OdinLake Ergo Max 747: Two-minute review

If you’re in the market for one of the best office chairs around, you’ve got a lot of options that run the gamut from cheap and functional to serious business investments that pack in the comfort and features. The OdinLake Ergo Max 747 is absolutely on this latter edge of the spectrum, and for the premium price you’re paying for it, you absolutely get your money’s worth — assuming you don’t hate it outright.

At $899, this is an expensive investment, especially if you’re looking to furnish several workstations in your office. However, I’ve used and reviewed some very expensive office and gaming chairs like the Mavix M9 and a couple of Herman Miller pieces, and despite having to assemble the Ergo Max 747 myself, this actually works in this chairs favor. 

This gave me a chance to really inspect and appreciate the build quality of the chair. It really is incredibly solid and well-designed, and there is the brilliant touch of including a pair of cloth gloves to use while assembling the chair to keep your hands clean and protected. 

Once assembled, the segmented back of the chair, along with a solid metal spine along the back to support the back pieces, offers a very distinctive look that will look great in just about any office, and the ergonomic design isn’t just a gimmick for show either. The back support on the Ergo Max 747 is as good as any office chair I’ve sat in, which, needless to say, is essential for anyone working long hours at a desk.

That said, where you’ll ultimately stand (or sit, as it were) on this office chair is weather you love or despise mesh fabric seating. For many, the extremely breathable mesh seat and back are like a personal hammock that offers you perfectly form-sculpted support while sitting in an office for long hours. And the mesh means that the incredible airflow through the chair will keep you sweat free even on the hottest days and most stressful work hours, unlike traditional fabric, leather, or plastic that is just going to soak up your body heat.

The mesh fabric is going to have its detractors though, and the texture of the Ergo Max 747’s mesh is somewhat on the abrasive side if your exposed skin is directly in contact with it, though it’s not as noticeable as it is on the Mavix M4.

With that stipulated, the texture of the mesh on the Ergo max 747 is owing to the fabric’s durability; hard and substantial enough to handle the long wear and tear of an office environment, while being pliable enough to comfortably support you from back to bottom. Given the investment you’re going to make in this chair, you’re going to want it to last a long while and remain as close to out-of-the-box comfortable as possible, and you’ll get that with the OdinLake Ergo Max 747.

OdinLake Ergo Max 747: Price & availability

The Odinlake Ergo Max 747 is available in the US for $999 through Odinlake's official website, though the company does regularly offer discounts and sales pricing so you might well get lucky and save a couple hundred bucks. Additionally, you have the option to purchase an extendable footrest (which I didn’t have the chance to personally review, unfortunately), which increases its versatility.

While $899 might seem expensive for some, this is pretty well in line with this class of premium office furniture. The Mavix M9, for example, is a very similar style of chair for $899 that sports more traditional leather and (in my opinion) some truly exceptional cushioning in the seat that is a perfect alternative to the Ergo Max 747 for those who aren’t keen on the mesh. If you’re looking for something mesh but you’re not willing to shell out a grand for it, the Mavix M4 is very similar in style to the OdinLake Ergo Max 747 for about half the price.

OdinLake Ergo Max 747: Design and Assembly

I’ve already given the 30,000 foot view of the Odinlake Ergo Max 747, but it’s worth digging into the details on its design, something that really justifies the premium price tag for this chair. The mesh seat and back panels are designed to provide solid, consistent support for good seated posture, making long hours at a computer far less taxing on the body. 

The mesh is flexible and has just enough give to conform to your shape, but firm enough to ensure proper back posture. In the seat, the mesh likewise has enough give to cradle your rear without making it feel like you are sinking into a net. And since the mesh fabric is stretched beneath you, the weight support comes from the sides of the seat, rather than from below it. Anyone who has spent any time sitting on a cheap office chair knows that it doesn’t take long before you start to feel the pressure of the chair post pushing up into the seat (or, even worse, any screws or bolts screwed into the underside of the cushion). Whatever the Ergo Max 747’s problems might be, this absolutely isn’t one of them, and its hard to appreciate how big a deal that is until you’ve sat in a chair like this.

Not that the support post is evil or anything. The telescopic post can raise or lower to suit your preference, and the chrome wheel base and premium caster wheels only add to the solid structure of the chair, as well as it’s aesthetic. This is a notable difference between the Ergo Max 747 and the Mavix M9, with the latter sporting some hard, molded plastic materials in the base that give it a less-than-fully-premium look. You won’t have that issue with the Ergo Max 747, and if you’re looking to outfit your office with one or more of these chairs, your investment is going to be reflected in its looks, not just its comfort.

The back segments (headrest, middle back support, and the lower lumbar support) are especially noteworthy as it bulges out to provide adequate support for your lower back and flexes based on the pressure you apply. The headrest has two dimensions of adjustment to help you find the right neck and head support, and the entire back section of the chair is adjustable, allowing you to move it up and down to align it perfectly with the small of your back. However, it's worth mentioning that the chair lacks the ability to fine-tune the amount of lumbar support, but the flex in the lumbar panel still work wonders without it..

As for adjusting the rest of the chair, there are several various adjustment options, including moving the seat forward and backward, raising or lowering the armrests, adjusting their position in and out, and locking the rear of the seat at a particular angle. You can also control the tension of the seatback using a knob and independently raise or lower the headrest while adjusting its angle to fit your neck's nape. All of these controls are clearly marked with visual labels that leave no question about what a given control does.

Assembling the Ergo Max 747 is a relatively straightforward process for anyone who’s assembled an office or gaming chair before, but those who haven’t done so before shouldn’t feel intimidated. Assembling the chair is relatively painless and will take around 15 minutes to complete from start to finish. Some of the metal pieces are heavier than anything you’d find with a plastic construction, so it might be a two person job for some, especially securing the heavy base to attach the armrests. All the necessary screws are provided in a well-labeled package, and an Allen wrench with an ergonomic handle as well. The detailed instruction booklet and troubleshooting guide make the assembly even more accessible. As mentioned before, the inclusion of a pair of white cotton gloves to keep your hands clean during assembly is something I wasn’t expecting, but once I saw them in the box, I’m shocked that these aren’t included in every single office or gaming chair requiring assembly. It’s a simple but genuinely appreciated addition that I hope everyone else adopts immediately.

