Category Archives: Laptops

Laptops, News

AMD’s New Ryzen 8040 Series Laptop Chips Put The Focus On AI

amd logo Tobias Arhelger/Shutterstock

AMD’s laptop computer APU line bought a refresh on Wednesday within the type of the Ryzen 8040 sequence, and no less than going by the announcement, AI is the precedence and major dividing line from the earlier 7040 sequence. “We continue to deliver high performance and power-efficient NPUs with Ryzen AI technology to reimagine the PC,” stated Jack Huynh, SVP and GM of AMD computing and graphics, in a press launch. “The increased AI capabilities of the 8040 series will now handle larger models to enable the next phase of AI user experiences.”

On paper, the brand new APUs learn as similar to the 7040 sequence, with the 8040 sequence that includes Zen 4 CPUs and RDNA 3 GPUs made utilizing the identical 4nm course of as its predecessor sequence. The 8040 model of the AI-centric neural processing unit, or NPU, is, in accordance with what AMD told Ars Technica, roughly 1.4x sooner than its 7040 counterpart, however AMD additionally conceded to Ars that this was primarily a byproduct of elevated clock speeds. AMD Technical Marketing Manager Donny Woligroski additionally advised Ars that firmware and driver tweaks ought to be a key differentiator in producing a “real generational improvement,” as nicely.

“It’s been unimaginable to see AMD and Microsoft’s lengthy partnership transferring into the following wave of know-how, bringing AI innovation to our shared clients,” Pavan Davuluri, CVP Windows + Devices, Microsoft, added in AMD’s press launch. “We’re so excited to see Ryzen 8040 Series processor-powered devices come to life in the Windows ecosystem and can’t wait to see what developers and customers do with all of this innovation.”

Full lineup of AMD’s cellular APU SKUs

AMD signage Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

According to the press launch, the brand new lineup of APUs consists of the next 9 SKUs:

  • AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS (8 cores/16 threads, as much as 5.2 GHz enhance/4.0 GHz base CPU frequency, 24MB cache, 45W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS (8 cores/16 threads, as much as 5.1 GHz enhance/3.8 GHz base CPU frequency, 24MB cache, 45W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS (8 cores/16 threads, as much as 5.1 GHz enhance/3.3 GHz base CPU frequency, 24MB cache, 28W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 7 8840U (8 cores/16 threads, as much as 5.1 GHz enhance/3.3 GHz base CPU frequency, 24MB cache, 28W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS (6 cores/12 threads, as much as 5.0 GHz enhance/4.3 GHz base CPU frequency, 22MB cache, 45W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS (6 cores/12 threads, as much as 4.9 GHz enhance/3.5 GHz base CPU frequency, 22MB cache, 28W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 8640U (6 cores/12 threads, as much as 4.9 GHz enhance/3.5 GHz base CPU frequency, 22MB cache, 28W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 8540U (6 cores/12 threads, as much as 4.9 GHz enhance/3.2 GHz base CPU frequency, 22MB cache, 28W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 3 8440U (4 cores/8 threads, as much as 4.7 GHz enhance/3.0 GHz base CPU frequency, 12MB cache, 28W TDP)

All however the final two will embrace the NPU for AI acceleration. Notebooks containing the brand new 8040 sequence APUs will ship in Q1 2024 from, in accordance with the press launch, Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Razer.

Laptops

10 Major Limitations Of MacBooks You Need To Know Before You Buy

To make MacBooks thinner and lighter, Apple has chosen to solder various components directly onto the logic board, including RAM and other storage. While this does make the device more sleek, it also means that users cannot upgrade these components themselves. When a MacBook’s performance needs a boost, users often have no choice but to purchase a new device, which unfortunately adds to electronic waste.

Another notable limitation is Apple’s use of proprietary Silicon Chips, which means that there is no possibility of upgrading between different generations of Apple Silicon. So, for example, if you want to upgrade from M1 to M2, you will need to buy a completely new MacBook.

This lack of upgradability in MacBooks is a major concern for environmentally conscious consumers. Electronic waste is a more significant issue than many people realize, and laptops that cannot be easily upgraded by users only contribute to this problem. Sustainable ownership, which involves extending a device’s lifespan through upgrades, becomes quite challenging with MacBooks.

