As mentioned in the previous article, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio was launched in back in September 2021. This is also an era when Intel has yet to introduce their latest 12th generation Core processors. That also means that the most powerful Microsoft Surface device is still powered by an 11th generation Intel Core processor.
In case you forgot, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio comes with a display you can tilt around to make it a sort of a tablet or a touch display with an easel stand or kickstand behind it. It is more stable though since it has the whole weight of the laptop underneath it. Of course, it works like a normal laptop too.
Source: Microsoft
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio comes in either an Intel Core i5-11300H processor or an Intel Core i7-11370H processor. With the Core i5 variant, you get Intel’s proven Iris Xe graphics. The More powerful Core i7 variant gets NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 3050Ti GPU. The One with Core i7 and the GeForce RTX 3050Ti is the one you want.
There is also a Stylus included with the laptop. The stylus can be used on the brilliant 14.4-inch touch sensitive display that boasts 120Hz in refresh rate. The Studio laptop also features Quad Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos certification to keep you inspired or entertained when it matters.
Source: MicrosoftSource: MicrosoftSource: MicrosoftSource: MicrosoftSource: Microsoft
The Microsoft Surface Laptop is now available via Maxis and all Microsoft’s authorised retailers including Shopee and Lazada. You can choose between two configurations for the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, as mentioned. There is also a third configuration available for Malaysia. It is a Harvey Norman exclusive though. The Harvey Norman exclusive (MYR 11,999) comes with Intel’s Core i7, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050Ti, 32GB of RAM, and 1 TB of SSD storage, whereas the regular (MYR 9,399) Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio tops out at 16GB of RAM with 512GB in SSD storage. More information on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio can be found on their website.
We’ve been hearing and seeing more tech companies making strides to make technology greener and be more environmentally friendly. However, very few have followed through with grassroots efforts and tangible products which help them progress in their goals. At their recent next@acer, Acer announced a new sub-brand that would focus on driving their efforts in becoming a greener company – the Vero. The Acer Vero sub-brand is only one of their efforts in progressing what they call the Earthion (Earth Mission) of bettering the environment and producing technology more responsibly.
Source: Acer
Acer announced its new Aspire Vero in Malaysia today. However, before we talk about the tech, it would be remiss of us to not highlight their efforts in bringing their Earthion closer to fruition in Malaysia. The company has adopted 15 trees in the Taman Tugu – a green lung in the nation’s capital. However, it’s not just about adopting trees, Acer is also bringing their partners and collaborators into the fold. Five of the company’s partners including PIKOM, Team Lugiami, Microsoft and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia have pledged their support for Acer’s Earthion.
Creating the Opportunity to Choose Responsible Technology
The company views the Aspire Vero as a crucial part of achieving its Earthion. The new laptop affords consumers a more responsible choice when it comes to buying laptops. The Aspire Vero incorporates post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics in its chassis and keycaps. In fact, the chassis is 30% PCR plastics while the keycaps are made of 50% PCR plastics. While it would have been nice to see Acer raise the bar higher, limitations on processes and technology when it comes to recycling these plastics force the company to still use virgin plastics for the sake of rigidity and sturdiness. However, Acer’s Aspire Vero accounts for a significant reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during production. Each unit accounts for a 21% reduction. The packaging of the Acer Aspire Vero keeps in line with the environmentally cautious nature of the lineup being made of up to 85% recycled paper pulp and using soy ink exclusively for printing.
Source: Acer
So, what does an environmentally cautious laptop look like? Acer has intentionally made the Acer Aspire Vero take a very nature-inspired approach to texture and design. It makes the Vero both unique and functional. What’s more, the laptop isn’t sacrificing much when it comes to performance. It comes with a 15.6-inch IPS Display with Full HD resolution. The panel itself is 99% recyclable. It’s powered by Intel’s 11th generation Core processors and has up to 16GB of RAM. It also takes advantage of Intel’s Iris Xe Graphics making it capable of some graphical prowess. It comes with 512GB of storage.
Source: Acer
When it comes to connectivity, the Acer Aspire Vero comes with support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. It also has a full array of ports including an HDMI, two USB 3.2 ports, 1 USB Type-C, an Ethernet port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also has an HD webcam and a claimed 7-hour battery life.
Pricing & Availability
The Acer Aspire Vero will be available starting 11th November 2021. The i5 version will be priced at MYR3,399 while the i7 version will be priced at MYR4,299.
In conjunction with the launch, early adopters will be entitled to freebies worth up to MYR500 with every purchase. In addition, MYR100 of each unit sold will be chanelled to fund more tree adoptions in Taman Tugu.
