Shuttle is expanding its successful XPC slim product line to include four new Mini-PC Barebones: DS50U, DS50U3, DS50U5 and DS50U7. These models embrace modern technology and offer impressive performance while taking up minimal space. In a compact 1.3-liter format and with a thermally optimized, fanless chassis, the new devices are perfect for use in noise-sensitive environments.

Each model in the range has a soldered processor and is optimized specifically to suit different requirements:

• DS50U - The entry-level model: Equipped with an Intel Celeron processor of the 12th generation (Celeron 7305) and up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM.
• DS50U3 - The sprinter: With an Intel Core i3 processor of the 13th generation (Core i3-1315U) and support for up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.
• DS50U5 - The powerful model: Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor of the 13th generation (Core i5-1334U), also designed for up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.
• DS50U7 - The record holder: The most powerful model in this range with an Intel Core i7 processor of the 13th generation (Core i7-1355U) and up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.

PC Watch recently got hands-on with Shanghai Zhaoxin's latest desktop processor for some in depth testing and published a less than optimistic review comparing it to both the previous generation KX-U6780A and Intel's equally clocked budget quad-core offering from 2017, the 3.6 GHz Core i3-8100. Though Zhaoxin's latest could muscle its way through some multithreaded tests such as Cinebench R23 due to having twice the core count, the single core performance showed to be nearly half that of the i3 in everything from synthetic tests to gaming.

PC Watch tested with the Dragon Quest X Benchmark, a DX9.0c title, to put the spotlight on single core gaming performance even in older games as well as with Final Fantasy XIV running the latest Golden Legacy benchmark released back in April of this year to show off more modern multithreaded gaming. With AMD's RX 6400 handling graphics at 1080p the KX-7000/8 scored around 60% of the i3-8100 in Dragon Quest X, and in Final Fantasy XIV it scored 90% of the i3. The result in Final Fantasy XIV was considered, "somewhat comfortable" for gameplay but still less than optimal. As a comparison point for a modern budget gaming PC option the Ryzen 5 5600G was also included in testing, where in Final Fantasy XIV it was 30% ahead of the KX-7000/8. PC Watch attempted to put the integrated ZX-C1190 to work in games but found that despite supporting modern APIs and features, the performance was no match for the competition.

Intel may have debuted its Hybrid (heterogeneous multicore) architecture for the desktop with the 12th Gen Core "Alder Lake-S," but the value-ended Core i3 series SKUs throughout the 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core processors have remained 4-core/8-thread traditional multicore chips, with just four P-cores. Intel is about to change this with the Core Ultra 200 series "Arrow Lake-S." According to OneRaichu, a reliable source with Intel leaks, the company is giving finishing touches to a pair of Core Ultra 3 series desktop processor SKUs based on the "Arrow Lake" microarchitecture. These will be 8-core chips, a doubling in core-count form the past generations, but the nature of these 8 cores is not yet known.

Among the SKUs in the leak are the Core Ultra 3 205, and the Core Ultra 3 215, both of which are 8-core chips. The two are probably differentiated in a similar manner to past generations of Intel Core i3 desktop did, using cache sizes (eg: Core i3-10100 and i3-10300). The chips probably feature a 4P+4E core configuration, as a "2P+6E" configuration might not be possible, as the E-core clusters are indivisible, although we don't know if the same rule applies to the "Skymont" E-core clusters. The dedicated L2 caches of both the P-cores and E-core clusters could be smaller than on Core Ultra 5 and above SKUs. The Core Ultra 200V "Lunar Lake" processor uses "Lion Cove" P-cores with 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, while the Core Ultra 9 285K probably has "Lion Cove" P-cores with 3 MB of L2 cache per core.

MSI is excited to introduce the MS-C907, a robust and versatile embedded Box IPC designed to meet the demanding requirements of various industries. Beyond its suitability for the chemical industry, the MS-C907 is ideal for applications in factory automation, transportation, digital signage and retail.

Meeting the Needs of Multiple Industries
The MS-C907 offers robust performance, extensive connectivity, and durable design, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of industrial applications. Whether it's automating factory processes, powering digital signage, or managing smart building systems, the MS-C907 provides the reliability and efficiency needed for continuous operation.

