Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

Total War: Shogun 2 now freely available on Steam (Source: Steam)

Total War: Shogun 2 is now free on Steam

Often labeled as the best game in the Total War series, Shogun 2 was published by Sega in 2011 and this week can be obtained for free from Steam. To keep it forever — without the eight DLC and unit packs that can be acquired for 7...

Codrut Nistor, 29 Apr 2020 11:08

The LarkBox will retail for US$199. (Image source: Chuwi)

Chuwi LarkBox: Celeron N4100 and US$199 mini-PC to go up for crowdfunding next month

The LarkBox measures just 2.4 x 2.4 x 1.7-inches and will cost US$199 when it goes live on Indiegogo in May. The mini-PC will feature 6 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage and an Intel Celeron N4100 processor.

Alex Alderson, 28 Apr 2020 19:51

Wi-Fi 6 connectivity would appear to be coming to the Surface Book 3. (Image source: Microsoft)

FCC confirms Wi-Fi 6 connectivity Microsoft's US$1,699 Surface Book 3

The FCC has confirmed that the Surface Book 3 will feature Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Spotted by Windows Latest, the listing includes references to the device having an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 modem, which supports up to 2.4 Gbps transfer ...

Alex Alderson, 28 Apr 2020 16:31

The NANOTE is among the first mini laptop convertibles on the market. (Image Source: PCWatch)

NANOTE 7-inch convertible mini laptop launching soon in Japan

With an estimated price of only US$185, the NANOTE mini laptop offers modest specs like an Intel Atom x5-Z8350 quad-core CPU, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage. Unlike the more expensive models from GPD and One-netbook, howeve...

Bogdan Solca, 28 Apr 2020 16:29

All the connectors appear to be placed at the back. (Image Source: PCWatch)

One-Netbook's 7-inch OneGX1 mini laptop is a miniaturized Alienware Area-51m with Intel Tiger Lake CPUs and 5G support

Unlike GPD's Win Max mini laptop, the OneGX1 from One-Netbook is a bit more compact since it does not integrate game controller buttons, but it may also prove a bit faster as it is supposed to integrate Intel's Tiger Lake CPUs. Th...

Bogdan Solca, 28 Apr 2020 16:08

The XPS 15 9500, a step up from the XPS 15 7590 but a step down from the XPS 17 9700 (Image source: Dell France via u/stblr)

Leaked XPS 15 9500 listing confirms it to be a step up from the XPS 15 7590 and a step down from the XPS 17 9700

Leaked by Dell France alongside the XPS 17 9700 today, the XPS 15 9500 will be a significant upgrade over the XPS 15 7590, for the most part. The reduction in maximum battery capacity to an 86 Wh battery does not feel like an upgr...

Alex Alderson, 28 Apr 2020 00:53

Raspberry Pi: New operating system brings a Windows XP feel to the popular single-board computer and supports old video games

A new operating system for the Raspberry Pi is available. This should trigger nostalgic feelings among numerous users and is visually reminiscent of Windows XP and also supports old software with various emulators.

Alex Alderson, 24 Apr 2020 19:40

The all-new Flight Simulator features spectacular Azure AI-powered landscapes and skylines. (Source: Microsoft)

Here are the recommended PC specs for MS Flight Simulator

Microsoft has revealed the specifications required to power its all-new Flight Simulator on PC. In a pleasant surprise, a PC with mid-range specs from 2013 will be able to play it, but a higher end rig from 2019 will be best place...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 23 Apr 2020 12:34

The XPS 15 9500 may arrive as early as next month. (Image source: Dell)

Leaked Dell XPS 15 9500 photos confirm design overhaul; eight new Latitude laptops revealed too

Images of the XPS 15 9500 have appeared on a South Korean certification website. The photos, posted along with eight Latitude laptops, confirm that the new XPS 15 series will feature a 16:10 display, slimmer bezels, a much larger ...

Alex Alderson, 22 Apr 2020 19:40

World of Tanks has been around for a decade (Source: Own)

Happy anniversary, World of Tanks: Wargaming's flagship product has been around for (almost) a decade

To start the celebration of the upcoming anniversary properly, Wargaming has updated World of Tanks to 1.9, a version that comes with quite a few noticeable changes: a completely reworked tech tree without some hardware that has b...

Codrut Nistor, 22 Apr 2020 17:25

Renoir and Tiger Lake-U versions of the VivoBook 14 are on their way. (Image source: Asus)

Asus is refreshing the VivoBook 14 with Ryzen 5 4500U, Ryzen 7 4700U and Core i7-1165G7 models; NVIDIA GeForce MX350 inbound for Tiger Lake unit too

Not only is Asus planning on bringing the NVIDIA GeForce MX350 to Renoir processors like the Ryzen 7 4700U, but it is also keen on doing the same with Intel's upcoming Tiger Lake-U series architecture. Coming in the form of a refr...

