The Acer Day 2021 bonanza is here! Check out the awesome deals that Acer Malaysia is offering this month!
Acer Day 2021 : Time For Great Deals!
Acer Day is an annual celebration of their success, kicking off a virtual bonanza of deals and giveaways.
Acer Day 2021 is now conducted online, with the theme “Live Your World”, to encourage all of us to make the best of the situation we are in.
Acer Day 2021 Sale : Check Out These Awesome Deals!
Special Acer Day 2021 Sale On Shopee
Acer Day will kick off with two days of special sales on Shopee – 3 and 4 August 2021.
Up to 60% or RM500 off for a wide range of Acer products
Store vouchers of up to RM200 to collect and apply during checkout.
The top 10 spends from select Acer Stores on Shopee (see below) will be able to bring home a Predator Gaming chair worth RM1,299!
100 units of Predator Gaming Chair will be sold at only RM359 once the Acer Malaysia Shopee Store hits 30,000 followers!
Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC Bank credit card holders will be able to stack vouchers worth up to RM300 when they checkout Acer products in their shopping cart!
Acer Day 2021 Limited Time Deals
Don’t miss the special Limited Time Deals to grab these selected Acer laptops and products at special prices!
Acer Helios 300 (PH315-53-58U0) : Only RM4,399!
Acer Nitro 5 (AN515-57-78PJ) : Only RM5,399!
Acer Swift 3 (SF314-43-R6WW / R5AD) : Only RM3,099!
Acer XC340CKP : Only RM1,529!
Acer T272HL : Only RM1,269!
Acer XZ270X : Only RM879!
They are only available at three time periods on the 3rd and 4th August, at select Acer Stores on Shopee (see below).
Acer Day 2021 Free Gifts
From 1 August until 30 September 2021, every purchase will entitle you to free gifts such as the Acer Yoga Mat, Predator Mousepad, Gateway Pro Wireless Headset or eWallet vouchers worth up to RM250!
In addition, you will stand a chance to win Acer products worth RM10,000.
Finally, Acer will donate up to RM50 to World Vision, for every purchase of select devices!
Acer Day 2021 Shops On Shopee
To grab these great Acer Day 2021 deals and freebies, please make sure you buy from these authorised Acer stores on Shopee :
MKN just announced that they are allowing computer, mobile, book and stationery shops to reopen across the country!
Here is what you need to know…
Computer, Mobile, Book + Stationery Shops Can Reopen!
On 15 July 2021, the Malaysia National Security Council (MKN) announced that computer, mobile, book and stationery shops will be allowed to reopen.
This decision will apply across the country, to both Phase 1 and Phase 2 states, and apply from 16 July 2021 onwards.
They made this decision after taking into account feedback from students, parents as well as teachers, and to allow teachers and students to continue online learning (PdPR).
This news will be warmly welcomed by parents and teachers, who have been complaining about not being able to repair their computer or smartphone, or even purchase books and stationery.
They also allowed students to travel in and out of EMCO areas to take their exams, including professional exams, albeit with police permission.
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Name : Adrian Wong
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The Ukrainian Security Service just raided an illegal crypto-mining operation using 3,800 PS4 consoles!
Take a look inside this Ukrainian PS4 crypto-mine, and find out how much they’re making!
Ukrainian Crypto-Mine With 3,800 PS4 Consoles Raided!
Cryptocurrency miners have turned the gaming world upside down, buying up graphics cards and even gaming laptops in bulk. As long as it has a GPU, they are snatching it up!
But their demand for more computing power does not seem to be sated, and they even turned their attention to old PS4 consoles!
While many have pooh-poohed the possibility of mining cryptocurrency using PS4 consoles, the Ukrainians went ahead and did it!
On 8 July 2021, the Ukrainian SBU (Sluzhba bezpeky Ukrayiny, Security Service of Ukraine) raided the LARGEST illegal crypto-mine in Ukraine, finding :
3800 PS4 gaming consoles,
more than 500 graphics cards,
50 processors,
documents accounting their power consumption,
notebooks, phones, and flash drives.
By hiding inside the former premises of JSC Vinnytsia Oblenerho – a leading Ukrainian power supply company, this crypto-mine conveniently and quietly stole power from the JSC Vinnytsia Oblenerho network!
According to preliminary estimates, they were siphoning about 5 to 7 million Ukrainian Hryvnia (approximately US$180,000 to 260,000 / RM770,000 to 1.08 million) every month!
How Much Can This Ukrainian PS4 Crypto-Mine Make?
The PS4 and PS4 Slim use a custom AMD Radeon 7970M GPU, with 18 compute units and 8 GB of GDDR5 memory with 176 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
It is roughly 20% slower than the AMD Radeon 7970M mobile GPU, but cryptomining is less about processing power, and memory bandwidth.
So let’s just call PS4 Slim equivalent to the Radeon 7970M for mining purposes, which delivers a hash rate of about 8.35 H/s.
Each PS4 console would be fast enough to generate 0.00013896 BTC worth US$4.62 per month, as of 12 July 2021.
So that Ukrainian PS4 crypto-mine with 3,800 PS4 consoles should generate about 0.528048 BTC worth US$18,041 per month, as of 12 July 2021.
That’s really not a lot of profit to be honest, especially when you consider how much electricity they are actually using!
In fact, it is really a loss-making operation if they actually paid for their electricity – they would lose $9 for every dollar they make!
Ukrainian SBU : Official Statement On PS4 Crypto-Mine
This is the English translation of the official statement by the Ukrainian SBU on the illegal PS4 crypto-mine :
The Security Service of Ukraine has exposed and documented the illegal extraction of large amounts of electricity in Vinnytsia. The attackers exchanged cryptocurrency directly in one of the former premises of JSC Vinnytsiaoblenerho. Currently, it is the largest underground crypto-farm discovered by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies: almost 5,000 units of computer equipment were seized.
SBU officers established that the illegal crypto-farm was created by residents of Kyiv and Vinnytsia. They used one of the former warehouses of Vinnytsiaoblenerho JSC, which is located on the company’s industrial site.
The attackers illegally took electricity from the networks of JSC Vinnytsiaoblenerho. To hide their activities, they used conventional means of accounting for electricity consumption.
According to preliminary conclusions of experts, the monthly amount of losses from such activities can range from 5 to 7 million UAH. At the same time, the illegal withdrawal of electricity could lead to more global consequences – entire neighborhoods of Vinnytsia could be left without electricity.
Militiamen registered criminal proceedings under part 2 of Art. 188-1 (theft of water, electricity or heat through its unauthorized use) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
During the authorized searches at the place of operation of the farm and at the addresses of the defendants, the following were seized:
3800 game consoles;
more than 500 video cards;
50 processors;
draft documentation on electricity consumption accounting;
notebooks, phones, flash drives.
Currently, operational and investigative actions are underway to establish the full range of persons involved in illegal activities, including the involvement of officials of JSC “Vinnytsiaoblenergo”.
Exposure measures were carried out by the State Security Counterintelligence Protection Service in the field of economic security of the SBU together with the USBU in Vinnytsia Oblast and the Main Investigation Department of the National Police of Ukraine and under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Please Support My Work!
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Name : Adrian Wong
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Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp
Acer just introduced the 2021 Spin 3 and Spin 5 convertible laptop models, with the latest Intel processors!
Take a look at both new Spin 3 and Spin 5 laptops, and find out what they offer!
2021 Acer Spin 3 + Spin 5 : What You Need To Know!
The 2020 Red Dot Design Award-winning Acer Spin 5 was just refreshed, and so is its sibling – the Acer Spin 3.
Convertible Design
They are both convertible laptops, with 360-degree hinges that lets them transform into different form factors to suit your requirements.
You can take notes in the tablet mode, watch movies in the tent mode, or use the clamshell mode for a more ergonomic typing experience!
Performance
Both models offer the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and come with up to 16 GB of LPDDR4X memory and 512 GB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage!
The 2021 Acer Spin 5 models, in particular, come with the latest PCIe Gen 4 SSD, which offers double the transfer speed of PCIe Gen 3 SSDs.
Both models are Intel Evo platform-certified, which means they have designed to deliver better CPU, GPU and Wi-Fi performance, instant wake-up, and longer battery life!
This gives you a desktop-like computing performance, in a slim and light convertible form factor.
High Resolution Touch Display
The 2021 Acer Spin 5 offers a 13.5-inch QHD IPS display, with an impressive 80% screen-to-body ratio, with multi-touch and AES pen support.
The 2021 Acer Spin 3, on the other hand, comes with a 13.3-inch WQXGA IPS display, also with multi-touch and AES pen support.
Both displays support 100% sRGB colour gamut, and DC dimming, which allows for no-flicker image quality in low light conditions!
Acer Active Stylus
Both 2021 Acer Spin laptops come with the Acer Active Stylus in a built-in dock, that gives it a 90 minute battery life with just 15 seconds of charging!
With two configurable buttons, this active stylus supports 4,096 pressure levels, and offers a pen-to-paper like writing experience!
Antimicrobial Coating!
The 2021 Acer Spin 5 laptop is coated with a BPR and EPA-compliant silver-ion coating on the keyboard, fingerprint reader and palm rest, with its touchpad and display are protected by Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass.
Both the antibacterial coating and the antimicrobial glass inhibit and reduce bacterial growth on all surfaces that we may touch.
This is an important feature, because the Acer Spin 5 laptop will actually reduce the amount of bacteria we come into contact!
Embedded Fingerprint Reader
A fingerprint reader is embedded directly into the touchpad, giving you an easy and secure way to verify your identity using Windows Hello, without typing in a password.
This is very useful when you are using the laptop in public, where typing out a password is not recommended.
High-Speed Connectivity
Both 2021 Spin 5 and Spin 3 laptops come with Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 built-in, for the fastest possible WiFi connectivity with lower latency.
On top of that, it all comes with dual Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 ports. These are ultra-fast ports that offer data and video transfers of up to 40 Gb/s – four times faster than USB 3.2!
Both these Thunderbolt 4 ports also allow you to output up to two 4K external displays for even greater productivity.
Light + Tough
The 2021 Spin laptops are built with an aluminium chassis, offering a slimmer profile and lighter weight.
The Spin 5 is only 14.9 mm thin, and weighs only 1.2 kg, while the Spin 3 is just 15.9 mm thin, and weighs only 1.4 kg.
Not only will they fit comfortably into any tote or laptop bag, you will have no problem carrying them in your hands for hours on end.
Ultra-Long Battery Life
Both 2021 Spin 5 and Spin 3 laptops have a long 15-hour battery life, based on the MobileMark 2014 test.
