Jackery has been busy expanding its new V2 line of its best portable power stations, ranging from the flagship Explorer 3000 down to the compact Explorer 240. Now, we’re looking at one of the smallest in the family — the Jackery Explorer 500 v2, paired with the SolarSaga 100W portable solar panels.
This setup is designed for users who want serious off-grid capability without the bulk or weight of a full-size generator. Compact, quiet, and built with the same attention to detail Jackery is known for, it aims to balance performance and portability.
(Image credit: Future)
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Packaging
The Explorer 500 arrived in Jackery’s familiar plain shipping box, with a glossy orange inner carton for presentation. Inside, the power station was well-protected with cardboard corner bumpers and foam inserts. Included were the IEC13 AC charging cable and a user manual — simple, straightforward, and nicely packaged.
(Image credit: Future)
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Design and Build
Out of the box, the Explorer 500 measures 311 × 205 × 157 mm and weighs 5.7 kg, making it a manageable size for travel or outdoor work.
Features at a Glance – Explorer 500
512Wh capacity from LiFePO₄ batteries
500W continuous output
2 × AC sockets (230V, max combined 500W)
1 × USB-A (18W max)
2 × USB-C (1 × 100W, 1 × 30W)
0–100% charge in just 1.3 hours via AC
Multiple charging options (AC, DC, solar, car)
Fast 10ms response UPS with multiple operating modes
All the output sockets, control buttons, and display are neatly positioned on the front panel. On this UK model, you’ll find:
2 × 230V AC sockets (max 500W combined)
1 × USB-A (18W)
2 × USB-C (100W and 30W)
1 × 12V car socket (10A)
The AC and DC inputs are located on the right-hand side. Overall, the layout is clean, intuitive, and practical.
(Image credit: Future)
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Charging
Using the Explorer 500 is refreshingly straightforward. Out of the box, the battery was at 28%, and when plugged into the mains via the AC cable, it began charging immediately. A full charge from that level took just under an hour, which aligns closely with Jackery’s claimed 1.3-hour full charge time.
It’s great to see Jackery continuing to rely on standard, widely available cables instead of proprietary chargers.
Alternative charging options include solar, a 12V vehicle socket, or a DC8020 input (11–60V, up to 10.5A / 200W). While DC8020 connectors aren’t as common as XT60 or XT90 standards, third-party adapters are easy to find.
(Image credit: Future)
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: SolarSaga 100 Portable Solar Panels
As part of the bundle, I tested the Jackery SolarSaga 100 — the smaller sibling of the SolarSaga 200 reviewed earlier this year. With an advertised efficiency of 25%, I tested it on a clear November afternoon with low but bright sunlight.
Setup, as with most folding panels, takes a few minutes, but Jackery’s attention to usability stands out. The build quality feels excellent, and the two-pin proprietary connector — while not standard — is actually a time-saver compared to traditional MC4 connections. It’s quicker, cleaner, and less fiddly.
A small junction box includes USB-A and USB-C ports, letting you charge small devices directly, no power station required.
The kickstands fold neatly away, and the panels are held closed by strong magnetic clasps rather than cheap snaps — a premium touch. The panels are a bit stiff when new but loosen with use.
A clever angle indicator helps you align with the sun, and under test conditions, the SolarSaga 100 produced a consistent 88W average output. That’s enough to fully recharge the Explorer 500 in around six hours — realistic and impressive for a 100W panel.
Overall, it’s a well-designed, travel-friendly solar panel that feels perfectly matched to the Explorer 500’s capabilities.
(Image credit: Future)
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Display
The status screen provides all the essentials at a glance: state of charge, input/output wattage, voltage, and AC frequency. It’s small but bright, crisp, and perfectly legible even in direct sunlight — ideal for outdoor use when you need quick, accurate readouts.
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Performance – AC and USB/DC
(Image credit: Future)
In everyday use, the Explorer 500 feels like a mini powerhouse. It comfortably powered a range of small household devices, including a milk frother, mini fan, and LED lighting, staying well within its 500W continuous output limit.
High-draw appliances like coffee machines or kettles are beyond its reach, though its 1,000W surge rating helps absorb brief startup spikes.
The USB section performs flawlessly, charging phones, tablets, laptops, and power banks simultaneously without issue. However, only two USB-C ports and one USB-A feel slightly limiting given the available front-panel space — an extra USB-C port would have been welcome.
The 12V car socket remains useful for certain accessories, though it’s increasingly outdated as USB-based standards take over.
A small auto-shutoff switch cuts power when draw falls below a set threshold — a handy energy-saving feature. Meanwhile, the built-in LED light offers dim, bright, and SOS modes, useful for emergencies or camping.
One omission is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. While some will appreciate the simplicity, others might miss app-based control or monitoring, which competitors increasingly offer.
(Image credit: Future)
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: UPS Mode
Jackery claims a <10ms response time for the Explorer 500’s uninterruptible power supply (UPS) mode — and in testing, it lived up to the promise.
Connected to a home office setup drawing around 220W, the power handover was seamless when the mains was cut — no flicker, reboot, or delay.
That said, the limited battery capacity means run-time is short. For brief outages or safe shutdowns, it’s excellent. But it’s not a substitute for a larger backup power system if you need sustained uptime.
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Pricing and Value
(Image credit: Future)
As of writing, the Jackery Explorer 500 retails for £269 on the UK Jackery Store, while the SolarSaga 100 bundle is priced at £399. Purchased separately, the SolarSaga costs £169, so the bundle saves you £39 overall.
It’s not a huge discount, but given the build quality, ease of use, and strong integration between the two products, it’s still solid value for anyone seeking a portable, all-in-one solar power setup.
(Image credit: Future)
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Verdict
The Jackery Explorer 500 v2 may sit on the smaller end of Jackery’s power station lineup, but don’t let that fool you — it’s a seriously capable, well-balanced performer. While the larger models offer more muscle, the 500 hits a sweet spot between power, portability, and price.
Paired with the SolarSaga 100, it forms a genuinely self-sufficient off-grid system for camping, van life, or emergency use.
Yes, there are limitations — the modest port selection and lack of app connectivity are mild drawbacks — but for users who value simplicity, dependability, and premium build quality, the Explorer 500 delivers exactly what it promises.
The Dell Chromebook 3120 is a small but tough laptop designed to withstand the rigors of student life.
Its compact and rounded design is certainly different. The softer material around its edges help protect it from impacts, making the Chromebook 3120 tougher than many others in this field.
Not only is it more rugged than the best Chromebookconstructions, it’s also easier to repair, thanks to its top-mounted keyboard and captive screws that keep the various materials together.
The price paid for this toughness, however, is the huge bezel around the screen, which reduces the display size by a disappointing amount. At least it features screws in each corner, which again should help with servicing.
There are only four ports on the Chromebook 3120: two USB-C, one USB-A, and a headset jack. The type-C ports are located on either side, which improves versatility, and both support charging and external display connections.
The performance of the Chromebook 3120 is respectable, handling the sorts of tasks students demand of their laptops quite well. It can also handle HD video streaming and even light gaming, though nowhere near as well as many of the best laptops, so temper expectations.
(Image credit: Future)
The display is sharp and vibrant enough to enjoy such content, although its lack of brightness can cause some visibility issues, especially when viewing darker scenes. It’s also a little too reflective at times.
I was pleased to see that even the non-convertible model of the Chromebook 3120 features a touchscreen, which can be useful for navigation, although it’s not smooth enough for dedicated illustrators and handwriters.
The keyboard layout is good, with plenty of space between keys to make typing comfortable. However, presses frequently failed to register when I used it, which was frustrating. Worse, though, was the touchpad, which is too small and imprecise for accurate and smooth navigation.
Battery life, on the other hand, is up to expected standards. It lasted close to 11 hours when I played a movie on a continuous loop, which eclipses many of its rivals, although there are others that can endure for longer.
Considering its budget pricing, the Dell Chromebook 3120 is a worthwhile proposition. Thanks to its durability, portability, and performance, it really shines as a study companion—but I would recommend pairing it with an external mouse to eschew the wayward touchpad.
Dell Chromebook 3120 review: Price & availability
(Image credit: Future)
Starts from $179.99 / £369.68 (about AU$350)
Available now
Reasonable price
The Dell Chromebook 3120 starts from $179.99 / £369.68 (about AU$350) and is available now. It can be configured with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, and a 2-in-1 version is also available, with a display made with Gorilla Glass.
This is a fantastic price for a Chromebook of this spec, making it one of the best student laptops around thanks to its performance and touchscreen functionality.
If you’re looking for something even cheaper, the Asus Chromebook CX1505 is a great alternative. It doesn’t have a tough exterior or a compact form like the Chromebook 3120, but it has respectable performance and a great display.
11.6-inch Non-touch HD LCD (1366 x 768p), Anti-Glare
11.6-inch Touch HD LCD (1366 x 768p), Anti-Glare
11.6-inch Touch HD LCD, (1366 x 768p), Anti-Glare
Storage
64GB eMMC
64GB eMMC
64GB eMMC
Ports
2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x 3.5mm combo audio
2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x 3.5mm combo audio
2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x 3.5mm combo audio
Wireless
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
Camera
720p
720p
720p
Battery
42WHr
42WHr
42WHr
Weight
2.82 lbs | 1.28 kg
Clamshell: 2.82 lbs | 1.28 kg 2-in-1: 3.17 lbs | 1.44 kg
Clamshell: 2.82 lbs | 1.28 kg 2-in-1: 3.17 lbs | 1.44 kg
Dimensions
11.96 x 8.19 x 0.82 ins | 303.9 x 207.9 x 20.8 mm
Clamshell: 11.96 x 8.19 x 0.82 ins | 303.9 x 207.9 x 20.8 mm 2-in-1: 11.96 x 8.19 x 0.85 ins | 303.9 x 207.9 x 21.5 mm
Clamshell: 11.96 x 8.19 x 0.82 ins | 303.9 x 207.9 x 20.8 mm 2-in-1: 11.96 x 8.19 x 0.85 ins | 303.9 x 207.9 x 21.5 mm
Dell Chromebook 3120 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Rugged construction
Compact form
Large screen bezel
The Dell Chromebook 3120 has an unusual outer shell for a laptop nowadays. It has rounded edges covered in a soft-touch material, almost as if it has been fitted with a bumper case. This makes it look more like one of the best rugged laptops than a budget Chromebook, and Dell claims it’s as durable as those more durable devices. According to Dell, the Chromebook 3120 can withstand 30-inch drops onto steel and 48-inch drops onto plywood, something that'll probably matter if this is going to be used by a child.
In keeping with the durable chassis, the lid is also reassuringly solid, with no wobble to it at all. What’s more, it’s also very flexible – even the non-hybrid variant can still recline all the way back to 180 degrees, making it very amenable to various setups.
