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Mini PC vs. Desktop PC: Simplifying Your 2024 Buying Decision

Deciding between a mini PC and a desktop PC in 2024? Let’s break it down in simple terms. Mini PCs are becoming powerful enough for work and gaming, thanks to advancements in hardware. As games get optimized and hardware becomes more efficient, a mini PC could be a great choice for your PC needs this year.

Desktop PCs, on the other hand, will always be more powerful due to better cooling and full-sized graphics cards. However, don’t underestimate the performance of an AMD APU (Accelerated Processing Unit).

APUs come with integrated graphics, and AMD has been focusing on developing them for portable devices like laptops, handheld gaming PCs, and, of course, mini PCs. Placing these chips in mini PCs with improved cooling allows manufacturers to extract more performance, making the performance per dollar competitive compared to full-sized PCs.

For example, let’s compare the $499 Beelink SER5 MAX’s Ryzen 7 5800H APU to an equivalent desktop with a Ryzen 7 5700G APU. Benchmarks show they have similar performance, and prebuilt desktops on popular platforms go for over $600, making the mini PC a winner in the low-to-mid-range performance bracket.

Functionally, mini PCs are the same as desktop PCs. What sets them apart is the ease of access. No more fussing around the back of a heavy PC with cables—everything is easily accessible on the small PC on your desk.

Mini PCs can offer more interfaces than similarly priced desktop builds. For instance, the MINISFORUM UM780 XTX (around $630-640) with a Ryzen 7 7840HS and 32GB of DDR5 RAM has more interfaces than a similarly priced desktop build. Even if the ports aren’t enough, you can add a high-speed USB-C hub without dealing with cable clutter.

While mini PCs lack the upgradability of desktop PCs, you can still upgrade RAM and storage in many cases. Although you can’t upgrade the APU, some users have experimented with adding external GPUs for enhanced gaming performance.

If you prioritize ease of use and immediate functionality over peak performance or upgradability, a mini PC might be the perfect choice. Their small footprint makes them easy to carry around, so don’t overlook mini PCs for your next hardware upgrade.

January 8, 2024
OnePlus Open vs. Samsung: A Closer Look at the Best Foldable Phone of 2023

The OnePlus Open has proven itself as the top choice when compared to Samsung’s fifth-gen foldable, and it’s not a close competition, according to Android Police’s best foldable of 2023. If you asked me why choosing the OnePlus Open over Samsung’s fifth-gen foldable is a good idea, I’d first talk about the negatives, not the positives. You may miss out on consistent software upgrades, and the future of OxygenOS is uncertain.

If you usually buy through your carrier, you’ll need to explore other options. While I appreciate the design, some people find the large camera module on the back a bit divisive.

But, if you’re still here, still listening, there are plenty of reasons to choose the OnePlus Open. It’s the best book-style foldable we’ve seen, especially in 2023. Despite a few downsides (and no wireless charging), it outshines the rest of the US-based competition, putting Samsung and Google in a tough spot for 2024.

Let’s talk about what makes the OnePlus Open stand out. It all begins with its design. The outer display feels just like a modern smartphone, and the slim build keeps it from feeling too bulky when closed. This is a big deal because, until this year, US users had to deal with Samsung’s super-tall screen, which isn’t comfortable in many situations. The OnePlus Open changes that.

And the best part? The inner display is even better, with a minimal crease and a matte overlay that makes it usable in all lighting conditions. Samsung has improved its screen layers over time, but OnePlus has something special here. The anti-glare panel makes using the phone outdoors in direct sunlight much easier than other foldables. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: every future foldable should use this type of laminate. It’s essential.

OnePlus also gets something right that other foldable makers often get wrong: the camera. I’m not saying the Open competes with top-notch phones like the Pixel 8 Pro or Galaxy S23 Ultra. Instead of aiming for computational perfection, the Open uses Hasselblad color science to capture interesting, striking shots. It’s not flawless, especially when using a different camera, but in a world of excellent-but-sterile images, it stands out, even considering its unique form factor.

December 29, 2023
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra: What’s Changing?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is creating a lot of buzz, especially when compared to its older version, the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Recently, some pictures leaked, giving us a closer look at both phones. These real-life photos reveal several changes in design, making the upcoming Galaxy S24 Ultra look different and promising.

One noticeable thing is the new titanium bezel on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It has a cool texture, adding a touch of class to the phone. The buttons on the device are flatter and thicker, which might mean they feel different when you press them. At the bottom, the air vents have moved to the top, which seems like a smart change to make the phone stay cool.

The speakers on the Galaxy S24 Ultra now have a long, slim shape, making the phone look sleeker. This change also raises hopes for better sound quality. Even the S-Pen, which you can use with the phone, looks a bit different in the leaked pictures.

One big change is that the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a bit thinner now, measuring 8.6mm. This might make it easier to hold and give the phone a more streamlined look.

As we’ve heard before, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a more squared-off design compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The screen’s edge is less curved, making the phone look more like straight-screen phones. Samsung seems to be purposefully choosing this design to give users something unique visually while keeping the phone practical.

Looking at the leaked photos, it’s clear that Samsung is putting a lot of thought into making the Galaxy S24 Ultra different. From the cool titanium bezel to the new button layout and speaker shape, each part seems to be chosen to make the phone not only look good but also give users a better experience. As we wait for the official release, these leaks give us an exciting peek into what Samsung’s next flagship phone might be like.

December 8, 2023
Android vs. iPhone 15 Pro: 3 Areas Where Android Phones Shine

In the latest iPhone 15 Pro generation, Apple has made significant improvements, including the Dynamic Island, enhanced camera features, and the adoption of USB-C. Despite these upgrades, there are three areas where Android smartphones still excel.

