LaCie unveils '12big' Thunderbolt 3 12-bay desktop RAID unit with up to 96TB capacity
Nowadays, many computers have paltry amounts of storage. Why? Solid state drives carry a higher cost per gigabyte, meaning these faster SSDs are usually lower-capacity for cost-savings. With the emergence of the cloud, this might be OK for many home and business users.
If you need more local storage, an external hard drive is a great way to get it. Not only are these drives convenient, but versatile too. But what if you need a lot of storage -- more than the typical single, double, triple, or even quadruple bay solution? LaCie has you covered. Its all-new '12big' raid unit has a mind-boggling 12 bays, and can accommodate up to 96 terabytes. It even utilizes the super-fast Thunderbolt 3 interface, making it perfect for professional use too.
Intel Skull Canyon is the NUC of your dreams -- Core i7 6770HQ, DDR4, NVMe, Thunderbolt 3
Having a powerful computer does not mean having a large computer. Big power can come in small packages. While giant towers have long been the darlings of many gamers and technology enthusiasts, smaller boxes are starting to gain traction too. With Micro ATX, Mini ITX, and even smaller form factors, consumers can achieve performance while saving precious desk space.
When it comes to diminutive offerings, Intel's NUC is one of the most popular. These computers are small, attractive, powerful, and affordable. While they run Windows fine, they really shine on Linux, where all components work out of the box. Today, Intel announces its most powerful NUC yet -- the seductively named Skull Canyon. Powered by a super-powerful Skylake processor, it also has tons of new tech crammed inside. You can even connect an external gaming GPU, like the new Razer Core, by way of Thunderbolt 3!
Plugable launches new Thunderbolt docking station (TBT-6950PD) with quad-display support and USB-C charging hub (PS3-METERC3)
Plugable has announced two new products aimed at boosting productivity and convenience for tech users. The TBT-6950PD is a hybrid docking station that supports up to four external 4K displays on many systems, including Apple's base-model Silicon Macs, which typically struggle to handle multiple displays. Meanwhile, the PS3-METERC3 offers a versatile charging solution with three high-powered USB-C ports, allowing users to power multiple devices simultaneously.
The TBT-6950PD combines Thunderbolt and DisplayLink technologies, offering both Mac and Windows users an option to connect multiple displays, a feature often restricted by hardware limitations on base-model Macs. Its 96W power delivery ensures high-performance laptops stay charged, while three downstream Thunderbolt ports provide additional power for other devices like smartphones and tablets.
StarTech.com launches 132N-TB4USB4DOCK Quad-Monitor 4K Thunderbolt 4 dock
StarTech.com has launched the Quad-Monitor 4K Thunderbolt 4 dock (132N-TB4USB4DOCK). This high-end docking station is designed for professionals who require top-tier performance, offering support for quad-monitors running at up to 4K 60Hz simultaneously.
In addition to its impressive video capabilities, the dock is Thunderbolt Certified, ensuring guaranteed performance with Thunderbolt 4 computers. It is fully compatible with a range of Intel Evo/Tiger Lake (11th gen and up) Thunderbolt 4 laptops, including popular models from Dell, HP, and Lenovo. The dock also supports up to quad 4K 60Hz with Intel 12th Gen CPU (or higher) supporting DP 1.4 with DSC, and offers compatibility with Apple computers equipped with M1, M2, or M3 Max/Pro processors, as well as iPad Pros with M1 or later processors.
Tripp Lite MTB4-HUB3-01 is an elegant Thunderbolt 4 hub with 8K video support
Tripp Lite is a company that I am very familiar with -- for high-quality power strips and surge protectors. When someone asks me what brand of surge protector they should buy to protect their picey desktop computer or other electronics, I usually recommend Tripp Lite. Are its power products a bit expensive? When compared to some other brands, I suppose so. With that said, that company's gear is typically well worth the premium.
Apparently, Tripp Lite also akes other types of computer accessories these days, including an all-new Thunderbolt 4 hub. Called "MTB4-HUB3-01," it will turn one Thunderbolt 3/4 port into three Thunderbolt ports and one USB-A port. This hub can even charge your laptop with up to 60W of power. While not the first such hub on the market, its slim body does look quite elegant.
Plugable TBT4-HUB3C hub is compatible with both Thunderbolt 4 and USB4
Thunderbolt docks and docking stations are rather common, but believe it or not, Thunderbolt hubs are still quite rare. Quite frankly, other than the excellent offering from OWC that we previously reviewed, there really are no other such hubs on the market.
Well, folks, today this changes as Plugable launches its own such hub for both Windows and Mac. Called "TBT4-HUB3C," the company seems quite proud that it uses the Intel Goshen Ridge chipset, and rightfully so. You see, this chipset makes the hub compatible with both Thunderbolt 4 and USB4. This makes the hub very versatile. In addition to the TBT4-HUB3C, the company is releasing a new high-end Thunderbolt 4/USB4 cable in two lengths -- 1 meter (TBT4-40G1M) and 2 meters (TBT4-40G2M).
MINISFORUM EliteMini TL50 has Thunderbolt 4 and is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7
When I first encountered computers in the 1990s, they were all large grey boxes that took up enormous amounts of space. In fact, when you added in a large CRT monitor and printer, many families had to dedicate an entire room in their home to the PC. Seriously, folks, a "computer room" was actually a thing.