They also support fast charging technology, to keep you going wherever you are. A quick 30 minute charge will give you 4 hours of use!
2021 Acer Spin 3 : Specifications
Specifications
Acer Spin 3
(Core i7)
Acer Spin 3
(Core i5)
Model
SP313-51N-714D
SP313-51N-56CM
Display
13.3-inch IPS
touch display
2560 x 1600 pixels
Supports multi-touch and AES pen
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Processor
Intel Core i7-1165G7
Intel Core i5-1135G7
Graphics
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Memory
16 GB LPDDR4X
8 GB LPDDR4X
Storage
512 GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD
Wireless
Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX 1650i
Bluetooth 5.1
Ports
1 x HDMI 2.0 port with HDCP support
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (Type A)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (Type C)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (Type A)
1 x microSD card reader
1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack
Camera
Acer HD webcam (720p)
Stylus
Acer Active Stylus Pen
– 4096 pressure levels
– 2 configurable buttons
– up to 100 minutes battery life
Battery Life
Up to 15 hours
Warranty
2-year local warranty +
1st year international travellers warranty
Dimensions
302 mm wide
222.5 mm deep
15.9 mm thick
Weight
1.4 kg
2021 Acer Spin 5 : Specifications
Specifications
Acer Spin 5
(Core i7)
Acer Spin 5
(Core i5)
Model
SP513-55N-74VY
SP513-55N-53Q7
Display
13.5-inch IPS
touch display
2256 x 1504 pixels
Supports multi-touch and AES pen
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Processor
Intel Core i7-1165G7
Intel Core i5-1135G7
Graphics
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Memory
16 GB LPDDR4X
8 GB LPDDR4X
Storage
512 GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Wireless
Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX 1650i
Bluetooth 5.1
Ports
1 x HDMI 2.0 port with HDCP support
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (Type A)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (Type C)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (Type A)
1 x microSD card reader
1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack
Camera
Acer HD webcam (720p)
Stylus
Acer Active Stylus Pen
– 4096 pressure levels
– 2 configurable buttons
– up to 100 minutes battery life
Battery Life
Up to 15 hours
Warranty
2-year local warranty +
1st year international travellers warranty
Dimensions
300 mm wide
235 mm deep
14.9 mm thick
Weight
1.2 kg
2021 Acer Spin 3 + Spin 5 : Price + Availability
Both the 2021 Acer Spin 3 and Spin 5 convertible laptops are available with immediate effect at these price points :
Here are some great tips on how you can ramp up productivity with the 2021 HUAWEI MatePad Pro.
Don’t forget to SHARE these tips out!
2021 HUAWEI MatePad Pro Productivity Tips!
Today, we are going to share with you some great tips on how you can ramp up productivity with the 2021 HUAWEI MatePad Pro.
These tips are great not just for remote workers and content creators, but also students and other people working from home.
Please don’t forget to SHARE these tips with your friends!
Flagship Performance
The 2021 HUAWEI MatePad Pro is built around the Kirin 9000E, the world’s first 5nm 5G mobile SoC that has an 8-core CPU, with a 22-core GPU and two Neural Processing Units.
And it comes with 8 GB LPDDR4x memory and 256 GB built-in storage, with the option of adding an NM card for additional storage (up to 256 GB).
So right off the bat, you have all the processing power and memory capacity you need to get A LOT of work done right on the tablet.
Multi-Screen Collaboration
Hardware performance aside, one of the 2021 MatePad Pro’s key features is its multi-screen collaboration capability when used with a HUAWEI laptop like the MateBook X Pro.
Mirror Mode : Your laptop display is mirrored onto the MatePad Pro, which can now be used as a writing or sketching pad.
Whatever you write or draw on the MatePad Pro with the M-Pencil is instantly synced in real-time to the laptop screen.
Extend Mode : You can drag a task from your laptop to the MatePad Pro, turning it into a second monitor instantly.
For example, you can video conference on one display, while edit notes or check files on the other display. This makes the MatePad Pro a great “workmate” for your laptop!
Collaborate Mode : Using the collaborate mode, you can use the laptop keyboard and mouse on both the laptop and the MatePad Pro.
In addition, you can easily drag and drop files and texts between the laptop and the MatePad Pro!
Bottom Dock + Service Widgets
The 2021 HUAWEI MatePad Pro introduces a new Bottom Dock that not only displays frequently-used apps, but also recently-used apps.
In addition, it features new Service Widgets that can display real-time information, so you can quickly and conveniently access certain app features without launching those apps!
Those Service Widgets can be placed anywhere, and are fully customisable so you can personalise your tablet as you wish!
Make Full Use Of M-Pencil (2nd Generation)
The 2021 HUAWEI MatePad Pro comes with the 2nd Generation M-Pencil, which features a transparent tip design, platinum-coated nib, and a rounded hexagonal shape for a more comfortable grip.
It has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports tilt writing, with ultra-low latency of just 9 ms.
Make use of its support for HUAWEI FreeScript to transform your handwritten jotting into machine-encoded text in real time.
The new 2nd Generation M-Pencil also supports Double Tap to Switch tools, which is very convenient.
For example, if you make a mistake while writing or drawing, you can just double tap the M-Pencil to switch to the eraser mode.
Don’t forget its other built-in features like Instant Shape and Instant Table. All you need to do is just start drawing, pause and then let go – it will automatically give you the shape you want!
2021 HUAWEI MatePad Pro : Price + Freebie Tips!
The 2021 HUAWEI MatePad Pro is available for sale in Malaysia, in the Matte Grey colour.
It has an official launch price of RM 3,999 (about US$970 / £686 / A$1,253 / S$1,286). Here are online purchase options :
Dell just introduced the UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) for the new Work From Home normal!
Here is what you need to know about the new Dell WB7022 UltraSharp Webcam!
Dell UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) : All You Need To Know!
More than 18 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Work From Home (WFH) normal appears to be here to stay, at least for now.
To ensure that those who need to remotely work have the best possible video conferencing webcam, Dell just introduced the UltraSharp Webcam.
With nine patent-pending technologies, the Dell UltraSharp Webcam offers 4K image quality, built-in AI tracking and other video conferencing features.
4K Webcam With World’s Best Image Quality
Dell claims that the UltraSharp Webcam offers the world’s best image quality, courtesy of the large 4K Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor and the multi-element lens that captures more light to deliver “crystal-clear video”.
It supports frame rates of 24 and 30 fps at the full 4K UHD resolution. It also supports the higher 60 fps frame rate, at the lower 1080p and 720p resolutions.
It’s not just about the hardware. It’s also about the software embedded into the UltraSharp Webcam.
Its Digital Overlap HDR capability lets the Dell UltraSharp Webcam preserve true-to-life colours and balance exposure.
Meanwhile, its 2D/3D video noise reduction capability eliminates grainy images, making you look good even in low light conditions.
AI Auto-Framing
The Dell UltraSharp Webcam has AI Auto-Framing capability built-in. This feature uses Artificial Intelligence to keep you focused and centred in the frame.
You don’t have to manually adjust the webcam. It will track your movements and shift the frame to keep you centered, even if you stand up!
5X Digital Zoom + Three Fields of View
The Dell UltraSharp Webcam supports up to 5X digital zoom, as well as three fields of view – 65°, 78° and 90°.
This allows you to fit multiple people in the same conference call, or focus exclusively on you in a crowded place.
Smart Security Features
The Dell UltraSharp Webcam supports Windows Hello, allowing you to sign-in quickly and securely usual facial recognition.
It also has Dell ExpressSign-in capability built-in, allowing Dell PCs to detect your presence as you approach and automatically log you out when you step away, offering you an extra level of security.
Finally, it comes with a magnetic privacy cover that securely snaps onto the lens, or the back of the webcam.
Webcam Mounting Solutions
The Dell UltraSharp Webcam comes with two mounts in the box :
a magnetic mount
a tripod adaptor
The magnetic mount makes it easy to attach to the top of any desktop or laptop monitor, without obscuring the display.
And if you need to mount it on a tripod, simply slide the webcam off the magnetic mount and slide it into the tripod adaptor!
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Gaming influencer, Jaja zuber, just taught brands a valuable lesson in viral marketing through influencers.
Find out what happened, and what brands need to learn about hiring influencers…
Gaming Influencer Fail : Jaja zuber Playing PUBG PC?
Jaja zuber is, in her own words, a part-time actress and a full-time streamer. So she’s basically one of the thousands of game streamers who are trying to become the next PrestonPlayz or Pokimane.
She appears to be quite popular, with over 129,000 people following her Facebook page, where she streams her gameplay.
So it’s not surprising to see a tech brand partner with her. However, what they probably did not expect was the reaction to her photo, which came with this description :
I can play PUBG PC on Acer Nitro 5 at high fps without feeling lag and the cooling fan system that can activate CoolBoosts which further increases the speed for heavy usage. It is also fast for multitasking use.
Acer Nitro 5 is powered by 11th Gen Intel Coreᵀᴹ i7 processor. You can get this from Acer E-Store or official Acer certified stores on Shopee.
See if you can spot the mistakes she made in this photo, that has since gone viral!
At first glance, it looked like just another gaming influencer’s sponsored post. She is seen gaming on the laptop, to show her fans just how awesome the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop really is.
To be fair, we are kind of jealous she got her hands on the 2021 Acer Nitro 5. It looked like an awesome gaming laptop with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 series graphics!
However, Jaja zuber did not appear to take this sponsorship seriously, and screwed up this shot. Many gamers, including her fans, pointed out that :
She was not playing PUBG PC, as claimed. She was either using PUBG Mobile on emulator, or just using a YouTube video.
She was not using a mouse at all, so how could she even play PUBG? This is why some claimed she was “pretend playing” using a YouTube video.
She had her hands on the WASD keys and the arrow keys – both serving the same functions.
Her left hand was elevated uncomfortably over the WASD keys – no one games like that!
She initially called it the Spin 5 in the second paragraph, before correcting it to Nitro 5.
All those mistakes derailed the whole point of the sponsorship – to convey her sponsor’s message that the 2021 Acer Nitro 5 is a serious challenger to gaming laptops from other brands.
It garnered thousands of laughs and over 1.4K comments criticising the mistakes in the photo, and asking if she was using telepathy to aim the gun.
It didn’t help that the picture in the background showed a boy who looked like he was “not impressed” with her actions.
Gaming Influencer Fail : Jaja zuber Teaches A Valuable Lesson
Tech brands have long shifted emphasis from traditional media to the influencers, who boast a loyal fanbase. The idea is their fans will buy whatever it is that they are promoting.
