Category: Computers

  • Beelink GTi14 Mini-PC: High-Speed Performance & Easy GPU Connection

    Beelink GTi14 Mini-PC: High-Speed Performance & Easy GPU Connection

    Beelink has introduced the GTi14 mini-PC, which boasts some notable features. This mini-PC is equipped with a dedicated graphics card, ensuring robust performance even for gaming purposes. The GTi14 employs a unique design that maximizes its bandwidth capabilities.

    The GTi14’s connection point is concealed behind a cover on the bottom of the device, facilitating connection to a specialized docking solution. This setup also links the device to the integrated graphics card. The model is compatible with PCIe 4.0 and features eight PCIe lanes. The processor options for the GTi14 include two versions: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H and Intel Core Ultra 9 185H.

    Memory and Storage

    The GTi14 comes with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD for storage. It offers a variety of modern connectivity options. There are two Ethernet ports with transfer rates up to 2.5 gigabits per second, and the USB-C port supports a transfer speed of 40 gigabits per second. Additional connectivity features include HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4a, and USB 3.2 Type-A with a 10 gigabits per second speed.

    Additional Features

    At the front of the GTi14, there is a memory card reader for additional data access options. The device also includes a fingerprint scanner for secure unlocking. The Beelink GTi14 is currently available for purchase in China at an introductory price of approximately $673. However, Beelink has not yet announced plans for global availability of the mini-PC.

    Beelink GTi14 Mini-PC: High-Speed Performance & Easy GPU Connection
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  • Intel Sapphire Rapids-Refresh CPUs Now in Lenovo Workstations

    Intel Sapphire Rapids-Refresh CPUs Now in Lenovo Workstations

    Intel’s Sapphire Rapids-Refresh processors are gaining traction, now certified by Ubuntu, ensuring they work flawlessly with this operating system. Excitingly, Lenovo’s forthcoming ThinkStation P5 workstation features the Xeon W7-2595X processor, signaling that customer deliveries of these processors have commenced.

    Impressive Specifications

    The Xeon W7-2595X processor in the ThinkStation P5 is notable for its 26 cores, 52 threads, a peak turbo frequency of 4.8GHz, and a 250W TDP. This processor stands out as the top model in the Xeon W-2500 series. However, even more formidable variants with up to 60 cores are anticipated with the arrival of the Xeon W-3500 series.

    Versatile Graphics Options

    The base model of the ThinkStation P5 includes an NVIDIA T400 GPU, but users can opt for dual RTX A6000 (Ampere) graphics cards for enhanced performance. Future versions of the ThinkStation P5 are expected to utilize next-generation ADA series graphics cards.

    While the official release date for the Sapphire Rapids-Refresh processors has yet to be announced, Intel might reveal these new workstation products at SIGGRAPH 2024, scheduled from July 28 to August 1, a premier event in the computer graphics industry.

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  • Redmi G Pro 2024 Gaming Laptop with Core i7-14650HX

    Redmi G Pro 2024 Gaming Laptop with Core i7-14650HX

    Redmi introduced the G Pro 2024 gaming laptop back in March, featuring an i9-14900HX processor combined with an RTX 4060 GPU, priced at 8,999 Yuan (~$1250). Despite its impressive capabilities, many customers felt that the price-to-performance ratio was just average. To enhance its appeal, the company has now unveiled a version powered by the i7-14650HX, which is still robust enough to meet most users’ performance needs.

    Performance and Specifications

    The new i7-14650HX variant, although priced yet to be disclosed, retains the 210W total performance release. It will be available for purchase starting at 10 am on July 12 in its home country. This model continues to feature a 2.5K 240Hz display and RGB lighting on both the keyboard and the back, which can be seen from the image below.

    Redmi G Pro 2024 Gaming Laptop with Core i7-14650HX

    With 16 CPU cores and 24 threads, the Core i7-14650HX processor delivers a performance release of 130W. The laptop still includes the RTX 4060 graphics card, offering a performance release of 140W, paired with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.

    Display and Features

    The gaming-focused laptop boasts a 16″ display with a 3ms response time and G-SYNC technology. The panel achieves a peak brightness of 500 nits, supports 10-bit color depth, DC dimming, and covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut. The RGB effects can be adjusted easily with a single key, and the device includes Xiaomi’s smart connectivity features such as cross-device camera, keyboard, and mouse sharing.

