Magazine

CheckMag AMD Radeon products have been fending Nvidia off rather well in recent years, providing better rasterization performance and more VRAM at a lower cost. That’s great for gamers, but what about everyone else? Update: Clarification on the state of ProRender; further information on Nvidia's 3D rendering advantage added

Interview With Lunar Lake all set to officially launch ahead of IFA 2024 next month, NotebookCheck had an email chat with Intel's Robert Hallock, VP Technical Marketing on the rationale behind some of the architecture decisions, what can be expected of Lunar Lake-powered laptops, and how the company views competition from ARM.

CheckMag I spoke with Brian R Lyons of TMNA Toyota Motor Corp North America about the implementation of Linux in Toyota and Lexus infotainment systems. Automotive Grade Linux (AGL) is a version of Linux being used by several automotive manufacturers.

CheckMag Turing, the GPU generation that delivered upscaling and ray tracing, has now all but fallen into obscurity as compared to its still widely used Pascal and Ampere brethren. The desktop RTX 2070 may have been middling at best even at launch, but its laptop counterpart fully deserves a bit of a spotlight. Let's try and look into how it managed to remain relevant for much longer than some expected.

CheckMag It's no secret that the littlest GPU out of AMD's RDNA 2 generation wasn't too warmly received. In fact, it was almost universally lambasted for being overpriced and underperforming, even in a time of shortages. But what if it didn't have to be that way?

CheckMag With the Redmi Pad SE 4G, Xiaomi breaks the tradition of what a cellular variant of a tablet should be. However, it can still make corrections.

CheckMag Lost in the Snapdragon X Elite hype is the prospect of lower-end Qualcomm laptop chips taking the market by storm as these hold so much more promise for a true revolution than their costlier counterparts do.

CheckMag Windows 11 is packed full of garbage which is one of the reasons people are determined to stick with Windows 10 or look for alternatives. Tiny11 is impressive, especially now it works on all Windows 11 variants. However there is an easier way that utilises Microsoft's own tools to create a bloat free Windows 11 installer in seconds.

CheckMag The Galaxy Z Flip 6 has arrived, maintaining a similar look to its predecessor but incorporating a faster processor, extended battery life, and advanced AI features. If you're considering this phone in 2024, below are five key details to keep in mind.

CheckMag The WearOS smartwatch scene already has a handful of great choices for those who are looking for a smartwatch to buy. However, if you don’t want a WearOS watch, here are four other smartwatches that you can buy, and the best part is that they don’t cost as much as their WearOS counterparts.

CheckMag We're sorry, but unfortunately NBC Notebookprotect Safe Browsing filter doesn't recognise this blurb. This article might try to do unpredictable things to your computer.

CheckMag While the iPhone 16 lineup is still months from launch, recent leaks indicate that waiting for the iPhone 17 might be the better choice if you’re not opting for the Pro models. Below are five key features of the iPhone 17 series that could make you rethink purchasing the iPhone 16.

CheckMag The recent launch of the Samsung Galaxy ring has captured attention, but it's important to acknowledge Oura's role in popularizing smart rings. The Oura ring 3, while still the flagship, is becoming outdated. Although Oura hasn't announced a new model, certification filings hint at the upcoming Oura ring 4. Below are the top 4 things we expect to see on the next Oura device.

Magazine CrowdStrike’s recent failure has been reported as the “Largest IT outage in history,” which leaves many to wonder why so many critical points of the global infrastructure rely on their platform. CrowdStrike’s cyber security services are responsible for 298 of the Fortune 500 companies, 538 of the Fortune 1000 companies, and 8 out of 10 of the top financial firms. 

CheckMag Intel Raptor Lake i9 chip owners are plagued by system crashes that can be traced back to the chips' excessive voltage and wattage. AMD might seize the opportunity with the release of Zen 5 and while Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake are coming to try and fight back, what difference will it make if Intel's reputation is ruined by then?

CheckMag The deck is not fully stacked against Intel yet. The company still has tricks up its sleeve. Some of those are coming onboard Lunar Lake family chips which might prove enough for Intel to triumph in the laptop segment of the market.