However, not all gaming influencers are alike. Some influencers rely on their gaming skills, some rely on their personality or looks, while others focus on their commentating skills.
To be clear, Jaja zuber must be doing something right – she has 129,000 followers, so give her some credit for that. How many of us have even 1,000 followers?
And the saving grace is that her photo went viral, and is inspiring copycat troll posts like this. Like it or not, it is driving interest in the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop. Now, more people are aware of it.
However, brands need to look beyond the fanbase and consider the skills these influencers bring to the table.
Mobile vs PC
This may seem obvious, but why pick PUBG at all for this shot? After all, people can play PUBG Mobile on their smartphones too.
Gaming influencers who are being paid to promote a gaming laptop should really select a FPS game that is exclusively on PC.
There are so many out there – Valorant, DOOM Eternal, Borderlands 2, Overwatch, etc. which Jaja zuber could have used to ensure that she is targeting the right audience – PC gamers.
Influencers Need To Do Their Homework
It is obvious that Jaja zuber is not a techie, because she wrongly mentioned “CoolBoosts” in her sponsored post. It’s actually “CoolBoost”.
She also said that the 2021 Acer Nitro 5‘s cooling system activates CoolBoost to increase speed for heavy usage. It’s really the other way around – CoolBoost increases fan speed by 10% for 9% better CPU and GPU cooling.
It’s okay not to know tech stuff, but influencers should do their homework – all that is plainly stated in the official Acer Nitro 5 page!
After all, they are being paid for this project, or receiving the laptop as sponsorship.
I would posit that influencers gain fans because they come across as “authentic” and “approachable”. People feel influencers are “just like them”.
Brands probably believe that works better too, which is why they are pouring money into influencers instead of traditional media which may feel “standoffish”.
But how authentic can influencers be, if it turns out that the photo was make-belief, as the Jaja zuber photo obviously was?
So the lesson, I suppose, is for influencers to just be themselves, be authentic. There’s no need to fake the shot.
Don’t Censor Criticism
So a mistake was made. Just admit it and move on. Censoring your fans or trolls will only spur more blowback.
Again, be authentic. You are only human. You make mistakes like the rest of us.
Real Influence Or Just The Perception?
Brands are focused on the influencer industry because they have large fan bases. Marketing departments love it, because it is easier to “sell to the boss” or include in KPI reports.
But when it comes to the tech or gaming industry, does a large fan base really translate into sales?
Think about it for a minute. Just because you enjoy watching a gaming influencer play PUBG, are you really going to buy a gaming laptop just because she says it’s great?
People are not that “simple”. When it comes to large purchases that cost several months of minimum wage, they are going to want to know MORE, before they make the leap.
They are going to read up on these products, and ask their techie friends for opinions. They will not just going to buy something expensive just because a gaming influencer posts a picture and says it’s nice.
More so when the gaming influencer chose to highlight a game that can be played on any smartphone!
That’s why I believe that influencers are great at changing the perception of a brand, but poor at directly translating that into sales.
Brands that focus only on influencers will probably not see their sales needle move much.
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Name : Adrian Wong
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Acer just unveiled the Aspire Vero – their first sustainability-focused laptop based on their Earthion platform!
Find out what the Acer Aspire Vero offers, and what the Earthion platform is all about!
Acer Aspire Vero : The First Earthion Laptop!
The Acer Aspire Vero is the first sustainability-focused laptop based on their new Earthion platform.
That Acer Earthion platform is part of their pledge to achieve 100% renewable energy use by the year 2035, which they undertook when they joined the RE100 initiative.
The RE100 initiative is a global corporate renewable energy intuitive that is committed to achieve 100% renewable energy use. The Acer Group has already achieve 44% renewable energy use by 2020.
As the first product from the Acer Earthion platform, the Acer Aspire Vero reimagines what the computer manufacturing process of the future will look like.
Sustainability-Focused Design
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic is used throughout its chassis and keyboard caps. And the Aspire Vero ships in a box made from 80-85% recycled paper pulp, and plastic bagging is replaced by paper sleeves. Even the laptop bag is made with 100% industrial recycled plastic!
The emphasis on sustainability is carried over in the design language too. All graphics on the shipping box are printed with soy ink, and the notebook itself has no paint on its chassis, reducing its impact on the environment. The laptop is also held together by easily-accessible, standardised screws for easier disassembly.
11th Gen Intel Core Performance
The Acer Aspire Vero is powered by the latest 11th Gen Intel Core processor with Iris Xe graphics, with up to 1 TB of M.2 SSD storage.
It boasts Intel Wi-Fi 6 wireless connectivity, a USB Type C port, two USB 3.2 ports and a HDMI 2.0 port for video out.
Acer Aspire Vero (Earthion) : Specifications
Here are the specifications of the Aspire Vero – Acer’s first Earthion laptop :
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
HONOR just launched two new MagicBook X 15 laptop models. Let’s take a closer look and see what they really offer!
HONOR MagicBook X 15 : What You Need To Know!
Together with the HONOR 50 and HONOR 50 Pro smartphones, HONOR also launched two new MagicBook X 15 laptop models.
These basic laptops are part of the HUAWEI 1+8+N strategy, back when HONOR was a HUAWEI subsidiary.
And these two models appear to be a legacy of their HUAWEI heritage. We will show you why we say that…
Legacy Of HUAWEI Ban Persists
Despite being new models, the HONOR MagicBook X 15 are still powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core processors from 2019.
This appears to be a legacy of their HUAWEI heritage – HUAWEI was banned from purchasing new processors from Intel since September 2020.
They had already stocked up many processors in advanced of the ban, but can no longer purchase newer Intel processors.
The new HONOR, which was sold to Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology, is no longer affected by this ban. But it looks like they were not able to source for the latest Intel processors in time.
Performance
There are two HONOR MagicBook X 15 models, based on their processor and storage configurations :
10th Gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB storage
10th Gen Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage
HONOR claims that they come with a Supersized Shark Fin 2.0 Fan with up to 38% higher air intake, for better cooling performance.
They use DDR4 memory and come with a PCIe NVMe SSD, but that’s standard for laptops these days.
Display
The HONOR MagicBook X 15 comes with a large 15.6-inch display, with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Thanks to its narrow 5.3 mm bezels on the left and right side, this display offers a 87% screen-to-body ratio.
Battery Life
The 2021 MagicBook X 15 models come with a 42 Wh battery, which HONOR says will deliver just over 7.5 hours of 1080p video playback or just over 7 hours of web browsing.
They will come with a new compact 65 watt fast charger that weighs just 200 grams. It can recharge the battery to 53% in just 30 minutes.
Other Features
Despite its low cost, it boasts an aluminium alloy body, which allows for a thinner profile and a lighter weight at just 1.56 kg.
It also comes with a fingerprint sensor built into the power button, that lets you quickly log into Windows.
Finally, it supports Multi-Screen Collaboration – another legacy of its HUAWEI heritage.
HONOR MagicBook X 15 : Price + Deal
The HONOR MagicBook X 15 is available in Malaysia starting 19 June 2021, at these price points :
Qualcomm just announced the Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows 10, build in collaboration with… of course, Microsoft!
Here is what you need to know about the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Dev Kit for Windows 10!
Qualcomm Snapdragon Dev Kit for Windows 10 : First Look!
The path to the Qualcomm Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows 10 started in September 2020 when Microsoft announced the expansion of their App Assure Program to Windows 10 PCs powered by Snapdragon compute platforms.
Microsoft also optimised Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Teams and Visual Studio Code for the Snapdragon compute platforms.
Then December 2020 saw the introduction of x64 emulation preview for Windows 10 PCs, to the Windows Insider Program.
Qualcomm and Microsoft will share more about this new Snapdragon dev kit at the Build 2021 session. But here is a first look at the developer kit!
Qualcomm Snapdragon Dev Kit for Windows 10 : Availability
The Qualcomm Snapdragon developer kit for Windows 10 will be available for sale at The Microsoft Store in Summer 2021!
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Qualcomm just introduced the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 – a new compute platform for entry-level laptops!
Here is what you need to know about the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2!
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 For Entry-Level Laptops!
On 24 May 2021, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. launched their Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 – their second-generation entry-level compute platform!
This new computer platform will allow brands to introduce always-on, always-connected Windows PCs and Chromebooks with enhanced camera and audio capabilities, integrated LTE connectivity, AI acceleration and more!
Always On, Always Connected!
Devices powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 are Always On, Always Connected, just like your smartphone.
Its power-efficiency allows the device to stay in connected standby mode for weeks, keeping you connected whether for work, school or entertainment.
Improved Performance
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 delivers up to 10% faster system performance over “most competing platforms”, with up to twice the battery life of those platforms – up to 19 or more hours of continuous use!
Built-In Artificial Intelligence
The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 comes with the fifth-generation Qualcomm AI Engine built-in, to accelerate security applications and more accurate voice recognition, amongst other uses.
Enhanced Camera + Audio
This new Qualcomm compute platform is also designed to enhance camera and audio quality, with virtual surround sound, echo cancellation and noise suppression.
Enterprise-Grade Security
Windows devices powered by this new compute platform are Microsoft Secured-Core PCs, with support for Windows 10 Hypervisor.
Its always connected LTE capability also allows faster manageability for IT administrators managing enterprise and education laptops.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 : Key Specifications
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen features eight Kryo 468 CPU cores, running at up to 2.55 GHz; with support for two LPDDR4x memory channels (up to 2133 MHz).
It comes with the Qualcomm Spectra 255 image signal processor, the Qualcomm Hexagon 692 DSP, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon X15 LTE modem built-in.
It supports 4G LTE, as well as 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 : Availability
Devices based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 are expected to be commercially available this summer 2021.
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GIGABYTE scrambled to issue an apology, after they were boycotted over their claims of “low quality” manufacturing in China!
Find out what’s going on between GIGABYTE and China!
GIGABYTE Trips Over Claims Of Low Quality Manufacturing In China!
This brouhaha started over the GIGABYTE’s claim that they choose to avoid “low cost” and “low quality” manufacturing in China, manufacturing their laptops instead in Taiwan.
Here is our English translation of what GIGABYTE posted :
MIT
Made In Taiwan Demanding High Quality
Strict quality control is assured by adhering to Taiwanese manufacturing. Unlike other brands that opt for low cost and low quality OEM manufacturing in China, GIGABYTE is committed to creating outstanding and powerful components and laptops.
As a local Taiwanese manufacturer of components and laptops, we guarantee that 90% of our laptops are made in Taiwan, assuring you of high quality control and high quality products.
China Boycotts GIGABYTE Over Low Quality Claims!
Once Chinese netizens discovered what GIGABYTE posted, their outrage was soon made manifest.
