Gaming

Lenovo IdeaPad L340 Gaming Laptop Review: Flaming hot productivity and gaming

Blue, truly is the warmest color

Published

September 19, 2019

Gab Orlina

Gaming laptops are a joy to have, when you own one. You have a device that basically delivers everything you need: productivity and leisure in one package. The only real drawback to even buying one is the price tag, as crazier specs demand crazy prices.

It’s only fairly recently that manufacturers decided that gaming on the go doesn’t have to be expensive. Lenovo has one device that fits the bill in terms of affordability, and also incorporates top-line specs for heavy duty performance. This is what the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 Gaming Laptop is all about.

But is it truly a worthy investment? Let’s find out.

It has a 15-inch FHD IPS display, with thin bezels at the side

It comes with a backlit keyboard in the shade of blue

It can literally flex all the way, 180 degrees style

It comes with a powerful NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics card

An excellent laptop for productive workload

I will just put it out there: the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 Gaming laptop is one productive machine. Powered by a 9th generation Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, I could do anything ever so quickly. Multitasking felt like a breeze when using this device, and not a single drop in overall performance all throughout.

Because of the processor and RAM configuration, you won’t be limited to just the usual tasks. On this device, I did manage to do photo and video editing, and the device did not lag at any point. Mix that with document typing, audio and video streaming, and no signs of lag detected.

What bothered me for just a bit was the fact that the device came with a 1TB HDD. If there was an SSD inside, boot times would have been faster. When I first opened the device, it took about five to seven minutes before the device fully booted up. If you’re in a rush to get that paper or report submitted, this could be a problem for you.

Game like an absolute beast with the GTX 1650

I was thoroughly impressed with the onboard NVIDIA GTX 1650 for this device. It comes with 4GB of VRAM, which allows greater graphics processing at a high rate. I played most popular PC titles at their maximum settings and observed no loss in performance all throughout.

Popular titles like Fortnite: Battle Royale and Apex Legends all peaked at 60 FPs, with highs of 65 to 70 FPS on their highest setting. Every time I got a chance to play, frames rendered in quite smoothly — which is essential for intense gameplay.

Other titles like Counter Strike: Global Offensive and Rocket League garnered an average of 113 FPS. Of course, granted that these titles are not the most graphically-demanding compared to the others. Still, I experienced buttery-smooth gameplay, and GeForce Experience did its part with optimizations in between.

A laptop that actually respects your privacy

Every time you get a new laptop, you’re always afraid of the deep web getting to you. So you go on ahead and patch your webcams up with a piece of paper or a bandage. I’m not only to believe that to be honest, but this device does — and has found a solution to it.

The Lenovo IdeaPad L340 Gaming laptop comes with its own physical Privacy Shutter. If you’re too worried about your own privacy, you can just slide that thing to the left. I honestly found this a nifty solution instead of having to waste a good piece of paper or bandage.

Of course, if you don’t like that, you can just simply do it on the keyboard. Nonetheless, this is quite possibly the first device I’ve seen in a while that has that sort of technology. Finally, a laptop that actually cares for your privacy above all else, right?

Long lasting performance, when you’re not gaming full time

On paper, Lenovo promised this device could last up to nine hours with moderate use, at 70 percent brightness. Upon continuous use of the device, I did manage to get only up to seven hours when using it according to the same conditions.

Of course, when you’re gaming full time, the amount of time is cut into half with NVIDIA’s Battery Boost turned on. Still, even on a regular workload, you get the longevity of use you could possibly ask for in this device.

Lenovo also introduced its Rapid Charge technology even with their proprietary charger. I managed to get its charge level to 80 percent in a matter of 20 minutes, which is great for on-the-go users. To me, this is a great feature to have but I was hoping that they took advantage of the Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C as the main charging port.

The areas that can do better

Despite every feature I could possibly rave about, there were others that I couldn’t give a total pass. First, the trackpad failed at the one thing it should be doing: gesture tracking. All but one Windows Precision gesture actually worked — and of all things, it’s the right click. I don’t have a problem clicking the bottom right side of the trackpad, but the fact that they missed out on that gesture is disappointing.

Second, as much as I raved about the webcam’s physical shutter, the webcam itself leaves much to be desired. I understand that it is just an HD 720p webcam, but there are other devices with the same webcam and are relatively better than this one. Photos have a ton of grain on them even just by loading the camera alone.

