Tag Archives: desktops

MINISFORUM AtomMan G7 Ti is a gaming laptop without a screen standing like a PS5

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Gaming PCs have a notoriety for being big, hulking, and kaleidoscopic machines, though that seems to be only true for desktops these days. Gaming laptops are becoming slimmer, gaming mini PCs have started popping up, and let’s not forget the growing number of handheld PCs designed specifically for gaming purposes. Suffice it to say, the design of gaming PCs is undergoing a shift, transforming from cyberpunk monstrosities to sleek art objects. Of course, design tastes differ, and even the current PlayStation 5’s smooth curves and trophy-like appearance didn’t sit well with everyone. This new MINISFORUM “mini” gaming desktop PC follows in those footsteps and looks like something that is a cross between a very straight and tall PS5 and a gaming laptop that had its screen removed.

Designer: MINISFORUM

It’s hard to call the AtomMan G7 Ti a “mini PC” the way it stands over 15 inches tall, but it won’t take up too much desk space compared to a regular tower thanks to its super-slim 1.3-inch profile. The gaming computer is what you’d get if you took a gaming laptop and stood it on its side, which is practically what this gaming rig really is, except that it needs to be plugged into a monitor and power source, cementing not only its “feet” but also its image as a desktop computer.

Inside, it’s powered by a Core i9 14900HX, not the AI-toting “Ultra” variant, that’s paired with an NVIDIA RTX 4070 of the mobile laptop kind. If that doesn’t scream “laptop computer,” then may the two thin fans situated on only one side of the chassis will. There might be some arguments that a gaming desktop will need more cooling than that, but gaming laptops have definitely survived with just as much. This demonstrates the sort of cognitive confusion on whether this computer is really a desktop or a laptop in disguise.

It definitely offers many things you’d only find in desktop computers, like support for up to 96GB of RAM and a plethora of ports for connecting almost anything imaginable. The latter is important since you can’t really use it on its own and will need to connect peripherals like, well, a monitor. On the other hand, some gamers might be on the fence about its actual performance, considering the constrained hardware and cooling.

The MINISFORUM AtomMan G7 Ti is definitely going to be an acquired taste, especially with a design that looks more like a classy desktop than a gaming rig. It does have some RGB lighting, but only on the front and limited to a string of LED “arrows.” Pricing and availability details remain undisclosed, but it’s definitely an interesting take on your typical gaming desktop computer, one that prioritizes appearances and space efficiency over raw power.

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Mini-PC the size of a Mac Studio comes with a Ryzen 9 Chipset and a 7-inch Touchscreen

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Imagine if your iPad Mini had ports, a powerful computer, and the ability to work alongside your main machine as a perfect productivity sidekick. That’s what the Miniproca is aiming to be.

Slightly wider than a Mac Studio (thanks to its rectangular design), the Miniproca is a mini PC with the attitude of a conventional desktop. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor, this mini-PC delivers robust performance capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. Complementing the processor are Radeon RX 680M graphics, which ensure smooth visuals for gaming, video editing, and other graphically intensive applications. However, the mini PC also packs a 7-inch touchscreen on the top that folds outwards to face you, turning it into what I can only describe is the opposite of a laptop. The tiny touchscreen display becomes the Miniproca’s visual unit, allowing you to use your PC in a variety of ways. Sure, you could use it as a secondary display while you connect a larger monitor to the Miniproca, or the touchscreen could become your dashboard or widget center, acting as a place to display other core information, whether it’s stock prices for traders, gaming stats for gamers, hotkeys for streamers, or just YouTube or Netflix on the side while you work for most people.

Designer: Miniproca

Click Here to Buy Now: $699 $1259 (44% off) Hurry, only 9 days left.

