Embedded Files
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 20 - 25 JANUARY 2025
Hello and Welcome,
Meetings This Week
NO MEETINGS
Meetings Next Week
NO MEETINGS
Schedule of Current & Upcoming Meetings
First Tuesday 18:00-20:00 — Main Meeting
Third Tuesday 10:00-12:00 — Tuesday Group
Third Saturday 14:00-16:00 — Web Design
----------
Go to the official Sydney PC Calendar for this month's meeting details.
----------
ASCCA News:Tech News:
Google Makes Quantum Speed, Accuracy 'Breakthrough'
See the InfoPackets article by John Lister on January 8, 2025, at 01:01 pm EST.
Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, with Quantum Computer
Google says it's created a processor that can complete a task in five minutes, effectivle extending the time of existing supercomputers. But it will likely be five years before the processor is ready for commercial use, and experts say Google's boasts are somewhat selective.
The Willow chip is Google's attempt at quantum computing, likely the next significant technological advance. In simple terms, most traditional computers store and process data as 0s or 1s, represented by something physical (usually an electronic "gate" in a circuit) that can exist in one of two states, corresponding to 0 or 1.
Quantum computing takes advantage of quantum physics, where the same thing can exist in more than one state at a time. The computing version aims to use a "qubit" that can represent both a zero and a one simultaneously, depending on.
This makes it faster for some tasks and dramatically improves a computer's ability to perform tasks that involve exploring multiple options and possibilities simultaneously rather than one after another in sequential order.
Error Reduction
Google says Willow has now achieved two major milestones. One involves a known problem with quantum computing: it's subject to errors from physical disturbances and requires error correction to make it useful. For example, adding more qubits to increase a processor's capacity usually increases error rates. Google says Willow can reduce errors more as the chip uses more qubits. (Source: blog.google)
Secondly, Google says Willow has performed a benchmark computation (a standardized task designed to test computer speed) in five minutes. That compares to traditional supercomputers, which would theoretically take 10 septillion years. A septillion years is one trillion trillion years. In terms of how big that is, it's estimated that the Earth has been around for 13.7 billion years or 0.0000000000000137 septillion years. Imagine that!
Chilling Out
A computing professor recently told the BBC that the benchmarks could be misleading as this was just one example that happens to be particularly suited to quantum computers. Alan Woodward said the error correction was arguably the more significant development. (Source: bbc.co.uk)
To make Willow suitable for real-world use, Google must further reduce the error rate. It must also be made viable at room temperature as it operates in controlled cold conditions of absolute zero, which is -273.15 degrees Celsius or -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit. Google says it will overcome these challenges to make a commercial system by the end of the decade.
What's Your Opinion?
Can you wrap your head around quantum computing? Would significantly faster computing make a real difference to technology? What would you want computers to do if they had no significant restrictions on speed or capacity?
Comments:
MEH! — Submitted by Russoule on Thu, 09/01/2025 — 10:39
Who cares? Will it send my email faster? Will it search the web faster? Does its speed help me in any way? Like AI, it sounds good, but what PRACTICAL use is it? Commercial application? Four times as much money in cost for what ????? All hype.
Security — Submitted by Mark_w8 on Fri, 10/01/2025 — 18:57
How long would passwords be to avoid brute force password cracking at those speeds? Of course, there are other bottlenecks to speed, so it probably would not be an issue.
Fun Facts:
Raspberry Pi 5 Now Has a 16GB RAM Model
See the How-To Geek article by Jorge A. Aguilar | Published 9 January 2025.
New Raspberry Pi with 16GB RAM
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has released a new model of the Raspberry Pi 5. This model boosts memory to 16GB and is priced at a fair $120.
The Raspberry Pi's larger memory capacity meets the increasing demand for more powerful single-board computers that run complex applications. The foundation mentioned that this extra memory can benefit tasks like large language models and fluid dynamics. Micron's new ability to fit eight 16Gbit LPDDR4X chips into one package was a big part of this 16GB.
Alongside Micron, the Raspberry Pi Foundation mentioned improvements in memory technology and support from the Broadcom processor for over 8GB of memory helped make this possible. It sounds like a big effort, but the $120 price point doesn't seem bad. Apple sold laptops with 8GB memory for over $1,000 until recently.