    Ports

    Regarding connectivity, the laptop is equipped with the following ports:

    • 1 x Thunderbolt 4
    • 3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2
    • 1 x USB-A 2.0
    • 1 x MiniDP 1.4
    • 1 x HDMI 2.1
    • 1 x RJ45 network port
    • 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack
    • 1 x SD card slot
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  • Keychron B1 Pro Launches: Ultra-Thin Keyboard with 1200-Hour Battery

    Keychron B1 Pro Launches: Ultra-Thin Keyboard with 1200-Hour Battery

    Keychron, renowned for its customizable mechanical keyboards, has introduced a new model named the B1 Pro to the Chinese market. This follows its global release in May this year. Let’s delve into its main features.

    Keychron B1 Pro Specifications:

    Weighing just 425 grams (0.94 lbs), the B1 Pro features a sleek 75% layout design with a body thickness of only 5.2mm, making it perfect for portability. The keyboard includes 77 keys, along with 12 multimedia keys.

    The keyboard’s spherical keycaps are designed to fit the natural curvature of fingers, enhancing typing accuracy and comfort. Additionally, it comes equipped with scissor-switch keys that have a built-in 3.2° tilt angle for better ergonomics.

    Versatile Connectivity

    The B1 Pro is ideal for users who need to switch between multiple devices. It offers multiple connection options, including 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, and wired Type-C. Bluetooth 5.2 supports connections to up to three devices simultaneously, making it convenient for those who use desktops, laptops, and tablets. For low-latency gaming or tasks requiring the fastest response time, the 2.4 GHz connection provides a 1000 Hz polling rate.

    The B1 Pro is compatible with various platforms, featuring a Mac layout but fully functional with Windows and Linux. It even retains the same multimedia and function key features as Apple keyboards, offering Mac users a familiar experience with improved tactile feedback from the scissor-switch keys.

    Keychron provides a proprietary web-based driver for the B1 Pro, allowing seamless customization across Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. This driver lets users remap keys, create macros, and personalize keyboard layouts to enhance productivity.

    Impressive Battery Life

    One of the standout features of the B1 Pro is its exceptional battery life, lasting up to 1200 hours on a single charge. This equates to about 8 months of use with 5 hours of daily typing, significantly reducing the need for frequent recharging.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Keychron B1 Pro keyboard is priced at 238 Yuan ($33) and is currently available on Tmall in China.

    Keychron B1 Pro Launches: Ultra-Thin Keyboard with 1200-Hour Battery
    Keychron B1 Pro Launches: Ultra-Thin Keyboard with 1200-Hour Battery
    Keychron B1 Pro Launches: Ultra-Thin Keyboard with 1200-Hour Battery
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  • Surface 7 with Snapdragon X Plus Outperforms M3 MacBook in Battery Test

    Surface 7 with Snapdragon X Plus Outperforms M3 MacBook in Battery Test

    Various PC manufacturers have recently introduced their latest notebooks featuring Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors. These chips promise impressive battery life, and now, we observe the Snapdragon X series-powered Surface Laptops compared to the latest MacBooks, delivering some noteworthy results.

    Is Snapdragon X Plus Superior to M3 in Efficiency?

    In a battery life and efficiency examination by Alex Ziskind on YouTube, we gain insight into the real-world performance of the new Snapdragon chips. His test aimed to provide a realistic portrayal by including coding, music listening, and some intensive tasks. Alex also considered the different battery sizes of the laptops.

    In the initial efficiency test measuring “Battery Drain vs Work Done”, the M2 MacBook Air emerged as the most efficient, with the M3 MacBook Pro and M2 Max variants also demonstrating commendable performance. Conversely, the Surface Laptop 7th Edition outshone other Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus equipped laptops such as the ASUS Vivobook S 15, Dell XPS 13, and Galaxy Book 4 16 Edge. It is important to note that this efficiency test focused more on intensive tasks that pushed the CPU cores.

    Automated Workflow Test

    Ziskind conducted an automated workflow test to simulate a more realistic scenario, rerunning the test while occasionally playing YouTube videos, writing, and running codes. This prolonged test had all laptops set to high performance. In this scenario, the Surface Laptop 7 13 (X Plus) led the group with the highest average efficiency, followed closely by the M3 MacBook Air 13.

    The Snapdragon X Elite variant of the Surface Laptop 7 13 secured third place, performing significantly better than the Galaxy Book 4 Edge 16 and VivoBook S 15. It should be noted that this test reflects the experience of a coder, so results may vary with casual use and different tasks. For more details, you can check out our previous coverage of the Snapdragon X Plus, where it outperforms the M2 and M3 chips in Cinebench.

