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Apple’s Vision Pro headset is facing production issues, production target slashed
10:21 pm | July 3, 2023

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

After multiple delays Apple finally unveiled the Vision Pro “spatial computer” to the world a month ago and it gave itself a lot of breathing room, saying that the headset will go on sale early next year. In the meantime, its manufacturing partners were supposed to improve yields and solve other issues. However, things are not going to plan, reports the Financial Times, and Apple’s internal target of selling 1 million units during the first month of availability has been slashed. Two insiders claim that Luxshare, which assembles the headset, is now looking to make less than 400,000 units...

Netac ZX20 review: A tiny, external SSD that’s speedy but more expensive than expected
10:17 pm |

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

One-minute review

The Netac ZX20 is a portable solid state drive that is lightweight, fast, compact, reasonably solid and borrowed that orange carabiner hole from a popular rival: a useful feature to have for anyone who wants to secure their most precious data storage device.

Its (engineered) plastic casing makes it feel tacky but that’s preferable - in my view - to a full metal enclosure that scratches easily, is heavier and adds to the overall cost. The ZX20 comes with the strict minimum when it comes to accessories: just a couple of USB cables and a pouch and there is no bundled software. There’s no activity LED as well but that doesn’t bother me; what irks me more is the fact that it is only available in 512GB and 1TB capacities, rather small by today’s standards.

Just bear in mind that it doesn’t carry any IP or MIL-STD ratings; so don’t drop it in a glass of water to impress your coworkers, it is not a water resistant device. It still feels reasonably solid but be aware of its limitations (even if it includes a three-year warranty).

Netac claims that the drive should reach read/write speeds of up to 2GBps/1.7GBps thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface. I never managed to match that because my laptop only supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, something to bear in mind if ever you want to buy with speed in mind. The drive was still plenty fast for everyday usage.

Even then, it is difficult to recommend the ZX20 given the plethora of alternatives, especially if you don’t have a laptop or desktop PC with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. I’d recommend the Kingston XS2000 (which is cheaper, has a longer warranty and is waterproof) or the bargain basement Silicon Power PC60 if you don’t have a Gen 2x2 device. Note that I check prices on Amazon.com rather than relying on old and obsolete suggested retail prices.

Netac ZX20

(Image credit: Desire Athow // Future)

Netac ZX20: Pricing and availability

  • How much does it cost? $85.35 / £64.49 / AU$174.58
  • When is it available? Now
  • Where can you get it? In the US, UK, and Australia

In a fiercely competitive category, the ZX20 faces some tough competition; with little to differentiate between the products, it’s very often down to price and at the time of writing, that’s a game that the ZX20 is losing and one that ultimately prevents it from entering our best portable SSD buying guide.

Netac ZX20: Benchmark

You need a Gen 2x2 laptop or desktop computer to experience the full performance that the ZX20 promises to deliver: that’s a theoretical maximum of 20Gbps (2.5GBps). Netac says it will reach 2GBps/1.7GBps in real life but sadly I didn’t achieve those speeds because my test laptop has a USB 3.2 Gen 2, topping at 10Gbps. 

A laptop with USB 4 or Thunderbolt 4 (like the Apple MacBook Pro) will only achieve these speeds as well which clearly shows that Gen 2x2 doesn’t have a future. Neither Samsung nor Crucial, two of the bigger portable SSD vendors out there, have released USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 products.

That aside, the ZX20 achieved some great results that put it firmly in the top five external solid state drives I have tested to date. The drive didn’t warm up even under load.

Should I buy the Netac ZX20

Netac ZX20

(Image credit: Desire Athow // Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Netac ZX20 alternatives

The PNY Elite X Pro looks a lot like the popular Samsung T7 (and the ZX20) but is smaller, cheaper and with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface.

The Silicon Power PC60 is bland, unassuming and average in everything except its price. It is an entry-level, affordable and capable device that is far, far cheaper than the competition.

