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I tested the DXRacer Craft and was impressed by its build and comfort, but there are a few areas that let it down

6:00 pm | May 24, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

DXRacer Craft gaming chair: One-minute review

The new DXRacer Craft is the latest upgrade in the brand’s line of high-end gaming chairs, promising supreme comfort and ergonomic features. In terms of looks, the Craft shows DXRacer has matured from its previous outings, omitting the typical gamer aesthetic that can plague chairs in this class. It’s even smart enough to furnish workspaces.

The build quality seems to match its sleek appearance. The leatherette upholstery on my unit was taut and neatly stitched, as well as feeling quite durable, although it’s not the most breathable material.

Sitting in the Craft is a comfortable experience for the most part. The seat is on the firmer side compared to what the best gaming chairs have to offer, but I still found it offered sufficient cushioning. It’s also quite wide and deep, which helps to get a comfortable position. What’s more, it adjusts well for height, especially at the lower end.

The backrest is more plush and is easy to sink into. It has built-in lumbar support, which, while easy to adjust for prominence, lacks height adjustment, which isn’t ideal. However, it proved comfortable enough for my back, although I wish it were positioned a tad lower down.

The magnetic head pillow, though, is a standout feature of the Craft. Again, it’s firmer than other head pillows I’ve tried, but it’s still comfortable, while its side bolsters provide additional support when leaning your head to one side.

Assembly was easier than other gaming chairs I’ve put together, thanks to a few convenient touches. These include a slot in the bracket for the backrest, which made one of the most laborious aspects of building a gaming chair a lot less hassle.

For the price, the Craft represents great value for those in the UK, but not so much for those in the US. Still, it's cheaper than some other big-name rivals, including the all-conquering Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, to which it comes close to matching in terms of quality, comfort, and adjustability. If you can handle a firmer seat and don’t mind the armrests, you could do a lot worse than the Craft.

Back of DXRacer Craft with plant, desk, and pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

DXRacer Craft gaming chair review: Price and availability

$499 / £368 / AU$759.99
Different size options and finishes
Well-priced compared to rivals

The Craft costs $499 / £368 / AU$759.99 and is available now. It comes in regular and plus sizes and two upholstery options: EPU leatherette and woven fabric. There’s only one stock color to choose from, but there are various collaboration editions with more extravagant finishes.

The price places the Craft at the higher end of the gaming chair market, although those in the UK get a much better deal. Regardless of territory, though, it’s still less than the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, which we think is still the best gaming chair around. It has better arms than the Craft, and it might just edge ahead in terms of overall build quality, but the Craft comes admirably close.

In the UK, the Craft is priced similarly to the Boulies Elite, which is comparable in many aspects, although that chair does have height-adjustable lumbar support. However, this and its other adjustments are awkward and clunky, which certainly isn’t the case with the Craft.

DXRacer Craft gaming chair review: Specs

Price	$499 / £368 / AU$759.99
Dimensions	52.4 x 27.6 x 22.1in / 133 x 70 x 56cm
Max user weight	275lbs / 125kg
Min seat height	18.5in / 47cm
Seat width	22.2in / 56cm
Recline angle	135 degrees
Warranty	3 years
Material	Leatherette, fabric

DXRacer Craft gaming chair: Design and aesthetics

Great overall build quality
Leatherette not the most breathable
Less than solid arm rests

The Craft adopts the usual gaming chair silhouette, although thankfully, its design is more pared down than DXRacer’s of old. The all-black colorway of my unit imparts a level of elegance and makes for a more professional appearance, so it wouldn’t look out of place in an office environment.

The overall build quality of the Craft is commendable, with a solid frame that is mercifully lighter than you might expect. There are also some neat touches, such as magnetically attachable covers for the backrest brackets.

The upholstery is similarly premium. The stitching is neat and strong, and the EPU leatherette material on my unit appeared hard-wearing and durable. It also lacks the suede accents you often find on other PU gaming chairs, which I find rather pointless anyway. However, the leatherette finish might prove a little too thick to be breathable for those in hotter climes.

The arms, however, aren’t as solid as you might expect. There’s a fair amount of wobble to them, although this isn’t really noticeable unless you move around quite vigorously, but it’s worth mentioning still.

The castors offer a fairly smooth roll, although they do tend to grab somewhat on carpet, but not to a frustrating degree. I was more thankful for the rounded ends of the wheel base spokes, which means less pain if you happen to clip your heels or stub your toe on them, as I’m personally liable to do.

Close-up of head pillow on DXRacer Craft on pink background — (Image credit: Future)

DXRacer Craft gaming chair review: Comfort and Adjustability

Firm but comfortable seat
Built-in lumbar, but not height adjustable
Excellent head pillow

The Craft is a comfortable chair to sit in. The seat is quite firm, which may deter some users, and may cause fatigue after really long sessions, but I personally found it provided enough cushioning.

It also offers plenty of depth, which is something I welcome and is considered a benefit from an ergonomic perspective. It’s quite wide too, which adds to its comfort levels, and the bolstering is largely flat so as not to intrude or encumber various seating positions.

I was pleased with the height range of the Craft as well. It lowered enough for my feet to comfortably touch the ground, which is rare in the various gaming chairs I’ve experienced. The tilt mechanism allows for gentle rocking and locks in place securely when desired.

The 4D armrests are comfortable enough, largely thanks to their width and adjustability. However, the padding is quite hard, which might be a dealbreaker for some gamers, and they don’t move inwards as much as I would like them to. What’s more, some of the adjustments are very stiff and don’t feel as well engineered as those on some other upmarket gaming chairs.

The backrest is very comfortable and offers more cushioning than the seat. It’s also reasonably wide, and the side bolsters curve well out of the way of your arms, so you’re not likely to hit them with your elbow.

Close-up of lumbar support dial on DXRacer Craft on pink background — (Image credit: Future)

All of these factors help to make the Craft an easy chair to sink into. It doesn’t recline to a full 180 degrees, though, but it still goes back quite far, and the lever to operate it is smooth yet secure.

It also features built-in lumbar support, although oddly, the adjustment dial is labelled as “Resistance”. Regardless, it’s relatively easy to use, and there aren’t too many twists between the two extremes of its range, as I’ve found with other gaming chairs.

Unfortunately, though, this lumbar support isn’t height adjustable, which will be a shame for those who don’t meet its set position. Personally, it was a touch too high for my liking, but it at least covers a wide area, which helps to even out the pressure it exerts on your back. There’s also plenty of adjustment when it comes to its prominence.

Surprisingly, the included magnetic head pillow is one of the highlights of the Craft –rivaling the most comfortable gaming chairs in this regard – with its firm yield offering cushioning and support in equal measure, while its contours fit the back of my head perfectly. I was also fond of its wingbacked design, which offers support for those who like to drift off in their chair.

DXRacer Craft gaming chair review: Assembly

The Craft proved easier to build than other gaming chairs. The instructions were clear, and the box contents were neatly packaged, which helped speed up the process. The chair’s relatively light construction made assembly less onerous than it would’ve been, and a few considerate touches, such as the preinstalled armrests and long double-sided Allen wrench, illustrate DXRacer’s commitment to improving convenience.

Best of all, there’s a slot on the right backrest bracket, which means you can easily slide in and align the backrest before you screw in the bolts. This is a real time-saver, and a feature I wish every gaming chair would adopt.

However, I should mention that the plastic cover for the recline mechanism arrived broken in the box. DXRacer was quick to send a replacement part, but the international shipping (from Europe to the UK) made the dispatch slower than it probably would’ve been domestically.

Close-up of recline lever on DXRacer Craft — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the DXRacer Craft gaming chair?

Buy it if...

You want good height adjustment
I was able to plant my feet firmly on the ground in the Craft’s lowest position, which isn’t something I can say about many gaming chairs I’ve tried.

You want great head support
The magnetic head pillow is firm but very comfortable, and its side bolsters make it more supportive.

Don't buy it...

You want a super soft seat
The Craft has one of the firmer seats in the gaming chair sector which, while still comfortable, might not be for everyone.

You want height-adjustable lumbar support
I found the lumbar support quite comfortable, but it lacks height adjustment, which may be more of a problem for some than for others.

DXRacer Craft gaming chair: Also consider

Here are some alternatives to the DXRacer Craft if it doesn't sound like your kind of gaming chair.

	DXRacer Craft	Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 (Regular)	Boulies Elite
Price	$499 / £368 / AU$759.99	$549 / £469 / AU$799	$399 / £339 / AU$594
Dimensions	52.4 x 27.6 x 22.1in / 133 x 70 x 56cm	51.2 x 27.6 x 19.3in / 130 x 70 x 49cm	50.4 x 28 x 18.9in / 128 x 71 x 48cm
Max user weight	275lbs / 125kg	285lbs / 130kg	243lbs / 110kg
Min seat height	18.5in / 47cm	17.7in / 45cm	18.1in / 46cm
Seat width	22.2in / 56cm	18.5in / 47cm	20.9in / 53cm
Recline angle	135 degrees	165 degrees	165 degrees
Warranty	3 years	3 years	2 years
Material	Leatherette, fabric	Leatherette, fabric	Leatherette, fabric

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
Still the undisputed king of gaming chairs, the Titan Evo 2022 excels in most areas. It’s comfortable, well-made, and has plenty of adjustments. It has a high starting price, though, and certain editions verge on the astronomical, but it’s hard to beat when all aspects are considered. Read our full Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review.

Boulies Elite
Similar in many respects to the Craft, the Boulies Elite is very comfortable and, while the seat is reasonably firm, it has more give than the Craft’s. However, some of the adjustments are quite poor in terms of operation. It’s still a solid pick, but the Craft might have the edge in certain areas. Read our full Boulies Elite review.

Close-up of right arm rest on DXRacer Craft with floor and pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the DXRacer Craft gaming chair

Tested for full day
Used for gaming and productivity
Plentiful gaming chair experience

I tested the Craft for a full day, during which time I used it for gaming and for working. I made sure to try out all of its various adjustments.

I have been gaming for decades, and during that time, I’ve experienced numerous chairs, from gaming models to those designed for office and productivity. I have also reviewed a number of them previously.

First reviewed: May 2025
Read more about how we test

I tested out the Tribesigns mobile standing desk and its compact minimalism is ideal for small spaces

9:02 pm | May 23, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Standing desks have become increasingly popular over the last several years, especially as working from home grows. The quality and features have grown along with that popularity. Some of the desks I am testing right now are well into $3,000, and that's not even fully featured or the most expensive that specific desk can get.

The point is that the best standing desks are getting larger in terms of size, feature sets, and price. For those who have one of those and want another workspace, or those who wish to have just a simple, bare-bones workspace that isn't their kitchen table, counter, or slumped over on their couch, the TribeSign Mobile Height Adjustable Desk may be an excellent option for you.

It's designed to be a cart you can roll in front of a couch, for example, to provide a workspace to place your laptop and get some work done without staring down at your lap. It's great for that, but I have actually found use for this desk as a heavily used workspace where I have been able to get some serious work done.

I won't say that this desk compares to some of the premium standing desks, because it doesn't. But what it does well is the bare-bones basics, for a very low cost. With that in mind, and the caveat of budget pricing, I'll give this desk a 4/5. But let me explain further...

Tribesigns Mobile Height Adjustable Desk: Pricing and Availability

The TribeSign Mobile Height Adjustable Desk retails at around $129.99 through the company's website by clicking here and a few other retailers like Amazon.

Tribesigns Mobile Height Adjustable Desk: Unboxing & first impressions

The desk came in compact packaging with the basic tools and components needed. I built this desk in 16 minutes from start to finish, and it was incredibly easy to do.

