Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

Considering deployment? HP wants to help. (Source: HP)

HP wants to take over your workplace deployments with its Device Provisioning Services

HP claims that its Device Provisioning Services can streamline and enhance the process of buying new hardware within a business, while also conserving the costs of doing so. It covers many typical stages of the same, from selectio...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 26 May 2020 14:00

The RedmiBook 16 will launch on May 26. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi confirms RedmiBook 16 design ahead of imminent release; up to 12 hours battery life from Ryzen 4000 Renoir processors

Xiaomi has confirmed the design of the RedmiBook 16 ahead of its official release. Launching tomorrow, the RedmiBook 16 will also support up to 12 hours of battery life from its Ryzen 4000 Renoir processors. A plethora of ports ar...

Alex Alderson, 25 May 2020 20:42

Udoo X86 II: A powerful alternative to the Raspberry Pi that supports Windows and Arduino. (Image source: Mouser)

Udoo X86 II: A powerful Raspberry Pi alternative that supports Windows 10 and is Arduino compatible

The Udoo X86 II is a new alternative to the popular Raspberry Pi. The single-board computer (SBC) has been designed using an Arduino Leonardo-compatible platform and has a quad-core X86 processor.

Alex Alderson, 25 May 2020 19:28

An example of what PacketMon can do. (Source: Microsoft)

The Windows 10 May 2020 update will have enhanced network diagnostics

Microsoft has announced that the latest stable upgrade to the Windows 10 OS will have an "enhanced" form of Packet Monitor. This is an extensive diagnostic tool that can detect, log and export packet drops in a network. Therefore,...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 24 May 2020 20:39

Maybe it would be even better as a pure laptop: The Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA

Asus ZenBook Flip 14: Quality for less than 1,000 Euros

After our review of the Asus ZenBook Flip 15's smaller sibling model, the impression remains that it's more a laptop than a tablet. Since this is exactly the purpose of a convertible, the performance is the only aspect left that c...

Mike Wobker, 24 May 2020 02:31

The new Dell XPS 15's battery is rated for 300 cycles, and apparently that's ok

Dell recently updated the 15-inch XPS variant with the 9500 for 2020. It incorporates some changes that may be welcome, although its battery capacity is reduced compared to its predecessors. A consumer has noticed that it is also ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 23 May 2020 17:55

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s, X13, L14, L15 & T15 are now available in the US – with Intel Comet Lake

Lenovo's mainstream 2020 ThinkPads are available for purchase in the US now. This includes the T, X and L series with models like the ThinkPad T14, ThinkPad X13 and ThinkPad L14. However, only the Intel models are available as of ...

Benjamin Herzig, 23 May 2020 11:12

The ThinkPad E490 with the Radeon GPU is much faster, but also gets very hot

The affordable business laptop Lenovo ThinkPad E490 is also available with a dedicated graphics card. The GPU performance is obviously much higher, but the dGPU is a bit too much for the cooling solution.

Andreas Osthoff, 23 May 2020 00:48

Xiaomi will release the RedmiBook 16 on May 26. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi RedmiBook 16: Ryzen 4000 Renoir processors to deliver up to 60% better performance for compact 16.1-inch laptop

Arriving on May 26, the RedmiBook 16 will feature a 16.1-inch display with a 90% screen-to-body ratio and minute bezels. Xiaomi is promising up to 60% improved performance for the RedmiBook 16 too, which is expected to come with u...

Alex Alderson, 22 May 2020 21:17

Ultra portable but fairly expensive: The Asus ExpertBook B9450FA

Asus ExpertBook B9: Ultra light comes at a price

Low weight and long battery life are important factors when determining the portability of a device. The Asus ExpertBook B9450FA offers both in an excellent combination - but this advantage comes at a price.

Mike Wobker, 22 May 2020 17:10

Xbox hack concerns should be kept to a minimum, but not the same can be said for the NT 3.5 leak. (Image Source: Entertainment Box)

Original Xbox and Windows NT 3.5 source codes leak online

Since these are "vintage" source codes, there should be no concern regarding possible hacks. Emulators for the original Xbox already exist and are said to already be using the leaked codes, but still cannot provide complete compat...

