Dell doubles up displays with rumored dual-screen Windows 10 on ARM device

Rumor has it that Dell is planning its own dual-screen ARM-driven device, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, similar to the piece of hardware Microsoft allegedly has in development.

We’ve been hearing rumors for a while now that Microsoft may resurrect the Courier dual-screen device abandoned many moons ago, and according to a source cited by WinFuture, Dell has been working on a similar dual-screen project codenamed ‘Januss’ (the name of a God with two faces, which makes sense – although it’s normally spelt with only one ‘s’).

Dell has been working on this since last summer, apparently, with a prototype created at that time. The Windows 10 device will apparently run with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 chip, which hasn’t yet been officially revealed, but is a step on from the Snapdragon 835 used in current Windows 10 on ARM laptops. And that should provide a nifty performance boost.

Shaky ground?

Of course, we need to exercise a good deal of caution around this speculation, and WinFuture is fairly cagey with its wording, noting in its report that Dell’s project has been waylaid several times, and that the device hit some ‘hurdles’ at the start of this year, and it’s not clear if Dell has moved further ahead with the hardware.

Other details on Dell’s purported device are thin on the ground, although it is expected to carry at least one USB Type-C port.

So yes, we are up to our knees in salt on this one, but it’s an interesting nugget of information to hear, for sure.

Meanwhile, it remains unclear if Microsoft still has serious ambitions in the dual-screen device space – the last we heard was a somewhat different spin on a foldable Surface tablet which could still connect to a detachable physical keyboard if needed.

Image credit: Eustress, Wikimedia Commons

• We’ve picked out the best laptops right here

Via The Verge

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2J6zdxg

The HP Omen 15 gaming laptop gets smaller, faster, and cooler

Best MDM solution

More rumors emerge of Apple working on an ARM-based MacBook

Another report has surfaced, this time from DigiTimes, detailing an ARM-based MacBook product being in the works at Taiwanese manufacturer Pegatron. 

The outlet’s sources name-dropped the same ‘Star’ codename and ‘N84’ series number first hinted at by 9to5Mac sources a few days previously.

Pegatron declined to comment directly for DigiTimes, which doesn't come as much of a surprise, considering the secrecy that surrounds the creation these types of products.

Reading more closely

The exact language of DigiTimes’s report could be of note regarding when we expect to see this device, however. "Pegatron is likely to land orders from Apple," the report reads.

This implies a timetable in which the manufacturer has yet to even begin production, and that the deal is still underway.

That would mean we probably won't see this device for a long time yet, and likely missing a WWDC reveal, unless Apple either has prototypes to show or it will do a iMac Pro-like tease reveal. 

Judging by how this is about the same time of year we begin to hear reports and rumors of iPhone products hitting manufacturer lines, which almost invariably land in September, this ARM-based MacBook product could arrive around the same time or perhaps later, if Apple is this far in the process to reportedly make manufacturing orders.

Also, if this rumored MacBook is truly based on an ARM processor, that would certainly make getting iOS apps to work natively in the macOS environment much easier. Though, that’s contrary to CEO Tim Cook’s own words on the matter.

Of course, that’s assuming such a device is in the works, which we’ll only truly know is true when Tim Cook or Phil Schiller says the magic words on a keynote stage.

• These are the best Macs of recent memory

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2J8Id8D

Kobo Clara HD may be the Kindle Paperwhite rival you’ve been looking for

A new ereader from Kobo looks set to take on the behemoth of the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite as your reading device of choice when you’re off on holiday this summer.

The new Kobo Clara HD comes with a very similar specs list to the Kindle Paperwhite at a similar price tag of £109.99 / $129.99, compared to Amazon’s ereader which costs £109.99 / $119.99.

Kobo’s latest ereader comes with a 6-inch Carta E Ink touchscreen display that has a resolution of 300 pixels per inch for a crisp reading experience if you’re reading the written word or looking over some graphic novels.

Fight the Paperwhite

This will work in direct sunlight or in the dark as it comes with Kobo’s own ComfortLight PRO technology to adjust the lighting and temperature of the screen, so it will look great in all conditions.

The Clara HD - which only comes in black - also has a surprisingly bold look for an ereader, with an eye-catching pattern on the rear. That pattern is about more than just looks though, as it makes the device easy to grip.

There’s 8GB of storage (that’s double what's on the Kindle Paperwhite and the same amount as on the basic Kindle Oasis), plus you’ve got access to over 5 million books on the Kobo store. That’s not as extensive as Amazon’s selection, but it includes a lot of the big hitters you’ll want to read on the beach this summer.

We don’t know exact specs for the battery yet, but we have completed a full review of the Kobo Clara HD so you can work out if this is the ereader for you this summer.

• Read our full Kobo Clara HD review

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2xj48VI

OnePlus 6 256GB variant is out of stock in the US and UK

The OnePlus 6 comes in three storage variants, but the largest option is currently out of stock via the firm's website in the US, Canada, India and UK.

This is the first time OnePlus has put 256GB of storage into a handset, and the additional space is clearly proving popular among those faithful to the brand.

Part of the reason the largest storage configuration may be so popular is the fact that OnePlus does not offer expandable storage on its phones, meaning you can't use a microSD card to increase the amount of storage inside the handset.

When will it be back?

In the UK, the OnePlus 6 is also available at O2, but the network does not offer the 256GB version of the handset - so OnePlus.com is the only place you can purchase it.

We have contacted OnePlus to find out when it expects the 256GB variant to come back into stock and we'll update this article once we hear back.

For now, if you're desperate to get your hands on the new OnePlus 6 you'll have to choose between the 64GB and 128GB variants of the handset.

• Read our in-depth OnePlus 6 review

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2sk0Cov

The best rugged tablets of 2018: the best drop-proof tablets you can buy

If you work outside, or in a busy environment where accidents can occur, then having the best rugged tablet for your needs is essential. Rugged tablets are often more expensive than their non-rugged brethren, but the money you save on not having to repair or replace damaged devices will more than make up for the initial outlay.

The best rugged tablet feature reinforced screens to stop them cracking, and durable bodies that won't break if you drop them. However, they should also maintain their slim and light designs. These rugged tablets also boast many of the features regular tablets offer, such as bright and vibrant touchscreens, huge collections of apps, and easy-to-carry designs, while also adding a layer of ruggedness that keeps them protected.

While you won't get a rugged tablet that's as slim and light as the iPad Air 2, it doesn't mean you should have to lug around a chunky and unwieldy tablet either.

So, to help you find the best rugged tablet, we've put together this list, which gather the top shock and drop-proof tablets on the market today. 

• Read: Best cheap tablets | Best Android tablets

If you're working outside, then the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1 is easily one of the best rugged tablets on the market today. This is thanks not only to its tough design that is shock resistant to to drops of up ton 180cm, but also because the display has been designed to be used outdoors in bright sunlight - so you'll still be able to use the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1 no matter how bright your surroundings are. The screen supports 10-finger multi-touch, it runs on Windows 10 Pro, it's water and dust resistant and comes with a configuration port for a variety of expansions (serial, LAN, 2D Barcode Reader, NFC).

If you're looking for a rugged Windows tablet that can withstand an impressive amount of punishment, then the Getac F110 is an excellent choice. Its durable body can withstand moisture, extreme temperatures and drops, without it being bulky or heavy. It is certified to MIL-STD 810G, 1P65 and MIL-STD-461F standards. The most recent version of this tablet comes with 6th generation Intel Core processors, so there's plenty of power here, and a dual battery system means you can easily swap them out without having to pause.