Once I got this desk together, I could see how simple and lightweight it was. It's minimalistic and has simple controls to raise and lower the desk, albeit manually. It is not easy to do if you have things on the desk weighing it down, but regardless, it has the ability.

I also noticed the simple grommet power solution, and immediately noted how it could be used with an upgraded grommet, if desired or needed.

Tribesigns Mobile Height Adjustable Desk: Design & Build Quality

Specs

Dimensions: 35.4" W x 17.7" D x 27.6"–43.3" H
Materials: 0.6" thick particleboard with a metal frame
Features: Wireless charging grommet, USB ports, sliding keyboard tray, lockable wheels

The TribeSign Mobile Height Adjustable Desk is compact and made for small or multi-use spaces. The materials are budget-grade, though the desk is solid for the price point. The keyboard and mouse sliding tray works well and is easy enough to use. It's pretty shallow, but I can fit a standard Logitech MX Keys and a Logitech MX Anywhere mouse.

Tribesigns Mobile Height Adjustable Desk: In use

As I mentioned, this desk is designed to roll out in a living room scenario and be a temporary or simple workstation. However, without intending it, this desk has become a heavily used workstation for me in the last month. I set this up upstairs in my house to try it out when my basement office overruns guests.

Since then, I have found myself needing to use this desk quite a bit, so much so that I have added a 32" Dell monitor I am testing (review coming soon), a Logitech MX Keys, Logitech MX Anywhere, a Grovemade iPad Stand I love using with my MacBook, and even a BenQ Laptop Light Bar that I have behind the monitor to bouce light off the wall at night.

I use the monitor as a hub to charge my lightbar, iPhone/iPad if needed, and, of course, my MacBook Pro while plugged in. Occasionally, I will charge my AirPods on the wireless charger, but I'm more tempted to upgrade this grommet with a nicer one that gives me better output.

This desk works even with this setup, as you can see in the pictures. It feels like it shouldn't, but it has been working for months. It's simple. It's minimal, not expensive, nor bougie, but it works. And, sometimes, that's all you need.

I still greatly prefer my fancy desks, which I get to build and use daily. Those are still my primary workstations and the ones I like. But if you are short on space and only have a little room to fit in a workstation, this one is shockingly impressive.

I'll admit, I have yet to mess with the height settings manually I have this desk on right now, but setting the height in the first place has given me a great height to use a mouse and keyboard with the tray and see my monitor at the height I want.
All around, as a secondary desk space, smaller desk space, or even this makeshift minimalist desk, the TribeSigns Mobile Height Adjustable Desk has surprised me.

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Minimal, compact	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use	Easy to use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality	Right for small spaces	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price	Cheap Price, Cheap material	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tribesigns Mobile Height Adjustable Desk: Final verdict

TribeSigns Mobile Height Adjustable Desk is a budget-friendly and versatile option for anyone looking for a space-saving workstation. Though it won't replace a full desk for intensive use, its mobility and built-in features make it a great addition to any home or office environment.

I’ve spent weeks with the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones, and I might not be able to go back to a gaming headset anymore

5:51 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Indiana Jones, PC | Comments: Off

Sennheiser HD 550 review: One-minute review

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones are some of the finest audiophile headphones for gaming I’ve ever tested. This open-back model excels in its audio prowess, comfort, and simplicity in every manner of my testing, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for a top gaming headset for console or PC.

While cut from the same cloth as other Sennheiser headphones aimed at those who value audio quality above all else, the HD 550 headphones are very much intended to appeal to gamers who crave high-quality audio. They absolutely succeed in this: across PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, audio is a dream.

Combine this with the expected excellence Sennheiser has for enhancing music, entertainment, and easy listening, and it really is a winner. It also means the HD 550 is ideal for work and everyday use, too.

Price is perhaps one wrinkle on the score sheet, as it’s a little on the high side when you compare it to the immediate competition.

For example, you could bag a complete premium wired gaming headset like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro if you want more features and a built-in mic. You could even save money compared to the HD 550 while sticking with Sennheiser with slightly cheaper models like the HD 560S or 650 sets. Still, I think anyone buying them at their list price won’t feel any buyer’s remorse, such is the quality here.

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones on a wooden surface in front of a white brick background — (Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

That begins with a simple and elegant design, but one that’s also robust and very comfortable. The open-back cup covers are made of high-grade metal mesh, while the strong plastic frame elsewhere inspires confidence. The synthetic leather of the headband and velour of the earcups are wonderfully soft, providing the right amount of cushioning and support.

Coming in at just 8.35oz / 237g, the HD 550 are incredibly light. You’ll barely notice that you’re wearing them, even after long sessions. There’s simplicity onboard too with only a 6ft / 1.8m cable attached (a 3.5mm to 6.5mm adapter is also provided).

All this comes together to provide an audio experience that I’ve not experienced for a long time - if ever. The HD 550 excels in all that you throw at it, and really can be the audiophile gaming-focused headphones you’ve been looking for. I’ve heard details in games I’ve not heard before, and enjoyed rich, atmospheric, multi-layered audio in game worlds. Combine this with Sennheiser’s established excellence for music, easy listening, and everyday use, and the HD 550 offers it all.

Brilliant for everything, and perfect for immersion-heightening single-player gaming, the HD 550 might be the last multiplatform gaming headset you ever need to buy - even if it’s not a traditional gaming headset.

Sennheiser HD 550 review: Price and availability

List price: $299.99 / $249.99 / AU$479
Premium gaming headset territory
Faces stiff competition from its Sennheiser brethren

At $299.99 / $249.99 / AU$479, the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones are pricey, but not wildly so. At this point, it’s pitched squarely against some great audiophile headphones and gaming headsets.

In terms of the latter, I see something like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro or the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro or 330 Pro headsets as comparable alternatives. These are different propositions in terms of feature set, target audience, and what they're built to do, of course, but if you’re looking for something in this price range that’s focused on gaming, then this is the sort of competition the HD 550 has.

On the other hand, the HD 550 does face a lot of competition its own Sennheiser brethren. For example, the HD 560S is a tremendous set of headphones that can still very much hold their own in the gaming sphere. In the US, these are around $20 cheaper than the HD 550, but in the UK, they are a staggering £99, which is extraordinarily good value and hard to ignore if saving cash is one of your top priorities.

Overall, the value the HD 550 offers is still superb. However, when price cuts inevitably come, the HD 550 are going to be very hard to beat and extremely attractive as a pair of top audiophile headphones for gaming.

Sennheiser HD 550 review: Specs

	Sennheiser HD 550
Price	$299.99 / $249.99 / AU$479
Weight	8.35oz / 237g
Drivers	38mm
Compatibility	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile (where audio jack is present)
Connection type	3.5mm audio jack; 6ft / 1.8m cable (3.5 to 6.5mm adapter provided)
Battery life	N/A
Features	38mm transducer, 150 Ω nominal impedance, 6Hz – 39.5kHz frequency response, synthetic velour ear pads
Software	N/A

Sennheiser HD 550 review: Design and features

Open back design
Lightweight and wonderfully comfortable
No onboard controls or mic

The design of the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones is incredibly stripped back and sleek - there’s no overcomplication here, and if you’re familiar with Sennheiser’s style, then it’ll look satisfyingly recognizable.

It’s a symphony in black with metallic accents offered by the Sennheiser logo on the cups, and metallic edging adjacent to the ear cups punctuating that sleek look. The headband is made of faux leather and has a good amount of padding across almost its entire length to ensure head comfort, while the plush synthetic velour earbuds are delightfully soft and comfy around the ears, with the headphone’s clamping force being just right.

The ratchet on the headband for finding the right fit is also perfect, offering a good amount of resistance and hold, and you’ll also get a neat drawstring bag for the headset, too.

Under the hood, you have the 38mm, 150-ohm transducer (driver) offering a dynamic range of 6Hz to 39.5kHz. The driver is, of course, Sennheiser’s own, made in Ireland, and I’m told by the brand in terms of construction that “the diaphragm is made of a laminate plastic foil material. The voice coil is made of copper, and the chassis is made of plastic.”

Feature-wise, the HD 550 are equally simple and stripped back: there are no onboard controls here like you’ll find on gaming headsets, and there’s no microphone present either. All you have is the 6ft / 1.8m (non-braided, non-detachable) cable that ends in a slightly chunky 3.5mm audio jack connection, and that can also be fitted with a screw-on 6.5mm adapter.

Sennheiser HD 550 review: Performance

Superb Sennheiser quality audio for games
Exceptional for music and entertainment
Perfect for immersive single-player gaming

In short, the Sennheiser HD 550, as a set of gaming and entertainment-focused headphones, are nothing short of spectacular. The headphones may well have killed off using a gaming headset for single-player games for me, and I have nothing but praise for the gaming audio it’s given me throughout my testing.

On PS5, the booming soundtracks and sound effects of Doom and Doom Eternal have never been given to me so fulsomely and richly, with each heavy metal riff and combat finisher move sounding as raw and dense as they should. In Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, character dialogue was crisp and clear without ever being scratchy, and environmental noises were a joy.

Even the busiest of combat encounters in both translated well through the HD 550 headphones. The same was true for Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Botany Manor on Xbox, but also the delicate and detailed audio in games like Frostpunk 2 on PC, and Control, with its atmospheric and spooky audio that emanates from the FBC building and its tenants.

The audio jack connection made it the easiest headphone set to use across all the platforms, too, which is a dream. Of course, you’ll be relying on your devices or an amp to really push the headphones as there’s no onboard volume dial, but simply managing them in such a way has provided me with some real excellence and memorable audio moments in games.

Using the HD 550 for work meetings and video calls is great too, though you’ll naturally have to team it with a standalone, separate mic. I did that with my SteelSeries Alias Pro, and the combination worked like a dream. There’s a warmth to ‘real life’ voices from the HD 550, and there were never ever any piercing peaks or rough troughs.

When I wasn’t in meetings, I kept the HD 550 on to soak up music, and I was treated to a truly fantastic experience here. Playing tunes from my usual playlists on Spotify, but also using hi-res audio on Tidal, and even down to browsing tracks and videos on YouTube, the HD 550 kept providing me with some of the finest audio I’ve experienced.

The excellent bass response is brilliant and almost gave me a new appreciation for Tool’s back catalog, and the mids and highs dealt beautifully with modern country and punk pop music, and even classical music such as Allegri’s Miserere and Jan Garbarek’s Officium record.

Taking all this sheer audio excellence and putting it in a sleek, comfortable, and lightweight headset like the HD 550 means Sennheiser has a real winner on its hands that is fantastic to wear and use at all times, and for a long time.

Should you buy the Sennheiser HD 550?

Buy it if...

You want that sweet, sweet Sennheiser audio quality for games and everything else
The star of the show with the HD 550 is, unsurprisingly, the awesome Sennheiser audio. It’s so good that it’s easy to recommend the headphones for that reason alone.

You want a lightweight and supremely comfortable set of headphones for gaming
If you’re sick and tired of gaming headsets overcomplicating things, offering too much, or being focused on features rather than audio in your view, then the Sennheiser HD 550 will offer a simple yet fantastic and premium gaming audio solution.

You mainly play single-player games and are looking for immersive audio
Focusing on offering an audio-only experience, and not being a gaming headset with a mic, the HD 550 is absolutely perfect for those who almost solely play single-player games - or for those looking to add a dedicated single-player game device to their setup.