On 11 May 2021, the Communist Youth League of China responded with this short message on Weibo – “GIGABYTE, who gave you the courage to say this?”
They also highlighted the part that said, “Unlike other brands that opt for low cost, low quality OEM manufacturing in China…”
Chinese e-commerce companies – JD, Tmall and Suning – swiftly removed all GIGABYTE products from their platforms.
GIGABYTE Quickly Issues Apology
The official Weibo account of AORUS GIGABYTE E-Sports quickly issued a statement of apology, stating :
A few days ago, parts of the text published on our official website are seriously inconsistent with the facts. This was a result of poor internal management of our company.
We sincerely apologise for the discomfort caused to you. At the same time, we also thank gamers and consumers for their attention to our company.
GIGABYTE’s product business includes boards, laptops, computer peripherals, accessories, etc, with production lines all over mainland China, and its production capacity accounts for more than 90%. GIGABYTE is proud of the quality of Chinese production. Chinese production have helped GIGABYTE in creating excellent products and high-quality experiences for customers around the world. The product quality has withstood the test of the market and consumers for many years.
GIGABYTE has been operating in mainland China for more than 20 years, and will conduct a thorough review of the inappropriate remarks and carry out corrective actions to comply with national principles. GIGABYTE will strengthen internal management and training to ensure that all employees are aware of the problem and pay attention to it.
GIGABYTE Technology
11 May 2021
We are not sure if the Chinese authorities would consider this post an official apology, as it was posted by AORUS GIGABYTE E-Sports, which belongs to Ningbo Zhongjia Technology and Trade Co. Ltd. – a subsidiary of Taiwan Gigabyte Technology Co. Ltd.
Officially, GIGABYTE Technology hasn’t issued any statement.
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The newly-refreshed 2021 HUAWEI MateBook D 14 has these key specifications
Specifications
HUAWEI MateBook D14
Display
14-inch FullView Display
– 1920 x 1080 pixels, 157 ppi
– 250 nits max. brightness
– 84% screen-to-body-ratio
– 45% NTSC colour gamut
– 800:1 contrast ratio
OS
Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Processor
Intel Core i5-10210U
Memory
8 GB / 16 GB DDR4-3200
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics
Storage
256 GB / 512 GB PCIe SSD
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6, 2×2 MIMO
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.1
Fingerprint Sensor
Yes, integrated into Power button
Ports
1 x USB Type C
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
1 x USB 2.0 Type A
1 x HDMI 1.4b
1 x 3.5 mm audio port
Webcam
720p recessed camera
Speakers
2 x 2 watt speaker
Battery
42 Whr
Power Adaptor
65 W USB-C power adaptor
Dimensions
322.5 mm wide
214.8 mm deep
15.9 mm thick
Weight
1.38 kg
2021 HUAWEI MateBook D 14 : Key Features
Let’s take a look at its key features…
14-inch FullView Display
The 2021 HUAWEI MateBook D 14 comes with a 14-inch FullView Display, with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
This is not a particularly bright display, with a maximum brightness of just 250 nits; and it only has a colour gamut of 45% NTSC.
But it is large, with narrow bezels that give it an 84% screen-to-body ratio – hence the name, FullView Display.
Performance
It is powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U with integrated Intel UHD Graphics.
It comes with either 8 GB or 16 GB of DDR4-3200 memory, and a fast PCIe NVMe SSD with 256 GB or 512 GB of storage.
Battery + Charging
All that is powered by a decent 42 Whr battery, paired with a compact 65 watt USB Type C fast charger.
The charger can be used to charge other USB Type C devices, and supports HUAWEI SuperCharge for certain HUAWEI smartphones.
Connectivity + Ports
The 2021 HUAWEI MateBook D 14 has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity built-in.
On the left side, you will find a single USB Type C port, with a USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A port and a HDMI 1.4b port.
The HDMI 1.4b port can handle up to 4K displays, but only at up to 24 fps. To display at 4K @ 50 fps / 60 fps, you need HDMI 2.0.
On the right side, you will find a 3.5 mm audio port, and a single USB 2.0 Type A port.
We have to wonder though – why stick with super-old USB 2.0, instead of the much faster USB 3.0 port?
Keyboard + Touchpad
The 2021 MateBook D 14 comes with a full-sized, ten-keyless keyboard, and a large touchpad.
Pop-Up Camera
Like the MateBook X Pro we reviewed, the 2021 MateBook D 14 comes with a pop-up camera, hidden under a special camera key on the keyboard.
It pops up when you press on it, and pressing it again hides it. This is a great security measure because the camera is physically blocked until you actually need to use it – no hacker will be able to surreptitiously use it to take your photos or videos!
There is only one problem with such a design – it takes photos and videos at an unflattering upward angle. You will also always appear to look upwards on video conferences, and videos that you record.
HUAWEI Share Multi-Screen Collaboration
The 2021 MateBook D 14 supports HUAWEI Share for multi-screen collaboration.
It basically lets you connect your smartphone, and use it directly on the MateBook D 15!
You can control the apps and files on your phone directly on the laptop, even drag and drop files!
The only downside? It is limited to HUAWEI and HONOR smartphones with NFC.
HUAWEI MeeTime
The 2021 MateBook D 14 also supports HUAWEI MeeTime, which is their version of Apple FaceTime – a free, proprietary video call service.
It offers some advantages over its competitors – FaceTime, WhatsApp, etc. but can only be used by HUAWEI devices.
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In their 2021 refresh, HUAWEI is offering the MateBook D 15 in two variants – the 11th Gen Edition, and the 10th Gen Edition.
As you can pretty much surmise, they are basically the same laptop, just powered by either the 11th Gen Core i5 processor, or the older 10th Gen Core i5 processor.
To make it easier for you to compare them, we created this table comparing their key specifications :
Specifications
HUAWEI MateBook D15
11th Gen Edition
10th Gen Edition
Display
15.6-inch FullView Display
– 1920 x 1080 pixels, 141 ppi
– 250 nits max. brightness
– 87% screen-to-body-ratio
– 45% NTSC colour gamut
– 800:1 contrast ratio
OS
Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Processor
Intel Core i5-1135G7
Intel Core i5-10210U
Memory
8 GB / 16 GB DDR4
8 GB DDR4
Graphics
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce MX250
Intel UHD Graphics
Storage
512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6, 2×2 MIMO
Wi-Fi 5, 2×2 MIMO
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.1
Bluetooth 5.0
Fingerprint Sensor
Yes, integrated into Power button
Ports
1 x USB Type C
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
2 x USB 2.0 Type A
1 x HDMI 1.4b
1 x 3.5 mm audio port
Webcam
720p recessed camera
Speakers
2 x 2 watt speaker
Battery
42 Whr
Power Adaptor
65 W USB-C power adaptor
Dimensions
357.8 mm wide
229.9 mm deep
16.9 mm thick
Weight
1.56 kg
2021 HUAWEI MateBook D 15 Laptops : Key Features
Let’s take a look at their key features…
15.6-inch FullView Display
The 2021 HUAWEI MateBook D 15 comes with a large 15.6-inch FullView Display, with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
This is not a particularly bright display, with a maximum brightness of just 250 nits; and it only has a colour gamut of 45% NTSC.
But it is large, with narrow bezels that give it an 87% screen-to-body ratio – hence the name, FullView Display.
Performance
HUAWEI offers two variants, with different CPU + GPU options :
11th Gen Edition : Intel Core i5-1135G7 with Intel Xe Graphics
10th Gen Edition : Intel Core i5-10210U with NVIDIA GeForce MX250
They both come with fast DDR4 memory, and a fast PCIe NVMe SSD with 512 GB of storage.
Battery + Charging
All that is powered by a decent 42 Whr battery, paired with a compact 65 watt USB Type C fast charger.
The charger can be used to charge other USB Type C devices, and supports HUAWEI SuperCharge for certain HUAWEI smartphones.
Connectivity
The 11th Gen Edition supports faster Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, while the 10th Gen Edition supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
Ports
On the left side, you will find a single USB Type C port, with a USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A port and a HDMI 1.4b port.
In case you are wondering, the HDMI 1.4b port can handle up to 4K displays, but only at up to 24 fps. To display at 4K @ 50 fps / 60 fps, you need HDMI 2.0.
On the right side, you will find a 3.5 mm audio port, as well as two USB 2.0 Type A ports.
We have to wonder though – why stick with super-old USB 2.0, instead of the much faster USB 3.0 ports?
Keyboard + Touchpad
The 2021 MateBook D 15 comes with a full-sized, ten-keyless keyboard, and a large touchpad.
Pop-Up Camera
Like the MateBook X Pro we reviewed, the 2021 MateBook D 15 comes with a pop-up camera, hidden under a special camera key on the keyboard.
It pops up when you press on it, and pressing it again hides it. This is a great security measure because the camera is physically blocked until you actually need to use it – no hacker will be able to surreptitiously use it to take your photos or videos!
There is only one problem with such a design – it takes photos and videos at an unflattering upward angle. You will also always appear to look upwards on video conferences, and videos that you record.
HUAWEI Share Multi-Screen Collaboration
The 2021 MateBook D 15 supports HUAWEI Share for multi-screen collaboration.
It basically lets you connect your smartphone, and use it directly on the MateBook D 15!
You can control the apps and files on your phone directly on the laptop, even drag and drop files!
The only downside? It is limited to HUAWEI and HONOR smartphones with NFC.
HUAWEI MeeTime
The 2021 MateBook D 15 also supports HUAWEI MeeTime, which is their version of Apple FaceTime – a free, proprietary video call service.
It offers some advantages over its competitors – FaceTime, WhatsApp, etc. but can only be used by HUAWEI devices.
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Acer just introduced the Nitro QG241YP gaming monitor, which boasts a 165 Hz refresh rate with HDR10 support!
Here is what you need to know about the new Acer Nitro QG241Y gaming monitor!
Acer Nitro QG241YP : 165 Hz Gaming Monitor
The Acer Nitro QG241YP is a 23.8-inch gaming monitor, with a VA panel that supports up to 165 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms VRB response time.
It also features AMD FreeSync Premium technology for smooth, tear-free gaming; and HDR10 with Black Boost technology for greater immersion.
In addition, it comes with ComfyView, BlueLightShield and Low Dimming technologies to help reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions.
The Nitro QG241YP has wide vertical and horizontal viewing angles, but can be tilted for a better viewing angle, or attached to monitor arms using its VEGA mount.
