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Tannoy Autograph Mini review: bijou bookshelf speakers that are genuinely fun, beautiful, and sound far bigger than they are
12:30 pm | September 1, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

Tannoy Autograph Mini: Two-minute review

Take a quick look at the Tannoy Autograph Miniature and it’s easy to find yourself asking some brief but pointed questions such as “what is that?” and “why does it look like an antique?” The Tannoy doesn’t look like most other speakers because Tannoy has been making speakers for a very long time and when it has a product range called ‘Heritage,’ you’d better believe that there is a considerable amount of heritage involved – some of these products can trace their lineage back over fifty years. 

The catch is that some of them are also on the large side. They can clock in at the best part of a metre wide, which means you’ll need a fair amount of room to accommodate them. The Autograph Mini is designed to embody the styling and engineering of these larger speakers but at a size that allows them to fit in smaller rooms without overwhelming them. While each Autograph Mini speaker is a great deal more manageable than its bigger brothers, the engineering and technology (yes, despite the looks, there is technology in there) is exactly the same. Tannoy feels that certain aspects of how a speaker behaves and interacts with a room require very specific engineering solutions which shape the design of the speaker. 

The result looks and feels like nothing else on the market. But does that result in a set of the best stereo speakers – ie. is this a speaker proposition you actually want to own? $2,200 buys some extremely talented offerings, so is this timewarp Tannoy good enough to vie for your attention? 

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Price and release date

The Tannoy Autograph Mini pictured in a room next to a wooden sideboard and a record player

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in 2020 
  • £2,200 / $2,200 / AU$3,599

The current version of the Autograph Mini has been on sale for a few years now (TechRadar's audio editor actually held it in on her knee at High End Munich 2023) and it replaced a very similar version that debuted in 2008. If this sounds like it has been on sale for a while and might be in danger of replacement, you need to start thinking more in terms of ‘Tannoy time.’ The full size Autograph on which this speaker is based first went on sale in 1954 and recently had a 70th Anniversary edition launch. If it ain’t broke, Tannoy will not be rushing to fix it. 

In the UK, a pair of Autograph Minis will set you back £2,200 for a pair. In the US, this seems to be a dollar equivalent $2,200 and in Australia they cost AU$3,599. This can feel a little on the steep side for a speaker as dinky as this one but it reflects that some of the techniques required to build it are rather labour intensive and the materials used are not cheap either. 

This price does not include stands of any description (and neither is one offered as an accessory) and the Tannoy is a passive speaker that will need amplification and source equipment to work. I used a study but… functional… looking pair of Custom Design stands for testing but the following comments should be applicable to any respectably solid pair of stands that are 50-60cm tall. 

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Specs

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Features

The Tannoy Autograph Mini pictured in a room next to a wooden sideboard and a record player

(Image credit: Future)
  • 120mm Dual Concentric driver
  • Bespoke Crossover in a ply cabinet 
  • 60Hz- 20kHz frequency response

As the Tannoy is a passive set of stereo speakers, it isn’t overburdened with functionality but some of the reasons it looks the way it does are down to the hardware it uses. The full size Heritage models use drivers that vary between 8 inches (203mm) and 15 inches (380mm) in size. The Autograph Mini uses a rather smaller 4inch (120mm) driver, but the principles on which it works are the same as the larger models. 

Where you see a single driver on the front of the Tannoy, there are in fact two. A four-inch midbass driver is made of treated paper (and a friendly reminder that however unsophisticated it sounds, paper is a brilliant material for speaker drivers) and attached to a rolled rubber surround. In the centre of driver, where you would usually find a dust cap or phase plug is the tweeter. This is a 25mm unit made of titanium. It is sunk inside a cylindrical housing that improves its sensitivity and there is an assembly that Tannoy calls a ‘Tulip’ waveguide that helps to radiate the energy from the tweeter out in a manner that works with the mid bass.

Tannoy calls this arrangement 'Dual Concentric' and it’s been an element of the company's speakers for decades. This latest iteration includes a system that Tannoy calls Omnimagnet. This manages to place the drive magnets for the mid bass driver and the tweeter in the same place without them interfering with one another, which further improves their relationship. The internal wiring is all silver and the crossover makes use of proprietary Tannoy capacitors and low loss laminated core inductors in the pursuit of the best possible performance. Connection to an amplifier is via a single set of binding posts. 

We’ll cover the Tannoy’s looks in a little while, but it’s important to stress that the means by which it is built is genuinely different to most rivals. Where most speakers at the price are made a variation of MDF, the Autograph Mini is made from sections of ply that use actual carpentry to fit together. Rather than making this as thick and inert as they can, Tannoy uses internal sections that are designed to act as resonance and damping control by being less inert than the main sections of the cabinets and bleeding energy off.  

Just above the speaker terminals on the rear of the cabinet you’ll find a small bass port to help the mid bass driver in its excursions. Even with this present, any purchasing decision regarding the Tannoy needs to be made in the knowledge this is not a bass monster. A small driver in a small cabinet (not only is the Mini only 35cm tall, its sharply tapered sides mean that its internal volume is limited) is not a recipe for seismic bass and Tannoy quotes a lower roll off of 60Hz but at a whopping -10dB (or only in a very limited sense for those of you not too invested in numbers).  On the plus side though, sensitivity is very good at a consistent 8 ohms. 

  • Features score: 4/5

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Sound quality

The Tannoy Autograph Mini pictured in a room next to a wooden sideboard and a record player

(Image credit: Future)
  • Exceptional three dimensionality and imaging
  • Superb tonality with good recordings
  • Limited bass… but more grunt than you might expect 

It is hard not to judge how the Tannoy is going to sound based on those vintage looks but it’s very important that you do because some aspects of the Tannoy’s performance are beyond more modern looking rivals. Tannoy hasn’t been diligently working away at dual concentric drivers for decades for the hell of it. The two drivers have a relationship that is so seamless that there isn’t the first clue where they are handing over information to one another. The effect is incredibly cohesive.

The attention that has gone into making the drivers radiate energy in a consistent way also means that the Tannoy produces a beautiful stereo image. Paint the Roses, a live concert recording of Larkin Poe and the Nu Deco Ensemble, is recreated in a manner that really gives you a sense of the venue and the performers relative to the audience. Having created this effect, if you close your eyes, it’s incredibly hard to actually place where the Tannoy’s cabinets really are. It’s an extremely impressive disappearing act. 

What’s more, voices and instruments are recreated in a way that is astonishingly convincing. An aged but lovely vinyl pressing of Joan Armatrading’s Me, Myself I, is packed full of guitars both electric and acoustic, bass, piano and strings, all supporting Armatrading’s sublime vocals. The manner in which the Tannoy gets stuck into All the way from America is more than a simple reproduction. It’s a performance that encourages to you stop fussing with phones (or indeed trying to write a review) and give it your full and undivided attention. 

The caveat to this positivity is that the recordings mentioned so far are very good ones. The Tannoy is not a truly merciless speaker; you can put something like To Lose My Life by White Lies on and not start grimacing, but the Autograph Mini will tell you what the limitations of this recording actually are. This is not a set of speakers that will take a music collection and gloss over the rough edges – and the Autograph Mini will also show up limitations in your partnering equipment while it does so. Even though each Tannoy isn’t hard to drive, I still found these speakers did their best work on the end of a potent Naim Audio integrated amplifier. This isn’t a cheap speaker pair, and it can’t really be driven on the cheap either. 

Where the Tannoy springs more of a surprise is the bass extension. So there is no confusion at this point, if your musical leanings tend towards dub and drum and bass, this is realistically not the speaker for you – but there is a lot more actual grunt on offer here than you might expect. The manner in which the Tannoy makes its limited reserves of low end available does an impressive amount to convince your brain that there is enough bass. It blasts its way though the ‘not quite jazz, not quite electronica’ of Kessencoda’s Outerstate in a way that never feels thin or light. There is a speed and cohesion to the Tannoy that the Antiques Roadshow aesthetic never really hints at. 

  • Sound quality score: 5/5

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Design

The Tannoy Autograph Mini pictured in a room next to a wooden sideboard and a record player

(Image credit: Future)
  • Oiled Walnut finish
  • Oatmeal cloth grilles 
  • 209 x 356 x 155 mm and 4.4kg each 

In some ways, it doesn’t really matter what I type here or what my thoughts on the Autograph Mini’s styling are because I’m pretty sure most people reading this made up their mind shortly after they started reading. Let’s put something in context though, because I do think it matters. The Tannoy looks the way it does mostly for the engineering reasons already mentioned. It’s not a mock-Tudor speaker but instead the logical result of decades of engineering work. 

This doesn’t mean that the Autograph Mini isn’t going to look a bit odd in some situations. If your living space is sleek, modern and minimalist, the Tannoy is going to sit in that space in a way that is largely at odds with it. Don’t go thinking that fitting the grilles will make much of a difference ether. There are grilles, and they have nice magnetic trim tabs too, but they use the classic ‘oatmeal’ cloth the company has used for decades which means that the Autograph Mini speakers look just as determinedly old fashioned with them on as they do off. 

The thing is though… if you have a space that’s remotely sympathetic to how the Tannoy is styled, it’s hard not to fall for just how exquisite an object it is. In a world where even speakers that cost quite a bit more than this still feel like tools, the Tannoy sits at the intersection of art and furniture in a way that will win many people over to their charms. This is helped by the standard of build being immaculate, even judged at the price.

  • Design score: 4/5

Tannoy Autograph Mini review: Value

This is not a cheap speaker and it is unlikely you’ll save any money choosing suitable equipment for them. You can see where the money has gone though. The standard of build and finish is truly excellent, even judged at $2,200 / £2,200 and you are also paying for a level of engineering knowhow and pedigree that makes most other speaker brands look like the young upstarts that they are. Then, when it’s actually time to listen to them, used within their surprisingly wide performance envelope, they can delight. 

  • Value score: 4/5

Should you buy the Tannoy Autograph Mini?

Buy it if...

You live for tonal detail and realism 

From 100Hz and up, there are very few speakers at the price that can live with how vivid and real the Tannoy sounds. They do an incredible job of bringing music to life 

You like a bit of history 

The Autograph mini is a reflection of seventy years of ongoing development and the result has attributes that simply don’t appear in much of the competition. Tannoy knows what it wants and delivers it perfectly. 

You live in a listed building 

If your furniture is old and you appreciate a bit of vintage, there are few speakers that carry off retro as well as this one does. 

Don't buy it if...

You need serious bass

It hits harder than you might expect but the Tannoy is not a bass monster and seriously weighty tracks will sound a bit lacking 

Your music library is compressed or lacking in quality 

This is not a speaker that ignores limitations in quality and mastering. Poor quality material simply isn’t going to sound great on them.

