Category: Computers

  • Casio Marks 60 Years of Calculators with Stylish New Model

    Casio Marks 60 Years of Calculators with Stylish New Model

    Casio is known for making calculators for many years, and to mark the 60th year since they made their first calculator, they’ve introduced a new model featuring a newly positioned solar cell and a variety of attractive colors.

    Introduction of the Comfy JT-200T

    The latest calculator is called the Comfy JT-200T. Unlike most of Casio’s previous models, which usually have a small solar cell positioned above or beside the screen, this one sports a much larger solar cell that runs the entire length of the calculator. Plus, it’s been relocated to the top side, angled slightly so that it’s not completely turned away from the user.

    Design and Features

    This calculator is crafted from a mix of materials, including recycled resin and mica that resists scratches. It also incorporates the iconic Casio Mini key font, first seen in the Casio Mini calculator from 1972. Underneath, there’s a kickstand that tilts the device at an 8-degree angle, along with anti-slip feet. The display can show up to 12 digits, and there are special tax buttons on the keys.

    Power Source and Colors

    In contrast to devices like Lenovo’s self-charging Bluetooth keyboard that uses a supercapacitor, Casio’s calculator operates on a CR2025 coin cell battery, which the company claims can last for up to 7 years with an hour of daily use.

    The Comfy JT-200T will come in several colors: Off White, Dark Gray, Grayish Pink, Grayish Green, and Grayish Blue, allowing customers to pick one that suits their environment. It will be available starting January 30, and the price will be ￥3,850 (~$25/€24). At this point, there’s no information about a broader release.

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    Casio Marks 60 Years of Calculators with Stylish New ModelCasio Marks 60 Years of Calculators with Stylish New Model
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  • Keychron K4 QMK V3 96% Keyboard and M3 8K Gaming Mouse Launch

    Keychron K4 QMK V3 96% Keyboard and M3 8K Gaming Mouse Launch

    Keychron has been refreshing several of its mechanical keyboards with the latest QMK firmware, improved acoustic materials, and various hardware updates, including the switch to PBT keycaps. Now, the Keychron K4 Version 3 is making a comeback as the K3 QMK Version 3. In addition to this relaunch, Keychron has also upgraded its M3 gaming mouse with a new sensor and enhanced features.

    Compact Layout

    Like its previous version, the Keychron K4 QMK V3 boasts a compact 96% layout. This design combines a numeric keypad and a reduced navigation cluster into a more compact form. It might take a little time to adjust to this layout, but it’s perfect for users who need a num pad yet want to maximize their desk space.

    Improved Durability and Sound

    One of the primary upgrades to the K4 Version 3 is the new PBT keycaps, which are designed for better durability, even if they produce a slightly higher-pitched sound. Another significant enhancement is the acoustic treatment included in the Keychron K4 QMK V3, addressing a major issue that users had with the K4 V2. However, since the keyboard is tray-mounted with an aluminum plate, it may create a firmer typing experience, although using an o-ring mod can help mimic a gasket mount easily.

    If you’re after a gasket-mount 96% layout mechanical keyboard from Keychron, you might want to look into the $104 Keychron V5 Max at Best Buy.

    Customizable Features

    As indicated by its name, the K4 QMK V3 now officially supports QMK firmware, allowing for remapping through the browser-based Keychron Launcher, VIA, or QMK for those who want to experiment.

    The Keychron K4 QMK V3 comes in various configurations. The basic model features white backlighting, fully plastic build, and soldered Keychron Super switches, retailing at $84. Opting for an RGB backlight with a plastic frame and soldered switches raises the price to $94. Choosing the RGB PCB with an aluminum frame and soldered switches brings the cost to $104, while the most premium option, which includes RGB backlighting, an aluminum frame, and hot-swap Keychron Super switches, is priced at $114.

    Enhanced Gaming Experience

    A less prominent update is found in the Keychron M3 8K wireless gaming mouse, which adds 8K polling, doubling the performance of the previous model. The new M3 wireless mouse utilizes the Pixart 3950 sensor, allowing a peak resolution of 30,000 DPI, a maximum tracking speed of 750 IPS, and 50 g acceleration—improvements over the M3 4K’s 26,000 DPI and 650 IPS.

    Interestingly, Keychron asserts that the M3 8K can maintain the 8K polling rate in both wired USB-C and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. The M3 4K also features a 125 Hz Bluetooth connection for everyday tasks, and the 600 mAh battery is said to last up to 140 hours in Bluetooth mode.

