Category: Computers

  • Asus Zenbook Duo 2026 Outshines Predecessor in Four Key Areas

    Asus Zenbook Duo 2026 Outshines Predecessor in Four Key Areas

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Zenbook Duo (2026) features improved performance and battery life with the new Intel Panther Lake platform, 32 GB of RAM, and 2 TB of storage.
    2. The new model has a dual battery design with a total capacity of 99 Wh and weighs only 1.65 kg, with a 5% smaller footprint than the previous version.
    3. Both 14-inch OLED screens offer 2.8K resolution, 144 Hz refresh rates, and can reach brightness levels of up to 1,000 nits.
    4. Enhanced connectivity includes one Thunderbolt 4 port on each side and multiple additional ports.
    5. The device includes six speakers, with two front-firing, but pricing and availability details have not yet been announced.

    The 2025 version of the Zenbook Duo left a strong impression on us when we reviewed it last year (curr. $1,692 on Amazon), thanks to many improvements compared to its 2024 model. Now, Asus has revealed a 2026 version after giving us a sneak peek nearly a month ago.

    Performance and Battery Life

    In summary, the Zenbook Duo (2026) is set to outdo its earlier version in both speed and battery longevity, thanks to the new Intel Panther Lake platform. With a solid 32 GB of RAM and a massive 2 TB of storage, Asus has noted that this new model will feature an unspecified Core X9 processor, probably the Core Ultra X9 388H.

    Design and Display

    Furthermore, Asus has introduced a new dual battery design, which enables this year’s Zenbook Duo to have a total capacity of 99 Wh. Remarkably, the device only weighs 1.65 kg and has a footprint that is 5% smaller than the previous model. Both of its 14-inch OLED screens provide stunning 2.8K resolutions with refresh rates of 144 Hz and can reach up to 1,000 nits in brightness, all while covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color space.

    Connectivity and Sound

    Asus has also added one Thunderbolt 4 port on each side, along with various other ports. There are six speakers in total, including two that are front-firing. While Asus has yet to announce pricing or availability details, it has hinted that the Zenbook Duo (2026) will be available in some regions before the month ends.

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  • GMKtec Launches EVO-T2 Mini-PC with OCuLink and 10 Gbps Ethernet

    GMKtec Launches EVO-T2 Mini-PC with OCuLink and 10 Gbps Ethernet

    Key Takeaways

    1. GMKtec has introduced the EVO-T2 as the successor to last year’s EVO-T1, with a starting price of $999.99 for EVO-T1 on Amazon.
    2. The EVO-T2 will offer multiple processor options, including the high-end Core Ultra X9 388H and more modest Core Ultra 5 338H and Core Ultra X7 368H.
    3. The EVO-T2 supports up to 128 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 16 TB of storage via dual PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 slots, with a dynamic TDP of up to 80 W.
    4. Connectivity options for the EVO-T2 include OCuLink, USB4, and Ethernet options of 2.5 Gbps and 10 Gbps.
    5. The official launch of the EVO-T2 is expected later this quarter, with pricing details yet to be announced.

    GMKtec has unveiled more information about the successor to last year’s EVO-T1, which is currently priced at $999.99 on Amazon. The EVO-T2 was first hinted at in late November and was mentioned again right before CES 2026 began. Now that Intel has provided full details about its Panther Lake series, GMKtec has also shared additional information about the EVO-T2.

    Processor Options

    Previously, GMKtec confirmed that the EVO-T2 would come with the Core Ultra X9 388H, Intel’s top-tier laptop-grade Panther Lake processor. A recent press release reveals that the EVO-T2 can also be configured with the more modest Core Ultra 5 338H and Core Ultra X7 368H, which have fewer CPU cores and a slower integrated GPU compared to the Core Ultra X9 388H.

    Performance Specifications

    Furthermore, GMKtec explains that these processors can achieve a dynamic TDP of up to 80 W. The company will support this with a maximum of 128 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 16 TB of storage through dual PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 slots. Additionally, the EVO-T2 will utilize OCuLink and USB4 connectivity, along with 2.5 Gbps and 10 Gbps Ethernet options. GMKtec plans to officially launch the EVO-T2 later this quarter, but pricing details are still not available at this time.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, GMKtec is making significant strides with the EVO-T2, building on the foundation set by its predecessor. The exciting features and configurations promised by the new model should attract attention from tech enthusiasts, especially with the powerful Intel processors on board. Although we await further pricing information, the early details suggest a robust offering in the upcoming release.

