Displays
Acer Expands its Gaming Portfolio with New Predator Laptops and Monitors

Acer announced two powerful Predator Helios gaming laptops and a pair of Predator gaming monitors. The laptops feature an all-new design with 16-inch and 18-inch display sizes, the latest 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processors, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs, making them Acer’s most powerful gaming laptops to date. The Predator X45 showcases a massive 800R curved monitor. Along with the Predator X27U, both monitors include OLED technology with fast 240 Hz refresh rates.
Predator Helios 16, Predator Helios 18 Laptops
The all-new Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) and Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71) bring the latest and greatest tech to Acer’s most powerful gaming laptop series. Sporting a completely new design and upgraded thermals, they both offer models that include 13th Gen Intel Core i9 or i7 HX processors paired with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (MGP up to 165W) and a plethora of must-have top-of-the-line gaming features.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Acer to bring high-performing PC platforms to enthusiasts around the globe based on 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processor family,” said Steve Long, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Asia Pacific & Japan at Intel. “The blazing fast performance users could experience is remarkable when compared to industry alternatives, as our labs have shown up to 40% higher in Crossmark tests of general PC use and two times in Blender which many content creators use for work for content creators.”
The new 13th Gen Intel Core processors extend beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. Its faster performance core and hybrid design deliver ultra-efficient multitasking and immersive entertainment while playing your favorite games, without interruptions. The new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs leverage the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture which delivers a quantum leap in both performance and AI-powered graphics. Users can experience lifelike virtual worlds and boosted performance with ray tracing, high-quality frames with DLSS 3, and Reflex’s optimized system latency to gain a competitive edge. Lastly, up to 32 GB DDR5-4800 MHz RAM and up to 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD in RAID 0 make them awe-inspiring mobile powerhouses, ideal for playing the most demanding AAA games.
The Predator Helios 16 offers a 16-inch (16:10) WQXGA (2560×1600) display at 165 Hz or 240 Hz or a Mini LED panel at 250 Hz, powered by AUO AmLED technology that supports over 1000 nits peak brightness with 1,000,000:1 high contrast ratio and 100% coverage of DCI-P3 color gamut for rich, vivid colours. The Predator Helios 18 sports a breathtaking 18-inch (16:10) display with the following options: WUXGA (1920×1200) at 165 Hz, WQXGA (2560×1600) at 165 Hz or 240 Hz, or AUO’s superfast 250 Hz Mini LED display that showcases three times more ambient contrast ratio than conventional displays and supports 1000 local dimming zones to provide total freedom of use even in poor lighting conditions.
The higher resolutions and fast refresh rates make images glide across the screens with minimal ghosting or tearing. The immersive 18-inch panel delivers portable gaming on a bigger scale and is ideal for multiple monitor setups, taking the action to a new level with stunning clarity and detail. Keeping the powerful new components cool, the new Predator laptops feature enhanced thermal solutions with dual custom-engineered 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D metal fans and vector heat pipes in the shape of rectangles for improved heat transfer. In addition, the chilling effects of liquid metal thermal grease cap off its advanced thermal performance.
Housing all this powerful tech is a new design for the Helios series, featuring a simplified matte black chassis with clean edges and thinner bezels. Several ports are located on the back of the laptop with a customizable RGB light bar that runs along the top of the back vents. The new design is complimented by a mini-LED backlit keyboard with 1.8 mm key travel and anti-ghosting N-key rollover. The per-key RGB backlit keyboard has been redesigned to showcase bright uniform colour (with less halo) and smooth dynamic lighting effects, requiring less power and helping expel heat efficiently with a specially designed backlight module.
The new dedicated Mode key provides instant mode switching for improved gaming performance, while the PredatorSense key makes it easy to quickly open the app. Users can also utilise PredatorSense to enable Predator Pulsar lighting for added customization on their keyboard’s per-key RGB backlighting. In addition, Acer’s gaming control center, PredatorSense, has been updated to version 4.0 and offers a more robust design that makes it easier to control system settings and monitoring, while the new Scenario Manager feature enables the creation of personal profiles for different gaming setups.
Players stay fully connected as the Predator laptops come with the Intel Killer E2600 Ethernet Controller, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675 frequency band support for fast, seamless gameplay. The gaming laptops cover a full range of peripherals with USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, including an HDMI 2.1, two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 that support power delivery, and a Micro SD card reader. The Predator Helios 16 and Predator Helios 18 laptops also include one month of Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass, providing access to hundreds of high-quality PC games.
Predator X45 & X27U Gaming Monitors
Acer’s newest Predator-branded gaming monitors, the Predator X45 and the Predator X27U, feature OLED displays and blazingly fast performance that will please even the most hardcore gamers. The 45-inch UWQHD (3440×1440) Predator X45 is an 800R curved monitor with an ultra-wide, narrow frame that expands the field of vision, deepening gaming immersion. It also supports 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut for stunningly realistic images. Outfitted with DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, it supports both PCs and consoles and is also TÜV Rheinland EyeSafe-certified.
The Predator X45’s OLED panel with HDR10 and a peak brightness of 1000 nits produce excellent contrast for more detailed images, while its UGR<22 rating allows for glare-free gaming in bright conditions. An adjustable metal stand with a sleek, yet sturdy metal base keeps the large monitor stable throughout gameplay.
The Predator X27U’s flat 27-inch WQHD (2560×1440) panel with 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage is ideal for professional gamers looking for a reliable and powerful machine for daily use. The TÜV Rheinland EyeSafe-certified monitor also leverages a peak brightness of 1000 nits and HDR10 capabilities to deliver astounding and life-like visuals.
Both the Predator X45 and Predator X27U have very fast 240 Hz refresh rates and 0.01 ms pixel response time combined with AMD FreeSync Premium technology to deliver incredibly smooth gameplay. They also have a KVM switch which allows for effortless switching between desktops and laptops without having to change the keyboard and mouse. In addition, a USB hub with USB Type-C is a convenient home for gadgets and other peripherals.
The Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) will be available in EMEA in February, starting at $2,559.99. The Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71) will be available in EMEA in March, starting at $2,699. The Predator X45 will be available in EMEA in Q2, starting at $1,919.99. The Predator X27U will be available in EMEA in Q2, starting at $1,169.99.

