Tag Archives: desktops

This innovative modular PC lets you set up workstations that adapt to your needs

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Computers are now at the heart and center of our civilization, not only enabling technologies that make our lives more comfortable but also empowering people to turn their creative visions into reality. Despite these seemingly magical capabilities, computers like PCs and Macs remain almost stuck in the past, with forms and designs meant more for manufacturing efficiency than user convenience. Laptops, while portable, lock you forever into the configuration that you purchased, and although desktops offer nearly limitless upgrade potential, you are still left stuck with the box that the computer came in, which is more often than not something that ties you down to your desk. Fortunately, there are innovative and creative minds who won’t settle for anything less, and they have designed an advanced modular system that lets the PC adjust to your needs, whatever and wherever they are, rather than the other way around.

Designer: Khadas Design

Click Here to Buy Now: $928 $1278 ($350 off). Hurry, only 19/90 left! Raised over $270,000.

Khadas Mind – The perfect blend of high-speed computing and exceptional portability.

The Khadas Mind Module PC offers three distinct modes tailored to your specific needs. Opt for ‘Mind Only Mode’ when you need extreme portability, switch to ‘Mind Dock Mode’ for multitasking prowess, or choose ‘Mind Graphics’ when you’re ready to unleash your creativity in design and gaming.

Khadas Mind

At the heart of this groundbreaking computer system is the Khadas Mind itself, a mini PC that already pushes the envelope of its category. At only 0.99lbs (450g) light and with a compact size of 5.7 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches (146x105x20mm), this extra slim box can slip easily inside any bag or even a coat pocket, allowing you to bring your work and entertainment with you anywhere you need to be. Despite that diminutive size, the Kadas Mind is no underdog, powered by a 13th-gen Intel Core i7-1360P processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics, up to 32GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM, and capable of holding up to 4TB of NVMe SSD storage. It has its own set of ports, so all you really need to do is plug in peripherals and a power cable and you’ll be up and running in no time. The built-in 5.55Wh standby battery even lets the Khadas Mind sleep for up to 5 hours without an external power source, allowing you to unplug the mini PC and be on the move in a snap.

Mind Dock

Easy Docking for Minimal Downtime – Simply slot your Mind to the multifunctional base. Mind Dock instantly supplies power and connectivity without the fuss of fiddling with an intricate tangle of cables.

Enhance Mind’s I/O Capabilities – Maximize productivity by effortlessly connecting external devices for monitoring and editing tasks, all facilitated by 8 high-speed I/O ports on the Mind Dock.

Access-friendly Design – Experience enhanced security with Mind Dock’s built-in fingerprint scanner.

Physical volume button for quick adjustments.

While the Khadas Mind is already impressive on its own, it becomes even more powerful once you start combining it with the other modules in this flexible system. Khadas’ patented Mind Link Interface drives this connection between the Khadas Mind and other modules, opening the doors to even more potential and use cases. The Mind Dock, for example, expands the selection of ports so you can connect almost any peripheral or cable you need. The dock even features a fingerprint scanner for added security, a volume dial, built-in AAC speakers, and a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for a faster and more stable network connection, providing you with a complete desktop PC experience at only a fraction of the size.

Mind Graphics

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060Ti Graphics – Elevate your design and gaming experience by slotting your Mind into Mind Graphics — a dedicated external GPU bay hosting the formidable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060Ti.

USB4 Supported – Mind Graphics also includes Thunderbolt 3.0 / 4.0 support, so it can be used to turbocharge not only your Mind experience but also your other devices.

The Mind Graphics module, on the other hand, transforms the Khadas Mind from a productivity tool into a creativity powerhouse. Inside the box lies a desktop-grade NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060Ti that not only makes games pop but also brings your creativity to life. Along with the Khadas Mind Link, the Mind Graphics features an electronic switch lock that firmly keeps the two pieces together, preventing accidental disconnections that could ruin your day and throw you off your groove. The graphics box doesn’t skimp on the connectivity ports either, featuring USB-C with USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 support, USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 x3, two HDMI 2.0, 2.5Gbps Ethernet RJ45 ports, and an SD card reader. It also features high-quality, full-range 5W speakers so that you’ll have a complete entertainment and content creation package in a compact box.

