Category: Computers

March 31, 2025
New Microsoft Surface Pro or Laptop Rumored for Spring Release
Key Takeaways
1. Microsoft recently launched updated versions of Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, targeting business users but available to all.
2. There are indications that Microsoft may continue using Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets for future consumer Surface devices.
3. A leak suggests affordable and smaller options may be introduced alongside the current Surface models priced at $949.99.
4. A device named ‘774_LAN’ was discovered on Geekbench, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-42-100 chipset and 16 GB of RAM.
5. The future of the ‘774_LAN’ device is unclear, but it may be less powerful than existing models, with expected releases in spring and display sizes between 11 to 12 inches.
Hardly any time has gone by since Microsoft launched updated versions of its Surface Laptop and Surface Pro lines. Primarily, these models are aimed at businesses, but in reality, anyone can buy these variants powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake.
Focus on Qualcomm Snapdragon
A recent leak indicates that Microsoft might be planning to stick with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets for its consumer Surface devices. There had been hints that the tech giant could soon introduce more affordable and smaller options to complement the current Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, which is priced at $949.99 on Amazon.
Discovery on Geekbench
Roland Quandt seems to have found proof of this upcoming refresh on Geekbench. The screenshot below indicates that someone benchmarked a device named ‘774_LAN’ months earlier, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-42-100 chipset along with 16 GB of RAM and running Windows 11 Pro. Sadly, Geekbench does not provide additional information about the device; however, the single-core and multi-core scores align with what’s expected for the Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100.
Uncertain Future
It remains uncertain if 774_LAN is linked to a new Surface Laptop or Surface Pro. Regardless, it appears that 774_LAN will have less power compared to Microsoft’s current Qualcomm-powered models. Windows Central reports that both new devices are anticipated to be released this spring, with display sizes likely ranging from 11 to 12 inches diagonally.
Source:
Link
Tags: Geekbench, Microsoft Surface, Qualcomm Snapdragon
March 31, 2025
LG Launches Lightweight Gram 15 Laptop with AMD Krackan Point
Key Takeaways
1. The LG Gram 15 laptop (15Z80T) features AMD’s new “Krackan Point” processors, combining Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores for balanced performance and energy efficiency.
2. It maintains a lightweight design at 1.29 kg and a thickness of 17mm, with a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display bright at 350 nits.
3. The laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 APU, with up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage, plus integrated Radeon 860M graphics.
4. Connectivity options include USB-C, USB 3.2, HDMI, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 1080p webcam, along with a 72Wh battery for extended use.
5. LG also launched the UltraGear 27G850A gaming monitor, priced at $799.99, featuring a 27-inch Nano IPS Black panel with high contrast and dual-mode capabilities.
LG has just launched its latest Gram 15 laptop (model 15Z80T), which is driven by AMD’s new “Krackan Point” processors. These processors are a fresh batch of laptop APUs made for balanced performance and energy efficiency. They feature a hybrid core arrangement that merges Zen 5 (for performance) and Zen 5c (for efficiency) cores, boasting up to 8 cores and 16 threads. The chips also come with integrated Radeon 860M graphics, utilizing the RDNA 3.5 architecture, providing up to 8 Compute Units suitable for daily graphics tasks and light gaming.
Features of LG Gram 15 (15Z80T)
The Gram 15 laptop keeps its lightweight design, tipping the scales at only 1.29 kg and having a thickness of 17mm. It sports a 15.6-inch IPS display that delivers Full HD resolution with a brightness level of 350 nits. Inside, the laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 APU, which includes four performance-oriented Zen 5 cores, four efficiency-focused Zen 5c cores, a 24MB cache, and Radeon 860M integrated graphics featuring 8 RDNA 3.5 units. Users can look forward to a maximum of 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage.
Connectivity and Battery Life
In terms of connectivity, the laptop offers two USB-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, an HDMI port, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a 1080p webcam equipped with dual microphones. It also includes stereo speakers rated at 1.5W each, and it is powered by a 72Wh battery. Currently, the details regarding the pricing and availability of the laptop are not disclosed. However, it is anticipated that the Gram 15 (15Z80T) will be more affordable compared to similar laptops that feature AMD Strix Point processors.
Additional Product Launch
In addition to the laptop, LG has also introduced the UltraGear 27G850A gaming monitor in both the US and UK, with a price tag of $799.99 and £749.99 (including VAT) respectively. This monitor boasts a 27-inch Nano IPS Black panel, offering a 2000:1 contrast ratio, dual-mode capabilities (either 4K@240Hz or 1080p@480Hz), a 1ms GtG response time, 99% DCI-P3 color coverage, and HDR brightness reaching up to 670 nits.