The Kingston XS2000 portable SSD is a better alternative to the ZX20 with a cheaper price tag, a longer warranty and an IP rating.

How I tested the Netac ZX20

After having formatted the ZX20 to exFAT, I test it the same way I test other storage components (external HDD, microSD cards etc). I use the latest versions of CrystalDiskMark, Atto, AS SSD and AJA benchmarks, noting the best scores achieved in each. They are all free and can be downloaded by anyone. I then transfer a folder of files, roughly 10GB in size, to get a rough idea of real life performance.

Origin EON17-X review: a gaming beast with style to spare
9:49 pm |

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

Origin EON17-X: One-minute review

The last time we reviewed the Origin EON17-X gaming laptop in 2016, it was dubbed “the most powerful gaming laptop we ever tested,” and this is just as true today as it was in 2016 with latest EON17-X. This latest version features everything from a lovely 4K display and high octane performance to wonderfully lit RGB keyboard. 

This time around, we didn’t have much issue with the trackpad (which won’t get much use during most mouse-based games anyway) but the laptop lacks a fingerprint reader, which is a shame. All in all though, everything about the EON17-X is bigger and better in every way. 

This includes some impressive specs. Our review model featured a 24-core 13th-Gen Intel i9-13900HX, Nvidia RTX 4090 mobile, 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD alongside an additional 2TB SSD. The component list is more than enough to take advantage of the beautiful 17-inch 144Hz 4K display. Gamers looking to have more of a competitive edge can get a lesser spec 1440p display configuration that can go up to 240Hz as well.

Between those two display ranges, those looking for one of the best 17-inch gaming laptops around can make everything about their EON17-X personalized to their specifications in nearly every way. From laptop chassis graphics to its internal components, so gamers should be able to get whatever performance benchmarks they particularly want with this high-powered gaming laptop. 

There are a few things that may annoyingly unify all of the configurations available. One thing for sure is the fan noise that can get pretty loud during menial tasks. It also hurts the already lacking internal speaker set up. Meanwhile, the EON17-X is pretty expensive regardless of which configuration you go with, ranging between $2,720 (about £2,650/AU$4,360) and $5,390 (about £4,315/AU$8,090). That said, this is easily one of the best gaming laptops around for those with deep pockets, so if you go for this one you won't be disappointed. 

Origin EON17-X: Price & availability

An Origin EON17-X on a desk

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
  • Currently, the Origin EON17-X is only available in the US through the Origin store
  • Prices range from $2,720 to $5,390, depending on configuration

There is a lot of flexibility in how potential buyers can design their Origin EON17-X experience, but it is going to cost a lot no matter what you decide. There are tons of customization options when buying the EON17-X through Origin’s online store, but our review set-up costs about $3,790. 

Starting out at around $2,720, individuals can get an Intel i9-13900HX, Nvidia RTX 4080, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD RAM with a 17.3-inch 1440p display with a 240Hz refresh rate. 

Folks with big money looking to blow some stacks can go as high as $5,390 (about £4,315/AU$8,090) which includes everything in the review configuration alongside 64GB DDR5 RAM and a pair of Corsair 8TB MP600 Pro XT NVMe SSDs. Regardless of how buyers get their EON17-X, it does come with Origin’s signature lifetime service and support with options that can be extended between one to three years for a fee as well. Simply put, there is a feeling of luxury customer service alongside the high-end purchase.

As of now, there aren’t any available options for either UK and Australian territories.

  • Value score: 4.5 / 5

Origin EON17-X: Specs

An Origin EON17-X on a desk

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

 The Origin EON17-X currently comes in a variety of customizable configuration options, so you'll have to dig into the configuration section of Origin's site to get a sense of how much your ideal laptop will cost you, but these are the specs on our review unit as well as the starting configuration.

