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Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 mobile workstation review
10:12 pm | January 15, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Lenovo's ThinkPad lineup has always been a significant grouping of offerings for business professionals. The Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 is no different. It targets professionals who need workstation-grade performance on the go.

The ThinkPad P16 is one of the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops around - ideal for heavy computational and graphical work. Compared to the P16, I view the P16v Gen 2 as a ThinkPad P16 lite. But that's not any official branding; it's just my viewpoint. It's a slightly less powerful P16, but still very much enterprise-focused and workstation-esque.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2: Price and Availability

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 starts at $1,791.92 (pre-tax) and quickly scales up to well over $3,500 before any pre-installed software options if you want to max out the hardware offerings.

These and custom builds are available on Lenovo's website, and pre-built models are available in places like Amazon or other computer retailers.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2: Unboxing and First Impressions

The ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 laptop comes in the Lenovo packaging, a beefy yellow-tipped Lenovo charger (though you can also charge via USB-C, albeit slower), and other essential documentation. I was immediately reminded of the P16, though the P16v is a bit slimmer and lighter (4.89 lb vs. 6.5 lb).

Another thing that I noticed right away was the port offering and location. I'll discuss this more later, but right off the bat, I was surprised to see a full ethernet port and ports on the back; then again, though thin, this is a workstation. Lastly, I genuinely like the matte black finish on this laptop. It feels professional, and I like it for the same reasons. Though I love some sweet backpack colors, I will always choose black. I love some splashes of color from Apple these days, but I always prefer simple colors. It's clean, goes with everything, and it looks professional.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2: Design and Build Quality

Specs

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 165H to Ultra 9 185H options
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada Gen or RTX 3000 Ada Gen
Display: 16” WUXGA (1920 x 1200), IPS, 100% sRGB to 16" WQUXGA (3840 x 2400), IPS, 100%DCI-P3, 60Hz
Storage: 2x 2TB SSD M.2 drives
RAM: 8GB DDR5, upgradable to 96GB .

Unsurprisingly, the Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 is very similar to the ThinkPad P16 in design, much like the name. The P16v Gen 2 is slimmer and more portable than a ThinkPad P16. However, it still feels relatively robust and like any of the best mobile workstations I've tried, with actual portability in mind. Thanks to the real estate left behind due to the 16" screen, Lenovo could add a full numpad to the right of the entire keyboard, and better yet, it's comfortable to type on.

The port offering on this computer is excellent for the modern employee needing workstation-grade power. There is an SD Card Reader, an optional Smart Card reader, a full-size HDMI port, a USB-A Port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a full RJ45 Ethernet port. What's fascinating and pretty brilliant is that one of the Thunderbolt ports and the Ethernet port are on the back of the ThinkPad P16v Gen 2. This makes it super easy to plug into a Thunderbolt Docking station and/or that ethernet port, both of which you'd want running away from your desk or workspace exactly how they will when plugged into the back of your laptop.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2: In use

I've had this laptop in my rotation for the last couple of weeks, and it has been a pretty good computer. It can easily handle my productivity suite of tasks, content creation and video editing, and photo editing. It can handle the 3D modeling software for my 3D printer and all of it at once. I really appreciate the ethernet port and Thunderbolt 4 port on the back, as I could have the not-so-flexible ethernet port run away from my computer when I needed to hardline into the internet at one of my job sites. Whenever I am at my desk, I can easily plug into the docking station I have set up running to my monitors and peripherals.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Another thing worth mentioning is the reliability and usability of the ThinkPad keyboards. While I never want to use the famous TouchPoint embedded within the keyboard, it's handy when I think about using it. On top of that, the typing experience is quite comfortable, even for all-day typing, as I do.

Lenovo has also chosen to utilize the space granted by the 16-inch screen to fit in a numpad. Some laptops, even with 16-inch screens, will just fit the exact size keyboard in the center of the allotted space. Lenovo chose to utilize that space fitting in a full-numberpad. For those who work with spreadsheets, phone numbers, or numbers in general, having a dedicated numpad makes data entry exponentially faster, and that's easy to do with the ThinkPad P16v Gen 2, adding to the allure for the business professional.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2: Final verdict

The ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 delivers an exceptional balance of power, portability, and professional features. While it doesn’t quite match the raw performance of the P16, its lighter build and price point make it an excellent choice for professionals on the move who need a reliable machine.

For more workplace computing, we've tested the best business laptops.

