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Aura Walden review: probably the best digital frame available
2:22 pm | May 10, 2024

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

Aura Walden: Two-minute review

The Walden is Aura's biggest and best digital photo frame yet, but it's also the priciest; it's only available directly for shoppers in the US. Those outside the US can find the Aura Walden from other retailers, and their efforts will be rewarded – the Aura Walden is exquisite, and one of the best digital photo frames available today. 

With a similar frontage to the Aura Carver Mat, the Walden boasts a larger 15-inch display that makes it Aura's largest digital photo frame display, encased in a classic textured white border and black frame.

It comes with a slick metal stand for resting on a sideboard in both horizontal and vertical positions, plus simple wall fittings, too, for horizontal and vertical mounting. Truly, the overall look and feel of the frame is top drawer.

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Aura Walden digital photo frame box

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Aura Walden digital photo frame unboxing

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Aura Walden digital photo frame unboxing

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Supporting frame for the Aura Walden digital photo frame

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Closeup of the Aura Walden digital photo frame's finish

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Rear of the Aura Walden digital photo frame

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Closeup of the Aura Walden digital photo frame's rear and mounting options

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Touch bar panel of the Aura Walden digital photo frame

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Rear of the Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Closeup of Aura Walden digital photo frame charging cable

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

The Walden may feel too big to rest on a sideboard, shelf or any surface, while it can also feel a little small when mounted on a wall – 15 inches is an awkward middle ground.

That said, I do prefer the size of display over the smaller 10.1-inch Aura Carver Mat, since it allows you to shows off your photos and videos on a larger scale – and having the option to wall mount or have it freestanding can only be a good thing.

For a digital photo frame, Aura's app is as good as they come: simple to use and to share with friends and family, who can also upload images to the frame from anywhere there's an internet connection, and with unlimited photo and video storage included.

Aura Walden: design

  • Slick frame with neat touch bar panel
  • 4:3 aspect ratio display
  • Aura's largest frame yet, and it can be wall mounted

Most digital photo frames – like Aura's own Carver series – are around 10 inches, and designed to stand on any surface; but the Walden is a different proposition, dwarfing those frames with its 15-inch display. 

You probably won't quite be able to squeeze it onto bookshelf, and your sideboard will need to be generously sized to accommodate the frame comfortably. But if you have the space then the Walden will be the preferred choice; plus it's also easy enough to mount it to a wall instead. 

The frame's power cable is covered in a cream-colored fabric, which is more likely to blend into the background than a black cable. Trailing cables can spoil the effect of a digital wall-mounted display, but this shouldn't be a problem here. 

That said, while 15-inches feels big on a sideboard, it comes up small on a wall. For around twice the outlay, the 27-inch Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas is much more at home on a wall, plus that frame offers free and paid-for digital downloads of famous artworks and those from upcoming artists.

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Aura's app for the Walden digital photo frame

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Aura's app for the Walden digital photo frame

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Aura's app for the Walden digital photo frame

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Touch bar panel in use of the Aura Walden digital photo frame

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Touch bar panel in use of the Aura Walden digital photo frame

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Touch bar panel in use of the Aura Walden digital photo frame

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Touch bar panel in use of the Aura Walden digital photo frame

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Touch bar panel in use of the Aura Walden digital photo frame

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Supporting bracket of the Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard alongside the smaller Aura Carver Mat

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

Design-wise, the Walden is eye-catching. It's slicker than the similarly sized Netgear Meural Wi-Fi art frame, sporting a matt-black frame and classic white border, for a total diagonal dimension of 15.7 inches.

At the rear, there's a recess to attach the metal triangular stand, or in which to rest the supplied wall mount hook. You can position the Walden in both landscape and portrait formats.

There are two touch bar panels, one on the top and the other on the side of the frame. You barely notice they're there, and they're super responsive for functions such as swipe to next image, plus press and hold to reveal image information such as who uploaded the picture – handy, if you have a lot of "members" with access to the frame.

Aura's free app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and is needed to set up the frame and upload images. It's also through the app that you can invite other "members" – such as family and friends – to upload their own images. 

You can add multiple Aura frames to the app and take control of all of them, plus Aura wants to tempt you to buy several frames through multi-purchase deals. For example, at the time of writing, if you buy two Walden frames then there's a $15 discount. 

Aura Walden: performance

  • Relatively low pixel density
  • Wide viewing angle in daylight and at night-time
  • 4:3 aspect ratio suitable for most smartphone cameras

I have a sideboard at home that's big enough to accommodate the Walden frame, and I've found its size far more preferable to the standard 10-inch displays of most other digital photo frames. 

It has an anti-glare finish that delivers a wide optimum viewing angle before reflections get in the way – or, indeed, before the luminosity of the backlit display is reduced when viewing the frame at night. Compared to the Aura Carver Mat, the viewing angle of the Walden is much wider. 

The display's 4:3 aspect ratio suits most phones that natively shoot in this ratio. However, if you're uploading photos from a proper camera that's more likely to shoot in 3:2 aspect ratio, you'll have to choose between losing part of your shot or having a black border on the top and bottom of the display – as is the case for 16:9 videos.

The resolution of the frame is 1600 x 1200 pixels, making for a modest 133 pixels per inch density. However, I found the display packed enough detail unless I was up close – which you don't need to be given the size of the display.

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Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard alongside the smaller Aura Carver Mat

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard alongside the smaller Aura Carver Mat

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard alongside the smaller Aura Carver Mat

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Night mode of the Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard at nighttime

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard alongside the smaller Aura Carver Mat

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

As mentioned, it's possible to load videos to the Walden frame, too, although remember that the frame's aspect ratio is much narrower than the standard 16:9 format for video. There's a speaker on the back for audio, although don't hold any great expectation on audio quality – it's pretty basic. 

A nice touch with Aura frames is that you can purchase them as a personalized gift and preload images onto the frame ahead of time. 

Aura Walden: price and release date

  • Available in the US for $299 (currently on sale for $259)
  • Not directly available outside the US

The Aura Walden is available now, although do note that it's often sold out. It has a list price on the Aura website of $299; at the time of writing, it's reduced to $259. If you click onto other regions on the Aura website, such as the UK, then the Walden is unavailable. However, if you search the internet there are other retailers, such as Nordstrom, that will ship the Walden internationally. We'll update this review if and when the Aura Walden becomes available globally.

Aura Walden: should I buy?

Aura Walden digital photo frame on a wooden sideboard

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Aura Walden: How I tested

  • At least two months of regular use
  • Image uploads through the Aura Android app
  • Viewed in daylight and at night

The Aura Walden has been a fixture in my home for a couple of months, positioned on a window-lit sideboard. The mains-powered display is automatically active during the day, and can power off at night to conserve power. 