Android’s Action Button Versatility
Apple introduced the Action Button in the iPhone 15 Pro, allowing users to set up practical functions and assign shortcuts. However, Android outshines this feature by allowing the power button on certain smartphones to be reprogrammed as an “Action Button.” This Android counterpart can perform various actions, like activating the camera, with different press combinations, making it more versatile than Apple’s Action Button.

While the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus retain the traditional mute switch, users interested in the Action Button functionality need to opt for the 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max.

Android Smartphone Displays
Although the iPhone’s Super Retina XDR display is impressive, certain features like always-on and a 120Hz refresh rate are limited to the Pro models. Android smartphones, even in mid-range options like the Samsung Galaxy A54, offer always-on and 120Hz displays at a more affordable price compared to the iPhone 15.

The display specifications of the iPhone 15 are notable, with maximum typical brightness, peak brightness for HDR, and outdoor peak brightness. However, it’s perplexing to iPhone users why these features are exclusive to the Pro models when Android competitors offer them across various price ranges.

USB-C Adoption on Android
Apple’s switch from Lightning to USB-C was enforced by EU regulations, bringing convenience for connecting accessories and charging multiple Apple devices with one cable. However, Android smartphones, like the Xiaomi 13T Pro, showcase a more efficient use of USB-C. The Xiaomi model achieves a full charge from 0 to 100 percent in half an hour, surpassing the iPhone 15 Pro’s 50 percent charge in the same time.

The fast-charging capabilities of certain Android models, including ultra-fast charging, provide users with quicker solutions in critical situations. Apple’s approach to USB-C doesn’t match the charging speed offered by some Android competitors, indicating a gap in this aspect.

November 18, 2023
Technology vs. Umpire’s Eye: Decoding LBW Challenges in Modern Cricket

The cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan in this year’s Cricket World Cup left a lasting impression on the audience. The game was intense, but what stood out the most was the controversy surrounding the umpire’s call. Samsi, a South African batsman, faced a close call when Rauf’s delivery hit his pad. However, the umpire’s decision favored South Africa, and they survived a potential dismissal.

Many, including former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, believe that Pakistan lost the match due to poor umpiring. Another Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir, expressed that logically, it should have been ruled out. Umpire’s calls have been a subject of criticism even before the World Cup, and the Decision Review System (DRS) has undergone several revisions since its introduction in 2008.

In 2021, changes were made to consider the outer part of the stumps for lbw decisions. However, for the ball to be considered out, more than 50 percent of it must be within the wicket zone. If the umpire’s decision is out, the batsman must accept it, and if it’s not out, the decision remains unchanged.

During the South Africa vs. Pakistan match, when Samsi was at the wicket, Rauf’s delivery hit less than fifty percent of the stumps. Consequently, the umpire ruled not out, and Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s attempt to challenge the decision through review was unsuccessful.

This decision sparked disappointment among Pakistan fans worldwide, raising questions about the effectiveness of modern cameras and why they can’t ensure 100% accuracy. Some argue that if technology is advanced enough, the umpire’s role may become obsolete.

LBW decisions involve considerations like ball spin, swing, and wind, making it challenging for technology to provide consistent results. The trajectory of the ball varies, and what the umpire observes with the naked eye is often deemed more reliable. The controversy in this match reignited discussions about the balance between technology and the umpire’s judgment in cricket.

November 13, 2023
YouTube vs. Traditional TV: The Evolution of Children’s Media Landscape

The world of children’s media has undergone a major transformation, with YouTube becoming a central hub for kids’ content, closely followed by gaming platforms. Content creators like Rachel Griffin-Accurso, also known as Ms. Rachel, have found great success on YouTube, catering to young children with interactive and educational shows.

Rachel Griffin-Accurso’s journey on YouTube started as an experiment. As a preschool teacher, she decided to create language-development-focused videos for her son, who had a speech delay. With no prior experience in content creation, she began recording videos with a simple setup and gradually improved her show over time. Her husband and other talented individuals joined the team, and they crafted an interactive, educational, and entertaining show for young kids.

YouTube’s popularity in children’s programming is due to its accessibility, vast content library, and algorithm that keeps viewers engaged with a constant stream of videos. It has overtaken traditional TV channels and streaming platforms in terms of time spent by children watching content. Children’s media has seen a massive influx of content on various streaming platforms, with over a third of Disney+ most in-demand shows being children’s programs.

Cocomelon is one of the most popular children’s programs on YouTube, amassing billions of views and millions of subscribers. Moonbug, a British media startup, has achieved great success by acquiring popular YouTube channels and turning them into multi-platform brands. YouTube’s dominance has led traditional media companies to embrace the platform, and some have even created exclusive spin-off programs based on YouTube content.

While YouTube’s popularity is undeniable, it also faces challenges with content moderation due to its open nature, as some users have posted inappropriate or disturbing videos targeting children. However, YouTube has made efforts to address this issue and improve content safety.

PBS, a long-standing player in children’s television, has also adapted to the digital era by embracing YouTube and incorporating gaming as an essential component of its programming. The blending of children’s television and gaming is becoming more prevalent, and experts predict it will play an even more prominent role in the future.

Overall, the category of “children’s television” is evolving as online platforms like YouTube and gaming platforms become kids’ go-to sources of entertainment. Despite the changing landscape, the fundamental aspects of captivating and educational content for children remain constant. Kids will always be drawn to engaging shows, regardless of their platform.

July 21, 2023