You want something modern looking 

It goes without saying really that if you want cutting edge material science and clean cut modern styling, you have come to the wrong place. 

Tannoy Autograph Mini: Also consider

The Monitor Audio Studio 89 is a different sort of nostalgia and is modern in ways that the Tannoy will never be and delivers bass it has no answer to. Bowers & Wilkins’ talented 705 S3 is a formidable all rounder with a different (but in some ways, no less lovely) take on a wood finish too. Finally, a more niche but fascinating device is the Neat Petite Classic. This is another compact retro speaker offering, but while it’s nowhere near as pretty as the Tannoy, it combines plenty of low end clout and an impressively forgiving nature to make it a formidable all rounder. 

How I tested the Tannoy Autograph Mini

The Tannoy Autograph Mini pictured in a room next to a wooden sideboard and a record player

(Image credit: Future)

I used the Tannoy with a combination of Chord Electronics Qutest DAC taking a USB feed from a Roon Nucleus and a Naim Supernait 3 integrated amplifier; a brilliant sounding device that seems to coax good results out of most speakers but that will also highlight what they are doing wrong. A Rega Planar 10 turntable using the new Nd7 moving magnet cartridge was connected to the Naim’s phono stage to allow for a bit of vinyl testing too. 

Testing was carried out in my relatively normal living room which I use as a listening space. As well as the listed recordings, a host of other material was streamed from my local music library and Qobuz and interspersed with vinyl as well.

Vari L-shaped electric standing desk review
9:53 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

I'm no stranger to Vari and their range of office furniture. So, I was excited to get my hands on their L-shape electric corner desk. 

Often featured in our round of the best standing desks, I've also found the Vari range impressively well-built, easy to assemble, and have held up excellently over time. Vari is one of the better and easier brands to recommend thanks to its value for the cost.

The L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk is no different. It has a great lifting capacity, a simple setup process, and quality materials. It looks great, and it works even smoother. What more could you possibly want in an L-shaped standing Desk?

Vari L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Vari L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk: Unboxing & first impressions

The Vari L-shaped Electric Standing Desk arrived in three large boxes. All three boxes were beautifully packaged, keeping all the pieces inside, and especially the desktop pieces themselves, secure and safe. These boxes contained the two desktop pieces, the legs, the frame, and the hardware to assemble the desk.

From the first moment my hands touched this desk, I knew it was solid and well-constructed. Vari offers a multitude of colorways. For this desk, and for my team member who was going to be primarily using this desk (he wanted all the space he could get!), we chose the black desktop with black legs. The wood looks gorgeous, and I have had other Vari desks with wood desktops, like the previously mentioned Electric Standing Desk with Comfort Edge. However, the black felt like a tremendously simple fit for this use case.

Vari L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lastly, the desk's components feel solid, well-constructed, and able to withstand wear and tear. It does not have a ton of wobble, nor does it feel like I need to baby this desk. I can use it, and I can use it somewhat hard, and I know it will be okay.

The setup was straightforward with this desk. I specifically see a lot of desks that require a good amount of assembly and perhaps pre-drilled holes for desktops but still take a lot of effort and time to assemble. Even though this desk is quite large, it took us less time than the average desk assembly since Vari makes assembly so easy. Everything is lined up with precision, and even the desk holes, rather than being pre-drilled, are pre-threaded, allowing the use of bolts rather than screws, speeding up the process, and certainty, even further.

One downside is that this desk is cumbersome. Once it's set up, its weight is not an issue, but it's essential to be aware of this while setting it up. Although it's easy to bolt the pieces together, moving the assembled desk is challenging. It's advisable to have a partner help with lifting.

Vari L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Dimensions: 79.5” (W) x 60” (D) x 25” to 50.5” (H)
Short Desktop Dimensions: 47 ¼” (W) x 32 ¼” (D)
Long Desktop Depth: 27 ½”
Desktop Thickness: 1¼” (3 cm)
Weight Capacity: 200 lbs

The Vari L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk is a part of Vari's Comfort Edge line, which features a contoured edge, providing comfortable rest points for your forearms and wrists. This is particularly beneficial during long work sessions if you lean against the desk or prefer not to have a sharp angle for your forearms to rest on when working. Check out what I thought of the traditional model in the Vari Electric Standing Desk with ComfortEdge review. 

The Comfort Edge is a significant advantage for this workstation because it will be heavily used by one of my team members, who works extensively with CAD, building plans, and construction. He will constantly move around the desk, drawing, working, and reviewing plans rather than sitting in one spot. This feature allows him to find a comfortable position and adjust the desk height easily, preventing strain on his forearms. He regularly switches between sitting and standing to maximize his productivity. 

The control panel for this desk and its ability to automatically move to pre-positioned heights have been beneficial for our way of working. Instead of manually adjusting the desk to the proper height by holding a button or lever, we can press the desired height button, which will automatically change every time. We primarily use three central heights for this desk. First is a sitting height, second is a standing height for working at a laptop, and third is a slightly lower standing height for drawing over plans. There is room for a fourth height; we have yet to find a specific need for it, so we're saving that for a rainy day.

Vari L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Vari L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk: In use

The L-shaped electric standing desk with Comfort Soft has a very smooth electric lift mechanism that is both smooth and quiet while also being plenty fast for our use case. Transitions between our three central heights are seamless. 

It is so seamless that my team member says he constantly switches between modes, mostly just because he can, so why not do what works best now? It's reached the point where he doesn't know if he could ever return to even the best office desks if they're stationary or even just standard-sized.

Vari L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The overall workspace is incredibly spacious, which allows plenty of room to spread out materials and prevents them from falling on each other or getting crammed up. The desk can easily accommodate a building plan that's 24x36", which is huge for my team's needs. This desk is fantastic for multitasking with two distinct spaces, yet it's all part of one desk. •

As mentioned, this desk is solid and durable. It can support up to 200 pounds, and the 1¼” thick desktop and L-shaped design ensure stability even at max height.

Vari L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Vari L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk: Final verdict

The Vari L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk is an excellent choice for professionals needing a large, sturdy, and functional workspace. Its combination of durability, ease of use, and ample space makes it a top-tier option, despite its premium price. Whether you’re an architect, designer, or anyone who needs a versatile and robust desk, this model won’t disappoint. It is comfortable to use for extended periods thanks to the edge, has room to spare thanks to the size, and is highly durable thanks to the shape.

For more workspace furniture, we've reviewed the best office chairs. 

Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 review: easy to recommend
6:00 pm | August 31, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: | Comments: Off

Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5: One-minute review

If you're looking for one of the best SSDs for PS5, then you can’t go wrong with the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5. This officially licensed drive may look a little plain compared to some of the flashier options out there, like the WD Black SN850 or Samsung 990 Pro, but it still delivers great performance where it counts. 

It exceeds the drive specifications recommended by Sony and recorded a solid 6,459 MB/s read speed using the PlayStation 5’s own internal benchmark. In real terms, this means no noticeable decrease in the performance of any of the best PS5 games compared to the console’s internal storage. It also helps facilitate speedy and smooth game transfers and installations.

For added peace of mind, the drive comes with a generous five-year limited warranty out of the box. The PS5 first went on sale in November 2020, so, judging by the lifespan of previous Sony consoles, that half-decade warranty should be enough to see you through the rest of the console generation.

The 1TB model is readily available at a range of retailers and comes in at a good price in both the US and UK. While it’s also easy to recommend the 2TB model in the US, it’s a little harder to find in the UK and can therefore be quite expensive in the region. Still, like other SSDs, the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 frequently receives excellent discounts around major sales periods, so it's always one to watch out for. 

There is also a 4TB model available, which goes for around $389.99 (roughly £328.36) though stock seems incredibly limited. This 4TB model also doesn't seem to be sold at all in the UK right now. This is a real shame, especially when we’re seeing more and more even higher-capacity 8TB drives enter the market such as the new 8TB WD Black SN850P. 

With the file sizes of some of the most popular PS5 releases only increasing, those who want to store a larger number of games would be better served by easier-to-find alternatives or even one of the best PS5 external hard drives instead.

The Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 fitted into a launch PS5.

(Image credit: Future)

Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5: Price and availability

  • 1TB is $99.99 / £99.90
  • 2TB is $159.99 / £159.90
  • 4TB is around $389.99 

The 1TB Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 for $99.99 / £99.90 while the 2TB model is $159.99 / £159.90. Stock of the 2TB capacity seems quite scarce in the UK, though so it often appears above that price. 

While the 1TB drive is a very solid value in both regions, when you bear in mind its officially licensed status, you should certainly avoid purchasing the 2TB model in the UK until it is available at around RRP.

The 4TB variant goes for around $389.99 but is not easy to find and does not appear to be sold in the UK. This is definitely a shame and will be a dealbreaker for those who want to keep many large games, like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 or Horizon Forbidden West, installed at the same time. 

Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5: Specs

Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5: Design and features

Even by PS5 SSD standards, the design of the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 is definitely on the plain side. It comes fitted with a very boxy heatsink that makes the drive look like a small black rectangle attached to some connector pins. It’s quite a thick heatsink too, though I was pleased to find that I fit in the PS5’s M.2 SSD bay perfectly. 

While there are no LEDs present here, the heatsink is decorated with a small blue groove and a white Seagate logo. I can’t deny that I would have appreciated something a little more exciting, but it’s hard to complain when you’re ultimately not going to see the drive when it’s in use anyway. 

The retail packaging is good and contains an easy-to-open plastic case with plenty of padding to keep the drive snug and protected on the move - always great to see. The box features prominent PS5 branding, plus some basic information about the drive’s five-year warranty that directs you to the Seagate website.

The bottom of the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD.

(Image credit: Future)

Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5: Performance

The performance of the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 isn’t groundbreaking by any means, but still very good on the whole. It reached a 6,459 MB/s read speed with the internal PS5 SSD benchmark and performed well on a range of real-world file transfer tests.

Copying a 55.86GB installation of Zenless Zone Zero from internal storage took just 24 seconds while 50.49GB of Star Wars Outlaws was moved in just 21.5 seconds. Similar performance was observed with larger games, like the 100.1GB Final Fantasy 16 which was copied in only 43 seconds. 

Transferring smaller titles was also a breeze. The 30.71GB Alone in the Dark remake was fully copied in just 14.8 seconds and the 9.92GB Asphalt Legends Unite took only 6 seconds. Finally, the miniscule 1.65GB Angry Birds Star Wars was fully copied in 1 second. Jumping into all of these games, loading times were snappy and on par with those when playing from the PS5’s internal storage. These figures are only slightly behind the times that I recorded on the high-end Samsung 990 Pro, so great results overall. 