The HP ElitePad 1000 is a fantastic business laptop, and it can be configured to come in a rugged design that is IP65 and MIL-STD 810G tested. It can withstand a 6ft drop onto linoleum-covered concrete. It features an Intel Atom processor, which isn't the most powerful CPU, but it's still capable of handling most business applications.  Biometric security keeps your important data safe, and HP also offers a range of accessories, such as docking stations and additional batteries.

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 is a 2-in-1 rugged device, which means it has an attachable keyboard that allow it to work as either a laptop or as a tablet. When in tablet mode, the Toughbook CF-33 is an excellent durable machine , with MIL-STD-461F, MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certification, which means it can survive shocks, drops liquids and dust. The battery life is a bit on the short side compared to other rugged tablets on this list, but you can quickly swap out the battery when you need extra time. You can also buy extended batteries that double the run time from 10 hours to 20. This is an additional cost, however.

Dell is another well-known brand that produces rugged tablets. The Dell Latitude 12 is one such device, and Dell has recently updated the model with more up-to-date components, though the processor still feels a little outdated. However, you do get an excellently-built tablet that has IP65, MIL-STD-810G and IP-810G certifications (rather than merely meeting the standards in laboratory tests). Dell's customary high build quality is evident here, and while it isn't the most glamorous looking tablet, it does the job of withstanding harsh conditions, and accidental drops. Price-wise, the Dell Latitude 12 is also pretty competitive, and as with other Dell products, you're able to configure the hardware to meet your specific needs and budget.

Unlike other rugged tablets on this list, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 isn't designed for industrial-grade protection. However, what it does provide is IP67 certification for dust and water ingress, and a battery that lasts between eight to 10 hours. Plus, it supports replaceable batteries, so you can keep on working even if you're away from a power supply, and it's drop-tested to 1.2 metres. A decent camera and NFC technology are included, and it's rounded off with Samsung's customary excellent build quality. The newer Galaxy Tab Active 2 improves on a lot of the features of the first Tab Active, with more RAM, better CPU and much more.

This 10.1-inch Android tablet can withstand drops up to five feet, as well as being water and dust resistant. While it's bulkier and heavier than non-rugged tablets, it's still portable enough to be easily carried around worksites. Its screen isn't the highest resolution, but with a 500 Nit backlight, it is excellent for use in direct sunlight. It's not the most powerful tablet on this list, but it's a more affordable alternative for people who want to use an Android device outside and on the road.

The Getac Z710 is a handy rugged tablet that does pretty much everything you'd want from an Android tablet, while coming in a rugged body. Design-wise the Getac Z710 is one of the better looking rugged tablets we've seen, and it comes with a number of business-orientated features that make it an excellent choice for enterprise use. The 7-inch screen is crisp and responsive to touch, but it does have a habit of showing off glare in direct lights. It has been tested for drops up to six foot, and is  MIL-STD-810G certified, while Corning Gorilla glass protects the screen from shattering.

• Looking for a laptop that can withstand the elements? Check out our list of the best rugged laptops

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2fgnrXG

The best business tablets 2018: top picks for productivity tablets

Welcome to our list of the best business tablets of 2018. These mobile wonders are powerful, yet portable, and they can help you keep productive while out on the road, without having to lug around a big laptop.

Android and Apple tablets have a host of apps that allow you to work on them, and of course, with Windows 10-powered business tablets, you can run any app or program you'd usually run on a traditional laptop or desktop PC.

Add a Bluetooth keyboard, and you'll be able to work comfortably on these best business tablets for hours on end.

For the sake of clarity, we will only look at pure tablets, and detachables when it comes to convertibles. 2-in-1 hybrid models are closer to traditional laptops as their keyboard can't be totally detached.

• Also have a read of our guide on how to choose a tablet for work

While Microsoft didn't call this year's tablet the Surface Pro 5, in many ways it's a sequel to the Surface Pro 4 (which also features on our list of the best business tablets), with a 32% increase in battery life - according to our benchmarks - as well as a refined design that remains thin and light, while also providing plenty of power. The new and improved Surface Pen and Type Cover makes this a brilliant business tablet that can be used as a laptop replacement, and it comes in a range of specifications, which makes choosing the right model for your business (and personal) needs easy.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro

Apple took the iPad into uncharted territory here. The iPad Pro's optional accessories add to the cost of the tablet, but the keyboard cover and Apple Pencil stylus make the iPad even more suited for business and creative users. The iPad Pro also debuted Apple's new split-screen multitasking. It is, quite simply, a massively powerful tablet which can certainly turbocharge your productivity away from the desk thanks to a wide array of business apps – although we’d like to see more in the way of battery life.

Read the full review: Apple iPad Pro

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet is probably one of the best designed convertible devices on the market, and one where engineers clearly had a great time building a slate that crams in so many features that it's hard to believe that the X1 is so thin and portable. It bears all the hallmarks of a signature ThinkPad device: the finish, the red colour scheme, the Trackpoint, the shape of the Accutype keys, everything down to the ThinkPad logo at the back. Aficionados will love it while others might balk at the price – this is vintage ThinkPad at its finest.

Read the full review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet

A higher resolution screen, a thinner design and a move to Intel's more powerful Skylake processors all help to make this portable tablet a capable replacement for your laptop. Sadly, the Type Cover keyboard is still optional, but in reality it's a necessity for this laptop replacement; come on Microsoft, bundle it already. The good news with the Type Cover in this fourth iteration of the Surface Pro is that it’s much improved this time around.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Lenovo shows it is just as good at making 2-in-1 devices that are excellent business tablets with the Lenovo Miix 510, a follow up to the Miix 700 (yes, we know, confusing) with a new latest-gen Kaby Lake version of the Core i5 and a strong central pairing of 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. It comes with a detachable keyboard and costs a lot less than Microsoft's Surface Pro line of business tablets, and for the most part it offers similar functionality. This is definitely a business tablet worth considering if your budget doesn't stretch to a Microsoft (or Apple) device.

Read the full review: Lenovo Miix 510

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is one of the best Android tablets you can buy right now, and it proves that you don't need a tablet that runs Windows to be one of the best business tablets money can buy.

It's stuffed full of power, has an excellent display and features an iPad-Pro rivaling S-Pen stylus and optional keyboard.

The price tag could be a stumbling block, but if you're looking for the best Android has to offer in tablet form the Galaxy Tab S3 is the slate for you.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S3

Asus threw down the gauntlet to Microsoft with the launch of the Transformer 3 Pro. The device, which is the only tablet we know of that comes with 16GB of RAM as standard, easily surpasses the Surface Pro 4 in terms of sheer value for money although Microsoft's flagship tablet remains the better known (and probably more trusted) of the two. Other than the standard keyboard, the Transformer also has a docking station, a stylus and even a trusted platform module (TPM) for improved security within an enterprise setting.

Read the full review: Asus Transformer 3 Pro

Getac's RX10 dares to go where no other tablet can thanks to its rugged design and bright screen. If your work takes you into the field, you'll be thankful that Getac equipped this slate with a screen that's readable even under direct sunlight. This slate will sustain a fair amount of hardship including being dropped, or assaulted with dust, water and much more. Plus it's also light and very portable, despite being such a tough customer. As expected on such a device, there are also plenty of expansion options including hot-swappable batteries as well as a barcode scanner and an NFC/RFID card reader.

