Tag Archives: author_name|Sam Rutherford

The Monokei Systems might be the luxurious low-profile keyboard I’ve been searching for

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No offense to the mechanical keyboard community, but I just don’t love traditional setups with tall keys. But when it comes to high-quality low-profile alternatives, pickings are slim. The best known options are Logitech’s MX Mechanical line, along with more recent entries from the likes of Keychron, Nuphy and Lofree. But none of them quite hit the spot. But at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, I may have found what I’ve been searching for in Monokei’s Systems.

Featuring a 75 percent layout and available in either Cupertino Silver or Stockholm Night, the Systems has a gorgeous minimalist design that would look equally good mated to a Mac or connected to a beefy gaming rig. And thanks to support for both Bluetooth 5.1 and a dedicated 2.4Ghz wireless dongle, pairing it to whatever OS you prefer should be a breeze (Systems is compatible with macOS, iOS, Windows and Android). The keyboard feels heavier than it looks too; the top plate is heavy aluminum and inside is a760mAh battery.

Its Magnet Mount system lets you change out the top or bottom cases for decorative faceplates without needing to pull out tools. Though I’d be hesitant to mess up the Systems's serene facade, no matter how cute those Spy X Family accents are.

But it wasn’t until I actually got to type on it that I became sold. That’s because, on top of Monokei’s new Series 2 keycaps that have Cherry MX-compatible stems and comfy gentle scallop, the Kailh Choc V2 switches used in the Systems feel like a dream. You can choose between tactile or the silent linear ones that I tried, which had some of the smoothest key travel I’ve felt on a pre-built low-profile keyboard, plus the 43gf actuation weight is nearly ideal (for me at least). Of course, if you prefer a different kind of switch, the PCB is hot swappable so you can swap in something else. But the good vibes don’t stop there: Thanks to Monokei’s sock gasket system, the whole board strikes a good balance between firmness and bounce.

It’s almost like someone went and made my ideal keyboard without telling me, so when I stumbled upon it at CES in the depths of Hall G at the Venetian, it felt like finding buried treasure. Well except for the two features I think Monokei missed, because sadly Systems doesn’t have backlighting and there aren’t any adjustable feet for changing its pitch.

Now, I must admit it’s still early in my journey to find the ultimate low-profile keyboard. I’ve only tested about half a dozen in the last year or so, but Systems has immediately jumped to the front of the pack. It’s just a simple, chiclet-style keyboard done really well. And with a price of $189, Monokei’s latest creation is actually kind of affordable, at least as far the high-end mechanical keyboards go.

The Monokei Systems will be available as part of a group buy with an estimated delivery date in late Q2 2024.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-monokei-systems-might-be-the-luxurious-low-profile-keyboard-ive-been-searching-for-ces-2024-183009793.html?src=rss

The $2,000 ASUS ZenScreen Fold solves the biggest issue with portable monitors

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When I’m away from home and don’t have access to my big desktop displays, it feels like I’m missing a limb. Unfortunately, there’s a limit to how big a portable monitor can really be. After a certain point, it’s not going to fit in a reasonably sized bag. ASUS’s ZenScreen Fold solves that problem through the use of a bendy OLED panel. I had a chance to see it person while covering CES 2024 here in Las Vegas this week.

Measuring 17.3 inches across, the ZenScreen Fold is still a far cry from the 27-inch monitors I have at home, but it’s a huge step up from typical 14- or 15-inch portable displays. And thanks to the fact that you can bend it in half, it can collapse down to something not much larger than a hardcover book and just 0.38 inches thick. Though it is a bit heavier at two and a half pounds. It also comes with a handy travel case and, because its display is protected when closed, you should be able to toss it in a bag without worrying about damaging its soft plastic panel.

The display’s specs are more than decent too, as it boasts a QHD+ resolution (2,560 x 1,920), a gamut that covers 100 percent of DCI-P3 and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 compliance. That said, this shouldn’t come as a complete surprise as the ZenScreen Fold is based on the same basic panel as what ASUS used in the Zenbook 17 Fold.

