Category: Computers

July 12, 2024
World’s First Laptop with 4320Hz PWM Dimming OLED Display
Honor has introduced the latest model in its MagicBook series, the Honor MagicBook Art 14, during a press conference today. This ultrathin AI-powered PC is designed for users who need both portability and high performance. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Honor MagicBook Art 14 Specifications
The design is a standout feature of this laptop, as suggested by its name. Constructed from aerospace-grade materials, the MagicBook Art 14 is exceptionally lightweight at just 1.03kg (2.27 lbs) and measures only 1cm in thickness.
Despite its slim build, the laptop houses a 60Wh battery capable of delivering up to 9.5 hours of use on a single charge. It also offers a variety of I/O ports, including Thunderbolt 4, full-function USB-C, USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The laptop boasts a 14-inch OLED touchscreen display with a 3.1K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen can reach a peak brightness of 700 nits and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut for precise color accuracy.
One of its most remarkable features is that it’s the first laptop globally to incorporate 4320Hz ultra-high frequency PWM dimming technology, which helps reduce screen flickering and eye strain.
Performance Choices and AI Features
The MagicBook Art 14 offers two processor options: Intel Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7. Despite its ultrabook form factor, it includes dual fans for effective heat dissipation. Memory options go up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
Honor also integrates a suite of AI features in the MagicBook Art 14. These include AI smart search, AI knowledge Q&A, AI document summary, and AI-powered audio and video capabilities like scene recognition, sound object separation, background noise elimination, and two-way noise reduction.
For added security, the laptop features a “Smart Eye” magnetic camera, allowing users to physically cover the camera when not in use. The audio setup includes six professional-grade speakers enhanced by Honor’s proprietary spatial audio algorithms.
Price and Availability
The MagicBook Art 14 comes in two color choices: Sunrise Impression and Summer Olive. The starting price is 7,999 yuan ($1,105) for the Intel Core Ultra 5 model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. There’s also a 32GB memory variant with the same configuration, priced at 8,499 yuan ($1,170).
For those opting for the Core Ultra 7 model, it comes in a single 32GB/1TB configuration, priced at 9,499 yuan (~$1,310). The laptop is available for purchase on Honor’s official website in China.
Tags: Generative AI Features, Honor MagicBook Art 14, Ultrabook
July 12, 2024
Microsoft Unveils New Surface & Surface Pro Laptops in India
Microsoft has officially launched the 7th Edition Surface and 11th Edition Surface Pro laptops in India. These devices come equipped with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors, and they include Copilot+ support. Although the new Surface series was initially announced in May, it is now making its way to the Indian market.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition
The Surface Pro (2024) represents the latest high-end laptop from the American tech company. It features a 2-in-1 design with a detachable Surface Pro Flex Keyboard. Additionally, it offers a customizable haptic touchpad and built-in pen storage. The laptop is powered by either the Snapdragon X Elite or Snapdragon X Plus, along with the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU. According to Microsoft, the 11th Edition Surface Pro is 90 percent faster than the Surface Pro 9.
These processors are coupled with up to 32GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 1TB of removable Gen 4 SSD storage. For connectivity, the laptop includes two USB 4 ports (supporting up to three external 4K displays), WiFi 7, optional 5G support, and Bluetooth 5.4. It features a 13-inch display that can be upgraded to an OLED panel with HDR support. The device runs Windows 11 Home out of the box.
In terms of cameras, there’s a 10-megapixel rear camera and a quad HD front camera with AI effects. The audio setup includes 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. The Surface Pro is powered by a 39W power supply but also supports up to 65W charging. Notably, Microsoft has used 72 percent recycled materials and replaceable components in the manufacturing of this notebook.
Microsoft Surface 7th Edition
The Surface 7th Edition laptop is available with either a 13.8-inch or 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision IQ, and Adaptive Color technology. Inside, these devices are equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite or Snapdragon X Plus chips, along with the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU. On a full charge, Microsoft claims up to 22 hours of battery life for the 15-inch model and up to 20 hours for the 13.8-inch version.
