Thursday, November 5, 2020

Latest Tech News

UPDATE: Microsoft’s official eBay store currently has 20% off a range of laptops, 2-in-1s and gaming machines when you enter the code P20MIPC at checkout. We've highlighted some of our top picks below, or you can shop the entire sale here.

If you’re looking for a cheap laptop or a mammoth saving on a premium portable computer, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the web for savings and rounded up all the genuine deals in one neat place.

You’ll find we’ve covered everything from budget browsing machines to high-performance powerhouses, so you’ll no doubt find something here to match your needs.

We’ve highlighted a selection of the latest deals that we’ve sniffed out, and if you scroll further down, we've rounded up some of our favourite laptops in a dedicated buying guide.

Best laptop deals this week

Laptops & ultrabooks

Asus ZenBook Duo 14 (UX481) | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD | AU$1,759.20 (RRP AU$2,199; save AU$439.80)

The ZenBook Duo is an innovative laptop, with a dual-screen that proves to be useful as much as it is intriguing. This model is outfitted with a 10th-gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, giving it strong performance and a good battery life. There’s some compromises to the keyboard and touchpad to fit in the extra screen, but overall, it’s an excellent laptop. Use the code P20MIPC to save 20% from Microsoft’s eBay store.View Deal

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (8th Gen) | i5 / 8GB / 512GB SSD | AU$2,239.30 (RRP AU$3,199; save AU$959.70)

This laptop is from Lenovo’s range of business-focused laptops, and our colleagues at Laptop Mag still recommend it as the best Lenovo laptop available today. It’s incredibly light, yet durable as well, and the 1080p display on this model means you’ll get nearly 10 hours of battery life. This 8th iteration of the X1 Carbon now features 10th-gen Intel chips too. Available directly from Lenovo with a 30% discount.View Deal

Dell XPS 13 (7390) | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD | AU$2,039 (RRP AU$2,399; save AU$360)

It’s last year’s version of the Dell XPS 13, but it’s still an absolutely stellar machine with a 10th-gen Core i7 chip and 512GB of solid-state storage. It’s the silver version of the laptop, and Dell’s InfinityEdge display leaves plenty of room to enjoy your streaming services. Work or play, this sleek machine will deliver. Now discounted directly from Dell.View Deal

2-in-1s

HP Spectre x360 13 | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD | AU$1,999.20 (RRP AU$2,499; save AU$499.80)

This is the 2020 update to HP’s flagship 2-in-1, and it’s more feature rich than ever. You’ll find Intel’s 10th-generation i7 CPU under the hood and 16GB of RAM to boost its performance. That’s packed into a rather slender chassis, and the design is undeniably beautiful. Now available directly from Microsoft’s eBay store with 20% slashed from the RRP when you enter the code P20MIPC.View Deal

Dell Latitude 9410 2-in-1 | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD | AU$3,036 (RRP AU$8,204; save AU$5,168)

This is a business laptop that impresses in almost every way. It’s boasting an incredible 17 hours of battery life, so it’ll comfortably take you through the working day and then some. Inside this sleek and sturdy laptop is a 10th-gen Core i7 CPU, matched with 16GB of RAM to handle heavy workloads. The RRP on this machine is exorbitant, but the price has now been significantly slashed by the manufacturer. Pick it up from Dell and truly save a packet.View Deal

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD | AU$2,169 (RRP AU$3,099; save AU$930)

This is Dell’s premium XPS 13 machine in a versatile chassis. This particular configuration has Intel’s latest 10th-gen Core i7 chip inside, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. It’s also got a lovely 13.4-inch Full HD touchscreen display. If you want top-of-the-line specs in a flexible laptop, this one is hard to beat. Now AU$930 off from Dell’s online store.View Deal

Dell Latitude 5300 | i7 / 8GB / 256GB SSD | AU$2,387 (RRP AU$4,919; save AU$2,532)

It might have an older 8th-gen Core i7 processor under the hood, but don’t underestimate this 13-inch Latitude 2-in-1. With ExpressCharge support that adds 80% battery juice in an hour and Wi-Fi constantly running in the background, it’s designed for the busy professional constantly on the move. And, to make this even better, there’s a hefty 51% off the device directly from Dell.View Deal

