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Latest by M. Smith

Xbox teams up with the PC to score a much-needed win over PlayStation at E3 2017

The battle between Microsoft and Sony is the most epic clash of E3. This year's bout is over, and a definitive winner has emerged.
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The Xbox One X still can’t make games look real, and that’s a good thing

Microsoft's Xbox One X is the world's most powerful console. Yet its power is being used to pursuit art just as much as realism.
Microsoft Surface Studio

Microsoft Surface Studio review

Microsoft’s first all-in-one is extravagantly expensive, immensely capable, and beautiful to look at. Does that make it a stand-out all-in-one, or is its price too much to tolerate?
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Apple still doesn’t know what to do with Macs, and WWDC 2017 was proof

This April, Apple made a peculiar move – it invited a select batch of journalists to see the future of its high-end Macs. Behind closed doors, the company provided a glimpse into its upcoming iMac and Mac Pro hardware. This rare, exclusive, off-schedule presser served an obvious purpose. It was an apology to Mac fans. […]
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Close to the Metal Ep. 45: Computex 2017 reignites the fight between AMD and Intel

Computex 2017 is a big deal for PC hardware, and this year sees the renewal of an old conflict - AMD vs. Intel.
Intel Core i7-7700K review

Intel talks 8th-gen Core at Computex, claims 30 percent performance gain

Intel spoke briefly about the 8th-generation Intel Core processor at Computex 2017, and estimated how much performance will improve.
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Intel strikes back at AMD with overclockable X-Series, led by 18-core monster

Intel is striking back at AMD's many-core Ryzen processors with its own flagship line, the X-Series. All the processors can be overclocked.
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You aren’t ready for this crazy 8K monitor. No really, you probably can’t use it

Want an 8K monitor? The Dell UP3218K is the only choice. It’s a gorgeous piece of technology that blows away even Apple’s iMac with Retina, but your computer probably can’t handle it.
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Keep dreaming. Microsoft’s ‘mixed reality’ visions remain out of reach

Microsoft showed off Mixed Reality again at Build 2017, this time with new motion controllers. No release date was provided, and no hardware was shown. Microsoft is yet again pairing an awesome vision with a hesitant plan to executive it.
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Microsoft’s mixed reality headsets are finally here, and you can pre-order Acer’s

Microsoft had major announcements about Mixed Reality at Build 2017, including new motion controllers that don't require external sensors.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Microsoft is laying the foundation for a sci-fi future at Build 2017

Microsoft Build is a developer conference, and focuses on technical announcements that most people won’t understand. That doesn’t make it unimportant – instead, Build is arguably more relevant than ever.
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We’ve made a map so you can find the HTC Vive demo nearest you

VR is difficult to understand until you've tried it. Knowing this, HTC has set up demo stations across the globe. Here's where to find them.
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7th-gen Intel Core boosts clock speeds, includes overclock-ready Core i3

Intel has launched its full lineup of 7th-generation hardware, including mobile quad-core and desktop hardware.
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Microsoft’s Surface Laptops are bad for its partners, but good for you

Microsoft has long positioned Surface as a blueprint for Windows devices, but the new Surface Laptop is something more. It’s a direct competitor with the company’s hardware vendors, and reconfirms that Microsoft wants full control of the Windows experience.
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Replacing your console with a gaming PC is a brilliant, idiotic idea

Console-like computers have become easy to find. They promise better performance and a game library no console can hope to match. Still, there’s more to the story, and plenty of reason to second-guess the purchase.
Intel Optane review

Intel Optane 32GB review

Intel’s heralded Optane Memory is finally available in consumer devices, in the form of 16GB and 32GB cache drives meant to pair with a hard disk. Is this all-new hardware a rival to solid state drives?
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti ARMOR 11G OC review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Armor 11G OC review

The newly arrived MSI Armor GTX 1080 Ti cost $710, which is a huge chunk of cash, but it promises the fastest gaming experience. Can it really deliver an upgrade every gamer will envy? Or is it just a toy for enthusiasts with deep wallets?
windows ink coming to affordable 2 in 1s this fall