The difference this time is that the panel is a slightly newer revision, so it’s a bit more durable. And, thanks to a redesigned hinge that creates a waterdrop-shaped fold, there’s even less of a crease — you have to look hard to see it. Even its kickstand is better than the one on ASUS’ bendy laptop, as it offers solid stability in either portrait or landscape. And for a portable monitor, there’s more than enough connectivity including mini HDMI, two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Sadly, while ASUS may have made a big travel display that’s easy to carry around, this thing is really expensive at a cool $2,000. But if you want a portable monitor that gives you the most screen space in the smallest physical size, the ZenScreen may be it.

The ZenScreen Fold is expected to go on sale sometime in Q2. 

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-2000-asus-zenscreen-fold-solves-the-biggest-issue-with-portable-monitors-ces-2024-204009822.html?src=rss

Clicks hands-on: A charming keyboard for 2024 that’s relying on more than just nostalgia

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The original iPhone convinced me (and many others) that typing on touchscreens was the future. So the last thing I expected to test out during CES 2024 here in Las Vegas was a mobile accessory that’s trying to bring back the physical keyboard. And, while I wanted to dismiss Clicks as a thing for people who can’t let go of yesteryear, what I found was a gadget that’s solving some modern problems by taking cues from the past.

Clicks’ design couldn’t be simpler. It’s a silicone case (Clicks’ website actually says it’s Liquid Silicon, but I think that’s a typo) with a physical keyboard bolted on the bottom. There’s a small vegan leather accent on the back, little bumps to accommodate buttons and switches, and a passthrough connector at the bottom (either Lightning or USB-C depending on your device). At launch, Clicks will be available for three devices starting at $139: the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Clicks' circular keys feature a nickle-plated top and rubber dome switches with a nice tactile bump.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

The first problem that Clicks tries to address is giving you back your screen space, because when you don’t need to display a virtual keyboard at the bottom all the time, suddenly things feel a lot roomier. And Clicks accomplishes this with flying colors. But personally, with the increasing size of phones (especially new-fangled foldables), this has never really been an issue for me. But that doesn’t mean this isn't a problem for others so it’s nice to see Clicks providing people with alternatives to typing on glass.

Another big goal for Clicks is optimizing your device by providing tons of shortcuts, which to me is much more appealing. It almost gives your phone the type of speed and productivity you enjoy on a laptop. You can press CMD+H to go home, tap the Spacebar to scroll in Safari, hit CMD+Space to open up Spotlight search and so much more. Some commands even work in third-party apps like Instagram, which is just really handy. And after seeing Apple add a single Action key on the iPhone 15 Pro, my head is already swimming with the possibilities of having 30+ customizable shortcuts.

Finally, there’s the simple joy of having physical keys to wail away on. While you don’t get mechanical switches like on a desktop keyboard (Clicks features rubber domes), the tiny nickel-plated keycaps feel solid and offer a nice tactile bump with each press. You also get some handy backlighting so you don’t have to suffer in dark rooms. The one issue is that after years of typing on screens, I’m not entirely sure I want to go back. And that probably goes double for anyone who prefers swipe-based entry methods.

After years of typing on glass, just banging out a short text using Clicks felt lethargic. And even with their circular design which leaves ample space in between the keys, I found myself fumbling. But then old habits started coming back and I can easily see how those yearning for their old Blackberrys, Sidekicks, or Motorola Envys might be enchanted.

Now that I’ve used it, I can’t deny that there’s something endearing about Clicks. But when it comes to getting more use out of a device, I lean more towards foldable phones or simply bigger screens. Plus, there are a few other minor issues, like iPhones not being able to handle charging and data over USB-C at the same time, which could be an issue for anyone who relies on wired CarPlay while using Clicks. Also by tacking a keyboard onto the bottom of an iPhone, which already have extra long 19.5:9 aspect ratios, you may feel like you’re lugging around a stack of rulers. And if you have an Android handset, you’re just plain out of luck (at least for now). But there’s no doubt that Clicks is a charming device, especially those flashy yellow and blue/pink models.

