Organizer
Gadget news
Dell OptiPlex 7010 Micro Desktop Review
1:19 pm | July 18, 2023

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

Dell's Micro series has always baffled me. I am always impressed with how many ports they fit on the back of the little chassis and just how powerful the little machine is. 

The OptiPlex 7010 Micro is no different. I am impressed with just how much power lives between the casing of this Micro mini PC and just how well it fares for my day-to-day tasks.

Dell OptiPlex 7010 Micro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Unboxing and First Impressions

Whenever I see a Micro model desktop from Dell, I am shocked at just how many ports Dell manages to smash into the back of these cases. The OptiPlex Micro 7010 is no different. Though this is a tiny PC, it can output more monitors than most high-end laptops. 

This tiny PC not only has a slew of great ports, but it can drive up to 4 native monitors without the need for any additional graphics cards. Beyond the ports and the sleek look of the black frame, There is just something about the OptiPlex Micro line-up that makes them look nearly indestructible. Now, I know that is not the case, I know they can break, but they look like they could withstand some wear and tear before getting put in the junk cabinet or a Tupperware bin and dropped into storage to be forgotten about.

Further, I always appreciate seeing a combination of USB-A and USB-C, especially for desktops. We are still in between where only some things have upgraded to USB-C, but we can't rely on USB-A. Having a native option for both is very helpful right now.

Dell OptiPlex 7010 Micro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Design and Build Quality

Specs

*as tested
Dimensions: 7.17 x 1.42 x 7.01in 
Ports: 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort, 4x USB-A Ports, 1x USB-C port, 1x headphone jack, 1x mic jack,
OS: Windows 11 Pro
Processor: Intel Core i7 13700 vPro

In addition to the ability to drive four monitors, The Dell OptiPlex 7010 is the most powerful OptiPlex to date with up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i9, 65W processors, up to 64GB DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6E, and so on. The footprint and case design looks similar, if not identical, to previous OptiPlex Micro models, which is perfectly fine. Many users will never even see their OptiPlex Micro because they mount it out of sight, out of mind.

Unlike other desktops, Dell designed the OptiPlex Micro to be mounted behind monitors, between monitors and Vesa mounts, under desks, in cabinets, under tables, and so on. That's part of the beauty of such a small unit is that users can tuck it away. Because of this, competing against the best business computers, the OptiPlex Micro series is perfect for offices, front desks, and patient rooms, to name a few.

Dell OptiPlex 7010 Micro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

In Use

Because Dell didn't design this OptiPlex Micro to run 26 lines of 8k footage, 100 layers of a Photoshop session, or mix the latest hit song with 14 lines of audio and 64 midi tracks, I chose to stick to the basics while using this desktop. I used it for several days of writing, light photo editing, web use, email, and a solitaire game. I also plugged in several monitors to see how well the four video-outs worked. All in all, this desktop shocks me yet again. Despite its small size, this computer can perform most business tasks that larger desktop computers can handle. 

After plugging in all four monitors, three with DisplayPort and one with HDMI, it took me a minute to arrange them all as I wanted using the display manager; then, I could seamlessly transition windows and applications between all four independent screens without a hitch. It worked so well that I finished my day connected to all the monitors just because I could.

Paired with the right monitor, this computer can be a productivity machine. It's quick, small, and minimalist (so you can hide it under your desk or behind your monitor for a cleaner look), meaning you can focus on having what you want at your desk without any distractions. Also, because it's not great for bigger projects, I don't want to try and do too much with this computer either. I know it's meant for business tasks, so I use it for that. You won't find me trying to play the latest Call of Duty on here anytime soon; I can promise you that. However, I managed to research products, write this review, and edit the photos you see without any issues while multitasking on my computer. I am currently running two 4K screens, playing music, messaging on Slack, and checking Amazon Prime deals simultaneously.

Final Verdict

If you are in the market for some office computers, a new desktop for your front office, or a unit for your admin, this computer might be the perfect, budget-friendly option. It's fast, small, affordable, and reliable. What else could you want in a business desktop?

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 Business Laptop Review
1:11 pm |

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

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is another candidate for best business laptop. The primary mode of entry for a business laptop is the keyboard. Lenovo regularly has above-average and great keyboards on their devices, especially in their newer ThinkPad line-up.

