Category: Computers

  • Anker Launches New 6-in-1 Compact Nano USB-C Hub at 5Gbps

    Anker Launches New 6-in-1 Compact Nano USB-C Hub at 5Gbps

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Anker Nano USB-C Hub (6-in-1, 5Gbps) is now available for purchase in the UK for £29.99.
    2. It features six ports, including USB-C and USB-A ports with 5 Gbps data transfer speeds.
    3. The hub has SD and TF card slots with a UHS-1 speed of 104 Mb/s.
    4. It includes a USB-C upstream port that provides up to 85W power and a data transfer rate of 10 Gbps.
    5. The HDMI port supports resolutions up to 4K@60Hz, and the device is compact and lightweight.

    A new accessory from Anker, the Nano USB-C Hub (6-in-1, 5Gbps), is now available for purchase in the UK. This small device seems to be the same removable hub that comes with the larger Anker Nano Docking Station (13-in-1, Triple Display, Built-In Removable Hub), which is currently priced at $149.99 on the Anker Store.

    Features and Ports

    The Anker Nano USB-C Hub, known by the model number A83C3, includes six ports in total. On one of the longer sides, you will find a 7.5W USB-C port and a 4.5W USB-A port, both capable of data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. Alongside these ports are SD and TF 3.0 card slots, which have a UHS-1 speed of 104 Mb/s. On the other edge, there is a USB-C upstream port that can provide up to 85W to power the host device, along with a data transfer rate of 10 Gbps.

    Additional Ports and Specifications

    Located on one of the shorter edges are the last two ports. The first one is a 100W USB-C PD input, while the other is an HDMI port that can support resolutions up to 4K@60Hz. This accessory is compact, measuring 41.9 x 80.0 x 11.9 mm (approximately 1.6 x 3.1 x 0.5 inches) and weighs 36.1 g (around 1.3 oz), featuring a sleek dark metallic gray finish.

    In the UK, you can currently get the Anker Nano USB-C Hub (6-in-1, 5Gbps) from the brand’s Amazon store for £29.99. It remains unclear when this accessory will be available in other parts of Europe or in markets like North America.

    Anker via Amazon

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  • Acemagic Launches Tank M1A Pro Plus Mini PC with 128GB RAM

    Acemagic Launches Tank M1A Pro Plus Mini PC with 128GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Acemagic M1A Pro+ mini PC is available for pre-sale starting at $2,499, with a special discount code M1APRO100 to reduce the price to $2,399 until January 10, 2026.
    2. It features the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU and the Radeon 8060S GPU, offering performance comparable to the RTX 4070 Laptop GPU for gaming.
    3. The mini PC comes with 128GB of LPDDR5x RAM, designed for efficient AI task management.
    4. It includes three M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots for storage, each supporting up to 4TB SSDs, along with multiple connectivity ports.
    5. The M1A Pro+ supports WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, quad-display output, and features a sleek, futuristic design with a three-fan cooling system.

    Acemagic recently revealed an exciting new mini PC, the M1A Pro+, back in early December 2025. This system is now available for pre-sale, with a starting price of $2,499. For those eager to pre-order, there’s a special discount code you can use.

    Special Discount Available

    Using the code M1APRO100, you can get a $100 discount, bringing the pre-sale price down to $2,399. This discount will be available until January 10, 2026, so if you’re interested, now’s a good time to act. The mini PC itself is a powerful Strix Halo system, equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, which is currently the best option in its lineup.

    Impressive Performance Specs

    The AMD APU includes the Radeon 8060S, the leading integrated GPU from the company, and it performs comparably to the RTX 4070 Laptop GPU for gaming. With a whopping 128GB of LPDDR5x RAM, Acemagic claims that this mini PC can manage AI tasks with great efficiency.

    In terms of storage options, the AMD mini PC offers three M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots, each capable of supporting a 4TB SSD (the WD_BLACK SN850X is currently priced at $402.99 on Amazon). It also has an array of connectivity ports, making it versatile for various uses.

    Connectivity and Design Features

    For wireless capabilities, the Acemagic M1A Pro Plus includes WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Other notable features include support for quad-display output, a sleek design that feels quite futuristic, and a cooling system with three fans. Don’t forget to take a look at the images attached below to get more insights about the mini PC.

