This review first appeared in issue 357 of PC Pro.
We were hoping to review the AOC 27B3CF2 in this Labs, as you can buy it for a similar price to the 27B3CA2 and they’re identical but for one factor: the stand. Where the version with A2 at the end has a lightweight plastic stand that keeps the monitor at a fixed position, with the bottom roughly 110mm above your desk, the F2 offers 110mm of height adjustment.
Both monitors offer the tantalizing prospect of a 27in USB-C docking monitor for around £150, and to hit that price point AOC has had to make some compromises. Let’s start with the features: you only get two USB-A ports (5Gbits/sec), and nothing in the way of extras, unless you count the 3.5mm headphone socket. Aside from this, only an HDMI port graces the rear.
Nor do you get hedonistic features such as a stand with swiveling capabilities, but as this unit weighs a mere 4.4kg it’s easy to maneuver and to carry round an office. At least you get some tilting action, with 5° forward and 23° back.
(Image credit: Future)
Naturally, this is a Full HD monitor rather than 1440p. As with all its Full HD 27in rivals, you lose sharpness around text edges, and there simply isn’t as much room for details, which makes it less useful for workers who like to view two documents side by side, especially if one of those documents is a detail-packed spreadsheet. However, whites look fine, so we were happy to use it for day-to-day tasks, and with 65W power delivery over USB-C it could be rolled out in offices where workers bring in their own laptops.
You shouldn’t expect bags of color; next to the Acer Vero B277 Ebmiprzxv, there’s only one winner. It covers a reasonable 92% of the sRGB gamut, though, and an average Delta E of 1.35 suggests respectable color accuracy. The one area of our testing where it fell down was brightness and contrast uniformity: out of 24 test areas, DisplayCal only gave one the green light.
We would love to end on a complimentary word about speaker or OSD quality, but sadly, no. In “Englishmen in New York”, Sting sounds like he’s singing down a phone line from the 1970s, and AOC’s OSD is looking increasingly dated compared to rivals. It’s okay once you get used to it, but there’s an unnecessary learning curve.
All of which means that there really is only one reason to buy this screen: that you’re desperate for USB-C docking and only have £150 to spend. In which case we recommend you seek out its 27B3CF2 sibling with an adjustable height stand.
Adding yet another premium option to the burgeoning smartphone stabilizer market, the Hohem iSteady M7 is Hohem's latest top-of-the-range gimbal. It’s built to carry almost any smartphone – including heavier or larger models that other gimbals can’t effectively stabilize – and comes with a wide range of features to justify its high price and (compared to some) bulkier proportions.
Hohem supplies the iSteady M7 with a detachable mini tripod (which screws into the standard tripod mounting point at the base of the gimbal handle), a detachable AI tracking module/fill light, and two USB charging cables: one USB-C to USB-C and one USB-C to USB-A. There’s no AC adapter included, so you’ll have to connect this cable to something else to recharge the battery. All of the above fits snugly into a hard-shell zip-up carry case, which also has a net-covered space in the lid to store extras such as manuals or additional cables.
The stabilizer folds flat for storage, with three locks keeping the gimbal arm firmly in place. When it’s time for use, these locks have to be manually disengaged so that the arm can move freely, and the arm also needs some simple manual balancing once the phone has been mounted. For mounting, the phone is placed inside a firm spring-loaded grip, which can be rotated 90º to switch the phone between landscape (16:9) and portrait (9:16) orientation.
Image 1 of 4
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Image 2 of 4
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Image 3 of 4
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Image 4 of 4
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
The grip and gimbal motor are powerful enough to accommodate smartphones up to 500g in weight, and 12.5mm in thickness. That impressed me, given that the last flagship gimbal I reviewed, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI, can only manage phones up to 300g and 10mm. If you own one of the larger smartphone models (including folding phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6) or like to have a chunky case or lens accessory fitted to your handset, this extra capacity could make all the difference.
Hohem has designed and built the iSteady M7 very well. The gimbal felt comfortable in my hand, and I found all the major controls – from the front trigger to the customizable zoom/focus/tilt/pan wheel on the left – to be thoughtfully located and easy to access. There’s even a built-in extension rod, which allowed me to add an extra 20cm of distance to the gimbal arm and achieve some otherwise impossible shooting angles.
For my money, though, the best design touch (and one feature that no other stabilizer offers, to my knowledge) is the 1.4-inch touchscreen panel on the handle. Not only does this enable access to a range of settings via swipes and taps, which meant I didn’t need to use the Hohem Joy companion app to delve into some of the stabilizer’s deeper functions, but it also unclips from the handle to work as a remote control unit. This meant I was able to set the iSteady M7 up on a flat surface using its tripod, then use the remote to control gimbal movements and more from a distance of up to about 10m.
Image 1 of 4
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Image 2 of 4
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Image 3 of 4
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Image 4 of 4
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
It doesn’t stop there. The iSteady M7, like the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI, comes with a small removable module for AI-assisted subject tracking. This mounts securely onto the gimbal arm (facing either front- or backwards) and, via a tiny camera, enables tracking of human subjects no matter which camera app you’re using on your phone. Some stabilizers will only track when using the manufacturer’s app, but this module meant I could use the native iPhone app, Blackmagic Cam, TikTok, or any other app I preferred. The Hohem Joy app itself is fine, although thanks to some poorly translated text and odd design choices, I would rather use other apps with which I’m more familiar. There’s room for improvement there, then.