The X1 Carbon Gen 11 has a tremendous matte deep black finish that looks super sharp in person. It also has an excellent port layout, a lay-flat screen, and some helpful security features.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 11

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Unboxing and First Impressions

This laptop looks like a business laptop. And I mean that in the best way. There are no gimmicks, no flashy little things to make it stand out, nothing like that. Instead, it looks like the laptop you can grab when you need to get work done. The keys give a satisfying amount of feedback, letting me know that I am typing in a way, rather than me not knowing with tactile feedback if I am pressing the keys hard enough. It sounds strange to write out, but if you use a keyboard that gives enough feedback, you know it.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 11

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Moving on, while this looks like a business laptop, it also has the Lenovo classic looks. It has the Lenovo staple touchpad with the three buttons above, and there's the pointing device in the center of the keyboard between the "G," "H," and "B" keys.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 11

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 also has incredible privacy and security features. Some of these include a fingerprint scanner built into the power button, a privacy cover over the webcam, and some integrated software that can tell if someone is looking over your shoulder and will alert you if someone does. 

So, whether you are working on writing a review of a laptop, typing out a legal document, or working on sensitive documents for your business, the ThinkPad X1 protects you from people getting in and snooping.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 11

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Design and Build Quality

Specs

*as tested

Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.8 x 0.6 in
Ports: 1x HDMI, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A Ports
Battery: 57Wh
Weight: 2.47lb
CPU: Intel Core i7
Display: 14-inch, 1920 x 1200
OS: Windows 11 Pro

As I mentioned, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 looks like a business laptop. The overall design is simple and clean, and the matte finish keeps things looking sharp and quality. 

Personally, I love the matte finish style and wish I had more gear in matte black. The port offering is great for business use, and the ports are spread across the device well. There are no ports on the back, which I am not upset about. The left side has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, and an HDMI port. The right side has another USB-A port and a headphone jack.

In addition to having great ports, this laptop can lay its screen back flat 180 degrees. While I have never needed to drop the screen back like this, knowing that if I ever need to angle it reasonably far, I won't hit a limit as I do with some laptops.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 11

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

This laptop is also perfectly designed for those who do a lot of virtual meetings. The built-in camera is surprisingly good, and with the camera shutter, you can be sure only to have it on when intended. The mic and speakers are solid, too, good enough for virtual meetings in a quiet room, like an office or home, but if you're in a louder area, you'll still want a headset or headphones.

The screen on my model is a 2.5K IPS display. Yes, 2.5K is not the best of displays, but it's plenty for average business tasks or users. Unless I were using, say, the best graphic design software, I would hardly notice that it's only 2.5K.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 11

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

In Use

Upon my initial assessment, I was concerned that the price of this laptop may be too steep. However, it is priced quite reasonably after utilizing it for some time. This laptop has exceeded my expectations in terms of its performance for tasks such as writing, emailing, basic photo editing, streaming music, utilizing Slack, and managing numerous tabs on Chrome. Furthermore, it has seamlessly supported two external displays and has been connected to a dock easily.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 11

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

This laptop would be perfect for business executives, journalists, bloggers, freelancers, coders, and business travelers. The above-average battery life also helps with this, as many workers in those fields could spend hours or days away from a dedicated setup, making good battery life reasonably necessary.

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 11

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Final Verdict

After spending a few weeks with this laptop, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is great for busy professionals who need a high-performing, reliable laptop with no gimmicks. This laptop works well and is a staple in the business world for a reason.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 Business Laptop Review
1:04 pm |

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

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 is another in ThinkPad line-up that consistently ranks as some of the best business laptops on the market. The keyboard is second to none, the touchpad is terrific, the ports are precisely what you'd need, and the build quality is stupendous.

There is a reason that ThinkPad is ranking so well these days. It's because there are no frills or fancy features that the ThinkPad is trying to be ground-breaking on. Instead, they build quality machines focused on reliability. 

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 |

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Unboxing and First Impressions

It's hard to miss the beautiful Storm Grey finish of the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8. This aluminum-encased laptop is quite sharp looking in person, so much so, dare I say it, I prefer the Storm Grey to the typical Jet Black. 

The moment I finished signing in to let updates begin to download, I found myself twisting and flipping the computer around. The Yoga flexibility is fantastic on this computer, as I expected it would be. Even if you aren't going to use this computer as a tablet in your every day, 

it's freeing to know that if you want to change things up in a meeting or a pinch and want to handwrite some things, draw a diagram, use any of the best PDF editors, flip through a digital book, you can do so without needing to grab another device. And not only can this device fulfill those wants, but it can also do so easily and quite successfully.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 |

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Another thing that stood out to me right away while looking at this laptop is that there is a built-in stylus that charges when not in use on the right side of the keyboard, housed in its own dedicated space.