Mind xPlay, Mind Talk & Mind Studio

The fun and creativity don’t stop there, thanks to the ingenious modular design of the Khadas Mind. The Mind xPlay, for example, will provide a portable display with a built-in battery, and dock for the Khadas Mind to fit into, letting you work and collaborate with others anywhere. The Mind Talk, on the other hand, upgrades office meetings with its array of microphones and audio hardware specially designed for this setting. Finally, the Mind Studio Display really takes your creative pursuits to the next level with an extra-large touchscreen with support for stylus input. Wherever you are and whatever computing power you need, the Khadas Mind modular workstation will be ready to open your mind to a world of possibilities.

Click Here to Buy Now: $928 $1278 ($350 off). Hurry, only 19/90 left! Raised over $270,000.

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CORSAIR Platfrom:6 Modular Computer Desk is the ultimate customizable workstation for gamers, streamers and content creators

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CORSAIR might have just created the most insane standing desk you could wish for. Yes, a modular desk tailored for PC gamers, digital artists, content creators, streamers and professionals from all walks of life who spend a lot of time in front of the screen.

The elegant accessory revealed during Gamescom, instantly peps up any work-from-home setup or for that matter even an office setup if your organization is generous enough. Called the CORSAIR Platfrom:6 Modular Computer Desk, it’s designed to leave nothing to chance. Something right out of the Hasbro universe.

Designer: CORSAIR

The desk comes with a range of attachments including RapidRoute cable management system, monitor arms, in-desk storage cubby with built-in USB Type-A and Type-C ports. The addition of more accessories to the desk is possible with the modular rail system, so you’ll never be left longing for more. That’s what we presume comes with the base model of the desk.

Creator Edition offers even more like the motorized height adjustment and the option to map height presets for particular times of the day. This version also includes 30 x 70cm side extensions for a wider work area, hanging pegboards for headphones, gaming controllers, or anything else you can hook on. Since the desk supports Elagto’s multi-mount range accessories, you can attach cameras, lights and microphones too.

Clearly, Platfrom:6 offers more than any other desk on the market and it’s like a dream come true for streamers who always crib for more space and option to expand their accessory set. In fact, this could be the last PC desk you’d buy for a long time to come, as it even offers the users the ability to 3D print custom accessories to be used with the desk!

If already you’re excited, the Platform:6 desk backed by five years of warranty is coming in the fourth quarter of this year for an undisclosed price. What’s known, so far indicates the desk will come in black laminate or dark walnut-stained rubberwood.

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This zero-gravity reclining workstation could liberate us from the shackles of back and neck pain

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In the ever-changing office environment and work-from-home setups, the fundamental structure of chairs and tables has remained remarkably unaltered, culminating in vertical pressure on the spine. Of course, standing desks lend a helping hand, but that’s not too exciting for the lazy ones like me.

A pathbreaking progress for ones like me was made with the LEVUS, a chair featuring a distinct laid-back design. This innovative solution presented a reclined work arrangement; however, it seems, that was just the beginning! A Michigan-based furniture manufacturer, ErgoQuest, has transcended all boundaries to introduce an even more astonishing creation: the ZGW-0b zero-gravity reclining workstation.

Designer: ErgoQuest

This new workstation is engineered to liberate us from the shackles of back and neck pain, reigniting productivity with the choice of customizable adjustments. It is a solution designed to facilitate work in positions all the way from zero degrees to upright, ninety degrees.