Bogdan Solca, 22 May 2020 16:13

The new Durabook U11. (Source: Durabook)

The rugged tablet-maker Durabook launches its first 10th-gen Intel Core-based model

Durabook has announced an updated version of its super-tough U11 tablet with up to Intel Core i7-10510Y processors. It also has a MIL-STD-810G certified rubberized chassis with a military-grade on-the-spot SSD-removal system. User...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 21 May 2020 20:12

Civilization VI is rumored to be the next free game on the Epic Games Store. (Image source: Firaxis Games)

Updated | Civilization VI and Borderlands: The Handsome Collection rumored to be the next in line free games on the Epic Games Store

A supposed leak has revealed that Civilization VI and Borderlands: The Handsome Collection will be the next free games offered on the Epic Games Store. Ark: Survival Evolved is also mentioned as an upcoming freebie from the popula...

Daniel R Deakin, 21 May 2020 17:21

New 2020 Dell Precision 5000: A dramatic redesign & a completely new form-factor

Dell Precision 5550 & 5750: First no-bezel 17 inch workstation from Dell

Dells 2020 Precision lineup is here and it is a big one: Dell is not only upgrading its mobile workstation laptops with the latest processors, it's also fundamentally redesigning many of the models. That includes the thin Dell Pre...

Benjamin Herzig, 19 May 2020 16:00

The new Dell Optimizer in action. (Source: Dell)

Dell claims its new Optimizer makes some new business models into "the world's most intelligent PCs"

Dell has integrated a new form of potentially workflow-aiding AI into some of its new PCs. Known as the "Optimizer", it confers features such as Express Sign-In, Intelligent Audio and Express Response. They allow for next-gen beha...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 May 2020 16:00

Which PCs to buy? If only Dell could help. (Source: Dell)

Dell adds a new service to its IT professional-focused Workforce Persona set

Today (May 19, 2020), Dell has introduced a whole slew of enterprise-level PCs. This may leave IT managers overwhelmed with options for a new or upgraded workplace fleet. However, the OEM also has a new service that wants to take ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 May 2020 16:00

New Dell Precision 3550 & 3551: Last Precision laptops standing with a pointing-stick

The new Dell Precision 3550 and 3551 share a design, but not the internals - one of them is based on Comet Lake U CPUs, the other uses Comet Lake H series processors from Intel. Both models are optionally available with a pointing...

Benjamin Herzig, 19 May 2020 16:00

The MagicBook Pro 2020 is a minor upgrade over last year's model. (Image source: Honor)

MagicBook Pro 2020: Honor announces refreshed MacBook Pro 16 clone with up to an Intel Core i7-10510U processor, 16 GB of RAM and NVIDIA GeForce MX350 GPU; No AMD Ryzen 4000H series options at launch

Honor has announced a refresh of the MagicBook Pro, its MacBook Pro 16-inspired 16.1-inch laptop. Featuring up to an Intel Core i7-10510U processor, 16 GB of RAM and NVIDIA GeForce MX350 GPU, Honor has not announced any AMD Ryzen ...

Alex Alderson, 19 May 2020 15:00

The Honor MagicBook 14 is the price-performance champion

You do not always have to pay a 4 digit sum for a good laptop. The Honor MagicBook for just 599 Euros offers a very good overall package with modern and fast components, a decent display, and a nice metal chassis.

Andreas Osthoff, 19 May 2020 01:46

Snapdragon 8cx PCs may get improved code soon. (Source: Qualcomm)

Microsoft makes more progress with 64-bit Windows on ARM

Windows 10 on ARM is slowly winning more uptake from OEMs and users alike as time goes on. However, it still has its limitations, not the least of which is the restriction to 32-bit code. However, a new reported breakthrough may b...