Similar to the Surface Pro, this laptop also supports up to three external 4K displays. The processors are paired with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of removable Gen 4 SSD storage. The 13.8-inch variant comes with a 39W adapter, while the 15-inch version includes a 65W adapter. The front of the device houses a Full HD Surface Studio Camera with AI effects, complemented by Omnisonic Speakers and Dolby Atmos.
Pricing and Availability
Both Surface variants come with Copilot+ PC features, accessible via a dedicated key on their keyboards. Pre-orders for the new Surface laptops are now live through retailers like Amazon, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, and Croma. Here are the available configurations and their prices:
Surface Pro 11th Edition
- Snapdragon X Plus (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD): 116,999 INR
- Snapdragon X Plus (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD): 134,999 INR
- Snapdragon X Elite (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, OLED): 165,999 INR
- Snapdragon X Elite (16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, OLED): 185,999 INR
- Snapdragon X Elite (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, OLED): 237,999 INR
Surface Laptop 7th Edition – 13.8″
- Snapdragon X Plus (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD): 116,999 INR
- Snapdragon X Plus (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD): 134,999 INR
- Snapdragon X Elite (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD): 154,999 INR
- Snapdragon X Elite (16GB RAM, 1TB SSD): 175,999 INR
- Snapdragon X Elite (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD): 207,999 INR
Surface Laptop 7th Edition – 15″
- Snapdragon X Elite (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD): 142,999 INR
- Snapdragon X Elite (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD): 163,999 INR
- Snapdragon X Elite (16GB RAM, 1TB SSD): 183,999 INR
Tags: India release, Microsoft Surface Pro 11, Snapdragon X Elite Processor
July 11, 2024
Acer & Chuwi E10 ETBox Mini PC with Intel Core i5-12450H Launched
Tech giants Chuwi and Acer have collaborated to introduce the E10 ETBox, a mini PC powerhouse housed in a remarkably compact 2-liter chassis. This small yet mighty device features a robust 45W Intel Core i5-12450H processor with 8 cores and 12 threads, making it ideal for multitasking and even some light gaming. However, its standout feature is the capability to support up to three external 4K monitors simultaneously, turning your workspace into a multi-monitor productivity hub.
The Mini-PC comes with a whole variety of ports
Despite its small dimensions (measuring just 178 x 188 x 62 mm), the E10 ETBox offers remarkable expandability. It includes two SODIMM slots, accommodating up to 64GB of fast DDR5-4800 memory, ensuring smooth performance for demanding applications. Storage options are also abundant, with dual M.2 2280 slots. One slot uses a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface for ultra-fast storage speeds, while the other provides PCIe 3.0 x2 connectivity.
For seamless wireless connectivity, the E10 ETBox is equipped with a modern Wi-Fi 6 network card and Bluetooth 5.2. If you prefer wired connections, you’re in luck. The mini PC features an array of ports, including a Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) port for high-speed data transfer and video output, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports for peripherals, a legacy USB 2.0 Type-A port, dual HDMI 1.4 ports for additional displays, a DisplayPort 1.2 port, a 2.5 GbE network port for ultra-fast wired networking, a standard Gigabit Ethernet port, and dedicated 3.5mm headphone/speaker and microphone jacks for audio needs.
Additional Features
The E10 ETBox also includes a DC power input to keep it running. While a product page for the E10 ETBox is already available, details about its official release date and pricing have yet to be disclosed.
Tags: Intel Core i5-12450H, Mini-PC
July 10, 2024
Keychron B6 Pro Wireless Keyboard Launches in China at 302 Yuan
Keychron’s B6 Pro wireless keyboard, which debuted internationally in May, is now available in China. This full-sized keyboard features a scissor-switch mechanism and is offered in black-and-white color schemes. Users can modify various settings using a specialized web driver.