Central to this innovation is the ErgoQuest ZGC-1 motorized chair surrounded by a robust steel mast capable of accommodating up to three 34-inch monitors. Those who seek the pinnacle of multitasking can mount a fourth monitor. Enhancing the workstation’s functionality further are two side tables, providing room for your essential tools and laptop(s).

ZGW-0b pays meticulous attention to comfort and convenience by adding in a padded wrap-around keyboard tray. ErgoQuest ZGC-1 chair’s motorized recline and a motorized leg rest offer the laziest amid us a workstation to reckon their own. But for the price tag of $6,595, it may just be out of the reach of… well it’s anybody’s guess! Weighing 650 pounds, ZGW-0b is a gateway to a new way of working, one that upholds the future of laziness in the name of postural wellness and enhanced productivity!

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XULU XR1 LITE Mini PC Review: Good Things Can Come in Tiny Packages

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PROS:


  • Compact, portable form with a distinctive profile

  • Plenty of connectivity options, including 7 USB ports

  • Upgradable memory and storage

  • Decent performance for its size and price

CONS:


  • Doesn't come with an operating system pre-installed

  • Only one USB-C port

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The XULU XR1 LITE offers powerful computing in a tiny, memorable box that puts bigger computers to shame.

When people hear the word computer or PC, most will probably think either of laptops or towering desktops (and their Apple equivalents). Of course, computers today come in sorts of forms and sizes, not even counting the powerful slab of metal and glass in your pocket. Long before the Steam Deck popularized the idea of handheld PCs designed specifically for gaming, mini PCs tried to compress as much computing power into significantly smaller boxes compared to the typical desktop PC towers in the market. These boxes, however, have had a reputation for sacrificing power too much for the sake of size, which was an unfortunate consequence of the technical limitations of their time. Fortunately, things have changed a lot for the better, and the new XULU XR1 LITE promises the most powerful computer in a compact size and at an affordable price. So we turn the power on and give its fans a spin to find out just how much it pushes the limits of technology and design in such a small package.

Designer: XULU

Aesthetics

Just like the majority of computers in the early stages of the industry’s history, the design of mini PCs has largely been driven by practical and technical considerations, which is to say they all come in box shapes. Thanks to advancements that have seen many of these components shrink down in size, allowing for not only smaller sizes but also variations in forms. The XULU XR1 LITE doesn’t exactly stray too far from that standard but makes enough changes that make it look more distinctive and memorable.

What you’ll immediately notice is the computer’s small size, probably falling more under “tiny PC” than “mini PC” at this point. It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, though you aren’t going to use it that way, of course. And while you might argue that there are technically much smaller computers like the Raspberry Pi, the XR1 LITE and its siblings are exponentially more powerful than that single-board computer.

This small, compact form is more than just for boasting, though. It means that you won’t have to sacrifice too much desk or shelf space for your new desktop or media server. It also means you can carry it almost anywhere you need it, with the right peripherals, of course. You can easily hide it somewhere if you really need to make it invisible, but you might not want to anyway. Unlike earlier generations of mini PCs, the XULU XR1 is designed to actually stand out and add some visual flair wherever it stands. It’s available in 7 colors, including “normal” black and gray.

It isn’t a straightforward box shape either, with an incline in the front for an informative display panel. The sides are pretty clean except for the XULU branding and a single row of vents at the bottom. The rest of the airflow vents are located at the back and on the top, right above the large cooling fan, away from your direct line of sight. Its design is pretty minimal and it’s actually impressive how they managed to still make it look neat and tidy despite the plethora of ports available.

Ergonomics

You won’t be holding the XULU XR1 LITE in your hands while using it, so the usual ergonomics standards don’t really apply here. You might, however, find yourself carrying it around a lot, whether transferring from one desk or office to another or actually carrying the computer with you wherever you go. At less than half a kilogram, it’s not a difficult feat to pull off, especially when XULU provides a nice hard carry case where you can put not just the tiny PC itself but also the power adapter, HDMI cable, and maybe a foldable keyboard. If you have a large phone, tablet, or portable monitor, you can probably set up a workstation anywhere there’s a power socket available.

