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KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor review
10:41 am | December 19, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

The KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor from KTC (Key To Combat), a relatively new Chinese brand to the market bringing an affordable 32″ 3840 x 2160 4K 60Hz 16:9 VA panel with an advertised high contrast ratio measured at a 98% DCI-P3 colour gamut, a Variable Refresh Rate and HDR10 support.

That puts it into best video editing monitor territory. It also includes 2x 5w speakers. One key feature of this monitor is its SMART TV support for a variety of streaming services such as Google TV, Netflix, Disney+ etc.

The known Key Specs are:

  • Screen Size: 32”
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Max Refresh Rate: 60Hz (though it does support variable refresh rates)
  • HDR: HDR10
  • Colour Gamut: 98% DCI-P3
  • Speakers: 2 stereo speakers with 5W

KTC A32Q8: Packaging & assembly

The monitor came in the usual large box associated with monitors. The box was keen to point out the Smart TV capabilities of the monitor with logos of a couple of streaming services labelled on it. Once opened the box revealed a large polystyrene foam shell taking up the entirety of the box.

KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor during our review process

(Image credit: KTC)

The polystyrene foam came in two parts encapsulating the monitor with the stand and cables placed externally. Other than the stand, the monitor arrived with a UK to IEC13 cable, a Power Brick with Barrel adapter, HDMI Cable and its remote control. Also included were two small screwdrivers to get you started.

KTC A32Q8 only came with a quick start manual showing you how to put the monitor stand together and attaching it to the monitor, some basic specs and what the different ports on the back were for. It wasn’t very in depth. It goes into no detail about the OSD menus or other menus

KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor during our review process

(Image credit: KTC)

The stand is put together by slotting the pillar-like part onto the base plate and using the supplied screws and screwdriver, tightening them to fit. The supplied screwdriver is good for just getting started or if you have no tools, otherwise I would say use proper tools, they are painful on the hands and fingers to use.

The vertical part of the monitor is then mounted to the monitor itself, again with another two screws to support it. There is no vertical height adjustment or swivel support, only a slight amount of tilt from -5 to +15 degrees. There are no cable tidy clips, hooks, channels, etc.

KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor during our review process

(Image credit: KTC)

KTC A32Q8: Connectivity

  • Four USB-A 2.0 ports
  • A 3.5mm headphone jack
  • DisplayPort 1.4
  • USB Type C connector with up to 65W of power delivery
  • HDMI 2.1
  • The DC power Port
  • On the rear is the 100x100mm VESA mounts points

The rear of the monitor has, thankfully, downward facing connection ports thereby allowing you to place this monitor as close to a flat vertical surface such as a wall.

The connections are:

KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor during our review process

(Image credit: KTC)

The DisplayPort supports the full 4K 60Hz 10 bit colour gamut, the HDMI however is limited to only 8 bit at 4K 60Hz, a shame that they only supply a HDMI cable and no DisplayPort cable meaning that most average customers wouldn’t know this and may just opt to use the supplied HDMI cable thereby overlooking this flaw.

The USB-C also supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode allowing you to connect devices such as modern laptops to the monitor without use of a DP or HDMI cable, as long as you use an appropriate USB-C cable, which again isn’t supplied.

I was a bit disappointed by the use of the power delivery, a standard UK plug to IEC C13 cable, to power brick and then to DC barrel jack. The brick itself is that, a brick, it is fairly hefty with a long and wide body and slim height. I’m not a fan of power bricks because they will need to be placed and hidden and as an external point of failure, if the brick or DC was to be damaged, sourcing a new one with the correct sized barrel jack may prove difficult. I would have preferred a built-in solution with just a UK to IEC C13 plug as its one less thing to worry about, looking at the rear of the monitor suggest that there could have been space, there is a void large enough below the connectors, albeit the connectors may have to be repositioned if a redesign was in order.

KTC A32Q8: Performance

With a resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 32” on a VA Panel I noted that monitor a matt like textured anti reflective/glare coating on the screen, using a flashgun I was able to defeat it, but it's unlikely that you would ever have such glare like this on the monitor.

The monitor's backlight allowed some bleed but not much in truly inky blacks, not as good as a QD-LED. The image quality was sharp enough to allow you to enjoy most streaming services, complain free. To be honest, the average person will probably not notice any slight discrepancies in image quality unless testing it side by side with a better monitor from a well-known brand. Most end users would most likely be happy.

KTC A32Q8: Useability

The monitor has a single joystick like button on the back right hand side (as if looking straight ahead at the monitor) to allow navigation through the basic OSD (On-Screen Display) menu. Most of the menus, settings and controls are down through the monitor's own built-in OS like menus accessed and navigable using the supplied remote control.

After setting everything up and switching it for the first time, there were a series of menus to navigate in order to set it up which was quite involved. It wasn’t unlike me setting up my Samsung Smart TV for the first, not surprising since both are in effect, Smart TVs.

The monitor has built-in Wi-Fi, a useful feature allowing it to connect to your network and by extension to the internet allowing you to access the raft of popular streaming services. Especially as there is no RJ45 connector.

As soon as it was up and running, I used it more as a Smart TV than actual monitor, checking its features, logging on to my Netflix account, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube before remembering that this is a monitor review, not a TV one.

I used the monitor as any normal person would, using the display for work, general browsing, gaming and watching films or streaming service. For work, the monitor's large screen was useful for being able to display two good sized windows at once. General browsing was good, 32” being a very comfortable and usable size to work with unlike ultra-wide screen monitors.

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KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor during our review process

(Image credit: KTC)
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KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor during our review process

(Image credit: KTC)

Gaming had no issues, I tested the display playing both Helldivers 2 and Horizon Forbidden West, two games which are PS5 console ports, so more modern PC games should have no issues.

Watching content, such as Amazon Prime (here seen is Fallout) has two large black bars on either side, as did Netflix. YouTube was the same though this was content-dependent. In this example I am viewing a video in the 2160 mode.

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KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor during our review process

(Image credit: KTC)
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KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor during our review process

(Image credit: KTC)
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KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor during our review process

(Image credit: KTC)
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KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor during our review process

(Image credit: KTC)

The Monitor has 2 speakers, each with 5Ws of power, I listened to the speakers using a variety of sources from music, films, games and other genres. Like most in built Monitor speakers, they are better if you have nothing else but are easily outclassed by even cheap stereo speakers or better yet a headset or headphones.

I found the remote to be a bit on the small side, it doesn’t have many buttons and is powered by two CR2032 button batteries. the usual buttons are there; on/off, source selector, account, Google Voice, settings buttons. The centre is dominated by a square D-pad with centre select button, below that is the Home, back and multi-function button often found on Android like phones followed by the volume buttons. Lastly and most colourfully are the streaming services buttons as displayed.

Using the remote I noted the mushiness of the square D-Pad meaning that without looking at the remote, it was difficult to tell which direction you were pressing, my wife also noted the lack of a mute button which could have been placed between the “-“ and “+” volume buttons.

KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor during our review process

(Image credit: KTC)

KTC A32Q8: KVM

The Monitor is KVM capable for laptops and other small portable devices that support USB C output. You can plug in a keyboard, mouse and any other USB accessory so long as they are USB 2.0 compatible, which is near universal, just be advised that you’ll be limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds if you use an external HDD. Once connected your laptop or device automatically (if capable) discover your attached devices and display your desktop.

This would mean that you could have the display set up at home with attached mouse and keyboard. You could then take your laptop with you, plug this in via USB-C and are good to go with just one cable. An alternative would be to have a desktop PC and or laptop dock capability to connect to the display sharing a common mouse and keyboard. An incredibly useful feature in this day and age of mobile computing/hot desking.

However, having tested other monitors in the past and hot desking at work, I note that in order to use DisplayPort Alternate Mode to pass a laptop’s display to the monitor require the use of properly compatible cables, most USB-C cables used for charging phones are not compatible

However, I noted that for a monitor boasting USB-C KVM and display capabilities, a distinct lack of any ethernet RJ45 jack. Whilst most laptops, tablets etc have or are Wi-Fi capable, sometimes a hardwired connection is preferred. A missed opportunity, I think.

KTC A32Q8: Final verdict

Overall, the KTC A32Q8 Smart Monitor has some decent things going for it, trying to pull double duty as a 4K monitor and Smart TV like features. It does most of this well but falls short in some places, most notably the lack of an RJ45 connector for the KVM feature and stinginess of the supplied cables.

The sheer number of connectors allows end users the flexibility to use several consoles or workstations with the KTC A32Q8 as well as other peripherals. But you will need to supply your own cables.

The downside is that there is a lack of support or exact specs on the KTC A32Q8 as finding the KTC website isn’t as straightforward as you would like, once on the KTC website there is no mention of the KTC A32Q8 or documentation.

So, who is the KTC A32Q8 aimed at? Having thoroughly used the monitor as a general user as both a computer monitor and TV, I see it as useful for students, anyone on a tight budget, or those without much space to have both a desktop with monitor and TV. As it doubles as both it can do the role of both yet taking up the space of one at a great value.

For more monitor reviews, we tested the best 5K and 8K monitors you can get right now.

Brevo review 2024
4:04 pm | December 18, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Brevo, formerly known as Sendinblue, is among the most budget-friendly and best email marketing platforms available today. It's tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, combining email marketing, automation tools, and CRM features into one easy-to-use platform. With professional-grade templates and strong automation workflows, it's already established itself as a firm favorite among marketers.

Brevo provides a free plan for beginners and budget-conscious businesses, allowing unlimited contacts and up to 300 emails daily. It also includes SMS and WhatsApp marketing, which isn't usually found in basic tools.

However, Brevo has its downsides. Users might face minor data import issues and find the landing page features somewhat limited. This could be frustrating for those seeking a more comprehensive tool. Despite this, Brevo's affordability and user-friendliness make it a strong contender in the market.

Brevo review: Core capabilities

Brevo provides a suite of features to simplify email marketing and customer relationship management. At its core is a user-friendly email builder, offering over 60 professional templates that can be tailored to match your brand's look. Users can customize layouts, images, and text, and boost engagement by using recipients' names, locations, or other personalized details.