Tags: AMD Krackan Point, LG Gram 15, UltraGear 27G850A
March 30, 2025
Ninkear Mbox 6: Affordable Modular Mini PC Launches Today
Key Takeaways
1. The Ninkear Mbox 6 features a modular base design for expandable storage and connectivity options, similar to the Mbox 8 Pro.
2. It includes enhanced connectivity with two USB-C ports and additional ports from the magnetic base, along with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 support.
3. The Mbox 6 is powered by a Ryzen 5 6500H APU and Radeon RX Vega 7, providing good performance at a lower cost compared to the Mbox 8 Pro.
4. It comes with 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512 GB PCIe 3.0 SSD, with an advanced cooling system for efficient performance under heavy usage.
5. The mini PC supports triple-screen output and has a lightweight, compact design, priced at $440.54 on AliExpress.
The Ninkear Mbox 8 Pro was first introduced as a unique mini PC, featuring a modular base that enables users to expand storage and connectivity options. Now, Ninkear has released a more budget-friendly version, the Mbox 6. This model has the same magnetic base design, which allows for the addition of an extra SSD.
Enhanced Connectivity Options
Similar to the Mbox 8 Pro’s expansion base, the modular base of the Mbox 6 provides extra connectivity ports. The mini PC itself includes two USB-C ports, while the magnetic base contributes additional options.
In terms of wireless features, the Ninkear Mbox 6 supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Inside, this modular mini PC houses the Ryzen 5 6500H, a capable APU from AMD’s Cezanne series, coupled with the Radeon RX Vega 7. Although this is a noticeable step down from the Ryzen 7 8845HS in the Mbox 8 Pro, this more affordable APU is the reason for the system’s lower price.
Performance and Specifications
This Zen 3 APU is combined with 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512 GB PCIe 3.0 SSD (2 TB SanDisk SSD Plus curr. $112.99 on Amazon). The manufacturer also states that the Mbox 6 features an advanced cooling system, which Ninkear claims will keep the system cool even under heavy usage.
Other features of this modular mini PC are its lightweight and compact design, support for triple-screen output, and a stylish appearance. The Ninkear Mbox 6 is currently available on AliExpress in one configuration at a price of $440.54.
Source:
Link

Tags: Mini-PC, Ninkear Mbox 6, Ryzen 5 6500H
March 29, 2025
Lilygo T-Deck Pro: IoT Device with LoRa, Touchscreen, Keyboard
Key Takeaways
1. The T-Deck Pro targets IoT creators and hobbyists, not everyday consumers.
2. It features an open-source platform with a development board, keyboard, and touchscreen, along with options for a 4G modem and voice functionality.
3. The device has a 3.1-inch e-ink display with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels for better readability in sunlight.
4. It runs on an ESP32 chip, supports TF cards, and can be programmed using Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF.
5. Additional features include GNSS capabilities, a light sensor, a gyroscope, LoRa technology, and a 1400mAh battery, with a starting price of about $82.
The T-Deck Pro is a fresh mobile device that shares some similarities with the LilyGo T-Deck Plus, but they are not exactly the same. The manufacturer is focusing on IoT creators and hobbyists rather than everyday consumers for this range of products.
Features and Specifications
To dive deeper, the T-Deck Pro is an open-source platform that combines a development board with a keyboard and a touchscreen. The features are quite broad, and one of the options includes a 4G modem, allowing for easy connectivity to cellular networks. The other version has a voice function available.
Both models are equipped with a 3.1-inch e-ink display boasting a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, which should provide better readability even in bright sunlight and can be navigated through touch. The system runs on an ESP32 chip featuring two LX7 processing cores, 8MB of PSRAM, and double the amount of flash storage. It supports TF cards and can be programmed using Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF, among others.
Additional Features
Aside from GNSS capabilities, the LilyGo IoT device includes a light sensor and a gyroscope, and users can input commands using the keyboard. It also supports LoRa technology, enabling the transmission of small data packets over long distances. Finally, the T-Deck Pro comes with a 1400mAh battery and is currently marked as out of stock, with prices starting at about $82. On the other hand, the T-Deck Plus is still readily accessible.
LilyGo’s offerings are quite interesting for those who enjoy tinkering and creating with technology!