Nowadays, thanks to inexpensive laptops and tablets, many families no longer need dedicated rooms for a PC -- a kitchen table can be sufficient. Even if you prefer a desktop, they no longer have to be monstrous either. There are many small desktops on the market these days, including the excellent Apple Mac mini.
Dell Precision M3800 Mobile Workstation gains 4K, Thunderbolt 2 and Ubuntu Linux options
Dell makes damn good consumer computers, but the company really shines in the enterprise. Along with HP and Lenovo, the firm makes very solidly built and dependable workstations. Of all my years working in the corporate world, Dell has often been the brand of computers offered by the companies for which I have worked. Having dropped and abused many business-issued Dell laptops during travel, I have yet to have any issues beyond scuffs and dents -- impressive.
One of Dell's sexiest business machines is the Precision M3800 Mobile Workstation. Today, the company announces that the "thinnest and Lightest 15-Inch True Mobile Workstation" is getting some great new options that will make many professionals happy. You can now get a 4K display, Thunderbolt 2 and Ubuntu Linux to go with the Haswell Core i7 and NVIDIA Quadro K1100M.
OWC expands Thunderbolt 5 range with StudioStack and Mercury Helios 5S
Other World Computing has added two new products to its Thunderbolt 5 lineup with the launch of the OWC Mercury Helios 5S and OWC StudioStack. Both devices are designed to provide professionals with faster data transfer, expanded connectivity, and flexible upgrade options across Mac and PC.
SEE ALSO: OWC's latest portable SSD offers up to 8TB in a palm-sized design
OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock features triple 8K display support and 140W charging
If you have a cluttered desktop full of dongles and adapters, OWC might just have your next upgrade. You see, the company has announced its brand-new Thunderbolt 5 Dock, and it’s looking like a an awesome tool for both professionals and home users. For instance, it allows you to connect up to three 8K displays (or two 6K screens on a Mac).
The dock supports Thunderbolt 5, 4, and 3, as well as USB4 and USB-C. So whether you’re using newer gear or hanging on to older devices, it’s got you covered. And with up to 140W of power delivery, it can keep even demanding laptops charged.
Lenovo Legion 9i 18-inch laptop with RTX 5090 and glasses free 3D display is designed for gamers and creators
At its Tech World event in Shanghai today, Lenovo officially unveiled one of the most impressive laptops I’ve ever seen. You see, the new Legion 9i (18”, 10) isn’t just for playing the latest video games -- it’s designed to help developers create them too. And yes, it’s also quite beautiful.
The 18-inch display here is absolutely massive, and it comes in two versions. The 2D model pushes a stunning 3840x2400 resolution at 240Hz with a 3ms response time. It’s bright at 540 nits, supports Dolby Vision, NVIDIA G-SYNC, and is certified by both TÜV Rheinland and VESA DisplayHDR 400.
Plugable launches USBC-E5000 5Gbps USB-C Ethernet adapter and TBT5-240W1M Thunderbolt 5 cable
Today, Plugable launches two new super-cool products that should be useful in a laptop bag or collection of tech-tools. There is the USBC-E5000 5Gbps USB-C Ethernet Adapter and the TBT5-240W1M Thunderbolt 5 Cable.
The USBC-E5000 is a USB-C dongle that offers speeds up to 5Gbps. Of course, you will be limited by the maximum speed of the network to which you connect. In other words, you won’t magically get 5Gbps when connecting to a gigabit network.
OWC launches Active Optical Cable for extended Thunderbolt and USB-C connectivity
OWC has released its new Active Optical Cable, aimed at providing reliable long-distance connectivity for Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 devices. Designed to address the limitations of traditional copper cables, this solution offers extended reach without compromising data speed or power delivery. The cable offers bandwidth up to 40Gb/s, support for up to 8K video resolution, and power delivery capabilities of up to 240W.
The Active Optical Cable uses advanced optical fiber technology, overcoming the typical 2-meter distance limitation of copper-based cables. This extended range allows for more flexible device placement, which can be beneficial for reducing noise, creating cleaner workspaces, or optimizing cable management.
Dynabook unveils ultra-light Portégé X30W-M with Intel Core Ultra processors and AI features
Dynabook Americas has introduced the Portégé X30W-M, a 13.3-inch 2-in-1 convertible laptop designed for business professionals, educators, and hybrid workers. This ultra-light laptop, weighing less than 1kg, combines flexibility, productivity, and durability with its ability to function as both a laptop and a tablet.
The Portégé X30W-M is powered by Intel’s U- and H-series Core Ultra processors and features built-in AI tools like Copilot, which streamlines workflows with intelligent recommendations. The device also includes a dedicated Copilot key for enhanced productivity. With up to 32GB of 6,400 MHz LPDDR5x memory and SSD storage options reaching 2TB, the X30W-M delivers premium performance for demanding tasks.
TEAMGROUP announces T-CREATE EXPERT P32 desktop external SSD
Content creators know that handling massive amounts of data is part of the job. TEAMGROUP’s creator-focused brand, T-CREATE, is addressing this need with its new T-CREATE EXPERT P32 desktop external SSD.
Offered in both 8TB and 16TB variants, the T-CREATE EXPERT P32 provides a welcome solution for expanding storage for videos, photos, and other essential files. The USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C interface supports up to 1,800 MB/s speeds and works with both USB Type-C and Thunderbolt devices. However, while those speeds are nothing to scoff at, it’s worth noting that there are faster drives on the market offering superior performance.
