Category: Computers

November 26, 2024
Sanwa Supply Launches Wireless Handheld Mouse with Media Controls
Sanwa Supply has introduced the 400-MAWBT204BK, a handheld mouse designed for wireless control of computers. This device features a pointing stick, which is similar to the Lenovo TrackPoint, allowing users to move the cursor without needing a flat surface. This is particularly beneficial for AR/VR/XR users, as well as those who prefer to control applications while walking in virtual reality or relaxing in bed.
User-Friendly Design
The pointing stick is encircled by a control pad that includes four buttons for easy navigation—page up, page down, next page, and previous page—making it convenient for managing presentations or reading eBooks. Additionally, a media control pad located below the mouse pad enables users to manage media playback directly, eliminating the need to move the cursor to on-screen play, fast forward, rewind, or volume settings. In between the two pads, there’s a scroll wheel that allows for precise scrolling through pages.
Specifications and Features
This wireless handheld mouse has a weight of 1.98 oz. (56 g) and dimensions of 2.28 x 4.5 x 2.22 in. (5.78 x 11.43 x 5.63 cm). It includes a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi USB-A receiver that can be stored within the mouse’s grip for easy transportation. Users can switch between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 mode using a switch on the mouse. When in Bluetooth mode, this mouse is compatible with devices running Android OS, Apple iOS, Chrome OS, MacOS, and Windows. The rechargeable battery offers around 75 hours of usage under normal conditions.
Pricing and Availability
The Sanwa Supply 400-MAWBT204BK is priced at 7,480 yen (approximately $49) and can be purchased through Sanwa Direct in Japan. For those who haven’t yet explored virtual reality, the popular Meta Quest 3 headset is available on Amazon right now.
Tags: 400-MAWBT204BK, Sanwa Supply, wireless mouse
November 26, 2024
Lenovo ThinkPad T16: Why Right to Repair is Rare in Laptops
Repairing gadgets not only helps the planet, it also cuts down costs. The “right to repair” movement has become a hot topic in the tech world recently, with new companies like Framework bringing attention to this issue.
Keyboard Vulnerabilities
One component of laptops that is prone to damage is the keyboard. This mechanical section can get easily harmed, whether from a spill or a key being ripped off. This creates a compelling reason to make this part easier to swap out.
Changing Repairability
In the past, fixing laptop keyboards was generally straightforward. Unfortunately, that’s not the case today, as many brands now tightly integrate the keyboard into the laptop’s design. With the trend towards thinner laptops, allowing for keyboard replacement could compromise the overall structure. But really, what should take priority: a sleek design or the ability to repair the laptop?
Exceptions to the Rule
Some laptops still break this trend. A prime example is the Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3, which we recently examined. This large-screen business laptop from the renowned ThinkPad series features a keyboard that can be swapped out in just a few minutes. The user needs to unscrew two screws on the bottom, and the keyboard easily slides out. This is because the keyboard is not built into the top cover; it stands alone as a separate piece.
Even in the realm of business laptops, this repair-friendly aspect is now uncommon—why is that? If manufacturers fail to provide such straightforward and effective options for making laptops more repairable, they open themselves up to criticism from the right to repair movement, and they deserve it.
Source: Link
Tags: Laptop Keyboard Replacement, Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3, right-to-repair
November 26, 2024
Raspberry Pi Launches RP2350 Pico 2 W with Wireless & Micro USB
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has updated its Pico 2 microcontroller board just about three months after the first version launched worldwide (curr. $9.99 on Amazon). This new version, known as the Pico 2 W, brings wireless connectivity into the mix but comes with a higher price.
Pricing Details
The Pico 2 W is priced at $7, making it 40% pricier than the standard Pico 2. To summarize, the Pico 2 series is powered by the RP2350 microcontroller, which has 520 KB of SRAM along with two ARM Cortex-M33 processor cores that support both ARM Trustzone and Secure Boot. Additionally, the RP2350 has two RISC-V Hazard3 cores, though only one set can operate at a time.