The Miniproca really tries to create a new category of computing by combining two existing categories – the mini tablet, and the mini PC. Tablets are great because they’re touch-sensitive and portable… but they’re not powerful. A mini PC on the other hand packs power, but without a screen. In comes the Miniproca, hitting two birds with the same stone. The integrated touchscreen transforms the device into a versatile computing solution. The touchscreen can be positioned in various angles, from flat to a 90-degree upright position, offering flexibility for different use cases. As a secondary monitor, it can enhance productivity by providing additional workspace for applications, communication tools, or reference materials. For those seeking a more portable setup, the Miniproca can serve as a standalone device, with the touchscreen providing a convenient interface for various tasks.

Design-wise, the Miniproca adopts a minimalist aesthetic that complements modern workspaces. Its aluminum alloy chassis exudes durability while maintaining a sleek profile. The standout feature is the integrated 7-inch touchscreen, which flips up to reveal a multi-touch display. This innovative design offers flexibility in usage, allowing it to function as a standalone device, a secondary monitor, or even a digital photo frame. The inclusion of anti-slip pads on the base ensures stability on various surfaces.

Under the hood, the Miniproca packs a powerful punch. At its core lies an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor, delivering robust performance for demanding tasks such as video editing, content creation, and gaming. Complementing the CPU is Radeon RX 680M graphics, capable of handling visually intensive applications with ease. Users can further enhance performance by opting for up to 32GB of DDR5 memory and a spacious 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.

Connectivity is a crucial aspect of any modern computing device, and the Miniproca doesn’t disappoint. The device boasts a comprehensive array of ports, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and a mix of USB 2.0, 3.2, and Type-C options (in theory, you can connect as many as 3 monitors to the Miniproca, giving you a multi-display setup). Dual Ethernet LAN ports cater to users who prioritize wired connections for stability. Wireless connectivity is ensured through Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E, allowing seamless integration with other devices.

The Miniproca measures 175 x 137 x 55 mm and weighs 855g, making it highly portable and a great complementary machine to a laptop or existing peripherals. The Miniproca is currently available for pre-order on Kickstarter. Pricing starts at US$699 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, while the top-tier configuration with 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage is priced at US$919.

Click Here to Buy Now: $699 $1259 (44% off) Hurry, only 9 days left.

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Someone 3D Printed A Millennium Falcon Wireless Mouse And Now I Want One

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Image Credits: @itsrillo

Now that I think about it, the Millennium Falcon’s shape sort of looks like it would lend itself well to a wireless mouse.

In yet another episode of ‘Things I don’t need but want desperately’, here’s the Millennium Falcon wireless mouse. Designed by ‘parkeryaojj’, the mouse sports a design reminiscent of a scaled down model of Han Solo’s spaceship from Star Wars, except with left and right click paddles and a scroll wheel. The only thing really missing are laser blasters and minifigures of Solo and Chewie but a little bit of paint could probably fix that.

Designer: parkeryaojj

Image Credits: @itsrillo

Although I’d expect the Star Wars merch team to already be selling this exact product, the mouse in question is entirely fan-made and has a fair amount of DIY. The outer shell needs to be 3D printed, while the internals use Bambu Labs’ Wireless Mouse Kit, which contains the inner components like the optical sensor, PCB, buttons, and battery enclosure.

You can download the 3D cad files from Maker World and print your own outer shell from ABS or PLA. The shell does come in multiple parts that fix together (and the left and right buttons are held together using pillars you need to break off), and can be printed in any color. In fact someone even managed to print one in transparent filament which does look pretty cool.

You can either print the mouse in a single filament/color and paint the details on, or edit the 3D model and print your final CAD using a multi-filament setup.

Once printed, all you need to do is put all the pieces together, which doesn’t take too long. The result is a mouse that’s gorgeous yet functional. Don’t expect it to be comparable to your ergonomic or gaming mouse, but it still does have a certain flair that will appeal to most true-blue nerds and Star Wars fans. The Bambu Labs kit starts at a mere $12, but the sensor packs a DPI range of 800-1600, which I’d say is pretty impressive.