The module also sports a really useful LED fill light (which can be customized for brightness and color) but perhaps more impressive is the way it combines really well with the remote unit. Not only was I able to preview the tracking camera’s POV via the remote screen, but I could also double-tap on the screen to track other objects. It’s far beyond what you get with the Zhiyun gimbal’s AI tracking.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
As for the 3-axis gimbal stabilization itself, I have absolutely no complaints. The usual modes – Pan Follow, Pan Tilt Follow, and POV – are supplemented by a full custom mode that allowed me to tailor movement speeds to my needs, and the ability of the gimbal to rotate through 360º on the pan axis gave me a lot of freedom to get creative with camera movement. The settings menu also features an ultra-wide-angle mode, which moves the gimbal arm out of the way of the camera during ultra-wide shots.
With a solid battery life of up to 12 hours with the gimbal largely static or eight hours with AI tracking enabled, you may want to pack a power bank for long weekend shoots, but I’m quite happy with the capacity. A USB-C socket on the gimbal arm even allows you to charge your phone’s battery while it’s mounted – just another example of the sort of thoughtful design touches that make the Hohem iSteady M7 arguably the best phone gimbal on the market right now.
Hohem iSteady M7 review: price and availability
The Hohem iSteady M7 is available now, and priced at around $299 / £269 / A$459. That puts it among the priciest of smartphone stabilizers out there, but given its spec level, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing – particularly if you own a heavier handset that cheaper stabilizers aren't able to accommodate.
Hohem iSteady M7: specs
Hohem iSteady M7 review: Also consider
Insta360 Flow Pro Insta360’s compact foldable gimbal feels like the pick of the current mobile stabilizer bunch – at least where portability is concerned. With excellent battery life, and the ability to subject track when using third-party iPhone apps (or the native iPhone camera), it’s an impressive all-rounder that’ll fit into a large pocket when not in use.
Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI With similar AI-driven app-agnostic tracking skills, Zhiyun’s flagship stabilizer is perhaps the Hohem iSteady M7’s main rival. It falls behind on several features, however, with no removable touchscreen remote and a much lighter maximum phone capacity – which is probably why it’s now substantially cheaper than the M7.
You own a heavy, bulky smartphone With its 500g weight capacity and ability to grip devices as thick as 12.5mm, this is the go-to stabilizer for anyone owning a large and heavy smartphone. Most rivals don’t come close to its payload limits.
You want a highly flexible gimbal Thanks to app-agnostic tracking, the built-in extension rod, the touchscreen remote control and its fully customizable pan, tilt and follow settings, the iSteady M7 is probably the most versatile smartphone stabilizer on the market.
Don't buy it if...
You need a compact, portable stabilizer There are lots of smartphone stabilizers that fold down small enough to fit into a small bag or even a coat pocket. This is not one of them. While it’s not especially large or heavy, you’ll need at least a small backpack or similar to carry the iSteady M7.
You’re on a tight budget You can pick up effective, well-equipped stabilizers for half the asking price of the iSteady M7, so check if you need all of its features and payload capacity before shelling out your hard-earned cash.
How I tested the Hohem iSteady M7
One week of use
Tested with an iPhone 13
Used for B-roll and vlogs
I used the Hohem iSteady M7 in and around my home for a week, using it to record footage both handheld and with it sat on the ground or a desktop using its tripod. I tested it with my Apple iPhone 13 and several camera apps, including the native iPhone camera app and Hohem Joy, and used the phone’s front and rear cameras to record b-roll and vlog videos.
This review first appeared in issue 357 of PC Pro.
You can usually be confident of aggressive pricing from Acer, and it doesn’t disappoint here. The next cheapest 4K screen, BenQ’s PD2706U, costs £399, while the BenQ BL2790QT costs £270 and includes a mere 1440p panel. No contest, surely?
In some ways, no. Photographers or film lovers who love detail will appreciate the level of detail on show here, and if you have good eyesight and devour spreadsheets – or tend to work with two windows side by side – the same is true for business use.
Technically, this is a superior panel too, as it’s a true 8-bit display that uses FRC to increase color coverage to 1.07 billion colors. The BenQ BL2790QT, by contrast, is a 6-bit panel with FRC taking its color range to 16.7 million colors. In reality, there’s little between them: the Vero covers 75% of the DCI-P3 space to the 73% peak of the BenQ, and both offer similar levels of (excellent) color accuracy.
Whites look whiter the higher you push the brightness, but this increases power consumption: at 200cd/m2 the Vero wanted 20W, pushing up to 24W at full brightness of around 280cd/m2, though head to the OSD and you can activate Max Brightness to take it to a searing 420cd/m2. That’s 70cd/m2 more than Acer claims.
Switch to HDR mode and the display will boost the contrast between black and white in films and games. And while it offers only a 60Hz refresh rate, the 4ms response time and AMD FreeSync support keeps action looking smooth. With a mediocre set of speakers inside, though, you’ll want to take advantage of the 3.5mm jack sitting next to two HDMI inputs and one DisplayPort at the rear. That’s your lot: there’s no USB-C here, no USB hub and no RJ45 port.
The 4K resolution provides lots of onscreen detail(Image credit: Future)
The stand is nice and solid, with a huge 165mm of height adjustment and a phenomenal amount of movement: up to 35° tilt and very nearly 360° of swivel. We also like the OSD, with a trio of shortcut buttons (two of which can be reassigned) and a mini joystick for speedy control.