Specifications
In addition to its features, the Pico 2 W includes 4 MB of onboard QSPI flash storage, a Micro USB 1.1 port, and a 26-pin GPIO header. Moreover, the Pico 2 W utilizes the Infineon CYW43439 modem from the earlier model, which limits its connectivity to Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 n). For further details, refer to CNX Software’s initial comparison of the Pico 2 and Pico 2 W, along with the Pi Foundation’s website for purchasing information.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: Pico 2 W, Raspberry Pi, RP2350
November 26, 2024
Seasonic Prime TX-1600 Noctua Edition: Ultra Quiet PSU for $569
Noctua and Seasonic have teamed up to launch what they call an ‘ultra-quiet’ ATX power supply (PSU). Following closely after the NF-A6x15 and its splitter cable, the Prime TX-1600 Noctua Edition enhances an existing Seasonic PSU instead of being a completely new product.
Overview of the Noctua Edition
The Noctua Edition brings updates to the Prime TX-1600, which is currently priced at $539.99 on Amazon and has been around for more than two years. Interestingly, the design of the Noctua Edition appears unchanged since it was first revealed by Noctua and Seasonic at Computex 2024 in June. The new version simply replaces the fan with an NF-A12x25 model.
Features and Performance
In a recent press release, Noctua mentioned that they have added a ‘custom engineered fan grill’ to their well-known case fan. As a result, the Noctua Edition is claimed to operate approximately 8-10dB(A) quieter compared to the regular Prime TX-1600. For more details on how these modifications affect airflow, you can check out Noctua’s images and dedicated article below.
Specifications and Availability
The Prime TX-1600 Noctua Edition can manage a load of up to 1600 W and comes equipped with two 12V-6×2 connectors, as stated by Seasonic. Additionally, this model complies with ATX 3.1 standards. It is expected to be available starting today at a price of $569 in the US and €499 in Europe. However, Noctua has cautioned that it might take a day or two for the PSU to be listed for purchase on certain regional Amazon sites.
Source: Link,Link,Link,Link
Tags: Noctua, Prime TX-1600, Seasonic
November 26, 2024
Transform Your Mac Mini into an Apple TV 4K with All-Black Mod
Apple has released the Mac mini in a range of colors throughout its history. Yet, it hasn’t provided as many color options for this mini-PC as it does for its other Mac devices. Currently, the latest Mac mini is priced at $559 on Amazon and comes only in Silver. In contrast, Apple offers the MacBook Pro in both Silver and Space Black shades.
Conceptual Designs
Recently, the X (previously known as Twitter) account @L0vetodream shared some concept images showing how the Mac mini might appear if it were available in the same colors as the MacBook Pro. This has led some followers to compare it to Apple TV or even a version of ‘Apple TV Plus’.
Design Details
The sleek all-black look seems to be the result of anodizing an existing silver shell, instead of creating a new case from the ground up. However, this modification appears to be a unique instance, as it would be challenging to market altered Mac mini cases without getting Apple’s consent. This is merely one of many new Mac mini customizations. Currently, third-party removable SSDs are being developed, along with docks that will provide extra storage and additional ports.
Source: Link,Link,Link
Tags: ‘@L0vetodream, Apple TV+, Mac Mini
November 25, 2024
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D 3D V-cache Rumors Debunked
Multiple speculations have focused on a CES 2025 launch for AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D, which would complete the introduction of high-end Zen 5 desktop processors. Earlier, there was a suggestion that both models would feature a 3D V-cache tile on each CCD. However, it appears this may not be true.
Cache Details
Well-known leaker @AnhPhuH has mentioned that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D will inherit the same L3 cache as seen in the previous generation (Ryzen 7000) models. While it’s a letdown that there won’t be additional cache, these CPUs will likely have a reversed cache tile layout. This design should enable you to overclock your CPU effectively. Typically, Ryzen 9 models are more amenable to overclocking than Ryzen 7 ones, and this should hopefully also apply to the X3D versions.