Image Credits: @itsrillo

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Actual Copper Keycaps from Awekeys turn your mechanical keyboard into an Ocean of Rose Gold

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Copper plays a VERY important role in electronics, but this might be the first time copper’s been used for its aesthetic properties. Meet the Awekeys Copper Eagle Keycap set – made from actual copper alloy to give your keyboard drip like no other. Sure, people boast about customizing the RGB backlight on their keyboards, but nothing really matches having your keys be made of actual metal. The Copper Eagle set sports keycaps machined from literal metal, giving them a heft and shimmery appeal that plastic wishes it had. Compatible with Cherry MX switches and clones, these keys attach to any supporting mechanical keyboard (no matter the size or style), giving it an audiovisual makeover. The keys offer the distinctly cool feel of metal, but start typing and you realize how much of a difference they actually make. The metal keycaps offer a distinct kind of sound that feels less like a plastic clatter and more like coins clinking against each other. It also helps that the keys make your keyboard look like a million bucks.

Designer: Awekeys

Crafted from recycled cupronickel, a material known for its strength and durability, the Copper Eagle set is a testament to Awekeys’ commitment to sustainable practices without compromising on quality. Each keycap undergoes a meticulous milling process before receiving its signature satin copper plating. This finish isn’t just visually appealing; it also lends a unique tactile sensation to every keystroke. The weight of the metal keycaps contributes to a substantial feel, while the copper’s natural warmth adds a touch of elegance to any setup.

Beyond aesthetics, the Copper Eagle set offers a sonic user experience that sets it apart. Metal keycaps are renowned for their ability to produce a deeper, more resonant click compared to their plastic counterparts. The Copper Eagle does so too, delivering satisfyingly rich auditory feedback that can be customized further with the right switch and keyboard combination. Along with just the cold tactile feel of the metal against your fingertips, the satisfying metallic click just elevates the keyboard’s UX to an entirely new level, eschewing the ‘fake’ plasticity of regular mechanical keyboards and replacing it with the premium appeal of metal.

One’s immediate concern with copper alloys (and glossy keycaps in particular) is the issue of fingerprints and patinas. A copper keyboard only looks classy if it maintains its sheen, and to address that, Awekeys actually coated each keycap with a nanocoating that prevents the metal from oxidizing or reacting to the oil and sweat from your fingertips. The keys should remain pristine and shiny for months with regular wiping down, although the durability of the coating over time is still something to be determined.

The Copper Eagle set comes in various kits to accommodate different keyboard layouts and preferences. The base kit consists of every key required for a 100% layout keyboard, but you can grab custom caps too, including different copper grades that have slightly different hues, and a few vanity keys featuring eagle imagery for your special keys like the enter, escape, backspace, etc.

The obvious caveat here is weight – copper weighs significantly more than plastic, so this should definitely make your keyboard feel considerably heavier than usual, but that’s only really a problem if you’re carrying your keyboard around. The second caveat, and a slightly smaller one, is that these keys (just like your regular mechanical keycaps) won’t support backlights. Most keyboards come with dual-plastic keys that allow the symbols to glow so you can see them in the dark – that’s not really possible with copper, so you’ll be relying entirely on muscle-memory here. The benefit, however, is that you’ll also own the coolest-looking keyboard among your friend circuits.

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Orico and Western Digital’s Mac Studio-shaped device offers up to 112 Terabytes of High-Speed Storage

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We’re living in a time where entertainment is at a point of evolution. Blu-Ray came and went, as did 3D content… but we’re fast approaching a future where spatial content may just become the norm. Videos today are shot in 4K and 8K, and videos in the future could be shot in spatial reality too, covering a 360° FoV. This means post-production teams will work with heavier file sizes and will need more than just an SSD attached to their iMac or Mac Pros. That’s where the Orico Data Matrix comes in. A hybrid storage solution that can provide anywhere between 5 and 112 terabytes of storage, the Orico Data Matrix lets you work with large files while offering write speeds of up to 1500Mb/s for CFexpress cards, or transfer speeds of a whopping 40Gb/s using Thunderbolt. The $699 device is absolutely perfect for video editing, post-production, and even animation, allowing you to speed up your workflow, no matter how heavy your files are!