Brevo shines in automation, allowing users to create workflows that respond to triggers like sign-ups, purchases, or website visits. This automation simplifies managing multiple campaigns by handling repetitive tasks and enabling targeted outreach on a large scale.

A key feature is Brevo's integrated CRM tools, which let you directly manage your customer database within the platform. These tools give detailed insights into user behavior and interaction history, helping you segment your audience for more focused campaigns.

screenshot of brevo SMS and Whatsapp tools

(Image credit: Brevo)

Beyond email, Brevo supports SMS and WhatsApp marketing, enabling engagement with customers across different channels. This multi-channel strategy increases chances to connect with customers where they prefer.

Brevo also offers strong analytics tools for marketing performance insights. Essential metrics like email open rates, click-through rates, and bounce rates are provided, along with heat maps and device-based reports for thorough analysis.

Although these features meet most business needs, some users may find the lack of advanced landing page creation a drawback, limiting full campaign management.

Brevo: Ease of use

Brevo is often praised for its easy-to-use interface. Signing up is quick and takes just a few minutes. The onboarding process includes helpful prompts and guidance, perfect for first-time users.

The email editor is intuitive, with drag-and-drop features that make building email marketing campaigns easy, even if you're not technical. Tasks like uploading a contact list or designing an email campaign are quick and efficient.

New users can also access resources such as tutorials, blogs, and webinars, offering step-by-step guidance to maximize the platform's benefits. However, some users occasionally experience lags and tricky data imports, which can disrupt an otherwise smooth experience.

Brevo customer support

Brevo offers solid customer support with live chat, email, and a detailed knowledge base. However, the tiered approach gets a mixed reception.

Free plan users get basic support, while paid subscribers enjoy faster response times through priority channels. Most users have positive experiences with the support team, but sometimes, responses can be slow during busy periods.

The absence of phone support might be another downside for those needing immediate help. The knowledge base is well-organized and full of tutorials, guides, and FAQs — but that may not be enough for every situation.

Brevo pricing

screenshot of brevo pricing

(Image credit: Brevo)

Brevo uses a flexible pricing model that charges based on emails sent, not the number of contacts. The Free Plan costs $0 per month and allows up to 300 emails per day with up to 100,000 contacts, but includes Brevo branding.

The Starter Plan starts at $9 per month, offering 5,000 emails monthly, with an option to remove branding for an extra fee. In some ways the Starter Plan doesn’t add up. After all, if the free plan allows 300 emails a day, that is around 9,000 emails a month if you max it out - 4,000 more than the paid plan. But with no daily limits (you can send all 5,000 emails on one day if you want) and the ability to add up to 500,000 contacts, you get a much greater level of flexibility with the Starter Plan.

The Business Plan starts at $18 per month, providing advanced features like A/B testing, reporting, and additional automation tools.

For businesses with high-volume campaigns or specific needs, the Enterprise Plan offers custom pricing and tailored solutions. Brevo’s pricing adjusts based on email volume, making it suitable for businesses of any size. It offers good value for smaller businesses or those new to email marketing, but heavy senders should evaluate the cost of higher tiers.

Brevo review: Verdict

Brevo offers a great mix of affordability and functionality. With powerful automation tools, CRM integration, and an intuitive design, it's accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. Its multi-channel marketing features also give it an edge over competitors.

However, some downsides include limited landing page capabilities and occasional lags, which might annoy users looking for a more comprehensive solution. Brevo is ideal for businesses that prioritize email marketing over full campaign management.

Brevo FAQs

What makes Brevo different from other email marketing tools?

Brevo offers competitive pricing and charges based on email volume instead of contact count, making it more cost-effective for businesses with large databases. Its built-in CRM and support for SMS/WhatsApp marketing also distinguish it.

Is Brevo good for beginners?

Yes, Brevo is beginner-friendly thanks to its intuitive interface, robust tutorials, and generous free plan. Its drag-and-drop editor simplifies email creation, and the automation tools are easy to implement even for novices.

Does Brevo support advanced marketing automation?

Absolutely. Brevo's automation tools allow users to create workflows triggered by various customer actions, such as email opens or website visits. Advanced users can set up custom workflows for deeper personalization.

Is there a free trial?

Brevo offers a free plan instead of a time-limited trial. This free tier supports up to 300 emails per day, giving users a chance to explore core features before committing to a paid plan.

Can I create landing pages with Brevo?

Brevo allows for basic landing page creation, but it lacks the sophistication and customization options found in dedicated tools like Unbounce or Instapage. For businesses heavily reliant on lead pages, this could be a disadvantage.

Firsty review
4:11 pm | December 16, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Firsty is a new player in the eSIM market. A Dutch startup launched in 2024, Firsty offers a very innovative freemium model — a basic free plan with speed-capped data, followed by paid plans with full-speed access starting at €1.98 or $2.10/day.

Despite being a newcomer, Firsty is quickly gaining popularity among budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a backup data option. The service now covers over 160+ countries worldwide, offering both a free basic plan and premium paid options

After testing Firsty across several scenarios, we're impressed with its unique ad-supported free tier, which provides usable, if slow, data for essential tasks. Paid plans offer reliable full-speed connectivity at competitive prices.

Firsty: Pricing and plans

Firsty pricing

(Image credit: Firsty)

Firsty offers two main plans: Firsty Free and Firsty Fast. Firsty Free provides a basic, ad-supported data connection at no cost, allowing users to access essential services like messaging and email at extremely slow speeds. Firsty Fast, the premium paid tier, offers 2GB of high-speed data per day starting at €1.98 or $2.10 per day.

Firsty's freemium model and global plans set it apart from most eSIM providers, which require switching plans and subscriptions whenever you move from one location to another. While not the cheapest eSIM option on the market, Firsty's always-on connectivity and singular pricing make it a good option for most travelers looking for flexibility.

Firsty: Features

Firsty is a unique eSIM provider that stands out from the competition mainly thanks to its freemium model and transparently-priced global plan. Here are some key features:

Freemium Model

One of Firsty's most distinctive features is its freemium model. With Firsty Free, users can enjoy a basic, ad-supported data connection at no cost, allowing them to stay connected for essential tasks like messaging and email. This sets Firsty apart as one of the few providers offering a truly free tier.

Seamless Global Connectivity

Firsty’s global plan provides seamless connectivity across borders. Users can automatically connect to the best available network without the need to manually switch SIMs or purchase local eSIM plans. This makes staying connected while traveling a breeze, eliminating the hassle of traditional roaming.

Affordable High-Speed Data

For users who need faster speeds, Firsty Fast offers high-speed data at competitive prices. Plans start at just €1.98 per day for 2GB of data, with transparent tracking and fair top-up options. This allows travelers to enjoy streaming, video calls, and other data-intensive tasks without breaking the bank.

Firsty: Installation and activation

Firsty activation steps

(Image credit: Firsty)

Firsty makes it incredibly easy to get started with their eSIM service. The onboarding process is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, guiding you through each step with clear instructions.

Simply download the Firsty app, select your plan, and scan the provided QR code to install the eSIM profile on your compatible device.

The app walks you through the necessary settings to activate your eSIM, such as labeling it and setting it as your preferred line for data. Firsty provides ample resources to assist new users, including detailed FAQs, step-by-step guides, and responsive customer support.

One key aspect new users should be aware of is the importance of having a strong internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi when installing and activating the eSIM. Additionally, it's crucial to turn off data switching after activation to prevent unintended usage of your home carrier's data.

Firsty: Coverage and speed

As of 2024, Firsty currently offers eSIM services in over 160 countries, including the US, Europe, and Asia. It leverages partnerships with local telecom operators to ensure reliable connections and competitive data speeds in most regions. Firsty is available in:

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy

While Firsty's coverage is not as extensive as some of its more established competitors like Airalo, the company is rapidly growing its network. Speed tests indicate that Firsty's paid "Fast" plans deliver good performance, with download speeds around 200+ Mbps and upload speeds around 25-30 Mbps, depending on the local network conditions. However, the free ad-supported tier is notably slow at around 0.05 Mbps download and 0.10+ Mbps upload, sufficient only for basic messaging and email.

Compared to other eSIM providers, Firsty stands out for its unique freemium model, offering a basic always-free plan alongside competitively priced paid options. While its coverage and top speeds may not match the most comprehensive providers, Firsty's flexibility and affordability make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Firsty: Support

Firsty support

(Image credit: Firsty)

Firsty offers multiple support channels to assist users, including email support via support@firsty.app, an online help center with FAQs, and troubleshooting guides. The app also provides in-app instructions to guide users through setup and usage.

Customer reviews suggest that Firsty's support team is responsive and helpful. One user on the App Store mentioned that the support team was "dedicated" and "available 24/7 to assist." A reviewer on Trustpilot was impressed with the service, finding it "very useful as a backup" and "very easy" to use.

However, some users on Reddit reported mixed experiences, with a few encountering issues during installation and configuration. It's important to ensure you have a strong internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi, when setting up the eSIM to avoid issues.

Firsty: Final verdict

Firsty is different from other eSIM providers. There’s no marketplace to purchase region-specific plans depending on your travel destination, nor is there a need to activate and reactivate as you move.

Instead, there are only two plans, a free one and a paid one. While the free plan offers enough functionality to perform basic tasks, the paid plan is competitively priced and follows the same pricing model irrespective of your location.

We found Firsty to be a reliable eSIM provider with good speeds and reliable coverage, despite its offbeat approach to pricing eSIMs. While its uniform global plan may be expensive for certain areas, you may well find it to be cost-effective depending on the regions you are targeting for your international trip.

Firsty: FAQs

What is Firsty?

Firsty is a mobile app that provides seamless global connectivity for travelers using eSIM technology. It offers two main products:

Firsty Free: Provides a basic speed connection for free, allowing you to email, message, and use essential apps. You get 60 minutes of free data, after which you need to watch a 30-second ad to reconnect.