Battery and Performance
The keyboard is equipped with an 800mAh battery, boasting an impressive usage time of up to 1200 hours. This longevity equates to roughly 8 months of use if typed on for 5 hours daily. The B6 Pro offers a 1000Hz polling rate when used in wired mode, which drops to 90Hz in Bluetooth mode.
Design and Comfort
Unlike Keychron’s other products, the B6 Pro does not use mechanical switches. Instead, it employs scissor-switch keys similar to those on laptops, giving it a sleek design with a front thickness of 5.2mm and a maximum height of 14.5mm. The keyboard also features a comfortable 3.2-degree inclination angle for ease of use.
Connectivity and Convenience
The B6 Pro supports seamless switching between wired, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth modes. It also allows users to quickly switch between Windows and Mac layouts. Weighing 623 grams, it comes with a silicone keyboard film for extra protection.
Pricing and Availability
The Keychron B6 Pro is on sale in China for 302 yuan (around $42 USD). Early buyers can benefit from a 10% discount, reducing the price to 271 yuan ($37 USD).
Tags: Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
July 10, 2024
T-Box Pro Mini PC with Intel N100 CPU: Compact Enough for One Hand
Chinese manufacturer Szbox has introduced the T-Box Pro, an ultra-compact mini PC that runs on an Intel processor. This mini-PC is now on sale and is intended for basic applications. It also comes with two Ethernet ports.
Specifications and Design
The Szbox T-Box Pro mini PC is designed to be extremely small, fitting comfortably in one hand. It boasts a respectable amount of RAM and includes USB-C and HDMI interfaces. The mini PC measures 7.3 x 7.3 x 4.3 cm and weighs 200g. It is powered by an Intel N100 processor with four cores and a clock speed of up to 3.4GHz. The Intel N100 CPU, released in 2023, is a suitable choice for the T-Box Pro.
Performance and Connectivity
This mini PC is ideal for light tasks and low-load scenarios. It can be effectively used for presentations, media playback, and other basic computing needs. It features 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM with a clock speed of 4,300 MHz. For storage, the T-Box includes an M.2 2242 SSD slot that supports both SATA and NVMe connections. While the RAM is not expandable, the SSD can have a capacity of up to 2TB. The T-Box Pro also includes a USB-C port, two USB 3.2 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports, along with an HDMI interface. The two Ethernet ports support a maximum transfer speed of 1 Gbit/s.
Pricing and Availability
The T-Box Pro is available in various model variants, with the starting price set at $145 (including import fees). It can be purchased from selected retail platforms, including AliExpress.
Tags: Intel N100 CPU, Mini-PC
July 9, 2024
Lenovo YOGA Pro 7 Ryzen 9 AI 365 Gets Korean Certification
Lenovo’s forthcoming laptop, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 7, also referred to as the Lenovo Yoga Pro 14s, has been spotted on the Korean Energy Agency’s website. This new certification has brought to light real-life images of the Lenovo laptop, which is equipped with the Ryzen AI 300 series processor.
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP9 bears a striking resemblance to the previously introduced YOGA Air 14s. Earlier, we shared Geekbench results for the same Lenovo laptop, which is armed with the Ryzen 9 AI 365 processor.
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7
Despite breaking away from AMD’s conventional naming scheme, the new Ryzen AI processors are highly powerful. The Ryzen 9 AI 365 offers performance levels close to those of the Ryzen 9 7940HS and Ryzen 9 8945HS. The Geekbench result we shared earlier is actually for the forthcoming Lenovo Yoga Pro 7, as the model number on the laptop matches the “Lenovo 83HN” model number listed on Geekbench.
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 – Lenovo 83HN
Another detail we know about the laptop is that it may come with either a 100W or 140W charging adapter, although this has not been confirmed yet. The Ryzen 9 AI 365 previously achieved a score of 2544 in single-core performance on Geekbench and 12745 in multi-core score. These results are quite promising in both single and multi-core performance.