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 May 2020 23:32

Powerful and well-equipped: New single-board computer with Ryzen processor and M.2 ports released

The CAPA13R is a new and compact single-board computer based on an AMD Ryzen processor. Developed by Axiomtek, the CAPA13R has numerous ports and two M.2 slots.

Alex Alderson, 18 May 2020 16:35

An optimized version of Fortnite is planned for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. (Image source: Epic)

Epic has given away over US$2,000 worth of free games since 2018 but fortunately has now made more than US$1 billion with Fortnite mobile

A report has estimated that the Epic Games Store has given out more than US$2,000 worth of free games to subscribers since December 2018. Over 100 titles have been offered gratis, with GTA V being the latest. Fortunately for Epic,...

Daniel R Deakin, 18 May 2020 13:52

The Honor MagicBook Pro 2020 retains the 16.1-inch display of its predecessor. (Image source: JD.com)

Honor MagicBook Pro 2020: Retailer confirms up to 10th generation Intel Core i7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce MX350 GPU for MacBook Pro 16 lookalike; no Ryzen 4000 Renoir series options at launch

A retailer has seemingly confirmed the specifications of the Honor MagicBook Pro 2020. Sporting up to a 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce MX350 GPU, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB SSD, Honor will seemingly announce ...

Alex Alderson, 17 May 2020 17:58

The black Microsoft Surface Pro 7 deal comes with a Pro Type Cover. (Image source: Microsoft)

Deal | Hot Microsoft Surface deals: Up to US$400 off the Surface Pro 6 and save up to US$360.99 on a Surface Laptop 3 bundle or US$330 on a Surface Pro 7 bundle

There are some great Microsoft Surface device deals to be had at the moment, especially if you are in the hunt for either a Surface Pro or Surface Laptop. There is up to US$400 off the Surface Pro 6, and you can save well over US$...

Daniel R Deakin, 17 May 2020 15:39

Testing the HP 17: A simple office notebook with a DVD burner

Dark, Poor Contrast, Unstable Viewing Angles - The display of the HP 17 disappoints

On the positive side, the HP 17-by2437ng offers a Core-i3 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. In addition, the notebook belongs to a dying breed that still has an optical drive on board. A Windows operating system is not inc...

Sascha Mölck, 16 May 2020 17:00

Renoir APUs beckon for the ThinkBook 14s. (Image source: Lenovo)

Lenovo ThinkBook 14 and ThinkBook 15 with up to an Intel Core i7-1065G7 are now shipping for US$1,000; AMD Ryzen 4000 Renoir versions of the ThinkBook 14s imminent

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 and ThinkBook 15 are now shipping with an Intel Core i7-1065G7 for US$1,000. Configurable with the Core i5-1035G1 too, both laptops come with up to 16 GB of RAM. Renoir versions of the ThinkBook 14s are due...

Alex Alderson, 15 May 2020 20:52

The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus is now available shipping US$1,299. (Image source: Lenovo)

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus dual-screen laptop with Intel Core i5-10210U and 8 GB of RAM is now shipping for US$1,299

The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus is now shipping for US$1,299. Equipped with a 45 Wh battery, the ThinkBook Plus has an Intel Core i5-10210U Comet Lake processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. The star of the show is the device's 10.8-in...

Alex Alderson, 15 May 2020 19:18

Honor MagicBook 14 Hands-On: A solid and stylish budget laptop

The Honor MagicBook 14 comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. Building on the MateBook D 14, the MagicBook 14 adds a touch of colour and style for just £549.99 in the UK.

Alex Alderson, 15 May 2020 16:38

ThinkPad P14s & P15s: Lenovo upgrades Ultrabook workstations with hexa core i7-10810U

In the shadows of the ThinkPad T series and the ThinkPad X1 Extreme, Lenovo sells the ThinkPad P43s and ThinkPad P53s workstations with more power efficient CPUs. Lenovo is updating this series now with Comet-Lake and the new nami...