Read the full review: Getac RX10

Fujitsu certainly used the Surface range from Microsoft as its inspiration for the Stylistic R726, but then applied its own spin by making this convertible far more enterprise-friendly with a surprisingly (relatively) low price tag. An impressive range of accessories? Check. Extreme serviceability backed by a top notch aftersales warranty? Check. A plethora of ports and connection options? Check. Active stylus? Wouldn't you know, that's here as well. The R726 also has a first-class docking station and its detachable keyboard is a rather good one, and quality accessories certainly don't do its case any harm.

Read the full review: Fujitsu Stylistic R726

Just like the rest of the competition, HP took inspiration from Microsoft's playbook when building the Elite x2 1012, which clearly targets the business market. Like Fujitsu, HP made sure that its product was designed with enterprise users in mind. It is sturdy, undergoing a 12-point stress test, is very easy to upgrade and comes with a number of security features. There's an active pen and a keyboard, and our reviewer said that typing on the latter was "as comfortable as it is on a real notebook". Not everything about the design is perfect - such as the hinge - but overall this is a tempter with a great keyboard and screen.

Read the full review: HP Elite x2 1012 G1

Chuong Nguyen, John McCann, Matt Hanson and Henry Casey also contributed to this article

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2GPKnEB

[TEST] The best Boxing Day sales 2017: bringing you the best UK deals right now

We know Boxing Day feels like a lifetime of mince pies, chocolate and leftovers ago, but the Boxing Day sales are still raging on even though we're now in January! With barely any of the top deals out of stock there are loads of great bargains still to take advantage of, and some still dropping in price.

So if you're after something as a little treat for yourself (the TV deals we've seen this year have been excellent, for instance) then have a little nose through the deals we've got below.

When did the Boxing Day sales start?

Not a silly question at all. We actually saw loads of retailers push the button (probably with gravy on their fingers) at some point on Christmas Day, and some even before that. We're still watching all of the usual suspects like a hawk throughout the Christmas break and will bring you the deals when they go live.

As you can imagine, retailers will have put their best deals online already, which is why we've been up since the crack of dawn every day to catch the best ones for you, so check out our extensive list of retailers that are having a Boxing Day sale.

Boxing Day sales retailer quick links

• Amazon sale
• John Lewis sale
• Currys sale
• Argos sale
• Tesco Direct sale
• Game sale
• Zavvi sale
• AO.com - sale
• Mobiles.co.uk - sale
• Carphone Warehouse - sale
• Next - sale

So, who's having a Boxing Day sale?

All the big stores are getting stuck in. With so many keen shoppers going online over the Christmas period in recent years, it's just too good a chance for them to finish 2017 off with some extra money in the bank. Let's take a look at the big hitters below and what you can nab from each.

The best Boxing Day sales deals

TV and video deals

Gaming deals

Laptop and Macbook deals

Computing deals

Smart home deals

Headphone and audio deals

Smartphone deals

iPad and tablet deals

Kitchen and Home deals

Gadgets and other deals

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2IYt7Cj

Best Linux laptops of 2018

The Razer Blade sees its first redesign in five years

The 14-inch Razer Blade practically reshaped the gaming laptop landscape when it first dropped in 2013 as a thin but capable machine, and now after five years its finally getting its first major redesign.

For starters the 14-inch Razer Blade is now a 15-inch gaming laptop and amazingly it's actually 3% smaller. While the 15.6-inch display lends this gaming machine 20% more viewable space, Razer has also shrunken down the bezels to a mere 4.9mm.

On top of all this, the Razer Blade gains an additional Full HD 144Hz panel option along with it more typical Full HD and 4K displays, and they’re all IPS to boot.

Screen options aside, the Razer Blade features a newly designed CNC machined chassis. Razer has finally ditched the MacBook Pro look it has held onto for the last five years in exchange for a modern look with straight lines and squarer corners.

Upon closer inspection, you might notice the trackpad no longer features buttons, but is now 30% larger. The keyboard has also been revised to have a shorter key travel on par with the Blade Stealth, but Razer stresses that it has maintained the force attenuation on the keys to keep the typing experience on par with that of the old Blade.

Kickass specs

Internally, the new Razer Blade hosts a swath of new hardware including 8th generation, Coffee Lake Intel Core i7 processors – sorry no Core i9 option here – as well as Max-Q versions of the Nvidia GTX 1060 and 1070. Razer tells us users will be able to further push their systems for greater gaming or productivity performance with its updated Razer Synapse 3 software.

All configurations will also come with 16GB of DDR4 2266MHz RAM and either 256 or 512GB of PCIe SSD storage. Of course, users can open up the bottom panel of their machine to add up to 32GB of memory and 2TB of solid-state storage.

Other small improvements include an all vapor chamber cooling system (look ma, no heat pipes) and battery that’s been upgraded from 70 to 80 watt-hours. Unfortunately, Razer did not give us an estimate on battery life.

Available starting today, pricing for the new Razer Blade are as follows:

• FHD(60Hz)/i7-8750H/GTX 1060/16GB/256GB - $1,899 or £1699 (about AU$2,505)
• FHD(144Hz)/i7-8750H/GTX 1060/16GB/512GB - $2,199 or £1979 (about AU$2,900)
• FHD(144Hz)/i7-8750H/GTX 1070/16GB/256GB - $2,399 or £2149 (about AU$3,165)
• FHD(144Hz)/i7-8750H/GTX 1070/16GB/512GB - $2,599 or £2329 (about AU$3,430)
• 4K(Touch)/i7-8750H/GTX 1070/16GB/512GB - $2,899 or £2549 (about AU$3,825)

Razer Core X

Razer also announced more affordable external GPU box called the Razer Core X. Priced at $299 (about £1,415, AU$395) that’s certainly more affordable than the existing $499 (£469, AU$719) Razer Core V2.

The Razer Core X is noticeably larger than its Core v2 brother with 6.61 x 14.72 x 9.06 (16.8 x 37.4 x 23cm; W x D x H) dimensions, and this is to make room for triple slot graphics cards and other larger GPUs. This new external GPU block also comes with a bigger 650W ATX power supply.

Users can connect their laptops and utilize this eGPU box through a standard Thunderbolt 3 connection. All notebooks should work with the Razer Core X so long as they have a compatible plug and are running at least Windows 10 Redstone 1. MacBooks running macOS High Sierra 10.13.4, however, will only work with compatible AMD Radeon cards.

While the Razer Core X’s Thunderbolt 3 will charge your laptop and carry connect it to an eGPU, it doesn’t feature any of the USB hub functionality of the Razer Core v2.

The Razer Core X is available for preorder starting today, but availability has yet to be announced.

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2GFoKqv

Latest Acer Spin 3, Spin 5 are the first-ever laptops to get Amazon Alexa inside

Acer is proudly blazing the trail toward laptops with one of the most widely-used digital assistants across the world: Amazon’s Alexa. The Acer Spin 3 and Spin 5 – its latest mainstream laptops – will be updated with Alexa on May 26 and May 23, respectively. 

This will allow both laptops to carry out nearly 100% of Alexa’s capabilities on Amazon’s Echo speakers from within Windows 10. 

The laptops will also be the first to ship to retail stores and online retailers with the digital assistant pre-installed.

