Category: Computers

February 7, 2025

Anker Launches New 140W Braided 2-in-1 USB-C Cable

Anker has introduced a new, longer version of its 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable. The first model was the company’s first attempt at this type of accessory and was launched globally last June. Anker stated that this product was designed for travelers and aimed to keep workspaces organized.

New Length and Features

A new iteration has recently been listed on Amazon in Germany. The previous version of the Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable measured 4 ft (or 120 cm) and came in two colors: black and white. The new model boasts a longer length of 180 cm (approximately 6 ft) and is offered in the same two color options. The extra length comes from the base cable, which has been extended from 90 cm (around 3 ft) to 150 cm (about 5 ft). The upper segments remain at a length of up to 30 cm (nearly 1 ft), and users can adjust this length using a cable slider.

Performance and Durability

Other than the increased length, both versions of the 2-in-1 nylon braided cable look the same. They can deliver a maximum power output of 140W when charging one device, which Anker claims could charge a MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro) up to 50% in just 20 minutes. When charging two devices at once, the maximum output is limited to 130W, with the distribution depending on the devices connected (see table below). Additionally, the cable is touted to endure up to 10,000 bends.

Pricing and Availability

The new Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (180 cm, 140W, Braided) is priced at €21.99 on Amazon Germany, which is €2 higher than the original 120 cm model. It remains uncertain when this longer version will be available in other regions such as the US and UK, where the previous model is being sold.

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Tags: Anker
February 6, 2025

New Apple Mac mini Dock with M.2 SSD Expansion for $99

Satechi has clearly put in a lot of effort into their latest Mac mini dock, which was first introduced in November and then highlighted again last month at CES 2025. Interestingly, this dock launched just after RayCue released its own version, which is currently priced at $99 on Amazon, and RayCue has since introduced an updated model.

Performance Comparison

While RayCue’s upgraded dock boasts impressive 40 Gbps NVMe SSD transfer speeds, Satechi’s ‘Mac Mini M4 Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure’ offers a maximum transfer rate of 10 Gbps for the drive slot. It supports a range of M.2 SSD sizes, including 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280. The two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports on the dock also share the same maximum transfer speed, while it has additional ports for SD 4.0 UHS-II and USB 2.0 Type-A, which provide transfer speeds of up to 2.49 Gbps (312 MB/s) and 480 Mbps, respectively.

Features and Availability

In summary, Satechi’s Mac mini dock offers fewer ports compared to RayCue’s version, even though it retails for $99.99. However, it does include a convenient cut-out for accessing the power button on the mini-PC, something that many competitors, including RayCue, lack. There are reports that Satechi is only releasing a limited number of these docks before a more extensive launch planned for March. As of now, the dock is still available for purchase on Satechi’s website.

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February 6, 2025

New Snapdragon X Chip Laptops Launching in India This Month

Qualcomm has recently revealed its new Snapdragon X platform that will be the driving force behind forthcoming Windows PCs. Now, we have confirmation on when this innovative processor will debut in India. This marks the third addition to the series, so let’s dive into the details.

Launch Date of Snapdragon X

To refresh your memory, the chip manufacturer expanded its Snapdragon X series with the introduction of the Snapdragon X. This model serves as the basic option in the collection, functioning as an entry-level SoC alongside the already successful Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite processors. Qualcomm’s goal with this chipset is to make a deeper impact in the laptop market. The Snapdragon X is intended to cater to both budget-conscious and mid-range consumers.

PCs Powered by Snapdragon X Chip

In a recent promotional poster, the company announced that the new Snapdragon X platform designed for AI-powered PCs will arrive in India on February 24, 2025. Initially revealed for Windows PCs, this processor will be available in laptops from brands like Acer, ASUS, HP, Dell, and Lenovo, all priced below $600. However, it remains uncertain which specific laptop models in India will incorporate this new budget-friendly AI chip.

Specifications and Features

According to previous announcements, the Snapdragon X is equipped with eight CPU cores that can reach speeds of up to 3.0GHz. It boasts a total memory cache of 30MB and is built on the ARM architecture, akin to its more advanced counterparts. The Snapdragon X comes with an Adreno GPU capable of delivering up to 1.7 TFLOPS, which is adequate for casual gaming, older video games, and various everyday tasks. One of its standout features is the dedicated NPU that provides 45 TOPS of AI performance, making it suitable for Copilot+ functionalities. Thus, this new chip could bring significant improvements to the budget laptop market in India.

