swift 14 AI Qualcomm PC is a Copilot+ PC powered by the Snapdragon X Series processor. Weighing in at 1.36kg, the 14.5-inch 2.5K touchscreen laptops can deliver up to 26 hours battery life before charging. Designed for the future, the Swift 14 AI is performance optimized for demanding tasks and sweat-free multitasking. Featuring AI integration throughout the device, form seamlessly meets function in the Swift 14 AI. For an exceptionally fast responsive and aesthetically pleasing introduction to the ARM, try out the Swift 14 AI today, and step into the future of on-the-go computing.

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