OdinLake Ergo Max 747: Comfort & Ergonomics

Comfort is paramount when considering an office chair, and the Ergo Max 747 doesn't disappoint in this department. If you're seeking an all-mesh office chair with excellent lumbar support and a headrest, this chair should undoubtedly be on your shortlist.

The chair's lumbar support, though not adjustable in terms of intensity, is well-designed and can be positioned to provide optimal lower back support. This feature can significantly reduce discomfort during long hours of work, helping you maintain good posture.

The headrest is another valuable addition, offering adjustable height and angle. It allows you to find the perfect position for your head and neck, enhancing overall comfort. Whether you're leaning back for a quick break or focusing on an intense task, the headrest provides essential support.

However, as stated earlier, the chair's seat and back material might be a dealbreaker for some. The mesh seat, while incredibly breathable, isn’t exactly accommodating to exposed skin, so if  shorts, skirts, and exposed part of your back that comes in contact with the mesh isn’t going to feel bad necessarily, but for some (including a colleague in the office who despises mesh chairs for this reason), it’s simply not comfortable and never can be. For those folks, you really can just stop reading this review right now and look for a more traditional cushion and fabric chair. 

Adjustability is key to ensuring that a chair meets your unique ergonomic needs, since that is really the biggest selling point of this kind of chair. Fortunately, the Ergo Max 747 offers a range clearly labeled and understandable adjustments on the chair itself, including seat position, armrest height and placement, seatback angle, and tension control. These features allow you to customize the chair to your liking, ensuring maximum comfort and support during your workday. The included user guide also does an excellent job of explaining how to make all the necessary adjustments for the right fit for your body.

One potential area for improvement is the seatback tension adjustment. Some users might find it tedious to fine-tune the tension to their desired level, so a more user-friendly adjustment mechanism could enhance the overall user experience. 

OdinLake Ergo Max 747: Durability & build quality

Durability and build quality on the Ergo Max 743 is seriously impressive and really reflects the investment you’re making into this chair, even if it’s on sale. Despite being all-mesh, this chair is built to withstand the rigors of daily use in a professional setting, and unlike a lot of other all-mesh chairs, the maximum weight limit on this chair is 350 lbs, though OdinLake says that it will be most comfortable for those under 300 lbs.

Even this lower “optimal” comfort limit is way above what most other all-mesh chairs in its class support at their absolute maximum, so the Ergo max 747 scores major points on accessibility for building with an eye toward a much broader range of users and body types that are too often simply left out entirely. 

The chair's metal base also helps in this regard, seeing as it’s composed of an aluminum alloy that not only adds to its aesthetics but also contributes to its overall sturdiness. It provides a stable foundation, ensuring that the chair won't wobble or tip over, even when you're leaning back or adjusting your seating position. The base is study enough that it can support a healthy amount of recline without feeling the least bit at risk of toppling over.

OdinLake Ergo Max 747: Final Verdict

The Odinlake Ergo Max 747 is arguably the best all-mesh office chair in the premium class thanks to its comfort, range of adjustability, breathability, quality contruction. It does make some compromises, such as assembling much heavier components than your standard office chair, but even these drawbacks are in service of its long term comfort as well as improved accessibility and ergonomic design. At $999, it’s definitely not a cheap piece of furniture to buy on a whim, but if you’re looking to make an investment for years of use, you’ll get it from this chair.

Should you buy the OdinLake Ergo Max 747?

Buy the OdinLake Ergo Max 747 if...

Don't buy it if...

• First reviewed January 2024

Doogee V30 Pro: 30-second review

In our experience, the Doogee V30 Pro is one of the best rugged smartphones, focusing on being tough and its imaging capabilities. 

We were already impressed with the original device (see our Doogee V30 review), so we had high hopes for the V30 Pro. Equipped with a 200MP main camera instantly makes this Smartphone stand out as featuring one of the highest resolution cameras on the market; this is complemented by a 24MP low-light and macro camera and a 32MP front camera, which all help to ensure the high-resolution photo and video whatever the conditions or environment.

The image quality overall is good, although the depth of detail in the high-resolution images could be better. When it comes to creative control, there is a Pro mode, which gives you some creative control, including a focus mode that enables you to adjust the depth of field. While this isn't to the extremes of a high-end smartphone, it will give you a little more creative control than a standard phone. The 200MP images are impressive, with that resolution offering plenty of flexibility when it comes to editing and composing the composition. 

Under the hood, the V30 Pro is powered by a Dimensity 7050 5G Chipset with 32GB of RAM. While it's categorized as a mid-range device in terms of processing performance, it manages multitasking and gaming well, although some apps can slow down under load. Internal storage is generous at 512GB, and the fact that you can expand this up to 2TB with a compatible TF card means that it should meet most users' storage needs.

Durability is the main selling point, and it is certified with IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H standards. On paper and when tested, the phone proves more than resilient to harsh conditions, drops, and being submerged in water. All of these make it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those in demanding professions.

The phone's large 10800mAh battery ensures offers decent longevity of use on a single charge. Although the charging speed is average, the battery life compensates well.

Additional features like Wi-Fi 6, NFC, and the latest Android 13 operating system enhance its overall appeal. These features, combined with the phone's robust construction, make the Doogee V30 Pro a great choice for outdoor tech enthusiasts looking for a smartphone that can withstand pretty much anything and take decent pictures. 

Doogee V30 Pro: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? Starting from $455 in US
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? You can get it directly from the retailer, Amazon, and others

The Doogee V30 Pro is priced at various points depending on the source. It's listed at $455 on the official site, emphasizing its rugged features and high-performance camera. Moreover, it's available for $349.95 on Amazon.

The phone was announced in October 2023 and released on November 1st, 2023, making it currently available for purchase. You can find the V30 Pro for purchase on various online platforms, including the company's official website.

• Value: 4 / 5

Doogee V30 Pro: Specifications

Doogee V30 Pro: Design

• Robust
• High resolution camera
• Excellent battery life

The Doogee V30 Pro distinctly stands out in its design, especially when compared to standard smartphones. Measuring 178 x 80 x 22mm and weighing 380g, it is notably bulkier and heavier than more conventional models like the iPhone 15 Pro, which weighs around 220g. This heft, however, is a testament to its ruggedness and durability.