Gaming

MSI GS66 Stealth | i9 / 16GB / 512GB SSD / RTX 2070 | AU$2,999.20 (RRP AU$3,749; save AU$749.80)

The MSI GS66 Stealth carries a lofty price tag, but that gets you a powerful gaming laptop. This configuration is running a 10th-generation Intel Core i9 CPU and an Nvidia RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU inside the shell. Match that with a speedy SSD, and you’re onto a winner. The chassis is thin, lightweight, and looks great in black. Discounted at Microsoft’s official eBay store with the code P20MIPC.View Deal

Razer Blade 15 Advanced | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD / RTX 2070 | AU$2,639.20 (RRP AU$3,299; save AU$659.80)

Before the 2020 model took its place, this slightly older Razer Blade 15 Advanced was one of the best gaming laptops you could buy according to our colleagues at PC Gamer. This configuration is equipped with a 9th-gen Intel Core i7 CPU, and an RTX 2070 GPU. With its newer sibling now available, this powerful machine has been discounted from Microsoft’s official eBay store, all you need is the code P20MIPC.View Deal

Dell G7 17(7700) | i7 / 16GB / 512GB SSD / RTX 2070 | AU$2,249 (RRP AU$2,999; save AU$750)

Gaming laptops can be a pricey investment, but now you can pick up this Dell G7 17 with 25% slashed off the RRP. While it’s not from the top-tier Alienware line, this 17-incher is a pretty powerful machine. It’s equipped with a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and a gritty Nvidia RTX 2070 GPU. Now steeply discounted directly from Dell.View Deal

Lenovo Legion Y740 | i7 / 16GB / 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD | GTX 1660 Ti | AU$2,099 (RRP AU$3,299; save AU$1,200

This discounted Legion Y740 is outfitted with a 9th-gen Intel i7 processor, 16GB of system memory and very generous storage options. You’ll have a 15-inch IPS display with 500 nits of brightness and Nvidia G-Sync too. Now available on clearance from Lenovo, use the code BPSNEAK to save a solid AU$1,200.View Deal

  • Find great bargains and compare Australian prices on the latest tech at Getprice

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We'll keep on updating the list of deals as and when we find them. Below, you'll find up to date prices on TechRadar's favourite laptops, so keep an eye out for those savings.

The best deals on our favourite laptops

Over the years we've reviewed plenty of laptops, and as a result, we've seen what to avoid and what to jump on when there's savings to be had. We'll keep track of the prices of some of the best we've seen so that you can snatch up a bargain when they do show up. Check out the prices below and see if anything has dropped enough to spark your interest.

Dell XPS 13 2020

(Image credit: Future)

Our favourite overall laptop: Dell XPS 13 (2020)

Dell's latest Ultrabook is simply the best laptop in the world

CPU: 10th generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – 4K (3,840 x 2,160) | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD

Gorgeous design
Excellent battery life
Lackluster audio
Expensive

Saying that we’re very happy with Dell’s XPS 13 is a huge understatement. At first glance, its slim profile and small frame don’t give away the powerful performance and gorgeous 13-inch display inside. Typically, you’d have to weigh up portability and performance, but the XPS 13 has managed to strike a fine balance between the two. Sporting Intel’s latest 10th-generation chips, much-improved battery life and barely-there bezels, the starting price of the newest iteration of the XPS 13 is a tempting proposition. We’re so chuffed with it that it’s still our favourite Ultrabook, and has taken the top spot as the best laptop overall.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 (2020)

(Image credit: Future)

Our favourite gaming laptop: Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED

The original designer's laptop gets an OLED upgrade

CPU: Intel Core i7 9750H | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 (8GB GDDR6; MaxQ) | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, 4K (3,840 x 2,160), 60HZ, AMOLED, Gloss | Storage: 512GB SSD

4K HDR OLED screen
RTX GPU and 9th-gen CPU
Sleek with better thermal management
Reasonably priced
Max 60HZ refresh rate
Unfortunate webcam placement

It’s true, the Aero 15 range from Gigabyte is aimed at creatives. However, it’s also an attractive option for gamers – with powerful internals, a brilliant display and a sleek chassis – so we think it’s one of the best-value gaming machines Australians can get their hands on. The 2019 model boasts a 15-inch 4K HDR screen, which is ideal whether you’re looking to buy for high-resolution on-the-go gaming or its intended creative use. Under the hood it’s also got the option of the latest Nvidia RTX series GPUs and 9th-gen Intel Core CPUs.

