Desktops - Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com Modern Industrial Design News Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:58:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 Keychron B1 Pro: Ultra-Thin Wireless Keyboard for Minimalists on the Go https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/02/keychron-b1-pro-ultra-thin-wireless-keyboard-for-minimalists-on-the-go/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=keychron-b1-pro-ultra-thin-wireless-keyboard-for-minimalists-on-the-go Sun, 02 Jun 2024 20:45:53 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492725

Keychron B1 Pro: Ultra-Thin Wireless Keyboard for Minimalists on the Go

It may not have the mechanical joy that the Lofree EDGE offered as the world’s slimmest mechanical keyboard, but the Keychron B1 Pro does offer...
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It may not have the mechanical joy that the Lofree EDGE offered as the world’s slimmest mechanical keyboard, but the Keychron B1 Pro does offer an incredibly slim design that’s portable enough to slide right into your backpack. Boasting a minimal aesthetic bundled within a portable design, the B1 Pro is an ultra-slim wireless keyboard that comes with a whopping 1200 battery life and a rather commendable $39.99 price tag.

Designer: Keychron

The B1 Pro deviates from Keychron’s usual mechanical keyboards by opting for scissor-switch keys, similar to those found on laptops. This design keeps the profile incredibly thin, measuring just 5.2mm at the front and reaching a maximum height of 14.5mm. It’s incredibly lightweight too, at only 425g, making it a perfect companion for tossing in your bag and working from anywhere.

Despite its slim profile, the B1 Pro doesn’t compromise on performance. With a 1000Hz polling rate on the 2.4GHz wireless connection, you can expect smooth and responsive typing. It also offers Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly pair it with multiple devices. This is also accompanied by a battery life of a staggering 1200 hours on a single charge. Translated to real-world use, that translates to roughly 8 months of typing for 5 hours a day – a near elimination of charging woes.

The keyboard has a Mac layout while remaining functional with Windows and Linux. It even features the same multimedia and function key functions as Apple keyboards, providing a familiar experience for Mac users with the added benefit of a more comfortable typing experience thanks to the scissor-switch keys. For added comfort during extended typing sessions, the B1 Pro features a 3.2-degree tilt angle and concave keycaps designed to improve accuracy. It even comes with a dedicated emoji shortcut key and a protective silicone keycap cover for increased durability.

The B1 Pro supports ZMK firmware, allowing users to program keys, macros, and shortcuts directly through a web interface. This eliminates the need for complex software installations and provides a user-friendly way to tailor the keyboard to your specific needs.

At an affordable price point of $39.99, the Keychron B1 Pro offers a compelling combination of portability, functionality, and battery life. Whether you’re a minimalist on the go, a student juggling classes, or someone who simply prefers a low-profile keyboard, the B1 Pro is definitely worth considering.

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ASUS ROG Ally X gaming handheld PC brings small changes that have a big impact https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/02/asus-rog-ally-x-gaming-handheld-pc-brings-small-changes-that-have-a-big-impact/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=asus-rog-ally-x-gaming-handheld-pc-brings-small-changes-that-have-a-big-impact Sun, 02 Jun 2024 09:00:15 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492696

ASUS ROG Ally X gaming handheld PC brings small changes that have a big impact

After numerous leaks and rumors, the cat is finally out of the bag. The next ASUS Republic of Gamers handheld PC isn’t the Ally 2...
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After numerous leaks and rumors, the cat is finally out of the bag. The next ASUS Republic of Gamers handheld PC isn’t the Ally 2 but the ROG Ally X as expected. While some might see it as simply splitting hairs, the naming does make a difference. It still has the beating heart of the first ROG Ally, but with a few extras that respond to the criticisms and requests of the gaming community who embraced this more portable form factor right off the bat. From some perspectives, those extras are really small and subtle, especially if looking at it from the outside. But with enough of those changes working together, the ROG Ally X is positioning itself to be a more powerful companion that will let you play more games longer.

Designer: ASUS ROG

Just from a glance, you might not be able to tell that this is in any way different from the OG ROG Ally, at least except for its new all-black motif. It still boggles the mind why ASUS chose white for its first iteration, a color that’s almost alien to gamers’ palettes, though it did help the ROG Ally stand out from its rivals. If you look more closely, however, and hold the device in your hands, you might notice how things are somewhat different, hopefully for the better.