In terms of ports, the V30 Pro features a USB Type-C at the base, protected by a robust rubber flap that ensures a watertight seal when the charging cable is removed. Additionally, the phone's TF/SIM card slot, located on the left side, accommodates dual cards in a side-by-side configuration. This design not only provides convenience but also maintains the phone's waterproof integrity.

User interaction is well-considered in the V30 Pro's design. It includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button for swift access and device activation. The volume buttons, located above the sensor, are large and tactile, making them easily operable even when wearing gloves – a thoughtful feature for outdoor or rugged use.

On the opposite side, the phone sports a customizable red button. This versatile feature can be programmed for various functions, such as quick camera access, aligning with the phone's emphasis on high-resolution photography.

The overall build quality balances toughness and style. Despite its rugged nature, the V30 Pro manages to maintain a degree of aesthetic appeal, making it not just a functional device but also a visually pleasing one.

• Design: 4 / 5

DOOGEE V30 Pro: Features

• Dimensity 7050 5G Octa-Core
• Android 13

The V30 Pro, with its focus on outdoor utility and imaging, makes it a great option for outdoors types and photography enthusiasts as well as anyone who just needs a rock solid and robust phone, such as any tradesperson. At the heart of the V30 pro is the incredible 200MP Main Camera, complemented by a 24MP night vision camera and a 16MP ultra wide-angle and macro camera; this combination offers plenty of versatility when it comes to capturing different subjects such as landscapes, close-ups as well as vibrant night scenes.

The phone's 6.58" FHD+ IPS 120Hz waterdrop screen ensures that every visual, whether it's a photo preview or a map, is displayed with stunning clarity and fluid motion. This display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, helps to combine durability with visual excellence, making it perfectly suited for outdoor environments.

The phone's core, powered by a flagship-grade Dimensity 7050 5G Chipset and up to 32GB of extended RAM, provides the muscle for multitasking and moderate gaming

When it comes to storage, the V30 Pro boasts a massive 512GB internal space, expandable up to 2TB, offering ample room for high-resolution photos, videos, apps, and more. The device's ruggedness is supported by IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications, ensuring it can withstand challenging outdoor conditions like water, dust, and drops.

Audio quality is less of a prominent feature. However, the V30 Pro still features high-quality dual stereo speakers certified by Hi-Res, ensuring rich sound whether you're listening to music in the wilderness or taking calls on the go. Keeping the phone running is a 10800mAh battery, with 33W fast charging and support for OTG reverse charging, ensuring you can stay powered for extended adventures without frequent recharging.

Enhanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6, dual 5G SIM support, and NFC ensure that whether you're streaming, sharing, or navigating, your connection should remain fast and reliable. The phone also includes an accurate navigation system with dual-channel positioning, ideal for outdoor explorations. 

Running on the latest Android 13, Doogee's rugged phone offers a personalized experience with its side fingerprint recognition, enabling quick and secure access, while the personalized custom button and smart gesture control are in line with the market leaders.

• Features: 4.5 / 5

Doogee V30 Pro: Performance

• Excellent for photography
• Ultra tough build quality

When it comes to performance, the Doogee V30 Pro is more than just the usual processing power of the phone, with the high-resolution camera and rugged build to consider. 

Starting with the headline 200MP main camera, which is undoubtedly the standout feature. This high-resolution camera, along with the 24MP night vision and 16MP ultra-wide-angle and macro cameras, delivers a versatile imaging experience. The standard app is flexible with auto and a Pro mode that you can dip into, enabling you to capture stunning landscapes, detailed close-ups, and vibrant night scenes with relative ease. 

Image quality is good, and the camera App offers enough flexibility for enthusiasts to have a bit of fun. While the headline of 200MP will pique the interest of photographers, the image quality isn't up to that of the market leaders; it's good but not outstanding. The detail is high, but you can see the limitations of the camera; likewise, the dynamic range struggles to capture the full spectrum. When it comes to creative control, there is some flexibility in the Camera Pro feature, especially with the Manual Focus control. Still, again, this is limited and good but is lagging behind the market leaders.

The camera's performance in various lighting conditions is decent enough, offering clarity and colour accuracy that should satisfy photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. While the image resolution is outstanding and offers plenty of flexibility in post-capture, some detail is limited. At all times, you do need to ensure that the lenses remain as clean and clear as possible to ensure the best image quality. 

As a device tailored for outdoor use, the V30 Pro's durability is a critical aspect of its performance. Its IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications ensure that it can withstand harsh conditions, from water immersion to dust and drops. This ruggedness doesn't reduce its functionality, making it an ideal companion for anyone wanting a phone that can endure challenging environments without compromise.

The Geekbench scores provide insight into the phone's processing capabilities. With a single-core score of 978 and a multi-core score of 2646, the V30 Pro shows respectable performance in its category. These scores suggest that the phone can handle everyday tasks and moderate multitasking efficiently. The compute score of 2303 further indicates that it can manage moderate gaming and other demanding applications reasonably well, although it might not match the high-end phones in raw power.

Beyond the numbers, the real-world usage of the V30 Pro aligns with its intended purpose. Its capacity to handle multitasking, combined with its significant storage options (512GB internal and up to 2TB expandable), ensures you have ample space and processing power when you need it. The large battery life and fast charging capabilities further enhance its usability, ensuring that the phone keeps up with the demands of extended outdoor activities and heavy camera usage.

The Doogee V30 Pro stands out for its camera, which, while not market-leading, is decent enough, and, of course, its rugged durability, support and battery life.

• Performance: 4 / 5

Doogee V30 Pro: Verdict

The Doogee V30 Pro is a well-balanced, rugged smartphone, blending a decent camera with robust durability. The phone instantly stands out for its impressive 200MP main camera setup, 24MP night vision and 16MP ultra-wide-angle camera. It is a great option for photography enthusiasts who want a decent-resolution camera but aren't too bothered about too much creative control. The fact that you have this camera, coupled with its rugged build that's certified to endure the toughest of environments, makes it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts as well as tradespeople working in challenging conditions.

However, it's important to note that the V30 Pro, with its mid-range Dimensity 7050 5G Chipset, caters more to efficient day-to-day performance rather than the high-speed demands that we've seen with the latest market-leading releases. Its bulkier design might also be a consideration for those accustomed to more compact devices. Additionally, while the 10800mAh battery ensures longevity, the charging speed is not the quickest, which could be a minor setback for users on the go.

