Category: Computers

May 14, 2024
HP Launches Zhan X Core Laptops: Powerful Performance
HP has unveiled a new series of laptops aimed at professionals who need both performance and portability: the Zhan X Core Edition. These laptops are powered by Core Ultra processors, capable of handling intensive tasks effortlessly. While specific processor details are not yet disclosed, the term "Ultra" usually signifies high-performance Intel options.
Customizable Configurations
The Zhan X laptops are available in two sizes – 14-inch and 16-inch – and come with a range of configurations to suit various needs and budgets. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the options:
- Display: Both sizes feature high-resolution displays with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The 14-inch model includes a 2.5K DreamColor screen with 500 nits of brightness and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. The 16-inch version upgrades to a 2.8K OLED display with 400 nits of brightness and the same 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. Additionally, the 14-inch model offers a touchscreen option for more convenience.
- Processor: The laptops are available with either the Ultra 5 125H or Ultra 7 155H processor.
- Memory: All configurations come with 32GB of DDR5 memory, which can be expanded up to 64GB of DDR5 5600 for enhanced performance.
- Storage: Each model is equipped with a 1TB PCIe 4.0 solid-state drive for fast boot times and application loading.
- Connectivity: One version of the 14-inch model includes 5G network capability, ensuring you stay connected while on the move.
Design and Pricing
Despite their powerful performance, the Zhan X laptops are lightweight. The 14-inch model starts at just 1.42kg, and the 16-inch model starts at 1.9kg, making them perfect for professionals who need a portable work machine.
The HP Zhan X 14 Core Edition starts at 7,499 yuan (around $1,130 USD), and the 16-inch Zhan X 16 Core Edition starts at 7,999 yuan (around $1,200 USD). Sales begin at 10:00 am on May 20th in China.
Tags: High-Performance Display, HP Zhan X, Professional Laptops
May 13, 2024
US to Triple Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2032
A recent study conducted by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has unveiled promising forecasts for the U.S. semiconductor sector by the year 2032. The analysis indicates a significant growth trajectory, primarily fueled by strategic policies and investments within the industry.
The report outlines that the United States is set to triple its local semiconductor manufacturing capacity within the next ten years. This expansion is projected to increase the U.S. share of global chip manufacturing capacity from 10% in 2022 to 14% by 2032.
Factors Driving Growth
Numerous factors are attributed to this anticipated expansion. The implementation of the Chips and Science Act in 2022 is highlighted as a crucial move in strengthening U.S. chip manufacturing capacity. Furthermore, substantial investments by industry leaders such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) in constructing a 2-nanometer facility in Arizona, with an estimated investment of US$65 billion, further cements the U.S.’s standing in the semiconductor sector.
The Chips and Science Act has been a game-changer for the U.S. semiconductor industry, enabling vital investments necessary for its growth potential. Absent this legislation, it is projected that the U.S. would have captured only 9% of global capital expenditures (capex) by 2032, in contrast to the estimated 28% with the Act in effect.
Supply Chain Resilience
While the report paints a picture of significant growth opportunities, it also stresses the critical importance of supply chain resilience. It cautions that industrial policies could lead to bottlenecks, thereby heightening supply chain risks. Consequently, there is a push for targeted, distributed, and market-driven investments to fortify resilience.
The global landscape also features initiatives aimed at strengthening semiconductor industries worldwide. Programs like the CHIPS Act in the U.S., the European CHIPS Act, and China’s IC Industry Investment Fund stand out as significant motivators for global semiconductor investments.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
Looking forward, the report underscores the need for additional governmental policy measures to tackle supply chain vulnerabilities and fortify the U.S. semiconductor industry. Recommendations include expanding crucial CHIPS Act incentives, advocating for free trade, investing in scientific research, and broadening the STEM talent pool.
The incentives provided by the CHIPS Act have already sparked substantial investments in the U.S. semiconductor sector. With over 80 new projects announced in 25 states, totaling nearly $450 billion in private investments, these initiatives are expected to generate more than 56,000 jobs within the semiconductor ecosystem, further strengthening the U.S.’s position in the global semiconductor arena.