Tags: Qualcomm, Snapdragon X, Windows PCs
February 5, 2025

RISC-V Mainboard for Desktop and Laptop Configurations

Framework has recently launched its first RISC-V mainboard, but there’s an important point to consider about how it should be used. Last June, the company partnered with DeepComputing to announce the RISC-V Mainboard and then introduced it to an early access program five months later.

Availability and Usage

Now, anyone can purchase the RISC-V Mainboard as a drop-in replacement for AMD Ryzen or Intel Core mainboards that are meant for the Framework Laptop 13. Additionally, this new mainboard can be placed into a Cooler Master Mainboard Case, allowing for a desktop setup, which is priced at $39.

Specifications and Features

In essence, the RISC-V Mainboard has the same dimensions as the current Framework Laptop 13 Mainboards, but it includes four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports. Among these, two ports are capable of providing 60 W through USB Power Delivery, while only one supports DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode. Framework also mentioned in its blog that:

This board is primarily for developers to help speed up the growth of the RISC-V software ecosystem, so if you’re after a ready-to-use product for consumers, it might be better to wait for future offerings.

Pricing Information

As of now, the Framework Marketplace lists the RISC-V Mainboard at a price of $199. It’s interesting to note that the StarFive JH7100 processor is available for a much lower price in a Waveshare single-board computer, currently going for $109.99 on Amazon, and it comes with a wider range of ports. For more information, check out Framework’s official website.

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Tags: Framework Laptop 13
February 5, 2025

Lian Li Launches Lancool 207 & 217 PC Cases at 2025 Expo

Recently, Lian Li has been stirring excitement among its followers on social media by sharing sneak peeks of new cases, coolers, and other accessories. Now, the company has unveiled more information on what fans can look forward to during its Digital Expo on February 7th, 2025. At the forefront is the much-anticipated Lancool 217, which will come with options for wood trim. System builders should also keep an eye out for a digital variant of the Lancool 207 case, along with an updated Hydroshift II LCD 360R AIO cooler.

Lancool 217 Details

After missing its initial launch date, the Lancool 217 is set to make a return during the upcoming YouTube showcase. This Lian Li case aligns with the trend of wood PC cases, offering two distinct style choices. Customers can select from a black version with dark wood or a white variant featuring lighter wood details. To ensure optimal airflow, the case includes five pre-installed fans, which feature two front 170mm blowers and a couple of 120mm GPU fans that have reversed blades. While Lian Li hasn’t specified the exact availability, the starting price for Lancool 217 SKUs is $119.99.

Features of the Lancool 207

The Lancool 207 is a budget-friendly microATX case that provides plenty space for 360 mm AIO radiators and the longest Nvidia graphics cards. One of the case’s standout features is its front-mounted PSU shroud, which allows easy access to ports. Even though the affordable Lancool 207 might not seem like an obvious choice for a digital display, Lian Li plans to include a six-inch screen that will work with its L-Connect 3 RGB app. When it becomes available, buyers can expect to pay $109.99 for the Lancool 207 Digital.

Additional Cases and Coolers

At the 2025 Digital Expo, Lian Li will also showcase the Lancool 4 and the O11D Mini V2. Following the spacious modular Lancool 3 mid-tower, the Lancool 4 appears just as flexible. Owners have the ability to reposition the motherboard tray and PSU shroud around the chassis to accommodate up to a 12-fan cooling setup. Lastly, the O11D Mini V2 is a dual-chamber case that highlights components while keeping things organized with back-connect motherboard support.

Also making an appearance is the Hydroshift II LCD 360 AIO cooler, which now features a slimmer radiator. It boasts a 2.1-inch LCD screen and an ARGB light strip that can be partially controlled wirelessly.

Interested individuals can tune in to the Lian Li 2025 Digital Expo on YouTube, which begins at 9 am EST on February 7th.

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February 5, 2025

Apple M5 Starts Mass Production at TSMC’s N3P Node

Apple’s new chip for laptops and tablets, called the M5, has begun mass production. This means we can expect it to be available around mid to late 2025, probably with either an iPad Pro or a MacBook Pro. Unlike earlier reports suggested, it won’t utilize TSMC’s N2 node but will rely on the N3-based N3P instead. This choice should provide a 5% boost in performance and enhance power efficiency by up to 10%.

