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Check Point Business VPN review
2:19 pm | November 6, 2024

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

As a premium VPN solution, it supports a variety of clients covering Windows, MacOS, and mobile platforms ensuring easy access for remote workforces across all of their devices. Additionally, we should note here that the VPN is tightly integrated with Check Point’s security management platform, tied to other advanced threat detection and prevention tools that the company offers. In simpler terms, the best comprehensive solution can be gained if the entire Check Point package is chosen, since you can get hardware security solutions from Check Point and can easily integrate them into their powerful SmartConsole, an admin dashboard solution.

Features like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Single Sign-On (SSO), and Identity Awareness improve security and ease of use. Furthermore, the Always-ON VPN feature ensures constant security by keeping users connected securely to corporate networks at all times. If you have a need to create temporary users who will be able to access your VPN for a set period of time, you can do so as well. This is ideal for customers visiting your site and needing access to some resources for a few hours or days.

Check Point offers a variety of remote access VPN solutions tailored to different business needs. These include Harmony Endpoint for comprehensive endpoint protection, Endpoint Security VPN for IPsec-based connectivity, and Mobile Access Web Portal for clientless SSL VPN access. Additional options include Check Point Mobile for Windows, SecuRemote, and Capsule VPN for iOS and Android, each designed to provide secure connectivity for remote users.

Pricing & Plans

Though we’re used to enterprise solutions hiding their pricing behind a “must-attend demo session” or directly contacting sales for company pricing, we’re really not fond of this practice. Depending on the number of users you have, you will probably have to choose between one of the mobile access blade tiers. The MOB-U is an unlimited access for unlimited users. The other license levels are MOB-50 and MOB-200 for 50 or 200 concurrent users respectively. The licenses do not stack, complicating the choice.

Recently, the company introduced a cloud comprehensive solution named Harmony Endpoint which among other things, under Access Control offers VPN. The advantage here is that you will not have to worry about licensing or the number of users, and could potentially present a better solution if you need comprehensive security and not just a VPN solution.

Configuration

If you have a Check Point appliance in your company as part of the package, such as the 1530 Appliance, then the configuration of the VPN can be done using the SmartConsole for users accessing resources through the company network. On the left side menu, you will need to navigate to the VPN tab and then, under Blade Control, enable Remote Control and enable SSL VPN. Before you can actually access SSL VPN services you will have to configure them under the SSL Bookmarks section and then add and define the users. Here you can define permanent or temporary users, with the process being manual and time-intensive if you have numerous users to add, as you have to define the user names and passwords yourself.

For PC client configuration, there is a wizard once the package has been downloaded that leads you through the setup. You will have to make sure you know all of the details of your network as there is no auto-filling option, even if the PC is in the business network, which unnecessarily complicates the installation process.

All in all, we would have liked the setup to be more in line with the modern standards set by commercial clients targeting wider audiences; though we do understand that this is a more complex solution that requires comprehensive networking knowledge and experts who are used to setting up corporate networks and protecting resources.

Performance

Quantum VPN excels in speed and stability, ensuring uninterrupted access to business resources thanks to the powerful hardware in the background. The more powerful the gateway hardware, the better it handles increased remote access users. But that’s not the whole story. Both AMD and Intel have added AES encryption features directly into their CPUs, which helps boost VPN performance.

This technology, known as AES New Instructions (AES-NI), allows hardware to handle many encryption tasks more efficiently, reducing the load on software and significantly improving speed and security. This means businesses can support more users with better performance, thanks to these built-in capabilities. Check Point promises AES-NI compatibility (AES-128, AES-256) to be supported by default, ensuring the highest possible performance gains without any hick-ups.

Despite all of this, users should note to optimize the interface affinity by enabling multi-queuing, and check that you have no or low fragmented packet rate to ensure the best performance. Finally, despite the powerful hardware and protocols you still need to ensure that you utilize configuration best practices to guarantee the best performance. With all of that being said, Check Point ranks in the top five enterprise VPNs when it comes to performance.

Privacy & Security

One of the standout features is the IPsec suite. It provides robust security by encrypting data, ensuring that sensitive information is shielded from man-in-the-middle attacks or unauthorized decryption. By leveraging advanced mathematical algorithms and end-to-end encryption, IPsec effectively blocks hacking attempts, keeping data transmissions secure from start to finish.

This powerful combination of security protocols makes it an essential tool for protecting business communications and maintaining privacy in enterprise environments. For the mobile app, this feature is available only on Check Point Capsule VPN for Android or Check Point Capsule Connect for iOS.

Overall, it offers industry-leading encryption, compliance with GDPR, and no-logging policies. Advanced encryption methods protect sensitive data, and integration with Check Point’s broader security suite enhances overall business security.

Check Point actively monitors and addresses emerging VPN threats. In a recent advisory, they urged users to review VPN configurations, highlighting an increase in attacks using weak, password-only authentication. The company swiftly mobilized teams to investigate incidents where outdated login methods were targeted. To enhance security, Check Point recommends disabling unnecessary local accounts and implementing stronger multi-factor authentication methods. They also released a solution to automatically prevent unauthorized access through weak authentication, ensuring customers’ VPNs are better protected against evolving threats.

Alternatives

If you’re shopping for an enterprise-wide solution but are not ready to pay the top dollar, then the first alternative could be Fortinet. FortiClient functions as both a firewall and a secure solution for connecting your devices to a VPN. It allows you to link your entire office on a secure VPN, enabling easy and safe data sharing. With FortiClient, you can access office archives and files remotely, providing flexibility for on-the-go work. It’s a fast and reliable network with minimal maintenance needs, making it a great choice for businesses looking to streamline their remote access and security.

An additional alternative is Cisco’s AnyConnect; which offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your data stays protected, while its adaptive security policies help guard against threats. With support for multiple devices and platforms, AnyConnect makes it easy to connect teams and manage remote access securely. Its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Cisco security tools make it a versatile alternative thanks to a more streamlined setup process and a clearer pricing structure.

Final Verdict

Check Point Quantum VPN is a high-end solution for enterprises that are best utilized as the entire package combining hardware and software to provide comprehensive, company-wide security. With that being said, you will have to pay much more for such an approach, but you can then be sure you have one of the best solutions on the market. Set up is a bit more complex, but the client-side software (mobile apps) have clean UI’s and are logically laid out and easy to use overall. Moreover, if you’re in charge of backend maintenance through the admin console, you will also be greeted by a modern UI that seamlessly transitions between tabs and provides single-click solutions for most of the configurations.

While it may be overkill for small businesses, it’s a worthy investment for large-scale operations prioritizing security, knowing that you have a reliable partner for company cyber security that stays abreast of new threat development. If you’re on a tighter budget then one of the suggested alternatives could be a solid choice as they provide solid features for less money.

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 SSD review
10:23 am |

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

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB, 16TB 
Size: 131 x 83mm x 20.8mm 
Weight: 257g (2TB) 
Enclosure material: Tamper-proof epoxy casing 
Connector: USB 3.2 Gen 1 
Technology: AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption 
Warranty (years):
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): 448MB/s read, 444MB/s write 
Software bundle: Nero BackItUp (1-year license), iStorage DriveSecurity 

The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is essentially an easy way to keep all your digital data safe, whether personal or for business, albeit at a cost. The design is reminiscent of a traditional safe keypad, and the way it works isn't too far removed. Once set up with admin and user passcodes or passwords, you can be assured that the only way back into the ample 2TB of storage is with the correct codes. 

The passcode protection is at the hardware level, and iStorage has built the small drive to withstand brute force attempts to access it, both physically and through software. If someone does find a way to hack their way in, then there are options to erase all data if unauthorized access is attempted, essentially meaning that this drive offers one of the most secure data drive options out there.

When it comes to software protection, the drive is safeguarded by AES 256-bit encryption with FIPS 140-3 validation. This security is coupled with a rugged, tamper-proof casing that will help to ensure your data stays safe, although it's also worth pointing out the while this case is tough it isn't waterproof.

