Daily Tech News 23 April 2023

Top Story

• The 7730U isn't a 6800U, but the 7735U is. AMD's 7000-series numbering is even worse than I thought.
  
  
  
• We all contribute to the municipal sewage system. Should we get paid? (Tech Crunch)
  
  Actually they're talking about AI, but the same principle applies. If your output had any value, you would have been paid already.
  
  Sam Altman-Fried, CEO of OpenAI, thinks sewer-contributors should be paid. This is because his company has an intrinsic value in the millions but a temporary market cap in the billions, and he wants urgently to pull up the ladder behind him before anyone else can climb up and shove him off the ledge.
  
  
  

Tech News

• HP's Omen 17 has the best keyboard layout of any laptop. (Notebook Check)
  
  It not only has the Four Essential Keys, but a full desktop cursor section (thirteen keys in total) and six programmable macro keys to the left of the main keyboard section.
  
  Other than that there's either a 16-core 13700HX or a 24-core 13900HX CPU - both of them power-hungry beasts, but this is a 17" gaming laptop so that is rather what you'd expect to find, a choice of Nvidia RTX 4060/70/80/90 graphics, up to 64GB of RAM and 16TB of SSD (if you install your own), and a 2560x1440 165Hz or 240Hz screen covering close to 100% of sRGB. Not perfect for artists or video editors, but just fine for most users.
  
  Large and heavy (2.8kg) but that goes with the territory.
  
  I hadn't noticed before that this has the six macro keys; that's true of last year's model as well, which is currently selling at 30% off with a 3080 Ti.
  
  
  
• But this is probably not the year to spend big on a hot and heavy gaming laptop, because next year everything is going to change. (WCCFTech)
  
  AMD's Zen 5 chips will be coming out in the latter half of 2024, both desktop and laptop.
  
  Fire Range will replace Dragon Range in high-end laptops, swapping 16 Zen 5 cores for the current 16 Zen 4 cores. Nothing dramatic but probably about 25% faster.
  
  Strix Point will replace the current Phoenix chips for mid-range laptops, upping the current 8 Zen 4 cores to 12 Zen 5 cores, and 12 RDNA3 graphics cores to 16 RDNA3+ cores. That will give a nice graphics boost - comparable to a dedicated RTX 3050 - and a huge CPU boost, bringing next year's midrange just behind the fastest laptops available today.
  
  And then there's Strix Point Halo. This will offer 16 Zen 5 cores, 40 RDNA3+ graphics cores, and a 256-bit memory bus. That should be able to match not an RTX 3050 but a (laptop) RTX 4070. The laptop 4070 is basically a desktop 4060 which is comparable to a 3070 Ti, or if that's too complicated for you, it should be faster than an Xbox Series X or Playstation 5.
  
  This chip will use 90W of power, but in a gaming laptop with an Intel CPU and Nivida graphics, both of those chips are using more than 90W of power right now.
  
  It's very unlikely we'll see this in a laptop with upgradeable RAM - they rarely include even one DIMM slot, so four is out of the question - but with the 256-bit bus manufacturers will finally be forced to include at least 32GB.
  
  
  
• Speaking of laptop manufacturers, we hates them. I'm still looking for a laptop that fits my needs:
  
  - A 13" or 14" QHD+ screen (that is, 2560x1440 or higher)
  - The Four Essential Keys
  - Upgradeable RAM or at least 32GB of fixed RAM
  - Graphics that don't entirely suck - at least equal to AMD's 6800U's integrated graphics
  
  What is actually available?
  
  - HP's new Pavilion Aero, with a 13" 2560x1600 screen, a 6800U processor, exactly the keyboard layout I want, and a maximum of 16GB of RAM
  
  - Also from HP the Pavilion Plus 14, with a 2880x1800 OLED screen, a 12700H processor, exactly the keyboard layout I want, and a maximum of 16GB of RAM
  
  - From Gigabyte the Aero 14 (the industry ran out of names and has to recycle), with a 14" 2880x1800 OLED display, a 13700H processor, Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics, exactly the keyboard layout I want, and a maximum of 16GB of RAM
  
  - From Asus the Rog Zephyrus G14, with a 14" 2560x1600 screen, an AMD 7940HS processor (which already has integrated graphics that are fast enough for me), Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics as well, 16GB of fixed ram but also a free slot for another 16GB or 32GB, four programmable macro keys... And no sign of the Four Essential Keys.
  