The foundation says that more people are using Raspberry Pi devices for complex tasks, so the company released this new version. While the older 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB models were good for many jobs, this new 16GB model is more suitable for tasks that need more memory, like web browsers, big language models, and fluid dynamics simulations.
The bigger memory in the Raspberry Pi 5 helps all kinds of users and programs. People doing heavy tasks, like anyone working with artificial intelligence or complex simulations, will find the extra RAM helpful. Those using demanding operating systems like Ubuntu on their Raspberry Pi will notice better performance with the added memory, especially on desktops.
The company also mentioned offering Raspberry Pi credits for $4 each. If you're interested, it's a way to offset the environmental impact of your purchase. You're contributing to a long-term carbon capture process without receiving anything directly.
You can find a place to buy a 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 from the official website. The cost is $120, but some locations offer payment plans if needed.
Source: Raspberry Pi
I Bought Computer Peripherals on Temu, Here's How It Went
See the How-To Geek article by Ismar Hrnjicevic | Published 13 January 2025.
Computer Peripherals on Temu
Summary
Shopping on Temu is a chaotic shopping experience with deals, coupons, and free items.
The quality of products varies depending on price, but the overall value is okay.
Although underwhelming, gaming on Temu gear still provides an okay experience.
By now, you've probably heard of Temu, the Chinese online marketplace rapidly expanding worldwide. When the app finally became available in my country, I knew I had to give it a shot — and I had one thing in mind: computer peripherals.
The Shopping Experience Is Chaotic but Worth It
From the moment you open Temu, you'll be bombarded with special offers, discounts, deals, and spin wheels, all of which will "expire" in 24 hours. It's overwhelming, and you never know if you're actually getting a legit deal or just a fake discount. However, one particular offer caught my attention: three free items if you spend a certain amount.
There's a catch, though — you can only choose from the items that Temu offers, both for the free stuff and the items you buy. Since the algorithm noticed I was mainly browsing computer-related products, it mostly suggested that. I selected an assortment of keyboards, mouse pads, keycaps, keyboard switches, and a gaming mouse.
Temu Free Gifts
The free offer only applies to a limited selection, so I had to place separate orders. I was sceptical about these complimentary offerings, but Temu seemed legit, so I decided to go along.
Once my orders were processed, I received the tracking numbers. Surprisingly, my two orders were grouped into separate packages: one for the free items and one for the paid ones. The paid items arrived within two weeks, but the free items took about three and a half. Now that I had everything, it was time to write this article!
Quality Is a Mixed Bag
Let's start with the keyboards since I got the most out of them. The two paid keyboards were the Ajazz AK820 Pro and non-pro versions. These are part of the Chinese OEM powerhouse, as the same keyboard model is being sold under several different brands. The box said "Ajaazz x Nacodex," but they're also listed as Epomaker and Attack Shark on Amazon.
These two keyboards are fantastic for the price I paid. The AK820 Pro was around $55, and the non-pro was only $35. Both have decent build quality, are a joy to type on, come packed with incredible features, and everything works as expected. They're a massive improvement over my old Corsair K70. The software accompanying these keyboards is a buggy mess, but even major brands like ASUS struggle with this. Still, at least it works.
Temu Keyboards and Free Gifts
The two keycap sets (one free, one around $15) are decent for the price, and the Outemu Silent Peach V3 switches are excellent. As for the free keyboards, you get what you pay for. Let's start with the positives: they came with extra accent keycaps, a detachable USB-C cable, and a keycap puller. Both are 60%, had blue backlighting, and were, in fact, actual mechanical keyboards — not some misleading mecha-membrane gimmick.
Both had Chinese-branded switches: the HXSJ had blue switches, and the MageGee had red switches. The blue switches felt and sounded inconsistent across the different keys, and they were scratchy, just like the genuine Cherry MX Blues (kidding). The red switch-equipped MageGee was surprisingly decent. While they're also unlubed and super scratchy, they felt consistent across the board (pun intended).
Temu Keyboards
The build quality of these two keyboards was exactly what you'd expect from a free keyboard: cheap ABS plastic keycaps and a hollow-sounding case. Every keystroke feels like you're slapping plastic pieces against each other. A simple tape mod and adding some lube and foam would significantly improve the look and sound of the keyboard. Despite all these downsides, I'd still pick one of these keyboards over a cheap membrane or the included stuff in a heartbeat.