    Ergonomics and Design Features

    In terms of design and comfort, the M3 mouse has not changed, retaining its symmetrical ergonomic shape (with customizable buttons only on the left side). There are switches located at the bottom of the mouse for adjusting DPI, connection modes, and polling rates without needing software. Additionally, the M3 8K is compatible with Keychron’s Launcher software, which allows for button remapping, profile creation, macro assignments, and adjustments for DPI and lift-off distance. Weighing in at 79 g, the Keychron M3 8K isn’t extremely lightweight, but it is still far from being one of the heaviest gaming mice on the market.

    The Keychron M3 8K can be purchased directly from the Keychron store for $69.00. It is available only in black, and there is no RGB version offered.

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    Keychron K4 QMK V3 96% Keyboard and M3 8K Gaming Mouse LaunchKeychron K4 QMK V3 96% Keyboard and M3 8K Gaming Mouse LaunchKeychron K4 QMK V3 96% Keyboard and M3 8K Gaming Mouse Launch
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  • 802.11ah Wi-Fi: 10-Mile Range Gains Importance in Europe

    802.11ah Wi-Fi: 10-Mile Range Gains Importance in Europe

    Wi-Fi that reaches over 10 miles with less interference than the 2.4 GHz band is achievable with 802.11ah, also known as Wi-Fi HaLow, which utilizes the 900 MHz frequency band.

    Morse Micro’s Ambitions

    Morse Micro, a leading name in certified devices, is getting ready to unveil products based on this fresh Wi-Fi standard. They’re working on a new 8108 chip along with reference designs for both access points and client devices, aiming to provide routers that can cover not just homes but gardens and beyond. That’s what they’re aiming for, at least.

    Targeting the US Market

    In the United States, Morse Micro plans to link surveillance cameras to access points. Since it runs over Wi-Fi, the company states that no extra frequency adjustments are necessary. During CES 2025 in Las Vegas, they stated that the antenna design would be quite straightforward.

    In 2025, this Australian firm will mainly target the American market where the frequency band is less crowded, leading to minimal interference. Technologies like frequency hopping, which Bluetooth devices already use, aren’t needed here. Even though there are relatively larger obstacles, Morse Micro is also eyeing the European market.

    Challenges in Europe

    The primary challenge for 802.11ah in Europe lies in the restricted 5 MHz frequency spectrum. This band ranges from 863 to 868 MHz and gets split into five channels. Nonetheless, Morse Micro aspires to break into the European market and has crafted a new chip that adapts to various regions, thereby simplifying implementation and requiring just one SKU for global markets. The firmware will automatically adjust frequencies, saving on development costs and resources.

    The launch of the 8108 chip is scheduled for April 2025, though sample chips are available now. Given the narrow bandwidth in Europe, Morse Micro will concentrate on the smart city sector, competing with LoRaWAN and similar networking protocols. The anticipated transfer speeds with the new chip are expected to reach hundreds of kilobits per second, adequate for sensors and over-the-air updates for smart city devices.

    Potential and Limitations

    This represents only a small part of the entire potential of the Wi-Fi standard. In the US, the 8108 could reach speeds of over 43.3 Mbps. The net transfer rates are 30 and 23 Mbps for UDP and TCP, respectively. However, achieving this requires an optimized setup and an 8 MHz channel, which isn’t practical in Europe. Also, the modulation density is set to 256 QAM while coding is at 5/6.

    While other areas might offer faster speeds, they still don’t match those available in the US. In Australia, Morse Micro estimates that about three 4 MHz channels are accessible, whereas Japan only has one.

    The US Advantage

    The US benefits from a 900 MHz band designated as an ISM band, allowing for long-range communications. For example, Motorola’s digital 900 MHz DTR series radios could connect over several kilometers. In Europe, Motorola had to switch to the 2.4 GHz band, which limited the range of otherwise similar devices.

    Despite the narrow frequency band in Europe, 802.11ah Wi-Fi still brings certain benefits. Walls have minimal impact on signal strength, and even rain, which can severely affect 2.4 GHz signals, only slightly affects Wi-Fi HaLow signals.

    Due to the available frequencies and greater potential, Morse Micro is planning to prioritize the US market by the end of this year. In 2026, they aim to enter the European market with specialized Wi-Fi solutions tailored for the smart city sector.