One final note on the Vero branding. This marks out Acer’s most environmentally friendly products, and here that boils down to the use of more recycled plastic than a typical monitor. That’s a worthy move, but ideally we’d be looking for an EPEAT Gold rating rather than Silver, and some design tweaks to make it easier to repair and recycle at the end of life.
But let’s not be too critical. Only Eizo is truly leading the way here, and that’s reflected in the price of its monitors. You may not get much in the way of frills, but a good-quality IPS panel with a 4K resolution is hard to argue with at £269.
This review first appeared in issue 357 of PC Pro.
3CX is the place to go for the best IP PBX services, as its phone system software offers an unbeatable range of call-handling features. Not content to rest on its laurels, 3CX has been working hard on development and the version 20 on review represents the most significant update we’ve seen for many years.
Security takes center stage here, with 3CX hardening its systems against cyberattacks by using a zero trust model across the board for much stricter access control policies. Only allowing the native 3CX softphone app to be deployed from the Microsoft store adds extra security, and it lets 3CX update it as required without having to tinker with the main Phone System build.
One of the biggest changes is with the admin console. Previously, there was a separate management interface, but this has been redesigned and integrated into the client app so admins don’t need separate consoles to use and manage the system.
Admin functions and call handling are all neatly integrated(Image credit: Future)
Phone System is available in four plans, with the 3CX Free cloud–hosted edition aimed at micro businesses with up to ten users. The Small Business edition, also cloud-hosted by 3CX, supports up to 20 users and starts at £175 per year, while the Professional and Enterprise editions increase the number of features hugely and can be run on-site, in a private cloud or hosted by 3CX.
For this early review, Phone System V20 was only available for Debian Linux 12 so we chose to virtualize it on the lab’s Windows Server 2022 Hyper-V system. Deployment was undemanding: we assigned the downloaded ISO file to a new VM, booted it up and followed the brief Debian install wizard, which finished by loading Phone System and providing a link to its web console.
The new client interface will be a big surprise for existing users as the dashboard’s system performance graphs and quick access icons have been removed to make way for far more information about the Phone System status, configuration and event logs. All admin features are still easily accessible from the left menu, and a sidebar next to it provides direct access to calls, chats and voicemail, with icons to the top right provided for one-click links to a dial pad and availability status settings.
The new 3CX portal provides lots of information about your IP PBX(Image credit: Future)
There are some on-premises prerequisites, as you still need to create forwarding rules on your firewall for Phone System’s SIP and RTP port ranges. The system’s fully qualified domain name (FQDN) must now be resolvable internally and externally so your firewall needs to support split DNS, but smaller businesses can make all these issues disappear by opting to let 3CX host Phone System V20 in the cloud.
You’ll need a paid-for SIP trunk to enable VoIP calls; we used the excellent UK-based T4com Ltd, which is on 3CX’s supported provider list. Adding the trunk was simple: after entering the main trunk phone number, account and password, it was ready for action in one minute.
Adding new users and provisioning IP phones is just as easy as with previous versions, while ring groups, call queues and a digital receptionist ensure calls are never missed. Call forwarding allows users to redirect calls when they’re working from home, and 3CX has added 2FA user authentication plus integration with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and a host of CRM apps.
3CX Phone System V20 is our recommended choice for businesses that want to manage their own VoIP system. Available in a range of affordable plans, it can be hosted in the cloud or on-premises, and this latest version adds an impressive range of new features.
At first glance, the Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro is rather restrained in its appearance as gaming mice go. Its straightfoward design is rather inconspicuous, and the white model I've reviewed here is only offset by black side buttons and accents on the scroll wheel. The logo is inconspicuous and there’s no RGB lighting either. So far, so conventional.
However, the design of the Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro's front end is less so. The mouse buttons are raised steeply at the back, and curve down sharply before cutting short, which means the contact point is biased towards your fingertips, more so than I’ve experienced with many other gaming mice.
The M68 Pro weighs just 55g, and there aren’t too many full-size wireless gaming mice lighter than this. It undercuts the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, our pick as the best wireless gaming mouse, by eight grams. The Turtle Beach Burst 2 Air is one of the rare few that’s even leaner, tipping the scales at just 47g.
The two primary buttons on the M68 Pro feel solid yet easy to fully depress, and the same is true of the side buttons. The scroll wheel is notched well, making for smooth yet controlled spins, and the rubber layer offers plenty of grip, helping to make clicks feel secure. Overall, the M68 Pro seems to be a well-constructed gaming mouse.
The skates are quite thin, so you do feel hard desktop surfaces a little when maneuvering. Despite this, the M68 Pro doesn’t scratch or bottom out, as other gaming mice with insufficient padding do. This is impressive, especially considering there are only two skates on the top and bottom (although the included spare set features a piece for the sensor too). This is still a mouse I would recommend only using with a mouse pad, though, in order to get the best out of it.
The USB port is also located on the right rear side of the M68 Pro, a placement that will no doubt prove contentious, bucking the typical front-end trend (perhaps the snub-nose design leaves no internal room for this placement).
However, it does have the advantage of eliminating drag, although the included braided cable for wired play is light enough to make this no concern regardless. The port is also deeply recessed, so there’s no fear of accidental disconnection. The one major proviso, though, is that you’re right-handed and have your desktop on the right; if it’s on your left, then the cable is liable to get in the way.