The handles, for example, are rounder now, which helps improve the grip that’s critical to a handheld device. The back triggers now come at an angle for better ergonomics, while the joystick and D-pad have been improved to be more durable and more precise. The biggest changes, however, are on the inside, where every little thing counts if it’s meant to improve the gaming experience.

It’s still the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme as the original ROG Ally, but that mobile gaming processor is now paired with 24GB of DDR-7500 RAM, up from 16GB in the first iteration. The storage capacity has been doubled to up to 1TB, but the bigger surprise is that ASUS is making it easier to upgrade it. The battery has also been doubled to 80Wh, which means you’ll have more time playing before you need to plug the little monster in. To compensate for this newfound power, ASUS ROG promises an improved thermal cooling solution so you won’t burn your hand while you play.

There is at least one change that some might consider a downgrade, depending on how attached they’ve become to ASUS’ proprietary XG external graphics port. In its place, the ROG Ally X uses a more standard Thunderbolt-compatible USB-C port that could still work with external GPUs but also with a lot more devices as well. Given all these changes, it’s no surprise that the ASUS ROG Ally X will cost more than its predecessor at $799.99. Then again, this version is squarely aimed at power gamers, and those who can live with the bare minimum can still get the older model, at least for now.

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Endgame Invisible PC desk is the ultimate gaming machine hiding in a secret hatch under the tabletop https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/31/endgame-invisible-pc-desk-is-the-ultimate-gaming-machine-hiding-in-a-secret-hatch-under-the-tabletop/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=endgame-invisible-pc-desk-is-the-ultimate-gaming-machine-hiding-in-a-secret-hatch-under-the-tabletop Fri, 31 May 2024 13:20:19 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492278

Endgame Invisible PC desk is the ultimate gaming machine hiding in a secret hatch under the tabletop

Having powerful desk setups can be exciting but all the wire clutter and visual chaos can overshadow the buzz. Matthew Perks is one DIYer who...
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Having powerful desk setups can be exciting but all the wire clutter and visual chaos can overshadow the buzz. Matthew Perks is one DIYer who is keen enough to design unique rigs that are highly functional and instantly pique the interest of a geek like me. The respected YouTuber has created some impressive projects in the past including his first attempt at an invisible desk PC.

Now, he’s more mature and experienced to create an endgame PC desk that will blow you away, just as it did to me. The final result is a functional and visually calming setup that goes perfectly with any home décor or geeky theme. This project makes technology disappear in your living space and only shows up when it’s time to get productive or go a gaming marathon.

Designer: Matthew Perks

The invisible PC setup looks minimalistic, as Matthew tactfully integrates high-end PC hardware into the frame of a desk. Barely noticeable to the unassuming eye, the OLED display, water-cooled PC and peripherals hide inside a secret hatch in the tabletop when not in use. Call it the ingenuity of the man, or level of creative patience – everything about this PC desk is done so immaculately that you’ll barely realize how difficult it actually is to make one. This is a true example of what future home computing applications could be like while harmoniously integrating with the existing interior setup.

The most difficult part of the whole DIY is to mount a 45-inch Corsair Xeneon Flex ultrawide bendable OLED display on the custom-built aluminum frame that opens and closes as smooth as butter, courtesy of the hinge mechanism pneumatic struts and tension springs. The high-performance Intel Core i9-13900K processor and Zotac GeForce RTX 4090 GPU of the PC require optimum cooling, therefore, Matthew went ahead with installing custom water blocks, but to make it even better, he then upgraded the rig with bigger heatsinks and 140mm Corsair fans.

Once everything technical got sorted, the final phase of the DIY involved aesthetics and function. For this, he added wood panels to the motorized standing desk to go with the home décor. The last little detail includes adding magnetic assists for lifting the monitor with the least effort while maintaining the sleek look of the tabletop that can take a total weight of 440 lbs without breaking a sweat.