Despite all this ruggedness, the Chromebook 3120 is very compact, making it very easy to carry around. It’s heavier than you might expect, but not to an onerous extent.
Another advantage of the design of the Chromebook 3120 is the fact that it’s easy to maintain. It features a top-mounted keyboard and a captive screw in the chassis that keep its various materials together, both of which make the Chromebook 3120 readily repairable.
One of the worst aspects of its design, however, is the huge bezel around the display. No doubt this helps with durability as well as repairability (there are easily accessible screws in each corner), but it severely compromises the already small real estate.
There aren’t many ports on the Chromebook 3120, but they’re wisely chosen. There are two USB-C ports, which should help the device to stay relevant for longer, and both accept charging and external monitor connections.
What’s more, they’re located on either side to improve versatility. The only other ports on the Chromebook 3120 are a USB-A and a headset jack, both located on the left, but these are the next two interfaces I would’ve chosen to include on a Chromebook.
The keys have a slight but noticeable texture to them that feels smooth yet tactile. There are some useful shortcuts on the top row, but there aren’t as many as you’ll find on other Chromebooks – even those the same size as the Chromebook 3120.
Design score: 4 / 5
Dell Chromebook 3120 review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Good all-round performance
Reflective display
Poor touchpad
Benchmarks
These are the benchmark scores for the Dell Chromebook 3120:
TechRadar Battery Life Video Test: 10 hours and 44 minutes Jetstream2 Benchmark: 181.945 Kraken Benchmark (lower is better): 743.3ms Speedometer 3.0: 11.2 (±0.71)
The general performance of the Dell Chromebook 3120 is pretty good. It’s fast and snappy enough for basic tasking, from notetaking and essay writing to spreadsheet creation and browsing.
It can handle video streaming very well, too, even at 1440p. However, higher resolutions are beyond it, since you’ll have to contend with frequent and lengthy buffering times.
It’s even capable enough for some light gaming. I managed to play Asphalt Legendson medium settings smoothly, with no disruptive stutters or lag. Be warned, however, that not all Android games are compatible with the Chromebook 3120, including Alien: Isolation and Hitman: Blood Money—Reprisal.
The 1366 x 768p resolution is sharp enough for a display this small, and colors are pleasingly vibrant. Brightness is sufficient for the most part, although I wish it had more when viewing content featuring dark tones, as these can be hard to see at times.
The display also has a tendency to plunge into total blackness if the angle isn’t set just right for your particular environment. What’s more, it can be quite reflective, which further sullies the viewing experience.
(Image credit: Future)
The keys felt good to use, and their generous spacing makes them easy to navigate, even with the limited real estate. However, they lack feedback, and frequently my presses would fail to register while typing, requiring a firmer touch than with many other keyboards.
The touchpad, however, is more frustrating. It’s very small, which can make navigation and certain productivity tasks awkward, such as dragging items from one side of the screen to the other.
It also lacks refinement, with its jerky tracking spoiling my attempts at smooth, precise movements: the cursor either moved slower than expected or jumped too far ahead of where I wanted it to go. I also found that taps were very inconsistent, failing to register at least half of the time.
The touchscreen proved more responsive, but it can be quite grabby, resulting in unsmooth swipes and gestures. This isn’t the device for you if you plan on making copious amounts of drawings or handwritten notes, but the functionality is still useful for navigation purposes. It’s a shame that finger marks are quite visible, though.
Performance score: 4.5 / 5
Dell Chromebook 3120 review: Battery life
(Image credit: Future)
The battery life of the Chromebook 3120 is very good. In our movie playback test, it lasted close to 11 hours, which is an impressive performance considering the smaller 43Whr battery, and puts it ahead of much of the competition.
It’s also reasonably quick to charge, taking about two hours to completely replenish.
Battery life: 4.5 / 5
Should I buy the Dell Chromebook 3120?
Notes
Rating
Value
The can outlast it is well-priced given the spec and functionality.
5 / 5
Design
The tough chassis is welcome, as is the small size. Shame about the large bezel, though.
4 / 5
Performance
The Chromebook 3120 can be used for all sorts of tasks, and it deals with them all pretty well. The touchpad is poor, though.
4.5 / 5
Battery life
Battery life is above average, although there are others that slightly edge past it.
4.5 / 5
Total Score
The Chromebook 3120 does a sterling job as a student device, providing all the functionality and performance you could need for the classroom. But you’re best off using it with an external mouse.
4.5 / 5
Buy the Dell Chromebook 3120 if...
You want a durable machine Thanks to its drop resistance and repairability credentials, the 3120 should last from term to term.
You want something easy to carry around It might be surprisingly heavy, but it’s still very portable, largely thanks to its compact form factor.
Don't buy it if...
You want a great touchpad The touchpad is too small and inaccurate for heavy use – get yourself one of the best mouse picks to go with it.
You want a large display The lid housing the display is small enough, but the large bezel compromises it even further. It can also succumb to darkness and reflections under certain conditions.
Dell Chromebook 3120 review: Also consider
Here are some alternatives to the Dell Chromebook 3120 that are also fantastic for students:
Asus Chromebook CX15 It’s not as portable as the 3120, but it’s still quite thin. And its large width means you get a widescreen display, which is one of the highlights of the CX1505. It also performs rather well—and it’s cheaper than the Chromebook 3120.
Acer Chromebook Spin 312 If you’re looking for one of the best 2-in-1 Chromebooks, the Spin 312 is a great choice. Its capable performance and sleek, portable design make it yet another student favorite. Plus, its display, though small, is a treat for the eyes, thanks to its sharp resolution. It’s a little reflective like the 3120, though.
I tested the Dell Chromebook 3120 for two days, during which time I used it for a multitude of tasks.
I used it for productivity, general browsing, streaming video content, and gaming. I also ran our series of benchmarks for Chromebooks and tested its battery life by running a movie on a continuous loop.
I’ve been using Chromebooks and other laptops for years, and have reviewed plenty of them as well, ranging in their price points, form factors, and purposes.
The Asus Chromebook CX1505 certainly has a budget price tag, but its features and spec hope to counter the charge that it’s a compromised device unfit for modern purposes.
While it might appear sleek, on closer inspection it’s not as thin or as light as its looks might lead you to believe. That ultra wide display and the long underside support bar sully its portability credentials somewhat.
Build quality isn’t the greatest, either, and isn’t up there with the best Chromebook constructions. It’s still within reasonable bounds, but there’s some flexing to the plastic chassis.
The thin bezel for the display is a welcome touch, though, helping to maximize its already generous width. The keyboard also feels built to a higher standard, which is fortunate since you’ll be making plenty of contact with it.
All the ports on the CX1505 are located on its left-hand side, which may be a little inconvenient for those wishing to connect multiple peripherals. More of a problem, however, is their paucity: there are only four, and only two of them are USB (one type-A and one type-C port).
What’s more, the Type-C must be used for charging, so it won’t be available to you all of the time. An HDMI 1.4 port and a 3.5mm combo audio jack round out the rest of the physical connectivity options, and they’re at least sensibly ordered.
The CX1505 acquits itself well in terms of performance. It can handle the productivity and entertainment tasks well enough, although 4K content streaming is just beyond its reach. It can handle some light gaming, though, albeit with relatively undemanding titles at low graphical settings.
More impressive is that large display. The width is useful for both entertainment and productivity purposes, while the Full HD resolution is still sharp enough for its size. It’s also bright and reasonably vibrant, making for pleasant viewing in all scenarios.
While the CX1505 is great for typing on, the trackpad is a let down. It’s jerky and imprecise when making small, slow movements, and its clicks feel unsatisfying.
The battery life of the CX1505 is reasonable, lasting seven hours in our movie playback test. However, many of its rivals can beat this figure – some by a considerable margin.
There was a time when a Chromebook costing this little wouldn’t have been worth your time, lacking the power and features to suit even basic usage. But the commendable – if not outstanding – performance of the CX1505, coupled with its generous and high-quality display, are certainly impressive aspects at this price, making it a contender for one of the best budget Chromebooks around right now.
Asus Chromebook CX1505 review: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Starts from $159.99 / £249.99 / AU$499
Available now in multiple colorways
Budget end of the market
The CX1505 starts from $159.99 / £249.99 / AU$499 and is available now in various colorways, including green and pink. It can be configured with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage. An Intel Core version is also available.
This is a great price, even in the Chromebook market. It’s considerably cheaper than the Asus Chromebook CM14, which we think is one of the best budget Chromebooks. However, the CX1505 performs better, and that wider display makes it better for productivity and entertainment – if not portability.
If you want a high-performing Chromebook, then the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch is a better choice. This dispatches all kinds of tasks with ease, including harsher workloads such as gaming and multitasking; no wonder we think it’s the best student Chromebook. Its keyboard isn’t as good as that on the CX1505, though.
If you want to stay closer to the budget-end of the market and want something more compact but also powerful, the Dell Chromebook 3120 fits the bill very well, with more processing power and faster memory for a little bit more of an investment.
Value: 5 / 5
Asus Chromebook CX1505 review: Specs
My Asus Chromebook CX1505 review unit had an Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage.
ASUS Chromebook CX1505
Price
Starting from $159.99 / £249.99 / AU$499
CPU
Intel Celeron N4500 Processor 1.1 GHz (2 cores)
Graphics
Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics
RAM
4GB LPDDR4X
Screen
15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, Anti-glare display, 300nits
The CX1505 has a neat, minimalist appearance buoyed by the vibrant colorways; I found the light green finish of my review unit particularly fetching, suiting its overall design well. The rounded corners and smooth, flat planes add to its appeal.
It’s quite a thin unit, although the prominent support bar running underneath rather spoils its sleekness. It’s also heavier than you might expect; coupled with the atypical width, the portability of the CX1505 is somewhat compromised.
What’s more, build quality isn’t particularly impressive, either. The slightly textured plastics may look and feel interesting, but they’re not the sturdiest and can succumb to considerable flexing.
The hinge for the lid feels sturdy in operation, but its looseness becomes evident once set in position. This isn’t disruptive, but it is noticeable, and isn’t exactly an auspicious sign for its longevity.
On a positive note, the bezel around the display is pleasingly thin, which allows the already generous real estate to be realized to its full potential, while the keys have a subtle graining which makes them feel tactile to use. They also actuate smoothly and solidly, with very little play or uncertain feedback.
If you’re looking for a Chromebook with plenty of connectivity options, you’ll be disappointed with the CX15. Despite its large size, there are only four ports (five on the Intel Core model, thanks to its extra USB-C port), all located on the left-hand side.
There’s one USB-C port (which is used for charging as well), one USB-A port, one HDMI 1.4 port, and a combo audio jack. At least they’re sensibly ordered; I’m always happy to see the power port at the end and the audio jack at the very front.