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  • Apple M4 Mac Mini Users Facing USB-C Connectivity Issues

    Apple M4 Mac Mini Users Facing USB-C Connectivity Issues

    A recent article from the well-known Apple-centric site AppleInsider has highlighted that some users of the highly praised M4 Mac mini are experiencing problems with USB-C connections. The article references numerous social media comments from Mac mini owners who are dealing with USB-C related issues.

    Problems Noted Since Launch

    The social media mentions that AppleInsider found date back to the product’s release in October last year. Users reported issues with USB-C devices like keyboards that “disconnect randomly,” requiring users to reconnect them to work again. Another source mentions that these problems seem to be limited to the rear USB-C ports. Additionally, some users say that external storage devices, such as hard drives, disconnect when they are under heavy use.

    Speculation on Causes

    Apple has yet to respond to these concerns, which gives us a chance to guess about the potential reasons. It’s possible that there are hidden hardware problems related to the soldered rear ports of the Mac mini (the front inputs are modular). However, if that were the case, we would likely see more widespread issues than those reported. Another possibility is that there could be other factors at play, such as damaged cords or malfunctioning external devices.

    Software Issues?

    There is also a chance that a bug in MacOS could be causing these problems, and such issues can typically be resolved through an over-the-air update. Nevertheless, this seems unlikely given that most reports focus specifically on the rear ports and not on the front ones of the M4 Mac mini, which is currently priced at $569 on Amazon. At this moment, there’s no solid proof pointing to a specific cause, but we’ll make sure to keep you updated if more details emerge.

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    Apple M4 Mac Mini Users Facing USB-C Connectivity Issues

     

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  • GMK AD-GP1: USB-C & OCuLink External Graphics Solution

    GMK AD-GP1: USB-C & OCuLink External Graphics Solution

    Some compact notebooks and mini-PCs come with APUs that perform remarkably well and can handle gaming. Yet, depending on the specific game, they might only manage lower frame rates or very basic graphics settings. In certain cases, using an external graphics card can be a viable option for these systems, especially for home use. The market for external graphics solutions has expanded a lot lately, and GMKtec has just introduced a new product to add to the options.

    Overview of the GMK AD-GP1

    The GMK AD-GP1 serves as an external GPU, featuring the AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT and equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 video memory. Unlike various graphics docks out there, the AD-GP1 is not a semi-modular option, meaning users cannot swap out the internal graphics card. On the bright side, its closed design makes it easier to transport. Plus, it’s not overly large, with dimensions of 163.9 x 110.5 x 39.9 mm (6.5 x 4.4 x 1.6 in), making it quite manageable.

    Connectivity and Features

    You can connect the AD-GP1 to a device using USB4 or OCuLink, with the latter providing faster transfer rates due to its four PCIe 4.0 lanes. It also supports USB Power Delivery, which allows the eGPU to deliver up to 100 watts to a compatible host device. For video connections, the AD-GP1 comes with two DisplayPort 2.0 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. However, GMKtec has not yet disclosed any details about pricing or availability. If you’re in the market for an external GPU, you might want to check out the GPD G1, which we reviewed earlier.

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    GMK AD-GP1: USB-C & OCuLink External Graphics Solution
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  • NuPhy Kick75: World’s First Hybrid Mechanical Keyboard with Switch Compatibility

    NuPhy Kick75: World’s First Hybrid Mechanical Keyboard with Switch Compatibility

    NuPhy has launched some fascinating keyboards before, including the Air60 HE, which is currently priced at $139.99 on Amazon and proudly holds the title of the first low-profile Hall-effect gaming keyboard in the world. Now, they seem to be introducing another first with the Kick75, a 75% wireless keyboard that comes packed with some cool features.

    Unique Switching Capabilities

    One of the standout features of the Kick75 is its ability to work with both low-profile and full-height mechanical switches, all incorporated into the same PCB and case — mostly, anyway. While NuPhy hasn’t shared too many specifics, a few details can be gathered from the official teaser page for the Kick75.

    To switch between low-profile and full-height modes, it appears that users will need to change out at least the top case. Other components, like the plate or perhaps some plate foams and mounting hardware, will likely need to be swapped too, considering it looks like it employs gaskets. If there are any additional layers, such as PCB foams or films, those might also require replacement.

    Keycap Options

    In a similar vein to the switches, the Kick75 will feature the choice between flat low-profile keycaps or full-height ones. Once again, NuPhy has not confirmed which keycaps will be included, but the ones shown in the teaser images seem to represent nSA for the low-profile setup and mSA for the full-height variant.

