Category: Computers

September 30, 2025

Lightweight FydeOS 21.0: A Must-Have for Chromebook Fans

Key Takeaways

1. FydeOS has evolved from Flint OS, a fork of ChromiumOS, and is now at version 21.0 “Sunlit Epiphany.”
2. The new release includes performance and security updates based on an upgraded ChromiumOS foundation.
3. Enhanced search functionality in the Launcher is one of the key new features.
4. FydeOS 21.0 is available in four versions: for PC, VMware, SBCs, and a unique “for You” edition.
5. The OS is generally free for home users, but some premium features require payment.

With ten years of development behind it, FydeOS has evolved from its origins as a fork of the open-source ChromiumOS. Initially, it was designed specifically for Raspberry Pi devices and was called Flint OS. The new version, FydeOS 21.0 “Sunlit Epiphany,” was released yesterday and features the latest updates for performance and security based on its ChromiumOS foundation, which has been upgraded from r132 to r138. However, there is much more included in this new release than just the core platform update.

New Features and Improvements

The official blog post detailing this release (check the link below the video at the article’s end) mentions several exciting highlights for FydeOS 21.0. One of the most notable changes is the improved search functionality in the Launcher.

Versions Available for Download

For those looking to give FydeOS a go, it is offered in four distinct versions: one for PC, one tailored for VMware, one for SBCs, and a unique “for You” edition. You can find the downloads on the corresponding webpage. FydeOS is generally available for free to home users, though there are some premium features like enhanced support and advanced control options that come with a cost.

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Tags: Raspberry Pi
September 30, 2025

Lenovo ThinkPad T16g Gen 3: 16-inch Laptop with RTX 5090 & 128GB RAM

Key Takeaways

1. Lenovo unveiled new ThinkPad laptops at IFA 2025, including the ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition, ThinkPad P16 Gen 3, and ThinkPad P1 Gen 8.
2. The ThinkPad T16g Gen 3 was revealed, resembling the P16 Gen 3 but with different graphics options.
3. The ThinkPad T16g Gen 3 is powered by Intel Core Ultra 200HX processors and can support up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM and 12 TB of storage.
4. It features consumer-grade GeForce RTX 50 graphics, with options for GeForce RTX 5080 or 5090.
5. The ThinkPad T16g Gen 3 is not yet available for purchase, and more information can be found on Lenovo’s official website.

Lenovo unveiled a variety of ThinkPad laptops earlier this month at IFA 2025 in Berlin. The company updated the ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition (currently $1,449 on Amazon) and also launched the ThinkPad P16 Gen 3 and ThinkPad P1 Gen 8, along with several other 14-inch and 16-inch ThinkPad models during the event.

New Discoveries

A few days later, it became clear that Lenovo had the ThinkPad T16g Gen 8 concealed in plain sight, having mentioned it in a leak from the summer. The company has now rolled out the ThinkPad T16g Gen 3 edition, which was not included in the leak we covered back in July. According to Lonely City Hardware, the ThinkPad T16g Gen 3 looks nearly identical to the ThinkPad P16 Gen 3 but has different graphics inside.

Specifications and Features

The ThinkPad T16g Gen 3 is powered by Intel Core Ultra 200HX processors, going up to the Core Ultra 9 285HX. It can also be configured with a maximum of 128 GB DDR5-5600 RAM distributed over four SO-DIMM slots and can hold up to 12 TB of storage via three M.2 2280 slots, with one slot supporting PCIe 5.0 SSDs. Additionally, this laptop comes with a 99.9 Wh battery and supports 180 W USB Type-C charging.

Graphics and Availability

Unlike the ThinkPad P16 Gen 3, which has RTX Pro GPUs, the ThinkPad T16g Gen 3 features consumer-grade GeForce RTX 50 laptop graphics. Customers can choose between the GeForce RTX 5080 or GeForce RTX 5090. As of now, Lenovo has not begun selling the ThinkPad T16g Gen 3, and its release partners have also not made it available. More detailed information about this 16-inch laptop can be found on Lenovo’s official website.

