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This entry-level 3D printer performed so well in tests that it almost beat my favorite $1000+ machines
4:59 pm | February 17, 2025

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

The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is one of the new wave of CoreXY fully enclosed machines that I've reviewed this year, although this one is aimed directly at the entry-level market. Elegoo already has a decent history with this level of printer, with their Neptune printers being some of the most reliable on the market—if not the most well-known.

The main reasons for making the switch from the traditional bed slinger to the CoreXY machines is that they ensure high speed and accurate prints, and it's nice to see a printer of this type and quality come from Elegoo.

After removing the printer from the box, it only took around 10 minutes to get it set up and started with the first print. What really impressed me was the fact that it was so easy to use. It actually compared really well against the new Creality and Anycubic machines and, again, was just extremely fast and ran through its various self-checks faster than those competing machines.

While an initial check through the specifications showed that this is a slower printer than the new Creality K2 Plus or the S1 from Anycubic, when it came to general print speeds away from the standard test models, the Centauri Carbon actually outpaced them.

As I've seen with many of the best 3D printers, there's a lot of self-checking that goes on, so the auto bed levelling, strain gauge system, and other fail-safes all help to avoid misprints. It's nice to see a printer of this type coming out with its own integrated camera as a standard part of the machine, rather than an optional extra—the main thing here is that it will also print Carbon fill straight from the box, again without any additions.

The enclosed design enables plenty of material support, and through the test, I used PLA, PETG, as well as TPU and carbon fill, just to give the printer a full run of materials. With more advanced materials, having that enclosed build area does help with print quality, and when it comes to materials such as PLA, you can always pop the top of the machine to increase airflow.

Overall, while there's nothing groundbreaking about the Centauri Carbon, other than the amount of printer that you get for the price. When it comes to build quality, design, and ease of use, I have to say I've been extremely impressed. Although it remains a closed system, as an out-of-the-box and easy-to-use solution, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon is just a really well-thought-out and solid machine.

Elegoo Centauri Carbon: Price and Availability

The Elegoo Centauri Carbon can be purchased directly from the official Elegoo website as well as through major online retailers.

US: $299.99
UK: £299.99
EU: €329.99
CA: $449.99

  • Price and Availability: 5/5

Elegoo Centauri Carbon: Design

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D Printer review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The first thing I noticed when I lifted the Centauri Carbon out of the box was just how heavy it was for such a relatively small machine. The reason for this is that it has a completely integrated chassis, which helps boost stability, and certainly, for a machine of this type, it feels really solid. That solid build is carried across the entire design of this 3D printer, and it all feels really high-quality, with reinforced aluminium alloy pillars and stainless steel side panels. They all add weight but, again, add to that rigidity, which is needed for a CoreXY machine.

Looking over the machine, the overall build is good and solid, with a high-quality glass door at the front and a touchscreen for easy navigation and control of the machine. One of the pitfalls of this type of machine is that a door or top needs to be removed or opened when printing filaments such as PLA, and that's certainly a case here—some of the latest machines have started to incorporate other manual or automatic vent systems. Considering the price, the build and design is very high, so to not featuring a vent at this level isn't an issue. For a machine of this type, the display is just about standard at 4.3 inches, offering a full-colour screen that is nice and bright and extremely responsive.

Inside, due to the design of the machine, everything is neatly packed away, so it looks like a really refined 3D printer. It would have been considered premium had it been released a year ago, but now it sits just at the upper end of the entry-level price point. From the outset, it just seems like superb value for money, considering the quality and the number of features that you get.

There's a lot here that is reminiscent of the old bed-slinger Cartesian printers, so we have the large 256 × 256 × 256 mm print area, and as standard, there is a flexible magnetic build plate. This enables easy model removal when needed.

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D Printer review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

On the outside of the machine, you have your USB port so that you can transfer files offline to and from the machine, and the right-hand side of the machine features the filament holder, which is pretty standard and not enclosed. These days, it's more common to put your filament into a dry box of some type, and the design of this machine actually makes that next to impossible, so if a dry box is added, it will be an external module.

When it comes to the nozzle, there is a standard 0.4 mm option fitted by default, and as is now standard, this can be swapped and changed for a range of other diameter nozzles depending on the type of work you're doing. When it comes to the maximum temperature, this can reach up to 320°C—perfect for specialist materials—and there is plenty of flexibility over the adjustment of the temperature when needed. This is the Carbon model, so you guessed it, as standard out of the box, it's Carbon ready. Likewise, the bed temperature can also rise up to 110°C, again ideal for specialist materials.

  • Design: 4.5/5

Elegoo Centauri Carbon: Features

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D Printer review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Specs

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D Printer review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Build Volume: 256 × 256 × 256 mm
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (default)
Max Nozzle Temperature: 320°C
Max Bed Temperature: 110°C
Filament Compatibility: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PLA-CF, etc.
Printing Speed: ≤500 mm/s
Acceleration: 20,000 mm/s²
Slicing Software: ELEGOO Slicer, supports third-party slicers
Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
Display: 4.3-inch full-color touch screen
Power: 1100 W @ 220 V, 350 W @ 110 V

This is Elegoo's first CoreXY motion machine, and if we look at the quality of their previous 3D printers, this first launch sets a pretty good standard when it comes to entry-level machines of this type for others to follow.

Starting out with the build area, at 256 × 256 × 256 mm, this is big all things considered and will give you plenty of flexibility over the type of model that you print. When it comes to the actual size and weight of this machine, it measures 398 × 404 × 490 mm, which again really isn't that large for a machine of this type and build area. When you compare that with the traditional bed slinger, it actually takes up a lot less space. However, when it comes to weight, these machines are in a different league compared with the older bed-slinging Cartesian models and has a weight of 17.5 kg. So, despite that relatively small footprint, with the strength and quality of the construction, the weight of this machine is far greater.

Just taking a quick run-through of the tool head, and it's fitted with a 0.4 mm nozzle diameter, and this can be swapped out and changed for others. It's heated by a 60 W heater, which is quite powerful, meaning that the hot end will heat up quickly. Inside the tool head there's that filament cutter, which helps to avoid filament clogs but also lends to the belief that this is going to be a multifilament machine in the not-too-distant future, and as standard, it takes 1.75 mm filament—so good standards all around.

The build plate is a double-sided flexible magnetic plate, which again is pretty standard, and it can reach temperatures up to 110°C. Along with the nozzle's maximum temperature and the enclosed design of the machine, that will enable plenty of flexibility over the type of materials that you print.

The CoreXY kinematics enable several advantages over the previous Cartesian design. Primarily, they are a lot faster and also more accurate. When it comes to speed, it has a maximum tool head speed of 500 mm/s, which is impressive, and a maximum tool head acceleration of 20 m/s²—again, exceptionally fast. But as I've come to realise, speed isn't everything, and whilst it might not match up to the likes of the Creality K2 Plus or the Anycubic S1 with those speeds, the speed at which it does its self-checks and heats the hot end could make all the difference.

As we've seen with the likes of the Bambu Lab P1P and many other machines on the market, cooling is as important to print quality as heating, and Elegoo has really tackled this with a high-speed 5020 cooling fan, an internal enclosure cooling system, and an auxiliary cooling fan—all to help with the efficient cooling of models as they're being printed. In addition to cooling, there is also a filtration system, so if you are using toxic filament such as ABS, then the built-in nano mineral crystals should help to reduce the odours and particles coming out of the machine.