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Logitech Debuts Wave Keys for Mac: Ergonomic Keyboard for Apple Enthusiasts https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/30/logitech-debuts-wave-keys-for-mac-ergonomic-keyboard-for-apple-enthusiasts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=logitech-debuts-wave-keys-for-mac-ergonomic-keyboard-for-apple-enthusiasts Thu, 30 May 2024 07:01:18 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492198

Logitech Debuts Wave Keys for Mac: Ergonomic Keyboard for Apple Enthusiasts

In an exciting announcement today, Logitech expanded its “Designed for Mac” lineup with the introduction of the Wave Keys for Mac, an ergonomic keyboard crafted...
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In an exciting announcement today, Logitech expanded its “Designed for Mac” lineup with the introduction of the Wave Keys for Mac, an ergonomic keyboard crafted to provide comfort and enhance productivity for Mac users. This launch, set to coincide with the release of other Mac-centric peripherals in Logitech’s portfolio, underscores the company’s commitment to creating seamless, user-friendly experiences within the Apple ecosystem.

Designer: Logitech

Ergonomics Meets Mac-Specific Design

The Wave Keys for Mac stands out as Logitech’s first ergonomic keyboard specifically designed for the Mac, adapted from the Wave Keys that launched at the end of last year. Emphasizing comfort and usability, it features a signature wave shape that ensures a natural typing posture. This wavy design positions the hands, wrists, and forearms in an optimal manner, reducing strain and promoting comfortable typing throughout the day.

A key highlight of the Wave Keys for Mac is its cushioned palm rest, which comprises three layers: memory foam, high-density foam, and a knitted fabric covering. This thoughtful design offers 57% more wrist support compared to traditional Logitech keyboards without palm rests, making it an ideal choice for prolonged use.

Compact and Versatile

The compact layout of the Wave Keys for Mac is not only space-saving but also strategically designed to promote a more natural shoulder position while using a mouse. This makes it a practical addition to any desk setup, particularly for those who prioritize ergonomics without compromising on functionality.

Further enhancing its appeal, the keyboard includes easy-to-use +4° tilt legs, allowing users to adjust the keyboard’s angle to their preference for maximum comfort.

Seamless Integration and Personalization

Logitech’s commitment to enhancing user experience is evident in the Wave Keys for Mac’s seamless integration with macOS, iPadOS, and iOS devices. Users can connect up to three Apple devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly with the tap of a button. This multi-device capability is complemented by the Logi Options+ app, which enables users to personalize their keyboard shortcuts and optimize their workflow.

The Wave Keys for Mac also boasts an impressive battery life, capable of lasting up to three years on the included AAA batteries, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring consistent performance.

Sustainable Design

In line with Logitech’s dedication to sustainability, the Wave Keys for Mac is made with 48% post-consumer recycled plastic, excluding the plastic in the printed wiring assembly, receiver, and packaging. This eco-friendly approach aligns with Logitech’s broader initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of its products and promote environmentally conscious manufacturing practices.

This launch is part of a broader initiative by Logitech to cater to the needs of Mac users. Alongside the Wave Keys for Mac, Logitech is also introducing other products such as the MX Keys S for Mac, MX Keys S Combo for Mac, MX Anywhere 3S for Mac, and MX Keys Mini for Mac. These additions are designed to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and ensure ergonomic comfort for Mac users.

Delphine Donné, Vice President and General Manager of Personal Workspace Solutions at Logitech, highlighted the company’s focus on integrating user-centric solutions with the Apple ecosystem while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. “With a focus on optimizing workflow, productivity, and comfort, our Designed for Mac portfolio empowers Apple users to unleash their creative potential and enjoy day-long comfort at the desk without sacrificing Mac compatibility and look,” said Donné.

The Wave Keys for Mac will be available for purchase in May 2024 at a price of $59.99.

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8BitDo Unveils Retro-Style Mechanical Numpad With Built-In Calculator Functionality https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/29/8bitdo-unveils-retro-style-mechanical-numpad-with-built-in-calculator-functionality/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8bitdo-unveils-retro-style-mechanical-numpad-with-built-in-calculator-functionality Wed, 29 May 2024 20:45:07 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492146

8BitDo Unveils Retro-Style Mechanical Numpad With Built-In Calculator Functionality

Following the release of last year’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard, 8bitdo decided to give the keyboard the one good thing it was missing – a gorgeous...
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Following the release of last year’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard, 8bitdo decided to give the keyboard the one good thing it was missing – a gorgeous numpad. Inspired by the retro aesthetic of tech from the 80s and 90s, the Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad exists as an independent peripheral device that can either pair up with its companion keyboard, or be used independently like an old-school calculator. A red and black seven-segment display on the top feels like retro-perfection to the eyes, and those clacky keys are sure to get your fingers crunching numbers every day because of how wonderfully tactile they are.

Designer: 8bitdo

Click Here to Pre-Order

The Numpad comes in four delightful flavors, ahem colors, each inspired by iconic gaming systems: the M edition, the Famicom edition, the C64 model, and the N edition reminiscent of the NES. These draw inspiration from the design language of those classic consoles, offering a delightful dose of retro charm for your desk setup. The M Edition is the only one to sport a black and white display, while all the others have a black-red screen that is literal eye-candy.

Beyond aesthetics, the Numpad boasts functionality in the form of two modes: a standard calculator mode with an integrated display and a PC numpad mode for entering numbers on your computer. This versatility allows it to seamlessly switch between basic calculations and data entry tasks. Buttons on the top let you alternate between modes and even explore connectivity options.

For connectivity, the Numpad offers a variety of options. It includes a USB cable, Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless freedom, and a 2.4GHz USB adapter for a lag-free connection. The rechargeable 1000mAh Li-on battery offers a solid 160 hours of use on a single charge, ensuring it can keep up with your workflow.

The Numpad’s quality matches 8bitdo’s high standards, featuring dye-PBT or double-shot ABS keycaps (depending on the edition) for a comfortable typing experience. It utilizes Kalih Box White V2 switches, known for their satisfying tactility and durability. Additionally, the hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch customization to personalize your typing feel.

A dongle at the bottom allows easy 2.4Ghz pairing with any laptop or desktop

Priced at $44.99 and available for pre-order now, the 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad is a niche product, but one that caters to a specific audience. It injects a shot of retro charm into your workspace while offering a functional and well-built numpad experience. Besides, if you’ve got a keyboard with a layout that’s either 80% or smaller, chances are you’ll need a numpad to match – this one’s perfect to complement your mechanical setup or your retro sensibilities. I also appreciate the fact that you’ll never have to open your phone’s calculator app again.

Click Here to Pre-Order

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Cute tiny desktop PC is a gaming-inspired case for the Raspberry Pi 5 https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/27/cute-tiny-desktop-pc-is-a-gaming-inspired-case-for-the-raspberry-pi-5/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cute-tiny-desktop-pc-is-a-gaming-inspired-case-for-the-raspberry-pi-5 Mon, 27 May 2024 14:25:12 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=491847

Cute tiny desktop PC is a gaming-inspired case for the Raspberry Pi 5

The Raspberry Pi, lovingly called RPi by fans, did for electronics what 3D printing did for design. It allowed almost anyone to come up with...
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The Raspberry Pi, lovingly called RPi by fans, did for electronics what 3D printing did for design. It allowed almost anyone to come up with interesting, innovative, and sometimes just amusing projects that need a very small and cheap computer to function. The size of a credit card and less than $100 (going as low as $35 even!), the Raspberry Pi is a barebones and naked single-board computer (SBC) that you can insert almost anywhere and add to any design. That said, there are some use cases for the RPi that require a proper enclosure and those are a dime a dozen these days. This one case, in particular, goes over the top and puts the small pocket-sized computer inside a box that, for all intents and purposes, looks like a miniaturized gaming desktop, complete with multiple fans and RGB lighting.

Designer: Sunfounder

Truth be told, this Raspberry Pi 5 case really goes overboard considering the limitations of the computer in terms of performance. You’ll only ever be able to play very light computer games on it, so associating it with a gaming desktop seems out of character, but it definitely gives it some style. Then again, we did see an even more exaggerated liquid cooling system for the Raspberry Pi that makes this case actually look reasonable.

The Pironman 5, as the case is called, is also unlike the majority of Raspberry Pi cases in that it’s actually made of aluminum instead of plastic, just like a typical desktop tower. And like many gaming PCs these days, one side and a part of its back it made of transparent acrylic that lets you take a peek into the computer’s innards, not that there’s that much to see anyway. The RPi, after all, is just a single board that has everything soldered into it, but the case does have a few interesting bits that will make it worth looking into.

There are three fans, which is again overkill, and two of them have RGB lighting. Equally interesting is how the case exposes all the RPi’s ports on the case’s back, just like what you’d expect from a desktop computer, despite the board having those ports on different sides. There’s even a way to access the GPIO pins without opening up the case, making expansion and modification super easy. You can add an NVMe SSD or control the computer with an IR remote control, all of which are not available in the base Raspberry Pi.

