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Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 review
4:26 pm | May 9, 2024

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

Type: color A3 inkjet printer 

Functions: Print only 

Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet 

Data storage slots: None    

Print speed: 25ppm (mono) 

Paper capacity: 500 sheets

Print quality: 4,800 x 2,400 dpi

Scan quality: 1,200 x 2,400 dpi

Apple AirPrint: yes 

Consumables included: 4x setup cartridges (350 mono pages, 300 color)

Dimensions/Weight: 515 x 400 x 298 mm (WxDxH)/13.5kg

The big Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 is a wide-format inkjet printer that uses vivid DURABrite Ultra pigment inks to churn out a high volume of glossy color pages at print-shop quality. With two 250-sheet input trays and XXL-yield ink cartridges available, it could suit a microbusiness or SMB with a busy and varied workflow. 

Despite its impressive capacity, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 is competitively priced at around US$250 (about £210). There’s no fancy touchscreen interface, but it does have 5GHz Wi-Fi with AirPrint compatibility, a rapid print rate of 25ppm (pages per minute) and the ability to print on any size of paper or card up to A3+. But is it one of the best small business printers? Can it produce just about any kind of brochure or handout with a professional finish? We put it to the test.  

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310: Design & build

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 during our tests in a home office

(Image credit: Epson )

What looks like a very large black box is actually a reasonably compact inkjet printer, given that it can handle A3+ size paper and store a whole ream of it in its twin paper trays. To load Tabloid or A3 sheets, you need to extend the paper drawers so it actually gets bigger, but it’s still way smaller than any wide-format laser printer. 

Above the paper trays is the output tray and then the tilting control panel with its 6.1cm color LCD. Unfortunately, that display is not a touchscreen, so you’ll have to press the buttons alongside to operate it. At the back are connections for USB and Ethernet cables and a flap on top at the rear reveals the multipurpose input tray. This is especially useful for one-off print jobs because the paper path from here is quite flat, making it possible to print onto quite thick card. 

The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 hinges open to reveal the four DURABrite inkjet cartridges. The supplied setup carts do not contain much ink, as is so often the case, but you can buy XXL carts which contain enough to yield up to 2,200 pages. 

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310: Features & specifications

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 during our tests in a home office

(Image credit: Epson )

Being a mid-price print-only device, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 doesn’t bother with premium features like a touchscreen interface, NFC connectivity and a front USB Host port, but instead concentrates on specifications that will boost productivity and performance, such as the dual paper trays, rapid print speed and high print resolution. 

The PrecisionCore printhead has a more dense nozzle array than cheaper Epson printers, with 256 nozzles per color and 800 for black. They deliver an image resolution of 4,800 x 2,400 DPI. And unlike Epson’s EcoTank range of ink tank printers, which uses soluble dye inks, the inks in this WorkForce printer are all pigment based. That makes printouts more durable and faster drying to better suit a busy office.

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 during our tests in a home office

(Image credit: Epson )

There are three paper trays in all, with the two main trays each holding up to 250 sheets of Tabloid or A3. Being an inkjet, it can print on a very wide selection of media, including coated photo paper, envelopes and thick card. 5GHz Wi-Fi is built in, with Wi-Fi Direct and AirPrint compatibility.

It prints quite quickly for an inkjet, with the rate for simplex monochrome pages given as 25ppm (pages per minute) and 12ppm for color pages. That’s slower than a laser printer of course, but the heat-free inkjet technology means there is no warm-up time so the FPOT (first page out time) is faster than your average laser.

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310: Setup & operation

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 during our tests in a home office

(Image credit: Epson )

The bundled setup instructions are very clear, but you won’t need them because when you turn on the printer for the first time, messages will appear on its display telling you exactly what to do. Setting the date and time is a bit tedious using the buttons and operating this printer would certainly be quicker with a touchscreen interface. 

However, I didn’t have any problems working with the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310, and its three convenient paper trays and prompt printing made it very easy to use. There’s also a decent companion app called Epson Smart Panel for monitoring and controlling the printer remotely.  

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310: Performance

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 during our tests in a home office

(Image credit: Epson )

The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 performed well in all of our tests. It printed as quickly as advertised with no paper jams or misprints. In fact, it managed to print on considerably heavier paper than Epson recommends. Thanks to the relatively flat paper path from the rear multipurpose tray, I was able to feed through some pretty thick card with satisfying results.

Pages of plain text emerge at a steady rate in auto duplex mode and the bold black pigment looks very professional on plain paper. Turning to mixed color documents, the results are similarly striking. Using pigment-based C/M/Y inks in suspension instead of the more usual soluble dye-based inks, means the pages dry faster and the colors stand out more. The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 is great for eye-catching brochures. It’s also pretty good at photographs. Feed it some glossy photo paper and you’ll get some near print-shop quality snaps back. It can’t match Epson’s photo printer range for image quality, which tend to use five or six dye-based inks to achieve a more natural finish than this office printer can manage, but it’s still impressive. 

Best of all, it can print on A3+ paper, so turning out vivid posters is quick and easy. However, we burned through the ink in our setup cartridges pretty quickly, so while the performance was undoubtedly strong, it comes at a cost. 

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310: Final verdict

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 during our tests in a home office

(Image credit: Epson )

This cartridge inkjet printer might not suit every small business, it’s not the absolute best printer we’ve ever tested, and it’s never going to be competitive when it comes to CCP (cost per page), but for those that need to print large professional-looking brochures on a regular basis, it could be ideal. The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 prints quickly and well. Those fast-drying DURABrite pigment inks look great on a wide variety of media, including the kind of thick card that would choke most printers. 

With two separate paper trays, each of them able to hold 250 sheets of A3/Tabloid paper and another multipurpose tray at the rear, this high-capacity printer is very convenient to use. It’s a pity there’s no touchscreen interface, or NFC reader, but that won’t stop us from highly recommending this capable color inkjet.  


We tested the best A3 printers and these are our favorite models

Flexiroam review
2:54 pm |

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

Flexiroam is an eSIM provider that offers connectivity across 200+ countries around the world. While its plans are more expensive than most providers, Flexiroam has a few standout features that set it apart, like the ability to ship a physical SIM to your location if your phone isn’t eSIM compatible.

This provider boasts reasonable speeds and decent coverage across most locations, though the lack of carrier information disclosure before you purchase a plan can be a downside for some. It also provides an alternative to WiFi tethering that eats less cell phone battery, by enabling users to share data directly through the app.

Flexiroam: Plans and pricing

Flexiroam offers a variety of eSIM plans catering to different travel needs, with a global plan starting at just $9 for 7 days. Here’s a breakdown of popular options: 

Prices are often higher compared to competitors, but the option to choose multiple carrier options per location is a good addition.  

Flexiroam: Features

Flexiroam offers a few distinct features to improve the user experience, here are the ones we liked the best during our time with it:

Free eSIM

Flexiroam offers a free eSIM to every new user of the platform, with the added option to get free data plans each time you refer a friend to the company. That way, you can save money on international connectivity if you’re a frequent traveler. 

Network Switching

Flexiroam's modern eSIM technology enables users to switch between mobile operators seamlessly via remote service provisioning. You always have uninterrupted access to the internet, even when visiting regions too remote for your primary carrier.

FlexiShare Functionality

FlexiShare is a unique feature offered by Flexiroam that allows users to share their data plans with others through the Flexiroam X app. This is a great alternative to WiFi tethering because it doesn’t eat away at your cell phone battery at the same speed. 

