Category: Computers

  • ESA and JAXA Study 1,230-Foot Asteroid in Close Earth Flyby

    ESA and JAXA Study 1,230-Foot Asteroid in Close Earth Flyby

    Key Takeaways

    1. ESA and JAXA are collaborating on the Ramses project to study the asteroid Apophis as it approaches Earth on April 13, 2029.
    2. Apophis, about 375 meters in diameter, will come within 32,000 kilometers of Earth, allowing for significant gravitational and tidal effects on the asteroid.
    3. The Ramses spacecraft will observe Apophis before and after its close approach to gather detailed data on the asteroid’s physical changes.
    4. Understanding asteroids like Apophis is crucial for planetary defense against potential Earth-impacting threats.
    5. The Ramses mission requires approval from ESA’s Ministerial Council in November 2025, with potential launch in April 2028 if funded.


    ESA (European Space Agency) and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) are working together on the Ramses (Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety) project. The aim of the Ramses mission is to send a spacecraft to meet Apophis and follow it as it passes Earth on April 13, 2029.

    Size and Significance of Apophis

    The asteroid Apophis is about 375 meters (1,230 feet) in diameter, which ESA likens to the size of a cruise ship. With the Ramses mission, ESA plans to investigate the internal structure of the asteroid. Apophis will come within 32,000 kilometers of Earth’s surface. At such a close range, it is anticipated that Earth’s gravity and tidal forces will change Apophis’s physical traits and reveal what is hidden beneath its surface.

    Close Observations Planned

    ESA aims for the Ramses spacecraft to be positioned near Apophis both before and after its encounter with Earth. This strategy is designed to provide scientists with detailed information about the changes the asteroid could experience during the flyby.

    NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security – Apophis Explorer) will also be present at Apophis for data collection. However, it will arrive about a month later than the asteroid’s closest approach to Earth.

    Importance of Studying Asteroids

    Gaining knowledge about the materials that make up asteroids like Apophis is vital for planetary defense. Missions like Ramses will help humanity prepare to defend against other asteroids that may threaten to collide with Earth. Hera is another mission that is already active in this area.

    However, Ramses still needs approval from the ESA’s Ministerial Council. A meeting scheduled for November 2025 will decide its fate. JAXA has formally requested funding from the Japanese Government. If they get the green light, Ramses could launch as early as April 2028 to reach Apophis by February 2029, allowing it to observe the asteroid before it is influenced by tidal forces.

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  • Affordable XYC X108 NAS: 144TB Storage & Triple Ethernet Ports

    Affordable XYC X108 NAS: 144TB Storage & Triple Ethernet Ports

    Key Takeaways

    1. The XYC X108 NAS PC is a budget-friendly solution for users needing extra storage.
    2. It features an Intel N150 “Twin Lake” CPU, providing reasonable multi-threaded performance with a 4-core, 4-thread setup.
    3. The NAS supports up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM in its single memory slot.
    4. Connectivity options and port variety make the XYC X108 a versatile choice for home networking.
    5. It is designed for individuals who require more storage than typical personal devices can offer.


    There are many individuals who need more storage than usual. For these users, having a central unit with several hard drives connected to their home network is generally the best solution. This is where the XYC X108 NAS PC comes into play, being quite budget-friendly while offering a good range of features.

    Performance Overview

    The NAS is equipped with the capable Intel N150 “Twin Lake” CPU, which delivers reasonable multi-threaded performance due to its 4-core, 4-thread configuration. While this processor may not be considered fast by today’s standards, it is frequently used in low-cost mini PCs and NAS devices. It has a single memory slot that supports up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM.

    Connectivity Features

    When it comes to NAS systems, having the right ports and networking options is crucial. The XYC X108 includes the following I/O ports and networking capabilities, making it a versatile choice for users needing extra storage.

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  • InfinityBook Pro 14 Review: Fast AMD, 128GB RAM, Linux Performance

    InfinityBook Pro 14 Review: Fast AMD, 128GB RAM, Linux Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Performance: The Tuxedo InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen10 and XMG Evo 14 (M25) feature AMD’s Zen 5 processors and support up to 128 GB of RAM, ensuring strong performance.

    2. Extensive Port Selection: These laptops offer five USB ports, HDMI, Gigabit-Ethernet, and a fast card reader, although one USB-A port is outdated at USB 2.0.

    3. Storage Options: The laptops include two full-size M.2-2280 slots, allowing for up to 16 TB of SSD storage.

    4. Pricing and Operating Systems: The InfinityBook Pro 14 starts at €1199 with TuxedoOS, while the XMG Evo 14 (M25) is priced at €1149 with Windows 11 Home.