Pressing the bottom button, which toggles between various settings and modes, can be awkward, as it sits flush with the underside surface. This is especially the case when pressing in combination with the two side buttons to toggle between the sensor modes, and I struggled to activate it consistently.
(Image credit: Future)
In fact, altering most of the settings on the M68 Pro is very awkward, since many require various odd button combinations. Worst of all, the buttons still register normal input when you're trying to activate the combinations, which means you have to be very careful about what window you’re on and where the cursor is.
These combinations are a necessary compromise given the lack of buttons and software, but keeping them active when holding them down is a serious misstep. Another gripe I have is that selected parameters are only indicated via different colors displayed on the small side LED, so you’ll likely have to keep referring back to the manual til they’re ingrained in your memory.
Once you get your head around these button combinations, though, there’s a wide selection of adjustments present on the M68 Pro. Despite having no software, there are eight onboard CPI settings to choose from, offering enough scope to dial in levels precise enough for most gamers. There are also four debounce time increments, ranging from 2ms to 12ms, which again should be more than enough to meet individual preferences.
There are only two lift-off distances (1mm and 2mm) to choose from, although this isn’t out of the ordinary, and while there are six polling rates to choose from (or four when wired, topping out at 1K), I can’t see many people wanting more than three for low (125Hz), mid (1K), and high (8K) values. There’s also an option to toggle motion sync on and off.
(Image credit: Future)
Once you start gaming, though, the M68 Pro starts to shine. That aforementioned fingertip emphasis encouraged by sloping mouse buttons makes for a more tactile experience. It meant I could get a better grip when lifting off before swipes, and somehow gave me a greater sense of connection to the on-screen action, especially when aiming. The different sensor modes are also effective, with Pro Gaming mode being remarkably snappy and precise, perfect for FPS titles.
Cherry claims the M68 Pro’s battery can last up to 90 hours on a single charge. Although I wasn’t able to get an exact measurement, I can say that after several days of testing, the LED was still green, indicating a percentage of between 75-100%.
To show the battery level, you have to hold down both side buttons and the left mouse button for three seconds, another inconvenient method if you’re still connected to your machine, since again the buttons will still operate. There are four colors representing the 25% increments, and since there’s no software, there’s no way to get a more accurate assessment than this.
All things considered, the M68 Pro is a high-caliber wireless gaming mouse with a few design quirks that may please some but deter others. It’s not what you’d call cheap, but it does beat perhaps its closest rival, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, when it comes to pricing.
The DeathAdder can be tweaked with Razer’s in-depth Synapse software, though, which is more convenient. And if you can live without an 8K polling rate and an inbuilt battery, the Cooler Master MM311 is a viable alternative with exceptional value, given it’s still wireless.
(Image credit: Future)
Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro: price & availability
$129 / £139 / AU$214
Black, white, and Team Vitality editions
Mid-range value
The M68 Pro costs $129 / £139 / AU$214. There’s one white colorway and two black variants: one with gray accents and another with yellow that also sports the logo of esports organization Team Vitality in place of Cherry XTRFY’s.
It’s cheaper than our pick for the best wireless gaming mouse, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, yet still competes with it spec-for-spec, as both have an 8K polling rate and the M68 Pro is even lighter.
However, there are more budget-friendly wireless options around, such as the Cooler Master MM311, which is the best gaming mouse for those on a budget – it’s massively cheaper than the M68 Pro and many other wireless gaming mice for that matter. However, its polling rate tops out at 1K, and it requires a single AA battery. Still, if you’re not after eSport-level performance, this may be a better alternative.
Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro: specs
Should I buy the Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro?
Buy it if...
You want elite performance The 8K polling rate will delight many pro-level players, and the overall performance when gaming is terrific.
You want something you can really grip The short, raking front end makes the M68 Pro a joy to hold in my opinion - although it may not be to every gamer’s taste.
Don't buy it if...
You want multiple connectivity modes There’s only one way to connect wirelessly, and using the mouse in wired mode may not suit everyone’s setup, considering the USB-C port is on the right.
You’re on a budget Although it’s slightly cheaper than some big-name rivals, including Razer, there are alternatives offering better value if you don’t need that ultra-high polling rate.
Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro: also consider
Cooler Master MM311 If you can live without that 8K polling rate – which more casual gamers can – then the MM311 is an excellent budget choice. In our review, we found it was still capable enough thanks to its great performance. It doesn’t have an inbuilt battery, requiring an AA battery to power, but that’s a minor inconvenience considering its price tag. Read our full Cooler Master MM311 review.
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro Another state-of-the-art gaming mouse with an 8K polling rate, the DeathAdder V3 Pro is only marginally more expensive than the M68 Pro, yet it has the advantage of integrating with Razer’s excellent Synapse software. It’s hard to find fault with this gaming mouse, which is why it currently claims the top spot as the best wireless gaming mouse overall in our view. Read our Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro review.
How I tested the Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro
Tested for several days
Played various games
10+ years PC gaming experience
I tested the M68 Pro for several days. During this time, I used it for gaming, working, and casual tasking.
I played titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version, and Fear the Spotlight, in order to cover a variety of genres.
I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and have experienced many mice during that time. I have also reviewed numerous gaming mice, all with various connectivity options, sizes, polling rates, and features.
This review first appeared in issue 357 of PC Pro.