Firsty Fast: The premium paid tier offers high-speed data up to 2GB per day, perfect for streaming and video calls. Prices start at around €1.98/day in Europe.

How does Firsty eSIM work?

Firsty utilizes eSIM (embedded SIM) technology to provide connectivity. An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone, enabling you to download Firsty and instantly connect to mobile networks without needing a physical SIM.

How much is the Firsty app?

Firsty’s app itself is completely free to download and use. There are no costs to install the eSIM profile.

On the free tier, you can use unlimited data at a restricted speed for essential tasks. After 60 minutes, you watch a short ad to reconnect for another hour.

If you upgrade to Firsty Fast for high-speed data, prices start at €1.98 per day for 2GB in Europe. You only pay for the days of high-speed access you need, with no monthly fees or subscription.

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000 portable power station review
5:02 pm | December 15, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: 30-second review

Specs

Capacity: 828Wh
Battery type: LiFePO4
AC Continuous output: 1000W Pure Sine Wave
AC Peak Output: 2000W
AC Outlets: 3 x 1000W (Peak 2000W)
Solar Input recharge: 300W
AC Imput charge: 700W
Ports: USB-A: 3 x 12W, 1 x 18W, USB-C 2 x 100W, DC 2 x 120W
Dimensions: 393.7 × 279.4 × 269.24 mm (15.5x11x10.6 inch)
Weight: 16.96kg (37.4 lbs)

The FlashSpeed 1000 is a great-looking portable power station, finished in matte black and grey, with large carry handles, a decent cable storage system, and a range of inputs/outputs, all neatly arranged on the front. There’s also a large light panel on the back, which is useful for camping or if your car breaks down and you need some powerful illumination.

The rugged design of this portable power station gives the impression that it has a much larger capacity and maximum power output than it actually has. That capacity comes in at 828Wh, and the maximum output is again relatively low at the 1kW mark. Why this is surprising is because recently, when looking at power stations of this size, you'd expect a bit more headroom; however, all things considered, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1000 is extremely well priced for what's on offer.

What it does provide is a solid power supply, and during testing, it impressed when powering a variety of devices, from camping kettles and heaters to laptops, cameras, lighting gear, and 3D printers, and being used as backup power in the home. Out in the field, the design of the Flash Speed 1000 came into its own, with its large carry handles making it relatively easy to move around despite its weight. The large size also proved useful, providing a flat surface area to place equipment and even made a handy seat when needed. The build quality is extremely robust, reassuring you that it can take a good knock or two. Whether you're using it in daily life or out in the field for work, it should stand up to whatever use you put it to.

Before diving into the standard uses of the FlashSpeed 1000, it’s worth highlighting the jumper option. This is an interesting addition, although you’ll need the optional jumper cable adapter to use it. Essentially, it enables you to jumpstart your petrol or diesel car without the need to hook up to another vehicle. If you live in colder conditions, then a feature like this is going to be a great option.

In use, it performed well, although the maximum output of 1,000Wh was a little limiting, meaning that running either a small 1kW heater or a kettle required switching off other appliances. However, the 2,000 W surge protection does provide some buffer, especially for the kettle. For more standard uses, such as charging and running most devices, the FlashSpeed 1000 excelled.

While the FlashSpeed 1000 incorporates all the latest technology, its size and internal capacity differ from much of the market, being larger and heavier with a smaller capacity than you might expect. However, it also features more AC ports, and with the option to add a large expansion battery and a solar panel, this kit becomes one of the largest capacity and most affordable power stations available. Despite its relative size compared to some of the other best portable power stations we've reviewed, it offers superb value when fully equipped.

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Price & availability

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The standard price for the FlashSpeed 1000 is $999/£999, although it's often heavily discounted to around half that price, which makes it an exceptionally good deal. Not only that, but when coupled with the expansion battery and the 400 W solar panel for just under $2000 / £2000, it becomes a great all-round solution.

When it comes to availability, it can be purchased directly through the VTO Man website as well as major online retailers such as Amazon.

  • Score: 5/5

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Design & build

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The first thing that strikes you about the FlashSpeed 1000 is that it's slightly larger than most portable power stations of this capacity. However, this is in part due to the number of ports, including three AC on the front of the unit. These include three power input options, three 12 V, six USB, and those three AC sockets (similar to those you would find at home), and two additional, less common ports for a jumper cable to start your car (Diesel or Petrol) and the expansion battery link socket.

This jumper cable feature helps differentiate the FlashSpeed from other portable power stations on the market and makes it a great option for those in the van-life culture or anyone needing a truly heavyweight, powerful portable power station for use in the field. It's particularly suitable for mechanics or anyone working in garages on cars, both for the jumper feature and also for connecting tools.

While the size and design might be slightly larger and heavier than other portable power stations of similar capacity, the size and shape are perfectly adapted to the workplace, especially the large flat surface on top and a handy built-in compartment so you can safely store all the cables needed for the power station and connecting to mains/expansion battery or solar.

In terms of portability, the design thankfully includes two large carry handles, which are needed due to the 17 kg weight. Adding the expansion battery further increases the weight, so it's good to see a trolley accessory is available, and through the test is something we wished we had. Another positive aspect of the design, alongside the carry handles and cable compartment, is the large flat top and solid build, which firstly allows tools to be rested easily on top or otherwise enables the power station to double quite nicely as a makeshift seat when needed.

Another feature we really like about the design of the FlashSpeed 1000 is that all the ports and connectors are located on the front of the unit. This ensures that nothing is hidden around the sides, such as the mains AC input. If installed in a workshop or van, this means you don’t need to pull the unit out each time you want to plug it in to charge. The only thing that is hidden on the back of the unit is the lamp, which isn't an issue.

The design and build of this portable power station are good and solid, and there are small hidden design features that add to the reassurance of quality for this power station, such as the large vents on either side and internal fans that occasionally kick in to ensure plenty of airflow.

  • Design: 4/5

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Features

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

As previously mentioned, the full capacity of the FlashSpeed 1000 is 828 Wh, which, considering its nearly 17 kg weight, isn’t a great deal. However, it does have the option to add an expansion battery, which itself has a capacity of 1,548 Wh, boosting the total capacity to a considerable 2,376 Wh.

When it comes to output, the main battery can deliver 1,000 W of continuous power, and this remains the same with or without the expansion battery. A common feature is the surge protection, which is up to 2000W, which just gives you some flexibility with appliances that often have power spikes when they first start up.

Through AC power (or mains power), you can achieve a 700 W input, enabling you to charge the main battery from 0 in 70 minutes (although you should never allow the battery to fully discharge). There’s also the option of 300 W solar power input, which, on a bright sunny day and in ideal conditions, would allow the battery to fully recharge in about six hours. Alternatively, you can use DC input charging at 200 W per hour, taking 7–8 hours for a full recharge—though this could potentially drain your car battery.

One of the highlights of the system is the use of LIFEPO4 batteries, which are incredibly safe and offer up to 3,000 full life cycles with approximately 80% capacity retention.

Another common portable power station feature is the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) function. If your house experiences a power outage, then this power station can be connected between your main power source and your devices to ensure no power loss. For example, you could position the power station between your fridge and the mains to ensure the fridge stays powered during an outage.

An interesting additional feature of the FlashSpeed 1000 is the jumper cable connector, which allows you to jumpstart your petrol or diesel car. To use this function, you’ll need an adapter, which is relatively inexpensive and available through the VTO Man website. Once connected, you simply attach the jumper cables to your car battery and start the car as you would when connecting to another vehicle’s battery.

When it comes to ports, you have three AC outlets: 110 V / 1,000 W in the US or 230 V / 1,000 W elsewhere. These are pure sine wave outputs. Then there are three DC outlets: two 12 V / 10 A DC5521 ports and one 12 V / 10 A car charger-style port. Next to these are four USB Type-A outlets—three offering 5 V / 2.4 A and one supporting 18 W. There are also two USB Type-C outlets, both of which support 100 W quick charging (200 W in total).

  • Features: 4/5

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Performance

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The FlashSpeed 1000 is an interesting portable power station because, on the surface, its capacity of 828 Wh combined with a 1,000 W maximum output, physical size, and weight don’t initially make it stand out as a great option. However, as you start to become familiar with how this portable power station works, you begin to realise why its design is slightly different and how it managed to prove itself over the course of the testing.

Firstly, looking at the design of the power station. It is built to last, with two large carry handles, a cable storage compartment, and a design that, while slightly bulky and heavy, makes it relatively easy to move around. On-site, the design provides plenty of space to place tools and equipment on top or even to use it as an impromptu seat. It feels strong and robust enough to support the weight of most people.

Another benefit is that all the ports are located on the front of the unit, making it easy to plug in both power inputs and outputs without having to fuss with pulling it out of a van or moving other equipment to access the back. For example, charging via a mains AC port or a solar panel is straightforward and doesn’t require repositioning the power station.

During testing, we coupled the FlashSpeed 1000 with the expansion battery, which essentially trippled the capacity. At this point, it transformed from a single large unit to a double, quite bulky unit, but one that was far more useful in the field, with enough power to run all your gear.

When used with a range of devices such as kettles, heaters, camera equipment, lights, and laptops, the FlashSpeed 1000 was more than capable of keeping up with power demands. However, when it came to the kettle and heater—both rated at just under 1,000 W—it became clear that all other devices needed to be switched off or unplugged before operating these appliances individually. It’s impossible to run both the heater and the kettle simultaneously without exceeding the surge protection limit.

For more general use or when running just one high-demand appliance, the FlashSpeed 1000 performed exceptionally well. While the fans kicked into action during periods of high load, they remained relatively quiet during most day-to-day usage.

The arrangement of sockets and plugs is generally well thought out, with one notable issue: the MacBook Pro's transformer plugs. The height of these adapters was just a few millimetres too tall to fit comfortably between the socket and the surface the power station was placed on. To resolve this, we had to position the power station near the edge of a surface so the transformer could hang free.