Displays
OLED Rival? Sony Unveils Promising New RGB LED Technology

Sony has announced a promising new display technology dubbed “General RGB LED Backlight Technology.” This innovation replaces the standard blue LEDs in mini-LED TVs with RGB LEDs, allowing for more accurate color projection without relying on traditional color filters or quantum dots. The result is significantly richer colors and brighter images compared to conventional mini-LEDs, potentially rivaling OLED’s picture quality.
Currently, the top TV technologies are mini-LED LCD and OLED. Mini-LED excels in bright HDR highlights, while OLED offers superior contrast with individually controlled pixels but typically lower brightness. Sony’s RGB LED aims to bridge this gap.
While lacking the pixel-level control of OLED, RGB LEDs demonstrate remarkable color accuracy and exceptional brightness. Demonstrations have shown brightness levels exceeding 4,000 nits, surpassing even high-end models and approaching professional reference monitor standards. Furthermore, this technology significantly improves viewing angles, a long-standing weakness of mini-LED TVs, eliminating color saturation loss or green tints at wider angles.
Interestingly, this technology isn’t exclusive to Sony, with manufacturers like Hisense also displaying impressive TVs utilising RGB LEDs. The technology is also expected to scale well, potentially leading to more affordable large-screen TVs. While it might not immediately dethrone OLED, RGB LEDs offer a compelling combination of vibrant colors, stellar brightness, and wide viewing angles, occasionally even outperforming OLED in color richness. With further development, especially in improving response times for gaming, RGB LED technology could become the next dominant display technology, similar to how OLED once overtook plasma.
Displays
Lenovo M14t Gen2 Review: Portable Touchscreen Monitor for Productivity On-the-Go