One of the touches that I really like is the built-in camera, which enables timelapse recording as well as monitoring. While this is possible on most modern machines, it isn't always the case that the camera is included as a standard part when you buy the kit, so it's great to see that it's standard for the Elegoo Centauri Carbon.

  • Features: 4.5/5

Elegoo Centauri Carbon: Performance

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D Printer review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Setting up the Elegoo Centauri Carbon took me around 10 minutes, with the most effort being lifting the 3D printer out of the box. The reason for this was that, while it looked small, it was actually surprisingly heavy, and I wasn't quite prepared for that weight. At 17.5 kg, it is about average for a CoreXY machine, but with its slightly smaller footprint than most, it was still a bit of a surprise.

Placing the printer onto a work surface, and it all looks extremely neat with assembly essentially consisting of plugging in the small LCD and removing all the packaging.

Switching it on, the printer ran through its setup process and auto-levelling, with all checks running through relatively quickly and smoothly. Feeding in the filament and following the load instructions, and all was complete.

Starting out, I ran a few of the test prints from Elegoo, and the machine quickly proved just how efficient and fast it could be. While this isn't the fastest 3D printer on paper, when it actually came to use, it seemed to be incredibly quick. Using the example 3DBenchy, it produced this in a little over 15 minutes, and to be honest, the quality of that print was really good.

As the test went on and I produced more prints, I became increasingly impressed with the precision and speed that the Elegoo Centauri Carbon was capable of when printing with a variety of different materials. One thing that really struck me was that, because of its size and quality of the physical machine's construction, there was very little vibration. Although it caused a little bit more noise than some, the speed at which it printed and the consistency and reliability it was capable of were really impressive.

Again, when it came to checking over those prints for print quality, there was little to fault. The test models showed that it handled negative space, overhangs, bridging, and dimensional accuracy exceedingly well.

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D Printer review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

This is the fourth 3D printer that I have looked at in as many weeks that shows complete separation between the older Cartesian printers that I was reviewing a year ago and this new wave of CoreXY machines. The main thing here is that the Elegoo Centauri Carbon is far cheaper than many of its rivals.

When reviewing this machine, you can't help but make comparisons with the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, which sits side by side with it on the workbench. The Elegoo Carbon actually takes the lead, mainly due to the time it takes to do its safety checks and the speed at which the nozzle gets up to temperature. Otherwise, when it comes to actual print quality, both are actually very similar. I would say that while they compete, the X1 Carbon is still a more premium machine and, in the long run, is the better machine, but considering the price of the Centauri Carbon, it gives the X1 Carbon a run for it's money.

  • Performance: 4.5 / 5

Elegoo Centauri Carbon: Final verdict

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D Printer review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

It's incredible how far things can come in a year, with the Elegoo Centauri Carbon really being a competitor against the far more expensive Bambu Lab X1 Carbon. The print size is exactly the same, but with the Elegoo Centauri Carbon, you have those faster speeds due to the fact that the nozzle gets up to temperature really quickly, spends less time doing safety checks, and, ultimately—no doubt due to the rigid, high-quality build—it seems to be incredibly reliable.

The more I used the Centauri Carbon, the more I could see how this design has developed. What Elegoo has done is focus on the quality of the print and the hardware of the machine to ensure that it's able to compete in an increasingly competitive and advanced market.

I recently looked at the Anycubic S1, and that machine was capable of producing some of the most accurate prints that I've ever seen from a 3D printer of its type and price range. While printing some specialist materials, the S1 does require a nozzle upgrade. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon, however, comes ready and equipped to print with carbon fibre materials straight out of the box, and there is no other machine at present in this price range that can do that.

Its main competitor is really the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, but with that model costing over £1,000, there's a huge difference in price. So if you are looking to print with carbon fibre materials, whereas a few weeks ago I would have recommended the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon without a doubt, now you're spoilt for choice with the X1 Carbon, Original PRUSA Core One or now this ultra-cheap entry-level Elegoo Centauri Carbon.

Should you buy the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?

Buy it if...

You want an outstanding printer

This smallish CoreXY machine pitches itself at a level that is well beyond it's price point. The build is outstanding, and the quality of prints and speed absolutely excels.

You want outstanding prints

While speed is the core of these new machines, dial down the pace and the print quality, utilising a huge variety of prints, including carbon, is outstanding.

Don't buy it if...

You need multifilament now

Although it looks like eveything is in place for multifilament printing, at launch this is a single filament machine.

You want to print at scale

While the build area is pretty good, there are plenty of machines that are now offering 300mmx300mmx300mm build areas.


For more 3D printing devices, I've also tested and reviewed the best 3D printers for miniatures and the best hobby 3D printers.

Attention software devs – BenQ has created this business monitor specifically for you
10:48 am |

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

As a company, BenQ has been heading up and to the right for years. They crushed it with the monitor light bar and showed they could also dominate the monitor market. Then, they made dedicated monitor line-ups, some for coding, some for business, and some that are just great monitors for the masses.

The BenQ RD320UA is just a continuation of that greatness, but not in a boring way. In my humble opinion, it is in the running for the best monitor for programming on the market. But what makes this so incredible is that though it's a "coding monitor," I'd be thrilled to use it as a business monitor and never show a line of code. It's that good.

Granted, it's not the best monitor for photo editing and definitely not the best video editing monitor either. Most likely, though it would be good, it's not built for that. Nor is this built for gaming due to the 60Hz limitation. But, outside of creative or high graphical intensity needs, this monitor is incredible.

It has outstanding IO, a built-in KVM, a built-in backlight to help with eye strain, and specialized coding modes to help with eye training and clarity of code, helping supercharge your coding sessions without needing anything but this great monitor.

BenQ RD320UA: Price and Availability

Depending on the reseller or retailer, this monitor ranges from $650 to $700. It is more premium, but it's for a good reason. You can buy this monitor without needing or even wanting an upgrade for quite some time. Plus, its build quality and feature set are tremendous benefits.

If you're a programmer with multiple computers, perhaps personal and work, now with this monitor, you won't need a KVM. Plus, if you're a programmer and work at night or in the dark, with the RD320UA, you won't need a backlight as this will help illuminate behind the monitor, helping with strain. Lastly, it has an ergo arm built in, meaning you don't need a separate monitor arm.

You can purchase this monitor from BenQ's website, Amazon, and other retailers.

BenQ RD320UA

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

BenQ RD320UA: Unboxing and First Impressions

The box for this monitor was shockingly thick, but then I remembered I got the model with the Ergo arm, which made more sense with how dense it was. The box all together was packaged fairly efficiently and had two main layers. The first layer had all the cables, documentation, and the ergo arm pieces. The bottom layer housed the panel itself.

The Ergo arm was super easy to set up, with a simple rubber-enforced twist clamp that I threw on the edge of my desk and then tightened down. There were no extra steps to assemble anything, grab and go. Then, I added the ergo arm piece that connects to the mount and the mounting piece that connects to the monitor itself.

BenQ RD320UA

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The power cable easily tucked away into the cable management that's built into the Ergo Arm, but the USB-C that came with the monitor was a tad short for what I was wanting, so I left that out for now so I could plug my MacBook Pro into the front of the monitor and get a stacked setup working.

The first moment I plugged into this monitor, I was blown away by the Nano Matte panel's clarity and beauty. The clarity is remarkable, and the lack of glare is also huge.