A letter can make a big difference in a monitor name, and none more so than here. The ViewSonic VG3456 is a highly affordable flat-screen monitor that you can now purchase for around £250, while the VG3456C is curved – exactly like the AOC CU34P3CV and Philips 34B1U5600CH. They also share the same 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, giving you huge amounts of space on which to spread your windows, and VA technology.
The ViewSonic is the most stylish of the three, with slim bezels and a fuzzy speaker-like finish to the bottom edge of the monitor. We only wish the pair of 5W speakers could live up to the billing, but like so many others here they’re better suited to speech radio and web calls than listening to music or enjoying films.
We were also struck by this monitor’s tilting skills: you can push it backwards by 40°, which may well be the killer feature for some situations. While its height adjustment is limited to 110mm, that should be enough for most setups, and we’d give it a firm tick for stand quality overall: you feel like you’re buying a high-quality piece of kit.
(Image credit: Future)
The panel is much more average. Rather than true 8-bit color, this is a 6-bit + FRC affair, and this is one reason why its gamut is more limited than its curved 34in rivals. In native mode, it covers 74% of the DCI-P3 gamut compared to 88% and 85% for the AOC and Philips. But if you’re happy with the sRGB gamut then it’s fine, covering 97% out of a 104% volume. Accuracy is strong, too, with an average Delta E of 0.69.
With a stated peak brightness of 400cd/m2, we were surprised to find the monitor maxed out at 280cd/m2in our initial tests. But then we went into the (excellent) OSD and discovered that ViewSonic ships it with the Energy Saving mode switched on; deactivating this pushed the panel up to 435cd/m2. This also boosts the whiteness of the whites, but the penalty comes in power consumption: 48W compared to 31W at 200cd/m2.
ViewSonic doesn’t load this monitor with extras, so if you’re hoping for a webcam or KVM switch then you’ll be disappointed (there’s no USB-B input, either). But it does cover the docking station basics, with an Ethernet port and a USB-C video input that can deliver 98W of power. All four USB-A ports are 3.2 Gen 1, so 5Gbits/sec, with two sensibly positioned on the left-hand side.
It adds up to a solid curved 34in monitor, even if we prefer the punchier colors from the AOC and Philips. If the price drops it will become a strong choice.
This review first appeared in issue 357 of PC Pro.
If you’re a graphic designer but your budget doesn’t reach Eizo levels, then there are some extremely compelling reasons to choose the BenQ PD2706U. Let’s start with the obvious: this is a 27in 4K screen, so that means you enjoy incredible amounts of detail.
Unlike the Eizo ColorEdge CG2700X, it uses an 8-bit panel plus FRC to reach 1.07 billion colors, but if you’re happy to stick to the sRGB, Display P3 and DCI-P3 color spaces then it covers them all with superb accuracy. For example, switch to sRGB and it covers 98% with a 100% volume, while DCI-P3 covers 92% with no overspill. With a maximum (not average) Delta E of 1.81, you can trust what your eyes show you.
BenQ sweetens the deal thanks to a wired Hotkey Puck, which lets you easily switch between presets while a dial means you can swoosh through options. Head into the OSD and there’s even a dual-screen mode, which splits the panel in two so you can work in different color spaces side by side. This is an OSD that’s well worth exploring, too, with a huge range of color-tuning options. Buy a calibrator and you can fine-tune it to your heart’s content.
(Image credit: Future)
It’s attractively designed with slim bezels, with 150mm of height adjustment, 30° of backwards tilt but limited swivel at 20° on either side. There’s no RJ45 port and no webcam, but other than that you’ll want for nothing. The DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs are joined by a USB-C port delivering up to 90W of power, with a USB-C, USB-A and 3.5mm jack on the right-hand side. Two more USB-A ports sit at the rear alongside a USB-B connector, so you can share peripherals between computers. The speakers are just about good enough for listening to music, but you won’t be blown away.
If you do buy this monitor and the brightness looks duller than you’d expect (it promises 350cd/m2 and we measured a peak of 348cd/m2), head into Color | Advanced | Uniformity in the OSD and check that uniformity isn’t switched on. Doing so smooths out the differences from edge to edge, but also reduces your peak brightness to around 180cd/m2. We don’t think it’s worth the sacrifice.
The BenQ PD2706U can’t hold up to all the color options provided by the Eizo FlexScan CG2700X, which also offers a superior warranty: BenQ’s PD series include three years of collect-and-return cover, so if something goes wrong you may have to wait two weeks for a replacement. Still, though, BenQ PD2706U is a compelling buy if you have £400 and will use its color-switching skills.
I'd been reading about Oclean’s toothbrushes for a while and was impressed at how popular the brand had become in some markets in a short period of time. We already consider the Oclean X Pro to be one of the best electric toothbrushes, so I was rather excited when, in November 2024, the Oclean X Ultra S finally arrived in Australia, where I am based, after being released in the US in April 2024.
The Oclean X Ultra S is a sonic electric toothbrush that boasts some seriously smart features, including leverage bone-conduction technology to provide verbal feedback in real time to help you brush correctly. I’ve been using it since its Australian release late last year and there’s hardly been a day when I haven’t been scolded for doing something wrong.