Benjamin Herzig, 14 May 2020 21:04

The ZenBook UX425 may resemble the UX434, pictured. (Image source: Asus)

Asus ZenBook UX425 to feature AMD Ryzen 4000 Renoir and Intel Core i7-1065G7 processors in a 13.9 mm thin chassis paired with an impressive display

A footnote in a press release published last month, the ZenBook UX425 will feature up to AMD Ryzen 7 4700U and Intel Core i7-1065G7 processors in a 13.9 mm thin chassis. Paired with a 1 W FHD display capable of reaching 450 nits a...

Alex Alderson, 13 May 2020 20:34

The XPS 17 9700 will start at US$1,499.99. (Image source: Dell)

Dell launches the XPS 17 9700 with up to a Core i9-10885H processor, 64 GB of DDR4 RAM, a 4 TB SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU; vapor chamber cooling and 97 Wh battery exclusive to the XPS 17 too

The Dell XPS 17 9700 is a return to the 17-inch market for the XPS series, and it packs a punch. Featuring up to a Core i9-10885H processor, 64 GB of DDR4 RAM, a 4 TB SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, the XPS 17 9700 is a b...

Alex Alderson, 13 May 2020 16:00

Dell Migrate is a new service for 2020. (Source: Dell)

Dell sets up a new Migrate service to help users set their new PC up just like the last one

Migrate is a new addition to Dell's consumer services portfolio. It allows a user to transfer their files and settings from an old PC to a new. This is not really anything new; however, the OEM claims that it is more effective in ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 May 2020 16:00

The Alienware Area-51m R2 starts at US$3,049.99. (Image source: Dell)

Dell Alienware Area-51m R2 lands with up to Core i9 Comet Lake-S processors, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER, 64 GB of RAM, 4 TB of storage, a 300 Hz IPS display and a surprise addition from AMD

The Alienware Area-51m R2 is here, and it is not an all Intel and NVIDIA affair. Sporting up to a Core i9-10900K processor, Dell has equipped the Area-51m R2 with an array of NVIDIA GPUs and even an AMD Radeon RX 5700M. Complement...

Alex Alderson, 13 May 2020 16:00

Early Dell XPS 15 9500 product page confirms design changes, configurations and an eye-catching Arctic White version

Dell China has jumped the gun and has listed the XPS 15 9500 early. Starting at CNY 10,999 (~US$1,549), the XPS 15 9500 will come with minuscule bezels, modern internal components and even an Arctic White version.

Alex Alderson, 12 May 2020 16:44

Dell has finally given its large XPS laptops a makeover. (Image source: Dell)

Dell XPS 15 9500 and XPS 17 9700 are launching this week; possible Alienware, Latitude and Precision refreshes on track too

Rumour has it that Dell will be releasing the XPS 15 9500 and XPS 17 9700 later this week. Leaked in their entirety last month, the new XPS 15 and the first XPS 17 in years will feature Comet Lake-H processors and new NVIDIA GeFor...

Alex Alderson, 11 May 2020 23:14

The Alienware Area-51m is getting a refresh. (Image source: Dell)

3DMark confirms up to Intel Core i9-10900K, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER, 64 GB of DDR4 RAM and 2 TB RAID 0 SSDs for new Dell Alienware Area-51m

A new Dell Alienware Area-51m is on its way. Likely launching alongside the XPS 15 9500 and XPS 17 9700, 3DMark has confirmed that the Area-51m R2 will feature up to an Intel Core i9-10900K, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER, 64 GB...

Alex Alderson, 09 May 2020 19:24

Chuwi Hi10 X feels great to hold, but it's just too slow and unreliable (Image source: Chuwi)

The Chuwi Hi10 X feels great to hold, but it's just too slow and unreliable

The passively-cooled 10.1-inch Windows tablet is better fit for indoor use with an external mouse despite its sturdy build and form factor.

Allen Ngo, 08 May 2020 06:38

Lenovo announces ThinkPad E14 & E15 with AMD Ryzen 4000

With the new Ryzen 4000 ThinkPads edging closer to availability, Lenovo adds two new models to the roster: The affordable ThinkPad E14 and ThinkPad E15 have been available with Intel CPUs for a few months already.

