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| PC World - 9 hours ago (PC World)Elon Musk, the divisive CEO of Tesla and more recently the owner of Twitter (now known as X), is a fierce critic of the AI industry—but now also a deeply invested participant in that very same industry.
X’s Grok generative AI product is being integrated into the web and mobile versions of the social network, and training itself on billions of tweets thanks to an automatic opt-in for all users. (All large language model (LLM) AI tools need to be trained on massive amounts of text, which is why ChatGPT periodically releases new versions with an updated core database.)
Well, it seems like a constantly refreshed pool of conversations from some of the web’s most active users was simply too much for company xAI to resist, which now automatically scans your “posts as well as your interactions, inputs, and [Grok search] results.”
At the moment, X is using Grok as a chatbot for premium users and to replace human-made summaries of late-breaking news stories, with predictable issues resulting. The flippant and “rebellious” tone of the Grok model’s responses has been criticized by initial users, and its reliance on constantly updated data from X seems to make it particularly susceptible to deliberate misinformation campaigns.
All X/Twitter users are automatically opted into having their data scanned by Grok, whether they pay for premium features or not. Thankfully, it’s possible to opt out manually… though not particularly straightforward.
To keep Grok from scanning your content, go to X’s Settings menu on the web (the option is not available in the official app). Click Privacy & Safety, then Grok, then remove the checkmark from Allow your posts…to be used for training and fine-tuning.
At this point, I can’t help but point out that the word “grok” (a verb meaning “to understand deeply”) entered the mid-century lexicon from Robert Heinlein’s 1961 novel Stranger in a Strange Land. Heinlein, who also wrote sci-fi staples like The Moon is a Harsh Mistress and Starship Troopers, is iconic for both his expansive speculative fiction and heavy-handed libertarian themes. He’s a favorite among Silicon Valley tech CEOs like Musk.
Heinlein was also famously obsessive about the need for privacy and the dangers of losing it, something that he expressed both in his fiction and his personal life. I wonder how he’d feel about a ubiquitous social network scanning every word you’ve written on it (and beyond) without so much as a “by your leave,” for the purpose of training an AI tool. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 10 hours ago (PC World)Power strips are essential for any workstation because you have so many devices to keep plugged in, from your computer to your monitors to your chargers and everything else. But power strips get in the way.
Unless you have this desk-clamping power strip with surge protection, which is down to just $25 right now from its original $59.
This versatile power station securely mounts to the side or back of your desk using an edge-mount bracket, freeing your workspace of clutter while keeping all your devices accessible within arm’s reach.
It has three power outlets, two 20W USB-C PD ports, and two USB-A ports, so you can fast charge multiple devices at once while also powering your computer, monitors, and accessories.
This desk-clamping power strip features a flat plug on a 6-foot power cord, so it’s long enough to reach your wall outlet even if you hook this up to a standing desk. In this way, even when you raise your desk, the power strip has enough slack for any height.
Installation is super simple, too. No screws or drill holes needed. The clamp is wide enough that it will fit desks up to 1.6 inches thick.
Ready to level up your workstation? Grab yourself this desk-clamping power strip for just $25 on Amazon and simplify your desk setup.
This desk-clamping power strip is 58% offBuy now on Amazon Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 10 hours ago (PC World)Gaming laptops are a breed of their own, with great specs, sharp displays, and big price tags. So when I found the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2024) on sale for its best price yet, I got rather excited!
What stands out to me is that this laptop comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, delivering superb graphics and strong gaming performance. Powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, the ROG Strix G16 promises smooth gameplay and multitasking power, especially with its 16GB of DDR5 RAM and spacious 1TB SSD.
When we reviewed the Asus ROG Strix G16, we absolutely adored it and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Our expert appreciated that the laptop makes excellent use of the performance hardware it has under the hood, while the display looks absolutely brilliant. That was the 2023 version; the one on sale today is the improved 2024 version.