Tags: CHIPS Act Impact, Global Supply Chain Resilience, Semiconductor Industry Growth
May 13, 2024
Infinix GT 20 Pro & GT Book Gaming Devices Launching in India
Infinix has officially announced the launch date for its latest range of gaming devices. The company is preparing to introduce new products from its GT Verse series, including the Infinix GT 20 Pro and GT Book, later this month. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Infinix GT 20 Pro & GT Book Launch in India Next Week
In a recent teaser, Infinix confirmed that the upcoming gaming smartphone and gaming laptop will be revealed in the Indian market on May 21, 2024. This aligns with earlier reports that also hinted at a May 21 release date. Initially introduced in Saudi Arabia, the Infinix GT 20 Pro boasts a tall 6.78-inch AMOLED display featuring FHD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate.
Specifications and Features
Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate SoC, accompanied by up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The smartphone is fueled by a substantial 5000mAh battery that supports 45W wired fast charging. Operating on Android 14 OS with HiOS 14 custom skin, the Infinix GT 20 Pro offers a seamless user experience.
Camera and Performance
Equipped with a 108-megapixel triple camera setup at the back and a 32-megapixel front camera, the Infinix GT 20 Pro promises impressive photography capabilities. On the other hand, the Infinix GT Book is set to feature an Intel Core i9-13900H processor and RTX 4060 GPU. Its display boasts a tall 16-inch panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, complemented by an RGB keyboard for enhanced aesthetics.
Tags: Gaming Products, GT Book, Infinix GT 20 Pro
May 12, 2024
Leaked Images Uncover Details on Snapdragon Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5
Windows on Arm has been a topic of discussion for some time now, primarily due to the upcoming Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus chips expected to debut around "mid-2024." This suggests that the launch of a range of potentially energy-efficient laptops running on this platform is imminent.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 with Snapdragon X Plus
Leaks regarding the new chips and laptops continue to emerge, including a couple of images of the upcoming Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 shared by WalkingCat.
The images of the upcoming IdeaPad Slim 5 showcase its design, chipset, and ports. It has been confirmed that the laptop will be powered by the Snapdragon X Plus chipset. Based on the performance metrics of the Snapdragon X Plus chip (X1P-64-100), NotebookCheck suggests that this new laptop may be slightly less powerful compared to the IdeaPad Slim 5 Gen 9, which provides options between AMD Ryzen Hawk Point APUs and Intel Meteor Lake processors.
The Snapdragon X Plus features 10 Qualcomm Oryon CPU cores with a 6+4 architecture (6 high-performance cores and 4 energy-efficient cores). This chip is considered a scaled-down version of the pricier 12-core Snapdragon X Elite chip, both of which are built on TMMC’s 4nm process node.
Port Configurations and Details
Apart from the chipset, the images also unveil the port setup of the new device. It includes two USB-C ports, a dedicated HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio jack on the left side. On the right side, there are two USB-A ports and a microSD card slot. While many upcoming Snapdragon-powered laptops may omit the 3.5mm jack, this particular model retains it.
Regrettably, these are the only details revealed by the images of the upcoming IdeaPad Slim 5. The initial batch of Snapdragon-powered laptops is expected to launch on May 20, just a few days from now. We will provide more updates as further information becomes available.
To provide a glimpse of what to anticipate, the IdeaPad Slim 5 14IMH9 boasts a 14" 16:10 aspect ratio OLED display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and a 100% DCI-P3 rating, priced at $1000.
Tags: IdeaPad Slim 5i, Laptop Leaks, Snapdragon
May 12, 2024
Huawei & OrangePi Unveil Raspberry Pi Alternative
Huawei and OrangePi have collaborated to introduce the OrangePi Kunpeng Pro, a single-board computer tailored for developers, students, and consumers. This development board, akin to the Raspberry Pi, features a quad-core 64-bit ARM processor along with a dedicated AI processor.
Processor Details
The specific details regarding the processor are shrouded in secrecy, with Huawei withholding the chip's name. Speculation from Tom’s Hardware indicates that it may be built on a custom Huawei Kunpeng CPU design.
Operating System and Software
Running on the openEuler operating system, the OrangePi Kunpeng Pro comes equipped with the openGauss database and a range of software development tools, internet applications, and productivity software. This blend makes it a versatile platform suitable for a variety of projects.
Innovative Design
A standout feature of the Kunpeng Pro is its utilization of a custom Huawei Kunpeng CPU in conjunction with an AI Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The integration of these components is a departure from traditional Kunpeng chip designs.
The AI processor boasts 8 TOPS of computing power, positioning it below competitors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Apple M4 in terms of raw performance. Despite this, the Kunpeng Pro offers a compelling option for developers and students engaged in AI projects due to its affordability.