  - Also from Asus the Zenbook 14, with another 14" 2880x1880 OLED screen, an Intel 13900H CPU, Nvidia RTX 3050 graphics, 32GB of fixed RAM... And neither macro keys nor the Four Essential Keys.
  
  - Also from Asus the Zenbook Pro Duo 14, with yet another of those 14" 2880x1800 OLED screens plus a 2880x864 LCD touchscreen, an Intel 13900H processor, Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics, 32GB of fixed RAM, no Four Essential Keys but with that second touch screen you can configure as many keys as you want... But not only is it expensive but with that second screen there is no palm rest so it's basically impossible to use unless you're sitting at a desk and if I was sitting at a desk I wouldn't need a laptop. (Except for a couple of days a year.)
  
  - The Framework Laptop, with a 13" 2256x1504 display, a selection of CPUs with Zen 4 chips on the way, up to 64GB of RAM and whatever SSD you want, configurable I/O ports, and 21 available keyboard layouts not a single one of which includes the Four Essential Keys.
  
  - From Lenovo the ThinkPad L14 G3, with a Ryzen 5875U CPU, up to 64GB of RAM, the Four Essential Keys albeit not quite where I would like them, and a truly mediocre 14" 1080p screen. (The same colour problems I mentioned with Acer's laptops.)
  
  - Lenovo's ThinkPad E14 Intel edition, with the 4EK and upgradeable RAM, but a mediocre screen and a mediocre CPU, though they do have the option of mediocre dedicated graphics.
  
  - Lenovo's ThinkPad T14s, again with the 4EK but a mediocre screen and 16GB of soldered RAM.
  
  - Lenovo's ThinkPad Z13 which is 30% off right now, with a Ryzen 6850U, up to 32GB of fixed RAM, a 13" 2880x1800 OLED display (there's a lot of that going about), and unlike every other ThinkPad ever made no sign of the Four Essential Keys.
  
  - Lenovo's ThinkPad P14s Gen 3 AMD, with - wait. That option wasn't there yesterday. With the Four Essential Keys though not in my preferred layout, a Ryzen 6850U CPU so solid performance and good integrated graphics at low power, up to 32GB of soldered RAM, a good selection of I/O ports including wired Ethernet, and a build-to-order option of a 14" 3840x2400 colour-calibrated display covering 100% of DCI-P3.
  
  Only problem is, it is not 30% off right now, with all the build-to-order options it costs A$4000.
  
  - And finally Lenovo's - yes, again - ThinkPad P14s Gen 3 Intel edition, with a 1240P CPU, Nvidia T550 workstation graphics which are the bottom of the barrel when it comes to workstation graphics but are about as fast as the integrated graphics in the Ryzen 6850U above which means at least passable, 8GB or 16GB of soldered RAM but also a free RAM slot so you can go up to 40GB albeit not in dual-channel mode - and is 30% off right now.
  
  Lenovo alone sells 76 models of 13" and 14" laptops, and even they only come close to getting it right when you go through every single build-to-order option.
  
  Also, they're the only major manufacturer in Australia that still does build-to-order.
  
  I think the solution is to buy two laptops. It's actually cheaper to buy two mass-produced 16GB models than one built-to-order 32GB model with the specs I want.
  
  
  
• The best small tablets you can buy today. (ZDNet)
  
  Spoiler: It's the iPad Mini and a bunch of suck.

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Howdy!

Posted by: JQ at April 23, 2023 04:00 AM (o0Fxd)

2 G'Day everyone

Posted by: Skip at April 23, 2023 04:01 AM (xhxe8)

3 G'howdy y'everyone!

Posted by: Pixy Misa at April 23, 2023 04:04 AM (BLOW1)

4 Even more basic versions of the Think Pad are still around 1Grand

Posted by: Skip at April 23, 2023 04:05 AM (xhxe8)

5 I have only had a tablet for a long time. There are things I could do with a laptop.

Posted by: Skip at April 23, 2023 04:06 AM (xhxe8)

6 And a hearty *Yee-Haw* backatcha, Pixy!

Posted by: JQ at April 23, 2023 04:06 AM (o0Fxd)

7 I still like a keyboard with a NumPad. Even though I don't run numbers like I used to.

Posted by: olddog in mo at April 23, 2023 04:07 AM (m3bmY)

8 The problem with numpads on laptops is it pushes the main part of the keyboard off-center. Makes for awkward typing.

Doesn't matter with a desktop because (a) the screen is much bigger and (b) you can move the keyboard anyway.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at April 23, 2023 04:11 AM (BLOW1)