Source:
Link
Tags: IoT device, LilyGo, T-Deck Pro
March 29, 2025
GMKtec Strix Halo EVO-X2 Mini PC Launch Coming Soon
Key Takeaways
1. GMKtec launched the EVO-X2 mini PC at the 2025 AI PC Innovation Summit on March 18, 2025, with pre-orders starting in China on April 7, 2025.
2. The pre-order price for the high-spec model (128 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD) is CNY 14,999 (about $2,066), with hints of more budget-friendly versions possibly available.
3. The EVO-X2 features the Radeon 8060S GPU, the most powerful integrated GPU available, capable of solid 1440p gaming performance.
4. It includes a dual-turbo fan system and VC heat sink to support performance output up to 140 W.
5. The mini PC is equipped with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth for connectivity, with global pricing and availability expected to be announced soon after the China launch.
GMKtec has officially unveiled the EVO-X2 during the 2025 AI PC Innovation Summit, which occurred on March 18. At that time, the company did not announce the availability date for this Strix Halo mini PC. However, a recent update has confirmed that pre-orders will start in China on April 7, 2025.
Pre-Order Details and Pricing
Along with this announcement, GMKtec disclosed the pre-order cost for the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 mini PC. The model equipped with 128 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 2 TB SSD is priced at CNY 14,999, approximately $2,066. This high price was anticipated since the EVO-X1, which runs on the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, was launched at a starting price of $1,299.99 (with 32 GB now at $1,029.99 on Amazon). There are hints that more budget-friendly options may be available, possibly a version with 32 GB of RAM.
Performance and Features
In terms of hardware, the EVO-X2 comes with the most powerful integrated GPU currently available, the Radeon 8060S. This GPU features 40 Compute Units (CUs), whereas the Radeon 890M, known as Strix Point’s top integrated GPU, has only 16 CUs. According to a recent test by ETA Prime, this integrated GPU can deliver solid performance for 1440p gaming in a mini PC setup.
The EVO-X2 is also designed with a dual-turbo fan system that works alongside a VC heat sink, allowing for a performance output of up to 140 W. It includes a variety of connectivity options. For wireless capabilities, the GMKtec EVO-X2 is equipped with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth. While the global pricing and availability have yet to be unveiled, this Strix Halo mini PC is anticipated to enter international markets shortly after its launch in China.
Source:
Link
Tags: EVO-X2, GMKtec, Ryzen AI Max+ 395
March 29, 2025
Keychron K4 Max: 98% Layout, Super Switches, Tri-Mode Connectivity
Key Takeaways
1. 98% Layout: The K4 Max combines full-size features with a compact design, saving desk space.
2. Tri-Mode Connectivity: It offers USB-C wired, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4GHz wireless connections, ideal for gamers with a 1000Hz polling rate.
3. Typing Experience: Features a six-layer acoustic structure and hot-swappable Super switches rated for 50 million keystrokes.
4. Customization Options: Supports QMK firmware and has a web-based Launcher app for key remapping and macros without downloads.
5. Design Features: Includes double-shot PBT keycaps, adjustable feet, and south-facing RGB lighting with multiple dynamic modes.
Keychron has launched a new model in their mechanical keyboard series—the K4 Max, which is now officially for sale in China. This keyboard has a 98% layout, which means it combines the full-size features you need with a design that saves space on your desk. It includes nearly all the high-performance features you would expect without taking up too much room.
Key Features of Keychron K4 Max
The K4 Max offers tri-mode connectivity, allowing users to easily switch between USB-C wired, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4GHz wireless modes. The 2.4GHz connection has a polling rate of 1000Hz, making it a great pick for gamers or any tasks where speed matters. Additionally, it has a large 4000mAh battery, which can last for up to 190 hours on a single charge when the backlight is off.
Typing Experience and Customization
Its design includes a six-layer acoustic structure made of IXPE, PET, and EPDM foam to help reduce typing noise while improving the feel of the keys. The K4 Max features Keychron’s new Super switches, which are hot-swappable and come in Red, Brown, and Banana options. These switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes and have a transparent housing and light-condensing lens to enhance the keyboard’s backlighting.
The K4 Max is offered in three different models: one with a white backlight, another with RGB backlighting, and a fully hot-swappable RGB version. The prices are 558 yuan ($77), 618 yuan ($85), and 678 yuan (~$93), respectively.
Customization and Design
It supports open-source QMK firmware and includes Keychron’s web-based Launcher app, enabling extensive customization without needing any downloads. Users can remap keys, create macros, and adjust layouts directly from their browser, compatible with Windows, macOS, or Linux. The keyboard comes with a physical toggle switch and extra keycaps for easier OS switching.