Otherwise, for all other devices, the Flash Speed 1000 was ideal. Charging the unit was mostly done through the AC input (700 W), which charged the power station extremely quickly. During testing, we didn’t let the unit drop below 20%, and it consistently charged to full in under an hour. Alongside the main and expansion batteries, we also tested the 400 W solar panel. Plugging it into the solar input (maximum 300 W), we achieved about 150 W on a bright sunny day in late autumn/early winter in the UK. While this didn’t allow for a full charge in a day, it did top up the battery by about 20% over several hours.

One of the standout features of the FlashSpeed 1000 is the small LED display on the front, which shows the remaining capacity, power draw, and the type of connector being used. For example, plugging a MacBook Pro into the AC port shows exactly how much power it’s drawing and identifies the connector. If you switch to a USB port, the display updates accordingly. This simple but effective display makes it easy to monitor usage.

Unlike some premium models, the Flash Speed 1000 doesn’t feature a wireless app or additional advanced features. However, its simple, solid design and ease of use, makes it a great power source for a very reasonable price.

Test Scores:

Sony NP-F100: 14 full charges.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro battery: 9 full charges.
GoPro Hero 12 Black battery: 70 full charges.
MacBook Pro M1 Max: 7 full charges.
BambuLabs X1 Carbon: 2 hours 50 minutes of runtime.
Prusa MK4: 5 hours 52 minutes of runtime.

To run the first set of tests, the FlashSpeed was charged to 100%, and the battery or device was connected with a fully depleted battery and charged. The % usage was then divided by 100 to give a final result, where the % drop was low, two or three full discharges and recharges were carried out.

The 3D printers were set on a single 10-hour print and timed until the power ran out.

  • Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000?

Through the test, we used the FlashSpeed 1000 for a variety of purposes, from acting as a UPS for powering the TV and lounge lighting at home to running 3D printers in the workshop and finally providing power in the field for laptops and cameras. In all cases, the Flash Speed 1000 proved to be more than capable of handling the tasks required.

While there are some trade-offs, such as its size and weight relative to its capacity, what you get is a very good and robust portable power station. It may lack some of the frills of more premium brands, but as a power station that prioritises performance, it does exceptionally well—especially when you factor in the available accessories.

What we really liked about the FlashSpeed 1000 is that you can purchase the base unit, which essentially functions as an inverter with a reasonably sized capacity battery, and then expand it to a much larger capacity battery when your budget allows. The ability to plug in solar panels and create a complete power station ecosystem is particularly appealing, especially when considering that its price is significantly lower than many of its rivals. When comparing capacity with competitors, most do not offer the same level of expandability or the ability to handle high input volumes, whether through AC or solar, for fast recharging.

So, while the FlashSpeed 1000 may initially seem like a large, bulky, and slightly underpowered portable power station, its practicality becomes apparent in real-world use. Yes, it is large and heavy, and its 1,000 W maximum output is slightly limited, but what it does offer is a substantial amount of capacity that is delivered safely and quietly.

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Buy it if...

You want a simple-to-use portable power station

One of the great things about this portable power station is how simple it is to use. All ports are located on the front, making them easily accessible for both charging and output. The large screen on the front provides easy-to-read feedback about the charge level and power output.

You like the ability to expand the power

While the 828 watt-hour capacity will be more than sufficient for most field power demands, the ability to boost this by over 1,500 watt-hours makes it extremely appealing.

Don't buy it if...

You have high-demand devices

While 1,000 W is more than enough for charging many devices, such as camera gear and laptops, more demanding appliances like heaters and kettles generally require something with a higher wattage output.

You want app connectivity

Sometimes it’s handy to operate your portable power station remotely, especially if you're working on-site and unable to access the unit to switch the power on or off. In such circumstances, having app connectivity is essential.

For more outdoor essentials, we tested the best rugged phones.

Apricorn Aegis NVX secure hard drive review
10:44 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

Apricorn Aegis NVX: 30-second review

Specs

Connection: USB 10Gbps with 1000 MB/s read/write speeds
Compatible OS: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Symbian, and any powered USB OS with a storage file system
Dimensions: 67mm x 120mm x 15mm
Weight: 200g
Certification: IP68, FCC, CE, and VCCI standards
Warranty: 3-year limited

The Aegis NVX 1TB is a relatively simple-to-use portable hard drive, but unlike the majority of portable hard drives, this device is all about security. As is common with this style of drive, there’s a 12-key keypad on the front of the device that enables you to enter a PIN to gain access.

There’s also an integrated USB Type-C cable that tucks neatly into the side of the aluminium body, giving it an ultra-tough look and feel.

While there are many secure drives available, the Aegis NVX 1TB takes things to another level with hardware data encryption built into the device. This means that all data is encrypted as soon as it enters the drive space. Even if someone were to bypass security and access the drive, without the hardware, they would not be able to read or decode any of the data.

This drive essentially separates the software on your computer from the storage drive. Access is only unlocked once the correct PIN code has been entered, after which it functions like any other external portable hard drive. What’s interesting here is that Apricorn has included an ultra-fast internal SSD, enabling transfer rates of up to 1000 MB/s. Unlike some other secure hard drives, this makes it more than capable of being used as a working drive as well as a secure storage solution for your digital data.

Using the drive is straightforward, with a series of button pushes on the keypad allowing you to code in an admin PIN, user PIN, read-only activation, and several other security features. Since all these features are controlled purely through the 12 buttons and confirmation through the three lights on the top of the device, it can take some time to figure out all the key combinations when setting up or changing settings. Having the manual at hand is essential during setup or configuration.

Once everything is set up, however, it’s very easy to use. Plug it in, enter the code, and you gain access. For businesses, the drive can be configured with an admin password and with individual user passwords. Permissions can also be adjusted; for example, you can set it so users only have read-only access. These settings can all be configured through the keypad using the appropriate key combinations.

As a secure solution for your digital data, the Aegis NVX is one of the smallest and most robust devices we’ve seen. Once it’s set up, it makes an ideal solution. However, as ever, there is a significant price premium for this level of secure data storage.

Apricorn Aegis NVX: Price & availability

Apricorn Aegis NVX review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Apricorn Aegis NVX 1TB is widely available and ranges in price from $339 to $739 (£265 to £579), with the 1TB version we’re reviewing priced at $539 (£422). At the time of this review, the drive is available directly from the apricorn.com website as well as through most larger online retailers such as Amazon.

  • Score: 5/5

Apricorn Aegis NVX: Design & build

Apricorn Aegis NVX review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Apricorn Aegis NVX 1TB is designed as a secure portable hard drive that will help protect your data even from brute force and software attacks. While the hardware encryption ensures that everything on the drive stays safe, the design and build of the drive are equally robust.

The outer shell is made from solid, aircraft-grade 6061 aluminium, which is milled from a solid metal and then sealed. Inside this ultra-tough enclosure is the SSD. The entire drive is just smaller than an average smartphone, measuring 67 x 120 x 15 mm and weighing in at 200 g. While not overly heavy, it’s more than you might expect for such a small device.

The main feature of the drive is the 12-key keypad on the front, with numbers 0 to 9 allowing for plenty of unique number combinations to gain access to the drive. Once set, there are lock and unlock buttons, as well as three additional lights across the top to indicate the drive’s status and confirm keypress combinations.

Adding to the drive’s robustness and ensuring longevity, the keys are polymer-coated and wear-resistant. This prevents revealing commonly used buttons through signs of wear, ensuring continued security over many years of use.

The connection from the drive to a computer or other device is via a short USB Type-C cable integrated into the drive’s design. This cable wraps neatly around the side of the drive and tucks in securely when not in use.

The drive is also IP68 certified, which essentially means it can withstand being submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. However, while it is IP68-rated, the USB cable end remains exposed, so it’s advisable to let it dry out fully before plugging it into any devices.

  • Design & build: 4/5

Apricorn Aegis NVX: Features

Apricorn Aegis NVX review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Looking at the features, the drive includes AegisWare, the company’s patented protected firmware. Thanks to this hardware approach and software-free data encryption, the drive enables 256-bit AES-XTS encrypted NVMe storage.

As mentioned in the design section, the enclosure is milled from aircraft-grade 6061 aluminium and is sealed with tamper-resistant security fasteners. The drive itself is cemented in place with hardened epoxy resin, meaning that even if someone tries a brute force attack to break into the drive, it is highly likely that the SSD will be destroyed in the process.

Another big feature of this secure drive, as with many other top-rated secure drives, is the polymer-coated, wear-resistant, onboard membrane hybrid keypad. This approach to security is highly effective as it stops all basic hardware and software keylogging techniques to capture passwords, essentially because it excludes the host system (your computer) from the authentication process.

All security for the drive is configured using the keypad. While this process can feel a little fiddly and requires the manual to show you the step-by-step set-up instructions, it does enable you to have a good range of options. Most notably, you can set up separate admin and user PINs. This is ideal for business use, as the admin PIN ensures you retain full access and control, preventing users from locking you out of the drive.

The admin PIN also enables the ability to create data recovery PINs, which can be used in the case of someone forgetting their user PIN. Additionally, the drive offers two read-only modes, enabling users to access the data without being able to alter it.

Another useful feature is the ability for the admin to set programmable PIN lengths, ranging from 7 to 16 characters; this prevents the use of overly simple PINs such as 1. There's also a brute force defence mechanism, which ensures that if a pin is entered incorrectly a pre-set number of times (minimum 4, maximum 20), the drive will trigger a crypto-erase, securely wiping all data on the drive.

Alongside these advanced features, the drive includes standard secure drive options, such as lock override, drive reset features, and self-destruct PINS. These are particularly useful in business settings, allowing admins to completely reset the drive and reconfigure it for different users depending on the use.

Apricorn Aegis NVX: Performance

Apricorn Aegis NVX review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Like almost all high-end secure portable hard drives, the initial setup is relatively straightforward but does require that you have the manual open and follow the instructions carefully. To get started with the Aegis NVX, you simply plug the drive in via the USB Type-C port into your computer. Once done, absolutely nothing will happen other than the locked padlock icon illuminating red. This indicates that power is going to the drive, but the drive itself is not yet being accessed. When you check your computer’s system settings and look for drives, you will see that it hasn’t mounted or been recognised. At this point, the USB Type-C cable is purely delivering power with no data transfer whatsoever.