9 There are sausages and apple pancakes if I get up

Posted by: Skip at April 23, 2023 04:17 AM (xhxe8)

10 Haven't made apple pancakes in a while.

Mornin', all

Posted by: My Life is Insanity at April 23, 2023 04:41 AM (ynUP/)

11 The worst thing for me about my laptop keyboard is that the keys are so smooth, my fingers slip. My desktop keyboard has slightly indented keys. Maybe it's my neuropathy that makes it worse, but I definitely type slower on my laptop and have to watch my fingers

Posted by: My Life is Insanity at April 23, 2023 04:45 AM (ynUP/)

12 I hate the cpc/prc but my Lenovo is rock solid. They're spying on you no matter what, so WTF? This rig was cheap and it works.

Are they any worse than apple/google/microsoft? NO!

I don't put anything on these NB/LPs that I can't lose today, and AV is a joke but you have to make your bones in the system.

Capitalism is a bitch, and I'm buying rope for the whole family and 10 families in China.

Posted by: Dr. Bone at April 23, 2023 04:59 AM (V4X9X)

13 Hiya MLii !

Posted by: JT at April 23, 2023 05:00 AM (T4tVD)

14 Hey JT!

Posted by: My Life is Insanity at April 23, 2023 05:00 AM (ynUP/)

15 Hey JT!
Posted by: My Life is Insanity

Posted by: JT at April 23, 2023 05:04 AM (T4tVD)

16 That was some rain we had here last night !

Posted by: JT at April 23, 2023 05:05 AM (T4tVD)

17 'HP's Omen 17 has the best keyboard layout of any laptop. (Notebook Check)'


I actually like my ancient work laptop's keyboard better (also an HP.) All of that, plus a number pad. My boss came by a few months ago and asked 'You want a new laptop?' (because mine is showing some wear) and I said 'Hell no.'

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 23, 2023 05:13 AM (/xaUq)

18 I wish I could share personal photos online.

So, I live on the third floor of the building. It is a semi open breezeway. Nice stairs that have gentle, deep risers. A guy in one of the units across from me on the same floor, for some reason, ordered TWO Ryobi Circular Miter saws. Some poor delivery guy had to carry both of these gigantic boxes up all those fricking stairs to set them in front of this guy's door.

I feel sorry for that poor bastard delivery guy, but I also am wondering: why does someone need two circular saws on the second floor of an apartment. I am actually assuming this is the complex. There is some woodwork that needs to be done as far as repair in the breezeway.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 23, 2023 05:17 AM (/xaUq)

19 Aetius451AD, sounds like he got 'chop saws'-- ask him to have the spare one sent to me, ok? LOL

It's a mystery, though... perhaps one is a gift, or he combined order with a friend to save shipping costs?

Posted by: JQ at April 23, 2023 05:23 AM (o0Fxd)

20 Off to go on my weekly walk with #1 son. Stopping 1/2 way through at our favorite local breakfast place.

See you later with a plate of something yummy!

Posted by: My Life is Insanity at April 23, 2023 05:36 AM (ynUP/)

21 Good morning morons

Apple pancakes are a thing.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 23, 2023 05:39 AM (EZebt)

22 Off to go on my weekly walk with #1 son. Stopping 1/2 way through at our favorite local breakfast place.

See you later with a plate of something yummy!
Posted by: My Life is Insanity

Have fun and stay safe !

Posted by: JT at April 23, 2023 05:40 AM (T4tVD)

23 >> why does someone need two circular saws on the second floor of an apartment.

I can answer that question, at least to why he needs two. When I was a kid, I wanted two of everything. One to use, one to keep. That is, I wanted one of the toy, shiny object to play around with and perhaps mess up, and then another one, to keep pristine and in mint condition.

That basic urge still sort of persists under the surface. One to use, one to keep. Have your cake and eat it to via getting two cakes.

Posted by: publius, Rascally Mr. Miley (Mzdiz) at April 23, 2023 05:43 AM (Mzdiz)

24 If I don't get up soon just as well stay here until tomorrow morning

Posted by: Skip at April 23, 2023 05:46 AM (xhxe8)

25 why does someone need two circular saws on the second floor of an apartment.

ambidextrous ?

