Kamis, 26 April 2018

Computex 2018: what to expect

Computex 2018 is rapidly approaching, with the year’s biggest computing show kicking off in Taipei, Taiwan from June 5 until June 9. The biggest names in computing will be there, including AMD, Intel, Nvidia and Asus, and of course we’ll also be there, reporting on the latest news from the show floor.

We’ll also be bringing you hands-on reviews of the top technology that’s on show, including cutting-edge laptops, stunning monitors and more peripherals than you can shake a joystick at.

As we’re getting ever closer to the start of the event we’re picking up more clues over what we can expect to see, from leaks and announcements to our own educated guesses, so read on to find out what you can expect from Computex 2018.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? A huge global technology show that focuses on computing
  • When is it? June 5 – June 9
  • What's on show? The very latest laptops, PCs, monitors, peripherals and more

What to expect at Computex 2018

Here’s everything we know so far about what is likely to be shown at Computex 2018 by the biggest brands in the world.

Acer

Acer always has a big presence at Computex, and not just because it takes place in its home town of Taipei. At Computex 2017, Acer impressed us with a new line of Acer Spin laptops, and this year we expect to see some more innovative laptops that push the boundaries of the form factor.

So, a closer look at the recently-announced updated Nitro 5 gaming laptop with the latest 8th generation Intel Core i7 and Core i7+ processors and Nvidia 1050 Ti would be nice.

The slimline all-in-one Aspire S24 PC may also be there, and we’d like to see more innovations when it comes to Acer’s 2-in-1 laptops and Chromebooks.

AMD

AMD has been on a roll of late, with its Ryzen processors continuing to produce very strong sales, and its Ryzen 2nd Generation processors, such as the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X and the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X getting rave reviews, so we’re expecting a victorious showing from the hardware maker at this year’s show.

So, we can expect to hear about what’s next for AMD’s Ryzen processors, and maybe even see some laptops that have the second generation installed. Even more likely, we may see the announcement of Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation at the show.

We’ll also get some news about AMD’s Radeon graphics cards as well, which have also been doing pretty well of late.

Asus

Asus is always a very popular draw at Computex, and we don’t expect it to be any different this year. Asus has a lot of fingers in a lot of pies, so expect new gaming laptops, as well as components and peripherals to boot.

Asus was also early to hype up its Computex 2018 appearance by releasing a video that appears to tease the announcement of a new ZenBook laptop. Asus’ range of ZenBooks are gorgeously designed and slimline ultrabooks, so we’re really looking forward to seeing what it has in store.

The video, which features Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot, is titled ‘Unleash your creative power’, so we’re convinced this will be a laptop that comes with enough processing and graphical chops for image and video editing. It could very well be a Kaby Lake-G powered Ultrabook going by everything we know.

We may also get a glimpse of the recently-announced ZenPhone Max Pro (M1) smartphone as well.

Intel

Last year Intel took to the stage at Computex to talk about its amazingly-powerful Core i9 processors, and we expect the chipmaker to go large this year as well.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) looks like it could be a major theme at Computex 2018, and Intel will be heavily invested, so we could see some announcements around that.

We also expect to see a number of laptops showcased by Intel with its latest chips inside, including the H-series Intel Core CPUs. On the desktop front, rumors of new chipsets suggest we might see the announcement or even launch of Canon Lake and Kaby Lake-X processors.

Nvidia

Nvidia is another huge company that will be at Computex 2018, and will also have a lot to say about AI.

We’re likely to also see some new laptops showing off Nvidia’s mobile graphics cards, and also hear about how Nvidia’s components are powering the next generation of virtual reality games and experiences.

Also, following on from GTC 2018, Nvidia’s GPU Technology Conference, we’ll hear more about the company’s work on self-driving cars, smart cities, healthcare and high performance computing. Hopefully, we may also see Nvidia’s new GPUs for this year, the GeForce GTX 11 series, which will be powered by its Volta technology.

Microsoft

Microsoft is also a reliable presence at Computex, and with the ever-evolving Windows 10 we may get a chance to see what’s coming up for the operating system.

Last year Microsoft went into detail about its collaboration with Qualcomm, which saw the creation of Windows on Snapdragon laptops, that offer mobile-phone like battery lives and features. Could we see another innovative collaboration this year?

We may also see some new headsets for its Mixed Reality platform as well. Let’s just hope that Microsoft’s repeatedly-delayed Redstone 4 update is released by then.