Clicks will be available starting on February 1 for the iPhone 14 Pro with the other models following sometime later this spring.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/clicks-hands-on-a-charming-keyboard-for-2024-thats-relying-on-more-than-just-nostalgia-131537619.html?src=rss

The Spacetop is a laptop that really wants to swap your screen for AR glasses

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Right now there are a bunch of companies trying to figure out new and better ways to work on the go. Lenovo made a laptop with two displays and a detachable keyboard to help give owners additional screen space without too much added bulk. And there are headsets from Meta, Apple and others that offer a way to create a completely virtual workspace without the need for a tethered PC. But with the Spacetop, startup Sightful has come up with an in-between solution that uses the bottom of a laptop, but instead of a traditional display, it’s attached to a pair of AR glasses.

In theory, the glasses provide a 100-inch virtual display that can hold more windows than you could ever fit on a traditional laptop screen. And with the Spacetop being powered by Android, you get a familiar working environment too. Instead of controllers or hand gestures, there’s a typical keyboard and touchpad for writing, browsing the web or anything else you might need to do. But after trying one out at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, while I like the idea, I’m not so sure about Sightful’s execution.

The system is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chip (the same processor Meta used in the Quest 2 from 2020), just 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It feels smooth, though I wouldn't necessarily call it fast. I didn’t notice much lag when dragging windows around or typing, but I didn’t get to see how it handles a ton of open apps or anything more demanding than a web browser. Sightful has also come up with some simple shortcuts for doing things like re-centering the screen (just press the left and right Shift keys at the same time).

The issue I ran into is that, while Sightful developed the base of the laptop itself and put its logo on the side of the glasses, the bundled AR eyewear attached to the PC is actually off-the-shelf specs from Xreal (in this case the Xreal Lights). So while Xreal glasses are somewhat sharp, their narrow field of view (especially vertically) and somewhat small sweet spot left a lot to be desired when it came to actually using that 100-inch virtual display.

The bottom half of the Spacetop will be immediately familiar, though for a system that costs $2,000, components like the keyboard and touchpad don't feel as premium as similarly priced traditional notebooks.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Additionally, the Spacetop’s keys felt spongy and its touchpad was lackluster too. It’s a far cry from the more precise haptic surfaces you’d get on a premium Mac or Windows PC. And when you combine all this with a starting price of $2,000, I just don’t see the appeal. For people who already have a laptop, I’d argue you’d be much better off getting a Meta Quest 3, which costs $500, sports a much newer chip and can sync with your laptop to create its own version of a virtual desktop. Plus, then you’d have a headset that’s way better at playing games, watching movies and more.

While Sightful developed the bottom half of the Spacetop in-house, the system relies on off-the-shelf AR glasses from Xreal.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

There’s a reason why Meta, Apple and others have sunk billions of dollars into making headsets and glasses with finely tuned optics. And I’m sure someday (maybe even sometime in the next few years), off-the-shelf AR glasses will make some pretty big advancements. But between its high price, dated specs and a big but not great-looking virtual display powered by two-year old AR glasses, the Spacetop doesn’t quite deliver on the promise of revolutionizing the common laptop.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-spacetop-is-a-laptop-that-really-wants-to-swap-your-screen-for-ar-glasses-ces-2024-233638523.html?src=rss

The ASUS Zenbook Duo is a stunning dual-screen laptop with seemingly no compromises

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Between the Zenbook 17 Fold, Project Precog and previous Zenbook Duo machines, it feels like ASUS has been working towards building a true dual-screen laptop for ages. And now at CES 2024, that time has come with the arrival of the simply named Zenbook Duo.

Similar to Lenovo’s Yoga Book 9i, the Zenbook Duo features two separate screens and a detachable Bluetooth keyboard that can be stashed inside the system for traveling. The difference is that ASUS’ OLED panels look even better, as they are slightly larger at 14 inches, while also offering a 3K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and stylus support. Plus, with a starting price of $1,500, it costs $500 less than the Yoga Book and not that much more than your average high-end ultraportable.

That alone would be enough to make it interesting, but what really elevates the Zenbook Duo is the polish ASUS has put into making it look and function just like a regular clamshell. Measuring just 0.78 inches thick and weighing 3.64 pounds (including its removable keyboard), it’s only a touch larger and heavier than a typical 14-inch notebook. And it doesn’t give up anything in terms of performance, with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, up to 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD inside,. The same thing goes for connectivity, where you get two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A 3.2 slot, a 3.5mm audio jack and even a full-size HDMI 2.1 socket.

