Some believe that gifts should be practical, while others prefer indulgent. We don’t think you should have to choose. The PC’s ability to take on a wide range of tasks has long been a key strength of the platform. One of the best examples of this flexibility is a new breed of laptops that can effortlessly shift gears between gaming and creating.
These multitalented machines are powered by 11th Gen Intel® Core™ H-series processors that flex up to eight cores and 16 threads to propel gameplay and creative workflows. They have powerful discrete graphics that provide additional acceleration for creative apps and really take gaming performance to the next level. And they tap into a Windows software ecosystem with a rich collection of creator tools and huge selection of PC games.
Diversity is our strength, and it’s on display across a range of designs that each take a different path to unleashing your passions. The Razer Blade 15 Advanced goes slim with speed, the MSI Pulse GL66 balances gaming bang for your buck, the Microsoft Surface Studio Laptop comes from a creative foundation, the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro does 16” at 16:10, the HP Omen 16 hits the right notes, the Gigabyte Aorus 15P adds a layer of AI, the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 raises the screen-to-body ratio, the Alienware x17 spins four fans, and the Acer Helios 300 stacks the spec sheet. Keep reading to see which ones are right for you or the gamer and creator on your list.
Razer Blade 15 Advanced
Minimalist design wraps around cutting-edge components in the Razer Blade 15 Advanced. The CNC-machined aluminum body is anodized black, a stealthy aesthetic that matches the low-profile look and even extends to the vapor chamber cooling under the hood. You can still add a splash of per-key RGB lighting to match your mood or workflow.
Up to a Core i7-11800H processor and GeForce RTX 3080 laptop GPU let you go all-in on high-end hardware. The optional WQHD display blends detail, color, and speed with a high resolution and DCI-P3 color gamut that refresh at up to 240Hz with G-Sync and Advanced Optimus. Each screen is individually calibrated to give creators accurate colors. Capture more detail with the 1080p webcam featuring Windows Hello face recognition, connect to compatible 6GHz networks with Intel Wi-Fi 6E, and plug into a range of I/O that includes HDMI 2.1, dual Thunderbolt 4, and full-sized SD.
MSI Pulse GL66
Some gaming laptops streamline features to bring greater power to more accessible price points. What the MSI Pulse GL66 lacks in creator-specific extras it makes up for with up to a muscular Core i7-11800 CPU and GeForce RTX 3070 laptop GPU ready for heavy lifting. They’re covered by a Cooler Boost 5 thermal module that’s designed to handle hardcore gaming with dual fans, six heat pipes, and thermal grease that’s exclusive to MSI.
The armor-inspired exterior styling conveys strength through a futuristic lens, and you can add a personal touch with the Mystic Light RGB keyboard. With a 144Hz refresh rate, the 15.6” Full HD display is ready to show more frames per second, and some models upgrade to WQHD at 165Hz. Nahimic audio adds virtual surround sound to your existing headset and speakers and also lets you share laptop output with multiple Bluetooth devices, regardless of the input.
Microsoft Surface Studio Laptop
While our collection is largely rooted in machines designed for gaming but capable of creating, the Microsoft Surface Studio Laptop takes the opposite approach. Its transforming form factor shifts into studio mode for another level of artistry with the optional Surface Slim Pen 2. The 14.4” touchscreen has a tall 3:2 aspect ratio with more room to work, plus factory calibrated colors to ensure accuracy, and it can also ramp up to 120Hz for smoother gameplay.
A special H35 version of our 11th Gen processors provides quad-core horsepower that’s optimized for slimmer chassis. Gamers should opt for higher-end configs that add a GeForce RTX 3050 Ti laptop GPU, though all models let you connect external graphics through one of dual Thunderbolt 4 ports. They also feature a new touchpad with haptic feedback and a 1080p webcam that supports Windows Hello face authentication.
Lenovo Legion 5i Pro
Subtler styling and angular lines let the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro moonlight in more professional environments – as long you don’t get too wild with the RGB lighting. The 16” laptop’s WQXGA display has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio with more room to work, refreshes at up to 165Hz with G-Sync to enable smoother gameplay, and pushes the brightness up to 500 nits for improved visibility. Nahimic 3D audio completes the immersion and includes a special mode that turns any Bluetooth speaker into a surround sound system.
The Lenovo Legion AI Engine features an auto-optimization mode that detects games launching and maximizes performance by adjusting power distribution between up to a Core i7-11800 CPU and GeForce RTX 3060 laptop GPU. Most of the I/O is conveniently located at the back, including HDMI 2.1 and Thunderbolt 4, while a webcam shutter button on the side makes it easy to enhance privacy.
