Apple is developing a new iMac Pro featuring the upcoming M5 Max chip, indicating ongoing advancements in their Silicon-based desktop computing lineup.
Raspberry Pi has launched the Raspberry Pi 500, a keyboard-integrated single-board computer with the same powerful specs as the Raspberry Pi 5, including a 64-bit quad-core Arm processor and 8GB of RAM. Priced at $90, it aims to be an accessible and customizable computing solution, ideal for educational purposes. The device comes with a 32GB SD card preloaded with Raspberry Pi OS and supports dual 4K displays. Additionally, Raspberry Pi introduced a 15.6-inch 1080p monitor for $100, expanding its product lineup.
SilverStone is set to release the FLP01, a retro-inspired PC case reminiscent of 1990s desktop computers, in early 2025. Initially teased as an April Fools' joke, the case features a design inspired by the NEC PC-9800 line, complete with faux floppy drives that conceal modern ports and a DVD drive. Priced at approximately $130, the FLP01 supports modern components like an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU and Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti GPU, offering a nostalgic aesthetic for contemporary PC builders.
The new M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are considered Apple's best yet, offering significant performance improvements and a compact design. The M4 Mac mini, priced at $599, is praised for its speed and capability, making it a strong entry-level Mac option. The M4 Pro version offers workstation-level performance. The redesign includes a smaller footprint and more convenient front-mounted ports, though it loses USB-A ports and has a bottom-mounted power button. Despite costly storage and RAM upgrades, the M4 Mac minis are highly recommended for those seeking a powerful desktop Mac.
Joel Creates a motorized walking desk by modifying a standing desk with motors from cheap hoverboards and pneumatic tires. The desk is powered by a large bank of lithium-polymer batteries and features a solar panel canopy for recharging. While it may draw attention, it offers a unique way to integrate exercise into a computer-based routine.
Solid State Drives (SSDs) can experience internal issues that disrupt computer performance. Signs of a failing SSD include error messages when reading or writing files, difficulty booting up the computer, frequent crashes, and the drive going into read-only mode. Checking for bad sectors and using third-party applications like CrystalDiskInfo or DriveDx can help assess the health of the SSD.
Dell Technologies surpasses expectations for its fiscal second quarter, reporting adjusted earnings of $1.74 per share on sales of $22.93 billion, beating analysts' estimates. The company's revenue grew 10% from the previous quarter, and it provided a bullish outlook for the current period, predicting adjusted earnings of $1.45 per share on sales of $23 billion. Dell's Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Clarke, highlighted the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and stated that AI is already proving to be a long-term tailwind for the company. Dell stock surged 22.5% following the earnings report.
Taiwan-based computer manufacturer Acer continued to supply computer hardware worth at least $70.4 million to Russia between April 2022 and March 2023, despite announcing it would suspend its business there due to recent developments. While not illegal, Acer's actions contrast with those of key Western rivals such as Dell and HP, which ceased shipments to Russia following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Acer's shipments did not violate Taipei's sanctions against Russia, nor did they involve items restricted at the time of export by Switzerland's sanctions regime.