Alex Alderson, 21 Apr 2020 19:00

Razer Blade Stealth 2020: First 13.3 inch laptop with 120 Hz screen

Razer further upgrades its gaming Ultrabook. The 2020 version of the Razer Blade Stealth is based on the same design as the 2019 model, but it gets a stronger GPU as well as a faster FHD screen panel.

Benjamin Herzig, 21 Apr 2020 17:00

The Surface Book 3 will seemingly start at US$1,699.99. (Image source: Microsoft)

Microsoft Surface Book 3 prices and configurations revealed; Up to 32 GB of RAM, a 2 TB SSD and NVIDIA GTX or Quadro GPUs to be offered

Revealed to be starting at US$1,699.99, the Surface Book 3 will come with up to 32 GB of RAM, a 2 TB SSD and an NVIDIA Quadro GPU. 13.5-inch and 15-inch variants are on the way, as are NVIDIA GTX GPUs, apparently. Possibly the GTX...

Alex Alderson, 21 Apr 2020 16:42

The Surface Go 2 may feature a slightly larger display than its predecessor. (Image source: Brandon Taylor)

Surface Go 2 confirmed to have a 10.5-inch display and thinner bezels; eMMC storage on the way too though

Expected to be launched this spring, the Surface Go 2 is thought to be a minor upgrade over the existing model. While the Surface Go 2 will feature the same chassis as its predecessor, it will also have a larger display. According...

Alex Alderson, 20 Apr 2020 20:10

The Tor Project has had to cut its team to 22 in response to a steep drop in funding. (Source: The Tor Project)

The Tor Project forced to lay off one-third of its staff

The Tor Project has announced that it has had to let go 13 employees, which counts for one-third of its core workforce. Entirely funded by donations, the team has been forced to make the layoffs due to the effects of COVID-19.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 19 Apr 2020 12:05

The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus. (Source: Lenovo)

The dual-screen Lenovo ThinkBook Plus will be released soon

Lenovo's innovative ThinkBook Plus is now up for pre-order on JD.com, prior to general sales starting from April 24, 2020. To recap, this 13.3-inch notebook has a 10.8-inch e-ink display on its lid. The user can thus write or dood...

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Apr 2020 20:55

AMD RDNA2 GPU running on Window 10 with Direct12 X Ultimate. (Source: AMD)

Next major update for Windows 10 coming in May with enhanced raytracing support

Microsoft’s next major update to Windows 10 will land in May. The new update brings some useful features to users including Cloud reset as well as the much anticipated DirectX 12 Ultimate with improved raytracing support.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 18 Apr 2020 11:01

The Surface Go 2 will look much like its predecessor, apparently. (Image source: Microsoft)

Rumour | Surface Go 2 to feature the same display and Type Covers as its predecessor; design changes highly unlikely

Compounding previous fears of the Surface Go 2 being more of the same from Microsoft and its Surface sub-division, rumour has it that the upcoming device will retain the design of its predecessor. While Microsoft may sell the 2-in...

Alex Alderson, 17 Apr 2020 19:52

Comet Lake-U versions of the Surface Book 3? Really, Microsoft? (Image source: Microsoft)

Leaker refutes Intel Comet Lake-U and NVIDIA Quadro Surface Book 3 listings

Rumour has it that the Surface Book 3 will be released with Comet Lake-U processors. One prominent leaker refutes this though, and all other signs point towards Ice Lake-U upgrades instead. Is Microsoft really going to give 14 nm ...

Alex Alderson, 16 Apr 2020 15:47

Minecraft gets RTX support as of April 16, 2020 (Source: NVIDIA)

Minecraft with RTX Beta for Windows 10 goes live

Although not a visual feast in the past, Minecraft finally gets ray-traced shadows, impressive reflective water, real-time caustics, and multiple atmospheric effects thanks to NVIDIA's RTX technology and the new levels that add a ...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Apr 2020 07:07

Surface Pro 7 users are reporting random shutdowns and that Microsoft has done nothing about it

The Surface Pro 7 is one of Microsoft's latest 2-in-1s. Some people who have bought it have subsequently gone back to the Redmond giant's product forum reporting a bug in which the tablet shuts off without warning. The issue may b...

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Apr 2020 18:30

The entire SNUC Book lineup comes with Thunderbolt 3 support. (Image Source: Simply NUC)

Simply NUC introduces “SNUC Book” laptop lineup with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity

Simply NUC is trying its hand at 15.6-inch laptop models with the latest SNUC Book lineup developed in collaboration with Intel. Users can choose to add up to 64 GB of RAM, up to 4 TB of M.2 storage and may go with either a GTX 16...