The Doogee V30 Pro is an excellent choice for users whose priorities align with outdoor durability and photography. It's less about sleekness or top-tier processing speed and more about reliability, storage capacity, and capturing life in detail, no matter where you are. So, for adventurers, professionals in harsh environments, or photography hobbyists who prefer not to carry a separate camera, the V30 Pro emerges as a strong contender. 

Should you buy a Doogee V30 Pro rugged smartphone?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Tested, reviewed, rated by us

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Flexispot has created many great desks and has an excellent reputation for producing high-quality gear. Their standing desks have been a part of our best standing desks list for years. In particular, the Flexispot E7 Pro has been in the number 1 spot for quite some time. I didn't think a desk would replace it anytime soon, and then Flexispot released their update to the Flexispot E7, beating out their best desk with the E7 Pro.

Flexispot E7 Pro: Unboxing and First Impressions

Flexispot has continued to create effortless unboxing experiences with all of its products. It's as simple as possible, with no frills, nothing complex. Juse well-packaged product in a simple box with minimal waste. Something new that they included this time around is Flexispot's newest multitool. This T-shaped tool had all three needed bit sizes, replacing three smaller tools they had sent along with previous desks. One side is a Phillips screwdriver; one is the larger Allen wrench required, and another is the smaller Allen wrench needed for assembly. The T-shape was helpful and made it much harder to misplace while assembling, though not impossible (especially if you have toddlers "helping," as I did).

As with previous desks, the instructions for assembly were simple and easy to follow, with pictures to help show how to build each section. The frame and controller have pre-drilled holes in the desktop, making alignment remarkably easy. The controller has a pre-drilled spot on both sides of the desk and, of course, could be added anywhere on the desk. 

Once I built the frame onto the desktop, I chose to stand the desk upright so I could move it into my space and decide how (and where) I wanted to mount the power strip and cable management solutions. Another few updates to the E7 Pro from the E7 are the cable management and power options. With the pro models, Flexispot has included a magnetic sheath almost that holds cables between the two central struts of the frame. This cable management solution helps keep the wires that are essential to the desk function tucked away, as well as a few others that can span the width of the desk. I love this sheath, and it is super helpful.

Next up is the actual cable tray. It's similar to previous cable management trays from Flexispot, but Flexispot has paid attention to the competition while staying in their lane just enough to be closer to what I wanted. It's larger than the last model, has better areas for me to use cable ties to strap things onto it, and has grooves that allow me to tuck cables in without having to rip everything out all at once. This cable management tray is a great smaller solution, perfect for most.

After adding the cable management tray where I wanted it with the desk in my office, I noticed yet another welcome addition to this new pro-model desk. The new power strip is exactly what I was hoping Flexispot would add to their lineup. It's a power strip designed to be mounted and used in these scenarios, not just a modified home power strip designed to plug in a lamp. Flexispot made this power strip to plug in larger plugs, allowing room for plenty of monitors, docks, and others with larger power cable heads.

This desk, even with a few toddlers helping me out, took about 35 minutes to assemble post-unboxing. For the quality and how premium this desk looks after assembly, I am thrilled with a 35-minute build time

Flexispot E7 Pro: Design and Build Quality

I've reviewed a plethora of the best office desks for sitting and standing at work. Some have been great, some have been cheap, and plenty have been bamboo or other materials besides solid wood. I have nothing against bamboo or a sleek fingerprint-resistant laminate top. However, this time around, I was ready for a solid walnut top. 

Sadly, Flexispot doesn't offer the 60 x 30-inch desktop size in solid walnut, so I opted for the "Solid Wood Texture" desktop in a black walnut finish instead. According to Flexispot, this hybrid made from a core of poplar and eucalyptus makes the desk far more robust than the straight-joint compound of a solid wood desk. It looks, feels, and weighs like it's the real deal while being scientifically stronger - I'll count that as a win. I also chose the black frame and caster wheels to match my primarily black and walnut aesthetic in my office.

The E7 has a lifting capacity of 355 lbs. The E7 Pro's lifting capacity has skyrocketed to 85 lbs and now has a capacity of 440 lbs while keeping some of the best height-adjustable ranges I have yet to see. This desk can rise from 25" of clearance to 50.6 inches without casters or desktop measurements taken into account. That means that at 6 ft 1 inches tall, I can very comfortably set this desk to my preferred standing height without having to slouch even a little bit, as I have to with some other desks I own.

Another change from the E7 series desk is the leg shape. On the E7, the legs were a classic T-shape frame with the leg in the center of the feet. The E7 Pro has a C-shaped leg, meaning that the leg is a bit further back on the feet and frame, about 70% back on the desk, splitting the depth of the feet and desk about 70/30. In most scenarios, you won't notice this. But I have seen it when sliding my legs in and out on certain occasions, and I've noticed that I like the look a bit more. By design, I have chosen black legs to disappear a bit, but when I do see the legs, I am starting to prefer the C-shape.

The last thing about the build quality of this desk is that it is precisely what I had hoped it would be. Everything works, everything is intuitive to use (more on this later), the setup was easy, there is no creaking, the desk is quiet, and it feels like it will last for years. This desk is premium, and it shows.

Flexispot E7 Pro: In use

This desk has been a phenomenal addition to my workspace and has been an absolute dream to use. The E7 Pro is gorgeous and has incredible stability. 

One frustrating thing was taking the sticker off the desk's bottom right corner. Taking the sticker off was fine, but the residue it left behind took quite a while to clean off, and still, there is a little bit left behind. I'll have to scrub it again to try and get the marks left behind after I get all the adhesive off.

I mostly use the Flexispot desk for standing work, for use with my iPad or a secondary laptop, for administrative work, and things of that nature. When raising to standing height, I notice how quiet and smooth the lifting is, even compared to my other desk (my beloved Ergonofis Shift), which is modest compared to other desks I have tried.

The depth of the desk at 30 inches is perfect for me because I find it to be just deep enough to give me some separation from a monitor if I have one on this desk, and it feels like it gives me enough room to spread out documents or have several products laid out if I need to assemble or take photos.

