Category: Computers

March 26, 2025
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i: Quiet Cooling with Key Compromises
Key Takeaways
– The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14 is a sleek, lightweight business laptop but sacrifices some features for its design.
– The laptop has a stylish aluminum body and a decent range of ports, but lacks an HDMI port and dedicated Page Up/Down keys.
– It features a stunning 120Hz OLED display and performs well in single-core tasks, although the Intel processor is not the best for multi-core performance.
– Compared to the Snapdragon version, the Intel model offers improvements like an enhanced webcam and Thunderbolt 4 support, along with a superior 2.8K OLED screen.
– Battery life is satisfactory, and competition includes Lenovo’s ThinkPad X9, which also makes compromises in its design.
We just took a look at the fresh HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14, a sleek and nicely built business laptop. Keeping up with the new naming system for the EliteBooks can be a bit tricky. The standard models are now called EliteBook X, while the EliteBook Ultra stands out as the top model in the updated range. However, to make it lighter, users will need to make some sacrifices and forgo certain features that are common in business laptops.
Design and Build Quality
The compact aluminum body comes in a stylish dark blue, leaving a good impression overall. It features a decent range of ports, but unfortunately, it lacks an HDMI port. When compared to the EliteBook X, you won’t find an optional smart card reader here, and the slimmer design also impacts the keyboard. The key travel is shorter, and the typing experience doesn’t quite meet the high standards usually associated with EliteBooks. Depending on what you like, this might be a significant drawback. It’s also worth noting that the dedicated Page Up/Down keys found on the EliteBook X are missing here as well.
Performance and Display
If these drawbacks don’t bother you, you’ll find a fast everyday laptop with a stunning 120Hz OLED display. Although Intel’s Lunar Lake processor isn’t the best for multi-core tasks, it performs reasonably well in single-core tasks. The integrated GPU is quick too, so you won’t face issues with regular office work. Additionally, the processor is designed for efficiency and is cooled by a dual-fan system, making this laptop super quiet, even when it’s working hard.
Comparison with Competitors
When you compare it to the Snapdragon-powered EliteBook Ultra G1q, the Intel version has quite a few improvements. Besides the enhanced webcam and support for Thunderbolt 4, it features the previously mentioned 2.8K OLED screen, which delivers excellent picture quality. In contrast, the IPS screen in the Snapdragon model is noticeably less impressive. The battery life isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s still satisfactory.
Lenovo is currently marketing a closely related business laptop, the ThinkPad X9, which also makes some compromises when compared to the more conventional ThinkPads. We’ve already taken a look at the 15-inch model and are currently reviewing the 14-inch variant. We’re looking forward to seeing how HP and Lenovo stack up against each other. In the meantime, feel free to check out our extensive review for all the technical specifications and details regarding the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14.
Tags: Business Laptop”, HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14, OLED display
March 25, 2025
AMD CEO Confirms Strix Halo Coming Soon to Desktops
Key Takeaways
1. AMD Strix Halo is being integrated into mini PCs from various brands, including Framework, Minisforum, GMKTec, and Sixunited.
2. AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su confirmed plans to bring Strix Halo to desktop systems, indicating a broader vision for the technology.
3. The compact design of Strix Halo makes it well-suited for mini PCs, allowing it to fit into diverse cases.
4. Strix Halo components are currently found in only a few laptops, specifically the Asus ROG Flow Z13 and HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a.
5. Strix Halo is a powerful component that can outperform Intel products and compete with Apple Silicon in certain tasks.
AMD Strix Halo has already found its way into several mini PCs from brands like Framework, Minisforum, GMKTec, and Sixunited. There’s also one from HP, but it hasn’t been listed anywhere yet. Recently, the General Manager of Asus China had the chance to chat with AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su, where they touched on Strix Halo.
AMD’s Future Plans
At about the 5:40 mark during the interview, when Dr. Su was asked whether AMD intends to bring Strix Halo to desktop systems, she confirmed, “Yes.” This indicates that AMD has a bigger vision for Strix Halo, aiming to provide it across various form factors. It’s expected that mini PCs will be its main application since the motherboard is quite compact, which enables it to fit into a variety of cases.
Desktop and Laptop Availability
The idea of Strix Halo making its way into more desktops is indeed exciting, yet it has been missing from laptops. Currently, the only devices utilizing Strix Halo components are the Asus ROG Flow Z13 and the HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a. It remains a laptop-worthy component that can easily outperform anything Intel has, and even compete with Apple Silicon in certain tasks.
