Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

Outdated Comet Lake CPU in the Huawei MateBook 14 is only convincing when it comes to battery life

The Huawei MateBook 14 still relies on Intel Comet Lake. The outdated 14-nanometer chips can't convince in our test in terms of CPU performance; the MateBook 14 AMD is vastly better with its Ryzen 4000 processor. The Intel CPU onl...

Benjamin Herzig, 10 Dec 2020 23:13

Cyberpunk 2077 was announced in 2012. (Image source: CD Projekt Red)

Cyberpunk 2077 rakes in over US$500 million just with preorders with insane Collector's Edition containing V statue, art book, and Night City map priced at US$249.99

Eight years of hard work developing Cyberpunk 2077 seems to have paid off for the Polish video-game company CD Projekt. Apparently the action RPG clocked up more than eight million preorders, amounting to over US$500 million in re...

Daniel R Deakin, 10 Dec 2020 21:04

Cyberpunk 2077 available via both official and illegal channels from the first day

Cyberpunk 2077 has been cracked already

Although we are talking about a DRM-free title, Cyberpunk 2077 is already available for download from various shady sources in repacked versions. Even more, a GOG version of the game (which has roughly 110 GB, about twice the size...

Codrut Nistor, 10 Dec 2020 16:24

NVIDIA GeForce Game Ready Driver 460.79 - What's New DLSS support in Cyberpunk 2077 and Minecraft RTX in Windows 10 (Source: GeForce Experience app)

NVIDIA's GeForce Game Ready Driver 460.79 comes with support for DLSS in Cyberpunk 2077 and Minecraft RTX for Windows 10

Unsurprisingly, the release of what is most likely the most anticipated game ever — we are talking about Cyberpunk 2077, of course — comes with a new GeForce Game Ready Driver from NVIDIA. In addition to DLSS support for Cyberpunk...

Codrut Nistor, 10 Dec 2020 11:00

The HP Envy 13-ba0001ng has passed most of our tests. (Source: HP)

The HP Envy 13 looks good, but isn't particularly outstanding otherwise

HP has updated their compact subnotebook Envy 13. While the device doesn't show any major weaknesses, it can't really convince us with great strengths either - except for its good looks.

Marcus Schwarten, 10 Dec 2020 08:08

MSI Modern 14 with 10th gen Core i5, Windows 10 Pro, and 3-year limited warranty is now down to $580 USD (Source: MSI)

Deal | MSI Modern 14 with 10th gen Core i5, Windows 10 Pro, and 3-year limited warranty is now down to $580 USD

Launched just over a year ago for $840 USD, MSI's sleek affordable business laptop just got even more affordable for office users tired of the same HP, Dell, or Lenovo solutions.

Allen Ngo, 09 Dec 2020 00:32

Vivaldi 3.5.2155.73 browser update notification in Windows 10 (Source: Own)

Vivaldi 3.5 comes with improved tabs and media playback, URL sharing via QR code

Based on Chromium 87, Vivaldi 3.5 features the ability to share URLs with QR codes via a small button in the address field, media fixes that enhance video/audio content consumption, more ways to manage tabs, single key shortcuts i...

Codrut Nistor, 08 Dec 2020 11:23

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 14ARE05 in review: compact powerhouse with good battery life

Ryzen 7 4700U Unleashed - Lenovo does not hold back the Yoga 7 Slim 14ARE05's APU

Lenovo's 14-inch notebook features a powerful Ryzen 7 4700U APU with NVMe SSD and offers decent battery life. Noise and temperature emissions are fairly low for a device this thin.

Sascha Mölck, 08 Dec 2020 03:57

This is apparently how the next LG Gram 14 will look. (Image source: @cozyplanes)

LG Gram 2021 launch event announced with four lightweight laptops up for release

LG has unveiled when it will launch the 2021 refresh of its Gram laptop series. The LG Gram 2021 launch event will be the first opportunity to witness at least the LG Gram 14Z90P, LG Gram 17Z90P and the new LG Gram 16Z90P.

Alex Alderson, 06 Dec 2020 22:51

Lenovo Yoga stock clearance deals December 6 (Source: Lenovo US)

Deal | Lenovo is clearing its Yoga stock: Around seven hours left to get the X1 and X390 for their lowest prices ever

Lenovo had quite a few clearance sales in the past, but the one that is supposed to end in less than seven hours looks like the best one of the year: two ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 4 models and a ThinkPad X390 Yoga, all with price cuts ...

