Category: Computers

  • Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7: Over 24 Hours Battery Life with Qualcomm

    Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7: Over 24 Hours Battery Life with Qualcomm

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft Excel significantly enhances productivity across various sectors, leading to a demand for laptops designed for efficient number entry.
    2. The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 prioritizes productivity over premium features like high-quality speakers and bright displays.
    3. Strong CPU performance and impressive battery life are essential for productivity-focused laptops, which the Lenovo ThinkBook 16 excels in.
    4. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus ARM processor, the laptop offers solid performance and energy efficiency, achieving over 24 hours of battery life.
    5. With a price starting well under $1,000, the Lenovo ThinkBook 16 is an affordable option for users who heavily rely on Excel for extended tasks.

    Microsoft Excel plays a critical role in boosting productivity. Its extensive tables are vital for many sectors of the economy. This is why laptop makers focus heavily on this market, creating 16-inch laptops with a numeric keypad to speed up number entry.

    Overview of the Lenovo ThinkBook 16

    The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 perfectly represents this type of laptop. It’s clear from its design that it lacks certain features, such as high-quality speakers or a bright display with wide color range. These traits are not essential for a laptop aimed at productivity.

    Performance and Battery Life

    What’s crucial for such a device is strong CPU performance and impressive battery longevity. The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 QOY excels in both these aspects, as shown in our thorough evaluation.

    The laptop is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus ARM processor, which delivers solid performance, particularly evident during native benchmarks. Additionally, this chip is remarkably efficient: its low energy usage paired with a substantial 84 Wh battery allows the Lenovo laptop to achieve over 24 hours of battery life.

    Ideal for Extended Use

    This long battery life is perfect for extensive Excel tasks. Users can comfortably work a full day, even with extra hours, using the Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 Qualcomm. Plus, it’s affordably priced, starting at well under $1,000 (available on Amazon). This laptop is ideal for those who prioritize efficiency and rely on Excel regularly.

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  • Lenovo ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1 Could Replace X13: Are 13-Inch Laptops Dying?

    Lenovo ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1 Could Replace X13: Are 13-Inch Laptops Dying?

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo is introducing the ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1, marking the first convertible model in the ThinkPad T series in 20 years.
    2. The older ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 is being phased out in favor of larger 14-inch models, reflecting a market trend.
    3. The new ThinkPad X13 Gen 6 will still be available in clamshell form for fans of smaller laptops.
    4. The larger models offer benefits like a bigger touchpad, wider keyboard, and better cooling, but may be heavier and bulkier.
    5. The shift away from 13-inch models is seen in other brands, such as Asus discontinuing their 13-inch ZenBook laptops.

    Not long ago, there was a big leak regarding Lenovo’s PC lineup for the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC). This leak revealed a lot about Lenovo’s offerings for the Barcelona event in early March, including many new ThinkPad laptops, which are part of Lenovo’s business laptop series.

    New Model Introduction

    One of the most exciting announcements is the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1. With this laptop, Lenovo appears to be introducing a convertible version of the ThinkPad T series for the first time in its 20-year history.

    Changes in Existing Models

    At the same time, it looks like an older model is being phased out. Previously, there was the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 2-in-1, which we recently reviewed as the X13 2-in-1 Gen 5, featuring a 13.3-inch display. This model is absent in the leak, suggesting that Lenovo is moving away from it in favor of the larger 14-inch option. This aligns with a broader trend in the market; for instance, Asus has also stopped producing ZenBook laptops with 13-inch displays, opting instead for 14-inch models.

    What’s Next for ThinkPad Fans

    Fortunately, Lenovo is not making such drastic changes. Those who prefer the smaller ThinkPads can be reassured that the leak also mentioned the new Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 6, although only in its clamshell form. The removal of the convertible model would mark the end of a well-established tradition, as the first ThinkPad X series convertible launched back in 2005.

    The benefits of the larger model, aside from the increased screen size, include a more spacious touchpad and a wider keyboard, along with additional space for the cooling system and battery. However, this could lead to a larger overall size, and the weight of the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1 may also be greater compared to the X13 2-in-1.

