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May 5
Ben Heck repairing the Super NES CD-ROM prototype. (Image: YouTube, The Ben Heck Show)

Ben Heck completes repair of Nintendo Playstation prototype

A long-rumored prototype of the Super NED CD-ROM was finally found back in 2015. While it could play SNES cartridges, the CD-ROM would not work. After about a year and a half of work, electronics wizard Ben Heck has completed repairs on the prototype.
A leaked screenshot that shows the tablet's "productivity mode." (Source: Android Police)

Motorola is working on a new tablet, its first in half a decade

The Lenovo subsidiary reportedly has a new tablet in the works. It features a "productivity mode" option that makes the user interface feel more like that of a traditional PC.
"On May 23 in Shanghai, Microsoft will show the world what’s next." (Source: Twitter)

Microsoft teases another Surface device on May 23

Just days after Microsoft released the Surface Laptop at their #MicrosoftEDU event, the company is teasing yet another Surface-related device at an event in Shanghai on May 23.
OnePlus teases long-rumored OnePlus 5 smartphone

OnePlus teases long-rumored OnePlus 5 smartphone

OnePlus CEO Pete Lau is confirming that his company is indeed working on the next flagship smartphone, but not much has been revealed as is typical of the manufacturer.
AMD revenue rising due to brisk Ryzen sales

AMD revenue rising due to brisk Ryzen sales

The chipmaker was able to cut losses significantly but is still $29 million USD in the red even after riding the Ryzen hype train.
May 4
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50 new external reviews +
Value Nomad España: ASUS GL553VD-FY026T Analisis y Review Portátil, Value Nomad España: Review Del Portátil MSI GT73VR 7RF Titan Pro, Jagat Review: Review Notebook Gaming: ASUS ROG GX800VH, Pemmzchannel: Review Asus X550VQ – X series Asus untuk Gamer e-Sport, Geeknetic: MSI GE62 7RE Apache PRO, PC Lab.pl: Acer Aspire VX5-591G-58TC - test laptopa dla graczy, Notebook.cz: Test: Acer Aspire VX15 - střední třída herních notebooků s GeForce GTX 1050Ti, Jagat Review: Review Notebook 2-in-1: Dell Inspiron 11 3179, El Confidencial: La china Xiaomi contraataca con el MiPad 3, un iPad a mitad de precio, El Confidencial: Xiaomi desvela el nuevo Mi 6: así es su 'smartphone' más potente (y asequible), TechZ: Mở hộp, trên tay Xiaomi Mi 6 đầu tiên tại Việt Nam, giá 11,5 triệu đồng, The Gioididong: Mở hộp Xiaomi Mi 6 phiên bản vỏ gốm, viền vàng 18K cực đẹp, One Tech: Xiaomi Redmi 3s – test i recenzja, Zing: Xiaomi Mi 6 ra mắt: Camera kép, mạnh hơn iPhone 7, 90 Sekund: Test, recenzja, opinia – HP EliteBook Folio G1 (V1C64EA) – W małym ciele wielka moc!, Cyberbloc: Das Allround-Notebook Hp 250 G5 Sp Z2X92Es Im Test, Les Androides: Test : l’Asus Zenpad 3S 10, haut de gamme et bon rapport qualité/prix, Tuexperto: HP Omen 17, lo hemos probado, Value Nomad España: Review Lenovo Yoga Book, ¡Más Versátil Imposible!, Ridble: Moto G5 Plus: lo smartphone di fascia media che sorprende in autonomia, Key for web: Honor 6X: la nostra recensione completa, Ridble: Chuwi LapBook 15.6: come portarsi a casa un notebook a meno di 200€, Tech Different: LG G6, la nostra recensione, Tecno Cino: Huawei P10: La Recensione Con I Pro E Contro, Tech Different: Huawei Mate 9: ancora un phablet da sogno | RECENSIONE, Ridble: ASUS Transformer Mini T102HA: ecco il piccolo 2-in-1 costruito con cura, Ridble: Huawei P10: un tentativo di ripensare il top di gamma non riuscito, Smartphone Italia: Recensione Asus Zenfone 3 Laser by Smartphone Italia, Smartphone Italia: Recensione ASUS Transformer 3 Pro (T303UA) by Smartphone Italia, Golden Geek: [Compte Rendu] Première prise en main des Samsung Galaxy S8 et S8+, Media Trends: Honor 8 Pro: gama (casi) alta con características premium, Media Trends: Así es el Moto G5, un sólido gama media, Smartphone Italia: Recensione Samsung Galaxy S8 by Smartphone Italia, El Confidencial: Probamos el Moto G5: difícil encontrar un móvil 'low cost' tan completo como este, Pianeta Cellulare: Recensione Samsung Galaxy S8, schermo enorme in dimensioni compatte, Pianeta Cellulare: Recensione Ulefone Gemini, la doppia camera ora anche Low Cost, Pianeta Cellulare: Recensione Umidigi Z Pro, Dual Sim con Dual Camera, Batista70Phone: Nubia N1 Lite recensione e pagella, Batista70Phone: Honor 8 Pro recensione e pagella, Batista70Phone: Huawei P10 Plus recensione e pagella, Pemmzchannel: Review Gigabyte Aero 14 W7 – Laptop 14-inch Paling Kenceng Parah? (Pro-User Wajib Lihat), Batista70Phone: LG G6 recensione e pagella, Computerblog.ro: Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus review, Computerblog.ro: Samsung Galaxy S8 review: compact e mai bine, Arena IT: Clevo N850 – laptop pentru gaming cu i7 7700HQ si GTX 1050Ti, Galaktyczny: Recenzja Huawei P10. Udoskonalona wersja flagowca sprzed roku, Arena IT: Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus review: arata extraordinar!, Android Portal: RECENZIA Huawei P10: Budúci líder rebríčkov predajnosti ukazuje svoje sily, Prohardver.hu: Fujitsu Lifebook U727 – biztonság kézrátétellel, Technokrata: Teszt: Fujitsu Lifebook U747 – A pehelysúlyú bajnok
Slightly suggestive and one-hundred-percent inedible: the Banana Phone. (Source: Indiegogo)