Reflecting the drive's security, the build and design all reflect the nature of this SSD. However, in terms of size, it's only slightly larger than other 2TB portable SSDs on the market and shares a similar USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection. This connection enables quoted data transfer speeds of up to 448MB/s, and in our benchmarking tests, the read speeds we registered weren't too far off that mark.

While speed is important, with the drive enabling access at speeds in excess of 400MB/s through our test, this is relatively slow for an SSD, however, that's more than enough for most documents you want to keep secure. With a decent 2TB of storage space, there should be ample room for a business's corporate documents and any other digital data that needs to be kept secure, and there are options for a larger capacity if your budget allows.

It may not be the best portable SSD we've tested when it comes to speeds, but whether it's for business, personal use, or as a drive you'll be taking with you but need to keep secure, the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is one of the smallest and most secure options out there.

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Price & availability

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 (2TB SSD) is priced at £660. It is available directly from iStorage and includes a semi-hard protective case, USB Type-C and Type-A cables, and a 3-year warranty. The drive is available for purchase in several storage capacities.

  • Score: 4/5

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Design & build

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The DiskAshur Pro 3's build quality and design completely reflect its intended use as a secure portable SSD. First, the drive's size, at 131 x 83mm x 20.8mm and weighing 257g, makes it ultra-portable and easy to stash in a physical safe if needed. Like other portable SSDs, its small size and weight make it easy to carry, adding little bulk or weight to any bag you might be using. The actual size of the drive is marginally larger than a standard 2.5" portable SSD, although only by a bit, due to the added protection of the case.

Aside from the slight increase in physical dimensions, the main feature that sets this drive apart is the keypad on the front, which has a standard 12-key layout with numbers 0 to 9, along with a shift and lock key. Different key combinations essentially enable you to unlock and access various functions and features.

Alongside the keys are three LED lights that let you gauge exactly what is happening and enable you to set admin and user passwords. It's a very analog approach and enables the drive to be completely independent from the need for a computer, aside from the power draw to the connected device until it's unlocked.

The only other visible physical features are the USB Type-C port on the back, which handles all data transfer, and a Kensington lock, which enables it to be physically secured to a desk with an appropriate cable.

Internally, the drive's construction ensures durability with a tamper-proof epoxy enclosure that prevents physical access, essentially if you try to break it apart the epoxy, as it's removed will inevitably damage the drive. The design also features IP56 protection, which means that drive is dust- and water-resistant, allowing it to withstand more than most.

  • Design & build: 4.5/5

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Features

The DiskAshur Pro 3 is designed with security as its primary focus, and every feature of this compact portable SSD reflects that. Starting with the physical keypad on the front, it's designed to allow you to enter PINs ranging from 8 to 64 digits in length to gain access. Through the setup process, which is carried out using combinations of button presses, you can protect against brute force lockouts and set self-destruct PINs. You can also enable backlit illumination for the keypad to use in low-light environments. Additionally, the drive allows for different PIN setups, including admin, user, and one-time pass, offering plenty of flexibility in how the drive can be used.

The drive's physical features showcase its security credentials, which are backed by its successful evaluation and issuance of CAVP certificates, which demonstrate compliance with the latest U.S. government computer security standards for cryptographic modules. These CAVP certificates include Library—Certificate A5501, EC Library—Certificate A5502, RNG Library—Certificate A5500, and Entropy Source Certificate E198. Essentially, it meets very high-security standards, including those government accreditations. Further adding to its secure credentials, it features military-grade FIPS PUB 197 validated AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption.

In addition to the technology that protects the data, the drive itself is encased in a durable epoxy resin layer, which makes it nearly impossible to remove the drive without breaking it apart. A feature that will appeal to many is the ability to format the drive in native file formats for different systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, as well as others. You can also configure the drive to be bootable for Linux or other operating systems. To ensure maximum compatibility, the drive comes with a USB Type-C connector, and the protective semi-hard case includes both Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Type-A cables.

While the drive isn't built for speed, the USB Type-C connection ensures decent transfer rates, with speeds up to 448MB/s. Once set up, there are plenty of options and protections, including a brute force hack defence mechanism that allows 10 consecutive failed attempts to access the drive before all data is erased. For access, you can set up user, admin, and one-time access, with the option for a self-destruct PIN that will erase the full content of the drive if entered.

Looking at a few of the more physical features of the drive, it includes a backlit keypad that can be switched on or off as needed. The keys themselves are made from ultra-robust, wear-resistant epoxy, ensuring their longevity. It's also worth highlighting that while the drive is rugged, it isn't waterproof but is IP65 certified for dust and water resistance.

When it comes to more advanced features, the drive can be configured to be write-protected, allowing the contents to be viewed but not altered or removed. Additionally, you have three encryption options: AES-ECB 256-bit, AES-CTS 256-bit (default), and AES-CBC 256-bit.

  • Features 4.5/5

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Performance

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark, Read: 439.46MB/s Write: 414.62MB/s
AJA, Read: 400MB/s Write: 388MB/s
ATTO, Read: 420.66MB/s Write: 397.14MB/s
AS SSD, Read: 403.14MB/s Write: 382.19MB/s 

The main feature of this drive is security, but speed is also of interest. With SSD technology and an ultrafast USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 connection, the speeds are relatively decent, though not groundbreaking. In our benchmarking tests, the drive consistently produced results around 400MB/s read and 250MB/s write. While these speeds would be restrictive for any creative use as a working drive, the fact that it offers a huge 2TB of storage means that, if you have client work that needs to be kept secure, it will still back up your content considerably faster than an HDD, even if it takes a bit longer than a standard SSD.

During testing, the drive was carried around for a week in a backpack along with other gear, though always in the protective semi-hard case included with the purchase. The combination of the case, the robust build of the drive, and the solid-state nature of the SSD meant that this test for durability was handled by the drive with ease, as was leaving it on a table during a light rain shower.

When it comes to write speeds, and considering that this is primarily a secure drive rather than one built for outright performance, transfer rates of close to 400MB/s are decent enough as a storage device and good for a bit of light HD video editing if needed. 

On a PC laptop, the drive's performance is solid with no issues. However, on a Mac, the drive can randomly disconnect. In the box, there is a set of instructions that explain how to work around this issue. While for the most part this works, with Apple Silicon and macOS Sequoia, the workaround sometimes required a restart after each time the drive was connected.

The main focus of this drive is security, and in that regard, it is impressive. While for single users the keypad access is simple (essentially functioning like a digital safe), one of the most interesting features is the ability to set up multiple users and one-time users.

This is done through a series of button presses, with confirmation provided by the three lights illuminating in different ways. You follow the instructions, wait for the lights, and proceed. Through various keystroke combinations, you can set up initial admin access, user access, and even one-time access.

This is great for businesses that need to provide sensitive data to their workforce. An IT department can set up admin and user access, and the drive can then be sent out with the content for employees to use. You can, if needed, make the content read-only, so the user can access the content but cannot update it, which is another handy feature.

Additionally, the drive allows you to program one-time access, where a PIN is created and the user can access the drive only once before the PIN becomes void and the drive locks again. It's all very secure, and as long as you take your time to follow the instructions, it's relatively easy to set up.

In terms of security, the way the drive works is quite interesting. Due to the encryption, even when connected, the drive won't do anything. You can check the attached drives, and your computer will show nothing is attach—even if you attempt to access the drive using software designed to decrypt encrypted drives, it remains invisible. Only when the correct code is entered on the keypad does the drive unlock and connect, making it incredibly secure and well beyond any software solution that we have access to.

While the drive may not be the fastest SSD on the market, at 400MB/s it's still fast enough for most tasks. So if you need to use the drive for additional storage for image or video editing, or even for running apps, it will enable you to do so.

In terms of real-world performance, the drive is impressive—fast considering its intended use and, most importantly, exceptionally secure.

  • Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3?

The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is completely focused on keeping your data safe, and while the drive isn't the fastest in terms of SSD performance, it's still fast enough for most processes. The security level is impressive, and in testing with all the software we had at our disposal, including EaseUS, the drive remained locked and impenetrable. The fact that it doesn't even mount or attempt to mount before the correct code has been entered makes the usual inroads that software allows void. This truly highlights that this is an ultra-secure drive with military-grade encryption, PIN authentication, and a tamper-resistant design. Of course, this level of security comes at a cost, but if you need your files to be secure, then this is the price you'll have to pay.