I’ve uploaded digital photos and videos through the Android version of Aura's app. I've scrolled through the gallery of images using the frame's touch panel and regularly updated the images in the gallery through the app. 

I’ve checked out the quality of the display in daylight and at night, close-up and far away, plus viewed it straight on and from the side to check the viewing angle of the anti-glare display. 

  • First reviewed May 2024
Nutribullet Ultra blender review
12:38 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Juicers & Blenders Small Appliances | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

UK: view at Nutribullet.co.uk

US: view at Nutribullet.com

AU: View at Nutribullet.com.au

Nutribullet Ultra review: two-minute review

The Nutribullet Ultra is the brand's most advanced, and expensive, personal blender. Compared to the others in the range, it's more powerful, quieter, and boasts a touchscreen operation with 30-second and pulse functions, rather than the usual twist-to-blend approach.

I tried it out to see how it compared to the rest of the best blenders on the market right now. For this review, I tested the UK version. This model is also available in the US under the same name, and Australia as the Ultra 1200. (Note: there may be minor differences depending on territory.)

Overall, I was impressed. The lower-frequency noise it emits is certainly not whisper-quiet, but it is noticeably quieter than the model down (read about that one in my Nutribullet Pro 900 review). 

The 1200-watt motor and improved blade design worked as intended, blitzing ingredients instantly, creating silky smoothies and textured dips. It performed well for all recipes I was making, but I did have to intervene on occasion, with the ingredients lower down being blended smoothly, but those at the top never reaching the blades. On the occasions that this happened, I added more liquid and gave the cup a shake to get things moving again.

The design is still recognizably 'Nutribullet', but an updated version, complete with a glowing interface that only comes alive when the cup is clicked onto the base. Press the solid circle icon for a 30-second blitz, or hold the dashed circle to pulse. Although cool to look at, I found these controls a little too sensitive – I had to make sure my fingers didn’t accidentally touch them when I was putting the cup on the base.

At ticket price it costs $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$189.95, but there are discounts to be have if you buy at the right time. It's the priciest individual Nutribullet blender, but it looks and feels premium, and I think the upgrades are worth the expense. Read on for my full Nutribullet Ultra review. 

Nutribullet Ultra review: price & availability

  • List price: $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$189.95
  • Launch date: 2023
  • Availability: worldwide 

Nutribullet sells a wide range of personal blenders, jug blenders, food processors and juicers. The cheapest option, the Nutribullet Go portable blender, costs from $15.99 / £29.99, but the Nutribullet Ultra is the brand’s premium blender, and more expensive. At list price, it's $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$189.95, although at time of writing, discounts were available in some territories. At the time of writing, you can purchase it direct from Nutribullet, or via third party retailers like Amazon.

I think its price is reasonable for a personal blender that has a high-end finish. It feels well-made and the improvements over the rest of the Nutribullet range feel worth the extra investment. The blade is designed to last longer than an entry-level Nutribullet blender, so you could be making savings in the longer term, too. 

  • Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Nutribullet Ultra review: design

  • Redesigned 'Rapid Extractor Blade' for fast and effective blending
  • Includes two Tritan Renew cups, made from 50% recycled materials 
  • Stylish glow interface for pulsing and blending 

The Nutribullet is very easy on the eye. It comes with a sophisticated graphite finish base with touch interface (other personal Nutribullets don't have this), and it looks high-end on the countertop. Suction cup feet stop it from shifting about when in use. Setting up the Nutribullet is easy and intuitive – all the parts twist or click into place nicely.

It comes with a 1200-watt motor and a ‘Rapid Extractor’ blade, with a stainless-steel platform and titanium coating. This is designed to increase longevity of the blade – Nutribullet says it'll last for up to five years – as well as ensuring your blends are fast and effective. This blade is sharp, so you’ll need to take care when washing it, but its design makes it very effective at breaking up ingredients. 

Nutribullet Ultra blender in reviewer's kitchen

(Image credit: Future)

The included cups both come with to-go lids, which is great for smoothie-lovers who want to just blend and go, without having to decant to another container. They are at the larger end of Nutribullet's range – you don't get the single-serve 'Short' cup (18oz / 511ml), but you do get the 'Tall' (24oz / 680ml) and 'Oversized' (32oz / 900ml) cups. That's good news if you want to tackle larger blending jobs, but you can purchase all cups separately, so it shouldn't be a decision-maker when choosing which Nutribullet to go for. 

Cleaning

In terms of cleaning, the cups and blade are dishwasher-safe. However, it's worth rinsing everything off immediately after use, because if you leave food to dry on the blade, it can be tricky to get off. There have been times when I haven’t rinsed the cups before popping them in the dishwasher and they’ve come out dry with caked-on pancake mixture residue left on the inside, and the inner nooks and crannies of the blades are tricky to get into if food gets dried on, too (a small brush would be useful for this).   

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Nutribullet Ultra review: performance

  • Quieter in operation than your average blender 
  • Excellent for smoothies and hummus, struggled a little with ice
  • Food can get stuck to the sides

The Nutribullet Ultra is one of the most satisfying personal blenders I’ve tried. It looks and feels premium, and this is reflected in the performance too. To give it a good trial, I made both homemade humus and a berry smoothie to see how well it could blend to a smooth finish and pulse for a more textured finish. The berries were frozen to get a good indicator of how well it crushes frozen ingredients, but I also tested it to see how well it could grind a batch of ice cubes too. 

Nutribullet highlights how quiet this blender is. While it's not something you’d want to turn on next to a sleeping baby, I did find the Nutribullet noticeably quieter in operation compared to other blenders I've tested. While making a berry smoothie on the 30-second blend setting I measured it at an average of 88.9 decibels using the Decibel Meter App. Comparatively, I measured the Nutribullet 1200 Pro+ at around 93.3 decibels on a similar blend, and my Ninja 3 in 1 Food Processor with Auto-IQ at a lofty 99 decibels.

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Nutribullet Ultra blender in reviewer's kitchen

(Image credit: Future)
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Nutribullet Ultra blender in reviewer's kitchen

(Image credit: Future)
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Nutribullet Ultra blender in reviewer's kitchen

(Image credit: Future)

I adapted Nutribullet's own recipe for Easy Hummus to see how well the Ultra performs when tackling chunky chickpeas, garlic and combining them with smoother ingredients such as tahini and oil. Unlike other Nutribullets I’ve tried, which start blending when you twist the cup and into place, the Ultra waits for you to press the start buttons before it turns on. If, like me, you’re someone who likes to go at their own pace when prepping in the kitchen, this is something you’ll no doubt appreciate. 