Design score: 3.5 / 5
ASUS Chromebook CX1505 review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Reasonable multitasking capabilities
More demanding tasks
Good wide display
Benchmarks
These are the results of our benchmarking tests for the ASUS Chromebook CX1505:
The CX1505 is capable enough for everyday tasking. It can handle word processing and spreadsheet creation with ease, while streaming hi-definition content is also well within its grasp. However, expect some significant buffering if you’re watching anything above 1440p.
Even with the modest 4GB of RAM installed in my review unit, the CX1505 managed to juggle multiple browser tabs admirably. I still encountered some lag in such instances, but not to a frustrating extent. However, more demanding multitasking scenarios, such as running numerous apps simultaneously, lead to more severe slowdowns, as you might expect.
Light gaming is just about within its reach as well. Asphalt Legends ran smoothly enough when I reduced the maximum frame rate to 30fps, but I encountered frequent stuttering when ratcheting it up to 60fps, even on the default medium graphics settings. Those after some casual enjoyment are catered for, then – but those who take their gaming a little more seriously will be disappointed.
The display is pleasingly bright and vibrant. Colors are vividly reproduced rather than washed-out, as they can be on other Chromebook displays in my experience.
(Image credit: Future)
And despite its large size, the 1920 x 1080p resolution still looks sharp and clear. That wide ratio also makes various productivity tasks easier, as well as serving entertainment content well.
The keys of the CX1505 are well damped, resulting in softer presses than you might expect, but they’re still as snappy and as light as you would expect from a laptop keyboard. They’re well spaced, too, and thanks to that wide chassis, the numberpad doesn’t cramp the layout, as is the case with some other laptops and Chromebooks.
The trackpad has a solid and noticeable click, but it feels nasty and cheap, owing to the lack of dampening. Gliding isn’t the smoothest, either, with attempts to make small and precise movements resulting in lag and cursor jumps.
Taps are better, but inconsistent: being unresponsive at times, and too eager at others. The surface area of the pad is quite small, too, despite there being plenty of space for a larger module. At least it’s solidly installed, with no wobble to it.
The overall connectivity of the CX1505 is good for the most part. However, the Bluetooth radio stopped working on one occasion, severing connection with all my devices. Thankfully, fixing the issue merely required disabling and then re-enabling Bluetooth from the status area in the bottom-right corner.
Performance score: 4 / 5
ASUS Chromebook CX1505 review: Battery life
(Image credit: Future)
The CX1505 has a respectable, if not impressive, battery life. It should see you throughout the day, but it only managed seven hours in our playback test, where we ran a movie on a continuous loop.
This beats the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360, which only managed six and a half hours, but it’s bested by rivals such as the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 and the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, which both achieved times around the 11-hour mark. And the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook can last a hugely impressive 16-plus hours.
Battery life: 3 / 5
Should I buy the ASUS Chromebook CX1505?
Notes
Rating
Value
There aren’t many new Chromebooks priced this low, still less those with competing specs.
5 / 5
Design
It may look sleek and minimal, but it’s surprisingly heavy, and it’s not the sturdiest, either.
3.5 / 5
Performance
Considering its middling spec, the CX1505 is impressive in action, if not spectacular.
4 / 5
Battery life
Battery life is good but not outstanding; there are plenty of Chromebooks that can outlast it.
3 / 5
Total Score
It might not be a powerhouse, but the CX1505 is capable and cheap enough to make it excellent value.
4 / 5
Buy it if...
You want a wide display The 87% screen-to-body ratio certainly looks striking and helps with both productivity and entertainment.
You’ll be doing a lot of typing The keyboard on the CX1505 is great, offering a satisfying feel and generous spacing, despite the inclusion of a number pad.
Don't buy it if...
You want serious performance Some light multitasking and entertainment are possible, but demand anything more and the CX1505 will struggle.
You want something very portable The wide and relatively hefty body of the CX1505 makes it less portable than you might imagine.
ASUS Chromebook CX15: Also consider
If the ASUS Chromebook CX1505 doesn't sound right for you, here are some alternatives:
Acer Chromebook Spin 312 The Chromebook Spin 312 is a more compact and versatile device, thanks to its small 12.2-inch screen and convertibility, allowing you to use it like a tablet. In truth, its touchscreen is best used when the unit is propped on a desk, rather than held in the hand, but it’s still one of the best 2-in-1 Chromebooks, and its amenable keyboard and keen display only add to its appeal. Battery life is pretty good, too.
HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch For a more capable Chromebook, look no further than the HP Chromebook Plus. It’s great for all kinds of tasks, while the display renders all sorts of content well. Its most disappointing aspect is probably its keyboard, as the number pad squeezes the other keys, which may take some getting used to. Its official pricing might look high, but we’ve seen it around for a lot less.
I tested the CX1505 for several days, during which time I used it for productivity, entertainment, and general browsing.
I used it for word processing and spreadsheet editing, as well as streaming HD and 4K content. I also played mobile games downloaded from the Play Store, and ran our series of benchmark tests for Chromebooks.
I’ve been using Chromebooks for years and have extensive experience reviewing them. I’ve also reviewed other kinds of mobile devices, including tablets and laptops designed for productivity and gaming.
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 seeks to strike the ideal balance between price and performance with the Erazer Deputy 15 P1, featuring an auspicious spec and a reasonable price tag.
It doesn’t make the best first impression, though, as it looks like a budget laptop. Its utilitarian focus leaves little room for style or elegance, and there’s little to signal its gaming prowess.
However, I was pleased to see that the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is surprisingly free from bulk, lacking the thickness or unsightly protrusions of many others in this sector. It won’t trouble the best gaming laptop constructions, though, since the materials aren’t the most premium, and the chassis flex doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Thankfully the lid is more sturdy and also easy to use. There’s quite a large gap between it and the bottom chassis when opened, which I found helped with ventilation.
There’s a decent selection of ports on the Erazer Deputy 15 P1, too, including three USB-A and two USB-C ports. There’s also a Mini DisplayPort, an HDMI port, and an ethernet port, all of which are welcome additions.
The Erazer Deputy 15 P1 impressed me with its gaming performance, handling AAA titles at high and even max settings very well. Cyberpunk 2077 and Dying Light: The Beast ran more smoothly than I was expecting given the RTX 5060 installed in my review unit: I experienced little in the way of stutter or significant frame rate drops.
(Image credit: Future)
What’s more, the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 stayed remarkably cool throughout, with the hottest temperatures confined to the very back of the unit. There’s plenty of fan noise, though, so you’ll want to use a good pair of headphones to deal with this.
I found the image impressively sharp given the 1920 x 1080 resolution, since quality can suffer when this many pixels are stretched across a large display such as this. It’s also quite vibrant, although it’s perhaps a little more washed-out than some of its rivals. It’s quite reflective in suboptimal lighting conditions, too.
The full-size keyboard is a welcome sight, and there’s plenty of space between the keys. The floating keycaps are a nice touch as well, and they’re tactile enough for gaming purposes. They’re quite narrow, though, which I found to be problematic when typing.
The touchpad is smooth and quite small. Despite this, it can still get in the way when using the WASD keys, so you might want to disable it when gaming (easily achieved via an Fn shortcut).
The battery life of the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is nothing spectacular, but it’s not the worst in this sector, either. It managed to last close to seven hours in our movie playback test, but fared worse in the PCMark gaming battery test, where it only just managed to eclipse 90 minutes.
In many other regards, though, the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is a very capable 1080p gaming machine, offering a great experience for the money. There are other strong performers at this price point – and some considerably cheaper – which might have the edge in certain areas. But the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is still a worthy choice if you’re looking for a capable gaming laptop at the budget-end of the market.
The Erazer Deputy 15 P1 starts from £1,099.99 (about $1,500 / AU$2,200) and is available now. Various configurations are available, including models with an Intel Core 9 and an RTX 5070. RAM and storage amounts vary between 16 and 32GB and 1 and 2TB respectively.
This is similar to the Acer Nitro 16 AMD, which is one of the best budget gaming laptop picks around. You’ll have to settle for a 4000 series RTX card, but the 165Hz refresh rate helps to elevate the experience.
For something even cheaper, there’s the Nitro V 15, another 1080p machine. You can configure this laptop with an RTX 5060, although the performance isn’t as good as the Erazer Deputy 15 P1’s.
Value: 4 / 5
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: Specs
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 base config
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review config
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 max config
Price
£1,099.99
£1,349.00
£1,699
CPU
Intel i7-13620H (10 cores, 3.6GHz)
Intel Core 7 250H (14 cores, 2.5GHz)
Intel Core 9 270H (14 cores, 2.7GHz)
GPU
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 8GB
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 8GB
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 8GB
RAM
16GB DDR5
16GB DDR5
32GB LPDDR5X
Storage
1TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
1TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
Display
15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS, 16:9, 144Hz
15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS, 16:9, 144Hz
15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS, 16:9, 144Hz
Ports and Connectivity
USB Type-C x 1 (with DisplayPort), USB 3.2 x 2, USB 2.0 x 1, HDMI x 1, Mini DisplayPort x 1, 3.5 mm jack x 1, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
USB Type-C x 1 (with DisplayPort), USB 3.2 x 2, USB 2.0 x 1, HDMI x 1, Mini DisplayPort x 1, 3.5 mm jack x 1, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
USB Type-C x 1 (with DisplayPort), USB 3.2 x 2, USB 2.0 x 1, HDMI x 1, Mini DisplayPort x 1, 3.5 mm jack x 1, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Battery
51.6Wh
51.6Wh
51.6Wh
Dimensions
0.9 x 14.2 x 9.7in (24 x 361 x 247mm)
0.9 x 14.2 x 9.7in (24 x 361 x 247mm)
0.9 x 14.2 x 9.7in (24 x 361 x 247mm)
Weight
5lbs / 2.25kg
5lbs / 2.25kg
5lbs / 2.25kg
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Basic appearance
More portable than expected
Generous keyboard layout
It’s clear from even a cursory glance at the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 that it isn’t trying to win any style awards. Its austere looks are purely functional, with no fanfare in sight. The Medion logo on the lid is small and discreet, finished in a slightly darker shade of black than its surroundings.
There are a few unsightly juts and angles, but compared to others in this class, it’s pleasingly free from bulk. It’s reasonably thin, and although it features a rear protrusion for ventilation purposes, this isn’t as bulbous as many other examples. It’s also not as heavy as you might expect, meaning the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is one of the more portable 15-inch gaming laptops out there.
It’s not exactly built to the highest standards, though. The materials are far from the most premium, and the chassis has a fair amount of flex to it. Thankfully, the lid is a more solid affair, while still being easy and smooth to pivot into position.
There’s a noticeable gap between the display and the bottom half of the unit, which I haven’t seen before. This seems like a good idea for cooling purposes, though, helping to prevent heat radiating onto the display itself.
