To be honest, it is rather tiresome to look for mini PCs with adequately powerful graphics. Of course, AMD's Strix Halo is all set to change that narrative with the help of its powerful integrated graphics that rivals discrete cards, but those stuck with last-gen systems have no option but to opt for an eGPU. Thankfully, the options are plenty on the market, and prominent mini PC brand GMK has now arrived with its own solution as well.

Dubbed the GMK AD-GP1, the eGPU sports the decently powerful AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT graphics card with a measly 8 GB of GDDR6 memory. While that would have been enough 4 or 5 years ago, 8 GB of VRAM is hardly sufficient for modern titles, especially at higher resolutions. Making matters worse, the GMK AD-GP1 does not feature a replaceable GPU, which means that its buyers will be stuck with the RX 7600M XT that its ships with. That said, the system is undeniably rather compact at 16.3 x 11.0 x 3.9 cm, and sports a visually appealing design.

The list of mini PCs available on the market has grown quite a bit in the past few weeks, with a bunch of such systems getting unveiled at CES 2025. Now, Gigabyte clearly does not wish to be left out of the party either, and has unveiled its Brix Extreme mini PC powered by a last-gen, but decently powerful AMD "Hawk Point" APU and a plethora of connectivity options in a compact package.

The system, as mentioned, boasts the 28-watt Ryzen 7 8840U PRO APU, which sports 8 Zen 4 cores and 16 threads. Performance should be identical to its non-PRO counterpart, which should put it roughly in the same class as the Intel Core Ultra 256V "Lunar Lake" CPU. The APU is paired with up to 64 GB of DDR5-5600 memory. Dual M.2 2280 slots take care of storage requirements, both of which are user-accessible.

One of two big standard announcements at CES this year was the new addition of DP80LL active cables, that extends the range of UHBR20 cables from one meter to at least three meters. In fact, the cable that VESA was showing at CES was 3.5 meters long. To be fair, it has already been possible to make longer 80 Gbps DisplayPort cables, but there hasn't been a certification that guarantees that the cables will work. As we know, it's easy for a company to make claims about their cables that often mean very little in practical terms and with a very limited range of DP 2.1 graphics cards and monitors on the market, it has been impossible as a consumer to verify some of the claims. Starting this year however, it seems like DP 2.1 will take off and as such, it's great to see that VESA finally has a certification in place, so consumers can buy the right cables with confidence.

In addition to the new DP80LL cables, VESA was demoing several ClearMR 21000 displays and for those that have forgotten what ClearMR is, it's VESA's certification standard for measuring motion blur. ClearMR 21000 is the highest tier of ClearMR and it's pretty much exclusive to high refresh-rate OLED type displays. The ClearMR 21000 tier was announced at the end of last year, so the monitors on display are some of the very first to receive this certification level. In addition to this, the world's first display to gain VESA DisplayHDR True Black 1000 certification—which was a laptop display—was also shown. It's made by Samsung Display, but beyond that we don't have much in terms of technical details, but it delivers 1000 nits peak brightness and it can deliver 120 percent of the DCI-P3 colour space, which puts it squarely in the professional display category.

The new Xeneon Edge is a 14.5-inch LCD touchscreen that's meant to be installed in the gap between your main monitor and the base of its stand or table as shown below. The concept borrows heavily from automobiles. Imagine the monitor is your windshield, and the Xeneon Edge is your instrument cluster. It plugs into HDMI (for display input) and USB (for the touchscreen HID), or can even plug into a USB-C that passes DisplayPort through. The display has a fairly high resolution of 2560 x 720 pixels, and can be used to display and input a variety of widgets as shown in the example below. For gamers, this could mean pushing your HUD or simulator dials down to this, freeing up FOV on your main display. The touchscreen takes up to 5 points of multitouch. The display has a magnetized rear, and can be made to latch onto one of the metal panels of your case à la HYTE Y70 Touch, as shown below. Corsair plans to make the Xeneon Edge available in Q2 2025.

At CES 2025, Lenovo unveiled a bold lineup of AI-powered business solutions designed to redefine the modern workplace. Highlights include the boldly redesigned Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Editions, the innovative and unique ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 with rollable display, and the latest commercial desktops, including the high performance ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6, and the groundbreaking ThinkCentre neo 50q QC powered by Snapdragon. Lenovo also introduces its next-generation ThinkVision P Series monitors and a comprehensive ecosystem of smart accessories, all engineered to elevate productivity and connectivity. Rounding out the announcements, Lenovo showcases cutting-edge proof-of-concept innovations that push the boundaries of technology, offering a glimpse into the future of intelligent, adaptable business solutions.