Acer Nitro QG241YP : Specifications
Specifications
Acer Nitro QG241YP
Display Size
23.8-inch
Panel Type
VA
Max. Resolution
+ Refresh Rate
HDMI : 1920 x 1080 @ 144 Hz
DP : 1920 x 1080 @ 165 Hz
Response Time
1 ms VRB
Contrast Ratio
100 million : 1 max (ACM)
Max. Brightness
250 nits (cd/m²)
HDR Support
HDR10
Adaptive Sync
AMD FreeSync Premium
Viewing Angle
178° horizontal, 178° vertical
Max. Colours
16.7 million (8-bit)
Colour Gamut
72% NTSC
Input Ports
1 x HDMI 2.0
1 x HDMI 1.4
1 x DisplayPort
VESA Mount
Yes, 100 x 100 mm
Speaker
Optional (2 watt x 2)
Adjustments
Tilt : -5° to 20°
Power
Consumption
Off : 0.4 W
Sleep : 0.5 W
On : 20 W
Acer Nitro QG241YP : Price + Launch Deal!
The Nitro QG241YP will retail for just RM 749 (about US$181 / £132 / A$237 / S$243), but Acer is offering it at just RM 699 for two days!
You can get this awesome deal even lower at just RM 653!
Here are purchase options in other countries (prices as of 14 April 2021) :
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You may not know this, but HUAWEI just launched the MateStation S, which is just great for the new WFH normal!
Find out what the HUAWEI MateStation S offers, and why it is perfect for WFH!
HUAWEI MateStation S : Why It’s Perfect For WFH!
The HUAWEI MateStation S is their first-ever desktop PC, and is designed for the new WFH (Work From Home) normal.
What do we mean by that? Desktop computers are known for offering excellent performance, but are usually bulky, expensive and lack wireless connectivity.
The HUAWEI MateStation S changes that by offering desktop performance in a small package, with wireless connectivity and smart sharing capabilities.
In other words, you don’t have to worry about wires, space or battery life. Just plunk it anywhere at home, and you can start working!
Meanwhile, the HUAWEI AX3 Dual Core router with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi Mesh capability is also coming soon, at just RM 199!
Super Compact!
The HUAWEI MateStation S is super compact. At 9 cm wide and 29 cm tall, with a cubic volume of just 8.6 litres, it is just a third of a standard PC case!
With a stylish star trail design, you can place it on your desk, under it, or even on a nearby bookshelf!
6-Core Powerful Performance!
The HUAWEI MateStation S is powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 4600G, a 7 nm processor with 6 cores for excellent multi-tasking performance.
It also comes with integrated 7-core Radeon Graphics, dual-channel memory, and a PCIe x4 NVMe SSD, which delivers ultra-quick start up and response times thanks to its 32 Gbps throughput.
Users have the option to add extra SSD / HDD and even RAM, if they wish to upgrade it after purchase. It comes with two M.2 2280 slots.
23.8-inch FullView Monitor!
It comes with a 23.8-inch FullView monitor, with ultra thin bezels that delivers a 90% screen-to-body ratio.
To ensure eye comfort during long hours of use, the monitor is flicker-free and TÜV Rheinland-certified for low blue light emissions.
Ultra-Quiet Cooling System
To ensure minimal noise impact on your home environment, the MateStation S comes with an ultra-quiet cooling system.
The fan features vertical blades, and works in tandem with a “high-density bionic heat sink” to deliver superior cooling performance at low noise levels.
The fan usually has a noise level of only 22 dB. Even at full throttle, it maxes out at 28 dB, so it won’t disturb anyone sleeping nearby.
Integrated Wireless Connectivity!
Unlike many desktops, the HUAWEI MateStation S offers the wireless connectivity of a laptop.
It comes with WiFi-AC – 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band with 2×2 MIMO – and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity built-in.
So you can easily connect to the Internet and other devices, without worrying about cables!
But in case you need LAN connectivity, it also comes with an RJ45 Ethernet port!
Smart Connectivity!
The HUAWEI MateStation S supports improved HUAWEI Share capability, allowing you to easily share files, images and even text between two devices using drag-and-drop or a simple tap.
You can also connect your smartphone and open three mobile app windows on the large display at once. This allows you to handle multiple tasks on one display, improving your productivity.
For instance, you can attend a video call on one mobile app screen, and take notes on a second screen, while chatting with colleagues on a third screen.
Loads Of Ports!
The HUAWEI MateStation S offers loads of ports – something laptops lack, and many users desperately need.
In The Front
3.5 mm audio jack
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type A) port
USB 2.0 (Type C) port
We should point out that this USB Type C port in the front supports 18 watt fast charging for your smartphone, so you can plug it in to charge while using the MateStation S!
In The Back
Audio input port
Audio output port
Microphone input port
HDMI port
VGA port
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type A) ports
2 x USB 2.0 (Type A) ports
RJ45 Ethernet port
Serial port
The HDMI port connects to any monitor or TV, while the VGA and serial ports offer backward compatibility with many commercial and industrial devices, like projectors and bar code scanners.
Smart Keyboard!
The HUAWEI MateStation S comes with a HUAWEI Wired Keyboard with a built-in fingerprint sensor.
This makes it the world’s first desktop to feature a fingerprint power on and unlock capability! A single touch is all it needs to power on and log-in.
This is a full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad, and a scissor key mechanism that offers 2.5 mm key travel.
Each key measures 16.05 x 6.05 mm, offering a comfortable touch type experience with tactile feedback.
HUAWEI MateStation S : Price + Availability
The HUAWEI MateStation S is available for sale with immediate effect at these launch prices :
Desktop + Keyboard : RM 2,488
Desktop + Monitor + Keyboard : RM 2,999
Every purchase of the full bundle (including monitor) will receive FREE GIFTS worth up to RM 855* upon purchase.
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HP just launched their first virtual showroom in six countries across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia!
HP Launches Virtual Showroom In Southeast Asia!
On 9 March 2021, HP officially launched their HP virtual showroom in six countries across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia!
HP created their virtual showroom in collaboration with Intel and Lazada, touring their latest PC and print innovations to customers in the comfort of their homes.
The HP virtual showroom offers HP virtual showroom, each with a 360-degree view of multimedia content, including animation and videos. This lets customers get as close to real life as possible.
The experience begins with a wide-frame scene of a lifestyle apartment building set in the city as lights from the windows illuminate the night. You can explore this virtual world whenever you want, and wherever you are.
HP Virtual Showroom Highlights
Here is a section of highlights in the new HP virtual showroom :
For Gamers
OMEN 30L Desktop PC with a powerful processor and graphics, and a large front fan to keep it cool
HP X24c Gaming Monitor, with ultra-wide viewing angles, and smooth, a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync technology
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The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT is here, and it only costs $479… if you can find one!
Here is what you need to know about the new 1440p gaming card from AMD!
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT : Official Launch Briefing!
AMD is targeting the Radeon RX 6700 XT at 1440p gamers, with its 40 enhanced Compute Units and 12 GB GDDR6 memory.
Let’s start with the official launch briefing by Scott Herkelman, Corporate Vice President & General Manager at the AMD Graphics Business Unit.
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT : Key Features
The AMD Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards are built on the new RDNA 2 architecture, which features an enhanced Compute Unit, a new visual pipeline with Ray Accelerators, and the new AMD Infinity Cache.
The Ryzen 5000 processor is given greater access to its GDDR6 graphics memory, providing up to 13% better performance when combined with the new Rage Mode one-click overclocking setting.
They will support the next-generation games with greater realism through DirectX Raytracing (DXR) and Variable Rate Shading.
New Ray Accelerator
Every RDNA 2 computer unit has a new fixed-function Ray Accelerator engine to deliver real-time lighting, shadow and refection realism through DirectX Raytracing (DXR).
It can be paired with AMD FidelityFX to enable hybrid rendering, offering a combination of rasterised and ray-traced effects for a blend of better image quality and higher performance.
Variable Rate Shading (VRS)
Variable Rate Shading dynamically reduces the shading rate for areas of the frame that do not require a high level of visual quality, improving performance at little to no perceptible loss in image quality.
Microsoft DirectStorage Support
They will support the future DirectStorage API for faster load times, and high-quality textures.
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT : Specifications
The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT headlines the Radeon RX 6000 series :
Here is a table comparing their key specifications :
Specifications
RX
6900 XT
RX
6800 XT
RX
6800
RX 6700
XT
Transistors
26.8 billion
NA
Fab Process
7 nm
TGP
300 W
250 W
230 W
Compute Units
80
72
60
40
Ray Accelerators
80
72
60
40
Stream Processors
5120
4608
3840
2560
Game Clock
2015 MHz
2015 MHz
1815 MHz
2424 MHz
Boost Clock
2250 MHz
2250 MHz
2105 MHz
2581 MHz
TFLOPS
23.04
20.74
16.17
13.21
TMUs
320
288
240
192
Max. Texture Rate
720 GT/s
648 GT/s
505 GT/s
495 GT/s
ROPs
128
96
64
Max. Pixel Rate
288 GP/s
202 GP/s
165 GP/s
Infinity Cache
128 MB
Graphics
Memory
16 GB GDDR6
12 GB GDDR6
Bus Width
256-bit
192-bit
Bandwidth
512 GB/s
384 GB/s
PCIe Interface
PCIe 4.0 x16
PCIe Power
2 x 8-pin
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT : Performance
AMD shared these performance charts to demonstrate its gaming performance at the 1440p resolution, beating the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti.
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT : Price + Availability
At launch, the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT has a SEP (Suggested E-tail Price) of US$479, which is approximately £343 / A$614 / S$638 / RM1,940.
The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT will be available from AMD board partners like ASRock, ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI, PowerColor, Sapphire and XFX starting 18 March 2021.
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Lenovo just introduced four 2021 YOGA laptop models – Yoga 6 AMD, Yoga Slim 9i, Yoga 9i and Yoga Slim 7i Carbon.
Confused? Hear from Lenovo themselves, and we will give you a quick run down of all four models!
2021 Lenovo YOGA Laptop Models Revealed!
The Yoga is Lenovo’s top-of-the-line consumer sub-brand, and is designed to offer refined craftsmanship and stunning design, for “consumers with sophisticated taste”.
Lenovo Yoga 6 AMD
The 2021 Lenovo Yoga 6 AMD is their first-generation consumer convertible laptop, that uses a hybrid design of metal and soft-touch materials wrapped in blue fabric.
This 13.3-inch, 2-in-1 convertible laptop features an AMD Ryzen 4000 series mobile processor with optional AMD Radeon graphics, with up to 16 GB of DDR4 memory an 1 TB of SSD storage.