I also did not observe any major performance decrease over periods of extended use. The drive was able to copy multiple large games without breaking a sweat, which suggests that the included heatsink works effectively.

A top down view of the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5?

Buy it if...

You want an officially licensed drive
You can’t go wrong with an officially licensed PS5 SSD. The Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 is within the specification recommended by Sony, includes a heatsink out of the box, and fits easily in the console.

You want a 1TB PS5 SSD
The 1TB model of the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 is widely available and comes in at a very reasonable price. If you’re searching for a 1TB drive for your console, then this is definitely one to keep in mind.

Don't buy it if...

You need a 4TB drive
While there is a 4TB model of the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5, it is hard to find. You should consider other more readily available options if you would prefer or need a 4TB SSD.

Also consider...

If you’re not sold on the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5, then consider these two compelling alternatives.

Samsung 990 Pro
The Samsung 990 Pro is the PS5 SSD to beat. It has a great design and boasts blazing fast speeds. Just bear in mind that it is more expensive than the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5.

For more information, check out our full Samsung 990 Pro review

WD Black SN850
The WD Black SN850 is an older model that is slower than the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5. Still, it’s within the recommended spec and could be a good alternative if you find it on sale.

For more information, check out our full WD Black SN850 review.

A close-up shot of the connector of the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5

  • Fitted to my personal PS5 
  • Used to store and transfer games 
  • Used in-built PS5 benchmark 

I tested the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 for a week, fitting it to my personal PS5 console and spending a day running a wide variety of tests. I recorded the data from the in-built PS5 storage benchmark, plus copied a wide variety of games to the drive. I was careful to test the drive with a good range of different file sizes in order to assess its performance.

Throughout my time with the drive, I compared the experience and its design to my hands-on testing of other PS5 SSD drives. This included the Samsung 990 Pro, WD Black SN850, WD Black SN850P, and more.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024.

System76 Darter Pro Linux laptop review
5:11 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

In a world where people primarily think of Mac and Windows as the two main operating systems for computers, there are other options available for those with specific needs or who want to break free from the constraints of these operating systems. Linux has remained a popular choice for developers, tech enthusiasts, and privacy-conscious users, and the demand for high-quality hardware in this realm has never been greater. 

Like all the best Linux laptops we've tested, the Darter Pro is designed with these users and Linux in mind, making it a strong option in a market filled with alternatives. System76, a company known for its dedication to open-source software and user empowerment, offers a machine that not only meets the technical requirements of its users but also reflects the principles of the Linux community. Whether you need a robust development environment, a secure computing experience, or a reliable laptop that works seamlessly, the Darter Pro offers a top-notch solution that distinguishes it from other Linux-compatible laptops.

System76 Darter Pro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

System76 Darter Pro: Unboxing & first impressions

The Darter Pro comes in standard, minimalistic packaging that includes the laptop, charger (with a barrel connector, though this can also be charged via USB-C), and standard documentation. It's well-packaged, secure, and straightforward. The laptop is constructed from alloy and plastic, giving it a sturdy yet lightweight feel. The lid and bottom panels are made of magnesium, while the bezel and palm rest are plastic.

System76 Darter Pro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Setting up the Darter Pro is straightforward, with options to configure the system upon the first boot. Users can opt to set up full-disk encryption and select their preferred language and keyboard layout. Even for users less familiar with the System76 proprietary OS, Pop!_OS, or Linux, setup is easy to start.

For more options, check out our review of the best Linux distro.

System76 Darter Pro: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Processor: Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 with 16 cores
RAM: Up to 96GB DDR5
Storage: Dual M.2 slots supporting up to 8TB SSD
Display: Available in 14” and 16” FHD+ (1920x1200) with a 16:10 aspect ratio and matte finish
Graphics: Integrated Intel Arc graphics, sufficient for most tasks but not suitable for demanding gaming
Battery: 73 Wh Li-Ion battery, providing up to 9 hours of usage
Operating System: Pre-installed with Pop!_OS or Ubuntu

The Darter Pro is not an ultralight laptop like some computers. It's made of a magnesium alloy and plastic combination, which balances weight and durability well. However, users should be cautious with the hinges. It's a bit heavy but easy to toss in a backpack and take wherever you go. The 14-inch variant weighs around 3.5 lbs and the 16-inch variant around 4.25 lbs. The sleek, minimalistic design with a matte finish looks clean, though a giant System76 logo is in the center of the laptop's lid. Regardless, it appeals to professional users with the sleek look many laptop manufacturers seek. This laptop will fit right in with the other available options.

System76 Darter Pro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

System76 Darter Pro: In use

At this point, I've had this laptop in rotation for a couple of days, and I've used it as my dedicated computer for my entire day without any problems. The overall UI is responsive and fast, programs load quickly, and multitasking is a breeze. 

My Darter Pro has 32GB of RAM, an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, and 500GB of Storage. I am still looking for the limits of what this workhorse can do. I've run my daily tasks here, and I am barely even breathing under the load. I've run tests through Basemark, and it scored 1017.69. This laptop should handle even demanding tasks, virtual machines, and coding and easily crush general multitasking and business tasks.

System76 Darter Pro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The matte display reduces glare and offers vibrant colors, making it suitable for both work and media consumption, even though it has a lower resolution screen than other laptops. I experienced around 8.5-9 hours of battery life under light to moderate usage. However, high-performance tasks might reduce this significantly, especially if you push the RAM more than I am. 

The keyboard is responsive, though some might find the minor right shift key inconvenient. Typing all day on this keyboard is comfortable. It might not be the best laptops for programming in the world - admittedly, it's not my favorite keyboard I've ever used - but it's plenty comfortable for all-day usage. This keyboard showed me that I rarely use the right shift key, which is surprising since I've been typing for 10+ years, and though I don't have faster typing, I can type most of my peers out -- but perhaps a tale for another time.

System76 Darter Pro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The trackpad is functional but may require some getting used to. I am pressing through the trackpad to click, but the tapping functionality works seamlessly. The overall size is pretty comparable to a MacBook, with a right-angle corner adjustment compared to the Mac's rounded corners.

Port-wise, System76 did a good job of port placement, though, in a perfect world, I'd prefer Thunderbolt on both sides, especially in 2024. The Darter Pro has a USB-A, headphone jack, and microSD slot on the left side. On the right, there is the power barrel connector, a USB-A, a Thunderbolt port, and a USB-C port. On the back, System76 included an HDMI and a network port.

System76 Darter Pro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

System76 Darter Pro: Final verdict

The System76 Darter Pro is a well-rounded Linux laptop that excels in performance, portability, and user freedom. Its open-source firmware and customizable hardware make it a top choice for developers and tech enthusiasts who prioritize control over their computing environment. While it might not be the best option for gamers or those needing ultra-high-resolution displays, it stands out as a reliable, efficient machine for most professional tasks. If you wanted one of the best business laptops running Linux, this is worth consideration.

For more Linux hardware, we tested out the best Linux PC

Netac US9 1TB USB SSD review
9:40 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Netac US9: 30-second review

The market for ultrafast, high-capacity USB SSD sticks is expanding, and the Netac US9 USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive is a prime example of what looks to be an exceptional device. With its high-quality full metal build and dual connectors (USB Type-A and Type-C), it offers wide compatibility with a range of computers and mobile devices. The drive is plug-and-play, preformatted in ExFat for compatibility with Mac, PC, Android, and iOS devices.

The design is stylish and functional, with the USB SSD being instantly recognised by all tested devices. The build quality initially seems excellent, thanks to the full metal construction that provides what seems to be a robust and high-quality feel. However, on closer inspection you'll notice that the covers that flip over the connectors although a major feature is a weak point. The cover over the USB Type-A connector is held in place by a small magnet, which generally stays secure until intentionally flipped upwards. On the other hand, the cover over the USB Type-C connector flaps around as the small magnet that's supposed to hold it in place is far to weak.

Despite this minor design flaw, the SSD's performance is undisputed. Like any of the best portable SSDs (and with this device, we really mean portable), it boasts fast transfer speeds, making it an excellent solution for anyone looking to boost their mobile or computing storage. The overall build quality is durable, although the loose USB Type-C cover is a weak point and could potentially expose the connector to damage. Nonetheless, the Netac US9 is a decent enough choice for reliable and fast storage expansion.

Netac US9: Pricing and availability

Netac US9 USB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
  • How much does it cost? €129
  • When is it available? Now
  • Where can you get it? It is available for sale in Europe

The Netac USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive is currently available on Amazon Europe for around €129.

  • Value: 4/5

Netac US9: Benchmark

In benchmark tests, the Netac US9 USB 3.2 Gen 2 1TB put in a decent performance, reaching read speeds up to 1050.09MB/s and write speeds up to 1029.87MB/s, these exceeded those stated by Netac. 

Netac US9 USB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Netac US9: Specs

Netac US9: Build and Handling

When you first take the Netac US9 out of the packaging, you can feel its weight and quality. It's fully made out of metal, giving it a strong and robust feel. The design of this compact SSD has been developed for maximum compatibility, featuring a USB Type-C on one end and a USB Type-A on the other, both supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 for speeds up to 10 Gbps (1000 MB/s). It is available in various capacities, including 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB—the sample reviewed here is the 1TB version.

The flash drive is ready to use out of the box. It is preformatted in the ExFat format, ensuring compatibility with Mac and PC systems, as well as most Android and iOS smartphones and devices. Simply plug it in, and you can access the drive's capacity through your device's file manager. Not bad in the realms of the best external hard drives and best external hard drive for Mac. Bu not without flaws. 

Unlike some other drives, there is no software included, so setting up the file format and software you use on the drive is entirely up to you. There are also no software or hardware security options, so you'll need to use your operating system's native software protection if you wish to secure the drive.

The design is neat, with both connectors protected by strong metal covers that flip down, ensuring protection during transport. The USB Type-A connector's protective lid is held in place by a small magnet, while the USB Type-C cover rests inside the connector. This allows easy access to the connectors by simply flipping up the lids and plugging the drive into your device.

Overall, the build quality is good, with a full metal construction and sturdy caps that will protect the connectors when the drive is carried in a backpack or pocket, although as highlighted there is an issue with the USB Type-C protective cover staying in place.

Netac US9 USB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
  • Design: 3/5

Netac US9: Features

As with many compact devices, the Netac US9 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive is packed with features designed to make it stand out. For data transfer, this small SSD utilises USB 3.2 Gen 2, enabling read speeds up to 1000 MB/s and write speeds up to 950 MB/s. It features both Type-A and Type-C connectors, ensuring wide compatibility with computers, mobile phones, TVs, and other devices.