The bezel around the display is thin on most sides except the bottom. This is somewhat of a shame, but it does at least help to emphasize the widescreen effect.
(Image credit: Future)
Since it’s quite a wide unit, the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 manages to fit in a full-size keyboard, complete with a number pad. The keys themselves don’t feel cramped, either, and I appreciated their floating design. They’re narrower than you’ll find on many other gaming laptop keyboards, though.
There are a generous number of ports on the Erazer Deputy 15 P1. There are three USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, spread across both sides, which improves convenience when connecting various peripherals. There’s also the obligatory headset jack.
On the rear you’ll find the power port, sandwiched between an HDMI port and an ethernet port. This location is a little impractical, since the included power adapter has an L-shaped barrel, meaning the cable will have to trail over your HDMI or ethernet cable, depending on your setup.
There’s also a Mini DisplayPort on the rear, which is a rare sight on a gaming laptop, but one I welcome all the same. One of the aforementioned USB-C ports can also handle external display connections.
Design: 3.5/ 5
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Great 1080p performance
Sharp but reflective display
Impressive cooling abilities
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 Benchmarks
These are the various benchmark scores for the Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1:
Geekbench 6 (Multi Core): 14,639; (Single Core): 2,826 Cinebench R23 (Multi Core): 17,525; (Single Core): 2,056 Cinebench R24 (Multi Core): 1,111; (Single Core): 120 Crossmark Overall: 2,001 3DMark Fire Strike: 26,820; Steel Nomad: 2,693; Solar Bay: 47,158; Speed Way: 2,938; Port Royal: 7,322 BlackMagicDisk Read: 3,917MB/s; Write: 2,458MB/s 25GB Copy Test: 278MB/s Civilization VII (1080p, Medium): 190 FPS; (Max Resolution, High): 148 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, High): 121 FPS Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p, Medium): 150 FPS; (Max Resolution, Highest): 140 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, Highest): 159 FPS Total War: Warhammer III: Mirrors of Madness (1080p, Medium): 117 FPS; (Max Resolution, Ultra): 59 FPS Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Medium): 258 FPS; (Max Resolution, Ultra): 215 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, Ultra): 240 FPS F1 2024 (1080p, Medium): 254 FPS; (Max Resolution, Max Quality, No RT): 113 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, Max Quality with RT): 87 FPS
The RTX 5060 and Core 7 250H combination in my review unit proved more than capable of keeping up with the latest AAA titles. When I played Dying Light: The Beast, I was getting fps figures in the low-to-mid 200s. This was with maximum graphics settings applied, DLSS upscaling set to Balanced, and Frame Generation turned on.
It didn’t run Cyberpunk 2077 quite so impressively, but it was still a great experience nonetheless. I was getting frame rates in the low hundreds on the maximum Ray Tracing: Overdrive preset, again with DLSS and Frame Generation turned on.
What’s more, its 1080p resolution looked sharper on the 15.6-inch display than I expected. It’s also surprisingly vibrant, although colors are still a little washed-out compared to other gaming laptops, and especially to the best gaming monitors. It’s also quite reflective in certain lighting conditions, and not even the highest brightness setting can mitigate the effect.
The cooling, on the other hand, is more impressive. During my play time, none of the touchable surfaces became anything more than lukewarm, not even the underside. The hottest part was just above the keyboard, but even this area wasn’t too hot to handle.
(Image credit: Future)
What’s more, that aforementioned gap between the lid and chassis prevented any heat leaking onto the screen. To achieve this all-round cooling, you will have to endure a fair amount of fan noise, but the best PC gaming headsets should keep this at bay.
The keyboard is great for gaming with. The keys have just the right amount of travel to make them tactile, and the WASD keys are textured and colored differently to make them easier to locate.
However, the keycaps are quite narrow, which can make them awkward to use. They’re well-spaced, which helps to prevent mispresses when gaming, but I found typing more of a challenge.
The touchpad isn’t as large as you might expect given the size of the Erazer Deputy 15 P1, but its smooth surface makes it easy to use. I still triggered it accidentally when using the WASD keys, but thankfully there’s an Fn shortcut to quickly disable it.
Performance: 4.5 / 5
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: Battery Life
(Image credit: Future)
Average battery life
Relatively fast charging
The battery life of the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is fairly average for a gaming laptop. It managed to last six hours and 47 minutes when I played a movie on a continuous loop. This is about the same as the cheaper Acer Nitro V 15.
It lasted one hour and 47 minutes when I conducted PCMark’s battery benchmark for gaming scenarios, which again is similar to the score achieved by the Nitro V 15, although it’s down on the two hours and 26 minutes of the Nitro 16 AMD. It is at least quick to charge, taking about two hours to replenish from empty to full.
Battery Life: 3.5 / 5
Should I buy the Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1?
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 Scorecard
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Value
I haven’t encountered similarly priced 1080p laptops that can game as well as the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 can, although some come close – and some of those are cheaper.
4 / 5
Design
It’s not the most exciting or the most premium, but it’s surprisingly compact and portable for its size.
3.5 / 5
Performance
The 1080p performance is superb for the price, while the sharpness of the display belies its 1080p resolution, although it's quite reflective.
4.5 / 5
Battery Life
Not the best, not the worst. Some cheaper gaming laptops have similar endurance levels.
3.5 / 5
Total
The Erazer Deputy 15 P1 hits all the right notes at this price point, although the reflective display and lackluster design mar it somewhat. There’s strong competition at this price point, but the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 can hold its own against them.
4 / 5
Buy the Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 if...
You want high-end performance The Erazer Deputy 15 P1 can handle high-to-max settings on demanding titles very well, keeping cool all the while.
You want to carry it around Despite its 15.6-inch size, the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is surprisingly portable, thanks to its thinness and relatively light construction.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best display Despite how sharp it looks, the display isn’t as vibrant as others, and it can be overly reflective.
You want something quiet The price you pay for that excellent cooling is fan noise. Get yourself a good pair of headphones.
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: Also Consider
Acer Nitro 16 AMD The Nitro 16 is similarly priced to the Erazer Deputy 15 P1, but it has a slightly bigger screen and a sharper resolution. You won’t be getting the latest RTX GPUs, so performance won’t be as good, but the 165Hz refresh makes up for the shortfall somewhat in certain games.
Acer Nitro V 15 Intel The Nitro V 15 is cheaper than the Erazer Deputy 15 P1, yet still gets RTX 5050 and 5060 cards. However, even with the latter equipped, it can’t quite match the performance of the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 in my experience, perhaps due to the inferior i7 chip in the unit I tested.
I tested the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 for several days, using it for gaming, working, and general entertainment.
I played AAA titles such as Cyberpunk and Dying Light: The Beast at various settings. I also ran our series of benchmark tests, designed to ... every facet of a laptop's performance.
I've tested plenty of gaming laptops before, from budget offerings to range-topping powerhouses. I've been PC gaming for over a decade and have experience with plenty of other machines and systems as well.
The Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card has been my Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card of choice since it arrived at TechRadar Gaming HQ a few months ago.
As the very first 1TB microSD Express model to hit the market, it’s one of your few options if, like me, you need loads of storage for an absolutely mega Nintendo Switch 2 game library. Pair this fact with its solid results in benchmarks and brilliant performance in real-world use, and you have the ultimate upgrade for Nintendo’s latest console - provided you can afford it.
At $58.98 / £59.45 / AU$119.34, the 256GB version of the Lexar Play Pro Micro SD Express Card is almost bang on the price of its biggest competition, the officially licensed SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2. Lexar also smartly offers a slightly more affordable 128GB edition, so those with very modest storage needs can save a little cash.
The star of the show is that aforementioned 1TB variant, though, which comes in at a much more premium $199.99 / £199.99 price. In my eyess this is very fair for what you get, especially when you factor in the strong 831.97MB/s read speed it achieved in my benchmarks.
(Image credit: Future)
This is very close to the 900MB/s read speed claimed by the manufacturer, with the difference easily attributable to differing testing conditions. The card fared much worse when it comes to write speed, however, reaching 310.03MB/s, which is just over half of the claimed 600MB/s.
Sure, some other cards do reach higher speeds (much higher, when it comes to write speed), like the aforementioned SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 or competing PNY microSD Express Card, but you’d be hard-pressed to notice any tangible difference in the real world.
Nothing quite compares to the freedom of knowing that you won’t have to fiddle around to find space in order to install each new game that you get, and, for that, the Lexar Play Pro MicroSD Express Card comes emphatically recommended.
Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card: Price and specs
Price
$58.98 / £59.45 / AU$119.34 (256GB)
Capacity
256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Quoted read speed
900MB/s
Quoted write speed
600MB/s
Benchmarked read speed
831.97MB/s
Benchmarked write speed
310.03MB/s
Should I buy the Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card?
Buy it if...
You need a mega storage boost If you’re after a 1TB Nintendo Switch 2 storage expansion, your options are pretty limited. Lexar is one of the few manufacturers offering a 1TB option; it performs decently and is reasonably priced, so it should be a top choice if that’s what you're after.
You have the budget If you’re happy to spend a fair chunk on a Nintendo Switch 2 accessory, then the 1TB Lexar Micro SD Express Card should be your pick. The hefty capacity will likely keep your storage met for years, so think of it as a long-term investment.
Don't buy it if...
You need the absolute fastest card The only problem with the Lexar Micro SD Express Card is its underwhelming write speed in my benchmarks. It’s slower than some of the competition, though the strong read speed means that this doesn’t really impact general use.
Also consider
Want to compare the Lexar Micro SD Express Card to its biggest competition? Here are two strong alternatives to weigh up.
Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card
SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2
PNY microSD Express Card
Price
$58.98 / £59.45 / AU$119.34 (256GB)
$59.99 / £49.99 / AU$79.95
$59.99 / £59.99 / around AU$100 (256GB)
Capacity
256GB / 512GB / 1TB
256GB
128GB / 256GB
Quoted read speed
900MB/s
880MB/s
890MB/s
Quoted write speed
600MB/s
650MB/s
550MB/s
Benchmarked read speed
831.97MB/s
894.4MB/s
893.74MB/s
Benchmarked write speed
310.03MB/s
674.1MB/s
713.42MB/s
SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 This officially licensed card from SanDisk outperforms the Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card and comes in at a similar price. You are limited to a 256GB capacity, though.
PNY microSD Express Card The PNY MicroSD Express Card is thus far the fastest microSD Express card that I’ve tested. It's the option to pick if you’re after the highest speeds, but again, there’s no 1TB option.
Stay tuned for our full PNY microSD Express Card review
How I tested the Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card
Used for multiple months
Tested against other microSD Express cards
Subjected to standardized benchmark tests
As I previously mentioned, the Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card has been my personal Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card of choice since it arrived a few months ago. In my time with the card, I’ve used it almost daily with my own Nintendo Switch 2, constantly evaluating its performance in a wide range of games.