April 26, 2018 at 10:15PM
Matt Hanson

Global server shipments to grow in 2018

A new report is predicting that the number of servers shipped globally will see healthy growth this year, and will increase by 4.89% when compared to 2017.

This forecast comes from DRAMeXchange (a division of TrendForce), and it noted that shipment level slightly declined in the first quarter of this year. However, Q2 will see a recovery, and an increase of almost 10% compared to Q1, according to the firm’s figures.

And as mentioned, server shipment levels will increase by 4.89% throughout 2018, with that increase mainly driven by orders from North American companies. Enterprise servers still account for the majority of shipments, with servers shipped to the big cloud operators to be used in giant (‘hyperscale’) data centers comprising 20 to 30% of total shipments.

Increasingly cloudy

However, as more companies look to shift to the cloud and platform-as-a-service, DRAMeXchange believes that server shipments for such hyperscale data center usage will increase to almost 40% come 2020. In other words, the cloud is clearly on the horizon for the server world.

As for individual server vendors, the forecast for the first half of 2018 is that Dell EMC, HPE, and Inspur will be the top three manufacturers, holding a market share of 16.6%, 15% and 7.2% respectively.


April 26, 2018 at 06:32PM
Darren Allan

PlayStation Plus May 2018: all the free PS4 games you can get this month

Rabu, 25 April 2018

The best laptop for writers: the 10 best laptops for authors and journalists

If you're a writer, or you're in a job where writing is a big part of your day-to-day life, and are looking for the best laptop to suit your needs, then you've come to the right place.

We've gathered together the very best laptops for writers, taking into consideration the specific needs that writers and journalists need when looking for a laptop. That includes a comfortable keyboard that can be used for hours on end, a clear, easy to read, screen, long battery life and a slim and compact design that allows you to take your laptop with you where ever you go.

Because you'll be mainly using your laptop for word processing and research, it means you don't need the most cutting edge components. This can help keep the price of your laptop down. Also, even if you're not a full time writer, author or journalist, it doesn't means you're not writing a lot for your job. Emails, reports and presentations all require a laptop that is comfortable to write on.

What's more, our funky 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 writers:

Thinkpad X

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. While a discrete graphics card may be a bit overkill for writers, it means you've got a fast performing machine that can also handle the odd game when you need a break.

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.

If you're looking for a sleek machine that's powerful and easy to carry around, then you'll love the Asus Zenbook UX310UA. As an 'ultrabook', this is a device that combines style with top-of-the-range components. For writers looking for a laptop, this means you get a brilliantly-performing machine that you won't need to upgrade for years, and thanks to its slim design it's easy to take with you if you do a lot of writing while travelling. The keyboard is a decent size which makes writing on it a pleasure.  Like most laptops of this kind, it comes in various specifications so the cheaper versions have Intel Core i3 CPUs and full HD screens while the most expensive options come with a super high res display and Intel Core i5. Whichever one you go for, though, you're getting a fantastic laptop. 

Read the full review: Asus Zenbook UX310UA

A Chromebook doesn't run Windows, Android or Apple's Mac OS. Instead it's powered by Google's Chrome OS - a super lightweight operating system based on the Chrome web browser. It's a great way to save money on a laptop, and if you're buying a laptop to use primarily for writing, it's a great choice, as Google Docs can be used as a word processor, and you of course also have the Chrome browser for research. The Chromebook Flip is the best Chromebook out there at the moment, offering truly premium build quality, a fabulous touchscreen and keyboard and excellent performance. All while offering great value for money too. 

Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip C302
See more like this: The best Chromebooks 2017

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. The built-in Wacom digitizer stylus allows you to hand-write notes on the touchscreen, and then save them to the web - or convert it into text - which makes it the perfect device for quickly writing down notes when inspiration strikes.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga Book
See more like this:
The best 2-in-1 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. Again, this is a great laptop for writers who can use a stylus to jot down their notes to later turn into editable text. If you are buying the Surface Pro 4 as a device to use as a writer, then we strongly recommend buying the Type Cover keyboard, which adds a comfortable to use keyboard that also doubles as a protective cover for the screen.

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

HP

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. It's a great laptop for writers, as it has solid (if unspectacular) specifications, while keeping the price at a reasonable level. If you want a similar 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.

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. This makes it an excellent laptop for writers, and if you love Apple's way of doing things, then you'll love the Macbook Pro with touchbar. The reason why it isn't higher in our list of best laptops for writers is the price: this is an incredibly expensive laptop, and if you're just using it for writing, then there are plenty of much cheaper alternatives. However, if you're an Apple fan that wants a machine for performing more complex tasks, as well as writing, then there really is no other choice.