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  • Affordable Lenovo ThinkPlus 190W Power Bank with Built-in Cable

    Affordable Lenovo ThinkPlus 190W Power Bank with Built-in Cable

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo ThinkPlus 190W power bank can charge three devices at once with multiple port options: one USB Type-C, one USB-A, and an integrated USB-C cable.
    2. It delivers up to 140W through the USB-C port and integrated cable, with a total output of 190W when used together, and 145W when all ports are in use.
    3. The power bank supports 100W self-charging, allowing for quick recharging of its 20,000mAh capacity.
    4. It features a built-in display that shows charging details, internal battery level, and operational temperature.
    5. Launched in China for approximately $37 (CNY 259), there is no news on its international availability yet.

    The Lenovo ThinkPlus accessory collection has expanded with the introduction of a new 190W power bank. This portable charger comes in both Black and White colors and is capable of charging three devices simultaneously. It includes one USB Type-C port, one USB-A port, and has an integrated USB-C cable.

    Powerful Charging Options

    Among the ports, the USB-C cable and the USB-C port can deliver up to 140W of power, while the USB-A port provides a maximum of 30W. When the integrated USB-C cable is used alongside the USB-C port, the total output can hit 190W. However, if all three ports are being utilized at the same time, the combined output will be 145W.

    Quick Recharging and Capacity

    Lenovo emphasizes that this power bank supports 100W self-charging, making it possible to recharge the internal battery quickly (160W Anker Prime charger currently priced at $115.99 on Amazon). This ThinkPlus portable charger boasts a capacity of 20,000mAh, which is sufficient to recharge most smartphones multiple times.

    Additional Features and Availability

    A standout feature of the ThinkPlus 190W power bank is its built-in display. This screen provides essential charging details, such as the power output for each port, the internal battery level, and the operational temperature.

    Moreover, the power bank has a compact design and supports key charging standards like PPS, PD 3.0, and QC 3.0. Lenovo has launched this ThinkPlus portable charger in China for CNY 259, which is approximately $37. There has been no official announcement regarding its international release, as Lenovo typically does not extend its ThinkPlus accessories beyond the Chinese market.

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  • Minisforum DEG2 Launches as OCuLink and TB5 eGPU Dock Worldwide

    Minisforum DEG2 Launches as OCuLink and TB5 eGPU Dock Worldwide

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new DEG2 eGPU dock features two Thunderbolt 5 ports, offering 80 Gbps bandwidth, while retaining OCuLink connectivity.
    2. The DEG2 does not include a built-in power supply unit (PSU) but provides a metal brace and screws for securing an external PSU.
    3. It introduces an M.2 2280 slot for SSDs, along with 2.5 Gigabit LAN and USB Type-A ports for expanded connectivity options.
    4. The retail price of the DEG2 is $299, currently available for pre-order at $239.90, with shipping starting in January 2026.
    5. The DEG2 outperforms the original DEG1 with significant design updates while maintaining the same 64 Gbps bandwidth for graphics cards through PCIe 4.0 x4.

    Minisforum is wrapping up the year by launching its much-anticipated successor to the DEG1 eGPU dock, which is currently priced at $99 on Amazon. The original DEG1, released over a year and a half ago, featured an OCuLink 4i connector alongside a 16-pin PCIe 4.0 connector, all within dimensions of 270 x 175 x 41 mm. With an impressive bandwidth of 64 Gbps, it outperformed Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 eGPU docks and included a 24-pin connector for connecting ATX or SFX power supplies.

    Changes in Design

    The DEG2 sticks to this design philosophy but does not come with a built-in power supply unit (PSU). Instead, Minisforum has provided screws to secure a PSU, preventing the graphics card from moving with a metal brace included in the package. While these features are also present in the DEG1, the DEG2 incorporates some significant updates.

    New Features

    For starters, the DEG2 introduces two Thunderbolt 5 ports without losing OCuLink connectivity, unlike the Peladn Link S-3. As per Minisforum, both Thunderbolt 5 ports offer a bandwidth of 80 Gbps, while still providing the same 64 Gbps to graphics cards through PCIe 4.0 x4 as with OCuLink. Additionally, one of the Thunderbolt 5 ports supports charging up to 140 W, while the other tops out at just 30 W.

    Expansion Options

    Moreover, the DEG2 features several expansion possibilities that were not available in the DEG1. As illustrated in the image below, Minisforum has added an M.2 2280 slot for an SSD, along with 2.5 Gigabit LAN and USB Type-A ports located on both ends. The retail price of the Minisforum DEG2 is $299 in the US, but it is currently available for pre-order at $239.90, with shipping expected to begin in January 2026 in various regions. At the moment, Minisforum is also offering its latest eGPU dock in markets like Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and across the Eurozone too.

