Tag Archives: Handhelds

2023 Holiday Gift Guide – 10 Gifts for Gamers!

My 2023 Holiday gift guide! 10 gaming products I recommend including handhelds, keyboards, arcade machines, handheld grips, HDMI converters, books, controllers & more!

Products Mentioned:
Super Pockets – https://amzn.to/3ueI4JQ
8bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard – https://amzn.to/3szk03N
Replicade Ghosts n Goblins – https://newwavetoys.com
Satisfye ZenGrip Ronin for Switch – https://www.satisfye.com
Stylth Grip for Steam Deck – https://www.satisfye.com
RetroTink 2x & 5x – https://www.retrotink.com
The Console Chronicles- https://bit.ly/MJRLIC
A Handheld History Book – https://amzn.to/3uhM1gO
Nitro Deck – https://amzn.to/3MJmJPd
Space Invaders 1/4 arcades – https://numskull.com
Retro Fighters controllers – https://amzn.to/46il36b
Grid Studio – https://gridstudio.cc

(As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases from affiliate links)

The IBM WorkPad z50 was a quirky $1,000 PC for CEOs

Today I’m unboxing a IBM WorkPad z50 which was a quirky $1,000 PC for CEOs. There are a ton of quirks and features built into this little handheld PC! ++ WATCH >> https://youtu.be/y1nHgkcj-Q8

The IBM WorkPad series of PCs, also known as the IBM WorkPad PC Companion, was a line of portable computing devices introduced by IBM in the late 1990s. These devices were designed with the aim of providing professionals with a compact and lightweight computing solution for on-the-go productivity. The WorkPad series was particularly notable for its sleek and ergonomic design, making it highly portable and easy to carry.

The WorkPad PCs were powered by various iterations of the Palm operating system, a precursor to modern mobile operating systems like iOS and Android. They featured monochrome displays and stylus-based input, emphasizing pen-based computing. This made them well-suited for tasks such as note-taking, calendar management, and basic document editing. Despite their limited processing power compared to full-fledged laptops of the time, the WorkPad series offered a convenient and efficient means of managing personal information and performing essential computing tasks while away from the office or home.

Though the WorkPad series was eventually discontinued, it played a significant role in the early development of portable computing technology. Its emphasis on mobility and productivity paved the way for later generations of mobile devices, influencing the design and functionality of modern smartphones and tablets. The legacy of the IBM WorkPad series can still be seen in the portable computing devices we use today.

ROG Ally vs Steam Deck vs Nintendo Switch

Having spent a bunch of time with both now, I wanted to share my thoughts on how the ROG Ally compares to the Steam Deck, with a couple thoughts thrown in for how they relate to the Nintendo Switch. Looking at comfort in handheld mode, button and sticks layout, battery life, game performance, gameplay while docked, and how the general experience is different for each one.

The ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and Nintendo Switch are all gaming devices that cater to different segments of the gaming community, each with its own set of features and target audience.

The ROG Ally is a product by ASUS under their Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, primarily focused on high-performance gaming laptops and peripherals. While specific details about the ROG Ally might have emerged after my last knowledge update in September 2021, ASUS often emphasizes powerful hardware components, customizable RGB lighting, and advanced cooling systems in their ROG lineup. The ROG Ally is likely to offer a more traditional gaming laptop experience with a wide range of games from various platforms, making it suitable for gamers seeking a comprehensive gaming and computing solution.

On the other hand, the Steam Deck is Valve’s venture into the handheld gaming market. It runs on a custom AMD APU, blending a quad-core Zen 2 CPU with RDNA 2 graphics architecture, which brings substantial gaming power to a portable device. The Steam Deck is designed to provide a dedicated handheld PC gaming experience, allowing users to access their existing Steam library, as well as other PC platforms like Epic Games Store, GOG, and more. It essentially functions as a portable gaming PC, offering more versatility and potential for productivity tasks compared to traditional gaming consoles.

The Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, pioneered the concept of a hybrid gaming console. It seamlessly transitions between a handheld mode and a TV-connected mode. The Switch’s focus lies in Nintendo’s first-party game lineup, offering exclusive titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Super Mario Odyssey,” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.” Its unique Joy-Con controllers and family-friendly gaming experience have contributed to its widespread appeal. However, the Switch’s hardware capabilities are more limited compared to the other two devices, making it less suitable for graphically demanding games available on other platforms.

In summary, the ROG Ally is likely to offer a high-performance gaming laptop experience, the Steam Deck provides a portable PC gaming experience with access to various storefronts, and the Nintendo Switch focuses on exclusive Nintendo titles and versatile hybrid gameplay. The choice between these devices ultimately depends on the user’s preferences, gaming library, and desired gaming experience.