Read the full review: Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED

(Image credit: Future)

Our favourite 2-in-1: Lenovo Yoga C930

A 2-in-1 laptop experience with little to no compromise

CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8550U | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 13.9” UHD (3,840 x 2,160) IPS Glossy Multi-touch with Dolby Vision | Storage: 1 TB PCIe SSD | Connectivity: 802.11 AC (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 4.1 | Camera: 720p HD Camera

Strong build quality
Robust feature set
Excellent battery life
Weak graphics performance

This premium portable 2-in-1 has a lot to love: a strong build, excellent battery life and a robust feature set. It has a 360° hinge, so can easily be converted from a conventional clamshell to a handheld tablet. There’s also the addition of Dolby Atmos speakers, cleverly built into the rotating hinge, so you’ll have superb sound whichever way you use it. The screen too is vibrant, though the graphics performance could leave some wanting. Still, with an 8th-generation chip, it’s a solid all-rounder for the 2-in-1 crowd.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga C930

Acer Aspire 3

(Image credit: Acer)

Our favourite student laptop: Acer Aspire 3 15-inch

A Chromebook for schoolwork, and then some

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i3-10110U | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080; non-touch) | Storage: 128GB

Great value
Lightweight
Limited to Chrome OS

If you’re looking for a student laptop, chances are you’re shopping on a budget. If that’s the case, our go-to bang-for-buck pick is the Acer Aspire 3 15-inch laptop. It’s a Chromebook, which means it runs on Google’s Chrome OS and is ideal for those with a reliable internet connection who want a laptop to browse the web and complete coursework online. The battery life isn’t the best, but if you don’t mind keeping your charging cable with you during the day, it certainly offers excellent value for money.

MacBook Pro 16-inch

(Image credit: Future)

Our favourite Apple laptop: Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

The best MacBook Pro ever

CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M – Radeon Pro 5500M | RAM: 16GB – 64GB | Screen: 16-inch Retina display with True Tone | Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD

Stunning 16-inch screen
New and improved keyboard
Expensive
Limited to four Thunderbolt 3 ports

If you’re firmly placed in the Apple ecosystem, or you’re a Windows user thinking about converting, then we think the 2019 version of the MacBook Pro is the best Mac you can buy. It has a generous 16-inch display, and while that may spell a bulky laptop for other brands on the market, Apple remains true to form with this svelte machine. It’s got the latest and greatest components under the hood, rounded out with high-quality speakers and a much better keyboard than older models.

Read the full review: Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

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If you're after some more further info on the best laptops, check out some of our other dedicated articles:

Watch the video below for the top 7 things to consider when buying a laptop. 



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Latest Tech News

Manually extracting data from complex documents at scale can be a time consuming process which is why Google Cloud has announced its new Document AI (DocAI) platform.

The unified console for document processing enables businesses to use the power of AI and machine learning to automate the process of transforming documents into structured data.

With the DocAI platform, which is currently available in preview, organizations can ensure their data is accurate and compliant, make better business decisions and use their data to better meet customer expectations.

In a blog post announcing DocAI, Google revealed that one of its customers was able to increase data capture accuracy by 250 percent and lower the TCO of procure-to-pay processing costs by up to 60 percent using the new platform.

Using DocAI

With Google Cloud's new DocAI platform, organizations can quickly access all parsers tools and solutions including Lending DocAI and Procurement DocAI with a unified API that allows for effortless creation and customization of document processing workflows.

To get started using the new platform, users will first need to create a document processor. While you can use the company's general processors such as Form Parser, you can also take advantage of specialized processors such as Google's W9 Parser for domain-specific documents. After creating a processor, they can be viewed in a unified dashboard and tested by uploading your own document directly in the console. 