To start using the drive, you need to set up an initial pin. To do this, hold down the number nine and the green lock button, then enter your desired PIN code. Confirm it by pressing the green button again, re-enter the PIN, and press the green button once more. Each time you perform these steps, the three lights across the top will flash red, green, or blue—or show a combination of blinks and solid lights—to indicate whether the commands have been recognised. Once the initial pin has been entered, you can unplug the drive, connect it to another machine, and it will be ready to use. When plugged into a new machine, the drive will not be recognised until you enter the PIN and press the green lock button, after which the drive will unlock and mount, ready for use.

This initial PIN that you set up acts as the admin PIN. Through this admin account, you can set up additional PINs for other users. This allows others to access the drive, but only with permissions that you define, and those users will not be able to change settings or lock out the admin. This is particularly useful for businesses where secure drives need to be distributed to team members for use on-site.

Additionally, the drive enables you to set up a read-only mode using the keypad. Setting the read-only mode and accessing the drive as a user enables you to view the contents of the drive but not modify or add files, which is useful for situations such as on-site presentations where the content must remain unchanged.

The drive also includes a series of more advanced protection features; for example, in the event of a brute force attack, you can configure the drive to trigger a crypto-erase after a set number of failed attempts (minimum 4, maximum 20). This process securely wipes all data from the drive. While these features are straightforward to set up, the manual is essential for understanding the required keypress combinations.

In terms of security, the Aegis NVX is well above most competitors. The milled aluminium casing gives it one of the most robust builds of any portable hard drive we’ve tested. Additionally, the hardware encryption ensures that host devices cannot attempt unauthorised access. Unless the correct PIN is physically entered on the keypad, both brute force and software attempts to access the drive are nearly impossible. In our testing, the drive exceeded durability expectations and kept the data inaccessible despite both physical and software access attempts.

Keeping your data safe from brute force and software attacks is crucial, but it’s equally important that the drive is physically durable for use in the field. The Aegis NVX is IP68-certified, meaning it can withstand being submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes, and putting it on par with many of the best rugged hard drives we've reviewed. In our testing, the drive was dropped into puddles, thrown, and subjected to far more abuse than we’d usually subject a portable hard drive to. While the aluminium casing showed some scratches and wear, the drive continued to work perfectly once dried and reconnected to a computer.

One final point about the drive’s performance is its flexibility. Whether your company works on Mac, PC, or Linux systems, you can reformat the internal SSD to the file system you need. Since the drive’s encryption is handled entirely through hardware and not tied to the SSD or host machine, the admin account can reformat the drive for use just like any other SSD. By default, the drive is formatted in NTFS, but it can easily be reformatted to APFS, exFAT, or another format as required. In our testing, we used the macOS APFS file system and NTFS with Windows 11 Pro.

Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: read: 1054.60MB/s Write: 998.79MB/s
AJA: read: 936MB/s Write: 894MB/s
ATTO: read: 1006.36MB/s Write: 873.13MB/s
AS SSD: read: 898.53MB/s Write: 873.13MB/s

  • Performance: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Aegis NVX?

Essentially, this is an ultra-rugged, fast, secure portable hard drive that is ideal for anyone who needs to keep their data safe. Whether for personal accounts and documents at home or for businesses of any size, it offers a great option. One standout feature of this secure drive is its small size and robust build, with that IP68 certification that takes it beyond most other secure drives.

In addition to its hardware encryption, the fact that you can easily set up both admin and user access is a great feature for businesses. This allows users to either read and write or just read the contents of the drive, which can be exceptionally useful. The brute force crypto-erase feature further enhances the drive’s usability and security and just helps to give you reassurance that your data will stay safe if the drive is lost or stolen.

As a standalone secure drive, the Aegis NVX is a great choice for companies, businesses, as well as individuals. While it has a large feature set, there are some capabilities found in other secure drives that the Aegis NVX lacks, such as online connectivity, remote monitoring, and login limits. These features enable drives to be deleted or tracked by the owner, even if stolen or accessed by an unauthorised user. However, as an isolated, standalone, secure drive, the Aegis NVX is as good as it gets, with virtually no way for anyone to break into its tough exterior or its highly advanced hardware-based 256-bit AES-XTS encryption.

Apricorn Aegis NVX review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Buy it if...

You need an ultra-compact secure drive

The milled aluminium case, integrated cable, and neat design ensure that, despite the large capacity, this secure portable hard drive remains one of the most portable on the market.

You need security and speed

There are plenty of hardware-encrypted, secure, portable hard drives out there, but few come close to the high speed of the internal SSD featured in the Aegis NVX.

Don't buy it if...

You need remote monitoring

If your drive is stolen, you can be confident that nobody will gain access. However, some other manufacturers also offer online monitoring, allowing stolen drives to be tracked or erased when connected to an online computer.

You only have a small budget

There’s no doubt this is one of the most secure portable hard drives on the market, but that security comes at a high cost. If you’re on a budget, it might be better to consider a slightly cheaper hardware solution or, failing that, a software-based option.

For more on-the-go storage, we reviewed the best portable SSDs.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 photo printer review
8:24 pm | December 13, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off
Specs

Type: color inkjet photo printer

Functions: Print only

Connectivity: Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi

Data storage slots: none

Print speed: A2 color 3min 40sec

Max paper size: A2, 17” x 22"

Print quality: 2,400 x 1,200 dpi

Memory: 1GB

Apple AirPrint: yes

Consumables included: 12 x 80ml cartridges

Dimensions/Weight: 723 x 435 x 285 mm (WxDxH)/71.4lb/32.4kg

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is a 17-inch inkjet that will interest both professional studios and amateur photographers wanting high quality wide-format prints from an accessible desktop design. Costing $1,300 in the US and £1,500 in the UK, it’s Canon’s new flagship photo printer and it improves on the already impressive Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 with reformulated pigment inks promising superior prints that’ll last 200 years.

I've reviewed almost all the best small business printers, but this one is a little different. As well as using twelve separate ink cartridges to create colorful prints up to 17 x 22 inches, its unique Air Feed system is able to hold large sheets of paper in place while precision spraying ink through 18,432 nozzles. Impressive. But can it justify the high running cost of a cartridge-based printer?

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: Design and build

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

This lozenge-shaped 17-inch desktop printer looks pretty compact with its flaps folded, but it’s a little larger than its closest 17-inch competitor, the Epson SureColor P900 in all dimensions and it weighs a whopping 71 pounds. If you want to go larger than A2, you’ll need a freestanding roll printer like the 24-inch HP DesignJet Studio 24. The twelve individual inks take up some room, while the replaceable printhead is also quite a handful. With the front and rear flaps extended, the depth increases from 43cm to 115cm so it’ll require some room while in use. There are two paper paths, with the top tray taking anything from A5 to A2 sheets and the fatter rear tray able to take thicker paper from A4 to A2 size.

The textured black plastic of the bodywork gives the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 a rugged look, while the various plastic flaps also feel less flimsy than your average printer. And unlike most inkjets, the printhead is readily replaceable which suggests a machine that is built to last. The large power and cancel buttons are easy to find and the controls are responsive, but it’s a pity there’s no touchscreen interface. The old school three-inch LCD looks under spec on a machine costing over a grand. There’s no memory card slot or USB Host port either. Just the usual USB type B and Ethernet ports at the rear. The wireless connectivity, however, has been improved from the single-band wi-fi of the old model to auto-switching dual-band (2.4GHz/5GHz).

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: Features & specifications

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

As Canon’s top-of-the-line photo printer, the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 has an impressive specification and features not one, but two paper input trays capable of handling 17” x 25” (A2) paper. The top tray can take small formats like 6” x 6” papers or up to 150 sheets of plain paper. The manual tray at the rear with its flatter paper path can handle heavier paper and card up to 400g/m2, but only one sheet at a time. It can also print banners up to 129 inches (3.27 meters) long. There are twelve separate LUCIA PRO II inks so you can expect a very wide color gamut, while the Air Feed feature ensures your paper doesn’t slip while the ink is applied.

The maximum print resolution is given as 2,400 x 1,200 dpi (dots per inch), which is actually lower than that of the entry-level Canon PIXMA G650. The imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 achieves its superior image quality because it has more nozzles firing finer ink droplets so those dots are more accurate. While the cheap Canon squirts six inks through 2,304 nozzles, our PRO-1100 has twelve inks and 18,432 nozzles. And if any of those nozzles become blocked, it’s picked up by sensors and substitute nozzles step in. It's the mark of one of the best photo printers around.

It has 1GB of inbuilt memory, which is more than the average photo printer, and it supports Windows, Mac OS and Chrome OS. What the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 cannot do is accommodate a roll of paper and only one of its two input trays can only hold multiple sheets of paper. That’s a maximum of 150 sheets of thin plain paper. The given speed of six minutes to print a sheet of A2 is also rather slow, but in all other respects, its a strong spec sheet.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: Setup and operation

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

The quick start guide for the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is just a single page, because its really just a case of plugging in, turning on and following the on-screen prompts to complete the setup. The twelve ink cartridges slot in smoothly, but with this inkjet, you also have to install the printhead. It’s a similarly smooth operation with instructions shown on the display. Once in place, you have the opportunity to print a test sheet to ensure the inkjets are aligned and firing. If you download the accompanying iOS/Android app called Canon PRINT, you can use your phone to get the printer onto your wi-fi network. The only thing that would have made the setup process easier is a touchscreen.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: Performance

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 prints slowly, but reliably and exceedingly well, which is the main thing. While this successor to the old Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 sees no improvement in print speed, the reformulated inks bring a real improvement in print quality, especially with difficult dark images and back and white photos.