Finally, this device’s backlit keyboard was not astounding. I do prefer full-sized keyboards, plus key travel was easy to get used to. It’s the backlighting of the keyboard that was under par, in my opinion. It has three levels of back-lighting, but its brightest level does not properly stick out. And I’ve seen devices with brighter backlit keyboards even in full light.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

At PhP 49,995, the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 Gaming laptop is one powerful machine. You get the latest hardware necessary for productivity and powerful gaming, all in one package. It delivers powerful performance for productivity tasks, photo and video editing — perfect for content creators.

Gamers can easily get a kick out of this device thanks to the NVIDIA GTX 1650 inside. Playing popular titles feel like an absolute breeze, especially in high-octane moments just to score the victory. Although if you do want to play a little longer, you will need to bring the charger everywhere you go.

Overall, you can look for nitty-gritty design flaws all you want. You can admire all the other features the device offers. But, when it comes right down to it, this gaming laptop does exactly what you need it to do — and so much more.

Gaming

Grand Theft Auto VI is coming in the fall of 2025

The launch window is narrowing down

Published

May 17, 2024

Luigi Leonardo

Grand Theft Auto VI is the most anticipated game of the past year. After a decade of the fifth title, the franchise is finally ready to release its next iteration. Late last year, Rockstar Games released the first trailer for the upcoming sequel. Now, the company has a new update for fans: a more definitive launch window.

Since 2013, Grand Theft Auto V kept the franchise’s fire going with GTA Online and an army of roleplaying servers. However, last year, an enormous leak spoiled a lot of development plans for the next sequel. Taking it back to Vice City, the sixth entry will feature two playable protagonists. A first trailer months later would eventually confirm this.

Today, in a quarterly earnings report, Take-Two Interactive shared an important update for the launch window of Grand Theft Auto VI. The game will come out in the “Fall of Calendar 2025.”

It’s not exactly a launch date. However, it’s a sizable narrowing of the game’s previously vague window. Prior to today, the game was scheduled to come out sometime in 2025.

Having a fall release date would mirror the fifth game’s launch. Back in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V came out in mid-September. The same launch window will also ensure that gamers will have something on their wishlist for next year’s holiday stocking stuffers.

Accessories

GameSir X4 Alerion Unboxing and Hands-On

Pretty fly mobile gaming accessory

Published

May 16, 2024

GadgetMatch

Just when you thought GameSir couldn’t possibly come out with any more new form factors, that’s when they surprise you. The GameSir X4 Alerion isn’t quite like anything we’ve seen from the company before. It’s a two-piece mobile controller that connects to your phone via bluetooth that’s also officially licensed by Xbox.

First of all, that name is so badass. So we had to learn where it came from. A quick Google search says Alerion means “Heraldry. an eagle displayed, usually represented without a beak or legs.” Fitting because the Alerion controllers clip to your smartphone like wings. Pretty neat.

Unboxing

@gadgetmatch

Unboxing the GameSir X4 Alerion 🎮 #GameSir #X3Alerion #GameSirX4Alerion @GameSir

♬ original sound – GadgetMatch – GadgetMatch

Like most GameSir products, the packaging is pretty generous. Outside of the magnetically-attached two-piece controllers, you’ll also find the carrying case with alternate thumbsticks and D-Pad. You also get some stickers as well as a GamePass subscription code.

With GameSir, you’ll never feel like you’re not getting your money’s worth.

Features and Specs

Like most of GameSir’s recent offerings, the X4 Alerion comes with Hall Effect sticks. That means no risk whatsoever of stick drift. Other than the D-Pad, the AXBY face buttons are also interchangeable.

You have more customization options through the GameSir app so if you’re the type who likes tweaking their devices, you’ll have plenty to do with the Alerion. You can adjust trigger mode, RGB brightness, lighting effects, volume and key value freely.

Check out the specs:

Working Platform: Android
Connectivity: Low-latency Bluetooth
ABXY Buttons: Microswitch
Hall Effect Sticks: Yes
Hall Effect Triggers: Yes
Trigger mode: Analog triggers or hair triggers
Back Buttons: Yes, 2 mappable Back Buttons
Customization Software: Yes, GameSir APP
Button Layout: Xbox / Switch
Compatible Model Width: 68-95mm / 2.68-3.74 in
Compatible Maximum Model Thickness: 12.5mm / 0.49 in
Pass-Through Charging: Yes
Battery: Yes, one 400mAh battery in each controller
Product Size: 120*104.6*42.7 mm / 4.72*4.12*1.68 in
Net Weight: 188.5 g / 0.42 lbs
Package Size: 160*118*84 mm / 6.30*4.65*3.31 in
Gross Weight: 426.3 g / 0.94 lbs

Actual use and performance

It’s a pretty straightforward device. Snap the controllers onto your Android smartphone, pair via bluetooth, and you’re ready to play.

