Category: Computers

  • GPD Launches Affordable 32GB RAM AMD Convertible Laptop Release Date

    GPD Launches Affordable 32GB RAM AMD Convertible Laptop Release Date

    GPD has officially announced a release date for the Duo, nearly two months after its initial launch promise. To summarize, the company had originally planned to launch the device in August. However, this timeframe passed without any explanation for the delay.

    New Launch Date

    Now, GPD has confirmed that the dual OLED device will be available on October 8. It will first be launched on Indiegogo, with the campaign going live at 02:00 UTC. It’s important to remember that this release method may lead to the Duo being shipped only in late autumn or early winter at the earliest.

    Additional Memory Option

    In addition to the launch date, GPD has introduced a fourth memory option. Initially, the company required a selection of the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU for configurations with 32 GB of RAM. This requirement has now changed. Customers will have the option to order the Duo with a Ryzen 7 8840U, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD for $1,380 on Indiegogo. This price reflects a $100 increase over the entry-level model. For context, here are the new pricing details for GPD‘s revised SKUs:

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  • HP EliteBook Ultra G1q: Affordable Snapdragon X Plus & Brighter Screen

    HP EliteBook Ultra G1q: Affordable Snapdragon X Plus & Brighter Screen

    The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q was one of the first business laptops to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite platform when it debuted in June. As a device aimed at enterprises, it came with a high price tag, starting at approximately $1,700.

    New Pricing Options

    At HP’s Imagine event, the well-known American computer manufacturer is broadening the price options for this lightweight business laptop. The 14-inch device is now set to launch with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X Plus 8 core version, which was introduced at IFA. This new variant will help make the ARM-based laptop more accessible to a wider range of customers. Unlike the X Elite model, the 8 core CPU version will come exclusively with 16 GB of RAM, meaning those requiring more memory will need to opt for the more expensive X Elite model.

    Enhanced Display Features

    Along with the new processor options, HP is also introducing a new display choice for the EliteBook Ultra. Previously, the laptop, which features a sleek dark blue metal body, was limited to a rather dim 300 cd/m² display. While this initial LCD option will remain available, HP is now adding a brighter 400 cd/m² panel to the lineup. Aside from the difference in brightness, both screens share identical specifications, featuring a 2.2K resolution (2,240 x 1,400), 100% sRGB color coverage, and a glossy touch surface.

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  • Lenovo ThinkBook 16+ Ryzen Edition 2024: Military-Grade Laptop

    Lenovo ThinkBook 16+ Ryzen Edition 2024: Military-Grade Laptop

    Lenovo has introduced the 2024 ThinkBook 16+ Ryzen laptop in China, featuring a Ryzen 8000 series processor and a robust frame designed for durability.

    Design and Display

    The ThinkBook 16+ is built to endure daily challenges, boasting a sturdy metal construction that adheres to MIL-STD-810H military-grade testing standards. It sports a 16-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Additionally, the display is certified for low blue light emission and covers the entire sRGB color gamut, making it ideal for creative professionals.

    Performance and Cooling

    Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8745H processor, the ThinkBook 16+ delivers remarkable performance for intensive tasks. It comes with 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, facilitating seamless multitasking and quick data transfers. The laptop is also designed with dual fans to enhance cooling efficiency, ensuring optimal performance even during heavy usage.

    Connectivity Options

    In terms of connectivity, the ThinkBook 16+ is well-equipped with various ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, USB4, Ethernet, a microSD card reader, and a headphone jack. This array of options ensures compatibility with numerous peripherals and devices.

    Pricing and Availability

    The 2024 ThinkBook 16+ Ryzen laptop is currently available for purchase in China, priced at 5,299 yuan (around $753 USD) via JD.com.

    In related news, ASUS has launched the A-Bean 14 Air Fragrance Edition laptop, featuring the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor. This unique laptop includes a built-in “fragrance box” for customizable scents and showcases a “Golden Pink” design. Its 14-inch OLED display supports a 2.8K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, while the AMD Radeon 880M graphics, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD ensure robust performance. The laptop also features advanced AI functionality, a dual-fan cooling system, and a 75Wh battery with fast charging capabilities.

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  • 5D Memory Crystal: Revolutionizing Durable Genomic Data Storage

    5D Memory Crystal: Revolutionizing Durable Genomic Data Storage

    Researchers at the University of Southampton in the UK have recently achieved a remarkable breakthrough. They have successfully laser-etched the entire human genome onto a new type of storage known as a "5D" memory crystal. This innovative data storage method has an impressive capacity of 360 terabytes.

    The Creation of the 5D Crystal

    This advanced 5D crystal was developed by the experts at the university’s Optoelectronics Research Centre. It is composed of silica glass and has earned the Guinness World Record for being the most durable data storage medium. The crystal is designed to withstand extreme conditions, including cosmic rays, immense pressure, and temperatures reaching up to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 1000 degrees Celsius).

    Encoding the Human Genome

    To demonstrate the capabilities of this crystal, the research team encoded the entire human genome into it, sequencing each of the roughly 3 billion DNA base pairs an impressive 150 times to ensure accuracy. The genome is now housed in a unique time capsule called the Memory of Mankind archive, located within a salt cave in Hallstatt, Austria.

    While it’s not currently possible to clone humans or recreate the species solely from genetic information, the researchers believe that this 5D memory crystal could potentially aid in the conservation of endangered species and help maintain a lasting digital record of life.

    Future Possibilities

    Peter Kazansky, the professor leading the research team, stated, "The 5D memory crystal opens up possibilities for other researchers to build an everlasting repository of genomic information from which complex organisms like plants and animals might be restored should science in the future allow."

    The fascinating aspect of this crystal lies in its data storage technique, which utilizes two optical dimensions along with three spatial dimensions. This allows it to store vast amounts of information while ensuring longevity. Unlike traditional data storage methods that degrade over time, experts believe that this 5D memory crystal has the potential to preserve its data for billions of years. Thus, it serves as a safeguard for humanity’s genetic heritage for generations to come.

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  • One-NetBook Announces Pricing for New OneXGPU 2 Device

    One-NetBook Announces Pricing for New OneXGPU 2 Device

    The OneXGPU 2 has officially launched as the first external GPU featuring the new Radeon RX 7800M. Notably, this eGPU was announced prior to AMD’s official release of the 7800M, and One-NetBook has now disclosed the pricing details. For the first 96 hours after its arrival on Indiegogo, the price will be set at $839.

    Price Increase After Launch

    After the initial 96-hour period, the cost of the eGPU will rise to $899, marking a $200 increase compared to the first OneXGPU available on Amazon. In terms of performance, One-Netbook has indicated that this new external GPU is capable of surpassing the Nvidia RTX 4070 Laptop GPU.

    Performance Comparison

    For context, the original OneXGPU, which utilized the AMD Radeon 7600M, was designed to outshine the desktop RTX 3060. Similar to its predecessor, the newer model is equipped with OCuLink and USB 4. The OCuLink connection is particularly significant as it supports bandwidth of up to 64 Gbps, while the USB 4 can reach a maximum of 40 Gbps.

    Storage Expansion Features

    An exciting feature of the OneXGPU 2 is its ability to function as a storage expansion solution. This external GPU can accommodate an SSD of up to 4 TB and includes a MicroSD 4.0 slot. In addition to the OCuLink and USB4 ports, this new eGPU comes with several other features.

    One-Netbook plans to launch the OneXGPU 2 on Indiegogo starting on September 26. There will also be bundle options available, which include the AMD OneXPlayer X1 in a single package. The starting price for these bundles will be $1,908, but during the first 96 hours, they will be available for $1,838.

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  • Samsung Set to Launch First Chromebook Plus Device Next Week

    Samsung Set to Launch First Chromebook Plus Device Next Week

    Samsung has been absent from the premium Chromebook market for a significant period. Its previous model, the Chromebook 2, was released in 2021. After almost four years, there are indications that Samsung is gearing up to unveil a new Chromebook, as suggested by a report from Chrome Unboxed.

    Upcoming Release of the Galaxy Chromebook Plus

    The report indicates that Samsung is preparing to launch the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, potentially as soon as next week. This would mark the company’s first Galaxy-branded Chromebook in several years and also their inaugural “Plus” Chromebook model.

    For those who may not know, Google introduced a “Plus” designation for Chromebooks last year. To qualify for this label, manufacturers must adhere to specific standards, including the use of high-end processors, high-resolution webcams, and certain minimum system specifications.

    Meeting the Plus Criteria

    You can find more details about the Chromebook Plus requirements through available resources. It is expected that Samsung’s first Plus Chromebook will comply with these standards without question. Google is also set to host a Chromebook-focused event in New York City on September 24th, where rumors suggest the new Samsung Chromebook Plus could make its debut.

    There have been ongoing rumors about Samsung’s Chromebook codenamed “Xol.” While specific details about the device remain scarce, it is anticipated to be a conventional clamshell laptop featuring high-end specs and a dedicated “assistant key.” Given the strong focus on Gemini, Google’s virtual assistant, in the 2024 Chromebook lineup, it is likely that this key will be integrated with Gemini.

    Anticipated Features and Specifications

    The precise specifications, design, and other features of the Galaxy Chromebook Plus are still under wraps. However, if the rumors are accurate and the launch takes place next week, the wait for official information will soon be over. We will keep you updated as new details emerge.

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  • AMD Sells Strix Point APUs at Double the Price of Hawk Point CPUs

    AMD Sells Strix Point APUs at Double the Price of Hawk Point CPUs

    Asus was the pioneer in launching products featuring AMD Strix Point, and now we are witnessing an increase in the announcement of laptops and mini PCs equipped with Zen 5 APUs. A notable trend with these new releases is that they tend to be pricier compared to previous models.

    Pricing Insights

    For instance, the AOOSTAR GEM10 370 is currently available for pre-order in China, with the top configuration priced around $808. It is anticipated that the price might reach approximately $1,000 or even more when it enters the global market. In contrast, the previous generation GEM10 with similar memory and storage options typically retailed for $569 globally (currently priced at $489 on Amazon).

    This indicates that the Strix Point mini PC has experienced roughly a twofold increase in price. This trend is not limited to just one example; the higher-end GPD Duo, one of the first AMD Strix Point laptops, starts at $1,650. This is a significant cost for a laptop that does not include a dedicated GPU, and the initial Asus Zen 5 laptops reflect a similar pricing structure.

    Reasons for Price Hikes

    A GPD representative has clarified the reasons behind the lack of affordability for these AMD Strix Point products. According to the representative, AMD is pricing the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 at double the cost of one of the premium offerings from the Hawk Point series.

    This price disparity is evident in the GPD Duo itself. For instance, the version with the Ryzen 7 8840U is priced at $1,270, while the model featuring the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is tagged at $1,650. Therefore, to acquire the same laptop with the top-tier APU from the Strix Point lineup, consumers must pay about $400 more.

    Impact on Gaming Handhelds

    The price increase compared to the last generation raises concerns for upcoming gaming handhelds, which may explain the lack of announcements in that area. However, there is potential that the AMD Ryzen Z2 series could make the Zen 5 APUs more budget-friendly for manufacturers of handheld devices.

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  • GPD Duo: Global Pre-orders Open for Innovative Dual-Display Laptop

    GPD Duo: Global Pre-orders Open for Innovative Dual-Display Laptop

    Earlier this week, GPD announced the launch pricing for the Duo, its upcoming laptop alongside the Pocket 4. While the company has shared the price for its competitor to the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i or ASUS Zenbook Duo (currently priced at $1,395.99 on Amazon), the exact release date for the device remains unconfirmed.

