Category: Computers

March 22, 2024
Lenovo to Launch 7 New YOGA 2024 AI-Enriched Laptops in April
Lenovo is set to unveil a fresh YOGA 2024 lineup of AI PCs at the upcoming Lenovo Innovation Technology Conference on April 18.
Lenovo YOGA Pro 9 16
Lenovo’s YOGA Pro 9 16 has surfaced on their official site, featuring the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, an RTX 4070 GPU, and a 3.2K Mini LED display. Weighing approximately 1.93kg, it packs an 84Wh battery.
Lenovo YOGA Book 9
The 2024 edition of the YOGA Book 9, a dual-screen laptop, now boasts the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U processor. It offers 16GB or 32GB memory, up to 1TB SSD, dual 13.3" OLED displays with 2880 x 1800 resolution, and a 60Hz refresh rate. With a 80Wh battery and 65W charging support, this lightweight dual-screen device weighs just 1.34kg.
YOGA Pro 7 14 & YOGA Slim 7 14
The YOGA Pro 7 14 will come with Intel and AMD options, featuring Core Ultra 7 155H/Ryzen R7-8845HS processors. The Intel variant includes an RTX 4060 GPU, 32GB LPDDR5x RAM, and a 3K 120Hz touch IPS screen, while the AMD version offers an RTX 3050 GPU and 16GB LPDDR5x RAM. Starting at 1.49kg, this model comes with a 73Wh battery.
The YOGA Slim 7 14 will be Intel-based with a Core Ultra 7 155H chip and a 14" 1920 x 1200 OLED panel. Weighing around 1.4kg, it supports 65W charging.
Lenovo YOGA 7 2-in-1 14 & YOGA 7 2-in-1 16
Both the 14" and 16" versions of the YOGA 7 2-in-1 will offer Intel and AMD configurations. The YOGA 7 2-in-1 14 weighs 1.49kg, houses a 71Wh battery, and has different display options for Intel and AMD models.
The YOGA 7 2-in-1 16, available in Intel and AMD variants, supports up to Intel Core Ultra 7 155U or Ryzen 7-8840HS processors. Weighing about 1.99kg, this larger version comes with a 71Wh battery.
Lenovo YOGA 9 2-in-1 14
Similar to the YOGA 7 2-in-1 14, the YOGA 9 2-in-1 14 features a Core Ultra 7 155H processor and a 14" 3840×2400 OLED panel. Weighing around 1.3kg, it holds a 75Wh battery.
Tags: AI PCs, Lenovo Yoga Book, YOGA lineup
March 22, 2024
Easily Repair Microsoft Surface Laptops: Clear Icons & Instructions
Microsoft has introduced the latest Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 for Business PCs, with prices starting at $1199 (~8664 Yuan). These new Surface laptops are set to be available starting April 9. One of the key enhancements in these new products is their repairability, featuring visual icons and maintenance instructions for users.
Enhancements in Repairability
The new Surface Laptops place a strong emphasis on repairability, being labeled as “the most maintainable Surface devices ever.” Microsoft has incorporated QR codes and wayfinding to aid in replacing parts, allowing users to easily identify parts, screws, and necessary tools. According to Nancy Gaskill, the general manager of Microsoft’s Surface division, the new Surface products are now simpler to maintain, thanks to clear visual icons and maintenance instructions.
Replaceable Parts
For the Surface Pro 10, replaceable parts include the display module, battery, SSD, SSD slot, Surface Connect ports, cooling system, microphone module, speakers, chassis, front and rear cameras, power supply, volume control buttons, and the stand. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 6 features replaceable parts like the display, keyboard assembly, solid-state drive, battery, motherboard, Surface Connect ports, cooling system, audio jack, speakers, touchpad, chassis, and floor mats.
Advanced Features and Target Audience
In addition to improved repairability, these devices boast on-device AI capabilities powered by Intel Core Ultra processors. Microsoft is aiming these products towards business users, marketing them as “the first Surface AI PCs built exclusively for business.” The Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 promise not only enhanced repair options but also impressive performance features for professional use.