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  • Asus Zenbook A16: 16-Inch OLED Ultrabook with Snapdragon X2 Extreme

    Asus Zenbook A16: 16-Inch OLED Ultrabook with Snapdragon X2 Extreme

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus launched the upgraded Zenbook A16 with a Snapdragon X2 Elite processor for improved performance and battery life.
    2. The Zenbook A16 features a 16-inch 3K OLED display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 1,100 nits brightness.
    3. It includes a dual fan setup and a 70 Wh battery, promising extended usage time.
    4. The laptop is lightweight at 1.2 kg and has a slim profile of 13.8~16.5 mm thick.
    5. It offers impressive specifications, including 48 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and multiple connectivity options like HDMI 2.1 and USB4.

    Last year, Asus launched the Zenbook A14 (curr. $665 on Amazon) as a light and Qualcomm Snapdragon-driven option to the Zenbook S14. For CES 2026, Asus has upgraded the Zenbook A14 with a Snapdragon X2 Elite model that claims to provide ‘multi-day’ battery life. Furthermore, Asus has also introduced a 16-inch version of the ultrabook.

    Introducing the Zenbook A16

    Named the Zenbook A16, this new 16-inch laptop draws inspiration from the Zenbook S16, featuring a sleek design, a big battery, and a dual fan setup. As depicted in the image below, the Zenbook A16 is equipped with a stunning 3K, 120 Hz, and 1,100 nit OLED display, along with a 70 Wh battery and Wi-Fi 7 support. The familiar ceraluminium body returns, along with Asus’ Smart Gesture Touchpad and ‘smudge-free’ keycaps.

    Powerful Specifications

    In addition, the Zenbook A16 includes a Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor with 18 Oryon cores and a 65 W TDP, plus 48 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. All this impressive hardware fits inside a lightweight 1.2 kg and 13.8~16.5 mm thick casing, which also features HDMI 2.1, USB4, USB Type-A, and SD 4.0 card I/O. Asus is aiming to start selling the Zenbook A16 sometime this quarter. However, a specific launch date and pricing details are still not available at this time.

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  • Asus NUC 16 Pro: Core Ultra X9 & Intel Arc B390 iGPU Unveiled

    Asus NUC 16 Pro: Core Ultra X9 & Intel Arc B390 iGPU Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus introduced the NUC 16 Pro mini PC at CES 2026, featuring upgraded specifications from the NUC 14 Pro.
    2. The mini PC can be equipped with a Core Ultra X9 series 3 processor and an Intel Panther Lake integrated GPU.
    3. It supports the Intel Arc B390 iGPU, expected to outperform AMD’s Radeon 890M by about 16%.
    4. The NUC 16 Pro is compatible with LPDDR5x RAM and two SSDs, though detailed specifications are not fully disclosed.
    5. The design remains similar to the NUC 14 Pro, with no confirmed release date or price yet, but the previous model started at $394.

    Asus has unveiled several new devices at CES 2026, including the NUC 16 Pro. This mini PC is the next version of the NUC 14 Pro and comes with an enhanced specification list. A standout feature is its ability to be equipped with a Core Ultra X9 series 3 processor, which also includes a powerful Intel Panther Lake integrated GPU.

    Enhanced Performance

    Specifically, Asus highlights that this mini PC can support the Intel Arc B390 iGPU, which leaks suggest may deliver about 16% more performance compared to AMD’s top-tier iGPU, the Radeon 890M from the Strix Point series. The CPU is said to be compatible with LPDDR5x RAM and two SSDs, but the details about these components are not fully disclosed in the press materials.

    Port Configuration

    The promotional content outlines the port setup for the mini PC, with the Asus NUC 16 Pro including several ports. Aside from this, there have not been major changes in the design department. The NUC 16 Pro maintains a similar look to its predecessor, the NUC 14 Pro. Asus has not yet revealed the release date for this Intel Panther Lake mini PC, and the price has also not been officially announced. However, it is important to note that the previous generation, the 14 Pro, had a launch price starting at $394.

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  • Asus ExpertCenter PN55: New AMD Mini PC with 96GB RAM

    Asus ExpertCenter PN55: New AMD Mini PC with 96GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus launched the ExpertCenter PN55 at CES 2026, featuring the AMD Ryzen AI 400 series.
    2. The new mini PC includes the XDNA 2 NPU with up to 55 TOPs of AI performance and supports up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.
    3. The design is similar to the previous PN54 model, remaining compact and smaller than the NUC 16 Pro.
    4. Connectivity options include WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and support for quad 4K displays.
    5. Pricing and availability details are yet to be announced.

