Category: Computers

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.
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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
March 24, 2025
Fonecyc MegaHub Dock for MacBook Pro Adds 16TB SSD Storage
Key Takeaways
1. The MegaHub is a docking solution specifically designed for the Apple MacBook Pro 16, with some compatibility for other devices using USB Type-C ports.
2. The dock’s design offers ergonomic advantages but makes the laptop bulkier, potentially affecting its portability.
3. It allows users to expand storage capacity significantly, accommodating up to four M.2 2280 SSDs for a total of 16TB.
4. The technical features include a maximum bandwidth of 1 Gbit/s, multiple USB ports, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader.
5. The MegaHub is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter, with a backing price of $158 and potential risks associated with investing in crowdfunding projects.
The MegaHub is now in the process of crowdfunding on Kickstarter. As its name implies, this is a docking solution created for the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (starting at $2,229 on Amazon). Although the MegaHub utilizes USB Type-C ports that could theoretically work with other gadgets, its design is particularly tailored for the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Dock Design and Ergonomics
The docking station has dimensions of around 14.4 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches and is partially situated beneath the Apple laptop. This positioning creates an angle that may provide ergonomic advantages. Nonetheless, it does make the laptop notably thicker, which could prevent it from fitting into sleeves or bags that are designed specifically for this model.
Storage Expansion Capabilities
On a positive note, the MegaHub allows users to significantly boost the storage capacity of the MacBook Pro, which can be a lot cheaper than Apple’s high prices for additional SSD space. Specifically, it can accommodate up to four M.2 2280 SSDs, offering a whopping total of 16TB of mass storage, as stated by the manufacturer. This amount of storage is sufficient to manage vast quantities of data, including RAW and high-resolution video files, thus making external hard drives unnecessary.
Technical Features and Crowdfunding Details
The dock boasts a maximum bandwidth of 1 Gbit/s and includes two USB Type-A ports, two USB Type-C ports that support up to 100W PD, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader. Those interested in supporting the Kickstarter campaign can secure their MegaHub by contributing $158. However, potential backers should keep in mind the typical risks of crowdfunding, which includes the possibility of losing their investment if the product fails to reach the market.
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Tags: crowdfunding, MacBook Pro 16, MegaHub
March 24, 2025
14-inch Acer Go Air: New MacBook Air Alternative with Intel Core
Key Takeaways
1. The Acer Go Air is a lightweight laptop (2.2 lbs) designed for portability, currently available only in China with prices between $730 and $785.
2. It features a 14-inch IPS display with a 2240 x 1400 pixel resolution and a hinge that allows the screen to open 180 degrees.
3. The laptop is equipped with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, 32GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD, but is not intended for gaming.
4. Connectivity options include three USB Type-C ports, one HDMI 2.0 port, and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, but there is no Ethernet port.
5. The device supports WiFi 6, but does not support the latest WiFi 7 standard.
Acer has introduced the Go Air, a new laptop designed for individuals seeking a highly portable device running on Microsoft’s Windows OS. Currently, this laptop is only available in China, with prices ranging from $730 to $785, depending on the chosen processor. Acer has yet to share any information about a possible international release.
Build and Design
The laptop is impressively lightweight at just 2.2 lbs and features a magnesium-aluminum alloy body along with a 60Wh battery. It boasts a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2240 x 1400 pixels. The hinge allows the screen to open up to 180 degrees, enabling it to lay flat on a surface. Additionally, the display is said to cover the full sRGB color spectrum; however, the Acer Go Air is clearly not intended for gaming purposes.
Performance Specifications
Under the hood, the Acer Go Air is equipped with either the Intel Core i5 210H or the Intel Core i7 240H processors, coupled with 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD. Besides three USB Type-C ports, this alternative to the MacBook Air includes one HDMI 2.0 and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port. It’s worth noting that there is no Ethernet port, and users will need to connect to the internet using WiFi 6, as the newest WiFi 7 standard is not supported.
