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Laptop designs are getting weird again, and I'm all for it

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 11:26 GMT by PC World
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Laptop designs are getting weird again—and the author is all for it

In a recent PCWorld feature, the author argues that the laptop market has entered a “weird” era, where manufacturers are no longer content to simply make thinner, lighter machines. Instead, designers are pushing the boundaries of form, function, and novelty in ways that some consumers might call bizarre but that are increasingly common across the board. The piece highlights a handful of standout models, explains why “weird” designs are gaining traction, and offers an optimistic take on the future of portable computing.

The weirdness is back

When the author first opened the article, they reflected on a decade of laptop evolution that, up until recently, had largely followed a straight line: thicker notebooks giving way to the sleek aluminum chassis of the Dell XPS 13, the MacBook Air’s all‑plastic build, and the gradual rise of 2‑in‑1 convertibles. The “weird” trend, according to the piece, re‑emerged in 2017 with the debut of the Samsung Galaxy Book and the Asus ZenBook Flip. These machines featured ultra‑thin hinges, fold‑out screens, and modular components that seemed almost too good to be true. The article notes that designers now embrace shapes and materials that would have been unthinkable a few years ago.

The author also calls attention to the HP Spectre x360’s “butterfly hinge” and the Microsoft Surface Pro X’s detachable keyboard, arguing that these designs challenge conventional expectations. By doing so, they encourage readers to reconsider what a laptop can look like—especially when the author writes, “Laptop designs are getting weird again, and I’m all for it.”

A closer look at the weirdest models

The article provides an in‑depth look at a handful of models that exemplify this trend. Below is a quick recap of each device, along with some key take‑aways that were highlighted in the original piece:

1. Samsung Galaxy Book

Samsung’s Galaxy Book, referenced in the article’s first image, is a thin, aluminum‑enclosed laptop that can flip 360° to become a tablet. The piece links to the Galaxy Book’s official product page, where buyers can see the 13.3‑inch Full HD screen, the “super‑thin” design, and the integrated Samsung DeX interface that turns the laptop into a desktop‑like environment when connected to a monitor. The author praises Samsung’s use of a micro‑display and the way the battery pack sits beneath the keyboard, giving the machine a futuristic feel.

2. Asus ZenBook Flip 15

The ZenBook Flip 15 is another convertible that can be used as a laptop, a tablet, or a 2‑in‑1. It sports a curved, glass‑like display that is meant to resemble the smooth lines of a smartphone. The author links to the ZenBook’s feature page to discuss the 15.6‑inch 2K resolution display, the integrated fingerprint reader, and the Magnetically‑attachable stylus. The piece emphasizes how the design “plays with the idea that the boundary between desktop and mobile is becoming increasingly porous.”

3. Microsoft Surface Pro X

Microsoft’s Surface Pro X is highlighted for its use of a detachable keyboard (the Surface Type Cover) and a custom‑built ARM‑based processor. The article links to the product’s specification sheet to point out its 13‑inch PixelSense display, 10‑hour battery life, and the way the keyboard folds into a protective case. The author notes that the design forces users to think about laptops as a “series of interchangeable modules” rather than a single monolithic device.

4. Dell XPS 13 2‑in‑1

While the XPS 13 has been a staple for Dell enthusiasts, the 2‑in‑1 version is a newer entrant that embraces a “weird” pivot. The article links to Dell’s marketing page, which emphasizes a 13‑inch screen that can rotate 360°, a hinge that allows the screen to lay flat against the back of the keyboard, and a battery that sits under the chassis. The author comments that the design is both elegant and functional, and that the device feels “lightly” despite its robust build.

5. Apple MacBook Pro 2019

Apple’s 2019 MacBook Pro, with its 13‑inch Retina display and the introduction of the Touch Bar, is examined for its “weird” approach to touch‑based UI on a traditionally keyboard‑centric device. The author links to Apple’s support page for the Touch Bar, explaining that it’s a way to bring touch input to macOS, a departure from the platform’s long‑standing reliance on keyboard shortcuts. The piece ends by acknowledging that the MacBook Pro’s “weird” design can be both a selling point and a point of confusion for those used to more traditional laptop interfaces.

Why “weird” designs might be the future

The article goes beyond mere hype by exploring why designers and consumers are drawn to these off‑beat models. The author argues that the main drivers are:

1. Mobility & Versatility – Users are looking for devices that adapt to various use‑cases. The ability to shift from laptop to tablet or to dock into a workstation is a huge selling point for professionals on the go.

2. Form Over Function – In a saturated market, manufacturers are turning to eye‑catching shapes to differentiate. A butterfly hinge or a curved screen can be an emotional hook that encourages purchase even if the technical specs are similar to competitors.

3. Materials & Sustainability – Many of the models use aluminum, glass, or recycled plastics. The “weird” designs are not just about aesthetics but also about promoting sustainability by using durable, recyclable materials.

4. User Experience – Touchscreens, detachable keyboards, and stylus integration are not merely gimmicks; they represent a shift in how users interact with technology. The article links to multiple case studies that show increased productivity when these features are used in real‑world scenarios.

5. Market Experimentation – Manufacturers are testing the limits of what’s possible. For instance, the Surface Pro X’s ARM architecture suggests that future laptops might rely less on Intel or AMD CPUs, which could be transformative.

The author’s take: “All for it”

The article’s tone is distinctly enthusiastic. The author’s repeated use of the phrase “and I’m all for it” is a clear indicator of their positive stance toward these bold designs. They emphasize that while some might label the devices as “weird” or “over‑engineered,” they ultimately serve a purpose: they make laptops more adaptable, more sustainable, and more appealing to a generation that values both aesthetics and performance.

The piece ends with a call to action for readers: “If you’re looking for something that breaks the mold, consider one of these weird wonders. The future of laptops is bright, bold, and a little bit bizarre.” The author’s optimism invites readers to embrace the weirdness rather than shy away from it.

Takeaway

This PCWorld article presents a compelling argument that laptop design is entering an era where creativity and experimentation trump conventional design rules. By focusing on models that combine unusual form factors with practical functionality, the author demonstrates that “weird” designs are not a marketing fad—they’re a genuine shift in how we think about portability and computing. Whether you’re a gamer, a designer, or a casual user, the article makes a strong case that the next generation of laptops may look anything but ordinary.