The back of the Zenbook Duo features a built-in kickstand so you don't need any other accesories to prop it up while traveling.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

But the best thing about the Zenbook Duo is its fit and finish. Even though what I got to mess around with was a pre-production model, it felt incredibly sturdy. When packed up with its keyboard sandwiched between the two screens, there are no gaps or wasted space. And despite its super shallow dimensions, the detachable keyboard features full backlighting and more than enough travel to make sure your fingers don’t get sore while typing.

ASUS also added something I wish Lenovo had included on the Yoga Book 9i: a built-in kickstand. By mounting one on the bottom of the laptop, it sidesteps the need to have a separate folding cover, which streamlines the process every time you have to pack up and go. The small downside is that the orientation of the kickstand promotes a stacked setup with one display on top of the other. Though I’m not that bothered since that’s my preference anyway. Technically, you can use the Zenbook Duo with vertical side-by-side mode, but because there’s no way to adjust the kickstand in this position, it’s not quite as flexible.

The magic of the Zenbook Duo is that its practically the same weight and size as a typical 14-inch notebook while boasting a second display and a detachable keyboard.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

As you’d expect from a system like this, you can use it as a standard clamshell with the Zenbook Duo featuring hidden magnets that allow the keyboard to snap neatly in place. However, when you have more room to work with, you can place the keyboard in front of the system and instantly double your screen space. There’s also a responsive virtual keyboard and touchpad you can use in a pinch along with handy widgets for the news, weather and monitoring system performance. And when you need to top up the removable keyboard’s battery, there are some thoughtfully placed pogo pins that allow it to trickle charge while it’s nestled inside the system.

Surprisingly, when it comes to battery life, ASUS managed to fit a 75 Whr power pack in the Zenbook Duo which is slightly larger than what’s available in the new Zephryus G14 (73 Whr), and that’s a gaming machine with way fewer moving parts. And ASUS claims the Zenbook Duo adheres to MIL-STD 810H testing standards, so it should be pretty durable too.

Similar to the Yoga Book 9i, the Zenbook Duo's BT keyboard and be detached to reveal a second display.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Last year, the Yoga Book 9i felt like a revelation; Lenovo combined all the right components needed to create an appealing dual-screen laptop. But ASUS has optimized that template even further by adding ports, moving to bigger and better screens, including a built-in kickstand and making it even more portable. And then there’s that surprisingly affordable $1,500 starting price. I’ve been waiting for years to switch over to a dual-screen laptop, and the Zenbook Duo might actually convince me to finally make that jump.

The ASUS Zenbook Duo is expected to go on sale sometime later in Q1 2024.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-asus-zenbook-duo-is-a-stunning-dual-screen-laptop-with-seemingly-no-compromises-180017370.html?src=rss

The Intel-powered MSI Claw is challenging AMD’s handheld gaming monopoly

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Between the ASUS ROG Ally, the Lenovo Legion Go and the Steam Deck, AMD has a virtual monopoly over the chips powering high-end gaming handhelds. But for the Claw, MSI is partnering up with Intel to bring a little more balance to the portable PC performance wars.

On paper and in its design, MSI’s Claw shares a lot with the ROG Ally. It has a 7-inch full HD LCD screen with 500 nits of brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. (I asked an MSI rep if the Claw also supports VRR, but they didn’t have an immediate answer, so stay tuned.) Even its case looks very familiar, with both handhelds sporting almost identical chassis, button layouts and power buttons with built-in fingerprint sensors, except that the Claw is black and has much bigger grips, which makes it way more comfortable to hold.

But that’s where the similarities come to an end, because on the inside, the Claw is powered by either an Intel Core Ultra 7 or Core Ultra 5 chip depending on the configuration. That’s a pretty big departure amongst the sea of AMD-based alternatives, and may have some people wondering if Intel’s first foray into high-end gaming handhelds can keep up. That’s because in addition to a new chip, developers will be relying on Intel’s integrated Arc graphics and a library of drivers that simply aren’t as deep or as well tested as AMD’s. It’s also unclear how much the NPU inside Intel’s latest chip will help with things like XeSS super sampling, which is sure to play a big part in the Claw’s capabilities.