Designer: Orico Tech

Click Here to Buy Now: $699 $1099 ($400 off) Hurry! Only 10 days left.

The Data Matrix’s design clearly evokes a sleek, Apple-inspired sense of minimalism. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s exactly the same width and length as the Mac Mini or Mac Studio. The exterior is all anodized aluminum, while the interior sees the use of low-speed WD RED™ hard drives, combined with a large cache, anti-vibration mounting, and magnetic levitation fans, ensuring a quiet and efficient operation. This feature is particularly beneficial for creative professionals who often work during late hours and require a noise-free environment to maintain concentration and productivity. Its table-friendly design sits seamlessly on your desk alongside your other work peripherals, and if you’re relying on a Mac Mini/Studio or a Mac Pro, it helps to have all those ports accessible for cables.

The Data Matrix supports multiple I/O ports, including Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1, and HDMI, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and peripherals. This flexibility allows users to connect external hard drives, 4K displays, card readers, and other essential equipment seamlessly. The device also supports up to five daisy-chained devices, enabling users to expand their setup without compromising performance. This robust connectivity ensures that the Data Matrix can integrate smoothly into any professional workflow. Working with large file-sizes can often dramatically slow down your flow and pace too – but 1,500Mb/s writing and 3,000Mb/s reading speeds for the CFexpress cards, and overall 40Gb/s transfer speeds from the WD drives, allowing you to comfortably edit 8K videos in a jiffy.

The ORICO Data Matrix is available in various storage capacities, ranging from 5TB to 112TB, catering to different project sizes and requirements. This flexibility makes it a versatile solution for various professional needs, from small-scale projects to extensive, high-capacity demands. The system also supports up to five daisy-chained devices, allowing users to connect additional hard drives, 4K displays, card readers, and other peripherals, further enhancing its versatility and adaptability.

RAID stacking capabilities further enhance the reliability and security of the ORICO Data Matrix. With various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, JBOD, and Normal, users can choose the setup that best suits their needs. These configurations provide a balance between performance and redundancy, safeguarding valuable data against potential loss. The hardware-level RAID stacking ensures that data integrity is maintained, offering peace of mind to creative professionals who rely on secure storage for their work.

The ORICO Data Matrix is available in various storage capacities, ranging from 5TB to 112TB, catering to different project sizes and requirements. This flexibility makes it a versatile solution for various professional needs, from small-scale projects to extensive, high-capacity demands. The system also supports up to five daisy-chained devices, allowing users to connect additional hard drives, 4K displays, card readers, and other peripherals, further enhancing its versatility and adaptability. The 1-bay 5Tb variant starts at $699 and is perfect for agile teams and smaller studios, while the highest configuration (5-bay 112Tb) goes up to a whopping $4999 – but that’s almost entirely for larger organizations and global production offices.

Click Here to Buy Now: $699 $1099 ($400 off) Hurry! Only 10 days left.

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This Fallout-inspired PC case mod looks rugged, conceals high-end computing power inside

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PC case mods hold merit both for beefing up the computing power and showing off the computer’s internal hardware. While the ordinary might stop at that, a few go beyond the normal to craft case mods that turn eyeballs. The Sentinel Cypher PC case mod by AK Mod for Klevv is the latest example.

This PC case mod showcased at Computex, Taipei has a retrofuturistic vibe, themed on the Fallout world. That rustic look with the old-school PC housing is made for a post-apocalyptic bunker or an advanced space station in some other galaxy, safe from the scavengers outside.