Flexiroam: Installation

Flexiroam installation

(Image credit: Flexiroam)

Flexiroam offers a straightforward onboarding process for its eSIM service. The entire process takes just a few minutes to complete.

Once the eSIM plan is purchased, users receive a QR code or eSIM profile via email. They can then install the eSIM by simply scanning the QR code using their device's camera or following the provided instructions to download the eSIM profile.

The first-time setup process is entirely digital, performed through your phone’s settings. There is also an in-app guide to help you along if you feel confused. Flexiroam eSIMs activate automatically upon reaching your travel destination, so there is no unintended data loss.

Flexiroam: Coverage and speed

Flexiroam offers coverage in over 200 countries and regions, partnering with multiple local service providers in each country for the best possible performance. 

In terms of data speeds, some users have reported issues with slow connections or throttling, particularly in certain destinations like Japan. Compared to other eSIM providers, Flexiroam's coverage exceeds even Airalo. However, Airalo partners with local telecom providers directly, which can lead to better speeds.

While Flexiroam offers a wide variety of plans with different validity periods, plans can be priced highly in certain countries. Since you can’t see carrier information before purchasing a plan, experience in remote locations can be a hit or a miss.

Flexiroam: Support

Flexiroam support

(Image credit: Flexiroam)

Flexiroam offers several customer support channels, including email (support@flexiroam.com), social media (Facebook, Instagram), messaging apps (Line, WhatsApp), and in-app support through the Flexiroam X app.

However, the customer support team gets mixed reviews for responsiveness. Many customers have reported challenges with timely assistance and issue resolution, so there’s surely room for improvement.

Unfortunately, there’s no phone support, which further complicates matters for users requiring an immediate solution. However, Flexiroam appears to be actively working on enhancing its customer support. In response to negative reviews, representatives have reached out to customers directly to offer a speedy resolution.

Flexiroam: Final verdict

Flexiroam is a solid choice for an eSIM provider, offering extensive global coverage, a user-friendly app, and a variety of plans to suit different needs. Standout features, like the app-based data-sharing functionality and the multiple carrier choices per location, further polish its offering. 

However, customer support is a significant downside of this platform. While the company seems to be working to resolve that, plans still remain expensive compared to other providers.

Flexiroam: FAQs

What does Flexiroam do?

Flexiroam provides eSIM (embedded SIM) solutions that allow users to access mobile data services in over 200 countries without the need for physical SIM cards. It also provides global deployment and connectivity solutions for IoT devices. 

How long does it take to activate Flexiroam?

Flexiroam’s activation process is estimated to take around 10 minutes. eSIMs are usable as soon as the activation process is completed. Plans can be purchased up to 3 months in advance. 

Where is Flexiroam based?

Flexiroam has offices in several locations, but its headquarters are located in Australia. Its plans are accessible throughout the world, however, with support for multiple global payment methods. 

Airhub review
2:34 pm |

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

Airhub is an eSIM provider that offers mobile data plans in over 190 countries and regions worldwide. Founded in 2020, Airhub has served over 500,000 users to date. It offers a diverse selection of local, regional, and global data plans — some with unlimited data. 

With an average rating of 4.5 across different app stores, Airhub is one of the few eSIM providers with voice calling and text messaging features across several regions. You get an international number which you can use to keep in touch with people even when you don’t have access to data.

Airhub is reliable and cost-effective, although a few reviews mention minor drawbacks with its first-time activation process and single sign-on functionality. These issues are easy to resolve, however, as the support team is quite responsive.

Airhub: Plans and pricing

Airhub offers competitively priced eSIM plans starting at as low as $3 for a seven-day validity period. Many plans offer international numbers with voice and text facilities along with data. Here are some popular examples: 

While some regions like Latin America may have limited coverage, Airhub's plan variety and affordable rates still make them an attractive option for international travelers. 

Airhub: Features

Airhub stands out among eSIM providers for its feature-rich offerings, thanks to strategic partnerships with reputed telecom providers like AT&T and O2:

Network Switching

Airhub's innovative network-switching feature ensures you always have the strongest signal available, regardless of your location. This sets it apart from competitors like Airalo, whose plans are tied to a single network per country, often leading to unreliable connections in remote areas.

Voucher Program

If you’re a small retailer or mobile shop, you can take advantage of the Voucher Program to become one of Airhub’s licensed distribution partners. It’s a great way for small businesses to diversify their revenue streams without physically shipping SIM cards to customers. 

Plan Variety

Airhub offers up to 15 plan varieties per country, often including local voice minutes, text messaging, and international phone numbers. This flexibility allows users to choose a plan that precisely fits their travel needs and budget, unlike the limiting plans offered by many other competitors.

Airhub: Installation

Airhub installation

(Image credit: Airhub)

Getting started is easy. Just visit the Airhub website and purchase an eSIM plan. Buying a plan is as simple as choosing your destination, data package, and validity period. 

Once you've completed your purchase, Airhub sends you an activation code with instructions to activate the eSIM on your device. The process rarely takes longer than two minutes. You can choose to activate your eSIM immediately or keep it installed without activating it until your travel dates.

If you have questions about specific plans, the onboarding process, or your device’s compatibility, Airhub’s customer service team is there to answer any questions round the clock.  

Airhub: Coverage and speed

Airhub's coverage spans over 190 countries and regions worldwide, offering reliable connectivity to travelers. The company partners with local networks to design cost-effective plans, ensuring better regional coverage and pricing compared to some competitors. 

However, Airhub's coverage in Latin America is limited, with fewer plan options and several unsupported countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Colombia. 

In terms of data speeds, Airhub generally provides 4G LTE coverage, with some plans offering 5G in select countries like Thailand. While most users report reliable connections and fast speeds, a few reviews mention occasional inconsistencies or throttling issues.

Compared to other eSIM providers, Airhub stands out for its wide variety of plans tailored to specific regions, often including voice minutes and text messaging. While competitors like Airalo boast broader global coverage, Airhub's regional focus allows for more competitive pricing and plan flexibility in the areas it serves.

Airhub: Support

Airhub support

(Image credit: Airhub)

Airhub offers several customer support channels, including live chat and email. However, user reviews mention that response times across these channels can be inconsistent.

Some users report positive experiences, praising the quick turnaround time and helpful support staff. On the other hand, others have expressed frustration about late replies, changing support representatives, and unresolved issues.

There’s also a detailed FAQ for users to look for solutions to common problems. Some of these contain step-by-step instructions to diagnose and resolve even technical errors. But if you need a professional, email and chat are the only options because this provider does not offer phone support.

Airhub: Final verdict

Out of all the eSIM providers we have reviewed, Airhub is the one with the biggest plan variety. They range from region to global, short-term to long-term. It’s also one of the few eSIM companies offering voice minutes and international numbers.

However, Airhub's inconsistent customer support and limited coverage in some regions could be a drawback for some users. Still, we feel that it’s a solid choice whose benefits outweigh the disadvantages in the end.

Airhub: FAQs

How do I activate my eSIM on AirHub?

Airhub has a straightforward onboarding process with clear instructions to guide you through everything. To install and activate the eSIM, follow these steps:

1. Purchase an eSIM data plan from the Airhub website or app. Select your destination, choose a plan, and complete the checkout process. You will receive an email with a QR code and installation instructions.