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today, is excited to introduce the MS-1315UE/MS-1315URE/MS-1345UE/MS-1345URE industrial application systems. The MS-1315UE/MS-1315URE/MS-1345UE/MS-1345URE systems are versatile solutions, offering two specifications with Intel Raptor Lake SoC Core i3 and i5 processors. They are designed to cater to a wide range of audiences, including system integration businesses, AIoT machines, industrial automation, edge computing, HMI, and digital signage Industries, ensuring superior adaptability to any specific requirements.

These application systems provide effective platforms for CRM SI builds. Users can utilize the efficient computing power they provide to seamlessly manage customer contact details, transaction history, accounts, and communications. BIOSTAR's MS-1315UE/MS-1315URE/MS-1345UE/MS-1345URE also support diverse processors for real-time control tasks and ensure reliable, high-speed communication for edge computing.

Acer today expanded its line of Chromebook Plus laptops with the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T), providing users with a performance-minded, compact and durable model that enables them to do more with the AI-powered capabilities of ChromeOS. "The new Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T) delivers the sought-after combination of a portable design, 14-inch Full HD display and performance-minded technology that lets users get the most out of exciting capabilities offered with Chromebook Plus," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. "Students, businesses, families, and individuals need to be more productive, connected and empowered than ever, and can achieve this using Acer Chromebook Plus devices."

The new Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is the latest addition to Acer's lineup of Chromebook Plus laptops that offer enhanced Chromebook performance and experiences, emphasizing better hardware designs with upgraded displays and cameras paired with powerful productivity, creativity, and multimedia capabilities. Like all Acer Chromebook Plus laptops, users have the power to do more with the new Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T). Powered by an Intel Core i3-N305 processor and an ample 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 provides 2x the speed, memory, and storage, giving responsive performance and efficient multitasking, whether running built-in AI-powered apps like Google Docs and Photos, watching favorite shows in full HD on a 1080p display, or movie-making with LumaFusion. Plus, the processor ensures all-day enjoyment with up to 11 hours of usage on the fast-charging battery.

Ahead of its rumored January 8 announcement, various unreleased 14th Gen Intel Core desktop processors got listed on European e-tailer CoolMod. These are non-K (65 W) processor models. The lineup begins with the Core i3-14100F, a 4P+0E processor without integrated graphics, priced at €124.94. If you need the iGPU, it will cost you at least €25 more, for the i3-14100 at €149.96. The most hotly anticipated chip among the lineup, the Core i5-14400F is priced at €219.95. A notch up is the i5-14500, going for a steep €249.95. Interestingly, the store has the i5-14400 (witth the iGPU) listed at the same exact price. There is no i5-14600 listed.

The Core i7-14700F is priced at €384.95. This chip has an 8P+12E configuration, which is the same as the i7-14700K, but with lower base frequency, and tighter power limits. It lacks an iGPU, and if you need one, then the i7-14700 is listed at €409.95. At the upper crust of the lineup you have the Core i9-14900F at €574.96, which has the full 8P+16E core configuration, but lower clock speeds than the i9-14900K, and no iGPU, which can be had for €25 more, with the i9-14900 at €599.95. All prices are inclusive of taxes.

Intel's entry-level 14th Gen Core desktop processor, the Core i3-14100, got its first retailer listing, with ShopBLT putting it up for $150.24. The 4-core/8-thread chip that only has performance cores (P-cores), is based on the same H0 silicon that drives the Core i5-12600, which physically lacks E-cores. Intel has been reusing its "Alder Lake" silicon across the non-K variants of its 13th Gen and now 14th Gen Core i3 and Core i5 processor SKUs. One way to spot them is by the size of their dedicated L2 caches for the P-cores, which is 1.25 MB, compared to 2 MB on the 8P+16E "Raptor Lake-S" silicon used to carve out Core i7 and Core i9 SKUs across the 13th Gen and 14th Gen.

The Core i3-14100 offers a tiny speed bump over its predecessor, the i3-13100. With the base frequency set at 3.50 GHz, and boost frequency probably at 4.70 GHz, compared to the 3.40 GHz and 4.50 GHz of the i3-13100. Each of the four P-cores has 1.25 MB of L2 cache, and they share 12 MB of L3 cache. The chip gets the same I/O as the rest of the lineup, with a dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 memory interface, and PCIe connectivity that includes a Gen 5 x16, a CPU-attached Gen 4 x4 for NVMe slots, and a DMI 4.0 x8 chipset bus. The iGPU on offer is the UHD Graphics 730 based on Xe-LP, with 24 EU, compared to the 32 that's standard with higher 14th Gen Core desktop processor models. The chip has a processor base power of 60 W, and a possible maximum turbo power of 110 W. Intel is expected to announce its locked 14th Gen Core desktop processor lineup in January 2024, which should include the i3-14100, and its cheaper sibling, the i3-14100F, which lacks integrated graphics.

