Latest News, How to & Product Reviews
Experience education through hands-on demos, tips, buying guides, and product reviews at ExcelDisc Event Space. Watch and learn!

How To

News

Buying Guide

Product Reviews
Insights, Tutorials, and thoughts on modern Laptops and Gadgets

Cisco - A Revolution at the Edge of Connectivity
In a world buzzing with connections, every machine, device, and sensor has found its voice. And as they all 'talk', the dream of seamless operational efficiency, safety, and minimized downtime becomes clearer by the day. However, with this massive network expansion, come challenges we can't ignore: the looming threats of cyber attacks, the rough terrains of environmental conditions, and the intricate web of complexity.

HP Victus 15 & 16 Review: A Powerful and Affordable Gaming Laptop for 2024
The HP Victus 15 and 16 (2024) redefine mid-range gaming with exceptional performance and affordability. Featuring high-refresh-rate displays (up to 240Hz on the Victus 16), NVIDIA RTX 30/40 series graphics, and powerful AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors, these laptops deliver immersive gameplay and multitasking capabilities. Enhanced cooling systems ensure stability during intense sessions, while expandable RAM (up to 32GB) and fast PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage meet the demands of modern gaming and content creation. Whether you prefer the compact 15-inch display or the expansive 16-inch screen, the HP Victus series provides an outstanding balance of portability, power, and style for gamers and creators alike.

Unmatched Clarity, Endurance, and Security: Meet the HP ProBook 460 G11 (2024)
The HP ProBook 460 G11 (2024) offers a balanced combination of performance, comfort, and durability, making it ideal for professional use. By enabling the "Battery Saver" mode in Windows and selecting the "HP Recommend" mode in the HP Command Center, users can optimize power consumption for extended battery life. The sleek design, weighing 1.748 kg, provides portability without compromising on screen size, while its efficient cooling and quiet fan ensure comfort during heavy use. The 16-inch display offers bright, clear visuals, and the PWM-free panel reduces eye strain. With a backlit keyboard, versatile ports, and impressive battery life of up to 10 hours, it is designed for productivity. Additional security features like a fingerprint reader and optional IR webcam, combined with strong audio quality and reliable performance, make this laptop a dependable choice for professional environments.

Revolutionizing Virtual Meetings: AI-Powered Performance on the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 5 (2024)
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 5 (2024) offers a versatile range of Intel Core Ultra processors, from efficient options like the Core Ultra 5 125U to high-performance models like the Core Ultra 7 165H. It also provides graphics options, including Intel Graphics for basic tasks and Intel Arc for more demanding workloads. With up to 64GB of RAM and SSD options from 256GB to 1TB, it supports heavy multitasking and data storage needs. The 16" display is available in both WUXGA and WQUXGA OLED versions, delivering high-quality visuals. Featuring a backlit keyboard, advanced biometric security, and a 5.0MP + IR camera, this laptop is designed for professionals who require portability and robust performance, weighing just 1.24 kg.

Cisco Catalyst 1213 100 Series Switches: The Unboxing & Review
Setting up a network has never been this easy and efficient. I'm thrilled to have added the new Cisco Catalyst switch to my network arsenal. If you're looking for a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly switch, the Cisco Catalyst 1213 100 Series is worth every penny.

Endless Possibilities: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 with Flexible Configurations for Professionals
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (2024) offers a range of processors, including the Intel Core Ultra 5 125U for everyday tasks, the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U for more power, and the Intel Core Ultra 7 165U-vPro for business security. The higher-end Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processors cater to demanding workloads like video editing and 3D rendering. Graphics options include integrated Intel graphics for basic use and Intel Arc Graphics for better performance in creative and AI-driven tasks.Memory configurations range from 16GB to 64GB, supporting everything from office tasks to intensive content creation. Storage options include 512GB to 4TB SSDs, offering plenty of space for professional workloads. The operating system options include Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Home, and Linux versions for developers.Display options include a 14" WUXGA IPS with great color accuracy or a 14" 2.8K OLED with vibrant visuals, perfect for creative work. With its combination of performance, graphics, memory, and display options, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is an excellent choice for professionals needing a powerful, flexible laptop.