Designer: AK Mod

The rugged look of the PC case with exposed wires, dirty panels and the jarred software interface is something straight out of a space wreck. The rustic mouse and the huge GPU fans complement the look well. This is intentional to represent the dystopian grim theme but don’t let that chalkiness fool you. Concealed hardware on the inside is as potent as it can get. It makes sense since Klevv (known for its high-end RAM and SSDs) displayed the mod at the high-tech annual event.

The water-cooled PC houses an intel 17-14700K processor, ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi motherboard, 6 TB KLEVV Genuine G650 and KLEVV Cras C925 SSD, Noctua NF A625 PWM fan, and 96 GB DDR5 KLEVV CRAS V and Urbane memory. Peripherals include a ROG Azoth keyboard and Lofree Tri-Mode Wireless mouse. As for potent cooling, the mod gets EKWB EK-Quantum Velocity² DDC 4.2 PWM D-RGB, EKWB EK-CryoFuel Clear, and EKWB EK-Quantum Torque Fittings.

The steampunk-ish monitor completely lifts like a car’s boot to reveal the motherboard for an even more industrial look, if you as a user want to show off when not using all that computing power. Sentinel Cypher PC case mod is a work of sci-fi art that packs a lot of punch in its measly abandoned computer in a space station form!

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Minisforum’s UH125 Pro mini PC packs a powerful punch in a tiny form

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While laptops and tablets are the most convenient and most mobile for those who want to work outside, it’s not always the most powerful. But having those bulky computers at home or at the office may also not be that ideal even if they can sometimes be more powerful. So a mini PC can be the best thing to have if you’re looking for something compact but still powerful enough to let you do what you need to do if you’re a content creator, gamer, or a professional.

Designer: Minisforum

The UH125 Pro from Minisforum seems to be a pretty powerful mini computer that is packaged into a tiny body. It has the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor with intel 4 technology and a 3D high-performance hybrid architecture. Since it has 2x iGPU performance, you will be able to improve the running speed when it comes to tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and live streaming. It’s also perfect for watching videos and playing games as it has the Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) technology that is able to support high-performance and high-fidelity visual effects.

Even thought it is smaller than most computers, it has high-efficiency large storage for your multimedia entertainment and massive data storage needs. And in case that isn’t enough, there’s a storage expansion method as well. You can also connect up to four 4K screens at the same time since it has two full-speed USB4 ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, and one DP 2.0 port. And in case your concern is overheating since it’s small, it has a compact phase-change heat dissipation design with a large-diameter silent cooling fan and three heat dissipation copper pipes.

The UH125 Pro is small enough that you can place it on your workspace even if you have a small one. It actually looks like the old-school hard drive boxes that we used back when we needed high storage external drives. There’s a barebone version and a more expensive one that has 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Both are now available for pre-order on the Minisforum website.

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Wood-encased computer adds a striking vintage touch to modern technology

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The aesthetics of modern and futuristic technologies often revolve around hard metallic surfaces, straight lines and edges, and an almost inorganic characteristic, as if all the opposite qualities are considered antiquated or even medieval. Of course, design trends come and go and sometimes even come back, as proven by the retro craze that has gripped many industries, especially consumer electronics. Duality has always existed in many facets of human existence, but that doesn’t mean those seemingly contrary elements cannot work together. In fact, contrast is an important factor in creating a beautiful composition, and this combination of a desktop computer and natural wood offers one such expression that creates a unique atmosphere around what would normally be a nondescript machine, combining past and present, natural and artificial in a harmonious blend.

Designer: Keegan McNamara

They may be called “personal computers,” but the desktops and laptops of today sometimes feel more impersonal than paper notebooks and stationery. Part of it is due to the very design of these products, adhering to a language often considered sharp, harsh, cold, and distant. There is no shortage of attempts to soften that image, either with customization options or skins that give the semblance of more natural and organic materials like wood.