The Chinese chipmaker Loongson has launched its newest desktop processors, the 4-core, 8-thread 3A6000 series, based on the company's LoongArch microarchitecture. We have previously reported that the company wants to match Intel's "Willow Cove" and AMD's Zen 3 instruction per clock (IPC) levels with its 3A6000 CPU series, and today we have the first preview of the performance. Powered by the LA664 cores, 3A6000 is built on a 14/12 nm manufacturing process, with clock speeds going from 2.0 to 2.5 GHz and power consumption of up to 50 Watts. It features 256 KB of L2 cache and 16 MB of L3 cache in total.

While several hardware partners are announcing new Loongson-powered solutions, ASUS China's "Uncle Tony" managed to get his hands on one of them and overclocker the CPU to 2.63 GHz on air cooling. In overclocking tests using liquid nitrogen cooling, a 3A6000 processor reached 3.0 GHz, though there are indications that there is still overhead. In standard out-of-the-box configuration, the 3A6000 performs similarly to Intel's Core i3-10100 four-core CPU, an achievement for Loongson but still behind Intel's latest offerings that clock nearly twice as high. This rapid development of Loongson IP has led to a massive performance increase, matching the IPC of modern CPUs. We are still left to see more information about these 3A6000 series SKUs; however, early benchmarks suggest a significant improvement. You can see the CPU benchmarks below, which include UnixBench and SPEC CPU 2006.

ZOTAC TECHNOLOGY, a global manufacturer focused on innovation, launches the world's first Mini PC featuring the AirJet Solid-State Active Cooling system, as well as a lineup of ARM-based, lightweight edge computing platforms based on the NVIDIA Jetson system on module (SoM).

ZBOX PI430AJ WITH AIRJET, THE WORLD'S FIRST SOLID-STATE ACTIVE-COOLED MINI-PC
First debuted at COMPUTEX 2023, the ZBOX PI430AJ with AirJet is the first product of its kind to feature revolutionary Solid-State Active Cooling technology. With each unit featuring two AirJet Mini Modules by Frore Systems, these thin, silent modules are capable of removing significant heat through rapid airflow, raising the ZBOX PI430AJ's thermal ceiling without compromising its form factor. Taking advantage of the newfound possibilities enabled by the AirJet, the ZBOX PI430AJ is equipped with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB LPDDR5 memory, M.2 SSD storage slot, and more - all within a system the size of a deck of cards.

Today, Google announced its next generation of Chromebook devices, called the Chromebook Plus, said to improve upon the legacy set by Chromebooks over a decade ago. Starting at an enticing price point of $399, this new breed of Chromebooks integrates powerful AI capabilities and a range of built-in Google apps. Notably, it features tools like the Google Photos Magic Eraser and web-based Adobe Photoshop, positioning itself as a dynamic tool for productivity and creative exploration. In collaboration with hardware manufacturers such as Acer, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo, Google is launching a lineup of eight Chromebook Plus devices on the launch date, with more possibly coming in the future.

Each model boasts improved hardware configurations over the regular Chromebook, including processors like the Intel Core i3 12th Gen or the AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series, a minimum of 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB storage. Users are also in for a visual treat with a 1080p IPS display, ensuring crisp visuals for entertainment and work. And for the modern remote workforce, video conferencing gets a substantial upgrade. Every Chromebook Plus comes equipped with a 1080p camera and utilizes AI enhancements to elevate video call clarity, with compatibility spanning various platforms, including Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. Set to be available from October 8, 2023, in the US and October 9 in Canada and Europe, the Chromebook Plus is positioning itself as the go-to device for many users. On the other hand, the AI features are slated for arrival in 2024, when companies ensure their software is compatible.Below you can see the upcoming models.

IBASE Technology Inc. (TPEx: 8050), a renowned provider in the design and manufacturing of embedded computing solutions, rolls out the low-power IB838 3.5" single board computer powered by Intel Core i3 N-series (formerly Alder Lake-N) processor. Combining robust computing performance with advanced features, it is positioned to meet diverse needs across multiple industries, including industrial automation and control, retail displays, transportation, and automotive applications.

