General Gaming Article

Rumor: Intel to Showcase Broadwell-powered Device at Computex

Posted: 01 Jun 2014 07:55 PM PDT

Broadwell is the next "tick" in Intel's "tick-tock" chip release cadence

Around a fortnight back, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich all but ruled out the possibility of the company's next-generation Broadwell processors shipping in time for the back-to-school season, saying that the first devices built around the 14nm die shrink of Intel's Haswell microarchitecture were more likely to be available sometime around the holidays. In the meantime, you can look forward to Intel demoing a 2-in-1 device prototype powered by a 5th generation Core processor.

Per an IDG News Service report, citing unnamed sources familiar with the chip maker's plans, Intel is going to show off a Broadwell-powered 2-in-1 device at the upcoming Computex trade show (June 3-7) in Taipei. Reportedly codenamed "Llama Mountain," the rumored laptop-tablet hybrid is said to be really thin. As for the other details, you'll have to wait until Computex gets underway.

All we know about Broadwell at this stage is that, apart from delivering better CPU and GPU performance over its 22nm predecessor, it's expected to be 30 percent more power efficient.

Follow Pulkit on Google+

Gigabyte U21MD is an Ultrabook, Tablet and Desktop Rolled Into One

Posted: 01 Jun 2014 05:22 PM PDT

The 3-in-one comes with a docking station for desktop mode

Gigabyte is adding a new 11.6-inch convertible laptop to its U-series ultrabook line, the company said Thursday. Powered by a 4th generation Intel Core i5 processor, the U21MD, as the upcoming device is called, sports a capacitive multitouch panel capable of being rotated 180 degrees.

When you first look at the U21MD, "new" is hardly the word that springs to mind, given its striking resemblance to the company's U2142 two-in-one ultrabook. The U21MD is essentially the U2142, but with a Haswell processor instead of an Ivy Bridge part. Also, unlike its predecessor, the new U21MD is not just limited to doubling as a tablet. Thanks to its D21 docking station, the 0.78-inches thick, 3-lbs heavy ultrabook can also be used as a desktop PC.

"To turn the U21MD into a desktop, simply slot the laptop into the docking station(D21) and connect peripheral devices, including a monitor, keyboard and mouse," the Taiwanese PC vendor said in a press release Thursday. "You won't need to plug and unplug I/O ports repeatedly anymore! The D21 also provides excellent connectivity options such as HDMI, USB, and internet. Plug it in the D21, and enjoy your personal multimedia center."

The 3-in-one U21MD packs a Core i5-4200U 1.6-2.6GHz CPU, 1366x768 LCD, up to 16GB RAM, up to 1.5TB storage (512GB mSATA SSD plus 1TB HDD), 1.3MP camera, 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth V4.0 + LE and 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet. Other specs include two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI-out, RJ45, Mic-in, Earphone-out, SD card reader, SIM card slot, and last but not the least, the all-important DC-in Jack Docking port.

The D21 docking station comes with two USB 2.0 ports, three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI1.4a, RJ45, Mic-in, Headphone-out and docking connector. Further, the dock also packs 30mm speaker drivers.

Follow Pulkit on Google+

MMORPG Blog: Online Games MMO