Plugable USB-C Dual 4K Display HDMI or DisplayPort Horizontal Docking Station review
9:06 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

In an age of hybrid work environments, having a reliable docking station can significantly enhance productivity. The Plugable USB-C Dual 4K Display HDMI or DisplayPort Docking Station is designed for professionals who need multi-monitor support, excellent connectivity, and powerful charging options, all with DisplayLink baked in. That's what this Plugable dock has to offer.

It may be tailored to Mac, but with the design language and the use of DisplayLink, it can be used with any operating system. Having reviewed many of the best laptop docking stations, I have tried it with Windows, iPadOS, and MacOS. While the latter two have limitations on-screen usage, it's good to know that you are set to go with multiple displays in one way or another.

Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock: Price and Availability

The Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock is available for $200 directly from Plugable's website or Amazon and is backed by a two-year warranty with lifetime support from the Plugable team.

Plugable | USB-C Dual 4K Display HDMI or DisplayPort Horizontal Docking Station

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock: Unboxing and First Impressions

The Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock is a very simple-looking dock overall. The packaging is simple, the labels are clear, and the inclusion of DisplayLink is prominent. What’s great, though, is that while this dock is relatively wide, it has clean lines, flat sides (not rounded or protruding), and is pretty thin. This makes it a perfect candidate to be mounted, in my opinion, and that’s precisely what I did.

The only thing that sets this apart from a simple plug-and-play is if you will use the DisplayLink feature. If you are not using this with a MacBook or only plan on using one monitor, you can run this dock as a plug-and-play solution. I run my desk this way about 70% of the time. The other 30% of the time, I add another monitor or swap out monitors to test at this desk. When I do that, I need to run the DisplayLink driver and software on my MacBook Pro, which is super easy to download and relatively lightweight.

Plugable | USB-C Dual 4K Display HDMI or DisplayPort Horizontal Docking Station

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Video Output: Dual 4K @ 60Hz via 2x HDMI or 2x DisplayPort.
Ports: 2x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort, 2x USB-C, 4x USB 3.0, SD/microSD readers, Ethernet, 3.5mm jack.
Power Delivery: 100W charging for laptops.
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, ChromeOS (driver installation required for macOS).

The port arrangement on this dock is laid out with desk organization in mind. The front-facing quick-access ports are easily accessible, and the backports are nicely arranged and easy to work with, even when facing away from the desk. All the monitor connections and devices that generally stay connected (rather than get unplugged and plugged in frequently) are also neatly organized.

The USB-C on the side runs to the laptop cable tucked away so I can route it around my desk shelf or directly to my laptop. In my case, I used one of my new favorite accessories, the right-angle 40Gbps USB-C adapter, to help keep everything tucked away and tidy.

I could see this dock used at home and in traditional office workspaces. However, I would not want this to be a portable dock to take with me from place to place, as it is designed to stay on a desk or workstation.

Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock: In use

So far, my experience with this dock has been smooth sailing. It easily handles my monitor usage, and since it has both HDMI and DisplayPort, it has made running my vast array of monitors quite effortless -- no adapters necessary. The USB-A ports are great, and for some setups, that might be all you need; however, if you are working with large files or a lot of newer generation tech that is USB-C or even Thunderbolt, you may want to check out a different model of Plugable docks.

The best part of this dock is that it has built-in DisplayLink, allowing me to run multiple monitors on my otherwise limited MacBook Pro. It's annoying, but I'm thankful for companies like Plugable that put DisplayLink in their docks so that I can circumvent this limitation on my setup.

Plugable | USB-C Dual 4K Display HDMI or DisplayPort Horizontal Docking Station

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Plugable | USB-C Dual 4K Display HDMI or DisplayPort Horizontal Docking Station

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock: Final verdict

The Plugable USB-C Docking Station offers exceptional functionality for power users who demand high-resolution multi-monitor setups and robust connectivity. While its reliance on drivers and lack of USB-C/Thunderbolt may deter some, its performance and built-in DisplayLink make it a worthwhile investment for many.

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale review: The future of nutrition?
8:56 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Fitness Apps Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: | Comments: Off

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale: Two-minute review

COSORI smart kitchen scale

(Image credit: Future)

New for 2025 in the world of health and fitness technology is the enticing COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale. I actually first encountered it on TikTok where I've seen a couple of viral posts about it, and now COSORI has officially launched the Smart Kitchen Scale in the UK. See the Price and Availability section for full details.