CheckMag The addition of a PCIe connector on the Raspberry Pi 5 opens the door for a range of cheap add-ons that can significantly increase its potency and capability, including NVME drives, 2.5 gigabit ethernet and support for running pre-trained AI models locally on the Pi. Combined with a UPS the Raspberry Pi 5 becomes a project powerhouse. Here are 5 of the best accessories for powering up your Pi projects.

CheckMag While buying the latest tech is tempting, older desktop and laptop computers are often more than enough to meet the demands of modern computing work. An older machine may require some time and tinkering to get up to par, but the payoff can definitely be worth the work and the results can be rather surprising.

CheckMag Nvidia’s MXM modules may have let the users upgrade their laptop’s graphics cards up until Ampere days, but only mating those upgraded graphics cards to an upgraded socketed mobile CPU would truly make such a laptop a force to be reckoned with. Eurocom was the only company to give the consumer that option, sadly. And then one day, laptops that supported this got discontinued.

CheckMag So many people rely on mobile devices of all stripes to keep their data secure. Let’s look at why this is not such a good idea - and the options available to fight back.

CheckMag Imagine yourself transported back to the 1800s, a time when gas lamps were the primary source of illumination in cities and horse-drawn carriages were at the pinnacle of transportation. Now imagine yourself in the shoes of someone from the 1800s, transported to 2024. How would they view mobile phones, gas-driven motor vehicles and the internet? It would be pure magic! Let’s explore this concept.

CheckMag Ecosia is a search engine that turns the Web searches people make daily into trees. Does it stand a chance against Google in terms of features and search result relevance? Time to find out.

CheckMag The CMF Phone 1 only has a handful of official cases and accessories, but more are expected to be released in the future. Here are a couple of case and accessories that would be nice to see get made.

CheckMag You don’t have to invest in expensive hardware to run a home server. With Docker you can run containerised applications on almost anything including PCs, Macs, laptops and even a Raspberry Pi. Ideally it needs to be on 24/7 which makes the Raspberry Pi an excellent low power option. If you are curious about Docker, here are 3 of the best containers to get you started on low end hardware.

CheckMag With no Glyph Interface like on the Nothing Phone (2a), the CMF Phone 1 manages to still be exciting with its removable rear cover. While not unheard of, removable phone covers have become a rarity in the smartphone industry, so it's nice to see it make a comeback.

CheckMag The first recorded Cybertruck rollover has emerged out of Vicksburg, Mississippi. While it looks like simple driver error or circumstance were most likely the cause, Tesla's lofty claims about the Cybertruck's low centre of gravity may give drivers a false sense of security.

CheckMag OnePlus's line of affordable flagship phones is known for offering mostly high-end features at a more pocket-friendly price than its main flagship series. Unfortunately, OnePlus keeps shooting itself in the foot by employing a practically useless 2 MP sensor in its rear camera system.

CheckMag As technology users, we either knowingly or unknowingly hand over our data to large tech companies on a daily basis. In an attempt to get away from the overwatch of Google, I decided to try running a de-Googled phone. This is how it went.

CheckMag 2.5 slots? Twelve inches? You call that small form factor, Jensen Huang? Absolutely not. The line must be drawn here! This far, no further!

CheckMag The iPhone 16 is expected to introduce a variety of upgrades that could enhance Apple's flagship device and reduce the gap between the standard iPhone and the Pro series. However, these details will only be confirmed at Apple's official iPhone launch event. Below are four key things we might see in the upcoming iPhone.

CheckMag While Windows 11 is considered a solid operating system, it has failed to generate much excitement, leading many people to question the necessity of switching from Windows 10. Below are three of the most annoying things about Windows 11 that have sparked significant criticism and dissatisfaction among users.

CheckMag Smart rings, with the Oura ring at the forefront, have steadily increased in popularity. Samsung's entry into this market holds promise, but it is not without its challenges. Whether the Galaxy ring will be a health tech innovation or another disappointment remains to be seen. If you're considering purchasing one, here are some key factors to keep in mind.