You can now make calls from your smartphone via banana (yes, seriously)

Call your friends or talk to Siri, just don't eat it. The Banana Phone is the $40 accessory you definitely don't need—but that doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it.
Image: Steam

GOG and Steam celebrate May the Fourth with Star Wars game sales

Online game distributors Steam and GOG are currently running huge sales on Star Wars games. May the Fourth be with you.
Microsoft Surface Book with Performance Base (GTX 965M) Convertible Review

87% Microsoft Surface Book with Performance Base (GTX 965M) Convertible Review

Pumped up. Is premium getting even better? Nvidia’s current Pascal GPU didn’t make it into the new Surface Book but Microsoft managed to fit a Maxwell chip under the hood that should offer plenty of performance. Or does it?
Intel Core i7-6600U | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M | 13.5" | 1.7 kg
The Samsung Galaxy S6, in gold. (Source: Samsung)

Android Nougat upgrade is rolling out to AT&T's Galaxy S6 devices

The 2-year-old Samsung Galaxy S6 line is finally receiving Android Nougat, at least on AT&T. The devices are being upgraded to version 7.0 and should enjoy all of Nougat's software improvements and new features.
According to a promotional video, Microsoft's Surface Book originally sported two USB Type-C ports. (Source: Microsoft)

Promotional video shows Surface Laptop prototype with USB Type-C

Microsoft's own promotional video for their new Surface Laptop reveals that the education-focused device originally sported two USB Type-C ports in addition to the single USB Type-A.
Alienware 17 R4 (7820HK, QHD, GTX 1080) Laptop Review

85% Alienware 17 R4 (7820HK, QHD, GTX 1080) Laptop Review

Bigger, faster, louder. It's not often that a notebook gains weight and girth in successive generations. In this case, the new Alienware 17 R4 utilizes the extra space wisely for an overall stronger experience that more than makes up for the added mass.
Intel Core i7-7820HK | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 (Laptop) | 17.3" | 4.4 kg
Acer teases Holo 360 smartphone with integrated 360-degree cameras

Acer teases Holo 360 smartphone with integrated 360-degree cameras

The work-in-progress Android smartphone was just a small asterisk in the [email protected] press event, but it serves as a tiny glimpse into what Acer may have in store in the next few years.
Sharp Aquos R may be coming soon to Europe

Sharp Aquos R may be coming soon to Europe

The Aquos smartphone series has a long history in Japan and only dabbled in regions overseas. This may soon change according to a rumor claiming that Sharp will reintroduce the Aquos series to Europe with the upcoming Aquos R.
May 3
Image: Microsoft

Edge and Bing are the only defaults available in Windows 10 S

Windows 10 S does not allow users to change their default web browser or search engine, leaving Edge and Bing as the only default options for surfing and searching.
Image: Kickstarter

Jelly smartphone brings Android 7.0 and 4G in a 2.45-inch package

The device claims to be the world's smallest 4G capable smartphone. Measuring in at 1.7" by 3.6" by 0.5", it can accurately lay claim to that title.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 Tablet Review

91% Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 Tablet Review

One for everything. It has been quite a while since Samsung has upgraded its premium tablet. We were therefore eager to see how the new device, which is equipped with a lot of features and even the S Pen, performs. The tablet can convince in our review, but Samsung cannot keep its premium promise in all areas.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 | Qualcomm Adreno 530 | 9.7" | 434 g
The AnTuTu benchmark indicates the Snapdragon 660 chip will produce scores north of 105000. (Source: krispitech)