Thanks to the ergo arm, I could position the monitor exactly how I wanted it to and get to work with incredible flexibility and ability. The Ergo arm didn't feel weak, but rather, it was high-quality and firm.

BenQ RD320UA

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

BenQ RD320UA: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Screen Size: 31.5 inches
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
Panel Type: Nano Matte
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Connectivity: USB Type-C, HDMI, DisplayPort
Ergonomics: Adjustable Ergo Arm (height, tilt, swivel)

This monitor all around is a classic BenQ monitor. It's high quality, sleek, gorgeous, and has excellent ports. The monitor is made with premium materials. The Ergonomic arm is a fantastic feature that I wish more monitors included. BenQ's ergo arm is excellent all around. I hope it was longer on the top arm, but that could be me used to a full-blown, dedicated monitor arm I've used for years.

The Ergo arm on this BenQ display allows easy pivoting and rotation, enabling you to switch the monitor to portrait mode effortlessly. It also offers height adjustment, panning, tilting, and movement to the left and right. This feature is quite impressive. The core of the Ergo arm allows for twisting, providing maximum mobility.

The entire monitor is impressive, but the standout feature must be the built-in MoonHalo light ring in the back's mounting area. Surrounding the circular disc mounting plate is an entire LED light strip with a diffuser integrated into the monitor. This light can be easily turned on and off, offering complete temperature control. Additionally, built-in quick buttons allow you to display the light strip on the top and sides or for a full 360-degree effect.

What's particularly convenient is that this can be controlled through the complementary DisplayPilot 2 app, enabling you to make adjustments without reaching behind the monitor, asking Google to turn on the light strip, or fumbling with your phone to hit a button in another app. Everything can be managed directly from your mouse and keyboard through your computer. If the goal for usability is a frictionless experience, sign me up for DisplayPilot 2 because that app could not be more straightforward to use, and the fact that it can now help me turn on bright lights in my monitor, too, is just incredible.

BenQ RD320UA

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

BenQ RD320UA: In use

When I got this monitor, I was thrilled to set it up. Because I am testing other accessories on my main monitor setup, I threw this display on my secondary desk setup in my studio. I hoped to get a reasonable amount of time with this monitor, but I did not expect to be drawn to this display even when my main display is also a newer BenQ and is gorgeous.

The Nano Matte Panel enhances everything on display, and even in a room that doesn't have a ton of reflections or bright light glares or anything like that, I find my eyes feel like they are resting when looking at this display. They can lock in on what I am doing so quickly.

While I am not a professional engineer and work in code all day, I do have a few scripts I run weekly to do some back-end work for one of the companies I support. I was skeptical of the "coding mode" on this display, but I can say that it made a difference with readability. I wouldn't know that having this coding mode viewing option is an absolute must if you work with code, but if I did work with code daily, I would turn this feature on if I had it. So take that as you will.

BenQ RD320UA

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The MoonHalo was super easy to play with and utilize. I love having lights behind my monitor, but nothing too crazy. Since I am still rocking the original BenQ Halo Plus lightbar (that still uses USB-A and Micro-USB, along with a wired puck if that gives any indication of age) at my main desk setup, I moved my desk to be in front of some Govee Glide Hexa Pro light panels that I had already set up on a wall. Now, I keep these on a warm glow, paired with a lamp from Vari on a set of drawers from Vari, and my desk has one LED light strip I keep on cooler white for a nice contrast.

BenQ RD320UA

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

With the RD320UA, I'd be able to and would desire to negate the Govee panels and one of the lamps; I'd use the backlight and add a monitor light bar, and my whole setup would be ready to go lighting-wise. The MoonHalo makes it super easy to reduce eye strain at night by adding some backlight so the contrast isn't so intense, and it has an auto mode, so you don't even have to think about it. In addition to helping with your eyes, having the backlight turned on makes the whole area feel more elevated without needing extra accessories.

BenQ RD320UA

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

One remarkable feature of this monitor is its built-in KVM switch, which makes it incredibly easy to switch between devices. I use several devices throughout the day, though most would probably have a work and personal computer. This monitor can connect to two devices, and with the press of a button, it allows you to swap your USB-connected keyboard and mouse (or use a Bluetooth receiver/dongle) from one computer to another, all while displaying the new computer on the screen. KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse, and that's exactly what this function switches. Usually, if I have needed something like this in the past, I use a Logitech Keyboard and mouse that have multiple connections and then manually switch the input, but with the KVM built-in, I can now do this without any friction.

BenQ RD320UA

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

BenQ RD320UA: Final verdict

The BenQ RD320UA offers a compelling package for software developers, engineers, or business professionals in general, prioritizing eye comfort, screen clarity, and ergonomic design. While it isn't designed for gaming or streaming, its coding-focused features justify the premium price for professionals who code extensively.


For more dev tools, we reviewed the best laptops for programming.

I reviewed this high-performance office chair and it’s not just comfortable, it’s especially good for bigger and taller users
9:57 pm | February 16, 2025

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

The Flexispot C7 Pro Max ergonomic Office Chair continues the C7 legacy of chairs that has performed very well in the last few years. I've tried out the C7 and the C7 Lite; both have been excellent chairs.

Like many of the best office chairs from the company, the C7 Pro Max is designed to showcase the best of what Flexispot offers within not only this C7 line-up but also its entire catalog.

Flexispot C7 Pro Max: Price and Availability

The C7 Pro Max is Flexispot's most premium chair, priced at $799.99, but it is currently discounted at the time of writing this down to $599.99 on official website (check it out by clicking here). The C7 Pro Max comes in a light grey or a black colorway, with a matching seat color.

While you may be able to find this chair through some other retailers, it's worth noting that Flexispot runs deals fairly regularly on their site, making the products even more accessible.

Flexispot C7 Pro Max

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Flexispot C7 Pro Max: Unboxing and First Impressions

The C7 Pro Max came in a box like the other Flexispot chairs I reviewed. The packaging keeps everything secure, yet it's easy to unbox. Assembling the C7 Pro Max took around 27 minutes and was straightforward. The instructions were clear, the parts were easy to find and distinguish, and everything went together quickly.

At first glance, this chair looks a lot like the Flexispot C7 and Flexispot C7 Lite that I have previously checked out. It has a similar shape; you can tell it's part of the same design language. However, some things stick out as upgraded. First, the lovely design on the back "spine" of the chair, the controls are slightly modified, the leg rest is slightly changed, and the lumbar support is somewhat different. The rest looks very similar, just making the changes needed and learning from the success of the C7 Ergonomic Chair. What's great, and what matters, is that this chair is still fantastic; it's comfortable, it's premium feeling, it's sleek and professional, and it's great for all-day comfort.

Flexispot C7 Pro Max

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Flexispot C7 Pro Max: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Weight capacity: 330 lbs.
Height range: Recommended for users 5’9” to 6’11”.
Recline angle: Adjustable to 135 degrees.
Base: Aluminum alloy for durability.
Warranty: 10 years.

The Flexispot C7 Pro Max is constructed with a high-quality mesh seat that allows both support and comfort, all while allowing for ventilation for those who get a little warm in their posterior during the day if they are sitting in a leather seat, for example, that doesn't breathe. The most prominent feature of this chair is the dramatic lumbar support. While this feature is aggressive-looking, it's comfortable. I could dial in just how much resistance I wanted, and once I could pick that amount, I hadn't touched it since.

The last element worth mentioning is the metal base. Some chairs have a plastic base where the wheels connect to the piston that holds the chair up (and usually changes the chair's height too). However, the C7 Pro Max has a metal base, which adds to the frame's comfort and quality build design.

