Category: Computers

  • ThinkPad P1 Gen 7: 165Hz Screen vs. Battery Life Issues

    ThinkPad P1 Gen 7: 165Hz Screen vs. Battery Life Issues

    Screens with high refresh rates are really awesome. They make gaming feel much smoother, and scrolling the web is more fluid too. Lately, many high-end smartphones have included these high refresh rate screens, and now premium laptops are also starting to feature them. A good example of this is the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7, which we recently reviewed in detail. The laptop comes with a WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) LCD that supports a refresh rate of 165 Hz.

    Battery Life Concerns

    There is, however, a downside: quicker screens use up more power. This leads to decreased battery life. We put it to the test: with the display set at 165 Hz, the ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (which you can find on Amazon.com for $1,899) lasted for seven hours and 30 minutes during our Wi-Fi battery assessment (at maximum brightness). When we switched the refresh rate to 60 Hz, we saw an improvement. In this mode, the Lenovo laptop managed to run for nine hours.

    Dynamic Refresh Rate Missing

    The effect of the refresh rate on battery life could be less significant since Windows has a feature called Dynamic Refresh Rate. When this setting is turned on, the screen switches automatically between 60 Hz and 165 Hz, which helps save battery. Sadly, the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 does not support this feature. It’s baffling why Lenovo didn’t add this, as it seems like a simple way to enhance battery performance. Therefore, users are left to decide: a smoother experience or longer battery life—there’s no middle ground.

    In conclusion, the Notebookcheck review of the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 highlights these key aspects.

    Tags: , ,
  • Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Beats i9-14900K by 11%, Lags vs Ryzen 9 9950X

    Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Beats i9-14900K by 11%, Lags vs Ryzen 9 9950X

    Intel has recently introduced its Arrow Lake-S series of desktop CPUs, and true to Intel’s style, there are some unique features. This time, the x86 giant has opted for a focus on efficiency, claiming that its new lineup delivers performance similar to the previous Raptor Lake-R models while consuming significantly less power.

    Benchmark Leaks Surface

    As expected, benchmark leaks for the new series are surfacing online. A recent leak highlights the single- and multi-threaded performance of the top-of-the-line Core Ultra 9 285K in CPU-Z and Blender. For those keeping track, the results are both surprising and underwhelming, especially considering that the Arrow Lake-S series lacks hyper-threading support, which might upset some users.

    Performance Insights

    In a prior Passmark test, the Core Ultra 9 285K showcased notable improvements in single-threaded performance, easily taking the top spot. However, due to the absence of hyper-threading, the 285K struggled against last-generation offerings from both AMD and Intel. In the new CPU-Z benchmark leak, the narrative changes. The Core Ultra 9 285K shows an 11% gain in multi-threaded performance, although it still falls short compared to the 14900KS and 14900K in single-threaded tasks.

    Thermal Concerns

    Interestingly, the benchmark results indicate that the Core Ultra 9 285K reached temperatures exceeding 100 degrees C, suggesting that the CPU experienced significant thermal throttling. Nevertheless, it did achieve peak speeds of 5.5 GHz on its P-cores and 4.6 GHz on its E-cores. Whether there was more performance to be had is uncertain, but it’s known that an ASRock Z890 motherboard was used alongside 2 x 16 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and an RTX 4080 Super.

    Blender Results

    Turning to the Blender benchmark outcomes, the data shows that the Core Ultra 9 285K surpasses the i9-14900K by a notable margin of over 14%, yet it is clearly outperformed by AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X, which leads the 285K by nearly 7%. The specifics of the hardware used in these tests remain unclear, indicating that the results may not fully reflect real-world performance.

    momomo_us, 9550pro via Twitter

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Core Ultra 7 265K Beats Ryzen 9 9950X, Outperforms i7-14700K

    Core Ultra 7 265K Beats Ryzen 9 9950X, Outperforms i7-14700K

    Reviews for the Intel Core Ultra 200S “Arrow Lake” CPUs is set to be released on October 24th. However, even before the reviews are officially published, details about the performance of the Core Ultra 200S chips have been leaking consistently. For example, it seems that the top-tier Core Ultra 9 285K will probably not surpass the performance of the Core i9-14900K in gaming scenarios.

    New Benchmark Findings

    Adding to the collection of Arrow Lake information, there’s a new benchmark result for the Core Ultra 7 265K. Recently, Intel’s 20-core Core Ultra 7 265K was listed on the SiSoftware website, showing performance that outshines the Ryzen 9 9950X.

    The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K scored an average of 841.50 GOPS in the "Processor Arithmetic" test from SiSoftware. This score is approximately 2% higher than the Ryzen 9 9950X’s score of 828.40, 4.4% quicker than the Core i9-14900KS, and 6.2% faster than the Zen 4 Ryzen 9 7950X.

    Performance Comparison

    When comparing it with the previous generation Core i7-14700K, the Core Ultra 7 265K shows a considerable improvement of 29%. This is quite fascinating since both CPUs have the same number of cores, but the Core Ultra 7 265K has only 20 threads compared to the 28 threads in the Core i7-14700K (Available on Amazon).

    In other words, Intel seems to have fulfilled its promise of a greater than 15% boost in multithreaded performance from generation to generation, and the absence of hyperthreading does not appear to hinder the performance of the Core Ultra 200 Arrow Lake-S CPUs.

    Marketing Strategy Insights

    Thanks to a leaked slide, it’s evident that the Core Ultra 9 285K will lag behind the Zen 5 CPUs in gaming, a trend that might persist until Panther Lake debuts next year. So, what’s Intel’s game plan for promoting the Arrow Lake CPUs to buyers?

    In their launch communication, Intel mainly promotes the Core Ultra 200 CPUs as superior productivity chips that consume 50% less power than their 14th-generation counterparts and operate cooler. The company is also heavily emphasizing the “AI” aspect, claiming a doubling of throughput.

    Overall, gamers seeking the highest performance may find this Intel generation disappointing. However, for others, the Arrow Lake chips could prove to be solid options.

    Buy the Intel Core i9-14900K on Amazon

    @momomo_us on X, SiSoftware, Teaser image: Intel, Aditya Doula on Unsplash, edited

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Lenovo ThinkPad T14s G6: Affordable Snapdragon X Plus, OLED, 5G

    Lenovo ThinkPad T14s G6: Affordable Snapdragon X Plus, OLED, 5G

    It’s not often that we see a laptop reach an impressive 22-hour battery life during our Wi-Fi testing. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, which you can find on Amazon.com for $1,899, hit this milestone. In our detailed review, the device ran for precisely 22 hours and 29 minutes while executing our web-browsing script at a screen brightness of 150 cd/m². As expected, the battery performance turned out to be the standout feature of this sleek black laptop for typical office tasks.

    Limited Options at Launch

    When the T14s Gen 6 was released, it faced criticism due to its limited configurations. Initially, it came with just one screen option, a sole processor, and lacked the anticipated 5G connectivity. However, Lenovo has recently improved this situation by introducing additional choices for the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, particularly the Qualcomm variant.

    New Processor Choices

    The most surprising addition is the availability of the Lenovo ThinkPad with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100. This Snapdragon X Plus 8 Core CPU, unveiled at IFA, can match the impressive battery life of the X Elite chips, although it does provide slightly lower performance because it has four fewer cores. Nonetheless, it presents an appealing option for those prioritizing battery longevity while also looking to cut costs. Opting for the X Plus at Lenovo.com can save you $60. Furthermore, this configuration allows users to select 16 GB of RAM instead of 32 GB, which helps lower the initial cost. With 16 GB RAM, a 256 GB SSD, and the Snapdragon X Plus, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 starts at $1,036, a significant drop from its original base price exceeding $2,000 when it debuted in June 2024.

    Premium Upgrades Available

    On the higher end of the scale, there are two new premium options: a 2.8K (2,880 x 1,800) OLED display that supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and the Quectel RM520N-GL 5G Sub6 card. This makes the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 the first and currently only Snapdragon X laptop to feature 5G connectivity. Both upgrades come with a steep price tag: adding OLED costs $315 in the Lenovo configurator, while 5G connectivity adds another $298.

    Tags: , ,
  • Garmin G3000 PRIME: Advanced FAA-Certified Flight Deck Launched

    Garmin G3000 PRIME: Advanced FAA-Certified Flight Deck Launched

    Garmin has introduced its latest flight deck, known as the G3000 PRIME. This cutting-edge system features full-width, 14-inch touchscreen displays that are designed to be readable in sunlight. The screens are made with fingerprint-resistant glass and offer four times the memory of earlier models, along with gigabit connectivity that enhances responsiveness. The processing capabilities have more than doubled due to the incorporation of new multi-core processors, leading to smoother and quicker animations.