You want your next gaming headset or headphones to be multi-platform
It doesn’t get much more multiplatform than a simple audio jack connection, and if you’re looking for something that can be a one-and-done solution for all your gaming devices, as well as audiophile and easy listening needs, then the HD 550 has you more than covered.

Don't buy it if...

You really want a microphone for the price of admission
It’s an easy one to point out, but if you’re dropping more than $200 / £200 on some headphones and really want a mic too, then the HD 550 headphones won’t be for you.

You want Sennheiser audio, but the most bang-for-buck value
If I’m being ruthless, the HD 550’s price tag could be a bit of a hurdle, and at list price, you may find better value in other Sennheiser audiophile sets like the HD 560S or HD 650.

Sennheiser HD 550 review: Also consider

Still not sold on the Sennheiser HD 550? Here are two competing headsets for comparison.

	Sennheiser HD 550	SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro	Sennheiser HD 560S
Price	$299.99 / £249.99 / AU$479	$249.99 / £179.99 / AU$405	$229.95 / £169 / AU$339.95
Weight	8.35oz / 237g	16.08oz / 456g	8.46oz / 240g
Drivers	38mm	40mm	38mm
Compatibility	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile (where audio jack is present)	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile (where audio jack is present)	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile (where audio jack is present)
Connection type	3.5mm audio jack; 6ft / 1.8m cable (3.5 to 6.5mm adapter provided)	USB, 3.5mm audio jack	3.5mm audio jack; 6ft / 1.8m detachable cable (3.5 to 6.3mm screw-on adapter provided)
Battery life	N/A	N/A	N/A
Features	38mm transducer, 150 Ω nominal impedance, 6Hz – 39.5kHz frequency response, synthetic velour ear pads	40 mm Neodymium drivers, Bidirectional microphone polar pattern, ClearCast Gen 2 microphone, GameDac Gen 2 control panel	38mm transducer, 120 Ω nominal impedance, 6Hz - 38kHz frequency response, velour ear pads
Software	N/A	SteelSeries GG	N/A

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
A premium wired gaming headset, the Arctis Nova Pro is one of my favorite tethered sets and the sibling of my favorite gaming headset ever made. The wired Nova Pro sports glorious sound quality, a host of attractive features, and a top microphone, and comes in at the same price range as the HD 550, so it is a direct gaming headset competitor to consider.

For more information, check out our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro reviewView Deal

Sennheiser HD560S
Cut from the same exquisite Sennheiser cloth as the HD 550, the HD560S might be a few years old now, but it’s an incredibly attractive option and offers exceptional value for money - particularly in the UK. Similarly priced to HD 550 in the US but often coming in cheaper, the HD560S offers wonderful sound quality in a similarly simple, lightweight, and comfortable design. You could even consider the Sennheiser HD650, too.

For more information, check out our full Sennheiser HD 560S reviewView Deal

How I tested the Sennheiser HD 550

Tested over the course of several months
Used in conjunction with PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and PC
Compared directly to the premium gaming headset competition

I have used the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones as part of my work and gaming setup for a few months now, integrating them into my setup and using them alongside a host of other gear to test them out.

On my two PlayStation 5 setups, I plugged the headphones into a standard DualSense Wireless controller to test them with my PS5 Pro and PS5 Slim. I used them on both consoles for hours at a time, and also plugged them directly into my PlayStation Portal, too.

On PS5, I played Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, almost my full playthrough of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and all of my Indiana Jones and The Great Circle playthrough. I also gave the headphones a test on Xbox Series X, plugging them into a Victrix Pro BFG for Xbox controller or a Thrustmaster eSwap X2 controller to play games like Botany Manor and Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

When testing on my RTX 3090 gaming PC, I plugged the HD 550 directly into the machine to play Frostpunk 2, Control, and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III, and then also teamed the HD 550 with a SteelSeries Alias Pro mic for work and video calls.

Putting the HD 550 set to test with music and entertainment, I used them as I normally would with the likes of Spotify and YouTube, but also hi-res audio providers like Tidal to really hone in on the audio offerings.

During my testing, I was able to compare the HD550 directly to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wired headset, the wireless variant, an Arctis Nova 7, and an Audeze Maxwell.

Honor 400 Pro: Two-minute review

‘Flagship killer’ would perhaps be too strident a term to apply to the Honor 400 Pro. Rather, it seeks to subtly undermine the premium crowd with competitive specifications and a slightly lower asking price.

This is a well-built phone made of flagship-grade materials, with the kind of IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance rating that puts many a full-priced handset to shame. Its 6.67-inch OLED display, too, is about as bright, sharp, and accurate as you could reasonably expect.

While you won’t be getting the absolute best performance the smartphone market has to offer, you simply won’t notice that Honor has opted for last year’s top processor unless you take a glance at the spec sheet. The 400 Pro performs very smoothly indeed.

The headline feature here is an all-new 200MP main camera, which captures good photos in a range of lighting conditions. You also get a decent dedicated 3x telephoto camera, which can be further boosted through the use of AI.

Product shots of the Honor 400 Pro — (Image credit: Future)

Another impressive AI camera trick is Image to video, though its ability to turn stills into brief videos is a party trick that probably won’t see much practical use beyond showcasing the latest artificial intelligence gimmick.

No matter – the Honor 400 Pro is a thoughtfully balanced phone built on solid specifications, which includes a larger-than-average 5,300mAh battery and speedy 100W wired charging support. You also get 50W wireless charging, though both speeds are reliant on you having the necessary charger to hand.

Honor’s Magic OS 9.0 continues the brand's slightly tiresome obsession with iOS, and it remains a somewhat busy UI. However, it’s also fast and flexible, and Honor’s new six-year update promise is one of the best in the business.

All in all, the Honor 400 Pro is part of a compelling group of in-betweener smartphones, offering less compromise than even the best mid-range smartphones while still costing much less money than your average flagship.

It’s not unique, nor is it without its flaws, but it’s a very accomplished option for those willing to leave the usual suspects behind in pursuit of a bargain.

Honor 400 Pro review: price and availability

Costs £699.99 in the UK
Released May 2025
No availability in the US or Australia

The Honor 400 Pro was launched globally, alongside its brother, the Honor 400, on May 22, 2025. It won’t be receiving a launch in the US, as is customary from the brand, and there are no plans for Australia at the time of writing.

Pricing for the sole Honor 400 Pro model stands at £699.99 (around $930 / AU$1,450), which isn’t a figure we see all that often. This pitches it well above the Google Pixel 9a and the Samsung Galaxy A56 (both £499), and just short of the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 (both £799).

This isn’t quite a full-on flagship phone, then, but it’s also far too expensive to be classed as a mid-ranger. It’s one of those ‘affordable flagship’ phones like the OnePlus 13R, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, or the Nubia Z70 Ultra.

Incidentally, an even cheaper version of the Honor 400, the Honor 400 Lite, launched on April 22 at a cost of £249.99.

Value score: 4 / 5

Honor 400 Pro review: specs

Honor 400 Pro specs

Dimensions:	160.8mm x 76.1mm x 8.1mm
Weight:	205g
Display:	6.7-inch 1.5K (2800 x 1280) up to 120Hz AMOLED
Chipset:	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM:	12GB
Storage:	512GB
OS:	Android 15 with MagicOS 9.0
Primary camera:	200MP (f/1.9)
Ultra-wide camera:	12MP (f/2.2)
Telephoto camera:	50MP with 3x zoom (f/2.4)
Front camera:	16MP
Battery:	5,300mAh
Charging:	100W wired, 50W wireless
Colors:	Lunar Grey, Midnight Black

Honor 400 Pro review: design

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Silky matte glass back
Unusual curved-trapeze camera module
IP68 & IP69 dust and water resistance

With the Honor 400 Pro, Honor has dropped the distinctive Casa Milá-inspired camera module of the Honor 200 Pro in favor of a kind of rounded trapezium shape (a trapercle?). It’s a little wonky-looking, though I quite like the unorthodox camera configuration.

Otherwise, Honor has retained the basic look of its affordable flagship range – unlike the regular Honor 400, which has contracted a serious case of the iPhones.

This means that the Honor 400 Pro retains its gently rounded look, with 2.5D glass to the front and back – the latter in a pleasingly silky-to-the-touch finish. The aluminum frame, too, curves around gently, resulting in a phone that sits comfortably in the hand.

These curves also serve to disguise the fact that the Honor 400 is a fairly big phone, with a thickness of 8.1mm (the Honor 400 is 7.3mm) and a relatively heavy weight of 205g (vs 184g).

This time around, Honor has fitted its almost-flagship with both IP68 and IP69 certification. That’s quite an advance on the Honor 200 Pro, which only managed an IP65 rating.

The Honor 400 Pro is available in just two colors: Lunar Grey and Midnight Black. Not the most inspiring selection, it has to be said, but they do look nice and professional, which is kind of the name of the game here.

Design score: 4 / 5

Honor 400 Pro review: display

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6.7-inch quad-curved 120Hz OLED display
3,840Hz PWM dimming
5,000 nits peak brightness

Honor has really knocked it out of the park with the displays in the Honor 400 range this year. In the Honor 400, you’re getting a 6.7-inch OLED with a just-so 2800 x 1280 resolution and a 120Hz peak refresh rate.

That’s fractionally smaller than last year’s 6.78-inch screen, but I defy anyone to portray this as meaningful. Not when the peak brightness has been boosted from an already-excellent 4,000 nits in the Honor 200 Pro to 5,000 nits here.

This top-end figure applies to limited HDR scenarios, of course. With autobrightness switched off, I recorded a maximum brightness of around 600 nits. That’s decent enough, though it’s about half what the Pixel 9 can manage.

Color accuracy is superb, at least when you drop the slightly over-the-top Vivid color mode and select Normal instead.

The Honor 400 Pro display also supports an elevated PWM dimming rate of 3840Hz, just like the Honor 200 Pro before it. This helps reduce eye strain by lowering flicker at lower brightness levels. That's something Samsung and Google continue to overlook.

The main differences between this screen and the Honor 400’s relate to small aesthetic choices. The Pro Display curves away at the edges, though this didn’t interfere with content in any way, nor did it lead to any unintended presses.

Slightly more bothersome is the longer display notch, which crams in depth-sensing capabilities at the expense of a little real estate. If you like to take your video content full screen, you’re more likely to be bothered by this, but it didn’t trouble me too much.

Display score: 4 / 5

Honor 400 Pro review: cameras

200MP main (f/1.9)
50MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4)
12MP ultra-wide macro (f/2.2)

Honor has really ramped up its camera offering with the Honor 400 series this year. The headline event for the Honor 400 Pro is a new 200MP AI Main Camera, which packs a large 1/1.4-inch sensor, an f/1.9 aperture, and OIS.

We’ll get into the ‘AI’ part of that main camera soon enough, but at a basic level this camera takes sharp, contrasty shots in most situations. You can choose from three basic looks depending on whether you want your shots to look natural, punched up for social media, or to take on a certain artful film camera aesthetic.

Shots from this main sensor are slightly less impressive here on a £700 phone than they are on the £400 Honor 400, which shares the same component. There’s simply a lot more competition at this level. With that said, they’re still more than serviceable.

Unlike the Honor 400, this main sensor isn’t pulling double duty to provide all of your zoomed shots. There's major assistance on that front from a dedicated 50MP telephoto camera, utilizing a Sony IMX856 sensor and aided by OIS, which grabs nice, sharp shots at its natural 3x zoom length and usable shots at 6x or even 10x.

Beyond that, you’ll find too much noise for this to be a viable option, though Honor’s AI image enhancement technology is one of the most impressive around. Stray beyond 30x, and the phone should offer you the chance to activate AI assistance. Head back into the picture after shooting and, after a minute or so of processing time, you’ll be given a much clearer shot.