Release Timeline
The leaker further states that both CPUs are expected to be available by the end of January 2025. In the past, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D outperformed the Ryzen 9 series, leading to questions about whether AMD has made changes to ensure better performance with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D. Only time will give us the answers. On a different note, Intel’s not-so-great Arrow Lake-S launch means that AMD is really just competing with itself this time around.
Source: Link
Tags: amd, Ryzen 9 9900X3D, Ryzen 9 9950X3D
November 24, 2024
Apple’s Future MacBook Pros May Feature OLED Screens Again
Apple’s move to upgrade its MacBook Pro lineup to OLED has been a topic of speculation among many analysts for quite some time. A latest report from TrendForce suggests that Apple is pushing its suppliers to increase investments in larger OLED panels suitable for laptops. As mentioned in earlier reports, the transition to OLED is anticipated to happen by 2026 at the earliest.
Benefits of OLED Displays
There’s no denying that OLED screens come with numerous advantages compared to traditional LED displays. With their per-pixel dimming feature, OLED panels deliver outstanding black levels, resulting in almost infinite contrast ratios and a fantastic HDR experience. Additionally, they offer rapid response times, which is especially appealing for gaming enthusiasts.
Drawbacks of OLED Technology
Nonetheless, there are some downsides to OLED technology. The ongoing risk of burn-in could be a worry for professionals who often deal with static images on their screens for long durations. Moreover, OLEDs generally have lower brightness levels compared to the current Mini LED panels that Apple uses. However, it seems that the company’s innovative tandem OLED technology might adequately address this issue.
TrendForce’s report indicates that Apple is indeed serious about integrating OLED technology into its products.
Source: Link
Tags: Apple, MacBook Pro, OLED
November 24, 2024
AMD Threadripper 9000 Series: 16-96 Cores at 350W TDP
A recent leak of a shipping manifest has shed light on AMD’s upcoming Threadripper 9000 series processors, codenamed Shimada Peak. Among the revelations is the unexpected introduction of a 16-core version, which will join the previously disclosed 96-core flagship model. The documents suggest that this new high-performance desktop lineup will keep the same power consumption levels as the previous generation, even as AMD has been shifting towards more power-efficient designs in its mainstream desktop offerings.
Confirmed Specs and Performance
The Threadripper 9000 series, which is anticipated to incorporate Zen 5 architecture, looks ready to keep AMD at the forefront of the high-performance CPU market. Notably, the leaked manifest confirms a flagship processor boasting 96 cores and 192 threads, likely to be named the Threadripper 9980X. This model is set to have a thermal design power (TDP) of 350 watts, identical to that of its predecessor, the Threadripper 7980X. Even with the higher core count, it appears that AMD is prioritizing performance over power efficiency by maintaining this TDP, particularly in contrast to the lower TDPs observed in the Ryzen 9000 series chips.
The 16-Core Model
Remarkably, the manifest also refers to a 16-core processor with a TDP of 350 watts. While this might seem excessive for a chip with fewer cores, it aligns with the previous Threadripper 7000 series, all of which operated under the same thermal design. This 16-core model likely won’t be included in the standard Threadripper lineup since AMD’s Threadripper 7000 series kicked off with a 24-core variant and the last 16-core version dates back to the 2000 series in 2018. It’s probable that this 16-core option will be a PRO model, following the trend of earlier Threadripper PRO series, which also offered a 16-core choice.
Clock Speeds and Expectations
Details regarding clock speeds are still unclear, but AMD’s Zen 5 architecture should deliver faster frequencies compared to Zen 4. The Ryzen 9 9950X, for instance, can boost up to 5.7 GHz. The Threadripper 7000 series already reaches speeds of up to 5.3 GHz, so a slight increase can be expected. However, significant improvements in clock speeds might be limited due to thermal and architectural restrictions.
Another fascinating aspect of the leaks is the absence of any reference to a model exceeding 96 cores. This could imply that the Threadripper 9000 series won’t feature Zen 5c-based processors. These cores, made for cloud servers, focus on increasing core counts rather than enhancing per-core performance. Their exclusion from the Threadripper lineup is consistent with earlier patterns, as Zen 4c cores were also missing from the Threadripper 7000 series.