Tags: Microsoft Surface, Repairability Focus, Surface Laptops
March 22, 2024
Microsoft debuts AI PCs prioritizing simple repairs
Microsoft recently unveiled its newest lineup of Surface devices, introducing the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6. These devices showcase a design similar to their predecessors but mark Microsoft's debut in incorporating Intel Meteor Lake processors with integrated NPUs for on-device AI capabilities.
New Features and Target Audience
The latest Surface devices boast a notable addition – the dedicated Copilot key on the keyboard. These models are specifically tailored towards business usage, distinguishing themselves as "the first Surface AI PCs exclusively designed for business."
Microsoft Surface Pro 10 Overview
Internally, the Surface Pro 10 houses the latest Intel Core Ultra chipsets, offering a choice between Intel Core Ultra 5 135U or Ultra 7 165U variants. Users can select from various LPDDR5X RAM configurations, starting at 8GB and reaching up to an impressive 64GB. Storage options range from 256GB to 1TB, featuring detachable Gen4 SSDs for enhanced flexibility.
Display and Camera Enhancements
Despite maintaining its familiar design, the Surface Pro 10 introduces internal improvements. The device retains a 13-inch IPS touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, now equipped with an anti-reflective coating and 33% more brightness. Weighing just 1.94 lbs, it also becomes Microsoft's initial Intel-powered Surface tablet to offer optional 5G radio support.
Moreover, the tablet's front-facing 1440p camera now provides a 114-degree field-of-view, supporting Windows Studio Effects for enhanced video calls. These effects include improved background blur, eye contact correction, and auto-framing capabilities.
Pricing and Availability
The Surface Pro 10 for Business is set for pre-order availability starting today, April (check current year), with a starting price of $1,199.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 Insight
The Surface Laptop 6 aligns with the Pro 10 in terms of Intel processor options and continues to present users with a choice between 13.5-inch and 15-inch IPS display sizes.
Tags: Business-focused devices, Intel Meteor Lake Processors, Microsoft Surface Pro 10
March 21, 2024
Keychron V2 Max Mechanical Keyboard Launches with Gasket Mount Structure
Keychron recently introduced its newest mechanical keyboard within the V Max series, unveiling the Keychron V2 Max. This compact 65% keyboard offers a stylish design along with various customizable options to cater to user preferences. Let’s explore the intricacies of this latest offering.
Keychron V2 Max Specifications
The V2 Max boasts a Gasket mount structure and PC positioning plate, ensuring a smooth and sophisticated typing experience. Available as both a barebones kit and a fully assembled keyboard, users have the flexibility to customize their setup according to their needs.
In terms of customization, users can select their preferred switches from Keychron’s range of Gateron Jupiter switches, including Jupiter Red (linear), Jupiter Tea (tactile), or Jupiter Banana (tactile).
Additionally, the V2 Max features hot-swappable sockets, enabling users to replace switches without the need for soldering, a feature appreciated by keyboard enthusiasts.
Enhanced Features and Connectivity
For those seeking further personalization, the keyboard offers QMK/VIA support, allowing users to modify the keymap without the hassle of reflashing firmware.
In terms of connectivity, the V2 Max seamlessly transitions between wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless modes, enhancing its compatibility. It also provides dual 2.4GHz receivers and adapters compatible with both USB-A and USB-C devices.
Other notable features include south-facing RGB lighting with 22 backlight effects, a convenient multimedia knob, and easy layout switching between Windows and macOS systems.
Pricing and Availability
The Keychron V2 Max is available in two variations:
- V2M-Z kit (barebones): Initially priced at 438 yuan (approximately $63 USD), a promotional discount reduces the cost to 381 yuan (around $55 USD).