This laptop has a 16-inch display with a 1920×1200 resolution and 165Hz refresh rate. “The G16’s display is also Pantone Validated for those who might want to use it for design work. […] The laptop is certainly powerful enough for this kind of work,” our expert noted.
In our review, we also called the Asus ROG Strix G16 “a great all-round 16-inch gaming laptop, being powerful, exceptionally stylish, and packed with useful features.”
So, if you want to get a super solid 16-inch gaming laptop and save a bit of money doing so, the Asus ROG Strix G16 being down to $1,165 is a fantastic opportunity worth cashing in on.
Save $235 on the Asus ROG Strix G16 laptopBuy now on Amazon Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 11 hours ago (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsAmazingly easy customizationStylish lightingSemi-standard layout for keycapsConsExpensive base price and add-onsNo adjustable feetABS keycapsOur VerdictThe CSTM65 lives up to its name, being extremely easy to disassemble and customize. It’s a solid middle ground between a full custom keyboard build and a regular retail design.
Best Prices Today: Drop.com CSTM65 Keyboard
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Price
Drop.com
129.99
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Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide
Product
Price
Price comparison from Backmarket
One of the first mechanical keyboards I ever owned was bought from Massdrop. More recently the online store is just going by Drop.com, and even more recently it’s been acquired by an ever-hungry Corsair. I imagine it’s the latter that’s pushed it into making less expensive, more accessible designs like the CSTM65.
This board is all about customization: The switches, the software, and even the case can be upgraded without any special tools or knowledge. It’s a good middle step between a regular mechanical board and building your own…though it doesn’t offer a great value.
Further reading: See our roundup of the best mechanical keyboards to learn about competing products.
Unassuming looks
If the CSTM65 looks familiar, that might be by design. Its 65 percent layout, lack of branding, and all-black looks seem almost intentionally vague, as if meant to appeal to keyboard users who want to eschew the garish colors and logos of gaming boards. But there are a couple of distinctive touches, including shine-through keycaps with legends on the bottom to take full advantage of south-facing LEDs. It’s a nice, stealthy look, if that’s what you’re into.
This board is all about customization: The switches, the software, and even the case can be upgraded without any special tools or knowledge.
In terms of hardware, it’s pretty standard for boards in this market. It’s wired with a braided USB-C cord in the box, hot-swap switch sockets for changing out the key feel (you get either basic Gateron Brown tactile or Yellow linears by default), and some goodies like internal sound-absorbing foam and a gasket-mounted PCB. Again, pretty typical, but there’s nothing to complain about except perhaps a higher-than-average price tag.
Crack it open
But there are a few other parts that highlight this board’s customization focus. The 65 percent layout isn’t technically standard, but it’s about as close as it can be at this size. Only the 1.75u right Shift key is off from ANSI, and that’s a common enough inclusion for custom keycap sets (including Drop’s many branded options). A slightly larger version of this board, the CSTM80, comes in a standard tenkeyless (TKL) layout.
The stylish weighted bottom piece is aluminum out of the box, but you can upgrade this with steel or brass (sold separately).
The stylish weighted bottom piece is aluminum out of the box, but you can upgrade this with steel or brass (sold separately). Michael Crider/Foundry
The stylish weighted bottom piece is aluminum out of the box, but you can upgrade this with steel or brass (sold separately). Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
The real wow factor is the case. Unplug the cable, lift up the sides, and the top comes right off, secured with a series of magnets. You can swap it out for other colors and accented designs available from Drop, or even a swanky aluminum replacement. With a few exposed screws removed, you can get to the keyboard’s internal circuit board, foam layers, and the bottom of the case, which also holds a replaceable weighted piece. The one in the box is aluminum, but you can upgrade it with chunky and heavy brass.
The top of the case pulls off easily from its magnetic mount, and the rest is easily accessible with a screwdriver.