The ASUS Vivobook lineup is one of the most popular lineups the company has under its wings. Only recently, it received an infusion of “Pro” features with the Vivobook Pro series. Now, ASUS is bringing more variety to the lineup with a new tablet form factor.
Source: ASUS
The new ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate OLED is the first Vivobook tablet that comes with a 13.3-inch Full HD OLED display. It comes with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1920×1080 pixel resolution. The Vivobook 13 Slate OLED seems to be built with creators and media consumption in mind. The display has a peak brightness of 550 nits and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. It also has support for Dolby Vision. Completing its multimedia experience is a quad-speaker setup that is concentrated on the bottom half of the slate with Dolby Atmos certification. The speakers also come with smart amplifier technology that amplifies the audio up to 3 times louder.
New Form Factor with “Unique” Insides
The Vivobook 13 Slate OLED doesn’t come with your regular Intel Core i processors. Instead, ASUS has opted to go with the Intel Pentium Silver N6000. It’s an x86 quad-core processor with no multithreading support. It has a 4MB cache and a maximum speed of 3.3GHz. The processor is supposed to be one of Intel’s more power-efficient SoCs. This should promise better battery life with the OLED display. The processor is complemented with either 4GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage.
Source: ASUS
The Slate OLED comes with a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. It also has support for WiFi 6 with ASUS WiFi Master to boot. Also along for the ride is Bluetooth 5.2. Aside from that, the Slate OLED comes with 2 USB Type C ports that support USB 3.2 and power delivery, and a microSD card reader and a 3.5mm combo jack.
Accessoried to be Your Tablet and PC
Coming in at only 785g, the Vivobook 13 Slate OLED is made to be a portable productivity beast. However, unlike other slates on the market, ASUS opted to minimise the amount of moving parts on the Slate OLED. Instead, the Slate’s multimode form factor comes from its accessories. It comes with a cover stand which allows it to stand in both portrait and landscape modes. Together with this, it also has a separate Keyboard cover which comes with a large touchpad.
Source: ASUS
Together with these, the ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate OLED comes with support for the ASUS Pen 2.0. The new ASUS Pen 2.0 is compliant with Windows’ built-in Microsoft Pen Protocol 2.0. This means that it connects seamlessly when attached to the Slate magnetically. It has 4096 points of sensitivity and a 266Hz sampling rate. The most unique thing about the ASUS Pen 2.0 is its interchangeable tips. Instead of just being replaceable for wear and tear reasons, the tips also mimic the textures of 2H, H, HB and 2B pencils. It charges via USB-C. I thas a quick button on top which brings added functionality when paired via Bluetooth.
Pricing & Availability
The ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate OLED will be available starting in December 2021 with prices starting at USD$600 (MYR2,491.88). The Slate will be bundled with a cover stand, keyboard and ASUS Pen 2.0.
Together with the standard version of the ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate OLED, ASUS also announced special editions of the new Vivobook. These special edition Slates will feature custom designs from Steven Harrington and Philip Colbert. They will feature a special cover stand, wallpaper, a special box, a sleeve, a keyboard, a hardcover case and keyboard stickers. The Philip Colbert version will come with an additional pair of limited-edition shoelaces.
The last we heard from HONOR, they launched the HONOR 50, their first Android smartphone since they went independent. Because they are no longer associated with HUAWEI the HONOR 50 flagship will ship with Google Play Store on its Android based Magic UI. Of course, they are not going to just stop at making smartphones. They are picking up where they left off when they were still with HUAWEI.
They have a line of notebooks that were affordable and quite desirable. They called them the MagicBook, obviously a reference to their Magic UI for smartphones. Except, the MagicBook devices are not running Android or MagicUI. Instead, the MagicBook series ran Windows 10, and they were quite popular, to say the least.
The last MagicBook is getting dated though carrying an AMD 4000 series processor. If they want to compete, they need to keep their MagicBook updated with the next best thing. They kicked off in a big way though with some of the world’s first Windows 11 notebooks.
HONOR MagicBook V 14
Source: HONOR
The MagicBook V 14 then is the latest HONOR notebook PC to grace the market and one of the first Microsoft Windows 11 notebooks in the market, and it seems promising. Instead of AMD, the flagship MagicBook V 14 runs Intel’s latest 11th Generation Core i7-11390H (up to) processor. It is an Intel EVO certified platform too, which means you are promised fast boot and long battery life while having enough power to game and edit videos. Of course, your processor is paired with an NVIDIA GeForce MX450 discreet GPU for maximum impact in the video and games department.