Improvements in Design

Even though it won’t feature TSMC’s cutting-edge N2 gate-all-around technology (Nanosheets), the Apple M5 will include several significant upgrades. Among these is the SoIC-mH (System-on-Integrated-Chips-holding-Horizontal) packaging, enabling a more compact design. Additionally, the new substrate design will permit more chips to be stacked vertically, making the architecture more efficient. The report also hints at the introduction of an Apple M5 Ultra chip.

Future Production Plans

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo hinted at the M5 Ultra’s production starting in 2026, signaling a comeback of the Ultra-branded chips from Apple after a two-generation gap. Kuo also mentioned that the Apple M5 will uniquely separate the unified CPU and GPU, which could be a strategic move to enhance AI performance—an area that has gained significant attention recently.

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Tags: Apple M5, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro
February 5, 2025

Aoostar GT37 Mini PC: AMD Ryzen AI9 HX, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7

Aoostar has introduced the GT37 Mini PC in China, which includes 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The price is set at 5,299 yuan ($728), and it is now open for pre-order on JD.com, with the official launch scheduled for February 20. Let’s take a look at its main features.

Aoostar GT37 Specs Overview

The GT37 is compact, weighing just 0.5 kg and measuring 112mm x 106mm x 60mm. It is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, built using Zen 5 architecture. This processor boasts 12 cores and 24 threads, with a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz and a maximum boost speed of 5.1 GHz. Additionally, it has the AMD XDNA 2 NPU architecture, which provides an impressive AI computing power of 50 TOPS, enhancing tasks driven by AI and overall system intelligence.

Graphics and Memory Performance

For graphics, the GT37 features the AMD Radeon 890M integrated GPU based on RDNA 3.5 architecture. It has 16 compute units (CUs) and runs at a GPU frequency of 2900 MHz, ensuring excellent performance for gaming, video editing, and AI tasks. The system is complemented by LPDDR5X memory clocked at 8000 MHz, which enables ultra-fast data transfer speeds, reduced latency, and better efficiency.

Storage and Connectivity Options

Storage is robust with dual M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, allowing for storage expansion up to 4TB. This offers users plenty of space and quick read/write speeds for large files and applications. The GT37 also includes a dedicated OCuLink interface, facilitating external GPU (eGPU) support without using the M.2 slots, maximizing expandability.

The GT37 is well-equipped for connectivity, featuring WiFi 7 and dual 2.5G Ethernet ports for fast and reliable networking. It offers USB4 with 40Gbps transfer speeds, several USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 2.1, which can support triple 4K displays at 120Hz and even 8K at 120Hz for enhanced multitasking and visual performance.

Design and Cooling System

The GT37 is housed in a sturdy CNC-machined aluminum alloy chassis with a stylish design. It also includes the Glacier Cooling 3.0 system, which features a VC vapor chamber heat sink and custom turbo fans, ensuring effective heat dissipation and quiet operation for sustained performance.

Earlier this year, the company also released the GEM 12 Max Mini PC, which features a Ryzen R7-8745HS processor, DDR5 RAM, and Wi-Fi 6.

Tags: AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370, AOOSTAR
February 5, 2025

Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Laptops with Intel Lunar Lake Processor

Lenovo has launched the ThinkPad X9 Aura at CES 2025, now equipped with Intel’s Lunar Lake processors. The 16-inch version is priced at $1,349, while the 14-inch model starts at $1,239. These laptops are currently available for purchase in the United States.

Changes in Design

The ThinkPad X9 moves away from the traditional ThinkPad look. The classic TrackPoint has been removed and is replaced with a substantial haptic touchpad. The keyboard now takes inspiration from Apple’s MacBook design. Additionally, the X9 sports a silver aluminum chassis, setting it apart from earlier ThinkPad models that were known for their black finishes.