The top of the case pulls off easily from its magnetic mount, and the rest is easily accessible with a screwdriver. Michael Crider/Foundry
The top of the case pulls off easily from its magnetic mount, and the rest is easily accessible with a screwdriver. Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
It’s just about as easy as any keyboard can be to work on and upgrade, far more so than any gaming board or even Keychron’s custom-focused Q series. If you’re into more intense customization, you can even remove the plastic plate and the screw-in stabilizers. Like I said, this is a very nice middle ground between building your own keyboard from the ground up and going with a more expensive custom-style or boutique build.
That said, there are a few corners cut. The default plastic case doesn’t feel great — it’s a little flimsy, aside from the brushed aluminum bottom plate. It’s also lacking any adjustable feet, an odd omission on a keyboard otherwise so happy to be tweaked. And the keycaps, while solid, are still ABS plastic instead of a more premium PBT. That’s a let-down coming from Drop, which certainly knows keyboard fans will be looking for the latter.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
I get the feeling that CSTM boards are offered more as a starting point for Drop.com customers, hopefully enticed by more elaborate keycaps and other accessories. Which is fine…but I have to evaluate it as a product wholly on its own. And at this price point, I would have preferred to see a little less plastic.
Performance
Without any modifications at all, the CSTM65 is a decent if unspectacular board. Gateron’s linear Yellow switches are pretty good, though a little less stable than I prefer (my favorite switches use a stem with a circle or square outer rim to cut down on wobble). The stabilizers are likewise fine, though there’s definitely a bit of chatter in the space bar despite the generous internal padding.
Thanks to the semi-standard layout I was able to use the board immediately for my typing-heavy workload with ease. And as a wired board it works fine for gaming, though it lacks the dedicated features and per-game profiles of dedicated gaming keyboards. Since Drop didn’t advertise it as a gaming board, I won’t penalize the board for lacking them, something I can’t say for other boards with a custom focus.
The south-facing LEDs and bottom-printed shine-through keycaps are striking…even if they are a disappointing PBT plastic.
The south-facing LEDs and bottom-printed shine-through keycaps are striking…even if they are a disappointing PBT plastic. Michael Crider/Foundry
The south-facing LEDs and bottom-printed shine-through keycaps are striking…even if they are a disappointing PBT plastic. Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Those south-facing LEDs (that means they’re on the bottom of the switch relative to the keyboard, towards the user) are notably bright and vivid, with a bit of extra style thanks to the shine-through keycaps with legends on the bottom. It’s an understated, stylish touch that I appreciate, even without a ton of animation options you’ll find from some Corsair boards. Speaking of which…
Software
According to the promotional page, the CSTM65 is compatible with QMK, VIA, and Vial programming tools. I wasn’t able to get the keyboard to show up on the VIA and Vial web-based interfaces, an issue that seems to be repeated with other buyers. But fortunately Drop has its own custom-made programming tool available for Windows.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
It’s a good one, offering an easy at-a-glance interface for customizing up to four layers. Lighting is a little more sparse, but there are a handful of built-in animations that should tide you over if you want a light show, and RGB-based options for solid colors and breathing. These can be set and adjusted with key combinations, no software work required.
Not showing up in Via (even after I loaded up the custom definition) is annoying. I can only hope that it’s a firmware issue, and can be fixed with an update. But it was easy enough to customize the keyboard layout and lighting as-is, which is more than I can say for some boards in this price range.
Expensive upgrades
Drop.com is asking $130 for the CSTM65, which is pretty pricey for a board with a plastic case and no wireless option. You could get our top gaming keyboard pick, Corsair’s own K65 Plus Wireless, for a little more. You could also get something like the Keydous NJ80-AP, which is less easy to customize but comes with far better parts out of the box, plus wireless.
But let’s examine some of the customization options, since this is one of the board’s big selling points. With only the tools in the box plus a screwdriver, you can upgrade the case top, the weighted bottom, the keycaps, the switches, and the plate (the part in between the circuit board and the switches). All of these are available on Drop.com’s site.
