The Dock Pro Universal 4K Quad Docking Station from IOGear is a four-video output docking station created to be compatible with nearly any device. The IOGear Dock Pro is sleek, minimalist, and easy to use, adding 12 additional ports, including four HDMI, four Displayport, and Ethernet connections. The dock is easy to set up and has a reasonable price point, making it a worthy consideration for your home office desk space. 

First impressions

The IOGear Dock Pro is a very clean and straightforward yet robust-looking dock. This dock can stand up with the assistance of a stabilizer or lay down on its side. We chose to lay the Dock Pro on its side and slide it underneath the monitor shelf on top of our desk, meaning it stayed out of view while still remaining within reach. 

Design and build quality

The IOGear Dock Pro is a solid dock with a rugged metal frame. The front of the dock has a power button, micro, standard SD card slot, three USB-A ports (one for charging and two for data), one USB-C, and a headphone jack. 

The back of the dock has four DisplayPorts and four HDMI Ports, a power connector, a 1-gigabit ethernet port, a USB-C PD port, a USB-C to host, a USB-A port, and a Kensington lock. The IOGear Dock Pro is designed to use either the DisplayPort or HDMI signal for each of the four outputs, despite having technically eight video outputs.

In use

We put the IOGear Dock Pro to the test with a wide range of laptops and tablets. 

As IOGear states, we confirmed that this dock is compatible with macOS, Windows, and any USB-C tablets (like newer iPad Pro / Air) if the tablet is capable of video output. We also plugged four monitors into compatible devices through the IOGear Dock Pro. Overall, this dock has had zero issues outputting content, transferring data, and running as the central hub for one of our primary working desks. We have this daisy-chained in, with the signal chain running from a MacBook Air M1 to an OWC Thunderbolt Hub, out of the Thunderbolt Hub to the IOGear Dock Pro. The IOGear Dock Pro then connects to two of our three monitors, one via DisplayPort and one via HDMI. The third monitor is run via the Thunderbolt Hub to utilize the USB Hub built into our primary monitor. This dock also connects to several peripherals, including a headset for virtual meetings, a camera, and storage solutions. 

When we first plugged the IOGear Dock Pro into our laptop, it recognized the storage and one monitor instantaneously. To run multiple monitors on M-series MacBooks, you will need to use companion software because of the well-known limitations of the M-series chips. DisplayLink is a driver download that, in conjunction with a DisplayLink chipset inside a dock like this, allows for more than just one monitor for laptops with this limitation. After downloading and installing the DisplayLink software, we could fully utilize all four monitors that the Dock Pro can output.

We can see full resolution with no noticeable latency through the Dock Pro. The DisplayLink app gives us the easy option to rotate the orientation of any monitor. Transferring data to an external drive is quick and easy. Even large files transfer with no problem. The USB 3.0 and USB-C ports transfer data and charge devices well. Additionally, the incredibly convenient front-placed location of these ports makes this easy to do quickly.

One element worth mentioning is that this dock has a 60W power delivery limitation. The devices we mainly tested the IOGear Dock Pro with required just under 60W, meaning that we could charge the laptop or tablet while using the dock to its fullest capabilities. However, if you have a computer that requires 60W charging, it may not charge through this dock, depending on what you are doing on your computer. It may stay at charge or even slowly lose charge. If using one of these laptops, consider using the provided power supply that came with the laptop to power it, and use this dock as a way to output and input data.

Despite the 60W PD charging limitation, this dock is still a fantastic solution to expand the connectivity of your laptop, tablet, or desktop, whether on its own or in conjunction with other USB-C or Thunderbolt devices.

Final verdict

The Dock Pro from IOGear is a sleek and powerful docking station for macOS, Windows, and tablets offering expanded connections for displays and other peripherals. This dock works flawlessly with a simple download for a handful of devices. While the PD charging is limited to 60W, this is still an excellent dock for anyone who wants to add a monitor or four to their desk setup.

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The Scuf Reflex Pro is a PS5 controller aimed at gamers wanting additional functionality over the stock gamepad that comes with the console. Armed with remappable paddles, a high-performance grip, and a color scheme of your choice, there’s a lot to like about this third-party gamepad. 

As a replacement for Sony’s DualSense, the Scuf Reflex Pro is an expensive option, especially compared to upcoming PS5 controllers. Though, none of the competition look as good. 

Price and Availability

The Scuf Reflex Pro is available directly from Scuf starting from $219.99 / £219.99 (roughly AU$315). Alternatively, you can save yourself $19.99 / £19.99 / AU$28 and forgo the Pro variant’s controller grip for the standard smooth backing of a traditional DualSense controller. 