    Enhanced Display Features

    The G3000 PRIME comes with secondary display units that are 40% larger than those found in previous systems. This increase in size will significantly aid in situational awareness for pilots. Additionally, these secondary displays can function as backup flight instruments, minimizing the need for extra tools in the cockpit. Garmin has also equipped this system with a multi-touch interface, capable of recognizing up to 10 touchpoints at once. This feature is expected to improve usability for both the pilot and copilot, particularly during turbulent or challenging situations.

    Advanced Flight Management

    Moreover, the new system is packed with advanced flight management features, such as graphical previews of flight plans and Emergency Return capabilities. With enhanced connectivity options like PlaneSync technology, users can log data remotely and upload flight plans conveniently. The system supports communications with air traffic control through FAA Data Comm and Eurocontrol Link 2000+, ensuring streamlined interactions.

    Garmin has integrated several safety features into the G3000 PRIME, including Autoland, Smart Glide, and Electronic Stability Protection. The system has achieved FAA TSO certification, making it suitable for Part 23 turbine, military, and advanced air mobility sectors. Manufacturers are expected to announce the first aircraft equipped with the G3000 PRIME shortly, according to Garmin.

    Garmin via PR Newswire.

    Image 1
    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Intel Core i3 N350 Benchmark Shows Modest Integrated Graphics

    Intel Core i3 N350 Benchmark Shows Modest Integrated Graphics

    A recent Geekbench 5 OpenCL score for Intel’s upcoming Core 3 N350 processor has emerged on X, offering us a glimpse into its potential graphics capabilities. It appears that the N350 will be utilizing Intel’s previous generation integrated graphics technology.

    Graphics Performance Overview

    The GPU of the N350 achieved a score of 6,191 points in the benchmark test. To give you a better perspective, here’s how it compares to several other graphics solutions:

    It’s important to note that these are preliminary benchmarks, meaning the ultimate performance might differ. Additionally, synthetic benchmarks don’t always accurately reflect the real-world experience of using the hardware.

    Implications for Core 3 CPUs

    If these scores hold true, they indicate that the Core 3 CPUs may deliver mediocre graphics performance, a contrast to Intel’s Core Ultra series, which features more advanced graphics and includes built-in Neural Processing Units (NPUs).

    The absence of an NPU in the Core 3 lineup might not be a significant concern for many users. However, if the graphics performance genuinely falls short, it could deter budget-conscious individuals in need of satisfactory integrated graphics.

    TomsHardware (in English) via @BenchLeaks (in English)

    Tags: , ,
  • UCL Research Sets Wireless Speed Record at 938 Gb/s, 9,400x Faster

    UCL Research Sets Wireless Speed Record at 938 Gb/s, 9,400x Faster

    Researchers at UCL have made a significant breakthrough in wireless data transfer, achieving an impressive speed of 938 Gigabits per second (Gb/s) within a frequency range of 5–150 Gigahertz (GHz). This remarkable speed is almost 9,400 times quicker than the average 5G download speed in the UK, which stands at 100 Megabits per second (Mb/s). The findings are detailed in the Journal of Lightwave Technology, where they reveal that the team has surpassed previous records in wireless transmission by using a bandwidth nearly five times larger than what has been used before.

    Addressing Frequency Limitations

    Wireless networks usually work at lower frequencies, typically below 6GHz, which often causes network congestion and restricts data transmission speeds. The team at UCL tackled this issue by merging radio and optical technologies, resulting in a much more efficient method for sending data across a broader frequency range. This innovative approach opens up new possibilities for data transmission.

    Future Implications

    This technology is anticipated to be a major advancement in wireless communication by offering faster and more dependable connections for devices. It holds promise for enhancing Wi-Fi speeds in homes, improving mobile internet access in crowded areas, and aiding the development of future 5G and 6G networks. The implications of this research could transform how we connect and communicate in the future.

    Despite being in the experimental phase, researchers are already looking ahead to create a commercial prototype in the next few years, aiming to bring this technology to consumers and businesses alike.

    Conclusion

    With such significant advancements in wireless technology, the future of data transmission looks promising. By addressing current limitations and pushing the boundaries of speed and efficiency, UCL’s research paves the way for a new era in wireless communications.

