build quality Archives

BetaBeacon

August 7, 2025

The AYANEO Pocket S2 is the most powerful Android handheld I’ve ever tested, but is it the best?

The AYANEO Pocket S2 has a sleek and slender design with stacked triggers, high-end TMR electromagnetic sticks, and a headphone jack. It features a Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chipset that outperforms other popular handhelds in terms of CPU and GPU performance. The device also excels in sustained performance and temperature control. It is highly recommended for gaming, including emulation of retro and modern games. The Pro model comes with a larger battery and a swappable D-pad. However, the premium price tag may make it difficult to recommend, especially with the release of other compelling alternatives by AYANEO.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft announces end of support for Windows 11 SE

Microsoft has announced that it will phase out Windows 11 SE, with support and updates ending in October 2026. Windows 11 SE was designed for educational environments and low-spec devices, featuring essential educational applications and Microsoft Office 365 (subscription required). The decision comes as Chromebooks gain popularity in the educational sector. Microsoft will not release any feature updates after version 24H2, and users are advised to transition to devices that support other editions of Windows 11 for continued support and security. The operating system has been criticized for its reduced functionality and user experience compared to standard laptops.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Microsoft is killing off Windows 11 SE, its Chrome OS competitor

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 SE by October 2026, ceasing all software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes. Devices running Windows 11 SE will continue to function, but users are advised to transition to another edition of Windows 11 for ongoing support. The upcoming 25H2 update will not be released for Windows 11 SE, leaving devices on the 24H2 version until support ends. Various manufacturers have produced laptops with Windows 11 SE, and Microsoft launched the budget-friendly Surface Laptop SE in 2021. Microsoft's previous attempts to compete with Chrome OS included the introduction of S Mode for Windows 10, which faced challenges due to limited app availability. A Gartner report indicates that Chromebook market share is declining, with a shift in focus towards Windows 11 upgrades rather than migration to Chrome OS.

BetaBeacon

July 10, 2025

The Game Boy of my dreams is finally back in stock for good

The ModRetro Chromatic is the ultimate Game Boy, with an enhanced but authentic screen and exquisite build quality. It only plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, replicating the original hardware closely. It has a backlit LCD panel, premium build quality, and a battery indicator. The device has been restocked with new colorways and accessories. The price has been adjusted, making it a pricey option for diehard Game Boy fans. It is considered the ultimate way to play Game Boy cartridges for dedicated collectors.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Best deals for PC gamers today: boutique rigs and game bundles

Today's technology offerings include high-end and budget-friendly gaming systems. The MAINGEAR RUSH Mk. IV is priced at ,774 and features an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, 48GB T-Force Xtreem RGB Memory, 2TB T-Force A440 NVMe SSD, ASRock Phantom Gaming X870E Nova WiFi Motherboard, MAINGEAR Epic 360 RGB Cooling, 850W MSI MAG A850GL PSU, and Windows 11 Home. It is designed for serious gamers and delivers exceptional performance within five days of ordering, though GPU availability may vary. The Skytech King 95 is a budget option priced at ,099.99, with an additional 5% coupon available. It includes an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, 32GB DDR5 5600MHz RGB Memory, 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD, 850W Gold PSU, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Home, and a free RGB keyboard and mouse. The ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard is available for .99, featuring a 96% compact layout, tri-mode connection, hot-swappable NX Snow pre-lubed switches, sound-dampening foam, and durable PBT double-shot keycaps. The ASUS ROG Azoth 75 Wireless Keyboard has an OLED screen and hot-swappable switches, combining high performance with aesthetics. The ASUS ROG Keris II Ace Wireless Gaming Mouse weighs 54g and features ASUS's AimPoint Pro sensor. The Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless Gaming Mouse includes hybrid switches and a 25K HERO sensor. The ASUS ROG Spatha X Wireless Gaming Mouse offers customization options, swappable switches, and wireless charging. The Keychron K6 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard supports wired and wireless use with customizable features. The Crucial T500 2TB NVMe SSD is a fast and affordable storage solution. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Processor is budget-friendly and suitable for 1080p gaming and multitasking. The PNY 256GB PRO Elite Prime microSDXC Card is priced under , offering speed and affordability for game storage. The Fanatical NSPCC Charity Bundle 2025 provides 0 worth of family-friendly and indie games for under , supporting the NSPCC. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the latest installment in the Warriors franchise. The Fanatical Summer Mystery Bundle 2025 offers a gamble for gamers, potentially yielding great titles or quirky indie games at an affordable price.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