Origin EON17-X: Design

An Origin EON17-X on a desk

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
  • There are plenty of ports including two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports for use on two 4K displays or one 8K display
  • The 4K display has fantastic image quality and performance
  • Not having SD card slot nor fingerprint scanner is disappointing

Compared to previous generations, Origin has said that the EON17-X is 13% lighter and 42% thinner. Considering the amount of components in the spec heavy gaming laptop, it still manages to weigh under 8lbs. Though it’ll still be a bit difficult to fit inside a mid-to-large backpack, it doesn’t feel as bulky as it potentially could have. 

Looking at it closed, the most noticeable thing many will recognize are the customizable display rear which can feature HD UV printed panel or custom laser etching. The all black material used throughout really blends well with whatever custom panel used and feels adequately durable.

Beyond the various ventilation grills, it’s clear as day that there is a nice variety of ports. The right side are two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports with two USB-A 3.2 ports alongside headset and mic jack on the left. Having Thunderbolt 4 ports allows users to use two 4K displays or one 8K display for added measure. 

On the rear are singular HDMI and Mini DisplayPort ports, ethernet 2.5 port, charging port and Kensington Lock port. It would have been nice to have an SD card slot for creatives alongside a fingerprint reader for security purposes.

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An Origin EON17-X on a desk

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
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An Origin EON17-X on a desk

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
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An Origin EON17-X on a desk

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The EON17-X opens about an inch near where the bottom panel ends to reveal the gorgeous 17-inch 4K display with full HD webcam at the top. From general browsing to playing stunning AAA games, this is one of the best laptop displays in its class. 

Having the 140Hz refresh rate ensures games and videos are relatively smooth. Colors are crisp and vivid while offering really good general image quality. As an added cherry on top, the display also features G-Sync too. Gamers who want a higher 240Hz refresh rate can try the 1440p configuration if needed.

At the bottom half is a lovely keyboard featuring per-key RGB lighting. Those personalizations in lighting can be customized through the featured Control Center app that also features performance options but more on that later. It felt good using the keyboard as it offered both comfortable keystrokes and plenty of function keys. 

Even the touchpad is smooth to use during general and creative tasks. Of course, it’s best to use a gaming mouse if trying to play genres including shooters and the like.

  • Design score: 4 / 5

Origin EON17-X: Performance

An Origin EON17-X on a desk

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
  • Handles AAA gaming at 4K resolutions at max settings really well
  • Fans can get obnoxiously loud
  • There are several performance modes through the Control Center app
Origin EON17-X Benchmarks

Here's how the Origin EON17-X  performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
3DMark Night Raid: 40,694; Fire Strike: 30,845; Time Spy: 19,778
GeekBench 5: 1,994 (single-core); 18,463 (multi-core)
CineBenchR23:
24,956 (multi-core)
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra):
121 fps; (1080p, Low): 163 fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 92 fps; (1080p, Low): 107 fps
Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 148 fps; (1080p, Low): 203 fps
PCMark 10 Battery Life: 3 hours and 16 minutes 

There isn't a modern game that the Origin EON17-X can't handle. The review configuration we received with the Intel i9-13900HX and Nvidia RTX 4090 can handle 4K resolution gaming at max settings while maintaining respectable frame rates. 

During our benchmark tests, Cyberpunk 2077 was able to get 92 frames per second at 1080p. Playing at 4K with the same settings and ray tracing gave an average in the low 60s. Users who want higher frame rates can utilize DLSS for image upscaling if that's not enough. 

The same results came during our time trying out Dirt 5 which provided 148 fps average at 1080p with max settings. Playing the rally racer at 4K allowed the game to hover around 100 fps as well. 

When it came to everyday usage, we were able to get high frame rates at 4K resolution on games including Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Need for Speed Unbound and Forza Horizon 5. Meanwhile, it was fairly easy to create and export 4K video through Adobe Premiere Pro as well.