On top of RGB lighting, the Claw features hall effect sensors for both its buttons and joysticks.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

However, even on the pre-production models with unfinished software (including beta drivers) that I tested things were surprisingly smooth. Launching games was snappy and I only ran into a small handful of hitches. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to pull up MSI’s built-in performance monitor, as its MSI Center game launcher is still a work in progress. A spokesperson I talked to claimed that, during internal testing, the Claw delivered 20 to 25 percent higher frame rates than an equivalent AMD-based handheld in 14 out of 15 popular titles. That’s a pretty big claim but, if those figures carry over to a larger library of modern games, AMD might soon find itself playing catch-up. But, that’s a big if.

Another benefit of going with an Intel chip is that it allows MSI to include a Thunderbolt 4 port (Thunderbolt is a proprietary connector owned by Intel), which brings super fast data speeds and the option of hooking up an external graphics dock if you want even more performance. MSI is even using one of Intel’s Killer modems that includes support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, so wireless connectivity is pretty much as good as it gets.

Along the top, the Claw features a power button with a built-in fingerprint sensor, a Thunderbolt 4 port, 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD card reader.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Also, while I didn’t have enough time to test its longevity, the 53Whr battery should give the Claw some significant advantages over the ROG Ally, which has just a40Whr pack. There’s huge mesh vents on its back too, which should help keep MSI’s handheld and your hands from getting too sweaty. Also, both the Claw’s buttons and joysticks use precise hall effect sensors, compared to the Ally whose sticks relies on potentiometers. In a lot of ways, the Claw feels like what a mid-life refresh for the Ally might look like, assuming ASUS felt like switching from AMD to Intel.

Even this early there’s a lot to like about MSI’s new Intel-based handheld. And when you factor in that the Claw starts at $699 with a Core Ultra 5 chip, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, $749 for a faster model with a Core Ultra 7 CPU or $799 for one with a 1TB SSD, it looks to be pretty competitive regarding pricing as well.

Almost the entire back of the Claw is an intake vent to help keep the device and your hands from getting too sweaty.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Unfortunately, there’s no word on an official release, though MSI says it’s shooting for a window closer to the end of Q1 instead of Q2. And as someone who loved the huge wave of gaming handhelds we got last year, it’s really encouraging to see MSI carry that momentum into 2024 with the Claw.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-intel-powered-msi-claw-is-challenging-amds-handheld-gaming-monopoly-ces-2024-171643042.html?src=rss

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 offer a more sophisticated take on gaming laptops in 2024

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Due to the lack of new GPUs from NVIDIA at CES 2024, ASUS could have refreshed the processors in its flagship gaming laptop line and simply called it a day. But much to my delight, ASUS still went and completely redesigned the ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 and it feels like the company may have struck the perfect balance between performance and a more sophisticated take on the gamer aesthetic.

The biggest change is the new CNC-machined aluminum chassis with a somewhat boxy frame and clean minimalist lines. Not only is this construction stiffer and more durable than before, both new models are smaller (up to 4mm thinner) and lighter (by up to 0.3 pounds) than the previous generation. Keycaps are also 12 percent larger and on the inside, there’s enough room for 20 percent larger speakers. Meanwhile on the outside, instead of a bunch of RGB lighting, there’s a single white LED strip arranged in a slash across the lid. It looks bold without being too in your face, and you can choose from two colors: Eclipse Gray or a stunning Platinum White. It feels like ASUS has made a stylish machine that adult gamers don’t need to be embarrassed about whipping out in public.

Another big change comes with its display, as the new Zephyrus G14/G16 will be the first ROG laptops to feature OLED panels: a 3K 120Hz screen on the smaller model or a 2.5K 240Hz option on the larger system. Supplied by Samsung and branded as ROG Nebula Display OLEDs, both screens also feature 16:10 aspect ratios, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, NVIDIA G-Sync support and blazing 0.2ms gray-to-gray response times. In short, they look great.