The blender has a ‘glow interface’ and the two touchscreen buttons appear when you click the cups into place on the base. It’s worth noting that the buttons are quite sensitive and I did find myself accidentally starting the blender on the odd occasion. The main blend setting only runs for 30 seconds, however, so if you do accidentally press it, it won’t run for long and is easy to stop. 

On my first go, the chickpeas got stuck at the top of the cup and I realized I hadn’t included enough liquid for it to blend effectively. After adding a bit more oil and a splash of water, I was able to tap the pulse setting to create short, intermittent pulses until the humus reached the semi-smooth texture I was aiming for. 

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Nutribullet Ultra blender in reviewer's kitchen

(Image credit: Future)
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Nutribullet Ultra blender in reviewer's kitchen

(Image credit: Future)
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Nutribullet Ultra blender in reviewer's kitchen

(Image credit: Future)

Next up, I made a Triple Berry Smoothie using frozen berries, almond milk, nut butter and banana. I popped in all the ingredients and pressed the blend button, which whizzed for 30 seconds. I made sure I put in enough liquid to stop the frozen berries getting stuck, although the spoonful of peanut butter wasn’t playing ball and got stuck to the side of the cup. I managed to scrape this off the side (unfortunately there’s no spatula in the kit) and pressed blend for another 30 seconds. The result was a super silky smoothie, with all the berries nicely broken down. 

Nutribullet Ultra blender in reviewer's kitchen

(Image credit: Future)

Finally, I filled the larger 900ml cup with a batch of ice to see how well the device could handle frozen cubes. I pressed the start button and within 30 seconds of blending only the base of the cup had managed to crush any ice. I gave it a shake, but the ice wouldn’t move, so a little water was needed to loosen the ice and ensure all the ice got crushed. 

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

How do the Nutribullet personal blenders compare?

Should you buy the Nutribullet Ultra?

Buy it if...

You want a fast and quiet blender 

The 1200-Watt motor and base on the Nutribullet Ultra is designed to operate at a lower sound frequency. While it’s not completely silent, it’s one of the less offensive designs I’ve tried in terms of noise levels. 

You want to make smoothies for two

The Nutribullet Ultra comes with both a 900ml and a 700ml cup, which each have 'to-go' lids. A generous smoothie serving is around 300ml, so you've got room for two and blending space in there. Alternatively, one mega protein shake. 

You want a blender that looks stylish on the worktop

With its streamlined charcoal grey finish and touch interface, the Nutribullet Ultra looks and feels premium. Rather than hiding it away in the cupboard after use, it’s a design you’ll be happy to keep on display on the countertop.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget 

There are cheaper Nutribullet blenders available if you're happy to sacrifice the fancy touch interface, extra power and quieter motor. The original Nutribullet 600, for example.  

You want simple and fast control  

Other Nutribullet blenders start blending as soon as they're twisted into place, but the Ultra has two control buttons. This is a pro or con depending on how simple you want the blending process to be.  

How I tested the Nutribullet Ultra

I have tested an array of blenders before, including the Nutribullet 900, and know what makes for a good design – be it a personal blender or a traditional jug blender. To get a good feel for the Nutribullet Ultra, I used it to make a smoothie and dip. I was keen to see how well the hard ingredients such as chickpeas and cold ingredients such as ice and berries could combine in their respective recipes. The Nutribullet Ultra claims to have optimised blades for quieter blending so I also measured its noise levels using the Decibel Meter App on my phone to see just how quiet it can perform. Finally, I wanted to know whether the device was easy to maintain and so I washed each part after use and wiped down the base.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2024

Cyber Acoustics AC-304C headset review
9:21 pm | May 9, 2024

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

Cyber Acoustics AC-304C: 30-second review

 The Cyber Acoustics AC-304C promises to be the ideal headset for call center workers or anyone who works from a busy home environment, all while keeping reasonably priced for what it offers. 

We’ve tested out loads of the best headphones with mics and best headsets for conference calls, with the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C fitting squarely into the work-focused category. These won’t be headphones for listening to music and enjoying anything other than a neutral experience. However, for taking calls and being heard clearly even if chaos is reigning around you, the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C are exceptional. In particular, the headset is a good option for anyone who works from home and has the challenges that come with that.

Inline controls make it simple to adjust the volume or mute your mic without having to fumble for it. There’s also a long cable for ensuring there’s a bit of flexibility with how you move although it won’t compete with wireless options, of course.

The Cyber Acoustics AC-304C is also very lightweight so you hardly notice it on your head during the working day. However, we did find the earcups a tad uncomfy after extended periods of use and a little adjustment was needed. It’s no deal-breaker but if you’re used to memory foam cushioning your ears, you may want to spend more. In this price range though, it’s hard to fault the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C as we’ll soon see.

Cyber Acoustics AC-304C: Price & availability

Cyber Acoustics AC-304C during our test and review process

(Image credit: Cyber Acoustics)
  • $99.99/£99.99 
  • Available now

The Cyber Acoustics AC-304C is available directly from the Cyber Acoustics website or you can buy it on third-party retailers like Amazon US. It’s available both in the US and UK with seemingly no stock issues right now. 

  • Score: 5/5

Cyber Acoustics AC-304C: Design & fit

Cyber Acoustics AC-304C during our test and review process

(Image credit: Cyber Acoustics)
  • Lightweight build
  • Inline controls
  • Leatherette material
Specs

What's in the box:
1 x Cyber Acoustics AC-304C
1 x USB-C to USB-A adapter
1 x carry bag

Weight: 72g

Dimensions: 6.1 x 2 x 6.7 inches

Cable length: 8 foot cable

The Cyber Acoustics AC-304C headset looks fairly unassuming. We’re talking super lightweight headset with a drop-down mic on one side and soft leatherette earcups to keep your head snug. The headset is sufficiently slender, one would think it would be fragile but it seems fairly robust when tossed around a little or simply plonked on a desk frequently. 

Inline controls reside about three feet down. There are two volume adjust buttons with a large mic mute button in the middle. It changes between red and green depending on if the mic has been muted or not. It’s also suitably large enough that you can easily tap it even while midway through a call or video chat. The only extra it’s missing is that while the buttons are divided up, there’s no tactile feeling to help remind you of what you’re about to tap without looking. In particular, that can be problematic when trying to find the volume up or down button while not looking down.

Five feet further down the line is the USB-C connection with the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C coming with a USB-C to USB-A adapter if you prefer or need to use an USB-A port. 

The mic can be swung up or down depending on if you need to be heard, while the headset overall can be adjusted to accommodate larger heads.

