Category: Computers

  • Fujitsu FMV Note U AI Laptop: 36-Hour Battery, Intel Lunar Lake, 1.85 lbs

    Fujitsu FMV Note U AI Laptop: 36-Hour Battery, Intel Lunar Lake, 1.85 lbs

    Fujitsu says that their latest FMV Note U is the lightest Copilot+ laptop in the world. Weighing in at just 1.85 lbs, it surely ranks among the lightest laptops available. Even with its slim design, the company has successfully incorporated a fairly sizable 64Wh battery, promising up to 36 hours of battery life when in idle mode.

    Battery Performance

    When it comes to watching videos, the battery life dips down to 15.5 hours, and it’s probably even less when using office applications or browsing the internet. Given its incredibly light weight, this super thin Windows laptop still offers a significant battery alongside an efficient Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. This chip includes four performance cores that can reach boost speeds of up to 4.8 GHz, four efficiency cores, and the fast Intel Arc Graphics 140V. The chassis meets the MIL-STD-810H certification, indicating that it is quite robust and durable.

    Connectivity Options

    The ultrabook comes with a good variety of ports, which includes two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, a microSD card reader, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and even Gigabit Ethernet, which is uncommon in this weight category. Additionally, the FMV Note U supports Wi-Fi 7. The device features a 14-inch 16:10 IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, along with a fingerprint sensor and a 1080p webcam.

    Availability and Pricing

    Currently, the Fujitsu FMV Note U UA-K1 ultrabook is only sold in Japan. The base model, which comes with a Core Ultra 5 226V, 16 GB of RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage, is priced at ¥214,000 ($1,375). The top-of-the-line configuration features a Core Ultra 7 258V, 32 GB of RAM, and a 2 TB SSD, costing ¥332,800 ($2,139). Officially, Fujitsu’s notebooks are available only in Japan and the US, meaning that potential buyers from Europe will need to import the new FMV Note U.

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    Fujitsu FMV Note U AI Laptop: 36-Hour Battery, Intel Lunar Lake, 1.85 lbsFujitsu FMV Note U AI Laptop: 36-Hour Battery, Intel Lunar Lake, 1.85 lbs

     

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  • Morefine M6S Plus: Compact Intel N150 PC with Dual 4K Outputs

    Morefine M6S Plus: Compact Intel N150 PC with Dual 4K Outputs

    Morefine has introduced the MS6 Plus mini-PC, which is impressively small, even for mini-PCs, and can easily fit in your hand. It has dimensions of just 72 x 72 x 42 mm (2.8 x 2.8 x 1.7 in) and weighs only 190 g (6.7 oz). This little device comes with an Intel N150 processor. While it’s a current-gen chip, it doesn’t offer high performance. It has four cores that can reach speeds of up to 3.6 GHz, but it doesn’t support Hyper-Threading, so it can only handle four threads at a time. That said, it should work well for basic tasks like office applications and digital signage.

    RAM and Storage Options

    As is common in ultra-compact systems, the RAM is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded. The M6S Plus comes with a decent 12 GB of LPDDR5 memory that operates at 4,800 MHz. Instead of eMMC storage, this mini-PC allows for one M.2 2242 SSD with a maximum capacity of two terabytes, which can connect via NVMe (and thus PCIe) or SATA.

    Connectivity Features

    You can expand the storage using a microSD card if you need more space. The M6S Plus is equipped with an HDMI 2.0 port and a USB-C DisplayPort, allowing for 4K video output. It also has three USB 3.2 Type-A ports for connecting peripherals and a Gigabyte Ethernet port. Powering the system is done through a USB-C port, which requires a USB PD charger that is rated at 36 watts or higher.

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    Morefine M6S Plus: Compact Intel N150 PC with Dual 4K Outputs
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  • GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop Debuts on Geekbench with Razer Blade 16

    GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop Debuts on Geekbench with Razer Blade 16

    The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 for laptops has made its first appearance on Geekbench. It comes with the new Razer Blade 16, which features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and 32 GB of DDR5 RAM. However, this version isn’t showcasing its full potential, as indicated by its benchmark score.