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Buy it if...

You need ultimate security.  

The DiskAshur Pro 3 offers unmatched data protection with military-grade encryption and physical PIN authentication.

You work in sensitive industries.  

Ideal for government or corporate users handling highly sensitive data.

Don't buy it if...

You need a high-speed drive.  

While secure, the DiskAshur Pro 3 lags behind in speed compared to other SSDs.

You're on a tight budget.  

The high price tag may be overkill for casual users or basic backups.


For more storage, we reviewed the best external hard drives and best external hard drive for Mac.

Lexar Professional Go SL400 portable SSD with Hub review
5:14 pm | November 5, 2024

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

Lexar Professional Go SL400: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 1TB, 2TB
Size: SSD 25.5x43.5x8.25mm, Hub: 43x43.5x8.25mm
Weight: SSD 13g, Hub 23g
Enclosure material: PC, ABS, Aluminium
Connector: USB Type-C
Technology: USB 3.2 Gen2, SSD
Warranty: 5 years
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): Read: 1050MB/s, Write: 1000MB/s
Software bundle: 256-bit AES Encryption Software

We first caught sight of the Lexar Professional Go (or Lexar Professional Go SL400 portable SSD with Hub, to give the device it's full title) back at IFA 2024. After a brief demonstration, and a short hands-on, we were impressed with the overall feel and operation of the device. 

And while it's chiefly designed for videographers and content creators using the the iPhone 15, it's fully compatible with any USB-C phone (we know, we checked). But, how does it stack up under our full and extensive testing? We put it to the test. 

At first, this small modular device just looks like any other mobile SSD that enables you to unlock your iPhone's full potential to film the ProRes video format. But it actually enables far more than just boosting storage by enabling video accessories to be directly attached. Something that will appeal to professional users.

The difference between this and our usual pick of the best portable SSDs is the hub section. Essentially, this device is made up of three integral parts: the main SSD, hub, and the small coupling. There's an extra USB cable along with a case in the box. While the drive can be used as a standard plug-and-play expansion drive, it really comes into its own when all units are used together.

In the box, there are two coupling connectors, which essentially enable you to use the SL400 Go with an iPhone case. To set-up the small USB coupling of choice can be plugged into the base of the phone, followed by the hub and then the SSD. It all sits neatly and snugly at the back of the phone, with the best fit being when the phone has its own case. The other coupling can be used when you want to mount the SSD elsewhere and enables you to connect to a USB cable. While that would be it for most SSDs here, the hub then offers two additional USB Type-C ports for attaching other devices, such as a RODE Go, DJI Mic 2 or power supply, before everything is connected to a larger rig.

The design is solid when used with a larger rig system and will appeal to all content creators looking for a pro-level video option that remains small and lightweight. At present, there is no other system that does this. While other SSDs cater to the additional storage needs, no other system also enables a power bank and mic to be attached to enhance audio quality as well as boost battery life.

As a professional solution for iPhone videography, the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub is on another level compared to anything else currently available. It's one of those products you'll only realise you need once you start to film and evaluate your video's production values. On its own, it offers greater flexibility, but when partnered with a wireless mic, lights, and power, it will help improve your iPhone video productions to a professional level.

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Price & availability

SL400 Go Portable SSD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD is available from retailers and can be purchased directly through the Lexar website, Amazon.com, and many other retail sites.

  • Score: 4/5

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Design & build

SL400 Go Portable SSD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Lexar Professional Go with Hub has a quirky design with two parts, with increased functionality as the SSD and Hub are combined. Straight out of the box, the small SSD can be plugged directly into the base of your iPhone and will be instantly recognised and available for use. As is normal with any SSD or mic system that plugs into the base of an iPhone, any existing protective case needs to be removed first. This functionality is much like the bulk of other mobile SSDs on the market, but the size of the SSD does already set it apart, especially considering the huge 2TB capacity.

Where this small device really comes into its own is when it's coupled with the hub. The hub is a slightly larger block that uses a small adapter, which plugs directly into the hub, the SSD and then into the base of your iPhone. This is, again, a bit of a bolt-on, but it all starts to make sense as part of a far larger and more professional rig.

The size and weight of the modules are compact, with the SSD measuring 25.5 x 43.5 x 8.25mm and weighing 13g, while the slightly larger hub comes in at 43 x 43.5 x 8.25mm and weighs 23g. Altogether, along with the coupling, the entire unit weighs 42g with the SSD's rubber case and 38g without. It's worth keeping the rubber case on as it provides a better grip against the phone when everything is in position.

The design means that the hub and SSD are held in place by the USB port, and while this might not seem like the best solution, Lexar has included two small USB couplings that enable you to fit the hub snugly or connect in a USB cable when the SSD is mounted elsewhere. In this review, we used a Mous iPhone 15 case, and when in place, the hub sits snugly and securely. Once the SSD is plugged in, it creates a solid connection that makes everything feel firmly together when handheld.

  • Design & build: 4/5

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Features

SL400 Go Portable SSD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

This device is essentially a very compact SSD with a USB Type-C hub that has been designed modularly so you can adapt it to suit your filming needs. The SSD is available in 1TB or 2TB versions, and once connected, it will enable you to unlock and record ProRes-quality video footage.

While the SSD is small, it's also designed to be robust with IP65 certification, which means it's both water- and dust-resistant. The drive isn't just tough against environmental elements but also comes with 256-AES encryption software to keep the files on the drive secure.

When it comes to connecting to the iPhone, it utilises the standard USB Type-C connector, which enables ultra-fast transfer rates with quoted read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s. While the device has been designed for use with Apple iPhones, it's also equally compatible with Android devices as long as they're USB Type-C (3.0 or above) and the phone has OTG functionality with a USB load capacity of above 4.5W.

The hub is where the feature set really gets interesting, with four USB ports—one for the SSD, one for the coupling to the phone and the other two spare for connecting other devices. This includes up to a 30W charging rate if you need longer shooting times.

  • Features: 5/5

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Performance

SL400 Go Portable SSD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark, read: 1047.91MB/s write: 945.17MB/s
AJA: read: 961MB/s write: 871MB/s
ATTO: read: 1001.47MB/s write: 905.66MB/s
AS SSD: read: 961.83MB/s write: 886.11MB/s 

Setting up the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub is straightforward, as Lexar has provided everything you need in a soft zip case. This case is a nice touch as it keeps everything together and makes it ultra-portable and easy to slip into a backpack easily.

Assembling the components and connecting to the phone takes less than a minute, with the coupling and hub plugging in along with the SSD. During testing, we generally used the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub with the iPhone 15 Pro, using a Mous case. This ensured that the SSD and Hub sat flush against the case, although we found it odd that the SSD features a rubber case while the hub does not.

In use, with or without the rubber case the units sat against the phone snuggly, with the rubber case just giving a little additional purchase when handheld. The connection between the phone and the unit is solely through the USB Type-C connection, and this can feel like a weak point.

In use, it's apparent that the Lexar drive and hub have been designed as a professional piece of kit, and with the right accessories, such as cage, mics, light and power, it certainly feels like a far more substantial rig than the phone alone. Adding in a Neewer cage, a small LED light, and a Rode Go Mic alongside the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub provided an instant boost in quality—the phone goes from being something you can snapshot a quick recording with to something altogether far more professional.

Then, there's the potential to add in a wireless mic system, such as the DJI Mic 2. With the hub in place, this can easily be wired in, and if an additional battery is needed, it can also be added, along with the mic. 

Overall, the performance and speed of the small SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub are impressive, and the fact that it offers so much additional potential makes it a valuable accessory for anyone looking to boost the quality of their video.

  • Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Lexar Professional Go SL400?

The Lexar Professional Go with Hub enables you to shoot professional-grade video on your iPhone and unlocks features like ProRes video recording. The hub also enables you to connect pro-level microphones and other accessories that essentially transform your iPhone into a fully-fledged production rig. 

If you need your iPhone's video to take a step up for business and professional video, then this is a great solution and simple to use. Ultimately, there's no other mobile SSD that packs in a hub that enables this level of expandability and performance. If you need your iPhone for professional video, then the Lexar SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub is an essential choice. 