While no encryption software is included, the drive supports file encryption via hardware. This means if you use hardware or software encryption for your drives, this SSD will be fully compatible, offering added security for your data.

One of the standout design features is the interface protection design. The two flip-down covers protect the USB Type-A and Type-C ports. These covers are held in place by small magnets, providing secure closure and protecting the drive while it's in a bag or pocket. These flip-down covers are made of the same high-quality metal as the rest of the drive, ensuring durability and robust protection. Again there is a design flaw with the USB Type-C cover that we'll talk about in the performance section. 

  • Features: 4/5

Netac US9: Performance

Netac US9 USB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The performance of the Netac US9 USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive is impressive and versatile. Benchmarking against various applications revealed it to be an extremely fast SSD, often reaching the manufacturer's quoted speeds in our benchmarking tests. Viewing media files directly from the drive or editing within Photoshop or Adobe Premiere Pro 2024 is seamless, allowing for real-time editing. The metal casing effectively dissipates heat, preventing thermal throttling during short-term intensive tasks.

Using the drive for long, sustained periods under heavy load isn't recommended, but for short-term tasks, it excels. The drive is instantly recognised by devices like the iPhone 15 Pro, enabling quick transfers of photos, videos, and other files, freeing up valuable space. This portability and ease of use make it a great option for use with mobile devices.

A major feature is the ability to switch between USB Type-C and USB Type-A connectors, allowing easy connectivity between portable devices and desktop PCs. Transferring files between devices, including Macs, is straightforward thanks to the drive's compatible formatting.

Although the drive doesn't include built-in security software, you can utilise tools like Disk Utility on Mac to reformat and secure the drive with passwords. This requires some technical know-how but provides flexibility for added securit

The full metal build gives the drive a premium feel, but there is a significant drawback: the USB Type-C cover. Unlike the secure magnetised cover on the USB Type-A end, the USB Type-C cover is loosely held by a weak magnet, making it prone to opening which could leave the connector exposed to potential damage when stored in a bag or pocket.

Overall, while the Netac US9 performs exceptionally well and offers excellent capacity and speed, the ineffective USB Type-C cover is a notable flaw.

  • Performance: 4/5

Should I buy the Netac US9?

When first looking at this compact flash drive, the build quality and design are very appealing, offering a high-quality feel. It meets the USB 3.2 Gen 2 specifications, transferring files quickly and effectively. The metal casing disperses heat well, allowing for sustained use and light video editing. Its durability, speed, and large capacity are significant benefits for expanding storage on computers or mobile devices. However, the major issue is the ineffectual USB Type-C cover, which doesn't stay secure. To get around this you could consider using a small case to prevent the cover from flapping about, but really while the speed and capacity is excellent this design flaw is an issue.

For more storage options, we've tested the best USB flash drives

Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 review
11:56 pm | August 30, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets | Comments: Off

Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2: one-minute review

When Lenovo released its ThinkVision M14t portable monitor around 2020, it was praised for its beautiful 1080p touchscreen display with a built-in adjustable stand and included stylus. Those positive attributes were unfortunately joined with an expensive $449 launch price and required a USB-C port with DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode to operate. Thankfully, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen-2 improves on every highlight of the portable monitor and fixes two of the biggest issues. 

The M14t Gen 2 retains the sleek, all-black design of its predecessor, featuring a 14-inch IPS LCD touchscreen that can easily switch between vertical and horizontal orientations. However, this new model offers several upgrades, including a higher resolution of 1440p, an improved aspect ratio from 16:9 to 16:10, and a significantly enhanced contrast ratio of 1500:1. Additionally, the color accuracy has been boosted, now covering 100% of the sRGB color gamut, compared to the previous generation's 72% NTSC coverage. Simply put, the M14t Gen 2 is a large evolution in terms of image quality. 

Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 portable monitor connected to a laptop through USB-C

(Image credit: Future)

Meanwhile, DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode is relatively common nowadays for laptops and desktops in addition to the launch price coming in at $399. That doesn’t mean there aren’t issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Considering the touchscreen capabilities of the M14t, Mac users probably won’t be able to make use of the touch screen as that feature is more for Windows laptops, Chromebooks, and Android devices. This portable monitor is for general computing and creative functions like browsing the web or video editing. Gaming-focused users may want to steer clear from the M14t Gen 2 for several reasons. Outside of the 60Hz max refresh rate, it has a 6ms response time and doesn’t have an HDMI port for gaming consoles. 

Though the display design hasn’t changed much, the image quality has been improved by miles. Consider the M14t Gen 2 a respectable revision and one of the best portable monitors in its price range.

Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2: Price and availability

  •  How much does it cost? It cost $399 (£300, AU $543)
  •  When is it available? Now
  •  Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Compared to when the first-gen Lenovo ThinkVision M14t was first launched at $449, the gen-2 comes in at a cheaper $399 (£300, AU $543) price. Available now in the US, UK, and Australian territories, the portable monitor is available through Lenovo’s store alongside other major online retailers like Amazon. Right now, the first-gen M14t can be purchased for around $279 if you're fine with the 1080p display outside the lower contrast and color gamut support. 

Regarding overall value, the M14t gen-2 has a few things going for it compared to similar portable monitors. Having the higher 1440p resolution, outstanding foldable design, and two USB-C ports does make this an attractive buy for those who create or need a second screen. Gamers may be better off with something like our pick for the best portable monitor, the Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ13AH (or MQ16AH if you want a bigger screen), which features 1ms response time. On the other hand, potential buyers on a budget could find the 1080p ViewSonic VA1655 a better buy at under $100 bucks.

  •  Value:  4 / 5

Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2: Design

  • The all-black design returns 
  • Tilt also remains -5 / +90 degrees

The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 closely mirrors its predecessor with a sleek, all-black design that exudes a premium feel.

Port selection of the ThinkVision M14t Gen 2

(Image credit: Future)

It also features a slew of essential ports and buttons, which is not always the case when it comes to modern laptops. On the left side, there's a USB-C port, brightness rocker, and menu button, while the right side includes another USB-C port, cable lock, and power button. Button placement makes navigating the on-screen interface straightforward and intuitive.

Using the M14t Gen 2 with a laptop or desktop means connecting it through USB-C and it just works. If you want to use it with your phone, you may have to connect one USB-C to a wall outlet and connect your phone to the other USB-C port.

The display's hinge can be lifted to provide additional height, adding to its versatility.  Automatic orientation adjustment is a standout feature here, allowing seamless switching between horizontal and vertical modes. For those who enjoy drawing, the M14t can be laid flat for a more comfortable experience. Additionally, the monitor is VESA mount certified, and two clips are included for mounting.

Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 portable monitor inside its carrying case, stylus included

(Image credit: Future)

Included are a stylus and a carrying case, which conveniently has a pen holder. However, the glossy screen is prone to smudges, and the soft cotton case can be used to wipe them away. When inside the carrying case, it fits well in a medium-sized backpack and does a good job of protecting the display. 

Again, don’t expect any radical changes in the overall design on the M14t. What is impressive is that despite the upgrades to the image quality, the overall weight stays the same at around 1.54 lbs.

  •  Design: 4.5/ 5 

Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2: Features

ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 portable monitor inside of its carrying case resting on a table

(Image credit: Future)
  •  The touchscreen and stylus work well together
  •  Extreme mode for better input latency

Many of the features of the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 carry over from the previous iteration. This includes the touchscreen which works well with laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. Input is smooth enough during usage; especially when using a Windows laptop. Add the included stylus into the picture and it’s a pretty neat tool to doodle in Microsoft paint. Just understand that the stylus doesn’t include any buttons so it won’t replace a Wacom tablet. 

The  M14t isn’t meant for gaming, but there is an Extreme mode, which takes the input latency from Normal mode of 8ms to 6ms. Unfortunately, while this is an improvement, it's still too high to matter much for gamers. Extreme mode can affect image quality with shadowing for faster-moving images, too. If you have a gaming laptop that can play the occasional game at 1440p and 60 frames-per-second, you should be satisfied enough. More serious gamers should look elsewhere. 

Considering the 300 nit brightness (which is good enough) alongside the 3000000:1 contrast, it would have been nice to have some HDR to round out the already fantastic image quality. This matters most when using a laptop with HDR capabilities as using the display could be considered a downgrade.

  •  Features:  3.5/ 5

Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2: Performance

ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 portable monitor standing up while connected to a laptop

(Image credit: Future)
  •  Image quality is top-notch
  •  Gaming performance isn’t very good

The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 excels in overall image quality, with significant improvements over its predecessor. The upgrade to a 1440p resolution and 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio enhances everything from general computing to watching videos and photo editing, making it a standout option for creative tasks. Text appears crisp and clear, whether using Google Chrome or Slack, and it performs exceptionally well as a second screen for Adobe Suite in environments like an office or a coffee shop.

In normal latency mode, video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro or watching YouTube videos looks impressive, with bold colors, deep blacks, and excellent color accuracy supported by 100% sRGB color gamut coverage, making it ideal for tasks in Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Lightroom. As mentioned earlier, the touchscreen works respectably well and is just as snappy with the touch stylus. Motions were smooth and didn’t lag, though general usage will vary depending on the user. 

However, the M14t isn’t the best choice for gaming due to its high input latency; even in Extreme mode, which reduces latency from 8ms to 6ms, it can still cause image quality issues like shadowing during fast movements, so serious gamers should consider other options.

  •  Performance:  4 / 5 

Should you buy the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2?

Buy it if...

You need a great portable 1440p monitor 

The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t has a lovely 1440p display with high contrast and color gamut that looks fantastic.

You require a flexible design

The monitor’s ability to fold horizontally, vertically or flat is cool for a touch screen that comes with a usable pen.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t need a touchscreen 

Mac users aren’t going to be able to use the touchscreen which means that it might be useless for that community of users.

You want something more gaming-friendly 

Having a 6 ms response time and 60Hz refresh rate may not make it very friendly for gamers.

Also consider

 Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH

For around the same price, you get a 1080p display that also has two USB-C ports and a singular HDMI port with the Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH. Gamers will most definitely appreciate the 1ms response time and ability to connect consoles as well. 

Read the full Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH review on our sister site Tom’s Guide. 

ViewSonic VA1655

Budget gamers in need of a quality sub-$100 portable monitor may want to look into the ViewSonic VA 1655.

Read our full ViewSonic VA1655 review here.

How I tested the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2

  •  Tested over a week
  •  Used on both Mac and Windows laptops 
  •  Tested through various general computing apps and Adobe Suite

I spent a week testing the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 between my office and home, using it with both a Windows laptop and a MacBook. At my office, I utilized it primarily as a secondary display for applications like Slack and Microsoft Outlook. The display quality worked well for demanding tasks in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

I’ve spent the past several years covering monitors alongside other PC components for Techradar. Outside of gaming, I’ve been proficient in Adobe Suite for over a decade as well. 

