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Home / Features / Best premium laptop or ultrabook 2024: top-end notebooks rated

Best premium laptop or ultrabook 2024: top-end notebooks rated

Super premium Ultrabooks and MacBooks for work, play and everything else from $1000/£1000

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best premium laptop featuring Dell XPS 13 Microsoft Surafce and Apple MacBook Air

Looking for the best laptop that you can take with you anywhere? Good news, portability fans: loads of those exist. From hybrid workhorses to gaming machines with serious grunt, the best premium laptops make it easy to get stuff done on the run. And while their flip-top form remains fundamentally true to that of their forebears, the nicest notebooks today are lighter, brighter and faster than ever.

So whether you’re typing on the train, coding in a café or procrastinating at your place of work, the right notebook will make life a whole lot easier.

But what if you’re not sure how to choose? Helpful as ever, we’ve already flipped, clicked and carried all of the latest and best laptops for every budget – then narrowed that list to our top premium notebook picks in the guide below.

What’s the best premium laptop?

We think the best premium laptop for most people is the MacBook Air M2 (buy now). Apple’s M1-powered MacBook Air proved that raw power and streamlined packaging are a killer combo. Its successor takes that approach a step further: with a revamped chassis and M2 silicon inside, it sets a new benchmark for all premium laptops.


Other premium laptop recommendations

If the MacBook Air M2 isn’t for you, then here are five other premium laptop recommendations:

Best premium Windows laptop

The Dell XPS 13 (9310) (buy now) has long dominated the ultra-portable laptop market. The latest edition steps things up another notch: besides a travel-friendly form factor and solid performance potential, the 9310 can also be configured with a stunning OLED display.

Best premium laptop for creatives

The Apple MacBook Pro 14in (M2 Pro) (buy now) puts the ‘pro’ back in MacBook Pro, Apple’s M2 Pro and Max are serious pieces of silicon. The MacBook Pro 14in is leagues ahead when it comes to tasks that benefit from boosted multi-core performance and GPU grunt – think video production and 3D rendering.

Best premium laptop for gaming

The Razer Blade 14 (buy now) is Razer’s first 14in laptop and is also its first to ship with an AMD processor. It comes with Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics providing added gaming grunt, it strikes a superb balance between power and portability.

Best budget premium laptop

The Apple MacBook Air (M1) (buy now) is not the latest MacBook Air, but it’s still a powerful, lightweight laptop with all-day battery life, brilliant build quality and a superb display. Of course, budget premium may seem like an oxymoron, but it is possible to get a premium experience without spending thousands.

Best lightweight premium laptop

The LG Gram (buy now) delivers in all departments: longevity is superb, the display immersive and the shell lightweight. In fact, at just 1.19kg, it’s the lightest 16in laptop in the world


The best premium laptops you can buy today:

Best premium laptop: Apple MacBook Air M2

1. MacBook Air (M2)

Stuff Verdict

A meaningful revamp of packaging and performance, the M2 Air costs more than previous editions, but also sets a new yardstick for premium laptops

Pros

  • M2 chip more than powerful enough for most tasks
  • Noteworthy display and speaker improvements

Cons

  • M2 chip supports only one external display
  • Midnight finish is a fingerprint magnet
MacBook Air (M2) specs
Screen13.6in Retina 2560×1664 with P3 and True Tone
ProcessorApple M2
RAM8GB/16GB/24GB
Storage256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB SSD
OSmacOS Monterey
Connectivity802.11ax Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5mm headphone; 2×Thunderbolt 3 (USB 4); MagSafe
Dimensions30.41 × 21.5 × 1.13 cm; 1.24 kg

Apple’s M1-powered MacBook Air (below) proved that raw power and streamlined packaging is a killer combo. Its successor takes that approach a step further: with a revamped chassis and M2 silicon inside, it sets a new benchmark for all premium laptops.