I printed a wide range of test cards and photos on an equally wide range of paper types and was impressed every time. The detail resolution is consistently sharp, notably with A2, and perhaps that’s due to the Air Feed system holding the ungainly sheets of paper in its steady suction grip. The very wide color gamut and particularly realistic shading of images is certainly down to the twelve individual ink cartridges. With eleven pigments and one chroma optimizer to call on, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 has an advantage over its 17-inch rival, the Epson SureColor P900 with its paltry ten inks.

On high gloss photo paper, the colours pop in exactly the way you want your holiday snaps to do when you have them professionally produced. And these prints are probably more durable thanks to the industry-leading light and abrasion resistance of Canon’s pigment inks. Switching to matt photo paper or Canon’s tactile rough art paper and you can better appreciate the remarkable deepness of the black inks. And with both a photo black and a matte black the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is particularly good at printing monochrome photographs.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: Consumables

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

As this is not one of Canon’s MegaTank printers, there are no refillable ink reservoirs and you’re locked into buying Canon’s LUCIA PRO II cartridges, which each cost around $60 for 80ml. And by the way, you’re going to need twelve of them. At least you can replace the cartridges individually as they run out and they are no more expensive than the old LUCIA PRO cartridges. There are actually eleven pigment inks and one chroma optimizer, which costs very slightly less for the same 80ml. The improved pigment inks claim to have deeper blacks, richer blues and the ability to withstand light damage for 200 years. I’ll have to get back to you on the light damage, but I agree that the black and blue performance is especially strong. Its prints also passed our smudge and scratch tests easily, which makes the longevity claims seem plausible.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: Maintenance

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

Being an inkjet, there’s a possibility of the printhead clogging, or drying out when left unused for long periods. It has inbuilt sensors to detect blockages, but you may need to run one or more cleaning cycles if necessary. This could be as easy as ordering a maintenance routine via the Canon app on your smartphone. The chroma optimizer cartridge is likely to need replacing before the pigment inks, so watch out for that. You can also replace the whole PF-10 printhead very easily, but with the cost for a new one being US$414 or £550, you’d probably rather not. You may have noticed that the dollar/pound figures I have quoted in this review are not currency conversions, they’re the current prices on the Canon US and Canon UK websites, which means Brits are expected to pay thirty percent more for the exact same printer. Ouch.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: Final verdict

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 during our review

(Image credit: Canon)

If you need studio quality prints on large paper formats, the uncompromising Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 will not disappoint. It’s a solid and evolved design that puts image quality first. The absence of a touchscreen interface or an input drawer capable of holding a stack of blank paper are minor inconveniences compared to the advantage of having twelve separate ink cartridges or an air feed system for holding the paper steady while printing. The print speed is rather slow, but the results are worth waiting for. Photos look realistic thanks to a very wide color gamut and superb detail resolution, while black and white photos really benefit from the inclusion of two types of black ink. It handles large sheets of paper effortlessly, including banners up to 129 inches long. Of course the consumables cost has to be a consideration, especially when there are twelve cartridges to replace, but the excellent LUCIA PRO II inks are no more expensive than other inks in this category.

For more devices, we reviewed the best home printers around.

McAfee Plus review
8:05 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Security | Comments: Off

Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

McAfee, a leading cybersecurity company, has a rich history dating back to the early days of personal computing being founded in 1987 by a Santa Clara computer programmer that the company is named after. Throughout its history, including being the first to have an antivirus software, McAfee has been at the forefront of the cybersecurity industry, adapting to evolving threats and technologies. Its focus on protecting individuals and organizations from cyberattacks has made it a trusted name in the field.

McAfee Plus is designed to provide comprehensive protection for your digital life, helping you stay safe online and avoid the risks associated with cyber threats. It offers a range of features to safeguard your digital life, including antivirus and malware protection, real-time threat prevention, and firewall protection. Overall, McAfee Plus is a robust security solution that can help you stay safe online and protect your valuable data.

McAfee Plus review

(Image credit: McAfee)

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McAfee Plus: Plans and pricing

McAfee Plus pricing, like most of the services in this space, will vary depending on the specific plan you choose, and any ongoing promotions or discounts which can help make this more affordable. Here's a general breakdown of the different plans on offer, which can be broken down by Individual plans and Family plans.

McAfee Plus Individual Core Protection Plan is a comprehensive security software package tailored to safeguard your personal computer against diverse online threats. It encompasses an array of features, including antivirus protection to combat viruses, malware, and malicious software, a firewall to thwart unauthorized access, and web protection to block websites hosting malicious content. To further enhance security, McAfee Plus offers a VPN that encrypts internet traffic, making it harder for hackers to intercept, a password manager to create and organize strong passwords, and identity theft protection that monitors personal information for signs of compromise and promptly alerts you of suspicious activity. Notably, the annual subscription is currently available at a discounted price of $49.99 annually, significantly lower than the listed price of $149.99 annually.

The upgraded McAfee Plus Advanced plan offers heightened security features for an individual for an annual fee of $89.99, discounted from the original price of $199.99 per year. This plan builds upon the features of the prior plan by incorporating comprehensive identity theft coverage up to $1 million. Additionally, it provides identity restoration support, lost wallet protection, bank and credit card transaction monitoring, 1-bureau credit monitoring with monthly score updates, and a security freeze option to prevent unauthorized account openings.

At the pinnacle of McAfee's offerings stands the McAfee Plus Ultimate plan, currently available at a discounted annual rate of $199.99 annually (originally priced at $279.99 annually). This comprehensive plan encompasses the features of both lower-tier plans, adding bank account takeover monitoring, payday loan monitoring, up to $25K ransomware coverage, investment monitoring, and loan transaction monitoring. For enhanced ease of use, the top-tier plan includes a McAfee Assist protection setup session.

McAfee Plus Family Plans offers coverage for two adults and their children with varying feature sets and pricing. Starting at $69.99 annually, the Premium Plan provides basic protection. The mid-tier plan costs $119.99 annually and offers more features. For the most comprehensive coverage, the top plan is available at $249.99 annually.

For those looking for a more affordable solution, there is still the McAfee Basic that starts at a more than affordable $29.99 for a year of antivirus on a single device, VPN, identity monitoring, and a McAfee Protection Score, which is a personalized online safety assessment.

As pricing, and promotional offers change over time, be sure to check the McAfee Plus website for the latest pricing prior to purchase.

McAfee Plus review

(Image credit: McAfee)

McAfee Plus: Features

Experience peace of mind knowing that your entire family is protected online with McAfee+ Family plans. Every member of your family will have access to their own identity monitoring, secure VPN, and unlimited device security. Adult family members are eligible for up to $2 million in identity theft coverage, with a maximum of $4 million per family. Additionally, there is assistance in removing personal information from potentially risky websites.

For every member of your family, there is 24/7 monitoring of your personal information. If something requires your attention, you'll receive alerts promptly. This monitoring helps safeguard your privacy and sensitive data, providing peace of mind knowing that you're protected.

In addition, there is access to a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that enables you to bank, shop, and browse online securely from anywhere. The VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and the internet, ensuring that your online activities remain private and shielded from potential threats.

Drawing from McAfee’s strength, there’s also the award-winning antivirus security for all your devices, ensuring comprehensive protection against viruses, malware, and other cyber threats. This advanced security solution employs real-time scanning, threat detection, and automatic updates to keep your devices safe from harm.

Furthermore, there is access to the McAfee Protection Score, a unique feature that provides personalized guidance on steps you can take to make staying safer online even easier. The Protection Score assesses your online behavior, security settings, and device status, and provides tailored recommendations to help improve your overall security posture.

With these comprehensive features, users rest assured that their family's personal information, online activities, and devices are guarded against potential risks, allowing them to enjoy a secure and protected digital experience.

Each adult in a family can receive up to $2 million in identity theft coverage, resulting in a maximum of $4 million per family. This comprehensive protection includes the assistance of licensed restoration experts who are readily available to guide you through any unexpected identity theft situations. Additionally, vigilant monitoring of credit reports and financial transactions is provided to detect any unusual activities. Should anything suspicious arise, there is prompt notification.

For families with children, robust parental controls are provided, empowering parents to supervise their kids' online activities, ensuring their safety and well-being in the digital world. The goal is to provide parents with peace of mind, knowing that their personal and financial information is safeguarded with the family protected from the devastating consequences of identity theft.

McAfee Plus: The competition

McAfee Plus competes with several other reputable security suites on the market. Here's a comparison of McAfee Plus to some of its main competitors.

A main competitor is Norton 360, a comprehensive security suite that offers a wide range of features. It includes robust antivirus and anti-malware protection, a reliable firewall, a secure VPN for online privacy, a convenient password manager, parental controls to safeguard your family, and PC tune-up tools to optimize your system's performance.

While Norton 360 is highly regarded for its exceptional virus protection and comprehensive feature set, it can sometimes be resource-intensive, potentially impacting system performance. Additionally, some advanced features may require additional subscriptions.

Another option is Bitdefender Total Security, a comprehensive security suite that offers a range of essential features. It provides robust antivirus and anti-malware protection, a reliable firewall, a secure VPN for online privacy, a convenient password manager, parental controls to safeguard your family, and webcam protection to prevent unauthorized access.

One of the standout features of Bitdefender Total Security is its lightweight and fast performance, ensuring minimal impact on system resources. It also offers strong malware protection and is generally considered good value for the price. However, some users may find the interface less intuitive compared to other security suites, and it may have fewer additional features compared to some competitors.

Trend Micro Maximum Security is a comprehensive security suite that offers a range of essential features. It provides robust antivirus and anti-malware protection, a reliable firewall, a secure VPN for online privacy, a convenient password manager, parental controls to safeguard your family, and PC optimization tools to improve system performance.

One of the standout features of Trend Micro Maximum Security is its strong malware protection and comprehensive feature set, offering a wide range of security tools. It is also generally considered good value for the price. However, some users may find the interface less intuitive compared to other security suites, and it can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting system performance.

When choosing a security suite, it's important to consider multiple features. We suggest to focus on the following factors:

Malware Protection: While all of the mentioned suites offer excellent malware protection, it's recommended to research independent lab tests to compare their performance in detail.

