Having software at your disposal to record your screen, webcam and more, is crucial when designing tutorials, or just showing someone how to quickly fix a software-related problem.
We’ve tested out many of the best screen recorders (and the best free screen recorders for that matter). Some of these need a download, others work in your browser, and some come bundled with your computer. So, what can third-party screen recording apps offer? A host of extra features you never knew you needed. With that in mind, we put Wondershare DemoCreator to the test.
Wondershare DemoCreator: Pricing & plans
The export options are clear and simple, and include a wide choice of formats (Image credit: Wondershare )
A good number of options, from perpetual licenses, to rental agreements, including business and student prices
Wondershare offers various different purchasing options, which are nearly identical, whether you use a Mac or PC. A perpetual plan is on offer for those who like to own their software, for $80. If renting your applications is something you're into, you can do so with a quarterly plan for $30 per quarter (puzzlingly this option is the only one that's Windows only), or an annual plan for $60 per year.
Businesses have their own deal: $70 per year per seat, or $100 for the perpetual plan. The more users you bring in, the cheaper each seat gets. Annual costs for students is $30.
There’s also a seven day free-trial option for those who wish to explore the features before committing themselves. You can check out DemoCreator by clicking here.
Pricing & plans: 5/5
Wondershare DemoCreator: Recording
Choosing which part of the screen to capture, which mic to use, and which webcam to record with, is all very easy and very well-managed (Image credit: Wondershare )
An excellent series of options, clearly laid out and simple to use. Shame there are so many security settings to get through on a Mac, but this needs only be done once when setting up your software
The first stage, aside from checking preferences, and online tutorials, is to setup your recording parameters. You’ll find quite a few options are open to you, including the ability to schedule your recordings should what you need to capture will be at a time you won’t be around.
There are multiple settings for various features you wish to record at the same time. ‘Zone Capture’ for instance focuses on the portion of the screen you’d like DemoCreator to capture. This can be a window, the full screen, or a selected portion of it. What we really liked, when trying this on a Mac, was the fact our iPhone was immediately detected, allowing us to not only use it instead of our Mac’s inferior webcam, but we could also choose it as the audio source as well. Nothing needed to be turned on. It was just available by default, which was great.
Not so great was the amount of permissions we had to give to get the whole thing working. Yes, DemoCreator guided us through each of them, but it felt like there were way too many of these to enable - sometimes increased computer security can be a nuisance. We didn't encounter this when trying DemoCreator out on a PC.
Your webcam’s image can be set as a standard rectangle, or a circle, and you even have the option of using AI to automatically remove the background, although you need a high-end computer to handle this in real time (there’s a filter in the editing section should yours not be up to the task).
Once all your options are set as you like them, click on the big red ‘Rec’ button for DemoCreator to do its thing. You’ll find control options top right of the screen, but bear in mind whatever you see on the screen will be recorded, so if you don’t want them there, close them down (DemoCreator always reminds you of the keyboard shortcut to stop the recording when starting a new one).
Recording: 4.5/5
Wondershare DemoCreator: Editing
The editing interface is well-organized and easy to use (Image credit: Wondershare )
A good series of tools on offer, giving you access to a pretty robust editing studio - although it has some limits
When it comes to editing your footage, you’ll find DemoCreator is a very capable editor. It’s certainly much better than most bundled apps, and even some of the best free video editing software we’ve tried - but it can’t hold a candle to the best video software like Premiere Pro and Resolve (not that you’d expect it to). Still, what it offers is quite extensive, and could easily solely be used for moderate video editing if you’re so inclined, as you’re not limited to media captured by DemoCreator: you can easily drag and drop additional footage, audio or images, right from your Desktop, onto the app’s Media Library.
The interface is very clear and simple. You have your media and other tools such as filters, transitions and annotations, top left, your preview screen is top right, followed by an inspector panel, and your timeline takes up the whole of the bottom of the interface.
Scroll through the various effects, transitions, subtitles, etc, and add them by dragging and dropping (Image credit: Wondershare )
You get to work on multiple layers, and in fact DemoCreators records your screen, webcam and audio as separate layers, giving you great flexibility when editing your project (or at least that’s the idea - more on that later).
You’ll find the number of tools to be quite extensive, from effects, transitions, captions, sound effects, the list is extensive, and each section is subdivided into various categories to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. There’s even an online store where you can download additional resources. Some are free, but most would have to be paid for. The same applies for some bundled tools: any of them with a diamond in their thumbnail cannot be used for free. Sure, you can use them as you explore the app, but when you’re ready to export, you’ll have to choose a paid plan if you wish to have these effects in your project.
In fact, you cannot export your footage without login into a Wondershare account. Thankfully it’s free to have one, and if you’re not using any premium effects, you can export your project immediately, although it will bear a watermark.
Editing: 4/5
Wondershare DemoCreator: Issues
Sadly we ran into a few glitches on Mac (Image credit: Wondershare )
There are a lot of glitches that need to be fixed (including some usability improvements), to make this software truly great
For all that’s good about DemoCreator (and there is plenty that’s good), it is not sadly without its faults. In the course of our exploration, we encountered a number of glitches which could potentially be a deal breaker, depending on how you work.
Probably the most minor one is the audio volume. There’s a (premium) Denoise option, and you can increase the volume slightly to 120%, but there doesn’t seem to be a normalized feature, meaning if you’re used to speaking sotto voce, you might have to change the way you express yourself.
