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System76 updates its 15.6-inch Orynx Pro Ubuntu laptop with a 4K ‘retina’ screen

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Image used with permission by copyright holder
Linux-based system builder System76 recently beefed up the resolution of the 15.6-inch version of its Orynx Pro laptop. Customers purchasing this model now have three display options when configuring the laptop before checkout: a standard TN screen with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, an IPS screen with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, or an HiDPI screen with a 3,840 x 2,160 resolution.

If you’re not familiar with these three display types, TN stands for Twisted Nematic and is the oldest of the three. It consumes less power while offering the brightest screen and fastest response times, making it perfect for gaming. IPS stands for In-Plane switching, and is newer than the TN panel technology, providing richer colors and better viewing angles, making it ideal for digital media creation.

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As for HiDPI, that’s short for High Dots Per Inch, and is the foundation of Apple’s “Retina” display. It focuses on providing an extremely high resolution on a small screen while retaining sharp images and text. The display tech essentially crams in a higher number of smaller pixels per inch than the previous two mentioned above, and they are nearly impossible to see when examining the screen up close.

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That said, configuring the 15.6-inch Oryx Pro laptop with the new screen option will cost extra. The base configuration comes with the TN panel with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. The IPS panel costs $95 extra and the HiDPI panel costs an additional $249. On top of that, customers wanting to configure the laptop with Nvidia’s GTX 1070 graphics chip must pick either the IPS or HiDPI panel. Otherwise, the laptop defaults to the GTX 1060 chip.

Here are the hardware options for the 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch models:

Orynx Pro
Operating system: Ubuntu 16.04.01 LTS 64-bit
Ubuntu 16.10 64-bit
Display: 1080p LED-backlit
1080p IPS LED-backlit
4K HiDPI LED-backlit (not available on the 17.3-inch model)
Processor: Intel Core i7-6700HQ (3.5GHz)
Intel Core i7-6820HK (3.6GHz)
Memory: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB dual-channel DDR4 @ 2,400MHz
Graphics: GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB)
GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB)
Primary storage (M.2): 128GB, 250GB, or 500GB M.2 SSD
256GB, 512GB, or 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
Secondary storage (M.2): None
128GB, 250GB, or 500GB M.2 SSD
Third storage (2.5-inch): None
1TB 7,200RPM HDD
1TB 5,400RPM Hybrid (8GB SSD)
2TB 5,400RPM HDD
250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB SSD
Ports: 2x USB 3.1 Type-C
3x USB 3.0 Type-A
SD card reader
1X HDMI
2x Mini DisplayPort
1x gigabit Ethernet
1x Microphone jack
1x S/PDIF
1x Headphone jack
Audio: 2x speakers
International headphone amplifier, Hifi DAC (GTX 1070 models only)
Webcam: 1080p HD
Battery: 60 watt hours, Li-Polymer
Input: Multi-touch pad, multi-color backlit keyboard
Connectivity: Wireless AC (Intel)

In addition to selecting the IPS or HiDPI panel to unlock the GTX 1070 option, the company suggests that customers choose the IPS or HiDPI display and the GTX 1070 graphics chip if they select the Core i7-6820HK processor. Different parts unlock specific hardware options in the configuration tool, so customers will have to fool around with it until they get the desired balance between price and performance.

Pricing for the Oryx Pro starts at $1,500, but as shown above, the new 4K HiDPI display option is only offered for the 15.6-inch model. To configure yours now, head here and have fun shopping!

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Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
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