Articles by Darren Allan

Valve clarifies that all Steam Machines have a single 16GB RAM stick — here's what this means, and why I think it's another reason gamers may hold off buying the PC

By Darren Allan

A previous statement from Valve indicating that the Steam Machine was a 'RAM lottery' in terms of memory configuration was, in fact, mistaken.

MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open

Don't delay that MacBook upgrade — Apple's laptop price hikes could be much worse than the iPhone 18 Pro, analysts predict

By Darren Allan

We know price hikes are inbound for all major Apple products, but MacBooks could potentially come off worst.

A masculing hand holding the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch at an angle

Some Microsoft Surface devices just got big price cuts — but the catch is they've had big RAM cuts, too

By Darren Allan

Microsoft has dropped the RAM to 8GB with new entry-level models, prompting questions over whether that's enough memory.

The modern version of a fly trapped in amber: 3D printing your Gaussian Splat is one of the most amazing things I've seen in a long time

By Darren Allan

Want to DIY a perfect model of a local landmark to sit on your shelf in a 'dry snow globe' style? Now you can with a 3D-printed Gaussian Splat.

Yes, the bad news on the RAM crisis has been relentless lately — but Asus and SK Hynix just gave us glimmers of hope that some relief could be on the horizon

By Darren Allan

The RAM crisis gloom has been thick and heavy lately — so are you ready for some better news?

Two laptops showing Windows 11 and Windows 10

Windows 11 is now 5 years old — and for the first time this decade, I think Microsoft's finally onto a winner with the OS

By Darren Allan

Windows 11 got off on the wrong foot, but Microsoft has recovered strongly this year with the fix the OS campaign — and more besides.

If you were on the fence about the Steam Machine, this RAM configuration twist might push you off it — straight into the build-your-own camp

By Darren Allan

'This whole Steam Machine is the most depressing thing for me in the last 7 months. It's officially DOA': gamers hate the RAM configuration lottery with Valve's new PC.

'Going to make myself stick with SteamOS instead of slithering back to Windows': gamers get ready to abandon Windows 11, as Valve focuses on boosting SteamOS on the desktop

By Darren Allan

Valve has made it clear how it's improving SteamOS for desktop PCs, and working hard to support Nvidia GPUs.

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Memory expert predicts huge RAM price hikes over the rest of 2026 — but I'm not buying it (the forecast, or the RAM)

By Darren Allan

Fed up with high RAM prices? They could get way worse in 2026, and this is getting seriously depressing now.

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 is another boring update that does nothing — but here's why I'm happy about that

By Darren Allan

Microsoft has adopted a new way of working with Windows 11's annual updates — and I very much approve.

5 things to buy now before the RAM crisis worsens — from affordable SSDs to price hike-beating MacBooks

By Darren Allan

Here's what I'd advise you to consider buying now ahead of likely price hikes, especially if you can get a decent deal.

Sonos speakers, Tim Cook, and the new Commodore flip phone

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech news stories, from Commodore flip-phone nostalgia to Tim Cook's Apple price-hike warning

By Hamish Hector

The week's 7 biggest tech news stories, featuring Commodore, Apple, Microsoft and more, for June 20, 2026.

BOE new OLED Generation 8.6 panel factory viewed from the front

China's huge OLED screen factory is finally rolling at full speed — and I'm excited about what this means for cheaper OLED monitors and laptops

By Darren Allan

This will provide much-needed competition for LG and Samsung who dominate with OLEDs.

SSD expert shares some worrying truths about Chinese chip makers — and I think this could be more bad news for the RAM crisis

By Darren Allan

Here's another sign the RAM crisis is here to stay, as boss in SSD supply chain shares some home truths about Chinese chip makers.

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Valve releases SteamOS 3.8 — and it comes with the biggest hint yet that the Steam Machine is about to arrive

By Darren Allan

The evidence that the Steam Machine is imminent is piling up, as a new version of SteamOS officially prepares the ground for Valve's gaming PC.

Looking to upgrade your Mac? You might want to do it soon — Tim Cook just warned that 'price increases are unavoidable' for Apple products

By Darren Allan

A good deal on a MacBook now could be the smartest move you make this year if you're in need of a laptop upgrade.

Forget NPCs, now we have CPCs — Co-Playable Characters or AI teammates in PUBG courtesy of Nvidia ACE tech, but I'm not impressed so far

By Darren Allan

Many gamers are doubtful, mystified, or think that this will be beyond amusing.

The PC component crisis isn't going away: retail market for SSDs has 'almost disappeared' we're told, and DDR5 RAM prices refuse to drop

By Darren Allan

SSD prices remain sky-high alongside the cost of RAM — and a report suggests hard drives are getting more expensive too.

Intel CPU with integrated Nvidia RTX GPU rumored to arrive early in 2028 — and I can't wait to see this power up gaming laptops and handhelds

By Darren Allan

Can't wait for Intel's CPU with built-in Nvidia RTX graphics? Mark CES 2028 tentatively in your calendar.

Surface Pro and Surface Laptop shown back-to-back, you can see both lids and Windows logos

Microsoft reveals new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with big graphics upgrades from Snapdragon X2 CPUs — but they're seriously pricey

By Darren Allan

Microsoft's new Surface devices for consumers are on sale now, but they've been hit with major price hikes.

MacBook Neo comes under fire in AMD's latest marketing campaign — but it's a poorly thought-out attack

By Darren Allan

'Imagine if 'Macs don't game' is the best you've got, lol. I'd fire my marketing team': AMD's going after the MacBook Neo in a very confusing manner.

Windows 11 Update showing on laptop in an office

Fed up with constantly installing various updates for Windows 11? Microsoft is making monthly multiple reboots a thing of the past

By Darren Allan

Windows 11 is getting another boost to the way updates work — and this appears to be a major focus for Microsoft currently.

The macOS 27 beta is already a 'mind-blowing' revelation for some MacBook owners — here are 3 reasons why it isn't the lowkey release it seems

By Darren Allan

The first beta of macOS 27 Golden Gate is seriously impressing testers with its stability and performance levels, along with vital interface changes.

Old Nvidia GPUs are being resurrected to cope with the RAM crisis — but one big chip maker seems determined that a memory shortage won't happen again

By Darren Allan

The RAM shortage is driving Nvidia's partners to bring back half-decade-old boards — but SK Hynix has a masterplan to solve future memory woes.

Intel Wildcat Lake Reference Laptop showing lid

Intel claims its Wildcat Lake notebooks 'reimagine mainstream laptops' — and are ready to take on the MacBook Neo

By Darren Allan

After Intel's explanation of how it's ensuring Wildcat Lake is more affordable, I'm now more excited to see these rivals for the MacBook Neo.

Darren Allan

Articles by: Darren Allan

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