The results here can vary wildly in effectiveness, and it certainly does no favors to the human face, while it can really miss the target with some fine details, particularly at the 50x maximum range. However, there’s no denying that this can turn out much improved hybrid zoom shots given the right subject and shooting conditions.

What I will say is that this 3x telephoto camera does change the tone of the shots from the main sensor. Moving from 2x (which crops in on the main sensor) to 3x sees a slightly jarring shift from a more natural look to a more vivid, dare I say exaggerated one. It's not ruinous, but you don't get the seamless transition of the truly top-level flagship phone cameras here.

The 12MP ultra-wide is the weakest camera of the three, bringing with it a marked drop-off in detail and contrast. Still, it remains a viable camera.

Going back to the matter of AI, perhaps the most attention-grabbing – if not exactly useful – feature of the Honor 400 Pro’s camera is Image to video. The Honor 400 series is the first to utilize this Google AI-driven feature, which essentially turns any normal still photo (it doesn’t even need to have been taken on the phone) into a five-second mini-video.

As with so many AI-driven features these days, the results aren’t universally brilliant, but some prove to be alarmingly convincing.

Using one shot that was sent to me of a chicken and a cat facing off under a table, this AI tool caused the chicken to strut forward while the cat casually twitched its ears. Another chicken scuttled in from off camera, while a second cat was revealed to be lying down behind that original chicken. Neither of those last two creatures even existed in the original shot.

It’s undeniably impressive, and even a little scary. But I have to ask myself when I’d use this feature beyond showing off the power of AI to my friends and family. So far, I’ve got nothing.

The 50MP front camera takes decent selfie shots, aided by an additional depth sensor for better portraits with nicely blurred, clearly delineated backgrounds.

Video capture extends to 4K and 60fps, which is another way in which the Pro stands out from the Honor 400 (which only hits 4K/30fps).

Camera score: 4 / 5

Honor 400 Pro review: camera samples

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Honor 400 Pro camera samples — (Image credit: Future)

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Honor 400 Pro review: performance

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
12GB RAM and 512GB storage

Performance has ostensibly taken an incremental bump over last year’s Honor 200 Pro. Out goes the stripped-back Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, in comes Qualcomm’s full-fat Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

However, that Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip turned out to be much less capable than its name initially suggested, dropping behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in graphical terms.

What we have here, then, is a phone that performs as well as the 2024 flagship crowd. That works out to be a pretty good level for a £700 phone, and indeed, this is the same component that runs the excellent OnePlus 13R. It also means that the Honor 400 Pro comfortably outperforms the entire Pixel 9 range.

Benchmark results are precisely what we’ve come to expect from this well-established chip, as is gaming performance. Genshin Impact will run fluidly on high settings, while demanding console racer GRID Legends speeds by at an appreciable lick.

The existence of the Nubia Z70 Ultra and the Poco F7 Ultra means that the Honor 400 Pro isn’t top of its weight class. Both of those rivals run on the superior Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and only charge £649 for the privilege. However, Honor's phone remains a very capable runner, backed by 12GB of RAM and a generous 512GB of internal storage.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Honor 400 Pro review: software

Magic OS 9.0, based on Android 15
Six years of OS updates and security patches

The Honor 400 Pro runs Magic OS 9.0, which is the company’s bespoke Android 15 skin. It’s the same basic software provision as that of the Honor Magic 7 Pro.

I think I can speak for the extended TechRadar family when I say that Honor’s UI isn’t our favorite. Bloatware continues to blight it, with unwanted preinstallations of Booking.com, Temu, ReelShort, and much more besides. Honor itself gives you duplicate App Store and email apps, and a stack of its own tool apps.

While this is a take on Google’s Android, Honor seems to be far more inclined towards Apple’s iOS. Everything from the split notification pane to the Settings menu and the lack of a dedicated app tray (by default) speaks to a fondness for Apple’s mobile operating system. Even the icons and the Settings menu are designed in a way that will be familiar to anyone who’s used an iPhone recently.

You even get a version of Apple’s Dynamic Island, here called Magic Capsule, which offers little widget-like bubbles of information around the extended selfie notch. With that said, it’s an undeniably useful way of surfacing media controls, timers, and the like, and Honor is far from the only Android manufacturer to follow Apple’s lead in this way.

Indeed, Magic OS, for all its clutter and bloat, remains a very functional and extremely snappy UI. Magic Portal is a power user’s dream, providing an easy way to drag text and images between apps. The knuckle gesture shortcut for circling text in this way isn’t 100% reliable, but you can get used to it.

Topping off Honor's somewhat mixed software provision is a commendably strong commitment to six years of OS updates and security patches. Only Google and Samsung do this better with their respective seven-year promises.

What's more, Honor has committed to providing an Android 16 update before the end of 2025, which isn't something you see too often.

Software score: 3.5 / 5

Honor 400 Pro review: battery life

5,300mAh silicon-carbon battery
100W wired charging
50W wireless charging

Honor seems intent on pushing battery and charging technology in its phones. The Honor 400 Pro gets a meaty 5,300mAh battery, which falls comfortably north of the 5,000mAh average – if not quite as far north as the OnePlus 13R and the Nubia Z70 Ultra, both of which hit the giddy heights of 6,000mAh.

It’s sufficient to get the Honor through a full day of heavy use with remaining charge to spare. Indeed, a moderate day with around four hours of screen-on time left me with more than 60% left in the tank. Average use in a fairly consistent network environment will get you two days on a single charge, no problem.

Talking of charging, Honor goes harder than it probably needs to here. There’s 100W wired charging support that’s seemingly able to get you from empty to 51% in just 15 minutes.

I say ‘seemingly’ because Honor, like most modern manufacturers, no longer bundles in a charger. Without one of Honor’s SuperCharge chargers to hand, I was unable to put those claims to the test.

Ditto for the claim of 50W wireless charging support. It’s good to see, but you’ll need one of the brand’s own SuperCharge wireless chargers to hit that maximum speed.

Battery score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Honor 400 Pro?

Honor 400 Lite score card
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	The Honor 400 Pro isn’t the prettiest phone on the market, but it’s more distinctive than the rest of the range and it’s very well built.	4 / 5
Display	Honor’s display is sharp, bright, and color-accurate, with an appreciable focus on eye health.	4.5 / 5
Performance	It’s not quite a top performer, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 continues to do a good job.	4 / 5
Camera	The 200MP main camera takes good shots in all conditions, while the dedicated 3x telephoto is a competent performer. Honor’s AI features are a little hit and miss, but can be very impressive.	4 / 5
Battery	With a large(ish) 5,300mAh battery supplying two days of use, and rapid 100W wired/50 wireless charging support, the Honor 400 is very well equipped.	4 / 5
Software	Honor’s Magic OS remains cluttered and a little too beholden to iOS, but it’s fast and functional, and Honor’s new six-year update promise is very competitive.	3.5 / 5
Value	You're getting a solid phone with some unique features at a low price.	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a more affordable flagship
The Honor 400 Pro offers a strong approximation of what the Honor Magic 7 Pro can do, but for hundreds of pounds less.

You’re all onboard with AI working to enhance your photos
With the ability to enhance your extreme zoomed shots and even generate brief videos from stills, the Honor 400 Pro’s camera goes further than most with AI.

You like Apple’s way of doing things
Honor clearly likes Apple’s style even more than Google’s, with Magic OS 9.0 emulating iOS in a number of ways.

Don't buy it if...

You like Android to be Android
With Honor’s iOS obsession, and its insistence on filling its phones out with bloatware, the Honor 400 Pro strays far from stock Android.

You demand the best performance possible for you money
The Honor 400 Pro is a fast phone, but you can get faster for the money in the Poco F7 Ultra and the Nubia Z70 Ultra.

Honor 400 Pro review: also consider

The Honor 400 Pro isn't the only affordable flagship phone on the market. Here are some of the better alternatives to consider.

OnePlus 13R
The OnePlus 13R is another almost-flagship running on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 power, but it packs a larger battery and cleaner software.

Read our full OnePlus 13R review

Nubia Z70 Ultra
Nubia’s phone is even cheaper than the Honor 400 Pro, but it features superior performance and an even larger battery. It also features a deep 3.3x telephoto camera and a main camera with a novel variable aperture. We haven't tested it for ourselves yet, mind.

Poco F7 Ultra
The Poco F7 Ultra outguns the Honor with its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip for £649, though it’s not as refined or well-rounded.

Read our full Poco F7 Ultra review

How I tested the Honor 400 Pro

Review test period = 1 week
Testing included = Everyday usage, including web browsing, social media, photography, gaming, streaming video, music playback
Tools used = Geekbench 6, GFXBench, 3DMark, native Android stats, Samsung 65W power adapter

First reviewed: May 2025

I tested SysAid and found it offers traditional ITSM features with new AI tools that boost productivity

1:51 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Tags: AI, ITSM | Comments: Off

SysAid is a complete IT Service Management (ITSM) solution. It focuses on ticket management and service delivery for mid-sized teams. Its standout feature is the new SysAid Copilot. This tool uses generative AI to automate tasks like ticket categorization, prioritization, and assignment. The software balances strong features with easy setup, letting IT teams start quickly without much configuration.

The platform excels in IT management, covering incident and problem management, asset tracking, and knowledge base functions. During testing, we liked the customizable workflows. They let us automate complex processes with little effort. The self-service portal was also helpful. It allowed end users to solve common issues independently, which reduced our ticket volume.

While SysAid offers great core features, some areas need improvement. The user interface feels outdated in sections like the admin portal and workflow management. The built-in remote control features are limited compared to specialized remote access tools, leading many users to prefer third-party integrations. Still, SysAid's strong customer support and regular updates show their commitment to improvement.

SysAid's pricing is flexible, with options ranging from basic ticketing to full ITSM features. The platform suits organizations aiming to enhance IT service delivery without added complexity. The implementation process is straightforward, supported by helpful resources and an easy configuration that gets teams operational quickly. Overall, SysAid is a strong ITSM solution that offers a good mix of functionality, usability, and value.

SysAid pricing request form — (Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Plans and pricing

SysAid has three main plans: Help Desk, ITSM, and Enterprise. Each plan fits different organizational needs and IT maturity levels.

The Help Desk plan is for small teams needing basic ticketing and asset management. The ITSM plan offers advanced IT service management features for mid-sized and mature organizations. The Enterprise plan is a complete package with no limits, ideal for larger teams or those needing full customization and advanced analytics.

Exact pricing is not publicly available. It varies based on the number of agents and the number of assets to manage, like workstations, servers, and mobile devices. You have to contact SysAid directly for a custom quote that meets your needs.

All plans come with cloud and on-premises annual licenses. A free trial is available so teams can test all features before deciding. Keep in mind that a one-time onboarding fee is not included in the plan pricing.

SysAid: Features

SysAid offers a complete ITSM platform. It covers everything from ticket management to advanced IT automation and AI-driven service delivery. Our tests showed the platform balances functionality and ease of use well. Recent AI upgrades genuinely boost productivity instead of just following trends.

Ticket management

The ticket management system is at the heart of SysAid. It features flexible categorization, automated routing, and customizable SLA management. Both admins and end-users found the interface intuitive. Users can create custom fields and workflows tailored to their processes. The AI-powered ticket categorization and prioritization are especially helpful. They accurately assign incoming requests and suggest knowledge base articles, which cut down resolution times.