The Pironman 5 is cute and eccentric, and few will probably be using the case aside from a few niche situations. It makes the single-board computer look more interesting and more usable as a desktop computer, but you pay the price in terms of space, power consumption, and the literal $80 cost. Then again, that’s the beauty of the culture that the RPi started, allowing anyone and everyone to come up with interesting designs, even if they turn out to be impractical in the end.

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This 59-year-young’s pedal-powered desk is a way to exercise while working from home and helping the environment https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/24/this-59-year-youngs-pedal-powered-desk-is-a-way-to-exercise-while-working-from-home-and-helping-the-environment/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-59-year-youngs-pedal-powered-desk-is-a-way-to-exercise-while-working-from-home-and-helping-the-environment Fri, 24 May 2024 10:07:22 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=491297

This 59-year-young’s pedal-powered desk is a way to exercise while working from home and helping the environment

Working from home has become a norm post Covid-19. Most of us would agree that working from home leaves people with more time to sleep...
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Working from home has become a norm post Covid-19. Most of us would agree that working from home leaves people with more time to sleep and exercise. Reality is strikingly different! People are more confined to their systems; bedrooms have turned into cubicles; and the idea and time for physical activity has gone for a toss.

For someone like me, who has been working from home long before the pandemic made it the new normal, managing time for exercising has always been a challenge. Whether you like it or not, we do not have defined work hours. Lack of routine means, no scheduled time for anything except nature’s call that comes back at the same time every morning beating the alarm by a couple of minutes.

Designer: Jim Gregory

In this purposeless regime, where typing is the only physical activity you can imagine, PedalPC is a godsent solution born from an individual’s willingness to counter the lack of physical activity mustered into his routine by having to work from home. How to stay active while spending so much time in front of the computer, you ask? 59-year-young Jim Gregory will tell you to pedal while you work and, in the process also power up the system, connected devices, and more with clean renewable energy.

By combining the ‘fun of cycling with his desire to reduce energy consumption,’ bicycle trailer-builder Gregory created the PedalPC back in 2010. Over the years he has perfected several prototypes and now what he uses is a repurposed bicycle trailer that can generate enough power to run his computer, home wi-fi, printer, LED bulbs, and even juice up his phone. “I pedal about four hours a day and generate between 200 and 250 watt-hours a day.”

When faced with the question of how to get adequate physical activity while working from home, Gregory considered getting a treadmill desk or bike desk, but the idea was too straightforward to his liking. A little more back and forth in search of solutions, he arrived at the idea of designing a pedal-powered generator. This would allow “plenty of exercise each day while making a positive impact on the environment,” he confirms. And thus the PedalPC, a human-powered computer desk, that lets the user exercise and generate electricity simultaneously came into being.

With an exercise bicycle-style form factor, the Pedal PC allows Gregory to pedal and generate electricity. The connected control box then channels this power out through USB and 12V outlets to the connected devices. A little computer in the back keeps track of the electricity produced and can also be seen on the webpage associated with the PedalPC. The access electricity that he ends up generating can be stored in the battery on board to work off the grid or when not in the mood to pedal.

Discussing the usefulness of his creation, Jim believes he could soon be deviating from his main business of building bicycle trailers to creating and selling the PedalPC. Not only because it’s a way to exercise but in Jim’s own words a “way to keep warm in the winter… lower thermostat, and save some energy.”

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Futuristic mini PC is like a spaceship ready to take gaming to new heights https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/21/futuristic-mini-pc-is-like-a-spaceship-ready-to-take-gaming-to-new-heights/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=futuristic-mini-pc-is-like-a-spaceship-ready-to-take-gaming-to-new-heights Tue, 21 May 2024 14:20:46 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=490889

Futuristic mini PC is like a spaceship ready to take gaming to new heights

Is there a reason why desktops and even mini PCs mostly come in flat boxes? Electronics are still rigid objects, and they have to adhere...
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Is there a reason why desktops and even mini PCs mostly come in flat boxes? Electronics are still rigid objects, and they have to adhere to flat or similarly boxy designs with today’s engineering limitations. As such, a tower or a box is the most space-efficient container for these pieces that work together to provide all your computing needs. But what if space was less important than aesthetics, especially with today’s more compact hardware? That’s the kind of revolutionary mindset that this mini PC is trying to present with a chassis that is almost literally out of this world, looking more like a spaceship that’s ready to take off and elevate your gaming, and it does so literally as well.