SL400 Go Portable SSD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...


For more storage solutions, we reviewed the best external hard drives

Oukitel RT3 Pro rugged tablet review
5:12 pm |

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

Oukitel RT3 Pro: 30-second review

The Oukitel RT3 Pro is one of a growing number of tough, compact tablets that offer plenty of features in a budget-friendly design, making them ideal for anyone working outdoors, travelling or needing something more robust than your average tablet. To that end, it's also a perfect option for families with small children due to its robust credentials.

When it comes to just how tough this small tablet is, it meets a few stringent tests, including MIL-STD-810H and IP68/IP69K standards, ensuring water and drop resistance. In our test, it survived being dropped from. height and caught in a heavy rain shower without issue, aside from the usual mud and a scrape or two.

Dominating the front of the tablet is the 8-inch HD display, which offers a decent enough screen for work tasks but is a little on the low side when it comes to resolution. So, while bright, you can see it lacks the sharp clarity of more expensive options.

Inside is the octa-core MediaTek G81 processor, which powers through most Google apps without issue but starts to struggles with anything more processor- or graphics-intensive. Power is well-balanced, and the 5150mAh battery enables a decent length of time between charges.

For use as a tough work tablet, the Oukitel RT3 Pro is well-suited, with a responsive screen, decent mobile and Wi-Fi connection, and enough power to run the Google suite of apps without issue. If you need something with a little more processing and graphics power, then you'll need to look at spending a little more on the best rugged tablets.

Oukitel RT3 Pro: Price & availability

Oukitel RT3 Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
  • How much does it cost? £177 / $229
  • When is it out? Available now
  • Where can you get it? You can get it Amazon or the Oukitel website

The Oukitel RT3 Pro is competitively priced at £177 / $229 and offers good value for considering it's tough credentials. This compact tablet is widely available online and directly from the official Oukitel website by clicking here.

  • Value: 4 / 5

Oukitel RT3 Pro: Specifications

Oukitel RT3 Pro: Design

Oukitel RT3 Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
  • Ultra tough design
  • Dual SIM slots

When you consider the relatively inexpensive cost of the RT3 Pro, the actual design and build quality feel far more premium, with an outdoor look and style available in a choice of three accent colour options: Black, Green, or Orange. The design of the tablet, while robust and outwardly built to withstand a knock or two, still remains relatively slim and lightweight at 207mm x 134mm x 13.9mm and 538g. This means it easily slips into a work bag or backpack without adding too much bulk or weight.

While most of the front is covered by the 8-inch, 800x1280 resolution screen, there is a sizable bezel and the edges of the casing feature hard, reinforced, rubberized corners, which once again highlight the ruggedness of this tablet. The screen, while not the highest resolution, does offer a decent 600 nits of brightness and can be seen in most conditions, although expect to sun shield in the brightest conditions. Confirming just how tough this small tablet is, it has been tested to meet MIL-STD-810H and IP68/IP69K standards, which essentially means it’s resistant to dust, water, and drops.

Oukitel RT3 Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
  • Design: 4 / 5

Oukitel RT3 Pro: Features

This tablet has been designed as a reliable and tough device for use in the field, and as such, its features are designed more for professional use than domestic. For starters, it's relatively small and lightweight, with a build that has been tested to IP68/IP69K standards, meaning it's both water- and dust-proof. It's also MIL-STD-810H certified, further reinforcing the fact that this is a tough tablet built to withstand being knocked about and dropped, which was tested to the fullest through this test.

The front of the tablet is dominated by the large 8-inch HD BOE display, which is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass and offers 600 nits of brightness, the screen provides decent visibility outdoors in most conditions.

Power comes from the 5150mAh battery, which can supply power for up to 38 days on standby or for up to 16 hours of music playback and 6 hours of video playback. One standout feature, especially if you travel or work in remote locations, is its support for reverse charging. This means you can use the tablet as a power bank to charge other devices if your phone runs out of battery.

Cameras are always a key feature of these rugged tablets, ideal for capturing images on-site. The Oukitel RT3 Pro is equipped with a 16MP main camera featuring a 1/3.06" Sony-OV16880 sensor, along with modes like Beauty, Mono, and Bokeh for a few creative options. On the front, there's an 8MP camera with a 1/4" Sony-IMX219 sensor, which is perfect for video calls and conferencing.

As this tablet is just hitting the market, it comes with the latest Android 14, powered by the MediaTek G81 octa-core processor. Internally, it boasts 128GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card, and 4GB of RAM, which can be expanded to 16GB.

As a tablet designed for work away from home or the office, connectivity is a crucial element. The Oukitel RT3 Pro features dual 5G SIM slots for maximum connection options, though one of those slots can be used for storage expansion. It also includes GPS, a wide range of satellite networks, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi compatibility.

Oukitel RT3 Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
  • Features: 4 / 5

Oukitel RT3 Pro: Performance

Oukitel RT3 Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

In use, the Oukitel proves to be a compact and relatively powerful solution. While the screen is smaller and lower resolution than we're used to with the latest tablets, it's still bright, and considering the tablet's intended use, it's not a bad choice especially considering the size and battery life for standard tasks. It's only when you place it side-by-side with a higher-resolution tablet that you can see it doesn't quite have the same clarity and sharpness.

However, if you're using this for Google Docs, browsing, and editing, that resolution shouldn't be an issue. Opening Google Docs, the application scales to the lower resolution, and while there is less screen real estate than on some other devices, it’s still an upgrade from your average smartphone. This means typing on the touchscreen keyboard is easy and intuitive enough.

Likewise, switching over to Sheets, it's easy to access most options and input data when needed. The Android 14 OS is well-tuned and adaptable to different screen sizes and power levels, and here it works perfectly well.

Testing media playback and streaming, all the services tried—Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Netflix, worked smoothly. The audio capabilities of the small tablet are surprisingly good, although visually, the contrast and colour of the screens image are on the vibrant side, but perfectly acceptable for casual viewing. 

Switching over to gaming in order to push the tablet’s graphics, the gameplay is okay, held back slightly by the lower graphics, but still allowing games like Need for Speed and Mortal Kombat to be played, albeit with the occasional glitch as the action intensifies. Again, the sound is impressive, and considering the tablet’s level, it's pleasing enough.

In real-world working situations, the tablet is more than powerful enough for day-to-day office work with Google Docs and internet browsing. However, when it comes to media playback and games, it has its limits. Surprisingly, you're able to play games on the system, and the 60Hz refresh rate keeps the action generally smooth and more than playable. You only start to notice the lower resolution when comparing this side-by-side with a more powerful option.

While the performance was good, one disappointment is the time it takes to charge, as it only charges at a rate of 10W, meaning it takes a solid three hours for a full recharge. However, the 5150mAh battery is more than enough to last a day in most situations.

Lastly, looking at the cameras, the front camera does its job well for video calls. As long as you're in decent light, the image is pretty clear, and the mic pickups work well, providing clarity in calls while the speakers are decent enough to clearly hear people on the other end.

The rear main camera, at 16MP, is relatively low in resolution, but in decent light, the Sony sensor is capable of capturing good images. However, in darker situations, noise starts to creep in. The Pro and Bokeh modes provide a nice level of creativity, and with the help of Lightroom, you can actually get some decent pictures.

Oukitel RT3 pro

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

Oukitel RT3 Pro: Final verdict

The Oukitel RT3 Pro is designed for those whose work requires them to stay connected in the field. The 8" screen size is small, but for reviewing documents and data, it's far easier to navigate than a smartphone and less cumbersome than a laptop.

The build and design of the tablet emphasise its ruggedness, and throughout testing—being bashed, dropped, and generally thrown around—there was no real damage, and it continued to work without issue. The tablet stood up to its IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H certifications, making it ideal for outdoor workers, travellers, or families with active lifestyles and kids.

The real-world performance was a pleasant surprise, especially considering the benchmark results, which, while decent, were decidedly middle of the road. However, it handled Google Docs, games, the camera, and Lightroom with relative ease, although image editing in Lightroom was a bit slow as the software analysed images and applied effects.