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  • Hubble Captures Stunning Image of Galaxy Pair in Long-Distance Relationship

    Hubble Captures Stunning Image of Galaxy Pair in Long-Distance Relationship

    Key Takeaways

    1. Arp 4 consists of two galaxies: MCG-02-05-050 (larger) and MCG-02-05-050a (smaller) in the constellation Cetus.
    2. MCG-02-05-050 features blue, fragmented spiral arms and a faint central disk, while MCG-02-05-050a has bright, distinct spiral arms.
    3. The galaxies appear close together but are actually very far apart: MCG-02-05-050 is 65 million light-years away, and MCG-02-05-050a is 675 million light-years away.
    4. The smaller galaxy MCG-02-05-050a is ten times further from Earth than MCG-02-05-050, suggesting a chance visual effect rather than true proximity.
    5. The name “Arp” comes from the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, created by astronomer Halton Arp in the 1960s, with studies advanced by the Hubble Space Telescope.

    Arp 4 is a pair of galaxies found in the constellation Cetus, which is also known as The Whale. This duo includes a larger galaxy named MCG-02-05-050 and a smaller companion galaxy called MCG-02-05-050a.

    Visual Characteristics

    In the provided image, MCG-02-05-050 is recognizable by its blue, fragmented spiral arms along with a faint disk at the center. Its companion, MCG-02-05-050a, can be seen in the upper left corner and is notable for its bright and distinct spiral arms.

    Distance Between Galaxies

    When observed from Earth, these galaxies seem to be in close proximity. However, they are actually quite far apart. MCG-02-05-050 is located about 65 million light-years from our planet, while its smaller counterpart, MCG-02-05-050a, is situated at a distance of 675 million light-years away.

    In fact, MCG-02-05-050a is ten times further away from us than MCG-02-05-050. This information suggests that the smaller galaxy might actually be the bigger one of the pair. The reason they appear so close together is merely a chance visual effect, not a true spatial relation.

    Historical Context

    The designation “Arp” is derived from the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, a catalog created by the astronomer Halton Arp in the 1960s. Since the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the exploration of the galaxies in this catalog has been significantly advanced.

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  • Lenovo May Delay Laptop Launches as Memory Prices Surge 45% in 2026

    Lenovo May Delay Laptop Launches as Memory Prices Surge 45% in 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. Laptop manufacturers are facing rising memory prices, which could disrupt plans for new models at CES 2026.
    2. Companies are urgently securing DRAM supplies from major suppliers like Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix to maintain prices.
    3. Projected increases in DDR5 RAM costs could reach 45% by the end of 2026, significantly impacting laptop manufacturing expenses.
    4. The AI sector’s demand for NAND memory is driving up SSD prices, contributing to overall cost pressures in laptop production.
    5. Some companies, like Maingear, are adapting by encouraging customers to provide their own memory modules, but this may not lead to substantial savings.

    CES 2026 is set to showcase a new wave of laptops for work and gaming from well-known brands like Lenovo and HP. However, the rising prices of memory could potentially disrupt their plans. A recent article in the Korean business paper, Chosun Biz, indicates that delays could be one of the solutions.

    Pricing Pressures

    To keep the MSRPs of their products from rising, laptop manufacturers are making urgent efforts to obtain more DRAM. According to sources from Chosun Biz, several companies have made preliminary agreements with major suppliers such as Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix. Nevertheless, this might not stop DDR5 RAM costs from jumping a staggering 45% by the end of 2026.

    Supply Chain Challenges

    The situation worsens with the AI sector dominating the NAND market, leading to pricier SSDs that heighten the anxiety surrounding costs. TrendForce is cited in the report, projecting that memory and storage expenses could make up to 23% of the overall laptop manufacturing costs. An insider disclosed that one company is considering increasing the prices of its premium devices by as much as 30%.

    Before this memory crisis, PC sales were on the rise, largely due to mandatory Windows 11 updates. However, this trend may soon reverse in 2026, as consumers might shy away from Lenovo laptops and options from their competitors. As the decline in sales becomes apparent, delaying product launches could be a way forward.

    Industry Reactions

    Other brands like Dell and Framework have already communicated upcoming price increases. Still, different companies are responding in various ways to the surge in memory costs. Asus was rumored to be looking into manufacturing its own DDR5 RAM but later refuted that.

    Manufacturers lacking direct connections to the top three memory providers find themselves in a particularly risky position. For instance, Maingear, a U.S.-based company, is now suggesting that customers send in their own memory modules for custom builds. However, unless older parts are reused, this approach won’t offer significant savings to buyers.