Qualcomm to unveil Snapdragon 660 next week in China

Qualcomm has sent out press invites for an event in Beijing on May 9, where they are preparing to launch the mid-range Snapdragon 660 chipset.
Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 10 Android tablet back sketch as shown on FCC

Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 10 hits FCC

Less than a month after surfacing online, this upcoming 10-inch Android tablet gets certified by the Federal Communications Commission. The prices in the US should start below $400 USD, but its launch still has to be confirmed.
Editor's Choice: Our Editors' Current and Favorite Notebooks

Editor's Choice: Our Editors' Current and Favorite Notebooks

Ever wondered which notebooks the editors prefer to use day-to-day? The staff of Notebookcheck reveal their preferences.
Apple sold 50 million iPhones in the past quarter, 1 million less than in the same period last year. (Source: The Washington Post)

Apple's Q2 iPhone sales weaker than expected

Apple needs its next-generation iPhone to be a smash hit in order to reassure investors. The company reported Tuesday that it sold fewer iPhones than analysts had expected in the company's second quarter.
Comparison of Laptop Graphics Cards

Comparison of Laptop Graphics Cards

Inclusive list of all graphics cards currently available for notebooks. Approximate 3DMark benchmarks results are provided in italic.
Mobile Graphics Cards - Benchmark List

Mobile Graphics Cards - Benchmark List

Sort and filter through all currently available mobile graphics cards by performance or specification.
Computer Games on Laptop Graphics Cards

Computer Games on Laptop Graphics Cards

List of all currently available mobile graphics cards and their performance in games.
Notebookcheck's Top 10 Premium Office/Business Notebooks

Notebookcheck's Top 10 Premium Office/Business Notebooks

May 2017 update. Here you will find the best office/business notebooks reviewed by Notebookcheck in the last few months. Our list of top models is regularly updated, maintained and commented on and should assist in purchasing decisions.
Samsung may soon displace Intel as the world's largest chip manufacturer

Samsung may soon displace Intel as the world's largest chip manufacturer

Intel has been the leading company in semiconductor sales since 1993. This could finally change in just a few short months when Samsung is expected to earn 3.4 percent more in revenue than its US competitor this coming second quarter.
Leaked HTC U 11 specifications sheet shows Snapdragon 835 SoC and more

Leaked HTC U 11 specifications show Edge Sense and more

A supposed box shot shows some key features of the upcoming smartphone including Edge Sense, Gorilla Glass 5, and IP57 certification. Interestingly, the smartphone may only support Quick Charge 3.0 instead of 4.0 if the source proves to be true.
May 2
Image: Amazon

Amazon will end its free mobile app program this summer

The Amazon Underground app store will no longer accept submission after May 31st. Amazon will also no longer list free apps for Android after this summer.
Acer's new TravelMate Spin B1 hopes to find its way into classrooms. (Image: Acer)

Acer launches TravelMate Spin B1 with Windows 10 S

The new convertible is aimed squarely at the education market and is one of the first devices to run Microsoft's new Windows 10 S. Coming in at about $300, the Spin B1 features a rugged build and entry-level specs.
Notebookcheck's Top 10 Lightweight Gaming Notebooks

Notebookcheck's Top 10 Lightweight Gaming Notebooks

May 2017 update. Here you will find the latest best slim and lightweight mobile gaming notebooks reviewed by Notebookcheck. Our list of top models is regularly updated, maintained and commented on and should assist in purchase decisions.
Lenovo Thinkpad L570 Review. Business laptop 2017 tests.play icon

Lenovo Thinkpad L570 Review. Business laptop 2017 tests.

Lenovo ThinkPad L570 review and test results. This business laptop scored an excellent 87% in our review. Great port selection and one of the best internal upgrade possibilities we've seen. The LTE antenna is prepared, for example. The SSD uses two PCIe channels for 2 GB/s of transfer speed. There's...
Notebookcheck's Top 10 Gaming Notebooks

Notebookcheck's Top 10 Gaming Notebooks

May 2017 update. Here you will find the current best gaming notebooks reviewed by Notebookcheck in the last few months. Our list of top models is regularly updated, maintained and commented on and should assist in purchasing decisions.
Notebookcheck's Top 10 Notebooks under 500 Euros

Notebookcheck's Top 10 Notebooks under 500 Euros

May 2017 update. Here you will find the best notebooks under 500 Euros (~$554) reviewed by Notebookcheck. Our list of top models is regularly updated, maintained and commented on and should assist in purchase decisions.
Notebookcheck's Top 10 Notebooks under 300 Euros