The fit is simple but mostly effective. Easy to slip on with adjustable parts on the headset, the only issue arises with the earcups. These start out comfortable but over time, can start to press on your ears a tad. I found moving the earcups around did help so some of it comes down to the size of your ears and arrangement, rather than deliberate clamping force. 

  • Score: 4/5

Cyber Acoustics AC-304C: Sound quality

Cyber Acoustics AC-304C during our test and review process

(Image credit: Cyber Acoustics)
  • Environmental noise cancellation
  • Neutral sound profile
  • No sidetone

Designed with video conferencing and work in mind, the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C focus on providing a neutral sound profile rather than elevating bass or similar like your regular headphones may do so. That means that you get a crisp and clear experience each step of the way but not one that lends itself to listening to music during your breaks. 

Crucially, the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C uses AI-based microphone noise cancellation to eliminate background noise around you. Appropriately, it sounds too good to be true but in our time using it among construction noises nearby and a yelling cat, anyone we spoke to didn’t hear what was going on in the background. It works far better than your average microphone and perhaps more importantly, provides good peace of mind as you don’t have to worry about disruptions. It’s professional and due to it being tied into the headset, it works with all the audio and video conferencing tools you could plan on using it with.

With home working remaining popular for at least some of the week, the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C instantly proves more useful than in the past. For regular calls such as call center support, there’s no sidetone. Sidetone allows you to hear some of your own voice to check that you’re connected but also potentially proving irritating too. So, the lack of the feature is going to be good and bad news depending on how you feel about it. It’s also a feature we’d typically see on pricier headsets so it’s hardly surprising that the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C lacks it.

  • Score: 4/5

Cyber Acoustics AC-304C: Final verdict

Cyber Acoustics AC-304C during our test and review process

(Image credit: Cyber Acoustics)

The Cyber Acoustics AC-304C gets straight to the point and is a useful USB-C headset. With its environmental noise cancellation, it easily blocks out irritants around you while you’re trying to speak. More importantly, you don’t need to install separate software to do so which is timesaving as well as practical for anyone using a heavily locked down work machine. 

The inline controls cover all your needs while being clearly laid out. If only, they were a little more tactile and the headset itself was a touch more comfortable. Minor quibbles aside however, and the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C is a well-priced option for anyone taking many calls.

Should I buy the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C?

Cyber Acoustics AC-304C during our test and review process

(Image credit: Cyber Acoustics)

How I tested the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C

I reviewed the Cyber Acoustics AC-304C over a period of 10 days. In that time, I predominantly used the headset on Microsoft Teams and Zoom calls. I also used it to record audio for personal projects. For testing the audio in other contexts, I watched Twitch streams and YouTube videos, as well as listened to music through Spotify. During my time with the headset, I had to handle a noisy cat and near constant construction noises going on nearby.

I have extensive experience in making video and voice calls through my PC and I’ve used many headphones and headsets over the years.

Adobe Fill & Sign (2024) review
8:25 pm |

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

The PDF format is pretty much ubiquitous, and is ideally designed to preserve the layout of a document, which also makes it perfect when requesting someone to interact with it, like say filling in forms or signing contracts. As it’s an open standard, there’s a plethora of apps and services that allow you to do just that. 

But why go hunting for some third party software, when the creators of one of the best PDF editors (and the original, no less) provide an online service for that very purpose. We put Adobe Fill & Sign to the test.  

Adobe Fill & Sign: Pricing & plans

  • A free service, although you won’t be able to access it without logging in or creating a new Adobe account (which is also free to do).

Adobe’s eSignature software service is free, but you can’t get away from creating an account if you don’t already have one. Signing up will give you access to other Adobe services (both paid and free). You just can’t use Fill & Sign without one. You can login with your Apple ID, Facebook or Google accounts, but if you’d rather keep your digital selves separate, an email address will do just fine. Once sorted, all the tools necessary to make Fill & Sign work will become available to you.

The free PDF form-filler is available online by clicking here.  

  • Pricing & plans: 4.5/5

Adobe Fill & Sign: Filling and signing

Adobe Fill & Sign PDF form-filler during our review

Adobe Fill & Sign will automatically detect fields in properly formatted documents, but failing that you can always add your own (Image credit: Adobe)
  • Easy to use tools to fill and sign a PDF, with a few additional options like sharing, commenting and requesting signatures.

Using Fill & Sign, you’ll find yourself in a recognizable interface. To the right of the page are your uploaded documents, a small toolbar to its left, and a sidebar on the left.

Editable fields should be automatically selectable. You can find out if that’s the case by mousing over one of them. If your cursor changes from an arrow to an edit prompt, you’re good to go: simply click on the field and start typing. Thankfully, you’re able to create text fields if the PDF you need to work with lacks the above.

Other available tools include being able to add comments to your document, whether by highlighting a section, or creating a text field for that purpose, highlighting, underlining or striking through existing text, and drawing freehand.

This is above and beyond what you would need to simply fill in a form, but it’s highly useful should amendments need to be made prior to finalizing the deal. You also have the ability to send your document on to others for them to fill in and sign. 

When it comes to actually signing a form, the interface recognises which field needs your signature (or, as before, if it doesn’t, you can add such a field from the toolbar), and overlays the signature tools: by default, you type in your name and Adobe Acrobat will use a cursive font to simulate handwriting.

Alternatively, select ‘Draw’ to use your mouse or trackpad to attempt to sign that way. It’s never the most sensitive of methods, but it does have the virtue of being more unique than a cursive font. Finally, there’s ‘Image’. If you have a signature on file, upload it, and you’re done.

Once you’ve got a signature on the site, you don’t need to create another: just add that one to all the documents you’ll need to sign.

While you’re there, you’ll also find a place to create your initials. The process is exactly the same but will be saved as a separate file, enabling you to sign and initialize any PDF at will.

Adobe Fill & Sign: Additional features

Adobe Fill & Sign PDF form-filler during our review

AI is everywhere these days, and Adobe’s Fill & Sign service includes a handy version (currently in Beta) (Image credit: Adobe)
  • Aside from the AI assistant (which is currently in beta), everything else is locked behind a paywall. Great if you’re curious, frustrating if you aren’t.

When you click on the Adobe icon, top left of the page, you’ll be taken to your ‘Home’. From there you’ll see all the documents you’ve worked with, along with a series of available tools, most of which we’ve already explored, but there are a few additional ones that are worth mentioning, if only so you know what to expect.

One of these is the AI Assistant (currently in beta, but usable). Like all AI tools, your mileage will vary, but we found it a useful tool to grab a quick summary of a file. Best of all, it doesn’t just work with PDF documents, but can also open and interact with Word, PowerPoint, TXT and RTF formats. Definitely worth having a look, especially since it’s free and as long as you don’t mind AI crawling through your data.

