Category: Computers

July 10, 2024

Keychron B6 Pro Wireless Keyboard Launches in China at 302 Yuan

Keychron’s B6 Pro wireless keyboard, which debuted internationally in May, is now available in China. This full-sized keyboard features a scissor-switch mechanism and is offered in black-and-white color schemes. Users can modify various settings using a specialized web driver.

Battery and Performance

The keyboard is equipped with an 800mAh battery, boasting an impressive usage time of up to 1200 hours. This longevity equates to roughly 8 months of use if typed on for 5 hours daily. The B6 Pro offers a 1000Hz polling rate when used in wired mode, which drops to 90Hz in Bluetooth mode.

Design and Comfort

Unlike Keychron’s other products, the B6 Pro does not use mechanical switches. Instead, it employs scissor-switch keys similar to those on laptops, giving it a sleek design with a front thickness of 5.2mm and a maximum height of 14.5mm. The keyboard also features a comfortable 3.2-degree inclination angle for ease of use.

Connectivity and Convenience

The B6 Pro supports seamless switching between wired, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth modes. It also allows users to quickly switch between Windows and Mac layouts. Weighing 623 grams, it comes with a silicone keyboard film for extra protection.

Pricing and Availability

The Keychron B6 Pro is on sale in China for 302 yuan (around $42 USD). Early buyers can benefit from a 10% discount, reducing the price to 271 yuan ($37 USD).

Tags: Keychron B6 Pro, Scissor-Switch Design, Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
July 10, 2024

T-Box Pro Mini PC with Intel N100 CPU: Compact Enough for One Hand

Chinese manufacturer Szbox has introduced the T-Box Pro, an ultra-compact mini PC that runs on an Intel processor. This mini-PC is now on sale and is intended for basic applications. It also comes with two Ethernet ports.

Specifications and Design

The Szbox T-Box Pro mini PC is designed to be extremely small, fitting comfortably in one hand. It boasts a respectable amount of RAM and includes USB-C and HDMI interfaces. The mini PC measures 7.3 x 7.3 x 4.3 cm and weighs 200g. It is powered by an Intel N100 processor with four cores and a clock speed of up to 3.4GHz. The Intel N100 CPU, released in 2023, is a suitable choice for the T-Box Pro.

Performance and Connectivity

This mini PC is ideal for light tasks and low-load scenarios. It can be effectively used for presentations, media playback, and other basic computing needs. It features 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM with a clock speed of 4,300 MHz. For storage, the T-Box includes an M.2 2242 SSD slot that supports both SATA and NVMe connections. While the RAM is not expandable, the SSD can have a capacity of up to 2TB. The T-Box Pro also includes a USB-C port, two USB 3.2 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports, along with an HDMI interface. The two Ethernet ports support a maximum transfer speed of 1 Gbit/s.

Pricing and Availability

The T-Box Pro is available in various model variants, with the starting price set at $145 (including import fees). It can be purchased from selected retail platforms, including AliExpress.

Tags: Intel N100 CPU, Mini-PC, Szbox T-Box Pro
July 9, 2024

Lenovo YOGA Pro 7 Ryzen 9 AI 365 Gets Korean Certification

Lenovo’s forthcoming laptop, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 7, also referred to as the Lenovo Yoga Pro 14s, has been spotted on the Korean Energy Agency’s website. This new certification has brought to light real-life images of the Lenovo laptop, which is equipped with the Ryzen AI 300 series processor.

Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP9 bears a striking resemblance to the previously introduced YOGA Air 14s. Earlier, we shared Geekbench results for the same Lenovo laptop, which is armed with the Ryzen 9 AI 365 processor.

Lenovo Yoga Pro 7

Despite breaking away from AMD’s conventional naming scheme, the new Ryzen AI processors are highly powerful. The Ryzen 9 AI 365 offers performance levels close to those of the Ryzen 9 7940HS and Ryzen 9 8945HS. The Geekbench result we shared earlier is actually for the forthcoming Lenovo Yoga Pro 7, as the model number on the laptop matches the “Lenovo 83HN” model number listed on Geekbench.

Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 – Lenovo 83HN

Another detail we know about the laptop is that it may come with either a 100W or 140W charging adapter, although this has not been confirmed yet. The Ryzen 9 AI 365 previously achieved a score of 2544 in single-core performance on Geekbench and 12745 in multi-core score. These results are quite promising in both single and multi-core performance.

