What you need to know
- Intel's Project Athena helps customers know which laptops are mobile-friendly.
- The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is the first laptop to have the designation.
- Laptops from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung will feature the designation in the near future.
Intel has a new program code-named Project Athena that helps customers know that laptops are "Engineered for Mobile Performance." Badges will appear on laptops that pass a set of tests that ensure a device is built for mobile users. The first laptop to have the identifier is the latest Dell XPS 13 2-in-1. Several manufacturers have laptops that will feature the identifier in marketing in the near future.
In order for a laptop to feature the identifier, it needs to pass a verification process. The six "innovation vectors" that Intel states a device needs to pass are instant action, performance and responsiveness, intelligence, battery life, connectivity, and form factor.
The identifier can be featured by manufacturers on online listings, product detail pages, in-store displays, demos, and packaging. More details about Project Athena can be found on its official fact sheet.
The "Engineered for Mobile Performance" badge will also appear on the HP Elitebook 1040 and the HP Elitebook 830 in the near future. Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung all have more laptops that will be released in the future that will feature the badge.
The latest Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) has been revamped for 2019, adding Intel's powerful new 10th Gen Core processors, Wi-Fi 6, a 4K 16:10 display, and much more.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.
Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
