Category: Computers

April 8, 2024
Samsung All-in-One Pro PC: 4K Display, Intel Core Ultra
Samsung is making waves in the desktop PC industry with the introduction of their All-in-One Pro computer, building on their earlier success with desktop models like All-in-One Pro and All-in-One Deluxe. Packed full of innovative features for various user needs.
Samsung All-in-One Pro PC Specifications.
Samsung All-in-One Pro boasts an ultraslim metal frame measuring only 6.5mm for an eye-catching modern and minimalist design, complete with wireless keyboard and mouse that match its modern aesthetic. In addition, this PC features an eye-catching 27-inch 4K resolution display for optimal viewing pleasure.
Audiophiles will appreciate that Samsung has equipped their All-In-One Pro PC with three 3D speakers that support Dolby Atmos technology, powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor of which they have yet to specify exactly which model. While RAM and SSD capacities haven’t been released publicly yet, initial configurations should come equipped with at least 16GB RAM and 256GB storage.
Connectivity And The Ecosystem
As far as connectivity goes, the All-in-One Pro offers essential ports such as HDMI, USB Type-A ports, Ethernet, a headphone jack and headphone jack – not forgetting Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E wireless capabilities as well. Furthermore, it features a built-in webcam to meet video conferencing requirements.
Samsung integrates their Galaxy ecosystem seamlessly into the All-in-One Pro PC. Equipped with Windows 11 Home preloaded on it and featuring applications such as Buds Auto Switch, Multi Control, Quick Share and Second Screen for seamless file transfers and screen mirroring between phones/tablets/PC. Users can manage phone notifications conveniently via Windows Phone Link app for efficient responses on PC.
Pricing And Availability
The Samsung All-in-One Pro PC can be preordered now in South Korea with its official release set for April 22. At present, no plans for other markets have been disclosed by Samsung regarding All-in-One PC availability.
Tags: All-in-One Pro, Desktop PCs, Samsung
April 7, 2024
Huawei to Reveal New Car and PC Products on April 11
Recent reports by Blue Whale News (via Weibo) indicate that Huawei plans on hosting their HarmonyOS Spring Communication Conference on April 11th. At this event, new products for both cars and PCs should be introduced at this conference.
Huawei Announces Plans For Product Launch
At Huawei’s inaugural car project developed with Chery, Luxeed S7 is likely to be at the center of discussion at this conference. A revised iteration may feature some modifications while still adhering to an established pricing strategy which first launched last November.
Update on Luxeed S7 Car And MateBook X Pro.
Recent regulatory filings reveal two additional versions of an electric sedan with slight modifications in dimensions and weight from its initial model. Both variants should maintain the 150kW + 215kW dual motor setup that’s been seen on Luxeed S7 Max RS models.
Huawei Is Anticipating PC Releases
Regarding PC products, Huawei is gearing up to refresh their MateBook X Pro series of laptops. The 2024 model received certification, signalling an impending launch; with 2023 version having hit shelves last May. This next model should arrive soon after that!
Huawei P70 Launch and Rumors Contamination.
Investigations reveal little pre-order activity for Huawei P70 at its offline stores; specific sales dates likely to be revealed after communication conference; inquiries at stores yielded no details relating to P70 launch event postponement; this indicates an imminent announcement about Huawei’s next flagship device launch event.
Huawei has yet to officially confirm these details, so stay tuned for further updates about Luxeed S7 upgrades and its anticipated P70 series as more information comes out.
Tags: Huawei, Huawei P70, luxeed s7, MateBook X Pro
April 7, 2024
HP Launches 4 New 14-inch Chromebooks from $300
HP recently unveiled not one, not two but four 14-inch Chromebooks running Intel’s Alder Lake-N processors, each designed for students, everyday users and those wanting a premium experience. HP showcased these Chromebooks as being offered at various price ranges with features designed to satisfy different users.
Different Offerings to Meet Varying Preferences
Users have the flexibility of choosing various storage capacities and CPUs from among these Chromebooks, with one of the most advanced models being HP Chromebook Plus x360 14-inch featuring an Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 8GB LPDDR5 memory, 128GB or 256GB UFS storage options and 14-inch IPS touchscreen displaying Full HD (1920×1080 resolution with multitouch capabilities. In addition, its 1080p webcam ensures smooth video calls perfect for online learning or remote work.
Performance and Affordability in Conjunction
HP Chromebook x360 14-Inch provides individuals seeking a balance between performance and cost efficiency with two configurations of its 14-inch laptop: Full HD touchscreen displays with integrated webcam, an Intel N100 or N200 processor option with 4GB or 8GB memory and either 64GB or 128GB storage options.