Bogdan Solca, 15 Apr 2020 14:58

The Microsoft Surface Book 3 will have 13.5-inch and 15-inch display options. (Image source: Microsoft)

Microsoft Surface Book 3 launch imminent as core specs revealed: Intel Core i5-10210U or i7-10510U, up to 32 GB RAM, up to 1 TB SSD, Nvidia Quadro GPU

New details about the Microsoft Surface Book 3 have been published that indicate the device will soon be released. The latest retailer listings describe the core configurations for the 13.5-inch and 15-inch Surface Book 3 converti...

Daniel R Deakin, 15 Apr 2020 11:31

Microsoft, Surface, Surface Go 2, Surface Book, Surface Book 3

Surface Go 2 with Wi-Fi 6 connectivity hits the FCC amid rumours of an April online launch alongside the Surface Book 3

The Surface Go 2 is almost here, and it will be arriving with Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. An LTE variant is on its way too, with both rumoured to debut by the end of the month in an online event. Intel Core m3-8100Y and Pentium Gold 442...

Alex Alderson, 14 Apr 2020 19:53

The Asus TUF Gaming A15 starts at US$999.99. (Image source: Asus)

Asus TUF Gaming A15 with AMD Ryzen 7 4800H and 16 GB of RAM is now shipping for US$999.99

The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is now shipping and for as little as US$999.99. The Ryzen 7 4800H-powered machine has a 15.6-inch 144 Hz panel, but there is also the 17.3-inch A17 if you would like something larger.

Alex Alderson, 14 Apr 2020 18:37

It has not been a great 2020 for PCs thus far. (Source: NBC)

PC shipments dropped by 12% in the first quarter of 2020: Gartner

The latest market research from the Gartner group indicates that the market for PCs has experienced its "sharpest decline" since 2013. However, it seems this year-on-year drop in shipments, which applies to the first 3 months of t...

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Apr 2020 16:38

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 can be configured with a discrete graphics card. (Image source: Microsoft)

Potential Microsoft Surface Book 3 prices revealed for both display sizes and multiple configurations

A tech blogger has managed to get hold of some price lists that could be for the upcoming Microsoft Surface Book 3 devices. The listings also included prices for various related accessories and possibly the Surface Go 2. It has be...

Daniel R Deakin, 14 Apr 2020 12:26

A mock-up of how the Surface Dock 2 could look. (Image source: Dr. Windows)

Surface Dock 2 to launch soon with USB Type-C alongside a new and more powerful Surface Connect charger

Not only is Microsoft said to be releasing a Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2 this Spring, but it also has new accessories planned. While likely backwards compatible, they point towards Microsoft embracing greater connectivity opti...

Alex Alderson, 13 Apr 2020 12:39

Manages to get the most out of its chip: the Schenker VIA 15

Schenker VIA 15: Long-distance runner with an AMD processor

Schenker has chosen a similar path to Huawei and has equipped its VIA 15 with two Ryzen models from AMD instead of offering a wide range of CPUs. This means that the device is tuned to the chip so well that the Ryzen 5 3500U in ou...

Mike Wobker, 12 Apr 2020 15:05

The original Microsoft Surface Go was released in August 2018. (Image source: Microsoft)

Microsoft Surface Go 2 prices and estimated release schedule revealed while the next Microsoft Surface Book gets named

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the successor to the Microsoft Surface Book 2 should soon be available, and more details about both devices are starting to leak online. The price range for the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is expected to ...

Daniel R Deakin, 11 Apr 2020 09:32

Jumper EZbook X3 reviewed: Ancient chip in jelly-like chassis

It's the cheapest device around: The Jumper EZbook X3 is currently available for $250 and offers a Full HD IPS display and a Windows license. But don't get your hopes up. The 2016 SoC is unbelievably slow and the wobbly base unit ...

Sebastian Jentsch, 10 Apr 2020 10:26

Acer Aspire 5 in review: Casual gamer with an upgrade kit

Acer's Aspire 5 A515-54G delivers solid gaming performance and a brand-new Comet Lake processor on your desktop for a cheap price. However, we have some complaints in terms of the performance and the display.

Sebastian Jentsch, 10 Apr 2020 00:18

World of Warcraft: Shadowlands bastion concept art (Source: World of Warcraft)

Rumors | World of Warcraft: Shadowlands will support various game controllers — and consoles, hopefully — PlayStation 5 included

Although playing World of Warcraft with a game controller is possible, the game does not fully support this control method out of the box. However, World of Warcraft: Shadowlands is expected to sport support for PlayStation 4 and ...

Codrut Nistor, 09 Apr 2020 16:18

Acer ConceptD 5 17 inch: Good is not good enough

Acer's ConceptD 5 mid-range notebook for creative professionals is a rarity with its 17 inches. With an i7-9750H and the GeForce RTX 2060 it is positioned well. The matte display with its 100% sRGB coverage and high AdobeRGB perce...