Fortified with intelligent power handling and a 9 V~36 V DC input range, the IB838 ensures reliability and consistent operations in transportation applications that may encounter variable power conditions. Versatile connectivity makes it ideal for automation processes and data acquisition systems. The SBC offers Type-C, DP++, and eDP or LVDS display options, along with a rich set of I/O interfaces, including two Intel PCI-E 2.5G LAN ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and four USB 3.2 ports (1x Type-C + 3x Type-A).

According to a post by Twitter/X leaker @g01d3nm4ng0, it looks like Intel has no intention of giving its 14th gen Core i3 processors more than four cores. We'd take this leak with the usual helping of seasoning, but the leaker does provide details on what is expected to be most of Intel's non-K SKU 14th gen lineup, including clock speeds. If correct, then most of the 14th gen Core processors will see a 200 MHz boost speed clock increase over their 13th gen counterparts, with the exception of the Core i5-14400 which only gets a 100 MHz increase.

The non-K CPUs follow a familiar pattern to previous generation Intel chips, with the Core i9 and Core i7 parts being 200 MHz slower than their K SKU variants, with the Core i5 being 100 MHz slower. The only other noteworthy piece of information in this leak, is that the Core i7-14700 gets the same extra four E-Cores, just as its K SKU variant, or four more E-Cores than the Core i7-13700. At this point in time it's just plain weird that Intel hasn't added E-Cores to its Core i3 range of desktop chips, as even the lowest-end Core i5 SKU sports six P-Cores and four E-Cores since the 13th gen, so the Core i3 should be a 4+4 chip by now, but it seems like Intel has other plans for the i3-14100/F.

We have been gathering rumors of next-generation Intel desktop silicon. However, thanks to the latest software version of AIDA64, it can now identify Intel Core i3/i5/i7 and i9 processors from the coming Raptor Lake silicon refresh, also referred to as 14th Gen Core or 14000 series. AIDA64 cannot yet distinguish between specific models, as Intel has not officially disclosed these, nor have any documents been leaked. Nevertheless, the software should now be capable of displaying whether the current 13th Gen chip or the refreshed 14th model is in use.

Speculation indicates that Intel plans to launch its 14th Gen Core desktop CPUs in October, with an announcement scheduled at the Innovation event a month before. There is no concrete information regarding individual SKUs; however, expectations are that the new range will feature more cores for mid-range and entry-level segments, along with a minimum of 200 MHz higher clock speeds for Core i9 models. The AIDA64 software also adds support for some already launched hardware like AMD's Navi 24, which includes Radeon RX 6450M and Radeon RX 6550M. The complete list of changes can be found below.

PowerLeader, a Chinese computer manufacturer, recently introduced its Powerstar lineup of processors, the first being the PSTAR P3-01105 CPU. Initially, the PSTAR SKU closely resembled the Intel Core i3-10105 10th Generation Comet Lake CPU from Intel. Using a "storm core" microarchitecture, this CPU claims to beat any domestic x86 CPU on performance. While the similarity with the Core i3-10105 CPU was close, the clock speed of 3.7 GHz, core configuration, and a slightly different name were significant indicators of similarity between the two. Thanks to the recent Geekbench 5 benchmark run submission, we now know that the Powerstar CPU is just a rebadged Intel Comet Lake processor. PowerLeader expects the Powerstar units to reach 1.5 million shipments this year, and presumably, more models will be rebadged for an announcement later.

Originally, PowerLeader wanted to ship these designs in pre-assembled systems, so the pricing and availability of standalone PowesStar chips are unknown.

Intel has published its latest blog post, announcing the Intel Arc Balanced Builds, an initiative that pairs up Intel Arc GPUs with Intel Core CPUs, creating balanced configurations that match Intel Arc graphics cards to the "best-fitting" Intel Core CPU. Starting at $423 for the GPU and CPU and $899 for the full system, Intel claims these combinations come from thousands of test runs and hundreds of hours in the lab, leading up to 15,000 datapoints and 22 GB of data.

According to Intel's own testing, which includes a wide variety of Intel Core processors in different configurations and games, there is a perfect CPU range for both its entry level Intel Arc A380 graphics card, as well as the Intel Arc A750 and Arc A770 graphics cards. Of course, for those with a big or unlimited budget, there is always the best configuration that money can buy, but making a balanced build is what makes sense for many others.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solution innovator, today launched new NVR Network Surveillance Servers - the QVP-85B with eight 3.5-inch SATA drive bays and Intel Core i5 6-core processor, and the QVP-63B with six 3.5-inch SATA drive bays and Intel Core i3 quad-core processor. The QVP-85B and QVP-63B run QVR Pro surveillance software supporting eight free IP camera channels. Offering an economic and high-performance software and hardware integrated video surveillance solution, the QVP-85B and QVP-63B fulfill requirements for secure, reliable and centrally-managed video surveillance storage for small businesses and offices.