Provide Solutions that Suit Different Needs
HP Chromebook 14-Inch: the Final Addition in its Lineup The final addition in HP’s Chromebook lineup, this non-convertible model offers similar specifications to its 360deg hinge counterpart when it comes to display, webcam quality and battery life. However, what sets them apart are their processor options; both provide Intel N100 or N200 processor options but without 360deg hinge flexibility.
Pricing begins at an accessible $300 for the HP Chromebook x360 14-inch base model, making it an excellent option for students or casual users. Meanwhile, HP’s flagship Chromebook Plus x360 14-inch comes equipped with more robust processor and enhanced features and can be purchased for $599.99; all models except one featuring N100 processor will be released sometime during March 2017.
Tags: Chromebooks, HP
April 6, 2024
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus: Windows laptops get what feature MacBooks lack
As we prepare for the launch of laptops equipped with Snapdragon X Elite chips by mid-2024, Qualcomm is also contemplating offering more cost-efficient ARM-based Windows chip options such as Snapdragon X Plus.
There Are Two Snapdragon X Plus SoC Variants
According to recent leaks, Qualcomm appears to be creating two different variations of their Snapdragon X Plus System-on-Chip (SoC), which may offer advantages over Apple’s current MacBook series. These chips reportedly bear model numbers X1P44100 and X1P46100; “X Plus” chips can be distinguished from Snapdragon X Elite ones by using “X1E” instead of ‘X1P” when listing model numbers.
Potential Features of Snapdragon X Plus
Although exact details remain sparse, its nomenclature suggests that the Snapdragon X Plus may be a lesser version of its more robust sibling; possibly with reduced core counts similar to what Apple uses with their M series chips as a differentiating factor. Although not reaching the raw power of its more expensive sibling, the Snapdragon X Plus could prove ideal for affordable Windows laptops running ARM technology.
Integration of Qualcomm Snapdragon X65 5G Modem.
Qualcomm appears to be testing an important feature that would make Snapdragon X Plus laptops even more appealing: an integrated Snapdragon X65 5G modem. If successful implementation occurs, this would bring 5G-enabled Windows laptops onto the market – something Apple cannot compete with due to Apple’s absence in this particular segment of 5G laptops.
Though an official release date for the Snapdragon X Plus smartphone hasn’t been set, considering its predecessor is anticipated for later 2024, we might expect its arrival later in 2019 or early in 2025 based on similar patterns as with its Snapdragon X Elite counterparts. At present, however, any predictions remain uncertain and timeline estimates should only be used as estimates at best.
Tags: ARM-based Windows chip, Qualcomm, Snapdragon X Plus
April 5, 2024
Next-Gen Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro: Intel Lunar Lake & Arc GPU Spotted
Samsung is currently developing a new member for its Galaxy Book 4 series, named the Galaxy Book 4 Edge. This device is set to be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X Elite chip.
Samsung's Latest Innovations
Moreover, Samsung appears to be gearing up for the next iteration of its Galaxy Book 5 laptops. Recently, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro was identified in SiSoftware's benchmark database, showcasing an Intel Core Ultra 200 series processor.
The upcoming Intel chip is anticipated to be based on the Lunar Lake architecture and is projected to debut later this year. Evidently, early samples have already made their way to laptop manufacturers.
Lunar Lake Architecture Details
The Lunar Lake architecture is poised to introduce a fresh design for Intel's CPU, incorporating four 'Lion Cove' performance cores and four 'Skymont' efficiency cores. This marks a departure from the previous configuration seen in Meteor Lake U, which had two performance and eight efficiency cores.
In totality, the chip will host eight computing cores, with benchmark results illustrating a base clock speed of 1.6 GHz and a boost clock of 2.8 GHz, although these speeds are likely reflective of early prototypes and are expected to enhance in subsequent versions.
Enhanced Specifications and Features
Additional details regarding the chip include two 12 MB L3 caches (presumably designated for performance and efficiency cores respectively) and 2.5 MB L2 caches per core. The device will also integrate 16 GB of LPDDR5X 8533 RAM.
Intel plans to outfit Lunar Lake chips with Arc graphics founded on the new Xe2 architecture. According to the benchmarks, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro variant will feature a smaller iGPU setup comprising 4 Xe cores, 64 execution units, 512 shaders, and an 8 MB L2 cache. While not as robust as the top-tier Arc iGPU, this configuration presents a notable graphics enhancement for laptops.
Tags: Intel Core Ultra 200 series, Lunar Lake architecture, Samsung Galaxy Book
April 5, 2024
New Razer Blade 18: Beastly Performance at $3099 | 18″ 300Hz QHD+ Display
Razer has recently launched its most potent laptop to date, the Razer Blade 18. Initially unveiled ahead of CES 2024, this powerhouse device targets gamers, content creators, and individuals requiring robust processing capabilities akin to those of a desktop PC.