  • First reviewed August 2024
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 review: a modest modern-day classic
7:59 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Camera Lenses Cameras Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4: two-minute review

Fixed 35mm lenses, especially those with a fast aperture, are incredibly popular with visual storytellers. They're able to shoot clean images in high contrast and low light, provide decent close-focusing skills, and offer a moderately wide perspective that allows you to include your subject's surroundings as part of the story. These are true documentary lenses. 

In fact, when I lived in East Africa working for a non-profit as a photographer and writer, there was an 18-month period during which about 90% of the photos I took were with the excellent Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens for DSLR cameras, a lens I still use today with my Nikon Z6 II mirrorless camera through the F-mount to Z-mount adapter. 

So I was really excited when Nikon finally announced a Z-mount 35mm lens, a lens that I expect to be one of the best-selling lenses for Nikon mirrorless cameras. Sadly, however, that doesn't mean the Z 35mm f/1.4 is one of Nikon's best lenses.

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 specs

Type: Prime
Sensor: Full-frame
Focal length: 35mm
Max aperture: f/1.4
Minimum focus: 0.89ft / 0.27m
Filter size: 62mm
Dimensions: 3 x 3.5in / 74.5 x 88.5mm
Weight: 14.7oz / 415g

Sure, image quality is sharp across the entire image area, while autofocus is fast, quiet and reliable. However, I'm not seeing the sort of optical progress I'm used to when a manufacturer produces an mirrorless version of a DSLR lens.

We're getting the same sort of lens distortions as before, and I even prefer the bokeh in my stalwart Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens, which is smoother compared to the Z 35mm f/1.4's fussy bokeh.

Still, Nikon's moderately wide fast-aperture prime does a lot of things well. It focuses much faster than my DSLR lens adapted to the Z6 II, and it's an entirely different offering to Canon's recent RF 35mm F1.4 which is bigger and much pricier.

Canon has opted for the pro route with its 35mm fast aperture lens, while Nikon has opted for the more attainable and affordable enthusiast route: this is not one of Nikon's pro 'S' lenses, meaning official weather sealing is off the table. 

Balance-wise, the Z 35mm f/1.4 is a perfect match with the new Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Z8, or even Nikon's entry-level full-frame camera, the Z5, and it's an all-round lens that I could see getting a heck of a lot of use if it lived in my gear bag; I just wish its build quality and bokeh characteristics were a little better.

Image 1 of 5

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens on a Nikon Z6 II

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 5

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens on a Nikon Z6 II

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 5

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens on a Nikon Z6 II

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Image 4 of 5

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens on a Nikon Z6 II

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Image 5 of 5

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens on a Nikon Z6 II

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4: Design

  • Simple and compact design
  • Handy customizable control ring
  • Not officially weather sealed
  • Minimum focus distance delivers decent close-focusing capabilities

There's not too much to run through with regards to the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4's design because it's such a simple lens. The only exterior controls are a focus ring and a neat customizable control ring. What I like the most about the latter is that you can set it to be a click-less aperture ring, which is particularly handy for filmmaking. 

Otherwise, we don't even get a manual / autofocus switch. That's a shame for people like me who regularly switch between the two focusing methods, who must instead dig through an in-camera menus to make the change – an unnecessary time sink. 

What I do like is the form factor of the lens. It's impressively compact and lightweight at just 14.7oz / 415g, and an ideal pairing for extended periods out in the field with Nikon's mid-range mirrorless models like the Z6 II.

The size, if not the weight, is very similar to the heavier Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens, although for DSLR lenses you also need Nikon's DSLR to mirrorless adaptor – you can see how the lenses compare in the product photos below.

Image 1 of 3

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens alongside the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG Art

From left to right: the Nikon F-mount to Z-mount adaptor, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art, the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 3

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens alongside the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG Art

The Sigma lens for DSLRs need the adaptor to work with a mirrorless camera. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 3

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens on a Nikon Z6 II

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

Sadly, the Z 35mm f/1.4 isn't officially weather sealed, which is probably a deal-breaker for pros working in demanding conditions. I felt the build quality was fine during testing, and had no qualms exposing the lens to light rain, but I'd think twice about packing it in the bag for a couple of weeks in the desert. At one point I found myself taking my super soaker-touting child to task when she got me, and the lens, wet in the garden – I'm otherwise a good sport.

These moderate-wide-angle lenses historically focus impressively closely, meaning you can capture the finer details as well as your subject and their surroundings; after all, there are stories to be found in the micro and macro. We get a minimum focus distance of 0.89ft / 0.27m, which delivers a maximum magnification ratio of 0.18x. For reference, a 'true-macro' lens has a magnification ratio of 1x or more. 

What impressed me most about the design of the Z 35mm f/1.4, when compared to my 10-year-old Sigma equivalent, is the speed and accuracy of its autofocus performance. 

Where the Sigma lens through an adaptor was hunting, the new Nikon lens quickly and quietly latched onto my subject. Where the Sigma had front-focusing issues, even with the Z6 II's eye-detection autofocus in play, the Nikon Z 35mm was getting focus bang on the eye every time. 

It's the direct compatibility with a Nikon mirrorless camera and the autofocus performance that would most tempt me to trade in my old Sigma DSLR lens, and one of the key reasons I'm so glad that I upgraded from DSLR to mirrorless years ago. 

Image 1 of 3

Closeup of the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens front element

With the aperture wide open at f/1.4, you don't see the aperture blades. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Closeup of the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens front element

Here's the aperture stopped down to around f/8. The lens has nine aperture blades. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Closeup of the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens front element

And finally fully closed to its minimum f/16 aperture. Note the lens has a 62mm thread for filters. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4: Performance

  • Optically sharp edge-to-edge
  • Wide aperture is handy for shooting in low light and for shallow depth of field
  • Bokeh could be better

I'll start this performance section by re-emphasizing that autofocus speed and reliability are excellent, delivering accurate focusing on the eyes in portraits. The same couldn't be said in my tests when using an adapted Sigma lens for DSLRs; and I'll take accurate focusing over outright optical quality. 

That said, the optical quality from the Z 35mm f/1.4 is very good. Looking closely at an image of pebbles at f/5.6, I can see that detail is very sharp across the entire frame – there's virtually no drop-off in the corners, which is impressive. 

There's the usual vignetting that I would expect from a wide-aperture lens like this. Light fall-off in the corners is very evident at f/1.4, those corners brighten up a lot at f/2, and somewhere between f/4 and f/5.6 vignetting is all but gone. Check out the series of sample images below, taken at full aperture stops. 

Image 1 of 5

Closeup of a footballer's feet, with one foot standing on top of a ball

f/1.4 (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 5

Closeup of a footballer's feet, with one foot standing on top of a ball

f/1.8 (Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 5

Closeup of a footballer's feet, with one foot standing on top of a ball

f/2 (Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 5

Closeup of a footballer's feet, with one foot standing on top of a ball

f/2.8 (Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 5

Closeup of a footballer's feet, with one foot standing on top of a ball

f/4 (Image credit: Future)

Bokeh, however, is a mixed bag. If you're particularly close to your subject and shooting wide open at f/1.4, you can get circular bokeh 'balls' in out-of-focus light sources, such as dappled light through tree leaves. There are only moderate signs of cat's-eye bokeh in the corners – I've found the effect much more severe in pricier lenses. (I don't mind the cat's-eye shape, but some people get very picky about it.)

The big strike for me regarding bokeh is the fringing you get around those bokeh balls. Instead of the buttery-smooth edges like I was getting with my 10-year-old Sigma, edges are harsher, with green and magenta fringing. It's only obvious when you're looking really closely, but it is there (see the close-ups of a portrait, below). 

That being said, I did turn off all in-camera lens corrections for this test (something I always do), and there are aforementioned distortions that would be somewhat improved by activating those corrections. 

Also, I don't use a 35mm f/1.4 lens primarily for its bokeh quality. I use it for telling stories in scenarios with both good light and bad, for which the maximum f/1.4 aperture is a godsend. I regularly make use of the maximum aperture, and would absolutely pay the premium over cheaper f/1.8, f/2, f/2.8 alternatives to get a f/1.4 lens. 

Image 1 of 3

Portrait taken at f/1.4 with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

Portrait at f/1.4. Focus is on the money, whereas the same photo with the Sigma was front-focused on the mouth. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Portrait taken at f/1.4 with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

In this closeup the bokeh balls have harsh edges and show moderate fringing (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Portrait taken at f/1.4 with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

Here's the same photo but with the 10-year-old Sigma lens. Bokeh has a buttery finish and no real fringing (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4: sample images

Image 1 of 10

The famous Durdle Door beach at first light, taken with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

I don't think a 35mm lens is great for landscape photography. In this situation, I'd rather a wider lens and to be closer to the point of interest. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 10

Pebble on a beach, taken with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

While it's not a great landscape photography lens, it's great at picking out details. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 10

Footballer holding a football, closeup, taken with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

You can get shallow depth of field if your subject is close. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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A couple cuddling up watching the sunrise over the ocean, taken with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Pebbles on a beach, taken with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

The pebbles in this photo at f/5. are sharp, even in the corners. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Pebbles on a beach, taken with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

I switched the aperture to f/1.4 to get your attention the pebbles. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Tug boat on a river, taken with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

The 35mm is a perfect storytelling lens. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Rolling hills vista, taken with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

Again, not my personal choice for landcapes. I'd actually prefer a telephoto lens for this scene, and have the same photo with an 85mm lens that's better. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Silhouette of a fisherman knee deep in the ocean, taken with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

Portraits of people among their surrounding as part of the story – that's where a 35mm lens shines. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
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Closeup of caught fish on beach, taken with the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 lens

And then here's the details of the same story of the fisherman in the previous photo. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

Should you buy the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4

  • Regular use over the course of several weeks
  • Paired with the Nikon Z6 II
  • Like-for-like tests with the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG Art

Nikon loaned me the Z 35mm f/1.4 for a few weeks, during which time I documented everyday life and took it on an extended summer vacation. I used it in both fair and inclement weather (though I felt I needed to protect it somewhat during downpours given it's not officially weather sealed), and both in bright light and during the 'blue hour'.

The Z 35mm f/1.4 was been attached to my Nikon Z6 II, which is a 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera. I've not used the lens with a higher-resolution camera like the 45MP Nikon Z8, and I therefore can't comment on whether it's able to resolve detail from such cameras. 