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Tags: Lenovo, ThinkPad P16 Gen 3
September 30, 2025

Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme Benchmarks Show CPU Performance Boost

Key Takeaways

1. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 shows strong performance in benchmarks, narrowing the gap with Apple in mobile devices.
2. The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme X2E-96-100 features an eighteen-core CPU and a single-core boost clock of 5.0 GHz, marking significant advancements over the previous generation.
3. In Geekbench tests, the Snapdragon chip outperforms Apple’s M4 Max and AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Strix Halo but faces tougher competition in Cinebench 2024.
4. The Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-96-100 demonstrates up to a 50% increase in multi-core performance compared to its predecessor, indicating strong potential.
5. The Adreno X2-90 GPU still trails behind Apple’s higher-end models, limiting Qualcomm’s competitiveness in gaming and graphics performance.

Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 has made a strong entrance in both first-party and independent benchmark tests, effectively narrowing the gap between Apple and Android devices. This raises the question: does this advancement extend to laptops? Qualcomm’s own benchmarks for the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme X2E-96-100 present a mix of results, yet overall, it shows promise. With an eighteen-core CPU, Qualcomm holds an edge in raw power this time around. Furthermore, its single-core boost clock now hits 5.0 GHz, a significant leap from the previous generation, which peaked at 4.3 GHz.

Performance Insights

In Geekbench’s single and multi-core assessments, the Qualcomm chip surpasses Apple’s M4 Max, even taking a notable lead over AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Strix Halo chip. However, in Cinebench 2024, competition tightens, with Apple’s M4 Pro and M4 Max reclaiming their dominance in both single and multi-core performance.

Improvements Over Previous Models

When compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100, the Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-96-100 boasts an impressive up to 50% boost in multi-core performance, attributable to the increased core count. Overall, it is positioning itself as a strong contender. Although these figures come from Qualcomm’s internal data, they are likely to reflect real-world performance closely.

GPU Performance Challenges

Regrettably, the Adreno X2-90 GPU integrated into the Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-96-100 still lags behind Apple’s offerings. While it does surpass the standard Apple M4, the Apple M4 Pro and M4 Max maintain a substantial edge. Nevertheless, it does provide over a 100% performance increase compared to the Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 in 3DMark Steel Nomad.

The GPU remains a weak point for Qualcomm’s laptop solutions. Although some of the underwhelming performance can be linked to immature drivers, the limited compute unit count makes it less competitive against dedicated GPUs, rendering it not the best choice for gaming.

Tags: Apple M4 Max
September 30, 2025

GMKtec Launches Affordable NucBox M2 Pro S Mini-PC Worldwide

Key Takeaways

1. GMKtec has launched the NucBox M2 Pro S mini-PC, following the NucBox M5 Ultra.
2. The NucBox M2 Pro S is powered by an Intel Core i7-1185G7 CPU and features Iris Xe Graphics.
3. It supports M.2 SSDs and has dual SODIMM slots for DDR4-3200 RAM in a compact design.
4. Pricing starts at $279.99 for a barebones unit, with pre-configured options available at $349.99 and $419.99.
5. GMKtec targets users seeking compact and affordable computing solutions with the NucBox M2 Pro S.

GMKtec has updated its NucBox mini-PC line, just a few weeks after the global launch of the NucBox M5 Ultra. Similar to the M5 Ultra, the NucBox M2 Pro S is notably less powerful compared to GMKtec’s EVO series, which features the AMD Strix Halo-driven EVO-X2, currently priced at $1,499 on Amazon.

Specifications Overview

The NucBox M2 Pro S is powered by the Core i7-1185G7, which is a quad-core CPU from Intel’s Tiger Lake series. While it may seem outdated, the Core i7-1185G7 has a thermal design power (TDP) of 28 W and is equipped with an Iris Xe Graphics G7 iGPU that has 96 Execution Units (EUs). Additionally, the NucBox M2 Pro S is built to support M.2 2242 and M.2 2280 SSDs, features dual SODIMM slots for DDR4-3200 RAM, and comes with various ports, all packed into a compact 114 x 106 x 42.5 mm chassis.

Pricing Options

At the moment, the NucBox M2 Pro S is available starting at $279.99 as a barebones unit, meaning it does not come with RAM or storage. On the other hand, the most affordable pre-configured version is priced at $349.99, which includes 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Alternatively, GMKtec offers a model with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage for $419.99. For further information, you can check out the NucBox M2 Pro S listing on the company’s website.

GMKtec’s products are designed for users who need compact and affordable computing solutions, making the NucBox M2 Pro S an attractive option for those looking to balance performance and price.