Another massive strong point for Flexispot is its simple controller. No, it's not the flashiest or the coolest, but it is by far the easiest. It has a preset icon for sitting and standing, so I never have to guess, and it has two more numbered presets. Lastly, the button to set the height is intuitive and straightforward; there are no random combinations or sequences of buttons to press to lock the desk controls or select the height. I can push and hold the "M" button to lock the controls so my kids don't turn it into their roller coaster, or I can press the same button once and then change a preset height.

Flexispot E7 Pro: Final verdict

The Flexispot E7 was already an excellent desk, but Flexispot took a risk and made some modifications to their most popular model, which paid off tenfold. The E7 Pro is magnificent and a welcome upgrade to the Flexispot standing desk lineup. This desk is reasonably priced, with phenomenal height adjustments, excellent stability, impressive lifting capacity, gorgeous colorways, and durable materials. If you are looking for a standing desk, look at the Flexispot E7 Pro; it might just perfectly fit your needs.

• Complete your workspace set-up with the best office chairs

Bublup, founded in 2014, is currently one of the fastest-growing project management and organization apps. It not only provides a safe storage unit for your confidential company files but also doubles up as a team management tool with features that allow you to assign tasks and deadlines to your employees. 

If you want to find out whether it's worth your time and investment, this detailed review is for you.

Bublup: Plans and pricing

Bublup offers one free plan and three paid plans with both monthly and annual subscription options. Here are Bublup’s pricing details: 

Standard (free plan)

You can get started without paying a single penny, but note that you can only add your employee as a guest. They will be able to join collaborative and secure group folders and receive task assignments, but apart from that, there's hardly anything you can do on this plan.

Premium (priced at $7.99/month)

This plan is the first of the lot that gives you any sort of control within the platform. You also get access to an AI writer and the ability to tag team members upload files to storage, add a custom logo and branding, create and share group folders, add links to them, and more.

It also comes with 100GB of storage, which is going to be more than enough for personal use.

Pro (priced at $9.99/month)

This plan is ideal for small businesses. It comes with everything in the Premium plan plus email collection, a centralized billing system, permission to add up to 10 new members, the ability to create teams, and 1TB storage to store all your files and documents, among others.

Teams (priced at $24.99/month)

If you have a large organization with different departments and/or a large team, the Teams plan will fit your bill. Apart from everything in the Pro plan, you get 5TB of storage and the ability to add up to 20 members from your organization.

It's worth noting that some features, such as data security, folder image picker, unlimited shareable rolls and themes for rolls, and password protection and analytics for rolls, are common in all of the above-mentioned paid plans.

Also, every user qualifies for a free 7-day trial. You might not find it on the pricing page but if you log in without selecting a plan, you’ll see the free 7-day trial option. 

Additionally, Bublup does not offer any refunds for the remaining months/years in your plan if you change your mind post-purchase, so I'd recommend making full use of the trial period to test out the tool risk-free before you commit.

Bublup: Features

Bublup is much more than an organization and collaboration tool. Here are some of the best features of Bublup: 

1. Rolls

The best thing about Bublup has to be its “Rolls.” Rolls are basically small custom websites that are created from the data in the Bublup folders. Simply put, every folder can be converted into a Roll and whether you set it for public or private view is up to you.

Two other features work perfectly with Bublup Rolls – analytics and password protection. Bublup lets you integrate with Google Analytics so that you can see how viewers are interacting with your Rolls. You can see how many visitors it gets, how much time they spend on average, and more.

If you want to prevent unauthorized viewers from accessing your rolls, you can simply add a password to it. Another way to prevent unauthorized use is to disable downloads. What’s more, you can be creative with Rolls by adding different fonts, themes, or even a custom domain.

2. AI Creator

Bublup’s AI Creator feature allows you to auto-populate your folders with AI responses. Let’s say you’re creating a folder on the “best places to visit in Paris.” For this, click on the AI Creator button in the top right corner.

Next, type a prompt for the AI. You can also select the type of prompt from a list of options that include Travel, Top 10, Companies, Best Practices, and more. You can then add the response to your folder. However, it's important to note that this feature only works in English. 

3. Folder Image Picker

Bublup has made managing multiple folders simultaneously a cakewalk, thanks to the Folder Image Picker feature. This tool lets you integrate with Unsplash and then pick a custom image for your folder. It’ll be like an icon for your folder and it will help you differentiate between folders with similar names.  

4. Email collection

One of the most important things in business is building quality connections with your clients and the best way to do that professionally is email marketing. However, manually copying your client's email information from the files is too time-consuming, and that’s where Bublup’s email collection tool comes in handy. 

It extracts all email-related data from the folders and helps you store them in a separate database—meaning you'll have a list of connections ready for use without much trouble. 

5. Team and work management

Bublup is more than just a static organization tool. It also helps you delegate tasks to your team. For instance, you can use the Assign Tasks tool to delegate a certain task to one of your team members. 

This tool also lets you add a due date to it. The chosen team member, on the other hand, will have the option to mark the task as completed once they are done with it. Communicating through Bublup is quick and efficient.

Group Folder is another example of Bublup’s easy collaboration. You can share any folder with a particular team or a few selected employees (as per your need). All group participants can view the folder in real-time, add an emoji reaction, or leave feedback for others to see. 

Bublup: Integrations

Bublup offers a decent number of integrations to make your life easier. In addition to the Google Analytics and Unsplash integrations that were mentioned above, it also seamlessly integrates with Google Docs and Google Calendar. Integration with Google Docs allows you to directly save your work in Bublup instead of having to manually upload the links. 

Next, Google Calendar lets you set reminders and deadlines from within Bublup. To increase team efficiency, you can also mark certain items (especially the ones needed in tasks that are currently ongoing) for offline access. This way, your team will be able to access all important material even without WiFi—no more excuses for missed deadlines.

Bublup: Setup

Getting started with Bublup is as easy as it gets. Here’s how you can go about setting up this modern project management software:

Step 1: Go to their official website and click on the “Get Bublup” button. You can also choose one of their paid plans before beginning.

Step 2: You’ll be directed to a new window where you’ll be asked how you want to log in – Google, Facebook, or Email.

Step 3: Once you have chosen your preferred sign-up method, you’ll be directed to a new window where you can confirm the email ID/ Facebook ID you have chosen.  

Step 2: Wait for a few minutes and you’ll see your account being created, and within just a couple of minutes, your dashboard should be ready. 

Bublup: Interface and ease of use

As soon as your account is created, you’ll be given a quick tour of your dashboard. During this tour, you’ll be taught to create a new folder, name it, and add links to it. Once you are done with the tour, you’ll be free to use the dashboard. 

The first thing you'll notice about the dashboard is how vibrant and colorful it is. There are two main menus, one on the top header and the other on the left-hand side. 

There’s another collapsable menu hidden under the three dashes on the left column of the page. Here, you’ll find the options to create and edit folders. You'll also find a trash can icon on the bottom left corner of your page that contains all of the items you have deleted. 

In short, the interface is very easy to navigate. Almost every function you need is within your reach. Even if you're a newbie, you’ll only need a few minutes to familiarize yourself with all of the features.

Also, don't worry if you are having a hard time figuring something out – there's a help button on the top right of the page. You’ll find video tutorials and keyboard shortcuts, as well as a quick startup guide and a video on how you can use Bublup in different ways.

Bublup: Final verdict

At this point, it must be pretty clear that Bublup is not only a collaboration tool but also the ultimate document management platform for remote teams that need quick and easy access to every file and limitless interaction within the group. With features like Email Collection and Folder Image Picker, it can significantly reduce the time it takes for your team to manage data. 

On the other hand, functionalities like Assign Task and Custom Permissions allow you to control how your team members interact with each other and company files. Now, while the tool is pretty affordable, the stripped-down free plan is not a value-packed solution and it can be looked at as an extended free trial of the tool.

TelemetryTV is a powerful digital signage platform built for the modern organization who needs to engage audiences, generate awareness, and give their teams and communities a voice. It is used by top organizations, including Starbucks, the Stanford School of Medicine, Carvana and Amazon. 

TelemetryTV allows users to broadcast dynamic content easily by streaming video, images, social feeds, turnkey apps, and data-driven dashboards to all of your displays wherever they are TelemetryTV is a powerful digital signage platform launched in 2013 that helps modern organizations engage audiences, raise awareness, and give their teams and communities a voice. It allows users to easily broadcast dynamic content by streaming video, images, social feeds, turnkey apps, and data-driven dashboards to all of their displays, wherever they are.

Telemetry TV: Features

TelemetryTV is a cloud-based digital signage software, which operates a SaaS subscription model, with no availability for a perpetual license or on-premise hosting. It has a variety of features, including: content management to display schedules, events, and videos with customized layouts, along with device management that covers a wide range of hardware options, and scheduling to encompass a single page, multiple pages, or an entire playlist- your choice. There is also support for multiple content types, the ability to display a web application on any screen and support for social feeds that can broadcast streaming video, images, social feeds, turnkey apps, or even data driven dashboards. You can also rest assured that there is support for seamless integration with your current business architecture, along with SOC2-certified security.

Additional features round out the comprehensive approach of TelemetryTV, with support for remote use, auto updates, the ability to display schedules, videos and events via customized layouts, and a login process that can be automated.

Telemetry TV: Pricing

TelemetryTV is a subscription based model, with a choice of plans, three for business, and two for enterprise. There is no free tier, but there is an offer for a free trial, and some plans offer an annual discount when committing to pay a year at a time rather than monthly. We also would have liked to see a discount when taking the subscription for multiple devices on the business plans, but a shortcoming is that the additional devices are priced the same unless it is an enterprise plan, which in all fairness is how other products in the space do as well.

The bottom plan is Entry, which costs $9/month per device, with no minimum number of devices. It includes up to 5 user licenses, with a limit of 10 playlists, 10 GB of storage with bandwidth of 100 GB/month. There is also support for iOS, Mac, Windows and Android. It otherwise includes support for most of the features, such as the app library, image and video file storage, real time content management and Google Drive integration. Support is limited to only live chat.

Moving up a tier is the Core, which has a cost of $15 per month per device, with the option to pay annually at a rate of $13/month per device. It adds multiple features, including group permissions, user activity logs, automatic device provisioning, and playlist and device tag filters. It also increases to 100 user licenses, 50 GB of media storage, and bandwidth of 1000 GB/month.

The top business plan is Elite, at a slightly higher cost of $16 per month per device, but the lone option is to pay it upfront on an annual basis. The other issue with this plan is that it must be taken for a minimum of 10 devices, a likely significant barrier to admission for smaller businesses and organizations. It adds a handful of features to the lower plans, such as embeddable playlists, serial port commands, proof of play and device logs, and media auto expire. It also has a larger limit of 1,000 user licenses.

There are also two enterprise plans, starting at Network at a cost of $9/device/month, and a minimum of 500 devices (and includes the option for volume discounts with even more devices.

Telemetry TV: Support

There are a number of options for direct support, but some of the options are reserved for the higher tiers of plan. More specifically, TelemetryTV provides email and live chat support as standard. However, phone and video support gets reserved for the Plus, Network, and Enterprise Plans. Also be aware that support hours are 4AM - 5PM PST, with the days of operation not specified, along with an email for direct contact with the caveat that it is “For large opportunities in an unsupported time zone.”

There are also resources for self help information as well. These include a blog, a “Getting Started” guide which has helpful videos, an API Documentation, and a FAQ with answers to about two dozen questions.

TelemetryTV: Final Verdict

TelemetryTV allows users to broadcast dynamic content easily by streaming video, images, social feeds, turnkey and custom apps, and data-driven dashboards to all of your displays wherever they are. TelemetryTV makes it easy for users to broadcast dynamic content by streaming video, images, social media feeds, turnkey and custom apps, and data-driven dashboards to any display, anywhere. We appreciate the upfront pricing with a choice of tiers, the integration with other platforms such as Google Docs, the support options, and the free trial. Some things to keep in mind are the less support options on the lower tiers, the shorter 24/7 phone support times, the lack of a free tier that some competitors do offer, and no options for local hosting. Overall, with a choice of so many tiers, we think that users would do well to choose TelemetryTV for their digital signage needs. 

TelemetryTV is a powerful digital signage platform built for the modern organization who needs to engage audiences, generate awareness, and give their teams and communities a voice. It is used by top organizations, including Starbucks, the Stanford School of Medicine, Carvana and Amazon. 