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

If you want the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 but you want to spend a lot less, the Acer Switch 3 2017 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, especially writing, 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 3
See more like this: The best 2-in-1 laptops 2017 

The Acer Chromebook R11 is probably the best cheap laptop around at the moment, and it's a great laptop for wirters. Like the Acer Chromebook Flip higher up this page, this laptop runs Chrome OS so does away with all the overheads that Windows brings. Consequently it's able to run nice and fast on less powerful components, which means a very cheap price! Its touchscreen is decent, though it's only HD, and it will flip to become a tablet too. What's more, it'll run practically all day thanks to its excellent battery life. So if you're looking for a capable but very cheap laptop that you can whip out and begin writing on, then this one is your best bet.

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook R11
See more like this: The best Chromebooks 2017 

If you’re looking for a laptop that you can fold up and play with when you’re done writing for the day, look no further than the HP Spectre X360. Not only is this one of the best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy today, but thanks to the keyboard’s stiff force curve, you’ll find typing is a breeze for any touch-typist. And, thanks to its long battery life, you’ll be able to write all day on this comfortable keyboard without having to worry about scrambling for your charger.

Read the full review: HP Spectre X360 


April 26, 2018 at 04:25AM
Matt Hanson

This Philips 43-inch monitor is a HDR 1000 beast

Philips has announced the world’s first HDR 1000 computer monitor with a whopping 43-inches of screen real estate.

With that HDR 1000-certification, the Philips 43-inch Momentum (436M6) features a peak brightness of 1,000 nits that’s as bright as the sun (figuratively speaking, of course). Unfortunately, you can’t exactly have it running at peak brightness all the time, however, Philips states that the monitor should regularly hit 720 nits. Overall, you’re still looking at a monitor that two to four times brighter than the one you’re staring at.

Outside of slightly searing your eye balls, the monitor is specced for a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, 10-bit color depth for cinema-quality gamut and deep blacks. Gamers will also be glad to hear that this display features a 60Hz refresh rate, 4ms response time and low input lag – though we’ll have to see it to believe it.

Coincidentally, Philip’s first HDR 1000 monitor also costs a $1,000 (about £720, AU$1,320) and it’ll be on sale starting this summer (or winter for our Australian readers).


April 25, 2018 at 09:41PM
Kevin Lee

The best new games of 2018: everything you should play this year

[Update: God of War and Nintendo Labo are now available to play!]

2018 is here and though your to-play list of 2017 is still towering at a terrifying height above you, you can't help but search for the next best game.

Look, we're not here to judge - we do exactly the same thing. It's a problem but we're not dealing with it. Yes, there's a lot of great stuff right now, some of it years old, but there are also so many great games still to come and we can't just let them pass by. 

In light of that, we've put together this little guide that will point out the most unmissable titles coming this year. Whether you're playing on PC, PS4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch, you'll find something in this list.

Release dates are an increasingly difficult thing to pin down so not all of these games have a solid release date just yet. All we know is they're slotted in for some point in 2018. 

When's it out? Now! 

What can I play it on? PS4, Xbox One and PC

Monster Hunter is a franchise that's been going for a long time but for the first time in seven years we're seeing it released on consoles. A global release that unties its fanbases in all markets, this is a game that will appeal to newcomers and veteran players alike. 

In our Monster Hunter World review, we called the game a "bold and confident new chapter" for the franchise and it's our first "must-have" game of 2018.  We also have a tips and tricks guide that will help you to make your mark on the New World. 

What can I play it on? PS4, Xbox One, PC

When can I play it? Now!

Far Cry 5 has caused some controversy before it’s even been released thanks to its close-to-home setting of Montana, America. When the small town of Hope County is taken over by a violent doomsday cult known as Project at Eden’s Gate, it’ll be up to you the player to become the new Deputy Sheriff and take them out. Expect violence, chaos and a whole lot of fun from this one. 

  • Want more info? Here's our full review of Far Cry 5

What can I play it on? Xbox One and PC

When can I play it? Now!

The Xbox One doesn’t have a large number of exclusives lined up for 2018 but this is one of the big ones. It’s been a while since we’ve seen something big and new from development studio Rare and we really can’t wait to dive back into a charming world with a distinct sense of humor. 