I've made several series of the same images, working down the aperture range at full stops to compare how image quality stacks up at the various settings. I also took the chance to compare the lens with my 10-year-old Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art, taking like-for-like shots.

All in-camera lens corrections were turned off throughout my testing. 

  • First reviewed August 2024
Steam Deck OLED review: a decent upgrade, but left me wanting more
3:21 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Steam Deck OLED: Two-minute review

If all you want to know is whether the Steam Deck OLED is better than the original Steam Deck, then the answer is a definitive yes. This is easily the best Steam Deck model and one of the best handheld games consoles on the market right now thanks to an abundance of improvements that lead to a more comfortable and polished play experience.

The most significant of these is the new 7.4-inch OLED display. This is slightly bigger than the 7-inch LCD panel on the original model but offers a considerably more vivid picture with brighter contrast, better viewing angles, and much richer colors. It’s a huge leap and something that is immediately noticeable when you place a Steam Deck OLED side by side with the original model. The bright primary hues of titles like Hades 2 or Cult of the Lamb have simply never looked better. 

An image showing the bright screen of the Steam Deck OLED.

(Image credit: Future)

Other changes here are more subtle. The Steam Deck OLED is slightly lighter and has been fitted with a larger fan for better thermal performance. It also features Wi-Fi 6E, paving the way for faster downloads and more responsive online play for those who own a compatible router. The Steam Deck OLED benefits from more battery life too, with official figures boasting a “30-50%” boost. In practice, however, I soon found that this was still not enough and I had to frequently contend with the handheld completely running out of charge while I was away from a socket.

There have been no noticeable improvements to in-game performance compared to the original model either. The Steam Deck first launched back in February 2022 and could just about run many of the biggest titles of that year, be that Elden Ring, Ghostwire: Tokyo, or Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. Things are a little different in 2024, however, as the Steam Deck OLED now struggles to maintain decent frame rates in major games. 

This wouldn’t necessarily be a problem - there are countless amazing indie titles to experience after all - but I found Valve’s own ‘Deck Verified’ system to be extremely disappointing. In theory, ‘Deck Verified’ games are those that will run decently right out of the box. Fully ‘Deck Verified’ games display a prominent green tick on their store pages, while those that are considered ‘Playable’ but not perfect are marked with an orange exclamation mark. 

It’s a great idea on paper, but I quickly learned that many ‘Deck Verified’ games do not run at an acceptable standard. Take Deathloop, for example, which has been awarded the big green tick. It plays at a jittery 15 frames per second (fps) in its default configuration, with huge drops whenever literally anything happens on screen. You can get it to run at a solid 30fps, and look quite good, but it requires a lot of awkward fiddling around with different graphical options. Not quite the seamless, console-like experience that many would want. 

Still, if you’re not afraid to tinker, the Steam Deck OLED is a formidable system that helps you experience your existing Steam library in a whole new light.

A photo showing the right hand side of the Steam Deck OLED.

(Image credit: Future)

Steam Deck OLED: Price and availability

  • Starts at $549 / £479
  • 512GB and 1TB models 
  • Cheaper LCD model still available 

The Steam Deck OLED starts at $549 / £479 and is available directly from Valve via Steam. This will get you the 512GB model, which comes bundled with a basic carrying case. For $649 / £569, you can pick up the 1TB model that comes with an upgraded carrying case.

This upgraded case features a removable liner, which can be used as a more compact and soft way to keep it protected. You also get some digital bonuses in the form of a Steam profile bundle, an exclusive Steam Deck OLED startup movie, and an exclusive virtual keyboard theme - these are nice to have, but shouldn’t really sway your purchasing decision.

Which edition you get will mainly come down to your storage needs. Those with lots of larger games should consider the 1TB model, while those likely to install smaller indie titles or only a few games at a time would be perfectly well served by 512GB. Just note that no matter which model you pick, if you have the technical know-how you can upgrade the internal SSD yourself at a later date.

For $399 / £349, you can also pick up the older LCD model in its 256GB configuration. While this storage capacity would restrict the kinds and number of games that you can keep installed at any one time, this could still be a decent option for those on a particularly tight budget.

Steam Deck OLED: Specs

Steam Deck OLED: Design

  • Feels good in the hands
  • Few changes compared to original model
  • Plenty of customization options

There are very few major differences between the original Steam Deck and the Steam Deck OLED in pure design terms. The most noticeable difference is the larger 7.4-inch screen of the Steam Deck OLED, which has a slightly smaller bezel than the 7-inch display of the original. The handheld has the same overall form factor and sleek black colorway, though the power button, which is located on top of the system, is now a bright orange which lends it a neat contrasting look next to the plain volume controls and a headphone jack.

On the left-hand grip, you will find the d-pad, which is a very pleasant shiny plastic and a comfortable slightly concave shape, positioned next to the left thumbstick. There’s also a small square trackpad similar to those found on most laptops. This is in addition to a small ‘View’ button (effectively just the ‘Select’ button of a standard controller) and the ‘Steam’ button - which works like a ‘home’ button.

The right-hand grip is a similar story, with a thumbstick and trackpad in the same position. The d-pad is replaced with a set of face buttons, with the same ABXY layout as a standard Xbox Wireless Controller. Although not mechanical, they’re very pleasantly tactile and respond well to rapid inputs. There is also the ‘Menu’ (or start) button and a ‘Quick Access’ that calls up a small quick settings menu. 

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The left-hand side of the Steam Deck OLED.

(Image credit: Future)
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The back of the Steam Deck OLED.

(Image credit: Future)
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The top and bright orange power button of the Steam Deck OLED.

(Image credit: Future)

The flat surface on the top of each thumbstick is actually also its own input, detecting when there is a finger placed on it. While almost no software takes advantage of this, it is a surprisingly practical addition that is sure to delight those who spend a lot of time creating their own custom input bindings. In a first-person shooter like Doom, you can set this thumbstick sensor to activate the Steam Deck OLED’s gyroscope for precise aiming which is delightfully intuitive.

Flipping the Steam Deck OLED over will give you a good look at the triggers and shoulder buttons, which are both highly ergonomic and a great size, plus the four remappable rear inputs. These can be customized to your liking with the suite of tools offered by the Steam Deck OLED’s operating system.

It’s a fantastic design overall and feels incredibly sturdy and comfortable in the hands. My only real complaint is the sheer size of the Steam Deck OLED. At 11.73in / 298mm long, the Steam Deck OLED is absolutely massive and not portable-friendly. I struggled to fit it in my small rucksack in addition to the 14” Acer Chromebook Vero 514 that I take to work, leaving me almost wishing that I had a compact gaming laptop rather than a dedicated handheld.

Steam Deck OLED: Performance

  • Great for indie games
  • Solid performance in older AAA titles
  • Struggles with new AAA releases

If you’ve ever used a Steam Deck, then you will know exactly what to expect from the performance of the Steam Deck OLED. It has not been improved in any noticeable way, so a good number of games will run decently, but not flawlessly. Older titles are absolutely the way to go here, with the likes of Control Ultimate Edition maintaining an impressively solid 60fps at medium settings. God of War is also a highlight, looking brilliant and easily hitting 30fps at high settings

Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice is simply flawless, with a rock-solid cinematic 45 frames per second (fps) that just never dips no matter what you throw at it. Even some newer games, such as Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance and Persona 5 Tactica are phenomenal, at a buttery smooth 90fps. The bright red hues and smooth animations of the latter in particular are breathtaking on the OLED display. Indie games are also great on the system. Even in early access, Hades 2 is almost always 60fps with only a few small dips down into the 50s. Fields of Mistria and Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons are playable at 60fps with zero issues at all. 

The Steam Deck OLED on a desk playing Hellblade.

(Image credit: Future)

That said, there are a few older ‘Deck Verified’ titles that are inexplicably poor. Detroit Become Human is a laggy mess, frequently dropping into the 15fps range, and Fallout 4 has some noticeable dips in built-up areas. 

Newer games are even more hit-and-miss. Despite being a ‘Deck Verified’ title, Deathloop is flat-out unplayable in its default configuration. It can be wrangled into an unstable 40fps, but it was a struggle that took up almost my entire hour-long commute. The framerate in Redfall was also atrocious, barely scraping the 20s, while Hitman 3 ran okay at about 40fps but looked disappointingly blurry thanks to some rather aggressive upscaling.

Given the number of powerful handheld PCs like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go that are now on the market, it’s a shame that Valve hasn’t taken the opportunity to give even a small boost to the CPU or GPU of the Steam Deck. This will still be acceptable performance for most players, provided they don't expect to play the latest games, but I’m really hoping that an overhauled, more powerful model is on the horizon.

Steam Deck OLED: Battery life

  • Improved compared to Steam Deck
  • Still expect just a few hours
  • Better battery performance with indie games

The battery life of the Steam Deck OLED has been improved compared to the Steam Deck, but it’s still not particularly impressive. I found that I could squeeze just over two hours of use out of the system while playing intensive games such as God of War, Deathloop, and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice with the brightness set to its middle level which is about one and a half times what you would get on the Steam Deck. This number decreased to just over an hour with some other titles downloading in the background, though this is to be expected.

This was just about enough to occupy a train journey but would not be sufficient if you want to take your Steam Deck OLED on a long flight. You could always bring a separate battery pack with you but adding on the sheer size and weight of the Steam Deck OLED would make this a massive pain.

Thankfully, the battery life increases significantly when you’re playing simpler titles, especially 2D games. I was able to enjoy over five hours of Hades 2 without any major interruptions on the same settings, with similarly great figures for the delightful indie farming sim Fields of Mistria and detective adventure role-playing game (RPG) Disco Elysium. I’m sure this number could go even higher if you reduced the brightness or imposed a strict frame rate limit in the ‘Performance’ section of the Quick Settings.

If you’re just after a new way to play your existing library of indie games, then this battery life should be more than sufficient. 

Should I buy the Steam Deck OLED?

Buy it if...

You want a new way to play your Steam games
Like the Steam Deck, the Steam Deck OLED is a good way to experience your Steam library on the go. If you want a handheld console that can play your existing games, this is a great choice.

You mainly play indie titles
The Steam Deck OLED might struggle to run many of the most recent AAA releases, but it’s an absolute dream when it comes to indie games. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a way to play the likes of Hades 2, Balatro, or Fields of Mistria out and about. 

Don't buy it if...

You need better battery life
The Steam Deck OLED offers improved battery life, but it’s still one of its biggest weaknesses. If you need to play for more than a few hours at a time, consider other handheld systems like the Nintendo Switch OLED instead. 

You want the best performance
The Steam Deck OLED does not perform as well as other handheld PCs, namely the ROG Ally. They are more expensive than the Steam Deck OLED but are good alternatives if you crave better framerates. 

