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Building The Ultimate, Stupid Fast SSD RAID Setup: iGyaan Beast PC Build

When we at iGyaan started to build the ultimate “Beast” gaming PC, a lot of people had questions about our processor of choice. The Intel Core i9 9980XE did not do much to please the people and they were quick to point out that we were wrong in our choice. While the chipset maybe not the perfect choice for gaming, our primary goal was to build a machine fit for all tasks. For those interested, click here to read the first assembly of the gaming PC build.

Whether it be gaming or serious editing, the PC should meet our requirements. For that, we also bought ten (that’s right!) Samsung 970 EVO SSDs and two Asus Hyper M.2 X16 cards for a RAID setup. For those of you who do not know, RAID or Redundant Array of Independent Disks is a way to store data that uses multiple disks which increases performances and decreases chances of drive failures.

Click here to buy the Asus Hyper M.2 X16

Also, the major advantage of using the aforementioned CPU was the abundant 44 PCIe lanes present on it. These lanes are important for adding the necessary PCIe components on it, like GPUs and of course the SSD RAID setup. There was a problem though, that the Asus M.2 X16 cards were not compatible with our Gigabyte X299 Designare motherboard; as they are mostly harmonious with Asus’ motherboard.

Click here to buy the Gigabyte X299 Designare Ex

Our motherboard of choice also did not support the slot bifurcation feature; which lets you use the Asus card, which supports an x16 PCIe slot, to behave has four individual x4 slots. While this is a good feature, it is no good to us since neither our Gigabyte motherboard supports it or the Asus M.2 X16 cards. We then had to find an alternative to the card which will be of use to us. Lucky for us; we found that an American manufacturer by the name High Point makes such cards, which do not use the slot bifurcation feature but still uses the x16 lanes as four x4 lanes, which increases speed.

Click here to buy the Samsung 970 EVO SSD

One point to note though, while the High Point RAID cards work perfectly fine; they are not available in India are up to eight times as expensive than the Asus one. Transferring the SSDs from the Asus card to the new one was quite simple, with us placing four SSDs in either one of the two to make two RAID cards. The High Point cards also have a very good thermal management feature, which uses a fan and various heat sinks for heat dissipation.

Click here to buy the Zotac GeForce 2080Ti

So while placing the RAID cards, we had to remove one out of our two NVIDIA 2080Ti GPUs. This was done because out of the 44 PCIe lanes available, 32 in total were taken up by the two GPUs and there were not enough lanes left for the cards to draw power from. Removing one GPU allowed us to install one High Point card with four SSDs inside after which we booted the machine up. After that, creating a storage pool using Windows Storage Space was no problem, but the speeds achieved on ATTO disk benchmark, as a result, were not as amazing as we hoped. Turns out Windows was just linking the SSDs together and not creating a RAID setup, which was a hurdle.

To fix that, we installed the High Point RAID utility and drivers for its cards. This allowed us to build a storage array inside its software, allowing us to create a RAID 0 drive. After creating the drive in Windows drive management and creating a simple partition, the ATTO benchmark test was finally showing a speed of 10GBps to 12GBps; with four SSDs inside the High Point card.

Following the success of our first test, we installed the second RAID card on our fifth PCIe slot; as recommended by our motherboard’s manufacturer. However, the speeds on ATTO were not improved by much, as it still was showing us a speed between 13GBps to 14GBps. This was because the card was using 8 PCIe slots instead of the required 16, reducing its speed. Luckily, at iGyaan, we have a lot of spare hardware, and the Gigabyte X299 Designare supports Thunderbolt 3. This lets us connect an external GPU inside an AKiTiO Node using Thunderbolt. We could finally remove the GPU from inside the motherboard and install the RAID card on it instead.

Now, both the cards, consisting of eight SSDs in total, had access to x16 PCIe lanes which should give us the theoretical read and write speeds. Running the ATTO disk benchmark test gave us a whopping speed of 18GBps, which is not quite the double we were asking for; but we will take it. It is expected that the benchmarks are not precise enough to display the RAID’s full potential so, in the real world, we should get a speed closer to 20GBps.