The 13in model adopts the same footprint as before, ditching Apple’s classic wedge in favour of a flat chassis that’s fantastic to type on. Refined bezels give the unit a neat, uncluttered look, while a notch increases screen real estate by flanking the webcam with the toolbar. Brightness is boosted and audio is leagues ahead of the M1 Air, although camera quality remains dismal. There’s now a 15in version available for those who want a bring a bigger screen with them on the move, and while we’re yet to test it, you can expect an otherwise similar experience.

Performance is superlative for mainstream tasks, leaving its predecessor for dust. The lack of fan can throttle sustained workloads, but few users will need more raw power. Battery life is similarly impressive, to the point that we routinely forgot to plug it in. When we did, the return of MagSafe was a welcome one.

There’s no avoiding Apple’s price hike, which takes the M2 Air firmly out of entry-level territory. But unless you’ve got very specific performance needs – such as support for multiple external displays – this is the best Mac (and laptop) for most people.


Best premium laptop: Apple MacBook M1 Pro

2. Apple MacBook Pro 14in (M2 Pro)

Stuff Verdict

With ports, power and pixels to spare, this MacBook is properly Pro – and its price tag won’t let you forget it

Pros

  • Excellent performance, quiet and cool
  • Superb display

Cons

  • No cellular option
  • No Centre Stage/Face ID
Apple MacBook Pro 14in (M2 Pro) specs
Screen14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR 3024×1964 with P3, True Tone and ProMotion
ProcessorApple M1 Pro
RAM16GB/32GB
Storage512GB–8TB SSD
OSmacOS Monterey
Connectivity802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 headphone; 3x Thunderbolt 4; MagSafe 3; HDMI; SDXC
Dimensions31.25 x 22.12 x 1.55 cm; 1.6 kg

Putting the ‘pro’ back in MacBook Pro, Apple’s M2 Pro and Max are serious pieces of silicon. For basic tasks, it’s more than most people will ever need. But provided you work in a field that can take advantage of the Pro’s power – and you’re flush enough to foot the bill – it’s proof that Apple knows how to make a hot chip.

Borne out by benchmarks and real-world use, the MacBook Pro 14in is leagues ahead when it comes to tasks that benefit from boosted multi-core performance and GPU grunt – think video production and 3D rendering. It’s also blessed with reliable all-day battery life and a proper wish-list of ports.

Chunkier and heavier than its 13in predecessor – with an extra 200g on the scales – it’s a solid package that clearly means business. The trackpad is massive but reliable, while the keyboard is a joy to type on. With the menu bar spanning the screen notch up top, you’re left with a full 16:10 display area below. And what an area that is: with rich blacks, vivid colour and up to 1600 nits of brightness for HDR content, the mini-LED panel is gorgeous. The six-speaker system has oomph to match, too.


Best premium laptop: Dell XPS 13

3. Dell XPS 13 (9310)

Stuff Verdict

Beautifully built and perfect for a backpack, Dell’s premium ultra-portable is superb in OLED spec – provided you don’t need lots of ports

Pros

  • Stunningly sharp design
  • Excellent screen and performance

Cons

  • Speakers could be better
  • Not ment port options
Dell XPS 13 (9310) specs
Screen13.4in OLED 3.5K (3456×2160) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 400-Nit Display
Processor11th Generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 Processor
RAM16GB
Storage1TB SSD
OS‎Windows 10 Home
ConnectivityWi‑Fi; Bluetooth; 3.5 headphone; 2x Thunderbolt 4; microSD card reader
Dimensions29.6 x 19.9 x 1.48 cm, 1.27kg

Dell’s XPS machines have long dominated the ultra-portable laptop market. But the latest edition steps things up another notch: besides a travel-friendly form factor and solid performance potential, the 9310 can also be configured with a stunning OLED display.

Streamlined by design, the XPS 13 is the epitome of what used to be called an Ultrabook; super slim at 1.48mm, relatively light at 1.27kg and blessed with slender bezels. The whole package feels well-built and reassuringly solid – and the premium impression continues with the satisfyingly responsive keyboard and trackpad. The only compromises? The 720p webcam could be sharper, while two Thunderbolt 4 ports feel a little miserly.