2. On your phone, go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data. Make sure the Airhub eSIM is turned on.

3. Set the Airhub eSIM to be used for Cellular Data and turn on Data Roaming.

4. Scan the QR code provided in the email to install the eSIM profile. Alternatively, you can enter the activation code manually in your phone's cellular settings.

5. Once installed, the eSIM may show "Activating" for some time, especially if you are not yet in the destination country. This is normal and the activation will complete once you are in the coverage area.

6. You can manage your eSIM by logging into the Airhub app. From there you can check data usage, top up, or make changes to your plan.

What is the convenience fee for Airhub?

Airhub charges a convenience fee of 3.5% on the purchase price of each transaction, which is usually a small amount of $1-2 charged by their payment processing partner. 

Where is AirHub eSIM based?

Airhub is owned and managed by Gighub Inc., a company headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States. However, Airhub offers eSIM plans for travelers around the globe. 

Dell Precision 7875 Tower review
1:07 pm |

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

In a world driven by technology, with GenerativeAI and creative work growing in demand daily and the need for powerful servers in tech companies worldwide, Dell continues to stand strong as a pillar in the computing community. High-quality computers to handle the growing computing demands have never been more critical.

The Precision 7875 Tower Workstation is an incredibly versatile machine. Its base price of $3,299 can be scaled up to a fully loaded $38,904.67 beast of a machine. Unlike even the best business computers I have experienced, this workstation can handle anything thrown at it and more.

Dell Precision 7875

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Dell Precision 7875: Unboxing & first impressions

While I was initially unboxing this workstation, it was a powerhouse. I immediately noticed the sheer weight of the computer and quickly recognized the understated yet professional design of the case. It's not flashy and loud like what is trendy in the custom PC or gaming PC world, with RGB lights everywhere and gaudy components. This is a professional workstation, and it looks sleek, minimal, and functional.

The second big thing I noticed was dual (NVIDIA® RTX™ 6000 Ada, 48 GB GDDR6, 4 DP) graphics cards. Third, I saw an intense power cable in both cable thickness and plug. Most computers, laptop bricks, and monitors (except Apple) all utilize standard C13 IEC power cables. However, this Precision 7875 Tower Workstation uses a C19 connector and C20 inlet to allow for higher amperage and, therefore, more power to the computer.

After booting up, I was reminded that my Precision 7875 Tower has been equipped with Windows 11 Pro (currently version 23H2) and that it has 128GB of RAM installed to work hand in hand with the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7995WX (96-Cores).

Dell Precision 7875

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Dell Precision 7875: Design & build quality

As I briefly mentioned, this workstation is simple yet robust. It's well-built, has excellent ports, and is a professional workhorse just by looking at it. If looking directly at the front of the unit, the left side has a panel that can be removed to expand to utilize the six expansion bays quickly. There are also two SATA/M.2 Flex bays on the front of the tower, a place for a slim optical drive, and a handful of USB-C and USB-A ports that are all USB 3.2, plus an SD-Card slot, power button, hard-drive activity light, and a headphone and microphone combo port.

Specs

As Tested

Processor: AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7995WX (384 MB cache, 96 cores, 192 threads, 2.5GHz to 5.1GHz, 350 W)

RAM: 128 GB: 8 x 16 GB, DDR5

Storage: 1 TB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD

Graphics: Dual NVIDIA® RTX™ 6000 Ada, 48 GB GDDR6, 4 DP

Operating System: Windows 11 Pro

On the back, I was thrilled that my unit had some expansion ports filled. With those expanded ports, my Precision 7875 has a power port (C20 Inlet for 1350 W PSU), an audio jack, two RJ45 ethernet ports on the top (1 GB and 10 GB), two more 10GbE NIC ethernet ports built into the Intel X710 network card, three more USB-C 3.2 ports, three more USB-A 3.2 ports, and eight display ports split between two graphics cards.

Though this computer is an absolute beast in components, ability, ports, and power, it is still a standard-size desktop tower. All components are relatively easy to navigate around and expand, which is more than I can say for some competitors.

Dell Precision 7875

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Dell Precision 7875: In use

While testing the Dell Precision 7875, I attempted to run every benchmark I could throw at this machine - I wanted to know if it really was one of the best workstations or were appearances deceptive? Ironically, several tests I use to benchmark PCs failed due to too many cores. After fiddling with the number of cores to allow PCMark and others to use, I finally got some testing done.

I noticed right away that even while being tested, it takes quite a bit to get the Precision 7875 to break a sweat. During the entire testing process, I barely even heard the fans kick on. Now, granted, if I were utilizing this in its intended purpose to be my machine to work with GenerativeAI, intense programming, or creative apps for an extended period, I might have gotten this computer to give me more than what felt like a mere sigh, but that's impressive in and of itself.

Dell Precision 7875

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Navigating around applications, web browsing, working on documents, and other daily admin tasks are an absolute breeze. Even jumping back to other high-powered computers I am testing, they feel slow after working on the Dell Precision 7875. The port offering is incredible, and I appreciate that I can use this computer vertically or horizontally due to the rubber feet that Dell has included all around the case.

Another huge component of this computer's ease of use is that it has just about everything I could need already built in. It has a high-speed Wi-Fi module, an SD Card slot, a large number of USB-C and even USB-A ports, an absurd number of Display Ports, headphone jacks, plenty of Ethernet Ports, and even a disk drive, not to mention how helpful it is to have onboard storage that I would have to work hard to fill.

Dell Precision 7875

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

This computer is designed for those who need a high-powered, best-of-the-best computer that can handle the most demanding applications and workflows.

Dell Precision 7875: Final verdict

The Dell Precision 7875 is a fantastic option for professionals who need a robust and reliable workstation. Dell engineered it to handle the most demanding programs and workflows, making the expensive investment worth the price for those who require unmatched performance and dependability. 

Yes, it is not for everyone; it may not even be for most people. However, if you are a part of the demographic that needs the best regarding your choice in Windows-based workstations, you should check out the Dell Precision 7875 Tower and try kitting it out to fit your needs and wants.


We tested the best business laptops - and these are our top picks for a productivity boost

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB review
12:12 pm |

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

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 4TB, 8TB, 16TB
Size: 99.2mm x 99.2mm x 40.2mm
Weight: 268g
Enclosure material: Plastic
Connector: USB-C
Technology: SSD
Warranty (in years): 3-Year Limited Warranty
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): Up to 1000MB/s / 900MB/s
Software bundle: Acronis True Image for Western Digital backup software

The SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB is small and quiet, unlike traditional boxy and large desktop storage drives that are commonplace in workspaces worldwide. It is altogether smaller and more stylish, with an ultrafast internal 8TB SSD and a promise of a 16TB version to be released later this year.

The drive is, in principle, a straightforward desktop drive for use with a single computer with a USB Type-C connection to ensure speed and an external power source provided through a standard AC socket rather than drawing BUS power from the computer's USB ports.

In use, the drive is simple enough. It is plug-and-play for most computing systems and arrives formatted in the ExFat file system. This means that it's easy to swap between Mac and PC systems if required; if not, it can be reformatted into one of the more secure options, such as NTFS or APFS, which will also boost the performance and some computing options for those systems.

This drive will really appeal to laptop users who are often limited on internal space. The Desk Drive not only expands the space for large-scale 3D, image, and video projects but also offers transfer speeds through the USB Type-C connection so that it can be used as a working drive as well as for archiving files.