Also read: New PUBG Game Announced By The Developer Of Call of Duty, Dead Space

While we have achieved was we set out to do; which was making the ultimate RAID setup which delivered stupid fast speeds, the “Beast” gaming PC is a long way from being complete. We still have the two NVIDIA GeForce 2080Ti GPUs that had to be removed from the build. But, again lucky for us, we have two Thunderbolt slots and two AKiTiO Nodes which will be a handy item in the near future. Also, if you are asking what will we do with all this speed, we will have to show you in a quick game of, Minesweeper!

Check out our PC Build parts video below:

And check out the Assembly of the Beast here:

June 27, 2019
Indian Government May Launch It Own Chat App Like WhatsApp

The increased hostility between the US and China have sent the rippling waves of cause and effect to the entire world. Trade tensions between the two highly influential regions have already seen victims. Huawei was one of the most notable to be caught in the crossfire. The Chinese company had been dealt a major blow to its business. To combat a similar fate, the Indian Government is considering the development of an indigenous application for chat and emails.

The US has shown that it is capable of pressurising or enforcing restrictions which have heavy implications on any organisation or country. Senior Government officials in India were in a state of alert following the US sanctioned bans on Huawei. This was due to companies like Intel, ARM, Google and Qualcomm severing ties with the company after the ban. These large MNCs important due to their technology or services that are utilized by virtually every nation. Furthermore, if for some reason the US places any country on such a blacklist, it can lead to severe complications.

India, to tackle this, is planning to develop its own proprietary chat app similar to WhatsApp with other homegrown secure communications network. The apps would generally be made available for the various Indian Government agencies, to protect the country from possible vulnerabilities. This will be a counter to any rising geopolitical tensions with other nations. The US Commerce Department banning Huawei incited strong discussions within India’s top brass. The discussion encompassed plans for developing a secure platform for exchanging strategically important information.

The southeast Asian country is considering the implementation of this system for Government communications at the very least. This will ensure a degree of autonomy and self-dependence that would not have been achievable otherwise. Indian Government officials have already begun calling for the insulation of communications with reduced reliance on private solutions. The plan details a chat app which will keep and store all important related data within the country and not on some remote servers.

The US is currently pressuring India to bar Huawei from 5G in India. This arrives after plans for the first wave of 5G trials. Huawei has asked the Indian Government to take an independent stance on this, with no “back door entry” offered. India has yet to give a response to this. The tech giant received a ban from the US on 21s May, barring Huawei’s products and also barring US companies to supply software or hardware components. A company cannot ever be completely self-reliant. It is a regular phenomenon where technology and services are exchanged within the industries. The same as how Huawei suffered from the ban, any nation could also technically be crippled by strategic nations like the US.

Also Read: BlackBerry And LG Are Making Autonomous Cars

According to Government reports, the US Trade Representatives have already red-flagged India’s data privacy bill and intermediary guidelines. Basically, American companies like Facebook are resisting efforts of data localisation within the Indian subcontinent. The ban on Huawei only points at the possibility of any country being banned whenever they desire to do so. The localisation efforts by the Government could prevent such reliance and save the nation from a crippling state in a worst-case scenario with the “Sarkari” app.

June 27, 2019
Google Goes Overboard With A Foldable Device That Resembles A Textbook

American multinational company, Google is at the forefront of technology, be it software or hardware. Following the commendable success it has had with Android in the software domain, the company now plans to dip its toes in futuristic hardware as well. At the 2019 Google I/O developers conference, the company announced that it is working on several foldable smartphones or rather foldable devices.

A freshly granted patent to the company goes in line with the previous announcement. Google has been granted a patent for a unique electronic device which surprisingly resembles a textbook. The device is somewhat similar to the Samsung Galaxy Fold but with a couple more displays or should we say pages.

Upon close inspection of the patent, it can be divulged that the multiple screens are held together with the main body by a sort of book spine. Speaking of the body, it may be the place where all the electronic components including chipset, motherboard and battery will be placed.