In their blog post, product manager of Document AI Lewis Liu and product marketing manager Yang Liang provide several examples of how the platform can be used to extract data from a W9 form as well as from an invoice. When it came to the invoice, DocAI was able to extract the supplier name, invoice date, payment terms and other data from the document automatically.

Currently general parsers such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition), Form parser and Document splitter are publicly available but users can also request access to specialized parsers for a number of documents including W9, 1040, W2, 1099-MISC, 1003 and other forms as well as for invoices and receipts.



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Latest Tech News

Apple doesn't allow any developer to make iOS game streaming apps, unless they make it available through a mobile web browser. So Nvidia created a version of GeForce Now that streams on iPhones through the Safari browser app, and this may be the loophole that Fortnite fans have been waiting for.

Fortnite developer Epic Games is currently embroiled in a months-long legal battle with Apple, arguing that it has the right to sell in-game currency (V-Bucks) on Fortnite for iOS without Apple taking a cut. Apple responded by removing Fortnite from the app store, so iPhone owners can no longer update or redownload the app.

Enter Nvidia GeForce Now, the game streaming platform that currently supports Fortnite. According to BBC News, this will allow gamers to stream the latest PC version of Fortnite on their iPhones without needing the defunct iOS app — and allow Epic Games to reap 100% of the profits without violating Apple's rules.

However, there is no guarantee that Nvidia will bring Fortnite to the iPhone, or if Epic Games will allow them to do so. It's possible that this could in some way undermine Epic's legal case against Apple.

In a statement to the BBC, Nvidia said that 'Fortnite is not confirmed for GeForce Now on platforms beyond PC, Mac and Android,' and that it would not comment on 'any new clients coming to the service, or on the availability of any game on unannounced or unreleased platforms.'

The future of Apple gaming is browser-based

Nvidia isn't the only company that has turned to a browser-based streaming solution for offering mobile streaming on iOS. According to sources at Microsoft, EVP Phil Spencer told employees that Game Pass would stream on iPhones and iPads using a 'direct browser-based solution' in 2021.

Amazon Luna, a new game streaming service currently in beta, also allows you to stream its 50+ titles on Safari using iOS 14 or iPadOS 14.

The main issue with this system is simply that many iPhone and iPad users will consider it less convenient and intuitive to access games through a browser, compared to a dedicated app. Particularly if Safari isn't their typical browser of choice.

Yet Apple has given no sign that it plans to bend on this policy, so it's the best that Apple owners can expect in the immediate future.



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Latest Tech News

Telstra has dominated the rankings in a recent report on the Australian telco industry, but a surprise runner up suggests a shake up among the three major providers.

Independent crowdsourced data company Tutela conducted the study, and found that Telstra consistently delivered the best mobile experience in Australia overall. The provider also came out on top for fastest download speed and best coverage.

But Telstra wasn’t the winner in every category – Vodafone snuck into second place for having the fastest upload speed in Australia, and having the best latency result among the big three.

The big three go head-to-head

The survey analysed data from common coverage areas – parts of the country where Telstra, Optus and Vodafone were present – to see how they compared head-to-head. 

Telstra was number one for consistent quality in these areas, offering 'excellent' coverage 86.1% of the time. Vodafone trailed slightly behind with a figure of 84.5%, while Optus had a 4.6% difference in performance to Telstra, finishing with 81.5%.

Graph of consistent quality percentage in common coverage areas

(Image credit: Tutela)

When it comes to download speed, Telstra again takes the cake with a median speed of 27.8Mbps, outpacing the competition by 4.1Mbps. Optus came in second with a median download of 23.7Mbps, with Vodafone fractionally behind with 23.4Mbps.

It was a different story for median upload speed in common coverage areas though – despite ranking last place in the download speed test, Vodafone forged ahead and came in with the fastest upload speed at 12.8Mbps.

Telstra came in with the second-fastest upload speed at 12.5Mbps, and Optus slipped to last place with a median upload speed of 9.8Mbps. Tutela attributes Optus’ slower upload speed to its use of time-division duplex (TDD) technology, which can be configured to prefer download throughput at the expense of upload throughput.

The findings were a little surprising, and when it comes down to Optus and Vodafone, the latter is arguably better if you live in a 'common coverage area' and don't mind the lack of 5G coverage.



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