Like any of the best portable SSDs we've tested, once connected, the drive will appear as any other external drive. It can be used for file backup with Time Machine on the Mac or Acronis True Image on the PC. Alternatively, it can be used as a straight storage drive with an off-site solution. The beauty here is that the transfer rates are at a speed that the drive and capacity are not only sufficient for archiving your files but also as a viable working drive for large file types such as video, image, and 3D.

As large-capacity storage solutions go, the SanDisk Desk Drive perfectly balances speed, capacity, and price, making it ideal for any home or small office as a fast, reliable storage solution.

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB: Price & availability

SanDisk Desk Drive

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB has a SRP £663.99 / $699.99, and the smaller 4TB version is available for SRP £359.99 / $379.99. Later in the year, a 16TB version will also be available, although the price is still to be confirmed. The drive is widely available and can be purchased directly from Western Digital

  • Score: 4.5/5

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB: Design & build

SanDisk Desk Drive

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB is considerably smaller than most desktop hard drives, which makes it easy to place on the desk or neatly under the monitor. The actual design is simple, and with the slightly concaved top rather than flat, it seems perfectly formed for small office items such as paperclips and coins!

The size and shape also make it easy to pick up and move, and at 268g, it has just enough weight to act as a convenient paperweight when not in use. That weight also helps with positioning it around the desk, meaning that while lightweight, it's not lightweight enough to be easily knocked from position.

Connection-wise, the drive features a single USB Type-C connection directly into the machine and an AC power socket that fits directly into a standard AC wall socket in the same way as any traditional desktop drive. These two cables keep things relatively neat at the back with no mess of extra cables. Unlike some larger drives, there are no additional USB ports for linking, pass-through, or hub features; this is simply a direct external drive for use by an individual at their desk.

Once the drive is in position and connected to power and the desktop, it quickly appears on the Mac desktop or can be accessed through Windows, depending on your system of choice. The drive comes preformatted in the ExFat file system for maximum compatibility but can be reformatted quickly to suit your preferred system. If you use both, you can stick with ExFat.

Once done, the drive can be used as with any other desktop drive or linked into a backup solution such as Time Machine on the Mac or with Acronis True Image for Western Digital backup software, which can be downloaded from the Western Digital website.

  • Score: 4.5/5

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB: Features

SanDisk Desk Drive

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB offers plenty of storage capacity, with the 8TB version that we're looking at in this review being suitable for most medium-sized usage individuals who might shoot images and video as part of their workload and need the speed to access those files quickly as well as archive them with the ability to gain access to them at speed without the need to dig through a server. The 4TB version, although smaller, is still a substantial capacity and would be better suited to those working with documents and the occasional use of image and video files. The larger 16TB version would be ideal for videographers in small businesses who just need plenty of storage to back up their projects after an edit or need the additional capacity for working projects.

One of the features that really makes the SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB stand out is the fast transfer speeds, with read speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 900 MB/s, making it significantly faster than traditional desktop hard disk drives and many of the other solutions offered by Western Digital at present.

For many users, the SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB will also make a perfect solution for backing up all their work through applications such as Apple Time Machine or the downloadable Acronis True Image for Western Digital software. Both of these applications can be used to back up your desktop machine to the SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB to ensure that you always have two local copies of your files. Of course, it's always good practice, especially in a business environment, to have another backup of your files either to a NAS or off-site cloud solution.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Desk Drive is its small size, which makes it far easier to position than many of the more traditional desktop hard drives. The fact that it also utilizes its own power supply means that its performance is more consistent than that of portable external hard drives.

Out of the box, the SanDisk Desk Drive comes in the exFAT file format, which is compatible with both Windows and macOS systems. It uses a USB Type-C connection for connectivity.

Finally, the drive comes with a three-year limited warranty to ensure that your investment is sound for at least a few years.

  • Score 4.5/5

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB: Performance

SanDisk Desk Drive

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: read: 1032.48MB/s Write: 1010.49MB/s
AJA: read: 898MB/s Write: 868MB/s
ATTO: read: 939.42MB/s Write: 929.15MB/s
AS SSD: 984.62MB/s Write: 961.50MB/s

When it came to testing the drive, the advertised transfer speeds offered a few more options than more traditional HDD desktop drives. So, alongside the speed tests, the drive was used as a working drive for some of the best video editing software and best photo editors available to see if it could facilitate the delivery of large files and complex computing.

Starting with using the drive on a PC with Adobe Photoshop and copying 1TB of image files from an OWC CFExpress Type-B card, the transfer rate was impressive. Files crossed over through the Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type B reader in a little under two minutes.

In use, the drive worked perfectly for photography, with the speed of downloading the image files from a CFExpress Type-B card to the storage helping to speed up the workflow. A full selection of files from a day's shoot, some 1200 files, both JPEG and RAW, could be downloaded in a little under two minutes. When opening Adobe Bridge to browse the files, the application and drive worked fast enough for the thumbnails to generate and display in good time; likewise, opening and saving files was seamless without pause or delay.

Switching to the more intensive video workflow and again using 4K video captured on the Canon EOS R5 C, the drive fed the files to Final Cut Pro at a rate that enabled smooth video editing without dropped frames. The machine (MacBook Pro 16-inch M1) started to struggle with projects greater than 10 minutes in length rather than any issue with the speed of the content delivery from the drive.

To back up the real-world tests, where the small drive performed well, the benchmark tests also showed impressive results across the board, with the overall transfer rates exceeding those stated by Western Digital.

When it comes to other features, the SanDisk Desk Drive is somewhat limited - you have access to all the backup features offered by the Acronis True Image software, and this is simple to use. On the drive are installed link files for both Mac and PC, and although these are executable files, they simply take you to the download page on the Western Digital website. Once there, you scroll down to the download link for the Mac or PC version - it's simple enough, but the downloads page is generic for all of their products, so not all software on this page is appropriate for this drive, which is worth noting.

While Acronis is a great piece of software, and the implementation here is excellent, enabling you to set source and destination locations for your files, this software really is about the backup of files rather than management. When it comes to security the software does enable you to do a clean wipe of the drive, however, if you're storing sensitive data on the drive there is no default facility to do this other than using a third party software option. For a drive of this type, some type of integral security would have been nice to see. 

Likewise, simplicity makes this drive easy to use. As a desktop drive, it will probably be plugged either directly into a hub or the machine it's being used by. It would have been nice to see an additional USB Type-C port so other accessories or card readers could be daisy-chained into the drive.

However, the pure simplicity of the design and ease of use is what should make this drive so appealing to anyone running a small or home office looking for decent amounts of storage capacity. 

  • Score: 4/5

Should you buy the SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB?

The SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB is best suited for professionals in creative industries who handle large media files regularly and require quick, reliable access. It's also a great choice for those needing a robust backup solution for important data, combining speed with large capacity in a user-friendly format. This drive excels in environments where speed and capacity are critical, making it ideal for photographers, videographers, and digital artists.

SanDisk Desk Drive

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...


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easySIM review
2:40 pm | May 8, 2024

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

easySim.global is a UK-based eSIM provider that launched in July 2023 as part of the easy® family of brands founded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou. It provides affordable prepaid data eSIMs for travelers in over 150 countries worldwide, saving them over 95% in costs over physical SIM card providers.