Asset management

SysAid's asset management offers clear visibility into hardware and software across the organization. It uses automated discovery and inventory tracking. We were impressed by how it maps relationships between assets and services. This creates a clear view of how infrastructure supports business functions. The software license management features help identify compliance risks and optimization chances. Integration with the service desk links assets to related incidents smoothly.

Automation and workflows

SysAid lets IT teams create complex workflows without needing programming skills. This cuts down on manual work for routine tasks. The visual workflow designer is user-friendly, allowing us to set up approval processes, escalation rules, and notification systems quickly. We appreciated the ability to trigger automated actions based on certain conditions. For example, software licenses can be auto-provisioned when approved, and tickets can escalate if SLAs are at risk.

Self-service portal

The customizable self-service portal helps end-users find solutions on their own. It features an easy-to-navigate knowledge base and a streamlined service catalog. We found it easy to configure with our branding, enhancing user experience and encouraging adoption. The integration with the knowledge base is effective. The system suggests relevant articles based on user queries, often solving issues before tickets are submitted.

SysAid reporting tools — (Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Analytics

SysAid's reporting features give IT managers a clear view of key performance metrics. Users can customize dashboards and choose from pre-built report templates. Our evaluation showed that standard reports included vital metrics like ticket volume, resolution times, and SLA compliance. These reports offer solid insights into service desk performance. The option to schedule automated report delivery helps keep management updated without manual work.

While basic reporting meets needs, advanced analytics feel limited compared to dedicated BI tools. Although dashboard customization exists, it lacks some flexibility in visualization types and data manipulation that power users want.

Organizations needing detailed data analysis may have to export data to other tools. However, SysAid's recent updates indicate that enhancements in analytics are planned for the future.

SysAid interface — (Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Ease of use

SysAid has a user-friendly interface that's easy to adopt. The ticket management system helps with categorization, routing, and customization. The self-service portal is also very accessible. End-users can find solutions on their own, through a simple knowledge base and detailed service catalog. This really cuts down on ticket volume.

However, some parts of the interface, especially in the admin portal and workflow management, seem outdated and need updating.

Overall, the platform balances functionality and ease of use well. IT teams can start operations quickly without needing a lot of configuration. During our testing, we liked the visual workflow designer. It was very intuitive and let us set up approval processes, escalation rules, and notifications quickly.

Yet while the main features are easy to use, some user reviews mention bugs. These include things like login errors and situations where ticket creation freezes when switching tabs.

SysAid community — (Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Support

SysAid's customer support is one of its best features. It offers several channels, including a helpful helpdesk, biweekly customer care chats, and thorough documentation. We found the support team to be very responsive and knowledgeable. They quickly addressed our questions and escalated complex issues to higher support tiers when needed.

The company also implements user feedback during product development. Many new features come from customer suggestions in the Feature Request Forum within the SysAid Community.

SysAid: Security

SysAid uses strong security measures throughout its platform. It meets strict international standards with ISO and SOC2 Type 2 certifications. Their data centers are also SOC2 and ISO 27001 compliant. The platform protects data with AES-256 encryption for data at rest. It uses secure network protocols with SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit. Advanced authentication options include password complexity rules, multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on with SAML 2.0.

For the AI-powered Copilot feature, SysAid takes extra security steps. They use Microsoft Azure OpenAI Services instead of consumer ChatGPT. This keeps all AI-related data in the customer’s SysAid database. They also use advanced PII removal tools to safeguard sensitive information.

SysAid: The Competition

The ITSM market has many strong alternatives to SysAid. ServiceNow, Jira Service Management, and Freshservice are the top competitors.

ServiceNow is an enterprise-grade solution with strong governance and compliance features. It suits highly regulated industries, but its complexity and higher cost may not fit smaller organizations.

Freshservice attracts those wanting automation and a customizable platform. However, some users find its reporting and analytics less effective compared to others.

Other notable options include ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, SolarWinds Service Desk, TOPdesk, and BMC Helix ITSM. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. SysAid provides a comprehensive ITSM solution at a competitive price. However, Jira Service Management may offer better integration with development tools. Freshservice is often praised for its modern interface and ease of use.

Ultimately, the choice depends on specific needs. Factors like scalability, integration capabilities, and pricing will play crucial roles in decision-making.

SysAid: Final Verdict

SysAid offers a complete ITSM solution that balances functionality, usability, and value. It excels in ticket management, asset tracking, and AI features that boost IT productivity.

We think the platform is ideal for mid-sized organizations. It helps improve IT service delivery without adding complexity. Plus, it has flexible deployment options and pricing that grow with the organization.

Still, some interface elements could use a refresh, and features like remote control have limits compared to dedicated tools. However, SysAid stands out with its excellent customer support, regular updates, and willingness to adapt based on user feedback.

We compiled a list of the best software asset management (SAM) tools.

I tested Flexera and was impressed us with its approach to managing software assets across on-premise and cloud environments

1:34 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: IT | Comments: Off

Flexera is an enterprise-grade IT asset management software platform that benefits organizations with complex setups.

When we first tried Flexera, we immediately noticed its powerful features for managing software licenses and hardware assets in complex environments. The platform has two main solutions: FlexNet Suite for on-premise and hybrid setups, and Flexera One for cloud-focused organizations. We found that they both excel at optimizing license usage and identifying cost-saving opportunities, leading to substantial ROI.

Flexera stands out for its visibility across the entire IT estate, covering everything from on-premises software to cloud applications. Its customizable dashboards clearly displayed our test environment's compliance status and spending patterns. The self-service portal and automation features could help IT teams streamline service delivery, freeing them to focus on strategic tasks instead of manual work.

Yet configuring Flexera properly requires significant expertise and time. The platform's complexity can hinder smaller organizations without dedicated resources. However, those that manage to navigate the initial setup will find powerful tools for license optimization, cloud cost management, and compliance tracking.

We had a positive experience with Flexera's reporting, which provided actionable insights into software usage and potential compliance risks. Its integration with major ITSM tools, like ServiceNow, enhances its utility in enterprise settings. Still, Flexera could use some improvements where SaaS management is concerned. For mid to large enterprises managing complex software portfolios, Flexera offers a compelling solution despite its initial complexity.

Flexera demo request form — (Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Plans and pricing

Flexera does not publicly share pricing; it operates on a custom quote model based on organization size and needs. During inquiries, we learned that pricing typically follows a subscription model.

Costs depend on factors like the number of endpoints managed, cloud environments monitored, and specific modules chosen. This enterprise-focused solution generally starts in the five-figure range annually, making it suitable mainly for mid to large organizations.

Customers can choose between FlexNet Suite for on-premise deployments or Flexera One for cloud environments. Modular pricing allows organizations to select only the components they need. While the initial investment is high, organizations managing large software portfolios might achieve ROI in 6-12 months through license optimization and cloud cost savings.

Flexera: Features

Flexera offers a full suite of IT asset management tools for optimizing investments across on-premise, cloud, and SaaS environments. But here are the features that impressed us the best:

License optimization

Flexera's license management features give insights into software usage and compliance. The system spots unused or underused licenses, saving money on renewals. It reconciles actual usage with entitlements and creates clear compliance reports, which is very helpful during vendor audits.

Cloud cost management

Flexera One helps you see your cloud software costs across various providers. Its automated recommendations for rightsizing instances and cutting waste are especially helpful. They even offer clear savings estimates for finance teams. We could set budgets, track spending, and get alerts when we approached limits. These features provide governance that many organizations find hard to achieve.

Vulnerability intelligence

Flexera's vulnerability management integrates with its software inventory to identify security risks. We appreciate how it correlates known vulnerabilities with software inventory, prioritizing remediation based on risk levels and business impact. Integration with popular security tools and patch management systems creates a combined workflow for addressing vulnerabilities efficiently.

IT visibility dashboard

The customizable dashboards provide a unified view of assets, licenses, and cloud resources. We were able to configure role-specific views that delivered relevant insights to stakeholders, from technical details for IT admins to cost summaries for C-suite executives. The ability to drill down from high-level summaries to granular details makes it easy to investigate and understand relationships within the software estate.

Flexera reporting — (Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Analytics

Flexera's reporting and analytics features stand out as a major highlight, providing actionable intelligence beyond basic inventory reports. We were impressed by its ability to generate detailed license compliance positions, identify optimization opportunities, and forecast future needs based on historical usage.

Pre-built report templates cover common use cases like compliance audits and budget planning. But the custom report builder allows IT teams to create tailored analyses for specific needs.

The analytics dashboard presents key metrics visually, making complex data accessible to various stakeholders. We liked the trend analysis features that help spot gradual changes in resource use and spending patterns.

Automated report distribution ensures decision-makers receive needed insights regularly, while export options can help you integrate this data into broader business intelligence initiatives.

Flexera interface — (Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Ease of use

Flexera has a sleek interface that organizes many features through easy navigation and customizable dashboards. At first, the extensive options can feel overwhelming. But during testing, we loved the contextual help and guided workflows for complex tasks, like reconciling license entitlements or optimizing cloud resources. Still, new users may need formal training to fully use the platform, as many advanced features aren't clear without guidance.

The platform combines power and accessibility, with role-based views for different user types. The self-service portal is easy to use, letting end-users request software without technical help, while automation cuts down manual tasks for admins. The mobile experience works for basic monitoring and approvals but does not offer the depth of the desktop interface, which is needed for advanced features.

Flexera community — (Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Support

Flexera offers tiered support options. Standard support provides help during business hours. Premium support gives 24/7 coverage with quicker responses for critical issues.

During our research, we found the knowledge base to be quite comprehensive. It includes detailed documentation, implementation guides, and a library of video tutorials for common questions. Customer community forums allow users to share advice. Also, the professional services team offers specialized help and training for organizations needing extra support.

Flexera: Security

Flexera demonstrates a strong commitment to security. It achieves this through SOC 2 Type II compliance, regular penetration testing, and solid data protection measures. There are comprehensive role-based access controls that let organizations define who can view and modify data. Detailed audit logs track user activities. The platform offers single sign-on integration with major identity providers. It also encrypts data in transit and at rest. These features provide essential security controls for managing sensitive IT asset information.

Flexera: The Competition

ServiceNow's IT Asset Management competes directly with Flexera. It offers similar features but is part of a larger IT service management platform. ServiceNow has better integration with ITSM processes. However, Flexera usually excels in software license optimization and cloud cost management.

Snow Software is another option. It has an easier entry point for mid-sized organizations but may not compete with Flexera's features for complex enterprises.

For those prioritizing cloud cost management over full ITAM, tools like CloudHealth by VMware or Apptio Cloudability are easier to implement. IBM's License Metric Tool (ILMT) is tailored for managing IBM software licenses. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Endpoint Configuration Manager offers basic software inventory for Windows environments. These alternatives suit organizations with specific needs that may find Flexera's broad approach too much.

Flexera: Final Verdict

Flexera is an enterprise-grade IT asset management tool that benefits organizations with complex setups. This includes on-premise, cloud, and SaaS deployments. Its approach to IT asset management is impressive, especially for license optimization and cloud cost management. While implementation can be complex, larger companies who are able to invest these resources will see significant returns.

We've compiled a list of the best software asset management (SAM) tools.

I tested the Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer and was blown away by how easy it makes precision styling at home

11:14 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Hair Care Home Small Appliances | Tags: Dyson Supersonic | Comments: Off

Dyson Supersonic r: two-minute review

The Dyson Supersonic r began life as a professional-only hair dryer, but is now available to the general public. It looks unlike any other hair dryer on the market; there's no barrel to speak of, but instead the handle curves to a right angle, so the whole thing looks like a pipe – or a lower case "r", if you like.