- V2M-D (fully assembled): This option includes Gateron Jupiter switches of your choice and OSA PBT keycaps. It is priced at 558 yuan (roughly $80 USD), but a discount lowers it to 485 yuan (approximately $70 USD).
Interested buyers can find the Keychron V2 Max on the Tmall flagship store in China.
Tags: Customizability, Gasket Mount Structure, Keychron V2 Max, mechanical keyboard
March 20, 2024
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9 Laptop: Mini LED Display, Core Ultra 9, RTX 4070 GPU
The latest addition to Lenovo’s lineup, the Yoga Pro 16s 2024 Extreme Edition (known as Yoga Pro 9 16IMH9 globally), has been officially unveiled on Lenovo’s website. In January, the company introduced the YOGA Pro 14s equipped with a 120Hz 3K display and Ryzen 7 7840HS in the Chinese market.
Key Specifications and Features
When it comes to system resources, the Yoga Pro 16s 2024 Extreme Edition offers a range of configuration options for users. Users can select between the 14th generation Intel Core Ultra 7 and Intel Core Ultra 9 CPUs, both featuring an integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) and Intel Arc Graphics. The laptop provides a choice of four graphics options – RTX 4050, RTX 4060, RTX 4070, or Intel Arc integrated graphics.
Display and Performance
For display preferences, users can opt for a 16-inch IPS LCD or Mini LED panel, both offering a 3.2K resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification. The Mini LED variant boasts brightness levels of 600 nits in SDR content and 1200 nits in HDR content, while the IPS version is rated at 400 nits. Various display versions come with optional OGS touch support and a choice between glossy or anti-glare finishes.
Storage, Battery, and Audio
In terms of storage, the laptop features dual M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots with up to 1TB capacity and memory options of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB LPDDR5x (soldered or non-upgradable). With an 84Whr battery, Lenovo claims it can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes. Depending on the version, the device weighs approximately 1.93-2.05 Kg.
Models equipped with integrated graphics sport a total of four speakers (2W x2 woofers and 2W x2 tweeters), while those with dedicated graphics feature four woofers and a total of 6 speakers. All models come with Dolby Atmos support and Smart Amplifier technology.
Connectivity
The Yoga Pro 16s 2024 Extreme Edition offers a variety of ports, including USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1), USB-C® (USB 20Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2×2) with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4, Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 2.1, HDMI® (up to 4K/60Hz), a headphone/microphone combo jack, an SD card reader, and a power connector.
Tags: High Performance, laptop specifications, Lenovo Yoga Pro 16s 2024 Extreme Edition
March 20, 2024
Gaming PCs resurge in 2024, Gaming Monitors on the rise
2024 is anticipated to be a promising year for the gaming industry, with a recent report suggesting a potential rebound for Gaming PCs. Alongside this trend, Gaming Monitors are also expected to maintain their upward trajectory in the market. Let’s delve into the details.
Gaming PC Outlook and the Surge of Gaming Monitors
Shipments of gaming PCs experienced a decline in 2023, mirroring the overall PC market’s performance. Notably, the gaming sector witnessed a significant drop of over 13 percent last year. In contrast, gaming monitors managed to evade this decline, showing a robust growth of 20 percent during the same period. According to an IDC report, 2024 might witness a resurgence in the gaming product landscape.
Positive Projections for Gaming PCs and Monitors
Rebounding from the setbacks faced in 2023, Gaming PCs are forecasted to exhibit a modest 1 percent growth. This growth is primarily driven by the notebook segment within the PCs category. Concurrently, gaming monitors tailored for the gaming community are expected to witness a substantial 13.6 percent increase during this period. The report highlights that sustained demand has been a key factor in supporting gaming PCs despite the prevailing global economic conditions.
Rise in Popularity of Gaming Peripherals
As gaming continues to gain momentum as a popular pastime, peripherals such as gaming monitors are experiencing a surge in demand. The reduction in prices has made these products more affordable for a broader consumer base. Gaming monitors featuring attributes like a 165Hz refresh rate, response time of 1ms or less, and higher resolutions such as 1440p (2K) are now more accessible to gamers. With the decreasing cost of monitors, the prices of gaming PCs, particularly notebooks, are on the rise, with the average selling price reaching $1,101.