    Asus has officially launched the ExpertCenter PN55 during CES 2026, marking it as an updated model of the previous PN54 released last year. This compact mini PC features the AMD Ryzen AI 400 series, with the highest configuration boasting an unspecified AI 9 HX processor, which is expected to deliver solid performance thanks to the Radeon 890M integrated GPU.

    Processor Insights

    It’s important to mention that the Ryzen AI 400 series isn’t entirely fresh; they’re essentially rebranded versions of the Strix Point APUs. Therefore, there won’t be a notable jump in performance compared to its predecessor, which is a barebone model equipped with an AI 7 350, currently priced at $660.99 on Amazon.

    Enhanced AI Capabilities

    Despite this, Asus has emphasized the new mini PC’s XDNA 2 NPU, which can reach up to 55 TOPs of AI performance. It also supports a maximum of 96 GB of DDR5 RAM operating at 5,600 MHz. Although the Asus ExpertCenter PN55 remains compact, it offers a good variety of ports for connectivity, ensuring users have enough options.

    Design and Features

    In terms of aesthetics, the design hasn’t changed much from the ExpertCenter PN54, and it remains smaller than the NUC 16 Pro which is powered by the Intel Panther Lake processors. Additional features mentioned during the brief CES 2026 presentation include WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and the ability to support quad 4K displays. Asus has yet to share specifics regarding pricing and availability, but these details are expected to be announced shortly.

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  • Asus Launches Lightweight ExpertBook Ultra for Business Market

    Asus Launches Lightweight ExpertBook Ultra for Business Market

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus launches the ExpertBook Ultra B9406CAA, targeting business professionals with a premium 14-inch laptop.
    2. The laptop features Intel Panther Lake CPUs, up to 64 GB RAM, and 2 TB SSD storage for high performance.
    3. It boasts 2.8K Tandem OLED touch-screens with a brightness of 1400 cd/m² and a long-lasting 70 Wh battery.
    4. Key features include multiple USB-A and Thunderbolt 4 ports, an aluminum chassis, and a dual-fan cooling system.
    5. The laptop currently lacks 5G connectivity, which competitors like Dell and HP offer. Pricing and availability are yet to be announced.

    When you hear the name Asus, your mind likely jumps to ZenBook laptops or their gaming line, Republic of Gamers (ROG). However, it’s important to remember that Asus also creates laptops geared towards the business world. These are called Asus ExpertBooks. At CES 2026, Asus unveiled their latest flagship model: the Asus ExpertBook Ultra B9406CAA.

    Targeting Business Professionals

    This new 14-inch premium business laptop aims to compete in the same space as the HP EliteBook X and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (which you can find on Amazon). It’s designed for managers, CEOs, and other professionals who seek a device that is not only dependable but also offers an upscale experience. To capture this market, Asus equips the ExpertBook with the latest Intel Panther Lake series CPUs, including the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H, along with options for up to 64 GB of RAM and 2 TB SSD storage. The laptop also boasts 2.8K Tandem OLED touch-screens that can reach a brightness level of 1400 cd/m². All of this is powered by a robust 70 Wh battery, making it remarkable, especially considering the laptop’s weight of just 1.09 kg, which makes it easy to carry around.

    Premium Features Included

    Asus ensures that this enterprise laptop does not lack in other important features. It includes two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. The chassis is crafted from aluminum, contributing to its lightweight design. You’ll also find six speakers, a haptic touchpad, and a dual-fan cooling system capable of managing up to 50 W of continuous power consumption. However, one feature that seems to be absent is 5G connectivity, which is something that competitors like Dell, HP, and Lenovo offer.

    Currently, Asus has yet to announce any details regarding pricing or availability. We will update this article once Asus shares this information.

     

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  • Corsair Increases DDR5 RAM Prices After 40% Discount Coupons

    Corsair Increases DDR5 RAM Prices After 40% Discount Coupons

    Key Takeaways

    1. Corsair faced backlash for canceling DDR5 RAM orders due to a “pricing mistake” after initial confirmations to customers.
    2. The company initially offered a 15% discount code, which did not satisfy the PC community, leading to a later offer of 40% discount codes.
    3. Shortly after releasing the 40% discount codes, Corsair raised the prices of its DDR5 RAM products, undermining the value of the discounts.
    4. Prices for high-end DDR5 RAM kits increased significantly, with examples showing jumps of over $200 within days.
    5. Corsair’s pricing practices have drawn criticism, especially after a reported incident of a canceled prebuilt gaming PC order followed by a price increase on the same system.