Of course, Acer has no intention of stopping with these two laptops. The Acer Nitro line of mainstream gaming laptops will feature the tool when they ship later this June, while choice Aspire, Switch and Swift laptops – as well as Aspire all-in-one PCs – will include it as well.

Making good mainstream laptops better

These two laptops were recently updated with the latest in Intel 8th generation processors – Core i3 to i5 for the Spin 3 and Core i5 to i7 for Spin 5 – with the Spin 5 also configurable with Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 graphics. 

Both laptops offer up sharp, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) multi-touch displays and microphones powered by Intel Smart Sound Technology, a digital signal processor that handles audio, voice and speech interactions. The Spin 3 and most other Acer laptops achieve this with near-field dual microphones, though the Spin 5 touts four far-field microphones.

This way, you can treat Alexa on your laptop more like you do on a smart speaker, issuing commands from across a room.

Of course, what this all amounts to are the functions of Alexa that you may already be used to from an Echo speaker, if not through Cortana, Microsoft’s own digital assistant built right into Windows 10. That means checking the weather, setting timers and calendar events, playing music, answering questions and smart home device management.

The Acer Spin 3 starts at $499 (£549, about AU$659) and the Spin 5 at $699 (£799, AU$999). Even if you’re not interested in these laptops, keep an eye on this space to see how Microsoft responds with Cortana across Windows 10 devices in the coming months.

• These are the best 2-in-1 laptops we’ve tested this year

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2x1Zds4

The Best Laptop 2018: Our pick of the best laptops you can buy

 Welcome to our list of the best laptops you can buy in 2018. Here, you'll find the top laptops that have been carefully tested by the TechRadar editorial team.

In our list of the best laptops you'll find a wide array of choices, from the best gaming laptops, top budget choices, as well as the best 2-in-1 laptops that are virtually everywhere in 2018. That means you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for right here on this list.

Because every single laptop in this guide has been used and reviewed by us, you can be confident that only the best laptops make it on this list. Our very own price comparison tool will also make sure you get the very best deals for these top-rated laptops.

We've also recently updated this list with the brilliant MSI GS65 Stealth, currently our pick for the best gaming laptop money can buy in 2018. 

The best laptops of 2018:

Riding the top of our best laptops list for three years running, the 2018 revision of Dell’s flagship continues the trend of excellence. The 2018 Dell XPS 13 is a slimmer, more powerful version of the award-winning laptop with a stunning 4K display and a gorgeous Rose Gold on Alpine White color option. Packing an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU and a bezel-less ‘Infinity Edge’ display, this Dell XPS 13 is more expensive, but its still worth every penny. It’s no wonder the Dell XPS 13 continues to be the most popular Windows laptop in the world. Better yet, there’s a wide range of customization options, so you can make the Dell XPS 13 the best laptop for you. 

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13

With the Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch), Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops in the world. The Surface Book 2 has some powerful enough components to handle most day-to-day tasks, and even some light gaming and video editing if you go for a model with a dedicated graphics card. Brilliant build quality and excellent battery life makes this a wonderful device for using as either a laptop, or as a powerful Windows 10 tablet. It also comes in a 15-inch version, which is more powerful and with a larger screen. If you're after a more affordable 2-in-1 device, then the Acer Switch 3, below, is well worth checking out.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

Some of the very best laptops in 2017 have been 2-in-1 devices, and Lenovo has added to that list with the excellent Lenovo Yoga 920. It features a wonderfully slim design, and its build quality is exceptional. The 360 degree hinge allows you to convert the laptop into a tablet-like device, making it flexible in all senses of the word. It's cheaper than the Surface Book 2, and while it doesn't offer quite the same quality when in tablet mode, it's an excellent device with plenty of power and bags of battery life. It's definitely a worthy alternative, and it's easily one of the best laptops we've seen this year.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 920

If you're after the latest and greatest laptop from Apple, welcome to the 13-inch Macbook Pro with touchbar. It's the best laptop Apple has ever made, and builds new features into the classic design. Of course the headline feature is the touchbar - it's a thin OLED display at the top of the keyboard which can be used for any number of things, whether that be auto-suggesting words as you type or offering Touch ID so you can log in with just your fingerprint. If you're a massive fan of the Macbook Pro 2017 you'll be happy with this model but there are some serious reasons why you should consider one of the Windows alternatives. For a start, this laptop is very expensive for what is is, especially considering the better value alternatives. On top of this, it's not as powerful, the screen is lower-res versus the competition and isn't touchscreen friendly, plus the battery is a bit disappointing too. So if you're open to switching to a PC, definitely consider the XPS 13 as a more modern, cheaper alternative. But if you're a steadfast Apple die hard, this is definitely the best laptop for you!

Read the full review: Apple Macbook with touchbar (2017)
See more like this: The best Macs and Macbooks 2017

The new MSI GS65 Stealth has knocked our previous choice of the best gaming laptop, Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501, off this list, thanks to its excellent array of cutting edge components, which includes an 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8750H CPU and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 GPU. It's also more reasonably priced than the Zephyrus GX501, and its subtle design means that it can double as a work or study laptop without raising any eyebrows. If you're looking for a more affordable gaming laptop, however, check out the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming below.

Read the full review: MSI GS65 Stealth 

Part of a new generation of Max-Q gaming laptops in 2017, the  Asus ROG Zephyrus is both ridiculously powerful and astonishingly thin and light. Make no mistake, this thing is large compared to a Macbook Pro or Dell XPS 13, but compared to gaming laptops of the past this effort from Asus is something of a holy grail achievement. Your expectations of a 15-inch gaming laptop will never be the same after seeing the Zephyrus in action. It's expensive of course, but with powerful Core i7 CPU and GTX 1080 graphics it'll be easily powerful enough to play the best games for many years to come on the built-in 1080p screen. It's an ideal top-end desktop replacement that is, possibly for the first time ever, also extremely portable.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501
See more like this: The best gaming laptops 2017

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is 2017's best laptop for you if you're looking for the perfect cross between a nimble Windows tablet and a fully functional laptop. The base version of the Surface Pro 4 is just a tablet - you get the main unit itself with kickstand but if you want the Surface Pen or the fantastic Type Cover keyboard you'll need to pay extra for a bundle or buy it separately. Often the best value option is a bundle but even the tablet on its own represents pretty good value. The Surface Pro, alongside the also-excellent Surface Book laptop, is to Windows what the Pixel is to Google's Android. It's the benchmark Windows device, with software and hardware working together in perfect harmony. So if you need a new laptop and a tablet, the Surface Pro is the best does-it-all 2-in-1 option. If you want this but need something a little cheaper, check out the Acer Switch 3 below!

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro 4
See more like this: The best 2-in-1 laptops 2017 

Last year’s Dell XPS 15 was already one of the best laptops you could buy, but now that Dell has taken the beautiful redesign of the Dell XPS 13 and applied it here – while also making it a convertible. Well, it’s amazing. Not only do you get one of the most aesthetically pleasing 15-inch laptops on the market, but it also packs one of those new Intel  Kaby Lake G-series CPUs featuring ‘discrete-class’ Radeon graphics. This means that this laptop packs serious power – even if it can get a little loud.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 

If you want the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 but you want to spend a lot less, the Acer Switch Alpha 12 is definitely the your best option. It's designed around essentially the same concept as the Surface Pro and it's a less capable thanks to slightly lower power innards, but for most tasks it's a brilliant little machine. What's more, to add further value this 2-in-1 laptop/tablet comes with the keyboard upgrade which means no little extras to pay for. As usual it comes in several different versions, with USB Type-C, 8GB RAM, an IPS display and Intel Core i3 7100U CPU coming with the more expensive option.