While a few complaints note minor connectivity issues, easySIM generally offers reliable coverage through Tier 1 networks across all 150+ countries within its platform. 

It’s a relatively new player in the eSIM market compared to brands like Airalo, Nomad, or Airhub. Still, the company has made significant strides in popularity thanks to the consistent performance and helpful customer support team.

easySIM: Plans and pricing

easySIM claims to provide savings of up to 95% compared to standard roaming charges across 150+ countries. Here are some of its most popular plans: 

Unfortunately, there are no plans that allow users to group multiple locations together. Users visiting multiple countries will need to get separate plans. 

easySIM: Features

During our time with easySIM, we found several additional features that we liked:

Business eSIM

For corporate customers, easySIM.global provides a dedicated business eSIM solution with standout features like a company wallet for easy expense management, spend alerts, and hotspot tethering for productivity on the go. 

Travel Guides

easySIM goes beyond just offering eSIM services by maintaining detailed travel guides for various destinations it covers. These guides cover topics like top attractions, money-saving tips, and seasonal recommendations, adding value for customers planning their trips.

Trusted Network

As a member of the easy® family founded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, easySIM benefits from the trust and reliability associated with companies like easyJet and easyHotel. While it’s a relatively new player in the eSIM market, users of the company’s other products are familiar with their dedication to customer service

easySIM: Installation

Purchasing and activating an easySIM is a straightforward process. After checking that your phone supports eSIM technology, you can simply purchase your preferred plan from easySim.global. Once purchased, you receive a QR code via email which you scan to install the eSIM profile on your device.

Onboarding is fully digital, with detailed setup guides provided for both iOS and Android. Upon arriving at your destination, just enable data roaming on the eSIM and ensure that easySIM is set as the default for cellular data. The data bundle activates automatically when you connect to a local network.

For first-time use, it's recommended to disable data roaming on your home SIM to avoid unexpected charges. If you encounter any issues, restarting your device or manually selecting a network can often resolve connectivity problems.

easySIM: Coverage and speed

easySIM offers coverage across more than 150 countries worldwide by partnering with tier-1 network operators in each region. This allows them to provide reliable service on par with major local carriers. Popular destinations include:

  • Canada
  • United States
  • France
  • Germany
  • UAE
  • Morocco
  • Egypt

Coverage is excellent in most places, with the company clearly indicating which providers it works within each region. Moreover, easySIM delivers 4G/5G speeds in almost every country. One particular review notes 100+ Mbps download speeds on Australia's Telstra network.

easySIM takes a multi-carrier approach in many countries, which provides a significant coverage advantage over single-network eSIMs. While some rivals like Airalo offer similar speeds, easySIM's pricing allows for much more savings compared to roaming carriers.

easySIM: Support

easySIM support

(Image credit: easySIM )

easySIM.global offers a few different channels for support, ensuring users can get help when needed. The primary support method is via email, with a dedicated support email address provided on their website. It also offers a comprehensive FAQ section that addresses common questions and issues.

Customer reviews suggest that easySIM's support team is highly efficient, even if there are no phone support options available. Most reviews note wait times of no longer than 30 minutes.

The company also provides detailed setup guides and troubleshooting tips on the website, which can help users resolve issues independently. easySIM has also started offering chat support via a chatbot called Barry, which can redirect you to human support staff if needed.

easySIM: Final verdict

easySIM's key strengths include its association with the trusted easy® brand family, competitive pricing, and tier-1 network partnerships across more than 150 countries. While its coverage may not be as extensive as Airalo or Airhub, the network speeds and connection quality more than make up for it if you aren’t visiting very remote destinations.

This provider is also well-suited for business travelers, given the company wallet and tethering support across most plans. Sadly, there aren’t any plans offering voice minutes or an international number, so users have to rely on data to make calls and send messages through platforms like WhatsApp.

easySIM: FAQs

How does easySIM work?

easySIM is an eSIM (embedded digital SIM) service that provides low-cost prepaid mobile data for travelers around the world. It partners with tier-1 network operators in each country to offer reliable coverage at speeds up to 5G where available. 

Do I turn off roaming when using easySIM?

When using an easySIM data plan while traveling, you should turn off data roaming for your primary carrier's SIM to avoid unintended roaming charges. This can be found in the Cellular/Mobile Data settings of your phone under Data Roaming. 

Is it safe to use easySIM?

While no technology is 100% immune to threats, eSIMs are designed with strong security measures. Moreover, easySIM utilizes a secure cloud-based infrastructure to provide a high standard of data safety and protection. 

Holafly review
2:08 pm |

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

Holafly is an eSIM provider founded in 2017 that offers prepaid data plans for travelers in over 190 countries worldwide. It was one of the first companies to launch eSIM technology, quickly expanding to offer multiple plans across popular travel destinations globally.

With a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot across over 36,000 reviews, Holafly has established a strong reputation as a trusted eSIM provider. Its unlimited data plans, expanding country coverage, and focus on environmental sustainability have garnered it many followers.

Users praise the easy setup process, reliable high-speed data connections, responsive customer support, and good value for price compared to other providers. However, it’s worth noting that not all plans support tethering functionality, so it’s a good idea to check before you buy. If you aren’t looking for unlimited data, you may also find the plans more expensive than other eSIMs.

Holafly: Plans and pricing

While Holafly's prices may be slightly higher compared to some local SIM options, the unlimited data plans justify the cost for many travelers.  

Most popular destinations offer unlimited data plans at similar price points. If you have to change your travel plans, Holafly also offers you to option to refund your purchase within the first 6 months. 

Holafly: Features

Holafly features

(Image credit: Holafly)

Beyond the standard benefits of eSIMs, Holafly goes the extra mile with a few features we liked:

European Number

A standout feature is the inclusion of a European phone number (+43) with many of Holafly's eSIM plans. This allows users to make and receive calls within Europe for up to 60 minutes each, providing added convenience and cost savings.

Data Monitoring

Holafly's user-friendly app allows customers to easily track their data usage and receive notifications when running low. This feature helps travelers stay on top of their data consumption and avoid unexpected charges or disruptions in service.

Unlimited Data

While most eSIM providers put caps on data usage, Holafly allows you to use your phone abroad without constantly monitoring your usage. This is a huge benefit, although some users complain about throttling issues when you exceed a certain amount of data.

Holafly: Installation

Holafly installation

(Image credit: Holafly)

Holafly makes purchasing and activating an eSIM a breeze. The onboarding process is straightforward and user-friendly, ensuring that even those new to eSIMs can get connected quickly.

After selecting your destination and plan on their website, you complete the purchase and receive a QR code via email within minutes. Installing the eSIM is as simple as scanning this code with your phone's camera, which automatically downloads the necessary settings. 

For phones without QR scanning capabilities, you can manually input the provided SM-DP+ address and activation code.

Once installed, you simply enable data roaming in your phone settings upon arriving at your destination to activate the eSIM. Holafly also provides step-by-step guides for various devices, making the process intuitive for first-time users.

Holafly: Coverage and speed

Holafly partners with top carriers across the globe to offer consistent coverage in most locations. However, some users have reported occasional connectivity issues or dead zones, especially in more remote areas. A few countries with good coverage include:

  • USA
  • Canada
  • Turkey
  • Spain
  • France
  • Mexico

Holafly offers fast 4G/LTE or even 5G speeds across most locations. That said, some users complain about issues with throttling and slowdowns. After using a certain amount of data (around 3-5GB per day according to some reports), speeds may be drastically reduced until the following day. This a shame, especially since the company makes a point to promote its plans as having unlimited data.