"The QVP-85B and QVP-63B provide an easy-to-use UI for convenient surveillance management and is widely compatible with up to 95% of IP cameras on the market," said Andy Chuang, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "users can also take advantage of flexible licensing plans for expanding video channels and QVR Center for large-scale deployments based on needs."

Not entirely unexpected, Intel has started to discontinue its 11th Gen Core processors, also known as Tiger Lake. In a product change notification (PCN) the company has listed no less than five mobile and four desktop parts that the company will stop letting its customers order from the end of June this year, with the last shipment taking place at the end of January 2024.

The discontinued range covers everything from Core i3 to Core i9 models and the full range of discontinued models can be found in the screenshot below. It should be noted that the desktop parts are the B SKU parts that were for example found in Intel's NUC 11 Extreme and are 65 W TDP parts. Most of the mobile parts are still available in products being sold, albeit, most of those products being older SKUs that have been replaced by 12th and 13th Gen Core processors by now. None of the products in the PCN were available directly to end consumers to purchase as far as TPU is aware.

Giga Computing, a subsidiary of GIGABYTE and an industry leader in high-performance servers, workstations, and mini-PCs, today announced a newly designed ultra-compact, low power mini-PC for the GIGABYTE BRIX lineup - BNIP and BNi3 series, which adopt either the ultra-low power Intel Processor or Intel Core i3 N-Series Processors. With Intel's 7 nm manufacturing and E-core (Efficient Core) architecture, users can benefit not only in performance, but also in computing efficiency. Also, although the BRIX series is compact, these new models are even more so, and maintain respectable performance while fitting perfectly in any IoT employment, whether for office use, education use, home use, digital signage, medical care, or KIOSK.

The newly designed ultra-compact BRIX platform boasts a sleek and contemporary grid design on its exterior, creating a fresh and minimalist impression. The intricately patterned surface produces a pleasing interplay of light, shadow, reflection, and refraction from different angles, for an overall pleasant aesthetic. This design not only enhances the product's visual appeal, but also symbolizes the numerous possibilities of integrating and merging virtual and real elements within this compact mini-PC. And it only comes in a ultra small form factor that is about 1-inch tall and 0.5 L in size.

Following its successful demonstration of a MIPI camera solution using the UP Squared Pro 7000 at Embedded World, AAEON have announced a MIPI Expansion Kit for the newly released third generation board. Equipped with the Intel Atom Processors x7000E Series, Intel Core i3-N305 Processor and Intel Processor N Series (formerly Alder Lake-N) and an FPC port supporting MIPI-CSI interface, the UP Squared Pro 7000 emphasizes AAEON's continued dedication to bringing the latest Intel technologies to a wider variety of platforms. One such platform is the LI-ADL-ADP-IMX415-MIPI-081H, a 4K MIPI Camera Module from leading intelligent embedded camera creator, Leopard Imaging Inc.

The company recently announced that the camera has been designed with full-function drivers to support the Intel Atom Processors x7000E Series, Intel Core i3-N305 Processor, and Intel Processor N Series (formerly Alder Lake-N), allowing users to take advantage of the peripheral Intel technologies that come with the processor platform, such as Intel UHD Graphics on a Windows 10 IoT Enterprise OS.

Simply NUC, Inc, a leading mini PC solutions company, announced they are taking orders for their brand-new Topaz 3 NUC. As the successor to Topaz 2, Topaz 3 features Intel's latest 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors to provide the most crisp mini PC computing experience to date. From home theater to office to digital signage kiosks, Topaz 3 is designed to be used across many different computing applications.

Starting at $669, two Topaz 3 models (NUC13TZi7 and NUC13TZi5) are now available to preorder from Simply NUC across their global sites. The NUC13TZi7 model based on the Intel Core i7-1360P processor is intended for usage where higher computing performance is needed. To accommodate a variety of price points, more cost-effective options are also available with the NUC13TZi5 model based on the Intel Core i5-1340P processor and the NUC13TZi3 model, which will ship later in Q2, based on the Intel Core i3-1315U processor. Core i7 and i5 units are expected to begin shipping in April.