Read the full review: Acer Switch Alpha 12
See more like this: The best 2-in-1 laptops 2017 

And finally - HP's best 2-in-1 laptop is a really stunner. It's super thin and light while packing in fantastic performance and a fast charging battery. It's expensive, but for the money what you're getting is the best ultra portable laptop available in 2017. As with many laptops on the list, this laptop comes in a number of different builds - with the bottom end one starting with a full HD screen while the top end model packs in a 4K one. Whichever one you go for though, you're getting a fabulous laptop that you'll love carrying around with you.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360
See more like this: The best 2-in-1 laptops 2017 

Which type of laptop is best for you?

General laptops: Where the best cheap laptops are found, devices that focus more on practicality than style, portability or power. That’s not to say they can’t be fast, but you’ll typically find a non-Ultrabook clamshell laptop with an HD screen and spinning drive-based storage for less than $600 or £400.

Ultrabooks: Where you’ll find thin-and-light notebooks sporting SSD storage and display resolutions that exceed 1080p. Paired with powerful, albeit mobile-centric components and especially long battery life, the best Ultrabooks will cost a pretty penny – $700 or £500 to $2,000 or £1,800.

2-in-1 laptops: Where notebooks that double as tablets are located. The Surface Book 2 might be a ways off, but many of the best 2-in-1 laptops are available right now. Outfitted with both detachable and 360-degree rotating hinges, these hybrids are the most versatile way to experience Windows 10 (or Chrome OS) on a touchscreen.

Gaming laptops: Need a laptop to play games (almost) just like a shiny desktop PC can? Then you’ll want one of the best gaming laptops. These machines generally cost from $800 or £600 to upwards of $3,000 or £2,800 and they’ll likely be the ones to take advantage of AMD’s laptop-grade Ryzen processors first.

Laptop-tablet hybrids: Designed from the tablet-first approach to laptop-tablet hybrids, the best Windows tablets pack beyond-HD touchscreens, sometimes with kickstands in their frames or provided via keyboard covers. These generally shine with a stylus, and range from the budget to the premium price ranges.

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2fEJ9B5

Newest Asus ZenBook Pro 15 piles on the processor and pixel power

The growing world of Windows 10 laptops just keeps making it harder and harder for the MacBook Pro to hold its ground, the latest example being the Asus ZenBook Pro 15.

Asus’ newest version of its 15-inch laptop for prosumers and creative types – not to mention light gamers – piles on the power in nearly every regard. However, the company has yet to reveal pricing for models of this laptop, which are due to land in a few weeks, as Anandtech reports.

The laptop’s so-called ‘Deep Dive Blue’ aluminum unibody with rose gold edges measures a mere 18.9mm (0.74 inches) thin and weighs a measly 1.86kg (4.1 pounds) for its large screen size. Speaking of which, that screen is a professionally-calibrated 4K IPS touchscreen (a FHD option is also available).

It’s what’s on the inside that counts

Within, the new ZenBook Pro 15 can be configured with Intel 8th generation processors from Core i5 up to the latest Intel Core i9 with six cores. Backing that up is an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 graphics chip, 8GB to 16GB of DDR4 memory and an SSD up to 1TB in capacity.

Asus is also touting a new, special cooling system that will keep that Core i9 processor and GTX 1050 in check within such a small chassis. All of this is promised to last up to 9.5 hours on a charge.

Rounding out the laptop’s featureset is 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for advanced wireless connectivity, backed by two Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB 3.1 ports, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, a TRRS audio jack and a proprietary port for charging.

While prices aren’t yet available for this laptop due in a just a few weeks, expect such a well-specced laptop to likely rival the MacBook Pro in price, but offer oh, so much more.

• These are the best laptops we’ve tested this year so far

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2IvmAeO

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4: what we want to see

First Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 benchmarks suggest it's not as powerful as the iPad Pro

Leaks for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 have begun to become much more frequent suggesting the tablet is set to launch in the coming months - and the latest suggests how powerful it's going to be.

Within Geekbench 4, you can see some of the scores for the tablet where it has a single-core score of 1895, while the multi-core score is 6362.

Compared to the mulit-core score of 9290 for the iPad Pro 10.5, it doesn't look like fantastic performance from Samsung's upcoming tablet. It may be Samsung's tablet isn't yet optimized and we'll see more impressive scores from the next tablet when it eventually comes out. 

What will you get?

Performance on last year's Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 was OK, but it used an outdated chipset and wasn't as powerful as some other tablets on the market.

The specs previously leaked and confirmed by this listing suggests it'll sport a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset (which we saw in a lot of top-end phones tin 2017) as well as 4GB of RAM.

It'll have a 10.5-inch display with a resolution of 1600 x 2560, while we're also expecting it to come with 64GB of storage, an LTE model, 12MP rear camera and 7MP front camera.

We don't currently have any firm details on when the new tablet will be announced by Samsung. The Tab S3 was revealed in April 2017, so the company has missed that year anniversary and it may be we have to wait until IFA 2018 when we're expecting to hear about the Galaxy Note 9 and Gear S4.

• What we want to see from the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4

Via GSMArena

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2Ivn8le

Microsoft’s iPad killer? Budget Surface tablet said to be in the works

Microsoft is reportedly working on a more affordable Surface tablet to compete with Apple’s affordable iPad.

Bloomberg originally reported that the forthcoming lower-cost Surface tablet will feature a 10-inch screen, rounded corners and a $400 (about £300, AU$530) price tag to directly compete with the iPad designed for students. Overall, it seems as though this device is meant to be much more portable than the current 12.3-inch Surface Pro, and it’s also rumored to be 20% lighter.

As a consequence of the device's smaller screen size and weight, battery life will supposedly be four hours shorter than that of the full-sized Surface Pro – which Microsoft claims to last for 13.5 hours on a single charge.

Surface area

Bloomburg’s source suggests that Microsoft’s new slate will still come equipped with an Intel processor and integrated graphics, as well as the Surface line’s signature kickstand, and it will run Window 10 Pro. 

The new Surface is will supposedly release with multiple models with differing amounts of storage including 64GB and 128GB SKUs, and certain devices with built-in LTE radios.

However, it’s surprising that the source doesn’t mention Qualcomm Snapdragon – nor Windows 10 S – but this device would still fall in line with Microsoft’s definition of an “Always Connected PC.”

USB-C connectivity and charging is another purported feature, and we hope it will be a true ThunderBolt 3 port, rather than imply being a USB 3.1 Type-C as seen on the Surface Book 2.

We all but expected Microsoft to release a Surface Mini ages ago alongside the Surface Pro 3, but this new device seems like the long-awaited sequel to the Surface 2. We’ve got our fingers crossed that Microsoft will actually announce the device soon.

• What about the Surface Pro 5?

Via The Verge

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2Iq47k2

This could be our first look at an Intel Cannon Lake laptop

Intel itself said that we won’t see 10-nanometer Cannon Lake processors until 2019, but appears the first laptop sporting the company’s next generation processors has just leaked.

Computer Base was the first to spot a new 15-inch Lenovo IdeaPad 330 rocking a new Intel Core i3-8121U processor on the Chinese online retailer, JD.