Features: Identify the specific features that are important to you, such as a VPN for online privacy, a password manager for secure credential management, or parental controls to protect your family.

Performance: Some security suites may have a heavier impact on your system's performance than others. Consider how the suite will affect your computer's speed and responsiveness.

Price: Compare the pricing of different plans to find the best value for your needs. Consider the cost of the initial purchase as well as any recurring subscription fees.

Ease of Use: Evaluate how user-friendly the interface is and how easy it is to manage the suite's features. A simple and intuitive interface can make it easier to use and troubleshoot any issues.

While all of the mentioned suites offer excellent malware protection, it's recommended to fully assess your needs, and to read reviews before making a final decision.

McAfee Plus: Support

Need help with McAfee? McAfee offers various support options for its Plus customers. Explore the Support Center to find answers, troubleshooting tips, and articles on common issues. Join the Community to connect with other McAfee users and experts for advice and support. Search the Knowledge Base to access a wealth of information about McAfee products and features.

In addition to the self-help options available online, McAfee also offers direct support for customers who prefer to speak with a representative. This support option is available by calling the McAfee customer support number, which can be found on the McAfee website or in the documentation that came with your McAfee product. When you call, you will be connected with a customer support representative who can assist you with your issue. The representative will be able to troubleshoot common problems, provide technical support, and answer any questions you may have about your McAfee product.

Experience real-time support by initiating a chat with a knowledgeable McAfee agent. Simply click on the chat icon, located conveniently on the website, and you can connect to an agent in no time. There is access to instant answers, guidance, and support through the live chat feature, available 24/7 for your convenience.

For more in-depth assistance, another option is to reach out via email by submitting a support ticket. To help the McAfee Plus team address your issue efficiently, be sure to provide as much detailed information as you can. It is a good idea to include any error messages you've encountered, relevant screenshots, and a step-by-step description of any troubleshooting actions that have been already tried. The more context and specifics that are shared, the better the support team can understand the problem to supply a solution.

Rich media content is offered by exploring the tutorial videos for comprehensive step-by-step guidance on everything from basic setup to leveraging advanced features. These guides teach users how to optimize protection, resolve common issues, and stay ahead of emerging threats.

Finally, users can join the McAfee community through the social media channels. This allows folks to connect with fellow users, receive expert advice, share useful tips, and keep up-to-date on the latest security news and best practices.

McAfee Plus: Final verdict

McAfee Plus is a comprehensive security solution designed to safeguard your digital life from a wide range of online threats. At its core, it features robust antivirus protection that shields your system from viruses, worms, and other malicious programs. The advanced antimalware engine effectively detects and eliminates malware, including spyware, adware, and ransomware, ensuring your devices remain free of unwanted intruders.

Real-time threat prevention is another crucial component of McAfee Plus. It continuously monitors your system for suspicious activities and automatically blocks potential threats before they can cause harm. This proactive approach helps prevent infections and minimizes the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access to your personal information.

McAfee Plus also provides a robust firewall that acts as a barrier between your device and the internet. It analyzes incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking unauthorized connections and preventing malicious software from infiltrating your system. This layer of defense helps protect against cyberattacks, such as phishing attempts and unauthorized remote access.

In addition to these core security features, McAfee Plus includes a host of other tools to enhance your online safety. It offers secure browsing, which warns you about potentially dangerous websites and blocks malicious downloads. The identity protection feature monitors your personal information online and alerts you to any suspicious activity, such as attempts to steal your passwords or credit card numbers.

Parental controls allow you to manage your children's online activities, ensuring their safety when browsing the internet. You can set limits on screen time, block inappropriate content, and monitor their online interactions.

With McAfee Plus, you can rest assured that your devices and personal data are protected against a wide range of online threats. Its combination of advanced security features and user-friendly interface makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive and reliable security solution.

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Astrill Business VPN
6:15 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

Astrill has great leak protection options with the kill switch being the standard offering among the safer business VPN offerings. However, they go a step further by offering a feature called App Guard that lets you choose applications to block if the VPN gets disconnected. This app functions across all protocols Astrill offers, except OpenWeb. You can also use the leak test tool on the company’s website to test out leaks. Furthermore, you get protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRT leaks. 

Regarding traffic routing, Astrill offers a “Smart Mode” that tunnels all international traffic through the VPN, while allowing local traffic to go through the regular network, which is great if you’re in restrictive jurisdictions. You also have the option to filter websites, i.e. decide manually which sites go through VPN and which will circumvent it, with the feature being available only on desktops and routers. You can also extend the filtering to apps, as mentioned earlier. To round off traffic routing, you also get a VPN-sharing option, which enables you to share your VPN connection with other devices in the network, without the need to install the VPN to each device. 

Multi-hop is another great feature Astrill offers, which is not common among competitors. In essence, it combines up to three servers to tunnel your traffic through. This enhances security, but with Astrill it flows only through VIP servers (you have to pay for more than 100GB of traffic). If you want to scan your ports, perform port forwarding, or adjust additional proxy settings, you can do all of this to further enhance your security. 

If you opt to use the OpenWeb protocol, you will also have the ad-blocking capabilities offered by Astrill.   

The Astrill VPN app is functional and includes a wide array of features, but its user interface isn't the most intuitive. The design is quite small and lacks visual appeal, indicating that the app could benefit from a modern update to enhance usability and aesthetics.

In terms of platform compatibility, Astrill VPN supports a variety of operating systems and devices. These include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ASUS, Tomato, and DD-WRT-capable routers. This ensures broad accessibility, making it a versatile solution for businesses and individuals using different devices or network setups.

Pricing & Plans

Astrill Business VPN pricing

(Image credit: Astrill)

If you’re a smaller business operating on a tighter budget, then you will not be too happy about the pricing plans. Namely, if you want to pay on a monthly basis and not commit to the services for longer than a month, then you will be paying $9 per account per month, with a minimum number of 10 accounts. Although more expensive than some competitors, Astrill justifies its cost with premium features like multi-device support, unlimited bandwidth, and customizable connection protocols.

You also get access to the Astrill app across all devices. Companies that need to scale their VPN access or require advanced security options may find the pricing worthwhile for the added value and flexibility. Astrill also offers dedicated support for its business customers, providing expert help for VPN setup, management, and troubleshooting, ensuring that companies can get the most out of their subscription. You can count on discounts if you need more than 20 accounts, with a maximum discount for 200 accounts, where you would pay $7.92 per account, per month. 

All plans come with 100GB of free data on their VIP servers, but each additional 100GB will cost you an extra $10.

Performance

Astrill is consistently rated for its excellent speed, which is crucial for businesses that rely on data-heavy tasks like video conferencing, large file transfers, or accessing cloud-based applications. Even with strong encryption protocols, Astrill VPN manages to deliver fast connections across its global server network.

Speed tests on a Windows PC using the WireGuard protocol across a few Astrill VPN server locations revealed impressive results. The fastest speeds were achieved when connected to a local server, but performance remained solid even on distant servers. Websites loaded almost instantly, and streaming HD videos ran smoothly with no buffering issues, demonstrating Astrill's ability to maintain high-speed connections across its global network. You can also check out the company’s site for the speed results across each server; you can find the results here.

Privacy & Security

When it comes to security and privacy, Astrill VPN, like many other providers, promises a strict no-logging policy. Astrill is based in Seychelles, a location outside the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances, which adds credibility to its privacy stance. While Astrill claims to collect minimal data, it gathers more than competitors. The information collected includes connection times, original IP address, device type, and app version, although Astrill states this data is erased once the user disconnects from the VPN.

However, the collection of real IP addresses alongside timestamps is concerning, as it could potentially be used to link online activity back to a user. Additionally, Astrill tracks bandwidth usage and logs details of the last 20 connection records, including connection times, duration, origin country, device type, and app version. While some of this information is standard for troubleshooting, it exceeds what many would consider strictly necessary for user privacy.

In terms of encryption, the industry standard AES-256 encryption is present and provides more than enough protection in that regard.

Alternatives

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and complex ZTNA-oriented offer, then NordLayer is a great alternative. It offers much more in terms of complex protection (ad blocking, phishing protection, no-logging, etc.). The application itself is more user-friendly and speeds are competitive, with pricing being better in the Light plan, but more expensive if you move up the ladder. 

ProtonVPN is another great alternative to Astrill, as the offering also includes double-hop and Secure Core, a solution that can add an additional layer of protection. Moreover, you get P2P file sharing, up to 10 simultaneous device connections, and vital security features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and built-in Tor support for enhanced privacy. In terms of pricing, it is comparable to Astrill but offers a wider network of servers and additional premium features.

Final Verdict

Astrill Business VPN is a powerful and flexible solution for companies that need a high level of security and speed in their VPN connections. While it comes with a higher price tag, the features and performance it offers make it a strong contender for businesses with advanced security needs or those operating in high-risk environments. Its customizable protocols, excellent speed, and strong encryption make it a particularly good fit for businesses in industries that handle sensitive data or require high-performance networking.

It is well worth considering Astrill as a potential solution if the primary characteristic you need is speed, and don’t mind paying a bit extra and not getting the premium features that some competitors offer. Overall, Astrill is a solid choice, but there are better offers in the market.

OpenVPN Business VPN
5:46 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

For businesses looking for a cloud-delivered service that will help them connect private networks, devices, and servers, there is the CloudConnexa offer on OpenVPN. CloudConnexa offers a cloud-based VPN service tailored to make secure networking simpler for businesses. It enables secure access to applications, private networks, remote workforces, and IoT devices without the need for complicated hardware or the management of server software, circumventing the issue of complex configuration.

Standout features include ZTNA for enhanced security, a full-mesh network that allows seamless connectivity between all users and resources, and Cyber Shield, which protects against malicious content by blocking potential threats before they reach your network. 