Designer: ACEMAGIC

Mini PCs are no longer that alien to people’s ears, especially thanks to the popularity of the non-PC Mac mini and Mac studio. These computers emphasize compact designs that save you some desk space while still cramming as much power in a tiny boxy. That doesn’t have to be the only design available, however, especially with how small some computer components have become. After all, the latest breed of handheld gaming PCs are technically portable mini PCs, though with even bigger constraints when it comes to performance.

The ACEMAGIC M2A is a mini PC that throws design conventions out the door. Technically, its hardware can all fit in what would be a slim and minimalist rectangular box, but that would be boring and completely unoriginal. Instead, the company aimed to make its product stand out, almost literally, but making it look like a spacecraft similar to those you’d see on sci-fi flicks and shows. Specifically, the main body itself tapers slightly to the side and then splits upward and downward into fins. The style is largely polygonal, which matches the sci-fi theme, with LED accents in front and on the tip of the wings for added flavor.

The design admittedly takes up more vertical space on your desk, and it won’t be something you can conveniently place underneath your monitor (unless that monitor is set up on an ergonomic stand or arm). It is, after all, designed more to have some visual impact rather than space savings, but it does have one practical benefit, whether intentional or not. The bottom fins act as legs that lift the mini PC up, allowing for better airflow into the bottom-mounted fans.

Internally, the ACEMAGIC M2A tries to be a compact gaming PC, and it seems to meet that description, depending on your needs. It practically uses hardware from 2022, so it might not be up to snuff when it comes to more demanding AAA titles today. There are definitely more powerful mini gaming PCs in the market today, ones with the latest CPUs and GPUs, which makes you wonder if this spaceship-like computer’s high price tag is really worth that distinctive design.

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Lofree EDGE delivers the thin and light mechanical keyboard of your dreams https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/19/lofree-edge-delivers-the-thin-and-light-mechanical-keyboard-of-your-dreams/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lofree-edge-delivers-the-thin-and-light-mechanical-keyboard-of-your-dreams Mon, 20 May 2024 01:45:47 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=490270

Lofree EDGE delivers the thin and light mechanical keyboard of your dreams

Some people consider computer keyboards to just be tools you have to bear with, but those who live and die by typing on a computer...
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Some people consider computer keyboards to just be tools you have to bear with, but those who live and die by typing on a computer know just how important the design of a keyboard is. That’s why a lot of writers, developers, and even gamers prefer mechanical keyboards not just because of their sharp sounds but, more importantly, because of their tactile typing experience. Unfortunately, mechanical keyboards seem to have become synonymous with thick, heavy, and clunky keyboards because of the equally hefty mechanisms employed to deliver that experience. That doesn’t have to be the case, however, and this ultra-low-profile mechanical keyboard proves how you can have the best of both worlds with some outside-the-box thinking and creative design.

Designer: Shawn S.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149 $249 (40% off). Hurry, only 59/500 left! Raised over $310,000.

You can make a keyboard as thin as it can be, but you’re bound to make a lot of compromises to get there, from the quality of the build to the durability of the product to the satisfaction of every keystroke. Difficult, however, doesn’t mean impossible, and Lofree EDGE dares to take on the challenge of finding solutions to the problems that have been taken for granted. At only 485g light and 5.4mm thick at its thinnest point, you might even wonder if it’s a mechanical keyboard at all.

The secret is Lofree’s meticulous attention not just to materials but to the production process as well. It wasn’t enough to simply use just any carbon fiber to make the upper plate both durable and lightweight, Lofree EDGE employs a 3K Till Weave that takes that to the next level while also adding a luxurious aesthetic that your palms can actually feel. The light and heat-resistant magnesium alloy base isn’t just crafted using ordinary die casting but uses semi-solid casting instead to eliminate air pockets and increase the material’s toughness. And to do its part in helping to save the planet,

Lofree reuses the carbon fiber block cut out from the upper plate and turns it into a flat-packed stand for the keyboard. Assembling the stand becomes a playful and engaging experience, like putting together a puzzle, and delivers a handsome mount to place your keyboard on at the end of the day to keep your desk clear and clutter-free.