The other features look intriguing, as they allow you to edit and manipulate existing PDFs, but sadly - as you might’ve expected - you’ll need to pay to play with these. Even the tools designed to convert a PDF to other formats, such as those from Microsoft Office, are restricted in that way, although we were able to use it once. Maybe that was the ‘try before you buy’ sample. It did allow us to turn a PDF into a Word document, even giving us access to multiple text editing tools. But if it only works once at that tier level, it’s not really the most useful of services. It’s a shame as even the best free PDF editors we’ve tested often allow you to convert files without charge.  

  • Additional features: 2.5/5

Adobe Fill & Sign: Final verdict

Adobe Fill & Sign PDF form-filler during our review

Aside from filling a document yourself, you can send it to others for them to fill it in too (Image credit: Adobe)
  • A good, simple and efficient service, that doesn’t really need to show you tools that are only available to paying customers.

It’s easy to get lost in the Adobe Acrobat service, and get disillusioned that everything seems to be behind a paywall, but that’s really because the Fill & Sign service has a very narrow focus. Yes, other tools are dangled in front of you and will certainly entice some, but if all you need is an online service to upload your PDFs to, fill them in, sign them, insert comments, share them with others, and maybe even get them to sign them themselves, then this works exactly as you would expect. 

For some power-users, however, Adobe Acrobat Sign or the best Adobe Sign alternatives may suit workflows better. For quick and easy form-filling, it does the job well. Maybe it would be good if Adobe didn’t try and get potential new customers to buy a subscription for more potential goodies, but otherwise, it’s a very simple and efficient tool that works well.

Adobe Fill & Sign: Scorecard

Should I buy?

Adobe Fill & Sign PDF form-filler during our review

Visit Adobe’s Fill & Sign service, and upload a document to get started (Image credit: Adobe)

Buy it if...

You need a simple online service to fill in a PDFs, and enjoy a few extra goodies bundled in for free.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t like online services, especially those which only seem to be there to entice you to get a subscription service to access additional tools.


Adobe Fonts (2024) review
8:05 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Fonts! We all love fonts. Whether it’s to write a letter with something more unique than Helvetica, Arial or Times New Roman, or you’re looking for a defining new brand identity, fonts are crucial to our designing lives. 

We’ve tried out many of the best font resources free and paid, reviewed the best fonts for websites. Can’t get enough of ‘em. Even Google has its own selection of fonts, easily accessible and usable - so it’s little surprise Adobe would also have a selection available to its subscribers. But how does it compare? We put Adobe Fonts to the test.  

Adobe Fonts: Pricing & plans

  • Over 20,000 typefaces are bundled with most Adobe subscription packages, but there’s also a free option to gain access to around 1,500 fonts

As with most Adobe products, you’ll need a subscription to use Fonts - if you’re already a subscriber, there’s a good chance you already have access to it, as it’s included in many of Creative Cloud packages. As a rule of thumb, as long as you subscribe to at least one app (not a collection of models or stock for instance), you should have Fonts bundled in. You can check this by clicking on the subscription’s ‘see plan & pricing details’ link.

However, there is a free option. By signing in with an Adobe ID (if you haven’t already), you gain access to 1,500 of Adobe’s fonts at no extra charge. Yes, that’s around 7.5% of the entire collection, but it’s certainly better than nothing.

  • Pricing & plans: 4/5

Adobe Fonts: The website

Adobe Fonts during our tests

The Recommendations page shows you information and font that should be tailored to your needs (Image credit: Adobe)
  • A busy interface with many ways to find the exact font you’re after, either following the latest trends, using keywords, searching through specific foundries, the choice is vast

Adobe Fonts have their own dedicated website - you can check it out by clicking here

The home page displays the latest releases, along with a list of currently popular fonts, other interesting categories, and of course, a blog. There’s also a menu tab at the top and a search field. Everything you need to find the right typeface you’re looking for. 

If you have a subscription, the process is very simple: browse, look for what you like, then click on the font’s ‘add family’ button. This will make the font available in the Creative Cloud (CC) app. 

Without a subscription, you can still browse through Adobe’s collection but you might get frustrated seeing rows after rows of fonts which are ‘available in CC’, so make sure you untick ‘Show fonts available with Creative Cloud’, top left of the interface, to only be shown what’s free.

In either situation, once you’ve added the font, it’s yours to use in any Adobe app you have installed on your computer instantly. However, if you need to make it available to all software you use, there’s one more step that’s needed. It’s time to venture to the Creative Cloud app.

  • The website: 4/5

Adobe Fonts: The app

Adobe Fonts during our tests

Once you’ve chosen a new typeface, it’s instantly added to the Creative Cloud app (Image credit: Adobe)
  • Creative Cloud is the hub of everything Adobe on your computer, including its fonts; you can uninstall them from there and make them available to all software, not just the Adobe titles

The Creative Cloud app is the control center for all of Adobe’s apps installed on your computer. You can check which ones you have from there, uninstall those you no longer need, install new ones, update others, and of course, as is the focus of this review, this is where you get to see all the Adobe fonts you have on your machine.

All those you’ve added from the website are instantly shown here, but as mentioned above, can only be used with Adobe apps - for now. Click on each font’s download button to install it in such a way that other apps can now take advantage of them.

There is however a major difference between these fonts and those you might get from elsewhere: take the Mac as an example. All fonts usually get installed and managed via the Font Book app, except for the Adobe ones. These reside elsewhere, likely due to their permanent link to your subscription status, so a little trip to Font Book would not reveal those newly installed fonts, even though other apps can use them as expected. If you like to know where everything goes on your machine, that can be a bit frustrating, but on the plus side, the system works, and it works well: all fonts are instantly available, and you don’t even need to restart the apps you use to take advantage of them.

  • The app: 4/5

Adobe Fonts: Rights & licensing

Adobe Fonts during our tests

In order to use the font in apps made by companies other than Adobe, you need to install them from the Creative Cloud app (Image credit: Adobe)
  • You can use Adobe Fonts for personal and commercial projects - as long as you keep your subscription active

So, now that you’ve got Adobe Fonts installed on your computer, what can you do with them? Put simply, as long as your subscription is still active, you can use them in as many personal and commercial projects as you please. Cancel your subscription however, and as you’d expect, those rights go away.

If you download a lot of fonts and use them in non-Adobe apps, it’s also worth checking Creative Cloud every now and then to see if they’re still installed: every few months the app runs checks on your installed fonts, and if it decides they haven’t been used in a while, they’re quietly uninstalled during the background clean up process. So, if all of a sudden your favorite font no longer works in third party apps, that will probably be the reason why.