Compared to competitors, Holafly's coverage is on par with or slightly better than many eSIM providers. The main differentiator is their unlimited data plans, but the throttling issue makes the choice more complicated for those interested in streaming or gaming.

Holafly: Support

Holafly support

(Image credit: Holafly)

Holafly offers multiple customer support channels to ensure users can access assistance whenever needed. The primary support options include 24/7 live chat through their website, WhatsApp, email support, and an FAQ addressing common queries.

Users typically praise the quick response times, particularly through live chat, plus the support team's ability to effectively resolve issues. But, a rare few reviews mention occasional delays or inconsistencies in support quality.

Holafly's comprehensive FAQ section can also help users troubleshoot common problems independently, reducing the need for contacting customer support for basic troubleshooting.

Holafly: Final verdict

With its extensive coverage, user-friendly onboarding process, and excellent customer support, Holafly is among the better eSIM providers we have reviewed. While complaints of throttling and inconsistent support impact our impressions, we are pleased with our overall experience with this platform.

If you aren’t looking for unlimited data, however, Holafly can prove costlier than most eSIM providers in the market right now. What’s more, users with resource-intensive needs like high-quality streaming may not care for the slow speeds once you cross the soft limit.

Holafly: FAQs

Is Holafly actually unlimited data?

While Holafly claims to offer unlimited data, some reviews suggest that speeds may be throttled after using a certain amount of data per day (around 3-5GB according to some reports). This is because Holafly's unlimited plans are subject to a Fair Usage Policy in each country. 

Which is better, Airalo or Holafly?

While it’s hard to come up with a single answer, Airalo can be a better option for travelers visiting remote places due to the stronger coverage it offers. Holafly might be a better choice for those looking for unlimited data at lower price points. 

Which network does Holafly use?

Holafly partners with local mobile network operators in each country to provide eSIM service to travelers. Examples include AT&T, T-Mobile, Telcel (Claro), and Verizon. 

Instabridge review
12:16 pm |

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

Instabridge is a global eSIM provider based in Sweden that offers mobile data connectivity in over 190 countries. 

Founded in 2012, the company initially focused on providing WiFi hotspot maps before expanding into the eSIM market. With over 200 million app downloads, Instabridge has established itself as a leading player in the eSIM industry.

The company offers a user-friendly app, a wide range of data plans, and excellent global coverage. While some users have reported minor issues with customer support response time, most of them praise the company for its affordable pricing and seamless connectivity. A few interesting features, like the data-saving web browser, help the company stand out from the competition.

Instabridge: Plans and pricing

Instabridge offers a straightforward pricing structure for its eSIM plans, with options for both local and global data packages. Here are some popular plans: 

A significant advantage over other providers like aloSIM is that your plans don’t expire after a set period, so you can keep using them until you’ve exhausted all your data balance.

Instabridge: Features

Instabridge features

(Image credit: Instabridge)

During our time with Instabridge, we found several additional features that we liked:

Instabridge Browser

One of Instabridge's most impressive features is its unique data-saving browser, which compresses data by up to 10x. The tool allows users to stretch their data plans further, making it an excellent choice for travelers, digital nomads, and anyone looking to save on mobile data costs.

WiFi Database

With a database of over 20 million WiFi hotspots, Instabridge leverages the power of crowdsourcing to provide users with an extensive network of connectivity options while traveling. WiFi hotspots offer internet access completely free of charge, making it a great option to help your mobile data plans last longer.

VPN Service

Instabridge is one of the few eSIM providers that offer its own free VPN, enabling you to safeguard your privacy when traveling. It’s useful when connecting with WiFi hotspots on the move, providing a layer of security when logging into unsecured networks.

Instabridge: Installation

Instabridge installation

(Image credit: Instabridge)

Instabridge offers a seamless and user-friendly onboarding process for purchasing and activating eSIMs. Users can easily download the Instabridge app on their iOS or Android device to create an account. Once logged in, they can browse and select from different data plans, whether it's a one-time package or a long-term subscription.

The buying process is straightforward and can be completed within minutes. After selecting a plan, users simply need to enter their payment information and complete the purchase. Upon successful payment, a prompt will appear to redeem the coupon code to activate the eSIM directly within the app.

The app then guides users through the eSIM installation process, which typically takes around a minute, followed by a brief activation period of two to three minutes. While first-time users may encounter minor hiccups, such as needing to restart the app during activation, these are usually easily resolved. In the end, Instabridge's intuitive interface and clear instructions ensure a positive first-time user experience.

Instabridge: Coverage and speed

Instabridge offers extensive coverage in over 190 countries, ensuring reliable connectivity for users on multi-destination trips. The company has established itself as a leading player in the eSIM industry, with an especially strong presence in Europe. Some popular destinations it covers are:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Switzerland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Australia
  • Japan
  • India

The company generally provides fast and stable connections. However, some users have reported occasional throttling issues when using large amounts of data. Still, the majority of customers report consistent performance and coverage.

While some providers may offer slightly cheaper plans in specific regions, Instabridge's extensive network and flexible packages make it a recognized name in the industry. In fact, the provider claims to have recorded over 200 million app downloads to date, placing it as one of the most popular options.

Instabridge: Support

Instabridge support

(Image credit: Instabridge)

Instabridge did not impress us with the breadth of support options it offers. Apart from the self-service knowledge base with limited resources, the only way to have their support team look at your issue is to email them.

While support is generally responsive, some reviews mention inconsistent and unhelpful replies after a long wait. If you need someone to look at a problem while you’re on the move, Instabridge’s support options may come up short.

There’s no phone number to contact, nor a live chat option for users requiring immediate assistance. Thankfully, the company’s platforms are easy to use with no intervention required for the most part.

Instabridge: Final verdict

Instabridge's extensive coverage in over 190 countries, user-friendly app, and competitive pricing make it a top contender in the eSIM market. The company's innovative features, such as the data-saving browser and hotspot connectivity, provide further options to save data on your travels.

However, the lack of instant support options presents a disadvantage for travelers. While the platform is generally self-serviceable, you may find yourself in a tricky situation should you require immediate assistance in a foreign country.

Instabridge: FAQs

Is Instabridge safe to use?

Instabridge only connects users to trusted and verified WiFi networks, ensuring that personal information remains protected. However, as with any public WiFi, there are inherent risks. You can use the built-in VPN service to encrypt your internet access when using a WiFi hotspot.  

Is the Instabridge app free?

Yes, the app itself is free to download and use on both Android and iOS devices. The free version of the app allows users to find and connect to public WiFi hotspots shared by the Instabridge community. 

But, Instabridge also offers several eSIM data plans for mobile connectivity, which operate under a pay-as-you-go model. Paid users have access to better-encrypted WiFi networks.

Does Instabridge work on iPhone?

Yes, Instabridge works on all iPhone devices running iOS 15.0 or higher. Both the mobile app and the online platform are available to iOS users. 