Notebookcheck's Top 10 Notebooks under 300 Euros

May 2017 update. Here you will find the best notebooks under 300 Euros (~$326) as reviewed by Notebookcheck. Our Top 10 list is regularly updated, maintained and commented on by our editors. This page is intended to help our readers decide which product to purchase.
Gigabyte Aero 15 (7700HQ, GTX 1060, FHD) Laptop Review

87% Gigabyte Aero 15 (7700HQ, GTX 1060, FHD) Laptop Review

Slim and powerful. After the successful Aero 14, Gigabyte presents its next high-end notebook with a stylish design. Once again, the Aero 15 is attractive thanks to its slim design and long battery runtimes. Learn in this review how the device compares to its competitors from Acer, Dell, MSI, and Razer.
Intel Core i7-7700HQ | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (Laptop) | 15.6" | 2.1 kg
The Surface Laptop keeps the Surface aesthetic, but ditches the traditional Windows 10 OS. (Source: Twitter User @h0x0d)

Microsoft's new "Surface Laptop" reveals how seriously the company takes Chromebooks as a threat

Images and information leak about the Microsoft's latest piece of hardware, the Surface Laptop. The Laptop is designed to combat the rising popularity of Chromebooks in education and business by running a lighter, more secure cloud-based OS called Windows 10 S.
Lenovo Moto G5 Smartphone Review

83% Lenovo Moto G5 Smartphone Review

The next generation. With its latest reincarnation, the Moto G tries to lure us with good value for money and a charming appearance. Our in-depth review is going to reveal whether or not the fifth generation Moto G is once again going to tread in its predecessor's footsteps and become yet another compelling midrange Moto smartphone.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 | Qualcomm Adreno 505 | 5" | 144.5 g
Huawei chief apologizes for "arrogant" handling of Mate 9 UFS debacle

Huawei chief apologizes for "arrogant" handling of Mate 9 UFS debacle

The controversy has sparked Huawei Mobile CEO Richard Yu to initiate a "Customer Listening Taskforce" program and a promise for higher consumer standards in the future.
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3 coming this month for $349 USD

Chuwi Lapbook 12.3 coming this month for $349 USD

The 12.3-inch notebook is the lovechild of a Surface Pro 4 and Apple MacBook with its 3:2 display and full metal silver-finished chassis.
May 1
Samsung Mobile chief DJ Koh told CNET not long ago that we'd see a "better, safer and very innovative Note 8" later this year. (Source: CNET)

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will launch later this year

The Galaxy Note series has had its brand tarnished by abrupt battery combustion last year, but the Note 8 is indeed coming this year in what could be an August release.
Instead of using the latest Snapdragon 835, LG opted to use last year's Snapdragon 821. (Source: Tech Radar)

Is the LG G6 overpriced for its specs?

Gone is the modular design of the G5, but the LG G6 suffers from one major disadvantage compared to other 2017 smartphones: it's stuck with year-old tech, but still costs about the same as a more premium product.
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ARM Mali-T880 MP2 GPU

2 Midgard (4rd-gen) cores
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AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100 GPU

2304 Polaris cores, 256 Bit GDDR5 @ 7000MHz
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AMD Radeon Pro WX 4150 GPU

896 Polaris cores, 128 Bit GDDR5 @ 7000MHz
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AMD Radeon Pro WX 4130 GPU - Benchmarks and Specs

640 Polaris cores, 128 Bit GDDR5 @ 7000MHz
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AMD Radeon RX 580 (Laptop) GPU

2304 Polaris cores @ 1257MHz
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ARM Mali-T830 MP1 GPU
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AMD Radeon RX 550 (Laptop) GPU

512 Polaris cores @ 1100MHz, 128 Bit GDDR5 @ 7000MHz
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ARM Mali-G71 MP20 GPU - Benchmarks and Specs

8 Bifrost cores
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Qualcomm Adreno 308 GPU

6 cores
Apr 30
Face Off: The Better Multimedia Notebook with GTX 1050 Graphics

Face Off: The Better Multimedia Notebook with GTX 1050 Graphics

Identical performance at almost twice the price. Notebooks with the GTX 1050 Pascal can be had for as low as $1000 USD while the similarly equipped XPS 15 can retail for $1700 USD. Should users spend hundreds less on the HP Pavilion 15t or MSI GL62M when performance is nearly identical between the three?
AMD quietly adds then removes adware from its latest Radeon drivers

AMD quietly adds then removes adware from its latest Radeon drivers

AMD owners may have noticed a new desktop icon advertising Bethesda's upcoming title after installing Radeon driver 17.4.4. The chipmaker has since apologized after user complaints of the unnecessary stealth advert.

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