Tags: Geekbench Database, Lenovo Yoga Pro 7, Ryzen 9 AI 365
July 9, 2024

New Tech Cools GTA VI Processors Colder Than Outer Space

The ongoing revolution in artificial intelligence underscores the essential need for enhanced processing power. Fortunately, quantum computers, which are far more advanced than traditional ones, are becoming crucial in this landscape.

Quantum computers operate on the principles of quantum mechanics, unlike classical computers. Classical computers utilize bits (0 or 1) for data processing, whereas quantum computers employ quantum bits (qubits).

While this addresses the processing power dilemma, it introduces new challenges such as heat management. However, scientists have tackled this issue with an innovative cooling system that is colder than space itself. Here are the details…

Researchers Develop Ultra-Cold Cooling System

Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, who have been exploring new methods to cool quantum computers for a while, have succeeded in developing a cooling system that creates an environment colder than the depths of space for these systems.

In their experiment, they managed to cool a quantum computer processor to -273°C. This temperature is even colder than the average space temperature, which is about -270°C. But why do researchers need to cool the system so drastically?

As you may know, unlike current computers, quantum computers must be constantly cooled. However, you can’t simply attach a regular computer cooler and switch it on. The components performing quantum calculations, known as “qubits,” need to be kept as close to zero degrees as possible to prevent heat interference.

Practical Implications and Future Prospects

Considerable effort has been dedicated to ensuring quantum computers operate with maximum accuracy and efficiency. Interestingly, this revolutionary cooling system is constructed using standard computer parts.

This means the development did not cost millions of dollars, indicating that there are no significant barriers to its potential use in consumer electronics. As you know, while modern hardware is incredibly powerful, heat often prevents it from achieving its full capabilities.

Who knows, this system might soon be integrated into gaming consoles, PCs, and laptops. This could mean even my 1 kg MateBook X Pro could run GTA VI smoothly.

Tags: Quantum Computing, Ultra-Cold Cooling System
July 8, 2024

Lenovo YOGA Air 14s AI Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite Launched

Lenovo has started accepting pre-orders for its YOGA Air 14s 2024 AI-enhanced notebook, which promises outstanding battery life and superior performance.

Unveiled in June for the Chinese market, this laptop features the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor and offers a configuration of 32GB LPDDR5x memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 solid-state drive. Let’s delve into its main specifications.

Lenovo YOGA Air 14s Specifications

The Lenovo YOGA Air 14s is equipped with a 14.5-inch 2.9K OLED touchscreen that has a 90Hz refresh rate, 1000nits peak brightness, and covers 100% of both sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamuts. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 processor, built on a 4nm process, featuring a 12-core 3.4GHz Oryon CPU, and includes a Hexagon NPU capable of delivering 45 TOPS of AI computing power.

This laptop comes with 32GB of LPDDR5x memory, offering a bandwidth of 135GB/s, and a spacious 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. The chassis is made from a magnesium-aluminum alloy with a silk aluminum finish, measuring 12.9mm in thickness and weighing 1.29kg. It is available in Light Sea Shell and Cosmic Blue color options.

Lenovo asserts that the laptop can provide up to 24 hours of local video playback on a single charge. This is attributed to the power-efficient Snapdragon processor, a 70Wh battery, and Lenovo’s power management technology.

AI Capabilities and Additional Features

The Lenovo YOGA Air 14s is also equipped with significant AI capabilities. The built-in NPU offers 45 TOPS of computing power, which can be utilized by Lenovo’s Tianxi Personal AI Body (Xiaotian) to enhance creativity and facilitate daily tasks. The laptop supports Windows 11 AI features, including voice typing, real-time subtitles, and background noise reduction.

The laptop also includes a comfortable keyboard with 1.5mm key travel, a Dolby Atmos sound system with four speakers, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and three USB4 ports.

The YOGA Air 14s uses the YOGA Qiankun heat dissipation system with dual fans to keep the device cool and quiet. Lenovo claims that the noise level remains between 17-21dB(A).

Pricing and Availability

The Lenovo YOGA Air 14s is priced at 9999 Yuan ($1,375) and is now available for pre-sale on JD.com in China.

Tags: AI-powered laptops, Lenovo YOGA Air 14s, Snapdragon X Elite Processor
July 8, 2024

Aoostar GEM12 Plus Mini PC: 13th Gen i9, OCuLink & More

Aoostar has introduced its latest mini PC, the GEM12 Plus, in China, offering a compact yet powerful computing solution powered by the newest 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processors. This mini PC promises desktop-level performance in a small form factor.