As a fitness enthusiast with an interest in food and nutrition, but as someone who often struggles to track food and count calories, the COSORI seemed right up my street, and after my initial go at using the scale I have to say I'm really impressed. It's not perfect, and the methodology has a couple of obvious flaws I'll get to, but this is a nifty little kitchen gadget that will catch the eye of guests and make a great sub-£50/$50 gift for the gym enthusiast in your life.

Out of the box, 6he COSORI feels premium and well-built, which you'd hope for a scale that costs nearly 50 bucks. The plastic base houses three AAA batteries, while the platform is made up of food-grade 304 stainless steel that's designed to be easy to clean. The sizing is pretty generous, it's a lot larger than my bog-standard kitchen scale and feels more useful as a result, without being unwieldy.

COSORI smart kitchen scale

(Image credit: Future)

The COSORI Smart Kitchen Scale is designed to provide you with accurate information about the food you eat, revealing the exact amount of calories, protein, fat, carbs, and micronutrients like fiber based on weight. Naturally, it requires a companion app where you'll access the database of food, scanning barcodes (or searching for food) as you go.

The scale arrives ready to use, with a QR code included for the VeSync app, I'd say installation, registration, and pairing all took less than a minute. The process to set up the scale was extremely easy and straightforward, with zero hiccups. So far, so good.

COSORI smart kitchen scale

(Image credit: Future)

The COSORI Smart Kitchen Scale is so easy to use that there's very little to explain when it comes to its functionality. The VeSync app, which syncs with Apple Health and Fitbit, includes a daily food-tracking platform. You enter your target calories and your desired breakdown of protein, carbs, and fat, the big three 'macronutrients' essential to balancing a diet, shedding weight, or building muscle.

Once your numbers are locked in, you log food just as you would in apps like MyFitnessPal. The most convenient way to do this is by scanning barcodes. The process is super snappy, but has an obvious flaw. The food data comes from Nutritionix, which boasts nearly one million food items. However, if your food isn't listed, you'll need to enter the details manually or pick a substitute.

I did a quick go-around of my fridge and was surprised to find eggs and Greek yogurt from one household UK supermarket didn't show up. However, eggs from another large supermarket showed up just fine, as did some frozen berries from my freezer, and a body-building mainstay: Pringles potato crisps. Your mileage will definitely vary when it comes to what foods are supported, and might even depend on where you live and shop.

Manually entering the information isn't the end of the world, but it's certainly frustrating when the barcode scanner doesn't throw up results.

COSORI smart kitchen scale

(Image credit: Future)

Once you've successfully identified your food, you simply pop it on the scale and the COSORI will automatically weigh it and provide you with a breakdown of all the nutrients in the food. Once you're happy with your amount, you simply tap 'Save and Add More', and you're done. Congrats, you've successfully logged the exact weight and calorific breakdown of the food you're about to eat.

In principle, you can use the COSORI Smart Kitchen Scale to track an entire day's worth of eating, with calorie tracking accuracy down to the nearest gram.

So who would benefit? While the COSORI can be used to simply weigh something, this is a lot of money to spend on a scale that you use purely for weight. The COSORI really needs to be used to its full potential to justify the outlay. I'd say that gym-goers, bodybuilders, and anyone trying to build a food regime to complement their fitness plan would absolutely love the COSORI.

It would especially lend itself to people who like to try new foods, mix up recipes, and experiment. By contrast, if you meal prep seven days of boiled chicken, rice, and broccoli every Sunday afternoon, you might be better off with a regular scale.

COSORI smart kitchen scale

(Image credit: Future)

The COSORI is particularly helpful for giving you insight into calories and ingredients which don't have an obvious calorie makeup, like a spoonful of peanut butter. I distinctly recall one TikToker being mortified at just how many calories were to be found in a fairly meager serving of peanut butter, for instance. If you take an interest in your diet, calories, and portions, the COSORI could take you from a portion enthusiast to a culinary Rain Man.

While you could in theory use the COSORI alongside something like MyFitnessPal to track your food, you'd lose out on the snappy, automatic tracking and instant results that make the COSORI an attractive package. Therefore, anyone who's already heavily invested in a different food or fitness app might not want to make the switch. The COSORI app even features recipes, including recipes you can use with the best air fryers (some of which, coincidentally, are also made by COSORI).