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Tags: AMD Strix Halo, Asus ROG Flow Z13, HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a
March 25, 2025
New Starlink Mini Dish and Gigabit Satellite Internet Kit Coming
Key Takeaways
1. SpaceX is developing a new version of the Starlink Mini Kit with a more compact and portable dish.
2. Enhancements are planned for both the Mini Kit and the Flat High-Performance dish, including improved GPS functionality and better performance in poor weather.
3. The new Starlink Mini dish may be priced lower than the current $349.99 Standard Kit, with ongoing discounts available.
4. Upcoming improvements will increase download speeds to gigabit levels, potentially reaching up to 2 Gbps with the new V3 satellite constellation.
5. The new dish requires FCC regulatory approval, which may lead to faster Internet speeds for current users through dish aggregation.
SpaceX is currently developing a new version of its Starlink Mini Kit, which features a more compact and portable dish, making it easier to take anywhere.
Updates on Specifications
During a presentation at a Starlink vendor event, it was revealed that SpaceX plans to enhance both the Mini Kit and the Flat High-Performance dish. This dish enables satellite Internet access for moving vehicles even in poor weather, offering an improved field of view and enhanced GPS functionality.
Pricing Insights
The specifics of the new Starlink Mini dish are still not fully disclosed, but one of the key goals for this second generation is likely to reduce the price. Right now, it’s available for $100 off at Best Buy, although it is still significantly pricier than the Standard Kit dish, which retails for $349.99.
Speed Improvements Ahead
Even though the upcoming Starlink Mini dish might come at a lower cost, SpaceX is also planning to enhance the download speeds of its satellite Internet kits. At the vendor event, Starlink representatives stated that a new dish would deliver much faster gigabit-level Internet.
Future Developments
It remains uncertain whether they were referring to the upcoming refresh of the Flat High-Performance dish or a new product aimed at enterprise customers. Last fall, SpaceX announced plans to launch a constellation of V3 satellites, which will offer increased capacity per beam and achieve download speeds of up to 2 Gbps with reduced latency.
Regulatory Hurdles
The new gigabit Starlink dish must still go through the FCC for regulatory approval, where SpaceX is advocating for higher power limits and permissions to operate at lower altitudes.
If these regulatory changes occur, it could enable faster Internet speeds for current Starlink users through dish aggregation while they await the new dishes that will support wider bandwidth, taking full advantage of the forthcoming V3 satellite constellation for gigabit speeds.
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Tags: gigabit Internet, SpaceX, Starlink Mini Kit
March 25, 2025
Minisforum UM880 Plus: New Mini-PC with OCuLink eGPU Support
Key Takeaways
1. Minisforum has launched four new products this month, including the UM880 Plus mini-PC.
2. The UM880 Plus features an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS APU with Radeon 780M iGPU, supporting USB4 and OCuLink connections.
3. It includes 32 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and 1 TB of PCIe 4.0 storage, but no barebones option is currently available.
4. The UM880 Plus is priced at $649, with introductory discounts offering up to $130 off.
5. The mini-PC can be purchased on Amazon and through the Minisforum website.
Minisforum is quickly rolling out new gadgets, and this month is no exception. The company has unveiled four exciting products so far. To summarize, these include the BD790i, NAB9 Plus, along with the AI X1 and AI X1 Pro mini-PCs.
New Addition to the UM880 Series
Returning to the UM880 lineup, which saw its last update in August with the UM880 Pro, Minisforum has now launched the UM880 Plus. This new model comes solely with an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS APU. The Ryzen 7 8845HS packs a pretty capable Radeon 780M iGPU, and it also supports USB4 and OCuLink connections, allowing for the addition of an external graphics card. For a quick overview, here are the I/O specifications of the mini-PC:
Specifications and Features
If we look at the UM890 Pro, it suggests that the UM880 Plus might utilize one of its two M.2 2280 slots to include an OCuLink adapter. Presently, the mini-PC comes equipped with 32 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and 1 TB of PCIe 4.0 storage; at this point, Minisforum has not provided a cheaper barebones option.
According to the promotional details shared by Minisforum, the RAM will be delivered as two 16 GB SODIMM modules. On the other hand, the 1 TB storage will probably be limited to a single M.2 2280 drive. Right now, you can grab the UM880 Plus for $649. However, there are introductory discounts that can take as much as $130 off, giving you a 20% savings.
You can find the UM880 Plus available on Amazon and through Minisforum, as mentioned by ITHome.