Although any concrete information about the claim cannot be derived. It is even possible that during its initial prototyping stages, the foldable device from Google may be devoid of any internal components. Instead, it could just be used a multi-fold display which is powered and provided transmission information via an external cord.

The fundamental aim behind any foldable device is to pack a large display in a body which is significantly smaller or compact than its actual dimensions. The foldable smartphone/device from Google may be conceptualised to run multiple apps simultaneously. In order to switch between applications, the user could scroll between different displays instead of swiping back and forth between apps.

Also Read: New PUBG Game Announced By The Developer Of Call of Duty, Dead Space

To sum it all, the concept or technology seems visionary and promising but such a device seems a bit farfetched when considering the development that has been achieved in the field of the foldable display.

However, when and if Google is able to successfully develop a device with these aspects and features, it would rather patent the technology and license it to other OEMs than retailing it own devices.

June 27, 2019
New PUBG Game Announced By The Developer Of Call of Duty, Dead Space

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds or PUBG for short, was released back in the year 2017 for PCs; and has since seen unprecedented popularity. It was later ported to major consoles like the Microsoft Xbox, the Sony PlayStation and was also available on smartphones last year. The game has been credited for popularizing the Battle Royale genre; in which users fight out to remain the last one standing. Now, the publisher of the title, PUBG Corporation has announced a new PUBG game, which will be overseen by the developer of the famous games such as Call of Duty and Dead Space.

About The Game

As mentioned above, a new PUBG game has been announced by its publisher. It has not been provided with a title yet and is being developed by a new studio called Striking Distance. The most notable part about the studio is its CEO Glen Schofield; as mentioned above, he has many famous games like Call of Duty and Dead Space to his credit. The game is still in its early stages, so not much information is available regarding how the gameplay will be. However, in a press release, the PUBG Corp has said that the game is an original narrative experience within the PUBG universe. Unfortunately more details like the release date are not available as of yet.

Also read: BlackBerry And LG Are Making Autonomous Cars

It is also confirmed that the upcoming title will not carry forward the battle royale legacy of the original. It will rather focus on a storyline, which PUBG lacks in its current state. What this storyline will be is not known yet, but what is known is that it will be set in the same universe as the original. This is similar to what Respawn Entertainment did with the game Apex Legends. That title is set into a much larger Titanfall universe but features a battle royale genre as a base. It is being stressed that the upcoming game from the PUBG Corp is not a sequel to PUBG but is merely set in the same universe. So maybe the new game will finally reveal the reason behind the mysterious locations and the history behind them.

June 27, 2019
Samsung To Launch A Second Foldable Phone Before Huawei Mate X Launch

In the month of February, Samsung held the Galaxy Unpacked 2019 event where it unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold alongside the Galaxy S10 lineup, 2. A lot rested on the foldable smartphone’s shoulders as Samsung is the first mainstream company to launch a device with this form factor. However, due to display issues faced by the initial users of pre-sale Galaxy Fold, the company had to push back the launch date of the smartphone to Q2 which was also not met.

Following the issues faced by the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Huawei pushed the launch date of its Mate X which was originally set to launch in June. The Mate X has now been set to launch in the month of September. However, it is unclear whether the step was actually taken to improve 5G integration on the foldable phone, as reported by a senior company executive or due to the trade ban that the US had imposed on Huawei.

Nevertheless, by the time the Huawei Mate X is commercially available, Samsung will reportedly launch its second foldable phone that also has an outward folding mechanism, similar to the former.

According to a report published by the Korea Herald, Samsung had a working prototype of an outward foldable smartphone in the year 2017. Instead, it opted for an inner folding device and rather unveiled the current gen Galaxy Fold. The report further states that Samsung is currently working on a variety of foldable smartphones which include a clamshell-like design, as seen on the Moto Razr renders. Notably, Samsung is planning about bringing these foldable smartphones to the market, as soon as early 2000.

Also Read: WhatsApp Tests Feature That Allows Sharing Status To Facebook

The outward foldable Samsung phone could be similar to the one that the company patented a few days ago. All in all, Samsung who is currently the world’s number one smartphone maker is working rigorously to defend its top spot. In order to get precise details about the foldable devices, we will have to wait patiently until Samsung makes an official announcement.