Anticipated Launch
The Threadripper 9000 series is expected to hit the market soon, solidifying AMD’s leadership in the high-end desktop (HEDT) segment and equipping power users with tools necessary for intensive tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and scientific simulations. With Shimada Peak setting new standards, the HEDT arena is about to become significantly more competitive.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: amd, Threadripper 9000, Zen 5
November 24, 2024
Aoostar N1 Pro: Compact Mini PC with Multiple Ports
Aoostar has launched a mini PC called the N1 Pro, and it looks like they have quietly updated it. The earlier version, later known as the Aoostar R1, was a tower mini PC that included the Ryzen 5 5500U and primarily served as a personal NAS solution. The refreshed model, however, is equipped with a low-power Intel CPU and is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Compact Design
The updated N1 Pro features a 0.33-liter chassis and weighs just over 300 grams. The focus on a space-saving design is clearly evident in this mini PC, as the size constraints limit the ability to include a high-performance CPU. Instead, it has the Intel N100, which is a basic processor from the Alder Lake-N series.
Performance Capabilities
With four E-cores and four threads, the N100 is designed primarily for light office work and everyday tasks. Although it includes Intel UHD Graphics with 24 EUs, it isn’t capable of running modern AAA games, and the new Aoostar N1 Pro isn’t intended for that purpose (Z1 Extreme ROG Ally curr. $499.99 on Best Buy).
Port Selection and Cooling
In terms of connectivity, the new N1 Pro offers a good range of ports. This mini PC includes three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, one Type-C port, one DisplayPort 1.4 that supports up to 4K at 120 Hz, one HDMI port, and two 2.5G Ethernet ports. Aoostar has also integrated an active cooling system to maintain stable performance during heavy use.
Pricing Options
For pricing, the basic barebone option of the new Aoostar N1 Pro is available for $159 on GeekWills. The high-end version, which comes with 12 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, is priced at $259. Keep in mind that GeekWills is a third-party retailer, and the company has not yet listed this mini PC on its official website.
Source: Link
Tags: Aoostar N1 Pro, Intel N100, Mini-PC
November 23, 2024
Qualcomm Unveils Affordable Snapdragon X Chip for Budget Windows PCs
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors are changing how we see Windows laptops by providing battery life that lasts for days. This is a big plus compared to the usual power-hungry laptop chips. But the high costs have kept many from getting them. Good news might be on the horizon, as there are rumors of a more budget-friendly Snapdragon X chip coming soon.
Snapdragon X Lineup Evolution
The Snapdragon X series kicked off with the “Elite” model, which was made to rival Apple’s M-series chips that are used in premium laptops. These laptops usually cost more than $1,200, making them less attractive to everyday users. Qualcomm followed this up with the “Plus” version, which brought prices down to around $1,000. In September, they also released a more affordable variant of the Snapdragon X Plus, which can be found in devices like the Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1, that started at a nice $849.
New Entry-Level Snapdragon X Chip
Now, it looks like Qualcomm is set to introduce even cheaper chips for Windows laptops. At a recent Investor Day event, they hinted at an “entry-level” Snapdragon X chip that’s targeted for laptops under $700. This move could help more people access Snapdragon X technology.
While performance details are still limited, Qualcomm has shared that this chip will include the same Neural Processing Unit (NPU) as the higher-end models. This NPU is crucial for the long battery life and AI capabilities that these processors are known for. Consequently, laptops that use these chips will carry the Copilot+ PC branding, which has minimum requirements like 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. It’s likely these specs will be found even in more budget-friendly models.
Potential Trade-Offs
Nonetheless, it’s still uncertain what compromises might be made to achieve the lower price point. Possible reductions could involve fewer CPU cores or slight drops in graphical performance. Qualcomm has yet to reveal a specific release date, but with CES 2025 coming up in January, it seems that this event could be an ideal place for the new chip’s introduction.
Source: Link
Tags: affordable laptops, Lenovo IdeaPad 5x, Snapdragon X