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Tags: Minisforum, Ryzen 7 8845HS, UM880 Plus
March 25, 2025
Huawei Unveils eKitStor Xtreme 116P: 62TB PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD
Key Takeaways
1. Huawei’s eKitStor Xtreme 116P is a 62TB U.2 PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD with sequential read speeds up to 13.5GB/s.
2. The 116P offers a 2.4x performance boost, double storage capacity, and 50% reduced space usage compared to traditional HDDs, maintaining the same total cost of ownership.
3. Huawei claims the 116P is the “world’s first” U.2 PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD, but faces competition from SK Hynix’s Solidigm PS1012 U.2 SSD.
4. Huawei also launched the eKitStor Shield 200, a rugged mobile SSD for professionals, and the OceanStor Dorado 2020, an all-flash storage array for small and medium-sized businesses.
5. The OceanStor Dorado 2020 offers 20-80x better performance than hybrid flash storage, is 30% more efficient, and has a reliability rate of 99.9999%.
Huawei has introduced a new storage solution for data centers, known as the eKitStor Xtreme 116P. This device is a 62TB U.2 PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD that comes with really impressive specifications.
Design and Form Factor
The 116P uses the U.2 form factor, which is a 2.5-inch drive layout commonly found in enterprise servers and data centers. This design allows for high-density storage in a compact area. Its reliance on the PCIe 5.0 interface, the latest version of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express standard, enables it to offer much faster data transfer rates than PCIe 4.0. According to Huawei, the 116P can reach sequential read speeds of up to 13.5GB/s.
Performance and Positioning
Huawei is marketing the 116P as a substitute for traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) in all-flash storage arrays, claiming it provides a 2.4x performance boost, double the storage capacity, and a 50% reduction in space usage while maintaining the same total cost of ownership (TCO).
However, Huawei also states that the 116P is the “world’s first” U.2 PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD, but it faces competition. SK Hynix’s Solidigm brand released the PS1012 U.2 SSD late last year, which also features PCIe 5.0 and QLC NAND, with a maximum capacity of 61TB, making it a direct rival to Huawei’s new product.
New Product Offerings
In addition to the 116P, Huawei has launched two additional storage solutions. The first one, the eKitStor Shield 200, is a rugged, high-protection mobile SSD designed for professionals on the move, photographers, and home data backups. It boasts an aviation-grade aluminum chassis, military-grade durability, and sequential read speeds of up to 2,000MB/s.
For small and medium-sized businesses, Huawei has also introduced the OceanStor Dorado 2020. This all-flash storage array is aimed at demanding applications. Huawei claims it offers 20-80x better performance compared to similarly priced hybrid flash storage, while being 30% more efficient and having a reliability rate of 99.9999%. It can be set up in as little as 30 minutes and is said to be particularly beneficial for ERP or smart healthcare systems.
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Tags: eKitStor Xtreme 116P, Huawei Shield 200, OceanStor Dorado 2020
March 25, 2025
HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a with AMD Strix Halo Processors Pre-Order
Key Takeaways
1. The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is currently the only laptop available worldwide featuring AMD’s Strix Halo chips.
2. The HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a was unveiled at CES 2025 and features a high-end variant priced at $3,949.
3. The high-end ZBook model includes an AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 Pro, 128 GB RAM, and a 2 TB PCIe NVMe SSD.
4. More affordable versions of the ZBook Ultra 14 G1a are available with different Strix Halo APUs at reduced prices.
5. There is no information on shipping dates for the HP ZBook models, but they are available for pre-order.
While various OEMs have displayed a range of desktops featuring AMD’s Strix Halo chips, the only laptop currently available worldwide is the Asus ROG Flow Z13. At CES 2025, the HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a was unveiled with the same hardware, and now a listing on Connection, an IT solutions provider’s site, reveals potential pricing details.
Pricing and Specifications
The high-end HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a variant, equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 Pro, 128 GB RAM, and a 2 TB PCIe NVMe SSD, will cost a staggering $3,949. This price tag is over $1,000 more than a similarly equipped ROG Flow Z13. However, this is not surprising since it features a Pro-branded chip that provides additional enterprise-oriented capabilities.
Additional Models
More affordable versions of the HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a with different Strix Halo APUs, such as the Ryzen AI Max 390 Pro, Ryzen AI Max Pro 385, and Ryzen AI Max Pro 380, are also available on the website at reduced prices. Regrettably, there is no information about shipping dates for either model, but if it is already available for pre-order, it might not be long until it’s released.