Connectivity options on the Kunpeng Pro include two HDMI ports for 4K display connection, a Type-C power interface, Wi-Fi 5, and Gigabit Ethernet. Presently, the board is exclusively accessible through Chinese retailers at a starting price of 1,076 yuan or around $148.
Tags: Huawei, OrangePi Kunpeng Pro, Single-board Computer
May 12, 2024
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 2024: Intel Meteor Lake-U Processor Revealed
Lenovo has recently introduced the 2024 iteration of the ThinkPad X1 Yoga laptop, showcasing the Intel Meteor Lake-U processor, specifically the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, a processor positioned within the mid-range spectrum. This refreshed model succeeds the current Lenovo Gen 8 laptops, which are powered by the 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors.
Key Features
Despite its mid-range processor, the 2024 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga maintains the hallmark features of Yoga laptops. Notably, it incorporates a 360-degree hinge, enabling seamless transformation into a tablet. The adaptable design of the new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga permits users to prop it up on a stand or table for enhanced convenience. Boasting a slim chassis and a weight of just 1.35kg, the laptop utilizes an aircraft-grade aluminum body and measures 15.5mm in thickness.
Display and Connectivity
The 2024 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga sports a 2.8K OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and full 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. With a peak brightness of 400 nits, the laptop offers an immersive viewing experience. In terms of connectivity, it features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, two USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Additionally, the laptop incorporates Dolby Vision for audio architecture and holds the MIL-STD-810H durability certification.
Pricing and Availability
The latest Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is currently listed on the Chinese retail platform JD.com, showcasing specifications such as 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Priced at 15,999 Chinese Yuan (equivalent to $2,214), the exact release date remains undisclosed. Lenovo is yet to provide further details regarding the global availability of the 2024 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga.
Tags: Lenovo, ThinkPad X1 Yoga
May 11, 2024
Intel Arrow Lake CPUs: Potential Lower Clock Speeds vs. i9 14900KS
Intel recently unveiled its Meteor Lake processors at the close of last year, with anticipation building around the upcoming Arrow Lake desktop CPUs slated for release later in the year. Leaks have revealed the initial Arrow Lake CPUs to be named Core Ultra 9 285K, Core Ultra 7 265K, and Core Ultra 5 245K.
Lower Clock Speeds on Core Ultra 9 285K
A recent leak from tipster MebiuW on Weibo has hinted that the Core Ultra 9 285K, viewed as the successor to the i9 14900KS, will operate at a clock speed 700MHz lower than the 14900KS. While the 14900KS can reach speeds of up to 6.2GHz, the 285K is expected to top out at 5.5GHz.
Performance and Stability Enhancements
Despite the 12% clock speed advantage of the 14900KS over the upcoming 285K, the Arrow Lake CPU is projected to offer improved performance and stability. Although the 285K is expected to have slightly higher single-core performance than the 14900KS due to a lower clock speed, overall enhancements are anticipated over the instability experienced with the 13th and 14th generation Core i9 CPUs.
Focus on Stability and Efficiency
Intel’s move towards prioritizing stability alongside performance is evident with the Arrow Lake CPUs. The company seems to be addressing concerns regarding the instability and power efficiency of previous generation chips, which have faced issues such as crashes during demanding tasks, potentially attributed to high temperatures.
The Core Ultra 9 285K is forecasted to boast 24 cores and 24 threads, featuring 8 Lion Cove P-Core architecture cores and 16 Skymont E-Core architecture cores. Questions remain about whether the unlocked K-series chips will adopt the 20A or TSMC’s 3nm process node.
Tags: Arrow Lake CPUs, Core Ultra 9 285K
May 11, 2024
Introducing HP ZBook Power 16 G11 Laptop: with AMD or Intel CPUs
HP introduced the latest ZBook Power 16 G11 (Zhan 99) mobile workstation on May 10th via its official website. This new model features a larger 16-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, a step up from the prior generation's 15.6-inch screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. When it comes to display options, users have a variety to select from, including different resolutions (1920×1200 or 2560×1600), brightness levels (ranging from 300 to 1000 nits), color gamut (45% NTSC or 100% sRGB), and touch functionality.