OWC Jupiter Mini review
9:17 am |

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

OWC Jupiter Mini: 30-second review

Specs

CPU: 2.2 GHz Intel Xeon D-1518 4-Core
Graphics: VGA
RAM: 32GB ECC RAM.
Storage: 5 x 4TB 3.5" 7200 rpm SATA HDDs
Rear Ports: Includes 2x 10GbE and 2x 1GbE network connections, USB-A 3.2 Gen 1.
Front Ports: 2 x USB-A 2.0
Connectivity: 2x 10GbE and 2x 1GbE network connections
Audio: n/a
Camera: n/a
Size: 325 x 220 x 230mm
OS installed: TrueNAS SCALE.
Accessories: n/a

In the background of most offices and studios, there's usually some form of server with access to mass storage working away. This storage is typically found in a secluded area and accessed only by a qualified IT professional. While such network systems are complex and can be tricky to administer, their functionality is essential for any business, essentially supplying a centralised resource where all staff can access shared files of all types. 

The OWC Jupiter Mini is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system that, while not a fully integrated server, performs all the storage jobs that larger enterprise technology handles in large institutions. The Jupiter Mini, though smaller and easier to administer, still offers the potential for a substantial amount of storage, up to 100TB and can be accessed by multiple users without the system slowing down, making it an ideal solution for small to medium-sized businesses and professionals working with TB of photos or video files and needing a professional storage solution.

The Jupiter Mini integrates with your network and can be subdivided into network drives (datasets) that can then be accessed by anyone on that network or remotely, given the correct permissions.

While there are many alternative NAS systems on the market, which may seem considerably cheaper, the Jupiter Mini offers incredible value, considering the performance, storage, and support provided. Unlike many consumer units designed for occasional access, this NAS can connect to the network with a 10GbE connection and is supported by powerful internal hardware capable of handling substantial data flow and multiple concurrent connections without faltering.

We've tried out plenty of the best NAS devices, and in our tests, the speeds over the wired connection were impressive. 140 GB was transferred to three machines in around 30 minutes, which is significantly faster than a consumer unit used to compare.

The speed of the connection makes a considerable difference when storing files, allowing multiple users easy access over the network in a small studio setting using smb shares. This means project folders and files can be quickly downloaded to a working drive and restored once finished. Additionally, equipment forms, risk assessments, and other regularly accessed files are easily reachable on-site, which is invaluable when internet connectivity is unreliable.

Ultimately, if you're a small to medium-sized business and need an easy mass storage device that is fast and easy to access with great support, then there is little to fault with the OWC Jupiter Mini.

OWC Jupiter Mini: Price & availability

OWC Jupiter Mini

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The OWC Jupiter Mini is available directly from OWC and from many technology outlets. However, buying directly ensures that you get the exact specifications and build you require, whether for personal use or your business. Units start at the base level of 20TB, which we've examined in this review, and begin at $2,999.

  • Score: 4/5

OWC Jupiter Mini: Design & build

OWC Jupiter Mini

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

NAS boxes typically have a functional style with quick-access drive slot doors on the front and various ports around the back, often resembling an enlarged external hard drive. OWC, however, has enhanced this design principle with the Jupiter Mini, adding aesthetic touches such as blue anodised door lever locks on the front, giving the drive a stylish edge over competitors.

Despite its aesthetic appeal, this unit's true value lies in its features and functionality. The drive is available pre-configured from OWC and many other retailers, saving at least a couple of hours of setup time. This means it can be quickly integrated into your network and ready for use, providing instant, high-capacity storage without much fuss.

For many small businesses, this easy access to large storage capacity will be more than enough, having a drive that you can simply plug in and then browse the network located the drive login, and the Jupiter Mini network drive just appears on your desktop, ready to use, all very simple. However, the Jupiter Mini is far more, and the appeal of the machine isn't just the simplicity of connection but the ease of use when it comes to the administration of that storage for the people accessing the drive. Administration is handled by the TrueNAS interface, which is pre-installed and enables an administrator to log in and allocate different storage areas to groups or individuals in the form of datasets, as well as enable external sharing and check drive health. 

The drive also offers future expansion options, so you can start with the 20TB version and then expand the storage as needed. Drive replacement is made possible in a couple of ways, either by replacing the drives physically in the mini and then creating a new pool/dataset/share with the new drives. Or replace one drive in the pool with the larger one, let it resolve, replace another, let it resilver, and continue until you have replaced all 5 drives. Once this is done, you can then expand the pool to take up additional space on the drives, which is done with a single button press in TrueNAS.

If you like to explore the system, you can connect to the Jupiter Mini directly. It has a VGA port at the back and can be connected to a keyboard and mouse. This approach is far more akin to enterprise-level solutions, and for most users, the GUI of the TrueNAS browser version will be a far easier environment to navigate.

  • Score: 4/5

OWC Jupiter Mini: Features

The hardware of the Jupiter Mini is designed to meet the needs of creatives and support the large file types that tend to be handled in these environments, which is where similar capacity but lesser-powered NAS boxes struggle. The Jupiter Mini base capacity is 20TB (expandable to 100TB) and uses ZFS RAID for data protection; this leaves 16TB of usable space. The box comes pre-configured as RAIDZ1 (similar to RAID 5). One of the advantages of this is that the ZFS automatically caches your most frequently used and recent files in RAM, providing faster access to files at flash-like speeds. It also features a high-speed 10GbE network connection, providing faster file access compared to standard NAS drives, with all the processing down to its enterprise-grade Xeon Processor and 32GB of ECC RAM. Using the Jupiter Mini as part of a studio or office setup allows multiple users to access the NAS simultaneously, with automatic file caching for swift retrieval of frequently accessed files.

The system comes preloaded with the TrueNAS SCALE, which enables the easy management of the drive and its storage. This allows different network drives to be created and access permissions granted, ensuring a straightforward setup and management and a system that is fully compatible with both Mac and PC systems.

While the drive's overall handling is quite straightforward, if you do get stuck, there's plenty of documentation online, as well as a comprehensive single-source warranty and outstanding Pro Support from OWC. This support offers assistance during the setup and beyond, ensuring that help is just an email away if you have any questions or issues that may arise.

  • Features: 4.5

OWC Jupiter Mini: Performance

OWC Jupiter Mini

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Network storage is a significant asset in any studio or office environment. It enables the sharing of large-format files among colleagues. In a studio setting, this is particularly beneficial for transferring large video files across the network, eliminating the need to copy everything onto portable hard drives and move them from one person to another.

While there are plenty of NAS solutions available, the Jupiter Mini stands out as one of the few options tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, boasting ease of use and operation, power, and scalability without requiring extensive IT experience.

The initial setup and use of the Jupiter Mini were notably straightforward, with the device connecting to the back of the EERO 6 wifi router and becoming accessible throughout the studio and home. This centralised resource proved its value by allowing quick access to essential video and image files for projects. The speed of file transfers was instantly impressive over the wifi connection, with 140GB of data downloading in about an hour and a half, compared to six hours with our existing NAS. 

However, when connected to the studio's wired network, the download time for the same files dropped to less than 30 minutes as the files were transferred to the OWC ThunderBlade X8. The OWC ThunderBlade X8 was used as a local working drive and enabled the fast transfer speeds required by the best video editing software for cutting and grading. 

In the test, the network here is not the fastest 10GbE network at 2.5GbE. However, the speed was impressive for a self-managed system. After a week, the potential of faster network storage became obvious, and TrueNAS was used to create additional datasets for different groups and users. This enabled different areas of the storage to be assigned as a network drive, with permissions to users and groups assigned. Once the dataset is created, it can then be shared through smb. Another nice feature is that you create a zvol, which then enables you to format that segment of the drive in another file format. There is also a host of apps that can be downloaded and used if you need an on-site web development environment, and again, you can assign part of the storage to this. 