Of course, the XULU XR1 isn’t that useful on its own and you’ll have to plug in peripherals, particularly monitors, a keyboard, and a mouse at the very least. Thankfully, the XULU XR1 LITE makes that super easy, not just with the number of available ports but also because of their placement. The most important ports, such as the lone USB-C port, two full-sized USB ports, and a headphone jack, are all located on the front for instant access. The rest, including the HDMI ports, are on the back. This means that peripherals that you will rarely remove can be conveniently hidden from view, while more transient devices have easy access to essential ports.

One small but important part of the tiny PC’s ease of use is access to the computer’s internals. With a simple Allen wrench, you can easily remove the top and back plates when you need to upgrade or replace some parts. Admittedly, you have limited options in this regard, but it’s still a lot more compared to a more closed system like a laptop.

Performance

Just a few years ago, it would have been unimaginable for a computer of this size to do anything beyond browsing, email, and document processing. Today, we have the XULU XR1 LITE, which is capable of doing a lot more than those, including some gaming and content creation. There are three models available in the XULU XR1 line, and while the LITE is clearly the more budget-friendly of the three, it is hardly an underdog in performance.

This particular model is powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 5300U which comes with a Radeon RX Vega 6 graphics. It’s definitely no powerhouse, but it has enough muscle for light to moderate computing tasks of all sorts. There are options for 8 or 16GB of RAM (our review unit came with the lower configuration), and 512GB of SSD storage, both of which are upgradable. You’ll have to set limits, of course, like lowering game settings or limiting Photoshop layers, but most apps will remain usable. And since it’s a normal PC, you can install any application you need, or any operating system for that matter. The XULU XR1 is compatible with Microsoft Windows and Linux distributions, but it comes without any OS installed, leaving that up to the decision and cost of the owner.

One of the biggest appeals of this extra small computer is that, despite its size, it has a nearly complete set of ports for all your computing needs. There are two HDMI ports, both of which are capable of 4K resolutions, one USB-C port, six USB ports (Gen 3 and Gen 2), an Ethernet port, and a good old-fashioned 3.5mm headphone jack. This should fit most of your needs and more, especially when you consider you can have a triple 4K monitor setup thanks to DisplayPort support on that lone USB-C connection. Sadly, there is indeed only a single USB-C port, which is disappointing in an age where almost everything is turning to the universal connector.

The mini PC is powered by a 19V adapter with a typical barrel-type DC plug, again a minor disappointment since it runs the risk of not finding a suitable replacement if the power brick or cord gets damaged. There is a small OLED screen in front of the box that lets you quickly see important stats like temperature, fan speed, and others. Strangely enough, there is no indicator for storage drive activity, not even the typical flashing light on many computers. It’s a very minor nitpick, however, considering all the other features the small but powerful box offers.

Sustainability

The XULU XR1 LITE stands in between desktops and laptops not just in size and portability but also in their flexibility. Laptops are locked systems that offer very few options to change parts while desktops have nearly limitless possibilities. Although you can’t exactly upgrade the CPU and GPU, the XULU XR1 at least easily lets you change the two other most important parts that affect a computer’s overall performance.

The XULU XR1 LITE can support up to 64GB of DDR4 memory and up to 2TB of NVMe SSD storage, which is pretty much the standard for many workstations today. More importantly, getting access to these parts doesn’t require extensive surgery, just four screws to be precise. That’s true whether you want to upgrade or need to replace broken memory, helping extend the life of the computer for years.

Other than that, however, repairing any other part of the XULU XR1 will be a challenge that requires mastery of electronics. Not that the computer is prone to damage, especially given its sturdy metal chassis and adequate cooling system. The only worry you might have is the entry of dust into the box, especially with big vents on all sides. Then again, that is also a consideration for most desktop computers, and the XULU XR1 doesn’t really escape that fate.