I tried Asus ZenBook A14. Now I can’t imagine using a different Windows laptop

The Asus ZenBook A14 is a lightweight laptop that weighs over 23% less than the MacBook Air and is crafted from a material called Ceraluminum, making it 30% lighter than aluminum and nearly three times stronger. It features a variety of ports, including two USB-C (v4.0) ports, a USB-A port, and an HDMI 2.1 port, offering more connectivity options than the MacBook Air. The keyboard provides satisfying feedback and ample travel, while the Windows Hello authentication system offers convenient security. The laptop has a 14-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and performs well with applications from Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, although it struggles with heavier workloads in Da Vinci Resolve. The ZenBook A14 has a battery life of around eight hours on a single charge.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

I set out to see if the Razer Blade 16’s redesign, AMD, and RTX 50-series put the laptop back on top

The Razer Blade 16 (2025) starts at a price of ,999.99 and features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. The fully upgraded version costs ,899.99 and includes a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, RTX 5090 graphics, 64GB of RAM, and 4TB of SSD storage. The laptop is approximately 21-32% thinner and 13% lighter than its predecessor, with a CNC-milled unibody aluminum chassis. It has a 16-inch OLED display with QHD+ resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. The Blade 16 features five USB ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a full-sized SD card slot. Battery life is limited, draining significantly in one hour of standard usage, and performance throttling occurs when unplugged. The keyboard has been redesigned for deeper key travel, while the touchpad has issues with palm rejection. It includes a FHD webcam, dual-array microphones, and a six-speaker system with THX Spatial Audio, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: Copilot updates, PowerToys updates, new Windows 11 builds, and more.

Windows 11 24H2 is experiencing performance throttling issues when applications are minimized, but the 0x80131500 Store error has been fixed. Windows 10 has regained its status as the most popular operating system on Steam, according to Valve's February 2025 survey. Microsoft has launched a native Copilot app for Windows 11 and 10 in the Insider program, featuring a XAML-based interface. PowerToys has been updated to version 0.89, enhancing tools like Advanced Paste and FancyZones. Microsoft Edge 134 has been released with improved Teams link handling, while Firefox 136 introduces vertical tabs and HEVC support for Linux users. Microsoft will discontinue Publisher in 2024 and has launched a support page for alternatives. The Xiaomi 15 smartphone received positive reviews for its build quality and fast-charging, while AMD's RX 9070 XT graphics card received a perfect score for performance. Upcoming Game Pass titles include Monster Train and Galacticare, and Amazon Prime Gaming is offering 20 PC games this month. A remake of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 is set to release on July 11.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

Compare Dell Latitude 5420 Laptop Intel Core i5 11th Gen-1135G7 Intel Iris Xe 8GB 256GB SSD Windows 10 vs Lenovo ThinkBook 15 21A4A09TIH Laptop AMD Ryzen 3 5300U/8GB/512GB SSD/Windows 11 – Dell Latitude 5420 Laptop Intel Core i5 11th Gen-1135G7 Intel Iris Xe 8GB 256GB SSD Windows 10 vs Lenovo ThinkBook 15 21A4A09TIH Laptop AMD Ryzen 3 5300U/8GB/512GB SSD/Windows 11 Comparison by Price, Specifications, Reviews & Features

The Dell Latitude 5420 is powered by an Intel Core i5 11th Generation processor (1135G7), Intel Iris Xe graphics, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 features an AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The Dell Latitude 5420 runs on Windows 10, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 comes with Windows 11. The Dell Latitude 5420 is positioned as a premium option, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 is a more budget-friendly alternative.

BetaBeacon

March 6, 2025

This gorgeous Game Boy Micro clone hits all the right buttons

AYANEO has unveiled the Pocket Micro Classic, a handheld device designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. It features a 3.5-inch 3:2 IPS display, a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, and 6 or 8GB of RAM. The device is capable of upscaling GBA games and emulating some PS2 games. It has a premium build quality with an aluminum alloy frame and borderless glass panel, available in three color options. The Pocket Micro Classic is priced starting at 9 and pre-orders are currently open on the official AYANEO website.