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale: Price and availability

COSORI smart kitchen scale

(Image credit: Future)
  • $39.99 / £47.42
  • No AUS availability
  • Different brand name in the US

The COSORI Smart Kitchen Scale is available now in the UK from Amazon at the cost of £47.42. In the U.S, you can buy one under the brand name Etekcity, also from Amazon, at the cost of $39.99. Both COSORI and Etekcity are subsidiaries of the VeSync brand, and these are the same product. Unfortunately, the product is not currently available in Australia.

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale: Specifications

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale: Scorecard

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale: Should I buy?

COSORI smart kitchen scale

(Image credit: Future)

Buy if it...

You care deeply about food and nutrition

This scale is the perfect companion for anyone tracking calories or trying to hit a fitness goal.

You want an easy way to track your calories

It doesn't get easier than scanning your food and then weighing it.

You tend to eat lots of different foods and create new recipes

This scale is particularly useful for tracking a varied diet and for people who like to mix it up a bit. View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You just want a scale to weigh food

If you don't care about the app or the tracking insights, this is too expensive as a normal scale.

There's not a lot of variation in your diet

While still useful, the COSORI will be less valuable to people who tend to eat the same foods over and over again.

Also consider

COSORI smart kitchen scale

(Image credit: Future)

The Renpho Kitchen Scales are an obvious alternative to the COSORI, and a lot cheaper. However, you won't get that epic LCD display the nutritional information, and it's a bit smaller too.

How I tested

I paired the COSORI Smart Kitchen Scale with my iPhone, exploring all of the features of the app. I used the scale to weigh a number of household foods to determine accuracy, as well as the barcode scanner to test the food library function.

Realme 14 Pro+ in for review
8:42 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

We have the new Realme 14 Pro+ at the office so let's do an unboxing. The global unit ships without the 80W charger you get in China. The rest of the accessories are the same - you get a case, and a USB-A to USB-C cable. Realme touts the 14 Pro+ as the World's first cold-sensitive color-changing phone. Like sea creatures like jellyfish and octopus, the Realme 14 Pro+ has thermochromic pigments in its rear panel that react to temperature changes. The phone's pearlescent white and orange rear panel changes color to shades of blue when touched by a cold substance like ice or cold...

Redmi Turbo 4 Pro’s massive battery confirmed by a new rumor
7:21 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Redmi launched the Turbo 4 at the beginning of this month, and will have the Turbo 4 Pro join it at some point later this year. The Pro model was initially rumored to come with a 7,500 mAh battery, but then another rumor toned this down talking about "low 7,000s". Today another rumor on the matter reiterates what the first one said and states that the 7,500 mAh battery capacity has been "confirmed" through prototype testing. Of course, this is far from an official confirmation, so do keep that in mind. Redmi Turbo 4 Interestingly, Redmi is now said to be testing an 8,000 mAh...

Plugable 15.6in USB-C Portable Monitor review
6:11 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

The world of portable monitors is incredibly vast and diverse, and it has only been going on more these last few years with people working from home, coffee shops, and their couches. I'm writing this paragraph from my home office away from my home office -- my dining room table, my couch, or my chair in my bedroom. Yes, there are plenty of times that I work strictly from my laptop, but sometimes, there are tasks that I could benefit from having a second display. When it's time to complete those tasks, and I am unable to grab my monitor, I opt for a portable monitor instead.

Over the years, I have tried many portable monitors; I always used my 11in iPad Pro as a portable monitor (until I swapped it for an iPad Mini 7). Though all of those portable monitors are fantastic for one reason or another, there is something incredible about the Plugable 15.6-inch Portable USB-C Monitor. It's not the most brilliant-looking display, at only 1920 x 1080, it's not the largest display at 15.6 inches, and it's not the fanciest display, but it is the one I have been grabbing most frequently over the last few months of working from home a ton with sick family I am taking care of.

Plugable has somehow found a way to give me what I need in this regard, without any fluff. One of the best portable monitors I've used, this one is incredibly lightweight, easy to use, and even upgradable (but more on that later).

Plugable 15.6" Portable USB-C Monitor: Price and Availability

The Plugable 15.6" USB-C Display is sold through the official Plugable website (click here) and online retailers such as Amazon for $199.95 and is backed by lifetime support. This purchase gets you the monitor, a magnetic folio, and a USB-C Cable to connect to your device.

