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What is RAM, and why does it matter to your laptop or PC purchase? RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. It helps your computer run smoothly by quickly storing and accessing data that’s in use. The more RAM you have, the faster your computer can handle multiple tasks Confused by tech jargon? We’re here to decode your desktop, give you a laptop lowdown, and tame your tablet talk. simultaneously. Without enough RAM, your computer might slow down or freeze. For basic tasks like browsing or checking emails, 4GB of RAM is enough. If you’re gaming or using creative software, 8GB or 16GB works better. For heavy tasks like video editing, you may need 32GB or more. More RAM means your computer runs faster and handles more work at once.

MAY

DYK?

Where would we be without the TV remote? Alongside the smartphone, it’s the one thing in the house you’re guaranteed to lose once a day. But did you know it dates back to 1950? The first remote was called the Zapper and was attached to the television via an electrical cord. The Zapper had a single button, unlike the multiple buttons on a modern remote. When pressed, the channel would cycle to the next TV station in sequence.

Technology has become an integral part of Australian lifestyles and continues to advance in leaps and bounds. From smartphones to smart homes, STACK keeps you up to date on the latest consumer tech in user friendly terms, along with key points to consider before you buy. If you love tech, you’re in the right place.

What tech has been floating the boat of the writers at STACK recently? You can find it right here every month.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

1998

What was the hottest tech in…

ASUS Zenbook A14 14” Laptop (Copilot+ PC) If you’re hunting for a keenly priced PC laptop with

Throughout the ‘90s, the primary seller in the television trade was still the classic CRT. The tube TVs were heavy and bulky, with the largest screen size maxing out at around 36 inches. Philips, Sony, and Panasonic had worked hard to improve picture clarity and reduce glare with a range of flat screen CRTs.

some impressively top-line specs, the slick new Asus Zenbook A14 has you covered. Whether you need a workhorse

However, a revolution was just around the corner. Plasma technology was invented back in the mid-'60s through screen experimentation at the University of Illinois. Fast forward 30 years and companies like Fujitsu and Philips started to tweak the technology. Fujitsu was first to market with a 42-inch plasma TV in 1995, but Philips would release the first commercially available 42-inch TV. The 42PW9962 was introduced

for business or a PC to get creating with, there are features to suit – and all in one of the lightest laptops to have ever graced our desk. Everything we threw at it zipped along at a very serviceable clip, from web browsing to the Microsoft Office suite, and even some workhorse graphics tools. The 14-inch, 2K OLED screen performs brilliantly and the big surprise was when we took it outdoors, the display remained crystal clear, even in bright sunlight. Respectable battery life is another must-have in a good laptop, and the Zenbook A14 can keep going for up to 32 hours. The Zenbook A14 has some very desirable bells and whistles, especially when it comes to up-to-the-minute Copilot+ AI support, and is highly recommended.

at CES two years later in the US. Utilising Fujitsu panels, the brand targeted the high-end consumer with its thin, futuristic designs. And there was a reason it was pitched to the luxury market. It cost close to an eyewatering $45,000AUD (adjusted for inflation.) The late ‘90s proved a turning point in the TV market as Philips pushed ahead to bridge the gap between plasma and traditional CRT TVs. In 2000, all the major TV companies had hopped aboard the plasma express, and the retail price had dropped significantly. As the sun set on 50 years of television technology, plasma opened the door to a new dawn. This new dawn would lead to the introduction of LCD and OLED TVs.

On The Radar

June, and that can only mean one thing. Well, strictly, that’s not true, but from a financial perspective, it’s tax time. Next month, we’ll bring you the latest in tech so you can take advantage of the best month of the year to update your office essentials.

MAY 2025

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