Opting for that OLED panel does reduce battery life, and you’ll get higher brightness from the LCD screens. But the OLED simply can’t be topped for colour coverage and depth: it’s a gorgeous thing to work with and watch on.

Performance depends on how you spec it, but 11th gen Intel silicon means the XPS 13 is no slouch in any setup. There’s more than enough power on tap to deal speedily with daily demands and creative workflows. Only if you task it with taxing games or 3D rendering is there any risk that the lack of discrete graphics hardware will hold you back.


Best premium laptop: Apple MacBook Air M1

4. Apple MacBook Air (M1)

Stuff Verdict

Blazing speeds, beefy battery and a beautiful display: the M1-powered MacBook Air is still one of the best all-round laptops you can get for less than a grand

Pros

  • Super-fast
  • Great battery life

Cons

  • Webcam poor
  • Thick bezels
Apple MacBook Air (M1) specs
Screen13.3in LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560×1600 native resolution
ProcessorApple M1 chip
RAM8GB
Storage256GB SSD
OSmacOS Ventura
Connectivity802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 headphone; 2x Thunderbolt 4
Dimensions21.24 x 30.41 x 1.61cm; 1.29 kg

Want a powerful, lightweight laptop with all-day battery life, brilliant build quality and a superb display? While it’s not the latest laptop to come out of Cupertino, Apple’s MacBook Air from 2020 remains a slender contender for the premium crown.

Since usurped by the M2 edition which now tops this list, the first Air to use Apple’s own silicon remains a masterpiece. Featuring the breakthrough M1 chip, it’s the computing equivalent of a speedboat. Fanless and fast, this MacBook Air is magnificent for multi-tasking. There is still a ceiling on its capabilities, but one that only power video editors are really at any risk of hitting.

Yes, the webcam could be sharper, the bezels slimmer and the port array more generous. But the rest of the MacBook Air M1’s feature set is otherwise just as impressive as its core performance. Battery life is heroic, the Magic Keyboard supremely responsive and the 13.3in Retina display is deliciously sharp and vibrant. Plus the whole lot is bundled up in a featherweight aluminium wedge that’s as slimline as ever.


Best premium laptop: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

Stuff Verdict

Designed for designers, Microsoft’s magnesium machine isn’t the most powerful, but it is a beautifully executed lesson in hinged elegance

Pros

  • Elegant hinge design
  • Great build quality

Cons

  • Does not include stylus
  • Hinge is not optimised for the best drawing/stylus angle
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio specs
Screen14.1in 2400 × 1600 3:2 ratio, up to 120Hz
CPUQuad core i5-11300H or i7-11370H
RAMUp to 32GB
GPUIntel Iris Xe (i5) or Nvidia RTX 3050Ti/RTX A2000 (i7)
StorageUP to 2TB SSD, removable
CamerasWindows Hello, plus 1080p front-facing
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 2x USB 4, 3.5mm headphones, Surface Connect port
Dimensions323.28 mm x 228.32 mm x 18.94 mm, 1,820.2 g

Disguised as a standard laptop, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Studio is a refined hybrid for designers. A hinge behind the screen allows it to pivot forward into two positions: an angled stance that covers the keyboard or a flat, tablet-style setup. Unlike its Surface Studio sibling, though, it can’t be set to a low tilt for doodling.

A masterpiece in magnesium, Microsoft’s nailed the industrial design of the Surface Laptop Studio. It’s not the lightest at 1.8kg, nor is it the narrowest 14.4in notebook you can buy – but the build quality is easily on a par with Apple’s best efforts.

A 3:2 aspect ratio makes the display perfect for productivity and full-screen creativity. It can’t rival Apple’s mini-LED MacBooks, but it’s bright for an LCD and offers excellent colour depth. It also supports Microsoft’s Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus.

Performance could be better for the price. The base model is perfectly fine for digital design work, but video editors or 3D modellers would need to measure their expectations of Intel’s Xe graphics. So it’s not a powerhouse, but it is a beautiful thing to behold and use. And the 18-hour battery life means you can do that for a full day.