    Performance Numbers

    The laptop variant of the GeForce RTX 5090 achieved a score of 91,063 in Geekbench’s OpenCL test. This score is significantly lower than the median score of 190,680 for the GeForce RTX 4090. The reason for this dip in performance is likely due to it operating at a reduced speed of just 1,500 MHz, which is considerably below its peak frequency. Although Nvidia hasn’t officially stated this, we can anticipate it to be slightly above the RTX 4090 laptop’s boost clock of 2,040 MHz.

    Testing Limitations

    However, it’s important to note that Geekbench isn’t the best benchmark for assessing GPU performance, especially when the GPU is evidently underperforming. It’s quite possible that the Razer Blade 16 is set to a power-saving mode. The listing also provides some important specifications of the GeForce RTX 5090, including 24 GB of VRAM and 82 Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs), which equals a total of 10,496 CUDA cores.

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    GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop Debuts on Geekbench with Razer Blade 16

     

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  • Apple MacBook Air OLED Delay for Improved LCD Model

    Apple MacBook Air OLED Delay for Improved LCD Model

    According to a report from Omdia Research dated February 2024, the MacBook Air was originally set to get an OLED panel upgrade in 2027, following the MacBook Pro’s upgrade by a year. However, recent information from The Elec’s sources indicates that these plans have been delayed: the OLED version of the MacBook Air is now expected to launch in 2029.

    Reasons for the Delay

    The main reason for this shift is the slow sales of the iPad Pro featuring the OLED display. Apple projected to sell 10 million units, but in reality, only 6 million units were sold last year. This shortfall is likely attributed to the high cost of the tandem OLED panel, which led to a higher retail price. To fill the gap until the MacBook Air’s release, Apple is said to be planning an upgrade to a more advanced LCD in 2027. The new model is expected to feature an oxide LTPS panel, replacing the current MacBook Air’s a-Si TFT.

    Expected Improvements

    While these panels may be more costly, they usually offer benefits like better response times, improved color accuracy, and reduced power usage. In our thorough assessment, the current MacBook Air provides a commendable 98.4% coverage of the DCI-P3 color spectrum and a contrast ratio of 1250:1. However, its response time of 34.5 ms is only average. Even when the MacBook Air is anticipated to have an OLED panel in 2029, analysts predict that Apple will likely go with a traditional 60 Hz panel without a tandem design to keep costs down.

    Overall, it seems like the path ahead for the MacBook Air will involve some changes, but not the upgrades that were initially hoped for.

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  • Aoostar GEM 12 Max Mini PC: Ryzen R7, DDR5 RAM, Wi-Fi 6

    Aoostar GEM 12 Max Mini PC: Ryzen R7, DDR5 RAM, Wi-Fi 6

    Aoostar has launched its newest mini PC, the GEM 12 Max, which is driven by the AMD Ryzen R7-8745HS chip. The starting price for this mini PC is 1,959 yuan ($267), and it’s currently available for purchase on JD.com. Let’s take a look at its main specifications.

    Overview of the GEM 12 Max

    This mini PC has a sturdy CNC-machined aluminum frame, weighing only 0.66 kg, and its small size (13 cm x 13 cm x 6 cm) makes it portable and easy to save space. The AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor is built on the advanced Zen 4 architecture. This powerful processor offers 8 cores and 16 threads, with a peak clock speed of 4.9 GHz, providing impressive computing performance.

    Graphics and Memory

    The GEM 12 Max includes Radeon 780M integrated graphics, which is based on RDNA3 architecture and has 12 GPU cores. This configuration allows for smooth gaming experiences, ray tracing support, and strong rendering abilities for creative projects. The device can handle dual-channel DDR5 memory, supporting up to 96GB and speeds reaching 5600 MHz, which is great for tackling demanding tasks.

    Storage and Connectivity

    For storage, the GEM 12 Max is equipped with two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, allowing for speedy SSD performance and the option to expand storage capacity to 2TB. It also features an independent OCuLink interface for external graphics or disk arrays, which helps free up NVMe slots and offers great expansion capabilities.