It was perfect when we used it with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The controller snapped on to the sides without trouble. We then proceeded to play Pokémon Unite and Call of Duty: Mobile.

It worked seamlessly with no noticeable delay on Pokémon Unite. It’s a different story for CODM though. While it did work right away, there was a bit of delay in the input which affected our gameplay.

We also tried it with Asphalt 9 — it’s a game that’s known to work well with mobile controllers. With the X4 Alerion, it was no different. They worked together perfectly.

It’s good to check first if the game you intend to play has controller support. If that’s the case, the X4 Alerion will work right off the bat. Without controller support, you’ll have to resort to button mapping. It’s not our favorite activity in the world, but if you’re hellbent on playing with physical controls, it’s something you just have to do.

GameSir was kind enough to make their own tutorial video about this. Watch below:

Not for every smartphone

While the X4 Alerion is a great mobile gaming partner for regular slabs, foldable users who want to play with the screen unfolded might have to turn to other offerings from GameSir. The clip at the top of each controller just isn’t tall enough to accommodate larger screens. You can, of course, still use it folded so there’s that option.

Another pain point would be for those smartphones with huge, protruding camera modules. We tried clipping the X4 Alerion on the HONOR Magic6 Pro and well, it was an exercise in futility. It just doesn’t fit securely and would disconnect the bluetooth connection every time it gets yanked out unintentionally.

That said, it’s perfect for everything else. For best results, use the GameSir X4 Alerion with Android smartphones meant for gaming. Those tend to not have bulky camera modules and are more built for mobile gaming.

Price and availability

The GameSir X4 Alerion is now available and retails for £99.99/$99.99/ PhP 5,900.

Buy here and use GSX4A10OFF on the Coupon for a discount.

Gaming

Assassin’s Creed Shadows release date, trailer revealed

Carve your legacy starting November 15

Published

May 16, 2024

GadgetMatch

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, will release worldwide on November 15, 2024. Ubisoft made the announcement and dropped the title’s first trailer as well.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available on Ubisoft+, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna, Macs with Apple silicon (via the Mac App store), and PC via Ubisoft and Epic Games.

Players may preorder the standard edition here for new-gen platforms, Mac, and PC. In addition, three more editions have been announced:

Gold Edition

Base game
Season Pass (bonus quest, unlockable content, two expansions)
three days early access

Ultimate Edition

Base game
Season Pass
Sekiryu Character Pack (Naoe and Yasuke outfit, weapon, trinket, mount)
Sekiryu Hideout Pack
5 Skill Points
Red and black photo mode filter

Collector’s Edition

Base game
Season Pass
Ultimate Pack
Steelbook
World map
Naoe and Yasuke figurine
Life-sized Naoe Katana Tsuba
Wall Creed Scroll
84-page collector’s artbook
Two sumi-e lithographs
three days early access

Carve your legacy

Ubisoft’s latest stealth action-adventure is set in 16th century Japan and features two playable characters. Players get to experience the intertwined stories of Naoe and Yasuke. An adept shinobi assassin from Iga, Naoe teams up with Yasuke, a powerful samurai of historical legend. They take down targets, encounter historical figures, and usher a new era for Japan.

Players can master two complementary playstyles. Each character features their own progression paths, skills, weapon options, and stats. There are plenty of ways to approach objectives. They may use Naoe’s refined infiltration mechanics with light, noise, shadows, and changing surroundings to avoid enemies. For larger groups of enemies, Yasuke is the more desirable option.

The title will feature renewed exploration mechanics, where players will build their own spies’ network to unveil new areas and hunt down targets. Allies with highly specialized skills and abilities can also be recruited during missions. Furthermore, the creation of customizable hideouts will enable players to enhance their network and train their crew.

While immersing in Naoe and Yasuke’s stories, gamers also get to explore a vast open world that reflects feudal Japan. It features a variety of landscapes, castle towns, bustling ports, peaceful shrines, and more. The graphics were built from the ground up, with the help of Ubisoft’s latest Anvil engine.

You may watch the announcement trailer below. Ubisoft will reveal the gameplay trailer in June, so it won’t be a long wait until then.