Be mindful that when maximizing system resources, the cooling system will have the fans running at high volume. This can be trouble if using the EON17-X without headphones as it can intrude a rather unflattering speaker system. One way to quiet it down is through the Control Center app which has a quiet mode outside of various performance modes. 

The internal speakers have Sound Blaster Pro audio support but general audio quality is subpar in addition to lacking good volume. We suggest picking up one of the best PC gaming headsets you can when using the gaming laptop. Go on, you can afford it.

  • Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Origin EON17-X: Battery Life

An Origin EON17-X on a desk

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
  • Battery life is marketed for about 6.5 hours
  • During test we got around 4 hours of usage
  • Charging to full takes a few hours max

As with many high powered laptops of its nature, don’t expect very much battery life out of the Origin EON17-X. Origin estimates up to 6 ½ hours between charges but we weren’t able to reach that during tests. Using PCMark 10 Battery Life tests, we only received around 3 hours and 16 minutes. 

Taking the EON17-X to bed to work on editorials through Google Docs, the gaming laptop reached around four hours before shutting down. Part of that was turning off various settings like keyboard lighting, dimming the screen a bit and putting on Power Saving mode through the Control Center app. Individuals taking a bi-coastal flight may barely make it with the EON17-X. 

Charging the device through the rear power port may take around two hours and the power brick that’s included is a bit hefty as well. Again, this is expected when dealing with gaming laptops of this nature.

  • Battery score: 3 / 5

Should you buy the Origin EON17-X?

An Origin EON17-X on a desk

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Buy it if...

You want an absolutely powerful gaming laptop without thought of cost
It doesn’t matter what configuration one is interested in, the Origin EON17-X shines when it comes down to performance. From 1440p to 4K, it can handle pretty much anything.

You require some personal customization in your gaming laptop
There are so many options in how potential buyers may want their gaming laptop including visual, performance, storage and warranty. 

You want a quality high resolution display and refresh rate
The 4K display offered on the EON17-X provides great image quality and has a 140Hz refresh rate. If screen resolution doesn’t matter much, there’s also a 1440p option that has an even higher refresh rate of 240Hz.

Don't buy it if...

You need a more affordable gaming laptop
Nah, this ain't it.

You want a quieter gaming laptop
All of that power means some serious cooling solutions and those fans get loud when operating on all cylinders.

You are a creative who wants an easier process and added security
Considering how expensive the EON17-X is, it would be nice to have some form of biometric security like a fingerprint scanner. Also, creatives may miss the lack of an SD card slot. 

Origin EON17-X: Also consider

If my Origin EON17-X has you considering other options, here are two more gaming laptops to consider...

First reviewed July 2023

itel P40+ and A60s announced
9:07 pm |

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

The latest additions to the itel smartphone portfolio are here with the itel P40+ and A60s. The former brings a massive 7,000 mAh battery and an INR 8,099 ($99) price tag while the A60s is a follow-up to the affordable itel A60 coming in at INR 6,299 ($77) for the base model. itel P40+ itel P40+ brings a 6.8-inch IPS LCD with HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The device is equipped with a Unisoc T606 chipset alongside 4GB RAM and 128GB storage which is expandable via the microSD slot. The back houses a 13MP main cam while the front houses an 8MP selfie shooter. The software side...

Eweka review
8:50 pm |

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

Usenet newsgroups can be difficult to get a grasp of if you’re a beginner, sometimes being even a bit complicated. One of the easiest solutions is to find one that provides everything you need, with an added bonus of a newsreader app, and simple payment options.

While Usenet is generally considered to be the part of the “old internet”, something that predates the Web 2.0 era, there are still plenty of newsgroups providers around, enough to make it a busy market.

Eweka has been on the market for a long time and has a good reputation. Being registered in 2000, Eweka is one of the oldest Usenet providers still around. It claims to have been the "number one Usenet provider in the Netherlands since 2001." Still, is it good enough to earn it a place in our best Usenet providers? Let's find out.

Eweka's experience shows, with sign up via a polished website providing access to a complete set of options in the members' area. 