    When it comes to connectivity, this mini PC includes dual USB4 ports with 40Gbps bandwidth, two 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. It can support up to 4K at 120Hz across four displays using HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4, which is ideal for multitasking and creative work. Additionally, the device has a VC graphene heatsink and an advanced cooling system to manage heat effectively, supporting power draws of up to 70W.

    Pricing Details

    The pricing for the GEM 12 Max starts at 1,959 yuan ($267) for the barebones version, with a 16GB RAM + 1TB storage variant priced at 2,759 yuan ($376), and a 32GB RAM + 1TB storage option available for 3,059 yuan ($418).

    In November last year, Aoostar also released the Gem 12 Pro Max gaming mini PC, which comes with an AMD R7 8845HS processor, OCuLink support, and can accommodate up to 64GB of RAM.

    Aoostar GEM 12 Max Mini PC: Ryzen R7, DDR5 RAM, Wi-Fi 6Aoostar GEM 12 Max Mini PC: Ryzen R7, DDR5 RAM, Wi-Fi 6
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  • Affordable AMD Ryzen 5 7400F Launches as New Zen 4 CPU

    Affordable AMD Ryzen 5 7400F Launches as New Zen 4 CPU

    AMD has introduced the Ryzen 5 7400F in China, adding to the growing lineup of Zen 4 processors. This new CPU is priced at CNY 849 in the Chinese market, which is about $116. This makes it one of the more budget-friendly Zen 4 options in AMD’s range.

    Global Pricing Expectations

    While we can’t expect the same pricing internationally, it’s likely that the Ryzen 5 7400F will stay under the $150 threshold in the global market. This CPU features a configuration of 6 cores and 12 threads, similar to the 7500F model. However, the boost clock speed is a bit lower at 4.7 GHz compared to the 5.0 GHz of the 7500F. The base clock speed remains unchanged.

    No Integrated Graphics

    Importantly, the Ryzen 5 7400F lacks an integrated GPU, which isn’t surprising for a CPU in the $120 range. Therefore, users will need a dedicated GPU for builds using this processor, like the XFX Speedster Radeon RX 6600, currently priced at $229.99 at Best Buy. AMD seems to be focusing on OEMs and system builders, but these kinds of CPUs often end up being sold individually by retailers.

    Performance Insights

    In terms of performance, the Ryzen 5 7400F should closely match the Ryzen 5 7500F. Given their similar configurations, the 7400F’s slightly slower boost clock will likely result in marginally lower benchmark scores than the 7500F. Nonetheless, it should provide a solid price-to-performance ratio when compared to the Ryzen 5 7600 and 7600X, which are priced at $229 and $299, respectively.

    There has been no announcement on when it will be available globally, but AMD has indicated that the Ryzen 5 7400F will be introduced internationally. For more details about this new Zen 4 CPU, check out the spec sheet attached below.

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    Affordable AMD Ryzen 5 7400F Launches as New Zen 4 CPU
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  • Energizer Launches Affordable EnergyBooks for Laptops

    Energizer Launches Affordable EnergyBooks for Laptops

    Energizer has some similarities with Nokia and Blackberry, as all these brands are now well-recognized and licensed to different companies. This situation has resulted in some unusual circumstances. For instance, after we noticed a press release from Avenir Telecom on January 6, 2025, regarding the new Energizer EnergyBooks, we decided to visit Energizer’s booth at CES 2025 to inquire about the laptops. However, there were no laptops on display, and the representatives from the company seemed completely unaware of what we were referring to.

    Licensing Confusion

    The reason for this confusion is that the brand is licensed to multiple companies. Avenir Telecom, for example, has the exclusive rights to market smartphones under the Energizer name, which is associated with long-lasting power. This French company is also reportedly working on offering laptops under the Energizer EnergyBooks label. The press release they issued had several images (as seen above and below) but lacked substantial details about the specifications. The launch is planned for the first quarter of 2025, with the lineup named EnergyBook Classic, which includes 15-inch and 17-inch models that come with either 128 GB or 256 GB of storage, and prices starting at an astonishingly low $199.

    Speculation on Specs

    On January 6, Notebookcheck reached out to Avenir Telecom for more detailed specifications, but they have not yet received a reply. There’s also a healthy dose of skepticism regarding whether the $199 price can be realistically met, especially since the French firm is promising laptops that are durable, offer long-term support, and use eco-friendly materials. The EnergyBooks seem to target not only users with basic needs but also students and professionals. However, it’s probably wise to temper expectations regarding their performance.

    Awaiting Updates

    We will keep you posted as soon as we gather additional information about these laptops. Oddly, even two weeks after the press release, there appears to be no further updates online about Energizer’s entry into the laptop market, not even on Avenir Telecom’s site. However, a vacant “Computer” category has already popped up on the website.

    Energizer Launches Affordable EnergyBooks for LaptopsEnergizer Launches Affordable EnergyBooks for LaptopsEnergizer Launches Affordable EnergyBooks for LaptopsEnergizer Launches Affordable EnergyBooks for Laptops
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  • Montech Heritage PC Cases: Leather Accents & Carrying Handle

    Montech Heritage PC Cases: Leather Accents & Carrying Handle

    PC case makers are opting for unique designs to stand out. Recently, wooden cases have become trendy, giving setups a more elegant touch. Montech now introduces the Heritage micro ATX cases, which combine luxurious leather with a steel and glass build. Although larger than mini ITX options, both the Heritage and Heritage Pro cases come with carrying straps. The cases are available for purchase in black and white, priced at $89.90 for the Heritage and $109.90 for the Heritage Pro.

    Performance and Compatibility

    The Montech Heritage cases are designed for micro ATX and mini ITX motherboards. Micro ATX components provide top-tier performance while saving desk space. Gamers can fit graphics cards up to 400mm in length in the Heritage chassis, which is enough for the Nvidia RTX 4090. The Heritage Pro comes with four 120mm fans, but those opting for the slightly cheaper Heritage will need to provide their own cooling solutions. Both models support generous AIO liquid cooling, accommodating 360mm radiators under the top panels.

    Smart Design Features

    To tackle overheating, the Montech Heritage includes large ventilation areas throughout the cases. The left panel features a clear window bordered by triangular leather strips, offering a glimpse of the internal components. These cases are designed to work well with modern back-connect motherboards, allowing for tidy cable management. However, even with easily removable panels, space behind the motherboard tray is a bit tight.

    Portability vs. Practicality

    For those who frequently move their PCs to work or school, laptops are the clear choice. After assembling components in the Heritage cases, the leather straps might not hold up well. Nonetheless, the Montech Heritage micro ATX cases provide a more budget-friendly option for custom builds. Given that the Heritage Pro comes with four fans and a headphone hanger, it becomes a more appealing option.

    TAIPEI, Jan. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MONTECH, a leading name in PC case innovation, is proud to present the Heritage, a stylish fusion of leather and metal. This compact yet spacious PC case reimagines portability with both elegance and practicality, featuring a suitcase-style handle.

    A Blend of Style and Function

    The Heritage encapsulates sophistication with its classic mix of high-quality leather and sturdy metal. Signature triangular details highlight the brand’s essence, while the suitcase-style leather handle merges elegance with ease of transport. Crafted for individuals who appreciate aesthetics and functionality, the Heritage provides a unique look along with convenience.

    Small Yet Powerful

    The Heritage showcases that great things can come in compact forms. It’s built to maximize internal space and deliver outstanding performance, accommodating various cooling options, making it perfect for high-performance builds in a small package.

    – Top Radiator: 280mm/360mm
    – Air Cooler: 170mm
    – Fans Support: Up to 9 fans.

    With its efficient design and advanced cooling capabilities, the Heritage caters to users who desire both power and elegance in one package.

    Modern Stability

    Stepping away from the typical four-corner design, the Heritage boasts sleek, elongated feet that not only provide stability but also contribute to its contemporary look, merging functional support with sophisticated style.

    Added Utility

    The Heritage PRO comes with 4 high-quality GF 120 fans pre-installed and features a detachable handle connection point, allowing users to attach an accessory bracket for hanging headphones or other essentials. This clever design enhances the case’s practicality without sacrificing its stylish appearance.