The Limited Edition Apollo Collection, however, is no faux wood. Utilizing genuine Walnut, Cherry, or Maple, these bespoke computers enclose three important parts of the device to create a striking visual that beautifully contrasts the straight-edged aesthetic of modern technology with the more organic shapes found in nature. It makes the PC not only truly personal but also personable, making it an art object as much as it is an electrical appliance.

The Apollo Collection computers come in three parts, with the keyboard housing the computer itself. A portable screen connects to the keyboard via a cable, while the third part, a magnetic screen stand, completes the configuration for a more typical desktop computer. If typical desktop computers came housed in wood, that is. Each part is made to order by hand, and it utilizes custom circuitry and a bespoke operating system to truly give the computer a unique feel.

Beyond the wooden materials, the design also adds details that not only enhance the computing experience but also add a bit of humanity to the use of the computer via more tactile feedback. Unsurprisingly, the keyboard utilizes mechanical switches, but there are also physical dials for adjusting the volume and brightness of the computer. The exact specs of the computer are, at the moment, not completely known, but the limited edition bespoke design’s true appeal won’t be in its computing power but in its ability to create a new kind of relationship between man and machine.

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Top Design Innovations from Computex 2024: Where Technology Meets Aesthetics

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One of the world’s biggest computer-centric tech expos has just ended and, unsurprisingly, a lot of the rhetoric revolved around AI. But if you walk around the showroom floor, another theme quickly becomes evident in the midst of new products as well as some not-so-new wares. Consumer tastes have evolved once again, even among those who would embrace the label of being a gamer. Design is no longer just a feature for the few but an important part of a product’s DNA. We’ve seen quite a wide range of designs across an equally wide range of products, from the eccentric to the elegant. Here are some of the most notable designs to grace our paths at Computex 2024 in Taiwan, showcasing not just the trends but also the innovations in the computing industry.

Cool Computing: PC Case Designs

Desktop computers have evolved from uninspiring towers to smoldering workstations with over-the-top lighting to a smorgasbord of designs that cater to a variety of tastes and interests. Computex 2024 is a glowing testament to not only the changes in design trends but also to the extent that some manufacturers will go to in order to appeal to their loyal fans.

ADATA XPG Invader X

Designer: ADATA

Winner of an iF Design Award, the ADATA XPG Invader X values transparency in more ways than one. Its clear front and side panels let you marvel at the neatly arranged components that power this gaming beast, including the tubes and RGB-lit fans that keep the box operating at maximum efficiency. Equally interesting, however, is the chassis’s ESG-compliant design, utilizing post-consumer recycled plastics and upgrade-friendly components. It’s a stylish, eco-friendly computer that tries to offset the carbon emissions of your gaming lifestyle.

Cooler Master Mecha Cases

Designer: Cooler Master

Who said computers needed to come in the form of boxes? Cooler Master definitely didn’t. With designs that come in the form of a robotic shark and a giant mechanical sneaker, these PC cases shatter expectations and misconceptions about how our computers should look like. And as hardware becomes smaller even as they become more powerful, it’s only a matter of time before these become the standard rather than the outlier.

PNY Aftershock Bubble Tea PC

Designer: PNY x AftershockPC

Electronics and liquids don’t mix but it becomes a mind-blowing mystery when you see the two together. And now, we don’t mean liquid cooling. From the makers of ramen-themed desktop towers, this Bubble Tea PC will have you not only scratching your head but also craving a cup of boba. Instead of a sugary and milky drink, however, it’s a luscious-colored coolant that has faux tapioca balls swirling around as it keeps your cool-looking PC thermally cool. This collab between PC maker PNY and case designer Aftershock isn’t a joke either but a fully functional gaming PC that’s ready to put a new spin on your cravings.

Power In Your Hands: Handheld Gaming PCs

While there are plenty of AI-toting laptops scattered around Computex this year, they are hardly the only computers vying for attention. Gaming handheld PCs are pushing the envelope not only in performance in a small form factor but also in terms of design. There’s definitely plenty of room for experimentation, and there are a few that have caught our attention and fancy.