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  • EndeavourOS 2025.02.08: Firefox 135, Dark Theme, Tweaks & Fixes

    EndeavourOS 2025.02.08: Firefox 135, Dark Theme, Tweaks & Fixes

    Key Takeaways

    1. EndeavourOS 2025.02.08 Mercury is based on Arch Linux and uses Linux kernel 6.13.1.arch2-1.
    2. The new ISO includes a memory test feature for EFI boot and resolves issues with BIOS/Legacy installations.
    3. A dark theme is now the default across multiple desktop environments: KDE Plasma, Gnome, Xfce, Mate, Budgie, and Cinnamon.
    4. Key packages have been updated, including automatic dark/light wallpaper settings in Gnome and a refreshed Xfce4 theme.
    5. Installation options include offline and online methods, requiring 15 GB disk space, with the online version offering more desktop environment choices.

    EndeavourOS 2025.02.08 Mercury was officially presented yesterday, even though the version number hints at a release on February 8th. This distro, based on Arch Linux, utilizes the Linux kernel 6.13, or for those interested in specifics, 6.13.1.arch2-1. The latest ISO now includes a memory test feature for EFI boot, and any problems related to BIOS/Legacy installations have been resolved. Users can expect a dark theme by default across several desktop environments, including KDE Plasma, Gnome, Xfce, Mate, Budgie, and Cinnamon.

    Upgraded Packages and Themes

    Moreover, several key packages have been updated, and their version details are listed. Gnome now automatically sets both dark and light wallpapers, enhancing the user experience. The Xfce4 theme has also been refreshed to resemble the default Xfce layout more closely. Additionally, an issue within the installer that displayed duplicate entries in the EFI selection dropdown has been fixed.

    Installation Options and Requirements

    The ISO file can be downloaded from various mirrors located worldwide, which are accessible on the official page. Both offline and online installations require a disk space of 15 GB and a 64-bit dual-core processor. The offline installation needs only 3 GB of memory, while the online version requires 4 GB. A key benefit of the online installer is that it offers a wider selection of desktop environments—eight in total and one window manager, including Xfce, KDE Plasma, Gnome, Mate, Cinnamon, Budgie, lxQT, lxDE, and i3-wm, unlike the offline installer, which includes Calamares and KDE Plasma only.

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  • Lonestar Readies Freedom Lunar Data Center for Space Launch

    Lonestar Readies Freedom Lunar Data Center for Space Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lonestar Data Holdings successfully tested its Freedom lunar data center with the Intuitive Machines IM-2 Athena lander in preparation for a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission in early 2025.

    2. The Freedom data center will provide Resiliency as a Service (RaaS), offering global data backup and recovery solutions while minimizing risks associated with Earth-bound disasters.

    3. The lunar data center will validate the operation of a physical facility on the moon, including tests like transmitting the song “Children of Sky” from the Starfield video game back to Earth.

    4. Additional testing will include edge computing applications, Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs), and the use of an Automated Radiation Measurements for Aerospace Safety (ARMAS) sensor to monitor radiation levels.

    5. The solar-powered data center features innovative design elements, including 8 TB of solid-state storage, a PolarFire FPGA for processing, and an exterior created using 3D printing technology by architect Bjarke Ingels.

    Lonestar Data Holdings has completed a successful test connecting its Freedom lunar data center with the Intuitive Machines IM-2 Athena lander. This integration is part of the preparations for a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, which aims to deploy the first physical data center on the moon. Interested viewers can check out Lonestar’s presentation video available online.

    Advancing Resiliency as a Service

    The Freedom data center is set to introduce Resiliency as a Service (RaaS) for clients on Earth, offering global data backup and recovery solutions. By situating data centers on the moon, the risks associated with natural disasters, theft, and conflicts on Earth can be significantly minimized.

    Testing Capabilities from Lunar Surface

    The first data center will serve to validate the functionality of operating a physical facility on the moon for data storage and various enterprise needs, including non-disclosure agreement clients. Among the tests planned, the center will transmit the song “Children of Sky” from the popular Bethesda video game Starfield back to Earth. Gamers can enjoy the song by accessing the game, which is available for Xbox on Amazon.

    Exploring Additional Applications

    Additional applications related to edge computing will also undergo testing. Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs) will be examined as part of a project by Vint Cerf and the Solar System Internet initiative. An Automated Radiation Measurements for Aerospace Safety (ARMAS) sensor will be utilized to gather real-time data on radiation levels affecting the data center. Understanding this information is vital, as high-energy radiation in space can severely damage electronics and data storage devices without adequate shielding.