    Corsair is under fire again from the PC community, this time for sudden price hikes on DDR5 RAM that came just after the company provided 40% discount codes as a gesture of goodwill.

    Price Adjustment Controversy

    The trouble started when Corsair decided to cancel multiple DDR5 RAM orders, claiming there was a “pricing mistake” within its system. Numerous customers had their orders accepted and confirmed, only to have them unexpectedly canceled days later. This situation sparked a strong reaction from PC builders, who believed the company should have honored the prices that were initially listed.

    To address the situation, Corsair initially offered 15% discount codes for future purchases, but that didn’t really appease the community. As dissatisfaction kept rising, the company later introduced 40% discount codes, marketing them as a goodwill gesture to those affected.

    Unexpected Price Increases

    However, just two days after the release of those 40% coupons, Corsair seems to have quietly raised the prices of DDR5 RAM across its online store. These price increases significantly diminish the actual value of the discounts offered.

    For example, take the Corsair Vengeance 64GB DDR5 RAM kit. This kit was listed at $841.99 just two days ago, according to a web.archive snapshot of the listing. Although that price was already quite high, it mirrored the current state of the memory market, which has seen price surges due to the AI boom and rising demand for DRAM. Shortly after the 40% discount codes were released, the price for the same kit surged to $1,071, marking an increase of around $230.

    Broader Implications

    The situation does not end there. The Corsair Dominator Titanium RGB 48GB DDR5 kit used to be priced at $647.99. Now, that price has jumped to $819.99, further indicating that Corsair has raised prices on several high-end memory kits.

    These price hikes haven’t been made public. Instead, the new prices just popped up on Corsair’s store, making many believe the increases were implemented quietly. As a result, customers utilizing the 40% discount codes might find themselves paying nearly what the kits originally cost, greatly reducing the actual benefit of the offer.

    Corsair has already been facing a lot of backlash in recent weeks. Before the RAM pricing issue, a user reported buying a Corsair prebuilt gaming PC on December 31. The order was confirmed but was then unexpectedly canceled. Shortly after, the same system was relisted for $800 more.

    Corsair, web.archive.org

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  • Minisforum AI X1 Pro Mini-PC Update: AMD Gorgon Point & Copilot Button

    Minisforum AI X1 Pro Mini-PC Update: AMD Gorgon Point & Copilot Button

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 APU with a 12-core CPU and Radeon 890M GPU, supporting up to four 4K displays.
    2. It can be equipped with up to 128 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and has up to three M.2 slots for a total of 12 TB of storage.
    3. The mini-PC features extensive I/O options, including USB 4.0 ports, HDMI 2.1, and dual 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports.
    4. It supports Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7, includes a fingerprint reader for security, and operates with a single power cable.
    5. There is currently no announced price or release date for the AI X1 Pro, but it will be available globally “soon.”

    Minisforum has introduced a new mini-PC powered by the AMD Gorgon Point. The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is an updated version of the Strix Point model that was released last year. This new AI X1 Pro is equipped with AMD’s high-end Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 APU, featuring a 12-core CPU and a Radeon 890M integrated GPU, capable of supporting up to four 4K displays at the same time.

    Memory and Storage Options

    Users have the flexibility to equip the AI X1 Pro with as much as 128 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM through two SO-DIMM slots. Depending on the specific model, it can be configured with up to three M.2 2280 slots, allowing for a total of 12 TB of storage. The AI X1 Pro is designed with a wide range of I/O options, including two USB 4.0 ports, an Oculink port for connecting an external GPU dock, a DP 2.0 port, an HDMI 2.1 port, two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, a 3.5 mm audio jack, three USB-A ports, and an SD card reader.

    Connectivity Features

    For wireless connections, the AI X1 Pro supports Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7. Additionally, Minisforum has incorporated a fingerprint reader for secure biometric authentication and a special Copilot button, just because. In contrast to its previous model, which required a large power brick, the X1 Pro operates with a single cable that connects directly to a wall outlet.

    As of now, there is no announced price or release date for the Minisforum AI X1 Pro. The company has indicated that this mini-PC will be available globally “soon.”

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  • New Anker Docking Station with Detachable Hub Launches in UK

    New Anker Docking Station with Detachable Hub Launches in UK

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anker has launched the Nano Docking Station (13-in-1, Triple Display, Built-In Removable Hub) in the UK, priced at £139.99 with a potential 15% discount for some customers.
    2. The docking station features a removable hub that converts into a 6-in-1 USB-C hub, offering multiple ports and card slots for connectivity.
    3. It supports dual HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, capable of 4K@60Hz resolutions, with different display functionality for Windows and MacOS users.
    4. The device includes various ports, such as USB-C, USB-A, and Gigabit Ethernet, providing extensive connectivity options.
    5. Additional features include a light strip and control switch, with broader European availability yet to be announced.