Tags: Geekbench Database, Lenovo Yoga Pro 7
July 9, 2024
New Tech Cools GTA VI Processors Colder Than Outer Space
The ongoing revolution in artificial intelligence underscores the essential need for enhanced processing power. Fortunately, quantum computers, which are far more advanced than traditional ones, are becoming crucial in this landscape.
Quantum computers operate on the principles of quantum mechanics, unlike classical computers. Classical computers utilize bits (0 or 1) for data processing, whereas quantum computers employ quantum bits (qubits).
While this addresses the processing power dilemma, it introduces new challenges such as heat management. However, scientists have tackled this issue with an innovative cooling system that is colder than space itself. Here are the details…
Researchers Develop Ultra-Cold Cooling System
Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, who have been exploring new methods to cool quantum computers for a while, have succeeded in developing a cooling system that creates an environment colder than the depths of space for these systems.
In their experiment, they managed to cool a quantum computer processor to -273°C. This temperature is even colder than the average space temperature, which is about -270°C. But why do researchers need to cool the system so drastically?
As you may know, unlike current computers, quantum computers must be constantly cooled. However, you can’t simply attach a regular computer cooler and switch it on. The components performing quantum calculations, known as “qubits,” need to be kept as close to zero degrees as possible to prevent heat interference.
Practical Implications and Future Prospects
Considerable effort has been dedicated to ensuring quantum computers operate with maximum accuracy and efficiency. Interestingly, this revolutionary cooling system is constructed using standard computer parts.
This means the development did not cost millions of dollars, indicating that there are no significant barriers to its potential use in consumer electronics. As you know, while modern hardware is incredibly powerful, heat often prevents it from achieving its full capabilities.
Who knows, this system might soon be integrated into gaming consoles, PCs, and laptops. This could mean even my 1 kg MateBook X Pro could run GTA VI smoothly.
Tags: Quantum Computing
July 8, 2024
Lenovo YOGA Air 14s AI Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite Launched
Lenovo has started accepting pre-orders for its YOGA Air 14s 2024 AI-enhanced notebook, which promises outstanding battery life and superior performance.
Unveiled in June for the Chinese market, this laptop features the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor and offers a configuration of 32GB LPDDR5x memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 solid-state drive. Let’s delve into its main specifications.
Lenovo YOGA Air 14s Specifications
The Lenovo YOGA Air 14s is equipped with a 14.5-inch 2.9K OLED touchscreen that has a 90Hz refresh rate, 1000nits peak brightness, and covers 100% of both sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamuts. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 processor, built on a 4nm process, featuring a 12-core 3.4GHz Oryon CPU, and includes a Hexagon NPU capable of delivering 45 TOPS of AI computing power.
This laptop comes with 32GB of LPDDR5x memory, offering a bandwidth of 135GB/s, and a spacious 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. The chassis is made from a magnesium-aluminum alloy with a silk aluminum finish, measuring 12.9mm in thickness and weighing 1.29kg. It is available in Light Sea Shell and Cosmic Blue color options.
Lenovo asserts that the laptop can provide up to 24 hours of local video playback on a single charge. This is attributed to the power-efficient Snapdragon processor, a 70Wh battery, and Lenovo’s power management technology.
AI Capabilities and Additional Features
The Lenovo YOGA Air 14s is also equipped with significant AI capabilities. The built-in NPU offers 45 TOPS of computing power, which can be utilized by Lenovo’s Tianxi Personal AI Body (Xiaotian) to enhance creativity and facilitate daily tasks. The laptop supports Windows 11 AI features, including voice typing, real-time subtitles, and background noise reduction.
The laptop also includes a comfortable keyboard with 1.5mm key travel, a Dolby Atmos sound system with four speakers, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and three USB4 ports.
The YOGA Air 14s uses the YOGA Qiankun heat dissipation system with dual fans to keep the device cool and quiet. Lenovo claims that the noise level remains between 17-21dB(A).