    Innovative Design and Specifications

    The solar-powered facility will be cooled naturally and equipped with 8 TB of Phison solid-state storage. The Freedom data center will utilize a PolarFire FPGA for processing tasks at the edge. Its exterior, made using 3D printing technology, was designed by renowned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels from BIG.

    Lonestar Data Holdings, Lonestar Data Holdings press release, Liberty Ventures on YouTube

    Lonestar’s Data Center is primed for lunar deployment: Intuitive Machines and Lonestar finalize testing and installation of the data center payload.

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    Lonestar Readies Freedom Lunar Data Center for Space Launch

     

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  • Lenovo Launches 4 Xiaoxin Pro 2025 Laptops with 2.8K OLED Displays

    Lenovo Launches 4 Xiaoxin Pro 2025 Laptops with 2.8K OLED Displays

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo has launched four new Xiaoxin Pro models, available for pre-order now, with sales starting on February 18th in China.
    2. The GT AI Yuanqi Edition features Intel Core Ultra processors, 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
    3. All models include a 2.8K OLED display with high brightness, color accuracy, and multiple eye protection certifications.
    4. The Pro 16 GT AI Yuanqi Edition offers dual PCIe 4.0 SSD slots, an 84Wh battery, and robust connectivity options including Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7.
    5. Pricing for the new models is not yet confirmed, while Asus has also launched the ZenBook 14 Air Snapdragon Edition, set to begin sales on February 14th.

    Lenovo has unveiled four brand new models of the Xiaoxin Pro, which are now ready for pre-order, with actual sales kicking off on February 18th in China. The series features the Pro 14/16 GT AI Yuanqi Edition as well as the Pro 14/16 2025 Core Edition.

    Specifications of the GT AI Yuanqi Edition

    The GT AI Yuanqi Edition is equipped with either Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or Ultra 9 185H processors, along with 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. Meanwhile, the standard Pro 14/16 models come with a Core 5 120H processor (which is comparable to the i5-13500H) and includes 24GB of DDR5 RAM. All variants showcase a 2.8K OLED “SSR Starry Comfort Screen” (available in 14 or 16 inches) that boasts a peak brightness of 1100 nits, 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, ∆E<1 color accuracy, DisplayHDR True Black 1000 certification, variable refresh rates ranging from 30 to 120Hz, full-spectrum dimming, and three certifications for eye protection.

    Additional Features and Connectivity

    For the Pro 16 GT AI Yuanqi Edition, it comes with two PCIe 4.0 SSD slots (one 2242 and one 2280), an 84Wh battery, and is built with a magnesium-aluminum chassis that weighs 1.72kg. The connectivity options include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, an SD card reader, and Wi-Fi 7. Security is enhanced with an FHD infrared camera that has a privacy shutter, along with a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor. The standard models, however, do not include dual SSD slots and have reduced memory capacity.

    As stated earlier, pre-orders are currently open, with the official sales beginning on February 18th. Pricing details are still pending confirmation.

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  • Gigabyte GB-BRU5-225H Mini-PC: Intel Ultra 5 CPU Unveiled

    Gigabyte GB-BRU5-225H Mini-PC: Intel Ultra 5 CPU Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Gigabyte GB-BRU5-225H is a compact PC powered by an Intel 14-core Core Ultra 5 225H processor, designed for creators and professionals.
    2. It supports up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM and includes a neural processing unit (NPU) for AI tasks, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
    3. The mini-PC features multiple connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, and a 2.5 GbE Ethernet port, allowing support for up to four monitors.
    4. It is compatible with Wi-Fi 6E and has a VESA mountable chassis with a Kensington lock slot for added security.
    5. Gigabyte also announced two new QD-OLED monitors, the AORUS FO27Q5P and GIGABYTE MO27U2, aimed at gamers and professionals with high refresh rates and color accuracy.

    Gigabyte has released the GB-BRU5-225H, a compact PC that is powered by Intel’s 14-core Core Ultra 5 225H processor. This device measures 112.6 x 119.4 x 34.4 mm and is aimed at creators, professionals, and home users who require more than simple computing solutions.

    Performance and Specifications

    The Core Ultra 5 225H features a neural processing unit (NPU) to handle AI tasks and can support up to 96 GB of DDR5-6400 MHz SODIMM RAM across two slots, allowing for efficient multitasking and heavy workloads.

    This mini-PC comes with three M.2 slots: two slots compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA for NVMe SSDs and one pre-installed 2230 slot with Intel’s Wi-Fi 6E AX210 (Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3).

    Connectivity Features

    For connectivity, it has a Thunderbolt 4 port (40 Gbps, dual 8K display output, 100W power delivery), two HDMI 2.1 ports, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port (with DisplayPort Alt Mode), front-facing USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and a 2.5 GbE Ethernet port. It can support up to four monitors and offers high-speed networking capabilities.

    The GB-BRU5-225H is compatible with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 GbE LAN, with performance depending on the network setup. The chassis allows for VESA mounting behind displays and features a Kensington lock slot. Additionally, the USB-C port can also serve as a power input, helping to minimize cable mess. Gigabyte has yet to disclose the pricing or availability of this model.

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    Gigabyte GB-BRU5-225H Mini-PC: Intel Ultra 5 CPU Unveiled
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  • Asus ZenBook 14 Air Snapdragon Edition Launches Feb 14 with 22hr Battery

    Asus ZenBook 14 Air Snapdragon Edition Launches Feb 14 with 22hr Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ZenBook 14 Air with Snapdragon processor is available for pre-order in China, launching on February 14th, starting at 7499 yuan (discounted to 5999 yuan).
    2. It features a lightweight design at 960g, made from ceramic aluminum, and offers a long battery life of up to 22 hours with a 70Wh battery.
    3. The laptop is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor, with an 8-core CPU, 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for efficient performance.
    4. It has a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and peak brightness of 600nits, along with dual 1080P + infrared cameras.
    5. Connectivity options include dual USB4 ports, a USB-A port, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack, plus built-in AI features for enhanced productivity.

    The Asus ZenBook 14 Air featuring the Snapdragon processor is now up for pre-order on JD.com in China, with a launch date set for February 14th at 10 AM. The starting price is 7499 yuan, but after discounts, it drops to 5999 yuan. This laptop is designed to be super thin and lightweight, boasting a long-lasting battery. It weighs just 960g and is made from ceramic aluminum, enhancing both its durability and aesthetic appeal.

    Specifications Overview

    When we talk about the core specs, this laptop comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor built using 4nm technology. It features an 8-core CPU along with a 45TOPS NPU AI engine, enabling efficient office tasks and seamless 4K video playback. With 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, users can expect quick responses and ample storage. The 70Wh battery is capable of lasting up to 22 hours, making it suitable for all-day use.

    Display and Features

    As for the display, the ZenBook 14 Air sports a 14-inch 2.8K OLED screen that has a resolution of 2880 × 1800. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, encompasses a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and peaks at a brightness of 600nits while also receiving TUV low blue light certification. The top bezel incorporates dual 1080P + infrared cameras, Dolby surround sound speakers, and sensors that adjust the screen brightness and color temperature automatically.

    Connectivity and AI Functions

    In terms of connectivity, the laptop includes dual USB4 (40Gbps), a USB-A port at 10Gbps, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring both expandability and high-speed data transfer. Moreover, it comes with a built-in AI assistant that offers features like document summarization, AI drawing, and image recognition, thus enhancing productivity applications.

    The laptop was also launched last September with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor.

    Asus ZenBook 14 Air Snapdragon Edition Launches Feb 14 with 22hr BatteryAsus ZenBook 14 Air Snapdragon Edition Launches Feb 14 with 22hr Battery
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  • Lenovo Legion, IdeaPad, ThinkBook, ThinkPad, Yoga Pro Updates Leaked

    Lenovo Legion, IdeaPad, ThinkBook, ThinkPad, Yoga Pro Updates Leaked

    Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC 2025) is coming up soon, taking place from March 3 to March 6 this year. Recently, Evan Blass has leaked what seems to be the main lineup of new devices that Lenovo is going to unveil next month in Barcelona.

    Recap of Last Year

    Just to remind you, Windows Report previously got similar insights during MWC 2024, where Lenovo showcased a range of ThinkBook and ThinkPad devices, including the ThinkPad x12 Detachable Gen 2 (currently priced at $1,595 on Amazon). From what Blass has shared on Twitter, it looks like the ThinkPad series will still be a major focus for Lenovo at MWC. Blass has already released images of ten new products that are expected to be featured.