Tags: Gaming Industry Trends, gaming monitors, gaming PCs
March 20, 2024
China’s Secret Weapon Zhaoxin KX-7000: Are Intel and AMD at Risk?
While China stands as a prominent figure in global tech manufacturing, its progress in domestic processor development trails behind certain competitors, notably the United States. Nevertheless, China is actively working to bridge this gap, as evidenced by recent advancements like Zhaoxin's 8-core Kaixian KX-7000 processor. Below are the specifics of this development.
Zhaoxin KX-7000: Enhancing Chinese Processor Performance
Eight years have passed since Zhaoxin, a company dedicated to creating domestic X86 processors, launched its initial product, the ZX-C+. Rather than resting on its past achievements, the company has persistently pursued innovation, a commitment that seems to have paid off with the introduction of the Zhaoxin KX-7000 processor. This homegrown processor, which has recently surfaced on Geekbench, showcases a significant performance boost compared to its predecessor, the KX-U6780A.
Benchmark Results and Specifications
In the Geekbench 6 evaluation, the Zhaoxin Kaixian KX-7000 demonstrated commendable performance figures, scoring 824 in single-core and 3813 in multi-core performance. The processor, designed with 8 cores, operates on the KX700M motherboard, boasting a base frequency of 2.99GHz, 4MB of L2 cache, and 32MB of L3 cache. During the test conducted on Windows 11 Pro in balanced power mode, the processor reached a peak operating frequency of 3293MHz.
While the initial scores of the KX-7000 may draw comparisons to an 8th-generation i5, signaling potential underperformance, it's crucial to note the historical context. Intel initiated its processor journey back in 1971, contrasting Zhaoxin's inception in 2013. This seven-year discrepancy emphasizes the significant strides made by Zhaoxin in a relatively short span.
Advancements in Performance and Design
Geekbench 6 assessments on the Linux system illustrate that the preceding KX-U6780A processor achieved a single-core score of 344 and a multi-core score of 1873. In contrast, the new KX-7000 exhibits 2.4 times the single-core performance and double the multi-core performance. Zhaoxin attributes this improvement to the "Century Avenue" microarchitecture and enhanced Chiplet design of the KX-7000, which also features upgraded graphics capabilities and advanced I/O interfaces such as DDR5, PCIe 4.0, and USB4. Despite these advancements, Zhaoxin acknowledges the journey ahead in further refining their processor technology.
Tags: Chinese Processor Development, Domestic Tech Advancements, Zhaoxin KX-7000
March 19, 2024
Honor Notebook X14/X16 Plus with Ryzen 7 8845HS & Magic AI Workbench – Price starts at 4,699 Yuan
Honor recently introduced its latest X14/X16 Plus 2024 laptops in conjunction with the unveiling of the Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design and Honor Band 9 in the Chinese market. These new laptops are characterized by an elegant design, high-resolution IPS panels featuring a matte finish, and a relatively lightweight construction with a metallic body.
Honor Notebook X14/X16 Plus 2024
The standout features of these notebooks include seamless file transfer capabilities and cross-device window transfer functionality across Honor devices through MagicOS. Additionally, the Magic AI workbench integrated into these laptops facilitates tasks such as document summarization.
Key Specifications and Features
Both the 14-inch and 16-inch variants of these laptops are powered by the 4-nanometer fabricated Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, coupled with its integrated Radeon 780M GPU. The laptops offer two distinct performance modes – a 35W and 45W option for the larger 16-inch model and a 35W and 40W choice for the smaller 14-inch version. Users can effortlessly switch between these modes using the Fn+P keys. Cooling is managed through a single fan design.
To ensure optimal performance, the X14 Plus and X16 Plus laptops are equipped with 60Whr and 75Whr batteries, respectively, both supporting 65W charging via USB-C.