The other feature of OpenVPN is its Access Server, a self-hosted secure access solution. This will of course provide more control over the network and the underlying resources, but will require more technical knowledge. Access Server can be installed:

  • As a software package on Linux servers Ubuntu LTS, Redhat, Debian, Amazon Linux
  • As cloud image on AWS, Digital Ocean, Azure, GCP, Oracle
  • As a virtual appliance on VMware ESX or Microsoft HyperV

Once set up, you can offer the connection through various VPN clients to devices from all operating systems, desktop, or mobile. The user authentication process is highly versatile, offering a built-in system with web-based management or integration with external authentication methods such as PAM, LDAP, RADIUS, or SAML. For advanced authentication needs, you can even implement custom programming with Python.

You can create access control rules to specify user or group access to specific IP addresses and subnets, and even determine which devices can make direct VPN client connections. For routing options, Access Server provides full-tunnel and split-tunnel redirection, giving you the flexibility to route all internet traffic through the VPN or only specific traffic, based on your security and bandwidth requirements. 

All of the above only scratches the surface of the complex and granular configurations you can make using OpenVPN.

Pricing & Plans

OpenVPN Business VPN

(Image credit: OpenVPN)

If you’re unsure what OpenVPN is all about, or if you simply want to take it for a test run, there is a Free plan that you can use to set up three connections. However, if you’re looking to make a self-hosted solution, then the number of connections is two for the free plan. The next plan is called Growth, costing $14 a month per connection; you can get a discount if you opt for annual billing and then the price per connection is $11. The last plan Enterprise, for over 500 connections will require you to reach out to get a quote.   

It is important to note that there are different features if you opt for the self-hosted solution vs CloudConnexa. With the self-hosted option, you’ll have comprehensive support for both IPv4 and IPv6 connectivity, advanced security settings like FIPS compliance, and multiple authentication options including SAML, LDAP, and RADIUS. This option provides you with detailed access logs, robust routing features like application-based domain routing, and the ability to handle overlapping IPs, making it highly suitable for businesses needing maximum customization and control.

CloudConnexa, on the other hand, still gets core features like IPv4 support, basic routing capabilities, and standard authentication methods. However, some advanced features, such as full IPv6 support, DNS logs, and certain location control policies, are still in development. CloudConnexa is ideal if you want a simpler, managed solution that still covers essential networking and security needs but doesn’t require the infrastructure management responsibilities of a self-hosted setup.

Performance

OpenVPN prides itself on its strong security features, however, it falters when it comes to speed. Some of it lies in the complex server-side configuration options available, and other reasons are due to the protocol itself being a bit slower compared to the competition. WireGuard for example is on average over 20% faster, while still utilizing complex cryptography for security purposes.   

In conclusion, if speed is the most important factor, then OpenVPN may not be the best choice, however, we would recommend trying out the free version to test out the features and speed before deciding whether it is for you. We’re not trying to say that it’s the slowest protocol or that it’s unusable, just that it’s slower compared to other solutions on the market.

Privacy & Security

Security is one of OpenVPN’s greatest strengths. Kicking things off with powerful AES-256 and Blowfish encryption. Additionally, it offers fully automated VPN certificate provisioning and management. For businesses that want to have full control over their public key infrastructure (PKI), they can do so using external PKI systems. VPN tunnels are secured with TSL authentication, credentials, certificates, and an optional MAC address lock.

Multi-factor authentication is supported in various forms, with TOTP MFA built-in, along with the other external authentication methods mentioned earlier. However, if you have services like Duo Security or LastPass, you can add them using post-authentication plugins. Furthermore, there is support for Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), which means that even if an encryption key is compromised, it won't decrypt past communications.

Alternatives

A potential alternative for more tech-savvy users is Radmin VPN, which similar to OpenVPN is not a typical VPN service. Namely, Radmin is first of all completely free and is a great option for creating a virtual LAN, through which resources can be shared. It has no advanced features to speak of but can complement nicely other services that incorporate a firewall-as-a-service model, antivirus, anti-phishing, and malware solutions. It uses the same encryption protocol as OpenVPN but in terms of security is not as complex nor advanced. Whether Radmin VPN is a good alternative will depend on whether you need a virtual LAN component or a full-scale ZTNA solution. 

For a full ZTNA solution that doesn’t require too much technical knowledge and represents a one-stop shop for your needs, you can turn to NordLayer. NordLayer offers a firewall, internet shield, and much more while not compromising on speed. In terms of pricing, it competes well with OpenVPN, and depending on the size of your company, might represent a better buy overall.

Final Verdict

For newcomers to the topic, it may be difficult to fully understand what OpenVPN is all about. While it is a communication protocol, it’s also a VPN in its full sense. With the option to host it yourself, a lot of technical know-how will be needed, which is true for most complex ZTNA implementations. On the other hand, it offers a cloud-hosted variant which is easier to implement and offers most of the options that you have in a self-hosted environment. Sure, some advanced features are still in development, but thanks to the open-source concept, we’re sure updates will come fast. 

Overall, whether OpenVPN is the right choice for you, will depend mostly on your unique needs, and the availability of technical employees who can take on the task of implementing it properly. Of course, there is the pricing element, and performance that need to be taken into consideration. All in all, OpenVPN is a solid choice for companies looking to implement a ZTNA approach and protect their remote workforce and company assets.

Zscaler Private Access
5:28 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

A key advantage of ZPA over traditional VPNs is the seamless, always-on connectivity it offers. In a typical VPN setup, users must log in, establish a connection, and then access corporate resources. This process can be cumbersome, especially for employees who frequently switch networks, such as moving from a wired connection to Wi-Fi or from Wi-Fi to a mobile data network.

With ZPA, there is no concept of "logging in" to a VPN. Once enrolled, users have continuous access to their applications without the need to connect or reconnect manually. This instant access means ZPA provides a smoother, more efficient experience, ensuring that employees can stay productive without constant interruptions.

The user experience is further enhanced when switching networks. While VPN users often need to reconnect every time they switch to a different network, ZPA adjusts automatically, maintaining uninterrupted access to corporate resources. This eliminates the hassle of reconnection prompts and ensures seamless access, making ZPA more convenient for employees who frequently move between networks or work on the go.

ZPA also excels in offering detailed visibility and control over user activity, which traditional VPNs lack. You get real-time insights into user activity, showing which applications are being accessed, how often they are used, and which users consume the most bandwidth. This level of visibility allows administrators to monitor and manage application access more effectively, identify potential security threats, and optimize network performance. 

The admin dashboard focuses on user and application management rather than traditional networking elements like ports and protocols. This approach aligns with modern security practices, allowing administrators to manage access based on user roles and application requirements rather than IP addresses or network segments.

Pricing & Plans

Zscaler Private Access

(Image credit: Zscaler)

Zscaler doesn’t advertise prices on their website, which means you will have to reach out to them directly and get a quote that will revolve around the needs of your business. There are three tiers to choose from, the Essentials which provides the basics of protection offered by the company, which includes the VPN substitute paradigm on which Zscaler’s offering is based. The Business tier relies more on a full ZTNA approach with network segmentation and advanced threat prevention. And finally, the Transformation tier focuses on the full offering of Zscaler, aimed at larger enterprises that have dozens of on and off-site workers, accessing company assets.

While pricing is not directly available, you can get a sense of the costs by looking at the Azure marketplace that advertises the Business plan for $192 for a single user for one whole year. We’re sure you can get a custom quote with better pricing if you reach out directly, though keep in mind that Zscaler is one of the biggest names in the space and that you’re getting a premium package that includes all of the modern bells and whistles tied to a ZTNA approach.

Performance

Zscaler delivers consistently high performance, thanks to its extensive global network of data centers. This widespread network ensures that users experience low latency, even during peak times, as connections are always routed through the nearest and most efficient data center. Since Zscaler operates entirely in the cloud, it offers 99.999% availability, ensuring that your team can securely access resources from anywhere without interruption.

Additionally, Zscaler optimizes traffic through split tunneling, which means only traffic intended for the corporate network is routed through the VPN, while other traffic accesses the internet directly. This approach reduces bandwidth usage and improves overall speed and efficiency. However, if the service goes down, you will be left without internet access for your entire company. Such instances are rare but can happen and should be considered when deciding whether to go with Zscaler or another solution.

Privacy & Security

ZPA employs a ZTNA model, which means that users are only granted access to specific applications they need, rather than the entire network. During the demonstration, the ZPA user couldn't see any other devices or resources on the network, while the VPN user could scan and see various ports and devices connected to the corporate environment. This stark difference illustrates ZPA’s superior security model, as it minimizes the attack surface and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

By not assigning an IP address to the user’s device on the corporate network, ZPA prevents lateral movement, ensuring that even if one application is compromised, it won’t lead to a wider network breach. This makes ZPA significantly more secure than traditional VPNs, which inherently trust any device connected to the network.

Alternatives

For businesses looking for alternatives, Check Point Quantum is a viable solution that offers both software and hardware solutions for security and safety online. Similar to Zscaler their offering is based on a ZTNA approach and pricing is also premium, especially if you go for the hardware + software combination. Nevertheless, you will be getting the best protection on the market. 

ProtonVPN is another viable business VPN alternative to Zscaler. While it may look lightweight in comparison, it certainly is not thanks to its combination of double hop and Secure Core offering you will be able to protect all of your assets easily. It’s much simpler when it comes to setup and deployment and is cheaper in comparison. This doesn’t mean that you won’t have scalability options or top-notch security; so if you’re a smaller or mid-sized business Proton could be a better option.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a modern, scalable, and highly secure VPN solution then Zscaler’s ZPA might be the right tool for your organization. Businesses that prioritize security, remote access, and data protection can lean on its zero trust architecture, cloud-based delivery, and real-time threat protection to stay ahead of the threats.

This is one of the things that sets ZPA appart from traditional VPNs. Sure, there is a learning curve if you’re transitioning from standard VPN solutions, but the benefits of enhanced security, performance, and ease of management make Zscaler a worthwhile investment for businesses that rely heavily on remote work or remote access to company resources. As the shift towards cloud-based applications and remote work continues, adopting a zero trust model like ZPA can help businesses stay ahead of potential threats while maintaining efficient and secure access to critical resources.

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