    5. Noise Levels: The highest power setting may be loud under stress, but the quieter modes still provide decent performance.


    Compact 14-inch laptops often require certain sacrifices, such as fixed memory or limited port options. However, the Tuxedo InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen10 and its Windows equivalent, the XMG Evo 14 (M25), take a different route. These models utilize AMD’s Zen 5 processors and can support up to 128 GB through two SO-DIMM slots. The unit we reviewed came with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and the Radeon 890M, providing solid and consistent performance. While the highest power setting can be rather loud when under stress, the other two modes are much quieter, yet still maintain decent output.

    Extensive Port Selection

    The choice of ports is significantly better than many competitors, featuring a total of five USB ports along with HDMI, Gigabit-Ethernet, and a very quick card reader. Nevertheless, one USB-A port is limited to the outdated 2.0 standard, which seems unreasonable in 2025. For storage, the laptop offers two full-size M.2-2280 slots, allowing for a possible 16 TB of SSD storage installation.

    Pricing and Operating Systems

    The InfinityBook Pro 14 with TuxedoOS starts at €1199, and other Linux distributions are also an option. Tuxedo consistently provides drivers for Windows, making it easy to set up a dual-boot system if desired. If Linux isn’t your thing, the XMG Evo 14 (M25) is a viable alternative, priced at €1149 (which includes Windows 11 Home) and comes with similar specifications. For more detailed insights, you can check out our comprehensive review of the new InfinityBook Pro 14.

  • Ayaneo AM01S Mini-PC: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 & 32GB RAM

    Ayaneo AM01S Mini-PC: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 & 32GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo launched the AM01S mini-PC on Indiegogo, succeeding the AM01 and AM02 models.
    2. The AM01S features a 4-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi 6E support, and an M.2 2280 slot for PCIe 4.0 SSDs.
    3. The starting price of the AM01S is $349 without RAM or storage, while a more powerful version starts at $639.
    4. The AM01S is equipped with either the Ryzen 7 8745HS or the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with the latter providing better performance.
    5. Ayaneo plans to begin shipping the first units of the AM01S in November 2025.


    Ayaneo has finally launched its highly anticipated third mini-PC on Indiegogo. The AM01S, which was announced over a year ago, follows the previous models, AM01 and AM02 (currently priced at $599 on Amazon). Interestingly, the AM01S is actually more powerful than the AM02, although this isn’t always the case.

    Specifications Comparison

    To provide some background, the AM02 is exclusively available with AMD’s Ryzen 7 8845HS processor. In contrast, the AM01S kicks off with the Ryzen 7 8745HS, which is approximately 7% slower in our tests compared to the Ryzen 7 8845HS. On the other hand, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 that Ayaneo also offers with the AM01S outperforms the Ryzen 7 8845HS in both CPU and GPU performance.

    Features and Variants

    All models of the AM01S come equipped with a 4-inch touchscreen that has a resolution of 960 x 400, Wi-Fi 6E support, and an M.2 2280 slot for PCIe 4.0 SSDs. Notably, the Ryzen 7 8745HS and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 versions seem to differ in terms of their secondary SSD options. Sadly, Ayaneo’s Indiegogo campaign page doesn’t offer clear information on this matter.

    Pricing and Availability

    The starting price of the AM01S is set at $349 without RAM or storage, paired with a Ryzen 7 8745HS APU. On the other hand, Ayaneo lists a barebones version with the more powerful Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 at $639. The price for the B.Duck variant, which includes a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 32 GB of RAM, and 2 TB of storage, can go up to $999 on Indiegogo. As of now, Ayaneo aims to start shipping the first units in November 2025.

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  • Lenovo ThinkPad Laptops Coming to IFA 2025: Leaker Insights

    Lenovo ThinkPad Laptops Coming to IFA 2025: Leaker Insights

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo is set to reveal a new concept laptop called Project Pivo at IFA 2025, building on the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6.
    2. Evan Blass shared details about the upcoming Edge 60 smartphone and a premium version of the Legion Go S, priced at $649.
    3. Lenovo’s ThinkPad laptops will be showcased at IFA 2025 in Berlin from September 5 to September 9.
    4. Some ThinkPad models, like the Glacier White versions of the ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition, are not entirely new.
    5. ThinkPad models including P1 Gen 8 and P14s Gen 6 will receive global releases with Intel processors.


    Earlier today, Evan Blass shared the first image of a new concept laptop from Lenovo. This device, which builds on the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 released earlier this year, is expected to be revealed at IFA 2025, next week, under the name Project Pivo. Shortly after this, Blass also disclosed additional information about a new smartphone branded Edge 60, as well as a more premium version of the Legion Go S, which is currently priced at $649 on Amazon.