Flexispot C7 Pro Max: In use

The Flexispot C7 Pro Max has been a fantastic chair in my rotation for several months. In that time, I've gotten comfortable dialing in every setting just as I want for maximum comfort while working. While having a lot of adjustability is excellent, you do have to spend the time to set it up; otherwise, there's no point in choosing a nice ergonomic chair compared to a simple, no-adjustment dining chair, for example.

The C7 Pro Max has a gravity-sensing chassis that auto-adjusts based on weight, though this works better for those that 200lb plus, or perhaps it's just more noticeable. I've had friends and peers of many weights and heights check out this chair to see how well it worked for everyone. For those under 200 and under 6 feet tall, this is comfortable and even good. But this is an excellent chair from my little testing group for those a bit bigger and a bit taller. Even my son loves it.

The only issue is that he's five-years-old and skin and bones, meaning he doesn't come anywhere close to even the minimal weight suggestion from Flexispot, nor the height range -- though he does still love running down to my office to jump in this chair pretty much every chance he gets. For reference, I am about 6'2" tall and 210lb. For me, this chair feels great, and like it's designed for me in mind. I had a friend who is around 280lb and 6'4" sit in this chair and his immediate response was to exhale and smile -- in a good way.

Flexispot C7 Pro Max

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The backrest is great; the armrests are stiff enough that I don't find myself falling to my doom after leaning on them and having them give out on me like has happened on other chairs. But, at the same time, I can adjust them to whatever setting I want to give me the armrest relief I am looking for. The leg rest is nice, too, though I feel like I need to lean back actively or adjust my legs just right to lean back while my legs are up too, that could be my build. Someone built differently than me may experience different proportions, making leaning back with the footrest easier.

For the past several months, this has been a great chair; through all my stress testing, early mornings, and long hours in this chair, It still looks as good as new and functions as though it's brand new. If you're looking for a new, high-quality office chair without paying the ultra-premium pricing of some of these chairs, the C7 Pro Max might be the chair you're looking for.

Flexispot C7 Pro Max

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Flexispot C7 Pro Max: Final verdict

The FlexiSpot C7 Pro Max is a remarkable ergonomic chair designed for users who prioritize comfort and adjustability. While the price tag might be on the higher side, the build quality and extensive features make this a fantastic option, especially if you are taller and a bit bigger. This chair is an excellent representation of what makes the C7 line-up a great choice from Flexispot.


For more office space essentials, we tested the best standing desks and best office desks.

This might just be one of my favorite everyday chairs for every workspace I’ve ever reviewed
7:54 pm |

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

It's not any secret that I have tested many, many, many chairs. I rotate through them like some people rotate through socks. It's thrilling, and sometimes chairs rotate through, and I can't distinguish them from one another. Some stick around, some rotate through and get swapped out with the newest and shiniest chair that I need to put to the test.

The Autonomous line of Ergonomic chairs break that mold for me. Back in July of 2023, I reviewed the A72 ErgoChair Pro, and since that review, I have had this chair at one of my workstations exclusively. I can work in several workspaces throughout the week without wasting time diving into them. At one of these spaces, I have a desk setup that the A72 has lived at for a year and a half now, amidst all of the other fantastic chairs coming in and out that I have loved (most of them). There is something about the A72 ErgoChair Pro that became a baseline for me. Everyone of the best office chairs I reviewed was compared to that one for my chair at that desk. It became such a good base that I realized it was a good chair. I didn't see a chair surpassing or replacing it until I unboxed the Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh, which seems to be a perfected ErgoChair Pro at first glance.

Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh: Price and Availability

The Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh has two purchasing options. First, if you are "Buying for the Home," the price is $599, discounted to $549 for a limited time. However, if you are "Buying for the Office" or in bulk, you can grab a nice quantity discount of $507.82 per unit. You can grab the ErgoChair Mesh from the Autonomous website by clicking here and other select retailers.

Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh: Unboxing and First Impressions

The Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh arrives in a well-packaged box, ensuring that all parts are protected during shipping. There are clear labels and organized parts once unboxing, making the assembly process a dream. It took me about 22 minutes with a HOTO Electric screwdriver to put everything together correctly.

I immediately noticed that this chair resembles my favorite A72 ErgoChair Pro from my office. This model is an upgrade, enhancing some features while maintaining others that I love.

Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Materials: Ultra Air Mesh
Color Options: Black and gray.
Weight Capacity: Supports up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
Dimensions:
• Seat Height: 18–21 inches (adjustable).
• Seat Width: 20 inches.
• Backrest Height: 22 inches.
Warranty: 2 years.

The Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh is a very sleek and minimalist chair offered in the two most basic colors possible, and only those colors -- black and grey. This makes everything a lot easier on the warehouse side of things and is a premium choice, showing that there are only professional colorways.

The lightweight frame is robust and durable, leaving plenty of room to let air flow through the mesh seat.

This mesh seat is designed to keep you comfortable, even if you sweat during the workday. Those of us who run warm throughout the day appreciate such a design.

Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh: In use

The Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh has lived up to the hype. By this point, you've heard me ramble on about how great it is; it's an upgrade to a chair that even someone like me, who has access to many chairs, has held onto for two years. So, I won't go into the Ultra Air Mesh micro-mesh fabric that enhances airflow and prevents sticky discomfort for those with a lot of moisture that collects in the posterior region of the body. Nor will I dive into the nine adjustment points, including recline angle, seat height, armrest positions, lumbar cushions and more. Lastly, it's not worth diving into the fascinating and one-of-a-kind 2:1 synchro-tilt mechanism that ensures balanced support between the back and seat, ultimately focusing on reducing strain to the lower body with the integrated lumbar.

This chair is excellent. It has just enough bells and whistles to keep those with a squirrel-like attention span when it comes to flashy new gear while not being so complex that you need a manual to sit down, only to feel like you're in a complex chair that rivals an F1 Jet. The backrest is like nothing I have experienced before. I can lean back along with my seat leaning back, which provides support I never knew I needed until I felt it for the first time. Additionally, the seat on the ErgoChair Mesh is wildly supportive while not adding any pressure points to my body. I can sit in this chair for 9 hours plus (and sadly, I have tested this theory). Part of this is because of all of the adjustment features; part of this is because of how fine-tuned you can make these adjustments. Some chairs have a tight or loose adjustment for the back tension. For this chair, for example, I can rotate a little wheel, much like the crank of an old car window when you have to roll it up or down, to fine-tune just how I want my backrest to be.

Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh: Final verdict

The Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh is a thoughtfully designed ergonomic chair that excels in performance, comfort, and style. While it comes at a premium price, its features justify the investment for those prioritizing quality and health. If you’re seeking a chair to enhance your work-from-home or office setup, this could be your next upgrade.


Make your workspace more comfortable with the best standing desks and best office desks we've reviewed.

The EcoFlow Delta Plus 3 might just be the next generation of portable power for me
9:57 pm | February 15, 2025

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

The EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus builds on the success of the Delta 2, featuring the latest LiFePO4 battery technology for enhanced durability, safety, and performance. This portable power station is designed for users seeking a versatile power solution for various scenarios. While it excels as an all-around device, significant upgrades in design, an excellent array of ports, and an ideal size for portability make this model stand out.