Pricing and Availability
The Lenovo YOGA Air 14s is priced at 9999 Yuan ($1,375) and is now available for pre-sale on JD.com in China.
Tags: AI-powered laptops, Lenovo YOGA Air 14s, Snapdragon X Elite Processor
July 8, 2024
Aoostar GEM12 Plus Mini PC: 13th Gen i9, OCuLink & More
Aoostar has introduced its latest mini PC, the GEM12 Plus, in China, offering a compact yet powerful computing solution powered by the newest 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processors. This mini PC promises desktop-level performance in a small form factor.
Specifications of Aoostar GEM12 Plus
The GEM12 Plus offers two processor choices: Intel Core i9-12900HK and i9-13900H. These processors are ideal for intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming.
Equipped with a VC (Vapor Chamber) cooling system, the GEM12 Plus efficiently manages heat dissipation, maintaining a 75W power output for seamless operation even under heavy loads.
It supports dual PCIe 4.0×4 interfaces, accommodating two 2280 solid-state drives, allowing for storage expansion up to 2TB. Additionally, it can support up to 48GB of dual-channel DDR5 memory operating at 5200MHz, facilitating enhanced multitasking and smooth transitions between programs.
Connectivity and Design
In terms of connectivity, the mini PC includes a USB4 port with 40Gbps transfer speeds, ideal for high-performance peripherals or external storage. It also features a full-function USB-C port, dual 2.5G Ethernet ports for ultra-fast wired networking, and dual HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports, enabling the connection of up to four 4K displays simultaneously.
The device also includes an OCuLink interface, which allows for the connection of an external graphics card, significantly enhancing graphical performance for tasks like gaming or complex video editing. Unlike some competitors, the OCuLink interface on the GEM12 Plus does not occupy the M.2 slots, providing more flexibility in storage configurations.
For wireless connectivity, the GEM12 Plus is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
Compact Form Factor
The mini PC is designed to be compact, with dimensions of just 13cm x 13cm x 6cm and a weight of only 0.66kg, making it easy to place on a desk or mount behind a monitor for a space-efficient setup. Its body is crafted from CNC-machined aluminum alloy and finished with sandblasting and anodizing, giving it a premium appearance and feel. The system is powered by a robust 120W USB-C power supply, ensuring sufficient power for all its functionalities.
Pricing and Availability
The GEM12 Plus is now available for purchase on JD.com in China. Pricing begins at 2449 Yuan (approximately $336) for the barebones model featuring the Core i9-12900HK processor. Pre-configured options with RAM and storage can go up to 4499 Yuan (approximately $618) for the Core i9-13900H model with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage.
Tags: Mini-PC
July 8, 2024
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X Geekbench: 3401 Single-Core Score Revealed
The upcoming Ryzen 9 9900X processor has been recently spotted in the Geekbench database, revealing notable performance improvements. This 12-core, 24-thread CPU, built on the Zen 5 architecture, achieved a single-core score of 3401 and a multi-core score of 19756 in Geekbench 6.2.1. In comparison to the previous generation Ryzen 7900X, which recorded scores of 2925 for single-core and 17849 for multi-core, the 9900X exhibits a substantial performance boost of 16.3% in single-core and 10.7% in multi-core operations.
CPU Frequency Details
The Geekbench test was conducted on a system featuring the ASUS ROG CROSSHAIR X670E GENE motherboard. During the testing phase, the CPU hit a peak frequency of 5664 MHz and maintained an average frequency of 5654 MHz.
Specifications and Performance
The leaked benchmark data pertains to a Ryzen 9 9900X processor based on the Zen 5 architecture. This 12-core, 24-thread CPU includes 64MB of L3 cache, with a base clock speed of 4.4 GHz and a maximum boost clock of 5.6 GHz. The processor operates with a thermal design power (TDP) of 120W.
Tags: amd, Ryzen