If you’re solely interested in playing first-person shooters on your PS5 then you may want to consider the Scuf Reflex FPS. it’s the most expensive gamepad in the line-up, coming in at $249.99 / £249.99 (roughly AU$358), which adds instant triggers but strips out the vibration modules and adaptive triggers. The Scuf Reflex FPS’s main competitor is the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro in terms of being a lightweight and deliberately straightforward model aimed at eSports fans. 

Design and Features

The Scuf Reflex Pro is essentially a custom-shop DualSense controller that you can tailor to your liking. My particular review unit is tricked out in a sleek black and red color scheme, complete with red D-pad buttons, twin sticks, bumpers, and triggers with black muted face buttons. I love how it looks because I’ve tailored it that way, and yours could look completely different. 

You have a huge amount of control over your Scuf Reflex Pro controller’s final look, as you can tweak every aspect from the colors and design themes on offer. At the time of writing, you can buy six ready-made designs, or you can create your own by picking different colors for each element of the controller. There are 15 colors to pick from, so you have lots of options for the triggers, faceplate, touchpad, buttons, etc. There are also 25 specially designed themes that are wraparound color schemes for the whole pad. Depending on the designs you go for, the rates can vary from $14.99 / £14.99 (AU$21) to $29.99 / £29.99 / AU$43) on top. 

When you turn the Scuf Reflex Pro over, you note the substantial difference, the remappable four paddles on the rear with a dedicated profile selection toggle. You may think that this added module could increase the weight significantly, but you’re only looking at 20g of difference in the hand in contrast to the stock PS5 controller. 

Performance

The Scuf Reflex Pro is an enjoyable controller to use for long periods. Because it’s a suited-up DualSense, I am immediately used to how it fits my hands. The performance grip means I have slightly more control in intensive sessions of UFC 4 or for longer periods when playing action-heavy titles such as Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number and My Friend Pedro. While far from an essential inclusion by any means, I think the $20 / £20 difference between the stock model and the Pro variant is worth it for this grip alone, as it prevents the slick feeling you’ll get with the DualSense when your hands sweat up. 

Besides the customization options, the remappable paddles are the big selling point of the Scuf Reflex Pro, and they are a genuine game changer for me. By mapping the face buttons to the rear paddles in UFC 4, I significantly improve my stand-up game whether playing career mode or going online. It means I can keep my index and middle fingers on both hands over the blocking and strike modifier bumpers and triggers. I can play riskier in bouts where throwing a combo or going to the ground was more immediate. 

Mapping the face buttons to the paddles is useful in other games, too,  such as mapping weapon changes and reloads in Deathloop or Metro Exodus. There are many potential gains in freeing up your hands in games like Elden Ring which prioritize the triggers and bumpers.  The Scuf Reflex Pro provides a lot of options for altering a game’s control scheme to fit your play style.

Ultimately, though, what we have with the Scuf Reflex Pro is a modified version of the DualSense. That’s immediately noticeable in the battery life, which is no better than on Sony’s official gamepad, and it’s easily the pad’s biggest flaw. Given the added premium here, it would have been nice to have had an extra battery to work with without having to reach for the included USB-C cable. 

While I do enjoy using the Scuf Reflex Pro, it becomes hard to recommend as the catch-all PS5 pro controller, especially given the upcoming release of Sony’s own DualSense Edge. That pro pad also features remappable paddles on the back, and it also benefits from swappable stick caps, replaceable stick modules, and adjustable trigger stops. You won’t find this functionality on the Scuf Reflex line, and that absence is even more palpable when you see the Edge is the same price as the base Reflex. 

What you’re paying for is a custom controller that looks precisely as you want. The competitive functionality, such as the grips and the paddles, seems almost secondary. 

Should I buy the Scuf Reflex Pro?

Buy if... 

You want a custom-designed PS5 controller

If you’ve dreamed of a particular color combination with your controller, then you’re getting excellent build quality and a vast array of options here

Remappable paddles are essential for you 

If you want to free up those face buttons then the paddles provide an excellent way to keep your hands where it matters in competitive gaming 

Don't buy if... 

Battery life is vital 

There’s just no getting around the fact that the Scuf Reflex Pro’s battery life isn’t great. You’re looking at between four and eight hours, depending on usage, which is identical to the DualSense. 

You want good value for money 

The Scuf Reflex Pro is an expensive and niche product with minor improvements over the traditional stock experience. 