Having spent considerable time working with the best portable power stations, the Delta 3 Plus is nearly perfect for most users' needs. Although it's not large enough to comfortably power an entire house—something EcoFlow does offer with larger models designed for whole-home backup systems—it's intended for easy transport, or dare I say, to be portable. It's perfect for camping, use at a cabin, providing power around a warehouse, enhancing a work truck's capabilities by adding outlets and power, working as your primary power solution for living or working out of a vehicle, and converting solar energy into usable power, among other applications.

EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus: Price and Availability

EcoFlow offers the Delta 3 Plus for $799 on their site, but it is currently on sale at the time of writing this for $649, making it an even better deal. While this price gets you a Delta 3 Plus, you could also pick up accessories to expand the capabilities of the power station, such as extra batteries, solar panels, a dual-fuel smart generator, alternator chargers, and more.

EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus: Unboxing and First Impressions

The EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus came in a simple box with the essential cables to recharge via AC and DC. Unboxing was incredibly easy; I just pulled the power station and cables out of the box and was good to go. Right away, I remember smiling when I saw the size and port offering, knowing that this was the perfect size for most. Even the design is sleek, modern, and super simple -- in the best way. This power station can easily blend in and fit in most situations, and I have found plenty of scenarios to use this. Thanks to the port layout, the dual handles, and the shape of this unit, I have been able to fit the Delta 3 Plus into many workflows and scenarios without needing to change how I do things -- but more on that later.

EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Capacity: 1024Wh
Cycle Life: 4000 cycles to 80%
Outputs: 6 AC (1800W continuous, 3600W surge), 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 1 car port, and 2 DC5521 ports
Charging Options: AC (1500W), solar (500W), car (800W), or smart generator.

The EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus has a sturdy plastic casing around the IP65-Rated battery. There are integrated cooling systems that ensure optimal performance even when I put a lot of strain on this power station. Additionally, the LED display helps provide clear metrics crucial for performance. This shows battery level, output levels, time left under the current load, etc. This information is also readily displayed on the app; you can connect to it via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus: In use

I've had quite a bit of fun testing this all around my office, in my Jeep, on the road, in the yard, and the workplace. First of all, it's worth noting that in addition to being a great power station, this is also a seamless UPS with a 10ms switchover time, meaning it can be relied on for even critical devices that cannot lose power or have any downtime. With this in mind, I tested it a few times and simulated my power outage. My router could stay powered on without any blips, the same as my modem, computer, monitor, lights, and anything else I had plugged into it.

I recently built a giant playhouse/swingset in my backyard with my father. We had to keep drill batteries charged to swap to new ones during this time. With the Delta 3 Plus, I could have power out at the job site without running a crazy long extension cord from my house.

Another area I have been using the Delta 3 Plus is as a UPS and power station for my home office. Thanks to that 10ms switchover time, I have been more than confident to trust this to run things such as my Wi-Fi router and modem, my main workstation, which has a monitor, my chargers to keep all my gear juiced up, my Plex Server, my Synology Bee Station that holds a backup of my client data, my Apple TV, and more. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus can power it easily, pulling whatever power it needs off the wall to transfer to my gear and keep my vital tech running. Additionally, if the power goes out, it can keep my gear running for the duration of the battery (which would vary in time based on what I have plugged in) while staying quiet and without dropping power to my essential devices.

EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus: Final verdict

The EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus strikes an excellent balance between power, portability, and advanced features. While limited accessory compatibility may deter some users, its rapid charging, robust construction, and quiet operation make it a top choice for diverse power needs. Whether you're an adventurer, a homeowner preparing for outages, or a professional requiring portable energy, this power station delivers dependable performance.


For more portable power, we tested out the best laptop power banks.

Stylish, comfortable, and professional, for my money this executive office chair means business – but with one major flaw
7:37 pm |

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

Eureka Ergonomic is a company I had not heard of until about a year ago. I've gotten to know them better. I've had the opportunity to try out the Eureka Ark standing desk and the Eureka Serene ergonomic office chair. Both have been great and have given a great insight into Eureka Ergonomic as a company.

Both of those products have shown me that Eureka Ergonomic is a company that cares about making premium products that are just as beautiful pieces as they are functional. To put it another way, you wouldn't find Eureka creating the classic and infamous cube shelf system sold at every budget store. But they would make a gorgeous bookshelf system out of walnut. While their gear looks premium and high-quality, they also want to reach the cheaper product market. For example, this is a premium leather chair, but it's currently on sale for only $400. It's slightly different from a lot of the best office chairs I've reviewed - but that's arguably part of its charm.

Eureka Ergonomic Royal Executive: Price and Availability

The Eureka Ergonomic Royal Microfiber Leather Executive Office Chair is sold for $700 on their website and is currently on sale for $400.

Eureka sells the Royal through its website (click here), Amazon, and select retailers. The Eureka Royal is available now and has four "interest-free installment" options via Shop Pay for those who need an option other than paying full price.

Eureka Ergonomic Royal

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Eureka Ergonomic Royal Executive: Unboxing and First Impressions

The Royal Microfiber Leather Executive Office Chair came well-packaged with secure padding to prevent any damage to the chair. Eureka included any necessary tools for assembly (such as the hex key) within the box, helping to ensure that my assembly time was around 12 minutes without any hiccups or issues.

At first glance, after the assembly was complete, this chair looked a bit bougie, but then I remembered the price and realized it was very nice for the price. It looks great and is my first time sitting in the chair; it's comfortable all around.

Granted, the armrests are not what I am used to with ergonomic chairs, nor is there any lumbar support, but this one is wonderful for a padded side leather chair.

Eureka Ergonomic Royal

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Eureka Ergonomic Royal Executive: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Material: Microfiber Leather
Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Seat Height: 19.3" - 22.4"
Backrest Recline: 98° - 130°
Armrests: Fixed
Tilt Mechanism: None (limited rocking function)
Headrest: Adjustable
Warranty: 2 years (upholstery), 3 years (other parts)

Most ergonomic office chairs have a very similar look. They distinguish themselves with certain features, upgrades, fancier armrests or headrests, etc. The Eureka Ergonomic Royal, however, has a very different look. It stands out among all of my other ergonomic office chairs easily. Part of this distinguishability is because of the leather, part of it is because of the lack of a headrest, and part of it is because of the built-in and non-adjustable armrests that are solid and like a wall to the chair and not just an armrest on the arm... that the arm rest rests on...

Regardless of its stand-out design, the Royal has a lovely touch to it. There's a big difference between the old-school, dated, and fake leather executive chairs that are (thankfully) going away slowly but surely and the high quality, or "premium faux leather," of today. Yes, they're both fake leather. However, the quality of the material itself is significantly better here. I don't feel my legs sticking to the chair, nor my arms. I don't feel cold when I sit on it for the first time, and I don't feel like it will make me sweat an absurd amount.

Eureka Ergonomic Royal Executive: In use

My team has had this chair in our rotation of chairs for a few months now. At this time, the chair still looks brand new, even though we have used it rigorously. After hours upon hours of use, the plush cushioning still feels very comfortable even for extended use. Additionally, the faux leather I talked about earlier still feels cool without being cold, reducing sweat build-up or sticking to bare skin. The armrests are comfortable, though I do wish I could move them around sometimes. But, then again, when I look at this chair I am not shocked that the armrests don't move, becuase they aren't supposed to. Further, the lumbar support is lacking, though I don't feel pain when I use this chair for long hours, but rather just not supported and relieved in my lower back.