    Anker has introduced the Nano Docking Station (13-in-1, Triple Display, Built-In Removable Hub) in the UK. This new desktop gadget was first launched in the US (currently priced at $119.99 on Amazon) and in Germany in December 2025.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the Anker Nano Docking Station (13-in-1, Triple Display, Built-In Removable Hub) from the brand’s Amazon store in the UK for £139.99. A few customers are being offered a 15% discount, bringing down the cost to £118.99; however, it’s uncertain how long this offer will be available.

    Specifications and Features

    In the UK, the Anker Nano Docking Station is the same as other versions, except it comes with a three-pin adapter for UK sockets. The front features a removable component that can transform into a 6-in-1 USB-C hub. When connected to the dock, users gain access to USB-C (7.5W, 5 Gbps) and USB-A (4.5W, 5 Gbps) ports, along with SD and TF 3.0 card slots. On the sides, accessible once the hub is removed, are an upstream USB-C port (85W, 10 Gbps), a USB-C PD-IN port (100W), and an HDMI port (4K@60Hz).

    Connections and Compatibility

    At the front of the main body of the Anker Nano Docking Station, beneath the detachable hub, lies a USB-C port (7.5W, 10 Gbps) and an audio jack. The back houses two USB-A ports (2.5W, 480 Mbps), a Gigabit Ethernet port, an upstream USB-C port (100W, 10 Gbps), and a 140W power input. Additionally, it features two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, all capable of supporting resolutions up to 4K@60Hz. While users of MacOS devices will find that all external displays mirror the same content, Windows users can enjoy different content on each connected monitor.

    Additional Features

    Other notable features of the new docking station include a light strip along with its control switch. It remains unknown when the Anker Nano Docking Station (13-in-1, Triple Display, Built-In Removable Hub) will be available more broadly across Europe.

    Anker via Amazon

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  • HP Launches EliteBoard G1a: Keyboard with Built-in PC

    HP Launches EliteBoard G1a: Keyboard with Built-in PC

    Key Takeaways

    1. Innovative Design: HP’s EliteBoard G1a features a fully functional PC built inside a keyboard instead of a traditional all-in-one setup.

    2. Limited Hardware Options: The PC has restricted CPU choices with only three AMD Ryzen AI models and supports up to 64 GB DDR5 memory and 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD.

    3. Standalone Capability: The EliteBoard G1a can work independently with a 32 Wh battery but still requires a monitor for display.

    4. Connectivity Features: It includes USB 4.0 and USB 3.2 Gen2 ports for power and video output, along with options for Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 or 6.0.

    5. Compact Size and Release Date: The device measures 58 x 118 x 17 mm and weighs 726 grams, with availability expected in March 2026.

    HP has introduced an innovative approach to compact PCs. Rather than creating an all-in-one computer with all parts built into a screen, the company has ingeniously packed a fully functional PC inside a keyboard. This design does limit the hardware options available, but the HP EliteBoard G1a can efficiently handle most everyday tasks. It connects to other devices through a USB 4.0 and a USB 3.2 Gen2 port, both capable of supporting power delivery and video output.

    Limited CPU Options

    The CPU selections for the EliteBoard G1a are quite restricted, featuring only AMD’s Ryzen AI 7 350, Ryzen AI 5 340, and Ryzen AI 5 330 Krackan Point models. The integrated Radeon graphics can support up to two 4K monitors at the same time. The maximum memory supported is 64 GB DDR5-6400, which can be upgraded by the user using SODIMMs. Additionally, users can install a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD of up to 2 TB in the PC. Alternatively, the Ryzen AI 7 350 model can also be set up with 32 GB of eMMC storage, which negates the need for an SSD altogether.

    Standalone Functionality

    Thanks to its 32 Wh battery, the EliteBoard G1a can operate as a standalone unit, but it still needs to be connected to a monitor. It can charge at a rate of up to 65 Watts using the included charger or can draw power through a monitor’s USB-C port. For wireless features, it supports either Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.4 or Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.

    Size and Availability

    The dimensions of the EliteBoard G1a are 58 x 118 x 17 mm, and it weighs 726 grams, battery included. It is scheduled to be available for purchase in March 2026, with pricing details to be announced closer to the launch date.

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