    Surface 7 with Snapdragon X Plus Outperforms M3 MacBook in Battery Test
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  • Upcoming ThinkBook 16 with Snapdragon X Elite Renders Leaked

    Upcoming ThinkBook 16 with Snapdragon X Elite Renders Leaked

    After the successful launch of the Snapdragon X Elite, numerous laptops have begun integrating this high-efficiency, high-performance chip. Manufacturers such as Asus, Samsung, and Microsoft Surface now offer models outfitted with the Snapdragon X Elite. You can explore the earlier unveiled Snapdragon X Elite laptops here.

    Lenovo appears ready to join the Snapdragon X Elite movement, with leaked render images of their forthcoming 16-inch ThinkBook emerging online. It maintains the traditional ThinkBook aesthetic. Although the official marketing name for the new laptop isn’t confirmed, earlier leaks hinted at the name ThinkBook Gen 7.

    Classic ThinkBook Design

    The new ThinkBook model will showcase the well-known classic ThinkBook design. Images indicate it will be equipped with 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, HDMI, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an SD card slot. These pictures of the ThinkBook 16 were shared on Twitter by WalkingCat.

    Efficient Performance

    Despite not having the fastest GPU among all ARM processors, the newly released Snapdragon X Elite provides an exceptionally efficient and high-performance CPU. With the Snapdragon X Elite, numerous companies have promptly introduced their new products. It’s likely that more Windows laptops with ARM CPUs will be released in the near future. The X Elite even surpasses some of Apple’s ARM processors.

    Upcoming ThinkBook 16 with Snapdragon X Elite Renders Leaked
    Upcoming ThinkBook 16 with Snapdragon X Elite Renders Leaked
    Upcoming ThinkBook 16 with Snapdragon X Elite Renders Leaked
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  • Keychron K15 Max Low-Profile Alice Layout Keyboard Starts at $104

    Keychron K15 Max Low-Profile Alice Layout Keyboard Starts at $104

    Keychron has introduced the K15 Max, a new model in their K Max lineup of mechanical keyboards. Priced starting at $104, it is available now on Keychron’s official website.

    Keychron K15 Max Keyboard Specifications

    The K15 Max is impressively thin, measuring just 17~22mm in thickness, making it one of the slimmest mechanical keyboards with wireless capabilities on the market. It utilizes Gateron MX 2.0 low-profile switches, providing options for tactile, linear, or clicky actuation.

    This mechanical keyboard features a 75% Alice layout, an ergonomic design that positions the split spacebar and Fn keys in a more thumb-friendly location, potentially reducing strain and enhancing typing comfort during prolonged use.

    The K15 Max comes with double-shot PBT keycaps, known for their durability and resistance to shine through. Keychron has also revamped the stabilizers on the K15 Max to reduce key wobble, especially on larger keys like the spacebar. The keyboard includes 22 RGB backlighting effects with additional customization options and three adjustable typing angles for better ergonomic comfort.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    The K15 Max offers versatile connectivity options, including 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming, Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to multiple devices, and a wired USB-C connection for charging and wired use.

    It features a 2000mAh battery, providing up to 110 hours of typing time with the backlight off and 64 hours with the RGB backlight set to the lowest brightness.

    Customization and Pricing

    Further customization is possible through Keychron’s QMK/VIA software. This open-source firmware allows for remapping keys, creating macros, and setting custom layouts for both Windows and macOS. Keychron has also launched their Keychron Launcher web app, simplifying the customization process for new users.

    Keychron offers three configurations for the K15 Max: a white backlight version for $104, an RGB backlight version for $114, and a hot-swappable RGB backlight version for $124. The hot-swappable version allows users to change switches without soldering, enabling them to test different switch types to find their ideal typing experience.

    Keychron K15 Max Low-Profile Alice Layout Keyboard Starts at 4
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  • Red Magic 16 Pro Gaming Laptop with 240Hz Display

    Red Magic 16 Pro Gaming Laptop with 240Hz Display

    Red Magic, renowned for its gaming smartphones and accessories, held an event in China today to unveil several new products. Among them was the company’s first foray into the laptop market with the introduction of the Red Magic Gaming Laptop 16 Pro. Designed specifically for avid gamers, this laptop comes with robust specifications and features. Continue reading to discover more about what this device offers.