The Lofree EDGE is clearly just as or even more durable than mechanical keyboards twice its weight and thickness, but what about the actual typing experience? Refusing to make compromises, it uses specially designed Kaih POM 2.0 switches that deliver a travel distance of 2.4mm, a remarkable figure when you consider how thin the keyboard is. An innovative PCB-Gasket mount structure integrates these two critical parts of the keyboard into a unified piece, further reducing the thickness associated with mechanical keyboards. It combines solder-mounted switches and strategically positioned gaskets directly into the PCB, doing away with conventional positioning plates and hot-swappable switches that add thickness and heft to the keyboard. To further reduce its weight, Lofree EDGE replaces heavy silicone with lightweight foam for the internal filling. What you get from all of this is a comfortable and satisfying keyboard that doesn’t strain your fingers and joints, making the typing experience not only enjoyable but also potentially addictive.

The Lofree EDGE’s innovations don’t stop at the product design either. With the powerful Lofree Configurator software, Windows and, soon, Mac users will be able to customize their experience to fit their particular needs, from remapping keys to creating powerful macros. The keyboard supports both wired and wireless connectivity, giving you maximum flexibility in where and how you want to use the keyboard. Thin, light, and handsome, the Lofree EDGE redefines what a mechanical keyboard can be, delivering a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience that won’t weigh you or your wallet down. So if you want to enjoy the authentic feeling of a mechanical keyboard with the bulk and the heft, then there’s no better time than now to give your fingers the blissful typing experience they deserve and grab the Lofree EDGE now while it’s at a sweet, heavily discounted price.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149 $249 (40% off). Hurry, only 59/500 left! Raised over $310,000.

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Phone-sized mini PC lets you take your computer and your work anywhere https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/15/phone-sized-mini-pc-lets-you-take-your-computer-and-your-work-anywhere/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=phone-sized-mini-pc-lets-you-take-your-computer-and-your-work-anywhere Wed, 15 May 2024 13:20:51 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=489857

Phone-sized mini PC lets you take your computer and your work anywhere

Our smartphones have become so powerful that, in theory, they have hardware equivalent to entry-level laptops from a few years back. But despite all that...
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Our smartphones have become so powerful that, in theory, they have hardware equivalent to entry-level laptops from a few years back. But despite all that silicon muscle, they can’t really replace our everyday PCs mostly because of the operating system that’s used on most of these computers: Windows. Small, portable, and inconspicuous computers have always been a dream for both users and business owners, whether it’s for working on the go or setting up kiosks, security systems, or space-efficient workstations. This small brick tries to deliver exactly that, giving you the flexibility you need for any kind of computing in almost any context in a size that’s no larger than high-capacity power banks.

Designer: Minisforum

With the popularity of the Apple Mac Mini and, now, the Mac Studio, mini PCs have become more visible in the market. These desktop alternatives, however, are still meant to sit on a table or even on a shelf despite their small sizes. But while these small computers do offer plenty of power to support even some content creation or light gaming, that hardware also closes the door on many possible use cases that would have required them to be less tied down to a table.

The Minisforum S100 is a small, sleek box that you might easily mistake for a power bank. Ironically, it doesn’t actually have its own battery but is a mini PC that you can bring along with you or install in the narrowest of spaces. Despite its small size, it actually boasts a complete set of standard connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.2, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, USB-A ports, HDMI, and 65W USB-C.

The latter two are what make this design so portable and flexible. On a typical desktop, you can connect it to a USB-C monitor that supports USB-C PowerDelivery so that you don’t even have to plug the S100 into an outlet. You can connect another monitor via HDMI to have a dual-screen setup for increased productivity. And when you’re done for the day, you can pick up the palm-sized mini PC and go, maybe even work or chill in a cafe by connecting an external display and a power bank. The Ethernet port also supports Power-over-Ethernet or PoE, so you can use the S100 as the brains behind a camera security system and not have it plugged in at all.

Despite the flexibility that the Minisforum S100 offers, its performance is hampered a bit by the quad-core Intel N100 processor that runs the show, definitely not the best among the chip maker’s “mobile” processors. Its lower-power operation, however, does allow the mini PC to sip rather than chug electricity and keep thermals equally low. You definitely won’t be running heavy applications, but for $189, a Windows 11 computer you can easily slip into your bag or even your pocket might actually be worth the price.

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