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Tags: GMKtec
September 30, 2025

Scientists Uncover Reasons Behind Frequent Satellite Failures

Key Takeaways

1. Researchers identified unexpected malfunctions in satellites due to spacecraft environment discharges (SEDs).
2. A team from Los Alamos National Laboratory proved a link between electron accumulation and SEDs using a sensor on STPSat 6.
3. Electron build-up can lead to spark discharges, damaging satellite electronic systems.
4. The study found that 75% of SEDs were preceded by significant electron accumulation.
5. This research may lead to advancements in systems to protect satellites from SED-related damages.

Thousands of satellites circle the Earth daily, and researchers have encountered a puzzling issue. Many of these devices began to experience unexpected malfunctions, prompting scientists to investigate the cause.

Research Breakthrough

A group from the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the U.S. has made significant progress in solving this enigma. They published their findings in the journal Advances in Space Research. In their study, the scientists focused on spacecraft environment discharges (SEDs), which are short circuits that can disrupt the electronic systems of orbiting satellites.

The presence of SEDs was previously acknowledged; however, the connection between these failures and electron levels was still unclear. To clarify this, the team installed a sensor on the American experimental satellite STPSat 6, successfully proving that these satellites gather electrons throughout their operation.

Consequences of Electron Accumulation

However, after a period, this electron build-up leads to a spark discharge, which can severely damage their electronic systems. Over nearly a year, the team demonstrated that this phenomenon preceded 75% of SEDs, which is quite a significant statistic.

This research could pave the way for future advancements, particularly through the development of systems designed to mitigate the effects of such events on satellites. This mission is crucial, as these devices provide numerous benefits to our daily lives and have become essential in various sectors.

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September 29, 2025

Apple Set to Begin Production of New MacBooks and Studio Displays

Key Takeaways

1. Apple M5 chip production is starting this spring, with launches in iPad Pro and Apple Vision Pro expected soon.
2. New Macs with the M5 chip, including the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro and 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, are set for mass production.
3. Anticipated launch dates for the new MacBook models are in Q4 2025 or Q1 2026, with March 2026 as the latest date.
4. Major upgrades for MacBook models will mainly focus on the new ARM processors, with minimal design changes expected until future models.
5. Apple is also preparing to produce two new monitors, likely successors to the Apple Studio Display, with potential enhancements like a 120 Hz panel or mini-LED backlighting.

With the Apple M5’s mass production starting this spring, the chip is set to launch soon in the new iPad Pro and Apple Vision Pro. Now, Apple is reportedly gearing up to start mass-production of the first Macs that will utilize this new ARM processor. Recent reports from Bloomberg suggest that the production of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, codenamed J714 and J716, alongside the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, codenamed J813 and J815, is on the horizon.

Expected Launch Dates

These notebooks are anticipated to be officially announced in either the fourth quarter of 2025 or the first quarter of 2026, with March 2026 being the latest possible date. Neither the MacBook Air nor the MacBook Pro is expected to see significant changes; the main upgrade will be the new ARM processors, with only minor improvements expected overall. The MacBook Pro is projected to receive a fresh design featuring an OLED touchscreen and a slimmer, lighter body only when it upgrades to the Apple M6. As for the MacBook Air, a redesign featuring an OLED display may not arrive until 2029.

New Monitors in the Works

In addition, Apple is said to be getting ready for mass production of two new monitors, identified by model numbers J427 and J527. These models are believed to be successors to the Apple Studio Display, which will continue to be sold exclusively with a 27-inch screen size. Although the Apple Studio Display already boasts a high pixel density thanks to its 5K IPS panel, it’s possible that the next-gen monitor could feature a quicker 120 Hz panel or mini-LED backlighting to enhance brightness levels.

Bloomberg’s reports indicate that these developments mark a significant step in Apple’s ongoing innovation in computer hardware and display technology. The anticipation for new devices continues to grow as Apple prepares to unveil its latest offerings.

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Tags: Apple M5, Apple Studio Display, MacBook Pro
September 29, 2025

Samsung Hints OLED MacBook Pro Release Date, Silent on Foldable iPhone

Key Takeaways

1. Samsung Display will start mass production of OLED screens for Apple MacBook Pro laptops in Q3 2026, confirming a potential Q4 launch.
2. Both 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will feature OLED screens with a built-in touchscreen and enhanced M6 processing power.
3. Small production runs of OLED panels will begin in Q2 2026 using Samsung’s A6 production line, transitioning from LCD to OLED.
4. Apple is expected to order around half a million OLED MacBook Pros by the end of 2026, with total orders possibly reaching three million units.
5. The first OLED MacBook Pros may be released about a year after the 2025 lineup, with potential price increases due to M5 chip upgrades and OLED technology.