Also consider

If you’re not keen on the Steam Deck OLED, then consider these two formidable alternatives. 

Steam Deck
You can still buy the original Steam Deck from Valve in its 256GB configuration. It’s also readily available secondhand. You miss out on an upgraded screen, but the lower asking price could make it a better choice for those on a tighter budget and it still offers great value.

Read our full Steam Deck review

Nintendo Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch OLED is the definitive version of Nintendo’s latest console. It can be found in fantastic value bundles and comes in much more compact and therefore more portable than the Steam Deck OLED. It also boasts a brilliant library of exclusive games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Mario Odyssey.

Read our full Nintendo Switch OLED review

The Steam Deck OLED on a desk in its included carrying case playing Hellblade.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Steam Deck OLED

  • Tested for over three months 
  • Played a wide variety of games 
  • Tested in both handheld mode and with a dock

I tested the Steam Deck OLED for well over three months, taking it out and about with me whenever possible and enjoying plenty of gaming time at the office or at home plus on a range of public transport. I experienced a wide variety of games including plenty of AAA releases and indie titles. Some of the favorites that I didn’t mention in this review included Shenmue 3, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, Dishonored 2, Grounded, Lego 2K Drive, Asterigos Curse of the Stars, and much more.

Throughout my time with the Steam Deck OLED, I compared the play experience to my hands-on testing of other handheld systems. I used the Final VR500 and SteelSeries Tusq earbuds for audio while I was taking the console out and about.

I also experimented with a few accessories, including the Xbox Wireless Controller for when I wanted to play on a bigger screen. For this purpose, I used a standard laptop dock with an HDMI output and my Lenovo Q24i-20 monitor. Although the bump to a 1080p resolution certainly didn't help performance in AAA games, I found this to be a suitable solution for less intensive indie titles.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024

Visions of Mana review: a thoroughly decent RPG that lacks ambition
6:57 pm | August 29, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , | Comments: Off
Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S
Release date: August 29, 2024

Visions of Mana is the first original entry in the legendary Square Enix roleplaying game (RPG) franchise after a smattering of well-received remakes and remasters. Does the new game live up to venerated titles of the series’ history? Well, that’ll all depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Off the jump, the most noticeable thing about Visions of Mana is its jaw-dropping visuals. This vividly-colored world really jumps out on an HDR-compatible display, and the game staunchly sets itself apart from the grimdark photorealism of other modern RPGs. Mana’s graphics aren’t state of the art but its visuals nonetheless leave a lasting impression - particularly within its larger cities and sprawling explorable zones.

Being an action RPG, developer Square Enix has managed to craft an interesting - if occasionally cumbersome - combat system. With straightforward combo strings and a range of magic spells, it’s a simple combat system that adds depth with Visions of Mana’s impressive class system that - when applied to the game’s five playable party members - allows you to unlock tons of abilities for highly customizable play. This is easily Visions’ strongest selling point, and worth checking out for alone.

With that all said, I can’t in good conscience say that Visions of Mana will stand the test of time. It’s a highly repetitive game from start to finish, and while its plot has bags of potential with some strong initial narrative hooks, statically-animated cutscenes, and ho-hum voice acting takes much away from the overall experience. Visions of Mana reminds me of Tales of Arise in that sense; a fundamentally great game that fumbles on some of the genre’s core foundations - ultimately leading to a game that likely won’t live long in the memory, and sadly not among the best RPGs we've played this year.

Sell your soul

Visions of Mana

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Visions of Mana is set in a beautiful world with an unenviable burden. Once every few years, the patron Faerie visits each major region of the world to choose an alm - a person of incredible talent and willpower. These alms are typically assigned the element that governs the region they hail from, be that fire, earth, light, darkness, the moon, and so on. These alms, along with a person chosen as a protective ‘Soul Guard’, must make a pilgrimage to the Mana Tree at the center of the world to offer up their lives as sacrifices to sustain life for everyone else.

It’s a strong premise with an immediate hook, and as such, the initial story beats in Visions of Mana are exceptionally compelling. That’s especially so considering regions that fail to deliver an alm to the Mana Tree are met with catastrophe. As a result, we’re given a setup with immediately high stakes, and it paints a picture of an incredibly cruel and unfair world where anything short of perfection is met with disaster.

Our protagonist, Val, has been chosen as the Soul Guard for the latest pilgrimage. What complicates matters is that his significant other, Hinna, has also been selected as the alm of fire. Again, this is a fantastic hook; Val and Hinna are excited to travel the world, but neither wants to have to permanently say goodbye at journey’s end. A quandary arises; do they give into the sacrifice to avert widespread chaos, or do they try and find another way that doesn’t require such a price?

Unfortunately, I found that Visions of Mana’s narrative doesn’t quite explore its themes as well as it should. The game’s darker moments don’t really land due to some extremely static cutscenes with near-unchanging facial expressions. Narratively, such moments also aren’t given much time to really set in, especially as we move from area to area at a surprisingly rapid pace. Things do pick up again in the final acts, thankfully, but large chunks of the story are left feeling hollow and underdeveloped which is a shame.

Our main characters, similarly, don’t offer a whole lot in terms of personality or quirks beyond surface-level stuff. Their designs are lovely and varied, but they almost uniformly feel quite cookie-cutter in terms of overall character development which takes much of the drama out of the plot.

Fight it out

Visions of Mana

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Combat, similarly, is quite the mixed bag. The good news is that Visions’ combat system is very straightforward, making it an easy game to just pick up and play. The bad? This simplicity is let down by some pretty clunky movement and combat feel. 

The characters and their various weapon types have a range of basic and special attacks that can be strung together for combos. Each party member can also learn a variety of spells and activate devastating Class Strikes for big damage when that move’s gauge is full.

Visions of Mana’s class system is easily the game’s most impressive feature. Each of the game’s five party members has a base class when you first meet them. Then, eight more classes are unlocked as you progress through the game, governed by each of the game’s elementals. That makes for a total of 45 classes, with each party member having access to nine each.

Classes get stronger by unlocking new abilities in the Elemental Plot skill tree. Here, each class has a strictly linear track of skills to unlock, redeemable with skill points earned through battle. That linearity might seem disappointing, but it’s somewhat offset by the fact that classes are able to mix and match many of these skills. 

Best bit

Visions of Mana

(Image credit: Square Enix)

I loved the class customization aspect of Visions of Mana. I was hugely impressed by the variety of classes on offer, as well as their unique aesthetics, weapon types, and various spells and abilities that can be unlocked. The fact you can take some spells from one class and apply them to another only heightens this, allowing for some truly fluid combinations within your three-person party.

As an example, I was able to turn Palamena into a damage powerhouse with the Darkness-aligned Reaper class. She has naturally high magic stats, so assigning spells of various elements to this class meant she could adapt to any given situation. Careena, meanwhile, works great as a buffer and healer and most of her classes revolve around this, so kitting her out with spells and skills to both buff characters and minimize the risk of status effects allowed her to be a mainstay in my team of three.

Characters can then further be augmented with the use of Ability Seeds. You’ll find these by opening chests or converting enemy Corestones (items that are randomly dropped from enemies containing their essence) into them once you unlock the ability to do so. Ability Seeds can provide skills and benefits not found within the Elemental Plot tree, and can really help a character reach their full potential.

You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to character builds, then, and that’s awesome. Sadly, the act of combat itself can be a bit cumbersome. Overall movement feels quite slow and occasionally unresponsive. When you jump, your character loses a bunch of momentum which seems counterintuitive for the kind of game this is. The flow of combat, overall, feels similar to Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana, albeit less polished and significantly slower. This is a shame, as the vast amount of customization in Visions of Mana has laid the groundwork for what could be a truly excellent combat system. Here’s hoping Square Enix can apply some finer touches via post-launch patches. 

Take a hike

Visions of Mana

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Visions of Mana absolutely nails it in the presentation department. This is a richly colorful game, and the vibrant palette really helps its world to feel alive. It’s not quite an open world here; rather, we have a number of large, explorable zones that are filled with a manageable amount of things to do.

Scattered throughout these gorgeous zones - which range from volcanic jungles to mesmerizing landscapes of ice - are treasure chests, optional combat shrines, and various environmental interactions that make use of your collected elements. The game isn’t absolutely awash with side quests, though the ones that are here boil down to simple monster-slaying or fetch quests that typically amount to little reward. Unlike The Witcher 3 or Final Fantasy 16, you’re not really missing much - narratively or otherwise - by skipping side quests in Visions of Mana.

The soundtrack also sadly doesn’t do much to stand out among the bustle of cities or the throes of combat. It very much takes a back seat and sounds quite low in the mix at default settings. Some later boss and area themes really do slap, however, so it’s not a total dud. It’s just not up to the very high standard set here by the likes of Secret of Mana or Trials of Mana.

In better news, Visions of Mana is superbly optimized on PlayStation 5. The game’s performance mode is especially impressive, managing to hold a smooth 60fps in most occasions, with the odd noticeable dip happening in busier areas or encounters. While I did note a couple of instances where the game froze up for a couple of seconds during exploration, these were thankfully a very rare exception to an otherwise pleasantly stable experience. 

Accessibility

Visions of Mana has a very basic - but welcome - accessibility suite. Subtitles are supported, as well as text language support for English, German, French, Spanish, and Japanese players. You can also fully customize the game’s control scheme and adjust camera sensitivity settings.

Should I play Visions of Mana?

Play it if...

You want a simple and cozy action RPG
Visions of Mana is far from groundbreaking, but it just might scratch that itch if you’re looking for a breezy, straightforward action RPG experience. 

You love class customization
The various classes and the cross-class customization they bring in terms of build variety add much-needed depth to the game, and it’s definitely its biggest selling point.

Don't play it if...

You were hoping for a stronger narrative
Despite its very strong initial hooks, Visions of Mana fails to keep the momentum going through its 30-hour runtime. 

You prefer fluid, fast-paced combat
Combat in Visions of Mana often feels clunky with cumbersome movement and alarmingly short melee attack range. 

How we reviewed Visions of Mana

I played Visions of Mana to story completion, which took around 30 hours. All the while, I sprinkled in plenty of environment exploration, completing numerous side quests and trying out various class combinations with the game’s five heroes. I played the game on PS5 on an LG CX OLED TV with a DualSense Edge controller, but do note that there aren’t any notable haptic feedback or adaptive trigger implementations here.

First reviewed August 2024.

Dreo BaristaMaker review: consistent foam for dairy and non-dairy milk every time
1:28 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Dreo BaristaMaker: two-minute review

The Dreo BaristaMaker is a milk frother designed to create thick microfoam for coffee drinks, without the need to wield a steam wand. It's a good option if your coffee maker lacks a steamer, you'd prefer not to use it, or you have limited mobility – although the resulting froth isn't quite as silky.