Drop.com offers a collection of easy-to-swap-out parts for this board, but they don’t come cheap.
Drop.com offers a collection of easy-to-swap-out parts for this board, but they don’t come cheap.
Drop.com
Drop.com offers a collection of easy-to-swap-out parts for this board, but they don’t come cheap.
Drop.com
Drop.com
But they don’t come cheap. A new plastic case top in a handful of colors is $25, $35 for the nice green one with a bit of printed bling, or a hefty $59 for a black or gray aluminum one. Steel or brass weights for the bottom are $49 a piece, and an aluminum, brass, or carbon fiber plate ranges from $25 to $49. For a “fully upgraded” version of this keyboard, you’re looking at an extra $100 or more…and that doesn’t even touch the rather basic keycaps or switches.
You can get the CSTM65 or the CSTM80 in barebones packages without the switches, top, or keycaps, but you’ll quickly find the parts adding up anyway, especially if you want some of Drop’s themed keycap sets. Just the 70 switches and a 65 percent keycap set will put you over the pre-assembled retail price, even if you go for the cheapest third-party parts.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
Michael Crider/Foundry
For that kind of money there are far better options, available in a wide variety of layouts and styles. They’re not as easy to modify, but they’re not that much harder either, and they come with wireless capabilities. Like some of the other branded Drop keyboards I’ve tried, the value proposition is lacking.
Is the Drop CSTM65 worth it?
I’m not saying you shouldn’t consider this keyboard. It does make sense if you want to customize a board with incredible ease, and you’re intimidated by more complex builds. And you don’t particularly care about gaming features or wireless…and you’re not on any kind of restricted budget. It wouldn’t hurt if you’re already a fan of Drop.com as a site, since that’s the only place to find some of these parts.
The CSTM65 makes sense if you want to customize a board with incredible ease, and you’re intimidated by more complex builds.
But even so, I’d recommend waiting for a sale. I’ve seen the CSTM65 go for $100 even over the course of this review period, and that makes its compromises a lot more palatable. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jul (PC World)Once upon a time, Windows was notorious for its poor security, with frequent reports of major attacks by viruses and hackers. With the release of Windows 7, Microsoft started to get its security act together and nowadays Windows 11 is the most secure system to date.
While Windows 11 offers a great deal of security, it also includes many features that monitor your computer usage in order to expose you to personalized advertising. Fortunately, this can be adjusted using various settings and in this guide we’ll show you how to increase both the security and privacy of your computer.
Further reading: 20 smart tweaks that make Windows 11 more productive
Login and accounts
get windows 11 pro for cheap
Windows 11 Pro
A screen lock is a must-have for laptops. Some models support fingerprint and facial recognition, but all can choose a password or PIN. Here’s how to set it up.
Open the Settings > Accounts > Login options. Select the one you want to use and follow the instructions.
Make it even more secure
You can make your login more secure by using only a high-security login method.
Open Login Options and switch on the following: For improved security, you should only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.
Automatically lock your computer
When you walk away from your computer, you can lock it using the keyboard shortcut Windows + L. You can also let it lock automatically.
Open the Login options, go to When should Windows require you to log in again if you have been away from your computer?, and select Time from the menu on the right. You can also enable Dynamic lock. This means that if you have paired your computer with a pair of headphones or another Bluetooth device, you can lock your computer when the pairing is broken, i.e. when you walk away from your computer.
Integrity
Skip the login
Windows 11 works best if you’re logged in with your Microsoft account, but to reduce monitoring you can skip the login and use a so-called local account.
Open the Settings menu >Accounts >Your information. Under the heading Account Settings, select Log in with a local account instead to launch a settings wizard.
Switch off Windows Ad ID
Microsoft “monitors” your usage to customize advertising to your interests, but this can be turned off.
Go to Settings menu>Privacy and Security>Windows permissions>General information. Here you should disable the feature Allow apps to show customized ads using my advertising ID. You can also control other things that affect Windows privacy from here.
