I tried a Windows handheld PC, and its docking system made it my ideal travel companion

Editor's take

MSI's Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld PC demonstrates a significant leap in performance and thermal management over its predecessor, the Claw A1M, and competitive devices like the Lenovo Legion Go. This advancement is powered by Intel's Lunar Lake processors, which are specifically designed for AI acceleration and improved power efficiency, promising a more robust gaming experience on a portable platform.

The implications extend beyond just handheld gaming. The success of Lunar Lake in a demanding application like this signals Intel's progress in challenging ARM-based dominance in mobile computing, particularly in devices where integrated AI capabilities are becoming increasingly important for tasks like upscaling and system optimization. For consumers, it means more powerful and efficient portable PCs.

Future developments to monitor include the real-world impact of these AI features on battery life and the sustained performance of Lunar Lake under prolonged heavy loads, especially compared to AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme found in the Legion Go. The adoption rate of this new hardware by other manufacturers will also be a key indicator of Intel's renewed competitiveness in this segment.