The Beelink BT7 mini PC’s successor is the Beelink AP42 model, which possesses the same low case, though is based on an updated platform. At present the PC is operated by the 4-core Intel Pentium N4200 CPU, representing the modern Apollo Lake generation.



Pentium N4200 includes four processor cores, featuring the 2.5 GHz frequency and the GPU HD Graphics 505. The motherboard is meant for the 4 GB DDR3 memory, however, there is a prospect for larger volumes. Due to the presence of an M.2 socket users can add a fully functional SSD to the customary 64 GB eMMC module.


The Gigabit Ethernet network port is enhanced with a two-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac adapter, which estimated capacity is equal to 1,167 Mbps. Among other Beelink AP42 interface details one can pick out three USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI 1.4 video output, a headset connector, as well as an SD memory card slot.


The mini PC will be available this month at the rough price of $210.

Intel Z87 platform is masterfully penetrating into all global markets. ASRock is the company that has already managed to introduce a set of products based on this platform, including Z87 Extreme6 model. The very board is supposed to be an advanced solution for enthusiasts, containing all necessary for specific usage attributes: POST-indicator, a powerful VRM system with a massive heatsink, and a lot of other facilities mentioned below.



Design and Layout


ASRock Z87 Extreme6 is designed in ATX form-factor with 305x244 mm dimensions. Its top side accommodates a large number of components, while the reverse side revels in three driver-doublers (ISL6611A) of CPU power rails only. Intel Z87 chipset is cooled down by a voluminous heatsink. A couple of additional ASM1061 controllers are soldered right to the system logics; they allow for the usage of up to ten devices with SATA 6 Gb/sec connectivity interface. The board comes with an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 graphics core. …

Patriot Memory, a leading American supplier of solid-state drives and memory modules, introduces a new external wireless HDD. Codenamed Gauntlet 320, the drive features 139x86x24 mm dimensions and offers 320 GB capacity. The possibility of connection to this HDD up to eight devices is supposed to be the basic privilege of this model. Besides, the data might be streamed to five devices simultaneously. This is an outstanding showing comparing to analogous solutions.



Gauntlet 320 is furnished with an onboard lithium-ion charger that is able to work in autonomous mode up to five and a half hours in succession. Network opportunities are introduced by an integrated Wi-Fi adapter of 802.11 b/g/n standard; this adapter is able to support WEP, WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK security systems. High data transfer speed is ensured by the implementation of two USB 3.0 ports which are backwards compatible with USB 2.0 interface. It provides for unimpeded music, video and image streaming facilities with …