ADATA XPG Nia

Designer: ADATA

An unexpected contender from a brand better known for its memory and data storage hardware, the XPG Nia focuses on the aspects often left out in the wake of specs and benchmarks. A tilting screen, for example, can drastically improve the comfort of staring at a handheld computer for long periods of time, while upgradable RAM in addition to upgradable storage gives the device a longer life than even some of the smartphones we have today.

ASUS ROG Ally X

Designer: ASUS ROG

The ASUS ROG Ally X is a fine example of refinement over sensational changes. The base design remains the same, but the subtle and sometimes invisible improvements deliver an almost totally different experience that’s a step above in terms of usability. Best of all, however, ASUS isn’t removing the OG ROG Ally from the market just yet, leaving consumers with the choice between affordability and power.

MSI Claw 8 AI+

Designer: MSI

The MSI Claw A1M was an odd one when it came out, but the Claw 8 AI+ cements the manufacturer’s position in the young handheld gaming PC segment. With newer, AI-friendlier hardware comes significant improvements that are necessary for such a small gaming device. It’s still rather unique in its use of Intel silicon, and it will live or die by that commitment. Its design, however, is also enough to make it a noteworthy contender in this fast-growing arena.

ZOTAC ZONE

Designer: ZOTAC

ZOTAC is another new contender, one that has its sights set on the name that started it all: the Steam Deck. While it resembles this progenitor in some aspects, the ZOTAC ZONE tries to take the design where Valve seems reluctant to go. Better hardware and configurable controls will sing to the hearts of many gamers, but the steep price tag could be a major deterrent as well.

Material Matters: Aesthetic and Sustainable Designs

Design innovation doesn’t just have to come from wild new forms or combinations of ideas. Even the materials used for products can have a notable positive effect on the user experience, especially when they delight not just the eyes but also other senses like touch. Bonus points if they also benefit the environment, ensuring there will still be a planet for consumers to live on.

ASUS Ceraluminum

Designer: ASUS

Laptop users are becoming more and more design-conscious. Even those who don’t tend to personalize the backs of their laptops want it to be something that will leave a lasting positive impression on bystanders, not to mention on themselves. Combining the durability of metal with the luxury of ceramic, ASUS’s new Ceraluminum material subtly elevates the laptop from a technological product to an art object. First used on the new ASUS Zenbook S 16, this material exudes beauty that you not only see but also feel every time you touch the laptop or lift its lid.

TECNO CAMON 30 Series LOEWE Design Edition

Designer: TECNO

Paying homage to both coffee lovers and environment-conscious consumers, TECNO and LOEWE designed a back cover material that gives waste coffee grounds new life. Using an equally eco-friendly process, this more sustainable material gives the TECNO CAMON 30 Series LOEWE Design Edition a distinctive appearance and texture that easily sets itself apart from the crowd. Plus, the use of color blocking also marks the phone with a modern style to fit the discerning tastes of modern consumers.

Creative License: Tools for Designers

All these wonderful designs don’t just pop out from thin air. Someone has to make them, from initial ideation to prototyping to manufacturing. Designers and creators naturally need tools that can meet the growing complexities of their work, and Computex definitely has quite a few in store for them.

Acer SpatialLabs Eye 3D Camera

Designer: Acer

Spatial computing, mixed reality, and the metaverse require a special kind of content, one that breaks free from the confines of flat, 2D space. Even in video meetings and live selling streams, 3D objects are becoming more in demand, offering not just viewers but also presenters new ways to connect and communicate. Acer’s new SpatialLabs Eye 3D camera tries to democratize that process, effectively giving anyone the ability to capture, record, and stream any real-world 3D object as a digital copy.