I also benchmarked the card against the competition in a series of standardized tests, recording and comparing the results directly. I measured the sequential read and write speed of each card using a standardized benchmark via CrystalDiskMark in its default flash memory settings.
To do this, I relied on the Lexar Play Pro MicroSD Express Card Reader, which features an active cooling fan. This was provided by Lexar alongside the Lexar Micro SD Express Card for the purpose of this review.
I've had the IQAir Atem X Air Purifier since April 2024 – and it has never once disappointed me. The real standout is the design. This sleek, stylish Swedish air purifier looks like something you'd find in New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It's large, but the fact you can place it flush against the wall means it won't get in the way.
Underneath its fashionable exterior, the IQAir Atem X works harder than the most utilitarian of air purifiers. This is one of the very best air purifiers I've used, and I've tested over 50. The only model that I've been more impressed by is the Levoit EverestAir, and it's a narrow margin.
Since I have a smoking neighbor, I take air purifiers seriously, and often I've wished I had more than 3 or 4 speeds to choose from. The IQAir Atem X has 8 speeds, so I can always find the most effective speed that's not so loud enough that I need to wear ANC headphones. It also boasts much higher-than-average CADRs (clean air delivery rate), which make it suitable for use in large spaces.
The purification uses 'HyperHEPA' filters (ed's note: I'm confirming if this is true HEPA, but will assume not) and 'impactors' (equivalent to pre-filters). I have an open plan home, so there are no walls to separate the living room and kitchen, but the IQAir Atem X removes my neighbor's tobacco smoke, and my occasional kitchen odors, very efficiently. This is even more impressive considering there's no activated charcoal filter. It's really hard to believe that something so beautiful can work like a beast to remove odors so quickly.
You can control the Atem X using the touch controls that sit on the back side of the purifier but are still very easy to access, or via a useful companion app. However, there's no voice assistant support for those who prefer to go completely hands-free.
The main sticking point for many people will be the price. This is a very expensive purifier, and the replacement filters don't come cheap, either. However, if you want something functional and beautiful, and are happy to invest to get it, it's an excellent choice. So, that's the short version – keep reading for my full IQAir Atem X review.
(Image credit: Future)
IQAir Atem X review: price & availability
List price: $1,399
Available: US online, various other countries via dealers
The IQAir Atem X is available to buy online in the US from the IQAir website or via Amazon. At list price it costs $1,3999. It's also available in various other countries, but typically via dealers.
The air purifier uses three HyperHEPA filters at a time, and the replacement pack is $199, which is among the most expensive filters I've ever encountered. Fortunately, the filter pack only needs to be replaced once a year if you're using the purifier regularly, or maybe less often if it's not being used as much.
In the air purifier market, the IQAir Atem X is considered a premium purchase. It's significantly more expensive than my favorite purifier, the Levoit EverestAir, which has a list price of $499.99 and is comparable in performance. Price-wise, the IQAir Atem X is comparable to the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP04, which retails for $1,199.99 at the time of publication.
The IQAir Atem X is an extremely good air purifier, and the various functions, user-friendly features, and quality build help justify the price. However, it is incredibly expensive – and especially if you factor in the ongoing cost of filters – and may not be in everyone's budget.
Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5
IQAir Atem X specs
CADR:
Dust 417; Tobacco smoke 422; Pollen 454
Size (W x H x D):
27.1 x 27.1 x 10in / 68.8 x 68.8 x 25.4cm
Control:
Touchscreen buttons, app
Filters:
Impactors (pre-filter), HyperHEPA
Modes:
1-8 fan speeds, Quiet, Balanced, Max, Smart
Contaminants detected:
PM 2.5, PM10, CO2
IQAir Atem X review: design
Stylish, minimalist design with recessed touch controls and smart controls
Pre-filters and 'HyperHEPA' filters, but no activated charcoal filter
Adjustable airflow
The AQAir Atem X Air Purifier is large, but it doesn't look bulky. That's because it has a slim, minimalist design. In fact, I think this air purifier looks like a work of art; something you'd see at New York's MoMA. I love appliances that aren't easily identifiable, and the Atem X definitely falls in this category. Guests always ask what it is – especially since there are no controls on the front.
IQAir is a Swiss company, and the air purifier is actually made in Germany. The Atem X reflects Swiss design sensibilities in the clean lines and uncluttered look. For example, the power cord is retractable, so any excess can be hidden. Also, the front of the air purifier is completely free of controls – they're located in the back, and also recessed, so even from a back view, they're unobtrusive.
(Image credit: Future)
The Atem X comes with a detachable wheel base, which makes it easy to transport, but is the only part of the air purifier that looks clunky. I'll be honest with you here: the wheel base is somewhere in my garage and I couldn't locate it for the review. Because I knew I would only use the air purifier in my living room/kitchen space (it would be overkill in one of the bedrooms), I never bothered installing it.
There's a leather handle on the back of the air purifier that makes it easy to move short distances. However, it weighs 28.7 lbs / 13kg, so if you need to move it frequently or transport more than a few feet, it would probably be a good idea to attach the wheel base.
(Image credit: Future)
Around the circumference of the Atem X, three-quarters of the grilles are for air inlet, and one quarter (at the top) is for air outlet. The direction of the airflow can be changed to flow towards the left or towards the right of the top of the purifier.
As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the air purifier is also quite functional and user-friendly. The recessed controls are on the back, directly underneath the outlet grille. I never encounter a problem trying to access them – and honestly, I think that placing them on the back contributes to the beauty of the air purifier and prevents it from looking utilitarian).
They include the power button, smart mode (to switch between the manual fan speed settings and automatic fan speed control), light button (to turn the control panel lighting on or off), Wi-Fi button, filter status, and Ethernet status. There are eight options on the fan speed slider, and this is also where the air quality index color is displayed (when not changing the fan speed).
(Image credit: Future)
The air quality indicator colors are as follows: green for good, yellow for moderate, orange for unhealthy or sensitive groups, red for unhealthy, purple for very unhealthy, and flashing purple for hazardous.
The IQAir Atem X can also be controlled via a companion app. Attached to the back of the stand is an ID card that contains the QR code to scan and download the app, the Certification of Performance, and the serial number. In addition, the company recommends using the card to pry off the air purifier's front cover when it's time to replace the filters (and I can confirm the card works much better than a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver, which could damage the panel).
The filtration system includes three 'impactors' – equivalent to pre-filters – which are designed to trap large particles, lint, and fibers. Underneath the impactors are the main filters, called HyperHEPA (editor's note: I'm confirming with IQAir, but assume these are not true HEPA filters). These are designed to capture hair and dander, pollen, dust mites, airborne mold, viruses and bacteria.
(Image credit: Future)
Rather surprisingly at this price point, there's no activated charcoal filter. As a general rule, I'm inclined to dislike air purifiers that don't contain activated charcoal, because that tends to be the 'secret sauce' that removes the odors. For example, my Alen BreathSmart 75i has a big, heavy odor filter and I can actually shake it and hear the activated charcoal inside. However, this doesn't seem to impact the Atem X's ability to clear odors, as I'll get into in the Performance section.
(Image credit: Future)
Fortunately, this isn't one of those air purifiers that needs to be turned upside-down to remove the filters. However, the process is more involved than some competitors. After prying the cover off, you need to unlock the locking levers and rotate the air purifier to remove the grilles and the three filters.
The impactors are on the other side of the grilles, and they should be vacuumed with a brush attachment whenever the air filters are changed. However, I vacuum both the air filters and impactors at least monthly. Depending on how dirty the impactors get, they should be rinsed under running water and then thoroughly dried before reinserting.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
IQAir Atem X review: performance
App provides a lot of helpful information
8 speeds and three special modes provide plenty of control
Cleans air quickly and is quiet in use
As a general rule, I'm perfectly content to control the IQAir Atem X using the onboard controls – especially since I can easily reach it while sitting at my desk. However, for testing purposes, I downloaded the app to my smartphone and spent some time controlling it from there.
The app is chock-full of helpful information. For example, it shows both the daily and the hourly weather forecast in my area, as well as the humidity level. The app also provides health recommendations based on the local air quality, such as "enjoy outdoor activities", and "open your windows to bring clean, fresh air indoors".
(Image credit: IQAir)
With the air purifier, the app measures such pollutants as PM2.5 (fine particles), PM10 (larger particles), and carbon dioxide levels, as well as humidity levels, and the temperature in the room.
Inside the app, I can turn the air purifier on and off, and adjust the fan speed, brightness levels, lock the control panel, view remaining filter life, and use smart mode. There are actually three smart modes I can select from in the app – and they're not available on the onboard controls.
(Image credit: IQAir)
Quiet mode ensures the fan speed does not exceed level 5. Balanced mode ensures the max fan speed does not go higher than level 7. During periods of high pollution, Max mode changes the fan speed accordingly, with no limit on fan speed. In Smart mode, the air purifier's fan will automatically adjust based on pollutants detected.
I love having 8 fan speeds, so I can set the purifier precisely to fit my comfort level. I tend to use level 4 or 5, as this removes polluted air quite well, while still being relatively quiet. (For example, the noise level is around 44dB on the 4th speed, compared to 65dB when it's set on 8).
(Image credit: Future)
There's a reason why I can set it at a lower rate and still clean the air. That's because the average air purifier that's considered good (not to be confused with just the average air purifier) has a CADR in the 200 range. However, the IQAir Atem X has CADRs of 417 for dust, 422 for tobacco smoke, and 454 for pollen. This means that it cleans air at a much faster rate. (It's more normal for a purifier to just have one CADR, which would usually either be an average of the rates for dust, tobacco smoke and pollen or the highest of those three.)
For example, when I walk into the living room and my neighbor has been smoking – I set the air purifier fan on 8, it removes the smoke and odors in less than 10 minutes (usually only 7 or 8 minutes). And then I set it back to 4 or 5 to maintain the clean air.
Performance score: 5 out of 5
Should you buy the IQAir Atem X?
Attribute
Notes
Rating
Value
One of the two most expensive air purifiers I've ever tested, but one of the very best (and best-looking) as well.
3.5 / 5
Design
Stylish, with recessed controls on back and retractable cable. Has both touch and smart controls, and airflow is adjustable.
4.5 / 5
Performance
High CADR means it cleans air super-fast. Eight fan speeds provide precise control.
5 / 5
Buy it if...
You like customization options
Most air purifiers give you 3 to 5 speeds, but the IQAir Atem X provides 8, and you can also adjust several other settings as well.
You want to clean a large space quickly
With some of the highest CADRs on the market, the IQAir Atem X is great for use in large spaces.
You want an air purifier that looks good
Some air purifiers look like something you'd find in a hospital, and although the IQAir Atem X is white, it does not have that sterile, clinical look. The Swiss-design is actually quite beautiful.
Don't buy it if...
You want a quick and easy filter replacement process
It's not hard, but there are several steps involved in disassembling the IQAir Atem X, including prying the cover off, unlocking the locking levers, rotating the air purifier to remove the three filters, and pressing down to remove the impactors. Compare this to some air purifiers that only require pulling the magnetic cover forward, and then pulling out only one filter pack.
You're on a budget
You're getting into an arm-and-a-leg territory (possibly a kidney) to purchase the IQAir Atem X Air Purifier. There are certainly less expensive options on the market to choose from, and if you're only cleaning a small space, it's overkill.
You want to use voice assistants
Although there's an app, which is quite easy to use, if you want to be totally hands-free, you may prefer an air purifier that is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant.
How I tested the IQAir Atem X
I used the IQ Air Atem X in my condo-style apartment (open living room/kitchen, 2 bedrooms, built in 2016, HVAC) for a year and a half. During this time, I used it primarily in the living room/kitchen area, to clear cooking smells and second-hand smoke from my neighbor. I don't need that much power in my bedrooms – and I don't want to push it from room to room.
For this review, I noted how it responds to various pollutants and how quickly it removes them. Since I work from home and sit at my desk at least 8 hours a day – usually more – and my desk is close to the kitchen, I've had plenty of opportunities to test it with various cooking odors, especially when I'm writing and not paying attention to what I'm cooking. As a consumer tech journalist, I've reviewed over 50 different air purifiers, and I drew upon my experience to get a feel for how the IQAir Atem X compares to the wider market and if it is a good value for the money.
The Acer Aspire Go 15 is an affordable Windows laptop with a spec that should prove capable enough for everyday use.
Considering its 15.6-inch form, it has a sleek and slender body. It’s also quite thin and light, which makes it easier to carry around than expected. The light silver finish and minimal aesthetic also imbue the Aspire Go 15 with some style, although there are a few unsightly angles that mar its appearance somewhat.
It isn’t built to the same high standards as the best laptops, much less many of the best Ultrabooks, either. The materials aren’t premium, and its construction isn’t as reassuringly solid as I would’ve liked. The lid isn’t the most stable, either, and its downward protrusion means it lifts up the rear of the unit when opened beyond 90 degrees, which is a design choice I’m not particularly fond of due to its impractical nature.
On a more positive note, there’s a decent selection of ports, including three for USB-A, one for HDMI cables, and one for Ethernet connections. There’s only one USB-C port, though, and no SD card reader.
(Image credit: Future)
The everyday performance of the Aspire Go 15 is very good, handling light productivity and entertainment workloads with speed. However, more intensive tasks such as gaming fare worse, given that it lacks a dedicated GPU. Light gaming is still possible, though, and both fan noise and temperatures are kept to a minimum.
One of the most disappointing aspects of the Aspire Go 15 is its display. Its grainy finish can be distracting, while colors can look a little washed out in some cases. Worse still is the restrictive viewing angle, with images and scenes becoming totally obscured when the display is set even slightly beyond optimal bounds.
The battery life of the Aspire Go 15 is quite good, though, lasting close to 12 hours during our movie playback test. However, there are quite a few rivals that can outlast it, such as the Dell 14 Plus.
Considering its price, the Aspire Go 15 represents a very good value, offering a more affordable alternative to the best Windows laptops that cost a good bit more. There are also better-performing Chromebooks for less money, such as the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, which also has a better display, but if you can live with its display, the Aspire Go 15 is one of the best budget laptops going and well worth adding to your shortlist.
Acer Aspire Go 15 review: Price & Availability
Starts from $299.99 / £299.99 (about AU$450)
Base models have weak specs
Review model is still well-priced, though
The Aspire Go 15 starts from $299.99 / £299.99 (about AU$450) and is available now. A range of Intel and AMD CPUs are available to choose from, while RAM and storage capacities range from 8GB to 32GB and 128GB to 1TB, respectively.
This is a good starting price for a Windows laptop, but for this outlay, you’ll have to settle for a weak spec. My review model was considerably more powerful than the base model, and priced closer to some strong rivals.
However, it still undercuts other affordable Windows machines, such as the Dell 14 Plus. We found this laptop to be an excellent value, though, thanks to its fast performance and enduring battery life, while its light design even makes it a worthy alternative to some of the best MacBooks.
If you’re willing to look beyond Windows machines, the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch is another enticing proposition. This is cheaper than the Aspire Go 15, but has a stronger performance and a superior display that doesn’t suffer from the same issues. No wonder we think it’s one of the best Chromebooks around right now.
2x USB-A (3.2 Gen 1), 1x USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm combo audio; Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
3x USB-A (3.2 Gen 1), 1x USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm combo audio; Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
3x USB-A (3.2 Gen 1), 1x USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm combo audio; Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
Battery
53Wh
53Whr
53Whr | 53Whr
Dimensions
14.3 x 9.5 x 0.8in (363 x 241 x 20mm)
14.3 x 9.5 x 0.8in (363 x 241 x 20mm)
14.3 x 9.5 x 0.8in (363 x 241 x 20mm)
Weight
3.92lbs / 1.78kg
3.92lbs / 1.78kg
3.92lbs / 1.78kg
A wide selection of spec configurations are available, with both Intel and AMD processors. There is a mix of PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 SSDs depending on the spec, so some drives will run slower than others, and that's not always immediately apparent when looking at retailer specs sheets.
It also doesn't include the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standard, but Wi-Fi 6 is fast enough for most people's needs, while the inclusion of an Ethernet port is welcome.
Overall, for their various price points, these are about the specs one should expect.
Specs: 3.5 / 5
Acer Aspire Go 15 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Reasonably light and thin
Lacking solidity
Odd lid design
The Aspire Go 15 is a basic but smart looking laptop, with extraneous details kept to a minimum. The light silver finish of my review unit helped to impart some elegance, too, although a few unsightly juts and angles spoil its otherwise smooth contours. While the Aspire Go 15 is quite wide, it’s relatively light and pleasingly thin, which makes it easier to carry around than you might imagine for a 15.6-inch laptop.
Build quality isn’t exactly the greatest, though, with cheap looking – and feeling – plastics that flex to an inauspicious degree. Thankfully, the keys feel more premium: they’re solidly fitted and have a prominent texture that’s satisfying to touch.
(Image credit: Future)
The lid is also better made than the rest of the unit, featuring a solid yet smooth hinge mechanism. I welcomed how thin it was, too, although I was less keen on its bottom protrusion. This causes the rear of the Aspire Go 15 to lift off ground when opened to angles beyond 90 degrees – a deliberate design choice but one that feels unintuitive and can result in loose fabrics and other materials underneath the chassis getting caught, which isn’t ideal.
There was a reasonable selection of ports on my Aspire Go 15 review unit. I welcomed the three USB-A ports, spread across both sides for added convenience. There was also an HDMI port and an ethernet port: increasingly rare sights on modern laptops, and again ones I was glad to see. There’s only one USB-C port, though, and no SD card reader, both of which are mild shames.
Design: 3.5/ 5
Acer Aspire Go 15 review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Great general computing performance
Some light gaming is possible
Relatively cool and quiet
Acer Aspire Go 15 benchmarks:
3DMark Fire Strike: 3,646; Steel Nomad: 205; Wild Life Extreme: 2,229; Wild Life Extreme Unlimited: 2,200; GeekBench 6.5 Single-core: 2,000; Multi-core: 6,605 CrossMark Overall: 1,109; Productivity: 1,149; Creativity: 1,125; Responsiveness: 954; HandBrake - 4K to 1080p average FPS: 43.24
For everyday tasks, the Aspire Go 15 is very capable. It can handle light productivity, from word processing to spreadsheet creation, without much if any slowdowns. It also had no problem streaming 4K content. I didn’t experience any midway buffering pauses or stuttering, for example.
However, the viewing experience is marred by the quality of the display. It has a noticeably grainy finish, which can be distracting at times. Colors can also look washed out.
What’s more, the display darkens considerably if the angle isn’t set just right, to the point of near-total blackness sometimes. Thankfully, once you’ve found the optimum position, there are next to no reflections visible on screen.
Since there’s no dedicated GPU installed in the Aspire Go 15, it isn’t particularly great for creative and gaming workloads. Cyberpunk 2077 is playable on the lowest preset, but naturally, you’ll have to make do with some rough visuals and uninspiring frame rates.
(Image credit: Future)
The game is even passable on Medium settings and upscaling, but you’ll have to contend with even lower frame rates and more input lag, rendering the experience less than enjoyable.
Mercifully, though, I experienced little fan noise from the Aspire Go 15 during such intensive workloads, never elevating above a faint whir. It also stayed commendably cool, with certain portions of the body reaching lukewarm temperatures only.
Another highlight of the Aspire Go 15 is its keyboard. The aforementioned keycap texture helps them feel more tactile, as does the surprising amount of dampening of the switches, despite their short travel and very low profile.
What’s more, they’re snappy and responsive, which only improves their typing prowess. And despite featuring a number pad, the layout doesn’t feel cramped. Those number pad keys are relatively small, though, but they’re still eminently usable. So overall, if you’re looking for one of the best laptops for writing, the Aspire Go 15 could well be a contender for you.
The touchpad is less pleasant to use, though. While it’s smooth enough for easy gestures and swiping, it’s not as large as those in other 15-inch laptops, which compromises its navigation abilities. Also, clicks and taps lack feedback and even rattle at points, which further hampers their functionality.
Performance: 4 / 5
Acer Aspire Go 15 review: Battery Life
(Image credit: Future)
Reasonable longevity
Rivals can far outlast it, though
The battery life of the is quite impressive. It managed to last close to 12 hours when playing a movie on a continuous loop. It’s also quick to charge, taking about two hours to fully top up.
The HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch achieved a similar score. However, others in this sector can outlast it by quite some distance, including the Dell 14 Plus, which lasted over 13 hours when we ran a similar test.
Battery Life: 3.5 / 5
Should I buy the Acer Aspire Go 15?
Acer Aspire Go 15 Scorecard
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Value
The Aspire Go 15 ranges in price from incredibly cheap to reasonably-priced for a Windows machine exhibiting this kind of performance.
4.5 / 5
Specs
While the Aspire Go 15 isn't loaded with the very latest specs, for the price, they're pretty decent.
3.5 / 5
Design
It’s surprisingly thin and light for such a large laptop, but the construction isn’t exactly the most premium.
3.5 / 5
Performance
The Aspire Go 15 is great for everyday tasks and brilliant for typing on, but the poor display and lack of graphical power are drawbacks.
4 / 5
Battery Life
Battery life is quite good, but others can outlast it by a long way, too.
3.5 / 5
Total
The Aspire Go 15 is a very competent laptop for the price. But there are better all-rounders in the Chromebook market, if you really don’t need Windows.
3.8 / 5
Buy the Acer Aspire Go 15 if...
