Computers

Lenovo expands ThinkBook, ThinkVision lineup

Published

September 29, 2020

Rodneil Quiteles

Lenovo has been rather busy recently updating their entire product portfolio. So this ThinkBook and ThinkVision refresh was absolutely inevitable and most definitely welcome.

We’re going to go through all the ThinkBooks and ThinkVisions real quick. Ready? Take a breath. Let’s go!

ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 i

This was co-engineered with Intel and meets the requirements of the Intel Evo platform. That’s true across hardware specifications and key experience targets for device responsiveness, instant wake, battery life and fast charge.

It has a high resolution 13.3-inch display with a new 16:10 aspect ratio that offers 90% screen-to-body ratio with ultra-narrow bezels and is available with optional touch.

You’re also getting Thunderbolt 4 port and optional PCIe Gen 4 storage.

We’ll be going on virtual meetings for the foreseeable future. Taking that into account, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 i features microphones that has three audio modes: private, shared, and environmental.

ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 i is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $829
ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 AMD is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $729.

ThinkBook 14s Yoga i

Need something flexible? Well, here you go. The popular Yoga form factor means this thing can bend and a different number of ways.

For performance, it’s powered by 11th Gen Intel Core processors. It also comes with the Lenovo Smart Pen to really help you let your creativity run wild.

It’s available in Mineral Grey with an Abyss Blue version added to the mix.

ThinkBook 14s Yoga is expected to be available from November 2020, starting at $879.

ThinkBook 14/15 Gen 2 i

If working smart is your think then it doesn’t get any smarter than this. It’s powered by 11th Gen Intel Core Processors (will also come in AMD variants) with flexible storage options: HDD + SSD or dual SSD.

Working remotely and need support? The service hot key helps users reach Lenovo support at the press of a button, automatically including device details such as serial number for a fast track support experience.

But here’s the kicker. It comes with ThinkBook wireless earbuds that can be stored within the laptop. The earbuds charge automatically when stored and connect to the laptop audio instantly when taken out. Double tapping toggles the mute function, and it has dual mics and environmental noise cancellation.

ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 i is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $569.
ThinkBook 15p i is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $939.
ThinkBook 14 Gen 2 i is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $569.
ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 is expected to be available from November 2020, starting at $699.
ThinkPad E15 Gen 2 is expected to be available from November 2020, starting at $699.
ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 AMD is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $549.
ThinkBook 14 Gen 2 AMD is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $549.

ThinkVision T27hv-20

This single cable USB-C Hub monitor is designed to to meet the collaboration requirements of a hybrid working model. The 27-inch display features a 1080p IR/RGB webcam, noise cancelling microphones and integrated speakers that help users conference with confidence

It has Smart Guard that blurs the screen the moment you look or move away or detects someone peeking over your shoulder. Meanwhile, Smart Energy will turn off the screen when it senses that you have moved away from your desk, saving power and protecting data.

ThinkVision T27hv-20 is expected to be available from December 2020, starting at $549.

Computers

These latest LG Smart Monitors do not require a PC connection

With webOS 23, support for Microsoft and Google for work

Published

November 29, 2023

GadgetMatch

Remote work and home entertainment have become more convenient as LG Electronics has unveiled its latest LG Smart Monitors which do not require a PC connection.

Powered by LG’s latest webOS 23 platform, the 31.5-inch 32SR50F and 27-inch 27SR50F monitors are ideal for either work or streaming as they come with advanced IPS displays for true-to-life colors and strong contrast.

Here’s a quick look at their specs:

Resolution: FHD 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Response time: Up to 8ms
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Ports: 2x HDMI, 2x USB 2.0
Speakers: 2x 5W speakers
Voice assistant: LG ThinQ, Alexa
Mobile casting: AirPlay 2, ScreenShare

With HDR 10 support, the monitors display vibrant and accurate images and enhance the user’s experience when in conference calls or even just simply working on documents or streaming movies and sports.

webOS 23 allows users to stream easily from the Home Board screen. The devices also have built-in LG Home Office software that support Microsoft 365 and Google Calendar.