In terms of design, the K4 Max features double-shot PBT keycaps in a grey OSA profile with its signature orange ESC key. It supports south-facing RGB lighting with more than 22 dynamic modes and works well with Cherry-profile keycaps. Additionally, it has adjustable feet, a steel mounting plate, and enhanced stabilizers.
Tags: Keychron K4 Max, mechanical keyboard, RGB lighting
March 29, 2025
Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14: Yoga Style, ThinkPad Quality, ThinkBook Features
Key Takeaways
1. Lenovo offers a range of sub-brands for laptops, including IdeaPad, Legion, Yoga, ThinkBook, ThinkPad, and LOQ, catering to different market segments.
2. Each sub-brand has both premium and budget options, such as IdeaPad for budget users and Yoga for premium users, as well as LOQ for budget gaming and Legion for high-end gaming.
3. The ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1 Aura Edition features a new design similar to the Yoga series but lacks some business features, making it more suitable for small businesses.
4. Despite its different appearance, the ThinkPad X9-14 maintains the high-quality build and typing experience typical of ThinkPad laptops.
5. The ThinkPad X9-14 includes a smart maintenance design for easier assembly and disassembly, highlighting its practicality as a business laptop.
Lenovo is a well-known brand in the laptop market, offering several sub-brands: Lenovo IdeaPad, Lenovo Legion, Lenovo Yoga, Lenovo ThinkBook, Lenovo ThinkPad, and Lenovo LOQ. These names are the main labels Lenovo uses to sell its various laptop series.
A Pattern in Branding
There’s a distinct trend here, with a premium and budget option available for each type. For example, the Lenovo IdeaPad represents the budget-friendly line, while the Lenovo Yoga stands as the premium choice. The same applies to the gaming segment, where Lenovo LOQ caters to budget users and Lenovo Legion targets high-end gamers. In the business realm, Lenovo ThinkBook and ThinkPad serve different markets, with the ThinkPad brand enjoying the highest recognition due to its excellent keyboard, conservative aesthetics, and notable features like the red TrackPoint.
The Unique ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1 Aura Edition
What makes the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1 Aura Edition exceptional? This recent model ditches the traditional ThinkPad look, opting instead for a design that resembles Lenovo’s Yoga series. However, it misses several business-oriented features such as 5G/LTE support, a Smart card reader, and a mechanical webcam shutter, positioning it more as a small-business laptop akin to the ThinkBook series. So, what exactly makes this model a ThinkPad?
Quality Over Design
The answer lies in its quality. The build feels superior compared to both ThinkBook and Yoga models, and although the keyboard design differs, the typing experience remains distinctly ThinkPad. Furthermore, the ThinkPad X9-14 boasts a smart maintenance design, simplifying the process of assembly and disassembly—an essential feature for a business laptop.
Though the ThinkPad X9-14 doesn’t resemble a typical ThinkPad, it certainly embodies the quality associated with the brand.
Source:
Link
Tags: Business Laptop Quality, Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14, Lenovo Yoga
March 29, 2025
Geekom AE8 Max Mini PC with AMD – Big Launch Discount on Amazon
Key Takeaways
1. Geekom’s new mini PC, the AE8 Max, is available on Amazon with a 10% discount and an additional $30 coupon.
2. It features a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor and comes with 32GB of DDR5 RAM, upgradable to 64GB.
3. The AE8 Max includes a 1TB replaceable M.2 NVMe SSD and an additional M.2 slot for more storage.
4. Connectivity options include two 2.5 GBit/s Ethernet ports, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple USB ports.
5. The mini PC can support up to four 4K monitors simultaneously.
Geekom is broadening its already impressive range of compact computers with a new system known as the AE8 Max. This Chinese company is currently offering this mini PC on Amazon, where early buyers can take advantage of a 10% discount code “GMAE8MAX1” along with an extra $30 coupon that needs to be activated on the product page. The regular price is $589.
Powerful Performance
The AE8 Max is driven by the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, providing enough speed for even the most demanding applications and tasks. It features 32GB of DDR5 RAM operating at 5600MHz, which can be upgraded to 64GB in the future. The built-in 1TB M.2-2280 NVMe SSD is replaceable, and there’s also a secondary M.2-2242 slot available for a SATA SSD. Furthermore, the mini PC can hold a 2.5-inch drive with a maximum height of 7mm.
Connectivity Options
This compact desktop also includes two Ethernet ports that support speeds of up to 2.5 GBit/s, along with WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connections. Additionally, it has two USB 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, and HDMI. As per the company’s claims, the Geekom AE8 Max mini PC can connect to four 4K monitors at the same time.