It comes with a Full HD touch screen display, with narrow bezels and a backlit keyboard. It also comes with front facing stereo speakers that support Dolby Atmos.
Weighing only 1.32 kg, the Yoga 6 AMD offers up to 18 hours of battery life with a 60 Whr battery.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i
The 2021 Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i offers an exquisite Shadow Black genuine leather cover bonded to an aluminium chassis for a better feel and greater durability.
Built around the 11th Gen Intel Core processors, with Intel Xe Graphics, this 14-inch laptop is just 13.9 mm thick, and weighs just 1.29 kg.
Lenovo also offers a more powerful 15-inch option, powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core i9 HK-series mobile processor, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti with Max-Q Design graphics.
Both models offer up to 16 GB of LPDDR4X memory and up to 2 TB of PCIe SSD storage, with three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Lenovo Yoga 9i
The 2021 Lenovo Yoga 9i offers an exquisite Shadow Black genuine leather cover bonded to an aluminium chassis, as well as an all-metal Mica option.
They both come with an edge-to-edge Glass Palm Rest with an encased Smart Sensor Touchpad with haptic feedback.
Built around the 11th Gen Intel Core processors, with Intel Xe Graphics, this 14-inch convertible laptop features thermal venting holes under the keyboard to lower its temperature by two degrees Celsius compared to the previous generation.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is an ultra-light 13.3-inch laptop, with a 16:10 display and a thickness of just 14.25 mm and a weight of just 966 grams.
This is an Intel Evo-certified laptop, with a stunning Moon White finish, and a chassis made from carbon fibre with an anti-fingerprint finish.
2021 Lenovo YOGA Models : Price + Availability
All four 2021 Lenovo Yoga laptop models are available for purchase, with immediate effect, at these starting prices :
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HP just revealed the 2021 HP OMEN 25L gaming desktop, powered by AMD and NVIDIA! Here are the details…
2021 HP OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop Revealed!
The 2021 HP OMEN 25L gaming desktop packages the latest AMD Ryzen processors and NVIDIA GeForce graphics in a slim, minimalistic design that will fit right into any modern home.
On top of using branded gaming components, it is also designed to be easily upgradable, and software-customisable via the OMEN Command Center.
Performance
The 2021 HP OMEN 25L gaming desktop is built around the 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen 9 or Ryzen 7 processor, paired with up to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti graphics card.
All that is kept cool by Cooler Master cooling solutions – you can opt for a 92 mm round air cooler, or a 120 mm liquid cooled radiator.
It also features redesigned elevating 15 mm legs, and a new raised graphics slot, to improve system air intake.
Memory + Storage
HP offers up to 32 GB (64 GB in some countries) of Intel XMP-certified HyperX DDR4 memory, with and without RGB lighting.
You can equip it with up to a 2 TB WD Black PCIe TLC SSD, with up to two additional 2 TB hard disk drives for maximum storage capacity.
Connectivity
The HP OMEN 25L comes with both Gigabit LAN wired connectivity, as well as WiFi-6 wireless connectivity through its built-in AX 2×2 card.
DTS Headphone: X Technology
The HP OMEN 25L supports DTS Headphone: X technology, which gives you spatially-accurate 3D sound through any headphones or earbuds.
Micro-ATX Upgradability
The galvanised steel chassis is designed to offer easy tool-less access, and easy cable management. It also lets you easily upgrade the OMEN 25L with aftermarket parts.
2021 HP OMEN 25L : Specifications + Configuration Options
The 2021 HP OMEN 25L gaming desktop comes with these configuration options :
Specifications
HP OMEN 25L
Colour
Shadow Black
Design Options
Glass Side Cover (optional dust filter)
Metal Side Cover (optional dust filter)
OS Options
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
Microsoft Windows 10 Home
FreeDOS 3.0
CPU Options
AMD Ryzen 9 3900
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Chipset
AMD B450
RAM Options
Up to 32 GB HyperX DDR4 RGB
Lighting
Up to 32 GB HyperX DDR4
GPU Options
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER
Storage Options
Up to 2 TB WD Black PCIe SSD
Up to 2 x 2 TB 7200 RPM HDD
Audio
DTS Headphone:X support
Networking
AX WiFi-6 and Bluetooth 5.1 combo
Gigabit LAN Ethernet
Top I/O Ports
2 x USB 3.0 Type A
1 x audio combo jack
Rear I/O Ports
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type A
2 x USB 3.0 Type A
3 x audio ports
1 x RJ45 LAN port
Power Supply
500 Watt ATX power supply
Security
Kensington Security Lock Slot
Dimensions
165.1 mm wide
394.5 mm deep
433.1 mm tall
Weight
11.5 kg
2021 HP OMEN 25L : Price + Availability
The new HP OMEN 25L desktop has a starting price of RM 6,899 (about US$1,707 / £1,205 / A$2,154 / S$2,252).
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Exclusive on Tech ARP – the first look at the 2021 MacBook Pro ports, including a brand new MagSafe 3 port and an SD card slot!
Here is the first ever look at the MagSafe 3 connector, the SD card slot, and other ports that will ship with the 2021 MacBook Pro!
First Look : 2021 MacBook Pro MagSafe 3 + SD Card Slot!
Apple fans who miss the MagSafe port and the SD card reader in their MacBook laptops will have something to cheer for this year!
Apple will not only introduce a new MagSafe 3 connector in the upcoming 2021 MacBook Pro, they will also bring back the SD card slot!
New Apple MagSafe 3 Connector!
The new MagSafe 3 connector is bidirectional and has 5 pins, and will lock and detach magnetically like the previous two generations.
The MagSafe 3 connector is not compatible with older MacBook computers, and has a pill-shaped design with a thinner profile.
The MagSafe 3 port is located on the left side of the 2021 MBP, next to two Thunderbolt 3 (USB4) ports, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.
Ports on the left side of the 2021 Apple MBP | Copyright : Tech ARP (www.techarp.com)
Return Of The SD Card Reader!
We are also glad to report that Apple will (finally) bring back the SD card reader that many photographers LOVED, and bemoaned when Phil Schiller killed it in 2016.
Now that Schiller is out of Apple, it looks like it’s been resurrected for the 2021 MacBook Pro. Utility finally trumped cumbersome!
The SD card reader is located on the right side, together with a third Thunderbolt 3 (USB4) port and a HDMI 2.0 port.
Ports on the right side of the 2021 Apple MBP | Copyright : Tech ARP (www.techarp.com)
2021 Apple MacBook Pro : What Else Is New?
So what else is new in the 2021 MacBook Pro, other than MagSafe 3 and the resurrected SD card reader?
14-inch + 16-inch Models
There will be two 2021 MacBook Pro models – with 14-inch and 16-inch displays.
Apple M1X SoC
There will no longer be Intel CPU options, only the Apple M1X SoC.
Nothing much is known about the Apple M1X, other than it is a more powerful version of the M1 that has stunned many with its performance.
But rumours have it that it will have 12 processor cores, split into two performance clusters :
P Cluster (Performance) : 8 x Firestorm (?) cores
E Cluster (Efficient) : 4 x Icestorm (?) cores
It will have a more powerful GPU than Apple M1‘s 8-core GPU.
Memory
The Apple M1X will use the same unified memory design as the M1, built directly onto the package for near-instantaneous access.
However, it will offer larger memory options – 24 GB and 32 GB are possible – in addition to 16 GB currently available with the M1.
External Display Support
A big limitation of the Apple M1 is its support for just one external display of up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz.
The 2021 MacBook Pro will support at least two external displays, if not more, via its Thunderbolt 3 and HDMI ports.
OLED Touch Bar Gone!
Good riddance to the pointless OLED Touch Bar. That’s gone for the 2021 MacBook Pro models.
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The Dell XPS 13 (9300) features their first-ever InfinityEdge display, with Gorilla Glass 6 protection!
Here is our hands-on preview of this magnificent ultra-light XPS 13 laptop!
Dell XPS 13 (9300) : Featuring The InfinityEdge Display
The Dell XPS 13 (9300) continues the evolution of the XPS 13 line, with an ultra-light chassis built from machined aluminium and woven glass fibre, with Gorilla Glass 6 protection.
With the first-ever InfinityEdge display, the XPS 13 (9300) offers a 13.4-inch display in an 11-inch form factor, that fits neatly on an airplane’s seat tray.
Unboxing The Dell XPS 13 (9300) Laptop
The Dell XPS 13 (9300) comes in a premium white cardboard box. Once you fully unbox it, you will find these items :
Dell XPS 13 (9300) laptop
Dell USB Type C to USB Type A dongle
45 watt charger with integrated USB Type C cable
Power cord with localised plug
XPS 13 9300 Quick Start Guide + Safety and Regulatory Information
Dell XPS 13 (9300) : Hands-On Preview
This Dell XPS 13 (9300) is an eminently thin and light laptop. It offers a 13.4-inch display in an 11-inch form factor that weighs only 1.27 kg, and is less than 15 mm thick.
It easily fits into the smallest laptop bag, and even a large handbag. And when you can fly again, you will love how it fits onto the airplane’s seat tray!
13.4-inch Display In 11-Inch Form Factor
This Dell XPS 13 (9300) model comes with a 4K UHD+ touch display, with a resolution 3840 x 2400 pixels, colour gamut of 90% DCI-P3 and DisplayHDR 400 certification.
Dell also offers a Full HD+ display, with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and 100% sRGB colour gamut; in both touch and non-touch options.
All three display options are 25% brighter at 500 nits, and are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6 against scratches and impact.
Cameras + Security
The thin bezel at the top conceals two cameras – a regular 720p webcam, and an infra-red camera for facial recognition.
So you can either unlock the XPS 13 using the IR camera and Windows Hello, or the fingerprint sensor, which integrated into the power button.
While its 720p webcam may be rather low in resolution, it uses a new 4-element lens for sharper image quality. It also supports temporal noise reduction to improve video quality in low-light conditions.
Performance
Our Dell XPS 13 (9300) is powered by the Intel Core i7-1065G7 – a 4-core, 8-thread processor with 8 MB of cache and built-in Iris Plus Graphics.
You can opt for a Core i5-1035G1 or the Core i3-1005G1, both of which come with integrated UHD Graphics.
A redesigned cooler keeps things cool, using a single heat pipe and evaporator design with dual condensers and GORE thermal insulation. The hot air is exhausted through the hinge at the back.
It also comes with 16 GB of dual-channel LPDDR4X memory running at 3733 MHz. The memory is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
Our unit came with a 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD, but you can opt for a smaller 512 GB SSD, or a larger 2 TB SSD.
Ports
Due to its ultra-slim profile – 14.8 mm at its thickest point, the XPS 13 has very limited ports.