    New ThinkPad Products

    According to our calculations, there will be five fresh ThinkPad products at MWC 2025, with three of them being 14-inch laptops. The ThinkBook lineup will also see updates with new 14-inch and 16-inch models, alongside the Yoga series, which will introduce a 16-inch version of the Pro 9i Aura Edition. However, it seems that this isn’t the full extent of Lenovo’s plans for MWC 2025. It’s clear that Lenovo is also bringing along representatives from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm processor families.

    Conclusion

    In summary, with MWC 2025 just around the corner, Lenovo’s array of new devices is generating quite a buzz. Keep an eye on Evan Blass’s updates for more detailed information as the event approaches!

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  • Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX: Fastest Laptop Processor on PassMark

    Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX: Fastest Laptop Processor on PassMark

    An Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor has recently undergone testing on PassMark, showcasing exceptional performance across the entire CPU test suite. This new laptop chip has taken the lead in the CPU Mark rankings for mobile processors with an impressive score of 61,010, which is +6.83% higher than the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3D. The specific laptop used for testing this 24-core powerhouse has not been disclosed, but it is rumored to be associated with high-performance models such as the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16, Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10, and the MSI Vector 16 HX AI.

    Single Thread Performance Insights

    Despite its remarkable performance, the Core Ultra 9 275HX has not yet claimed the top spot for single thread performance, which is typically a strong suit for Intel. Competing Apple chips, such as the M3 Max 16 Core, M3 Max 14 Core, M3 Pro 11 Core, and M3 8 Core, have kept the Arrow Lake-HX chip from reaching the top of the rankings. These Apple processors appear to be specifically tuned for this type of benchmark test, even surpassing their M4 successors. Nevertheless, only one sample has been tested, suggesting that the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX still has the potential to disrupt the current standings.

    Multi-Core Performance Comparison

    As many PC fans are aware, AMD places a strong emphasis on multi-core processing capabilities, so it’s no surprise that the Intel chip, which can reach 5.4 GHz, leads the single thread performance rankings against the Ryzen 9 7945HX3D. The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX boasts a significant +16.4% advantage over AMD’s contender, and it maintains a +13.9% lead over the closest AMD competitor in this benchmark, the awkwardly named Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375. In terms of performance improvement, the Core Ultra 9 275HX shows a robust +33.7% increase over the Core i9-14900HX, which is found in laptops like the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9, as indicated in the CPU Mark test suite.

    Conclusion

    Overall, the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX stands out in its early testing, although it still faces stiff competition in certain areas. The ongoing developments in CPU technology promise exciting advancements for both Intel and AMD in the near future.

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    Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX: Fastest Laptop Processor on PassMarkIntel Core Ultra 9 275HX: Fastest Laptop Processor on PassMark

     

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  • Honor MagicBook X14 Pro 2025: Ultra-Light 3.1K Laptop Launch

    Honor MagicBook X14 Pro 2025: Ultra-Light 3.1K Laptop Launch

    Honor is reportedly working on a new 14-inch laptop that could share the same lightweight and slim design as the current MagicBook X14 Plus 2025, which measures 15.9mm in thickness and weighs 1.34kg.

    Features and Specs

    This upcoming model is expected to include the Multi-Screen Collaboration feature, enabling users to connect their Magic7 Pro smartphone to share screens. It may also come equipped with an Intel Core 200H-series processor, enhancing its performance capabilities.

    Display Upgrade

    However, the anticipated laptop might feature a display with a resolution of 3.1K, an improvement from the 2.8K resolution found in the Plus model and the 2.2K resolution of the earlier MagicBook X 14 Pro 2023. The screen is expected to provide “professional” color accuracy along with new “Oasis” eye health benefits.

    Design and Launch

    The leak regarding the “MagicBook X14 Pro 2025” suggests it may be available in a white color option, in addition to the existing Light Sea Blue and Starry Sky Gray colors of the Plus. It is also believed to maintain Honor’s strong focus on performance tuning and battery longevity, as mentioned by the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, and is expected to be revealed “soon.”

    Considering its features and price point of around ~$1,100, the “X14 Pro 2025” could serve as an attractive alternative to the MacBook Air, particularly in markets like China in the near future.

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