June 27, 2019
BlackBerry And LG Are Making Autonomous Cars
A press release has announced the partnership of BlackBerry Limited with LG Electronics Inc. for a major new project. The aforementioned brands are recognisable for their consumer grade electronic products. However, the new project that is being spearheaded by the two companies will encompass the automobile industry, namely self-driven (autonomous) cars.

Historically, LG and BlackBerry were popular smartphone brands. The companies were critically acclaimed worldwide for their handsets, including India. The onset of the smartphones industries tech race had rendered BlackBerry and its business-centric devices obsolete. LG faired much better in comparison but has also seen a decline in the last couple of years. Though, the company is well known for its home appliances such as televisions and refrigerators.

The new project for autonomous cars is a heavy task. Self-driven cars are unlikely to hit Indian market anytime soon but are already being tested in developed nations like the US. Google, Apple, Uber and other such companies have been testing the technology for a while now. The automobile industry would greatly benefit from the expertise of both the companies in the arriving years.

The new agreement formed between the companies carries statements of the joint expansion through the partnership. Both the companies are large corporations that have only a small part of their business models aimed at the smartphone industry. Blackberry is well-renowned for its QNX software-based services and safety solutions that are being utilized by a multitude of companies.

Google’s Autonomous Vehicle

The companies have formed a conjunction to push forward the development and commercial availability of autonomous vehicles. The entire automobile industry has been working on numerous autonomous locomotives for years now. This new collaboration will seek to accelerate the transitional process between traditional to self-driving cars. The project will encompass a network of self-driving vehicles that are connected to one another. It will also help boost the myriad of suppliers that automobile OEMs are working with.

According to the report, BlackBerry’s QNX-based software solutions are planned on being incorporated by LG Electronics. The South Korean company’s hardware expertise will use QNX solutions to build numerous next-gen components such as:
- A security solution designed to help safeguard the system against malware and cyber threats and prevent malfunctions.
- Incorporate an improved voice and sound quality systems, namely media entertainment system, for the car’s internals.
- To build the control system for autonomous cars.
- An accessible mobile interface with control over multimedia functionalities.
Furthermore, the companies’ goals are to “produce cutting-edge cars for the future of the automotive market”. BlackBerry, unlike LG, has shifted its focus on its software services that are used in the mobile and automobile industry. The Canadian company is already supplying its technology to manufacturers developing driverless cars. LG, however, is still present in the smartphone market with its latest W series entries being launched in India. The company is still a big name in household products and is planning diversification in new ventures such as this.

LG W10

Also Read: WhatsApp Tests Feature That Allows Sharing Status To Facebook

The implications of the joint venture could be huge. Both LG and BlackBerry could potentially reduce the time frame for commercially available self-driving cars. The companies will rely on each other’s strong suits for the partnership. It might not be too long before the project bears its fruits. Unfortunately, it is just an announcement and not an actual product launch. We are still years away from actually seeing such cars in real-world practice.
June 27, 2019
These Renders Of The Google Pixel 4 Mini Look Amazing

Google is gearing up for the launch of its flagship smartphones, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL which are expected to launch in the month of September. Besides the two high end devices, the company is also rumoured to launch a smaller handset which might be called the Pixel 4 Mini.

New concept renders of the device have been shared on Twitter by user PhoneDesigner. Although the renders are based on leaks and reports which lack any real evidence, they look enticing enough that Google must draw inspiration from, if it ever plans to build a miniature variant of the Pixel smartphones.

According to the concept renders, the Google Pixel Mini 4 has a compact form factor which will easily fit even in hand of users that have the smallest of hands. The bezels around the display of the device are almost negligible which provide it with an appealing look. The rear of the alleged Pixel 4 Mini seems to made out of glass that houses the company logo and a square camera module. Like the Pixel 4, the smaller device also features dual rear cameras and a dual LED flash. Speaking of ports and buttons, the device has a bottom mounted USB C port and a right side mounted power button.