CheckMag Society is waking up to the notion that smartphones may not be the best thing for our mental health, or our time management. Governments are looking to ban phones in schools and a part of the population is beginning to ditch smartphones in an attempt to claw back some of the time lost to doom scrolling. Here are X phone solutions that can help curb your smartphone addiction.

Interview Notebookcheck had an opportunity to speak with MSI's regional marketing managers Bruce Lin and Green Lin about the MSI Claw, Windows-on-Arm laptops and its future plans. While MSI will stick with Intel for the foreseeable future, it is open to the idea of collaborating with AMD for handheld chips at a later point.

CheckMag The best gaming handhelds have come a long way since the Game Boy era. Today's devices offer advanced features, up to 10 hours of battery life, and cater to diverse tastes, from retro gamers to those wanting handheld PCs. Below are the top 5 handheld gaming consoles available right now, each tailored to different gaming preferences.

CheckMag The Motorola Edge 2024 is the new premium mid-range smartphone on the block. Although it costs a bit more than the Pixel 8a, one of its main rivals, it has got a lot going for it that gives it an edge over the Pixel 8a.

CheckMag Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto franchise is undoubtedly one of the cornerstones of modern gaming, both from a technical as well as a cultural point of view. Starting from 1997, Rockstar has produced some of the finest open-world titles in the history of computer gaming as part of this franchise. With GTA VI arriving in 2025, it's worth looking back in to the past and glossing over the most iconic entrants to the acclaimed franchise.

CheckMag Whether it’s QNAP, ASUStor, Synology or some other pre-built brand, a NAS is not a cheap piece of equipment. With free or low cost operating systems such as TrueNAS, Open Media Vault or even Unraid is it cheaper to build your own with new or second hand parts, or buy off the shelf? Let's take a look at the pricing.

CheckMag Microsoft, please let someone else make a portable Xbox! Fans have been clamoring for a handheld for years now, and there is a likelihood one is in the pipeline. However, Microsoft is a better software company than a hardware one, so best just leave it to the pros.

CheckMag The Warframe Jade Shadows update has officially launched for Windows, Xbox, Switch, PlayStation, and iOS. Update 36 introduces a number of exciting new additions to the MMO looter shooter, including a new warframe, an exciting new quest offering insights into a long-time foe, and a whole new game mode to get stuck into as well as some valuable quality of life fixes.

Nikon has officially launched the Z6 III, and, while it is certainly a marvellously capable middleweight camera with impressive features, the minor upgrades across the board are indicative of a problem. Digital cameras are no longer advancing in leaps and bounds, as they had in the early days of the mirrorless revolution, but that means there has never been a better time to buy a camera.

CheckMag Between staunch discounts, plentiful competition, and the recent release of the Steam Deck OLED, there has never been a better time to buy a gaming handheld. However, imminent new releases for the Asus ROG Ally, Nintendo Switch, and new CPU offerings from AMD and Intel mean that waiting just a little longer may be a better option for those looking for maximum performance.

CheckMag The Sonos Ace headphones are already available for purchase and they have got some serious competition. One of them is the 2-year old Sony WH-1000XM5, a top choice in the premium headphones category. Here are some differences to note if you are considering buying either pair of headphones.

CheckMag Samsung can make a budget Galaxy Z Flip smartphone, but it seems the company just doesn't want to, which is disappointing to say the least. Such a budget device would likely prove to be a huge success with smartphone lovers, as long as cuts weren't made in the folding design.

CheckMag The PlayStation VR2 PC adapter makes the PlayStation VR 2 headset compatible with PC and Steam VR. The hardware spec gives players an experience that is on par with the Valve Index and arguably better than the Meta Quest 3 for a significantly cheaper price.

CheckMag The EU has a solid history of making decisions that actually benefit the consumer and the EU Right to Repair Directive (R2RD) may finally curb environmentally damaging and anti consumer practices employed by tech companies to keep their revenue streams flowing.

CheckMag Chrome OS may still be the new kid on the block when it comes to desktop operating systems, but it has got some useful features that makes using it a breeze.

CheckMag Android tablets are available in diverse sizes and a wide price range. Fortunately, finding a quality tablet doesn't require you to break the bank. Even with a tight budget, there are suitable options.