    Pre-Order Details

    In the meantime, Minixpc has begun accepting pre-orders globally, with prices slightly above GPD’s initial offers. The entry-level version of the Duo is priced at $1,399.99 through Minixpc, which comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U APU, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. This is compared to GPD’s early bird price of $1,270 and a planned MSRP of $1,425 for the same configuration.early bird price of $1

    Higher Specifications Available

    On the other hand, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 variant, which includes 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD, is just $50 more on Minixpc than what it will be listed for on Indiegogo. Moreover, the version featuring 64 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage can be pre-ordered from Minixpc at $1,899.99, which is a $39 increase from GPD’s pricing on Indiegogo. Currently, Minixpc has not specified when it will start shipping GPD Duo pre-orders, but it is expected to do so once GPD launches its Indiegogo campaign.

    Specifications Overview

    For context, the GPD Duo features dual 13.3-inch OLED displays, each boasting a 2.8K resolution (2,880 x 1,800), with a peak brightness of 500 nits and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Additionally, all configurations are outfitted with LPDDR5x-7500 RAM, an 80 Wh battery, and two M.2 2280 slots. The Duo also includes modern connectivity options such as USB 4 and OCuLink, among other ports.

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  • AMD Strix Halo Lineup Leaked with New Max Branding

    AMD Strix Halo Lineup Leaked with New Max Branding

    Golden Pig Upgrade, a well-known leaker on Weibo, has disclosed details about AMD’s entire Strix Halo series. This lineup features three models and introduces a new naming structure that includes ‘larger numbers’ as previously anticipated. Here’s the breakdown:

    Flagship Model Unveiled

    The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 stands out as the flagship option, boasting 16 Zen 5 CPU cores distributed across two CPUs, along with a 40 CU RDNA 3.5 GPU. This top-tier SKU is designed for premium laptops.

    Additional Models

    Following this, the Ryzen AI Max 390 is equipped with 12 cores and a 40 CU integrated GPU. Lastly, the Ryzen AI Max 385 features 8 CPU cores and a 32 CU integrated GPU. It’s possible that this model appeared on Geekbench earlier this year, indicating these are the initial three models to launch.

    Memory and Compatibility

    The leaker also notes that Strix Halo can support up to 96 GB of VRAM out of the total 128 GB available (256-bit LPDDR5X-8000). This capacity will likely be reserved for high-end enterprise models and may not reach the consumer market. Currently, one confirmed product featuring Strix Halo technology is Asus’ ROG Flow Z13.

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  • ASUS Zenbook S 14 Launched in India: 3K OLED & Intel Core Ultra 7

    ASUS Zenbook S 14 Launched in India: 3K OLED & Intel Core Ultra 7

    ASUS has introduced its new laptop, the Zenbook S 14, in India. Pre-orders are open from September 19th to 24th, and sales will begin on September 25th.

    Powerful Performance

    The Zenbook S 14 is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, featuring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that delivers up to 47 TOPS for AI functionalities including real-time captions, background removal, and media generation. It also includes Intel Arc graphics, and for cooling, it utilizes a 3D Vapor chamber.

    Stunning Display and Specifications

    This laptop boasts a 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a peak brightness of 500 nits in HDR. It supports up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and has a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for storage, complemented by an audio system with four speakers tuned by Harman Kardon.

    Design and Security Features

    Designed to be sleek, the Zenbook S 14 measures just 1.1cm in thickness and weighs only 1.2kg. Its Ceraluminum construction ensures military-grade durability (MIL-STD 810H). For added security, it features face authentication through an IR camera and Microsoft Pluton, a hardware-level solution that safeguards sensitive operations and data like encryption keys and personal information. The laptop also offers a range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2, and WiFi 7.

    Pricing & Availability

    The Zenbook S 14, featuring the Core Ultra 7 CPU, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, is available for pre-order at a price of ₹1,49,990. As stated, shipping will start from September 25th. Customers who pre-order will receive a 2-year extended warranty, 3 years of accidental damage protection, and premium earbuds for just ₹1.

    Additional Launch

    In addition, ASUS has launched the ZenBook 14 Air in China, which has a CNC-milled metal body available in Snow White or Mountain Gray. It features a 14-inch 2.8K 120Hz Lumina OLED display, an Intel Core Ultra 7-258V processor, and a 72Wh battery offering up to 22 hours of use. The release date for this model in markets outside of China has not yet been announced.

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