The resolution is the main downside here, but considering the tablet’s strengths and intended use, even the lack of clarity for video and image editing isn't a major issue. This is a tablet designed for the outdoors, and with dual SIM slots and 5G connectivity, it proves to be a solid option. Overall, it's a budget-friendly, rugged tablet that's perfect if you need a device that will withstand more abuse than most.

Should you buy a Oukitel RT3 Pro?

If you work outdoors or are off on your travels and want a tablet that can survive the elements, then the Oukitel RT3 Pro's rugged design and long-lasting battery make it a great choice. However, it's also worth considering that the resolution is rather low. While it's perfect for reviewing documents and casual video viewing, if you want a fuller video or gaming experience, a system with a higher-resolution screen will be a better option.

Likewise, while the battery provides a decent amount of power over a prolonged period, the charging time of three hours is longer than most. That said, the ability to use the tablet’s power to top up your smartphone is a nice touch.

For those working outdoors or traveling, the dual SIM card slot is a great addition, whether for connecting to different mobile networks or using a MicroSD card to boost storage. Overall, when it comes to processing performance, this tablet does a decent enough job for Google Docs, occasional media playback, and gaming. It's a budget-friendly device, making it ideal for fieldwork or adventure.

Oukitel RT3 Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...


We reviewed the best rugged laptops and the best rugged phones - see what passed our drop-tests.

Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition, AMD) review
2:53 pm |

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

This review first appeared in issue 360 of PC Pro.

Framework takes a different approach from most laptop makers, with an emphasis on reparability. It even adopts a modular approach to ports, so you can swap a USB-A port for an HDMI connector on the fly.

As my guide to building a Framework opposite shows, however, this isn’t a DIY system in the same way that you might build a desktop PC. Framework supplies the chassis with the motherboard and display built in, so all you’re doing is adding the SSD, memory, keyboard, ports and bezel of your choosing. Install Windows or Linux, and the relevant drivers, and you’re done.

Or you can buy a laptop preassembled and pre-loaded with Windows. There isn’t a huge difference in the price, but I would expect most readers to choose the DIY approach.

View of Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition, AMD) hardware

You can pick from (and then fit) a multitude of keyboard languages (Image credit: Future)

Chip choice

Framework sent me its top AMD version of the Laptop 13, which features a Ryzen 7840U, but it offers an à la carte menu of chips. For instance, you can choose from Intel’s Core Ultra range or save money by opting for a 13th generation Core CPU.

There’s also a choice of display. My review unit included the basic 60Hz panel with a 2,256 x 1,504 resolution, but for an extra £130 Framework offers a 2,880 x 1,920 screen that goes up to 120Hz. This also comes with a more advanced webcam; the one bundled with my laptop produced solid 1080p results – fine for business calls – but forget effects such as background blur. There’s no IR sensor for Windows Hello logins, either, but Framework includes privacy switches for the webcam and the microphones.

One of the many great things about Framework’s approach is that if something goes wrong you can fix it or replace it, and that includes the display and the motherboard. With a strong community and detailed resources from Framework, you may prefer to dig out your screwdrivers rather than taking the laptop to a repairer.

Full metal jacket

Despite its modular nature, the Framework 13 is a compact and slim laptop. It’s well made, too, with no obvious weak points. The only area where it arguably falls behind rivals is for style, with a simple, utilitarian look. I like the simplicity, but others may prefer a more stylish design. You can choose colored bezels, keyboard covers and expansion ports if you want to liven things up.

There’s nothing fancy about the keyboard, either, but the action is deep and solid, with only a trace of cushioning. Ham-fisted typists will find it clacks loudly, but those with a gentler typing style will be rewarded with quiet strokes. The UK layout includes a double-height Enter key, with the only compromise being half-height up/down cursor keys and some function doubling.

A nicely proportioned and slick touchpad sits beneath, with a fingerprint sensor above. This worked perfectly throughout.

Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition, AMD) keyboard is simply but sleek

The design may be utilitarian, but the Framework Laptop 13 is well built (Image credit: Future)

Plain Jane screen

It’s a shame Framework sent me the model with the cheaper screen, as this is one area where the Laptop 13 falls behind rivals. There’s nothing wrong with its resolution or refresh rate, but color coverage could be better: it’s tied to the sRGB space, covering 96% out of a 100% volume, and that means DCI-P3 coverage is stuck at 71%. Colors lack punch as a result, but accuracy is respectable (0.63 Delta E average) and it goes up to 467cd/m2. The panel’s native color temperature of almost 7000K means whites look a fraction “cold”.

You can always hook it up to an external screen. The only connector that Framework stipulates is USB-C, as this is used for charging (and data/monitor duties), which leaves three for you to play with – it’s possible to swap them out whenever you like – so if you need DisplayPort or HDMI then add them to your order. Or take your pick from USB-A, Ethernet, microSD, or even storage expansion cards.

Sideview of the Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition, AMD) showing three available ports

You can take your pick of connectors for the three spare ports (Image credit: Future)

Need for speed

With a Ryzen 7840U inside my test system, I expected fast speeds. And that’s exactly what I saw. AMD’s Zen 4 architecture remains strong, with a 2,600 result in Geekbench 6’s single-core test and a solid 11,388 in the multicore test; having eight cores means it now falls behind the fastest chips from Intel and Qualcomm. It was a match for the Copilot+ PCs in Cinebench 2024, though, with 790 in the multicore section and 104 in the single-core test.

AMD’s Radeon 780M graphics are roughly on a par with Intel’s Arc chips, scoring 2,902 in 3DMark Time Spy. At the panel’s native resolution, it coped well in both Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Dirt 5 so long as I kept to the lowest detail settings, averaging 39fps and 44fps respectively. Switching to High proved too big a challenge, with frame rates toppling to 24fps and 28fps.

Unlike the Copilot+ PCs I’ve tested this month with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips inside, the Framework Laptop 13’s fan lets you know when the CPU is being pushed. It doesn’t help that Framework uses a single fan for cooling, but those who like a quiet existence should either choose a different laptop or stick to undemanding tasks.

Battery life is respectable, lasting 9hrs 12mins in the light-use test and a superb 16hrs 26mins when left idling. But don’t expect speedy recharging from the modestly sized 60W adapter, going from zero to 45% in half an hour.

Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition, AMD) benchmarks

(Image credit: Future)

Final thoughts

Buying a Framework laptop isn’t the best choice for those who seek instant gratification. It will take at least five business days to ship your custom order, and if you want the latest parts – such as the new screen and webcam combo – then you’ll have to wait for the next batch to arrive, similarly to a Kickstarter project. Even so, the wait should be a few weeks at most.

Instead, this is a long-term purchase. One that will last for years – a decade even – and so it makes sense not to rush in. While rivals are undoubtedly sleeker and sexier, I love Framework’s approach to modularity and reparability.

You’re paying a slight premium for this, but you’re also supporting a company that lives and breathes sustainability, which you simply won’t find if buying from one of the big brands.

We've also ranked the best business PCs.

DrayTek Vigor 2927Lax-5G review
2:30 pm |

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

This review first appeared in issue 360 of PC Pro.

DrayTek’s Vigor 2927Lax-5G is an ideal appliance for small businesses that can’t tolerate any internet downtime as it offers an incredible range of WAN redundancy features. Along with an integral 5G LTE modem sporting dual SIM slots for primary and backup mobile network connections, it can use two of its seven gigabit ports for WAN connections, the USB-A 2 port accepts a 4G modem and all can be linked together for load-balancing or failover purposes.

Redundancy features include the ability to deploy two routers in high availability mode. Sharing a virtual IP address, they can be set to hot-standby mode when sharing one internet connection or active-standby if each has its own link.

DrayTek Vigor 2927Lax-5G - 2

The Vigor 2927Lax-5G offers a wide range of redundancy options (Image credit: Future)

The router also delivers integrated Wi-Fi 6 services. Its AX3000-rated access point (AP) claims up to 574Mbits/sec on its 2.4GHz radio and 2,400Mbits/sec on the 5GHz one, plus it supports the Wi-Fi 6 high-performance 160MHz channels.