Codrut Nistor, 06 Dec 2020 18:58

The Schenker Vision 15 (Intel NUC M15) is the best Tiger Lake implementation so far

The Vision 15 from Schenker Technologies is the first laptop based on Intel's new NUC M15 reference notebook design. In addition to the excellent implementation of the Tiger Lake i7 CPU, the 15.6-inch multimedia laptop also offers...

Andreas Osthoff, 05 Dec 2020 23:49

Has Rocket Lake leaked out again? (Source: Intel)

An alleged Rocket Lake CPU appears on Geekbench with a 5 GHz boost clock

Rocket Lake can go up to 8 cores, 16 threads and a top spped of 4.98GHz. At least, this is what is claimed in a new leak featuring on the Geekbench website. The silicon in question apparently exhibited this boost clock in an exist...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 03 Dec 2020 21:57

Cyberpunk 2077 Photo Mode trailer (Source: Cyberpunk 2077 on YouTube)

Cyberpunk 2077: Photo Mode shown in a new official trailer

The trailer that has been released earlier today and has been watched by over 280,000 people already shows the entire plethora of features available for Cyberpunk 2077 players who will be using the Photo Mode. The categories of se...

Codrut Nistor, 02 Dec 2020 17:39

Microsoft may distribute more features via Windows Experience Packs. (Image source: Clint Patterson)

Microsoft releases initial Windows 10 Feature Experience Pack with two new features

Windows 10 has received a major update with new features biannually in recent years. Microsoft plans to change this approach though, and will introduce some new features via what it calls Feature Experience Packs. The first is now...

Alex Alderson, 01 Dec 2020 21:32

Lenovo debuts the Legion 5 in India. (Source: Twitter)

Lenovo releases the Legion 5 with a Ryzen 5 4600H processor to the Indian market

The Legion 5 (AMD) has Renoir-based processors and an up to 144 hertz (Hz) FHD display. It is now on the OEM's Indian-division webstore, although not in its top Ryzen 7 4800H-powered SKU. It goes for a price translating to ~US$140...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Dec 2020 20:36

Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer will be standalone and might take at least a year to be ready as of early December 2020

Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer confirmed to arrive as a standalone product

When talking about what we considered to be the multiplayer mode in Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt CEO revealed during an investor call that it is "a separate dedicated production" that is considered to be "a standalone product" altho...

Codrut Nistor, 01 Dec 2020 19:17

Update | Eve Devices confirms that its upcoming launch is for the V 2020

Earlier, Eve Devices had hinted that its next product event would be for its long-hyped second-gen convertible PC, the V 2020. Now, the OEM has confirmed that this is the case. It has also teased the device with some specs and pre...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Dec 2020 16:28

Medion Erazer Beast X10 (Tongfang GM7MPHP) in review: Stable, slim, compact gaming laptop with good battery life

The Medion Erazer Beast X10 offers plenty of gaming power, a sober look, and a good level of features

The compact Erazer Beast X10 brings all the latest computer games smoothly onto the 17.3-inch matte screen (Full HD, IPS, 144 Hz). The gaming laptop also scores points with 32 GB of RAM (dual-channel mode), room for two NVMe SSDs,...

Sascha Mölck, 29 Nov 2020 20:36

Cyberpunk 2077: What do we know about it?

Although there have been plenty of Cyberpunk 2077-related separate leaks/rumors and official news so far, the time has come for a roundup of what we know about this title's release, its download size, settings, the possible ending...

Codrut Nistor, 29 Nov 2020 19:56

Lenovo's ThinkPad E15 Gen.2 AMD offers a more compact design and a lot more performance

The ThinkPad E15 Gen.2 features a new more compact design and offers more performance thanks to an AMD CPU. The IPS display is still very dim and the underside still gets very hot under load.

Andreas Osthoff, 29 Nov 2020 16:05

Image via Apple and Microsoft (w/ edits).

Developer manages to run Windows ARM64 on M1 MacBook; performance destroys Surface Pro X

An intrepid developer has successfully virtualized Windows 10 on ARM on an Apple M1 device. Others have also replicated the project and posted Geekbench scores from the virtualized environment. These scores put Microsoft's Surface...

Sam Medley, 29 Nov 2020 04:46

The Core i7-1180G7 will feature in machines like the ThinkPad X1 Nano. (Image source: Intel)

Intel Core i7-1180G7 debuts on Geekbench with a 4.59 GHz boost clock and impressive performance for a 15 W UP4 Tiger Lake processor

The Intel Core i7-1180G7 has reared its head on Geekbench. The 15 W and UP4 Tiger Lake processor stands up well to the more powerful UP3 series like the Core i7-1165G7 and Core i7-1185G7, while maintaining a healthy lead over the ...