Sebastian Jentsch, 08 Apr 2020 17:40

HP's Elite Dragonfly is a very good business convertible

The lightweight Elite Dragonfly from HP is primarily designed for mobile users looking for a light device without sacrificing familiar security features from the EliteBook series. We were very pleased with the compact convertible ...

Andreas Osthoff, 08 Apr 2020 17:28

Acer Aspire 5 Review: Casual gaming notebook with an upgrade kit

At an affordable price, Acer's Aspire 5 A515-54G brings solid gaming performance and a brand new Comet Lake processor to your desk at home. Yet we hardly found any reason to complain in terms of the performance or the screen.

Sebastian Jentsch, 08 Apr 2020 17:13

Forget the XPS 15 9500, the XPS 17 9700 is the XPS to get excited about this year. (Image source: u/daan87432)

Opinion | Forget the XPS 15 9500, the XPS 17 9700 is the XPS to get excited about this year

While the XPS 15 has been in need of an overhaul for a while now, it has already been usurped by a revitalised XPS 17 in our eyes. If Dell has fixed the cooling issues with this year's XPS 15, imagine what thermals its bigger sibl...

Alex Alderson, 06 Apr 2020 19:45

Dozens of games are included in the Epic Games Spring Sale 2020. (Image source: Epic Games)

Deal | Epic's Spring Sale has dozens of games with huge discounts: Save 75% on big titles like Assassin's Creed Origins, Far Cry 5, and Anno 2205

Epic Games is holding a Spring Sale at the moment and there are dozens of titles to be had at knockdown prices. For example, 50% has been knocked off Borderlands 3, while 75% has been discounted from Assassin’s Creed Origins, Far ...

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Apr 2020 12:25

Intel has finally gained share in processor usage in Steam's survey. (Image source: ADSLZone)

Intel reverses the trend in Steam's processor usage survey by snatching a significant chunk of AMD's overall share

Intel has witnessed a surprising reversal of fortune in Steam’s Hardware & Software Survey for March in terms of processor usage. While the chipmaker has been losing share against AMD consistently month after month, the latest dat...

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Apr 2020 11:10

Microsoft releases optional patches for Internet connection problems on Windows 10

The big February update brought some internet connection problems for some users, especially when using a VPN. An unfavourable mistake in the age of the home office, in our opinion. Microsoft confirmed the bug and promised a quick...

Alex Alderson, 03 Apr 2020 21:22

Is a Core i5-1035G1 Surface Book 3 in the works? (Image source: Microsoft)

Possible Surface Book 3 powered by an Intel Core i5-1035G1 and 8 GB of RAM appears on 3DMark

Codenamed the OEMQN Product Name EV1, the Core i5-1035G1 is likely an entry-level version of the Surface Book 3. Sporting a 256 GB SSD and 8 GB of RAM this time, the long-awaited Surface Book 2 successor is expected to launch some...

Alex Alderson, 03 Apr 2020 20:21

Are you willing to give the Eve V another chance? (Image source: Eve Distribution)

Eve V 2020: Eve-Tech offers three visions of its next Microsoft Surface alternative

The Surface alternative Eve V is back with a 2020 successor. Now, the company has revealed three concepts ahead of developing its next 2-in-1 and it is looking for community input. Claims of the project being another scam continue...

Alex Alderson, 03 Apr 2020 17:09

Acer ConceptD 9 Pro CN917-71P in review: Convertible workstation for creative professionals

Acer's creative tool has left us with a good impression - Acer ConceptD 9 Pro CN917-71P in review

Acer's 17.3-inch workstation shines with a lot of processing power, a 4K touchscreen display with an included Wacom digital pen and a Thunderbolt 3 port. The configuration is excellent otherwise as well: 32 GB of RAM, 16 GB of VRA...

Sascha Mölck, 03 Apr 2020 01:30

Space Thunder now live official teaser (Source: War Thunder)

April Fools' Day 2020: War Thunder goes to space

This year's April 1st special takes Gaijin's game to space, but also come with a special event that can end up with a very rare piece of military hardware, namely the Object 279 heavy tank. Back in 2016 and 2017, these special eve...

Codrut Nistor, 01 Apr 2020 20:07

Will we see a redesigned XPS 15 this year, or another XPS 15 9550 rehash? (Image source: Dell)

Discussion | The XPS 15 has grown stale, and UserBenchmark listings for the 2020 edition suggest that Dell is happy with it remaining that way

It seems that Dell has forgotten about the XPS 15. While we continue to award the device top marks year on year, Dell has essentially been releasing minor revisions of the same machine since 2015. Now, several UserBenchmark listin...

Alex Alderson, 01 Apr 2020 17:33

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