Plugable 15.6

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Plugable 15.6" Portable USB-C Monitor: Unboxing and First Impressions

As I previously said, I have tried a lot of portable monitors and monitors in general. The one thing that immediately stood out about this monitor was its light. I was blown away taking it out of the box and thought something was wrong. Then, once I added the folio case, it was barely any heavier. I quickly got acquainted with the ports and a couple of buttons on the monitor, grabbed the USB-C cable, and plugged it into my laptop. It sprung to life immediately, showcasing how easy this monitor is to use.

Right off the bat, I thought the monitor looked great and wanted to use it. The folio base is excellent for stability on a couch, bed, chair, table, desk, café, and everywhere I have tried. The folio adds protection to the screen without needing another pouch or sleeve that will go unused, helping this setup stay incredibly minimal, and this portable monitor is super easy to slide into a bag, backpack, or purse to bring with you anywhere and everywhere.

Plugable 15.6

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Plugable 15.6" Portable USB-C Monitor: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Screen Size: 15.6 inches.
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 @ 60Hz.
Panel Type: IPS with LED backlight.
Brightness: 300 nits.
Ports: 1x USB-C for host connection, 2x USB-C 10Gbps hub ports with pass-through charging
Weight: 840g (1.85lbs) with folio.
Viewing Angles: 178° vertical and horizontal.

The Plugable 15.6" portable USB-C Display is incredibly slim, portable, minimalist, and durable. I've taken this monitor with me on numerous trips, putting it in my backpack for some and in a suitcase for others, and it just keeps working. Something about it being so slim and light makes me think it won't hold up, but I'm surprised every single time that it's durable, too.

In addition to being durable, it's packed with the valuable features you need and none that you don't. This portable monitor has three high-speed USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports with up to 10Gbps data transfer and up to 100W PD (85W charging) for your laptop or another connected device through TAA-compliant ports that will work with most USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt, and USB-C cables. It also has a glare-resistant screen, a sharp 300-nit IPS LED display, universal compatibility, and even playback-protected content (HDCP) from streaming services, which some displays block.

Lastly, the folio with this display works as the stand, meaning it's incredibly minimal and does not need additional accessories to hold the display up.

Plugable 15.6

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Plugable 15.6" Portable USB-C Monitor: In use

The Plugable 15.6-inch portable USB-C display has been a game changer for me for the last few weeks. It is not the best in every area, but it's phenomenal in most places that count, which makes it just right for almost everyone. To quickly list a few things this doesn't have, there is no VESA mount option or any Magsafe or stand options even though the folio snaps into place, nor is this a high-resolution or high-brightness screen. Instead, it's a 1920 x 1080 display with 300 nits of brightness, a few ports, and a folio stand.

But, what this has been able to do for me is extend my work to another screen pretty much anywhere I am. It's helped me get so much more done when another screen is helpful, whether I have my fancy home office, another monitor to plug into, or a proper workspace. This monitor offers 85W charging, which is plenty for even my 13" M2 MacBook Pro, or most of my laptops. Plus, I can do that with the third port if I ever need to charge another device (such as my laptop light bar modification (more on this later) or transfer data with a drive, all with whatever computer I am using as long as it has USB-C, which is all even semi-recent computers.

Plugable 15.6

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

There are a few things that I have added to this monitor that have taken it to another level. Since I have used it heavily for the past few months, especially on trips or working at night away from my home office, I have worked a lot in the dark, either late at night or early in the morning. I don't know about you, but the glaring difference between a screen and a dark room can sometimes be very straining on my eyes, or if there are other things I am referencing or other things around my workspace, even a drink, I like seeing my workspace a bit, if nothing else to help me stay awake on those very long nights.

So, what I did was I added the BenQ Laptop Light Bar to my portable monitor; this way, it can stay as a single desk setup, and I can unplug my laptop, go wherever else I may need to go and come right back to a complete setup. I did this by adding a MagSafe adhesive on the back of the monitor (specifically, it was an extra one from a Rolling Square attachment I have on my laptop). Then, the laptop light bar magnetically sticks to that. Now, anywhere I am working, I can have a replica of my full desk setup in a tear-down that can easily fit in a backpack. I also added a right-angle adapter to the end of the USB-C cable to pull my laptop close to the monitor and have the cable out of the way, but this is just a personal preference.