ASUS ProArt PZ13 Detachable Laptop

Designer: ASUS

As computers become more powerful and geographical boundaries become shorter, content creation can no longer be confined to a desk in an office or room. The ASUS ProArt PZ13 gives designers, artists, engineers, and everyone in between that kind of flexibility with its portable and detachable design. What makes this 2-in-1 computer different is that it’s part of the new breed of Windows computers running on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X chip, promising improved performance and, of course, on-device AI capabilities.

Power to the User: Empowering Gamers and Creators

One thing that gamers, creators, and power users have in common is their need for power, both literally and figuratively. The ability to customize not only their experience but also the appearance of their equipment goes a long way in giving them the confidence to get their job done, and these designs definitely deliver that with a touch of pizzazz!

ASUS Project DALI E Ink Cover Laptop

Designer: ASUS

E Ink is no longer just for eBook readers. Now that it has color and is being used in signage, the eye-friendly and power-efficient display technology is finding its way to the most unexpected places, like the back of this laptop concept. Project DALI turns the laptop cover into a canvas for users of all walks of life to express themselves or simply have a different design every day if they want. All without draining the battery even when the laptop isn’t running.

ASUS ROG Mjolnir Portable UPS

Designer: ASUS ROG

Nothing scares a gamer or designer more than losing power in the middle of an intense playing or working session. Uninterruptible power supplies are a staple for these people, but if you’ll be getting one, why settle for a boring box when you can have one of the most powerful weapons in the universe? Shaped after the mythological hammer of Thor, the ROG Mjolnir is a power station with an attitude and, more importantly, the power and features to actually match.

Cooler Master MasterHUB Modular Stream Kit

Designer: Cooler Master

A typical computer keyboard has 87 to 101 keys or more, but sometimes even those aren’t enough for content creators, streamers, gamers, and advanced computer users. When you have to remember a bunch of keyboard shortcuts that differ from program to program, you’re putting a heavy burden on your mind that could be used for actual creative thinking instead. This modular MasterHUB stream kit and control center not only offers the power of programmable buttons but also lets you decide how you want those controls to be arranged and look.

The post Top Design Innovations from Computex 2024: Where Technology Meets Aesthetics first appeared on Yanko Design.

The ADATA XPG Invader X boasts a cyber-minimal design backed by eco-friendly recycled materials

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With its retropunk fishtank design and a few design awards under its belt, the ADATA XPG Invader X immediately grabbed our fancy at Computex 2024. A cool-looking gaming PC chassis no doubt, the Invader X also scored major points for its ESG-compliant design that uses post-consumer recycled plastic to be cutting-edge yet sustainable. Crafted with eco-friendly materials, The XPG Invader X’s design minimizes waste by allowing for easy upgrades. Pre-installed, eco-friendly fans utilize innovative reverse spinning technology to prevent heat buildup, maximizing airflow and maintaining optimal system temperature.

Designer: ADATA

Beyond aesthetics, the Invader X boasts features to keep your high-performance system cool. It comes pre-installed with five ARGB fans, with three in the front for intake and two reverse-flow fans in the back for exhaust. This airflow configuration helps maintain optimal temperatures, making the Invader X suitable for overclocking enthusiasts.

The case supports radiators up to 360mm in both the side and top positions, which means it can accommodate even the most powerful liquid cooling setups. Additionally, it boasts ample space for graphics cards up to 400mm in length.

A unique feature of the Invader X is its compatibility with the new BTF motherboard standard. This standard positions motherboard connectors on the underside, contributing to the clean, uncluttered look and keeping cables hidden from view. For those using traditional motherboards, the Invader X offers ample space for cable management with pre-installed straps and strategically placed cutouts.

For those who prefer a vertical GPU presentation, the XPG Invader X includes a dedicated GPU holder and a high-quality 180mm PCIe Gen 4 riser cable.

The post The ADATA XPG Invader X boasts a cyber-minimal design backed by eco-friendly recycled materials first appeared on Yanko Design.