Share less information
You can choose what information Windows can access. By limiting it, you protect your privacy, but lose some functionality.
Open the Settings menu>Privacy and Security>Windows permissions. Here you can stop sharing information related to speech recognition and handwriting features. You can also remove your feedback to Microsoft and the monitoring of your own history. In addition, you can customize your searches.
Control the apps
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
Even individual apps have access to things like the camera, microphone, and your exact location. You can control these things through App Authorization.
Open the Settings>Privacy and Security>App permissions. Click on the function you want to control, for example Positioning or Camera. You can now switch sharing on or off and choose which individual apps get which permissions. If you’re curious about what private information an app has used, scroll down to Recent activities to see the week’s history.
Stop apps from sharing
By default, apps can share information with each other – but this can be restricted or turned off completely.
Go to Settings menu>Apps>Advanced settings for apps>Share between devices. Click on the arrow and choose how to share.
Stop telling us about yourself
Through the Device Usage feature, Microsoft customises the system (and advertising) to your habits, but you can opt out.
Open Settings>Customization>Device usage. Open it and trigger the Off position on everything there.
Skip the “tips”
Some Microsoft ‘tips’ are perceived by many as advertising, but you can switch them off for good.
Go to Preferences>System>Notifications. Scroll down to Additional settings and remove the functions you do not want to use.
Malware programs
Scan for viruses
Windows 11 has a built-in security programme called Windows Defender. It is automatically activated if you are not running any other security package and it takes care of itself. However, if you want, you can start a virus check yourself.
Open the Settings menu>Privacy and security>Windows security>Protection against viruses and threats. Now a new program will open that is focused on security and here you can dodge Quick scan to start a virus scan. It’s also possible to select Options for searching to perform a full virus scan or one that takes place in offline mode. Under Windows Security there are also other important features. If all icons are green, no action is required, but you can tweak the settings by clicking on the respective feature.
Protect yourself against Trojans
An extortion trojan is a malware that locks your private files and demands payment to unlock them. Windows 11 can protect you against this in advance.
Open Protection against viruses and threats and scroll down to Manage ransomware protection. Switch on the feature Regulated folder access. By default, the standard Windows folders are protected, but you control this yourself by selecting Protected folders.
Avoid false positives
Controlled folder access only allows programs/apps that Microsoft has approved. If it blocks an application that you know is trustworthy, you can “whitelist” the app.
Go to Controlled folder access and select Allow an app in Controlled Folder Access. Click on the Add an allowed app and select Recently blocked apps or Browse blocked apps.
Theft
Find a missing computer
Windows 11 has a feature to help you find a device that has gone missing. With internet and location enabled, you can see where it is and you can have it ring loudly, allowing you to find it with ease. You can also send messages to the finder and, in the worst case, delete sensitive information.
Switch on the feature via Settings>Privacy and Security>Find my device. If your device has disappeared, go to account.microsoft.com/devices on any device and sign in with your Microsoft account. Locate the correct device in the list and tap Find my device. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | ITBrief - 26 Jul (ITBrief)![NZ Located](/pimages/nzsmall.gif) Appdome has bolstered its Geo-Fraud Detection service with Geo-Location Fencing and Geo Desync Attack Detection to better protect mobile apps from location-based fraud. Read...Newslink ©2024 to ITBrief | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jul (PC World)In order to train their models, AI generative text tools like ChatGPT scour the internet for text…which is also something that search engines like Google do. So, why not combine them and just give you everything? That seems to be the thinking behind SearchGPT, a new search engine from ChatGPT maker OpenAI.
The product was announced as a prototype on OpenAI’s website, inviting users to join a wait list to access the tool. According to the company, it’s designed to “combine the strength of our AI models with information from the web to give you fast and timely answers with clear and relevant resources.” The prototype tool is “temporary,” at least for the moment, but at least some of its features and functionality will be integrated into the wider ChatGPT product and its accompanying apps and APIs.