Lenovo Unveils ThinkPad X9 Series: Revolutionary Design Meets Pro-Level Performance
Lenovo introduces the ThinkPad X9 14 and X9 15 Aura Editions, its latest premium business laptops designed for innovative thinkers from prosumers to small and medium businesses to large corporations. These Copilot+ PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra processors are cutting-edge, AI-enhanced devices for creative professionals that combine powerful and efficient Intel and Windows 11 platforms, personalized AI-enabled experiences, in an all-new progressive design. ThinkPad X9 offers the ideal toolkit for today's hybrid users who demand high performance, proven reliability, and seamless productivity.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual and edtech solutions, introduces new display products at the Pepcom Digital Experience, Jan. 6th, 2025, in Las Vegas. The company will debut and showcase the latest line-up of desktop monitors that will be available in the first half of 2025. The new monitors include the ViewSonic VG2748N, a 1080p, 27-inch monitor with wireless casting, and the XG275D-4K, a 4K gaming monitor that offers switchable refresh rates and resolutions settings allowing gamers to play with a variety of gaming devices with a single monitor.

Along with the new VG2748N and XG275D-4K desktop monitors, which offer exceptional functionality and performance, the company will highlight its award-winning line of portable monitors, as well as its latest portable projector. "ViewSonic is excited about its new line of product offerings in 2025," said Jeff Muto, Business Line Director at ViewSonic. "Our new desktop monitors, along with our current slate of portable display devices, showcase how ViewSonic continues to expand its display solutions to offer more choices, features, and functionality to any type of work or play lifestyle."

Pimax, a manufacturer of leading VR hardware, released in an online keynote presentation the design and specs of an upcoming headset, the Pimax Dream Air. The small and light headset packs 27 million pixels, head, hand and eye-tracking, integrated spatial audio, a DisplayPort connection, and a self-adjusting backstrap.

The Dream Air is a PCVR headset, and borrows a lot of components from the previously announced Crystal Super, including the micro-OLED panels and pancake lenses—but packs this into a small form factor headset, to satisfy different use cases. It breaks with previous Pimax headsets, with a new design language, signalling the small form factor era for Pimax.

Just ahead of CES 2025, prominent display maker AOC has introduced a trio of new gaming monitors. First up, we have the Q25G4S, a 24.5-inch IPS monitor with an impressive 300 Hz refresh rate, ideal for esports titles. The QHD resolution allows for a decent pixel density at its size, making it well-suited for content consumption as well. The monitor boasts dual HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, and an audio jack. The monitor appears to be plenty ergonomic as well, with swivel, pivot, tilt and height adjustments courtesy of its included ergonomic stand.

Next up, we have the AOC 27G11ZE3, sporting a 27-inch IPS panel with a slower but impressive 260 Hz refresh rate. The 1080p monitor claims 99% of sRGB color gamut coverage, which is perfectly decent, but the overall content consumption experience will certainly be held back its poor pixel density. The monitor sports a DisplayPort 1.4 input, along with dual HDMI 2.0 inputs. When the latter is used, refresh rate will be limited to 240 Hz. An audio jack is also present.

Your favorite shows, movies, series, live TV, and games are in your space on the screen of your AGON by AOC Q27G4XY SMART GAMING MONITOR. The AGON by AOC Q27G4XY 27" SMART GAMING MONITOR is a pioneer in this field, bringing the convenience of Google TV to your monitor screen. This 27" QHD 2560x1440 WLED monitor, featuring a 180 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms GtG response time, AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-SYNC, and HDR10, combined with Google TV, delivers an immersive gaming and streaming experience—ideal for any dorm room!

Google TV
When you're done gaming, there's no need to switch devices. The AGON by AOC Q27G4XY Smart Gaming Monitor, powered by Google TV's built-in operating system, brings all your entertainment to one place. Instantly browse movies, shows, live TV, sports, and more across your favorite apps. Google TV brings together everything you stream on one screen, so you can find what to watch without jumping from app to app. Not sure what to watch? Just ask Google Assistant and search across apps with your voice to find what you're looking for. Finding your next watch is now as easy as ever.