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Tags: AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 Pro, Asus ROG Flow Z13, HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a
March 25, 2025
Asus Zenbook A14 with Snapdragon SoC and OLED Under $1000 US
Key Takeaways
1. The Asus Zenbook A14 is one of the first Zenbook models to use a Snapdragon SoC.
2. It features a premium aluminum build and weighs under 1 kg.
3. The laptop offers impressive battery life and quiet operation but has average processor performance and a 60 Hz refresh rate.
4. The Snapdragon experience on Windows has shown mixed results, especially in graphics performance.
5. The Zenbook A14 will be a timed exclusive at Best Buy in the US until at least the second quarter of 2025.
The Asus Zenbook A14 is now available for shipping in the US, marking it as one of the initial Zenbook models that use a Snapdragon SoC. This news comes shortly after Asus released several Vivobook models that also utilize similar ARM technology. The Zenbook A14 is distinct from the standard Zenbook 14, which relies on Intel Core and AMD processors.
Premium Build Quality
In contrast to the mentioned Vivobook models, the Zenbook A14 is designed as a more premium laptop. It features a sleek aluminum construction rather than plastic, and its weight is under 1 kg. In our detailed review of this laptop, we highlighted its impressive battery life and overall quiet operation. However, we noted that its processor performance left much to be desired, and its native refresh rate of 60 Hz was rather average. The Snapdragon experience on Windows has had mixed results, particularly regarding graphics, as the newer Lunar Lake and Zen 5 processors have shown strong competition.
Exclusive Availability
Frustratingly, Asus has announced that the Zenbook A14 will be a timed exclusive at Best Buy in the US until at least the second quarter of 2025.
Tags: Asus Zenbook A14, Best Buy Exclusive, Snapdragon SoC
March 24, 2025
Seneca Keyboard Launches at $3,600 with Advanced Engineering
Key Takeaways
1. Norbauer’s Seneca keyboard is priced at $3,600, significantly higher than typical tech accessories, including Apple’s products.
2. Founder Ryan Norbauer views the keyboard as a luxurious escape, emphasizing its extravagant nature as part of its appeal.
3. Each Seneca keyboard is meticulously crafted, with 682 custom-made parts and assembled by a single artisan for maximum quality.
4. The design blends mid-century modern aesthetics with influences from the ’80s and ’90s, reflecting a nostalgic optimism for the future.
5. While the Seneca may not be practical for most consumers, it aims to deliver an unparalleled keyboard experience for those willing to invest.
In a world where shoppers often hesitate at Apple’s $129 Magic Keyboard, luxury brand Norbauer has introduced a mechanical keyboard that completely flips the script on premium prices in tech accessories. The Seneca keyboard, debuting today, starts at a jaw-dropping price of $3,600, surpassing the cost of many high-end MacBook Pros and even Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
Founder’s Perspective
Ryan Norbauer, the founder, acknowledges the steep price might seem absurd:
“On paper, nothing about this makes any sense. It is over the top. Needlessly lavish. Exuberantly irrational. And that is the point.”
Instead of viewing the Seneca as just another typing tool, Norbauer sees it as “a sentimental escape hatch to a beautiful and better place — a world of sensual luxury, insane engineering, and forgotten visions of a glimmering future.”
Craftsmanship and Design
The astonishing price reflects an equally remarkable manufacturing process. Each keyboard takes hours of skilled labor, typically with one artisan managing the entire assembly. Every single one of the 682 parts, even the tiniest screws, is custom-made and “hyper-engineered from first principles for maximum acoustic, artistic, and tactile refinement.”
The key switches are a complete rethinking of keyboard technology. Taking cues from the elastomeric domes of capacitive keyboards that offer a “satisfying tactile snap,” the Seneca “reinvents and reengineers every component from the ground up.” The outcome is a mix that embodies “vintage character” paired with insights from what “21st-century keyboard enthusiasts have learned can make keyboards sound and feel uniquely pleasurable.”
Aesthetic Inspirations
Visually, the Seneca blends mid-century modern design features with nods to the ’80s and ’90s. Norbauer clarifies this design choice as a way to capture “nostalgic optimism for the future.”
These periods witnessed incredible leaps in aerospace, energy, computing, and communication technologies, along with a strong belief in the inevitability of cultural progress, economic growth, and liberalization. “The Seneca is my middle finger to the aesthetic homogeneity and economic over-optimization of 21st-century life,” says Ryan Norbauer.
For the majority of consumers, the Seneca will likely be a point of intrigue rather than a feasible buy. However, for those few willing to invest supercomputer-level amounts in a typing tool, Norbauer provides what could be the ultimate keyboard experience.