It makes sense. ChatGPT’s language model is a huge and unwieldy collection of data, so users can only access updated versions of it periodically — the current ChatGPT-4 model is trained on data that stopped updating in April of 2023. So adding in indexed search data that’s far more recent could give more accurate and timely information to queries and other tools reliant on ChatGPT’s various features. For an immediately relevant example, ChatGPT-4 can’t accurately tell you who the current nominees for the 2024 US presidential election are, but a search engine can get them right away.
OpenAI has been criticized for training its models on copyrighted pages and data without permission, and it’s showing awareness of that criticism in SearchGPT’s announcement. “We’ve partnered with publishers to build this experience and continue to seek their feedback,” says the page, and the search engine will include “a way for publishers to manage how they appear” in it. Animated examples on the promo page show links to the source of generated answers. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jul (PC World)Right now, Windows 10 and Windows 11 are duking it out as the main Windows operating system of choice for users. Yet while some of their modern features are great, it’s no secret that many users still long for the days of older Windows versions.
Get Windows 11 Pro for cheap
Windows 11 Pro
And Windows 7 remains one of the most popular and most fondly remembered versions of the operating system to this day.
Wish you could go back to Windows 7? A user named Come on Windows made a comprehensive YouTube video tutorial that shows how you can convert Windows 10 to Windows 7 in about half an hour.
How Windows 10 becomes Windows 7
The transformation from Windows 10 to a version that’s strikingly similar to Windows 7 looks quite easy in the video. That’s because the user is obviously familiar with Windows and modding.
On the one hand, he uses special apps like AME Wizard and Revert8Plus to tweak some bits; on the other hand, he dives into the Windows Registry and deletes certain files. The end result is that he successfully makes Windows 10 look and feel like Windows 7.
And the resulting Windows 7 modification appears to be fully functional. However, we can’t just from the video alone whether all software on your system will run smoothly afterwards.
Should you try this yourself?
The modder’s experiment shows that it’s entirely possible to conjure up an older version of Windows from a modern one with relative ease, without installing a different operating system.
However, we don’t advise trying this yourself unless you’re willing to accept the very real risk of bricking your computer. There’s a non-zero chance that your computer could experience limited functionality and/or be unable to be reset back to Windows 10 proper.
That said, if you want to give this a shot, you could do it safely on a virtual PC, for example by using VMware Workstation Pro (which is now free).
Learn more: How to set up virtual PCs with VMware Workstation Pro Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jul (PC World)Maingear just tore back the curtains on a new gaming laptop called the ML-17. Not only is this one decked out with ridiculously powerful hardware, it also comes with much-awaited Thunderbolt 5 support. It’s so hot, I’m surprised it doesn’t breathe fire.
If you’re part of gaming PC circles, you’ve likely heard of Maingear, the company that’s known for designing and building high-performance custom PCs.
Well, Maingear’s latest laptop offering—though powerful and will no doubt deliver blazing fast performance—doesn’t actually stray far from the previous ML-16 laptop‘s blueprint in terms of aesthetics. The one discernible difference? The ML-17’s screen is a little bigger.
More like this: The best gaming laptops of 2024
Details on the Maingear ML-17
Maingear
Maingear
Maingear
The Maingear ML-17 has all the bells and whistles you could want. Maingear loaded this beast up with an Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile GPU, up to 64GB of RAM, and up to three 4TB (that’s 12TB total) of SSD storage.
Although PCWorld hasn’t given this machine a test run yet, I can confidently say that, given the specs, it will likely chew through anything we throw at it, whether that’s an intensive battle royale game or editing a sappy wedding video.
And did I mention the screen is humongous? It measures 17.3 inches, which I find to be comically large myself, but serious gamers may prefer this bigger screen as it allows you to see more of the game you’re playing in crisper detail.
