Reviewer, Laptops
Joanna Nelius reviews laptops for The Verge. Previously, she reviewed all sorts of computing devices and gaming hardware for USA Today, Gizmodo, PC Gamer, and Maximum PC, while reporting on issues related to technology and education. When she’s not eyeballs-deep in benchmark data, she’s teaching interactive fiction to teenagers or working on her short story collection and memoir.
Geometric Future’s Model 0 Flamingo folds over a mini-ITX motherboard with the help of a few magnets and pins. It’s too small for a graphics card, and I’m not sure how it would stand up over time, but I appreciate the creativity. Sort of reminds me of that one Teenage Engineering case.
Unfortunately, the company has no plans to release this incredibly cute case. But those who stopped by Fractal’s booth at Computex 2024 were able to see it in person — and I’m definitely not jealous. Nope, not at all...
This Lian-Li Lancool 217 case looks like a retro hi-fi stereo speaker! Its design is subdued compared to the Fractal North, but apparently its fans reverse direction periodically to shake the dust off its blades. The case Gamers Nexus saw at Computex 2024 is a prototype, but the real thing should be available this September.
There are some disheartening drawbacks like getting teased at school and being left out of group chats. But these teens were quick to point out some benefits of being smartphone-free, like having more time to spend with family or to read lots of books. As 17-year-old Greta put it: “I think I’m better adjusted.”