ASUS today announced the 15.6-inch Vivobook Go 15 OLED (E1504G) and 14-inch Vivobook Go 14 (E1404G), two exciting value-for-money lifestyle laptops powered by Intel Core i3-N305 processors for on-the-go productivity or entertainment. These slim and light laptops feature high-quality OLED (E1504G) or IPS (E1404G) displays and powerful ASUS SonicMaster sound systems with Dirac audio processing for immersive entertainment. The design is stylish and practical, with thoughtful touches that make the user's life easier, such as a 180° lay-flat hinge. Built to survive any lifestyle, these tough laptops are tested to US military-grade standards for durability using the world's strictest test regime.

Superior performance for any task is assured by up to Intel Core i3 processors, 8 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512 GB PCIe SSD. Other user-friendly features include an ASUS ErgoSense keyboard; smart conferencing via the HD webcam with ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR), AI noise cancellation, and a physical privacy shield; and a useful suite of ASUS apps including MyASUS, GlideX and ScreenXpert 3.

Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computer Technology (ECT), will present an Mini-ITX motherboard based on Intel Core i3 processors as well as Intel N-series processors with latest UHD Gen12 graphics at embedded world 2023, thus expanding its product family of compact, power-saving motherboards "Designed and Made in Germany." The K3931-N Mini-ITX is available in four variants with different CPUs and is particularly suitable for use in the areas of casino gaming, digital signage, kiosk, POS/POI, ticketing as well as for applications in industrial and medical technology.

The Intel Core i3 and Intel N series processors set new standards for x86 processors in the power range from 6 W to 15 W. They use the same Efficient-cores and Intel UHD graphics as the 12th Gen Intel Core processors based on the Xe architecture. This makes it easier to port applications and solutions across Intel CPU performance and power ranges. Support for Intel AVX2 and Intel Deep Learning Boost - combined with up to 32 execution units - provides accelerated deep learning inference and media processing for diverse edge applications.

Acer today announced its latest additions to the TravelMate series of Windows 11 Education laptops, designed to improve students' overall learning experiences and boost productivity whether in school or at home. The Acer TravelMate B5 14 features up to an FHD display and is powered by up to Intel Core i3 N-series processors to support the essential needs of mobile college students, as well as secondary school students. The newest 11-inch TravelMate laptops let students get more out of their blended classroom experience as the TravelMate B3 Spin 11 comes with an optional dockable Wacom AES stylus for added flexibility, while the TravelMate B3 11 has up to 9.5 hours of battery life to provide students with a reliable laptop that could be maximized throughout the school day.

Additionally, these laptops are shipped with Acer's new User Sensing Software,[1] which combines Break Reminder, Screen Distance Reminder, and User Sensing technology to help reduce digital eye strain and ensure data security. The dependable TravelMate B series laptops alsoconform to military-grade durability standards that could withstand drops as high as 122 cm, possess reinforced I/O ports and spill-resistant keyboards to protect inner components from damage, and HD webcams that come with a camera shutter for added privacy protection. With Acer's dedication to achieving its Earthion mission in mind, all the education laptops possess recycled materials in their components and packaging, an EPEAT ecolabel, and are TCO Certified, the leading sustainability certification for IT products worldwide.

With everyone busy enjoying the announcements of new shiny toys at CES, Intel has taken the opportunity to jack up the prices on its older 12th Gen Core processors by around 10 percent. This wasn't entirely unexpected though, as Intel announced back in June of last year that it was going to increase the MSRP of its 12th Gen Core processors. The price increase affects different SKUs wildly differently, as the Core i9-12900K for example, is seeing a US$59 price increase and its new MSRP is now US$648, which is more than the Core i9-13900K which has an MSRP of US$589. On the other hand, the Core i3-12100 only gets a $12 price increase, which puts its new MSRP at US$134, which places it in the same price bracket as the Core i3-13100.

This is a very unusual move by Intel and it affects all of its 12th Gen Core desktop processors and possibly some other SKUs as well. Considering the 13th Gen Core parts are either priced cheaper or fall in the same price bracket, it's hard to see how Intel is going to see any sales of its older 12th Gen Core processors, especially as the two share the same socket. It's highly unlikely that this move will affect its shareholders in a positive way either, as Intel is likely to see lower sales with this price increase of its previous generation of processors, which in turn will result in even lower revenue. That said, it's unclear if this will affect retail pricing or not, as it's possible that many stores won't replenish their stock of 12th Gen Core CPUs once their current stock sells out.