Best premium laptop: Apple MacBook M1 Max

6. Apple MacBook Pro 16in (M2 Max)

Stuff Verdict

This maxed-out MacBook is big, expensive and overkill for all but the hungriest of power users. But it’s also a hugely impressive piece of computing kit

Pros

  • Plenty of power
  • Stunning display

Cons

  • Overkill for most
  • Large to carry around
Apple MacBook Pro 16in (M2 Max) spec
Screen16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR 3456×2234 with P3, True Tone and ProMotion
ProcessorApple M2 Pro or M2 Max
RAM16GB/32GB configurable to 64GB/96GB if you have M2 Max
Storage512GB/1TB SSD configurable up to 8TB
OSmacOS Ventura
Connectivity802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5.3; 3.5mm headphone; 3x Thunderbolt 4; MagSafe 3; HDMI; SDXC
Dimensions35.6 x 24.8 x 1.7cm
Weight2.16kg

In modern MacBook land, there are several tiers of Pro. The 16in model with M2 Max silicon? Very much at the top. It’s a world-beating workhorse with serious performance chops. And it will absolutely hoof your wallet.

Aping MacBook Pros of the past, there’s a boxiness to the shell that sets it apart from its predecessor. While the extra half-kilo yields longer battery life, the heft won’t suit everyone. But it’s not meant to.

Neither is the performance: for most people, the M1 Max is overkill. It takes specific workloads to utilise the immense multi-core power. Task it with video encoding, for example, and it can better a Mac Pro by processing seven streams of 8K ProRes footage simultaneously.

If portability is your priority, pick the MacBook Pro 14in (above). And if you want a powerful middle ground, spec the MacBook Pro 16in with an M2 Pro chip. But only desktop-grade grunt will do, this is the Pro to pick.


7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

Stuff Verdict

Updated silicon gives Microsoft’s ultraportable a performance and battery boost, in a package that can continue to trade blows with a MacBook Air

Pros

  • Distinctive yet understated looks
  • Day-long battery life

Cons

  • Screen bezels still chunky
  • Limited ports
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 specs
Screen 13.5in, 2256×1502 LCD touchscreen display w/ 3:2 aspect ratio
CPU11th-gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 quad-core,
Memory8GB RAM
GraphicsIntel Iris Xe integrated
Storage512GB SSD
Operating SystemWindows 10
Connectivity1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 3.5mm headphone port, Surface Connect port
Battery Up to 17hrs
Dimensions308x223x14.5mm, 1.26kg

An update rather than an all-new model, the refreshed Surface Laptop is one of the best premium Windows Ultrabook laptops you can buy. Geared towards productivity, the 3:2 aspect ratio of its sharp 13.5in display is ideal for documents, while the keyboard and trackpad are satisfyingly responsive. Pick the option topped with Alcantara and your palms will thank you

Boosts to performance and battery life mean the Surface Laptop 5 can comfortably tackle heavier workloads, or last an entire workday away from the mains – with some juice left for a Netflix binge once you clock off. Something the punchy Atmos-optimised speakers can assist with.

Slimmer bezels would be nice, as would a slimmer price tag for the top-spec options. A paucity of ports also limits connectivity. But go for the mainstream variant and you’re still getting a lightweight, understated Windows notebook with MacBook build quality, day-long battery and versatile potential.


Huawei Matebook X Pro 2023 Windows desktop

8. Huawei MateBook X Pro (2023)

Stuff Verdict

new CPU adds potency to an already slick ultraportable. Battery life could still be better, but the Matebook X Pro remains a tempting travel companion

Pros

  • Latest CPUs deliver on performance
  • Slick styling in a compact form factor

Cons

  • No real battery life improvements
  • Pricey, with no upgrade options
Huawei MateBook X Pro (2022) specs
Screen14.2in 3120×2080 LCD w/ 90Hz
CPUIntel Core i7-1360p 12-core
Memory16GB RAM
GraphicsIntel Iris Xe
Storage1TB SSD
Connectivity2x Thunderbolt 4/USB-C, 2x USB-C, 3.5mm combi port
Operating systemWindows 11
Battery60Wh
Dimensions310x221x15.5mm, 1.26kg

With its upgrades being entirely under the hood, this year’s Matebook X Pro is a modest refresh over the previous generation. But that’s no bad thing, given it was already a very capable ultraportable. The keyboard and touchpad are as slick as ever, the 3:2 aspect ratio touchscreen is work-friendly as well as pixel-packed. HDR support and some decent stereo speakers are great for slacking off, too.