This chair is great for those who are looking for this style chair. If you are looking for an office chair that doesn't look like it's a piece of technology in and of itself, like a lot of the modern office chairs do, then this chair is a fantastic option. If you like the vibe of the classic leather executive office chairs but you don't want the discomfort that came with those, then this chair is for you.

Eureka Ergonomic Royal

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Eureka Ergonomic Royal Executive: Final verdict

The Eureka Royal Executive Office Chair gives off a luxury chair kind of feel, making it a perfect addition to both home offices and high-end executive spaces. Crafted with attention to detail, this chair boasts a sleek design and robust construction that ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. However, potential buyers who prioritize ergonomic features may find its lack of lumbar support and limited adjustability somewhat of a problem. These missing pieces could cause discomfort during long hours of work, making it essential for those who value optimal ergonomic benefits to consider their needs carefully.


For more workspace essentials, we've tested out the best standing desks and best office desks.

Forget Google Nest – the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro is my new favorite mesh Wi-Fi system
10:02 pm | February 14, 2025

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

The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro is an impressive mesh Wi-Fi system that works in large spaces, can easily connect up to 200 devices, and has some pretty impressive features. As Wi-Fe 6E adoption continues to grow, and some manufacturers are even up to a Wi-Fi 7, mesh systems like the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro offer incredible wireless speeds and stability for users in a very accessible fashion. This system is easy to set up, can stretch to 7,200 sq. feet of coverage without a problem, and boasts a 2.5GbE port.

I've been running this system at my home/home studio/home office for the last few months to get comfortable with how well it operates. I've had a few hiccups, but this Wi-Fi system has been a massive upgrade from my previous Google Nest Wi-Fi mesh Wi-Fi routers (one of the best Wi-Fi mesh systems for everyday use) and has brought some enhancements I now cannot live without.

Like many people post-COVID, I work from home quite a bit. And, when I am not working from home, I still have things like my client server through Synology's BeeStation, my Plex Server, and other processes running on a Mac Mini Server I have in my home office that I need to access. All this and more can run easily in my 1990s house without ethernet cables running through my walls -- but more on this later.

TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro: Price and Availability

The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro comes in a couple of options: a two-pack and a three-pack offering. The two-pack is rated at 5,500 sq. ft. and usually sells for around $400. My three-pack variant covers up to 7,200 sq. ft. and usually retails for around $600. You can pick this up at Amazon, Best Buy, or through TP-Link's official website by clicking here.

TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro: Unboxing and First Impressions

I'm a fan of minimalist tech. I like things to be simple and sleek. I also like things to work well. When I first opened the Deco XE75 Pro box, I was happy to see that the router was a sleep and sharp white dome that did not look bad. I've never been a fan of the black spider-looking routers that were so popular for so long, which is partially why I had stuck with a Google Nest Mesh Wi-Fi system for so long up until now. The units are compact and well-designed, with a beautifully designed point and an easy line of ports on the back, running up the height of the cylindrical design. The nodes, if you will, are all identical, meaning it's super easy to grab one and have it be the central unit -- something I later realized I could also change in the app if I needed to.

In the box comes the nodes, power adapters, and an ethernet cable to connect whichever node you want to be the primary node to your modem. The setup was super easy. I downloaded the companion app and followed the instructions. I had everything operational in a matter of 10 minutes at most.

TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Wi-Fi Speeds:
6 GHz: 2402 Mbps
5 GHz: 2402 Mbps
2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps

Dimensions (W×D×H):
4.1 × 4.1 × 6.7 in (105 × 105 × 169 mm)

Included:
3 Deco XE75 Pro units
1 RJ45 Ethernet cable
3 Power adapters
1 Quick Installation Guide

The design of the XE75 Pro is simple and aesthetically pleasing. Normally, I hide away my routers, but in two instances in my house, I have left them out in the open. One was on purpose, and the other was because I didn't need to hide it. These nodes stand about 6.7 inches tall and 4.1 inches wide and are cylindrical. They have a matte white finish with a black top, and the ports are all located on one side, running up the node's height. There is a 2.5Gbe WAN port, 2x 1GbE LAN ports, a power jack, and a reset button. One thing to note that's missing is any USB ports; however, this was not a huge loss for my use case. I've had them in the past, and they are helpful, but with my Synology BeeStation and Mac mini server, I didn't miss it in this rendition of my home office setup.

TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro: In use

I could get into a spec sheet and talk for a few hundred words about the performance of this router, but that wouldn't be as exciting as talking about my real-life use case. I set this router up several months ago, and it works well. I could connect with all my devices in my home and office as I needed to. The Wi-Fi was solid, I could reach my correct speeds, and the stability was pretty good. Nothing incredible and nothing terrible. That was until I dug into what this router could do, and everything changed for me.

One day, when I was contemplating running CAT 6 through the walls of my 1990s house so I could get both a more stable internet connection for my work and a wired connection to test some PCs that were in the queue that didn't have Wi-Fi antennas built in (shocking, I know), I remembered the ethernet ports on the back of the router that was sitting on my desk looking like a modern art piece. After some basic research, I learned that this could serve not just as ports on the central unit but could be something I plug a device into on the points connected over Mesh and connect as though I was wired to my modem.

When I figured this out, I took things a step further and bought a small network switch that I mounted under my desk (photo below). Now, I had multiple ports that I could connect to and get a stable internet connection, even without having a Wi-Fi antenna or relying on Wi-Fi. This was perfect for my BeeStation, my old Mac Mini Server (that I'm shocked is still kicking it, even without a reliable Wi-Fi antenna), and some smart home access points (Phillips Hue, Flic, etc). Next up, I wanted to make my connection as perfect as possible. At this time, my central unit was behind a Christmas tree and started having some issues. So, I looked it up; sure enough, Christmas trees can cause interference. So, I moved my main router to a different part of my living room and voila, I had a near-perfect connection to my other two access points running full Wi-Fi channels for 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz connecting to nearly 80 devices at any given time (yes, my house has a lot of smart technology). The Deco app also has a built-in optimizer to help with this; with one click, I could change the channels to cause less interference, strengthening my network even more.

Having those ethernet ports on the back of my points and being able to act as an extension from the central unit has been something I didn't know I needed, but now, legitimately, I cannot live without it. It has allowed me to connect even dated or limited devices to blazing-fast internet without having to poke holes in my walls and traverse between floorboards to bring a CAT6 Ethernet cable from my main floor down across the footprint of my home to my basement home office/studio. Further, it has helped me speed up my testing process, allowing me to run updates and download testing software without having to take another step to connect to my Wi-Fi manually. I can plug into a " wired " dock to my modem, and I'm automatically connected to the internet.

Another massive win for the Deco XE75 Pro Wi-Fi system is that I can have my own built-in VPN to connect back to my home network without paying some absurd fee or having some crazy tech added to my network. I could set this up with limited knowledge of VPN creation and only a few minutes. Now, anywhere in the world, I can connect to my home network and access printers, local cameras, local storage, computers on my home network, and so on.

Lastly, if I did want to pay, I could get a host of AI-enhanced features that TP-Link has that could give me even more ability through this incredible router.

TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro: Final verdict

The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro is an excellent Wi-Fi 6E mesh system for those seeking high-speed, low-latency performance with wide coverage. The AI-driven mesh technology and seamless roaming make it ideal for large spaces with multiple devices, and the extra ethernet ports allow the ability to turn a wireless network into a place to plug in wired devices. While it lacks USB ports and some security features require a paid subscription, its performance, ease of use, and future-proofed design make it one of the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh options available.