    ThinkPad Laptops at IFA 2025

    The same leaker has also disclosed the names of the ThinkPad laptops that Lenovo plans to display at IFA 2025. Blass states that these laptops will be showcased in Berlin from September 5 to September 9. The lineup includes several models that fans may recognize:

    It’s important to note that not all of these models are entirely new. For example, Lenovo introduced Glacier White versions of the ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition last month in China, though they were marketed as ‘Moonlight White.’ Additionally, Lenovo Japan hinted at the rest of the laptop list at the end of July, and we’ve included a screenshot of that below.

    Upcoming Global Releases

    Nevertheless, Blass’s leak suggests that several models, including the ThinkPad P1 Gen 8, ThinkPad P14s Gen 6, ThinkPad P16s Gen 4, ThinkPad P16 Gen 3, and ThinkPad P16v Gen 3, will receive worldwide releases featuring Intel processors. It’s worth mentioning that we have already reviewed the AMD version of the ThinkPad P14s Gen 6.

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  • Mini Laptop with Round Trackpad and 360-Degree Hinge on Kickstarter

    Mini Laptop with Round Trackpad and 360-Degree Hinge on Kickstarter

    Key Takeaways

    1. Compact and Convertible Design: The Torsin 3-in-1 mini-laptop measures 24.5 x 18.8 x 2 cm and weighs 980 g, featuring a hinge that allows the 10.5-inch touchscreen to convert into a tablet.

    2. High-Quality Display: It has an IPS panel with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,280, peak brightness of 300 nits, and full sRGB spectrum coverage.

    3. Performance Specs: Powered by an Intel Processor N150 with four efficiency cores, it is suitable for lighter tasks and includes multiple I/O options for connectivity.

    4. Preorder Pricing: The Torsin Basic Edition is available for preorder at $378, but prices will increase to $526 after the Kickstarter campaign.

    5. Caution for Backers: Potential contributors should be aware of additional costs like shipping fees and taxes, and consider the uncertainties of the project as it is the company’s first Kickstarter endeavor.


    The newest mini-laptop seeking funds on Kickstarter is both small and adaptable. This convertible device has dimensions of 24.5 x 18.8 x 2 cm (9.65 x 7.40 x 0.79 in) and weighs in at 980 g (2.16 lb). The Torsin 3-in-1 is designed with a hinge that lets the 10.5-inch touchscreen flip and fold over the keyboard, turning it into a tablet easily.

    Impressive Display and Features

    This gadget features an IPS panel that has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,280, a peak brightness of 300 nits, and it covers the full sRGB spectrum. In addition to its compact structure and flexible hinge, a standout aspect is the circular trackpad that is framed by buttons, allowing for quick changes to volume and screen brightness. The device is powered by a battery with 5,500 mAh capacity, though the maker hasn’t shared exact battery life details.

    Performance and Connectivity

    The mini-laptop is driven by an Intel Processor N150, which comes with only four Gracemont efficiency cores that can reach speeds of up to 3.6 GHz, offering sufficient performance for lighter tasks. Still, it provides a decent selection of I/O options, including two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a Mini HDMI port, and a microSD card slot.

    The Torsin Basic Edition, which lacks any memory, storage, or an operating system, is up for preorder at a reduced price of $378 during the Kickstarter campaign. Prices will rise to $526 over time. Shipping is anticipated to start in November 2025.

    Important Considerations

    It’s worth noting that the prices mentioned do not include shipping fees, import taxes, or duties. As this is Torsin’s inaugural Kickstarter project, potential contributors should be careful when deciding to back the campaign. It’s still unclear if the company can successfully produce and deliver the laptop as promised.

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  • FA65G Mini PC: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D & RTX 4080/5000 Demo

    FA65G Mini PC: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D & RTX 4080/5000 Demo

    Key Takeaways

    1. FEVM’s FA65G mini PC features a design inspired by Apple’s Mac Studio and supports desktop Ryzen 9000X3D processors paired with mobile RTX 4080 and RTX 5000 Ada GPUs.
    2. The FA65G has a compact size of 167.5 x 167.5 x 96 mm and offers configurations with Ryzen 7 9800X3D, upgradeable to Ryzen 9 9900X3D or 9950X3D, with adjustable TDP settings.
    3. The system includes MXM variants of RTX 4080 and RTX 5000 Ada GPUs, equipped with a custom cooling solution and requires a 330W power adapter.
    4. Port selection includes USB4, HDMI 2.1, dual 2.5 GbE NICs, and the system supports up to 128 GB of DDR5-6400 RAM with easy access for upgrades.
    5. Performance tests show the RTX 4080 LP GPU in MXM form-factor is competitive with desktop GPUs, while the Ryzen 9800X3D maintains acceptable thermal limits during stress testing, although pricing and availability remain unclear.