Source:
Link

Tags: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, compact computer, Geekom AE8 Max
March 28, 2025
AMD Zen 6 Desktop CPUs Could Reach 6.0 GHz Boost Speed
Key Takeaways
1. Zen 6 will increase core count per CCD to 12 and L3 cache to 48 MB.
2. The CCD is expected to be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced N2X node, starting mass production in 2026.
3. AMD is skipping two manufacturing nodes, moving from N4 to N2X, which could lead to a 10% IPC boost.
4. AMD aims for Zen 6 to reach clock speeds of 6.0 GHz, matching Intel’s Raptor Lake processors.
5. Zen 6 may support stacking multiple 3D V-cache tiles, but this technology might not be available for gaming models until Zen 7.
Leaker Moore’s Law is Dead has shared more intriguing info on AMD’s Zen 6, particularly about the Medusa Ridge desktop components. Tom previously mentioned that Zen 6 would boost the core count per CCD to 12 and increase the L3 cache to 48 MB. The latest leak dives into clock speeds, the manufacturing process, and suggests the presence of a 128-bit memory controller.
Manufacturing Details
The CCD for Olympic Ridge, previously called Medusa Ridge, is said to be produced using TSMC’s advanced N2X node. This N2X is reportedly a high-performance upgrade of the N2P variant. While TSMC’s roadmap doesn’t clarify the differences between the two, it does confirm that mass production will begin in 2026, aligning with AMD’s plans to launch Zen 6 desktop versions. Conversely, the I/O die might be fabricated using TSMC’s N3P or N6 nodes.
Performance Expectations
Zen 6 marks a significant leap, moving from TSMC’s N4 (used for Zen 5) directly to N2X, skipping two nodes. AMD is fully embracing the latest technology after usually lagging behind by a node or two. This could lead to improved performance, with rumors indicating a 10% IPC boost. However, the cost of N2 wafers is quite high, and consumers will likely feel the impact of these increased expenses.
Tom notes that AMD aims to push Zen 6 to reach the impressive 6.0 GHz threshold, a feat already accomplished by Intel with its Raptor Lake processors. Moreover, Zen 6 is expected to support stacking multiple 3D V-cache tiles. While some server-grade models might feature this technology, it probably won’t reach gaming models until Zen 7 is released.
Source:
Link
Tags: AMD Zen 6, Medusa Ridge, TSMC N2X
March 28, 2025
Quantum Computing: A Game Changer for Bitcoin Mining Efficiency
Key Takeaways
1. Bitcoin mining requires significant computing power and leads to high electricity costs.
2. Researchers from D-Wave propose using quantum computing to reduce energy consumption and costs in Bitcoin mining.
3. Quantum computers utilize qubits, enabling faster calculations than traditional computers.
4. The introduction of qudits enhances efficiency and significantly boosts mining rates.
5. Quantum Proof of Work (PoQ) uses quantum computers for error-mitigated calculations, ensuring blockchain stability.
It’s widely recognized that Bitcoin mining demands enormous computing power, leading to increased electricity expenses. In response, researchers from D-Wave have unveiled a potential solution that could greatly cut down on both energy consumption and costs associated with mining the largest cryptocurrency in the world today.
Quantum Computing Advantages
Quantum computers are often seen as more advanced than traditional ones because they can execute calculations at a much faster pace. Unlike standard computers that use bits, quantum computers utilize qubits. These qubits can represent not just the values of 0 or 1, but also multiple states due to a principle called superposition.
Introduction of Qudits
Recently, studies have introduced a new concept called qudits, which are said to be even more effective. This advancement allows researchers to utilize these efficient calculations to boost the mining rate significantly.
According to the findings, researchers have determined that the power usage could potentially be lowered by a factor of 1,000 with quantum computers. In this study, four quantum computers located across North America were employed. Interestingly, the researchers also found that these individual quantum machines collaborated effectively.
Understanding Quantum Proof of Work
Before diving into the workings of Quantum Proof of Work (PoQ or QPoW), it’s crucial to grasp the basics of blockchain technology. Essentially, blockchain acts as a digital ledger where all transactions related to cryptocurrencies are documented. To add new blocks to this chain, a significant amount of computing power is required to carry out the necessary mathematical operations.
With PoQ, these operations are handled by a quantum computer using a probability-based process. This method of calculation helps to mitigate errors while ensuring the blockchain remains stable.
Source:
Link
Tags: Bitcoin mining, D-Wave, Quantum computers