How Windows Ink could make 2-in-1s the new go-to tool for students

Windows Ink debuted in the Anniversary Update last year. The new Creators Update adds just a few new features to Ink, but Microsoft says the coming back to school season will be full of excellent and affordable Ink-compatible devices.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2017) review

The latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon drops a few ounces in its attempt to battle Dell’s XPS 13 and Apple’s MacBook Pro 13 for the hearts and minds of prosumers. Does Lenovo’s veteran show them the meaning of real work?
Windows 10 Creators Update

Windows 10 Creators Update review

Microsoft aims the Creators Update at makers, promising a new 3D workspace called Paint 3D, which can be used to prototype 3D printing or modeling projects. Can it really bring value to these demanding and picky users?
AMD Ryzen 7 1700 review

AMD presses its advantage with affordable Ryzen 5 processors, available April 11

AMD's Ryzen processors will come to a more affordable price point on April 11, when the company launches its Ryzen 5 line.
AMD Ryzen 7 1800X review

AMD Ryzen 7 1800X review

After months of anticipation, AMD has released its first three Ryzen processors. Can the company’s fresh look at architecture beat Intel, or is the underdog forced to continue nipping at the giant’s heels?
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AMD’s Ryzen 7 too expensive for you? Its affordable siblings will be here soon

AMD's Ryzen 7 has been released, but it's just the tip of the spear. AMD also plans more affordable versions, the Ryzen 3 and 5 series.
Nvidia earnings call

Nvidia introduces GTX 1080 Ti with 11GB of video memory at $699, pre-orders available March 2

Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang to announce the GTX 1080 Ti, which will be available next week for $699. He also slashed the price of the GTX 1080 to $100.
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The wait for Ryzen is over, pre-orders now available starting at $329

AMD has fully and unofficially unveiled the Ryzen chips it will launch on March 2, and you can pre-order one now.
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Looking for a Ryzen desktop? Here's over a dozen good places to start

AMD talked about its work with partners, including enthusiast system builders that design high-end rigs. Take a look at these hot new Ryzen-powered desktops.
Apple MacBook 13-inch Touch Pad

The MacBook Pro’s battery life is better, but it’s still not the best

Our review of the MacBook Pro 13 revealed thoroughly average battery life. Since then, Apple has made several tweaks. Did it help?
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Close to the Metal Ep. 29: Windows puts its head in the cloud

Windows 10 Cloud has leaked, and we've tried it. Can it establish dominance over Google's Chrome OS even in budget laptops? And does the inclusion of 'Cloud' in the name really mean anything?
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Farewell to Microsoft’s Fedora Guy, Hello to Android apps for Chromebooks

In this week's Close To The Metal we discuss Microsoft's layoffs, Android apps coming to all Chromebooks, and an intriguing product patent from Razer.
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CES proves 2017 is the year the PC platform will solve its oldest problems

This year's show felt like a big one for PC enthusiasts, but not because of new tech. Most the trends focus on ways to solve old problems.
XPS 13 2-in-1

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1: Our first take

Dell's XPS 13 was our favorite laptop of 2015. Now, the 2-in-1 version has swept us off our feet. It's thinner, but maintains a great keyboard.
Alienware 13 R3 review

Bring on the neon! Gaming laptops are gaudy for a reason

Gaming laptops can be gaudy, but to demand they become a pillar of design and elegance is missing the point. Gaming is about performance,
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Samsung’s new Chromebooks should make Microsoft and Intel nervous

Samsung's new Chromebooks may signal a new battle. On one side is ARM and Chrome OS -- on the other, Intel and Windows.
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AMD reveals details of new Vega GPU architecture, goes all-in on HBM2

AMD has finally dished out details on Vega. As expected, it has HBM 2 memory, and it focuses reducing memory consumption of modern triple-A games.