On the left side, you will find a microSD card reader; as well as a single Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type C) port, which supports Power Delivery and DisplayPort output
On the right side, you will find a 3.5 mm microphone and headphone combo port, with a second Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type C) port, which also supports Power Delivery and DisplayPort output.
You can plug the USB Type C charging cable into either Thunderbolt 3 port. But unless you are using it on-the-go, you really only have one free port to use.
The good news is Dell actually bundles the XPS 13 (9300) with a free USB Type C to USB Type A dongle, so you can use your USB Type A drives and devices (including cables) with it.
Keyboard + Touchpad
The Dell XPS (9300) comes an edge-to-edge keyboard, and a 17% larger touchpad for maximum working comfort. The keyboard is backlit, and comes with larger key caps!
Connectivity
Our XPS 13 (9300) comes with the Killer AX1650 module, which offers Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with 2×2 antennas, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.
It is much too thin to support a LAN port, but you can add LAN connectivity using a USB-C dongle.
Audio
The two long stripes on both sides of the XPS 13 are not cooling vents, but ports for its 2.5 watt stereo speakers, which are tuned with Waves MaxxAudio Pro.
Its 3.5 mm microphone / headphone combo jack is also optimised with the 360-degree Waves NX 3D virtual surround sound with head tracking.
Finally, its dual microphone array is powered by Waves MaxxVoice Pro, which supports VOIP and is Cortana Farfield-capable.
Battery + Charging
The Dell XPS 13 (9300) comes with a 4-cell smart lithium-ion battery that is rated for 52 Whr.
Dell claims a battery life of up to 18 hours and 49 minutes with the Full HD+ display, and up to 12 hours and 13 minutes with the 4K UHD+ display.
Dell XPS 13 (9300) : Colour Options
Our unit comes in the Frost White colour with an Arctic White woven glass fibre palm rest.
Dell also offers the Platinum Silver colour option, with a Black carbon fiber palm rest.
Dell XPS 13 (9300) : Specifications + Options
Specifications
XPS 13 9300
Display Size
13.4-inch
Display Options
4K touch screen (3840 x 2400)
Full HD touch screen (1920 x 1200)
Full HD non-touch (1920 x 1200)
Display Features
WLED backlight
60 Hz refresh rate
500 nits max. brightness
35 ms response time
1200:1 contrast ratio
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Dell just unveiled the UltraSharp 27 (U2722D) – a new UltraSharp USB-C hub monitor for CES 2021!
Find out if this is the productivity monitor you have been waiting for!
Dell UltraSharp 27 (U2722D) USB-C Hub Monitor
The Dell UltraSharp 27 (U2722D) is a 27-inch Full HD monitor, with a built-in USB-C hub for greater productivity.
It has a QHD resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, with ComfortView Plus for low blue light emission, a wide viewing angle of 178°, and ultra-thin bezels.
On top of that, it has a wide colour gamut of 100% sRGB, and 95% DCI-P3, as well as support for 1.07 billion colours.
Thanks to its USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C input, the Dell UltraSharp 27 also doubles as a productivity hub, offering Ethernet connectivity and up to 15 watts of power delivery.
The Dell UltraSharp 27 (U2722D) comes with a 3-year Advanced Exchange Service, which means if a replacement is necessary, it will be shipped to you the next business day.
In addition, it comes with Dell Premium Panel Exchange, which allows a free monitor replacement during the 3-year Limited Hardware warranty, even if only one bright pixel is found.
Dell UltraSharp 27 (U2722D) : Specifications
Specifications
Dell UltraSharp 27
Model
U2722D
Display Size
(Diagonal)
27 inches
Native Resolution
2560 x 1440 pixels
Native Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Aspect Ratio
21:9
Pixel Pitch
NA
Pixel Density
NA
Brightness
NA
Colour Gamut
100% sRGB
100% Rec. 709 95% DCI-P3
Colour Accuracy
Delta-E < 2
Colour Depth
1.07 billion colours
Contrast Ratio
NA
Viewing Angle
178° vertical
178° horizontal
Response Time
NA
Panel Type
IPS (In-Plane Switching)
Backlight
LED
Display Coating
Anti-Glare Treatment
3H Hard Coating
Other Features
ComfortView Plus
Dell Display Manager
Speakers
Optional Slim Soundbar (SB521A)
Warranty
3 Years Advanced Exchange Service
Premium Panel Exchange
The Dell UltraSharp 27 (U2722D) will be available in Malaysia in March 2021, but there’s no indication of how much it will cost. We will update this article when we know more.
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Dell just unveiled the UltraSharp 24 (U2422HE) – a new UltraSharp USB-C hub monitor for CES 2021!
Find out if this could be the productivity monitor you have been waiting for!
Dell UltraSharp 24 (U2422HE) USB-C Hub Monitor
The Dell UltraSharp 24 (U2422HE) is a 23.8-inch Full HD monitor, with a built-in USB-C hub for greater productivity.
It has a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, with ComfortView for low blue light emission, a wide viewing angle of 178°, and a maximum brightness of 250 nits.
On top of that, it has a wide colour gamut of 99% sRGB, 99% Rec. 709, and 85% DCI-P3, as well as colour accuracy of Delta-E < 2.
Thanks to its USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C input, the Dell UltraSharp 24 also doubles as a productivity hub, offering Ethernet connectivity and up to 65 watts of power delivery.
The Dell UltraSharp 24 (U2422HE) comes with a wide range of connectivity options :
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C / DisplayPort 1.4 port with Power Delivery
1 x DisplayPort 1.4 with HDCP
1 x DisplayPort 1.4 output (MST)
1 x HDMI 2.0 with HDCP
2 x USB 3.0 (Type A) ports with Battery Charging 1.2
2 x USB 3.0 (Type A) ports
1 x RJ45 LAN port
Its four USB 3.0 ports allow you to easily connect your storage devices, smartphones and laptop, even charging them at up to 65 watts.
It is also adjustable for your comfort – 130 mm in height adjustment, with the ability to tilt by -5° to 21°, and swivel by 40° both ways.
The Dell UltraSharp 24 (U2422HE) comes with a 3-year Advanced Exchange Service, which means if a replacement is necessary, it will be shipped to you the next business day.
In addition, it comes with Dell Premium Panel Exchange, which allows a free monitor replacement during the 3-year Limited Hardware warranty, even if only one bright pixel is found.
Dell UltraSharp 24 (U2422HE) : Specifications
Specifications
Dell UltraSharp 24
Model
U2422HE
Display Size
(Diagonal)
23.8 inches
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080 pixels
Native Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Aspect Ratio
21:9
Pixel Pitch
0.2745 mm
Pixel Density
92.5 ppi
Brightness
250 cd/m²
Colour Gamut
99% sRGB
99% Rec. 709 85% DCI-P3
Colour Accuracy
Delta-E < 2
Colour Depth
16.7 million colours
Contrast Ratio
1000:1
Viewing Angle
178° vertical
178° horizontal
Response Time
5 ms (fast mode)
8 ms (normal)
Panel Type
IPS (In-Plane Switching)
Backlight
LED
Display Coating
Anti-Glare Treatment
3H Hard Coating
Other Features
ComfortView
Dell Display Manager
Speakers
None
Display Inputs
1 x DisplayPort 1.4 / USB-C
1 x DisplayPort 1.4
1 x HDMI 2.0
USB Ports
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 input (Type B)
2 x USB 3.0 (Type C)
2 x USB 3.0 (Battery Charging 1.2)
1 x 3.5 mm audio jack
1 x RJ45 port
Adjustability
Height : 130 mm
Tilt : -5° to 21°
Swivel : -40° to 40°
Security
Security lock slot
VESA Mount
Yes, 100 x 100 mm
Power Input
120 VAC to 230 VAC (50 / 60 Hz)
Power Usage
Off : 0.19 W
Standby : 0.21 W
On : 14 W
Dimensions
Height : 348.4 mm
Width : 538.5 mm
Depth : 165.0 mm
Weight
Panel Only : 9.5 kg
With Stand + Cables : 13.8 kg
Warranty
3 Years Advanced Exchange Service
Premium Panel Exchange
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Dell just unveiled the UltraSharp 40 (U4021QW) – a new UltraSharp curved monitor for CES 2021!
Take a look at it, and see why this could be the curved monitor you have been waiting for!
Dell UltraSharp 40 (U4021QW) Curved Monitor
The Dell UltraSharp 40 (U4021QW) is their first 40-inch curved ultra wide WUHD monitor, offering 32% more screen space than a 32-inch 4K display.
It boasts a 2500R curved screen, with a resolution of 5120 x 2160 pixels, and a 140 ppi pixel density. It also has a maximum brightness of 300 nits, with a wide viewing angle of 178°.
On top of that, it has a wide colour gamut of 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, and 98% DCI-P3. And it comes factory calibrated with a colour accuracy of Delta-E < 2.
Thanks to its Thunderbolt 3 input, the Dell UltraSharp 40 (U4021QW) also doubles as a productivity hub, offering Ethernet connectivity and up to 90 watts of power delivery.
It also comes with a built-in KVM, allowing you to connect up to two computers to the monitor. Its Auto KVM feature automatically detects the new computer, and switches to it.
The Dell UltraSharp 40 (U4021QW) comes with a wide range of connectivity options :
1 x Thunderbolt 3 / DisplayPort 1.4 port with HDCP 2.2 (10-bit colour @ 60 Hz)
2 x HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 (10-bit colour @ 30 Hz)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type C) port
5 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type A) ports
1 x RJ45 LAN port
Its six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports – one Type C and five Type A – allow you to easily connect your storage devices and smartphones, even charging them at up to 15 watts.
It is also adjustable for your comfort – 120 mm in height adjustment, with the ability to tilt by -5° to 21°, and swivel by 30° both ways.
The Dell UltraSharp 40 (U4021QW) comes with a 3-year Advanced Exchange Service, which means if a replacement is necessary, it will be shipped to you the next business day.
In addition, it comes with Dell Premium Panel Exchange, which allows a free monitor replacement during the 3-year Limited Hardware warranty, even if only one bright pixel is found.
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Acer just announced Enduro – their new range of rugged MIL-810G computing devices! Check them out!
Acer Enduro N3 Rugged Laptop
With MIL-STD-810G and IP53 certifications, the Acer Enduro N3 is a 14-inch rugged laptop that is just under 25 mm thick, and weighs less than 2 kg.
It features Corning Gorilla Glass protection for the display, and reinforced corners for the chassis, and water-resistant Aquafan that repels water.
It also has drainage holes for the keyboard and seals for the I/O ports to protect the Acer Enduro N3 against exposure to water.