Value

The XULU XR1 LITE comes at a rather odd moment in the mini PC market. Intel has just announced the retirement of its NUC mini PC hardware, while Apple just updated its most powerful mini Mac yet, the Mac Mini. Some of the bigger PC brands seem to be stepping back from this market, giving plenty of opportunity for others to take up the cause. But with new products popping up left and right, what value does the XULU XR1 LITE bring to the table?

Simply put, this tiny PC brings the trifecta of performance, portability, and price to computer users of all levels and needs. While there are more powerful options in the market, including the XULU XR1 Pro and Max variants, the $300 price tag on the most basic configuration makes it accessible to anyone looking for a reliable computer with a very small footprint. The fact that you can practically carry it anywhere or that it looks quite stylish on your desk definitely adds to its appeal, helping set it apart from the myriad mini PCs with forgettable faces and unrealistic price tags.

Verdict

Computers have become an important part of our lives, even for those who probably wouldn’t consider themselves proper computer users. This has created a need for products that can meet not only varied use cases but also varied lifestyles and tastes. Not everyone will be OK with a towering box on or below their desks, and some might also be dissatisfied with a portable yet locked-down laptop. The XULU XR1 LITE offers a cozy middle ground, but one that doesn’t sacrifice too much to get there.

Armed with capable hardware, a near-exhaustive selection of ports, and a charming, small form, this tiny PC brings a new face to the market that tries to appeal to all classes of users, especially budget-conscious buyers. It’s far from perfect, of course, and there are places where XULU clearly cut corners to reach that sweet price, but these are the small compromises some might be willing to make to get their hands on a computer that can meet their computing needs and last them for a very long time.

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This distinctive, asymmetrical monitor will hold up your phone while charging it

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Our reliance on smartphones these days means that we have another screen to pay attention to even when we’re already focused on the computer monitor in front of us. Productivity gurus naturally discourage anything that would distract us from the work at hand, but they don’t always consider cases where the smartphone is actually an integral part of that work. Rather than fighting the flow, some designs have instead embraced this kind of multi-screen setup, creating a special nook on our desks for smartphones. This rather lopsided monitor is one such example, keeping your mobile companion charged while also holding it up, putting it at a more comfortable eye level to stop you from bending and craning your neck so often.

Designer: Nex Computers

It’s not uncommon to keep our phones on our desks, presuming office policies don’t bar you from having them out in the open. Disregarding real distractions from social media and incessant but unnecessary notifications, some people do need to keep tabs on their mobile devices for some information or communication, without having those apps clutter their work screen. At the same time, however, most of these people probably don’t want to leave work with a nearly empty battery because they forgot to top up the work while using it at work.

The NexMonitor addresses both use cases in a way that’s both more ergonomic and also a little more stylish. Rather than just a simple stand that props up the phone off the side of your workspace, the monitor actually holds up the smartphone at the same height as the screen itself. That saves you from having to look down and away from your monitor, minimizing the time it takes to glance at the phone. At the same time, it helps reduce potential neck strain and injury from repeatedly switching between a monitor at eye level and a phone closer to the desk’s surface.

The monitor holds the phone up almost by magic, but of course, it’s all about magnets. That clearly marks it for MagSafe-compatible phones, which are primarily recent iPhones, though the company also says that Android phones are welcome to the party. Presuming they support magnetic wireless charging. And yes, the NexMonitor also charges the phone while it’s up there, so it’s pretty much a vertical magnetic wireless charging pad attached to the side of a monitor.