    Red Magic Gaming Laptop 16 Pro Specifications and Features

    The Red Magic Gaming Laptop 16 Pro features a chassis made from series 6 aviation-grade aluminum alloy. The laptop’s lid sports a sleek design with the brand’s RGB logo. It also has a customizable RGB backlit keyboard with an integrated number pad. The power button functions as a fingerprint scanner. The rear of the device houses multiple ports including power input, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and an Ethernet port. Additionally, there are USB 3.2 Gen1 and Gen2 ports on both sides. Despite its powerful build, the laptop is just 13mm thick and weighs 2.4 kg.

    In terms of display, the Red Magic Gaming Laptop 16 Pro features a 16-inch screen with thin bezels. It offers a 2.5K resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, 500 nits peak brightness, and a 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut for an immersive visual experience. The laptop is equipped with Harman Kardon-powered speakers and Dolby Atmos for superior sound quality. It also comes with a 1080p IR webcam that includes a privacy shutter.

    Performance and Battery

    Under the hood, the Red Magic Gaming Laptop 16 Pro is powered by up to a 14th generation Intel Core i9 processor. It offers options for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and 4070 8GB GDDR6 GPUs with ray tracing support. The device includes up to 32GB LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB SSD for ample storage. To keep the system cool, it employs a sophisticated heat dissipation system that includes a 3D ice-sealed heat pipe and dual fans. The laptop is powered by an 80Wh battery that supports 100W fast charging.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Red Magic Gaming Laptop 16 Pro starts at CNY 10,999 ($1,512) for the base model with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The higher-end model with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage is priced at CNY 13,299 ($1,828). The laptop is available in Dark Knight and Glacier Silver color options.

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  • Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra India Sale: Discounts & Exchange Offers

    Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra India Sale: Discounts & Exchange Offers

    Samsung recently introduced the Galaxy Book4 Ultra to the Indian market without initially providing details on its availability and discounts. That information has now been disclosed, allowing interested buyers to purchase the laptop along with various bank and exchange offers. The Galaxy Book4 Ultra is the newest addition to the Galaxy Book4 series, which was launched earlier in March this year. Here are the specifics.

    Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra Available for Purchase

    The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra is now available on the official Samsung website and select brick-and-mortar stores like Croma. It is offered in two configurations: the Core Ultra 7 with 16GB of RAM and an RTX 4050 GPU, and the Core Ultra 9 with 32GB of RAM and an RTX 4070 GPU. These models are priced at Rs 2,33,990 and Rs 2,81,990 respectively, and come in a Moonstone Grey color.

    Discounts and Exchange Offers

    HDFC Bank credit and debit cardholders can enjoy discounts of up to Rs 12,000, reducing the effective price of the base and top configurations to Rs 2,21,990 and Rs 2,69,990 respectively. Additionally, Samsung is providing an exchange bonus of Rs 10,000, subject to the condition and base value of the trade-in device.

    Specifications and Features

    The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra boasts a 16-inch dynamic AMOLED touchscreen display with a WQXGA+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The audio experience is enhanced with AKG-tuned quad speakers and Dolby Atmos support. Both configurations feature 1TB SSD storage and a sophisticated heat dissipation system. Other notable features include a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint scanner. The laptop is powered by a 76Wh battery that Samsung claims can last up to 21 hours and supports fast charging. Running on Windows 11 OS, the Galaxy Book4 Ultra is also designed to seamlessly integrate with other Galaxy devices.

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  • Apple Pays Up to $395 per Claimant in MacBook Keyboard Lawsuit

    Apple Pays Up to $395 per Claimant in MacBook Keyboard Lawsuit

    Apple recently provided an update on the MacBook Butterfly Keyboard class action lawsuit via a blog post. After examining the claims, the court approved the settlement on May 25th, 2023. Payments were ordered on June 27th, 2024, with eligible claimants expected to receive their payouts by the end of August 2024.

    The Class-Action Lawsuit Filed in May 2018

    In March 2015, Apple unveiled the ultra-thin 12-inch MacBook featuring a new butterfly keyboard design. Despite its slim profile, the keyboard faced numerous issues such as sticking keys, missed inputs, and repeated letters. The second-generation butterfly keyboard was introduced in October 2016 with the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models, but users continued to report problems with sticky and unresponsive keys.

    By May 2018, a class-action lawsuit was initiated in the US, claiming Apple was aware of the keyboard’s defects. In June 2018, Apple acknowledged that a “small number” of users were experiencing these issues and launched a global keyboard service program for affected MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models.

    Compensation Details

    The compensation amounts are based on the extent of the repairs needed:

    • Up to $395 for those who had their entire butterfly keyboard replaced more than twice.
    • Up to $125 for users who replaced their butterfly keyboard once.
    • Up to $50 for users who only needed keycap replacements.
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