Laptop makers are shifting focus to chassis materials

Laptop brands are using new materials to stand out as internal specs converge. Asus is using ceraluminum, a plasma-bonded ceramic and aluminum hybrid it says is stronger and lighter than standard aluminum. HP is using forge-stamped metal in the OmniBook Ultra 14 for a heavier feel. Other options include magnesium alloys, which are lighter but scratch easier than aluminum, and carbon fiber. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 uses carbon fiber to keep the weight at 2.2 pounds. PCWorld provides a full breakdown of these material trade-offs.