Unlike some milk frothers, the BaristaMaker has two interchangeable heads: a typical whisk, and a two-part head designed to bring liquid into the center of the jug and break up large bubbles. This creates the type of fine foam necessary for latte art – and it works pretty well, although I found that the bubbles were still larger than those made by preparing milk the old-fashioned way.

The BaristaMaker takes longer to foam your milk, too, requiring three and a half minutes to complete its multi-stage frothing process. You can use this time to weigh out your coffee beans, grind them, and pull your espresso shot. A countdown on the front of the machine means you can be ready to top your drink the minute it's done its thing.

The BaristaMaker has separate modes for different types of milk, including four non-dairy options, which takes the trial and error out of handling liquids with different fat and protein contents. In general, I found the default settings good for preparing plant milks for cappuccinos, but a bit too thick for latte art.

Milk-frothing settings on Dreo BaristaMaker screen

The Dreo BaristaMaker offers presets for different dairy and plant-based milks (Image credit: Future)

The Dreo BaristaMaker isn't the cheapest milk frother around, but its added modes for preparing cold drinks mean it isn't a single-purpose machine; this make it easier to justify the cost. During testing, it whipped up a particularly thick and creamy protein shake with minimum effort.

The key advantage of the BaristaMaker is its convenience. While it offers some options for customization (two speeds and various temperature settings, for example), the process is largely automated. It can't perfectly replicate the results of stretching milk with a steam wand, but it requires none of the skill and practice that traditional frothing demands. Just set your milk type and foam preference, pour in the milk, and press start. 

Dreo BaristaMaker: price and availability

  • List price: $99 / £119.99 (about AU$150)
  • Shipping date: October 2024
  • Availability: US, Singapore and Malaysia via Kickstarter; global thereafter

At the time of writing, the Dreo BaristaMaker is coming to the end of a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, where backers can pledge $80 (about £60 / AU$120) to receive a milk frother, with delivery estimated by October 2024.

This Kickstarter offer is only available in the US, Singapore, and Malaysia; but Dreo does sell its products internationally, so the BaristaMaker will soon go on general sale for $99 / £119.99 (about AU$150) in many more territories.

That's a mid-range price for a milk frother, sitting in between the premium Smeg MFF11 at $290 / £179.95 / AU$299, and the budget-friendly Instant Milk Frother Station at $59.99 / £69.99 / AU$129, both of which offer similar features but lack foaming programs specifically for plant-based milks.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Dreo BaristaMaker: specs

Dreo Baristamaker: design

  • Smart design resembling an oversized milk pitcher
  • Two tips for milk frothing
  • Well-designed jug with fine spout for latte art

The Dreo BaristaMaker is made up of three key parts: the base, which contains the heating element and motor; the jug that sits on top; and the tips, which do the actual frothing. The jug and the base are stainless steel, and when fully assembled, the BaristaMaker resembles a smart-looking oversized milk pitcher.

It measures 4.93in/12.5cm diameter and 9.21in/23.4cm tall with the jug on top, weighing  2.56lb/1.16kg. Without the jug, it stands 6.38in/16.2cm tall and weighs 1.88lb/855g. That's about the same as the premium Smeg MFF11 milk frother, although the Smeg machine has a larger capacity for stirring.

Dreo BaristaMaker interior with heating element warning

The base of the BaristaMaker includes the heater and motor (Image credit: Future)

The BaristaMaker has a small, bright LED display on the front, with four buttons for selecting your preferred milk and foam options at the sides, and a start/stop button underneath.

The machine comes with two tips that fit onto a prong in the center of the jug. The disc tip resembles the end of a typical battery-operated milk frother, and is used for preparing cold drinks. The impeller tip has two components: a plastic blade that's designed to draw milk towards the center of the jug; and a fine screen designed to break up large bubbles, turning them into fine foam.

Dreo BaristaMaker milk frother tips

The BaristaMaker comes with two tips: the disc tip on the left, and the impeller tip on the right. The blades on the impeller pull milk into the center of the jug (Image credit: Future)

The jug itself has no moving parts; instead, the tips are spun by magnets that rotate in the base of the machine. If you've selected one of the hot options, the milk is warmed by a heating element directly underneath the jug.

The jug has a fine spout for pouring latte art, and markings inside to show the appropriate amount of milk for different types of foam. I'd have preferred to see the actual volume marked inside as well, but that's quite a minor quibble. It's dishwasher-safe, but I found it easy to clean by hand due to the lack of moving parts inside.

  • Design score: 4/5

Dreo Baristamaker: performance

  • Simple to use
  • Frothing takes three and a half minutes
  • Foam not as fine as created by steaming
  • Plant-based milk creates particularly thick foam

The Dreo BaristaMaker makes foaming dairy and non-dairy milk simple, if not fast. First, you use the simple controls on the front to select the type of drink you want to prepare, and the milk you're using. The BaristaMaker has settings for foaming dairy milk, half-and-half, soya, oat, almond, and coconut milk, and beverage options for flat white, cappuccino, latte, hot thick foam, cold thick foam, and stirring. You can also tweak the speed and temperature if you like, with two options available for each; but the default settings should serve you well.

Once you've picked your milk and froth settings, tap the start/stop button and the device will show you whether to insert the impeller or frother tip, With that done, pour in your milk to the appropriate level marked inside the jug. You'll need to pour at least 5.1oz/150ml for foaming, and the milk and jug should both be cold when you start, as they would be if you were using a steam wand.

Measuring markings inside Dreo BaristaMaker jug

Markings inside the BaristaMaker's jug show the correct level for different types of foam, and for stirring (Image credit: Future)

When that's done, just press the start button and the BaristaMaker will begin foaming or stirring accordingly – a process that takes three and a half minutes. You can stop it sooner if you like, but the foam settings have several stages, and halting the process early means you won't get the best results. It takes a lot longer than preparing milk with a steam wand, but you have plenty of time to grind your beans and prepare your espresso while it's working.

I tested the BaristaMaker with every milk type except half-and-half, which isn't available in the UK. I found that full-fat dairy milk generally foamed best, producing the smoothest microfoam that was best suited to latte art.

However, the foam texture was noticeably more open and less smooth than when steamed using a wand. The image below shows the difference in texture between steamed milk (using the wand on a Gaggia Classic) and milk frothed using the Dreo BaristaMaker. The milk prepared with the Dreo machine had a less silky texture and larger bubbles, despite tapping the jug to break the biggest ones and swirling to distribute the foam.

Lattes prepared using milk foamed with a traditional steam wand (left) and Dreo BaristaMaker (right)

Full-fat milk prepared using a conventional steamed wand (left) has smaller bubbles than when foamed with the Dreo BaristaMaker (Image credit: Future)

Despite the broad presets, the BaristaMaker can't fully account for the many compositions of different types and brands of plant-based milks, so oat won't necessarily turn out with the same texture as almond, for example; but the results were usually workable and the machine's hot settings never overheated the milk.

Dreo suggests that you can try adding a scoop of protein powder if your non-dairy milk isn't foaming properly, but this wasn't a problem I experienced. In fact, soya and almond milk foamed a little too well on the latte setting, with almond turning out too stiff to pour art.

Thickly foamed almond milk sitting on the back of a spoon

Almond milk prepared using the BaristaMaker's latte setting was too thick for pouring art (this foam was scooped from the top of the drink) (Image credit: Future)

One of the BaristaMaker's big advantages over a steam wand is its ability to froth cold milk, which makes it great for preparing shakes and other powder-based drinks. I used the cold foam setting to prepare a strawberry protein shake with soya milk, and the resulting drink was thick, creamy, and very good.

The frothing process still took three and a half minutes, and a personal blender such as the Nutribullet Flip could do the same thing in 30 seconds, but the extra functionality makes the BaristaMaker easier to recommend than a device that only fills one niche.

The BaristaMaker is much quieter than a steam wand, reaching a maximum of 39dB during frothing (about the same as a calm library), which could be helpful if you're an early riser or need to avoid disturbing young children.

Strawberry protein shake prepared using Dreo BaristaMaker

The Dreo BaristaMaker's cold foam setting is ideal for powder-based drinks such as protein shakes (Image credit: Future)
  • Performance score: 3/5

Dreo BaristaMaker: should you buy it

Buy it if

You can't use a steam wand

Not all espresso machines have a wand, and not all coffee lovers can use one easily. The Dreo BaristaMaker means you can prepare milk simply, without the need to handle high-pressure steam.

You want to prepare different types of milk

Plant and dairy milks have different fat and protein contents, and the Dreo BaristaMaker's presets mean you don't have to adapt your frothing technique to suit them. Just set your preferences, pour in your milk, and press start.

Don't buy it if

You've mastered the steamer

Most of the best espresso machines have a steam wand; you'll get better results if you can use that to prepare your milk once you've got the knack.

You lack counter space

The Dreo BaristaMaker is relatively large for a milk frother. If space is at a premium in your kitchen, Instant makes several smaller devices, including the Instant Milk Frother and larger-capacity Instant Milk Frother Station, which can prepare enough milk for two beverages.

Dreo BaristaMaker: also consider

If you're not sure about the Dreo BaristaMaker, here are a couple of other options to think about

Smeg MFF11 Milk Frother

This premium milk frother is approximately the same size as the Dreo BaristaMaker, but has a retro look and a slightly larger capacity for stirring drinks. It can foam any type of milk, but doesn't have dedicated presets for plant-based beverages, so it may take some experimentation to learn what works best.

Instant Milk Frother Station

This frother isn't as stylish as the BaristaMaker, but has a larger maximum capacity that means it can prepare enough milk for two cappuccinos at once (ideal for couples at breakfast time). Like the Smeg MFF11, it can prepare hot or cold milk, but doesn't have separate options for non-dairy beverages.

How I tested the Dreo BaristaMaker

I tested the Dreo BaristaMaker using full-fat and semi-skimmed dairy milk, as well as soya, almond, oat, and coconut milks. I frothed each type using the BaristaMaker's flat white, latte, cappuccino, and hot and cold frothing settings, with the appropriate milk option selected. The only type of milk I didn't froth was half-and-half, which isn't available in the UK where I tested the machine.

I used the different frothed milks to pour latte art onto a double-shot espresso, and compared the results to milk foamed using the steam wand on a Gaggia Classic espresso machine. I used the BaristaMaker's cold foam and stir settings to prepare a protein shake using whey protein powder, with soya and almond milk, and compared this to the same drink prepared using a shaker cup.

My review unit was supplied with a US plug, so I used a step-down transformer to power it.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed August 2024

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