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JBL Quantum Stream: One-minute review

The JBL Quantum Stream is a strong first effort from a company that may be new to the peripherals game but has been an established name in audio for a long time. In fact, the brand has been doing a great job with its initial batch of computer and gaming peripherals. The JBL Quantum 810, for instance, may not top the list but is a contender for one of the best gaming headsets. Likewise, the Quantum Stream won’t dethrone any of the best USB mics but is a worthy consideration for most people in the market for a USB mic.

If you’re on the prowl for your first one, therefore, you should take a close look at the JBL Quantum Stream. It sounds good, has plenty of features, and, most importantly, is a breeze to set up and use. That ease of use is really what sets it apart from a lot of the competition. Depending on your setup and experience (or lack thereof) though, it might be a better option than much of the competition.

JBL Quantum Stream: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $99.95 / £99.99 / AU$119
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia

The JBL Quantum Stream goes for a very reasonable $99.95 / £99.99 / AU$119. That price tag puts this USB mic squarely in the middle of the pack whether you’re getting it in the US, UK, or Australia. You can find cheaper options such as the JLab Go Talk with its bargain basement price of $49 / £49 (about AU$70) or splurge on a mic like the Razer Seiren Elite which will set you back $200 / £200 (about AU$285). 

But, the Quantum Stream strikes a nice balance between price and functionality, making it an ideal option for those with limited funds on the hunt for a functional, versatile and solid-sounding mic.

• Value: 4.5 / 5

JBL Quantum Stream: Design

• Simple design that hides a lot of functionality
• Ports are awkwardly placed

One of the things that I like most about the JBL Quantum Stream is how streamlined its design is. At first glance, it’s as simple as it gets. It comes in a matte black finish with an aluminum grille covering the mic capsule and a hard, sturdy plastic shell. 

It’s only adorned with a silver JBL logo, an articulated dial on the front, and a mic mute button on top. The stand is also deceptively simple with its hard-plastic stem and aluminum base. 

There’s more going on here, however. There may only be one dial, but it’s a multi-function one that can be used to adjust the headphone volume, mic volume, and switch polar pattern. 

More surprises await underneath as well. An RGB ring fringes the mic’s bottom edge, changing in color and intensity depending on the setting you’re adjusting. For example, when muted, it’s red. When you press on the dial, it turns purple to indicate that you’re adjusting the mic volume. It also gets dimmer or brighter depending on whether you’re turning it up or down.

The USB-C port and headphone jack are also underneath for a more minimalist look. Of course, they’re a bit hard to get to as there are only a couple of inches of clearance between them and the base of the mic. When plugging a pair of headphones in with a thick cord, I am barely able to get it to fit. It gets worse if you’re using a different stand that’s wider at the mount as that will make the USB-C port particularly inaccessible.

As the stand has a built-in ball joint, it can articulate in any direction by about 30 degrees. However, if you prefer to use an external boom arm, you can either unscrew the base (if you want to keep that ball joint, for instance) or remove the whole stand entirely and mount it on an external stand.

• Design: 4 / 5

JBL Quantum Stream: Performance

• Sound quality is good with plenty of low-end
• Controls and app are easy to use

The JBL Quantum Stream delivers where it matters. Thanks to its full 20-20kHz range, my voice comes across clear and full while retaining plenty of low-end. If I get very close to it, the proximity effect is very pronounced. But, that evens out when I back off a few feet.

There’s less proximity effect with the omnidirectional mode but a lot more background noise. This is typical for omnidirectional polar patterns, especially with USB mics so you’ll want to use it in a quieter recording space. Though there’s not much in the way of background noise rejection, the omnidirectional polar pattern at least records evenly on all sides of the mic, making it foolproof for those just starting to stream or record podcasts.

The mic does tend to pick up some vibrations. It registers every tap I make on the table, its stand, or the mic body. The audio it picked up wasn’t that loud, and I’ve certainly heard far worse. However, I would still consider investing in and using a boom arm or shock mount, especially if you have a tendency to get animated while streaming.

Not only are almost all the controls easily accessible via the multi-function dial, but you can finetune all the settings through the JBL QuantumEngine app. And, while it’s only available for PC, it makes adjusting levels and fine-tuning the lighting a breeze (something you can’t do with just the dial). The app also has a 5-band EQ as well as five different presets to choose from so that I can adjust how I sound when using it live.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the JBL Quantum Stream?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

JBL Quantum Stream: Report card

• First reviewed January 2022

How we test

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

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