The Vigor 2927Lax-5G supports four SSIDs on each radio and can present a hotspot web portal for guest access with a range of authentication methods. It runs DrayTek’s Central AP Management service for automated provision of up to 20 DrayTek wireless APs and can even act as a root node in a meshed wireless network.

You’re in luck if you want plenty of VPN services as the price includes support for 50 IPsec tunnels plus 25 SSL VPNs. The router can increase IPsec VPN performance by applying hardware acceleration.

Deployment is a breeze. The web console provides quick start wizards for configuring internet access using your choice of interfaces, creating VPNs and presenting secure wireless services. The firewall has a predefined security policy applied, which can be customized with rules and filters, and you can use them to enforce app controls and web content filtering.

It didn’t take long to set up a mobile connection. We popped an EE 5G SIM in the top slot and enabled the 5G NR option in the web console’s list of internet access connections. After a brief initialization, it came online and we could view its properties from the 5G LTE status page.

Internet redundancy is configured by defining multiple WAN connections as active or backup links, where the latter is automatically brought online when the primary link fails or its traffic exceeds specific thresholds. Another option is to set all links as active and use load balancing to distribute traffic across them.

The router can also send and receive SMS messages. Alerts and status reports can be sent to specified mobile numbers, and password- or PIN-protected SMS messages used to remotely reboot it.

The hardware accelerator takes wired, wireless and 5G traffic passed to it from the firewall and content filters and bypasses the router’s CPU. It makes a huge difference to wireless performance: disabling it saw file copies between a gigabit-connected server and a Wi-Fi 7 Windows workstation average only 45MB/sec, which leapt to 112MB/sec with it enabled.

DrayTek Vigor 2927Lax-5G - 3

The router includes built-in hardware acceleration (Image credit: Future)

Businesses will find DrayTek’s optional Cyren web content filter preferable to the free and somewhat basic German-hosted BPjM service. It offers 83 web categories that can be blocked or allowed using up to eight profiles. A 30-day trial can be activated from the web console, with a full subscription costing just £20 a year.

SMBs and remote offices that demand always-on internet access will love the Vigor 2927Lac-5G. It doesn’t provide anti-malware services, but this affordable security router offers an unbeatable set of WAN redundancy features and adds extra value with its integral Wi-Fi 6 services.

We've also rated the best apps for small businesses.

AOC Q27B3CF2 review
10:49 am |

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

This review first appeared in issue 360 of PC Pro.

Monitors can have the fanciest features in the world, but ultimately there are four things that matter: image quality, resolution, connectivity and price. So while I’ll tell you up front that the AOC Q27B3CF2’s onscreen display is hard to navigate and its features are stripped back to a bare minimum, the key is that its 27in IPS panel delivers strong colors with accuracy, packs 2,560 x 1,440 pixels and includes a USB-C connector – all for £200.

I say strong colors, but I don’t say a wide color gamut: by modern standards 82% of the DCI-P3 color space isn’t wide. However, I’d be very happy to use this as my everyday monitor because photos and videos still look great, and its color accuracy is exceptional, with an average Delta E of 0.25. You can switch to sRGB if you want purer whites, although you will curse the aforementioned OSD while doing so.

Other monitors also go brighter than the 370cd/m2 I measured, but that’s far beyond what most people need: stick to 200cd/m2 (around 70% in the monitor’s settings) and you’ll also reduce your power demands from the maximum 27W to a more sensible 17W. A contrast ratio of around 1,600:1 adds extra punch, but what separates this monitor from £200 rivals is that 1440p resolution - which is the perfect match for a 27in diagonal.

Features are barer than a politician’s lies, but you get what matters: HDMI and USB-C ports (the latter delivers up to 65W of power), an adjustable height stand and a 100Hz refresh rate. It also supports adaptive sync and a sub-1ms response time, so gamers should find much to enjoy here. There’s even a pair of tinny speakers, but the two USB-A ports are more welcome.

The ports are tucked away at the rear, and with no swivel or pivot you won’t find them easy to access. Also, a warning to those considering buying two or three Q27B3CF2s for a multi-monitor setup, especially if they see the phrase “ultra narrow” borders on AOC’s website. They are narrow-ish, at 10mm, but that means a 20mm gap between screens if you place them side by side.

Despite this, I would be tempted to buy two or even three of these monitors at this price. For £200, the AOC Q27B3CF2 is one of 2024’s true bargains.

We also ranked the best business monitors.

Acer Aspire S32 All-In-One PC review
10:44 am |

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

This review first appeared in issue 360 of PC Pro.

Most all-in-one PCs include 24in or 27in panels, but Acer is thinking big with the Aspire S32. This includes a 31.5in display, and the company doesn’t stop there: via a set of pogo pins at the rear, it bundles a veritable feast of add-ons.

The first is a plain 1080p webcam, which is more than good enough to use for video calls. Second comes a 720p camera with a ring light: tap the top and it cycles from off to full-blast white. And the third is a strip light that switches between white, yellow or a mix of the two. All of the add-ons work via USB-C, too, so you can mix and match.

Acer also bundles an enormous detachable touchpad. This can even act as a graphics tablet, so those with artistic leanings can use the bundled stylus – which clips via magnets to the side of the touchpad when not in use – to sketch. And if you use the Aspire S32 as a surrogate TV in a den or student digs then you can detach the touchpad and use it from sofa distances. I spent a very enjoyable ten minutes watching Greg Davies’ The Cleaner – the pad works like a gigantic remote, with controls for volume and brightness – from this distance until I remembered I had to actually write this review.

Acer Aspire S32 All-In-One PC sleek touchpad and stylus

A giant detachable touchpad sits at the base, along with a stylus (Image credit: Future)

Audio could be improved: soundtracks lack the gusto their creators intended, and even though I pushed the volume to the maximum (with minor distortion), I would have liked more. However, the image quality is more than good enough for TV viewing and work.

It has three minor weaknesses as a PC monitor. Some might want more detail than 2,560 x 1,440 when stretched across 31.5 inches, although in practice I found its 93ppi sharpness fine even when sitting up close.

Second, color accuracy only just the right side of acceptable, with an average of 2.62. And third, its native color temperature is a yellow-tinged 5653K, so those who like crisp whites will be disappointed.

The panel has one big strength that arguably outweighs its flaws, which is color coverage. With 90% of the DCI-P3 gamut in view, even Hollywood films look good on this all-in-one, and a peak brightness of 347cd/m2 is plenty, too.

Sideview of Acer Aspire S32 All-In-One PC 31.5 in display with mouse and keyboard

The huge 31.5in display provides superb colour coverage (Image credit: Future)

You won’t find the latest silicon inside, but I have no argument with Intel’s Core i7-1360P processor. It remains a speedy performer in everyday use, even if it doesn’t wow in benchmarks. Here, it was hampered by having 8GB of RAM rather than the 16GB you’ll find in retail units; this will also significantly boost its graphics performance. I would expect around 2,000 in 3DMark Time Spy rather than the 1,415 it returned in my tests, while Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s 15fps at 1080p would hopefully be boosted to over 25fps (at Lowest settings).

Acer Aspire S32 All-In-One PC benchmarks

(Image credit: Future)

All the computer components are crammed into the stand, which is perhaps one reason why the height isn’t adjustable; there simply isn’t room to fit in a sliding mechanism. That means you’re stuck with the bottom of the panel sitting around 150mm above the desk and the top 550mm above desk height, which means it will tower over most people.

The other downside of cramming the electronics into the narrow stand is that things get hot. I could hear the low hum of the fan throughout my time testing this PC, growing to a loud whirr in more intense benchmarks. I had also hoped for more than one USB-C port, but with a total of four USB-A ports, an SD card slot, gigabit Ethernet and two HDMI ports (one output, one input) there’s no shortage of connectivity overall.

Wi-Fi 6E is another welcome inclusion.

One USB-A port is needed for the wireless keyboard and mouse connector, which are of precisely the quality you would expect for bundled extras. Acer is more generous with its storage, throwing in a 1TB SSD.