Specifications and Performance
The Blade 18 is equipped with a 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and an RTX 4070 GPU. This setup offers exceptional multitasking capabilities, enabling users to seamlessly operate demanding applications simultaneously. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, with 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, guarantees smooth performance for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive tasks, benefitting from advanced technologies like NVIDIA DLSS 3 and NVIDIA Reflex.
Display and Design
At the core of the Blade 18 lies its expansive 18-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) Mini-LED display, delivering outstanding clarity, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. This high-resolution panel, with a rapid 300Hz refresh rate, ensures fluid visuals for fast-paced gaming and creative endeavors.
Memory, Storage, and User Experience
To prevent bottlenecks, the laptop features 32GB of DDR5-5600MHz memory for seamless multitasking and system responsiveness. Storage concerns are addressed by a capacious 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, offering swift boot times and ample space for games, projects, and files. Enhancing user experience, the Blade 18 includes a per-key RGB keyboard with Razer Chroma, N-key rollover, and top-tier connectivity options like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Audio, Build, and Extras
The laptop boasts a 6-speaker array with 3 smart amplifiers, delivering immersive audio powered by THX Spatial Audio. Encased in a sleek, durable black anodized aluminum chassis, the Blade 18 features an illuminated Razer logo for personalization. Razer offers a Laptop Stand Chroma V2 and a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription valued at US$16.99 as additional perks. The starting price for the base model is $3,099.99 (16,553 Yuan), providing significant specifications. Customers with additional budget can customize their laptops on the official website. Shipping commences on April 14, 2024.
Tags: Gaming Laptops, High Performance, Razer Blade 18
April 4, 2024
NVIDIA chip supply stable despite Taiwan 7.5-magnitude quake
After the recent 7.5-magnitude earthquake near Taiwan, concerns have arisen about potential disruptions to the global chip supply chain. Taiwan plays a significant role in semiconductor manufacturing, leading to speculations about the status of semiconductor factories post-earthquake. However, NVIDIA, a prominent player in the AI industry, has reassured stakeholders that its chip supply remains unaffected.
NVIDIA Confirms Unharmed Chip Supply
US-based NVIDIA, a company heavily dependent on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) for chip production, has stated that the earthquake did not impact its supply chain in Taiwan. TSMC, known for producing chips for tech giants like Apple, AMD, Qualcomm, and NVIDIA, has reported no damage to crucial chip-making equipment, including the Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography machines.
Despite some tools being affected at specific TSMC facilities, the core machinery remains unscathed. As a precautionary measure, TSMC temporarily evacuated certain production facilities to ensure employee safety. However, operations resumed at 70-80% capacity within just 10 hours after the earthquake.
TSMC's Preparedness and Resilience
TSMC attributes its quick operational recovery to preparedness for such incidents. Utilizing building dampers and conducting regular earthquake drills, TSMC mitigates seismic activity's impact on semiconductor production.
Semiconductor manufacturing demands precise, uninterrupted processes in controlled settings. Even minor disruptions can lead to significant losses, such as discarding entire silicon wafers. TSMC's earthquake readiness and protective measures have proven vital in safeguarding its production line.
Importance of TSMC to NVIDIA
TSMC serves as NVIDIA's primary chip manufacturer, providing cutting-edge semiconductor technology. NVIDIA relies on TSMC's advanced manufacturing processes for high-performance GPUs, including the latest Blackwell architecture models.
The collaboration between NVIDIA and TSMC ensures efficient chip designs and supply. Beyond GPUs, TSMC contributes essential semiconductor technologies crucial for NVIDIA's products. This partnership guarantees a dependable chip supply, essential for meeting market demands and sustaining NVIDIA's competitive edge.
TSMC holds the largest global market share in chip manufacturing. Any disruption to TSMC would not only impact NVIDIA but also other top AI and tech firms, potentially disrupting their chip production and supply chains. Any threat to TSMC poses a concern for NVIDIA and the broader tech industry, potentially hampering global technological advancements.
Tags: chip supply, NVIDIA, Semiconductor Manufacturing, TSMC
April 4, 2024
Lenovo YOGA Pro 2024: Intel Core Ultra CPUs & NVIDIA RTX 40 GPUs
Lenovo’s 2024 YOGA Pro series laptops have been recently previewed in China. This lineup includes the YOGA Pro 14s High-Performance and the YOGA Pro 16s Supreme Edition. These laptops boast impressive hardware components, notably the latest Intel Core Ultra chips that promise a 25% decrease in power consumption while delivering robust performance.
Lenovo YOGA Pro 16s Supreme Edition
The YOGA Pro 16s Supreme Edition showcases a 16-inch 3200 x 2000 resolution 165Hz Mini LED touch display with a peak brightness of 1000 nits. It offers two processor choices: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H / Ultra 9 185H, coupled with 16GB / 32GB / 64GB LPDDR5x RAM, and the option to include up to 4 M.2 NVME SSDs. This model provides three GPU options, including NVIDIA’s RTX 4050, 4060, and 4070, making it suitable for running modern AAA games. It also features a 5MP webcam with face recognition for enhanced security and video calls, along with different battery and power adapter configurations based on the specifications.
Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s High-Performance
The YOGA Pro 14s High-Performance model offers various CPU options – Core Ultra 5 125H / Ultra 7 155H / Ultra 9 185H – along with RTX 4050 / 4060 GPUs. It features 4 PCIe 4.0 slots for SSDs, two RAM choices: 16GB / 32GB LPDDR5x, and three display options, including a 14.5-inch 2.5K IPS panel, a 2.8K OLED panel, and a 3K IPS touch screen. This model also includes a 1080p webcam with Face ID recognition and offers a 73Wh battery with different power adapter options depending on the specific model, all while maintaining a relatively lightweight design.
These laptops are scheduled for launch on April 18 in China, with expectations of a global release under a different branding. Keep an eye out for more information and updates to come.
Tags: High-performance laptops, Lenovo, YOGA Pro Series
April 4, 2024
Asus ROG Iceblade X Compact Gaming Desktop with Water-Cooled Intel i9
Asus has recently introduced the ROG Iceblade X gaming desktop designed specifically for the Chinese market. This gaming rig boasts Intel’s 14th Gen CPUs and the RTX 4070 Super GPU, known for its exceptional price-to-performance ratio.
Compact Design and Powerful Components
The standout feature of the ROG Iceblade X is its compact size, measuring just 11.5 x 32.3 x 28.69cm with a volume of 10L. This makes it ideal for gamers with limited space, offering a solution for those who prefer a smaller form factor over larger tower PCs.
Specifications and Features
Constructed with an all-metal build and a sleek design, the desktop includes two RGB strips at the front and white air vents on the top and back. It is available in two configurations: one with an Intel i7-14700KF processor and the RTX 4070 Super, and the other with an i9-14900KF paired with the same GPU. Both models come with 32GB of SO-DIMM DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD pre-installed.
The desktop features a B760 chipset motherboard with a 600W Gold-certified power supply and a water cooler for the CPU. In terms of connectivity, the front panel offers 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The rear includes three Display 1.4a ports, HDMI ports, USB ports, and an RJ45 network port. Additionally, the motherboard supports WiFi 6E and has mounts for external antennas.
Pricing and Availability
The ROG Iceblade X gaming rig is available in two configurations with the following prices in yuan:
- i7-14700KF+RTX 4070Super+32G+1T: 13,999 yuan ($1,935)
- i9-14900KF+RTX 4070Super+32G+1T: 15,999 yuan ($2,211)
Interested buyers can currently pre-order the desktop through Jingdong in China. The desktop is expected to be released globally under the ROG Strix G series in the near future.
Tags: Asus ROG Iceblade X, Gaming PC Innovation, High Performance
April 4, 2024
Snapdragon X Elite Demonstrates 49% Performance Boost
Last month, a Lenovo laptop featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor made an unexpected appearance on Geekbench, but its performance results fell short of Qualcomm’s claims for the chip.
Lenovo Laptop Revisited on Geekbench
Now, a different model of the Lenovo laptop, identified as 4810UV0100, has reappeared on Geekbench for testing, showing much more promising results this time.
The latest benchmark results on Geekbench 6 reveal a notable 49% performance boost compared to the previous testing session.
The newly tested Lenovo laptop, running on a "Balanced" power plan with the Snapdragon X Elite processor, achieved a single-core score of 2,427 and a multi-core score of 14,254. These scores mark a significant improvement from the earlier results of 1,628 and 11,392, respectively.
Factors Influencing Improved Performance
Various factors could be influencing this sudden performance surge of the System on Chip (SoC). It is possible that optimizations made by Geekbench 6 now better complement this particular chipset.
Moreover, enhancements in the laptop’s cooling system could also be contributing to the overall improved performance. However, it is essential to acknowledge that Geekbench’s brief testing duration may not fully reflect the sustained performance capabilities of the device.
One plausible reason for this notable leap in performance could be the optimization of software specifically tailored for the Snapdragon X Elite chipset in anticipation of its upcoming release.
Snapdragon X Elite Specifications and Future Testing
Qualcomm has stated that the Snapdragon X Elite processor will be available in power options ranging from 23W to 80W. Although the recent benchmark showed the laptop operating on a Balanced power plan, determining the exact Thermal Design Power (TDP) of the chipset remains challenging for now.
Furthermore, it seems that Lenovo is exploring multiple models utilizing the Snapdragon X Elite chip, as this is the second Lenovo laptop to surface on Geekbench featuring this new ARM processor.
Tags: Geekbench Database, Lenovo, Snapdragon X Elite Processor