Pixel 4 Mini Render- From March

Besides, the user had previously shared another set of renders of the Pixel 4 Mini which also has a fascinating design. The key difference between the two render sets is a punch hole camera which was first introduced with the Galaxy A8s. Furthermore, the rear of the device in this render looks more like the Pixel 3 lineup rather than the official Pixel 4 teasers.

Also Read: WhatsApp Tests Feature That Allows Sharing Status To Facebook

Google is yet to confirm whether the smaller Pixel 4 Mini smartphone will ever see the light of the day or not. Till the time precise details about the device are revealed by the company itself, we recommend taking these reports and renders with a grain of salt.

June 27, 2019
WhatsApp Tests Feature That Allows Sharing Status To Facebook

WhatsApp is one of the largest social media platforms in the world. Indians are reportedly the highest users (estimated 200 million) of the chatting app that is owned by Facebook Inc. The company is now testing a new feature, which would allow users to seamlessly share their WhatsApp status on Facebook. The move will bridge the gap between both these massively popular standalone social media applications.

WhatsApp’s status is essentially the same feature as ‘stories’ from Snapchat and Instagram. It allows users to share instances from their lives or any other creative messages intended for a broader audience. The new feature would allow such status to be directly portable to Stories on the parent company’s Facebook app. Furthermore, the status can also be shared to Instagram, Gmail and Google Photos.

According to the report, WhatsApp will not require the linking of its users’ accounts to their separate Facebook profiles to share stories. The trade, however, is made via the data-sharing API used by Android and iOS platforms. This will allow the content being shared on either platform without a direct link being established on the accounts. The feature is not activated by default and users will have to manually share their status. WhatsApp’s new status sharing feature is claimed not to share any additional user data with the Facebook app.

The link between the two social media apps has always been a serious subject. Facebook had initially acquired WhatsApp back in 2014 for a sum of US$ 19.3 billion (approx. Rs. 1,33,600 crores). The parent company has been a target of numerous allegations and scandals regarding user privacy and data tracking. Hence, the implications also affect WhatsApp’s business practices. Additionally, Facebook has already hinted at a single streamlined messaging app that combines the Messenger app, Instagram DMs and Whatsapp.

Also Read: YouTube Home Feed Update Provides Better Control Over Recommendations

WhatsApp status was originally introduced back in 2017 and is actively used by an estimated 500 million users. The number is a large chunk of the total user base (1.5 billion) and in 2020 will become the largest platform to generate ad revenue for the company. The new feature is a welcome change that eases the transition between the two apps but the heavy implications do warrant caution. It is currently available for interested users under Whatsapp’s beta program.

June 27, 2019
YouTube Home Feed Update Provides Better Control Over Recommendations

YouTube is one of the largest and most recognisable platforms for viewing online content. However, the company has been a target of various criticism over the past couple of weeks. The media giant has faced multiple critiques regarding it’s Home Feed and recommendations column.

Now, YouTube has sought to give users more control over which videos that may possibly show up on their Feed.

The Problem

Users are shown a collection of videos when browsing YouTube which is cleverly provided based on their preferences and browsing history. YouTube uses an algorithm to cater to its millions of visitors every day in a personalised fashion. Advertising strategies and paid artificial boosting from content creators have unfortunately caused an issue. Users have started receiving recommendations of videos that they have neither subscribed or would likely never see. The problem lies in the implementation, not the system itself. Artificial boosting offers a healthy growth to any channel but not if it is received by a person that is not inclined to watch their videos.

New Suggestions

After numerous backlash, YouTube is finally offering more choices to its consumers. People who wish to stop receiving unwanted content can remove suggestions from their Home Feeds. Users can do this by tapping the three-dot menu next to a video on the homepage or Up Next, then “Don’t recommend channel.” The option, once activated, removes any unnecessary videos that one might end up receiving via notifications or in their feeds. Furthermore, users can still look up the dismissed channel by simply searching for it or their videos.

Explore Topics & Videos

The addition of the new explore topics and related videos options now allows one to browse more videos of their preferred genres. The suggestions could be related to the video a person is watching or more from the same channel. The options presented are based on users existing personalized suggestions and are meant to help them quickly find what they are looking for. Explore feature can be found on the homepage when you scroll up or on the Up Next when browsing.