With the Senza Under Desk PC, ARCTIC is launching a remarkable new product on the market. The innovative Senza Under Desk PC, available in three versions, impresses with its discreet under-desk mounting, high performance, and completely passive cooling. A complete PC that integrates perfectly into any working environment and ensures a tidy, efficient setup.

The ideal solution for modern offices and home office
"The Senza was developed to optimize the workplace. With our Under Desk PC, we have created a computer that is inaudible and invisible and offers maximum comfort and performance."—Magnus Huber, CEO

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC), is expanding its MultiSync EA Series with the new DD-EA272Q desktop display. This 27-inch business-class monitor is designed to fit any workspace and includes essential features to help run corporate, small or medium-sized businesses efficiently.

Following the launch of the DD-EA272U desktop monitor this past summer, the MultiSync DD-EA272Q is a high resolution IPS display (2560x1440) with three-sided narrow bezels and a multi-functional stand with key ergonomic features such as tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustability. It includes all the essential connectivity businesses require, including HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort and ethernet.

Microsoft is introducing Windows 365 Link, a compact cloud PC for business users. The device costs $349 and measures just 120 x 120 x 30 mm, making it smaller than Apple's Mac mini. The compact size comes from the fanless cooling design and the fact that the device doesn't have local storage capabilities. This small computer has quite a variety of connectivity options, including one USB-C, three USB-A ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet connections, supports two 4K monitors, and has Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E wireless capabilities. The specific hardware details are not yet revealed by Microsoft.

It requires Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and Entra ID, and it works with 365 Frontline, Enterprise, and Business editions. As with other cloud-based solutions, Microsoft will lock some of the security options, "features like Secure Boot, the dedicated Trusted Platform Module, Hypervisor Code Integrity, BitLocker encryption, and the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint detection and response sensor can't be turned off, further helping to secure the device". Microsoft plans to launch the device in April 2025, with early previews in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Businesses interested in testing the device can contact their Microsoft account team before December 15, 2024, to join the preview program.

AGON by AOC - one of the world's leading gaming monitor and IT accessories brands - expands its professional gaming arsenal with the AGON PRO AG276FK, a 27-inch (68.6 cm) Full HD gaming monitor with a Fast IPS panel, featuring an impressive 520 Hz refresh rate. This latest addition to AGON PRO's ultra-high refresh rate family complements the high-performance esports models AG246FK (540 Hz) and AG256FS (390 Hz), providing competitive gamers with another powerful tool in their quest for victory.

Engineered for tournament excellence
The AGON PRO AG276FK showcases a state-of-the-art Fast IPS panel, delivering Full HD resolution (1920x1080). With its remarkable 520 Hz refresh rate and swift response times of up to 0.5 ms GtG and 0.3 ms MPRT, the AG276FK ensures crystal-clear motion clarity and minimal input lag - essential features for professional esports players who compete at the highest levels. The Full HD resolution is strategically chosen to enable competitive players to achieve and maintain the ultra-high frame rates needed to fully leverage the 520 Hz refresh rate with current-gen GPUs.

Other World Computing (OWC), a trusted leader in delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable technology solutions that enhance and extend the life of Macs and PCs, today announced the general availability launch of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub - opening a new world of workflow possibilities and performance. By turning a single cable connection into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port, the new OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub breaks the connectivity handcuffs of host machines not offering enough Thunderbolt 5 ports. With up to 80 Gb/s of bidirectional data speed - up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 - and up to 120 Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs, the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub redefines productivity. Connect portable SSDs exceeding 6000 MB/s, up to three 8K displays @60 Hz with DSC, today's USB-C connector compatible devices, and yesterday's USB-A desktop accessories - all while keeping modern notebooks and tablets powered and charged up for mobile use with 140 watts.

"The bidirectional bandwidth design of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub enables users to send and receive data simultaneously - making it ideal for connecting high-res displays, SSDs, and more without compromising speed," said Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing (OWC). "With three additional Thunderbolt 5 ports, users gain the flexibility to power multiple displays or create complex daisy chains with ease. The hub's 140 W power delivery guarantees notebooks and tablets remain charged, no matter how demanding the workload."