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Tags: Acer Go Air, Intel Core 5 210H, Windows laptop
March 23, 2025
Ayaneo AM01S Upgrade: Boosted with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
Key Takeaways
1. Ayaneo has launched various devices in the x86 and Android handheld categories, with some models like Ayaneo 3 and Ayaneo Pocket S currently available.
2. The AM01S, announced in May 2024, has been upgraded to include the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, featuring AMD’s latest architectures.
3. The AM01S now has 12 Zen 5 CPU cores, providing a significant performance boost over earlier models, particularly in GPU tasks.
4. The updated mini-PC features a Radeon 890M iGPU with 16 Compute Units, potentially making it 20% faster in GPU-intensive tasks.
5. The AM01S maintains its original design with a 4-inch landscape display, but pricing and availability details are still unknown.
Ayaneo has launched several devices over the past year, many of which fall into their x86 or Android handheld categories. While some models, like the flagship Ayaneo 3 and Ayaneo Pocket S, are currently available, others are still in the works, waiting for a full launch.
Updates on the AM01S
A prime example of a device still in development is the AM01S, which Ayaneo revealed in May 2024 featuring AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS and Ryzen 9 8945HS APUs. These APUs utilize AMD’s RDNA 3 and Zen 4 architectures, but AMD has since upgraded to RDNA 3.5 and Zen 5. To keep pace, Ayaneo has refreshed the AM01S to include the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which is also seen in contemporary gaming handhelds like the OneXFly F1 Pro, currently priced at $1,439 on Amazon.
Performance Boost
With this upgrade, the AM01S now boasts 12 Zen 5 CPU cores, offering a significant performance boost compared to the Ryzen 7 8845HS and Ryzen 9 8945HS. Additionally, the updated mini-PC features a Radeon 890M iGPU with 16 Compute Units (CUs). This enhancement suggests that the AM01S could be about 20% faster in GPU-intensive tasks than if it had been released with the Ryzen 9 8945HS APU.
Design Consistency
Nonetheless, not much else has changed for the AM01S since its initial announcement nearly a year ago. Ayaneo still includes a 4-inch display meant to function as a secondary monitor, which they now describe as a native landscape panel. The AM01S also keeps the classic Macintosh design style that Ayaneo has used in its other mini-PCs. At this point, pricing and availability details remain unclear.
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Tags: AYANEO AM01S, handheld gaming, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
March 23, 2025
Ninkear Mbox 8 Pro: Modular Mini PC with AMD Ryzen APU
Key Takeaways
1. The Ninkear Mbox 8 Pro features a modular design with a magnetic base for expanded storage and connectivity options.
2. It supports up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and includes multiple ports, such as USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet.
3. The mini PC utilizes the Ryzen 7 8845HS APU, providing strong performance capabilities.
4. It offers Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6 for enhanced wireless connectivity.
5. The price for the configuration with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage is $634.99.
While the AMD Hawk Point is over a year old, new mini PCs are still being launched that run on the Zen 4 APUs. One such device is the Ninkear Mbox 8 Pro, which features the Ryzen 7 8845HS. What mainly distinguishes it from other systems using the same APU is its unique design.
Modular Design
The standout feature of the Mbox 8 Pro is its modular design. It includes a magnetic base that users can attach to the mini PC for increased storage. This base can accommodate an additional 3.5-inch SATA drive (like the 4 TB Seagate IronWolf, currently priced at $84.99 on Amazon), and it not only expands storage but also provides extra connectivity ports that are absent from the upper section of the device.
Performance and Connectivity
In terms of specs, the Mbox 8 Pro supports up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and, without the base, can hold an M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD. The upper section of the mini PC includes two USB-C ports, one DisplayPort 1.2, one HDMI 2.0, and two Ethernet ports. The separate base adds two USB 3.2 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.
Wireless Features and Cooling
For wireless connectivity, the mini PC comes with Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6. Although Ninkear hasn’t shared more details about the device, the vents around the system indicate it likely has a good cooling setup to keep the Ryzen 7 8845HS working efficiently under heavy loads. The price for the configuration that includes 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage is $634.99 and is available on Banggood.
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Tags: modular mini PC, Ninkear Mbox 8 Pro, Ryzen 7 8845HS