Transparency

YouTube has stated that it uses the data collected via the channels a person visits and their similar interests to recommend videos. The company now plans to include a small box underneath a video that provides more information when recommending similar content. For example, a cooking video recommended might carry a tag of baking in the small box. This is done to explain why certain videos from unfamiliar new channels may end up on the homepages.

Also Read: Lenovo India Introduces “Made To Order” Customisable Laptops

The new features will be made globally available. An update for the YouTube app on iOS will be released prior to the Android counterpart and even the desktop main website. The company has added a great new feature which is a pro-consumer move. It should help the company regain lost reputation over past mishaps and pave the way for a user-friendly business model. It is also likely to ensure YoutTube’s long-standing reign in the online multimedia segment.

June 27, 2019
Xiaomi Mi CC9e Colour And Storage Variants Leaked
Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi introduced the Mi CC series a while ago. The device lineup was introduced in partnership with another OEM from the country, Meitu; of whose operations the former took control of last year. It was later revealed that the company is planning to launch the first two handsets in the series, which were purportedly called the Mi CC9 and Mi CC9e at an event on the 2nd of July. In a fresh report, the colour and storage variants of the latter have been leaked online.

Xiaomi Mi CC9e

The Mi CC9e will be the more affordable offering in Xiaomi’s upcoming CC series. Latest reports reveal that the smartphone will be offered in three colours namely, White, Blue Planet and Night Prince. In terms of memory and storage, the device will be sold in four storage variants which are listed below.
- 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM
- 4GB RAM and 128GB ROM
- 6GB RAM and 64GB ROM
- 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM
The leak claims the Mi CC9e will have a 5.97 inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 px. It will run on the 10nm Snapdragon 710 SoC which is also found in the Mi 8 SE and the Realme 3 Pro. The chipset is comprised of an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 616 GPU. In terms of optics, the smartphone may have a triple rear camera setup, which is expected to pack a 48MP Sony IMX 582 sensor primarily; alongside an 8MP secondary and a 5MP tertiary sensor. The camera will also have a specialised beauty mode developed by Meitu.

Also read: Lenovo India Introduces “Made To Order” Customisable Laptops

The Mi CC9e is reported to be powered by a 3500 mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging. As far as the pricing of the smartphone is concerned, it is expected to start at CNY 1,599 (Rs. 16,100) for the base storage variant. The variant with top tier configurations may be priced at CNY 2,199 (Rs. 22,100). As mentioned above, the Mi CC9 will also make an appearance alongside the CC9e on the 2nd of July. Unfortunately, it is not known if the devices will later be introduced in the Indian market, as Meitu did not exist in the country prior to its undertaking by Xiaomi.
June 27, 2019
Apple Hires Ex ARM CPU Architect, Could Launch ARM Based Mac By 2020
Claims in the past have suggested that Apple is developing ARM based Mac computers which will replace Intel processors. The company has hired one of ARM’s top CPU architect, Mike Filippo who led the development of several chips at the latter corporation between 2009 and 2019.

With the wealth of chip making the new Apple recruit brings, reports about the aforementioned ARM based Mac computers may soon turn into a reality. Users who are unaware, ARM is the company responsible for developing Cortex cores which are found on most Android mobile chipsets.

As previously mentioned, Apple designing its own ARM-based processors will allow the company to move away from Intel processors which are currently seen on all its offerings. Besides, sources within Intel have confirmed to Axios ( an American News Website) that Apple plans to transition to ARM architecture based Macs starting 2020.