Just by the time I finished installing the essential Windows updates and signing into my profile, I was impressed with this laptop. Lenovo did not skimp in any area. No corners were cut.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 |

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Design and Build Quality

Specs

*as tested

Dimensions: 0.61 x 12.38 x 8.75in
Ports: 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x Headphone/Mic combo, 1x HDMI 2.0b,
Battery: 57Wh
Weight: 3lb
CPU: Intel Core i7
Display: 14-inch, 1920 x 1200
OS: Windows 11 Pro

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 8 has a very high emphasis on quality. The Aluminum casing is without blemish, repels fingerprints, and is relatively scratch resistant. The overall design of the ThinkPad Yoga series has stayed the same for quite some time, and that's not a bad thing by any means. It's staying the same because it's that good. 

The form factor is fantastic for productivity and business uses alike. The keyboard is remarkably comfortable, and the touchpad is highly responsive and easy to use. The keyboard is so pleasing that I have found myself reaching for this laptop to write reviews like this ever since I unboxed it. I can easily knock out a few thousand words without any fatigue or feeling like I need to get up from the keyboard. There is something about the ThinkPad keyboards that give me enough feedback to let me know that I pressed a key without making it overly taxing.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 |

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The ports are another area that can make or break the overall experience of a laptop. Much like the Charcoal (non-yoga) counterpart, Lenovo has given the ThinkPad line of laptops a great port offering and has spaced it well. On the left, from front to back, there is an HDMI port, a USB-A port, and then two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. A headphone jack and another USB-A port are on the right, from front to back.

Regarding connectivity, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 and can even have 5G built-in.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 |

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

In Use

I've had the opportunity to test several of Lenovo's ThinkPad Laptops over the years, and without fail, every time, I walk away from my time testing impressed with the laptop. There aren't any fancy bells and whistles; there aren't any flagship or flashy add-ons or abilities that bring attention due to its luster. 

Instead, Lenovo continues to create one thing very well with this laptop. They make the perfect Windows business laptop. That said, it still may not be for everyone, but it could be, and easily. The 16:10 golden ratio screen has been an absolute joy to use. It feels like this screen is enormous, and when I move back to even larger laptops at 16:9, they feel smaller. That extra point of vertical screen real estate means I can fit much more content vertically, allowing for much more productivity.

One last area I should talk about is the security of this laptop. This laptop has several screen resolution options, all intending to fit different types of work. As a journalist, I do not need a 5K perfectly color-accurate screen to render 3D images. What I do need, though, is a quality screen that can display text and reference materials very well, and that's what I got with my model screen. This laptop does that. It works great, looks great, and performs wonderfully.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 |

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Final Verdict

All in all, it's safe to say that yet again, Lenovo has absolutely crushed it with their newest ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8. The user experience is fantsatic, the power is impressive and the looks are stunning. If you are looking for a new business laptop, are a writer looking for a new computer or if you are in need of a great, no-frills device, then check out the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8.

BenQ LH730 Commercial Business Projector Review
12:52 pm |

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

The BenQLH730 is the business projector we have been waiting for. It's remarkably bright, runs on long-lasting LEDs, has beautiful color, and has a 30,000 hours lifespan. Users can run this projector through the remotes, it can be projected utilizing a Wi-Fi signal, or users can control the projector via BenQ DMS Local LAN control software or Creston, AMX, or PJ Link. 

Whether you use it for business presentations in a conference room fitting 5, a lecture hall accommodating thousands, or anywhere in between, this projector can handle it.

BenQ LH730 Projector

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Unboxing and First Impressions

After unboxing, this projector looks pretty straightforward. It's a sleek white casing with rounded edges, buttons on one side for control, and dials for manual zoom and focus control on the top (bottom if ceiling mounted). The setup for this projector took a matter of moments. I had my laptop on this projector in under three minutes.

While digging around in settings, I realized this projector is a great middle-ground for anyone to get into business projectors. While other brands are complex and frustrating, BenQ makes their projector use remarkably simple. The menu used to navigate is quick and easy to learn, focusing and zooming the lens is self-explanatory, and the ports on the back make connecting a breeze.

BenQ LH730 Projector

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Design and Build Quality

Specs

Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Brightness: 400 ANSI lumens
Contrast Ratio: 500,000:1
Video Inputs: 1x Ethernet, 1x Audio out Jack, 1x USB-A for a wireless dongle connection, 2x HDMI, 1x Type-A for service, 1x RS-232 port, 1x IEC power port
Light Source Life: 20,000 Hours
Light Source: 4LED

For a projector of this caliber, I expected something a bit bulkier. However, I am okay with the small(ish) setup. For how good the image quality was, I expected something a bit harder to set up too, but in reality, I had this projector up and running in 5 minutes.

BenQ chose to recess the lens to help protect it from damage regardless of whether it the used while sitting on a desk or hanging from the ceiling using the ceiling mount.

Regarding this projector, it's important to note that it's intended for business use and can run almost continuously, if not constantly. Unlike consumer projectors that need downtime, this one can operate without any issues.