If that sounds like a bit of a pain, that’s because it is, but shrinking your font collection is done to optimize performance. Plus, you don’t need to venture back to the website to get them again: just take a look in Creative Clouds’ ‘Previously Added’ tab, where all uninstalled fonts will be. Adobe Fonts cannot be shared between users, unless of course those users have their own Adobe subscription.

  • Rights & licensing: 4/5

Adobe Fonts: Scorecard

Should I buy?

Adobe Fonts during our tests

Adobe’s Fonts are organized by categories, but are also easy to find through tags, search phrases, a trending list, and so on (Image credit: Adobe)

Buy it if...

You’re looking for new and original fonts curated by Adobe, through a well designed system that hasn’t glitched on us once.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t use Adobe apps and would rather get your fonts from other companies, likely those that don’t force you to subscribe to use their typefaces. 


Sihoo Doro S300 ergonomic chair review
5:50 pm |

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

Sihoo has introduced a new "gravity-defying" office chair that aims to redefine what it means to have the best ergonomic chair in the market. 

I've had the opportunity to test many of the best office chairs, including simple, cheap, and high-end chairs. The Sihoo Doro S300 is their most advanced ergonomic chair yet, designed to provide a weightless experience, full-body support, and dynamic lumbar support.

Sihoo Doro S300: Unboxing & first Impressions

Upon opening the box, I immediately noticed that this chair was unlike any other I had encountered. Some chairs come in one piece, while others require only a few main pieces to connect. However, this one was exceptional in every way. 

The back pieces were distinct, the chair was pretty heavy, and there were significantly more springs and adjustments than I am used to seeing in chairs. Additionally, there felt like quite a large number of pieces to assemble, taking me about 45 minutes to assemble, which is quite long.

Sihoo Doro S300

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Once I had finished assembling everything, I agreed with the marketing promotion that this chair appeared to defy gravity and resembled a space chair. The chair has a great look and a sophisticated design, making it highly customizable to suit the preferences and dimensions of virtually any user, which is excellent. Most chairs with lumbar support have a single lumbar section that spans the width of the backrest. 

This chair uniquely has two sections that hold your lower back in place on the left and right. I spent a few minutes dialing in my preferred tension settings and other height and armrest settings while getting used to the lower back support. In full transparency, it took a moment to get used to it, but I loved it once I got used to the feeling of this dual dynamic lumbar support.

Sihoo Doro S300

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Sihoo Doro S300: Design & build quality

Specs

Seat Depth: 17.13 - 18.11in

Seat Height: 18.11 - 21.65in

Weight Load: 300lb

Warranty: Extended 5-year warranty

This chair's overall design is unique, futuristic, and highly adjustable. The main selling points that Sihoo totes for this chair include their Anti-Gravity Mechanism, Dual Dynamic Lumbar Support, Cloud-like Mesh with Italian Velvet, and Premium Independent Backrest. In short, these incredible Aerospace-grade materials make the Doro S300 stand out, even among other Sihoo chairs.

Besides the design, game changers are two main elements that stood out to me. Firstly, the dual lumbar support provides lumbar support and helps align you with the center of the chair. This helps to cradle your back in the best way possible. It's as though you have some helping hands cradling the area of the back that usually hurts people like me the most, and it is highly appreciated. Secondly, the spring seat support significantly improves over column-based or no suspensions. Like a car, this chair has suspension, cushions my drop as I sit down, and adjusts, helping support my weight even if I sit unevenly. Most chairs I have tested have no suspension like this or a simple column-based solution that is far from as good.

Sihoo Doro S300

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Sihoo Doro S300: In use

I've used this chair daily at one of my workspaces for a few months. In that time, I have gotten comfortable and used to how this chair feels and how I feel using it, and I have firmed up a pretty solid feeling about it overall. 

The backrest and back support are among the best I have experienced. This chair holds me while I sit without forcing me to sit a certain way, which is truly impressive. It supports my lower back and mid-to-upper back very well.

The armrests on Sihoo chairs have always been a problem for me. I am used to armrests that can lock in place, but the Sihoo chairs I have reviewed, including the Sihoo Doro-C300, have highly movable armrests. While this is great for adjusting them to the perfect position, the problem is that they need to stay in place. This makes it difficult to lean on them because the armrest moves the second I add weight with a slight angle to the pressure I am adding.

Sihoo Doro S300

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

One more note, neither positive nor negative, is that this chair could have a headrest. If you like head support, this chair gives upper back support but stops around the neck area on me. For this workspace, I am okay with having a chair without a headrest; however, I would miss having one in my home office, where I relax and kick back to read. 

Lastly, the build quality of this chair has been fantastic over the last few months. I used tours heavily for a while to get a complete picture of how they work and what I do and don't like about them, and this chair has given me zero problems outside of the armrests being a bit too mobile. They have improved the armrests since my Doro-C300, but they are still too mobile for my liking. Outside, this chair has not creaked, slipped, worn, or shown any other sign of poor assembly or design.

Sihoo Doro S300

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Sihoo Doro S300: Final verdict

The Sihoo Doro S300 is a high-quality ergonomic office chair. As mentioned, I have one frustration with this chair: the armrests do not lock in place. Other than that, this chair has been incredible for my workspace. It provides all-day comfort, supports me well, and looks gorgeous.

Sihoo promotes this chair as a space-like gravity-defying chair, and after trying it out for a few months, I can agree. Especially for the money, this chair is worth considering for your workspace.


Kitting out the office? We put the best standing desks to the test. 

Bluetti AC200L power station review
5:48 pm |

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

The Bluetti AC200L promises an expandable power station solution. Boasting a 2400W AC output (or 3600W in Power Lifting Mode), does it provide the ideal back-up power supply? We put the Bluetti AC200L power station to the test.  

Bluetti AC200L: Packaging

The Bluetti AC200L came in a large plain looking cardboard box with wrap-around plastic straps and additional cardboard edge protectors.

You couldn’t exactly call this a portable power station. In total the Bluetti AC200L including packaging weighed in a hefty 33kg, so would need two people to move it comfortably and safely.

Inside the outer box was another, equally plain looking cardboard box only with the product name attached to it. Note that you must keep this second box in order to honour the warranty, also getting this second box out of the first was a task in and of itself.

Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)

Opening the main box revealed the documentation and small sack of accessory wires.

The Bluetti AC200L itself was wrapped in a plastic sheath and sandwiched between two large polystyrene bumpers, top and bottom. Once out I was able to take stock of what was provided other than the Bluetti AC200L and documentation.

  • AC power cord with UK plug to charge the Bluetti AC200L
  • A 12v car cigarette plug to XT90 connector
  • A MC4 connectors to XT90
  • XT90 connector to DC plug;
  • A small grounding screw

Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)

Bluetti AC200L: Fit & feel

The Bluetti AC200L came with a 55% rate which is normal for its LiFePO4 chemistry for storage and transport.

The Bluetti AC200L weighs in at around 28kgs, it is made of a dark grey plastic material with a pretty stripey like texture all around, it comes with large rubberised feet to allow it to feel planted on any relatively flat surface.

Part of its design (and it does need it) are two very large carry handles on either side to ease with transportation.

The front and left side are the main working parts of the battery that consumers would interact with various sockets and ports for charging and using.

Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)

At the front of the unit are the following:

4 x UK sockets providing 230v with a total combined sustained output of 2400w

2 x USB-C both capable of outputting 100w each

2 x USB-A 18W max each

1 x 12v (max 10A) car charger port

1 x 48v DC (max 8A) normally used for RVs

Power on/off button and;

Lastly the large information LCD display screen

Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)

At the side are the following ports:

AC input (proprietary socket)

DC Input (proprietary socket)

And a Battery expansion port

Also on this side are the circuit breaker and a grounding pole

Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)

All sockets have captive rubber gaskets over them however the Bluetti AC200L itself does not have an IP rating. 

Bluetti AC200L: In use

Having taken receipt of the Bluetti AC200L the first thing I wanted to do was charge it to 100% and here is where I spotted the first design flaw. The AC and DC charging ports are proprietary sockets, so don’t go losing those charging cables. Furthermore when trying to plug the AC cable in which has three pins corresponding to live, neutral and earth, the socket and plug is keyed to prevent crossing the lines but without a clear indication as to which way “UP” is supposed to be, I spent a good few seconds twisting the plug to get the key right before plugging the AC cord it.

There are numbers embossed on the AC, corresponding to each pin and socket, but they are very small and hard to see, especially in low light conditions. Scroll through the gallery below to see the AC example.

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Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)
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Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)
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Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)

I also noted that the DC input has a proprietary socket, again keyed to prevent crossing the negative and positive without a clear indication as to where up is on the plug itself. The plug has a single piece of cable attached to it terminating in a XT90 female connector. From that you then plug in a male XT90 terminating with either the Solar Panel MC4 connector or 12V car charger plug. 

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Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)
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Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)

I found Bluetti’s decision to use proprietary plugs and sockets for the AC and DC charging on the ACC200L an odd choice. If you were to lose either or both cables then you would have to source them directly from Bluetti. At my last look the AC power cable for the AC200L isn’t available on Bluetti’s UK website, but one for the AC300 retails at £29.99.

It would have made more sense to just have a common AC power socket like those found on common desktop computers such as the IEC C14 and for DC just to incorporate the XT90 plug in the body of the battery, other competitor batteries and battery brands do it.

I noted that at left on normal charging mode the unit drew down 1200kWh, it charged the unit within an hour with a quiet yet audible fan whirr. There are other modes of charging, Turbo for when you want the unit ready as soon as possible and Silent which keeps the internal fan off at the cost of a slower charging speed.

The Bluetti AC200L can be charged from multiple sources and even allows through charging where it can provide power to a device whilst itself is charging. Of course, it can be charged from the grid using the provided AC charging cable, it can be charged via DC using the provided cable and the plugging into the female XT90 connector the appropriate DC input, be it the DC car charger or Solar Panels from the MC4 connectors provided. Alternatively, it can also be charged from a car battery with a separately available cable with crocodile clips.

Once fully charged I was able to use it, the first task I performed with it was to use it for one of the most mundane household tasks, which also draws the most electrical energy, Ironing.

It was then I noted a major flaw. It is evident that the 230v socket section was designed with either US or EU style plugs in mind where the cord comes straight out unlike UK plugs where the cord comes out the bottom. This means that whilst the bottom two sockets and their rubber covers fit UK plugs without issue, the top sockets won’t. The rubber cover for the top sockets are positioned above the sockets, the sockets are turned 180 degrees so that the earth pin is now at the bottom and this means that where the cord would normally come out the bottom, it now goes upwards causing it to foul with the rubber cover. Whilst you could force it in this may place undue stress on the cord or the rubber cover.

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Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)
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Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)

Using a power Steam Generator iron, I completed a one and a half hours’ worth of ironing with the iron drawing up to 2200W at times. This brought the battery from 100% to 40%, the Bluetti AC200L was able to do this without breaking a sweat. 

Charging the battery back up again, I was then able to use it to cook various food stuffs in our air fryer, again the Bluetti AC200L provided the energy needed to run such a high demand item. It ran our under-counter freezer no problem however I was unable to test the duration but in an emergency power outage it would be a good go-to product.

With regards to its combined 2400W output, according to the documentation it can actually (albeit briefly) output 3600W and a “power lifting” mode for use on high resistive loads such as kettles, this must be set manually using the buttons and is not to be on default.

I noted that one of its useful features would be to charge it up overnight on cheaper electricity, then use it about the house during the day (weight withstanding) to reduce the dependence on peak price electricity.

The large LCD display screen was very useful in monitoring live energy input/output from all sources, the screen displays percentage of battery remaining, roughly in time how much is left depending on the discharge as well as what the battery is dis/charging at and where.

Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)

There is an app available for the battery allowing you to monitor DC in/out, AC in /out and various other features to configure. The AC200L has a Bluetooth connection for local use and even Wi-Fi for remote use. Some will like the app functionality; others won't and frankly it's just another app in the catalogue of apps on most phones. 

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Bluetti app in use during our review

(Image credit: Bluetti)
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Bluetti app in use during our review

(Image credit: Bluetti)

Also of note is a battery expansion port which can be used to extend the capacity of the AC200L, there are separately available Bluetti B210, 230 and 300 expansion batteries available. Sadly, whilst the AC200L does have the expansion port which can have current flowing both ways for dis/charge, it cannot be used as part of an excess Solar store system for a residential home, despite Bluetti having a Solar micro inverter and battery charger (the A80 and D100S respectively), these are not compatible with the AC200L.

A shame really and possibly a missed opportunity, competitor products such as the EcoFlow PowerStream allows you use most of their battery line ups to do just this, though not yet available in the UK, rumours are it’s coming soon.

A noted and useful feature is that this battery can be used as a UPS providing power to equipment in the event of a grid power loss with near instant switchover and true sine wave output as some equip is sensitive to stepped wave inputs.