I tested the model to see how it compares to the rest of the best hair dryers on the market, and overall I was impressed. It's lightweight and comfortable to hold, and the unusual shape makes it super-easy to direct the airflow with precision, even in awkward spots such as the back of your head. As I'd expect from Dyson, it's also impressively powerful, making speedy work of rough-drying hair.

The compromise of the design is that in order to achieve the ultra-streamlined shape, Dyson has shifted some of the mechanics into the plug, which in turn is so chunky, it likely won't fit into some sockets. I also found the controls – which are small and positioned on the back of the handle – slightly fiddly to use, and a little too easy to accidentally press while styling. It feels like a design that would work just fine for professionals, who have a clear view of the buttons as they hold the dryer in front of themselves; but it's a little awkward for drying your own hair.

The magnetic attachments are thoughtfully designed and work well. Sensors enable the dryer to recognize which attachment is snapped on, and automatically adjust to your last-used temperature and airflow settings, which helps streamline the styling process.

Price-wise, it will come as a surprise to no one that we're in ultra-premium territory here. While the Supersonic r's build quality is impeccable, and the design innovative, some customers might find themselves more inclined to spend that amount on the Dyson Supersonic Nural, with its hi-tech Scalp Protect mode and ability to auto-pause when it's put down (both of which are absent from the Supersonic r). Most of the Supersonic r's appeal is in that lightweight and streamlined shape, and on that front it really is a standout option, and unique on the market, too.

That's the short version; read on for my full Dyson Supersonic r review.

Dyson Supersonic r review: price & availability

List price: $569.99 / £449.99 / AU$799
Launched: April 2025 (consumer version)
Available: Worldwide

The original version of the Dyson Supersonic r hit the market in February 2024, but it was available to professional hairstylists only. The consumer version reviewed here launched in April 2025.

At list price it costs $569.99 / £449.99 / AU$799. That's firmly in the premium bracket for hair dryers, and one of the priciest on the market right now – possibly beaten only by Dyson's other dedicated dryer, the Supersonic Nural, which comes in at $499.99 / £399.99 / AU$749.

However, the outlay is perhaps a little easier to justify with the latter, because the Nural offers several features not found in other models on the market, whereas the Supersonic r, for the most part, is simply a very efficient hair dryer.

As I'd expect from Dyson, build quality is top-notch, and there's plenty of meticulous research and engineering that's gone into the development of this dryer. It looks and feels premium, and as mentioned, it's incredibly well suited to precision styling. Nevertheless, if the outlay is too much, there are plenty of excellent dryers available for a far lower price.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson Supersonic r specs

Wattage:	1,700W
Dimensions (L x H x W):	9.4 x 1.5 x 3.1in / 24 x 3.8 x 8cm
Weight:	Confirming
Airflow settings:	3
Temperature settings:	3 + cool shot
Extra modes:	None
Cord length:	9.2ft / 2.8m

Dyson Supersonic r review: design

Lightweight, with a unique, ultra-streamlined shape
Some mechanics have been shifted into the plug, which is enormous
Magnetic attachments with setting memory

The Dyson Supersonic r looks nothing like the Supersonic that helped cement Dyson's status in the haircare market. In fact, it doesn't really look like a hairdryer at all – it looks like a pipe. It's tubular in build, with a top end that curves to a stubby right-angle.

The only difference compared to the professional version is that the cable is shorter. It's now 9.2ft / 2.8m, which is still up there with the longest on the consumer market.

Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer with Powerful air attachment — (Image credit: Future)

That diminutive build is made possible by some redesigned mechanics. On the inside you'll find a more streamlined air heater than the one found in the regular Supersonic hair dryers. Ten heater foils follow the curve of the dryer, apparently to offer more consistent temperatures, with no hot or cold spots. That sits alongside a Dyson Hyperdymium motor (unconfirmed whether this is the same / a version of the Hyperdymium motor that powers today's best Dyson vacuums).

Plug for Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer — (Image credit: Future)

Dyson has also redesigned the plug socket, which now "incorporates primary electronics" that would otherwise have been inside the dryer itself (it looks very similar to the one included with the Dyson Airstrait.) That shifts extra weight away from your arm, but it does mean the plug is now pretty chunky – the main part measures 4.8in / 12.2cm (excluding the wrap at the top of the cord), with a part that protrudes downwards from the pins and lies flat to the wall. If you have power outlets that sit close to the floor or above protruding baseboards, it might not fit.

There's a removable filter cage, with a flashing yellow LED to tell you when it needs cleaning.

Close up of filter cage on Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer — (Image credit: Future)

The consumer Supersonic r is one of the first Dyson haircare gadgets to introduce the brand's new colorways (currently being rolled out across the full range). Rather than the tropical tones we're used to seeing, it's available in the more delicate Ceramic Pink and Jasper Plum.

Controls

In terms of settings, there's a rocker switch to increase and decrease temperature, and another for windspeed. There are three levels for each, indicated by lights. There's also a separate power button. All can be found on the rear of the handle. Round the front, beneath the curve of the dryer, is a cool-shot button.

Close up of control buttons on Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer — (Image credit: Future)

Attachments

In terms of attachments, there's an impressive selection. Compatible attachments include a Professional Concentrator, Powerful Air Attachment, Gentle Air Attachment, Flyaway Attachment, Smoothing Nozzle, Diffuser and Wide-Tooth Comb. Beware, though, what's included in the box varies by region.

Personally, I'm a fan of the way the model is being offered in the UK: just as with the Dyson Airwrap i.d., you can choose between a Curly+Coily Supersonic r and a Straight+Wavy one. Both have a Powerful Air Attachment, Professional Concentrator and Flyaway Attachment, then the one for curls adds a Wide-Tooth Comb and Diffuser, and the other swaps in the Smoothing Nozzle and Gentle Air Attachment. That means you don't end up with a bunch of attachments that aren't suitable for your hair type, gathering dust.

Attachments supplied with our review model of the Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer — (Image credit: Future)

As is standard for Dyson haircare products, the add-ons attach via magnets. And like the Supersonic Nural, they contain RFID sensors, which means the Supersonic r knows which one is attached. The recommended settings will kick in as default, and if you change them then the hair dryer will remember your preferences next time you snap that attachment back on.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Dyson Supersonic r review: performance

Comfortable to hold and incredibly easy easy to direct airflow
Controls a little fiddly and can be pressed accidentally
Attachment setting memory helps streamline the styling process

Dyson describes the r as being geared towards "fast, precision drying", with the unusual design making it easier to reach areas that would otherwise be tricky to tackle – namely, the back of your head. On test, that absolutely held true. It's comfortable to hold and extremely easy to direct; perfect if you want to be able to dry with precision. My only slight complaint is that I found the handle a touch too short.

Airflow is nice and powerful, drying my hair quickly; a rough-dry won't take long at all. However, the Supersonic r is really geared towards more complex styling tasks, where its light weight and easy-to-direct airflow come into their own.

The Supersonic Nural has a feature where it will automatically drop into low-powered mode if you put it down. That' isn't present here, and I missed it, although I will concede that it's a nice-to-have rather than an essential.

Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer with Pro concentrator attached — (Image credit: Future)

Moving on to the controls, the design of which I was a little less sold on. The switches to adjust speed and temperature are tiny and a little fiddly to use, and the positioning on the back of the handle means they proved fairly easy to press accidentally. I feel like they're better suited to professional use – where the person drying the hair can easily see the buttons; they're a little fiddly if you're trying to dry your own hair.

I was far more impressed with the cool-shot button, which sits on the inside of the handle, where it's comfortable to depress for setting your style.

Close up of cool shot button on Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer — (Image credit: Future)

Attachment performance

All the attachments are well designed and good quality, and the magnetic connection feels secure in use. Usefully, all the attachments have areas that stay cool, so you can comfortably remove them immediately after using if switching to another, for example.

Attachment memory is a welcome addition. It helps streamline the drying process, and means less fiddling about with controls as you dry. It will prove most useful for people who use multiple attachments throughout their styling routine. I guess it might also help with hair health, if it makes you less likely to default to "hot and fast" for everything.

Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer with diffuser attached — (Image credit: Future)

Curly haired users might miss the two-part Wave+Curl Diffuser, which was introduced with the Supersonic Nural but is absent here – you're just getting the standard all-in-one option instead.

A special shout-out should go to the Flyaway Attachment, which uses the Coanda effect (the same thing that makes the Airwrap work) to attract and smooth your locks once you've finished styling. It's unique to Dyson's dryers, and it made a noticeable difference to the sleekness of my hair.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dyson Supersonic r?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Very much a premium buy, and while the quality is outstanding, the list of special features is relatively short.	3.5 / 5
Design	Lightweight with a unique, ultra-streamlined shape and a wide range of well-designed attachments. Plug is very bulky, though.	4 / 5
Performance	Powerful airflow that's extremely easy to direct, while automatic attachment recognition saves time. Buttons are a little fiddly.	4.5 /5

Buy it if...

You spend lots of time styling
The lightweight-yet-powerful Supersonic r will really come into its own for those with long, thick hair and/or spend a lot of time styling as they dry.

You want precise control
It's incredibly easy to direct the airflow from this dryer, even in tricky areas such as the back of your head.

You want a luxe option
The Dyson Supersonic r looks and feels ultra-premium, and comes with a price tag to match.

Don't buy it if...

Your plug sockets are near to the floor
The scaled-up plug protrudes downwards, which means that depending on the placement of your sockets and what's going on beneath them, you might not actually be able to plug in the hair dryer.

You need something for travel
The voltage of the Supersonic r will match the country of purchase, and Dyson warns that it shouldn't be used abroad.

You're concerned about scalp health
The Supersonic Nural has a Scalp Protect mode that adjusts the temperature based on how close the machine is to your head, meaning you can get right up close without burning your head. The Supersonic r is missing this mode.

Dyson Supersonic r: alternatives to consider

	Dyson Supersonic r (reviewed)	Dyson Supersonic Nural	Laifen Mini
Wattage:	1,700W	1,600W	1,100W
Dimensions (L x H x W):	9.4 x 1.5 x 3.1in / 24 x 3.8 x 8cm	10 x 4 x 3.1in / 24.5 x 9.7 x 7.8cm	8.6 x 3. x 2.5in / 22 x 7.7 x 6.3cm
Weight:	Confirming	1.9lbs / 680g (with cord)	0.7lbs / 299g (no cord) 1.1lbs / 482g (with cord)
Airflow settings:	3	3	2
Temperature settings:	3 + cool shot	3 + cool shot	2 + cool shot
Extra modes:	None	Scalp protect	Child mode, auto-temperature cycle
Cord length:	9.2ft / 2.8m	8.5 ft / 2.6m	5.9ft / 1.8m

Dyson Supersonic Nural

The Nural is Dyson's other dryer option. It's heavier and bulkier, but has an innovative Scalp Protect mode that's absent on the Supersonic r. It will also automatically drop into low-powered mode when you put it down.

Read our full Dyson Supersonic Nural review

Laifen Mini

Laifen's original dryer was a blatant Supersonic dupe, but the newer Mini version is more unique. While not as streamlined as the Supersonic r, it's still super compact and lightweight, with a stylish matte design and some cool specialist modes, including temperature cycling. It's not as widely available as Dyson's dryers.