The NexMonitor’s design is quite intriguing in how it doesn’t go for visual balance, though it is definitely stable in its construction. The “stem” of the monitor is off to the right side, nearer to the phone than in the middle. Even the stand itself isn’t centered, which could potentially stress out some people because of its asymmetrical composition. That stand is designed to match the size and the color of Apple’s Mac Mini and the new Mac Studio, but any other mini PC can also find a home there, even if it clashes with the brushed metal look. The NexMonitor was announced back in 2022 but has yet to become available for purchase, which unfortunately leaves plenty of opportunities for other monitor makers to put out something similar, presuming there’s actually a good market for such an ergonomic yet unusual design.

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Alienware shaves plastic weight off their new Aurora R16 Desktop for a sleeker look

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Alienware is no stranger to outlandish PC case designs and something subtle is not their ball game. Or is it? The Dell-owned brand has this time around broken notions with a new mid-tower desktop PC chassis that looks nothing like an Alienware would, if the information was not revealed to a neutral geek.

With some criticism for the Aurora R15 desktop PC regarding the cooling capabilities, Alienware has released the Aurora R16 PC focusing on this loophole. What’s surprising is the quaint look that is there for a purpose, and it grows on you the more you work on it. Gone is the very alienesque case that now gives way to a more traditional PC aesthetic which die-hard Alienware proponents might find hard to gobble down.

Pros:

  • Compact form factor that weighs less
  • Ample ports on the front for power users
  • Aggressive pricing to take on the competition

Cons:

  • Conservative chassis design
  • Number of fans could fall short while high-end gaming
  • Proprietary motherboard and server-style power unit

Designer: Alienware

Click Here to Buy Now!

There’s a refreshing design language dubbed “Legend 3” with a squarish shape and an interesting approach to improving the overall acoustics and thermals. The final chassis design thus has 20 percent lesser noise, 10 percent lower CPU and 6 percent reduced GPU temperatures. The beefy form factor is shaved off to reduce the overall volume by 40 percent without sacrificing the internal volume (25.2 liters) which is the same as the predecessor. The ultimate goal is of not being, “impeded by plastics” for optimized airflow.

The Aurora R16 measures just 16.5 inches tall compared to the 20 inches of the R15. Also, the single glowing LED Stadium light loop is a toned-down version of their previous builds. Although the swanky curves are gone, Alienware has retained the signature see-through plastic panel. On the brighter side, there’s much better cable management, and Alienware claims to have added large airflow vents on both front sides and top. This is assisted by the single 120mm intake behind. To keep things running smoothly with intense graphics processing, there’s the option of adding a 240mm liquid cooling radiator paired with 120mm fans on top.

Alienware Aurora R16 desktop is available in a standard version loaded with Intel AX210 Wi-Fi 6E, a 500W 80+ Platinum power supply and 12-phase voltage regulation, two memory card slots and two M.2 SSD slots for up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and up to 8TB of PCIe Gen 4 storage. As an option, you can also go for a 3.5mm spinning hard drive and an optional 1000W 80+ Platinum power supply. The price of the variant with 13th Gen Intel Core i7 and GeForce RTX 4070 GPU is going to be $1,750. This is going to be cheaper than the $2,200 R15 for the same configuration, so a better deal in every aspect for power users.

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These Rare Periodic Table Keycaps Come Machined From The Metals Mentioned On Them

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While not entirely serving a functional purpose, the Awekeys are perhaps the most expensive and beautiful set of keycaps you can attach to your mechanical keyboard. Made from 16 precious and semi-precious metals, the Awekeys turn your keyboard into a periodic table of sorts, giving it elite status!

The set of 12 keycaps come CNC machined from the different metals listed on them. You’ve got your more common copper keycap, an iron keycap, an aluminum keycap, as well as a few incredibly rare ones like a silver keycap, gold keycap, and even a platinum keycap. Each individual cap comes etched with its periodic table listing which details the metal’s abbreviated name, its position on the periodic table, and its standard atomic weight.