Like many others, this provider is based in the Netherlands. It provides a newsreader, NewsLazer, which is almost identical to the NewsHosting Newsreader app.

Eweka Features

Eweka is a feature-packed Usenet provider (Image credit: Eweka)

Features

Eweka promises secure, unlimited downloads. All plans provide unlimited access with 256-bit SSL connections. All plans have 50 connections and unlimited download speeds so any user should be able to fully max out their ISP bandwidth speed from Eweka’s Usenet archive dating back 5,432+ days. 

Features differ depending on the pricing plan, so be careful to pick the right package for your needs. One of the newer additions is that Eweka now has a VPN as well, which you get automatically if you choose the 15 months plan, otherwise, you’ll need to pay extra if you want it.

The NewsLazer app is recommended by Eweka, although you can use other newsreaders. This is simple enough to use and offers the ability to add backup Usenet providers. Note that the app will not work without NewsLazer credentials, however.

If you run into difficulty using the service, Eweka offers a 24/7 professional support. Agents fluent in Dutch, English, German, and French are available for assistance. There is also a detailed support section with an FAQ, a service status page, and contact details.

Retention

Do you want a Usenet service who only provides five or six years' worth of newsgroup data? Or one that reaches far into the past, providing binary uploads and text discussions dating back two decades?

Retention is the key factor for a complete Usenet experience, and Eweka provides a stated 5,432+ days retention. Additional storage is also regularly added to grow retention day by day so no articles are expired from their servers. Eweka’s current retention period is equivalent to over 14.8 years worth of activity. That means that you can view text conversations that took place back in 2008 and download binaries that were posted since that time. This is an incredible volume of data, making Eweka one of the largest archives of Usenet data available. 

Security and privacy

Usenet providers offer 256-bit SSL connections via newsreaders to their servers. Eweka follows this trend, which ensures data downloaded or uploaded is sent over an encrypted and trusted connection.

However, privacy options with this Usenet provider are limited. While you can sign up with just an email address and country location, there is no option to pay for the service using Bitcoin or another crypto currency. 

Happily, the Eweka Privacy Policy is clear when it comes to logging your activity. This states: "We do not monitor which newsgroups you post to or download from or what you put in news articles that you post."

Other logging is stored, however, such as access to your account, and metering based on the chosen package. The full privacy policy is worth reading so that you understand how your data is used. Full GDPR adherence policy is also listed.

New Speedtest Image

We used Ookla's Speedtest to measure Eweka's performance (Image credit: Ookla)

Performance

Speed is another key aspect of Usenet services; the faster, the better. Less time is spent downloading binaries, more time enjoying the unpacked media files.

Eweak was tested following a speed confirmation using Ookla’s Speedtest. This rated the connection (via a Dutch VPN) at 58.10Mbps. Two files were tested: one a 540MB audio collection uploaded the previous day; the other a 700-day old video file of 1.4GB.

Both binaries downloaded at around 5.2Mbps, peaking at 6Mbps. For clarity, that means the video file downloaded in just over 3 minutes. 

As such, Eweka provides an incredibly fast Usenet experience.

Eweka Pricing

With Eweka, you can either pre-pay for Usenet access or go with a monthly subscription (Image credit: Eweka)

Pricing

Eweka offers subscription packages with one, 12, and 15-month deals. There is no contract, so you can cancel at any time. Payment is via credit card, PayPal, iDEAL, Mistercash, Giropay, and bank transfer. Netherlands residents can also buy a day's access via SMS.

The one-month subscription is priced at €9.50 a month (~$10.40), the 12-month at €9 (~$9.80), and the 15-month at €6.99 (~$7.60). All plans come with unlimited downloads, unlimited speed, 50 connections, SSL, full retention. The 12-month, and 15-month plan also come with free SSL encrypted download, and free newsreader with search. A free VPN is thrown into the mix too if you pick the 15-month plan.

