About three months ago, I parted ways with my Samsung S1 Tab. To be honest, I couldn’t quite get the hang of using it effectively, so I decided to pass it on and look for a new laptop for work.

The Samsung S1 Tab was high-performance, had a beautiful display, and great battery life. It was useful for work, but being accustomed to PCs, I found the multi-window behavior unfamiliar and typing on a touchscreen cumbersome.

However, I believe the Samsung S1 Tab had the potential to do everything without needing a PC if used effectively.

For my next PC, I decided to prioritize ease of use. But what does "ease of use" mean? I took a moment to think about what I really wanted.

First, having an English keyboard layout was a must. I’m used to using PCs with English layouts, so switching to a Japanese layout would feel very inconvenient.

Next, I wanted a device that I could easily use to browse news and blogs. I imagined myself reading news and blogs on a weekend morning with a warm cup of tea (I’m not a coffee fan), so I wanted something I could use casually and seamlessly. I also desired a design that would blend into my lifestyle.

Additionally, I wanted a PC that could handle intermediate-level software for editing family trip videos and photos, with a large, vibrant display. Although I’m an amateur at video and photo editing, I love trying new things as soon as I learn about them, so this was non-negotiable.

Lastly, it would be nice to play PC games occasionally. It doesn’t have to be high-quality, but I wanted to be able to play games on Steam Remote or low-spec games.

With these criteria in mind, I started my search for a PC.

However, once I started looking, I found it difficult to find a PC that met all my criteria.

In Japan, PCs with English layouts are not widely available, so finding one with the right budget, specs, and design was challenging.

I debated whether I needed a GPU, and if so, whether it should be the latest Geforce model.

Moreover, with recent PCs and CPUs featuring AI models, 2-in-1 devices with excellent portability, and the current exchange rate making it a good time to buy during sales, I found myself distracted by various temptations.

At times, I even considered importing directly from the US or buying two devices.

For three months, I searched for a PC almost daily.

As time passed and I couldn’t make a decision, with Black Friday approaching, I felt it would be a waste to miss out on the big sale. So, I worked hard to select candidate laptops.

The three models I considered were:

I then compared the following points in detail:

After reviewing various sites and YouTuber opinions, I ultimately chose the Dell XPS 15-inch.

I was tempted by the Apple Macbook Air 15-inch, but the customization and versatility of Linux gave the XPS 15 an edge. Its weaknesses are the slightly weaker GPU and lower display resolution compared to the other two models.

However, I have another machine with a Geforce GPU, so I can cover that aspect, and I can use an external display for high-quality work, addressing my concerns.

If I weren’t in the IT field, I might have chosen the M3 Macbook Air for its design and creator-friendly features.

The Alienware 16-inch was less appealing due to its weight and heat issues.

So, I’ve purchased the XPS 15 and am eagerly awaiting its arrival. Can’t wait for it to get here!