Articles about Laptop

When you are a computer enthusiast or PC builder, there are peaks and valleys when it comes to excitement about internal components. Sometimes you are using desktops and/or laptops with bleeding-edge parts as an early adopter, while other times you are using ho-hum components that have been around a while. For instance, we have been using DDR4 memory for approximately seven years now.

Thankfully, the age of DDR5 is finally here, y'all! After dealing with DDR4 for so many years now, we are finally seeing PCs with DDR5 memory inside -- including laptops and mini desktop PCs that use SO-DIMM sticks. Today, Silicon Power unveils some really cool DDR5 notebook memory. This laptop/mini desktop RAM runs at an impressive 4,800MHz and comes in capacities ranging from 8GB (single stick) to 64GB (2x32GB).

Continue reading →

Can you buy a Windows laptop and replace Microsoft's operating system with a Linux distribution? Sure, but you shouldn't have to. Look, folks, in 2022 you should be supporting the open source community by purchasing computers with Linux pre-installed. Even if it costs you a few bucks more, it will be worth it for the community overall.

Today, the latest Linux laptop is released, and it looks like a beast. You see, the 4th generation Kubuntu Focus M2 Linux laptop is powered by a bleeding-edge 12th gen Intel Core i7 processor. The company claims this chip will increase performance by 20 percent compared to the 3rd generation of the notebook. And yes, it comes with the latest-and-greatest Kubuntu 22.04 LTS pre-loaded.

Continue reading →

When you are a computer enthusiast, there are peaks and valleys when it comes to excitement about PC components. What do I mean by this? Well, sometimes you are using desktops and/or laptops with bleeding-edge parts as an early adopter, while other times you are using ho-hum components that have been around a while. For instance, we have been using DDR4 memory for about seven years now.

Thankfully, the age of DDR5 is finally upon us. After dealing with DDR4 for so many years now, we will soon see many PCs with DDR5 memory inside -- including laptops and mini desktop PCs that use SO-DIMM sticks. Today, TEAMGROUP unveils some impressive DDR5 notebook memory. Carrying the "ELITE " moniker, this RAM runs at an impressive 4,800MHz and comes in capacities ranging from 8GB (single stick) to 64GB (2x 32GB).

Continue reading →

Dynabook (formerly Toshiba PC Company) has announced two new laptops in its Tecra range -- the 14" Tecra A40-K and the 15" Tecra A50-K.

Both new laptops are powered by the latest 12th generation Intel Core P-Series 28W processors (up to i7) and come with Windows 11 Pro. They also have AI tools to increase productivity and collaboration within the workplace, including Cortana-enabled dual mics with AI noise reduction, and a face authentication camera with AI-enhanced functionality.

Continue reading →

Windows 11 is cool, but let's be honest -- Microsoft's operating system is total overkill for the vast majority of users. When a family member asks my advice on buying a new PC, I almost always suggest a Chromebook. Why? Because they tell me everything they do is in the web browser anyway. And by getting them onto Chrome OS, there is a far reduced chance of them bothering me for PC help in the future. Chromebooks are simple and secure.

But what Chromebook should they buy? Ah, that is a tough one. There are so many great makes and models on the market these days. You really can't go wrong by sticking with reputable brands such as Acer, ASUS, or HP. One of my personal favorites, however, is Lenovo. That company is legendary for offering high-quality Windows computers, and its Chromebooks are no different.

Continue reading →

System76 is a computer maker and seller that has long been selling laptops, desktops, and servers running a Linux-based operating system. For years, it only offered Ubuntu, but in more recent years, it started offering its own Ubuntu-based operating system called "Pop!_OS." This distribution has proven to be quite popular in the Linux community, as it builds upon the greatness of Ubuntu while also making it better.

As great as Pop!_OS is, today, System76 makes a big announcement regarding hardware rather than software. To the delight of many consumers, the company is releasing a refreshed version of its popular "Kudu" laptop. This new generation of the mobile workstation has a 15.6-inch 1080p display and it is powered by an octa-core AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX.

Continue reading →

When somebody mentions LG, you immediately think of PC gaming, right? Yeah, neither do I. To be honest, despite offering general-use laptops, I most associate the company with appliances and televisions. Apparently, the company wants to expand beyond thin and light "regular" laptops to hardcore gaming notebooks with its all new UltraGear brand. While the name "UltraGear" sounds a bit generic and uninspired, I suppose it does get the point across.

The first UltraGear gaming laptop will be model 17G90Q. This portable beast features a 17.3-inch display with an insane 300Hz refresh. It is powered by a cutting-edge 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake H processor and hardcore NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Max-Q GPU. It even has premium features like Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, and an RGB backlit gaming keyboard.

Continue reading →

USB hubs are rather ho-hum products. There are so many on the market, it is impossible for one to stand out in the crowd, right? Well, I would have agreed with that statement until I saw the all-new Tripp Lite U460-ST4-4A-C, that is.