BenQ LH730 Projector

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

In Use

The port selection on this monitor is good as well. As projectors are usually mounted, any way to avoid climbing a ladder or getting a lift is well appreciated. There are two HDMI ports, a Wi-Fi Dongle port, a network line, and an RS232, all good options. What's important to remember is that these projectors are typically mounted and not messed with once set up, and the lines usually need to be fixed. Having two lines works well, but we see pretty standard: one or two lines coming down and then a switcher that is easily within reach.

Since none of my office spaces include several hundred to several thousand-person meeting rooms, I tested this projector in my home office and placed it on a standing desk to try different heights. BenQ has integrated keystone correction and a 1.2 optical zoom to help dial in the picture in a macro way, and then once I was able to get the macro levels set, I used the focus dial to clean things up a bit more to make the image as crisp as possible. 

On the downside, this is no 4K projector. However, BenQ added three main viewing modes to help boost clarity even more. The first is the Infographic mode, the second is presentation mode, and the third is spreadsheet mode. These different modes focus on the estimated content that I will display, and it modifies the saturation slightly to boost content on a spreadsheet or graphic.

BenQ LH730 Projector

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Final Verdict

The BenQ LH730 is a reliable, high-quality commercial business projector with an incredibly high-brightness and color accuracy level. In the realm of business projectors, BenQ has positioned itself perfectly between quality and price. Also, the LH730 has virtually zero maintenance with incredibly long-lasting LED lights, making this a fantastic choice for medium-sized conference rooms, lecture halls, lobbies, classrooms.

Dell Latitude 9440 Business Laptop Review
12:45 pm |

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

The Latitude 9440 2-in-1 from Dell is an outstanding laptop. It might just be the best business laptop available right now. For everything I would use this for as a business user, The Latitude 9440 handles it with flying colors. The computer is beautiful, the speeds are quick, and the laptop is excellent.

Dell Latitude 9440

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Unboxing and First Impressions

Unboxing the laptop was nothing exciting until I pulled the wrapper off the computer. That is when I first felt the matte finish on the 9440 2-in-1, and let me say, I love it. I am a massive fan of matte black and dark greys, so this laptop is a dream finish. While signing in, I noticed the keyboard and the touchpad. The touchpad, first of all, feels enormous. After doing some research, I found out the touchpad is, in fact, over 15% larger than the previous model. Second, the keyboard immediately felt comfortable, which says a lot about a keyboard. It felt natural to type from the first word I wrote.

Dell Latitude 9440

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The last thing I noticed right away was the need for more ports. If you are fully moved over to the new standard of USB-C with your devices, or if you plug into one of the best Thunderbolt docks at your desk, you're golden. If not, you'll run into the same problem MacBook Air users have where no legacy ports are available, so you'll need to resort to an adapter, dongle, or dock.

Dell Latitude 9440

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Design and Build Quality

Specs

*as tested

Dimensions: 12.20 x 8.46 x 0.64in
CPU: 13th-generation Intel Core processors
GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: Up to 64GB
Display: 14-inch, 16:10
Resolution: 2560 x 1600 or 2660 x 1600
Storage: Up to 2TB
Weight: 3.38 lb

The Latitude 9440 2-in-1 from Dell has a screen that measures 14 inches but feels gigantic. This phenomenon is partially because of the high-resolution screen and partially because of the near bezel-less borders.

The touchpad, as mentioned, is significantly larger than the last generation of Latitude laptops. While not entirely necessary because this is a 2-in-1 laptop and has a full touchscreen, the larger trackpad is greatly appreciated when you need to get things done with a trackpad like a standard laptop.

The keyboard above the trackpad is quite comfortable to type on. This keyboard also has the same matte finish the laptop case does while remaining a very easy-to-use keyboard. While writing this review, my fingers don't feel any sense of discomfort or unfamiliarity, which means that the keys are spaced out well.

As mentioned, this laptop is almost entirely made of a matte dark grey material. Around the computer's edges, a band of slightly shiny material helps it pop visually and gives this computer a bit of a fancy look.

Dell Latitude 9440

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

There are not a ton of ports on this laptop; outside of the three Thunderbolt or USB-C ports, there is only a single headphone jack. I have gotten to the full USB-C or Thunderbolt life, so I have an adapter with me at all times in my laptop backpack just in case I need it, and then my desk setups have Thunderbolt docks. If you don't have a system like that, you should pick up a Thunderbolt dock unless all your peripherals are USB-C or non-existent.

The last thing about this laptop is that the 16:10 aspect ratio is warmly welcomed. I love having a more vertical screen real estate, which boosts business productivity, particularly quite a bit.