Display Options and Configurations
Users have ample choices for customization, with various options available for tailoring the device to their preferences. When delving into the specifications, users can opt for Intel Core Ultra processors (i5, i7, i9) or AMD Ryzen processors, which also include Pro variants. Both processor choices are paired with Nvidia RTX Ada graphics, spanning from RTX 500 to RTX 3000. Notable features of the ZBook Power 16 G11 include dual DDR5 SO-DIMM memory slots, dual M.2 solid-state drive slots, a 5-megapixel camera equipped with infrared face recognition technology and a privacy shield, as well as a range of connectivity options such as Thunderbolt 4 and RJ45 ethernet ports.
Battery and Weight Specifications
Equipped with an 83Wh battery and a 150W power adapter, the ZBook Power 16 G11 weighs at least 2.04kg for the Ryzen option and 2.122kg for the Intel variant. While there may be a consumer edition on the horizon featuring RTX 4050 graphics, it is not yet accessible for purchase. However, specific details regarding RAM capacity and storage size are not explicitly outlined in the available information.
Tags: HP, Mobile Workstation, ZBook Power 16 G11
May 11, 2024
Keychron V4 Max Mechanical Keyboard: 3 Modes, 60% Layout
Keychron has pleasantly surprised its followers by unveiling the V4 Max, a customizable mechanical keyboard within the V Max series. This compact 60% layout keyboard is priced starting at a budget-friendly US$69 (approximately ¥498). The V4 Max aims to enhance typing comfort through its unique Gasket structure, PC positioning plate, and sound-dampening components. Additionally, users can add a personal touch with the inclusion of South-facing RGB lighting.
Customization and Connectivity Options
Users are offered a variety of customization choices, including three Jiadalong Jupiter switches (tactile, linear, or tactile with a bump) and durable OSA PBT double-shot keycaps. The keyboard provides flexible connectivity options, such as 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired connections. To enhance compatibility, it features dual 2.4GHz receivers for broader device support.
Impressive Features and Specifications
The V4 Max comes equipped with notable specifications, including hot-swappable switches, a polling rate of up to 1000Hz for seamless responsiveness, and compatibility with QMK/VIA for personalized layouts. It simplifies the process of switching between Windows and macOS configurations. With a 4000mAh battery capacity, the keyboard ensures extended usage and supports 5V 1A charging for convenience.
Product Models and Availability
Keychron offers two distinct models for the V4 Max: the V4M-Z2 kit priced at US$69 for individuals looking to customize every detail, and the V4M-B1 keyboard priced at US$89, which comes pre-equipped with switches and keycaps. Notably, the official announcement and release date of the V4 Max remain undisclosed. Currently listed as out of stock on the official website, the launch countdown remains at zero. Would you consider purchasing this keyboard upon its restocking?
Tags: customizable controls, Keychron V4 Max, mechanical keyboard
May 11, 2024
New Dell Laptops Unveiled with Snapdragon X Elite Power
Microsoft has recently introduced its AI assistant Copilot, and the company has integrated a dedicated Copilot button onto its latest Surface devices. This move indicates a potential future trend where laptops may commonly feature a Copilot button, especially with the rapid advancement of Qualcomm laptop chipsets designed to accelerate AI tasks.
Dell Inspiron 14″ 7441 Plus & XPS 13″ 9345
According to recent reports by Windows Report, Dell is gearing up to launch a new laptop equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite processor. The Dell Inspiron 14 7441 Plus, with its 16-core Snapdragon X Elite processor, has been leaked ahead of its official release.
The Inspiron 14 7441 Plus is expected to debut with Windows 11 24H2 Preview Build, rumored to include AI Explorer and other AI functionalities. Leaked images of the laptop showcase a design reminiscent of previous Inspiron models but with a slimmer and more refined profile. The device is set to include 2 USB-C ports, 1 USB-A port, a microSD card slot, and a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button.
Additionally, leaked render images of the XPS 13 9345 suggest that it will share a design language with the Dell XPS 13 Plus. As per reports, the upcoming XPS laptop will be offered with either the Snapdragon X Elite or Intel Ultra processor, with the previous 13 Plus model housing the 13th gen Intel Core i7-1360P processor.
Dell XPS
Renowned for its sleek design, Dell’s XPS series will continue this trend with the upcoming Dell XPS 13 9345. This device is set to feature just 2 USB-C ports, positioned with one on each side.
Tags: Dell Inspiron 14 7441 Plus, Dell XPS 13 9345, Microsoft