HP Omen 16
Raise your game on the HP Omen 16, whose floating hinge is designed to make the screen look like it’s levitating. The 16.1” display is set into slim bezels and offers up to a WQHD at 165Hz to hit a sweet spot between resolution and speed. Audio adds to the immersion with sweet sound by Bang & Olufsen.
Subtle styling lets the laptop blend in, while RGB keyboard lighting lets your true colors shine through. There’s loads of power on tap with up to a Core i7-11800H processor and GeForce RTX 3070 laptop GPU. When things get heated, Omen Tempest Cooling brings the chill with a five-way airflow design that’s engineered to maximize performance. The rest of the spec sheet is stacked with optional Wi-Fi 6E networking and an assortment of I/O that features HDMI 2.1, Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4, and full-sized SD.
Gigabyte Aorus 15P
Despite being designed for esports players, the Aorus 15P is capable of much more. Display options reach up to 360Hz for fast-paced play and can also include factory calibrated panels that ensure color accuracy for creators. The keyboard offers per-key RGB lighting and also lets you configure custom macros for essential commands and shortcuts. Microsoft Azure AI technology automatically detects when you’re running a game and dynamically adjusts the CPU and GPU wattage to optimize performance.
Configurations are available with up to a Core i7-11800H processor and GeForce RTX 3080 laptop GPU. To keep thermals in check, Windforce Infinity cooling spins dual 83-blade fans that push air through four outlets lined with copper heatsink fins. You also get a huge 99Wh battery along with a stacked array of I/O that includes HDMI 2.1, Mini DisplayPort 1.3, Thunderbolt 4, 2.5G Ethernet, full-sized SD, and three USB.
Dell Alienware x17
With a unique and otherworldly design, the Alienware x17 makes an immediate impression. Its Lunar Light finish uses stain-resistant paint, and you can pick your own colors for RGB lighting across the keyboard and AlienFX lighting zone at the back. Almost all of the ports are at the back to enable clean cabling, including HDMI 2.1, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, and Thunderbolt 4. You also get Intel Killer 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 networking.
Alienware’s Cryo-Tech uses four fans and an exclusive Element 31 thermal interface material to help keep the system cool. Premium upgrade options abound, like a mechanical keyboard codeveloped with switch maker Cherry, and a 17” display that brings 4K resolution up to 120Hz. That display’s Adobe RGB color gamut and 500-nit brightness are a good match for creators. Push the specs to the max with up to a Core i7-11800 processor and GeForce RTX 3080 laptop GPU.
Asus ROG Zephyrus M16
The ROG Zephyrus M16 sets a sleek and stylish tone that’s punctuated by subtle shimmering visible through thousands of perforations in the lid. Opening the laptop reveals a large 16” display surrounded by super-narrow bezels that produce an immersive 94% screen-to-body ratio. The display balances the detail of a WQXGA resolution with the speed of a 165Hz refresh rate. Its DCI-P3 gamut and Pantone validation add a rich and accurate color palette, augmenting gaming credentials with creative essentials.
Under the hood, the CPU is covered by a thin layer of liquid metal thermal compound that helps improve cooling performance. Horsepower comes from up to a Core i9-11900H processor and GeForce RTX 3060 laptop GPU. You also get a full array of creature comforts, from the six-speaker audio and noise-canceling microphone to the 90Wh battery and fast-charging support. The extensive array of I/O includes Thunderbolt 4, too, and everything fits into a slim chassis.
Acer Predator Helios 300
Focusing on fundamentals makes the Acer Predator Helios 300 a formidable contender. The optional 165Hz WQHD display strikes a balance between speed and detail without overwhelming the GPU. The 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fans are lined with ultra-thin metal blades shaped and reinforced to move more air with less noise. And the airflow is shaped by thermal foam that’s strategically placed to decrease skin temperatures and improve cooling overall.
Connectivity abounds with a versatile array of ports that includes Mini DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1, and Thunderbolt 4. The 3.5-mm audio jack also supports virtual surround sound for stereo headsets via DTS:X Ultra. Intel Killer networking powers the integrated Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6, complete with Control Center 2.0 software to analyze and optimize traffic. And you can choose between models with a 15.6” or 17.3” display driven by up to a Core i7-11800H processor and GeForce RTX 3070 laptop GPU.