Xiaomi announces a 2019 version of the MacBook-style Mi Notebook Air, with an update featuring a choice of 8th generation Intel processors within a metal body all of 5.71mm thick.

The Mi Notebook Air is a 12.5-inch notebook with a 1920 x 1080 display surrounded by 5.71mm bezels. It comes in a number of configurations, with either an 8th gen Intel m3-8100Y or Core i5-8250U processor. The m3 model comes with 4GB of memory and 128/258GB storage, while the i5 model includes 4GB of memory and 256GB storage.

The HP World Partner Forum sees the company reveal a refresh of the Envy laptop portfolio complete with 13-, 15- and 17-inch models featuring longer-life batteries and a choice of Intel or AMD processors.

The 2019 Envy selection features 4 models-- the Envy 13, Envy x360 13, Envy x360 15 and Envy 17. As the name might suggest, the Envy x360 13 and 15 feature a 360-degree hinge allowing users to flip the display around for use as a tablet, while the Envy 13 and 17 are regular notebooks.

Apple makes the surprise announcement of a pair of tablet refreshes-- the 2019 iPad Air and Mini models feature the A12 Bionic chip, as well as stylus input through Pencil support.

The iPad Air gets an increase in size to 10.5-inch, as well as the A12 Bionic chip promising a 70% performance boost and twice the graphics capability compared to the previous model. Connectivity comes through a Lightning connector (as opposed to a USB-C port), while Touch ID remains the security system of choice. The update also brings support for the (first generation) Pencil and the Smart Keyboard, allowing one to use the tablet for light productivity purposes.

Qualcomm uses MWC 2019 to announce the Snapdragon 8cx platform-- the chip designed by the company to power the "always on, always connected" laptops of the near future-- will feature 5G connectivity.

Announced back in December 2018, the now imaginatively titled Snapdragon 8cx 5G Compute Platform promises to do nothing less than "lead the PC ecosystem into the 5G era." To do so the chip integrates the Snapdragon X55 5G modem, and will allow enterprises to build private 5G small-cell networks providing a more secure and high-performance data link for next generation connected applications.

Samsung announces the Galaxy Tab S5e ahead of MWC 2019-- a more affordable alternative to the flagship Galaxy Tab S4, featuring a metal unibody the company says is the thinnest and lightest yet, being 5.5mm thin and weighing 400g.

The tablet promises a big 10.5-inch display, with an 81.8% screen-to-body ratio comparable to the 82.9% offered by the 11-inch iPad Pro. The display features a 2560 x 1600 resolution Super AMOLED panel with 16:10 aspect ratio, but features no S Pen stylus support. As for further specs, the tablet carries an octa-core Snapdragon 670 processor, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage (expandable via microSD slot), 6150mAh battery, 8MP front-/13MP back-facing cameras and quad AKG speakers.

Apple is set to launch a number of iPad models in H1 2019, DigiTimes reports, with Japanese blog Mac Otakara claiming the lineup will include the so-called iPad mini 5, a device apparently very similar to the previous iPad mini 4.

According to Mac Otakara, the iPad mini 5 will be identical in terms of size as the iPad mini 4, down to the same 6.1mm thickness. As such, it will probably have the same 7.9-inch display, at least if the bezels remain unchanged. It should also retain the Lightning connector (no USB-C here), Touch ID and 3.5mm jack, while the rear microphone gets a change of position to the top-centre, in line with the 6th generation iPad.

Chinese PC maker Chuwi is the next company to take on the 2-in-1 tablet category with the Ubook-- an Windows 10 device with a built-in U-shaped kickstand (thus the name) and detachable keyboard cover.

The Ubook offers an 11.6-inch 1920 x 1080 resolution touchscreen, and carries an Intel Core m4-6Y30 processor together with 8GB RAM and SSD storage ranging from 128GB to 1TB. It also includes a variety of ports, including x2 USB-A, x1 USB-C and x1 mini HDMI, making for a device weighing 760g, heavier than the smallest Microsoft Surface model, the Go.

Razer sets to celebrate Valentine's day in style as it announces a Quartz Pink version of the Razer Blade Stealth 13-inch gaming laptop designed to, as the company claims "steal hearts everywhere."

Apparently "anodised at the sub-molecular level in futuristic pink," the romantically-coloured Razer Blade Stealth is but one of a full lineup of Quartz Pink products. Razer also offers pink versions of the Basilisk mouse, Huntsman keyboard, Kraken headset and Seiren X microphone, among others, and while it does not mention the products are aimed at a female public the implication is, perhaps, all too evident.