Plugable 15.6

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Plugable 15.6" Portable USB-C Monitor: Final verdict

The Plugable USB-C Portable Monitor stands out as an excellent tool for professionals seeking an extra screen. Its premium build, IPS display, and seamless connectivity make it a valuable asset for productivity and entertainment on the go. While its brightness limits outdoor use and the resolution may not be the best for graphic designers or video editors, it remains a solid choice for anyone in need of a versatile portable monitor.

For more display options, we've reviewed the best business monitors.

New Oppo A5 appears online with a massive battery
5:39 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Oppo is working on another A5 smartphone, and this one is coming with a huge battery. The device was spotted in hands-on photos, where the model number was seen, allowing us to find the device on TENAA. The images and the listing revealed a 6,500 mAh battery (6,330 mAh minimal rate, split into two cells) and a 6.7” AMOLED panel. Oppo A5 (2025) This is the third Oppo A5 we have encountered, after the one launched in 2018, followed by another one from 2020. The Oppo A series is incredibly popular at home, covering a large price spectrum from ultra-cheap entry-level phones to...

Acer Predator controller review: a few years out of date
5:30 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Acer Predator controller: one-minute review

The Acer Predator controller is more than a little disappointing given the brand’s track record of producing high-quality gaming hardware. It’s apparent that this is one of Acer’s first forays into the realm of gaming controllers, as the Predator is pretty bare-bones for what it offers in terms of features. That, and its overall build quality, leaves something to be desired.

Much of this could be forgiven if it wasn’t for the Predator’s retail price. It comes similarly priced to some of the best PC controllers and best Nintendo Switch controllers, including the GameSir Tarantula Pro and the 8BitDo Ultimate. But unlike those, the Acer Predator hardly does anything to stand out from the crowd.

Don’t expect remappable buttons, trigger locks, or even basics like a good overall build quality here; the Predator’s closest analog is probably the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. And even there, Nintendo’s official pad has the Predator beat on both build and battery life.

This isn’t to say the Acer Predator isn’t at least worth a look. It still gets plenty of things right. Hall effect sticks allow for a controller that could last you years, and it does support Switch-friendly features like gyro aiming for games like Splatoon 3. It is a bit lamentable that the Predator requires AA batteries to be used wirelessly, but both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity are supported here and overall battery life is pretty decent at around 20 hours on average.

In summary, if you’re after a simple, no-frills controller similar to the official Nintendo Switch option, the Acer Predator might just be for you. However, when its peers are handily one-upping it in terms of design, features, and performance - often at the same price or less - it probably shouldn’t be at the top of your list.

Acer Predator controller

(Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator controller: Price and availability

  • £69.99 (around $87.99 / AU$139.99)
  • Purchasable from Acer’s website in certain regions
  • Limited overall availability, with the controller seemingly not available in the US

While the Acer Predator controller seems to be unavailable (at time of writing) in the US, it is available for £69.99 in the UK and can be purchased from Acer’s own website. Unlike most other third-party controllers, availability (at the time of writing) appears to be extremely limited. The controller isn’t listed at retailers like Amazon, Argos, or John Lewis in the UK. Moreover, Acer itself doesn’t have a store page for the controller in the US or Australia.

In terms of price, the Acer Predator is fairly competitive when you consider that many other top controllers fall within that £60-£70 price bracket. As mentioned, though, it’s not the most complete feeling controller out there when compared to other pads in this range. It would have been a more attractive purchasing option, I feel if it came in at £10 or even £15 cheaper than its current retail price.

Acer Predator controller: specs

Acer Predator controller

(Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator controller: design and features

  • Simple, but nonetheless eye-catching sci-fi-esque livery
  • Lacking in build quality in comparison to its competitors
  • D-pad and triggers feel noticeably spongy

Starting off with the positives, I really like the aesthetic touches on the Acer Predator controller. It’s emblazoned with cool sci-fi-looking patterns that definitely lend it some unique identity, but it’s understated enough to not stand out in a garish way. The bumpers up top also offer a soft, tactile clicky feel. Thumbsticks also feel great here with a comfortable amount of concavity for your thumbs to firmly rest on.

Other aspects of the controller don’t fare as well. The d-pad and face buttons have an overly mushy feel. It doesn’t help that the former is extremely basic and rather flat in design which did make for an occasional mispress during gameplay. Triggers, meanwhile, did grow on me after some time, but these are fairly wide and offer an unsatisfyingly spongy feel. A pretty mixed bag overall, then, in terms of buttons and modules.