The CEO of Samsung Display has officially announced when the first Apple MacBook Pro laptops featuring OLED screen panels will be available.

Dual Production Plans

Samsung is reportedly preparing to manufacture both 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro OLED screens, which are expected to include a built-in touchscreen layer and enhanced M6 processing power. Lee Cheong, from Samsung, shared this information with reporters at a display conference in Seoul, stating that mass production of the new 8.6-gen OLED line is set to kick off in the third quarter of 2026. This indirectly confirms speculations about a Q4 launch for the initial MacBook Pro equipped with OLED screens.

Production Timeline

While Samsung will begin small production runs of the OLED panels for the MacBook Pro in the second quarter, they will use their A6 production line, which has been adjusted to produce OLED screens instead of LCDs. The 8.6G line, designed for glass substrates measuring 2290 x 2620 mm, is deemed most appropriate for creating OLED screens for mid-sized electronic devices like laptops. With the ramp-up in production anticipated in the third quarter of 2026, Samsung, which is Apple’s sole supplier for MacBook Pro OLED displays, is preparing for a release in the holiday quarter.

Anticipated Orders

“We are looking forward to” Apple’s orders, remarked Lee Cheong, although he didn’t provide details on whether this timing aligns with the launch of Apple’s foldable iPhone, which will also feature a flexible panel produced by Samsung. Industry analysts predict that Apple aims to ship around half a million OLED MacBook Pros by the end of 2026, with total orders potentially reaching three million units, contingent on the pricing of Samsung’s 14-inch and 16-inch OLED panels.

At present, a MacBook Pro equipped with an M4 processor is priced at $1,399, thanks to discounts on Amazon. However, the anticipated upgrade to an M5 chip might not keep the price that low, especially for a model featuring an OLED screen. Apple is expected to refresh the Pro model with M5 processors either next quarter or early in 2026, meaning the first MacBooks with OLED displays could arrive approximately a year after the 2025 lineup.

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Tags: MacBook Pro, OLED screens, Samsung
September 29, 2025

GMK NucBox K12 Design: Small Yet Annoying Flaw Explained

Key Takeaways

1. The NucBox K12 mini PC features a unique and creative design compared to competitors like Beelink and Apple Mac Mini.
2. The thumb screws on the NucBox K12 are small and difficult to grip, making servicing more challenging than intended.
3. Unlike the easier-to-handle thumb screws on Intel NUC models, the NucBox K12’s design may require additional tools for removal.
4. Accessing the motherboard involves removing four extra Phillips screws after the thumb screws, complicating servicing.
5. Many other mini PCs offer better designs for easier access and quicker servicing with fewer screws.

GMKtec has just introduced the NucBox K12 mini PC, which is basically a bigger version of the NucBox K11 but comes with some added physical features. We really like its distinct and creative outer design, especially when compared to the newest mini PCs from Beelink, which often resemble an Apple Mac Mini. However, there’s one aspect of the NucBox K12’s design that might need a bit more consideration.

Thumb Screws Design Flaw

The image below shows that the four feet of the NucBox K12 also act as thumb screws, similar to those found on older Intel NUC models. These thumb screws are meant to make servicing easier since you don’t need a screwdriver. Sadly, on the GMK device, these thumb screws are small and tightly fitted, with smooth metal edges that make gripping them very difficult. Actually, we found that removing the thumb screws on our NucBox K12 test model would require rubber bands and a monkey wrench. In contrast, the thumb screws on Intel NUCs are larger and have rubber edges, which makes them much easier to grip.

Accessing the Motherboard

But things don’t end there. After taking out the four thumb screws from the NucBox K12, you still need to unscrew four more Phillips screws just to get to the motherboard. At this point, those four thumb screws might as well be regular Phillips screws since you’ll still need a screwdriver for any servicing. Many other mini PCs are designed for easier access, featuring fewer screws that allow for quicker servicing.