The Lenovo M14t Gen2 Mobile Monitor is a portable, touch-enabled display designed for professionals and creatives who need a second screen on the go. With its sleek design, robust build quality, and impressive features, it aims to enhance productivity and flexibility.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 boasts a minimalist and professional design, making it suitable for both office and creative environments. The monitor features a slim profile, measuring just a few millimetres thick, and weighs approximately 590 grams, making it highly portable. The build quality is solid, with a durable aluminium finish that feels premium and resistant to everyday wear and tear.
The stand is integrated into the monitor, allowing for easy setup and adjustment. It supports tilt functionality, enabling users to find the perfect viewing angle. Additionally, the monitor is compatible with VESA mounts, offering flexibility for those who prefer a more permanent setup.
Specifications
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 features a 14-inch display with a Full HD resolution of 1920-by-1080 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. With 300 nits of brightness and support for a 72% NTSC colour gamut, the monitor ensures vivid and accurate colours, making it suitable for both work and creative tasks. In terms of connectivity, it offers versatile options, including USB-C with power delivery, HDMI, and USB-A ports, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Features
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 stands out with its 10-point multi-touch screen, offering a hands-on experience that’s perfect for designers, artists, or anyone who values direct interaction with their display. Its USB-C connectivity with power delivery simplifies setup by combining video and power into a single cable, while additional HDMI and USB-A ports ensure broad compatibility with various devices.
Featuring a compact design, this monitor is highly portable, making it an excellent choice for remote workers, digital nomads, or frequent travellers. To enhance user comfort, it includes eye care technology such as low blue light emission and flicker-free features, reducing eye strain during extended use. Additionally, the plug-and-play setup eliminates the need for extra drivers or software, allowing seamless connectivity with laptops, smartphones, and tablets for effortless productivity on the go.
Use Case
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 is tailored for professionals seeking a secondary display to boost productivity, whether for multitasking, presentations, or creative projects. It’s an ideal tool for remote workers who need to extend their workspace at home or on the move, as well as for designers and artists who can leverage the touchscreen for sketching, editing, or annotating directly on the display.
Gamers will appreciate its portability as a second screen for gaming setups or streaming, while students and educators can enhance productivity during study sessions or online classes. With its versatile features and compact design, the M14t Gen2 caters to a wide range of users, making it a valuable addition to any workflow.
Performance
The monitor delivers excellent performance for its size and purpose. The Full HD resolution ensures sharp and clear visuals, while the IPS panel provides wide viewing angles (178 degrees) and accurate colour reproduction. The 300 nits brightness is sufficient for indoor use, though it may struggle in very bright environments.
The touchscreen is responsive and smooth, making it a joy to use for creative tasks or navigation. The USB-C connectivity ensures fast data transfer and seamless integration with modern devices. The monitor also performs well as a secondary display for video editing, coding, or multitasking, thanks to its vibrant colours and crisp details.
Verdict
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 Mobile Monitor is a versatile and high-performing portable display that excels in both design and functionality. Its lightweight build, touchscreen capabilities, and robust connectivity options make it a valuable tool for professionals, creatives, and anyone in need of a secondary screen. While it may not replace a high-end desktop monitor for colour-critical work, it more than makes up for it with its portability and ease of use. The inclusion of eye care technology and a plug-and-play setup further enhances its appeal.
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable, touch-enabled monitor that balances performance, portability, and affordability. Whether you’re working remotely, creating art, or simply expanding your screen real estate, this monitor delivers on its promises.
Price: AED 1465 approx.
Lenovo M14t Gen2 Review AED 1465
Summary
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 stands out with its 10-point multi-touch screen, offering a hands-on experience that’s perfect for designers, artists, or anyone who values direct interaction with their display. Its USB-C connectivity with power delivery simplifies setup by combining video and power into a single cable, while additional HDMI and USB-A ports ensure broad compatibility with various devices.
CES
Alienware Launches Area-51 Series and the 27 4K QD-OLED Monitor at CES 2025

Alienware has announced the return of its legendary Area-51 series, introducing both desktop and laptop models packed with advanced features for next-gen gaming. The Area-51 Desktop and Laptops are equipped with NVIDIA Blackwell GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, offering enhanced performance with NVIDIA DLSS 4, NVIDIA Studio, and NIM microservices.
The flagship Area-51 Desktop, designed for PC gaming enthusiasts, features a robust 80L tower supporting up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU. It offers over 600W of graphics power and 280W of processing power, with industry-standard components for easy upgrades.
The new 18-inch and 16-inch Area-51 Laptops focus on power, performance, and innovative design. They feature 280W of combined power from NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPU and Intel Core Ultra CPUs. The intricate thermal architecture enhances airflow by 35% while being 15% quieter, wrapped in a sophisticated, otherworldly design.
Alienware’s Area-51 series continues to push the boundaries of gaming technology, delivering elite performance and future-ready designs for gamers worldwide.
Alienware has also launched the Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Monitor at CES 2025. This CES 2025 Innovation Award Honoree boasts the highest pixels per inch (PPI) in any OLED or QD-OLED monitor, offering gamers unmatched visual clarity, speed, and immersion.
The 27-inch monitor features a pixel density of 166 PPI, a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 0.03ms response time, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. It supports NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and VESA AdaptiveSync, providing a tear-free gaming experience. Supreme colour accuracy, infinite contrast ratio, and Dolby Vision HDR certification enhance the vibrant and clear visuals.
Designed in Interstellar Indigo, the monitor debuts the AW30 design language, celebrating Alienware’s 30th anniversary. It includes a Creator Mode for content creators, offering flexibility in colour spaces and gamma settings.
Equipped with an enhanced AI algorithm and anti-burn-in graphite sheet, the Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Monitor ensures long-lasting performance and visual quality. This new release sets a new standard in gaming technology, catering to tech enthusiasts, gamers, and developers alike.
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