For more for home networking, we reviewed the best Wi-Fi routers around.

G Data Total Security review
10:58 am | February 11, 2025

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

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

If your priority is to stay safe, there are two good reasons to choose G Data Total Protection: its twin malware detection engines. G Data combines its own engine with Bitdefender’s, which is also a reliable performer, helping to keep those detection scores high.

It’s better known in its native Germany than in the UK, which is why it isn’t tested so widely; the UK-based SE Labs doesn’t test G Data, and even in AV-Test (based in Austria) we had to go back to February 2023 for results, where it provided 100% protection.

AV-Comparatives is based in Germany and unsurprisingly covers G Data much more frequently, and here it provided a strong set of scores, albeit not the best. Most recently, it returned a solid 99.6% protection rating with eight false positives. That’s just short of the clean sweep we saw last year, but if you’d spent the past 12 months using G Data then it’s very unlikely you will have experienced a malware infection.

AV-test badges

(Image credit: Future)

There’s no shortage of scan options if you’re concerned. You can run or schedule a full malware scan, or scan specific files or directories, your computer’s memory and startup processes, removable media, and also check for rootkits. Other options under Virus Protection allow you to access quarantined files or burn a bootable rescue image to a CD or USB drive.

G Data Total Protection’s features haven’t changed in any major way since last year’s review, which is both good and bad. For example, it’s good that you’re prompted to install a plugin for Edge, but you’ll find references to Internet Explorer scattered throughout the G Data suite. Indeed, parts of the application feel oriented towards Windows operating systems that have been end-of-life for years, and include extra features that cater to older PC hardware configurations. Discontinued browsers, apps and web services appear in configuration settings and additional software tools, though the disk defragmenter at least automatically excludes drives that it detects to be SSDs. You can override this, but we strongly advise against it.

As we observed last year, the parental controls include an option to block all SSL sites, otherwise known as most of the modern internet. They otherwise work as you’d expect, but that’s still not as helpful as Microsoft Family Safety, unless you’d rather not create Microsoft accounts for your children. G Data’s password manager is particularly poor, minimally documented, and still only has plugins for Google Chrome and Internet Explorer. Use a dedicated password manager instead.

Desktop screenshot of G Data Total Security

G Data is quirky but effective when it comes to malware protection (Image credit: Future)

More sensibly, as many people are still on modest internet connections and need as few delays to their downloads as possible, only downloads of up to 10MB are checked by the G Data Web protection tool by default. The files will also be checked once they’ve been downloaded, but if you’ve got a fast PC and internet connection to match, you might want to disable this option.

G Data’s firewall is simple and easy to work with, and its default autopilot is hassle-free. The backup tool supports differential and incremental backups of any selected files and folders, on the schedule of your choice, to physical media, a network location or a synced storage drive.

Unexpectedly, if you’re in the UK, G Data will be sold to you in US dollars, which means $50 for a one-device subscription, $66 for three devices and $82 for five devices. Whether you buy from a third-party retailer (good luck) or from G Data directly, there are no hidden price hikes after the first year of subscription, which is a real strength compared to its rivals.

Packaging of G Data Total Security

(Image credit: Future)

G Data Total Security is the premium version of the company’s antivirus software, available on Windows and macOS, with iOS and Android apps to go with it. However, we actually recommend that you buy G Data Internet Security ($40) instead, as this gets you the powerful antivirus engines, plus the firewall, quarantine, cross-platform protection and parental controls – without the performance tuning and encryption tools, or the clunky password manager. You miss out on the device access controls and backup tool, which is one of the best we’ve seen built into an AV suite, but let’s not forget that Duplicati is free.

In truth, we still find the client’s old-school looks rather endearing, and love all the little touches – such as USB keylogger detection and the ability to include only some of the security suite’s features at install time – but it could do with updates for the Windows 11 era (and Windows 10 era), particularly when it comes to its privacy tools.

Nonetheless, G Data provides straightforward, effective and inexpensive protection against malware and other threats to your system, making it one of our favorite security suites, despite its quirks.

We've also rated the best privacy tools and anonymous browsers.

Framework Laptop 16 review
10:53 am |

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

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

The Framework Laptop 16 defies categorization. It’s a gaming laptop, unless you decide not to choose discrete graphics, in which case it’s a productivity workhorse.

Even then you have decisions to make. Which keyboard? Should you choose a number pad? Perhaps an RGB macro pad? What about spacers, ports, storage? This is simply the most customizable laptop I’ve seen.

There are two drawbacks, starting with the price. But all the various input options, expansion choices and graphics swaps make specifying the Framework Laptop 16 a complicated matter. For PC Pro readers familiar with the inner workings of PCs this won’t be a problem, but Framework is hitting the point where you need a degree of expertise or you could make a costly mistake.

Full view of the Framework Laptop 16

(Image credit: Future)

Start with the basics

As always with Framework, you can either build the laptop yourself – and bring your own OS – using its DIY Edition, or opt for a pre-built model. The former starts at £1,399, the latter at £1,699.

If you opt for pre-built, you have three options: Performance, Performance Pro (which, for an extra £50, includes Windows 11 Pro) or Overkill for £2,099. Both Performance models have the same core spec of an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage. Overkill ups the ante with a Ryzen 9 79440HS, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

Framework sent us its £1,749 Performance Pro configuration, but with the Graphics Module containing a discrete AMD Radeon RX 7700S chip, which adds £400 to the price.

So our test system costs £2,149, but that’s before adding any extras. As part of the price, you get six USB expansion cards to slot into the six bays built into the side of the chassis, and if you stick to USB-A or USB-C you won’t pay any extra. Want HDMI, a DisplayPort, microSD card or an audio jack? Those cost an extra £10 apiece. And if you want Ethernet you’ll pay £30 more. You can also order storage expansion cards, with 256GB (£45) or 1TB (£125) options available. In short, this is a smorgasbord of a laptop for you to kit out as you wish.

Choose carefully, though. You can only charge from the back four ports, while only three of the six ports support display output. And USB-C works in any port, but only the back two allow full USB 4 speeds.

Zoomed in view of the inside of the Framework Laptop 16

It’s possible to replace and repair every part of this laptop yourself (Image credit: Future)

Key decisions

At this point, it won’t surprise you that the choice of keyboard and touchpad modules on the Framework Laptop 16 depend on you. Your choices, however, must include a keyboard module, touchpad module and spacers, with the possibility of a number pad, macro pad and LED Matrix spacer as extras.

Framework expects you to work out where to put the keyboard. It could be central, with two spacers on either side. Or perhaps you’re left-handed and would prefer to put the number pad there. Just as importantly, if one of these parts dies, it’s easy to replace.

There are a load of options to pick from, and Framework is happy to sell them to you. An RGB backlit keyboard – US English only, for now – costs £50. A number pad module is £39, while an RGB macro pad is an extra £79. This macro pad offers 24 programmable RGB backlit keys that you can configure how you like in software.

Top-down view of the Framework Laptop 16's touchpad and keyboard

(Image credit: Future)

And there’s more. While black spacers for the keyboard come standard, you can switch to orange, grey or lavender for £5 a pop. Or go wild and buy the LED Matrix design for £39 each. The downside of this modularity is that there are seams; while everything is guided by magnets and fits snugly, you can see where the modules and spacers are separated.