    The bottom case of the Kick75 isn’t see-through, but it appears to be made from some kind of plastic. TechPowerUp got a sneak peek at the Kick75 during NuPhy’s CES 2025 booth, revealing some features that NuPhy hadn’t previously disclosed. One notable feature is the kick-out feet, which are essential for low-profile keyboards. Since the Kick75 is made to be customizable, it uses screws to connect the top and bottom cases, and it looks like there are green silicone strips in between the two that could act as both a force-break and a gasket mount for either configuration.

    Purchasing Options

    As of now, it’s uncertain whether NuPhy will offer the Kick75 in just the low-profile or full-height setup or if customers will have the option to buy a hybrid kit that includes mounting hardware, foams, and top cases for both configurations. The latter seems more probable, given how NuPhy has marketed keyboards like the Nos75.

    What is confirmed, however, is that the Kick75 will support both wired and wireless connectivity, operating on 2.4 GHz with a 1,000 Hz polling rate, as well as Bluetooth for longer battery life.

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    NuPhy Kick75: World's First Hybrid Mechanical Keyboard with Switch Compatibility
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  • GMKtec G9: Ultra Mini PC with Built-in Network Storage

    GMKtec G9: Ultra Mini PC with Built-in Network Storage

    GMKtec has a strong presence in the mini PC market, and we’ve evaluated a number of their offerings here at Notebookcheck. The company has recently introduced a new mini PC called the G9, which functions as both a traditional PC and a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. It is powered by an Intel N150 processor, which is somewhat limited in performance. However, the G9 is not aimed at gamers or users needing high-demand multimedia capabilities. Instead, its primary focus is on network file transfers and handling data-heavy tasks. The device is equipped with 12GB of 4800MHz LPDDR5 RAM, along with 64GB of EMMC storage.

    Compact Design

    From the images, it’s evident that traditional magnetic hard drives aren’t compatible with the G9. Instead, it relies solely on flash storage, which contributes to a more compact NAS design. The use of flash memory also enables significantly faster data transfer speeds. While this might not be crucial for storing compressed media, it’s beneficial when working with uncompressed raw data, especially in video editing scenarios.

    Connectivity Options

    The G9 features two HDMI ports, two USB-C ports, and two 2.5G Ethernet ports, as shown in the pictures. However, details regarding its pricing and availability have yet to be released.

    GMKtec is growing in the mini PC space, and the G9 seems to be a versatile option for users looking for solid performance in data handling rather than gaming.

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  • Asus NUC 14 Essential Mini-PC: Launching in Various Configurations

    Asus NUC 14 Essential Mini-PC: Launching in Various Configurations

    Asus has a variety of small PC systems known as NUC. Not long ago, we did a review of the Asus NUC 14 Essential featuring an Intel Core i3-N305. With the launch of this series coming soon, the company has shared details in a press release about the different configurations. Notably, the NUC 14 Essential will offer options including an Intel N150, N250, N97, or the Core i3-N305 (the same one we reviewed). Buyers can choose to get a complete computer or a kit that comes without any memory. The system is compatible with a single stick of DDR5 RAM, supporting up to 16 GB.

    Compact Design and Functionality

    The dimensions of the mini-PC are 135 x 115 x 36 mm (5.3 x 4.5 x 1.4 in), making it suitable for various uses based on the chosen configuration. While these systems are not top-tier, the NUC 14 Essential models can be ideal for simpler tasks, like office duties or digital signage.

    Connectivity Options and Pricing

    The NUC 14 Essential is equipped with an HDMI 2.1 interface, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port that can send video signals. However, the front USB-C port does not seem to have this ability. Additionally, the mini-PC includes multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and provides both Ethernet and Wi-Fi options. In Germany, the starting prices for the Asus NUC 14 Essential are at €260 (US$268) for the Intel N250 model and €226 (US$233) for the one with Intel N97. For prices in your area, you might want to check with local retailers.

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  • Stylish M4 Mac Mini Case: Scratch and Theft Protection

    Stylish M4 Mac Mini Case: Scratch and Theft Protection

    The M4-powered Mac mini is a desktop computer, but its compact Mini PC design makes it easy to take on trips. If you’re planning to travel with it, Waterfield Designs offers a great travel case. This case, known as the Shield Case for Mac mini, not only safeguards the Mac mini from scratches and dents but also helps you locate your device if it gets misplaced.