Read our full Laifen Mini review

How I tested the Dyson Supersonic r

I used the Dyson Supersonic r as my primary hair dryer for over a month. During this time, I tested all the settings and explored the different attachment options. I paid particular attention to how easy it was to use, and how efficient it was at drying and styling my hair. I compared my experience with other hair dryers I've used.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2025

I tested Asset Panda and found it provides powerful customization and mobile app features for all business sizes

11:09 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Asset Panda is a cloud-based IT asset management software platform. It helps businesses track and manage their physical assets from anywhere. Its standout feature is a customizable interface that adapts to your workflows, so you don't have to change your processes. The platform allows unlimited users on any plan, making it great for organizations that want to boost adoption.

During our testing, we were particularly impressed with its mobile features. Asset Panda includes built-in barcode scanning and GPS location tracking for assets. You can customize fields, workflows, and reports easily, even without coding skills. This empowers non-technical users to tailor the system to their needs. However, we noticed that the website lacks clear pricing. New users must request quotes based on the number of assets they want to track.

The software provides real-time visibility into asset status, location, and lifecycle history. This helps organizations make better decisions about maintenance, replacement, and use. We found the reporting tools to be strong, allowing us to create custom reports on asset depreciation and maintenance schedules. While the initial setup has a learning curve, Asset Panda's customer support and onboarding help ease the transition.

All in all, Asset Panda offers great value. It improves accountability, reduces asset loss, and streamlines workflows. The company claims customers see an average 800% ROI, which seems believable based on our observations. Although the mobile app sometimes has syncing issues and lacks full offline functionality, the platform’s strengths make it a solid choice for businesses wanting to modernize their asset management.

Asset Panda pricing — (Image credit: Asset Panda)

Asset Panda: Plans and pricing

Asset Panda does not show pricing on its website. Instead, potential customers must contact sales for a custom quote based on their needs. The pricing mainly depends on the number of assets tracked, not the number of users, which is unlimited for all plans. We found that plans usually start at about $1,500 per year for small businesses tracking fewer than 500 assets. Enterprise pricing increases based on asset volume and custom implementation needs.

The company offers a 14-day free trial that provides full access to the platform's features. This allows organizations to try its capabilities before making a commitment. We like that Asset Panda includes unlimited cloud storage, custom fields, and mobile app users in all plans. This avoids the extra charges seen with some competitors. Customer support, training resources, and regular updates are part of the subscription price. However, organizations needing more help can purchase premium onboarding and dedicated support packages for an extra cost.

Asset Panda: Features

Asset Panda provides a full set of tools for asset management. These tools help organizations track, manage, and optimize their physical assets throughout their lifecycle. The platform is flexible and supports various industries, including IT, facilities management, healthcare, education, and construction. Here are some standout features we found during testing.

Customizable workflows

Asset Panda's flexible workflow engine lets users tailor the platform to fit their processes. We created custom fields, forms, and actions for our test environment without coding skills. The system has role-based permissions that manage what user groups can see and do. This ensures data security while promoting collaboration between departments.

Mobile functionality

The mobile app is one of Asset Panda's best features. It offers almost all the desktop functions in a touch-friendly design. The built-in barcode scanner worked well with different asset tag types. Plus, capturing photos and attaching them to asset records was very helpful for documentation. The GPS tracking feature records location data when assets are scanned or updated. This creates a useful audit trail of asset movements.

Asset lifecycle management

Asset Panda tracks assets from start to finish. It covers procurement, deployment, maintenance, and retirement. The platform lets you schedule maintenance, track warranties, and monitor depreciation in one place. We appreciated the automated alerts for maintenance deadlines and warranty expirations. These alerts help avoid costly mistakes.

Integration capabilities

The platform provides strong integration options via its API and ready-made connectors for popular business systems. We personally tested the integrations with G Suite for user authentication and Zendesk for managing support tickets about asset issues. Plus connecting Asset Panda with accounting systems like QuickBooks and ERP platforms lets asset data move smoothly between key business systems. All of this cuts down on redundant data entry and boosts accuracy.

Asset Panda reports — (Image credit: Asset Panda)

Asset Panda: Analytics

Asset Panda's reporting tools offer clear insights into asset use, status, and financial performance. You can access both pre-built and custom reports. The dashboard is user-friendly, making it easy to view key metrics, such as asset distribution by location, maintenance status, and upcoming expirations. You can save reports for quick access and set up automated email delivery to stakeholders. This keeps everyone informed without extra work.

The platform’s filtering and grouping options let users analyze asset data in various ways to spot trends and find optimization opportunities. For example, you can create custom reports on depreciation forecasts, maintenance costs by asset type, and utilization rates across departments. The report builder may have a small learning curve for complex analyses, but even simple reports offer valuable insights.

Asset Panda interface — (Image credit: Asset Panda)

Asset Panda: Ease of use

Asset Panda has a clean and modern interface that's generally easy to use. However, the many customization options can be overwhelming for new users. Still, the platform balances power and usability well. It features logical navigation and helpful tooltips for common tasks. Your team can customize dashboards based on their roles, which helps streamline the experience. That way, team members see only the information relevant to their jobs.

The mobile experience is impressive. It offers almost all the features of the desktop version in a touch-friendly format. During our testing, we liked how easily we could switch between devices while maintaining access to key data and functions. The setup process does take time to customize fields, workflows, and permissions, but the implementation team is there to help new customers.

Asset Panda: Support

Asset Panda provides support through email, phone, and live chat during business hours. We were impressed by their quick response times. Their knowledge base is extensive, with detailed articles, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides for common questions and use cases. We especially appreciated the regular webinars and training sessions. These sessions cover basic functions and advanced features, like custom report building and workflow automation.

Asset Panda: Security

Asset Panda prioritizes data security. They use industry-standard measures like SSL encryption, regular security audits, and role-based access controls to keep customer information safe. And the platform runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS), which offers strong infrastructure security and compliance certifications like SOC 2 Type II.

We particularly liked the detailed permission settings during our evaluation. These settings let administrators manage what information different user groups can access, modify, or report on based on their roles at the company. This helps organizations maintain data integrity while promoting collaboration.

Asset Panda: The Competition

AssetCloud by Wasp is an affordable option for small businesses needing simple asset tracking. However, it doesn’t offer the extensive customization that Asset Panda does. EZOfficeInventory and Snipe-IT have similar core features at competitive prices. Snipe-IT even has an open-source option for groups that can self-host.

For enterprises using ServiceNow or IBM Maximo, their asset management modules integrate well with IT service management. However, they usually come at a much higher cost.

Organizations focused on IT asset management may prefer Lansweeper or ManageEngine AssetExplorer. These tools offer better automated discovery for networked devices. UpKeep and Fiix excel in maintenance management, which is important for groups prioritizing equipment uptime.

Asset Panda is flexible and serves many purposes, but these specialized tools can provide deeper functionality in certain areas. But they may lack the all-in-one appeal that Asset Panda has for managing diverse asset types.

Asset Panda: Final Verdict

Asset Panda offers a strong and customizable asset management solution. It adapts to many tracking needs across various industries. Its unlimited user model, mobile features, and customization options provide great value. However, pricing is not clear, and it has a steep learning curve. For organizations that rely on spreadsheets or outdated systems, Asset Panda brings a mix of flexibility and structure. This can change how assets are managed throughout their lifecycle.

We've also listed the best software asset management (SAM) tools.

I tried out Ezo, and found it to be a reliable asset management experience with easy-to-use features

10:40 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Ezo is a surprisingly straightforward IT asset management software for inventory across multiple locations. The platform provides clear visibility into asset lifecycles, from acquisition to retirement. Its clean interface avoids overwhelming users with unnecessary complexity. We were impressed with how quickly we could implement the system during testing and start tracking equipment without extensive training.

The software shines in its asset tracking capabilities. It allows you to assign equipment to users and maintain accountability throughout the organization. During our tests, Ezo's QR code scanning worked flawlessly, making check-ins and check-outs a breeze. The reporting tools offered meaningful insights into asset use, though the dashboard could have been more intuitive for first-time users.

Ezo does have some weaknesses in its mobile experience. We noticed a few performance issues during testing. There was lag when processing multiple items at once, but the mobile interface feels less polished than the desktop version in general. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall value remains strong. Especially for remote businesses with inventory management needs across multiple locations, Ezo could be a keeper.

Ezo's preventive maintenance features were a point of highlight during testing. They help you schedule and track regular equipment upkeep. We appreciated the automated alerts for upcoming maintenance tasks, which could extend the lifespan of assets. Being able to generate custom reports also helps you analyze inventory data on demand. However, we wish there were more advanced filtering options for different scenarios.

Ezo: Plans and pricing

Ezo has a tiered pricing system for businesses of all sizes. The Basic plan starts at $9.99 per user monthly (billed annually). It includes core asset tracking, limited to 500 assets, and basic reporting. But we found that the Professional plan at $19.99 per user monthly offers the best value. It provides unlimited asset tracking, advanced reporting, and maintenance scheduling, which greatly improved our asset management workflow.

Enterprise pricing comes through custom quotes. This includes extra features like API access, dedicated support, and custom integrations with current business systems. Ezo also offers a 14-day free trial for all new users. All plans come with free updates and standard customer support. However, premium support is only available at higher tiers.

Ezo: Features

Ezo offers a complete set of asset management tools that can simplify inventory tracking and maintenance scheduling for any organization. We found the platform's easy-to-use interface very helpful quick implementation across departments. But beyond that, here are the features that stood out to us the most:

Asset tracking

The core asset tracking feature lets you document equipment details, location, and user assignments. We were impressed by how easily we could create and attach QR codes to physical assets. This could make check-ins and check-outs much more efficient. The system also retains a full history of each asset, including maintenance records and location changes.

Maintenance management

Ezo's maintenance scheduling feature was a big hit during our testing. You can set recurring maintenance tasks based on time or usage. The system automatically generates work orders and notifies team members. This could help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your assets by addressing issues early on.

Mobile accessibility

Ezo has a mobile app for teams working in the field or from different locations, available on both iOS and Android. It manages basic tasks like asset scanning, status updates, and location changes well in most cases. The option to take photos of assets and link them to inventory records could be helpful during equipment audits. But, we noticed synchronization delays in areas with weak connectivity and the app lacks many features available to desktop users.

User management

The platform has a strong user management system in place. It lets administrators assign specific permissions and access levels to team members. We loved the option to create custom roles that fit different organizations. Plus the audit trail feature tracks changes per user, assisting with compliance.

Ezo: Analytics

Ezo's reporting features offer detailed insights into asset use, maintenance history, and inventory status. In our tests, the pre-built report templates met most of business scenarios. They provided quick access to depreciation schedules, maintenance compliance, and asset allocation metrics. Being able to schedule automated report delivery via email was a nice touch.

A custom report builder lets you create tailored analyses. You can select specific data points and visualization options to answer specific business questions. We liked the easy drag-and-drop interface. It allowed us to build complex reports without any SQL knowledge. However, we found that generating reports with very large datasets sometimes slowed performance. Some optimization here could help organizations with extensive inventory records.

Ezo: Ease of use

We found Ezo's interface very easy to use. We were able to set up quickly and start tracking equipment without much training. QR code scanning worked perfectly during our tests. It made asset check-ins and check-outs much faster than manual methods. However, some user reviews mention an initial learning curve, especially when using the advanced search function.

Ezo's mobile app offers key features for teams in the field, but we noticed some performance issues during testing. We liked being able to take photos of assets and attach them to inventory records during audits. This can be very helpful for keeping accurate documentation.

But despite a few minor UI issues, our overall user experience was intuitive. Most professionals can quickly adapt to the platform's main features, then explore advanced use cases over time.

Ezo: Support

Ezo provides various support options: email, phone, and chat. Their team is available on weekdays from 7 am to 5 pm US Eastern time. They also offer after-hours help for urgent issues.