Users may even manage their LG home appliances through the ThinQ app and connect compatible refrigerators, washing machines, and more.

The two displays have a three-sided virtually borderless design for a sleek and minimalist look.

Price and availability

The new LG SMART Monitors are available at LG Online Brand Store, Amazon, Shopee, Lazada, KrisShop, and authorized retailers such as Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Gain City and Harvey Norman.

The 27-inch model is priced at SG$ 429 while the 31.5-inch variant costs SG$ 499.

Computers

ASUS Share 2023 Holiday Deals: Free ROG Phone 6, speakers, more

Freebie inclusions worth up to PhP 52,400

Published

November 21, 2023

GadgetMatch

Customers can secure the ROG Phone 6 for free when they purchase the ROG Strix SCAR 18 or Zephyrus M16 throughout the ASUS Share 2023 Holiday Deals promo which lasts until January 15, 2024.

Aside from the gaming smartphone, freebie bundles worth up to PhP 52,400 are up for grabs; customers can take home Canon and Epson printers, JBL speakers, and more, depending on the participating product they purchase.

To help you plan your holiday device shopping, below are some selected models throughout the sale period and the freebies they come with to get you started.

ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED, Vivobook S 14/15 OLED

JBL Flip 5
ASUS Marshmallow Mouse
ASUS desk mat
ASUS tumbler
64GB USB

Vivobook 16

ASUS Marshmallow Mouse
ASUS tumbler
64GB USB

ASUS Creator Series (Zenbook Pro 16X OLED, Vivobook Pro 15 OLED)

Three-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription
Delsey luggage
Canon printer
ASUS Marshmallow Mouse
ASUS desk mat

ASUS S501MD desktop, M3400 all-in-one PC

Epson Workforce L100 printer
Toshiba Canvio Basics portable 1TB hard drive
ADATA 8GB 3200 MHz memory (for the S501MD)

ROG Phone 7

PhP 4,000 discount

ROG Phone 6

Cetra II Core headset

Laptop purchases throughout the promo period also come with free ASUS Premium Care and 1-year Warranty Extension, as well as a free lifetime license to Office 2021 Home & Student.

For the full ASUS Share 2023 list of participating ASUS and ROG products, you may view the list here.

Computers

ASUS’ Evangelion-themed motherboard has a glaring typo

Spot the difference

Published

November 15, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

When a company announces a partnership with a popular franchise, you can usually expect an awesome way to rep your favorite fandom. However, there are rare occasions when a limited-edition tie-in comes to market without passing through a quick look over. ASUS, reveling in its Neon Genesis Evangelion, has released a new motherboard with a glaring typo.

Back in September, ASUS released the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero EVA-02 Edition motherboard in the United States. As the name suggests, the limited-edition motherboard touts a design inspired by the eponymous EVA-02 piloted by Asuka Langley Soryu. Though the design is eye-catching by itself, looking at the text surrounding the motherboard might illicit more than just wows.

Near the edge of the cover, the motherboard has text that’s supposed to say “Evangelion Production Model-02.” However, the units out in the market today say “Evangenlion,” sporting the extra “n” in the middle. The typo was spotted through unboxing videos (via Twitter/X).

@ASUS_ROG EVANGENLION? (Maximus Z790) pic.twitter.com/9MSUunjxGu

— Hal Rafael (@halrafael) November 12, 2023

Strangely, ASUS is showcasing both versions of the motherboard on its website. The main landing page for the anime partnership features the motherboard with the correct spelling. However, the page specific to the limited-edition motherboard features a graphic with the typo.

Since the motherboard with the typo has the correctly spelled “Evangelion” elsewhere on the design, the typo clearly was not intended. It’s still odd that it went to market (and the website) with the typo.

Critically, the motherboard costs US$ 700, around US$ 90 more than the regular motherboard without the special design. It’s quite pricey for a typo.

For ASUS’s part, the company is extending the warranty by a year for those who already bought the model. Plus, it is implementing a replacement program for those who want a corrected design.