This is an online co-op extravaganza that will see you create your very own pirate, form a crew with your friends and go on wild adventures across a wide open world.

What can I play it on? PS4

When can I play it? Now!

The PlayStation exclusive God of War franchise is returning and this time it’s moving away from the Greek myths to the Norse and turning the legendary lone wolf Kratos into something of a father figure. When it’s released, this revamped God of War will have more of a focus on narrative than anything we’ve seen from the series but the hack and slash god fighting will still remain.

What can I play it on? Nintendo Switch

When can I play it? now!

It's a concept that's so utterly Nintendo, we're pretty sure no other company could pull it off. Nintendo Labo was first announced in early 2018 and it's captured the imagination of kids and grown-up kids alike. Nintendo Labo is a collection of DIY cardboard kits which can be used with the Nintendo Switch to create an entirely new kind of play. 

Players will be able to play cardboard pianos, use cardboard handles to control an on-screen motorbike, and step into the cardboard shoes of a giant robot. The potential seems endless and if the idea works it could make the Switch the most individual console on the market and a must-have for families. 

Don't miss our full Nintendo Labo review!

What can I play it on? PS4

When can I play it? May 25 2018

The latest PS4 exclusive game from writer David Cage, this is a game that looks set to court some controversy with its themes. The script took two years to write and hundreds of actors have lent their faces for motion capture so we’re interested to see how this multi-choice narrative adventure plays out. 

What can I play it on? Xbox One and PC

When can I play it? Spring 2018

It was supposed to be one of the key launch titles for the Xbox One X in November 2017 but Crackdown 3 will now be a big 2018 exclusive for the console. The main selling point of the Crackdown franchise is destruction and in this game’s online multiplayer mode every part of the game’s city is open to destruction thanks to a cloud-based physics calculations system. 

  • Want more info? Here's everything we know about Crackdown 3

What can I play it on? PS4 and Xbox One

When can I play it? Spring 2018

Voted TechRadar’s most highly-anticipated game of 2018, Rockstar’s latest outing looks set to be one of the biggest releases of the year. Jumping back into the Wild West, this is the third Red Dead game but the first Rockstar game created from the ground up for the latest generation of consoles. 

We can’t wait to meet the brand new protagonist Arthur Morgan and rob and pillage our way across the wide open American heartland.

What can I play it on? PS4

When can I play it? September 7 2018

Yet another enticing PS4 exclusive for 2018 is Spider-Man, created by the studio behind Spyro and Ratchet and Clank. Don’t worry if you’re not invested in the latest movie reboot yet – this game stands completely seperate to that with an older more experienced Peter Parker and its very own story. 

There are few things more enjoyable than getting to swing around New York City as Spider-Man and we really can’t wait to do it on the latest generation of consoles.

What can I play it on? PS4, Xbox One and PC

When can I play it? September 14 2018

We all kind of knew that there was going to be another Tomb Raider coming in 2018 after a host of leaks. But now Square Enix has confirmed that the game will be called Shadow of the Tomb Raider and that it's going to be released on September 14 2018. 

At the moment on what the game will be about but the tagline's statement that this will be the "climactic finale" in Lara's origin story suggests something dramatic. We also saw glimpses of what looked like Mayan pyramids in the short teaser trailer released in March 2018 so we could be in for a trip to South America. 

What can I play it on? Xbox One, PS4 and PC

When can I play it? October 12 2018

It's not massively surprising given the success of Call of Duty WW2, but Activision has now confirmed that we'll see a new Call of Duty game in 2018. This time it's being developed by Treyarch and, as you'd expect, it's another addition to the Black Ops series.

We now know that Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 will be released on October 12 2018 and we'll hear more about it at a community event being held in May. 

What can I play it on? Xbox, PS4, PC

When can I play it? 2018

After taking  a year out in 2017, Battlefield is making a return in 2018 as confirmed in an EA earnings call. We don't know much about Battlefield's 2018 iteration just yet but rumors suggest it'll be set during WW2.

We do know we're going to see and hear more during EA Play which takes place just before E3 in June 2018.

What can I play it on? PS4, Xbox One and PC 

When can I play it? 2018

Revealed at E3 2017, this game was basically pitched as Assassin’s Creed Black Flag with the assassin bits removed. That leaves the naval warfare and in Skull and Bones you’ll find yourself engaging in single-player and online multiplayer seafaring adventures. Think Sea of Thieves but a bit more geared towards gritty realism.