Given the unlimited download speeds, retention and completion rates, Eweka offers one of the best value Usenet subscriptions around.

Final verdict

It’s hard to find a Usenet provider that has everything for everyone. It’s always a mix between low prices and low retention, or a great price but lackluster service, slow performance, or just the general feeling of not being worth your money.

As one might expect from its legacy, Eweka is one of the better services out there. Awesome download speeds, outstanding retention, and completion, with a strict privacy policy, and a nice addition of a status page where you can check if the service is offline. Unfortunately, there’s no Bitcoin payment, but you do get everything else required for reliable and speedy newsgroup access.

All things considered, Eweka is absolutely worth considering as your primary Usenet service.

(Official Promotion) Get unlimited GB free trial + 27% lifetime discount

Redmi 12 review
8:36 pm |

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

Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera review
7:45 pm |

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

Two-minute review

Simplicity can be the key to success in many things, and the adage, ‘less is more’ often rings true. The Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera follows this ethos to provide a professional timelapse solution that only shoots timelapses, not videos or regular stills, and makes the process accessible to anyone. 

Most camera manufacturers look to pack in as many features as possible to maximize appeal, but the TLC 300’s potential audience typically wants just a few things: ease of use, and the ability to capture timelapse sequences over both long and short durations and in all weather conditions.

The TLC 300 ticks all of these boxes, and is available in several kits, so you can select the option that works best for your intended use. I tested the Brinno BCC300-C Timelapse Camera Kit, which costs $399 / £432 / AU$649 and includes the TLC 300 camera, the waterproof housing, a lens cap, two bungee cords, four AA batteries, a Takeway T1 Clamp Bracket and a 16GB microSD card and SD adaptor.

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Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera

(Image credit: James Abbott)

The Brinno TLC 300 & Waterproof Case Timelapse Camera Bundle includes everything except for the Clamp Bracket, and costs $299 / £319 / AU$514. The TLC 300 is available without a waterproof housing for less, but it makes sense to choose a kit that includes this useful accessory for shooting longer timelapses over days, weeks and months, taking advantage of the long battery life.

The TLC 300 runs on four AA batteries that can last up to 100 days when the camera is shooting at five-minute intervals, and it’s easy to obtain replacements or recharge a set. Plus, there’s a battery type option that optimizes battery usage depending on which type of batteries you’re using – alkaline, lithium or rechargeable. The camera can also be powered using an external power source, and the IPX4 waterproof housing has an opening for a micro USB cable to be used. This could reduce the integrity of the waterproof housing, so additional port blocking using Blu Tack or similar may be necessary to avoid water ingress.

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Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera

(Image credit: James Abbott)

In terms of size, the TLC 300 is small, but larger and heavier than some of Brinno's other timelapse cameras. It’s 2.52 x 2.05 x 4.21 inches / 64 x 52 x 107mm), and weighs 8.1oz / 230g, so although larger and heavier than the more advanced Brinno TLC 2020, it remains highly portable, and small enough to position in a variety of ways, including tripod mounting using the Takeway T1 Clamp Bracket, which comes with a stand section so it can be stood up like a mini tripod as well as being clamped to objects. There are also the bungee cords, which can be used to attach the camera to any object they can be wrapped around.

On the back are several buttons for operation, including an on/off switch, and a 1.44-inch IPS LCD screen for navigating menus, composing shots and adjusting exposure. The screen is small, but it’s bright and easy to view in bright sunlight; and best of all, the exposure you see on the screen is true to what is output in your timelapses. The only niggle with the design is that the on/off switch can’t be used when the waterproof housing is closed, but it’s far from being a problem.

In terms of features, the TLC 300 is pretty basic, because its sole job is to capture timelapses. Even white balance can’t be adjusted, although there are three shooting modes: Day, Twilight and Night. The camera can also be used with more advanced zoom lenses offering improved image quality; these can be purchased separately, but these can’t be used with the waterproof housing, and were not provided for testing.