The two extra-large mouse pads were okay. The free one had a Razer logo, but I'm 100% sure it's not original, as the other mouse pad ($12) uses the same materials. They again appear to be from the same OEM. The edges are braided, and the thickness measures 2mm, so they're relatively thin. Still, my Logitech G502 glides smoothly across the fabric, and the rubber bottom sticks nicely to my desk. All in all, they're decent, so I'd buy them again.
Let's talk about the free gaming mouse, an interesting little oddball. It's an ultralight model featuring honeycomb-patterned holes, so the plastic shell feels surprisingly sturdy. It also has a non-detachable braided cable. What's even more surprising are the switches, which are loud and clicky, but in a good way. They're satisfying to press and have zero pre-travel, though there's a bit of post-travel after you click the left or right mouse button.
The RGB is definitely the highlight, though. The mouse lights up like a Christmas tree the second you power it on. It has a dedicated RGB button on the bottom, which cycles through the various colours and effects. Impressive.
Temu Gaming Mouse
Let's Play Some Games on the Temu Setup
I could talk for hours about my initial impressions, design, and build quality of my esteemed Temu gear, but the only proper way to know if it's any good is to test it. The first game I played was TypeRacer, a browser-based typing game in which the goal is to type a piece of text as quickly as possible.
I'm a fast typist, with a top typing speed of around 130 WPM (words per minute). While a better keyboard won't always make you type faster, it can still dramatically affect typing feel and comfort.
I have some thoughts after doing a few races on all the keyboards. First, since I moved from a 100% keyboard, I'm still getting used to these smaller layouts, so my typing speed dropped to around 110 WPM, along with a dip in accuracy. The good news is that I maintained the same typing speed across all the Temu keyboards. The Ajazz keyboards were satisfying and enjoyable, whereas the two free keyboards were okay. I didn't notice any glaring issues, like unregistered or double keystrokes; they were all reliable.
Since everything worked as expected, it was time to raise the stakes: let's play a competitive match of Marvel Rivals. We know that the Ajazz keyboards are decent, so I only grabbed the free stuff, installed-locked Hawkeye (a hero that requires laser precision), and jumped into the game.
Temu Gaming Combo
Spoiler alert: I lost the match, but it was not entirely my gear's fault. This is a team-based game, and the enemy team was much better. As for my gear, it held up quite nicely. I have no major complaints with the mouse pad or keyboard.
However, the mouse — arguably the most critical piece in FPS games — was unreliable. While the clicks worked fine, I experienced some mouse acceleration from the sensor. Quick mouse flicks felt unpredictable, so my aim was off. That could be just a placebo, but I also noticed this same type of acceleration during regular desktop use. If you're shopping for a cheap mouse, the Attack Shark X3 is a better choice.
Was Temu Worth It?
One caveat worth mentioning is that while all of my purchases worked as expected, there's no guarantee that yours will too. Epomaker is known for questionable customer support. Temu would support potential claims, so weigh your options carefully against more traditional retailers like Amazon and Walmart. These keyboards might be worth paying extra bucks for better customer support. As usual, your mileage may vary.
That said, I was pretty happy purchasing the Ajazz keyboards, Outemu switches, cheap keycaps, and mouse pads; I'd say shopping on Temu was worth it. I got the less-than-stellar stuff for free, but you can usually find these items for under $20–$30, so they might be worth having even as backup gear. Since I already have several keyboards, I'll sell the extras but keep the other stuff around. Who knows, maybe they'll be helpful if I host a LAN party.
Meeting Location & Disclaimer
Bob Backstrom
~ Newsletter Editor ~
Information for Members and Visitors:
Link to — Sydney PC & Technology User Group
All Meetings, unless explicitly stated above, are held on the
1st Floor, Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney.
Sydney PC & Technology User Group's FREE Newsletter — Subscribe — Unsubscribe
Go to Sydney PC & Technology User Group's — Events Calendar
Are you changing your email address? Would you please email your new address to — newsletter.sydneypc@gmail.com?
Disclaimer: We provide this Newsletter "As Is" without warranty of any kind.
The reader assumes the entire risk of accuracy and subsequent use of its contents.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse