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I found the SteelSeries Stratus Duo a bit too small for my hands, but it’s still a competent performer

4:00 pm | March 3, 2025

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

SteelSeries Stratus Duo: one-minute review

The SteelSeries Stratus Duo is a compact wireless controller compatible with PC, Android, Chromebook and some VR headsets, thanks to its multiple connectivity modes.

It adopts a rather classic design, reminiscent of Xbox and PlayStation controllers, although it has a smaller, thinner form factor. The total black colorway is rather austere, and the lack of any RGB lighting is a departure from many gaming peripherals.

Compared to many of the best PC controllers around, the layout itself feels quite small in the hand. This makes all buttons easy to reach, especially the shoulder buttons, which are also favorably angled to decrease the amount of finger flexing required.

The build quality feels high all round, with the buttons satisfyingly damped, especially the bumpers, which are perhaps the standout in this regard. However, the LED light bar is roughly finished around the edges, which is a surprise given SteelSeries usual attention to detail.

The Stratus Duo feels great to game with. Its buttons are snappy and responsive, and the triggers and joysticks are precise with plenty of feel. Additionally, the D-pad is accurate and easy to use, although its proximity to the left joystick and sharp edges may prove irksome for some. However, these are minor gripes with what is otherwise a high-performing controller.

Connecting the Stratus Duo to a PC wirelessly was easy, requiring no setup other than plugging in the 2.4GHz USB dongle. It was just as responsive as when connecting using the included USB cable (which, amazingly, uses the micro USB standard, rather than USB-C). Bluetooth connection to Android devices also proved easy, stable and lag-free.

Battery life on the Stratus Duo is also good, in line with the 20-hour claim SteelSeries makes. However, its charging time of about two and a half hours is less than impressive.

The Stratus Duo competes with other popular controllers in terms of price. It has the edge over those controllers thanks to its multiple connectivity and compatibility options, although the lack of customization is a drawback. Ultimately, it may come down to hand size, as the compact layout may exclude those with larger hands, who will likely be better off with the Xbox Wireless Controller, for instance. For everyone else, though, the Stratus Duo is a competent controller with great performance.

Close-up of d-pad on SteelSeries Stratus Duo leaning on plinth on table — (Image credit: Future)

SteelSeries Stratus Duo review: price and availability

$59 / £64 / AU$105
Available now
Black colorway only

The Stratus Duo costs $59 / £64 / AU$105 and is available now in one colorway: black. The SteelSeries SmartGrip, an attachment for holding an Android smartphone, is sold separately and costs £9.99.

At this price, it’s up against the Xbox Wireless Controller, one of the best PC controllers and best Xbox controllers around. It does have more connectivity options than the Xbox controller, though, as well as a rechargeable battery as standard.

Although it’s compatible with various platforms, it doesn’t officially work with PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch consoles. If you’re after one of the best PS5 controllers, then the PlayStation DualSense controller is top of the class, and the 8BitDo Ultimate is one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers in our view. Both of these aren’t much more expensive than the Stratus Pro.

SteelSeries Stratus Duo review: specs

Close-up of shoulder buttons on SteelSeries Stratus Duo leaning on plinth with background — (Image credit: Future)

SteelSeries Stratus Duo review: design and features

Compact form factor
Finely damped buttons
No software

The Stratus Duo sports an all-black color scheme with an angular design that looks somewhere between an Xbox controller and a PlayStation DualSense, although it’s thinner and lighter than either of those.

It’s also more compact in its layout, with all its buttons relatively close together. The grips are more prominent too, meaning you can really wrap your fingers around them.

The shoulder buttons angle downwards more than on other controllers, which is a welcome feature and makes reaching for them much more comfortable, as well as being easier to press, as less finger bending is required.

Adopting the same schema as the Xbox, the Stratus Duo's buttons position Y and A top and bottom respectively, and X and B on the left and right. Although the buttons themselves are black like the rest of the Stratus Duo, there is a handy color key between the buttons – again mimicking the Xbox standard – although this is quite small and hard to parse in the heat of the moment if you need to look down to check.

The construction feels solid, with nicely damped buttons that are satisfying to press, especially the bumpers, which are far better to use than those on the Xbox controller. All buttons are also tightly fitted with very little play. One strange area where SteelSeries seems to have dropped the ball, though, is the plastic around the LED bars, as my unit appeared to show signs of fraying, which is not what you’d expect from a SteelSeries product.

Another baffling design choice is the fact that the Stratus Duo uses a micro USB port rather than the now ubiquitous USB-C. Thankfully, a cable is included, but considering most of the world has left the micro USB standard behind, it’s a bizarre decision.

What’s more, the Stratus Duo can’t be customized or tinkered with using SteelSeries’ GG software, which does feel like a missed opportunity, even at this price point. Even the Xbox Wireless Controller allows for some degree of remapping, but there’s none of that here with the Stratus Duo.

Side view of SteelSeries Stratus Duo leaning on plinth on table with pink wall and plant in background — (Image credit: Future)

SteelSeries Stratus Duo review: performance

Responsive buttons
Precise joysticks and triggers
Easy connectivity

Gaming with the Stratus Duo is a mostly positive experience. It feels comfortable in the hands, largely thanks to the ergonomic grip design, and the aforementioned compact layout makes every button easy to reach.

The joysticks are precise and offer enough grip without getting sticky to the touch, as those on other controllers are prone to. And while both sticks are relatively close together, I didn’t experience any issue with my two thumbs clashing.

The triggers are also great to use, offering plenty of control and feedback without being too weighty. This allows for precise inputs, very useful in racing games for subtle throttle control, despite not having as much travel as other controller triggers, such as those on the Xbox controller and the DualSense.

The D-pad is quick and easy to use, amenable to rolling in multiple directions, which is largely thanks to the long four-way prongs. Despite all directions being housed within a single unit – as opposed to having entirely separate buttons for each direction – I didn’t experience any mispresses.

However, the edges of the D-pad are quite sharp, which can be irritating after long sessions, and the aforementioned compact layout also meant that I sometimes knocked the left analog stick when making fast and frantic presses.

The inputs themselves are very responsive when using wirelessly with the included 2.4GHz dongle. Connecting via this method was a simple case of plug and play, and I experienced no issues with lag or stability.

The same is true when connecting via Bluetooth to Android devices. There’s a simple toggle switch on top for Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes, and a pairing button should you need it. I also didn’t notice any discernable difference in lag between using Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz dongle.

SteelSeries claims a battery life of over 20 hours for the Stratus Duo. Although I wasn’t able to reach its limits during my time with it, I can say that it barely dipped after several days of use. It took around two and a half hours to charge from empty to full, which isn’t a stellar performance; thankfully, you can charge and play at the same time.

Close-up of face buttons on SteelSeries Stratus Duo, leaning on plinth with background — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the SteelSeries Stratus Duo?

Buy it if...

You want to connect to other devices
As well as PC, the Stratus Duo is compatible with Android devices, thanks to its Bluetooth capability. It’s also compatible with Chromebooks and certain VR headsets.

You want a compact controller
The Stratus Pro is smaller than other popular controllers, with a more compressed layout, so its great for those who really want to get a handle on their pad.

Don't buy it if...

You want to play on console
Despite strong compatibility for some devices, it misses out on console play, with Xbox, PlayStation and Switch all excluded.

You have large hands
That reduced form factor may be a problem for those with larger hands, and I did experience some clashing between the D-pad and left stick in use.

Also consider...

SteelSeries Stratus Duo review: also consider

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
The standard bearer and our pick as the best controller for PC, The Xbox Wireless Controller does most things well. It connects to many devices, thanks to its Bluetooth and wired capabilities. However, there are few missteps, such as the lack of a rechargeable battery as standard, and customization is limited.

Read our Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller review

PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
If you’re in the market for a controller to use on PlayStation, then the DualSense Wireless Controller is certainly one of the best PS5 controllers in our view. It also works with many PC games, and can connect wired or wirelessly. The only real drawbacks are its weak battery life and mic quality.

Read our DualSense Wireless Controller review

How I tested the SteelSeries Stratus Duo

Tested for several days
Played various titles on PC and Android
Over 25 years of gaming experience

I tested the Stratus Duo for several days and used it to play games on PC and on Android.

I played a variety of titles, designed to test each aspect of the Stratus Duo: I played Tekken 8 to test its responsiveness and D-pad ability, Assetto Corsa to test the precision of the triggers and analog sticks, and Call of Duty: Mobile to see how well the Stratus Duo handles Android games over Bluetooth.

In over 25 years of gaming I have used a large number of first- and third-party controllers for PC, Xbox, Nintendo and PlayStation. I have also reviewed many gaming peripherals, including other controllers, mice, and keyboards.

Read more about how we test
First reviewed November 2024

Copilot Pro for Word review

2:56 pm |

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

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

Copilot has three main uses in Word: creating a draft for either an entire document or for sections of it, based on a prompt of up to 2,000 characters; rewriting selected text according to a prompt; and answering questions about a document’s content, including summarizing it.

When you create a new document in Word, you’ll see how much Microsoft wants you to draft using Copilot: it’s the first thing you see. And any time you make a new paragraph, the Copilot icon shows up in the left margin, letting you input a prompt to write a new section. If you select text, the icon shows up with an option to rewrite the selection. There’s also a Copilot icon in the Home toolbar, which opens a sidebar so you can ask questions about the open document, summarize it, or write additional parts.

The output quality of any big language model depends on the prompt you provide. If you aren’t specific or clear enough, Copilot Pro will produce dull texts that don’t match your voice. You must give sufficient details and context for it to understand your purpose and style, as well as information about the preferences of the audience, all of which can be tricky in a prompt limited to 2,000 characters.

Occasionally, it’s vague, drifts off-topic, or entirely ignores explicit instructions – for example, about word counts or facts you have told it to include. You must check and edit the texts that Copilot Pro writes to make sure they’re right for your goal and audience.

Desktop screenshot of Copilot Pro for Word — **Copilot for Word works best if you ask it to create an outline rather than an entire document** (Image credit: Future)

Copilot has its own little linguistic ticks, which you will probably need to be explicit about in prompts. It absolutely adores bullet-pointed lists, and will include them every time unless you tell it not to. Similarly, and likely reflecting the web content on which it’s trained, it loves to include “hints and tips” sections in virtually every kind of content.

Rewriting is also erratic. Although its grammar is impeccable (albeit with a penchant for the Oxford comma and American spellings), Copilot won’t catch and fix all the problems in your paragraphs; think coherence, structure and flow. It’s no replacement for a dedicated tool such as Grammarly or LanguageTool. I even found that Copilot added in things that Microsoft Editor thought were errors.

Copilot can still be handy in Word if you use it for what it’s good at. For example, instead of making it write a whole document, ask it to create an outline for you to work. This delivers solid results, and if nothing else avoids the blank sheet of paper issue.

I also found it handy to keep the sidebar open when working on a long piece; in one case, I needed to make sure that every chapter included a call to action at the end, and that’s something Copilot is great at. It’s also handy for those moments when you want to get suggestions for something, whether that’s as trivial as looking for an antonym or as complex as “give me five typical Russian male first names, popular in the 1950s”.

Considering that this is Microsoft’s first stab at Copilot for Word, it’s an impressive piece of work.

We also rated the best online learning platforms.

With the Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer, I can tap my way to perfectly-done meals

2:50 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Air Fryers Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer: one-minute review

The Kalorik Vivid Touch 7 Quart High-Resolution Touchscreen Air Fryer with Window stands out from the crowded air fryer scene in a couple of ways. First and foremost, it has a high-resolution touchscreen. I thought perhaps it was a silly gimmick until I actually tried it. The touchscreen meant that I didn't have to refer to a guide to figure out how to cook a particular item. It's all right there in the menu. For example, if you want to heat up some frozen french fries, just tap the French Fries option from the menu. From there, you choose from House Cut, Wedges, Fresh, Crinkle, Waffle, or Curly. Then you choose your quantity, make any adjustments to time and temperature you wish, and then hit start.

The other feature that isn't necessarily typical for air fryers is the large window and interior light so you can take a peek at your food's progress without interrupting the cook cycle.

Overall, this is a pretty typical drawer-style air fryer with some special touches that make it better.

Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer: price and availability

List price: $149.99 (about £119 / AU$240)

The Kalorik Vivid Touch 7-Quart High-Resolution Touchscreen Air Fryer with Window is available at many retailers both online and in brick-and-mortar stores such as Amazon, Home Depot, HSN, Walmart, and more. Choose from three color options: stainless steel, graphite, and black. The retail price is $149.99 USD for the 7-quart size. There is also a 5-Quart version, which retails for $129.99 and comes in just one color, stainless steel.

Value score: 4.5/5

Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer: specifications

Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer: design and features

High-resolution touchscreen
Twelve cooking menus
Window and interior light

The Kalorik Vivid Touch looks like a regular air fryer, with the standard drawer and interior crisping tray. You pull out the drawer by its large handle, place your food on the crisping tray, and air fry your food. However, instead of pressing buttons, the Vivid Touch is operated entirely via touch screen.

Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen air fryer in use — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

To use the air fryer, pull out the drawer and place the crisping tray inside. In the drawer, you'll see markings indicating the level of food you have inside. These markings will come into play when you start a cooking cycle. In certain cook modes, you'll select the quantity of your food of your based on these markings.

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Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer drawer interior — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

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The touchscreen menu technically has 12 cooking modes: French Fries, Frozen Faves, Pizza, Chicken, Red Meat, Pork, Veggies, Fish, Seafood, Bake, Vegan, Latin Food, Defrost, Preheat, Reheat, and DIY. In actuality, it's much more than that. For example, if you tap on the Veggies menu, you'll see more options: Florets (broccoli and cauliflower), Whole Corn, Cut Carrots, Cut Zucchini, Brussel Sprouts, and Green Beans. Under Chicken, you can choose from Wings, Tenderloins, Breast, Thighs, Drumsticks and Half Chicken. The Vegan menu includes Veggie Burger, Cauliflower Wings, Vegan Sausage, Tofu, Tempeh, and Seitan. Tap Latin Food and you'll see Chimichangas, Taquitos, Arepas, Platanos Maduros, Enchiladas, and Nachos.

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Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer reheating pizza — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

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Choose your cooking mode, then choose your specific food. You'll usually be asked to choose your quantity at that point, and also you'll have the option to change the time and the temperature if you wish. Press Start.

At the halfway point, you'll get an alarm telling you to shake (or turn) your food for even browning. This is important, because the heat comes only from the top. If you don't flip your food, only the top will get crisp and the underneath can get soggy. Tap the light bulb icon to turn on the interior light and keep an eye on your food through the window.

You'll be alerted when your cook time is complete. There is an "add two minutes" button you can tap if you like. Otherwise, remove your food and enjoy.

Cleaning the Kalorik Vivid Touch is easy enough, just hand wash the drawer and crisping tray after use. I don't even remove the tray for cleanup. You should also wipe down the interior of the air fryer outside of the drawer as needed.

Design score: 4.5/5

Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer: performance

I tested a number of foods in the Kalorik Vivid Touch on various cooking modes with varying degrees of success. Generally it works best for air frying pre-made and frozen convenience foods or reheating and re-crisping leftovers. I did try baking in the Vivid Touch and that worked okay, but only when baking very small and thin items.

Kalorik Vivid Touch tofu curry dish — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I can't take credit for the tofu curry dish seen above, my youngest kiddo made this delicious dinner. They seasoned and breaded the tofu, fried it up in the Kalorik Touch and put it together with curry veggies and rice. It was truly perfection.

French fries made in Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Frozen French Fries become a perfectly fried treat in the Kalorik Vivid Touch. The fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. They couldn't be easier to make. Just be sure to shake the drawer at the halfway point; you'll be alerted when you should do so. This ensures even browning.

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Sweet potato fries from scratch in Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

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Veggie made in the Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

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I made sweet potato "fries" from scratch in the air fryer with just a quick spritz of oil, salt, and pepper. They were delicious, browned on the outside and soft in the middle. I also make lots of fresh veggies and some definitely came out better than others. All of them got blackened, which I enjoy. But for some reason, the cauliflower came out perfect, but the broccoli and Brussels sprouts came out a little bit tough.

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Baking in the Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

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Corn bread baked in Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Baking in the Kalorik Vivid Touch is possible but not ideal. I baked a quick two-ingredient bread (greek yogurt and self-rising flour) which came out pretty well. You definitely want to keep it thin and small, and even flip it if possible. I made pancake bites in a small silicone muffin mold, and it took two tries to get them right. The key is to fill the molds less than halfway. Fill them up any more than that and they come out burned on top, raw in the middle.

I also attempted corn bread from a mix. I started with a baked the batter in two 5 x 5 inch pans instead of the 8 x 8 inch pan suggested on the box. I made one in the air fryer and the other in my toaster oven. The toaster oven one came out fine but the air fryer one was a fail. Though it was perfectly browned on top, it was raw in the middle.

Protein waffles made in Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

However, when I heated frozen pre-made waffles in the Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer, they came out just perfect. Nice and crisp on the outside, fluffy and warm on the inside. I did flip them halfway through the cook time and put a little chocolate on there which melted nicely.

Chicken made in Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Although I'm a vegetarian, I did make some chicken for my husband. I can barely touch raw meat, but I popped the chicken into the drawer, selected "Breast" from the "Chicken" menu, and it came out great. I did flip it half way as instructed, and I also added two minutes at the end of the cook time because it was a rather thick chicken breast.

Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer?

Buy it if

You prefer a touchscreen over buttons

No need to consult a manual over and over. The touchscreen makes operation easier and gives you lots of ideas of what you might make in the Kalorik Vivid Touch and exactly how to make them.

You want to air fry a variety of foods

With twelve different cook modes, if you can imagine air frying it, the Kalorik Vivid Touch can do it. Of course the DIY mode means the options are endless.

You want to keep an eye on your food

While your food is cooking, just tap the light bulb icon to light up the interior and peek at your food's progress. No need to open it and interrupt the cooking cycle.

Don't buy it if

You lack counter space

The Kalorik Vivid Touchscreen Air Fryer, particularly the 7-Quart model I tested, takes up a bit of counter space. It's not ugly but it doesn't exactly raise your kitchen's chic factor either.

You want the cheapest possible no frills air fryer

There are certainly cheaper options out there.

You plan to do a lot of baking in your air fryer

If that’s the case, you might prefer a toaster oven-air fryer combo appliance instead.

Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer: also consider

If you're not sure about the Kalorik Vivid Touchscreen Air Fryer, here are some other options to consider ...

Ninja Double Oven Air Fryer

Cook two different items two different ways at the same time in this two-compartment air fryer oven. This is a good pick if you want to bake and air fry with the same appliance, which is why it earned a place in our roundup of the best air fryers.

Read our full review here.

Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System

The clever Ninja Crispi air fries your food directly in a glass container that goes straight to the table and later the fridge if you have leftovers.

Check out our full review here.

How I tested the Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer

I tested many different cooking modes multiple times
I used it daily for two weeks to cook a variety of food
I cleaned it daily

I love to eat healthy meals but I don't really enjoy cooking. I'm always on the hunt for a kitchen gadget that makes cooking quicker and easier. The Kalorik Vivid Touch does that, particularly for crisping up convenience foods so they taste amazing. My husband and youngest (adult) child enjoyed using the Kalorik Vivid Touch as well. Between us, we made: veggie burgers, hash browns, veggie nuggets, broccoli, frozen waffles, veggie chicken nuggets, chicken breast, fresh sweet potato fries, cauliflower, cottage cheese bread, yogurt bread, breaded tofu, corn bread, pancake bites, tater tots, Brussels sprouts, french fries, and reheated pizza.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Price and Availability

The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 starts at a base price of just under $2,000 at $1,849. With that, you get a core i5, an RTX A1000, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage.

However, you can easily break $6,000 and even $6,500 if you opt for the maxed specs of a Core i9, an RTX 5000 Ada, 192GB of RAM, and 8TB of SSD. You can grab one of these workstations on Lenovo's website or their approved retailers.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Unboxing & first impressions

Since I recently reviewed the ThinkPad P16v Gen 2, I had a good idea of what this laptop would look, feel, and operate like before I even opened the box. However, I still ended up surprised at just how much larger the P16 (no "v") was compared to the "v" variant. I will grant that it feels more durable than the other, but regardless, this laptop is not for frequent travelers - unless you know what you are getting into and need this power portably.

Outside of that shock, the rest of the first look was as to be expected. It looks like a quality ThinkPad laptop, and that's precisely what I have come to expect from Lenovo.

Another thing worth mentioning is the excellent port offering, yet the inability to charge via a USB-C connection due to it requiring the first-party power supply.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Design & build quality

Specs

Processor Options: 13th & 14th Gen Intel Core HX (up to i9-13980HX)
GPU Options: Nvidia RTX 1000 Ada – RTX 5000 Ada
RAM: Up to 192GB DDR5
Storage: Up to 8TB
Display:
16” 2560x1600 (165Hz, 500 nits, 100% sRGB)
Optional: 3840x2400 OLED (HDR, touchscreen, 400 nits)
Battery: 94Wh
Weight: 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg)
Ports: 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), HDMI 2.1, SD card reader, Ethernet
OS: Windows 11 Pro

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 is a very robust laptop; there is no disguising that. I show the thickness difference between an iPhone 16 Pro and this laptop in one of the linked photos. Thankfully, that mass comes with a heavy-duty build, not just a heavy build. The Magnesium-aluminum chassis also has a premium and sturdy feeling, adding to the overall appeal of the ThinkPad P16 Gen 2.

One of the best features of a Lenovo ThinkPad is the keyboard, which remains top of the line when it comes to the best business laptop I've reviewed, without any loss of feel or function. The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 also features a full numpad, the famous red trackpoint, and a comfortable trackpad.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: In use

My team has had the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 in rotation for a few months. While it's for sure not the laptop we would choose to take on a trip with us, nor one we want to bring to the coffee shop for a light afternoon of work, it is, however, the one that we want to use around the studio or within the home due to its raw performance and abilities.

Under our stress testing, we noticed that the laptop would kick on the fans and get decently hot and a bit loud, but it kicks on the fans and cools itself down.

Another feature worth mentioning is the battery. It's impressive that this kind of power can be in a laptop form factor, but then you see that it can only last 5-7 hours with light use and a mere 2-3 with heavy load, and you realize this computer's power and lack of battery.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Final verdict

The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 is one of the best mobile workstations available, delivering exceptional CPU & GPU performance, a premium 165Hz display, and an unbeatable keyboard. However, its weight, fan noise, and thermal limits mean it’s best suited for desk-based professionals rather than frequent travelers.

After testing the Dell OptiPlex 7420 all-in-one business computer, I think performance is solid but it’s not going to be for everyone

10:45 am |

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

The Dell OptiPlex 7420 AIO is a compact desktop solution designed for the office. It combines reliable performance with a sleek design and is powered by Intel's 14th-Gen Raptor Lake processor. The PC can have up to an Intel Core i9-14900 with 64GB of RAM and dual m.2 Gen 4 SSD slots.

Sadly, this only comes with a 23.8-inch Full HD display, which is pretty poor by today's standards. It's not the absolute best business computer around, for sure. However, in the professional office world, you won't miss it while looking at spreadsheets, older software that has not been upgraded since the early 2000's, or answering emails.

While graphical intensity is not a focus of this computer, Dell has focused on simplicity and ease of use. Since everything is built into this compact computer, it is easy to toss on a front desk, on a medical cart that rolls around to check on patients, in a classroom, or even in small business retail scenarios.

Another critical factor to the Dell OptiPlex 7420 AIO is the fact that it can be VESA-mountable, meaning you could mount your entire workstation on a simple VESA mount that could be on a rolling cart with a portable power station, on a two-sided desk so you can flip the computer on either side of the desk, at a workstation that doesn't always need a computer, and so on. The possibilities are endless.

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Price and Availability

The base model of the OptiPlex 7420 AIO is $1,239 and comes with an i5, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. A higher-end configuration can exceed $2,300 and comes with specs like an i9, an AMD Radeon RX 6500 GPU, and/or 64GB of RAM. I spoke with Dell, and they mentioned that only a tiny fraction of their computers are purchased through their website and that computers like this are frequently purchased in corporate bulk purchases through Dell's commercial sales channels or even through third-party vendors like Amazon, Best Buy, and other tech retailers.

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Unboxing & first impressions

For years now, Dell has made a push for sustainable packaging. At this point, as a tech reviewer, I have come to expect my packages from Dell to be recycled materials. The OptiPlex 7420 AIO is no different. This packaging is rated at up to 93% recycled materials.

Once I opened the box, I found the computer, stand, base, power cable, and essential documentation. Dell has the option to add their basic keyboard and mouse if you need them, or if you have your own that you prefer to use, you could choose to use those instead. Another option is the embedded disk drive; the base resembles typical Dell monitors. But, with the embedded disk drive, this base now has the functionality of an entire disk drive built into an AIO format.

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Design & build quality

Specs

Processor: Intel 14th Gen Raptor Lake (Up to Core i9-14900)
Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM
Storage: Dual M.2 PCIe Gen4 slots, up to 2TB SSD per slot
Graphics: Intel UHD 770 (integrated) / AMD Radeon RX 6500 (discrete)
Display: 23.8-inch FHD (1920x1080)
Ports: 1x USB-C, 5x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4
OS: Windows 11 Pro

The OptiPlex 7420 AIO is very sleek, as I have mentioned. But that's part of what makes this computer so compelling for the right audience. In a public-facing office, medical office, school, store, or something similar, you don't always want a big, flashy computer workstation with multiple monitors, flashy desktops, laptops, or big speakers. You probably want something simple, easy to upkeep, and easy to use, all while not drawing attention to the computer, the rats-nest of cabling behind the monitor, or the large space-hogging desktop tucked to the side or under a monitor.

The VESA mounting feature in this computer makes it highly versatile compared to other AIOs, especially the standard desktop. Yet, if you do choose to use the stand, you can get features like the built-in disk drive, monitor rotation, tilt, and height adjustments.

Dell OptiPlex 7420: In use

The Dell OptiPlex 7420 AIO is unashamedly designed for office and administrative work. It's not meant to do heavy computing coding, graphic processing, video editing, or anything like that. What it is intended to do, though, is be able to access and navigate within an extensive client database and pull records for clients, or have a lot of dated and perhaps not super efficient medical programs up, or have a lot of applications going at the same time all with wicked fast response times so that your business isn't waiting for your front line's computer to load a proper file, process something into your database, or contact the right person. Keeping in line with this focus, thanks to the NVMe SSD support, the Optiplex 7420's boot time is quick, and the overall navigation and UI between programs are snappy and smooth.

The display is lacking a bit. However, 4K is not as big of a deal in the business world as in other professions. So, my only note is that it's not a super gorgeous, perfectly color-accurate monitor, and that's okay; it's not supposed to have that.

In this day and age, with so many meetings having a virtual possibility -- that is, the chance of it being a virtual meeting on Google Meet, Zoom, WebEx, or something similar - having a webcam is nearly vital. So, Dell put a pop-up webcam with HDR and presence detection into the OptiPlex 7420. What's great is that since it's a pop-out, you can pop it out when you need it and then pop it back in when you don't, just as quickly.

While this has a soundbar on the bottom of the display, the sound is not incredible. Still, it will be fine for video calls, listening to voicemails over a VoIP client, or watching a cooking tutorial on your break.

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Final verdict

The Dell OptiPlex 7420 All-in-One is a robust business-class AIO with solid performance and a sleek design. Equipped with Intel's 14th Gen processors and dual SSD slots, it provides excellent speed. The VESA mounting option adds versatility, making it suitable for office settings and kiosks. However, the 1080p display is disappointing, and the limited GPU options may not be the best choice for creative professionals. Nonetheless, this computer is still an excellent option for the right professional.

For similar machines, we've tested the best all-in-one computers around.

I’ve fallen in love with the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX 65% keyboard because of its brilliant touch bar and Hall effect keys

2:47 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Keyboards Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: Australia, ROG, UK, US | Comments: Off

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: one-minute review

Asus has introduced another fantastic keyboard with the ROG Falchion Ace HFX. This 65% board, which compresses only the most essential keys onto a short panel, offers immense functionality across several areas.

The drawcard of the Falchion Ace HFX is its incredible switches. While the standard Falchion Ace is available with three switch choices, the HFX only offers one tactile feel option – comfortable to the touch magnetic keys, making this Asus’ first hall effect keyboard. It’s one of the most satisfying keyboards to use that I’ve ever laid my hands on.

Despite not offering a wireless connection, it does include a dual USB-C arrangement so that it can quickly switch between two computers with a press of a button on the side, similar to how a monitor might switch between devices. A USB dongle or Bluetooth solution might have been more practical to pull this trick off, but it’s still a welcome ability.

The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX keyboard up close — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

More interesting to me is the return of Asus’ proprietary touch bar, a unique design element of the Falchion series that compresses media controls, volume, keyboard RGB brightness and other handy features into a touch panel, letting you adjust settings with taps and swipes of your finger. This feature rocked and is much more intuitive than a FN + key macro solution, though the depth of macroing with this keyboard is immense, allowing you to arrange quick commands, website hotkeys and quick Windows commands with a bindable keystroke.

With so much positive to say about the ROG Falchion Ace HFX, there aren’t many drawbacks, although the ones that are there might keep you from a purchase. This board doesn’t come cheap and is one of the most expensive options that Asus offers. The lack of a wireless variant will also leave buyers cutting down on cable clutter unimpressed, and those seeking wrist support will need to make a separate purchase.

More diehard keyboard shoppers will also be left unimpressed by the lack of hot-swapping functionality, and that there's only one switch type available (though the standard ROG Falchion offers three different options).

It’s a tremendous piece of kit. The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is one of the keyboards to beat in 2025, and it may be my favourite keyboard since the Logitech G PRO X TKL.

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: price and availability

The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX keyboard — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

How much does it cost? $199/£239.99/$AU$359
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, Australia and other regions

The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is the fourth most expensive keyboard that Asus offers, below the base model Azoth, customizable Claymore II, and the extremely expensive Azoth Extreme. The price marked for the Ace HFX is reflective of the epic magnetic switches underlying its awesome-feeling keys, but given its 65% size profile, it lacks a lot of the typically essential buttons present in the higher-priced models, including a dedicated function row and numpad.

Not that you should feel you need to move up the range for said features, because the Falchion Ace HFX is more than competent and exclusive on its own terms. Compared to the competition, it’s one of the only options to offer magnetic switches on a 65% board. You may want to consider the Logitech G Pro X 60 if you want an even smaller board, or the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro 65 if you want greater customization, but there aren't many major brands offering magnetic switches right now.

Value: 4/5

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: specs

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: design and features

The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX keyboard with a keycap removed — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

More reserved ROG design
Brilliant build quality
Useful multifunction panel and dual computer support

Asus’ ROG gaming accessories are at their best when they don’t look too gamery, and the Falchion HFX looks fairly neutral compared to many other high-end boards offered by the manufacturer.

Available only in black, the one thing about this board that I would consider a tad excessive from a design perspective is the spelling out of ‘Republic of Gamers’ across the top. RGB lights behind each key are programmable with several lighting animations available.

At the top left, you’ll see an illuminated symbol, indicating which setting you’ve got your multi-function touch panel set to, cycleable with the press of a multifunction button in the top left. The panel across the back can be swiped with a fingertip, and can be used to adjust brightness and volume, change key actuation points, play and pause media, or even pull off any dedicated macros you have in mind. In the Armory Crate app, you can limit which functions the cycling button switches between, allowing for a more streamlined experience (I simply have it set to volume and media controls). This touch bar isn’t a new feature, as it’s been available on other Falchion models since 2022, but it works especially well on a small board like this.

There are also lights at the top right, indicating if win lock has been activated, if caps lock is currently on, and if ‘Rapid Trigger’ has been enabled, allowing for much quicker keystroke response times than whatever your preset mode is set to.

Your keyboard’s RGB lighting and per key actuation points can also be adjusted in the ROG Armory Crate app, where you'll find Speed Tap mode. This changes the function of the keyboard to allow for quicker directional changes by prioritising the last pressed in key – so instead of coming to a full stop when strafing in a game, you’ll move left to right or vice versa without lifting your fingers off the keys.

Design and features: 5/5

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: Performance

The back of the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

8,000Hz polling rate
Magnetic hall effect switches with five layer dampening
Useful competitive gaming features

The Asus ROG Falchion HFX is a gaming keyboard aimed at competitive play, through and through. It offers an exceptional 8,000Hz polling rate – an enormous amount of reports the keyboard provides your computer in a second, theoretically improving response time. As a result of this, click latency is as low as 1.1ms on average with the Falchion HFX.

The keys feel coarse in a comfortable way, allowing for satisfying tactile contact between your fingertips and your inputs. A raised dot on the W key allows you to position your hands for gaming without looking down, brilliant for low-light battle stations.

The actuation point of your keys can be adjusted readily on the fly using the multi-function touch panel, allowing for much more shallow keypresses if you so wish. Backing all of this up is the fact that the keys are magnetic, and well damped to allow for a satisfying press while also being quick and not too loud. On the less technical side, the keyboard has three adjustment angles with two sets of feet underneath.

Many of these features may go above and beyond the needs of a casual gamer and indeed are well past the desires of somebody just after a useful typing tool. But for a dedicated gamer, the ROG Falchion HFX might be the exact device for your hobby.

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will likely be disappointed by the lack of hot-swappable keys, and that there's only one switch to choose from. Thankfully, the base model ROG Falchion offers more switch variety – the Falchion HFX is more of a performance model with its magnetic keys.

Performance: 5/5

Should I buy the Asus ROG Falchion HFX?

Buy it if...

You crave good performance and feeling

The ROG Falchion HFX offers a brilliant intersection of form and function, contained in a 65% board and offering some of the first magnetic switches on a mainstream model.

You want to ROG out

With its lighting and key programming reliant on Asus’ Armory Crate, you’ll likely want this to compliment other Asus peripherals in your arsenal.

Don't buy it if...

The price isn’t right

The ROG Falchion HFX isn’t designed to be a budget winner, and it’ll be a poor fit if you want to save cash.

You want greater customization

Mechanical keyboard fans will likely crave hot-swappable keys, which the ROG Falchion Ace HFX does not offer.

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: also consider

Keychron C3 Pro

Compatible across Mac and Windows PCs, the C3 Pro offers a solid design and a nice price, though it won’t be a winner among serious gamers.

Read our full Keychron C3 Pro review

Corsair K65 Plus

Slightly larger at 75%, the K65 Plus is comfortable and wireless, though it is on the pricey side.

Read our full Corsair K65 Plus review

Logitech G Pro X 60

Logitech’s smallest gaming keyboard might be a welcome option if you’re after switches from a premium brand but in a tinier unit.

How I tested the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX

I tested the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX over four weeks, paired with other Asus products including an OLED monitor, mouse and headset. I used it exclusively on my Windows 11 gaming PC and played games including Marvel Rivals, Avowed, The Headliners and Forza Horizon 5. I also used it for some productivity tasks, such as for typing out documents.

Over that time I used it across several lighting settings, enabled different macros and put it in different positions, while constantly adjusting actuation points and diving into toggles in the Armory Crate app.

First Reviewed February 2025

When traveling with a high-performance laptop, the Anker 737’s 140W charging makes it my go-to power bank

1:38 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone Accessories Phones | Comments: Off

Anker 737 power bank review

Premium power banks designed for high-wattage laptop charging are rare, but the Anker 737 stands out thanks to its 140W output, making it one of the best choices for MacBook Pros and other power-hungry laptops. Anker is a well-known brand recognized for quality, and the 737 delivers top-tier performance with a 24,000 mAh (86.4 Wh) capacity, a built-in screen, and multiple ports for a variety of devices.

While the 737 also comes with a premium price tag, at least it's easy to purchase – either directly from Anker, through online stores, or on Amazon. It's often discounted by up to 30% compared to the list price, making it a great deal for those who can catch it on sale. Plus, it's flight-safe, making it perfect for travelers who need a reliable power source for tedious long-haul flights.

Anker 737 PowerCore 24K 140W power bank — (Image credit: TechRadar)

The Anker 737 is one of a small number of power banks that cater to the latest high-end laptops, with the ability to supply up to 140W (28V, 5A) from the main USB-C port. Of course, it also handles charging phones or other portable devices just as well, with the second USB-C port offering up to 100W (20V, 5A) output, while the USB-A delivers 18W (9V, 2A). The 737 supports fast charging a phone at up to 27W (9V, 3A) as well as PPS 5A (3.3V – 21V) for wide compatibility, including Samsung fast charging.

At 630 grams, the Anker 737 is heavier than some alternatives, but its square 15.7 × 5.5 × 5 cm form factor is particularly well-suited for placement in drink bottle holders and is easy to pack in most bags, though it may be a tight fit in slim laptop bags. The power bank features an excellent color screen that provides real-time information on remaining capacity, battery health, and power output from each port, making it a valuable tool for monitoring device charging. It also includes a low-current charging mode for smaller accessories, activated by double pressing the power button.

The Anker 737’s standout feature is its ability to sustain a 140W output with rock-steady voltages. While it does get warm under sustained high-wattage loads, efficiency remains solid. The Gen 1 model I tested doesn't support 12V output from the USB-C ports, but the latest Gen 2 version of the Anker 737 is upgraded with 12V/3A PD-spec output that, among other things, charges DJI drone batteries at full speed.

At 140W (28V, 5A), 85% of the rated capacity is available. At a more common 100W (20V, 5A), an excellent 89% of the rated capacity is maintained. For phone charging at 9V 20W, the efficiency remains high at 87%. USB-C charging is the most efficient, while the USB-A port delivers 70.5 Wh (81.5%) at 5V 2A compared to 74.2 Wh (86%) from USB-C.

The Anker 737 charges itself impressively fast, reaching full capacity at 140W in under an hour. At 100W, it takes approximately 1.5 hours. It supports pass-through charging at up to 90W, but doesn't allow self-charging at the same time and lacks a UPS mode. The power bank uses high-quality 21700 cells and actively monitors battery health, making it an excellent choice for heavy daily use.

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Anker 737: Price & specs

Anker 737: Test results

Should I buy the Anker 737?

Buy it if…

You charge a laptop a lot
The 140W output on the 737 is ideal for power-hungry devices.

You value premium features like the display
It’s very useful being able to check the exact wattage being output by the 737.

Don't buy it if…

You just want a cheap power bank for occasional use
The 737 is well worth the price tag, but only if you need all the features.

You want a slim power bank
The large capacity and square form factor mean the Anker 737 won’t suit thin laptop bags

Also consider

The Anker 737 is one of the best premium power banks available, but below are a few other options if you are looking for something different.

ZMI No.20
This power bank uses premium components, has a large 25,000 mAh (90 Wh) capacity and is able to fast charge anything from a phone to a laptop at up to 100W.

Read our full ZMI No.20 review

Iniu B6 power bank
Need something easy to carry? With 20W fast-charge capability and a 10,000mAh (37Wh) capacity, the Iniu B6 is the perfect low-cost power bank to slip into your bag when on the go.

Read our full Iniu B6 power bank review

How I test power banks

I get hands-on with every power bank I test and conduct extensive evaluations in both lab and real-world scenarios. Using tools like the ChargerLab POWER-Z KM003C, I measure charge voltage, protocol support, and log capacity tests.

Each power bank is also tested with real devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, and connected to a programmable load tester for multiple charge cycles. I carry a selection daily in both pockets and bags to assess their durability and ability to withstand everyday use.

All measurements and weights are personally verified, ensuring accuracy beyond the manufacturer’s listings.

Want to know more? Read about how we test.

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SteelSeries Stratus Duo review: price and availability

SteelSeries Stratus Duo review: specs

SteelSeries Stratus Duo review: design and features

SteelSeries Stratus Duo review: performance

Should I buy the SteelSeries Stratus Duo?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

SteelSeries Stratus Duo review: also consider

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Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer: price and availability

Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer: specifications

Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer: design and features

Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer: performance

Should you buy the Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer: also consider

How I tested the Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Price and Availability

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Unboxing & first impressions

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Design & build quality

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: In use

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Final verdict

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Price and Availability

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Unboxing & first impressions

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Design & build quality

Dell OptiPlex 7420: In use

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Final verdict

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: one-minute review

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: price and availability

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: specs

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: design and features

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: Performance

Should I buy the Asus ROG Falchion HFX?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: also consider

How I tested the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX

Anker 737 power bank review

Anker 737: Price & specs

Anker 737: Test results

Should I buy the Anker 737?

Buy it if…

Don't buy it if…

Also consider

How I test power banks

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