    Availability and Pricing

    The Heritage will be available for sale starting January 18, 2025, at 9 AM ET.

    – Heritage Black & White: US$89.90
    – Heritage PRO Black & White: US$109.90

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    Montech Heritage PC Cases: Leather Accents & Carrying HandleMontech Heritage PC Cases: Leather Accents & Carrying Handle
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  • GMKtec Evo-X1 Mini PC: 64GB RAM, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, eGPU Support

    GMKtec Evo-X1 Mini PC: 64GB RAM, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, eGPU Support

    We previously shared information about the GMKtec Evo-X1 HX 370 in November 2024. Now, there’s a new model variant of this mini PC. While it doesn’t change much from the earlier versions, it does offer a lot more memory. Specifically, this model features 64GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Currently, this version is being sold for $1,029, while its regular price is set at $1,699. It’s uncertain if GMKtec will ever revert to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this new mini PC.

    Specs and Design

    This mini computer has the dimensions of 110.19 x 107.3 x 63.2 millimeters and is driven by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which boasts 12 cores and an AI computing capacity of 50 TOPs. It comes equipped with an integrated AMD Radeon 890M graphics chip and supports external GPUs through OCuLink. There are two PCIe 4.0 slots designed for full-sized M.2 2280 modules, and external hard drives can be connected via USB 4. This same port can also transfer video, but the GMKtec Evo-X1 also includes HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1.

    Connectivity Options

    Additionally, on the front side, there are two USB 3.2 ports supporting 10 Gbit/s, and a 3.5mm headphone jack is also present. In the back, you will find two more USB 2.0 ports along with two Ethernet ports capable of a maximum data transfer rate of 2.5 Gbit/s. The system further provides support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

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  • TSMC’s $65B Arizona Chip Plant Faces Challenges vs US Regulations

    TSMC’s $65B Arizona Chip Plant Faces Challenges vs US Regulations

    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is making a big move to increase semiconductor production in the United States, investing $65 billion in three factories located in Arizona. These new facilities are part of a larger plan to enhance domestic chip manufacturing and decrease dependence on Asia for essential technology.

    Challenges in the US

    Even with such a grand vision, TSMC has encountered a lot of challenges during its expansion in Arizona. Regulatory issues and compliance requirements have delayed progress, making the permitting and construction phases take at least double the time they would in Taiwan. Every construction step needs approvals, which adds a level of complexity that is not seen in Taiwan’s more efficient processes.

    Labor shortages have added to the difficulties, prompting TSMC to move half of its staff from Texas to Arizona. This relocation has notably raised costs due to moving and housing expenses. On top of that, gaps in the local supply chain have caused operational problems. For example, the price of sulfuric acid in the US is five times more than in Taiwan, forcing TSMC to ship materials from Taiwan to Los Angeles and then transport them to Arizona by truck.

    Technological and Cost Constraints

    The Arizona factory will primarily produce slightly older chip technologies, including the 4-nanometer chips currently being supplied to companies like Apple and Nvidia. The production of more advanced chips is expected to stay in Taiwan, where regulations and operational efficiencies make it easier to adopt cutting-edge technologies quickly.

    The high expenses associated with building in the US present another hurdle. TSMC has invested $35 million to establish 18,000 guidelines to meet local regulatory standards, and the overall costs for materials and labor are significantly higher than they are in Taiwan.

    Progress and Support

    Despite these obstacles, TSMC has marked a significant achievement by beginning the production of 4-nanometer chips in Arizona. TSMC CEO C.C. Wei has shared his belief that the quality of chips produced in the US will be on par with those manufactured in Taiwan.

    The project has also received considerable support from the US government, which includes $6.6 billion in grants under the CHIPS Act. This funding highlights the strategic importance of domestic semiconductor production in lessening reliance on Asia.

    While the Arizona factories are a notable step towards improving US chip production, regulatory and logistical issues still pose challenges. TSMC’s focus on older technologies for its US plants demonstrates the difficulties in mirroring Taiwan’s manufacturing efficiencies. Nevertheless, with ongoing investment and backing, the Arizona facilities could play a vital role in the US semiconductor strategy.

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