Source:
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Tags: luxury tech accessories, Norbauer, Seneca Keyboard
March 24, 2025
Compal Adapt X: New Modular Concept Laptop Redefines Flexibility
Key Takeaways
1. The Compal Adapt X laptop features a hub method for modular design, allowing easy plug-in of components.
2. This design offers limited flexibility, as all I/O ports are combined into a single module that cannot be swapped independently.
3. Users can easily change the display, keyboard, battery, storage, and memory, with many modules functioning independently.
4. The display can serve as a mobile USB-C monitor, and the keyboard and trackpad can operate as Bluetooth devices.
5. The Adapt X is currently a concept, and its commercial viability is uncertain due to potential weight and cost issues in modular designs.
The Compal Adapt X laptop first appeared after winning an iF Design Award. The firm behind it brought forth an alternative to the Framework Laptop that takes a different route to modular design. While Framework expects users to handle the installation and removal of components from the motherboard themselves, relying on their own screwdriver skills, Compal chose a hub method that lets users plug in components easily.
Limited Flexibility
This method is not as adaptable as the Framework’s system. For example, all input/output ports are combined into a single module, which means they can’t be swapped out independently. Still, the Compal Adapt X concept laptop is crafted to make it simple to change the display, keyboard, battery, storage, and memory. Interestingly, many of these modules can operate on their own without the laptop.
Independent Functionality
Take the display, for instance; it can act as a mobile USB-C monitor. The keyboard and trackpad can work as Bluetooth input devices, and the I/O module can also function as a standalone USB hub. This ensures that the chosen components can still be used even if the laptop encounters a problem. The Compal Adapt X is planned to come with a 14-inch or 16-inch display.
Currently, since the Adapt X is just a concept, it’s uncertain if this design will reach consumers. Modular designs often lead to heavier and pricier products, which may be why modular laptops, except for the Framework Laptop, haven’t seen much commercial success until now.
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Tags: Compal Adapt X, Framework Laptop, Modular Design
March 24, 2025
Dell Pro 13 Premium Review: Nearly Perfect with 90% Score
Key Takeaways
1. Skepticism Towards Terminology: Terms like “AI,” “Premium,” and “Pro” do not always guarantee better performance or quality in laptops.
2. Exceptional Performance: The Dell Pro 13 Premium stands out for its impressive performance in various tests, defying initial skepticism.
3. High-Quality Build: The laptop is made from 90% recycled magnesium, making it sturdy, compact, and lightweight, with notable design features like 180-degree hinges and an 8 MP webcam.
4. Effective Cooling System: Equipped with two fans, the Dell Pro 13 manages heat well, remaining cool and quiet during use, which is a significant advantage for a small laptop.
5. Strong Battery Life and Connectivity: With the Lunar Lake processor, the laptop boasts nearly 24-hour battery life and includes advanced features like two Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 7 support.
AI in a laptop’s name doesn’t guarantee it’s better or more efficient, just like the term “Premium” doesn’t always mean high quality or craftsmanship in every item. The word “Pro” also doesn’t necessarily signal professionalism or top-tier features. As reviewers with a lot of experience, we approach products labeled “Pro” or “Premium” with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Impressive Performance
The Dell Pro 13 Premium stands out as a noteworthy exception, not because of its questionable terminology, but because our doubts are mostly unfounded in this instance. This business laptop excels in nearly every test we conducted.
Solid Build and Features
Starting with the design, the casing is constructed from 90% recycled magnesium, which contributes to the Dell Pro 13 being very sturdy, compact, and lightweight. The build quality is remarkable, and the hinges that open to 180 degrees are quite impressive. Additionally, the high-resolution webcam features 8 MP for capturing photos, and video calls can be conducted in 1440p, with extra capabilities available for AI enhancements.
Advanced Cooling System
Unlike many other small 13-inch laptops, the Dell Pro 13 is equipped with two fans instead of one. This design choice helps prevent the common issue of heat buildup seen in many laptops, allowing the device to stay generally cool, and the noise levels remain very reasonable; the fans are mostly silent during light usage.
Thanks to the Lunar Lake processor, the Dell Pro 13 has significantly improved its battery performance: the laptop can now last nearly 24 hours at lower brightness settings, meaning Intel is finally competing with Snapdragon-powered devices in this area.
Connectivity and More
Other notable aspects of the Dell 13 “Premium” include its two Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 7 support.
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Tags: battery life, Business Laptop”, Dell Pro 13 Premium