Instead of loading it up with a bunch of RGB, the new Zephyrus G14's lid comes with a single strip of white LEDs.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

ASUS opted for slightly different hardware depending on which size you choose. The smaller G14 uses AMD Ryzen 8000 series processors with up to NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics while the larger G16 features an Intel Core Ultra 9 chip with up to an RTX 4090 GPU. Both versions top out with 32GB of DDR5X RAM. Other small differences include a microSD card reader on the G14 versus a full-size option on the G16 along with a larger 90Whr battery (versus 73Whr). The only thing ASUS seems to have missed is support for Wi-Fi 7, but given how early we are into that rollout, it shouldn’t be a big deal as Wi-Fi 6e is still plenty fast.

One other important addition is the introduction of the ASUS Slim Power jack, which will be the company’s default charging port for high-power systems across its mainstream and ROG lines. It looks similar to USB-C, in that it’s also reversible, but with a slightly boxier connector. I kind of wish ASUS opted for USB-C power delivery, at least on the smaller G14. But I’ve been told that the cost and relatively low efficiency of high-power USB-C charging (especially above 140 watts, as the G14 uses a 180-watt brick) still isn’t good enough for widespread use.

The G14 features a solid set of ports including a full-size HDMI 2.1 socket along with ASUS' new Slim Power jack.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Regardless, previous versions of the ROG G14 and G16 have been some of our favorite gaming machines over the past few years and with a full redesign that brings a gorgeous new aluminum chassis, top-notch specs, OLED displays and more. And if this early look at the next-generation is anything to go by, it seems ASUS is hoping to carry that momentum into the rest of 2024.

Both the G14 and G16 will be available in two colors: black and silver.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Unfortunately, there isn’t any word on expected pricing for the ROG G14 and G16 just yet, but check back soon because ASUS says it will provide updates closer to when its new laptops officially go on sale sometime in February.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-and-g16-offer-a-more-sophisticated-take-on-gaming-laptops-in-2024-000022262.html?src=rss

Alienware m16 R2 hands-on: A sleeker gaming laptop design for CES 2024

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Despite launching an all-new version of the m16 last year, Alienware has completely redesigned its mainstream 16-inch gaming laptop again for 2024 to address customer feedback while optimizing performance for the most popular configs. I got to check out the new m16 R2 ahead of CES 2024 and there’s a lot to like about Alienware’s more purpose-built revamp.

Unlike the 2023 M16, which could accommodate RTX 4090 cards, the m16 R2 tops out at an RTX 4070. In return for lowered top-end performance, you get a sleeker and lighter laptop with a larger 90 Whr battery, slimmer bezels, and a larger touchpad – all in a package with a 15 percent smaller footprint.

As before, display options will go up to a 16:10 QHD+ panel with a 240Hz refresh rate, while CPU options are getting a bump to Intel’s latest batch of Core Ultra H-series chips. Meanwhile, by eliminating the old model’s thermal shelf (which was the big protrusion that stuck out past the hinge), Alienware was able to shave off about an inch and a half in depth while also redesigning its cooling system to provide 43% more airflow. Notably, even though the new model is significantly smaller, it still offers a solid selection of ports including Ethernet, a full-size HDMI 2.1 jack, two USB Type-A 3.2 and two USB-C (one of which supports Thunderbolt 4).

There are also a handful of subtle, but much-appreciated, aesthetic changes, including a new RGB lightning loop that runs around the perimeter of the touchpad. That said, if you want to quickly hide your power level, you can instantly turn off all of the laptop’s lighting and set the system to quiet by hitting F2 and activating Alienware’s Stealth Mode. It’s a small but very handy addition that makes it easy for you to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

The removable of the thermal shelf on the new m16 R2 results in a system that's about an inch and a half less deep than last year's model.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Other small changes and features include user–upgradeable DDRR5 RAM and M.2 SSDs (two slots each), a new FHD IR webcam with support for facial recognition and Windows Hello and AI-powered noise-cancellation for improved video calling. Additionally, all new Alienware laptops for 2024 will receive upgraded far-field microphones, support for Wi-Fi 7 and the latest version (6.1) of the company’s Command Center app.

Even with a smaller footprint, the m16 R2 still has the same number of ports along with a new RGB-lit touchpad.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

But most importantly, the new Alienware m16 R2 feels like it’s better designed for gaming on the go. It’s not quite as powerful as last year’s model, but it’s almost a pound and a half lighter (5.75 pounds vs 7.17 pounds). It should have better battery life too, and it’s just easier to carry around thanks to its slimmer dimensions. You still get a premium construction with smooth matte aluminum panels on top and bottom. And if you really want a 16-inch thin-and-light gaming laptop with big graphics, there’s always the Alienware x16, which hasn’t gotten a redesign but will have updated specs for 2024 including support for up to an RTX 4090.

The biggest difference in horsepower on the m16 R2 is that it only supports up to an RTX 4070, as Alienware found that very few people opted for 4080 or 4090 GPUs on the previous model.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

The new Alienware m16 R2 is scheduled to go on sale on January 11 with select configs starting at $1,650 before more options become available later this quarter.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/alienware-m16-r2-hands-on-a-sleeker-gaming-laptop-design-for-ces-2024-230059369.html?src=rss

The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 is the funkiest gadget mashup at CES 2024

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Typically a 2-in-1 is something that can transform into multiple modes (e.g., a notebook that converts to tablet or vice versa). But with the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 hybrid, Lenovo smashed two gadgets together to create one of the funkiest and most interesting laptops we've seen here at CES 2024 in Las Vegas.

At first glance, the ThinkBook Plus looks like an ordinary clamshell. However, if you pull up on the display, it lifts right off and becomes a 14-inch tablet while the bottom contains everything needed to power a traditional Windows PC (well, aside from a screen). From there, you can use the tablet as a standalone Android device, a wireless monitor for the laptop base, or a Wacom-like inking display via Lenovo’s Freestyle app. Meanwhile, you can use ThinkBook’s deck as a mini desktop just by plugging in an external screen.

The number of situations that might require having two separate devices running different OSes might be somewhat rare. However, this level of flexibility is rather unique. For example, if you’re browsing the web on the couch, you could just grab the tablet section and leave the bulky laptop chassis behind. Or you could give the tablet to a child while you work on the laptop. (Just be mindful of their total screen time, OK?) And to make sharing files across both devices as easy as possible, there’s a hybrid folder on both devices that syncs wirelessly. Just drag and drop and voila.

From the back, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 looks pretty much like any other laptop.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

On top of that, the specs for both devices are pretty solid. The laptop is the beefier of the two packing an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, Wi-Fi 6e and sizable 75Whr battery. The tablet on the other hand consists of a 14-inch 2.8K OLED screen with stylus input, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, 12GB of RAM and a 38Whr battery. It also houses two rear cameras (13MP + 5MP) and a full HD IR selfie cam that the laptop can also use when the two are attached.

The somewhat surprising thing is that, for a pre-production device, everything functioned pretty smoothly. When I yanked off the display, the tablet instantly booted into Android. And when I placed it back on the laptop, it only took a second or two for the Windows desktop to reappear. The only software issue I ran into was when trying to use the tablet as a sketching aid. But that was more of a problem with the insane wireless congestion that you always battle during CES.

When removed from the base, the top half of the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 is a standalone 14-inch Android tablet.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

There were only two minor flaws that I noticed. The first is that, aside from a 3.5mm audio jack, there are only two USB-C ports. But since both are Thunderbolt 4, at least you’ll be getting excellent data speeds. The other is that the ThinkBook Plus’ keyboard is on the shallow side, so if you prefer a notebook with longer key travel, this might not be for you.

However, the ThinkBook Plus’ biggest hurdle may be its price. Because, starting at $1,999, Lenovo is charging a bit of a premium for the convenience of having two devices in one. That’s because unless you’re dead set on having a 14-inch tablet, it’s pretty easy to pick up a smaller Android slate plus a well-equipped ultraportable for way under $2,000.