Specifications of Aoostar GEM12 Plus

The GEM12 Plus offers two processor choices: Intel Core i9-12900HK and i9-13900H. These processors are ideal for intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming.

Equipped with a VC (Vapor Chamber) cooling system, the GEM12 Plus efficiently manages heat dissipation, maintaining a 75W power output for seamless operation even under heavy loads.

It supports dual PCIe 4.0×4 interfaces, accommodating two 2280 solid-state drives, allowing for storage expansion up to 2TB. Additionally, it can support up to 48GB of dual-channel DDR5 memory operating at 5200MHz, facilitating enhanced multitasking and smooth transitions between programs.

Connectivity and Design

In terms of connectivity, the mini PC includes a USB4 port with 40Gbps transfer speeds, ideal for high-performance peripherals or external storage. It also features a full-function USB-C port, dual 2.5G Ethernet ports for ultra-fast wired networking, and dual HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports, enabling the connection of up to four 4K displays simultaneously.

The device also includes an OCuLink interface, which allows for the connection of an external graphics card, significantly enhancing graphical performance for tasks like gaming or complex video editing. Unlike some competitors, the OCuLink interface on the GEM12 Plus does not occupy the M.2 slots, providing more flexibility in storage configurations.

For wireless connectivity, the GEM12 Plus is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

Compact Form Factor

The mini PC is designed to be compact, with dimensions of just 13cm x 13cm x 6cm and a weight of only 0.66kg, making it easy to place on a desk or mount behind a monitor for a space-efficient setup. Its body is crafted from CNC-machined aluminum alloy and finished with sandblasting and anodizing, giving it a premium appearance and feel. The system is powered by a robust 120W USB-C power supply, ensuring sufficient power for all its functionalities.

Pricing and Availability

The GEM12 Plus is now available for purchase on JD.com in China. Pricing begins at 2449 Yuan (approximately $336) for the barebones model featuring the Core i9-12900HK processor. Pre-configured options with RAM and storage can go up to 4499 Yuan (approximately $618) for the Core i9-13900H model with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage.

Tags: 13th Gen Intel Core i9, Aoostar GEM12 Plus, Mini-PC
July 8, 2024

AMD Ryzen 9 9900X Geekbench: 3401 Single-Core Score Revealed

The upcoming Ryzen 9 9900X processor has been recently spotted in the Geekbench database, revealing notable performance improvements. This 12-core, 24-thread CPU, built on the Zen 5 architecture, achieved a single-core score of 3401 and a multi-core score of 19756 in Geekbench 6.2.1. In comparison to the previous generation Ryzen 7900X, which recorded scores of 2925 for single-core and 17849 for multi-core, the 9900X exhibits a substantial performance boost of 16.3% in single-core and 10.7% in multi-core operations.

CPU Frequency Details

The Geekbench test was conducted on a system featuring the ASUS ROG CROSSHAIR X670E GENE motherboard. During the testing phase, the CPU hit a peak frequency of 5664 MHz and maintained an average frequency of 5654 MHz.

Specifications and Performance

The leaked benchmark data pertains to a Ryzen 9 9900X processor based on the Zen 5 architecture. This 12-core, 24-thread CPU includes 64MB of L3 cache, with a base clock speed of 4.4 GHz and a maximum boost clock of 5.6 GHz. The processor operates with a thermal design power (TDP) of 120W.

Tags: amd, Geekbench 6.2.1, Ryzen, Ryzen 9 9900X
July 7, 2024

ATK Unveils Z87 Pro Mechanical Keyboard with Gasket Mount & Aluminum Top

Chinese peripheral manufacturer ATK has introduced the ATK Z87 Pro, a mechanical keyboard designed to appeal to both budget-minded consumers and performance enthusiasts. Let’s delve into its primary features.

ATK Z87 Pro Keyboard Specifications

The Z87 Pro features a compact 87-key layout, eliminating the num pad to create a space-efficient design favored by gamers and minimalists. This keyboard showcases a sleek semi-aluminum body with a CNC anodized metal top cover, combining durability with a premium look. Additionally, it includes built-in PVD decorative light strips that work in tandem with the keyboard’s backlighting.

The Z87 Pro offers a choice between Kailh Blueberry Ice Cream switches and Aniya switches, both of which are linear switches celebrated for their smooth keypress and speed. The keyboard also provides multiple keycap profile options, including MDA and OEM profile high-quality PBT keycaps, to ensure a comfortable typing experience.