    FEVM is a newer player in the mini PC market hailing from China. The company is recognized for its design that takes cues from Apple’s Mac Studio, modifying it to house desktop-level X86 processors alongside mobile dGPUs in an MXM form-factor. Previously, FEVM successfully integrated Raptor Lake Refresh-S processors with mid-range RTX 4060 mobile GPUs into compact 2.5-liter cases. However, the latest release, the FA65G model, steps it up by accommodating desktop Ryzen 9000X3D processors paired with mobile RTX 4080 and even RTX 5000 Ada GPUs.

    Dimensions and Specifications

    The revamped Mac Studio design of the FA65G measures 167.5 x 167.5 x 96 mm and weighs 1.85 kg. It features a mini-ITX motherboard based on the B650 chipset, equipped with a desktop-grade AM5 socket that supports the newest Ryzen 9000X3D processors. FEVM provides configurations with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, but users may upgrade to a Ryzen 9 9900X3D or Ryzen 9 9950X3D, as hinted in the advertising video. It’s worth noting that the AM5 socket needs a custom card and cooler to be attached on top of the motherboard’s default socket. FEVM offers various TDP settings for the processor, capping maximum power between 100W and 65W.

    Graphics Card Adaptation

    When it comes to graphics, FEVM has managed to fit MXM variants of the RTX 4080 and RTX 5000 Ada laptop GPUs, which can be hard to find currently. The MXM GPUs are arranged like desktop GPUs and come with a custom cooling solution that includes a substantial radiator with four heat pipes, cooled by dual fans. To support these GPUs, FEVM provides a 330W adapter weighing around 530g.

    Ports and Upgradability

    The port selection mirrors that of a Mac Studio, offering USB4, USB 2.0, USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, a full-size SD card reader, and an audio jack at the front. The back includes dual 2.5 GbE NICs, dual HDMI 2.1, dual DP video outputs, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen, 2x USB 2.0, and a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2. There are also two slots available for Wi-Fi antennas.

    Storage options consist of 2x M.2 2280 slots with PCIe 4.0 X4 specifications, and the system can support up to 128 GB of DDR5-6400 RAM via two SO-DIMM slots. These components, along with the Wi-Fi module, are easily accessible for upgrades by simply removing the bottom cover.

    Performance Insights

    In terms of performance, FEVM’s internal tests indicate that the RTX 4080 LP GPU in MXM form-factor, limited to 115 W, performs nearly on par with a desktop RTX 3080 or RTX 4070 and shows a slight edge over the new RTX 5060 Ti. It is also reported that the MXM card outperforms an external RTX 4090 LP connected via USB4.

    The Ryzen 9800X3D model, capped at 90 W TDP, peaks at 86° C during stress testing, causing the CPU fan to reach a noise level of 41 dB. Under full load for both CPU and GPU, the CPU can get to 90° C, while the GPU maxes out at 74.3° C, resulting in total system noise reaching 47.3 dB. At a 100 W TDP, the CPU could spike to 95° C, which remains within acceptable limits. In typical gaming scenarios, FEVM asserts the CPU might hit 80° C, the GPU stays below 70° C, and system noise increases to 45 dB.

    Pricing and Availability

    Currently, there’s no information on pricing or availability. However, considering the limited supply of MXM GPUs, a configuration with an RTX 4080 LP and Ryzen 7 9800X3D could easily surpass $2,000. Similar to most premium models, the FA65G is likely to be available in China initially. Users in the West might consider taking the plunge with an Aliexpress purchase, but they should be aware that MXM GPUs are rare and FEVM might not replace them in case of failure.

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  • Lenovo Laptop with Rotating Display Leaked: What to Expect

    Lenovo Laptop with Rotating Display Leaked: What to Expect

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo is known for innovative laptops, including the Yoga Book 9 and ThinkPad X1 Fold.
    2. Project Pivo features a detachable display that can rotate 90 degrees for portrait use.
    3. The display connects magnetically and uses contacts for power and data transfer.
    4. Project Pivo is currently just a concept, with no immediate plans for public release.
    5. There is potential for Project Pivo to become available, similar to the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable.


    Lenovo is known for its unique and creative laptops, like the Yoga Book 9, which features two screens, the ThinkPad X1 Fold with its foldable OLED display, and the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable that allows its OLED screen to be rolled out and expanded when necessary. At the IFA event in September, Lenovo plans to introduce another innovative design called “Project Pivo.”