What I mean by ‘scolded’ is that the voice alerts sound like a 4- or 5-year-old child telling you off. You’ll hear feedback like “over pressure” suddenly pipe up in your ear or, as has happened to me a few times, “hold the brush at a 45º angle”. I mean, you can’t exactly measure that angle while you’re brushing, can you? While I didn’t get scolded for brushing too quickly, there is a prompt for that too. The most common verbal feedback from the X Ultra S is to “switch area” every 30 seconds.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Despite sounding like a petulant child sometimes, I think the verbal feedback is helpful as I found it improved my brushing habits over time, although understanding what the voice is telling you to do isn’t always clear. It took me a couple of times to realize I was being told to hold the brush a certain way (at a 45º angle), and even the “switch area” prompt can occasionally sound a little incoherent over the brush’s buzzing. I would have preferred the voice prompts to be a touch clearer, but I’m really glad it’s not loud.
If you happen to live in a crowded house (or are traveling), people around you will barely know you’re being told off for not brushing particularly well. A few weeks after I began testing the Oclean X Ultra S, I traveled overseas for a 4-week family holiday and no one heard a thing when standing about two feet away from me. In fact, as a sonic toothbrush, the X Ultra S isn’t loud – the motor, despite delivering up to 84,000 movements per minute, doesn’t buzz above 45dB. To put that into perspective, that’s about how loud a library would get.
Brushing data is available in (gory) detail within the Oclean Care+ smartphone app. The toothbrush tracks 8 zones by dividing the oral cavity into 4 areas and counting the inner and outer sides of your pearly whites separately. It doesn’t, however, track the biting surfaces of your molars and premolars. Not only are you presented with a clover-shaped diagram to indicate your brushing score, number of times you’ve brushed that day and for how long, but a 3D movable denture diagram shows you how well you’ve done each session. You are also provided with information on how much excessive pressure you might have used or if there was any lateral movement.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
In fact, some of this information will be displayed on the bright color touchscreen on the brush itself, including the clover. This display comes on automatically as soon as you pick up the brush from its charging base or travel case, displaying a default mode based on the time of day – Sunrise Soothing in the morning or Sunset Clearout at night. A total of 6 modes are saved on the brush, including the so-called Exclusive Mode that you can select on the app from a choice of 14 (yes, there are a lot of brushing modes here!). You can even set up your own custom brushing mode if you want via the app and have it saved on the brush. Swiping downward on the side of the touchscreen will let you cycle through the 6 saved options.
The Oclean X Ultra S connects to the app via both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with a remarkably easy setup. While traveling, the brush can save up to 7 days of cleaning data, then transfer this information to the app when it’s back within the original Wi-Fi network. I was away for a total of 3.5 weeks on an overseas trip during my testing period and, sadly, wasn’t able to transfer the early brushing data to the app, but the last week of travel is visible on the app. Incidentally, this information can also be sent to the Apple Health app if you happen to be an iPhone user.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
While it comes with a small, round charging base that also doubles as its stand, there’s even a magnetic wall mount with a double-sided adhesive pad on it. Oclean says there’s wireless charging capabilities here but that didn’t work for me and, to be absolutely honest, I didn’t miss the feature at all – it seems rather superfluous to me when it has an impressive battery life of up to 40 days.
Admittedly, this remarkably long battery life will only be possible if you are brushing twice a day for just the recommended 2-minute session each, although I think the Oclean X Ultra S is capable of going longer. At the end of my 26-day overseas trip, the X Ultra S dropped down to 40% battery from a full charge, and that’s using the Unlimited Clean mode that let me brush for over two minutes each time (my average was 4 minutes). There are other brushes that offer similar battery life too, but I am yet to see a travel case that can charge the brush while you’re away.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
While it does seem to be relatively fragile compared to some of the travel cases that ship with say, Philips Sonicare and Oral-B electric toothbrushes, the Oclean X Ultra S has a case that looks premium and well made. Importantly, it has a USB-C port that can actually top up the toothbrush – something you’d be hard pressed to find with other popular brands. The case also stores two brush heads.
The X Ultra S comes with three replaceable brush heads in the box, each one catering to a different type of clean, like gum sensitivity or whitening. They look like any other sonic brush head, and the design of the brush itself isn’t anything remarkable. However, the color touchscreen is bright and looks rather smart when it's lit up. It’s capable of displaying festive greetings and showing you the weather. Even the light around the bottom of the brush, which goes from white to red when you’ve exerted too much pressure, adds to the brush’s aesthetic.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
All in all, the Oclean X Ultra S is one of the best electric toothbrushes I’ve used – available in Sage Green and Black colorways, it cleans really well in various modes and is arguably the smartest electric toothbrush yet. Perhaps a little too smart, because my only (tiny) issue with the brush is how the verbal feedback sounds – like a child scolding you. Other than that, this is a toothbrush you could definitely… well, sink your teeth into, but maybe consider buying it when it's discounted.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Oclean X Ultra S review: price & availability
Announced at CES (January) 2024; released April 2024 in the US
Available to buy now in the US and Australia; unavailable in the UK
List price of $129.99 / AU$449.95
As mentioned earlier in this review, the Oclean X Ultra S made its debut in January 2024 at the CES tech trade show and quickly made headlines as the only talking electric toothbrush. It was subsequently released in the US in April 2024, then made its way to Australia in November 2024. While it officially hasn’t been released in the UK, it may be possible to find it on Amazon but being shipped and sold by third-party resellers.
The Oclean X Ultra S will set you back $129.99 in the US and a whopping AU$449.95 in Australia, which is a much higher pricepoint as compared to other markets, even taking taxes into consideration. However, the X Ultra S can be had for half its Aussie price during major sales (which it was during Black Friday 2024, just days after its release Down Under).