Premium Typing Experience

The Z87 Pro features a Gasket structure that uses silicone pads to isolate the plate from the keyboard’s base, reducing typing noise and delivering a softer, more satisfying keystroke feel. This feature is generally found on more expensive keyboards, adding to the premium typing experience.

In terms of performance, the Z87 Pro boasts a 1ms response time, making it ideal for competitive gamers. Its 8000mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage. The keyboard supports three connection modes: wired, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0, offering versatile setup options.

Customization and Software

Equipped with a 16.7 million color ARGB lighting system, the keyboard allows extensive customization of its aesthetics. ATK includes its ATK HUB software, giving users detailed control over lighting effects, keyboard performance, and sensitivity settings.

Pricing and Availability

The ATK Z87 Pro is available in three color options: Silver, Ambient Side-Engraved, and Black. Pricing starts at an affordable 279 yuan (approximately $38) for the base model with Aniya switches. The version with Silver Blueberry Ice Cream switches is priced at 369 yuan (around $50). The keyboard is currently available on JD.com.

Tags: ATK Z87 Pro, budget-friendly, mechanical keyboard
July 7, 2024

India Prices Leak for Snapdragon Surface Laptop 7 and Pro 11
Microsoft recently introduced the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, featuring Snapdragon X processors, on a global scale. These devices are now anticipated to arrive in the Indian market, as a user on X (formerly known as Twitter) disclosed the pricing for all the configurations available in the country. This information was reportedly obtained from a retailer in Chennai.

Leaked Prices and Configurations

The leaked details reveal several configurations for both the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, with a variety of storage and RAM options. The base model for both devices includes a Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage, starting at Rs 113,999.

Here’s a detailed list of the leaked prices for Surface Laptop 7 with a 13.8-inch display:
- Plus with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage: ₹113,990
- Plus with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage: ₹131,990
- Elite with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage: ₹150,990
- Elite with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage: ₹170,990
- Elite with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage: ₹202,990
The leak also includes prices for a larger 15-inch Surface Laptop 7, but only in the Elite configuration:
- Elite with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage: ₹139,990
- Elite with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage: ₹159,990
- Elite with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage: ₹178,990
Color Options and Availability

The Surface Laptop 7 will be offered in Platinum and Graphite color options in India.

In contrast, the Surface Pro 11 is available solely with a 13.8-inch screen and comes in Black and Platinum color options.
- Plus with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage: ₹113,990
- Plus with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage: ₹131,990
- Elite with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage: ₹161,990
- Elite with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage: ₹180,990
- Elite with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage: ₹232,990
Tags: Snapdragon X, Surface Laptop 7, Surface Pro 11
July 7, 2024

Tranquil IT Unveils Fanless Rugged Mini-PC with Intel Alder Lake-U

British firm Tranquil IT is set to introduce a new line of rugged mini-PCs designed for outdoor use. The Tranquil IT All Terrain mini PCs will be fanless and feature Intel Alder Lake-U CPUs. The available CPU options are i3-1210U, i5-1235U, and i7-1255U, supporting up to 64GB of RAM and as much as 8TB of SATA SSD storage.

Performance and Efficiency

The popularity of fanless mini PCs has surged due to the development of ultra-low voltage efficient processors. This advancement has enabled manufacturers to boost performance while reducing power consumption. Tranquil IT has established itself as a brand synonymous with silent builds in its mini PC range. The company is now broadening its production strategy to include more robust and rugged models that can endure challenging outdoor environments. The mini PC’s aluminum chassis is both waterproof and dustproof, capable of withstanding temperatures from -10℃ to 60℃.

Design and Durability

The design of the new Tranquil IT mini PCs eliminates any active ventilation and carries an IP66 waterproof certification. These devices can function in dusty, wet, and extreme temperature conditions. The models are aimed at industrial applications and users who need the flexibility to operate their mini PCs in tough environments. The chassis measures 60 x 208 x 263 mm and weighs 3.4kg. While this is larger and heavier than typical fanless models, these mini PCs come with more powerful CPUs as previously mentioned.

Connectivity and Availability

The new Tranquil IT rugged mini PCs have limited ports. There are two USB-A 3.0 ports, two GbE connections, DisplayPort, and HDMI video outputs. They also feature separate audio and mic jacks, and a SIM slot for connecting to mobile 4G networks if necessary. The device supports wireless connectivity via WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Tranquil IT has not yet disclosed the release date or pricing information for the new All Terrain mini PCs.

Tags: Alder Lake-U CPUs, Rugged Mini-PC, Tranquil IT All Terrain