Through the test all administration was managed through the browser TrueNAS GUI. While there was a learning curve, it proved to be a powerful tool with plenty of documentation to support its use. As previously mentioned, if you do want a little more, then you can access the command-line version of TrueNAS by using a VGA monitor, keyboard, and mouse, a setup more common in server environments than in small offices.

One key consideration was whether the OWC Jupiter Mini could serve as shared network editing storage for software like Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Premiere Pro. While technically possible with the correct setup and network speed, this NAS is not specifically designed for such intensive tasks, a role better suited to more powerful and expensive solutions like the OWC Jellyfish. However, lighter tasks, such as a centralised resource for photo or graphic design, are well within the Jupiter Mini's remit.

The OWC Jupiter Mini offers an easy-to-maintain, out-of-the-box NAS solution that provides enterprise-level performance, far surpassing what is achievable with consumer models and is scalable up to 100TB to meet the growing data storage needs of home, office, or studio environments.

  • Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the OWC Jupiter Mini?

The OWC Jupiter Mini is designed for creative professionals and small businesses that require a commercial network storage solution with substantial storage potential without the need for extensive IT know-how. Commercial NAS boxes, although ideal in functionality, often become completely impractical due to their design, cost, and often complex command-line administration. Conversely, smaller consumer models may offer ease of use but rarely offer the speed or power for multiple concurrent connections, capacity, connection features or ready support. These are all areas where OWC and the Jupiter Mini excel.

As a basic NAS, the Jupiter Mini is straightforward and efficient, making it particularly attractive to videographers and photographers needing reliable storage for projects and files. Its compatibility with the ThunderBlade X8 as a local working drive enhances its functionality. In a home environment, investing time in TrueNAS allows for segmenting the storage and providing dedicated areas for network or shared storage needs within the office or household.

The real advantage lies in its appeal to those seeking commercial-grade network storage that is both high-performing, expandable and reliable. The system includes a built-in support email system to alert users of potential issues with the hardware, preventing drive failures or other significant problems. In an office or studio setting, this single unit can be configured to provide various storage spaces for different groups, with tailored allocations and access, mirroring the capabilities of a large company's IT system.

Although the initial investment in the OWC Jupiter Mini is significant, the value it offers in storage capacity and the ability to self-manage—backed by OWC's excellent support—makes it a great choice. For studios or small offices in need of a network storage solution, the OWC Jupiter Mini stands out as one of the fastest, easiest-to-use, and most versatile systems available.

OWC Jupiter Mini

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...


We tested the best business computers - and these are the ones we recommend.

aloSIM review
5:01 pm | May 7, 2024

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

aloSIM is a Canada-based eSIM provider that offers affordable prepaid data packages for travelers in over 170+ countries. 

aloSIM usually garners positive reviews from both customers and reviewers. Users particularly appreciate the flexibility to purchase data without contracts, with the ability to top up directly through the app when running low. With 4-star ratings on both the App Store and Google Play, aloSIM’s mobile apps are another feature loved by a great many users.

However, aloSIM’s plans are all prepaid and data-only, which can present a few challenges for international travelers. You don’t get an international number for making phone calls or receiving text messages without data. Plus, plans have a fixed validity that expires even if you have an unused data balance in your account.

aloSIM: Plans and pricing

aloSIM offers eSIM plans with straightforward pricing across more than 170 countries. Here’s an overview of the most popular data plans: 

There are plans to suit different budgets, from short trips to long vacations. If you’re traveling through multiple countries, the regional plans offer additional savings. 

aloSIM: Features

aloSIM features

(Image credit: aloSIM)

aloSIM has quite a few distinguishing features that we liked, such as:

Data Calculator

A unique and practical tool, the aloSIM Data Calculator helps travelers estimate their data needs based on intended usage patterns. This empowers users to choose plans more aligned with their requirements, avoiding overspending on unnecessary data. The calculator considers trip duration, number of travelers, and types of online activities to provide personalized recommendations.

Auto Activation

aloSIM offers advanced features like auto-activation of eSIMs upon arriving at the destination, eliminating the need for manual setup. It also allows for easy top-up of data when running low, directly from the app without needing to purchase a new eSIM.

aloSIM+ Sharing

aloSIM+ is an innovative feature that enables groups to share data across multiple devices in over 130 countries, avoiding individual roaming charges. Useful for families, friends, or colleagues traveling together who want to stay connected without each person needing a separate data plan. 

aloSIM: Installation

aloSIM installation

(Image credit: aloIM)

Users can easily buy eSIM data packages through the aloSIM app or website, selecting their desired location and data amount. The onboarding process is user-friendly, with clear instructions for installing the eSIM on iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy phones.

After purchasing, users receive a QR code with installation details to add the eSIM to their device, similar to any other provider.

For first-time usage, aloSIM recommends installing the eSIM before traveling and activating it upon arrival at the destination. The app offers a simple interface for managing eSIMs, checking data balances, and topping up when needed.

aloSIM also provides helpful resources, such as a travel data calculator to estimate usage and round-the-clock support through live chat and email.

aloSIM: Coverage and speed

aloSIM offers coverage across 170+ countries worldwide, with users reporting generally reliable data speeds thanks to partnerships with trustworthy telecom providers like Vodafone and AT&T. Popular countries with good coverage include:

  • Canada
  • United States
  • China
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain

In terms of data speeds, aloSIM provides access to 4G/LTE networks in many of its covered countries. We find that it’s sufficiently fast for typical traveler needs like maps, messaging, social media, and light streaming while on the move.

That said, a few reviews mention experiencing throttled speeds after using a certain amount of data. While generally reliable, aloSIM can be less consistent in speed and coverage compared to players like Airalo.

aloSIM: Support

aloSIM support

(Image credit: aloSIM)

aloSIM offers round-the-clock customer support to ensure users can get assistance quickly while traveling. The primary support options are email and live chat, both accessible through the app and website.

It also provides a comprehensive Support Center with detailed articles and guides covering topics like eSIM installation, activation, managing data plans, and troubleshooting tips. A self-serve option enables users to find answers independently before contacting support if needed.

Many users mention that the support team goes above and beyond to resolve customer issues, providing clear and detailed instructions within minutes of raising a query.

aloSIM: Final verdict

aloSIM is well-suited for short-term trips, multi-country itineraries, and group travelers. The data-only plans align with modern travelers who rely on messaging apps and internet calls for communication. 

While it may not match the brand recognition of some competitors, aloSIM’s affordable rates, extensive coverage, and strong customer support make it a compelling choice. However, those requiring a global plan may need to consider other options.

aloSIM: FAQs

How does the aloSIM work?

aloSIM is an eSIM provider that lets you purchase and use digital SIM cards without walking into a physical store. It’s a great option for frequent travelers who need a reliable way to stay connected across multiple destinations. 

Does aloSIM work on iPhone?

Yes, aloSIM works on most newer iPhone models that support eSIM technology. Supported models include:

  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone XS and XS Max
  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max

Does aloSIM work with Android?

aloSIM is compatible with most popular Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy series, Google Pixel series, Huawei P40 and Mate 40 Pro, OPPO Find X3 Pro and Reno series. In addition to Android smartphones, aloSIM eSIM data packages can be used on most newer Android tablets as well. 

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