TelemetryTV allows users to broadcast dynamic content easily by streaming video, images, social feeds, turnkey apps, and data-driven dashboards to all of your displays wherever they are TelemetryTV is a powerful digital signage platform launched in 2013 that helps modern organizations engage audiences, raise awareness, and give their teams and communities a voice. It allows users to easily broadcast dynamic content by streaming video, images, social feeds, turnkey apps, and data-driven dashboards to all of their displays, wherever they are.

Telemetry TV: Features

TelemetryTV is a cloud-based digital signage software, which operates a SaaS subscription model, with no availability for a perpetual license or on-premise hosting. It has a variety of features, including: content management to display schedules, events, and videos with customized layouts, along with device management that covers a wide range of hardware options, and scheduling to encompass a single page, multiple pages, or an entire playlist- your choice. There is also support for multiple content types, the ability to display a web application on any screen and support for social feeds that can broadcast streaming video, images, social feeds, turnkey apps, or even data driven dashboards. You can also rest assured that there is support for seamless integration with your current business architecture, along with SOC2-certified security.

Additional features round out the comprehensive approach of TelemetryTV, with support for remote use, auto updates, the ability to display schedules, videos and events via customized layouts, and a login process that can be automated.

Telemetry TV: Pricing

TelemetryTV is a subscription based model, with a choice of plans, three for business, and two for enterprise. There is no free tier, but there is an offer for a free trial, and some plans offer an annual discount when committing to pay a year at a time rather than monthly. We also would have liked to see a discount when taking the subscription for multiple devices on the business plans, but a shortcoming is that the additional devices are priced the same unless it is an enterprise plan, which in all fairness is how other products in the space do as well.

The bottom plan is Entry, which costs $9/month per device, with no minimum number of devices. It includes up to 5 user licenses, with a limit of 10 playlists, 10 GB of storage with bandwidth of 100 GB/month. There is also support for iOS, Mac, Windows and Android. It otherwise includes support for most of the features, such as the app library, image and video file storage, real time content management and Google Drive integration. Support is limited to only live chat.

Moving up a tier is the Core, which has a cost of $15 per month per device, with the option to pay annually at a rate of $13/month per device. It adds multiple features, including group permissions, user activity logs, automatic device provisioning, and playlist and device tag filters. It also increases to 100 user licenses, 50 GB of media storage, and bandwidth of 1000 GB/month.

The top business plan is Elite, at a slightly higher cost of $16 per month per device, but the lone option is to pay it upfront on an annual basis. The other issue with this plan is that it must be taken for a minimum of 10 devices, a likely significant barrier to admission for smaller businesses and organizations. It adds a handful of features to the lower plans, such as embeddable playlists, serial port commands, proof of play and device logs, and media auto expire. It also has a larger limit of 1,000 user licenses.

There are also two enterprise plans, starting at Network at a cost of $9/device/month, and a minimum of 500 devices (and includes the option for volume discounts with even more devices.

Telemetry TV: Support

There are a number of options for direct support, but some of the options are reserved for the higher tiers of plan. More specifically, TelemetryTV provides email and live chat support as standard. However, phone and video support gets reserved for the Plus, Network, and Enterprise Plans. Also be aware that support hours are 4AM - 5PM PST, with the days of operation not specified, along with an email for direct contact with the caveat that it is “For large opportunities in an unsupported time zone.”

There are also resources for self help information as well. These include a blog, a “Getting Started” guide which has helpful videos, an API Documentation, and a FAQ with answers to about two dozen questions.

TelemetryTV: Final Verdict

TelemetryTV allows users to broadcast dynamic content easily by streaming video, images, social feeds, turnkey and custom apps, and data-driven dashboards to all of your displays wherever they are. TelemetryTV makes it easy for users to broadcast dynamic content by streaming video, images, social media feeds, turnkey and custom apps, and data-driven dashboards to any display, anywhere. We appreciate the upfront pricing with a choice of tiers, the integration with other platforms such as Google Docs, the support options, and the free trial. Some things to keep in mind are the less support options on the lower tiers, the shorter 24/7 phone support times, the lack of a free tier that some competitors do offer, and no options for local hosting. Overall, with a choice of so many tiers, we think that users would do well to choose TelemetryTV for their digital signage needs. 

The VigorSwitch PQ2200xb is a new managed switch from Draytek, and is perfect for businesses who are upgrading an existing network, or rolling out a new one. Key is the ability to supply up to 400W via PoE, which makes it an ideal backbone for cameras, VoIP phones, Wi-Fi access points, and more. The switch also includes a range of surveillance focused features that ensure it is well suited to supporting security cameras.

While the ethernet ports are 2.5GbE, it also has four SFP+ ports for high speed links, and offers up to 160 Gbps of overall switching capacity. Importantly, the PQ2200xb can be configured directly using its web interface, controlled with a DrayTek router, or managed through seperate software, such as Draytek’s own VigorACS 3.

The switch isn’t perfect, so read on as we put it to the test, and find out if it could suit your business. As always with Draytek products, you can try before you buy and test the interface and features yourself, thanks to a handy online demo. 

Price and availability

The VigorSwitch PQ2200xb will set you back $659 / £550 / AU$1,200, which is quite inexpensive considering what's on offer. While there is some competition from other brands, few offer the same features for a comparable price. The PQ2200xb is easy to find for sale in Australia, but for other locations, if the switch is not stocked by your normal retailers, it may be necessary to reach out to your country's DrayTek office to find where it can be purchased. 

Design and specifications

The PQ2200xb is a rack mount switch, measuring in at 440mm x 281.3mm x 44mm, and with a weight of 4.3kg. Around the back it has an IDC power port, while the dual 40mm variable speed fans are side mounted, with a vent on the other side. In the box you get a rack mount kit, RJ-45 console cord, power cord, rubber feet and quick start guide. The switch will run from 100V through to 240V, and is rated for a maximum power consumption of 550 watts.

The PQ2200xb has a total of 21 ports on the front – 16 x 2.5Gbps Ethernet connections, four 10G SPF+ slots, and an RJ-45 console connection port. This combination provides a versatile overall mix of connection options that will suit many small to medium businesses. The 2.5GbE ports provide high network speeds that can cater for fast access, or moving a lot of data around, without the cost of  stepping up to a 10Gbps network. The four SFP+ ports give the flexibility to create very high speed links, such as between switches, or to network attached data storage or servers. Overall this combination of ports allows the creation of a robust, high performance network, without excessively high upfront costs.

