In recent years, the computing world has been shifting to the use of ARM-based laptops and this is one of the biggest shifts that is changing the perception of portable computing as we know it. ARM architecture most of which has mainly been associated with mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets is gradually finding its way into laptops. This article focuses specifically on ARM-based laptops with the pros and cons of these devices analyzed so you can better determine when these laptops are suitable for use.
Table of Contents
Understanding ARM Architecture
What is ARM Architecture?
ARM or Advanced RISC Machine is a specific kind of computer processor architecture characterized by its simplicity and small consumer power. ARM processors do not perform tasks in the same way as other traditional power PC, end-user computing devices or x86 computing architectures that dominate personal computing desktops and Portable PC laptops today. This makes them perfect for portable devices such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets where energy and battery life are essential.
ARM in computing: a brief history
ARM full form is Advanced RISC Machines architecture. It has been popular in mobile devices since the 90s, which is why it is present in billions of smartphones and tablets. From mobiles to laptops, it originated when the manufacturers aimed to bringing the power efficiency and integration of mobile technology into the portable computer. Since their introduction before the year 2020, the M1 chip in MacBooks spelt a new future for ARM computers as they demonstrated that the architecture is fully capable of delivering high performance along with excellent energy efficiency.
Why ARM is becoming popular in Laptops
The next technology that is quickly finding its way to the market dependency is ARM-based laptops since they are special in the way they merge efficiency and power. As tens of millions of users discovered low-power, portable devices that do not sacrifice performance, ARM processors have become the new rage over Intel’s x86 processors. Moreover, the incorporation of mobile apps and ecosystems as well as how it can be easily carried out, especially in Apple’s macOS also contributes significantly to the increased attraction of ARM-based laptops.
Pros of ARM-Based Laptops
Consequently, optimization of power efficiency and the use of energy-efficient batteries to solve this problem was pursued.
First of all, one cannot fail to mention increased power efficiency as one of the advantages of ARM-based laptops. ARM processors are currently developed to work on the principle that requires as little power as possible to execute a particular task and therefore implies longer battery life. This makes ARM laptops suitable to be used by people who require their notebooks to run for the whole day without having to look for a place to charge them. For example, if you take the MacBook Air with an M1 chip, you can work throughout the day and night, up to 18 hours nonstop comfortably.
Increased Efficiency in Lightweight NoteBooks
To anyone who may question the usefulness of ARM processors because of their efficiency at low power sources, it should be pointed out that the chip’s efficiency does not come at the expense of the machine’s overall performance. Laptops designed on the ARM architecture such as MacBook Pro with M2 Mac chip or Microsoft Surface Pro X give remarkable performance, especially in ultraportable segments. These laptops are perfect for basic use, graphics, and other multimedia editing and can even suffice for gaming needs all the while being slim and light. The fact that ARM architecture comes with an enhanced performance-per-watt guarantee means that this kind of laptop is ideal for the working professional or student who is always on the move.
Mobility and compatibility with Mobile Applications
ARM architecture laptops have a profound benefit that is mist practically more significant than the ones mentioned above: mobile applications can be run natively on this architecture, especially on macOS. This is an opportunity that makes a lot of sense for users who wish to have the flexibility of operating iPhone or iPad applications on their laptops. This integration also enables them to streamline their working process, which in turn makes the users able to switch from one device to another without worrying about compatibility.
Enhanced Security Features
Another advantage of ARM processors is that most of them come with certain security features that form extra security for the users. For instance, M1 and M2 have an independent chip known as Secure Enclave, which takes care of the encryption and other security activities exclusive to the processor. This increase the security level of the hardware and thus makes ARM-based laptops more secure against certain types of threats and may also make the ARM laptops less susceptible to malware or other unauthorized access.
Cons of ARM-Based Laptops
Software Compatibility Issues
The laptops that are developed using ARM architecture share several benefits, but there are issues with the ports, especially compatibility issues. Unfortunately, many x86 applications of old established have not been developed to run on the ARM architecture hence they have the potential of being slow, less functional or even completely incompatible. While Apple’s Rosetta 2 and Microsoft’s emulation layer can be used to overcome these issues they are not a perfect solution and are sometimes even slower or buggy.