If you’re in the UK, I’ve seen it listed online from anywhere between £93 and £219.99 at third-party retailers. UK customers who would love to try an Oclean brush can opt for the X Pro Elite instead, which has a list price starting from £69.90.
Given its various smart features and its build quality, I think the Oclean X Ultra S is absolutely worth considering if you’d like to stop using a manual brush or are keen to upgrade to a new electric one. Just keep in mind that it might take you a while to get used to the verbal prompts – if you can be patient, you’ll definitely see an improvement in your brushing habits.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Oclean X Ultra S review: specs
Oclean X Ultra S: score card
Should I buy the Oclean X Ultra S?
Buy it if...
You want the smartest electric toothbrush on the market
With its real-time voice prompts and feedback, plus a very detailed brushing report at the end of each session, the Oclean X Ultra S was designed to ensure you develop better oral hygiene.
You wear braces or have specific dental issues
Not only are there several brushing modes available via the app to cater to different needs, including one for people who wear braces, it also allows you to set up your own custom mode that would be best suited to you.
You travel a lot
Given its rather impressive battery life and the fact that the brush can be charged via its charging case using any USB-C cable, it’s a good one to take with you on the go.
Don't buy it if...
You want simplicity in your brushing routine
While its features can help improve oral hygiene, it’s also overkill for many users. If you don’t need all its bells and whistles, you can opt for a simpler electric toothbrush.
You prefer an oscillating electric toothbrush
While sonic toothbrushes like the Oclean are good for people with sensitive teeth and gums, some people might require the circular motion of an oscillating brush instead. In which case, you’ll need to opt for an Oral-B.
You don’t want to use an app
There’s no getting away from the Oclean Care+ app here – you’ll need it even to set up the brush and choose your preferred modes. If you don’t care for app dependency, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Also consider
If you aren’t sold on the Oclean X Ultra S or are looking for something different, below are a couple of options to consider – one is an oscillating toothbrush while the other is a sonic alternative.
Oral-B iO Series 6
If you want the power of rotating brush heads, Oral-B is the go-to brand and the iO Series 6 is a fantastic option that is frequently discounted, so you won’t need to shell out a lot of money for it. There are 7 brushing modes, a timer, pressure detection sensor and a basic travel case. Importantly, it’s easy to source the brush heads.
Coming close to what the Oclean X Ultra S can offer – sans the voice prompts, although you still get real-time feedback via the app. It’s a beautiful-looking brush, with a very quiet motor, but gets you only 5 brushing modes. You will, however, be rather dependent on the app to make adjustments to the modes and brushing intensity settings.
Testing period included a 26-day overseas trip without the charging base
Tried different brushing modes and brush heads
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
I swapped out my Oral-B oscillating toothbrush for the Oclean X Ultra S in November 2024, soon after its release to the Australian market (I am Sydney-based). I’ve used it twice a day since (and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future), trying out different brushing modes already available in the app and trying to set up my own custom mode. It took me a few sessions to realize that the maximum voice feedback comes via the Exclusive Modes and, for me, that was what helped improve my brushing habits over time.
A planned overseas holiday about three weeks after I began testing the Oclean X Ultra S was an excellent chance to test its claimed battery life. I didn’t carry its charging stand and, although I knew I could use the travel case with any USB-C cable to top up the brush, I didn’t have the need to.
I’ve been using different electric toothbrushes over the years – both sonic and oscillating – and have used this knowledge to rate the Oclean X Ultra S.
In our 2023 review of the Lenovo Legion Go, we described it as a "PC handheld built for PC gamers." Its stunning 8.8-inch QHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate, combined with AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, delivered exceptional gaming performance. At CES 2025, Lenovo introduced the smaller-profile Lenovo Legion Go S, shaking up the design of its original Legion Go handheld while introducing the one feature that so many PC gaming handheld fans have been clamoring for: SteamOS.
The new Legion Go S begins with the stunning 8-inch WQXGA LCD display, boasting a 1920 x 1200p resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and VVR support. While the controller layout remains mostly unchanged, this version opts for a non-detachable design, a few missing buttons under the left D-pad, and features a smaller touchpad.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Additional highlights include two USB4 ports, a headphone jack, and a microSD slot. The Legion Go S is also available in two color options, which vary based on the operating system buyers select. Both come packed with either AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme or Ryzen Z2 Go, which was co-developed alongside Lenovo as a Legion Go S-exclusive.
(Image credit: Future)
The Nebula Violet version comes packed in with SteamOS, making the Legion Go S the world’s first officially licensed PC gaming handheld powered by Valve’s popular operating system, first featured on the Steam Deck.
(Image credit: Future)
During my time with the handheld at CES, I tried a few games on it, including Portal 2 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. Outside of having some pretty fantastic performance for less graphically intensive games, SteamOS worked incredibly well during my time with it.
(Image credit: Future)
Playing around with the menu and selecting games felt as snappy as the Steam Deck, if not better, considering the newer hardware inside. Pushing various buttons and triggers felt as good as the bigger Lenovo Legion Go as well.
(Image credit: Future)
Many have complained about Microsoft’s lack of care for the rising handheld gaming PC market. Though the SteamOS version felt like an evolved Steam Deck, the Windows 11 version didn’t provide that same feeling on the Glacier White version of the Legion Go S.