With the ML-17, you can expect sharp images thanks to its 2560×1440 resolution, and its 240Hz refresh rate should ensure smooth gameplay. The display also supports Nvidia’s G-Sync technology, which helps reduce the likelihood of screen tearing in games.
Other cool features include a full-sized keyboard with per-key RGB lighting, a massive 99 watt-hour battery, a pair of stereo speakers, a durable metal chassis, and dual Thunderbolt 5 ports.
Thunderbolt 5, which is set to replace Thunderbolt 4, boasts faster connectivity speeds and supports displays with refresh rates as high as 540Hz. It’s useful if you have a cutting-edge external monitor.
The ML-17 is a high-performance machine that fits neatly within the scope of Maingear’s brand. That said, while the inclusion of dual Thunderbolt 5 ports is pretty darn rad, I’ve seen this kind of top-tier configuration many times before—it very much falls in the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” camp.
The ML-17 is available right now with a lofty starting price of $3,899. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 25 Jul (PC World)No matter how much you reduce, reuse, and recycle, the simple fact is that sometimes you just need a new laptop. Whether it’s for new features, greater performance, or your old one suddenly died, a new laptop can be an exciting upgrade—and it doesn’t have to be eco-unfriendly.
In fact, there are many great laptops out there that span the spectrum of environmental impact, some better than others. Sure, the bamboo laptop didn’t exactly catch on, but you don’t have to go that far to be green.
From power consumption to build materials to repairability, here are some of the most important factors to consider if you’re looking to buy a laptop that’s eco-conscious.
Factor #1: Build and packaging materials
One of the more obvious ways a laptop is made more eco-friendly is the use of recycled materials in its construction.
Some companies use post-consumer recycled plastics, others use recycled ocean-bound plastics, and yet others use post-industrial recycled materials like carbon fiber from the aerospace industry. You’ll find these in the typically plastic elements of a laptop, such as the keycaps, adapters, peripherals, and in some cases the chassis covers.
There are also low-carbon materials used in some laptop manufacturing. Low-carbon aluminum production reduces carbon emissions by using renewable energy to power the smelting process. Biodegradable materials, like castor beans, are also being used instead of traditional plastics in some designs.
Packaging is important, too, with a gargantuan quantity of cardboard used in the shipping and delivery of new laptops. Using recycled cardboard or cardboard alternatives can make a big difference. Closed-loop material manufacturing ensures that manufacturers reuse or recycle as much of their e-waste as possible.
A more human-friendly aspect to the choice of build materials is how and where those materials are sourced. Many precious metals used in the construction of modern electronics are sourced from war-torn countries, which is why eco-friendly laptop manufacturers are part of organizations like the Responsible Business Alliance, which help ensure their supply chains are regulated for environmental and human rights protections.
Factor #2: Energy efficiency
Dell and other manufacturers use labels such as Energy Star, 80 Plus, and EPEAT to highlight laptop efficiency.
Dell and other manufacturers use labels such as Energy Star, 80 Plus, and EPEAT to highlight laptop efficiency.Dell
Dell and other manufacturers use labels such as Energy Star, 80 Plus, and EPEAT to highlight laptop efficiency.Dell
Dell
Energy efficiency is an important component in how eco-friendly any device is, but it’s especially true for laptops, which are one of the more powerful portable devices we use regularly.
High-powered gaming laptops with top-tier GPUs often blow through their (large) batteries very quickly, drawing tens or even a hundred-plus watts during intense gaming sessions.
By contrast, compact and efficient Chromebooks and other high-efficiency ultrabooks sip power throughout the day, with their much-more-modest batteries lasting for upwards of 20 hours sometimes.
Although leaner, lower-power laptops are typically more energy-efficient, you can still find impressive efficiency in powerful laptops. Apple’s M-series MacBooks show incredible efficiency and super-long battery life without compromising on power and performance.
For more general advice on eco-friendly laptop buying, look for models that have an Energy Star rating. That means they’ve been independently certified to use between 25 to 40 percent less power than conventional laptops thanks to efficient components and power management.