Alex Alderson, 27 Nov 2020 01:21

The Capitol Building in Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update II: USA (Source: Xbox Wire)

Microsoft Flight Simulator gets World Update II: USA free update

Almost two months after the release of World Update I: Japan, Microsoft Flight Simulator gets a new free update, namely World Update II: USA. This update features an improved elevation model, new aerial textures, four new US airpo...

Codrut Nistor, 26 Nov 2020 11:45

The ThinkPad X1 Fold is a mighty expensive machine, considering its drawbacks. (Image source: Lenovo)

Initial reviews show the limitations of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold has received its first reviews, a full eighteen months after the company showcased a prototype. However, early tests have highlighted performance issues with its Intel Lakefield processor and the limita...

Alex Alderson, 25 Nov 2020 20:25

The Beelink GTI retails for US$539.99 on Geekbuying. (Image source: Beelink)

Beelink GTI: A new mini-PC with an Intel Core i5-8260U and a built-in fingerprint scanner launched

The GTI is a new mini-PC from Beelink. The machine has an Intel Core i5-8260U processor, up to 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, along with a host of ports. The Beelink GTI even has a fingerprint scanner for biometric authentica...

Alex Alderson, 25 Nov 2020 00:01

A careful Cyberpunk 2077 playthough on hardest difficulty setting could easily take over 200 hours

Cyberpunk 2077: Over 200 hours of gameplay needed to reach the end

Playing as a nomad, a game tester managed to play Cyberpunk 2077 for over 175 hours without reaching the end credits. However, he did this on the hardest difficulty setting by playing more stealthy than usual while looting everyth...

Codrut Nistor, 24 Nov 2020 14:38

World of Warcraft Shadowlands now available as promised launch date November 23 (Source: World of Warcraft)

World of Warcraft: Shadowlands now available with ray-traced shadows, ambient occlusion, and multi-threaded performance improvements

Although it missed the October 27 global launch date, World of Warcraft: Shadowlands arrived less than a day ago, as rescheduled. This major update for Blizzard's iconic product includes new items and adventures, as well as techno...

Codrut Nistor, 24 Nov 2020 12:11

Apple's M1 chip would do a stellar job of running Windows 10 on Arm. (Image: Apple)

Windows 10 on Apple silicon up to Microsoft says Apple exec in a surprise

With the advent of Apple silicon for Macs most people had given up on the idea of Apple supporting Windows installations on its computers. The door to the prospect, somewhat surprisingly, has been opened by Apple’s software chief ...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 24 Nov 2020 11:42

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano features slower Tiger Lake UP4 CPUs & 1.35mm travel keyboard

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano features lower powered Tiger Lake UP4 CPUs & 1.35mm travel keyboard

Lenovo's first X1 ThinkPad with Intel Tiger Lake is slated for a release around December to January. We have asked Lenovo some open questions about the specifications of the lightest ThinkPad yet - and we have gotten two interesti...

Benjamin Herzig, 23 Nov 2020 23:02

Extending Chrome support for Windows 7 until January 2022 (Source: Google Cloud Blog)

Chrome for Windows 7 refuses to die: Security updates coming until at least mid-January 2022

With over 20 percent of corporate users still stuck with Windows 7, Google has decided to extend support for Chrome on this old operating system until "at least" January 15, 2022. This comes as a 6-month extension of the previousl...

Codrut Nistor, 23 Nov 2020 16:40

HP reinforces negative stereotypes about business laptops with the EliteBook 835 G7

Business laptops are known for their good keyboards, numerous connections, and high reliability - but unfortunately, also for their often below-average LCDs, a stereotype that HP regrettably reinforces with the AMD Ryzen 4000 Elit...

Benjamin Herzig, 23 Nov 2020 01:33

Cyberpunk 2077 to launch without ray tracing support for AMD video cards

Cyberpunk 2077: No ray tracing for AMD video cards at launch

According to the final system requirements for the PC version of the game, Cyberpunk 2077 will only launch with ray tracing support for NVIDIA GeForce RTX video cards. Although the AMD Radeon RX 6000 lineup also comes with this ca...