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  • Lenovo Should Simplify ThinkPad X1 Carbon Options for Clarity

    Lenovo Should Simplify ThinkPad X1 Carbon Options for Clarity

    Key Takeaways

    1. Initial model of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 had limited options, featuring only an OLED display and an Intel Lunar Lake processor.
    2. In 2025, Lenovo expanded the model lineup to include six different display options and introduced a sturdier Aluminum chassis for 5G versions.
    3. There are now 15 processor options available, including Intel Lunar Lake and Intel Arrow Lake series.
    4. Some new choices may not provide clear advantages, leading to confusion among customers regarding the best options.
    5. Lenovo should consider simplifying the selection process to reduce confusion for potential buyers.

    When we initially examined the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 (available on Amazon) in December 2024, it was straightforward: there was essentially just one model to choose from, which featured an OLED display, an Intel Lunar Lake processor, and a lightweight Magnesium body. At that time, the limited choices were a downside, as there were no energy-efficient IPS screens offered, nor was 5G connectivity available for users wanting to be mobile.

    Expanded Options in 2025

    As 2025 unfolded, Lenovo made significant changes by introducing a wider array of options. They added multiple display choices, totaling six different screens now, and also introduced a sturdier Aluminum chassis for the 5G versions, along with a plethora of new processors. According to Lenovo’s specifications, there are now a whopping 15 processors available for this compact, high-end business laptop. This includes the complete range of Intel Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 200V), Intel Arrow Lake U (Core Ultra 200U), and Intel Arrow Lake H (Core Ultra 200H).

    Confusion Over Choices

    This variety might seem excessive, especially since some choices aren’t particularly advantageous. We recently evaluated the version of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 that comes with the Intel Arrow Lake U, and it’s evident that this is a less favorable option compared to Lunar Lake, except for the unique 64 GB variant that only Arrow Lake U offers. Moreover, for customers, it’s not always clear which chassis they will receive: while the lightweight Magnesium models do not support 5G, there are instances where you might receive the heavier Aluminum option even if you didn’t choose 5G.

    In summary, Lenovo ought to streamline the available options and simplify the decision-making process, as the current situation is merely perplexing.

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  • Core Ultra 9 285H vs. Core Ultra 7 255H: Minimal Benefits

    Core Ultra 9 285H vs. Core Ultra 7 255H: Minimal Benefits

    Key Takeaways

    1. The performance difference between the Core Ultra 7 255H and Core Ultra 9 285H is minimal, averaging just a 6% speed increase for the 285H.
    2. In some cases, laptops with the Core Ultra 7 can outperform those with the Core Ultra 9 due to factors like design and cooling systems.
    3. The higher cost of the Core Ultra 9 285H is often not justified by its performance advantages in most scenarios.
    4. Availability issues complicate the choice for consumers, as the Core Ultra 7 is sometimes harder to find in certain regions.
    5. The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9 16 G10 is mainly offered with the Core Ultra 9, making Core Ultra 7 options less accessible and often more expensive than necessary.

    The Core Ultra 7 255H and Core Ultra 9 285H are among Intel’s top-performing H-series processors in the mobile Arrow Lake series. In practice, though, the difference between these two CPUs is merely a few hundred MHz, meaning the performance gap is not significant. After testing over two dozen laptops with these processors, it’s clear that choosing the Core Ultra 9 285H often doesn’t justify the additional cost in most situations.

    Performance Comparison

    The chart below reveals that laptops equipped with the Core Ultra 9 285H are just 6 percent quicker on average than those with the Core Ultra 7 255H. This slight difference means that in certain instances, machines running the Core Ultra 7 can actually outperform those with the Core Ultra 9, as seen with the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9 16IAH G10 compared to the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo. This indicates that the laptop’s design and cooling system may have a bigger impact on performance than the CPU model itself in this specific case.

    Availability Issues

    While choosing the Core Ultra 7 255H seems like an obvious choice for most consumers, it’s not always straightforward. For instance, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9 16 G10 is primarily sold with the Core Ultra 9 CPU in the United States, making it challenging to find cheaper Core Ultra 7 options based on the model or region. As a result, these laptops end up being pricier than they should be, considering their performance-to-cost ratio is relatively low.

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  • Laptop Prices to Rise Again as DDR5 RAM Costs Surge

    Laptop Prices to Rise Again as DDR5 RAM Costs Surge

    Key Takeaways

    1. Framework is raising laptop prices due to increased costs from suppliers, specifically for DDR5 memory modules.
    2. This is the third price adjustment in two weeks, with a significant spike in memory prices occurring earlier in December.
    3. Customers are encouraged to buy their own DDR5 memory modules from other sources to save money.
    4. Framework is updating its online tools to help customers find compatible memory options and avoid compatibility issues.
    5. Future price increases may occur, and the company is committed to being transparent about ongoing RAM shortages and their impact on pricing.

