More than ever before, it’s crucial for the average PC user to maintain their own digital security. The high profile Wannacry ransomware attack earlier this year was just one example of what can happen when hackers strike. With this in mind, privacy-minded laptop manufacturer Purism has announced an expansion to the availability of its Librem line.
Purism launched its first wave of Librem computers in 2015 via a hugely successful crowdfunding campaign. The project raised $461,946 during its stint on CrowdSupply, a figure that has since swelled to over $2.5 million when subsequent donations and seed funding are taken into account.
For the last two years, Librem laptops have been available for purchase on a made-to-order basis, which often required customers to spend months on a waiting list. However, in response to continued demand for the hardware, Purism is now scaling up its production process so that it can fulfill orders within a matter of weeks.
Purism bills its Librem line as being built from the ground up with security in mind. This effort takes many forms, ranging from the fact that the laptops utilize chips that were selected specifically because they’re less susceptible to breaches of user privacy, to the implementation of the security-conscious PureOS.
One of the more unique features of the Librem line involves its physical hardware kill switches, which serve to replace the classic strategy of taping over a webcam lens. Users who are worried about being monitored via their webcam or microphone, or concerned about data being transferred wirelessly or via Bluetooth, can use these switches to give themselves some peace of mind.
“It’s an exciting turning point for Purism as we see our vision to create a security-focused laptop that everyone can enjoy using start to resonate with the greater public,” said the company’s CEO and founder, Todd Weaver. “Users are starting to realize that security features are no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a necessity to protect their increasingly precious digital identity.”
Librem laptops are available to order now via Purism’s online store, with the 13-inch model starting at $1,699, and the 15-inch model starting at $1,999.
The absolutely absurd idea of putting a touchscreen display on a mouse isn't exactly new. Turtle Beach already did it with its Command Series MC7, which features a 2.25-inch control screen. But apparently, even that wasn't ridiculous enough for Arctic Fox Technologies. Its new Super Mouse looks like someone took the chunky old Atari ST mouse, slapped a touchscreen and scroll wheel on it, and called it an upgrade.
The result is a rather unusual-looking mouse that is now on Kickstarter, starting at $199. And as ridiculous as it looks, some of its features are genuinely intriguing.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.