You want basic tasks done fast Light productivity and 4K streaming are both dispatched with surprising ease.
You’ll be doing a lot of typing The keyboard is a dream to use: it’s super responsive and provides plenty of feedback. The full-size layout doesn’t feel cramped, either.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best display The grainy finish, lack of brightness, washed-out tones, and exacting viewing angles all add up to a less-than-stellar visual experience.
You'll be conducting intensive workloads Since it lacks a dedicated GPU, the Aspire Go 15 isn’t the machine for creative pros or heavy gamers.
Acer Aspire Go 15 review: Also Consider
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus Although it’s more expensive, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus still sits in the affordable Windows laptop bracket. It boasts a Snapdragon X Plus chip (so beware, this is an ARM machine), which can handle everyday tasks with aplomb. The display isn’t as big as the Go’s, but it’s significantly sharper and less fussy, not to mention it features touchscreen functionality.
HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch Stepping outside of the Windows ecosystem, the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch is one of the best Chromebooks around, thanks to its excellent performance and display. What’s more, it’s cheaper than my Aspire Go 15 review unit. It’s also one of the best student Chromebooks.
I tested the Acer Aspire Go 15 for several days, using it for working, entertainment, gaming, and general browsing.
I also connected various peripherals to it, and ran our series of benchmark tests to assess its overall performance. I also tested its battery life by playing a movie on a continuous loop until it expired.
I have plenty of experience testing all kinds of laptops, from everyday workhorses to high-end specialist machines. I’ve also reviewed Chromebooks and other computing devices, such as tablets.
No one likes to be watched, even if the watcher has no real face, eyes, hands, or body. If there's an image of a floating face that seems to be watching your every move, it's gonna get old fast – and Napster View (forget about music) and its new AI platform straddle the line between real utility and overwhelming creepiness, helping me finally answer the question of just how much AI is actually too much.
The Napster View and AI idea is novel and potentially useful: a team of virtual assistants, each with their own area of expertise, at your beck and call to solve real-time problems. They will, if you let them, look at what your desktop screen, or even, via your computer's webcam, your real world.
The secret sauce for the platform is the $99 Napster View hardware (it's currently only available in the US), which puts any one of a half-dozen experts (and their avatars) in a circular 'holographic' screen right above your desktop.
The hardware is lovely if a bit over-built. A roughly two-inch in diameter but quite thin screen is connected to a pair of folding metal blocks that balance the display on top of your MacBook display by sort of cantilevering it against the back (rubber keeps the metal from scratching your laptop). There's a USB port on the back of the top block, which receives the included USB cable. You then plug that into one of your MacBook's available USB ports.
It works with any of the best MacBooks running an M1 chip or newer, and it's your Apple silicon-based MacBook that drives the graphics; however, you can also just run the interface on your desktop. The whole reason for the $99 hardware is to get that floating interface out of the way.
Setup
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Setup is fairly straightforward. You have access to your 'team', which includes your Chief of Staff Kai Mercer, a financial advisor, Kevin Jones, and the wellness guide, Elena Garcia.
While these are just a collection of slightly topic-tailored LLMs, each one also features an attractive avatar who stares out at you, waiting for your first request. Eleven Labs made them so they move just enough to seem lifelike. But when they talk, it's mostly just their mouths that move in sync to voices that, ultimately, do not always seem to fit the face.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
When I first installed the screen, I couldn't get the floating window off my desktop and onto the custom hardware. Turns out I had to give the Napster for Mac app some permissions, and then the avatar, in this case Kai's, appeared on the circular screen. The 3D effect is pretty decent, and appears to use some lenticular technology to separate the avatar from the background.
Kai, like my other avatar team members, blinks and watches me. But none of the avatars listen until I hit the mic button. After that, the interface adds options for turning on my webcam so the AI can analyze what I show it, a screen-share option, and a message center.
It took a couple of tries to get the Napster View avatar to see my screen, but eventually I figured out I had to choose the option to share the entire screen.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
I switched to the financial advisor, 'Richard Warnok', and asked it to analyze some fake small-business financials I had Gemini cook up. 'Warnok' did a good job of assessing that I was overspending and needed to make some changes, but when I said I wanted to lay off staff, he couldn't help me write the email. In fact, none of the avatars would help in that regard.
I then added a one-time $250K expense for a pet tiger. Warnok spotted it, and we eventually agreed it was a bad choice. It could not help me cook up ideas to monetize it.
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In my conversations with the AIs, which use a variety of models (including some from OpenAI and Google Gemini) depending on the task, it became apparent that they had no sense that I was engaging with them through a visual avatar. All told me they had no hair, no face, no arms. Even the one who had pink hair, my coding guide, insisted she had none.
I did enter a lengthy coding session with her in which she spit out what looked like usable JavaScript code, but she was not much use in helping me test it.
I didn't like that even when using the hardware screen, the software interface took up some screen real estate and blocked part of my MacBook screen.
What I liked even less was the avatars staring at me. Also, if I left the mic on, they listened to everything. That could be maddening.
Creating your own avatar
Perhaps the most fascinating part of Napster AI is the platform's ability to build a digital twin. That's right, an AI version of you that can interact with colleagues, friends, maybe fans, when you're not available.
There's quite a process here that starts with uploading a decent photo of yourself. The system will use it to build a rendered avatar, which is a nicer-looking version of you. You can even dress it up. I chose a nice blazer.
Napter AI asks for your LinkedIn profile, which is used to build a baseline career history. The most fascinating party, though, is the AI interview.
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One of Eleven Labs avatars (backed by Napster AI) interviews you for about three minutes about your career, highlights, your thoughts and feelings on your chosen industry, and how you want to interact with people. It's kind of a fun process, and even though it was just an AI, I felt sort of seen.
With that done, the last step is for you to read a paragraph of permission text that helps gather your voice print and ensure that you gave Napster AI permission to create your digital twin. I was pleased to see that Napster AI retains no right to my likeness or voice.
Unfortunately, my first attempt failed for unknown reasons, and I had to do the entire process again.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
My second attempt succeeded, though I think the AI questions were somewhat less insightful. It's almost like they rushed through the interview.
In any case, my Digital Twin is live and is living somewhat creepily in the Napster View. We engaged in a conversation that was, well, weird. My voice sounds almost but not quite like me. The animation of the mouth and face is not fantastic, but it sort of works.
As with the other avatars, mine appears to be floating on the screen, and like one of those images of Jesus some people hang on their walls, the eyes appear to be following me.
You can publish your digital twin and share the link on LinkedIn and other social platforms. Those who want to chat with it, though, do need to sign into Napster AI and agree to certain conditions.
Final thoughts
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
Napster View is a fascinating, if not necessarily useful, combination of hardware and AI software. Your affinity for it will largely depend on how comfortable you are with engaging with digital life forms who have ones and zeroes coursing through their virtual veins.
The hardware is well designed, and the holographic screen is effective. But I'm not comfortable with a face (even my own) staring at me all day. Plus, there's the need to verbally converse. Yes, you can wear earbuds, but you'll still be talking out loud to your computer. Your officemates or home office companions may not appreciate all the chatter.
The digital twin is impressive, and while it's not something I think I'll actively use, I am aware that this is the start of a trend. More and more people, especially those in business, will be employing digital twins to handle low-level tasks and, especially, communications.
Businesspeople using this is also a function of the price. It'll cost you as much as $49 a month to use Napster AI's digital team services (and run that digital twin). Consumers won't likely sign up for that, but small companies that want to think big and maybe be even more productive with the help of AI might be interested.
The Lomography Lomourette is a compact half-frame camera built for the fun of film photography. Lightweight, inexpensive and simple, it strips the analog shooting experience down to its creative essentials. With a fixed f/8 plastic lens, manual focus dial and two-position shutter speed lever, it’s all about finding the joy and beauty in imperfection.
In the hand, it feels every bit a toy camera. The build borders on cheap and there’s little in the way of refinement, with no aperture control or metering. What you’re getting here is a cheerful camera that embraces experimentation. The film advance wheel, for example, is independent of the shutter release, which allows for intentional or accidental double exposures.
Then you’ve got the half-frame format itself. Doubling the image count from 36 to 72, it allows you to squeeze twice the entertainment from a single roll of 35mm film, by shooting two vertical stills that sit side-by-side in the same area as a standard photo.
In use, the Lomourette can be both delightful and unpredictable. When you nail the exposure and focus distance for a given scene, it produces pleasantly grainy stills with realistic colors and surprisingly good contrast. Shot on Kodak Ultramax 400, images benefited from natural skin tones and the genuine haze of analog nostalgia, rather than a stylized recreation. The 24mm lens isn’t the sharpest, but it’s still capable of rendering impressively crisp detail and edges.
But shooting with the Lomourette also requires patience and a sense of humor. Loading film is fiddly, the focus adjustment dial is crude and the viewfinder doesn’t exactly match what the lens sees. Framing errors, light leaks and accidental overlaps are all part of the creative ride. You’re guaranteed to lose exposures along the way, usually due to under- or over-exposure. The pay-off is that the good ones capture memories with a rich, attractive look, while the happy accidents have a distinct charm of their own.
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That’s not to say there aren’t frustrations. The detachable Diana+ flash is inconsistent, sometimes refusing to fire even when the ready light glows. Exposure control is entirely manual, so you’ll need to choose film that suits your shooting conditions: ISO 200 or 400 is best for bright daylight, while the Bulb mode can be used for long exposures if you’ve got a steady hand.
Ultimately, the Lomourette isn’t for perfectionists. It’s aimed at those who value spontaneity over total control. This is a budget plaything for film newcomers, experimental shooters and anyone who wants to rediscover the joy of photography without the pressure of technical mastery. It’s a low-stakes way to play with film and embrace the magic of analog unpredictability.
If you’re after a dependable film camera that delivers consistently sharp, perfectly exposed images, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But if you like the idea of a pocketable, characterful camera that makes every frame a small surprise, the Lomography Lomourette is a refreshingly care-free reminder of what makes film photography fun.
Lomography Lourette: price and availability
The Lomography Lourette costs $69 / £65 and is available now, in multiple colorways, through the Lomography website and other retailers. The Diana+ flash is bundled with the camera, as are colored gel filters.
Lomography Lomourette: specs
Lens:
24mm plastic lens
Focus:
0.6m, 1–2m, 2–4m, ∞ (infinity)
Lens Aperture:
f/8
Shutter Speed:
1/60sec, Bulb (B)
Film Format:
half-frame (using 35mm film)
Flash:
Yes, with Diana F+ attachment
Power source:
1x AA battery
Weight:
3.9oz / 110g
Lomography Lomourette: design
Compact, bright and light, the Lomography Lomourette feels more like a toy than a serious photography tool. That’s entirely the point: this is a playful analog camera that comes in on a tight budget. Like the original Diana camera of the Sixties, the Lomourette’s body and lens are made of plastic, with no frills to sweeten the deal.