What can I play it on? Nintendo Switch

When can I play it? 2018

During its March Direct, Nintendo confirmed that a Super Smash Bros game will be coming to the Switch in 2018. We got a pretty thrilling announcement trailer which showed that the Inklings from Splatoon 2 and Breath of the Wild Link will make an appearance but we still can't be entirely sure if this is going to be a Deluxe version of the Wii U release or whether it'll be an entirely new game.

What can I play it on? PS4 and Xbox One

When can I play it? 2018

Given it’s been 12 years since Kingdom Hearts 2 was released, it’s safe to say Kingdom Hearts 3 is one of the more highly anticipated titles for 2018. Once more players will take up the role of Sora as he travels with his closest friends Donald and Goofy across a variety of world themed around and populated by a host of famous Disney and Final Fantasy characters. 

There’s going to be plenty of familiar sights and faces but we’re really excited to see the brand new Toy Story world. 

What can I play it on? PS4

When can I play it? Late 2018

Considering the first game has been continually hailed as a masterpiece thanks to its excellent, emotional story and engaging life-like characters, the decision to develop The Last of Us Part 2 isn’t actually all that surprising. This time around Ellie takes up the starring role and we’re being promised a much darker game with an even bigger story.

There are some games to which no solid release date has been tied but we know we're going to hear more about them this year, whether that's at E3 2018 or Gamescom or just through another avenue. These are the titles we're can't wait to find out more about. Namely, a release date.


April 25, 2018 at 08:23PM
Emma Boyle

The best cheap PlayStation VR bundles and deals in April 2018

PlayStation VR bundles are cheaper than ever as Sony recently cut prices around the world on all headsets and camera/software packages. And we can't wait to help you stick your faces in it, especially as the discounts are particularly excellent now. 

We have all the latest PlayStation VR prices below, along with some tempting offers on the camera, Move controllers and games. Originally £350/$399 the headset's new starting price is just £259/$299.

Below you'll find our guide to the best PlayStation VR bundles out there for the headset along with bundle options often include the camera or games too, we'll let you know which ones are the best value for money.

This PlayStation VR bundle deals page can also help you prepare by picking up the other kit you'll need to enjoy the best PlayStation VR experience. You'll want to pick up the PS4 camera as you need it for the PlayStation VR headset to work. You could also grab a couple of PS Move motion controllers, as some VR games support them. You can also use these items with a small number of Move-based PS4 games like SportsFriends or Just Dance. If you're looking for the ultimate upgrade, check out our PS4 Pro deals.

cheap playstation vr deals

PlayStation VR headset deals

The grid below will be regularly updated with the latest PlayStation VR headset prices headset from different retailers. After seemingly endless stock shortages, units seem to be back in stock at most stores. Which is fantastic news with 2017 seeing some great PlayStation VR games to enjoy like Resident Evil 7 and Farpoint.

PlayStation VR bundles (USA)

PlayStation VR bundles (UK)

PlayStation VR game deals

Keep an eye on this handy chart below as we'll update it with the latest prices for a wide range of PlayStation VR games. To compare prices on individual titles, click the 'View all deals' button at the bottom of the chart.

cheap ps4 camera

PS4 camera deals

It's crucial you buy a PS4 camera along with your VR headset, otherwise, it will not work. Don't pay more than the standard £40/$60 for the camera though.  Sony released an updated, rounder (see image above) model with a built-in TV-mount and there are deals included in the chart below, usually priced around £40-£45, which isn't bad considering the new clip. The older PS4 camera is also compatible with PlayStation VR. If there's nothing tempting below, maybe try for a new/preowned unit via eBay?

cheap playstation vr deals

cheap ps move motion controllers

PlayStation Move controller deals

The PlayStation Move motion controllers are very much an optional purchase as not every game supports them. Many that do, also have options to use the standard DualShock 4 PS4 controller instead.

Move wands aren't as readily available as the cameras at the moment, but there are deals to be found if you shop around -or let us do it via that magical box below. some of the more expensive results are actually for twin packs. We'd advise a little caution if you're considering preowned units, as the lack of use in recent years may have dulled the charge capacity of the battery compared to new controllers. If you want to try your luck (and probably save a fair amount), here are some handy links for eBay.

cheap playstation vr deals

We'll update these prices on a regular basis and add any bundles that may appear featuring the headset, camera, controllers or games. 

Need an extra standard controller? Check out the best DualShock 4 deals.


April 25, 2018 at 02:43PM
Brendan Griffiths