A key feature of the PQ2200xb is Power Over Ethernet, and the switch can supply up to 400W total over the 16 ethernet ports. Critically, four of these ports are PoE++, which means that they can supply up to 90W per port. This is enough for power hungry equipment, ranging from point of sale computers and laptops, to TVs and other large displays, video conferencing systems, or even building management systems such as gate or door controllers. The other 12 ethernet ports are PoE+, providing up to 30W and are well suited to running a range of typical devices, such as cameras, Wi-Fi APs, lighting and so on. The inclusion of four PoE++ is a great design choice, as it enables a range of higher power networking options to be run without installing a separate connection for electricity. One downside is the choice to only provide 400W total, as if all four PoE++ ports have higher power devices connected, there is little leftover for the 12 PoE+ connections. We would have preferred to see a minimum of 500W overall for this setup, to give enough headroom to at least get 10W to each PoE+ port, while still being able to push the PoE++ to the full 90W.  

The PQ2200xb is well suited to surveillance needs, and can detect ONVIF capable devices and place them into individual VLANs, as well as allow direct image viewing and setting management through the switch interface. It can also monitor cameras (and other devices), give alerts if a camera stops responding, and cycle the power to try and restore it.

The PQ2200xb has the full range of features you’d expect from a managed switch (and too many to list them all here), including QoS controls, network conflict detection, network management and monitoring, port aggregation, IPv6 support, enterprise level security and more. The switch can handle 256 VLANs, works with a RADIUS or TACAS+ authentication server, has a 160Gbps switching capacity, and supports a 16k MAC address table. As we have come to expect from DrayTek, there are plenty of resources available online for the PQ2200xb. These range from the quick start guide, to the online demo mentioned earlier, firmware updates, the comprehensive 349 page manual, and an expansive general knowledge base.   

In use

The PQ2200xb can be configured via a web browser, and the interface is straightforward and easy to use, despite the impressive depth of features. We tested the PQ2200xb with a range of other DrayTek devices, including Vigor routers and wireless access points. We also included an assortment of other devices on the network, from computers, servers, NAS and PoE security cameras.

Overall the PQ2200xb handled itself very well, and we had no problems testing all of the advertised functionality. Compared to lesser switches, the higher end features made network setup and management feel easy. For surveillance management, options such as the ability to ping network devices, and automatically power cycle them if using PoE, proved reliable, and an invaluable tool.

Maximum power usage of the PQ2200xb will depend on how many PoE devices are connected (and max input is 550W), but power draw starts from 20W at idle. Under little load the switch is silent, but once running, the dual 40mm fans are not especially quiet, and the switch is not shy about running them. The switch should live in a clean environment, but if the fans ever need to be changed, access is easy thanks to the removable cover.  

The innards of the PQ2200xb are well laid out, with clean airflow and plenty of heatsinks. The fans used are quality SUNON dual ball bearing models, measuring in at 40mm x 20mm, and rated for 70,000 hours of use. The fans don’t feature PWM control, so are either on or off, which contributes to the noise. The fans are configured to blow air out of the switch, but the outer shell has a too small 37mm hole, which creates significant airflow obstruction. Despite this, the fans are more than powerful enough to ensure heat is not a problem, but is less efficient than it could be. The switch also has the space (and deleted fan plugs) for two more fans, so a lower speed, triple or quad fan option would have been preferable. 

Network Management

The PQ2200xb can be managed directly via its own interface (which is excellent), but can also be handled via a Vigor router, using DrayTek’s Central Switch Management. While this option works fine, the PQ2200xb supports TR-069 management for more comprehensive options. The free TR-069 based VigorConnect local network management software from DrayTek is quite good, and more than enough for simpler networks or smaller businesses.

DrayTek also has VigorACS – a paid network management option that has a wealth of features. It’s specifically designed to give the best possible support for all compatible DrayTek hardware. The software requires an annual subscription, and the price will depend on the number of network devices you want to be able to control.

VigorACS 3 is aimed at larger businesses that might have multiple switches, and a large number of other devices, and in our experience, doesn’t offer as much value for smaller networks. A key use for VigorACS 3 is to enable SD-WAN options, for connecting multiple sites, or making it easy and secure for remote workers to access the network.

Like the switch, VigorACS 3 has an online demo, which can be accessed using the account name “guest” and the password “guest12345”. If you do buy a Vigor device, DrayTek provides a 30 day free trial of VigorACS 3, so you can test it out on your own server and network.

VigorACS can be installed on a Windows or Linux server, locally or in the cloud, and doesn’t need particularly demanding specs unless the network is very large. One advantage is auto provisioning, where new devices can be added to the network, and are automatically configured and updated by the VigorACS server. It also makes it easy to remotely control and schedule updates to your network. There’s also a host of data collection, from real time status monitoring (and alerts if equipment goes down) through to stats such as performance logging and report creation. VigorACS also has a VPN Wizard, which helps make it easy to create and backup configurations, and make sure your remote workers can stay connected. 

While it is not the only option for TR-069 management, VigorACS is a great match for DrayTek hardware, and well worth the cost for the time savings alone. There’s also a large VigorACS knowledge base of articles that make using it much easier.

That said, the pricing for VigorACS makes it comparatively expensive for smaller networks running just one or two switches, and the potential time savings won’t really materialize until managing a much larger network. In which case, the licencing option for a small number of nodes is aimed at businesses that need features such as SD-WAN.

Final Verdict

DrayTek offers a comprehensive ecosystem of products, and the VigorSwitch PQ2200xb fills an important niche in the lineup. While it is a solid stand alone product for a small to medium business, to get the full benefit, it’s best used in a larger DrayTek based networking ecosystem. The PQ2200xb faces some competition in the market from other switches, but few combine the same feature set for a comparable price.

All in all, the PQ2200xb does everything it promises, and is a great option to combine high speed networking, and robust PoE functionality. While we wish the overall power budget was slightly higher, and the switch was slightly quieter, these are minor quibbles. For those businesses that need PoE, but not the 90W of PoE++, consider alternative DrayTek options, including the 28 port Gigabit PoE VigorSwitch P1282, or for 10GbE, the 28-port VigorSwitch P2280x.