Display and Performance

One of the standout features is the introduction of OLED screens in all variants. The 14-inch model begins with a WUXGA OLED screen (1,920 x 1,200, 60Hz, 400 nits), while the 15.3-inch version offers a sharper standard 2.8K OLED display (2,880 x 1,800, 120Hz, 500 nits). Inside the device, Intel’s Lunar Lake Core Ultra 200V emphasizes efficiency over sheer power. To ensure consistent performance, Lenovo has integrated an active cooling system with dual fans, unlike Apple’s MacBook Air which uses passive cooling. RAM is built into the processor, with choices of 16GB or 32GB, and users can upgrade storage up to 2TB using an M.2 2242 SSD.

Connectivity and Battery Life

In contrast to many ultrabooks, the ThinkPad X9 offers a variety of ports. The “Engine Hub” includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The 15.3-inch variant also adds a USB-A port. However, the absence of LTE and 5G connectivity could be a downside for business professionals who depend on mobile internet access.

The 15.3-inch model houses a more powerful 80Wh battery, while the 14-inch version features a 55Wh battery. Additionally, the larger variant comes with four speakers and an 8MP webcam, whereas the smaller model offers these as optional extras.

Tags: Lenovo, OLED screens
February 4, 2025

Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura: Premium Laptop with 2.8K OLED Display

The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura was introduced at CES 2025, and it runs on Intel’s new Lunar Lake chips. Unfortunately for ThinkPad enthusiasts, the X9 Aura ditches the cherished trackpoint, replacing it with a large trackpad similar to that of a MacBook, featuring haptic feedback. Interested buyers can get it now, with prices starting from $1,349 for the 16-inch model and $1,239 for the 14-inch version.

Display Features

The entry-level 14-inch ThinkPad X9 Aura comes with a 1200p OLED screen that doesn’t support touch. However, buyers have the option to upgrade it to a 2.8K, 120 Hz OLED touch display. Both screens claim to cover 100% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum. The larger 15.3-inch model is only available with a 2.8K, 120 Hz OLED display. Both laptops can be configured with an Intel Core Ultra 7 “Lunar Lake” processor with vPro and can hold up to 32 GB of LPDDR5X memory. The storage is user-upgradeable via an M.2 2242 slot that can fit up to 2 TB.

Additional Specifications

Among the other features of the ThinkPad X9 Aura are a hinge that opens to 180 degrees, an 80 Wh battery for the 15-inch model, and a 55 Wh battery for the 14-inch. It also includes dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and either dual or quad speakers depending on the model size. Additionally, it supports WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. While there’s no option for discrete graphics, the integrated Iris Xe2 iGPUs from Lunar Lake should offer sufficient performance for light work and some casual gaming.

Lenovo seems to be targeting the MacBook Air, which is currently priced at $1,004 on Amazon and is also expected to receive an update with the M4 SoC this quarter. However, the ThinkPad does have advantages over the MacBook Air in several important areas, such as the OLED display with touch capability, upgradeable storage, and active cooling. Ultimately, choices will depend on what users prefer and how they like to work.

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Tags: OLED display
February 4, 2025

Alogic Ark Pro 27,600mAh Power Bank: Affordable Anker Alternative

Alogic, a company known for its focus on IT accessories and electronic products, has introduced the Ark Pro, a new power bank that boasts a 27,600mAh capacity. This device can support charging at a maximum of 140W through its USB-C port, making it compatible with many USB-C and Thunderbolt laptops, including models like the MacBook Pro. Additionally, it comes with a USB-A port that provides up to 22.5W of power.

Innovative Features

In a similar vein to Anker’s latest offerings, the Ark Pro comes with a clip-on USB-C cable that can also serve as a carrying strap. There’s also a built-in display that shows real-time data about the charging status, how long it will take to recharge, the health of the battery, and its internal temperature. It bears a close resemblance to Anker’s Prime Power Bank, which has a nearly identical capacity of 27,650mAh and is available for $179.99 on Amazon.

Safety and Compliance

This power bank meets the regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ensuring that you can bring it on flights without any problems. It also includes several safety features to protect against thermal issues, over-voltage, and over-current situations.

Company Overview

Founded in 2010, Alogic is based in Melbourne, Australia, and is engaged in designing and manufacturing IT peripherals, consumer electronics, and mobility products. Their product line features USB-C cables and adapters, various charging solutions, and power banks.

The Ark Pro can be purchased from Alogic’s online stores, which serve customers in the UK, USA, Australia, and the EU. The pricing is set at £129.99, $149.99, AU$229.95, and €169.99, respectively.

Tags: USB-C Charging