ASUS today announced ZenScreen Smart MS27UC, the brand's first Google TV smart monitor. Google TV brings together movies, shows, and more from a variety of streaming services and offers users a personalized entertainment experience. ZenScreen Smart MS27UC boasts a 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel with wide 178° viewing angles, a 99% sRGB gamut, VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, and dual front-facing 5 W Harman Kardon-certified speakers. Plus, a source control feature enables viewers to easily switch between Productivity or Play modes.

With ZenScreen Smart MS27UC, there's no need for a dedicated PC. Users can conduct online meetings and browse content via the web browser, and logging in to a Google Account allows them to create and sync work and documents on Google Workspace. The monitor also offers seamless connections to multiple devices, including PCs and smartphones through Miracast or Google Cast, with the multi-control feature enabling seamless navigation via a single Bluetooth mouse and keyboard.

Gigabyte has quietly added the first Thunderbolt 5 add-in card to its website under the rather unimaginative name of Thunderbolts 5. The card itself is nothing remarkable when compared to Thunderbolt 4 add-in cards, although it sports a third mini DisplayPort input for unclear reasons, as well as two USB Type-C outputs. This time around Gigabyte has added support for more power though, as the card features a pair of what appears to be 6-pin PCIe power connectors and the card supports up to 100 W USB PD charging. Courtesy of the new JHL9580, or Barlow Ridge controller, the card offers support for DP 2.1 with resolutions of up to 8K at 60 Hz, as well as data speeds of up to 80 Gbps, or 120/40 Gbps in asymmetric mode.

Intel's JHL9580 controller has a PCIe 4.0 x4 host interface, the same as ASMedia's ASM4242 USB4 host controller and it's a big step up from Intel's previous Thunderbolt 4 controllers that were stuck with PCIe 3.0. Note that the JHL9580 is also offered in a Thunderbolt 4 version known as the JHL9540 which also uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and offers DP 2.1 support, but slower speeds. Both of the new Barlow Ridge controllers also support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps), something previous Thunderbolt controllers didn't. Intel has a list price for the JHL9580 of US$19, which is just over US$8 more than the JHL8540 Maple Ridge controller which launched in 2020, as such, expect Thunderbolt 5 add-in cards to come at an even higher price point than previous Thunderbolt 4 add-in cards. Gigabyte might be first out of the gate, but we expect most motherboard makers to follow suit with products of their own before the end of the year.

Kensington, a worldwide leader of desktop computing and mobility solutions for IT, business, and home office professionals, is greatly enhancing the visual productivity of MacBook users with today's launch of the SD5900T EQ Thunderbolt 4 Quad 4K 40 Gbps Dock with DisplayLink Technology.

Ideal for busy professionals juggling multiple tasks and projects, the powerful and stylish dock unlocks the full potential of the MacBook by providing support for up to four external displays, 40 Gbps data transfer speeds, up to 100 W (96 W certified) charging for the MacBook and connected accessories, and a 16-in-1 design. Optimized to support MacBook running macOS 11 or above, the SD5900T leverages the power of Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayLink technology to expand the user's visual workspace, boost productivity, and provide a future-proof solution for the MacBook workstation.

With PC motherboard manufacturers implementing 40 Gbps USB4, one wonders what's next for the [mostly] universal connectivity standard. Turns out, it is USB4 2.0, which yields the connector 80 Gbps of data bandwidth per direction, and 60 W of power-delivery (PD). Power delivery for USB4 2.0 can be as high as 240 W (48 V, 5 A). Japanese PC peripherals maker Elecom is the first with certified cables for both 80 Gbps + 60 W PD and 80 Gbps + 240 W PD. Besides power and data, both cables support DisplayPort passthrough for up to 8K @ 60 Hz (7680 x 4320 pixels). USB-IF, the governing body of the USB standard, is expected to formally launch USB4 2.0 in December 2024. A typical USB4 2.0 host controller will require at least a PCI-Express 5.0 x4 system bus connection to reach the standard's maximum bandwidth.

Sony has today added to its INZONE gaming gear range with the INZONE M10S - a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor that is changing the game with super high 480 Hz refresh rate, 0.03 ms response time and QHD resolution. Co-developed with leading esports team Fnatic, the INZONE M10S is designed to be tournament ready thanks to a 24.5-inch playing mode and new FPS Pro modes.

Sony is also introducing the INZONE M9 II - an update to its 4K HDR gaming monitor with backlight scanning added to improve motion clarity.