Intel Processor Letter Meanings 2024
When choosing an Intel processor, it's important to consider the tasks you'll be using it for. If you're a casual user who only needs a computer for basic tasks, the entry-level options such as Celeron and Pentium are suitable. If you're a gamer or a video editor, you'll want to choose one of the higher-end options such as i7 or i9. The Xeon processors are designed for servers and workstations, so they're not necessary for the average user.

Revolutionize Your Work: HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 with High-Resolution Displays and Powerful CPUs for Demanding Tasks
The HP ZBook Firefly 16 G11 (2024) is a durable and responsive laptop with an all-metal chassis for a premium feel and robust protection. Designed for everyday tasks like office work and media consumption, it remains comfortable during long sessions thanks to excellent ergonomics and thermal management. The matte finish resists smudges, while the Core Ultra 7 155H processor delivers impressive performance with up to 2.92 GHz speeds for short bursts. Its 16:10 aspect ratio display provides ample vertical space with wide viewing angles and a maximum brightness of 327 nits. The PWM-free screen reduces eye strain, and the spill-resistant keyboard adds extra durability. Connectivity is enhanced with Thunderbolt 4 and Type-A USB ports, and the quiet fans ensure a peaceful working environment. Battery life is strong, offering up to 11.5 hours of video playback, while the fast NVMe SSD ensures quick performance. Additional features, such as a 5MP web camera, optional security features, and LPWAN support, make it a versatile and user-friendly option for professionals.

Cool, Quiet, and Capable: Inside the Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024)
The Lenovo ThinkPad L16 is designed to unleash your potential, offering a considerably larger TrackPad for more efficient interactions across windows and files. The redesigned ThinkPad keyboard features tactile markers on common keys for better discoverability. An LED braille dome bump marks the charging port, while the iconic red TrackPoint is used for navigation. A double tap on the TrackPoint opens a customizable quick menu to optimize audio-video settings, enhancing efficiency and precision.Efficiency is taken to the next level with the ThinkPad L16. Powered by AMD Ryzen™ PRO 7030 Series processors, the device boasts lightning-fast file and app loading times. The system optimizes power and efficiency, with redesigned air intake and exhaust systems venting to the rear to maintain optimal thermals and keep the device cool, even during peak usage. Additionally, it remains whisper-quiet while multitasking, ensuring it keeps up with demanding tasks.The ThinkPad L16 ramps up digital collaboration with its Communications Bar at the top of the display, which houses essential features for conference calls. It offers a choice of two cameras: a 5MP sRGB camera and an infrared sensor that provides zero-touch login, or you can opt for a HD camera. The device also includes two 360-degree microphones with noise cancellation, Dolby Voice®, and Dolby Audio™ speakers for an enhanced audio experience. Lenovo View software offers camera enhancements and auto-framing for maximum impact during meetings.The device supports the circular economy by offering an array of customer replaceable units (CRUs). This allows easy upgrades or repairs, such as replacing the battery or adding more memory, thereby extending the lifecycle of the device. Lenovo's support services ensure that the system remains operational and ready for business.Security on the ThinkPad L16 is robust with biometric features such as an optional fingerprint reader integrated with the power button and facial recognition through the optional infrared camera. ThinkShield, Lenovo’s comprehensive suite of security solutions, includes a discrete Trusted Platform Module (dTPM) for encryption, self-healing BIOS to revert to earlier versions in case of corruption, and AMD PRO security for code validation to ensure data and app integrity.The ThinkPad L16 is also committed to environmental sustainability. The laptop uses post-consumer content (PCC) recycled plastic throughout its construction. For example, the speaker enclosure, battery casing, and AC adapter are made of 90% PCC, while the keyboard frame is 60% PCC. The keycaps use between 70-85% PCC depending on backlighting. Additionally, the device’s packaging is Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)-certified, fully recycled, and plastic-free, reflecting Lenovo’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2: Reliable Build, Enhanced Display, and Powerful Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 offers a decently solid build, providing a reliable and durable design. It maintains good overall performance, ensuring smooth handling of various tasks without noticeable slowdowns. The laptop's fans are not too noisy under full CPU loads when running in “Best Performance” mode, making it suitable for environments where noise reduction is essential.It features a PWM-free panel with an impressive 873 nits of maximum brightness, making it suitable for working in bright environments. The display also offers comfortable viewing angles and a 16:10 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical screen space compared to traditional 16:9 displays. The panel covers 100% sRGB and DCI-P3, ensuring outstandingly accurate colors when paired with the “Design and Gaming” profile. Additionally, it boasts a 1890:1 contrast ratio, delivering deep blacks and vivid colors.The audio quality is good, providing clear and balanced sound for multimedia consumption. For privacy, the laptop includes a web camera with a privacy shutter, ensuring secure video conferencing or webcam use.The laptop comes with a modern port selection, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support high-speed data transfer, charging, and video output. The CPU can sustain high P-core and E-core clocks during long loads, reaching approximately 2.52 GHz / 2.65 GHz, ensuring consistent performance under heavy workloads.Its comfortable backlit keyboard and smooth trackpad enhance the overall typing and navigation experience. The laptop supports 2x SODIMMs and 2x Gen 4 M.2 slots, allowing for significant memory and storage upgrades.The bottom panel is easy to open, providing convenient access for maintenance or upgrades. A fingerprint reader adds an additional layer of security. Optional features include LTE/5G, NFC, Smart Card reader, vPro CPU, and a 5MP IR web camera, offering enhanced connectivity and security features. The NVMe storage is snappy and well-cooled, ensuring fast and efficient performance.