What exactly is this new product? Basically, it is a USB hub that turns one USB-C port on your computer into four USB-A ports. This allows you to simultaneously connect things like a keyboard, mouse, flash drive, and more. In addition, this hub has a USB-C port for pass-through charging. That means if your laptop supports charging over USB-C, this hub can interface and deliver power while only using a single USB-C port.

Continue reading →

You need a laptop, but don't know which to buy. Should you buy a Mac? Meh, those are good computers, but rather pricey -- the new notched screens are very ugly too. Chromebooks can be a great choice -- as long as your needs are fairly meager. Ultimately, many consumers are still wise to go with good ol' Windows. You know what? Windows 11 is shockingly good, so you should have no qualms about getting a computer with Microsoft's latest operating system.

Today, Dynabook (formerly Toshiba) launches not one, but two "Satellite Pro" laptops running Microsoft's excellent Windows 11 Pro. Called "C40-J" and "C50-J," the former has a 14-inch FHD screen, while the latter has a 15.6-inch FHD display. Both are designed with affordability in mind, but despite reasonable pricing, these thin and light laptops do not look like budget machines.

Continue reading →

Samsung hasn't just announced one new Windows 11 laptop, but three of them. A trio of notebooks running Microsoft's latest desktop operating system? How exciting!

Two of these computers are traditional 15.6-inch LED 1080p laptops; one of that pair (Galaxy Book) has a touch-screen display, while the other (Galaxy Book Odyssey) does not. The third model (Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G), is a convertible with a 13.3-inch FHD AMOLED touch-screen that features 5G wireless connectivity.

Continue reading →

Windows 11 is officially here, but not all new Windows computers will ship with that version of Microsoft's desktop operating system. Understandably, for a little while at least, some machines will still come with Windows 10... they will have the ability to upgrade to Windows 11, however.

Today, ADATA unveils such a laptop under its XPG gaming brand. Called "XENIA 15 KC," it comes with Windows 10 Home, but you can absolutely install Windows 11 when you want to. This gaming notebook is downright drool-worthy. It is powered by a very modern 8-core Intel Core i7 11800H CPU and super-powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU. The other components are impressive as well, including 32GB of DDR4-3200MHz RAM, a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, RGB optical mechanical keyboard, and a 15.6-inch display with 165Hz refresh. It's a beast!

Continue reading →

Summer is quickly coming to a close, and before you know it, the school season will begin. Many parents are understandably excited to get their children out of the house and back to school. At the same time, their kids are likely dreading their return to education. I mean, learning is cool and all, but nothing beats summer fun in the sun.

Of course, the end of the summer means back-to-school shopping is now in full effect, and many students will be needing a new computer for their studies. A laptop is ideal for portability, but should you choose Windows or Mac? My suggestion is to go in a different direction -- Linux! An operating system based on the open source kernel can better prepare a child for the future.

Continue reading →

While everyone is enjoying the beautiful summer weather, there is something quite terrifying for children on the horizon -- school. Yeah, summer vacation will be over before they know it, and it is already time to do back-to-school shopping. While buying pencils and three-ring binders is boring, shopping for a new laptop for school can be a lot of fun.

Thankfully, students in 2021 don't have to use an old-school Windows notebook like their dad or grandad. Instead, kids can use Linux to optimize their education. After all, Linux is more hip and cool than Windows 11 can ever be. To paraphrase now-deceased First Lady Nancy Reagan, children should "just say no" to waiting for a laptop running the upcoming Windows 11.

Continue reading →

Long gone are the days where Apple was the sole manufacturer of elegant laptops. Quite frankly, Apple has become a bit stagnant with its designs. Truth be told, makers of Windows laptops (such as Samsung, HP, and Dynabook) have met or exceeded Apple's MacBook looks. Best of all, these Windows notebooks are often much more affordable than Apple's offerings too, making them great for students.

ADATA isn't a company that you usually think of for actual PCs, but the manufacturer does in fact offer both desktops and laptops under its XPG gaming brand. Today, ADATA launches its latest Windows 10 notebook, and despite the XPG branding, it focuses more on general use than gaming. Called "XPG XENIA 14," this 14-inch ultrabook is both thin and light. Make no mistake, however, it is an impressively powerful machine. For instance, it is powered by 11th-gen Core processors, uses 3200MHz DDR4 RAM, and has a PCIe gen 4 SSD.

Continue reading →

When you need a true professional Windows laptop, I know there are many makes and models to consider, but I urge you to take a look at Dynabook. That company's Tecra line in particular is a well-balanced blend of power, durability, and elegance. These productivity workhorses never disappoint, and in my experience, they last a very long time.

Today, Dynabook unveils its 2021 Tecra A Windows 10 laptops -- the 14-inch Tecra A40-J and 15-inch Tecra A50-J. Other than screen and body size differences, the A40-J can be equipped with a touchscreen while the A50-J cannot. Meanwhile, the A50-J keyboard has a number pad, while the A40-J does not. They both have Wi-Fi 6, dual Thunderbolt 4, dual USB-A, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a micro SD card reader.

Continue reading →