    Quality Materials and Protection

    The Waterfield Shield Case is crafted from a combination of full-grain leather and nylon or leather and canvas, varying by color choice. It features a soft fleece-like lining that protects the Mac mini (currently priced at $569 on Amazon) from scratches, while a foam layer absorbs impacts. The outer layer is made of either ballistic nylon or waxed canvas, providing water resistance. Additionally, it comes equipped with YKK waterproof zippers for extra durability.

    Handy Storage Features

    This case also includes pockets designed for cables and other small accessories. There’s a discreet pocket for placing an AirTag or similar tracker, allowing you to easily find your Mac mini if it’s lost or stolen. This thoughtful feature ensures you can keep track of your important device.

    The Waterfield Shield Case for Mac mini is available for $99 and can be ordered now. The initial batch has already sold out, with shipping scheduled for January 17. The currently available batch will ship on January 24, so you’ll want to act fast to secure yours!

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  • CheckMag: OpenWRT Router with Tailscale, Docker, and WireGuard

    CheckMag: OpenWRT Router with Tailscale, Docker, and WireGuard

    It’s really frustrating when companies decide to stop supporting hardware that still works well. I guess it’s all about making money, and keeping old devices on the list doesn’t really help their profits. But routers are a key part of anyone’s home network. They connect many devices to the internet and protect you from online threats. If a router stops getting updates, it can become a security risk. So, what should you do when you see that dreaded “end of life” notification?

    Most people will likely just buy a new router. However, there are various custom firmware options for consumer routers that can help extend their lifespan. Some of these include FreshTomato, DD-WRT, and OpenWRT.

    Updating a router with new firmware is not as difficult as it sounds, but it really depends on which router you have. If you don’t follow the instructions precisely, you could end up with a useless device. For my R7000, there seemed to be only one developer providing DD-WRT support, and generally, DD-WRT is seen as quite disorganized. OpenWRT works, but it only allows access to the 2.4 GHz bands because of Broadcom’s closed-source drivers. FreshTomato looked like a good option, but I was worried about breaking the device and losing internet access, which made me look for alternatives.

    This led me to wonder, which router is the best for OpenWRT? I wanted a router that would still be functional, even if the manufacturer stopped supporting it, thanks to the community. I found a helpful Reddit thread with a lot of upvotes, which pointed me to this product:

    The GL-iNet MT6000, also known as Flint 2, is a Wi-Fi 6 router that allows you to flash OpenWRT using the original manufacturer’s update tool. It comes with Wi-Fi 6 radios, two 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports that can be set up in various ways (unlike some brands that only offer 2.5 gigabit on the WAN port), four gigabit Ethernet ports, one USB 3 port, a quad-core MediaTek chip, 1 GB of DDR4 RAM, and a full 8 GB of eMMC storage.

    The hardware specs are impressive, but the real strength of the Flint 2 is its software. GL-iNet offers a modified version of OpenWRT, which supports many features that were previously only available through Docker containers on my home server. This includes AdGuard, WireGuard, OpenVPN, Tor, Tailscale, ZeroTier, a free DDNS service (that doesn’t make me verify my account monthly), parental controls, and network storage, among others.

    While the software looks much better than standard OpenWRT, it does have an older Linux kernel and some outdated packages. You can opt for the beta version that features kernel 6.6, and you can also grab the stock version of OpenWRT from their site. Of course, you can always get it straight from OpenWRT too.

    But wait, there’s more! You might be wondering what a router needs with 8 GB of built-in eMMC. This is where OpenWRT plug-ins come into play.

    The plug-ins section enables you to install nearly any compatible package for the router. This includes Docker, which allows for a ton of additional features. You can even set up Rclone to connect to a cloud storage service like Google Drive and use FreeFileSync in a container to back up or sync any SMB shares on your network or the cloud. Plus, you can use the USB 3.0 port to hook up an external drive and share files across devices. However, since there’s no redundancy, this would be best as a backup target for a NAS, which is totally doable.

    While it’s not the latest router and doesn’t include Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, lacks 10 gigabit Ethernet, and doesn’t look like a mechanical spider ready to invade your home, it’s still a fantastic option. There’s a good chance this model will be replaced by a newer version this year, but at $159 (found on Amazon), it offers great value considering its features, and the OpenWRT support should keep it relevant long after GL-iNet stops updating it.

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    CheckMag: OpenWRT Router with Tailscale, Docker, and WireGuardCheckMag: OpenWRT Router with Tailscale, Docker, and WireGuardCheckMag: OpenWRT Router with Tailscale, Docker, and WireGuardCheckMag: OpenWRT Router with Tailscale, Docker, and WireGuard
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