Dell Latitude 9440

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

In Use

Using this laptop for the last few weeks has been fantastic. I love this laptop. It hits all my marks in what I would want in a professional business laptop, and it looks good while doing it. Dell's Latitude line has been high-ranking on our lists for quite a while, and with good reason.

The 14-inch screen, as mentioned, feels massive. I can fit plenty of reference documents, websites, productivity tool windows, and so on without feeling like I want more while portable.

Dell Latitude 9440

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Whenever I grab this laptop, I love feeling the matte texture on my fingers. It's soft yet rugged while feeling premium. It's hard to describe in words, but it's incredible. I've already mentioned that the keyboard and touchpad are both excellent. The touchpad has integrated collaboration features which sadly only work for Zoom. However, when I have been able to use them, having soft buttons pop out of a touchpad feels like something out of a movie.

Dell Latitude 9440

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

One more remarkably impressive part of this laptop is that it can actively be connected to two networks at once and switch between them as needed to keep the strongest and fastest connection. This feature is impressive, especially for power business users who take vital calls and can't risk losing connection. The way the business world is going, dropping a call is as good as losing a sale, contract, or business sometimes. So, being constantly connected to two networks with one as an always-ready, redundant network is incredible.

Dell Latitude 9440

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Final Verdict

All in all, this laptop is nearly perfect. If the price were lower, it would be perfect. However, some elements make it worth the cost. Regardless, this is an astounding laptop with great features, high build quality, and one of my favorite finishes in a computer to date. That's why I will happily still give this laptop a near-perfect rating.

Rumor: the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will have up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage
12:40 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is expected later this month and we’ve already seen several key details leak. Now there are some corrections in addition to more details about the new phone. According to a post on Weibo, the phone will have a 6.74” display with “1.5K” resolution – presumably, that will be the same 1,240 x 2,772px as the regular Ace 2. However, this will be a curved display like the original Ace Pro. As previously reported, the Ace 2 Pro will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Leakster tech cloth claims that the phone’s top configuration will have a whopping 24GB of RAM and 1TB...

On Cloudboom Echo 3 review: On’s race-day shoe keeps pace with Nike and ASICS
12:10 pm |

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

On Cloudboom Echo 3: One minute review

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is the Swiss running brand’s third attempt at making a running shoe to rival the ones that are typically seen on the feet of the fastest runners. The best running shoes for racing are typically the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 , Adidas Adizero Adio Pro 3, or the Asics Metaspeed Sky+, and On wants the Cloudboom Echo 3 on that list.

Whether you're looking to run a faster marathon on a specific course or you're hoping for a shoe for whenever speed is a priority, making some quite significant changes from its first two Cloudboom shoes.

The first generation Cloudboom was a miss from On, while the Cloudboom Echo felt like a step in the right direction for its pricey racing option. Now with a new midsole setup and a lighter design in play, the Cloudboom Echo 3 is the super shoe we’ve been waiting for from On.

On Cloudboom Echo 3: Specifications

On Cloudboom Echo 3: Price and availability

On Cloudboom Echo 3

(Image credit: Michael Sawh)
  • $289.99 in the US
  • £260 in the UK
  • AU$390 in Australia

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 launched on 29th June 2023, priced at $289.99 / £260 / AU$390. 

That’s a step up in price from the Cloudboom Echo and does make it more expensive than picking up shoes that the Echo 3 is going up against. 

The Nike Vaporfly 3 costs $250 / £234.95 /  AU$330.00 for example, while the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is also cheaper at £220 / $250 / AU$359.99. 

  • Value score: 3.5/5

On Cloudboom Echo 3: Design

On Cloudboom Echo 3

(Image credit: Michael Sawh)
  • Microfiber upper
  • Helion Hyper Foam
  • Carbon Speedboard

We’ll start by saying that when it comes to making beautiful-looking running shoes, few do that better than On. The Cloudboom Echo 3 in its white and mint colourway and low-profile look feels every bit a racing shoe.

It’s very light, with our UK size 8 weighing in at 221g, though one side weighed in closer to the claimed 215g weight. Either way, it’s shaved off some grams from the already pretty lightweight Cloudboom Echo, though it’s still not quite as light as Nike’s Vaporfly 3, which weighs in less than 200g.

On sticks to the same 9mm drop as the Echo, though stack heights have changed at the heel and the forefoot, jumping to 37mm at the heel (previously 35mm) and 28mm at the forefoot (up from 27mm). 

It had a good upper on the Echo, but On’s decided to switch things up swapping recycled polyester mesh for microfiber, which is still almost papery thin in feel and does make this narrow shoe feel a bit more spacious up front in the toes, which is ideal when you need that extra room as you up the distance in them.