Designer: Drop

Launches as a limited drop on the Drop.com website, the Awekeys quite literally embody the phrase “what you see is what you get”. The 16 keycaps come with the SA shape profile, and fit onto most standard mechanical keyboards with switchable keys. The beauty of the keycaps lie in just precisely how nerdy they are. Each key comes made from the metal listed on it, and the 16 different caps are all machined to perfection from their respective metals. They all have the same shape, but have different weights and feel different to the touch. They’re literally a science lesson on your mechanical keyboard.

The keycaps weigh anywhere between 4 grams and 9 grams, with aluminum and magnesium being the lightest, and bismuth clocking in at the heaviest. The 16 Elements used for this project are Zinc, Nickel, Chromium, Aluminum, Copper, Iron, Brass, Black Aluminum, Titanium, Tin, Bismuth, Magnesium, Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Rhodium.

The only real problem with the keycaps lie in the fact that they’re labeled by their periodic table names and not by actual keyboard keys. Replacing keyboard keys with the Awekeys caps would require a fair bit of memory and intuition because you wouldn’t really know what the key actually stands for anymore. The folks at Drop.com recommend using them for your function keys and the arrow keys (12+4), although how you use these keys is entirely up to you. After all, you wouldn’t want to accidentally wear down your gold or platinum keycap with constant pressing, would you?! The Awekeys Element Artisan Keycaps are available on the Drop.com website, and although their price is available only on inquiry, rumor has it they start at a base price of $256 for the 16 keycaps.

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How this multifunctional mini PC can be a laptop, a desktop, or a gaming console as needed

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The events of the past three years have proven how much we’ve become dependent on computers, from doing our work, accomplishing homework, or just chilling out after a tiring day. Computers, however, come in different shapes and sizes, depending on what they’re used for. Laptops are great for portability but are hampered by their size when it comes to raw power. On the other hand, desktops and consoles can do almost everything except let you use them away from a wall socket. There’s no one size fits all, which sometimes results in a nightmare trying to manage different machines in different places and contexts. Having a single computer to rule them all is perhaps a computer user’s dream, but this intriguing mini-computer design is trying to make those dreams come true by offering a single machine that can meet all those needs without too many compromises.

Designer: Khadas

Mini PCs have existed for quite a while, popularized by the likes of the Apple Mac Mini and Intel’s now-retired NUC line. But while they do come in a more compact form that lets you move them around and bring them with you almost anywhere, they actually also bring the worst of both laptops and desktops. They’re fairly limited in terms of hardware performance and you still need to connect it to peripherals like a screen or keyboard and mouse to be useful.

At first glance, the Khadas Mind is just like any other mini PC, albeit one that comes in a very slim package. On its own, it’s already quite powerful and useful, with the basic assortment of ports to connect a display and other peripherals to accomplish common computing tasks. What makes it notable, however, is where you can use the computer, thanks to a trio of devices that transform the mini PC into a computer for any and every occasion.

The equally slim Mind Dock, for example, expands the number and types of connections available, so you can have more displays, more storage, and more devices as your work requires. The boxy Mind Graphics, on the other hand, brings in the big guns when it comes to graphics power, turning the small computer into a gaming box or a content creation machine. The Mind xPlay is a portable display with a detachable keyboard and built-in battery, allowing you to use the same computer literally anywhere.

There are still some caveats to this otherwise multifunctional design, primarily in how you need to buy into the whole ecosystem to really make the magic happen. Although the technology behind it is an industry standard, the connector that the mini PC uses is proprietary, so you can only use it with the accessories that you have to buy separately from the same brand. Khadas Mind is also currently not yet available for purchase, so there’s no clue yet how much this flexibility and freedom will cost you, not to mention the other pieces you need to truly have a PC you can use anywhere.