Codrut Nistor, 21 Nov 2020 17:14

Eve might have an event in the works. (Source: Eve Devices)

Eve Devices teases a possible V 2020 announcement

The Eve V 2020 is an upcoming device touted as a potential Microsoft Surface Pro rival. Its manufacturer has issued a December 2020 "save the date", with strong overtones of an unveiling or statement related to the Tiger Lake 2-in...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 20 Nov 2020 22:24

The MateStation B515 will only be available in China, for the time being. (Image source: Huawei)

Huawei launches the MateStation B515 with AMD Ryzen processors

The MateStation B515 is here, but not with Huawei's in-house processor, as was expected. Instead, the B515 comes with a choice of the AMD Ryzen 5 4600G or Ryzen 7 4700G. A 23.8-inch IPS monitor and a keyboard will come bundled wit...

Alex Alderson, 20 Nov 2020 18:38

Ashley Johnson has been nominated for her performance as Ellie in The Last of Us Part II. (Image source: Sony)

The Last of Us Part II dominates The Game Awards 2020 nominations while indie title Hades leads the chasing pack

The PlayStation 4 smash-hit adventure game The Last of Us Part II has amassed 10 nominations for The Game Awards 2020, including in the Game of the Year category. Indie hit Hades managed to grab eight nominations, while the critic...

Daniel R Deakin, 20 Nov 2020 07:52

Lenovo's ThinkPad T14 is also better with AMD Ryzen

The AMD models of Lenovo's current ThinkPad lineup are often the better choice, because in addition to a significant performance advantage they are usually less expensive. This is also true for the ThinkPad T14, one of the best 14...

Andreas Osthoff, 19 Nov 2020 23:53

The Intel NUC M15 is a white-label laptop. (Image source: Intel)

Intel NUC M15: A Tiger Lake and 'Evo Ready' laptop with up to 16 hours of quoted battery life

Intel has unveiled a new laptop in two colours that packs a 28 W Tiger Lake chipset. The machine, called the NUC M15, also has an aluminium chassis that is just 15 mm thick. Intel claims that the NUC M15 will last up to 16 hours b...

Alex Alderson, 19 Nov 2020 19:16

Schenker XMG Neo 17 (2020) Review: Overboost unleashes the Core i7 processor

A real wolf in sheep's clothing: With the XMG Neo 17 (2020), Schenker delivers powerful hardware in a moderate exterior with a mechanical keyboard

The Neo 17 brings all the current computer games smoothly to the responsive 17.3-inch screen (FHD, IPS, 240 Hz). The level of the hardware is right: a mechanical keyboard, 32 GB of working memory (dual-channel mode), an NVMe SSD (...

Sascha Mölck, 19 Nov 2020 17:43

Beelink sells the SEi10 in two configurations. (Image source: Beelink)

Beelink SEi10: A mini-PC with an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor, Thunderbolt 3 and support for up to 64 GB of RAM

The SEi10 from Beelink is a mini-PC powered by an Intel Ice Lake-U processor, up to 512 GB of pre-installed storage and support for 64 GB of RAM. The Core i3-1005G1-powered machine comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, Gigabit Ethe...

Alex Alderson, 19 Nov 2020 00:06

The Core i7-11370H is a quad-core processor. (Image source: Intel)

The Intel Core i7-11370H appears on Geekbench as a quad-core processor with a 4.79 GHz boost clock

The Intel Core i7-11370H has made an appearance on Geekbench, confirming that Intel has quad-core SKUs planned for its Tiger Lake-H series. The Core i7-11370H can boost up to 4.79 GHz and enjoys a healthy lead over the Core i5-103...

Alex Alderson, 18 Nov 2020 20:55

Microsoft Pluton security chip as part of a SoC solution (Source: Microsoft Security)

Microsoft intros the Pluton security chip

Unveiled yesterday, the Microsoft Pluton security processor is the result of a joint effort that has managed to bring together the Redmond giant and three major silicon partners, namely AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm. This chip-to-cloud...

Codrut Nistor, 18 Nov 2020 10:00

21.12	I expected a bit more from this powerhouse gaming laptop
21.12	Lenovo Legion Pro 5 (AMD) 2025 Review: Worth the Hype?
21.12	Acer Swift Go 14 (2024) Ultra 5 Review: Just one issue…
21.12	I used the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI for a month and I think Acer might have just redefined portability
21.12	Acer Nitro Lite 16 review: A stylish laptop for gamers and creators under Rs 1 lakh
21.12	Is the HP Omnibook X Flip the Laptop of Choice for Creatives?
21.12	HP Omnibook X Flip 14 Review
21.12	Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS Review
21.12	Lenovo Legion 9i (18″, Gen 10) review – RTX 5090 Power & Forged Carbon
21.12	This beastly Core Ultra 7 laptop with 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD is hard to ignore for $1,000

Windows