Below that is a midsole, which marks a new direction for On’s shoes. Its Cloudtec cushioning tech is still there, but it’s definitely been scaled back and less prominent than it was on the first two Cloudboom shoes. There’s now On’s Helion Hyper Foam, which is a Pebax-based foam and sees On join Nike, Saucony, New Balance and Hoka in embracing a Pebax-based super foam. It’s a light foam and one designed to deliver more energy back into your running time, particularly to benefit those longer distance runs in it.

That new foam is joined by a full length carbon plate or Speedboard as On calls it, along with a rockered design, which collectively aims to deliver a propulsive feeling that aims to get you through those running transitions in a quicker fashion.

The outsole doesn’t look hugely different from the one used on the Cloudboom Echo, with the larger of the grippier sections at the forefoot now reaching a bit further back to the middle of the shoe with key areas at the heel covered to make sure you get that traction from the key areas without adding extra weight.

  • Design score: 5/5 

On Cloudboom Echo 3: Performance

On Cloudboom Echo 3

(Image credit: Michael Sawh)
  • Pretty stable racing shoe
  • Smooth and propulsive ride
  • Still a touch firmer than other racing shoes

We’ll start with the fit and the Echo 3 is a bit on the narrow side, which was fine for our skinny feet, but might be more of a squeeze for wider feet with no wide fit option available. Unlike some carbon racing shoes we’ve tested it does feel like you need to work a bit harder to get a secure lockdown here, with very long laces and a skinny tongue for those laces to sit on top requiring some toying around to make sure it’s not slipping around at the heel.

Once you do get things locked in place, the feel of running in the Echo 3 is more in line with those top-tier racing shoes. This isn’t one you can amble around in and you won’t find it comfortable to do slow, easy runs in, but that’s simply not what they’re built for. Everything here is designed to give you that faster feel and it does that well. As we said, On’s Cloudtec takes a bit of a backseat and that’s not a bad thing at all. The new midsole is not as super soft and bouncy as rival shoes, but it’s certainly not as firm feeling as previous Cloudbooms and the combination of the new foam, rockered design, and that carbon Speedboard creates a smooth, energetic, and punchy ride. 

In our first run, a quicker 5k, on a pretty flat route, it felt like an enjoyable shoe to run in at around our typical 5k race speed. It handled an interval track session well and didn’t cause any issues during or post-run. In a 10k race test on a hilly LeeValley VeloPark course, the Echo 3 running at quicker than marathon pace with the combination of the hills made it tough going, but when we could and needed to coast at a more settled pace, it felt good to do so.

When we upped the distance and settled closer to our marathon pace, that good feeling remained and it feels like a shoe you can really roll in. That being said, it does still feel like a race shoe that’s primed for those running sub-3 hour times (we run at a 3-hour, 20-minute pace) who will benefit most from what On has to offer here. That’s no real surprise here, though we’d definitely say there are shoes that the Cloudboom Echo 3 is competing against that feels more accessible and more comfortable outside running those sort of elite times. 

From an outsole point of view, it was good on the Cloudboom Echo and it’s more of the same on the Echo 3. We didn’t get to use them in rainy conditions, but on flat roads, pavements and hillier climbs it gripped well and handled cornering with no issues either. We’ve put 50 km of running into it and we are starting to see some wear at the heel of the shoe, which tells us that the durability is likely to fall in line with other carbon racers and it’s one you will want to reserve for your fastest runs and races.

  • Performance score: 4.5/5

On Cloudboom Echo 3: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

On Cloudboom Echo 3: Don’t buy it if…

Also consider

First reviewed: July 2023

(Credit: Thanks to RunThrough for the race entry used to test the On Cloudboom Echo 3) 

CounterMail secure email review
10:22 am |

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

Most popular email clients, such as Gmail and Yahoo Mail, are free. Yet, nothing is really free. In exchange for using these free services, you allow the providers to harvest your data for advertising purposes to make money. “If you’re not paying, then you’re the product” is a popular quote.

Many people aren’t comfortable with handing over their data to third parties, so they seek secure email alternatives. CounterMail is one of the best alternatives offered by a Swedish company. It allows you to send emails securely, with no third party having access to your data. 

Is CounterMail one of the best secure email providers? Read on...

CounterMail: Plans and pricing

CounterMail doesn’t have a free plan, which is a disadvantage. It only offers a one-week free trial with limited storage space.

CounterMail’s premium subscription comes with 4 GB of storage, which is relatively low. You can pay $29 for a six-month plan, $49 for 12 months, or $79 for 24 months. 

4 GB of storage is quite low, but you can expand it for a one-time fee. You can pay $19 for 250 MB, $35 for 500 MB, $59 for 1 GB, or $89 for 1.75 GB. The extra storage options are pretty expensive compared to the competition.