Should I buy the Bluetti AC200L

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Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)
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Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)
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Bluetti AC200L during our testing process

(Image credit: Bluetti)
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 review
4:26 pm |

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

Type: color A3 inkjet printer 

Functions: Print only 

Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet 

Data storage slots: None    

Print speed: 25ppm (mono) 

Paper capacity: 500 sheets

Print quality: 4,800 x 2,400 dpi

Scan quality: 1,200 x 2,400 dpi

Apple AirPrint: yes 

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

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

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

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

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310: Design & build

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

(Image credit: Epson )

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

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

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

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310: Features & specifications

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

(Image credit: Epson )

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

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

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

(Image credit: Epson )

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

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

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310: Setup & operation

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

(Image credit: Epson )

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

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

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310: Performance

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

(Image credit: Epson )

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

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

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

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310: Final verdict

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

(Image credit: Epson )

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

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


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

Flexiroam review
2:54 pm |

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

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

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

Flexiroam: Plans and pricing

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

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

Flexiroam: Features

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

Free eSIM

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

Network Switching

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

FlexiShare Functionality

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

Flexiroam: Installation

Flexiroam installation

(Image credit: Flexiroam)

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

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

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

Flexiroam: Coverage and speed

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

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

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

Flexiroam: Support

Flexiroam support

(Image credit: Flexiroam)

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

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

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

Flexiroam: Final verdict

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

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

Flexiroam: FAQs

What does Flexiroam do?

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

How long does it take to activate Flexiroam?

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

Where is Flexiroam based?

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

Bob & Brad D6 Pro massage gun review: Elite-tier percussive massage support
2:53 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Exercise Equipment Gadgets Health & Fitness | Comments: Off

Bob & Brad D6 Pro: One-minute review

Massage guns are growing in popularity, and Bob & Brad are one of the brands leading that charge. We loved the smaller Q2 Mini last year, awarding it five stars in our review.

Our only complaint is that it needed a bit more power. If you were looking for something that packs more of a literal punch, then the D6 Pro is its bigger brother, and boy does it deliver on this promise, while building on everything that made the Q2 Mini so good.

It’s much less portable than the Q2 Mini, but still comes with a carry case for easy transportation, with a bunch of attachments for various muscle groups. The massage gun is outstanding in every way: it's simple to set up, easy to use, and can really hit the spot, delivering percussive relief from exercise-induced soreness anywhere on the body with its flexible grip and rotation.

There’s a definite learning curve, both with the relatively basic on-device button layout and the pretty thick instruction manual, but I’ve been using it for a few weeks as a post-gym treat and it’s helped me work on an injury, improving ROM and reducing soreness. A terrific device.

Bob and Brad D6 massage gun

(Image credit: Future)

Bob and Brad D6 Pro: Specifications

Bob & Brad D6 Pro: Price and availability

  •  Available now 
  •  Priced at $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$380 

The D6 Pro arrived back in 2022 and retails for $249.99 or £249.99, which equates to around AU$380 in Australia. It’s available pretty much anywhere in the US and Ul, including Amazon, but Austrailian outlets are scarce.  

At some retailers, we’ve seen discounts down to around $180 / £170, so there's scope to score a deal during sales events such as Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. 

This is remarkably cheap for a five-star gun of this caliber. Therabody, the biggest name in percussive message, tends to price higher than Bob & Brad, but both this device and the compact Q2 Mini earned their five stars by offering comparable performance and outstanding value for money. 

  • Value score: 5 / 5

Bob & Brad D6 Pro: Design

Bob & Brad D6 Pro massage gun display screen

(Image credit: Future)
  •  Pretty large for small hands 
  •  Minimal buttons 
  •  Multiple attachments 

The Bob & Brad D6 Pro is portable, in that it comes with a carry case, but it’s still much larger than the Q2 Mini. That does mean it has much more power (more on that shortly), but if you’re using it on yourself, you may struggle. Especially if you have smaller hands: it's clearly built for men, and some women may struggle to hold onto it and hit their shoulders or back. 

I’m blessed with pretty large paws and even then it can be a little unwieldy. However, it's a small gripe: the massage gun is remarkably well put together with a matte finish that makes it easier to grip. However, if you are worried about this sort of thing, the Q2 Mini is the perfect solution. 

It’s also very easy to switch the attachment heads out. Just pull and they come out, and you can push another right in, sharing the same push-lock mechanism as other Bob & Brad guns. The carry case has enough room for the D6 Pro and all of the heads, so it's easy to transport and sling into the back of a car when needed. 

On the upper grip of the gun, there are two buttons and a small display. One button increases the speed and powers it on, while the other can lower the speed and switch to a different mode setting. It’s nice and simple, but when it springs to life it can take a second to get it in position afterward. 

I think I’d have liked a dedicated power button to get myself ready before switching it on, but such gripes are small potatoes compared to the efficiency of the gun.

It’s also got a button that allows the neck to be stretched out so it’s more linear, making it ideal for self-massage in harder-to-reach spots.

The D6 Pro charges via USB-C and there’s a cable and power adapter included in the box. Thank god it's USB-C, as close a thing to a universal charger as we have these days. No specailist cable means it's easy to find a way to charge it when you need it. 

  • Design score: 4.5 / 5

Bob & Brad D6 Pro: Performance

Bob & Brad D6 Pro massage gun in hand

(Image credit: Future)
  •  Long battery life 
  •  Attachments can offer completely different massages 
  •  Packs a punch 

I’ve had a few sports massages in my life and used massage guns before, but none have hit as hard as the D6 Pro. It offers plenty of force (over double the Q2 Mini’s output) at such a pace that it regularly and reliably hits the spot after a gym session.

While I’ve been using it post-squats to massage my quadriceps and glutes, I was most impressed with it on my upper arms. I’ve been carrying an injury on my left deltoid, and in lieu of booking a massage appointment, I’d just been living with it. It flares up with shoulder press exercises, but for the most part, I’d been trying to ignore it.

Bob and Brad D6 Pro massage gun attachments

(Image credit: Future)

I set the D6 Pro to tackle it and, despite it being in a pretty awkward position to self-massage, was impressed with the results. It’s still an issue, but it gets better after each session with the massage gun. I’m not saying the D6 Pro can cure whatever it is that ails you, but for my specific use case, I found it very useful indeed. 

It doesn’t hurt (well it does, but in a good way) that the heads themselves are softer than some alternatives.

I did find the instruction manual pretty dense with detail. That’s no bad thing, and there’s a lot of information in there, but I think I’d have preferred a companion app to triage a muscle issue and recommend the attachment for the job rather than thumbing through each time. Still, it’s a small nitpick.

  • Performance score: 5 / 5 

Bob & Brad D6 Pro: Scorecard

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

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