You can use the Energy Star search tool to find particularly efficient laptops and other electronics, if you want direct recommendations. Similarly, EPEAT certifications give grades to laptops based on how eco-friendly they are, and you can use the EPEAT Registry search tool to find all electronics that have an EPEAT rating.
Look for manufacturers who have strong environmental policies, too. For example, Lenovo has taken significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint. If that’s important to you, make sure to research how each laptop brand handles its environmental impact before buying.
Factor #3: Repairability
Framework laptops are designed to be as modular and repairable as possible.
Framework laptops are designed to be as modular and repairable as possible.Framework
Framework laptops are designed to be as modular and repairable as possible.Framework
Framework
One of the most exciting eco-friendly trends in recent years has been the push for greater repairability and upgradeability in electronics, whether it’s RAM, storage, or even batteries.
And then you have laptop manufacturers that take it a step further, like Framework laptops that have incredibly modular designs that even allow you to replace the CPU and GPU.
Some components aren’t so easily replaceable, including displays and CPU/GPU coolers, but certain laptop manufacturers are doing what they can to make repairs and replacements easier.
This kind of user-centric upgradeability and repairability is at the heart of many modern laptop designs, and it’s often done by holding the system together using screws and removable fasteners. Eco-unfriendly laptops tend to use resin and glue instead, which make laptops harder to take apart and near impossible to put back together.
iFixit is a great resource that tears down and grades electronics—including but not limited to laptops—by their repairability and how easy it would be for someone to fix or upgrade different parts.
Repairability is an important eco-friendly factor because simple repairs can extend laptop lifespans by multiple years. Otherwise, a broken keyboard or battery could render an entire laptop useless even though the rest of it is perfectly fine.
Factor #4: How you use it
You probably can’t turn a high-powered laptop into an ultra-lean efficient machine, but you can be more efficient with how you use it.
From utilizing more efficient power plans to turning down the screen brightness to closing down applications and browser tabs you aren’t using, there are many behavioral changes you can adopt to improve your laptop’s efficiency, lifespan, and power consumption.
If you’re a gamer, you can try playing at a lower resolution or turning down graphical detail settings to reduce how hard your laptop has to work. Upscaling algorithms like Nvidia’s DLSS, AMD’s FSR, and Intel’s XeSS can all boost frame rates without additional power draw.
More on this: DLSS vs. FSR vs. XeSS: Upscaling, explained
Frame generation is another AI-powered feature that goes a step further, boosting FPS by creating additional frames in between frames. (Sadly, as of this writing, the list of compatible games is relatively short.)
You can also try to avoid using your laptop when it’s particularly hot or cold, as that can degrade components—especially the battery—more quickly and lead to reduced lifespan.
Factor #5: The afterlife
The final stage in any laptop’s life is when it gets sent to silicon heaven. While traditionally we end up dumping old laptops in landfills or handing them off to unsuspecting relatives who don’t know better, you have more eco-friendly options these days.
Donating your laptop to an organization like Computers With Causes or Computer Aid is a great way to pass along an unwanted device that still has some life left in it.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to upgrade, you should look into trade-in schemes by Dell, Apple, Samsung, and other laptop manufacturers, which can get you money off your next purchase.
If your laptop is truly dead and would be of no use to anyone, make sure you don’t trash it. Not only is it illegal in many states, but there’s a lot of useful metal and other components that can be recycled.
Some laptop manufacturers have their own recycling programs, so check those out if you don’t mind the shipping process. Alternatively, stores like Best Buy have in-house recycling for laptops and other electronics. They’ll ensure that your laptop is stripped for parts, with useful metals and materials extracted before the rest is trashed.
Whichever disposal method you use for your laptop, make sure you completely wipe it first. Securely zero-fill erase the SSD (or drill a hole if it’s an HDD) to make doubly sure that your personal data and information can’t be reclaimed or recovered. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
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