CounterMail in use 2.

(Image credit: CounterMail)

CounterMail: Features

CounterMail offers many good features, including: 

End-to-end email encryption

End-to-end encryption is a security protocol that prevents any third party from accessing information while it’s in transit. Your email gets encrypted on CounterMail’s server and decrypted at the recipient’s server. If anyone were to intercept it, the data will be useless to them because they don’t have the decryption keys. Even CounterMail doesn’t have the keys, so they can’t access your data.

CounterMail uses the OpenPGP email encryption standard; this standard is the most popular one email clients use to encrypt emails. The drawback is that you can only send encrypted emails from CounterMail to clients also using the OpenPGP standard.

OpenPGP encrypts your message body and contents but not the subject line because of the way it’s designed. To encrypt the subject line, CounterMail uses additional RSA and AES-CBC encryption.

Secure forms

CounterMail allows you to create encrypted web forms that others can fill out. When the recipient submits and fills out the form, it will end up as an encrypted email inside the creator's inbox. You can also embed the form on your website using custom HTML code.

Custom domains

Many businesses and individuals need emails with a custom domain name because it makes them look more professional. The good thing is that CounterMail allows you to set up emails with your personal domain name. You simply need to adjust your A records and MX records on your registrar to point to CounterMail's servers. Note that there's a one-time $15 set-up fee for each domain.

Notifications

You can set up notifications for your CounterMail using another email address. For instance, the notification could be on your Gmail account. Each time someone sends a message to your CounterMail address, you’ll receive an alert on the other address.

Safebox

CounterMail offers a password manager called SafeBox. This tool gives you a secure place to store your usernames and passwords. All the data in the Safebox is protected by a master password.

Safebox uses OpenPGP encryption separated from your account keys and password. The encryption and decryption process occurs entirely on your computer inside the web browser, so you can be sure no third party is accessing your data. 

Ensure you remember your master password because, without it, you won’t access any data on your Safebox.

Alias email

An alias email address is a forwarding address. Any email sent to an alias automatically gets forwarded to the main address; it's a creative way to interact with people or apps without giving out your main email address.

CounterMail allows you to create multiple aliases. You can create up to 10 such addresses if you have a premium subscription.

USB key encryption

You can use a USB key to protect your CounterMail account in addition to your password. The USB will have a custom key file that's needed to log into your account. Without this 512-bit key file, no one can access your account even if they somehow get hold of your password.

CounterMail in use 3.

(Image credit: CounterMail)

CounterMail: Interface and use

CounterMail doesn’t score high in ease of use. The platform’s interface isn’t as intuitive as what you’d find on many competitors. With a dark background and olive-green and white colors to highlight text, it looks like a tool designed for hackers instead of the everyday user.

Fortunately, signing up isn’t difficult. But the design looks out of date and unsuitable for an average email user. 

CounterMail: Support

CounterMail offers direct support via a ticketing system on its website. You can create a ticket and state your issue, and the company's support staff will respond to your ticket within a few days. There’s also an extensive Knowledge Base and FAQs section you can consult before filing a ticket. 

CounterMail: Competition

Posteo is the main competitor to CounterMail that we’ll like to highlight. It offers basic email encryption features but not significant complementary features, just like CounterMail. 

Posteo is a more affordable tool, costing just $1 per month. However, it doesn’t support custom domains. 

CounterMail: Final verdict

CounterMail is a suitable choice if you’re seeking a basic encrypted email tool to use. However, it doesn’t offer as many complementary features as various competitors. We also consider the platform lacking in customer support and ease of use; there’s no native mobile or desktop app, unlike many competitors. 

We've featured the best email hosting providers.

Thexyz secure email review
9:47 am |

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

The most popular email platforms that people use are free. But, nothing is actually free. As you use these services, the email providers harvest your data for advertising purposes to earn revenue. Your data can be misused if it falls into the wrong hands, so it’s understandable that many people are not comfortable with this arrangement. This cohort seeks alternative secure email platforms, and Thexyz is one of the best such solutions.

Thexyz is an email hosting company based in Toronto, Canada. It has provided secure email hosting for over 15 years, giving it valuable experience in protecting user data. It provides direct secure email hosting services and also offers a free, open-source email tool that you can host on your own servers. Our review focuses on the former.

Thexyz boasts over 40,000 users across 100 countries. That’s not so much compared to the user figures of several competitors, but note that bigger doesn’t always mean better. 

Thexyz: Plans and pricing

Thexyz doesn’t offer a free plan, which is a disadvantage compared to the competition, but its pricing plans are relatively affordable. It offers a basic Premium Webmail plan for $2.95 per month or a discounted rate of $29.95 annually. This plan grants you access to basic features, including 25 GB of storage for your emails.

The next plan, MobileSync + Cloud Drive, costs $4.95 monthly or a discounted rate of $49.95 annually. As the name suggests, this plan allows you to sync your contacts, calendars, and files to your smartphones and desktops. It also adds an extra 30 GB of cloud storage.

The highest plan, Unlimited Email Archiving, costs $9.95 per month or a discounted rate of $10.9.95 annually. As the name suggests, this plan gives you unlimited storage to archive your emails. 

There’s no free trial for any plan, which we consider a disadvantage.

Thexyz in use 2.

(Image credit: Thexyz)

Thexyz: Features

Thexyz offers many valuable features, including

End-to-end email encryption

End-to-end encryption is a security protocol that prevents any third party from accessing information while it’s in transit. Your emails are encrypted on Thexyz’s mail servers and can only be decrypted on the recipient’s mail server. If anyone intercepts the content in transit, it’ll be useless because they don’t possess the decryption keys.

End-to-end encryption means that even Thexyz's administrators can not access your data. Neither can they provide it to any legal body that requests it. 

This platform also incorporates digital signatures to verify the authenticity of incoming emails. This feature ensures that you don’t receive any malicious email impersonating an address that you usually interact with.

Cloud storage

Users on the MobileSync + Cloud Drive storage have access to 30 GB of extra cloud storage to keep their files. They can store photos, videos, audio, etc., and retrieve them on any other device with the correct login details. You can also share your files with other Thexyz users, e.g., with colleagues in your workplace.

Calendar

You get access to a calendar to plan your schedule. You can create multiple calendars for different purposes, e.g., one for workdays and another for weekdays. You can share your calendars with friends, families, or any other third party you wish to share them with.

Chat

Thexyz gives users an instant messaging tool. You can exchange messages with other Thexyz users within your webmail interface. Just like the main platform, all your messages are end-to-end encrypted, so third parties can’t access them.

Alias

An alias is an extra email address that forwards to your main address. It’s a creative way to interact with people or platforms without giving out your main address. Thexyz allows you to create as many aliases as you want, e.g., John+edu@thexyz.com for academic matters, John+ecommerce@thexyz.com for online shopping messages, John+work@thexyz.com for work emails, and so on.

Contacts

This platform gives you a tool to store and manage your contacts. You can create new contacts any time you want and retrieve the information when needed. You can sync contacts across your devices and access them conveniently.

Email migration

One of the main reasons people are hesitant to switch to a secure email provider is the difficulty of migrating their content. However, Thexyz offers a fully managed migration tool to make it easier. You just need to provide your password, and the tool can import all your email contents to Thexyz. It’s not free though; you’ll pay a one-time fee of $9.95 for this service.

This tool allows you to transfer data from any mail environment, including Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Fastmail, etc. There’s no limit on the amount of data you can import. 

Thexyz in use 3.

(Image credit: Thexyz)

Thexyz: Interface and use

Thexyz has a simple interface that you’ll likely find easy to understand and navigate. The interface is minimal and uncluttered, with features neatly arranged. You can access this platform via the web or download the mobile app on an iOS and Android device. 

Thexyz: Support

Thexyz offers direct customer support via email. You can open a ticket on the website and wait for an email response. Alternatively, you can reach out to the support email directly and wait for a response.

Thexyz also gives you access to complimentary support resources including user guides, FAQs, and tutorials about different features.

Thexyz: Competition

Tutanota is the main competitor to Thexyz that we’d like to highlight. It offers similar features to Thexyz, including end-to-end encryption, custom domains, and a calendar tool. The pricing plans are also similar, starting from $3.60 per month for 20 GB of storage and three custom domains.

Thexyz: Final verdict

Thexyz is a good secure email provider for individuals and businesses. It’s not as popular as rivals like Tutanota and Proton Mail but it gives you solid encryption and protects your data. There’s no free plan or free trial, but the pricing plans are relatively affordable.  

We've listed the best email hosting providers.

Oppo K11’s launch date revealed
8:33 am |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Oppo unveiled the K11x in May with the Snapdragon 695 SoC and 108MP camera, and the company has announced it will launch the vanilla model on July 25. This revelation comes from Oppo's Chinese branch, which said the Oppo K11 will be introduced next week in China at 2:30 PM local time. A couple of images shared by Oppo reveal the K11's back cover will have a two-tone design and sport a triple camera setup headlined by a 50MP Sony IMX890 unit having OIS. Oppo K11 is coming on July 25 with a 50MP primary camera The K11's specs sheet is yet to be detailed by Oppo, but rumors claim...

« Previous PageNext Page »