The 14.2-inch touch sensitive display boasts 2,520 by 1,680 pixels that covers about 90% of the body. With up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the MagicBook V 14 is a powerhouse on diet. The 14.5mm thin package weighs in only at 1.48kg. As mentioned, the MagicBook V 14 will come with Microsoft’s latest Windows 11.
HONOR MagicBook 16/16 Pro
Source: HONOR
The HONOR MagicBook V 14 is a lightweight powerhouse flagship meant to be ultra-portable and ultra-productive for the road-warrior. The HONOR MagicBook 16/16 Pro is a gaming powerhouse for the modern gamer.
With AMD’s latest Ryzen 5000 series processors, the HONOR MagicBook 16 series sets itself up to be one heck of a gaming notebook. With that in mind, HONOR fits the new notebook with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (up to) and up to 16GB of RAM. With a speedy 512GB of SSD storage, the HONOR MagicBook 16 series will feel like magic running through Windows 11. If course, all that power can also be put to good use in video editing scenarios.
Price and Availability
The HONOR MagicBook V 14 is now available for pre-order in China at a starting price of CN¥ 6,199 (MYR 4,020*). It will be available in Blue Hour, Space Gray, and Mystic Silver colour options. The MagicBook 16 and 16 Pro is also now available for pre-order in China for CN¥ 6,499 (MYR 4,215*) onward. There are no colour options for this one though. There are no confirmed dates on when the new HONOR notebooks will make its step into other markets at this time too. We are keeping a close watch though.
*Approximately based on exchange rate of CN¥ 1 = MYR 6.49 on xe.com as of 28/09/2021
The HP Spectre lineup has been one of the lightest and sleekest laptops available in the market. The lineup’s signature thickness paired with the extended functionality makes it one of the more versatile laptop lineups out there. However, if there was one feature that was lacking – it would be the lack of graphics prowess. Yes – there are options with NVIDIA’s GTX graphics but that’s hardly enough for creators.
Source: HP
The new HP Spectre x360 16 changes that with the inclusion of NVIDIA’s RTX3050 Laptop GPU. Yes – that’s right, the new laptop comes with an entry-level RTX 30 series GPU. It’s also the largest screen available in the lineup with a whopping 16-inch display. The 16:10 display has options that range all the up to a UHD+ OLED display. It comes certified with VESA True Black HDR and is calibrated for colour accuracy. It’s also near borderless with 91% coverage of the panel.
HP has also enhanced the camera of the Spectre x360 16. You’ll be able to use AI-enabled algorithms to touch up your appearance with Beauty Mode. You can also stay in frame when you need to get up to get the blood flowing again with the Auto Frame feature. The AI also enables a myriad of features that many will find useful; for instance, the device will lock as soon as you walk away and wakes when you return. It will also blur the active screen when someone is looking over your shoulder.
Source: HP
Along with the graphics prowess, the new HP Spectre x360 16 comes equipped with Intel’s 11th generation Core i7 Processor. It also comes with support for the latest WiFi technology – WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The best part? It comes with a full complement of ports with everything from microSD to HDMI to USB-C and Thunderbolt. It also has compatibility with the HP Pen.
Pricing & Availability
The HP Spectre x360 16 2 in 1 Laptop will be available starting in October 2021. It will be priced starting at USD$1,639 (MYR6,869.69).
Windows 11 was just announced by Microsoft last week. Before the launch though, the new biggest update to the most popular computing Operating System in the world was endlessly teased and leaked. From what we saw too, Microsoft’s Windows 11 is a huge departure from Windows 10 in terms of looks and design.
Centered Task Bar and Redesigned Start Menu
Source: Microsoft
But Windows 11 is more than just a cosmetic change over Windows 10. Then again, when we say it is a major visual change over Windows 10, it was more of a rearrangement on how Windows look and work. For one, Windows 11’s task bar is now centered rather than being aligned to the left of the desktop.
Thing is, the changes on Windows 11 is more than skin deep. The Windows Start menu is still lodged at the leftmost side of the taskbar. It is redesigned though to open up to a bigger window. Gone are the live tiles too which also means less clutter in the start menu.
The focus on the Start menu is more productivity and convenience for users than ever. That is also why you can pin apps on the menu with recommended apps. Of course, you still can access all apps from the start menu, but it is an extra process this time. Less clutter and items on the start menu also means that it is easier and quicker to find things you usually work with from the start menu. Of course, you can still pin all your shortcuts on the Desktop home page.
The centered taskbar though is a clever way to make Windows 11 more touch friendly. The Microsoft Windows interface is notorious for not being the most touch friendly interface in the world. Even Windows 10, the most touch friendly interface of all the Windows versions before it fell a little short even when a stylus is involved.