LG Electronics (LG) announces that its webOS Hub platform is now available for third-party gaming monitors. This expansion follows the company's previous rollout of the webOS Hub platform to third-party smart TVs and smart monitors, addressing the increasing trend of gaming monitors and smart monitors being equipped with OTT streaming services.

The new platform features, customized for gaming monitors, include VRR 180 Hz, providing gamers with an optimal environment free from stuttering or tearing. The platform also maximizes user convenience with various connectivity options, including wired and wireless keyboards and mouse, DisplayPort and USB-C type. Additionally, the Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer allow users to easily configure the optimal settings for each game. The Game card app provides easy access to content, including cloud games.

Acer today announced the expansion of its Predator gaming monitor line with two new 27-inch models that promise to deliver exceptional speed and stunning visuals for enjoying the latest titles in their full glory. Both monitors bring cutting-edge technology and innovation to the forefront, catering to the needs of gamers who demand only the best performance.

Equipped with a WQHD, 360 Hz panel, and the new NVIDIA G-SYNC Pulsar technology, the Predator XB273U F5 is a gaming powerhouse and is certain to awe even the most demanding players with smooth and dynamic frames. The Predator XB273K V5 comes with a 4K UHD resolution display with 160 Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology to showcase crisp details and motion for enjoying games in stunning clarity. With Dynamic Frequency and Resolution (DFR) technology, users can opt to switch to FHD resolution at 320 Hz to tailor the gaming experience based on their preference.

Silkland, a tech brand specializing in cables and accessories, has released the first-ever 16K VESA-certified USB C to DisplayPort 2.1 cable to support the future of visual display technology, now available on Amazon. With support for 16K resolution, users can expect an unparalleled level of detail and realism, making the cable ideal for high-end computing, gaming, and professional applications. It is also backward compatible with 8K and 4K resolutions, ensuring a versatile and future-proof solution for all display needs.

One of the standout features of this cable is its bi-directional support, allowing it to connect USB C devices like laptops, phones, and tablets to DisplayPort monitors or connect DisplayPort devices like PC to USB C monitors. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. Additionally, it is compatible with Thunderbolt 5/4/3, offering a plug-and-play experience with no drivers needed.

ASMedia announced that its USB4 host controller chip, ASM4242, has received Thunderbolt 4 certification, following its USB-IF certification earlier this year. This marks a significant milestone for the ASM4242, toward providing a comprehensive high-speed transmission solution and an outstanding user experience. The Thunderbolt 4 certification signifies that ASM4242 meets Thunderbolt's stringent standards in signal quality, compatibility, and reliability, ensuring exceptional connection stability and compatibility.

Thunderbolt 4 is fully compatible with USB4, integrating power, data transmission, and video display into a single interface, offering up to 40 Gbps bandwidth to meet the demands of high-speed file transfer, 100 W fast charging, and multi-display setups. A single cable can daisy-chain up to 5 devices, driving high-bandwidth data, power, and video transmission. Gamers, creators, and professionals can connect multiple displays and accessories through this powerful connection standard. They can also enjoy a clean and convenient workspace.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, introduces its latest XG36 Series gaming monitors. Designed for gamers aspiring to reach professional heights, the ViewSonic GAMING XG2736-2K and XG2536 stand out for their ultra-fast refresh rates, exceptionally low response times, and true-to-life visuals. These monitors deliver smooth, lifelike gaming experiences, empowering gamers to unleash their full potential.

"We believe the XG36 Series will be the ideal gaming partner," said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. "The new XG36 Series is perfect for gamers looking to excel in competitive gaming, helping them unlock their full potential—whether they're training in a personal space, competing in a school esports club, or strategizing in a team gaming room. The XG36 Series empowers gamers to evolve from challengers to champions."

Display specialist AOC proudly presents the AOC 16T3EA, a versatile portable monitor that combines a bold design with stunning visuals, elevating the mobile computing experience to new heights. With thin bezels and a sleek design, the 15.6" (39.5 cm) AOC 16T3EA is designed to cater to the needs of professional consumers, digital nomads, and hybrid workers seeking a dynamic and reliable tool to enhance productivity and adaptability on the go.

Finding the perfect blend of style and technology, the AOC 16T3EA features a 15.6" IPS panel with Full HD resolution, and is thus the ultimate portable companion for laptops of similar size and enables a matching mobile multi-monitor setup in just a few seconds. The ease of connectivity and the portability empowers users to extend their screens seamlessly, making the 16T3EA ideal for a wide range of use cases.