Power, Speed, and Storage Options: Everything You Need to Know About the HP EliteBook 860 G11 (2024)
The HP EliteBook 860 G11 (2024) combines powerful performance and efficiency with a range of Intel Core Ultra processors to meet diverse user needs. From high-performance options like the Core Ultra 7 165H for demanding tasks to energy-efficient choices such as the Core Ultra 5 135U for ultrabooks, this laptop offers versatile computing capabilities. Integrated Intel Arc graphics provide solid performance for casual gaming and light creative work, while flexible RAM configurations (16GB, 32GB, and 64GB) and up to 4TB SSD storage ensure smooth multitasking and ample space for professional workflows. With DDR5-5600 memory, the EliteBook 860 G11 (2024) delivers impressive performance for both productivity and creative tasks.

Powerful Performance in a Slim Package: HP EliteBook 660 G11 (2024)
The HP EliteBook 660 G11 (2024) offers a blend of powerful performance and sleek design, making it a standout choice for professionals who require both portability and reliability. Weighing only 1.75 kg and featuring a slim profile of 10.9 to 17 mm, it’s impressively compact for a 16-inch laptop, ensuring comfort and ease of use during long work sessions. Its display, boasting a high brightness of 333 nits and a PWM-free panel, ensures crisp, clear visuals with wide viewing angles, making it ideal for office tasks, presentations, and media consumption. The comfortable keyboard, which includes an optional backlight, makes typing effortless even in low-light environments. Equipped with a variety of ports, including 2x Type-A and 2x Type-C, this laptop provides versatile connectivity for external devices. Despite running in “Performance” mode, the fan operates quietly, maintaining a serene work environment. Battery life is exceptional, providing up to 11 hours of video playback, ensuring productivity throughout the day without the need for constant recharging. Additional features include a web camera with a privacy shutter, NVMe storage with effective cooling, and a durable base with a lever-style lid for easy opening.