The limited upgradability of these devices is an important factor to consider for potential buyers. Those who value the flexibility to customize their laptops according to their changing needs or those who want to reduce their environmental impact may find the MacBook’s design philosophy to be a significant obstacle.

Desktops, Laptops

Key Points to Consider When Buying a New Computer at Costco

If you are not aware, Costco is a reliable retailer for purchasing PCs, provided you have a membership. They offer prebuilt PCs with features like liquid cooling and RGB lighting, just like other brands. Additionally, Costco provides promotions such as free game copies with your purchase, as exemplified by “Alan Wake 2”. Their laptops come with enticing offers, including a free year of Microsoft Office 365 Personal subscription, which is ideal for work and leisure activities.

One of the main advantages of shopping at Costco is the warranty they offer. When you buy a new PC, it automatically comes with a two-year warranty, providing peace of mind for significant purchases. This warranty also extends to other products like televisions, phones, projectors, appliances, and even Apple products bought from Costco. Moreover, you can benefit from free technical support and troubleshooting advice whenever you need it. In case you are dissatisfied with your purchase, Costco has a 90-day return policy.

If you are in the market for a gaming PC, you can expect to spend over $1,000 for a high-end rig at Costco. However, they also offer more affordable options for casual or work use, with laptops costing a few hundred dollars. Regardless of your choice, the warranty and return policy remain the same. The only drawback is that you need a membership to access these deals if you don’t already have one.

Desktops, Laptops, News

How to Install the Windows 11 23H2 Update

Installing the Windows 11 23H2 Update is a simple process. Just follow these steps:

  1. Click on the “Settings” option in your Windows 11 computer.
  2. Next, click on “Windows Update.”
  3. Then, click on the “Check for updates” button.
  4. Your computer will now check for any available updates.
  5. If your system is eligible for the Windows 11 23H2 Update, you will see an option to download and install it.
  6. Once the update is downloaded, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.

Microsoft has also created a video that provides a detailed guide on how to install the 23H2 Update. You can watch it below:

If you don’t see the option to update even after clicking on “Check for updates,” it could mean that the update is not available for your system. Microsoft may have withheld the update due to compatibility issues with certain applications. Although Microsoft doesn’t mention the specific apps causing this incompatibility, they state that the update will not be issued to such systems until the compatibility issue is resolved.

Furthermore, Microsoft has hinted at the development of an auto-update option, which is expected to be introduced in the coming months.

Laptops, News

Apple Introduces M3 Chips in 14 and 16-Inch MacBook Pros

Apple has launched its new M3-powered MacBook Pros, featuring a 100% recycled aluminum chassis for an eco-friendly design. These laptops come with an XDR Liquid Retina Display, which ensures exceptional visual quality for tasks like photo editing and video post-production. With support for up to four high-resolution external displays, HDMI, Thunderbolt 4, and an SDXC slot, users have a wide range of options for connecting peripherals.

The latest MacBook Pro models boast impressive performance capabilities, including a maximum 16-core CPU and a maximum 40-core GPU with M3 Max. Apple claims that these laptops are over eleven times faster than their previous Intel-based counterparts. Surprisingly, despite the significant updates and the recent release of M2-powered Macs, the prices of the new MacBook Pros start at $1,599 for the 14-inch model and $2,499 for the 16-inch model. Orders for M3 and M3 Pro-powered models are now open, with availability expected next week. The M3 Max models will hit the shelves in November.

Laptops, News

Apple Unveils 3nm M3 Chipset Family, Offers Pro and Max Versions from the Start

Apple has announced its latest M3 chip family, just a little over a month after its September 2023 iPhone 15 event. This event showcased the iPhone 15 lineup, along with the Apple Watch Series 9 and the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra. In the event invitation, Apple had also hinted at today’s Mac announcements by featuring the Mac Finder icon.

The newly announced Mac models will come equipped with the new M3 chip family. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with XDR display will have the base M3 chip, while the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro will feature the M3 Pro chip. There will also be a MacBook Pro model with the M3 Max chip, which has the capability to power four high-resolution external monitors.