Multitasking Redefined
Source: Microsoft
Windows 10 did something right though; Microsoft’s Windows 10 got multitasking done right. When you bring a window to different ends of your screen, the window snaps to smaller windows to allow you to fit two to four windows on a single display. Windows laptops can push up to three displays including its own, which also means you can fit up to 12 windows for even more multitasking.
Windows 11 expands on the multitasking capabilities of Windows 10. It is now easier ever to arrange your windows to parts of your display. Instead of the traditional 50:50 ratio you get when you put two windows on your display. You can now adjust so that one of the windows occupy 2 thirds of your display. You can also put three evenly sized windows side by side on one display. That, or have one of the displays occupy half the display in the middle of the display. All you have to do is click on the traditional minimise/maximise window button and choose where you want to put the window.
At the same time, you can create separate desktop home screens for different purposes and for different times. You can create a desktop designed completely for work, for example. Once work is done, you can switch to a desktop for gaming, or a specific desktop for other forms of entertainment like music, or movies. What you want to do with your desktop is by your design.
More Gaming
Source: Microsoft
The gaming industry boomed in the past two years alone thanks exclusively to the current phenomena that is the pandemic. The pandemic situation means that most of us are stuck at home with nowhere to go. That also means that you do not get to hang out with your friends other than in an online space. That online space could a video call watching movies together, or it can also be online gaming. More time at home can also mean more time for games – something we have been complaining we have not got enough time for.
It also makes sense for Windows to be more gamer friendly than ever. The Windows 11 comes with DirectX 12 Ultimate for super high frame rate and super detailed graphics for your favourite games. DirectStorage ensures that your games loads faster and near instantly. Windows 11 also comes with Auto HDR, finally, for more vivid colours and an immersive visual experience.
Then there is Xbox Game Pass, a dedicated gaming store for Windows 11. Xbox Game Pass also means that games that are available on Xbox and Xbox exclusives will be available on Windows. Games like the upcoming Halo: Inifnite will comes to Microsoft’s Windows 11. EA Play also comes at no additional cost on Game Pass.
Widgets Make a Comeback
Source: Microsoft
Widgets were scraped in Windows 10. The idea was that Widgets on the home screen might clutter the desktop too much that your PC looks like a trash can that could not make any sense. The direction for Windows 10 was to make your PC super clean looking.
Windows 11 thinks of widgets differently though. Windows 11 thinks of widgets as a quick way to sort and consume information. Windows 11 also ensures that the widgets you want to work with does not interfere and clutter your desktop or start menu though. That also means that your widgets are all stored in their own separate space. You get your weather updates, calendar, and news from your chosen source all in one glass sheet on top of the desktop.
Apps For and From Everyone
Source: Microsoft
The Microsoft Store has been gaining traction since Windows 10. In Windows 11, Microsoft aims to make the Microsoft Store the only app store you only need. Obviously the Microsoft Store houses all the most popular Windows compatible apps in one place including Adobe’s Creative Cloud, and popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime video, and Disney+.
But it is not just a store for apps. The Store is also a place where users can rent and buy movies and music. Microsoft Store is now the central place for entertainment in Windows 11.
These are nothing new though, we knew that the Microsoft Store will eventually be the place for all things you want in Windows 11. What is big is Windows embracing mobile operating systems. You can now find Android apps in Microsoft Store and run Android apps natively on Windows 11 itself via Amazon Appstore.
Even Better Security
Of course, with every iteration of Windows, security becomes more of a priority than ever. The current Windows 10 with all its major updates and security updates is more secure than ever. Microsoft is also still updating the system to ensure that it is more secure than ever before. Windows 11 builds on the foundations of Windows 10, which is currently Microsoft’s most secure operating system.
In that sense, upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10 is basically like a regular system update that you are used to from Window update. Because the basic infrastructure and architecture of the Operating System is the same one as Windows 10, apps that you have on Windows 10 will automatically work on Windows 11.
Windows 11 is also built as a Zero Trust-ready concept to allow users to protect their data and access across all their devices. Of course, there is the requirement that Windows 11 can only work on devices with Trusted Platform Module 2.0. You can easily check if your PC is ready to take on Windows 11 in a few simple steps. You just have to click on your start menu, type and open ‘Run’, and type tpm.msc to find out if you have TPM 2.0 installed on PC.
Windows 11 is Coming Soon
Source: Microsoft
Windows 11 will be rolling out as an update from Windows 10 later in 2021 onward. If you are a part of the Windows Insider Program, you should be able to access an early version of Windows 11 this week onward. For more information on Windows 11, you can check out Microsoft’s website. You can also check if your PC is eligible for the Windows 11 update or not within the same link.