In our evaluation, we found the customer service team very responsive. They typically reply within the same day and focus on finding solutions to our questions. Each license includes up to 90 minutes of onboarding help. This allowed us to quickly learn key features like asset tracking workflows, reporting capabilities, and best practices to optimize our processes.

Ezo: Security

Ezo shows a strong commitment to security with several key certifications. These include ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, and CSA STAR Level 1 certification. Plus the platform runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS), a top cloud computing service known for its strong security measures.

Ezo: The Competition

There are several alternatives to Ezo, like Asset Panda, Sortly, and GoCodes. Each has similar asset tracking features but with different pricing and capabilities.

Asset Panda is a cloud-based platform that excels in warranty tracking and multi-location management. Sortly specializes in inventory management, offering great expiration date tracking and reminder features. GoCodes stands out for its strong equipment tracking and workflow management, appealing to organizations that want to prevent lost or stolen tools.

Ezo's pricing places it in the mid-range compared to its competitors. But ultimately, choosing the right platform depends on specific needs. Ezo generally offers a good balance of functionality and value for most business asset management needs.

Ezo: Final Verdict

Ezo offers a strong asset management experience. It balances ease of use with effective tracking. The platform shines particularly in showing asset lifecycles. Key features include QR code scanning, maintenance scheduling, and reporting tools that give insights into asset use.

We found some limits in the mobile app, plus some user interface areas could use an upgrade. Still, the overall value is high. Especially for businesses facing inventory challenges across many locations or with remote workers.

We've also listed the best software asset management tool.

I tried the Fujifilm X half retro compact, and it reimagines the half-frame film photography experience perfectly

8:06 am |

Author: admin | Category: Cameras Compact Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: London, SD | Comments: Off

Fujifilm X half: One-minute review

Every now and then, a refreshingly unique camera hits the market, and the Fujifilm X half retro compact is one of those few examples.

It's a niche, digital alternative to half-frame film cameras such as the Pentax 17, and for most people is the better choice of the two.

Fujifilm has really let loose in designing the X half, and it's a love letter to film photography that offers quirky features such as a touch-sensitive film canister window-like screen, plus a Film Camera mode. Each idea, weird as they might seem for digital, actually make perfect sense in the spirit of film.

There's no other digital camera that comes as close to the film photography experience as the X half, and the beauty is that you can take or leave many of these features, and nor are you hobbled by the ongoing costs that come with using an actual film camera.

Fujifilm X half compact camera being held up to person's eye — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

On a technical level, the X half is pretty basic. The vertical-format 1-inch sensor records JPEG-only photos up to 18MP, while video is limited to vertical Full HD.

To mark the X half down for such reasons, however, misses the point – this camera is a fun creative tool in all the right ways. Those perceived limitations are rightly there, in the spirit of film – the look of your pictures is locked in once you press the shutter.

The X half's compact size and retro looks also appeal. It tips the scales at just 8.5oz / 240g, plus its fixed 32mm f/2.8 lens is tiny, meaning you can fit the camera into a pocket.

I love the unique design touches – that touch-sensitive LCD which emulates a film canister window, and a lever that mimics the film wind lever for diptych composites.

It produces what are actually pretty decent images from its 1-inch sensor, and offers respectable battery life and robust build, all for a not unreasonable price.

I've only spent an hour trying out the X half, but I've already bought into the concept. Fujifilm has clearly had fun designing the X half, and that means I can have fun using it.

Fujifilm X half: Price and availability

Available globally from June 12 in three colorways: silver, charcoal and black
It costs $849/ £699 / AU$1,349
A dedicated app is set to hit iOS and Android stores early June

Fujifilm is launching the X half globally on June 12, and it will cost $849 / £699 / AU$1,349. Considering the build quality and the features on board, it's a reasonable price, even if it hardly makes this an impulse purchase.

There are three colors to choose from: silver, charcoal and black. I think the silver version is most in keeping with the spirit of the X half, but I can also envisage it being produced in additional colors down the line if it sells well, which I expect to be the case.

There are no dedicated accessories at launch – a half-leather case could look the part.

Alongside the camera, Fujifilm announced a dedicated app for the X half, which will be available ahead of the camera, though it wasn't available when I tried the camera out.

Fujifilm X half compact camera in the hand — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Fujifilm X half: specs

Quick Specs
Camera type:	Compact
Lens	10.8mm f/2.8 (32mm equivalent)
Sensor:	Vertical 1-inch, 13.3 x 8.8mm, 18MP
Video:	Full HD, vertical
Battery:	880 shots
Weight:	8.5oz / 240g

Fujifilm X half: design

Unique twin vertical displays
Fixed 32mm (equivalent) f/2.8 lens
Weighs just 8.5oz / 240g with battery and SD card inserted

The X half is unmistakably a Fujifilm camera, while packing unique features and sharing certain similarities with the Pentax 17.

It's a well-built and lightweight retro compact, packing a tiny fixed lens with a 32mm-equivalent focal length and mechanical aperture, which can be manually adjusted between its f/2.8 to f/11 settings using a handy lever.

There's an on-off switch on the top of the camera. When set to on, a lever – which is designed to mimic a film-wind lever – juts out from the camera for easy access. This lever is used to activate the diptych feature, which we'll get into shortly.

The shutter button is set within an exposure compensation dial, and I must say that all of these controls ooze a reassuring quality, with a suitably stubborn resistance.

Also on the top is a coldshoe for mounting accessories, but it's not a hotshoe, so that means no accessories such as a flash gun.

In the absence of optional flash accessories, a low-powered LED flash sits above the lens to provide some fill light that's particularly handy for indoor close-ups. The flash can be turned on and off using a switch on the X half's left side, while on the other side is a USB-C port for charging the camera.

Battery life is a healthy 880 shots, with the X half utilizing the WP126S battery that's been a long time staple in the Fujifilm X series range, used by cameras like the X100VI.

On the back there's a small and basic optical viewfinder at the top-left, which comes in handy particularly for the Film Camera mode – more on this shortly.

There are no control buttons or dials on the camera's rear, just a photo / video switch and a playback mode. Instead, the action happens through the twin touch displays – and this is where things get really interesting.

First up, I adore the new touch-sensitive LCD which (by default) mimics the film canister window present in many film cameras.

A swipe up or down on this display scrolls through the various Film Simulation modes, with a stripped back selection of 13 looks.

Then there's another unique touch LCD: a vertical display for live view and the X half's four menus, each of which is accessed via a swipe from one of the four sides.

One menu accesses basic camera settings such as exposure mode, another the Film Simulations and picture effects – Fujifilm has added several new film photography-inspired effects, including light leak.

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Close up of Fujifilm X half compact camera's Film Simulation LCD screen — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

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Fujifilm X half compact camera's back, on a wooden surface — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

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Close up of Fujifilm X half compact camera's battery — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

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Close up of Fujifilm X half compact camera's lens aperture ring — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

With a picture effect active or when in another menu, that second LCD displays the picture effects or camera settings instead of Film Simulations, effectively making it a secondary navigation tool.

Another menu on the main LCD accesses a new Film Camera mode, which is a fabulous concept. Select your 'film roll' – if you're not already familiar with them, Fujifilm Film Simulation color modes mimic the look of actual Fujifilm film stock – and the number of shots you'd like in the film, and start shooting.

Once the Film Camera mode is active, the display is inactive, so your only compositional tool is the optical viewfinder.

You're also locked into the selected Film Simulation and settings such as ISO. And with no raw format available, once you've picked your look, you've made your bed. It's a fun idea which pays homage to film photography.

Fujifilm X half: Performance

18MP JPEG-only vertical photos, Full HD vertical video
13 Film Simulations and new picture effects
Face-detection autofocus

If you take photography seriously, a word of advice – don't write the Fujifilm X half off on the basis of its image-making qualities, which on the face of it are pretty basic.

For one, JPEG-only photos and no raw? That's a bold move by Fujifilm, but I get it. After all, the X half is supposed to be like a film camera, and since when could you work from uncompressed raw film data to make drastic color and exposure adjustments? Locking in the look at the point of capture is in the spirit of film.

The X half's video-making skills are also fairly stripped back, maxing out at Full HD resolution, but once again I don't mind that.

Those vertical photos and videos are recorded using a vertical 1-inch sensor. It's a 20MP 2:3 aspect sensor, but output is 3:4, which means the maximum photo resolution is 18MP.

Just taking the 3:4 portion of the 2:3 sensor also means the lens, which would be a 28mm-equivalent focal length, is actually more like 32mm – that's a suitable perspective for everyday photography.

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London's china town, Chinese lanterns, sunny day street scene — (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

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London's china town, street scene — (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

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Male portrait in London's china town, street scene — (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

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For close-ups, that 1-inch sensor and maximum f/2.8 aperture lens can capture nice blurry backgrounds, especially when you're pushing nearer the minimum 0.1m focus distance.

Fujifilm's Film Simulations number 20 in all, but the X half includes a stripped-back selection of 13 of the supposedly most popular looks.

It also gets some new picture effects, so in addition to the gimmicky mirror and toy-camera effects you have options like light leak, which suit the film photography ethos at play here.

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Closeup of maneki-neko in London's china town — Shoot close and use the maximum f/2.8 aperture, and soft backgrounds are possible (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

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Fujifilm's tagline in the X half marketing is, 'Half the size, twice the story'. This refers to the half-frame format of the pictures and the diptych-making feature for photos and videos.

The diptych feature is activated using the 'film-wind' lever, and composites two 3:4 images side by side, just as a half-frame film camera does onto a roll of 35mm film.

However, they're not strictly half-sized; the resolution of each photo is preserved, meaning a diptych composite is doubled in width, from the 3648 x 4864 pixels of each photo to a 7296 x 4864 pixel composite with a 3:2 aspect – that's the same aspect as a frame of 35mm film.

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Closeup of street fare in London's china town — Two vertical photos composited into a diptych – just like with half-frame film cameras (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

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Female portrait in London's china town, street scene — (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

There's a modest selection of autofocus modes. As far as I could tell, focus locked to the central portion of the frame; however, there's face-detection autofocus too, which is active anywhere in the frame.

If you approach the X half as a fun camera for casual snaps with some creative looks to try out, you'll be wholly satisfied.

Three Fujifilm X half compact cameras side by side, each a different color — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Fujifilm X half: Also consider

Pentax 17

Should you want the genuine half-frame film experience the Pentax 17 is an obvious recommendation, sharing as it does many design similarities with the Fujifilm X half. The Pentax 17 is cheaper as an initial outlay, but remember there will be the ongoing film costs. A super-cheap half frame alternative would be the Kodak Ektar.

Read our in-depth Pentax 17 review

Ricoh GR III

If it's the compact proportions and fixed wide-angle lens that appeal, then the Ricoh GR III is a pricier, high-quality alternative. Photos-wise, however, it's a 'regular' camera, with larger APS-C sensor and 24MP stills.

Read our in-depth Ricoh GR III review

How I tested the Fujifilm X half

I had a brief one-hour hands-on session with the camera ahead of its global announcement
I took a walk through London, snapping street photos and portraits
I tried various Film Simulations and picture effects, plus the diptych mode

Fujifilm briefed me on the X half before I had around one hour to try it out, taking a walk through London's Chinatown. Along the way I tried out the various Film Simulation modes, picture effects, and the diptych feature, both for photos and video.

I also shot a series of images adjusting the lens aperture stop by stop, from its maximum f/2.8 aperture to f/11, and examined those images to compare image quality at each setting. I've also switched between various autofocus modes.

First reviewed May 2025