It’s also worth noting that the Acer Predator’s 2.4GHz dongle is not separate in the box. Rather, it’s housed within the controller’s onboard battery compartment. So make sure you’re taking that out first before inserting any AA batteries if you’re planning to use it wirelessly on PC.

It’s a slightly strange choice for a controller, and it does take a little bit of wrestling to release it from the controller’s slot. But it does at least offer a safe way to store the dongle to prevent you from losing it when not in use.

Acer Predator controller

(Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator controller: performance

  • Hall effect thumbsticks make for a long-lasting controller
  • Well-developed rumble that offers a robust and impactful play experience
  • Battery life is decent but may vary depending on your battery brand of choice

Design issues aside, the Acer Predator does perform admirably as a controller, with few notable faults. Despite the pad feeling outdated in some aspects, I’m grateful for the inclusion of Hall effect sticks first and foremost. This will make for a long-lasting gamepad that’s resistant to stick drift issues. On that front alone, the Predator is worth considering if you’re tired of cycling through controllers on a semi-regular basis.

What surprised me most here is the Predator’s incredibly effective rumble tech. It’s not exactly haptic feedback a la the PS5’s DualSense wireless controller, but it feels significantly less flat than many other controllers in this regard.

Playing action-heavy titles like Wuthering Waves, Zenless Zone Zero, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, I was really impressed with the impactful register of sword swipes and other special abilities. It’s a well-rounded vibration that successfully adds a good layer of immersion to whichever game you’re playing. However, you still may wish to switch off vibrations for competitive play as I do feel such a strong rumble could disrupt things like aim or other desired inputs.

The Acer Predator controller also matches many of its peers on compatibility and connection types. It works with Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices (both Android and iOS) and supports 2.4GHz and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, as well as USB-C for wired connections. Switch compatibility is an especially big plus here, as I feel the Acer Predator makes for a decent alternative to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Battery life is also pretty decent overall. Acer’s own website states you’ll get around 25 hours here, but this will of course vary based on the AA battery brand used. The controller comes with a pair of Energizer AA batteries included in the box. With these, I managed to get around 20 hours of playtime before needing to swap them out. Again this will vary based on brand and the types of games you play, but this is an overall decent number that means you shouldn't have to swap out batteries too often.

Acer Predator controller

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Acer Predator controller?

Buy it if...

You want a good Switch Pro Controller alternative
While many of the best Nintendo Switch controllers do outshine Nintendo’s official pad in terms of design and features, the Acer Predator still puts up a decent show and is a good pick if you’re looking for a reliable Hall effect controller.

You like rumble
This is arguably the Acer Predator controller’s standout feature and really comes alive in action-heavy games. While not quite haptic feedback or Nintendo’s own HD Rumble, it’s nonetheless very robust and impactful here.

Don't buy it if...

You want better, sturdier build quality
There is an overtly cheap feel to the Acer Predator controller, from its chassis to its individual buttons and modules. While not the absolute worst we’ve ever tested in this regard, it still leaves much to be desired.

You want a more reliable wireless solution
It’s quite rare for contemporary controllers to run on AA batteries, and if you don’t like the idea of having to purchase these to keep playing wirelessly, you should consider a controller that offers a more modern charging solution.View Deal

Also consider...

If the Acer Predator is proving to be a hard sell, refer to the table below in which we compare its specs to two other great controllers.

8BitDo Ultimate
The 8BitDo Ultimate still finds itself at the top of our best Nintendo Switch controllers guide for good reason. Superb build quality, lovely additional features, and an included charging dock all at a very reasonable price.

Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate review

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Despite lacking modernities like Hall effect sticks, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is still a real workhorse of a gamepad, with excellent build quality and best-in-class battery life for the console.

Read our full Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review

How I tested the Acer Predator controller

  • Tested for one week
  • Platforms tested: Nintendo Switch, PC
  • Compared to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and 8BitDo Ultimate

I tested the Acer Predator controller over the course of a week, hopping between PC and Nintendo Switch. By doing this, I was able to test multiple connection types from 2.4GHz to Bluetooth and wired, while also sampling a wide range of excellent games including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Astral Chain, Zenless Zone Zero, and Wuthering Waves.

While certainly far from the best controller I’ve ever tested, it did eventually somewhat win me over thanks to its broad compatibility, strong rumble tech, and impressive battery life - even if I’m not personally a fan of having to rely on AA batteries for wireless play.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed January 2025

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