Apple has pleasantly surprised its customers by introducing a black color option for the MacBook, but this option is limited to the M3 Pro and M3 Max models. The base MacBook Pro with M3 will start at $1,599, while the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro chip will start at $1,999 and $2,499 respectively. All these models are available for order starting today. The MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip will have a starting price of $3,499.

Laptops, Smartphones, Tablets

5 Reasons Why Safari Might Be a Better Browser Choice Than Google Chrome

Safari has a major advantage over Google Chrome as it is specifically designed for Apple hardware. It utilizes less CPU and RAM compared to Chrome because it is integrated into the Mac operating system. You can verify this yourself by opening both browsers and launching the Activity Monitor from the Utilities folder. The results will show that Safari consumes significantly fewer resources.

Resource consumption can be particularly demanding if you utilize Chrome’s extensive range of extensions and add-ons, which surpasses one hundred thousand. Although Safari offers fewer extensions, the advantage is that it consumes fewer resources. This might not be an issue for your Mac at home, but if you use a laptop on the go where battery life is crucial, you may find that Safari allows you to work longer without needing to charge.

Desktops, Laptops, News

Microsoft Closes Windows 7/8 to Windows 11 Upgrade Option

For users of older Windows systems, there are now only two choices available. They can either install Windows 11 and purchase a product key from the Microsoft Store, or they can buy a new PC that comes with a pre-installed copy of Windows 11. It is important to note, however, that if your computer was purchased during the time when Windows 7 or 8 was the latest version, it is unlikely to support Windows 11.

This is because Microsoft has set specific system requirements for Windows 11, stating that hardware meeting certain criteria will provide optimal performance. To assist users, the company has released a digital tool that automatically checks their hardware and informs them whether their PC is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. If your PC is not compatible and you do not wish to purchase a new one, you can alternatively upgrade to Windows 10, as Microsoft will continue to provide support for this version for at least the next two years.

Desktops, Laptops

How To Install MacOS Sonoma On Your Mac (And Which New Features You’ll Get)

If you’re wondering why you should update your Mac to macOS Sonoma, it’s because of the multitude of new features and improvements that Apple has added to its operating system. These enhancements range from better gaming performance with Game Mode to improved personalization and design options like desktop widgets and slow-motion screensavers.

Among the notable changes in this update are more accurate autocorrect fixes, in-line text predictions, Sensitive Content warnings in Messages (including select non-Apple messaging apps), a security feature called Lockdown Mode for high-risk users, optimizations to screen sharing, faster automatic switching for AirPods users, and a Presenter Overlay feature that allows users to share both their screen and webcam video simultaneously.

For users with unique accessibility needs, Apple has expanded its Accessibility features. This includes Personal Voice for users who have difficulty speaking, which is integrated with the Live Speech feature. Additionally, deaf users can now use Made for iPhone hearing devices with their Mac computer.

Desktops, Laptops

How To Install The Windows 11 Moment 4 Update (And What You’ll Get If You Do)

The newest update for Windows 11 comes with several noteworthy enhancements. One of the most significant additions is Copilot, an AI-powered assistive technology that can assist users with a variety of tasks, including writing paragraphs, editing images, playing music, summarizing web pages, and enabling dark mode. Copilot will be integrated into Microsoft’s Edge browser and will eventually become an integral part of Microsoft 365 products.

Microsoft Paint is also receiving a modern makeover in this update. It will now support layers for more advanced editing and will include a background removal system. Additionally, testers in the Insider program will have access to a text-to-image AI called Paint CoCreator.

The built-in Snipping Tool is now equipped with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities, allowing it to detect text in images. Users can easily extract or redact the text with the press of a button. Furthermore, the Snipping Tool has been enhanced with new recording tools, including the ability to capture audio through the microphone during screen recordings.

Another new feature is a backup app that syncs major PC preferences to the cloud. This includes details such as pinned apps and taskbar items, ensuring a seamless experience across devices. On the security front, the latest update introduces Passkey support with Windows Hello, allowing users to authenticate their identity for sign-ins using fingerprint sensors, face scans, or local PINs, eliminating the need to remember passwords.