In terms of display, both laptops feature IPS panels with a matte anti-glare finish, a 120Hz refresh rate, 430 nits peak brightness, and TÜV Rheinland certification for reduced blue light emission and flicker-free operation. However, there is a resolution disparity between the two models. The X14 Plus boasts a higher resolution 2.8K (2880×1800) display, whereas the larger 16-inch variant sports a 2.5K (2560×1600) panel.
Pricing Details
Honor Notebook X14 Plus 2024:
- 16GB RAM + 512GB storage + 2.8K screen: 4699 yuan (~$652)
- 32GB RAM + 1TB storage + 2.8K screen: 5199 yuan (~$722)
Honor Notebook X16 Plus 2024:
- 16GB RAM + 512GB storage + 2.5K screen: 4899 yuan (~$680)
- 32GB RAM + 1TB storage + 2.5K screen: 5,399 yuan (~$749)
Tags: honor, Honor Notebook X14, Honor Notebook X16 plus, MagicOS 8.0, Ryzen 7 8845HS
March 19, 2024
HP USB-C Slim Travel Hub G3 Officially Launched at $69.99
The HP USB-C Travel Hub G3 has been officially introduced as a new travel accessory by HP. This compact hub weighs only 63.5g and has dimensions of 116 x 42 x 14mm. It features five ports and is positioned as a competitor to the Lenovo USB-C Slim Travel Dock launched earlier this year.
Specifications of the HP USB-C Travel Hub G3
The HP Travel Hub G3 offers two USB Type-C ports with 10Gbps individual outputs, along with two USB Type-A ports also rated at 10Gbps. Additionally, it includes a full-sized HDMI port capable of delivering up to 4K output at a 60Hz refresh rate. The hub supports Power Delivery (PD) profiles, allowing for device recharging at up to 65W. The power supply for the HP USB-C Travel Hub G3 is provided through a 90W outlet, which is sold separately. Supported PD profiles include 20V/ 3.25A, 5V/ 1A, 9V/ 1.33A, 10V/ 3A, 12V/ 3.33A, 15V/ 3A, and 15V/ 3.67A.
Pricing Details
The HP USB-C Travel Hub G3 is available at a price of $69.99, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the Lenovo USB-C Slim Travel Dock, which is priced around $90. For those interested in purchasing the third-generation HP USB-C Travel Hub G3, detailed information, and availability can be found on the HP website.
Tags: HP USB-C Travel Hub G3, Tech Accessories
March 18, 2024
Honor MagicBook Pro 16 Laptop: 24GB RAM, Intel Core Ultra – China Debut
Last month during MWC 2024, Honor introduced the MagicBook Pro 16 laptop, which is powered by AI and features Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors. This laptop has now been launched in China and stands out as the first device to incorporate a unique non-binary RAM capacity of 24GB (LPDDR5X-6400).
Unique RAM Configuration Trend
This innovative non-binary RAM capacity of 24GB, in addition to the standard 12GB and 48GB options, is anticipated to gain popularity in laptops in the near future. This trend offers customers a more cost-effective alternative to acquiring a higher memory variant without just doubling the capacity.
Impressive Specifications
The 24GB RAM model is currently open for pre-reservation and is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor. During the MWC event, Honor also unveiled a top-tier configuration of the laptop featuring the Core Ultra 7 155H processor and an Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU.
Detailed Features
The MagicBook Pro 16 boasts a 16-inch display with a resolution of 3072 x 1920, a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, a 16:10 aspect ratio, full coverage of the sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. While the laptop’s RAM is capped at 32GB and storage at 1TB, it is unlikely to offer a 48GB RAM variant. Notable features include a sizable 75Wh battery, a fingerprint reader, a 3.5 mm audio jack, HDMI port, Thunderbolt 4 support, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port.
Tags: AI-powered writing assistant, Honor MagicBook Pro 16, Non-binary RAM