The keyboard and macros are controlled by the open-source software VIA, and while Framework uses a simplified, browser-based version, there’s still a learning curve. Framework needs to work on this: it should be far easier to program the RGB macro pad, for instance.

My other gripe is about the keyboard. Framework says the keys offer 1.5mm of travel, but they were too mushy for my taste. If only Framework offered a ThinkPad-like keyboard option.

Top-down view of piecing together the Framework Laptop 16

The choice of keyboard and touchpad modules is up to you (Image credit: Future)

Upgrade ability

While shuffling around the Framework’s modular input mechanisms is easy enough, actually getting into the device is harder than on the Framework Laptop 13. After removing all of the input modules, you have to pull a cable in the metal plate, helpfully labelled number 1. From there, you can use a T5 screwdriver (one comes with the laptop) to remove 16 captive screws labelled 2 to 17.

Our pre-built model came with a single 512GB M.2 2280 SSD installed. If you want to add another, there’s room for a smaller M.2 2230 SSD underneath. The DDR5 memory is upgradable, as is the battery and, in theory, the motherboard (this is also your route to future CPUs). The other upgrade is the GPU, but at the moment the Radeon RX 7700S is your only option. I’d like to see Nvidia get involved, but Framework is making no promises.

You can also buy the laptop with both the Graphics Module and the Expansion Bay Shell. The idea is that if you want to travel lighter, you can swap the shell with the graphics module. However, it’s a trickier process than it should be.

Frequent travelers will probably make the effort, though, as even without the Graphics Module the laptop weighs 2.1kg. With it, that goes up to 2.4kg, and the height at the back increases from 18mm to 21mm.

Full view of the pre-built Framework Laptop 16

You can buy a pre-built Framework Laptop if you prefer (Image credit: Future)

Speed boost

Framework’s 16in anti-glare display comes with a 2,560 x 1,600 IPS panel, and it performed well in our technical tests. It covers 75% of the DCI-P3 gamut with a peak brightness of 485cd/m2and an average Delta E of 0.21. There’s also an anti-glare coating, which is better for work than for games or watching films.

Still, when I started testing with one of my favorite games, Control, it looked great. The game features a lot of red lighting, which looked bright and vibrant on the Framework Laptop. The pair of speakers sound good, too, only lacking in bass.

As for speed, I started at 1,920 x 1,200 on High settings with medium ray tracing presets, where the game ran between 40fps and 48fps but with several stutters. Cutting ray tracing and dropping to Medium settings kept me more reliably above 50fps, albeit again with a few hiccups. The fans were spinning loudly during gameplay, keeping the system cool.

Those aren’t great results, especially compared to laptops with an RTX 4070 – which now cost less than £1,500. For example, on Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s highest settings, the Framework reached 86fps at 1080p and 49fps at the panel’s native resolution of 2,560 x 1,600. An RTX 4070 system scored 104fps and 60fps respectively.

It’s a similar story for productivity performance. Although the Ryzen 7 7840HS is a fine processor, with eight high-performance cores and 16 threads, a glance through these pages will review cheaper laptops that outperform it. Bearing in mind this is a laptop with gaming skills, however, it was great to see battery life of 8hrs 49mins in our web-surfing test.

The Framework Laptop 16's performance as compared to benchmarks

(Image credit: Future)

Final word

While I have my criticisms of the Framework Laptop 16, then, it’s obvious in so many ways that this is a company with ethics at its heart. That stretches to the 1080p webcam, which produces good detail and colours but also features a switch next to it that turns it off. There’s another switch for the microphone, too.

Then there’s its approach to materials: the cover is made from 75% post-industrial recycled (PIR) aluminum, the bottom cover is 90% PIR aluminum, shipping is fully carbon offset and the packaging is 100% recyclable. Framework is setting the standards for other to follow.

While the Framework Laptop 16 isn’t for everyone, it offers tech enthusiasts the chance to build their dream laptop – provided that the dream involves a 16in screen and all-AMD parts.

We've also rated the best monitors for gaming.

D-Link DSS-200G-28MP review
10:49 am |

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

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

D-Link is aiming to take surveillance in new directions with its DSS-200G series of Layer 2 switches, which are designed to power the latest IP cameras and provide automated recovery services. This family of four switches is headed up by the 28-port DSS-200G-28MPP, which has a punchy power budget of 518W and offers support for 90W 802.3bt PoE services.

We reviewed the DSS-200G-28MP model, which sits on the rung below and offers a more modest 370W power budget with 30W 803.2at services available across all 24 gigabit ports. Both have four pairs of unpowered copper and fiber dual-personality gigabit ports for uplinks to a network video recorder (NVR) or server.

The switch can power any PoE-compliant device, but D-Link has focused primarily on surveillance usage. It incorporates 6kV surge protection circuitry to shield external cameras against lightning strikes.

One common feature of the DSS-200G series is the block of five DIP switches at the front, which are used to hard-set certain features. The first switch sets an ingress priority function so packets entering port 1 have the highest priority while those incoming on port 24 have the lowest.

The second switch enables a PoE extend mode on the first eight ports. This overcomes the 100-metre PoE cable length limitation by allowing powered devices (PDs) to be placed up to 250 meters away but, in common with all PoE extenders, it drops speed to 10Mbits/sec.

The third switch activates an isolation function so packets incoming on a “controlled” port will only be forwarded to a designated uplink port. This is a handy security feature; it means that if an IP camera is compromised, the intruder can’t gain access to any others attached to the switch.

Full view of the D-Link DSS-200G-28MP

The D-Link DSS-200G-28MP provides a power budget of 370W (Image credit: Future)

Next up is D-Link’s PD-Alive function, which pings the IP address of a device to check availability and, if it doesn’t respond for a specific time, will reset its PoE services and send out notifications, although for traps, only the less secure SNMPv2 is supported. Lastly, the fifth DIP switch enables STP, which uses redundant paths to restore connections due to a link failure.

Two management modes are available, and selecting the standard option from the quick start wizard presents a web interface with access to every switch feature. From here, you can configure all Layer 2 functions, create surveillance and voice VLANs, assign one of three PoE priorities to each port and enable the global ONVIF service so all compliant IP cameras are discovered and placed in a separate VLAN.

The surveillance mode presents a completely different interface with a smart graphical topology view showing all ports and attached devices. After we connected three D-Link PoE IP cameras, they were identified and automatically assigned icons with the correct model photo.

Desktop screenshot of D-Link's web console

The two web consoles include a graphical view for monitoring functions (Image credit: Future)

Add non-D-Link cameras and, as long as they’re ONVIF-compliant, the switch assigns a generic camera icon but won’t identify their make or model. Devices such as our Netgear Wi-Fi 6 APs were simply classed as “other” but, in all cases, PoE services can be manually recycled to force a remote reboot.

The graphical theme continues with the console offering a filtered view showing only IP cameras along with their IP addresses and power consumption. You can keep a close eye on total power consumption and switch stats from the surveillance overview page, set schedules to control when power is provided to selected ports and configure the PD-Alive function on individual ports instead of using the fourth DIP switch.

The web console is mainly concerned with surveillance functions and offers greatly reduced access to switch settings. This isn’t a problem, though, as you can swap back to the standard mode if you need to tweak something and then return to surveillance mode.

The DSS-200G-28MP is a worthy contender for business surveillance duties as it offers plenty of smart IP camera management and monitoring features. Value looks good, too, as it includes a generous PoE budget, but you’ll need to focus on D-Link’s IP cameras to get the best from it.

We also rated the best secure smartphones.

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