Limited Hardware Choices
The last disadvantage of ARM-based laptops is the relative shortage of them on the market as compared to x86-based laptops available. Today, companies such as Apple and Microsoft are using ARM processors, but most of the companies are still oriented on the x86 platform. What this means is that the consumers who are interested in ARM-based solutions have limited brands, designs and options to choose from along with the prices. This is a somewhat specialized area of the technology and as such there are fewer active products on the market at present.
Trade-offs for Performance for Specific usages
Despite this, one needs to appreciate the fact that ARM processors have many strengths, but they would not necessarily be suitable for everybody. There are some cases where the software performance of the ARM-based laptops might be a bit of a letdown compared to its x86, high-end counterpart especially when the application needs more computational power for instance in 3D rendering or analyzing large databases. Of course, ARM laptops may not give the same performance as some specific gaming laptops with x86 architecture; therefore it may not be the best for gamers.
Potential Higher Costs
Laptops based upon the ARM architecture – the so-called ARM notebooks, particularly the ones from premium manufacturers such as Apple, are unavoidably more expensive. However, these devices are good in performance as well as efficiency as a power tool but the cost may be a limiting factor for some customers. Further, as ARM as a choice for laptops has been in the scene only for some time, laptops using this type of processor may still be expensive until there is considerable competition in the industry with scale economies.
ARM-based Laptops; Who Should get it?
Power Efficiency and Battery Life
Laptops designed with ARM architecture provide the best result for casual users and those who perform lightweight computing tasks such as watching videos, browsing the internet, etc. Basic operations including web browsing, video streaming, and working with office suites are smooth sailing with ARM processors which in turn makes these laptops appropriate for students, travellers, and general users. Besides, the long battery life and portable size of the battery also add up to their portability.
Improved Performance in Lightweight Laptops
But for developers who operate in the mobile environment, especially iOS or Android-based, such devices are beneficial. The threads include among others, the ability to run mobile apps natively and testing them on the same hardware platform they are developed on is an added advantage. Also, because of the incorporation of ARM chips on laptops such as the MacBook Pro, these gadgets become effective machines for coding, testing, as well as deployment of mobile applications.
Not for Performing-Gaming or Power Computing
Although ARM-based laptops have evolved a lot, they are not ideally suitable for gaming laptops or heavy power users. Still, ARM processors perform considerably worse than high-end x86-based laptops in terms of gaming or any other task that is computationally heavy. Only the connoisseurs of ultimate gaming or professional graphical performance apps may be interested in x86 Intel-Atom-based future laptops for now.
The Future of ARM-based Laptops
The future appears to be promising for laptops that are based on ARM architecture because more companies are investing in it. Apple, Microsoft, and Qualcomm have already been identified as pioneers in this regard with other manufacturers also expected to adopt the same models. With time, the ecosystem will expand, and so will the number of applications tailored specifically for ARM architecture as well as an expanded array of hardware resources available.
Potential Developments and Breakthroughs
In the next years, there would be several innovations in the ARM technology. As the development continues, ARM processors can be predicted to be even more effective potentially closing the efficiency difference that exists between them and x86 processors. In such aspects as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and integrated graphics, proper advancement could make ARM-based laptops even more fashionable and functional to cater for even more consumers.
Will ARM Based Processors Supersede x86 in Laptops?
Although it is still premature to conclude, one can speak about the new generation of laptops based on ARM architecture. ARM, therefore, has the propensity of becoming a leading architecture in the following years, especially if it improves and eliminates the challenges it is facing at the moment. However, x86 still dominates the market, especially the high-performance and gaming segment, therefore, both solutions will most likely remain with us for at least a few more years.
Related Article: How AI in Laptops Is Revolutionizing the Computing Experience
Conclusion
Gilbert (2007) noted that ARM-based laptops are on the increase in the market due to the fulfilment of power-efficient, powerful, as well as portable devices. It means that they have their weak sides, for instance, conflicts in software program compatibility and restricted selection of hardware. However, the opportunities offered by these devices are very influential for numerous users. ARM-based laptops are something to look at today whether you’re just browsing the web, a developer, or someone who needs a lightweight laptop with epic battery life.
Given this increased development of technology, the gap between ARM and x86 notebooks may gradually become less distinguishable along with customers getting to experience better performance at all levels. With this in mind, if you are in the market this season for a new Laptop note that considering ARM-based Laptops could hold a lot of potential for you.