    The rising prices of memory and RAM in the tech world are putting pressure not only on customers but also on laptop makers. Recently, Framework, a company famous for its modular and easily repairable laptops, shared news of another price ‘adjustment’ on DDR5 memory modules. This is the third time in just two weeks that they’ve changed prices, with the last change happening only a week ago. The company has even suggested that customers should consider purchasing their own DDR5 memory modules or look online for better offers or discounts.

    Latest Updates from Framework

    In the recent update (Dec 24th) on the Framework Blog, the company revealed that it is raising the prices of its laptops due to increased costs from suppliers, which are being calculated as a weighted average. The new rates include a fee of $10 per gigabyte for 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB modules, while 48GB sticks are priced slightly higher. This comes after a 50% spike in memory prices at the start of December, which led the company to stop selling individual memory modules to prevent scalping.

    Framework is encouraging customers to purchase their DIY Edition laptops and to provide their own memory modules if they find better prices elsewhere. The company is also planning to update its online configurators to feature a direct link to PCPartPicker. To help avoid compatibility issues, they have compiled a knowledge base of tested memory modules.

    Consumer Perspective

    In comparison to regular retail prices, Framework’s rates still come out cheaper. The company has made it clear that it is merely passing on the necessary costs from its suppliers and distributors, stating that they are not making any profit from these adjustments.

    This announcement about price increases comes during a time of ongoing global RAM shortages and disruptions in the supply chain, alongside rising demand from enterprises for servers and AI data centers that require large amounts of high-capacity memory.

    Framework’s actions are impacting its operations, as the company has been open about the challenges they face and is advising customers to search for their own RAM and find better deals if possible.

    Future Considerations

    Framework warns that additional price increases may happen, possibly as soon as January. Storage prices have also seen significant rises and are likely to follow the same trend as memory modules.

    Overall, Framework is trying to position itself as a trustworthy player in the laptop industry by being open about the serious RAM and memory issues, potentially earning goodwill from cost-conscious consumers while promising to reduce prices when supplier costs stabilize.

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  • Asus to Produce DDR5 RAM to Address Memory Shortage and Costs

    Asus to Produce DDR5 RAM to Address Memory Shortage and Costs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus and other companies are facing increased laptop prices due to a serious memory shortage.
    2. Major memory producers like Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix are focusing on AI data centers, impacting supply for other hardware sectors.
    3. High memory prices are affecting gaming laptops and components, making new PC builds more expensive for consumers.
    4. CMXT, a new Chinese memory producer, could provide alternative solutions but faces regulatory and production challenges.
    5. There are concerns that Asus may raise prices for its DDR5 RAM, disappointing consumers hoping for a resolution to the memory shortage by 2028.

    Asus, along with other companies like Dell and Framework, is gearing up to increase laptop prices due to a serious shortage of memory. However, it might soon compete with firms like Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix to prevent costs from soaring. As reported by Sakhtafzarmag, a Persian IT publication, the Taiwanese firm is considering opening DRAM production facilities in 2026.

    Memory Prices Soar

    The prices of DDR4 and DDR5 RAM have been climbing rapidly after the three major memory producers shifted their attention to AI data centers. Even though Asus is a significant player in the hardware sector, it is not being prioritized when it comes to the limited supply of components. This situation means that Asus has to either pass the increased costs onto customers or take more extreme measures.

    Impact on Gaming Laptops

    If Asus manages to find a solution, popular gaming laptops like the ROG Zephyrus G16 could see improvements. The company also offers a broad selection of desktops and parts, which are now at risk due to high memory prices. Their reliance on VRAM might also result in elevated costs for GPUs, causing potential buyers to think twice about assembling new PCs.

    According to Wccftech, Sakhtafzarmag has accurately anticipated important changes in the technology industry. However, some experts doubt whether Asus can start producing its own memory quickly. They might still need to purchase modules from leading DRAM manufacturers, which would limit any potential benefits.

    New Competitors in the Market

    CMXT, a Chinese memory producer, has emerged as a possible solution. Recently, it surprised many analysts by introducing its own LPDDR5X and DDR5 RAM. In theory, this company could offer a crucial alternative to larger competitors like Samsung and SK Hynix.

    Unfortunately, CMXT has its own hurdles to overcome in order to create enough inventory to make a difference. Among these challenges are stringent U.S. regulations regarding equipment imports, which have hampered its ability to produce large volumes of chips efficiently.

    Consumer Concerns

    Naturally, Asus might also opt to sell its DDR5 RAM at inflated prices, which would not be what customers are hoping for. Buyers are looking for any indication that the memory shortage won’t extend until 2028, as SK Hynix has predicted.

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