Benjamin Herzig, 07 May 2020 20:53

Lenovo will sell the Yoga Slim 7 as the IdeaPad 5 14 in some regions. (Image source: Lenovo)

AMD Ryzen 7 4800U in Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 surpasses Intel Core i7-10750H in Geekbench; puts Core i7-10710U and Core i7-1065G7 to the sword too

The AMD Ryzen 7 4800U and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 have been flexing their muscles again, this time outscoring 45 W Intel processors in Geekbench. The Ryzen 7 4800U blows away recent Intel U series processors too, including the Core i7-...

Alex Alderson, 07 May 2020 15:09

AMD has gained CPU share on Steam in both Windows and Linux-based systems. (Image source: HardZone)

AMD fights back against Intel in latest Steam processor usage survey with the help of gamers choosing faster CPUs from Team Red

The latest hardware and software survey from Steam has detailed a good month for AMD in terms of overall processor usage and % change. It seems some gamers have been busy selecting devices with fast CPUs from Team Red, while it al...

Daniel R Deakin, 07 May 2020 11:44

The Surface Dock 2 expands the I/O of Surface devices with four USB-C ports and more. (Image source: Microsoft)

The Surface Dock 2 is Microsoft's apology for the lack of Thunderbolt 3

Microsoft still refuses to equip its Surface devices with Thunderbolt 3 ports, precluding many compatible third-party docks from being compatible with the likes of the Surface Book 3 or Surface Go 2. The Surface Dock 2, on the oth...

Alex Alderson, 06 May 2020 22:05

The Surface spring hardware refresh, plus the Surface Earbuds. (Image source: Microsoft)

Microsoft announces a trio of devices with the Surface Headphones 2, Surface Go 2 and Surface Book 3

Launched alongside the Surface Earbuds, the Surface Headphones 2, Surface Go 2 and Surface Book 3 will all start shipping later this month. The Surface Book 3 makes the jump to Ice Lake-U processors and up to a Quadro RTX 3000 GPU...

Alex Alderson, 06 May 2020 17:10

The Gole11 features four USB ports and a 3.5 mm audio jack. (Image source: Gole/Indiegogo)

Gole11: An all-in-one Windows 10 PC with a quad-core Intel Celeron N3450 SoC and 11.6-inch Full HD touchscreen from US$99

Gole Technology has introduced the Gole11 all-in-one PC, which is also known as the HiGole F11APL. According to the company, the Gole11 is “the world’s cheapest all-in-one”, and it features an Intel Celeron N3450 processor and an ...

Daniel R Deakin, 06 May 2020 13:13

Microsoft may unveil the Surface Book 3 later today. (Image source: Microsoft)

GTX 1650 and GTX 1650 Ti confirmed for the Surface Book 3 following SIRIM and MIIT certifications; launching today

Due to be unveiled later today, the Surface Book 3 has been confirmed to be arriving with a choice of at least three GPUs. The Surface Book 3 will be an all Intel and NVIDIA affair though, with no AMD APUs or GPUs making their way...

Alex Alderson, 06 May 2020 11:29

26.08	20 GAMES on the Acer Nitro V15 - RTX 5050 (2025) - Watch Before You Buy!
26.08	Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable (2025): JUST ROLL WITH IT!
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26.08	How to open Acer Aspire Go 15 (AG15-71P) - disassembly and upgrade options
26.08	Dell 14 Premium (2025) REVIEW
26.08	ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13: Arrow Lake vs. Lunar Lake - Choose Carefully
26.08	2025 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 (Arrow Lake): 64GB RAM, 2.8K Touch OLED & 5G
26.08	Dell Pro 13 Premium REVIEW - The NEAR-PERFECT Business Laptop
26.08	Dell 16 Premium (2025) REVIEW: Now 120Hz OLED, Thunderbolt 5, RTX 5070
26.08	NEW Gigabyte Aero X16 (2025) - The Stealth RTX 5070 Laptop