Built around the 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, it comes with 8 GB of onboard memory, 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage, and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 protection.
The Acer Enduro N3 has a rated battery life of 13 hours, which allows it to be a true off-site device.
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Acer just released new and updated Swift, Aspire and TravelMate laptops, just in time for Christmas 2020!
Take a look at the new slew of Acer Swift, Aspire and TravelMate laptops that you can buy now!
Acer Swift 3 : New December 2020 Model!
The Acer Swift 3 is a 14-inch laptop designed for the young, and comes in three colour options – Blue, Pink and Silver.
It has a 14-inch slim bezel IPS LED display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, in a chassis that is just under 16 mm thick, and weighs just 1.2 kg.
Built around the new 11th Gen Intel Core processor, and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, it comes with up to 16 GB of onboard LPDDR4X memory, and 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage.
The new December 2020 Acer Swift 3 model has a rated battery life of 11 hours, and supports fast charging to give you 4 hours of video playback with a 30-minute charge.
In addition, the December 2020 model of Acer Swift 3 comes pre-installed with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019.
Acer Swift 3X : New December 2020 Model!
The Acer Swift 3X is a 14-inch laptop designed for both games and creative apps, with its new Iris Xe Max discrete graphics.
It has a 14-inch slim bezel IPS LED display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, in a chassis that is just under 18 mm thick, and weighs just 1.37 kg.
Built around the new 11th Gen Intel Core processor, and Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics, it comes with up to 16 GB of onboard LPDDR4X memory, and 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage.
The new December 2020 Acer Swift 3 model has a rated battery life of 17 hours, and supports fast charging to give you 4 hours of video playback with a 30-minute charge.
In addition, the Acer Swift 3X comes pre-installed with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019.
Acer Swift 5 : New December 2020 Model!
The Acer Swift 5 is a 14-inch ultra-light Intel Evo-certified laptop, that is just under 15 mm thick, and weighs only 1.05 kg!
It has a 14-inch IPS LED touch display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and 100% sRGB colour gamut. This touch display is protected by Antimicrobial Gorilla Glass.
Built around the new 11th Gen Intel Core processor, and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, it comes with up to 16 GB of onboard LPDDR4X memory, and 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage.
The new December 2020 Acer Swift 5 model has a rated battery life of 15 hours, and supports fast charging to give you 4 hours of video playback with a 30-minute charge.
In addition, the December 2020 model of Acer Swift 5 comes pre-installed with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019.
Acer Aspire 5 : New December 2020 Model!
The December 2020 Acer Aspire 5 comes in 14-inch or 15.6-inch display options, with an all-metal chassis.
The 14-inch Aspire 5 is 15.6 mm thick, and weighs 1.45 kg; while the 15.6-inch Aspire 5 is 17.9 mm thick and weighs just 1.65 kg.
Built around the new 11th Gen Intel Core processor, and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, they both with up to 16 GB of onboard LPDDR4X memory (upgradable to 20 GB), and 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage.
Acer also offers an NVIDIA GeForce MX350 discrete graphics option for both models.
Both 14-inch and 15-inch models have a rated battery life of 13 hours, and supports fast charging to give you 4 hours of video playback with a 30-minute charge.
In addition, they both come pre-installed with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019.
Acer TravelMate P2 : New December 2020 Model!
The Acer TravelMate P2 is a rugged laptop designed for business executives, with handy business features and advanced connectivity options.
Built to comply with MIL-STD-810G standards, the Travelmate P2 has a spill-resistant keyboard, and shock-absorbent corners to survive bumps and drops.
It also comes with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 protection, a fingerprint reader and Windows Hello for secure authentication, to safeguard sensitive data while working away from the office.
Built around the new 11th Gen Intel Core processor, and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, it comes with up to 32 GB of onboard LPDDR4X memory, and 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage or a 1 TB hard disk drive.
The new December 2020 Acer TravelMate P2 model has a rated battery life of 13 hours, and supports fast charging to give you 4 hours of video playback with a 30-minute charge.
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AMD claims that the Radeon RX 6900 XT is the ultimate 4K graphics card, thanks to its new RDNA 2 architecture with 80 enhanced Compute Units and 16 GB GDDR6 memory.
Let’s start with the official tech briefing and Q&A session with Nish Neelalojanan, Senior Manager of Gaming Product Management at the AMD Radeon Technologies Group.
AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT : Key Features
The AMD Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards are built on the new RDNA 2 architecture, which features an enhanced Compute Unit, a new visual pipeline with Ray Accelerators, and the new AMD Infinity Cache.
The Ryzen 5000 processor is given greater access to its GDDR6 graphics memory, providing up to 13% better performance when combined with the new Rage Mode one-click overclocking setting.
They will support the next-generation games with greater realism through DirectX Raytracing (DXR) and Variable Rate Shading.
New Ray Accelerator
Every RDNA 2 computer unit has a new fixed-function Ray Accelerator engine to deliver real-time lighting, shadow and refection realism through DirectX Raytracing (DXR).
It can be paired with AMD FidelityFX to enable hybrid rendering, offering a combination of rasterised and ray-traced effects for a blend of better image quality and higher performance.
Variable Rate Shading (VRS)
Variable Rate Shading dynamically reduces the shading rate for areas of the frame that do not require a high level of visual quality, improving performance at little to no perceptible loss in image quality.
Microsoft DirectStorage Support
They will support the future DirectStorage API for faster load times, and high-quality textures.
AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT : Specifications
The AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT headlines the Radeon RX 6000 series :
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ability to customise voltages and frequencies to a specific processor.
Precision Boost Overdrive 2 : Curve Optimizer
The new adaptive undervolting capability in Precision Boost Overdrive 2 (PBO2) is achieved through the Curve Optimizer.
The new Curve Optimizer tells the firmware what window of undervolting is desired, and adapts to both light and heavy workloads.
Undervolting, however, will not be done with raw millivolts. Instead, it will be applied with “counts“.
1 Count is approximately 3 mV ~ 5 mV. This range means less undervolting during high loads, and more undervolting when the load is lower.
You can adjust the voltage by +/- 30 Counts. 30 Counts would be a range of 90~150 mV.
The adjustments can be applied per core, or on all cores.
The Curve Optimizer algorithm is adaptive – so it will automatically underplot when the circumstances are suitable, and restore voltage when it needs to.
Precision Boost Overdrive 2 : Performance Boost
According to AMD, PBO2 offers better single-threaded performance than the original PBO.
Enabling it will let the Ryzen 7 5800X deliver 2.6% better 1T performance in CINEBENCH R20, while the Ryzen 9 5900X delivers 2% better 1T performance.
Hardly earth-shattering performance, but hey, it’s free!
Multi-threaded performance also gets a small but nice boost from PBO2.
AMD says the Ryzen 7 5800X should get a 2.2% boost, while the Ryzen 9 5900X gets a very nice 10% boost in multi-threaded performance!
Precision Boost Overdrive 2 : System Requirements
Here are the system requirements for Precision Boost Overdrive 2 to work :
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We have been playing around with the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT and here is our preview of the first RDNA 2 graphics card!
Take a look at our unboxing and hands-on videos, as well as the Radeon RX 6800 XT in action!
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT : A Quick Primer!
The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is one of three Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards. Based on the new AMD RDNA 2 architecture, they offer these key features :
AMD Infinity Cache – a large 128 MB data cache that dramatically reduces memory latency and power consumption.
AMD Smart Access Memory – offers the Ryzen 5000 series processor greater access to its GDDR6 graphics memory for better gaming performance.
DirectX 12 Ultimate – offering support for the next-generation games with DirectX Raytracing and Variable Rate Shading.
New Ray Accelerator – delivers real-time lighting, shadow and reflection realism through DirectX Raytracing.
Variable Rate Sharing (VRS) – dynamically reduces shading rate for better performance at little to no loss in image quality.
DirectStorage Support – delivers faster load times and high-quality textures in the future.
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT : Price + Availability
The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT has a RRP of US$649, and will be available for sale starting 18 November 2020.
Custom boards will be available from brands like ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte starting in November 2020.
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT : Specifications
This table summarises how the RX 6800 XT compares against the RX 6900 XT and the RX 6800.
Specifications
Radeon RX
6900 XT
Radeon RX 6800 XT
Radeon RX
6800
Transistors
26.8 billion
Fab Process
7 nm
Die Size
519 mm²
Total Graphics Power
300 W
250 W
Compute Units
80
72
60
Ray Accelerators
80
72
60
Stream Processors
5120
4608
3840
Game Clock
2015 MHz
2015 MHz
1815 MHz
Boost Clock
2250 MHz
2250 MHz
2105 MHz
TFLOPS
23.04
20.74
16.17
TMUs
320
288
240
Max. Texture Rate
720 GT/s
648 GT/s
505 GT/s
ROPs
128
96
Max. Pixel Rate
288 GP/s
202 GP/s
Infinity Cache
128 MB
Graphics Memory
16 GB GDDR6 (16 Gbps)
Bus Width
256-bit
Bandwidth
512 GB/s
PCIe Interface
PCIe 4.0 x16
Unboxing The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT!
The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT comes in a large and heavy cardboard box. Very heavy duty, with thick foam packaging.
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AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT : Hands-On Experience!
The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is a rather bulky and heavy card, because it comes with a large 2.5-slot cooler with triple axial fans.
Take a closer look at it in our hands-on video, followed by pictures of the card.
It features a die-cast aluminium backplate at the back.
Here you can see its thick heatsink, and how its cooler is designed to suck in air from the front of the card, and exhaust the hot air from the top and the bottom of the card.
It has four display connectors. From left to right : one USB Type C port, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and one HDMI 2.1 port.
The card uses up to 300 watts of power, and comes with two 8-pin PCI Express power connectors.
It should work with two 6-pin power cables though – both 8-pin and 6-pin cables deliver 150 watts.
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT supports PCI Express 4.0, which offers double the bandwidth of PCI Express 3.0.
However, that requires you to use a PCI Express 4.0 motherboard, like the recommended AMD X570 motherboards.
But do not fret if you are on the Intel platform. It is backward-compatible with PCI Express 3.0, and will work just fine with PCIe 3.0 motherboards.
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT : In Action!
Our testbed pairs the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X processor with the ASUS CROSSHAIR VIII Hero (AMD X570) motherboard, with 32 GB of DDR4 memory.
Our benchmark results will be released tomorrow, but in the meantime, you can take a look at the Radeon RX 6800 XT in action, running 3DMark Time Spy Extreme.
Be sure to come back and check our comprehensive review tomorrow, with benchmark results!
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