There’s some rounded detailing up top and a textured effect on the main body, but little about the Lomourette feels premium. It weighs next to nothing and there’s a sense of bargain basement about the assembly. That said, it also somehow feels robust enough to survive at the bottom of a family backpack. And if it doesn’t, the low cost means you’re unlikely to lose sleep over it.
Controls here are kept deliberately simple. There’s a shutter speed lever to toggle between normal (1/60sec) and bulb for long exposures, alongside a shutter release lever to the photographer’s right. On the front of the lens is a rotating dial which can switch focus between four subject distances: 0.6m, 1-2m, 2-4m and infinity. What you don’t get is any control over the aperture. Unlike other Lomography cameras, the lens here is fixed at f/8.
On the top plate, you’ll find a mount for the Diana+ flash attachment, as well as a film advance wheel. The latter operates independently from the shutter. That means you can fire off multiple exposures on the same frame, intentionally or otherwise. It’s a creative feature, but also one of several quirks that can trip up beginners. If you don’t want fully or partially overlayed exposures, you’ll need to make sure you’ve fully wound on between shots.
The flash itself is a detachable unit powered by a single AA battery, its two prongs slotting neatly into their dedicated holes. In keeping with the camera’s pared-back personality, the flash doesn’t feature any kind of exposure or intensity control. It’s either on or off, although you do at least get a ready indicator and the option to test-fire first.
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Everything is easy enough to find your way around with your fingers, even if the amount of play in the controls is testament to the cost cap. Bigger digits may also find it difficult to rotate the focus distance dial: rather than gripping the outer edge of the lens, you need to get your tips into the inner section and twist, which is easier said than done.
Loading film can also be tricky. Due to the small size of the teeth on the take-up spool, getting the film leader to catch can take a few tries. Likewise, the rewind lever needs to be perfectly aligned with the canister before the back panel and main body can be latched back together using the door switch. It all becomes a bit easier once you’re familiar with the process, but it’s a reminder that loving the Lomourette requires a little patience.
As you’d expect from a budget film camera, the viewfinder isn’t linked to the lens. This makes it easy to accidentally shoot with the lens cap still on. Even when it’s off, the viewfinder only gives a modest window for your eye to work with, and what it shows doesn’t perfectly reflect what’s being framed by the lens.
These are just some of the facets which increase the margin for error when using the Lomourette. They arguably add to its character: you can’t use it expecting the precision of a digital camera or the sophistication of a more advanced film compact. Instead, the Lomourette rewards a relaxed approach, where missed exposures and happy accidents are part of the creative process.
The half-frame format is a perfect fit for this fun-first ethos. It doubles your exposures from 36 to 72 on a standard roll of 35mm film, splitting each frame into two portrait shots. That makes it great for storytelling in pairs or simply getting more value from your film. It also makes the resulting images half the size, which helps to hide any shortcomings in the optical quality.
Lomography Lomourette: performance
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Like many of Lomography’s cameras, the Lomourette is more about feel than fidelity. Yet despite its plastic lens, many of the stills it produces are real keepers. While its image quality was never going to rival that of a more serious film camera, I was pleasantly surprised by how much contrast and clarity it captured.
Shoot in bright daylight and you’ll find that the Lomourette often delivers an attractive balance of realism tinged with nostalgia. Shadows and highlights are rendered with more depth than expected, while colors come through with a surprisingly natural hue, particularly skin tones.
Shooting on Kodak Ultramax 400, I found that stills have the quality of real memories from the mind’s eye: not too tinted, just an honest – if slightly warm and fuzzy – record of the scene. It stops short of the rose-tinted romanticism you encounter with some of the best instant cameras, leaning instead into the honest, grainy character of film.
The Lomourette’s 24mm lens doesn’t resolve a huge amount of detail, but it’s not as soft as you might expect. Nail the focus distance and you can get clean, defined edges. I shot stills sharp enough that text on clothing or the rim of a coffee cup stood out clearly, even through the haze of film grain. Zoom in and there’s enough detail to crop a single half-frame for sharing or use as a phone wallpaper.
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(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
That said, consistency isn’t the Lomourette’s strong suit. Exposure can vary wildly between frames, especially when lighting conditions change. Some shots are washed out, others underexposed. That’s just part of the deal. Without a light meter, it’s down to you to read the scene and shoot according to your film and the available light. ISO 200 or 400 is a good starting point. The ‘normal’ shutter speed of 1/60sec is just about fast enough for handheld shooting in daylight. Indoors, you’ll either need to use the flash or shoot a long exposure with the bulb mode.
My hit rate was probably 60%, with the rest affected by errors. Many of these were simply too dark or blown-out to be usable. But other shots with technical issues proved to be unexpectedly artistic. For example, overlapping frames produced layered compositions that felt intentional even when they weren’t, with shadows and light streaks crossing the border between stills.
Focus adjustment is fiddly but functional. The four-step dial is imprecise and tricky to twist, but it works well enough. Even when the focus isn’t perfect, gentle blurring adds to the lo-fi aesthetic. Soft fuzz provides a patina that complements the richness of the results, with slight barrel distortion adding further character. This is a camera that celebrates imperfection.
The only real frustration was the flash. When it fired, the detachable Diana+ flashgun produced a burst of light that gave life to low-light stills, particularly close-up indoor portraits. But despite testing its functionality and ensuring the ready indicator light was lit, there were several occasions where it simply didn’t fire, resulting in wasted exposures.
For such a simple camera, the Lomourette gets you thinking about film speed and shooting conditions. It would be easy to feel frustrated by the shots lost to errors. Yet playing with it isn’t meant to be about technical perfection. If you’re willing to surrender to the process and celebrate the attractive analog shots it does yield, the Lomourette is a lot of fun to shoot with.
Should I buy the Lomography Lomourette?
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Buy it if...
You want grainy retro stills Results from the Lomourette are packed with analog charm. Lovely rich colors, hazy focus and lashings of grain give images the attractive vintage quality many associate with film nostalgia.
You want to maximise every roll The half-frame setup lets you squeeze 72 stills from a standard roll of 35mm film, while the option of multiple exposures means you can stack even more on top.
You want a cheap film camera With a basic interface and bargain build, the Lomourette is an affordable film camera that’s ideal for everyday use. Stick it in a backpack and you shouldn’t be too worried about what happens to it.
Don't buy it if...
You want a premium film camera The Lomourette comes cheap and that’s reflected in the build quality. The lightweight camera body feels plasticky in the hand, as does the shutter release lever and film advance wheel.
You need foolproof performance Its controls are relatively simple, but it’s still quite easy to shoot with the Lomourette in the wrong shutter setting or accidentally overlay exposures. Loading film can be fiddly, too.
You want the best image quality Distortion, grain and soft focus are all part of the appeal here. If you want to try analog photography that consistently yields pin-sharp results, the Lomourette isn’t the answer.
How I tested the Lomography Lomourette
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Tested over two months
Shot 1.5 rolls of film
Used in different lighting
I used the Lomography Lomourette for two months to get a proper feel for its quirks and creative potential. During that time, I shot a full roll of ISO 400 and a partial roll of ISO 200 film. To mirror how most people are likely to use the Lomourette, I tried it both indoors and outdoors, in a variety of lighting and weather conditions.
I threw the Lomourette in a backpack for several family outings, to see how its build stacks up in everyday use. I also handed it to a six-year-old for a true test of how intuitive it is for anyone to pick up and shoot with.
I made sure to work my way through every one of the camera’s controls and settings. That meant loading it up with film and winding it on, then doing the reverse when the roll was finished. It also meant experimenting with the Diana+ flash attachment, using the camera’s bulb setting for long exposures and exploring its four-step focus to see how accurately the distance measurement affected subject sharpness in the resulting exposure.
After having the negatives developed and scanned, I reviewed every frame to evaluate color accuracy, exposure consistency and overall image quality. This approach – both analytical and holistic – gave me a genuine picture of how the Lomourette performs in the real world.
I have the Silicon Power US75 in the labs – a Gen4 NVMe SSD that offers high-end performance for mainstream builds without trying to get too fancy. It slots into the middle of the Silicon Power range and is one of the cheaper 7GB/s-class Gen4 drives available. It’s aimed at creators and gamers who are after fast yet affordable PCIe Gen4 storage.
The 1TB US75 (as tested) is rated for 7,000 MB/s sequential reads and 6,000 MB/s sequential writes – making it a good fit for handling large media files, giving fast game access or other storage-heavy tasks.
(Image credit: Future)
The US75 is a single-sided module and uses the Maxio MAP1602 controller that offers decent efficiency.
While currently hard to find in every capacity (depending on your location), Silicon Power offers it in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB or 4TB versions. The endurance is 300 TBW for 500GB, 600 TBW for 1TB, 1,200 TBW for 2TB and 2,400 TBW for the 4TB drive. That's pretty normal endurance for this class of drive and if you need higher, look at the Silicon Power Xpower XS70, which tops out at 3,000 TBW for the 4TB model.
The US75 is backed by a 5-year warranty, which is typical for a mid-range drive, but is better than most budget offerings.
(Image credit: Future)
In CrystalDiskMark, the US75 hit 7,356 MB/s sequential reads and 6,233 MB/s writes, and the real world profile (which mimics everyday file work more closely) gave 4,412 MB/s reads and 5,806 MB/s writes.
Using the Blackmagic speed test, I got 5,847 MB/s reads and 5,626 MB/s writes. In Iometer, the drive gave 690k read IOPS and 982k write IOPS – a great result that keeps up with pricier Gen4 drives.
Even in sustained runs, the US75 stayed reasonably cool despite the lack of a heatsink, but adding one is still a good idea for hot gaming builds and must-have for PS5 upgrades. You can get the US75 in a variant with a heatsink (and it's also PS5 compatible), but while readily available in the US, it's harder to find in the UK and rarely seen in Australia.
All in all, the Silicon Power US75 gives excellent Gen4 speeds at a price that few other drives can match.
You want a fast yet affordable SSD upgrade The US75 gives great bang for buck and compares well with similar performance drives.
You want peace of mind The US75 comes with great endurance numbers and a long 5-year warranty, so you can depend on it for a long time.
Don't buy it if…
You want ultimate performance The US75 is fast, but performance is capped by the Gen4 interface. For PCIe 5 speeds, consider the Silicon Power US85.
You need very large capacity The US75 maxes out at 4TB, so if you need more storage, then consider the Silicon Power Xpower XS70, which has models up to 8TB.
Silicon Power US75 SSD review: Also consider
Orico O7000 SSD It's another high performance but affordable SSD for those after Gen4 speeds without blowing the budget. Read our Orico O7000 SSD review for the full story.
After something different? Take a look at our guide to the best SSDs, or let me know what you would like to see reviewed next in the comments below.