    Published by IEEE Explore and highlighted in Interesting Engineering.

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Apple Gears Up for M4 MacBook Pro Launch with Increased Production

    Apple Gears Up for M4 MacBook Pro Launch with Increased Production

    Apple recently held the ‘It’s Glowtime’ event last month, during which they introduced the iPhone 16 series, new AirPods, and a new Watch. However, there were no new MacBooks or iPads shown at this event.

    Possible October Event

    There have been rumors online suggesting that Apple might host another event in October, where they could reveal the latest MacBooks and Mac Minis that come with the M4 chip.

    Even though Apple hasn’t confirmed this rumored event yet, it seems like the release of new MacBooks is on the horizon.

    New MacBook Pros on the Way

    A recent report from DigiTimes indicates that Apple is preparing to launch new MacBook Pro M4 models in October 2024, potentially providing a short-term uplift in the sluggish notebook market.

    The report pointed out that revenue reports from component makers like Jarllytec and Shin Zu Shing for September show an increase in shipments, thanks to Apple’s upcoming launch.

    Exciting New Releases

    Alongside the MacBook Pro M4, there are also claims about a redesigned Mac Mini M4. This mini PC is expected to be about the same size as an Apple TV and will feature USB-C ports.

    In case you haven’t heard, Apple announced the iPad Mini 7 yesterday. This device follows the iPad Mini 6 (currently priced at $379.99 on Amazon), which hit the market in 2021. Pre-orders for the iPad Mini 7 are now open.

    Tags: , ,
  • Infinix InBook Air Pro+: 3 Reasons It’s a Game Changer

    Infinix InBook Air Pro+: 3 Reasons It’s a Game Changer

    Just yesterday, Infinix revealed the Inbook Air Pro+ as its newest laptop along with the Zero Flip foldable phone. At first glance, it may appear to be just another lightweight laptop, but it’s a significant player in the market. Here’s why it could very well be the best notebook available for its cost.

    Stunning Display of the Infinix Inbook Air Pro+

    I got the chance to test the Inbook Air Pro+ during the launch event. One of the first things that stood out to me was its stunning display. The laptop features a 14-inch OLED screen that boasts a 2.8K resolution and a 100 percent sRGB color gamut, in addition to a DCI P3 color gamut. Positioned at the top of the display, the notch contains an infrared camera that enables Windows Hello facial recognition.

    This display guarantees sharp images and vivid colors. An OLED screen provides genuine blacks and a brighter viewing experience, making it perfect for enjoying your favorite films and videos. With a price of only 49,990 INR, it’s rare to find an OLED screen at this cost. But that’s not the end of the story; an OLED screen bundled with this laptop is another significant advantage. Let’s explore what else it has to offer.

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Exynos 2500 Geekbench: Unique CPU Setup, Weak GPU Performance

    Exynos 2500 Geekbench: Unique CPU Setup, Weak GPU Performance

    Even with increasing signs of the Exynos 2500’s delay, Samsung has yet to make a final decision about it and intends to do so shortly. We had a sneak peek at the SoC on PowerBoard, where its GPU displayed a solid improvement compared to previous generations. In contrast, its performance on Geekbench isn’t as striking.

    Performance Metrics

    The Exynos 2500 (s5e9955) achieved a score of 15,960 points in Geekbench’s OpenCL test. This score falls short when compared to the Exynos 2400’s Xclipse 940, which scored 16,946 points in the same benchmark. However, it’s worth considering that what we’re seeing might be a pre-production version, and the scores are likely to improve as development continues. The Xclipse 950 has a maximum clock speed of 1.3 GHz and features 8 WGPs (which equate to 16 CUs).

    CPU Architecture Insights

    We’ve also caught our first look at the Exynos 2500’s CPU configuration. Unlike its predecessor, which had a 1+2+3+4 layout, this new chip opts for a unique 2+5+3 arrangement. The two E-cores operate at 1.75 GHz, the five mid-tier cores run at 2.25 GHz, and the three P-cores clock in at 2.59 GHz. Naturally, these clock speeds are not set in stone and may be altered before the product’s official launch. When it comes to raw clock speed, the Exynos 2500 lags significantly behind competitors like the Dimensity 9400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (also known as Snapdragon 8 Elite), making it interesting to see how it will compete in the market.

    Geekbench

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,