Source:
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Tags: GMKtec, Mini-PC
September 29, 2025

Ryzen 7 H 255 vs. Ryzen 7 7840HS: Performance Comparison

Key Takeaways

1. Systems with the Ryzen 7 H 255 CPU, like the GMK NucBox K12, are becoming more common but may not offer significant advantages over older models.
2. The Ryzen 7 H 255 performs similarly to the Ryzen 7 7840HS, Ryzen 9 7940HS, and Ryzen 9 8845HS, raising questions about the number of processor models available.
3. All tested CPUs have the same core/thread counts and integrated graphics, with the Ryzen 7 H 255 being a relabeled last-gen Zen 4 chip.
4. The Ryzen 7 7840HS offers better performance for the price, making it a cost-effective choice for home theater PC or 4K streaming tasks.
5. The naming system for AMD CPUs has changed, complicating the buying process for consumers unfamiliar with the updates.

Systems with the Ryzen 7 H 255 CPU, like the GMK NucBox K12, are starting to pop up more often. After testing a few of these systems, buyers might want to think about older and often less expensive options like the Ryzen 7 7840HS, Ryzen 9 7940HS, or even the Ryzen 9 7940HS. The performance is quite similar to the Ryzen 9 8845HS, which raises the question of whether there are too many processor models with not much difference between them.

Performance Insights

Our tests indicate that the Ryzen 7 H 255 operates nearly identically to the other mentioned options. All four CPUs have the same core and thread counts, cache sizes, integrated Radeon 780M graphics, and they all lack an NPU. The Ryzen 7 H 255 is essentially just a relabeled last-gen Zen 4 chip, despite being released amidst a range of quicker and more efficient Zen 5 alternatives.

Value for Money

In general, the performance remains strong for most home theater PC (HTPC) or 4K streaming tasks, especially when you compare it to older mini PCs with Iris Xe or Radeon RX Vega graphics. For those looking to save some cash, the almost 3-year-old Ryzen 7 7840HS can provide better performance for the price. The naming system for AMD CPUs has shifted since the Ryzen 7 7840HS days, making it tougher for buyers who might not be up to speed with the latest changes.

Further Readings

For additional benchmarks and comparisons regarding the Ryzen 7 H 255, check out our review of the NucBox K12.

Tags: Ryzen 7 7840HS, Ryzen 7 H 255
September 29, 2025

ECS Liva Z11 Plus Mini PC Launches with Intel Arrow Lake Processor

Key Takeaways

1. ECS has launched the Z11 Plus mini PC with four CPU options, starting with the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H from the Meteor Lake series.
2. Users can choose between various Meteor Lake and Arrow Lake CPUs, with configurations supporting up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.
3. The mini PC supports DDR5-5600 memory for Meteor Lake variants and DDR5-6400 for Arrow Lake versions, with two M.2 slots for PCIe 4.0 SSDs.
4. It features multiple ports, including dual HDMI and USB4, allowing for quad-4K display output, and has a compact and stylish design.
5. Pricing and availability details for the Z11 Plus mini PC have not yet been announced by ECS.

ECS has unveiled the Z11 Plus mini PC, which was first announced during Computex 2025. The company has now revealed that this system will come in four different CPU configurations, starting with the base model that includes the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H from the Meteor Lake series.

Additional CPU Options

There is an alternative CPU option from the Meteor Lake series, the Core Ultra 7 155H. Additionally, ECS is providing choices to configure the mini PC with either the Intel Core Ultra 5 225H or the Core Ultra 7 255H from the Arrow Lake range. Users have the flexibility to combine their chosen processor with a maximum of 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.

Memory and Storage Specifications

It’s important to note that the Meteor Lake variants support DDR5-5600 memory, whereas the Arrow Lake versions allow for DDR5-6400 RAM. For storage solutions, the mini PC includes two M.2 slots suitable for PCIe 4.0 SSDs, with one slot specifically designed for 2242 size (currently, a 2 TB Crucial P310 is priced at $148.50 on Amazon).

The mini PC also has a dedicated M.2 2230 slot to accommodate a wireless card. In terms of port selection, the ECS Liva Z11 Plus comes equipped with several ports, including dual HDMI and USB4, which enable quad-4K display output. Among its standout features are its compact size and stylish design.

Pricing and Availability

ECS has yet to disclose any details regarding the pricing of the mini PC, nor is it clear when customers will be able to buy the system.

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Tags: DDR5 RAM, Intel Core Ultra