As of now, the A series chipsets found on the iPhone and iPad are developed in house by Apple. Furthermore, the custom T2 security chip present in the latest Mac models is also developed in house. Some benefits that Apple will reap upon switching to self-developed ARM processors are as follows:
- Due to the same underlying hardware architecture, applications designed for iOS i.e iPhone, iPad or iPod will be compatible with Mac computers. Furthermore, Apple in the past has showcased ‘Project Catalyst’ which is intended toward unifying and cross compatibility between MacOS and iOS apps.
- It won’t be wrong to assume that this move will help the company to save up production costs as in house developed components are generally more economical. Besides if the company decides to pass on the benefit to customers by lowering prices of its offerings. This will result in a sales boost for Mac computers.
- Apple iPhones are generally considered more secure than its Android counterparts, because of a closed ecosystem between software and hardware which are both developed by the same company. Likewise, Mac computers which are already regarded for a high level of security will become even more secure with a combination of proprietary software and hardware.
All in all, the idea of a Mac computer with ARM processor doesn’t seem farfetched at all. Aside from the fact, the current gen iPad Pro with A12x Bionic SoC is regarded as powerful as a MacBook Pro with an i7 processor. With the high end tablet computer, Apple has proved that ARM computers can not only provide a better battery backup, they are on par in terms of processing with dektop grade CPUs.

Also Read: Lenovo India Introduces “Made To Order” Customisable Laptops

Even though Apple has not revealed a launch date for an ARM based Mac, as mentioned previously, they could be expected in the year 2020.

What are your thoughts on Apple’s departure from Team Blue’s offering to its own chipsets? Do let us know what is your take on this!
June 27, 2019
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

Samsung has unveiled the latest instalment in the Galaxy Tab series. Galaxy Tab S5e is a capable device that seeks to strengthen the tech giants hold over the Indian tablet market. The device features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 with a Full HD+ display. It is also equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

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June 26, 2019
LG W30

LG has unveiled a new mid-range budget smartphone in India following the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. LG W30 is equipped with a dual camera set up at the rear and a notch display with a lone camera at the front. The device sports the MediaTek Helio P22 SoC with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.

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June 26, 2019
Moto One Vision

Moto One Vision is one of the latest entrants in Motorola’s One series line up. The smartphone features a dual camera set up on the rear while the front has a punch-hole selfie camera. The mid-range device is equipped with an Exynos 9609 SoC and has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.

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June 26, 2019
Lenovo India Introduces “Made To Order” Customisable Laptops
One of the key benefit desktop PCs have had over laptops is choice in the configuration. Apart from pre-built computers, most users or even enthusiasts have always chosen which parts they needed for their desktops. Laptops have generally almost always sold with set internal hardware as specified by various electronic companies. However, Lenovo has now started a new ‘Make Your Own’ initiative that offers users the ability to customise their laptops before purchase.

How It Works

The new ‘Made To Order’ service for ThinkPad laptops is currently available in India and will soon expand to other laptop lineups within 90 days. Options for customising laptops is available on Lenovo’s official website. The company is claiming to offer over 100,000 configurations. Lenovo has stated that the custom ordered laptop will be made in its automated facilities which promise to deliver in two weeks time.

According to the company, users with varying needs are being taken into account. Growth has been observed in the demand for personalised laptops and Lenovo plans on delivering. The launch of the service will mark a pro-consumer focused business model being adopted by the tech giant.

Configurations Offered
- CPU: Intel and AMD options will be available although only the former is currently listed with options between Core i3, i5, and i7.
- Storage: Standard hard disk drives can be swapped out for the much faster solid state drives.
- Graphics: Customers can choose between the integrated graphics provided or the dedicated graphics card from AMD and NVIDIA.
- Screen: Options vary from Full HD displays panels to the vibrant 4K displays with a touch screen option.
- Pre-Installed Software: Users can opt for certain softwares such as the MS Office, Abode Suite, Anti-Virus applications and much more.
- Accessories: Additional items such as an upgraded extra battery, Ethernet Dongles, Expansion Docks and External monitors are being provided on the side.
- Premier Support: Lenovo is offering extended warranty and Accidental Damage Protection service to those interested.
Also Read: Oppo Showcases A Smartphone With Invisible Selfie Camera

All-in-all, Lenovo has offered a great option for its potential customers. Currently, there are very few options for customising laptops to cater to users specific needs. For example, users may need a powerful CPU but not the expensive GPU that ships with it. Hence, the option of opting out is a good deal. Lenovo’s pro-choice move is a welcomed change to the formula that is prevalent in the mobile computer industry.
June 26, 2019