According to the online listing the CPU is based on Intel’s forthcoming 10nm Cannon Lake architecture and is equipped with two-cores as well as four-threads. It seems the online retailer also lists the laptop chip will run at a base 2.2GHz and up to 3.1GHz with Turbo Boost.

JD also lists the laptop will sell for 3,299 Chinese yen, which converts to about $450 (about £330, AU$600). Although it seems like this Lenovo IdeaPad 330 will be a budget system it apparently features DDR4 RAM, so perhaps Cannon Lake will finally leave the aging DDR3 class of RAM behind.

There’s no mention of a release date on the site, but the fact that retailer listing for a Cannon Lake-powered laptop lends credence to their eventual release. However, this is China after all, and retailers there are notorious for creating fakes or embellishing their wares, so we’re still going to take this news with a grain of salt.

• Intel Coffee Lake isn't going away anytime soon

Via Hexus

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2KsRaqh

Top 10 best business laptops in 2018: top laptops for work

The best business laptops combine cutting edge productivity features with slimline designs and long battery life that provides mobility and productivity - essential functions for the modern workplace, and we're here to help you by gathering together the very best business laptops for 2018.

Having the best business laptop that suits your needs is essential, and to make things as easy as possible, we've put together this list of the best business laptops money can buy in 2018, which includes expert advice on the latest business-orientated laptops and notebooks, so you know exactly what you're buying.

While compiling this list of the best business laptops, we've taken into consideration a number of key factors including power, battery life, feature set and sheer value for money.

This means that we've selected a wider range of laptops to suit most if not all budgets and hopefully all tastes; there's a mix of cutting-edge products and old favourites here.

Almost all of them come with the professional version of Microsoft Windows to enhance their business credentials.

We also have our very own price comparison tool that will compare prices and make sure you're buying the very best business laptop for the very best price.

If you're looking for a bit more power, then check out our list of the best mobile workstations, as well as our pick for the best business desktop PC.

Where to buy business laptops

• Apple MacBook Pro
• Lenovo Yoga, ThinkPad and Ideapad
• HP ZBook, Elitebook, Pro and ElitePad
• Toshiba Portege, Tecra and Satellite Pro
• Fujitsu Lifebook and Celcius
• Dell Latitude, Precision and Vostro

Previous versions of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon have been the absolute best-in-class when it comes to business laptops, and this year's model is no exception, with Lenovo delivering a thinner and smaller design with practically no trade-offs. Despite its small size, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon comes with pretty much every feature you need in a productivity machine, making it the best business laptop money can buy. Thanks to a battery life of up to 15.5 hours, and a rapid charging feature that brings the battery back up to 80% capacity in only an hours, the X1 Carbon is an ultrabook that lets you keep on working while you're on the move.

Believe it or not, Dell classifies the XPS 13 as a business laptop, albeit one that is geared towards a home office environment but businessmen (and women) will love the design. This ultraportable laptop – as Dell puts it – punches above its weight with Windows 10 Pro across the entire range as well as rather attractive pricing.

This award winning laptop (it won best laptop of the year from us and many others) manages to pack a 13.3-inch display into the chassis of an average 11.6-inch model. It was also refreshed in 2017 with even better components, for a much improved business laptop experience.

The laptop can be upgraded to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB M2 SSD drive. Battery life is exceptional as well with almost 22 hours of continual use when using productivity applications.

With the 2018 refresh, the Dell XPS 13 is a slimmer, more powerful version with a stunning 4K display and a gorgeous Rose Gold on Alpine White color option. It's powered by an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU to boot.

HP was the only one of the three big laptop vendors who didn't have a flagship thin-and-light laptop: Dell has the XPS 13 and Lenovo, the Yoga 900.

That is now no longer the case with the introduction of the HP Spectre Pro 13 G1. This is a device that not only oozes luxury with a combination of colours and a clever design but also one that packs some incredible components.

Despite being just over 10mm thick and weighing just over 1.16Kg, it manages to pack a proper Core i7 CPU with a full HD 13.3-inch display, a massive 4-cell 38Whr battery and three USB Type C connectors. 

So, you want the most powerful system on the market with plenty of connectivity but don't want to compromise on size or portability or battery life. Mission impossible? Well, not really. Take this Portege laptop from Toshiba. The Japanese manufacturer managed to squeeze an extraordinary amount of components in this device including a VGA port, a fingerprint reader and even a 4G/LTE modem and A-GPS!

Lenovo took an existing form factor and refined it to deliver the new 2016-2017 ThinkPad E470. Powered by the 7th generation Intel Core processors, this particular SKU has a 14-inch FHD anti-glare display, powered by a discrete Nvidia Geforce 940MX 2GB GPU.

Equipped with a spill resistant keyboard, a TrackPoint and a 3+2 buttons click pad, the E470 has more than enough ports and expansion capabilities to keep the average user happy. Shame that it doesn't do DisplayPort, so no 4K output.

Last year’s Dell XPS 15 was already one of the best laptops you could buy, but now that Dell has taken the beautiful redesign of the Dell XPS 13 and applied it here – while also making it a convertible. This makes it easily one of the best business laptops money can buy in 2018. It looks fantastic, feels great to use and it packs one of those new Intel Kaby Lake G-series CPUs featuring ‘discrete-class’ Radeon graphics. This means that this laptop packs serious power – even if it can get a little loud.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 

If you are willing to sacrifice portability for sheer power, then this laptop is worth considering. Oddly enough, although it is part of Lenovo's B-series (essentially aiming for the SMB market), it comes with Windows Home rather than Professional. Other than this, the B51 is a very decent all-rounder that hits almost all the right notes: from the powerful CPU to the full HD display and the discrete GPU.

If you're after the latest and greatest laptop from Apple, we suggest you check out the 13-inch Macbook Pro with Touch Bar, which is one of the best business laptops in 2017. Despite Microsoft’s claims that its Surface Book 2 is twice as powerful as Apple’s flagship MacBook Pro, it’s also more expensive at the starting level. Of course, the headline feature is the Touch Bar – it's a thin OLED display at the top of the keyboard which can be used for any number of things, whether that be auto-suggesting words as you type or offering Touch ID so you can log in with just your fingerprint. If you're a massive fan of the Macbook Pro 2017, you'll be happy with this model but there are some serious reasons why you should consider one of the Windows alternatives. If you work with a lot of creative applications, such as Photoshop, then the MacBook Pro is a fantastic choice.

Read the full review: Apple Macbook with Touch Bar (2017)

The Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch) is another new entry to our best business laptop list, and it's worthy of its spot, as Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops in the world. The Surface Book 2 has some powerful enough components to handle most day-to-day tasks, and even some light gaming and video editing if you go for a model with a dedicated graphics card. If you want a bigger screen, the there is also a 15-inch version of the Surface Book 2, which comes with more powerful components, but that's currently only on sale in the US. It should reach other territories next year.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

The 255 G5 is HP's entry-level business laptop and is a solid candidate should you be looking for a straightforward, reliable, workhorse at a bargain price. Don't expect any fireworks as it is a basic model; it just does the job without much ado. One thing that works for this machine though is its price – the G5 battles with Lenovo for the best-value business laptop on the market.

If you want a similar business laptop with an Intel processor, rather than AMD, then the HP 250 G5 is worth looking into. There are various configurations of both the HP 255 G5 and the HP 250 G5, so it's worth shopping around and finding one with the right components for your needs.

• Here's our full list of the best laptops of 2018

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/10ytvFV

Dell, HP and Lenovo are using Ryzen Pro CPUs across a host of laptops and PCs

AMD has announced that its Ryzen Pro processors are witnessing ‘unprecedented adoption’ by manufacturers of laptops and desktop PCs, with Dell, HP and Lenovo offering a raft of fresh systems aimed at businesses which are driven by these CPUs.

From Dell, the Latitude 5495 laptop and OptiPlex 5055 desktop PC are powered by these chips. And in HP’s portfolio, the EliteBook 700 G5 series, ProBook 645 G4, along with the EliteDesk 700 series are driven by Ryzen Pro.

HP Inc’s Lorena Kubera, Global Head of Commercial Product Management, chimed in: “HP is redefining the commercial PC experience as the traditional boundaries between work and life blend. Our latest offerings with AMD Ryzen Pro processors integrate powerful processing and graphics into innovative solutions built with a focus on design, security, and collaboration to power the modern workforce.”

As for Lenovo, the ThinkPad A series, along with the Lenovo ThinkCentre M715q and M725s desktop PCs will run with these processors.

Built for business

Ryzen Pro chips are designed specifically for business systems, bristling with security features as you would expect, and sporting integrated Radeon Vega Graphics.

They include CPUs such as the Ryzen 7 Pro 2700U, a quad-core (eight-thread) processor clocked at up to 3.8GHz with a TDP of 15W, offering what AMD describes as desktop-class performance in a thin-and-light notebook.

It isn’t just performance AMD is promising, with the 2700U also delivering on the battery life front. AMD claims a potential battery longevity of up to 16 hours, no less, and reaching that sort of level is obviously a major boon for anyone working on the go with their laptop.

• We’ve picked out the best business laptops right here

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2KrUr9o

The HP Envy 13 is now thinner than ever

HP announced a boatload of new premium Envy laptops both in convertible and standard clamshell flavors.

Out of both series, though, the HP Envy 13 and Envy 17 have seen the most refinement. Featuring smaller and thinner chassis, these notebooks prove you don’t have to live the dongle life as they integrate an ingenious drop down USB-A port on top of featuring USB-C.

HP also managed to reduce the size of the top bezel by 31%, while still reserving enough space for a webcam above the screen. Around the back of the laptop, you also might spot a tiny strip of Damascus steel patterning that’s been laser-etched to this notebooks shell. It’s a neat touch, but one that's too easy to miss.

Whether you go for the 13-inch or 17-inch model, both laptops can be equipped with 8th generation Intel Core processors, Nvidia GeForce MX150 graphics and either Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) or 4K (3,840 x 2,160) display panels.

The Envy 13 and 17 will start at $999 (about £735, AU$1,320) and $1,049 (about £770, AU$1,390), respectively and will be launching later this month.

AMD Ryzen comes to convertible laptops

The HP x360 13 and 17 have seen a less dramatic redesign though users can now choose between Intel or AMD Ryzen CPUs as well as Nvidia GeForce MX 150 or Radeon Vega graphics.

HP has also brought its Sure View integrated privacy screen technology, first seen in its enterprise laptops, to the Envy convertible series. It’s a useful feature that you can flip on with the press of a single keyboard shortcut, but during our time with the laptops, the feature delivers an unintended side effect: partially obscuring the screen even when we're just looking at it dead on.

The HP Envy x360 13 and 15 will also be available later this month with AMD configurations starting at $759 (about £560, AU$1,010) and $749 (about £550, AU$990), respectively. The Intel-based HP Envy x360 15 will cost a little more at $869 (about £640, AU$1,150).

• HP has announced a ton of notebooks, but are they worthy to become the best laptops?

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2GgtiDB

Get a new iPad with data from only £15 a month with Sky Mobile's latest deal

If you've been eyeing up a new iPad but haven't got the £300-odd to splash out for one, Sky Mobile has just launched a deal that may just be the solution.

The network will now be stocking the 2018 9.7-inch Apple iPad on its Swap plans. The cheapest way you can get hold of it is for a mere £15 per month with absolutely nothing to pay upfront. It's a much more manageable way to buy if you don't have the funds to hand.

For £15 per month, you get the brand spanking new iPad, as well as a data only SIM card from Sky to pop in it. That gives you 500MB of data to use per month, which can come in handy for using Google Maps or checking your emails when away from the Wi-Fi. And if you buy before May 31, Sky will give you an extra 10GB data boost to use at your leisure as well.

• Discover all of today's best Apple iPad deals

Apple iPad deals from Sky Mobile

If you like the sound of getting a brilliant new iPad tomorrow without spending anything today, then this could be a great option. But do bear in mind that you'll be tied in for 36 months. You can revert to a Swap24 tariff for an extra £4 per month instead if you want to reduce the commitment to two years.

And if you want more data on your iPad for turning your tablet into a portable Spotify jukebox or a Netflix playing machine on the go, you can upgrade the data amount to all the way to 10GB per month for £30 per month (for 36 months) and still nothing to pay upfront.

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2ws8ZU6

Lenovo announces range of budget IdeaPad laptops

Lenovo has heard your prayers for more affordable laptops, and its delivered its most inexpensive IdeaPad yet starting at $249 (about £180, AU$330).

That’s the entry-level price of a Lenovo IdeaPad 330 equipped with an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, 15-inch HD (1366 x 768) screen, 4GB of RAM, 500GB hard drive and a DVD drive. That spec list might not seem all too impressive, but you’re also looking at a laptop running the full version of Windows 10 for less than the price of a Chromebook.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 330 is an extremely configurable platform, with options to upgrade to a 15 FHD (1920 x 1080) display, 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H CPU, Nvidia GTX 1050 discrete graphics, 16GB of RAM, 2TB HDD, or a 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD. So, if you want a more powerful device, you have some options.

There’s also a 14-inch and 17-inch version of the IdeaPad 330 with all the same configurable options. However, the former tops out with a Nvidia MX150 GPU. Pricing for the 14-inch and 17-inch Lenovo IdeaPad 330 starts a little higher at $349 (about £260, AU$470) and $499 (about £370, AU$670), respectively.

The S means slim

If the IdeaPad 330 looks enticing, but is just a little too much on the thick side for your tastes, then there’s also the IdeaPad 330S series.

Available as either a 14-inch or 15-inch clamshell, these notebooks start at 3.5 pounds, while measuring just 0.7-inches thick, thanks to ditching the optical drive. The IdeaPad 330S also features an aluminum top cover, plus narrow bezels for the top and sides, just like the Lenovo Yoga 920.

Spec-wise the Lenovo IdeaPad 330S starts with high definition (1,366 x 768) displays, Intel Pentium Silver processors, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB HDD. There are also optional upgrades that include 8th generation Intel Core i7 CPUs, Nvidia GTX 1050 graphics, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) displays, 16GB of RAM up to a 256GB SSD or 2TB HDD.

Pricing for the IdeaPad 330S 14-inch starts at $499 (about £370, AU$670) while the IdeaPad 330S 15-inch starts at $449 (about £330, AU$600).

A premium Ultrabook for less

Last, but not least, if you want the Ultrabook experience without the Ultrabook price, look no father than the Lenovo IdeaPad 530S.

Weighing in at three pounds and measuring a mere 0.6-inches thin, the IdeaPad 530S features the best design and features of all the IdeaPads that Lenovo has announced today.

Inside its all-aluminum chassis you’ll find the latest Intel Core i7 processors, and up to Nvidia MX150 graphics, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Both versions of the Lenovo 530S come with a stock 1080p display, and users can upgrade the 14-inch version with a QHD (2,560 x 1,440) screen if they so choose.

The IdeaPad 530S 14-inch starts at $799 (about £590, AU$1,070), meanwhile the IdeaPad 530S 15-inch starts at $849 (about £630, AU$1,140).

• Find the best laptop for you today

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2wAayzE

HP’s business laptops finally get Ryzen chips

HP has revealed a trio of new EliteBook laptops and a fresh ProBook aimed at businesses, all of which benefit from the inclusion of AMD Ryzen Pro processors.

The new EliteBook 735 G5, 745 G5 and 755 G5 all boast the aforementioned Ryzen Pro CPUs which have integrated Radeon Vega Graphics and mirror the consumer versions of the mobile chips, except with beefed up security, as you’d expect with business-targeted processors.

All-day productivity is promised in terms of a lengthy battery life, and HP’s fast charge technology can juice up your battery to 50% in 30 minutes.

These EliteBook models are ultra-slim with narrow bezels, and they can also be equipped with an optional extra-bright screen which is designed to be easier to view, and has an ambient light sensor which HP claims makes it easy to work in almost any lighting condition.

Extra security is delivered with Sure View privacy screen technology that ensures prying eyes can’t see the potentially sensitive data on your display, by seriously darkening the screen when viewed from the side (as seen on many of HP’s business laptops).

HP ProBook 645

HP also revealed the ProBook 645 G4, again with a Ryzen Pro CPU, offering a reasonably slim chassis (it’s 21mm thick), and boasting plenty of flexibility in terms of support for several docking options. It has a 14-inch screen with a Full HD resolution.

This is also made to be a robust notebook capable of taking a few knocks, and HP says it’s been designed to pass muster in terms of MIL-STD 810G certification.

Both of these notebooks are expected to be available later this month with the ProBook 645 G4 starting at $759 (around £560), and the EliteBook 700 series starting at $999 (around £735).

• We've highlighted all the best business laptops right here

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2wp27Hh

The best laptops for DJ in 2018

If you're a DJ, or you're looking for the best laptop to mix your tunes, then you've come to the right place, as we've gathered together the top laptops for making music on.

For the best laptop for deejaying, you're looking for a machine that has plenty of processing power and RAM to handle multiple music tracks. A large (and fast) hard drive or SSD (solid state drive) is also essential, as you're going to be working with large file sizes. Excellent speakers, or at least connectivity to external speakers, is also important.

You're going to need something that is reliable and robust, so it can withstand knocks and bumps as you travel from gig to gig. As you're going to be doing a lot of travelling, a laptop that is thin and light is also preferable.

Choose something that will also have a large hard drive or SSD to store all of your track on. There's loads of choice out there, and while Apple products are the main choice for music makers, there's a lot of excellent Windows laptops available for DJs and music production as well.

To make your choice easy, our price comparison tools will show you where you can buy each one for the absolute cheapest price, so you won't have to trawl through the web comparing prices. If you want to see a more comprehensive list of prices and retailers, simply click the 'view all prices' link on each widget!

The best laptops for music production and DJs:

The new Apple Macbook is the slimmest, slickest and best-looking Macbook Apple has ever built and it's one of the most popular and best-selling laptops on the planet. This, along with the excellent music production software available for Macs, means it's the best laptop for DJs and Music production. It's a super slim and light Macbook that you can take anywhere without even noticing the weight, and gives you the same slick OS X performance.

Read the full review: Apple Macbook

If you're after the latest and greatest laptop from Apple, welcome to the 13-inch Macbook Pro with touchbar. It's the best laptop Apple has ever made, and builds new features into the classic design. Of course the headline feature is the touchbar - it's a thin OLED display at the top of the keyboard which can be used for any number of things, whether that be auto-suggesting words as you type or offering Touch ID so you can log in with just your fingerprint. The Macbook Pro also offers more power than the Macbook, which means if you're a music producer, this is the best laptop for you, as it can handle complex arrangements with multiple audio tracks with ease. There's cheaper alternatives on this best laptop for DJs and music production list, but if speed and quality are the most important considerations, then this is the laptop for you.

Read the full review: Apple Macbook with touchbar (2017)
See more like this: The best Macs and Macbooks 2017

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is 2017's best laptop for you if you're looking for the perfect cross between a nimble Windows tablet and a fully functional laptop. The base version of the Surface Pro 4 is just a tablet - you get the main unit itself with kickstand but if you want the Surface Pen or the fantastic Type Cover keyboard you'll need to pay extra for a bundle or buy it separately. Again, this is a great laptop for writers who can use a stylus to jot down their notes to later turn into editable text. As the Surface Pro 4 is a tablet 2-in-1 that runs the full version of Windows 10, it means it is an extremely portable device that can run any music mixing and editing programs that are available for Windows.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro 4
See more like this: The best 2-in-1 laptops 2017 

For a few years in a row now, the Dell XPS 13 has been one of the best laptops you can buy, and the 2018 iteration keeps this tradition going. For aspiring music producers, the XPS’ move to an 8th-generation Intel Kaby Lake R CPU should be appealing, as it will trim down the time it takes to process tracks, allowing you to minimize downtime. Unfortunately you won’t be able to find a 1TB storage drive anymore, but when you get a laptop as fast as this – and looks good to boot – it’s a worthy tradeoff.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 (2018)

If you're after a cheap laptop for writing that offers something a bit special, look no further than the Lenovo Yoga Book 2017. As with all Yoga devices, the screen folds flat so you can use it either as a tablet or a laptop. To add more versatility, Lenovo has now added the option to buy it with either Windows 10 or Android 6.0 onboard - which one you choose will depend how you're more likely to use the device. The screen on this thing defies the cheap asking price and the keyboard and capacitive touch-keyboard are both fantastic too. While this is a bit under-powered for music production, if you're a DJ looking for the best portable laptop for playing and mixing your music, this is an excellent choice.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga Book
See more like this: The best 2-in-1 laptops 2017

The Macbook Air is in an interesting spot. While it's still one of the most popular and well-known notebooks around, the iPad Pro and 12-inch MacBook have stolen much of its thunder. That is, unless you need the legacy USB 3, Thunderbolt 2 and SDXC card connectivity. Even without a Retina display or Force Touch trackpad, the 13-inch MacBook Air is a very capable machine, even if the 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage leave a lot to be desired. Plus it still has the beloved MagSafe 2 charger onboard as well as an impeccable battery life. So, if you don't mind having a slightly older machine, the Macbook Air is an excellent - and now more affordable - choice for DJs and music production.

Read the full review: 13-inch MacBook Air (2015)

If you're looking for a larger and more powerful laptop for running music production software on, then the Dell XPS 15 could be for you. Packing the same InfinityEdge technology as the smaller XPS 13, the screen extends right to the edge of the machine which means it's as small as it's possible to make a 15-inch laptop in 2017. It's quite pricey though, depending on which version you get. The very top end version has a 4K color-accurate display, which can give you an excellent overview of all the tracks you're working on.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15

• Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptops of 2018

from TechRadar - Mobile computing news https://ift.tt/2wqm4NX