The first game I tried on that model was Forza Horizon 5, one of the best open-world racing games available despite being a nearly five-year-old game. It ran quite well at mid-to-high settings.
There were additional games available on the handheld I tried, including Spyro Reignited Trilogy and Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, though the latter wouldn’t run during our hands-on with it.
Though Windows 11 does open up the opportunity to easily use Xbox Gamepass or other store launchers like Steam, Epic Store, and GOG, Microsoft’s OS continues to hold this configuration back like it does with other handhelds.
Lenovo Legion Go S: Price & availability
(Image credit: Future)
There will be multiple price points for the Lenovo Legion Go S, based around spec configurations and the OS you choose.
The base SteamOS model will launch in May, priced at $499, and featuring the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. For $100 more, users can get one with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor alongside 1TB SSD.
The Windows 11 version featuring the Ryzen Z2 Go chip, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD drops this month for $729, with a cheaper $599 configuration with the Z2 Go, 16GB RAM, and 1TB of storage, expected to launch in May.
Lenovo Legion Go S: Specs
Lenovo Legion Go S: Final thoughts
(Image credit: Future)
The Lenovo Legion Go S makes some clever strides by offering two distinct versions that cater to different gaming preferences.
So far, the SteamOS version stands out as a seamless and polished handheld experience, integrating with Valve’s Steam platform to deliver smooth performance, responsive controls, and an intuitive interface. The Legion Go S truly feels like a refined evolution of the aging Steam Deck.
Meanwhile, the Windows 11 model provides flexibility for broader gaming options, but struggles with the same software limitations seen in other Windows-based handhelds, like difficult menu navigation, inconsistent touchscreen responses, and more.
Considering the Windows 11 version is coming out the gate first, it’ll be interesting to see how far it can be pushed with some of the more graphically demanding games currently on the market once we get it in hand for a proper review, but no matter which system you go with, the Lenovo Legion Go S could very well be the PC gaming handheld to beat in 2025.
While MSI is typically known for its gaming gear, that hasn’t stopped them from venturing into the productivity space in the form of the VenturePro (yes, the pun was intended). Premiered at CES 2025, the MSI VenturePro 16 AI is proof that MSI is just as good at making productivity laptops as they are gaming laptops.
Equipped with a powerful CPU as well as graphics card, a component which is typically missing from productivity laptops, this laptop provides you with exceptional performance for both professional and creative endeavors.
You also get to take advantage of MSI’s brand new battery boost feature, which can provide you with up to 4 to 5 hours of extra battery life. This is excellent for those who are always on the go and need their laptop to keep performing.
Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / Jasmine Mannan)
While we don’t have a confirmed price or release date for this line of laptops yet, it’s likely that they’ll cost a pretty penny for the top end specifications which include Nvidia’s 40 series GPUs.
Other productivity laptops rarely feature dedicated GPUs, meaning having one included will likely come at a premium cost. Be prepared to shell out for this extra chunk of power baked in.
Design
(Image credit: Future / Jasmine Mannan)
Upon first looking at the MSI VenturePro 16 AI, nothing about it particularly stands out design wise. It’s a very simple looking laptop with a silver chassis. While it doesn’t particularly stand out, it remains sleek and attractive.
The MSI VenturePro 16 AI weighs 4.19 lbs (1.9kg) and is 22mm in thickness. While this isn’t the bulkiest of laptops, it’s not slimline by any means. If you’re planning to use it on the go often, or you need to get it between multiple locations like home and work, this laptop may not be the best option. Of course, it wont break your back, but there are definitely lighter options out there.
In terms of ports you get one USB-C port, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one RJ45 and one Kensington Lock. Everything you need and more.
Opening the VenturePro 16 AI, you’ll find a 16 inch, 2K display. It has a 120hz refresh rate and is an OLED panel making for some truly stunning visuals. Regardless of if you use this notebook for content creation, creativity purposes or just watching movies and videos, you’ll have an extremely pleasant experience thanks to this OLED screen.
Specs and Performance
You’re able to take advantage of the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H paired with up to an Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics card, allowing you to get top end performance, particularly in creative applications which you wouldn’t be able to get from alternatives that lack dedicated GPUs.
Of course, for the "AI" in VenturePro 16 AI, you can also take advantage of CoPilot+ which provides you with assistance in a range of daily tasks, allowing you to save heaps of time and boost your productivity.
The 55Wh battery isn’t the largest of batteries available in productivity laptops. The amount of usage you get from your notebook will be down to what specifications you have. MSI have yet to release true figures and my hands-on session didn’t allow me to spend long enough with the laptop to track the battery usage.
(Image credit: Future / Jasmine Mannan)
The MSI VenturePro 16 AI is also equipped with a superior cooling design allowing them to deliver higher and more stable performance without getting too hot or noisy. Perfect for a device you’re using on the go or in busy environments.
However, if the battery isn’t enough for you, you can also enable the battery boost feature which gives you an extra 4 to 5 hours of battery life according to MSI. While it’s not clear how this feature works for the moment, it’s a great option for professionals who are on the go and simply don’t have the time to charge their laptops very frequently.
Early Verdict
Overall the MSI VenturePro 16 AI is a fantastic laptop with great specifications, but it’s hard to judge whether or not its worth picking up without a price point.
Due to the graphics card in this machine, I’d expect this laptop to be on the pricey side. It has a simple design but some outstanding features like battery boost and a stunning screen.