One issue with the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 is that if you want to use the bottom half as a standalone Windows PC, you'll need an external monitor which may add even more to its $2,000 starting price.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

But if this sort of frakengadget strikes your fancy, keep an eye out for it when it goes on sale sometime in Q2 2024.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-lenovo-thinkbook-plus-gen-5-is-the-funkiest-gadget-mashup-at-ces-2024-230059087.html?src=rss

The Acer Predator Helios 18 has the most mesmerizing hinge on a laptop at CES 2024

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Without a new generation of NVIDIA GPUs to accommodate, this year at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, laptop manufacturers have been forced to come up with other ways of getting attention. Some OEMs have opted for complete redesigns while others have introduced smaller (and super light) versions of existing models. But on the 2024 Predator Helios 18, Acer has opted for the flashiest method yet, featuring a captivating new hinge along with updated specs.

Compared to last year’s model, the outside of the Helios 18 doesn’t look that much different. It features a familiar matte black chassis and, at 7.17 pounds and 1.14 inches thick, it’s about the same size and weight as well. But then you get to the back where its new hinge is waiting to dazzle you with a seemingly endless series of RGB lights to gawk at. It’s a cool effect that Acer has dubbed the Infinity Mirror lighting bar, and while I’m not sure that alone would cause me to buy one, it’s certainly fun to stare into. All hail the hypno hinge.

Aside from that, the other new design change is the introduction of Acer’s MagKey 3.0 on the Helios 18’s WASD buttons, which allows you to swap not only the keycaps but also the mechanical switches beneath for a truly customized gaming experience. The laptop will come with two extra sets of keycaps and switches in the box. I just wish Acer allowed owners to swap out every key and keycap instead of just WASD. Unfortunately, because I only saw a pre-production model, I didn’t have the chance to try it myself.

The Predator Helios 18 is boasts updated specs and an updated design, while the Neo line offers similar features but with a more affordable price.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Inside, the Helios 18 has been refreshed with an Intel Core i9-14900X CPU and support for up to 32GB of RAM, 4TB of storage and NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics. Meanwhile, to keep its operating temps in check, Acer has upgraded to 5th-gen Aeroblade 3D fans and switched to liquid metal thermal grease for improved heat conductivity. And as you’d expect on a system this big and starts at $2,000, the Helios 18 has great connectivity including Wi-Fi 7 and tons of ports (full-size HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, microSD, dual USB-C and more). The Helios 18’s display has also gotten some attention with the move to a 250Hz mini LED panel with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits and a gamut that covers 100 percent of DCI-P3.

And while I didn’t get to see it myself, if you don’t want a gaming laptop this big, there will also be a Predator Helios 16 that offers all the same specs (up to an RTX 4090) including a 90 Whr battery, but in a chassis that weighs 5.95 pounds and measures 1.05 inches thick.

Pictures don't fully capture the majesty of Acer's new Infinity Mirror hinge.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

But it doesn’t stop there because at CES 2024, Acer is announcing more budget-friendly Neo versions of the machines above. Also available with 16- and 18-inch screens, the Predator Helios Neo 18 and Predator Helios Neo 16 come with the same i9-14900X chip, but with a slightly slower 240Hz display and GPU options that cap out at an RTX 4070. Sadly, similar to the Predator Helios 18, the Helios Neo 16 I saw was a pre-production model and had some finishes and speaker grilles that didn’t match the rest of the system, though Acer says that will be fixed on retail models.

Regardless, Acer will have a bunch of updated 16 and 18-inch gaming laptops for you to consider no matter your budget.

The Predator Helios 18 uses a new MagKey 3.0 feature that allows owners to swap out both the keycaps and the switches of the WASD buttons.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

The Predator Helios 16 will start at $1,900 and go on sale in January, followed by the Predator Helios 18 at $2,000, which will arrive sometime in March. Alternatively, the Predator Helios Neo 18 and Neo 16 will start at $1,550 and $1,500 respectively, with both officially launching in March.

Update, January 8 2024, 6:00PM ET: This post has been updated with hands-on video.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-acer-predator-helios-18-has-the-most-mesmerizing-hinge-on-a-laptop-at-ces-2024-230045775.html?src=rss