Despite my criticisms, I grew fond of this machine. Even when hampered by that 8GB of RAM it sped through everyday tasks, while all the extras lift it above the normal all-in-one. Then again, so does the price: at £1,499 it’s too expensive. If that price drops – and I suspect it will – then I might just be tempted to nab one for my future den.

We've rated the best monitors.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon review
10:32 pm | November 4, 2024

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

Lenovo's ThinkPad lineup continues to impress, particularly with the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 featuring Snapdragon. I have been a fan of the ThinkPad series for years, and appreciation won't fade soon. The ThinkPad T14s is part of the T series, positioning it as a business ultrabook with enterprise features geared more towards professionals than casual users or entry-level business laptops.

We're big fans of the AMD-powered Gen 4 (see out Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4 business laptop review). But how does the Gen 6 Snapdragon stack up against some of the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops? Well, this model boasts excellent ports, outstanding battery life, a fanless design, and a strong balance of power, weight, and battery performance. Additionally, it offers a decent display for business purposes. This laptop is excellent for what it's meant to be great for, and that's a good thing.

Lenovo | Thinkpad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon: Price & availability

The ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 with Snapdragon starts around $1,700 for base configurations and climbs with additional RAM and storage options. This laptop is available in North America and Europe, though there are some limitations with connectivity options for the European models. You can buy these laptops at most retail stores that sell ThinkBooks. However, another great place to look would be Lenovo's website.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon: Unboxing & first impressions

Unboxing this laptop was a straightforward process typical for most ThinkBooks. Inside the box, I found the computer, a 65W USB-C charger, and the standard documentation accompanying nearly every laptop. Lenovo does an excellent job with minimalist packaging, and although I cannot confirm it, they claim to use eco-friendly and recyclable materials, which aligns with their sustainability goals.

My ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 features a sleek matte black finish, a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic lid, and a magnesium alloy body. It exhibits the classic ThinkPad design, showcasing how timeless this aesthetic is. The design has endured for years, much like that of the MacBook. When a company finds a design language that works, they tend to stick with it.

The materials used are smooth to the touch yet durable enough to withstand heavy daily use. It boasts sturdy hinges and solid keys and is both lightweight and robust.

As you'd expect from any of the best business laptops, from the first boot-up, the computer starts quickly, runs smoothly, and operates effortlessly.

Lenovo | Thinkpad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon: Design & build quality

Specs

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E78100, 12 cores
RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X (onboard)
Storage: 1TB SSD (non-upgradable)
Display: 14-inch, FHD (1920 x 1200) IPS, 452 nits brightness
Connectivity: 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio jack
OS: Windows 11 Pro for ARM

As mentioned, the laptop is made from recycled magnesium alloy and carbon fiber. This is the classic combo that Lenovo has used for the ThinkPad lineup for quite some time. It's great, it's pretty durable, it's soft to the touch, and it's premium in look and feel. In parallel to the premium feel, this laptop is light. It weighs around 2.7 pounds, which is not the lightest laptop; even the ThinkPad X1 Carbon came under 2.5lb. However, it weighs nearly the same as the popular Apple MacBook Air.

The T14s Gen 6 also has the signature ThinkPad keyboard, TrackPoint, and Trackpad. For additional privacy, there is a physical slider to cover the camera and a dedicated key in the function row to mute the onboard microphone.

Lenovo | Thinkpad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon: In use

I've had the opportunity to use this laptop in my rotation for the last few weeks, and it has been one of my favorite laptops to grab. It tackles my day-to-day work easily and is a nice break from some heavier laptops I rotate. I'm convinced, much like many seem to be these days, that the 14-inch 16:9 screen is perfect on a computer. My personal daily driver is an M2 MacBook Pro, but it has a 13-inch screen because it was released just before Apple jumped to 14- and 16-inch displays. That extra inch adds so much screen real estate without adding a lot more to carry, making it an excellent no-brainer.

Lenovo | Thinkpad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The ThinkPad T14s has been more than suitable for productivity tasks. However, I wouldn't use this computer for video editing, partially because of the power this laptop has, the graphics, and the screen resolution. However, as a business laptop, as it is designed to be, this laptop excels. I can run my heavy workloads (I push my computers hard for long days, 6.5 days a week) without missing a beat; I can render file compression and run heavy project management boards, heavy Excel files, and nearly 50 Chrome tabs, all processing efficiently. I can have Jira, Notion, Excel, Basecamp, Slack, Chrome, Spotify, Asana, and more all up and running without needing to close things down, as I would potentially have to do on less powerful laptops. 

My day-to-day work ranges from working at a desk at a coffee shop to roaming around hot desks and traveling. So far, I've been thrilled with this battery life. While I may not get a total of 21 hours because I run these laptops hard, as I mentioned, and usually with pretty high brightness, I quickly achieve an average and extended day of work. I can consistently get through a 12-hour day, even a 16-hour day, without needing to grab a charger. I've worked an 18-hour day and only grabbed a charger towards the end of the day so that I could start my next day topped off.

Lenovo | Thinkpad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

I recently upgraded my home office Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi 6E thanks to the TP-Link XE75 Pro [review coming soon]. Though the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 can utilize up to Wi-Fi 7, getting it to work seamlessly with my Wi-Fi 6 channel has been great. Things download and upload quickly, meetings are transparent, buffering or skipping is avoided, and it's been great. Further, the fanless design, like that of a MacBook Air, is excellent. It's quiet yet keeps a stable temperature, not getting too hot even at my peak productivity.

Overall, the keyboard performed as expected. It features a compact function row at the top, which includes some additional function keys that are an excellent addition. The Trackpad is solid, although nothing compares to the Apple Trackpad. It's also important to note that this device does not have a touchscreen.

Lenovo | Thinkpad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon: Final verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 with Snapdragon excels with its stellar battery life, reliable design, and lightweight build, making it ideal for users who prioritize mobility and connectivity. This computer is worth checking out for the average and even prosumer in the business world. It's a great combination of features and design that would be a great fit.


For more productivity hardware, we've tested the best business computers and the best business tablets.

Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus 3D printer review
9:12 pm |

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

The Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus is, so far, the largest of the new Ender-3 line, which has already impressed with the standard version. Print quality for the Creality Ender-3 V3 was impressive, and despite the increase in scale, the printer promises to offer that same performance. While the Creality Ender series has long been a favourite among hobbyists, the enhanced design of the latest range, with the full die-cast aluminium frame, touchscreen interface, and CoreXY kinematics, makes this a far more serious proposition. The impressive 300 x 300 x 330 mm build volume makes this one of the larger printers in this price range, and despite the quality, it's still aimed at the entry end of the market.

As such, one of the standard features we've become used to, a camera, is missing from the model; however, one is available at minimal cost. This makes it a great option for anyone just getting into 3D printing or looking to upgrade from an older or smaller machine. Although, if you work in an office or education setting, the open frame design, while refined, might not be ideal, however, with the remote printing, scale and price, this is definitely going to appeal to businesses wanting to print at scale on a budget.

For those looking for the best 3D printer, the Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus is well-suited to those who want to work on larger prints without splitting designs into multiple pieces. The fact that this scale is backed by the impressive CoreXY design, which enables print speeds of up to 600 mm/s, puts it in competition with far more expensive machines.

While the additional noise from fans and the high-speed motors could be seen as an issue, along with the larger footprint, the Ender-3 V3 Plus is an impressive machine if you're looking to scale up your 3D printing projects without a huge outlay.

Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus: Design

Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Ender-3 V3 Plus is sold as a large-scale printer with CoreXY kinematics and a solid die-cast aluminium frame that sets it apart from the previous Ender-3 ranges. Sure enough, that new frame feels far higher quality than those previous iterations and reflects the smaller Ender-3 V3, just with a couple of braces to further increase the strength of the vertical section of the printer.

At 410 x 455 x 577 mm, the V3 Plus is by no means a small machine, but for the most part, Creality has streamlined the design to minimize its actual footprint. Although, as a bed-slinger, it still requires a little more room than other configurations that we more commonly see for CoreXY setups. A nice touch for a first print in the box is the top-mounted spool holder, which again helps to reduce the machine's footprint, although a little reconfiguration is needed for the filament runout sensor, and of course, quite a bit more headroom is required.

Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Matching the quality of the user interface we've seen with the other Ender-3 V3 machines and the K1 series, the 4.3-inch colour touchscreen offers easy access to the printer settings, starting print jobs, and monitoring progress. This progress can also be followed using the Creality Print Software. If you prefer a more manual approach to sending your files to print, then you can transfer items from the software to the printer by means of the supplied USB stick.

  • Design: 4.5/5

Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus: Features

Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The key feature change for the Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus, compared with its predecessors, is the CoreXZ kinematics system. As with the Ender-3 V3, this is cleverly built into the bed-slinger design but enables a huge boost in the speed and accuracy. The big speed increase sees the V3 Plus able to reach print speeds of up to 600 mm/s, coupled with 20,000 mm/s² acceleration, which, considering the price point, is impressive.

The auto bed levelling system is a common and essential feature of most modern 3D printers. It is one of a few built-in features that help to circumnavigate common 3D print issues, including power loss, with the power-loss recovery function. On a small printer, losing power mid-print is annoying; on a printer of this size, losing a print after 15 hours due to a disconnection or power outage would be infuriating.

Taking a look at the tool head, and the printer is equipped with a tri-metal nozzle and a 60W hotend capable of heating up to 300°C. This enables it to support a decent variety of filaments, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU, giving you plenty of options for different projects. A feature of the nozzel that's worth highlighting is that it has a modular design, making it easy to swap out or upgrade. The hot end also features an improved heat break compared to previous versions, with a dual-fan cooling system designed to prevent clogs.

As we've seen with other Creality printers, the Ender-3 V3 Plus is compatible with Creality Slicer, Cura, Repetier-Host, and Simplify3D, providing plenty of options that should fit in with your workflow. The standard option is Creality Print, which is based on PRUSA Slicer, offering a huge amount of flexibility over print quality and speed. It also makes it easy to connect to wireless networks, enabling remote control, print monitoring, file uploads, and real-time print progress. As the printer doesn't ship with a camera, you can't get a live view of the print being created; however, the Nebula camera is fully compatible and easy to fit.

Another feature, the removable magnetic build plate, is a standard addition. It allows for easy print removal and reduces the risk of damaging completed prints during removal.

The V3 Plus is packed with features that will enable anyone, from home enthusiasts to small businesses, to produce larger-scale prints. It might not have some of the features you'd expect to see on more expensive machines, like an AI camera or enclosure, but if these are important to you, both can be purchased for a small additional cost.

Specs

Print Technology: FDM
Build Area: 300 x 300 x 330 mm
Minimum Layer Resolution: 0.1 mm
Maximum Layer Resolution: 0.4 mm
Dimensions: 410 x 445 x 557mm
Weight: 11.5 kg
Bed: Heated
Print Surface: Removable magnetic build plate
Software: Creality Slicer, Cura, Repetier-Host, Simplify3D
Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
Print Speed: Up to 600 mm/s

The Creality Ender-3 V3 incorporates an all-metal hot end designed for high temperatures and supports materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. It heats rapidly, reaching up to 300°C in around a minute, ensuring consistent temperatures for long prints and the ability to adapt to the different flows of material. The improved nozzle design also allows for precise extrusion, while the dual-fan cooling system prevents clogging and enhances print quality. A new heat break helps to reduce heat creep, maintaining stable temperature control. This hot end is also modular, meaning the assembly is easy to upgrade and maintain.

As is now standard across almost all printers, the magnetic build plate generally makes model removal easy and reduces the risk of damaging prints. The heated bed supports a variety of materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU, expanding the versatility of the printer.

In terms of software, the Ender-3 V3 is compatible with Creality Slicer, Cura, Repetier-Host, and Simplify3D, giving you plenty of options for slicing and preparing models.

  • Features: 4.5/5

Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus: Performance

Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Setting up the machine is a relatively fast process, with the printer coming in the usual self-assembly flat-pack packaging. As is now common, rather than assembling every component, most of the machine is pre-assembled, and it's just the last few screws that need to be inserted and tightened. From the box to switch on should take no more than 10 minutes, and the design is such that everything smoothly fits in place, with labels clearly indicating what goes where and what needs to be tightened.

One small issue that becomes apparent the more that you use the machine is the filament feed runout sensor attached to the frame. It's in an odd position, which can make it a little fiddly to initially insert and feed the filament through, especially if you have larger hands. As you use the printer, there were a couple of occasions where, as the horizontal bar raised and then lowered, the excess filament from the reel became tangled. This is easy to sort out if you're near the machine and spot it, but not so if you've wandered off.

Staying with the filament, when the printer runs out, it stops so that you can insert another reel. However, when you tap the buttons to retract the filament to extract it from the printer, it pulls in a short length to clear the nozzle before retracting. Unfortunately, the design of the extruder and feed doesn't quite give you enough filament to pull it cleanly out, meaning you either have to unclip the tube from the filament runout sensor and pull it out from there or from the top of the extruder. In both cases, there's a small extruder release switch on top of the tool head.

While this doesn't affect the print quality, it is annoying.

Moving on to print quality, the results are superb, even at scale. Despite its size, the machine is robust and rigid, and as the tool head powers around the build platform, the quality and speed of prints are excellent. During testing, we ran through four reels of filament, printed models both small and large, and filled the height of the build area to see how it would cope. Everything we threw at the printer was handled with ease, and throughout the test, there was only a single failed print, which was due to a filament change at the start of the test.

When it came to filament variety, the machine handled everything from PLA to PETG successfully, with the hotend proving to be of high enough quality and temperature to cope with more than standard materials.

Ultimately, considering the price, this printer's capabilities are impressive, and this was reflected in the benchmarking tests.

Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Staying with the filament, when the printer runs out, it stops so that you can insert another reel. However, when you tap the buttons to retract the filament to extract it from the printer, it pulls in a short length to clear the nozzle before retracting. Unfortunately, the design of the extruder and feed doesn't quite give you enough filament to pull it cleanly out, meaning you either have to unclip the tube from the filament runout sensor and pull it out from there or from the top of the extruder. In both cases, there's a small extruder release switch on top of the tool head.

While this doesn't affect the print quality, it is annoying.

Moving on to print quality, the results are superb, even at scale. Despite its size, the machine is robust and rigid, and as the tool head powers around the build platform, the quality and speed of prints are excellent. During testing, we ran through four reels of filament, printed models both small and large, and filled the height of the build area to see how it would cope. Everything we threw at the printer was handled with ease, and throughout the test, there was only a single failed print, which was due to a filament change at the start of the test.

When it came to filament variety, the machine handled everything from PLA to PETG successfully, with the hotend proving to be of high enough quality and temperature to cope with more than standard materials.

Ultimately, considering the price, this printer's capabilities are impressive, and this was reflected in the benchmarking tests.

  • Performance: 4.5 / 5

Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus: Final verdict

Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Anyway, you look at it, the Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus is an impressive machine, both in stature and performance. The initial assembly for a machine of this size is fast and straightforward, and one person can easily assemble it without much difficulty. The side braces add to the rigidity of the machine, helping to avoid some of the flexibility that is common with larger models.

The one small issue is with the filament feed, which is slightly annoyingly positioned and can be time-consuming when swapping filaments. It's not a major issue, and the position of the filament reel, along with the runout sensor, can be moved to the top of the machine, although some issues still exist. At this size, excess filament as the tool head raises and lowers is always going to be an issue without some type of filament retraction system.

In use, the Ender-3 V3 Plus is as easy to use as its smaller sibling, with remote connectivity to the Creality Slicer software enabling you to upload and monitor the progress of your prints. The fact that you can add a camera for visual monitoring at a small additional cost further boosts its usefulness for businesses that may want the printer in a separate location from the main workspace. To that end, despite the fast CoreXY kinematics and bed-slinger design, the actual noise produced by the printer is well balanced—audible, especially the fans, but not so much that it's distracting.

For a printer of this size, and more importantly for the size of prints it enables you to produce, the Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus is an impressive machine, and for the price, it offers the best value out there.

Should you buy the Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus?

The Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus is a great choice as a 3D printer for any business or individucal  looking to print large and offers a balance between affordability and performance, with features usually found on more expensive machines. 

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...


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