The 13th-gen Intel CPU only brings a minor performance boost, and dedicated GPUs remain off the table, so creatives and pros will still want to keep the Dell XPS 15 in mind. Battery life hasn’t really improved either, so the M2-powered MacBook Air remains the best choice for all-day working away from the mains.

We’re still fans of the Matebook’s styling, though, and can’t deny you’re getting a lot of machine for your money.


9. Razer Blade 14

Stuff Verdict

Razer’s first 14in laptop isn’t without compromise, but it’s also lightweight, robust and great for gaming on the go

Pros

  • Sleek, slim and light design
  • Crisp, fast keyboard

Cons

  • Components are better elsewhere
  • Some missing connectivity features
Razer Blade 14 specs
Screen14in 1920×1080 IPS
CPUAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX octo-core, 3.3GHz
Memory16GB
GPUNvidia GeForce RTX 3060 6GB
Storage1TB
Operating SystemWindows 10 Home
Battery lifeUp to 10 hours
Connectivity802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5mm headphone, 2x USB-C/DisplayPort/power delivery, 2x USB-A
Dimensions320x220x16.8mm
Weight1.78kg

Razer’s first 14in laptop is also its first to ship with an AMD processor. And with Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics providing added gaming grunt, it strikes a superb balance between power and portability.

Like the rest of Razer’s notebooks, the Blade 14 comes clad in CNC-milled aluminium. And at 16.8mm slim and 1.78kg light, it cuts an understated picture next to your average beefcake gaming laptop. The 14in display ships with a Full HD resolution and 144Hz refresh rates as standard. You can opt for higher specs, but the default setup still delivers lashings of depth.

Yes, you’ll get more grunt from larger laptops with beefier cores. The underside can also run hot under load, while 90-minute gaming battery life is average, rather than impressive. But with powerful hardware crammed into a shell this streamlined, compromises are inevitable – and the sacrifices made by the Blade 14 are remarkably few.


10. LG Gram 16

Stuff Verdict

A big-screen machine with mammoth battery life, the Gram 16 is a featherweight winner for everyday computing

Pros

  • Incredible, lightweight design
  • Big, bold 16:10 display

Cons

  • More CPU power available elsewhere
  • Exterior feels a little flimsy despite military testing
LG Gram 16 specs
Screen16in, 2560 x 1600 IPS
CPUIntel Core i7-1165G7 quad-core, 2.8GHz
Memory16GB
GPUIntel Iris Xe
Storage1TB
Operating SystemWindows 10 Home
Battery lifeUp to 21 hours
Connectivity802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm headphone, 2 x Thunderbolt 4/USB-C, 2 x USB-A, 1 x microSD
Dimensions356 x 243 x 17mm, 1.19kg

LG’s Gram laptops are all about streamlined designs, big screens and stellar battery life. The Gram 16 delivers in all departments: longevity is superb, the display immersive and the shell lightweight. In fact, at just 1.19kg, it’s the lightest 16in laptop in the world (at the time of writing).

Bolstering those already impressive credentials is a solid set of features. The keyboard is snappy to tap, the speakers reasonable enough and the 16:10 aspect ratio is ideal for streaming. Connectivity is similarly comprehensive and, despite the featherweight frame, the battery can surpass a massive 21 hours.

It’s not the top laptop when it comes to outright performance, though. Sure, it’s no slouch, but gaming and intensive image editing will be better handled by beefier, faster rivals. Then again, for a full day of mainstream tasks, the Gram 16 will still deliver without complaint. And it won’t be beaten on battery life.


Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED lead

11. Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED

Stuff Verdict

A creator-focused portable powerhouse that can also manage some serious gaming – as long as you don’t mind lots of fan noise

Pros

  • Superb performance for a 14in machine
  • Gorgeous, high refresh rate OLED display

Cons

  • Speakers not the clearest
  • Demanding hardware gets hot and loud
Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED specs
Screen14.5in, 2880×1800 OLED w/ 120Hz, HDR
CPUIntel Core i9-13900H
Memory32GB RAM
Storage2TB SSD
GraphicsNvidia GeForce RTX 4070
Operating systemWindows 11
ConnectivityThunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB 3.2 Type-A, SD card reader, HDMI, 3.5mm headphone port
Battery76Wh
Dimensions17.9mm, 1.6kg

There’s no shortage of portable and powerful laptops doing the rounds, but the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED has to be one of the most well-rounded. It’s aimed primarily at creative types, who insist on Studio drivers for the Nvidia dedicated graphics card – these are confirmed to play nicely with industry-standard software, y’see – but there’s nothing stopping you from booting up a game once your work shift is over.

The 14.5in ultraportable weighs much less than 2kg, will easily slip into a backpack, and should last a solid seven or eight hours on battery power alone if you stick to sensible tasks, so you don’t have to stay tethered to a plug socket. When you do, though, the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED can unleash the full potential of its 13th-Gen Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 4070 GPU – demolishing desktop tasks and making short work of 3D renders.

To top it off there’s a stunning 14.5in OLED display, with skinny bezels, a sharp 2K resolution and rapid 120Hz refresh rates. Fully loaded it’s a seriously expensive laptop, but it also brings serious power.


Huawei MateBook 16S on kitchen counter

12. Huawei Matebook 16S

Stuff Verdict

Lightweight and well-built, a sizeable screen and stellar battery life put this premium machine on the shortlist for office workers who don’t need dedicated graphics

Pros

  • Build quality and materials match the asking price
  • Stellar battery life

Cons

  • No dedicated GPU option
  • No high refresh rate screen or HDR
Huawei Matebook 16S specs
Screen16in, 2520×1680 LCD touchscreen w/ 3:2 aspect ratio
CPUIntel Core i7-12700H / Core i9-12900H
Memory16GB DDR5
Storage1TB NVMe SSD
GraphicsIntel Iris Xe (integrated)
Operating systemWindows 11
Battery84 Wh
Dimensions351x255x17.8mm, 1.99kg

For a go-anywhere machine with a sizeable screen, the Matebook 16S gets plenty right. It’s well-built, benefits from a punchy display, and can be optioned with hardware to embarrass many desktops. It also represents excellent value when compared to the M1 MacBook.

Slim enough at 17.8mm, the Matebook 16S is also impressively wieldy for a 16in laptop. Its metallic matte finish is achieved with ceramic sandblasting, and the result is a device that feels suitably premium. Worker bees will appreciated the large display’s 3:2 aspect ratio and, while there’s no HDR support, its 100% sRGB coverage provides fantastic colour accuracy.

Opt for the Intel Core i9 processor and you’ll find its performance potential is rarely tested in the real world. With no option to spec a dedicated GPU, the i7 is the smarter chip choice for most: it’s more affordable yet still mighty quick, provided your tasks don’t require a potent graphics engine. Battery life is respectably tidy too, yielding up to six hours of productivity when you take the Matebook away from your desk.


What is a premium laptop?

Our selection spans slimline ultraportable and Ultrabooks, big-screen entertainment devices as well as MacBooks, covering both Windows and macOS. The main thing about a premium laptop is that it has the latest or recent generation hardware.

Often they’re ultraportable, but not always. Intel used to call ultraportable laptops Ultrabooks, but this has now been replaced by the Intel Evo specification which promises fast Wi-Fi chips and all-day battery life.

Also check out: Which tablet should you buy? Find out in Stuff’s guide to the best tablets

Profile image of Chris Rowlands Chris Rowlands Freelance contributor

About

Formerly News Editor at this fine institution, Chris now writes about tech from his tropical office. Sidetracked by sustainable stuff, he’s also keen on coffee kit, classic cars and any gear that gets better with age.

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