Posted by: JT at April 23, 2023 05:47 AM (T4tVD)

26 Why won't Michelle Obama help get something down off the high shelf for Bob Oppenheimer?
https://tinyurl.com/2cfpe4c6

Posted by: gp's Creme-Filled Ballot Drops at April 23, 2023 05:47 AM (MvF+J)

27
Now, these two miter saws. What size? 12", 10", 7 1/4"? Compound? Sliding? Dual Bevel?

Posted by: publius, Rascally Mr. Miley (Mzdiz) at April 23, 2023 05:48 AM (Mzdiz)

28 Maybe he didn't order 2 saws... Maybe, his order got duplicated by mistake

Posted by: JQ at April 23, 2023 05:50 AM (o0Fxd)

29 Michael Shannon and Shea Whigham star in "Boardwalk Waco Empire: The Aftermath" on ShowTime.

Posted by: gp's Creme-Filled Ballot Drops at April 23, 2023 05:58 AM (MvF+J)

30 There are lots of different saws, don't have to be same kind.

Posted by: Skip at April 23, 2023 05:59 AM (xhxe8)

31 KRAK OF DAWN HAS ARRIVED
grab a coffee and get upstairs

Posted by: Skip at April 23, 2023 06:01 AM (xhxe8)

32 I feel sorry for that poor bastard delivery guy, but I also am wondering: why does someone need two circular saws on the second floor of an apartment.
-

Perhaps they were kidnapped.

https://youtu.be/x9f5aVd-A2A?t=180

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at April 23, 2023 06:05 AM (odVni)

33 If you would want to go for a 17", on Newegg, the ASUS Strix G17 w/ 7945HX & 4060, upgradable 16 GB, 1TB Gen4, QHD 165hz seems great for bang for buck and has your four favorite keys. Of course, I immediately threw in 64GB and 6TB in mine. At $1900 USD, but I have no idea what it would cost you in the the land where everything is trying to kill you.

The 7945HX is the only laptop CPU with 64MG of L3 cache. I like to use the command console in EU4 for too many armies and on desktop, it was only playable when I switched from a 3700X with 32MB L3 to a 5800X3D with 96MB.

Posted by: The Bob at April 23, 2023 06:30 AM (YM5uJ)

34 Part of a prayer by John Baillie who was a Scottish pastor and theologian and wrote a great book, A "A Dairy of Private Prayer" which contains a monthly cycle of morning and evening prayers:

O God, who has been the refuge of my fathers through many generations, be my refuge today in every time and circumstance of need. Be my guide
through all that is dark or doubtful. Be my guard against all that threatens my spirit's welfare. Gladden my heart with your peace.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 23, 2023 06:54 AM (A6rWi)

35 Mornin’, Pixy! That Dirty Pair AMV is dynamite. Have you seen Carpenter Brut’s video for Turbo Killer? https://youtu.be/er416Ad3R1g

Also please tell me you’ve watched Kenny Lauderdale’s Discount Anime Warehouse:
https://www.youtube.com/@kennylauderdale_en

Posted by: Caiwyn at April 23, 2023 07:47 AM (Bmy9A)

36 "Get paid to contribute to the sewage system"...Is similar to an analogy I have used for years to describe the Govts "Incentives" towards the Solar/Wind power "Industries. Power companies design and build power generation plants, then main, trunk, distribution lines to deliver it. Creating what is essentially a pipeline/stream of uniform composition, velocity, and pressure, very similar to the Water Industry's wells, tanks, towers and pipelines. Where the Govt declares that Power Companies MUST purchase, ANY power, ANY individual or company creates(regardless of composition, velocity and pressure), then uses taxes,fees, etc to subsidize the creation of these "Trickle" sources they are...by definition...requiring Power Companies to PAY people to "Piss in their stream", ignoring the fact it is uneeded, unasked for, of different composition, and requires additional costs, additives, transformations to correct and keep from ruining the already existing complex systems. Solar in particular is most egregious as that it is NEVER a steady generation, by it's very nature it is constantly fluctuating, even at it's peak, during the bright daylight hours of uncloudy days, it is least needed.

Posted by: birddog at April 23, 2023 10:37 AM (uAI4S)

37 everyone should have a laptop or computer with macro keys - indispensable!

Posted by: Nine at April 23, 2023 11:20 AM (foUCV)

38 36 "Get paid to contribute to the sewage system"...Is similar to an analogy I have used for years to describe the Govts "Incentives" towards the Solar/Wind power "Industries.
Posted by: birddog at April 23, 2023 10:37 AM (uAI4S)

I found this very useful, birddog.

Posted by: m at April 23, 2023 11:44 AM (n9Px7)

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