An interesting feature that’s rare in the world of timelapse cameras is the ability to tilt the lens up and down, which is great when shooting from high and low positions. The only time when the lens must be set to level/straight ahead is when the camera is placed in the waterproof housing, and in this situation the entire housing can be tilted on the Takeway T1 Clamp Bracket or when used on a tripod.

Brinno TLC 300 timelapse

The TLC 300 is incredibly easy to use – it's possibly the most simple professional timelapse camera available, with the ability to capture timelapses ranging from minutes to months in duration. Longer timelapses can be scheduled on a daily and weekly basis, with start and finish times for each day available, so you’re only capturing during work hours or daylight hours, for instance.

The f/2.0 lens provides a full-frame equivalent focal length of 19mm with a 118-degree field-of-view, with some fish-eye distortion. Image quality is good, and the auto-only white balance works well, but image quality isn't at the level of a smartphone or a mirrorless camera, although this is common with these types of cameras, which are typically more robust than standard cameras when used with a waterproof housing, as well as being able to shoot for months at a time with precise scheduling. Intervals vary between one second to 30 minutes and custom in Day exposure mode, three seconds to 30 minutes and custom in Twilight mode, and 10 seconds to 30 minutes and custom in Night mode. You can use the custom modes to set longer intervals than the default options.

 Should I buy the Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera? 

Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera on the Takeway T1 Clamp Bracket

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera

The Brinno TLC 300 Timelapse Camera was tested over several days in different locations to see how it coped with different weather conditions and environments. The sole function of this camera is shooting timelapses, so the focus of testing was on this functionality.

The timelapses captured ranged from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the interval frequency. It wasn't possible to test capture over extended periods, so long-term scheduling functionality was set up and started to test ease of use and reliability.

I have nearly 30 years of photography experience and have spent 15 years working as a photography journalist, and I’ve shot many timelapses using mirrorless cameras and DSLRs. Shooting with a dedicated timelapse camera was much easier, and provided straight out-of-camera sequences, without the need to process photos and convert them into a timelapse.

First reviewed June 2023

The Oppo Reno10 series will launch in India on July 10
7:42 pm |

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

Oppo’s Reno10 series made its debut in China at the end of May, now the trio is preparing to launch in India – mark July 10 on your calendars (next Monday), “the new portrait expert is coming”, says Oppo. The highlights focus on the Oppo Reno10 Pro+ – the top tier model has a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, 100W SuperVOOC charging and a 64MP periscope lens with OIS (3x optical zoom). Oppo Reno10 Pro+ highlights The Reno10 and Reno10 Pro drop down to 32MP resolution and 2x magnifications for their periscopes. Note that the models sold in India will have some differences compared to...

Xiaomi 14 series specs tipped
6:31 pm |

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

With the Xiaomi 13 series already available globally, it’s time to turn our attention to the next generation of flagships from Xiaomi. The first set of specs for the Xiaomi 14 series are here thanks to tipster Digital Chat Station who shares some preliminary details about the chipsets, batteries and charging speeds of the upcoming flagships. Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro are expected to debut in November with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset at the helm. The next-gen flagship SoC from Qualcomm will be announced in late October at a dedicated event held in Maui, Hawaii and Xiaomi will be...

Motorola Razr 40 series launches in India, pre-booking for the Razr 40 Ultra now open
5:31 pm |

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

As expected, Motorola launched its Razr 40 series in India with a big event in New Delhi (and we were there, you can watch the live stream). According to Prashanth Mani, Managing Director at Motorola Mobility India, “100% of the Motorola products sold in India are made in India” and that includes the 2023 foldables as well. The more advanced of the two, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, has a base price of ₹90,000, however, ICICI Bank offers ₹7,000 cashback if you use one of their credit cards to make the purchase. If you don’t want to pay a lump sum, there is a ₹7,500 a month no cost EMI...

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