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How the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 monitor helps level up your gaming and productivity

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We live in an age where using a computer is as normal as using pen and paper. That’s true not only for work and school but also for gaming and entertainment. Most computers come with only a single monitor, but there’s a school of thought that espouses having multiple monitors to have more room for the things you need to be effective. Still, the complexity of maintaining even just two monitors, plus the considerations of desk space, makes such a setup less appealing to most people. And that’s not even considering how it’s often less aesthetic to have two or more screens with frames creating boxes in your view. That’s where the new breed of ultra-wide monitors comes in, and Samsung’s latest monitor steps up the game with a curved monitor that not only flings the entertainment doors wide open but also sets up a beautiful piece of tech on your desk.

Designer: Samsung

Curved screens started invading living rooms as expansive TVs that promise a more cinematic viewing experience that matches more closely how our eyes naturally view the world. Of course, movies aren’t the only kind of digital visual content you’d want to feast your eyes on, so it was really only a matter of time before those gentle curves to the computers sitting on our desks. The new Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, however, is more than just a curved monitor but is also an eye-catching gateway to entertainment and productivity.

The 49-inch monitor has a resolution of 5120×1440 and an aspect ratio of 32:9, giving you a very wide field of view that conforms to the way your eyes work thanks to its 1800R curvature. In a nutshell, this means that you’ll be able to enjoy a more immersive visual experience, whether you’re playing a game or watching videos. It’s practically the equivalent of two QHD or 2K monitors side-by-side, but without the distracting borders that break up what should be a seamless scene.

That extra-wide screen also means there’s plenty of room for all the application windows you need to get your work done, whether it’s reference data for writing a report or reference images for creating graphics. Samsung’s Multi View feature even lets you put two screens from two different sources playing at the same time, including content from your phone.

Beyond its tempting functionality, the Odyssey OLED G9 also bears the futuristic aesthetic of Samsung’s flagship gaming monitor line, with crisp lines that make up the seams on its back and dazzling RGB lights that help set up the mood. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a prolific content creator, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 promises to expand not only your view but also your productivity, all while looking handsome despite its imposing stature.

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This Portable PC comes with a dedicated backpack, houses powerful battery and detachable speakers too!

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Laptops have become a name synonymous with portability and ease of use. The dynamics of using a PC have been radically changed ever since these portable machines came into existence. You can carry them easily, work anywhere you desire to, or hook them up to an external display for a dedicated workstation setup.

While the laptops are getting slimmer and lighter, the workstations have no strings attached when we talk of size constraints. On top of that laptops do have limitations when it comes to installing beefy GPU or dedicated cooling solutions. For geeks who like to have a powerful machine always by their side – whether back home on their desk or on the go, this is just what’s ideal. Yes, you heard that right, a full-blown PC (not a laptop) you can carry along without much fuzz.

Designer: Andrey Avgust

This concept is something straight out of a geek’s Metaverse where computing power is no more dependent on the hardware limitations one must deal with. It’s all centered around a framed backpack with dedicated slots to house the PC and CPU proposed in the concept. It opens fully from the back to fit the rig sturdily. The total weight of the backpack comes to be around 13 kg, including a 7kg 5000mAh battery, 4kg case and 2kg weight of the backpack itself. Quite a load to haul around, but nerds will do anything for the freedom they get with the accessory.

The waterproof plastic case shields the costly hardware from the elements and the aluminum frame and leather straps distribute the weight well. Obviously, you’ll need to store other stuff than the PC, so there’s a dedicated space to keep the mouse and keyboard. The designer is mindful enough to include an internal speaker as a part of the battery case and can be removed for portable play too.

Christened Mini ITX portable workstation, the rig comprises an integrated 24″ display that holds on a battery block and gets a quick-release plexiglass cap. Passive cooling is done with a big bent copper heat pipe. The motherboard and graphics card are attached to the case via smaller heat pipes for the cooling to be performed in passive mode. Active cooling is taken care of with the two fans on either side. A 600W DC-ATX Power Supply and 600W AC-DC adapter are located inside the computer case, so one need not worry about the power supply.

The post This Portable PC comes with a dedicated backpack, houses powerful battery and detachable speakers too! first appeared on Yanko Design.