    Initial Details Emerge

    Well-known leaker Evan Blass has shared a first look at Project Pivo. It seems the display can be detached from the laptop and rotated 90 degrees for portrait use. Power and data connections likely happen through a set of contacts located on the back of the display, while it seems to attach magnetically to the main unit of the notebook. This vertical screen orientation can be beneficial for reading lengthy documents or composing texts.

    Future Plans Uncertain

    Currently, Project Pivo is merely a concept. Although Lenovo might showcase a prototype at IFA, there are no immediate plans to release this laptop to the public. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable was introduced as a concept before it became available about a year later, which raises the possibility that Project Pivo could eventually be sold as well.

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  • Lenovo ThinkPad Smart Dock 7500: Thunderbolt 5 Dock Leaked Before Launch

    Lenovo ThinkPad Smart Dock 7500: Thunderbolt 5 Dock Leaked Before Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo will showcase new devices at IFA 2025 in Berlin, including a concept laptop and Motorola Edge 60 Neo smartphone.
    2. The highly anticipated Legion Go 2 and a new 5K2K ThinkVision monitor will also be featured.
    3. Several ThinkPad laptops are expected to be unveiled at the event.
    4. The ThinkPad Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock 7500 is set to launch soon, with retailers already stocking it.
    5. The new dock is compatible with Thunderbolt 5, offering up to 120 Gbps bandwidth and support for multiple 4K/240 Hz monitors.


    It appears that Lenovo is set to showcase a number of devices next week at IFA 2025 in Berlin. To summarize, Evan Blass recently posted images of a new Lenovo concept laptop, the Motorola Edge 60 Neo smartphone, the highly anticipated Legion Go 2, a new 5K2K ThinkVision monitor, and several ThinkPad laptops.

    Early Insights into the Dock

    Additionally, the same source has given us a sneak peek at the ThinkPad Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock 7500, which is also listed alongside the ThinkPad Thunderbolt 5 Dock 7500 on the DisplayPort database. Interestingly, some retailers have begun to stock the former in advance of its expected launch after IFA 2025.

    Specifications Still Under Wraps

    Specific details about the dock’s features are not available at this moment. However, it is clear that the new dock is compatible with Thunderbolt 5, which is expected to deliver bandwidth of up to 120 Gbps and support for multiple monitors at 4K/240 Hz. From the images shared by Blass, several ports can be identified so far.

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  • Webb Detects Caldwell 69’s Hot Central Star After 200 Years

    Webb Detects Caldwell 69’s Hot Central Star After 200 Years

    Key Takeaways

    1. NGC 6302 is a planetary nebula located 3,400 light-years away in the constellation of Scorpius, resembling butterfly wings with its two lobes.
    2. The Webb telescope’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) provided detailed observations, allowing for the first identification of the central star within the nebula.
    3. The central star has a temperature of 220,000 Kelvin, making it one of the hottest known stars in planetary nebulae in the Milky Way.
    4. The dust band obscuring the central star is composed of crystalline silicate and larger dust grains, with jets of iron and nickel detected emanating from the star.
    5. The research combined data from the Webb telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, aiding in the understanding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an oxygen-rich environment.


    NGC 6302 is a planetary nebula found 3400 light-years away in the constellation of Scorpius. Discovered in 1826 by William Herschel with a small telescope, it resembles butterfly wings with its two lobes. In the middle of the nebula, there’s a thick dust band that obscures the view of its central star.

    Advanced Observations

    The Webb telescope utilized its Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to gain more insights into this intricate center. This observation was conducted in integral field unit mode, which pairs a camera with a spectrograph to capture multiple images across varying wavelengths.

    Discoveries Unveiled

    Thanks to Webb’s observations, the location of the central star within the nebula was pinpointed for the first time ever. This star boasts an impressive temperature of 220,000 Kelvin, ranking it among the hottest known central stars within planetary nebulae in our Milky Way galaxy.

    Dust Band Analysis

    Webb also explored the composition of the dust band that shrouds the central star. It uncovered that this band is made up of crystalline silicate, such as quartz, along with larger dust grains that measure about a millionth of a meter in size.

    The chemical activity beyond the central dust band is quite intriguing too. Webb identified jets of iron and nickel shooting out from the central star in opposing directions. The research team analyzing this data also discovered light emitted from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Finding PAHs in an oxygen-rich planetary nebula will aid scientists in understanding how these molecules form.

    The research team merged Webb’s findings with information from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array to achieve these important discoveries.

    ESA and NASA have both played a role in this groundbreaking research.

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