More of an usability issue, but when adding a new clip, it has to be dropped above the others. If there’s no room in the lower layers, you then have to manually drag up all the clips you wish to be above that new one. We wish you could drag a clip to where you want it to be, and all the others move to allow you to put it exactly where you need it, like you can in Final Cut Pro, for instance. It would be a heck of a timesaver.
Then there are Mac-specific issues, which feel pretty serious. As we mentioned before, you can add different clips taken elsewhere into your project - which is great. But we discovered that if you add a video shot vertically, even though you can zoom into it to fill the screen of a widescreen project, any transition, filter, anything you can apply to it, will retain its original dimensions, which might be great if you’re looking for an unusual effect, but for most cases it just makes the tool unworkable. Works great on a PC though.
Another Mac-specific glitch we found was with the webcam recording. We mentioned earlier how great it is for DemoCreator to save everything as separate layers. This means you can move them around, or even remove portions entirely… but on a Mac, not only is the webcam clip separate, it’s also burned into the screenshot layer, meaning that when you move it or resize it, you’ll then find another copy forever present wherever it was when you recorded your session. That happened when connected to an iPhone or with the built-in webcam, and it totally crippled that feature as far as we’re concerned.
Should I buy Wondershare DemoCreator?
No issues found when testing on Windows (Image credit: Wondershare )
Buy it if...
You’re looking for a cross-platform screen recorder, you need a robust built-in video editor, and love having the option of renting or purchasing your software.
Don't buy it if...
You need software that works the same on a PC and on a Mac, the glitches we discovered feel like a deal-breaker for Mac users (although do download the trial version just to make sure).
Working with PDFs has become an important facet of working in the digital world, and what better way to do it than working on them online, from any web browser, and any machine?
There’s a plethora of services which do this, including Wondershare’s (mostly free) HiPDF. This review focuses on Wondershare's online service, but a desktop app, PDFElement, is available.
Having tested all the best PDF editors and the best free PDF editors, I wanted to see how Wondershare's offering stacked up against rivals - and just what "free" gets you.
Wondershare HiPDF: Pricing & plans
Most of the tools are free, but the advanced features are also available at an incredibly low price right now. And if you prefer working with a desktop or mobile app, Wondershare has your back with dedicated paid-for versions.
So yes, most of the tools HiPDF offer are free, although free does come with some restrictions. For instance, you have no access to OCR and batch processing. There are also usage limits for file size and page count, ‘Chat with PDF’ allows for a total of 50 questions, and the AI detector tool can detect 5,000 characters in total.
You can remove all those restrictions, by subscribing. HiPDF Advanced will cost you $70. However, there’s currently an amazing deal of $2 for the first year, which is a great incentive to get you to try it out.
On top of that, you also have a 7-day free trial to check out all the features, or just explore the free ones for as long as you please.
If you’re not a fan of working online through a web browser, know that Wondershare also offer a desktop version for Mac and Windows called PDFelement. This app does watermark its output, limits how many pages you can convert, and prevents you from saving an OCR conversion. All these and other restrictions are lifted when you grab a subscription, which ranges from $80 to $130.
There’s also a mobile version for iOS, although its features are locked behind a subscription, from $7 a week, to $30 for the year, or $70 for a perpetual licence.
A simple interface, with a convenient sidebar to the left, with the rest of the page dedicated to listing all available tools, broken down by category.
Login to your Wondershare account (or create a free on for this purpose), and you’ll be graced with HiPDF’s home page. There’s a sidebar to the left, granting access to specific functions such as ‘Annotate’, ‘Edit’, ‘Convert’ and more.
However, should your needs be more specific, the main part of the page is dedicated to all the tools HiPDF offers, organised by categories. You’ll see ‘Most Popular’ first, followed by ‘AI Tools’. All the features you’d come to expect from a PDF service are present and correct: Edit, Convert to and from a PDF format, Organise your file, and Protect it.
Lastly, there are some image manipulation tools, to help you perform basic functions such as rotating an image, converting it to another format, cropping it, or compressing it.
To be frank, all of these Image Tools should be available with an Image library app that comes pre-installed on your computer, but if you like working in Wondershare, this presents you with another reason to stick with that company’s offerings.
Tools: 4.5/5
Wondershare HiPDF: In use
(Image credit: Wondershare // Future)
Working with this service ranges from the supremely easy and useful, to downright convoluted and needlessly annoying, depending on the tool you’re working with. So there’s definitely room for improvement.
Having a good interface is one thing, but a service lives or dies by how its tools are implemented. So I started exploring, looking at some on the popular functions, such as ‘Annotate’, where you have a series of tools to highlight or otherwise make notes on the PDF you’re working on. You’re able to add images and text boxes for instance, along with the odd shape, but I must confess to feel the lack of any kind of freehand option (but that’s likely because I like to doodle on my notes).
Perhaps the most useful tool is the one that allows you to edit the PDF’s existing content. Editing a PDF is always tricky - that format was never really meant to be edited - but it’s ideal when you spot a typo, or find the wrong date, or just need to succinctly clarify something. The PDF is broken down into boxes which you can move around and edit, and it works very well.
(Image credit: Wondershare // Future)
Sadly, I got quite frustrated when trying to make other alterations to a file, like rearranging pages, and deleting others. Take Apple’s Preview for example: you can do both straight from its sidebar - it’s so easy, it’s effortless. Here however, you need to select the ‘Rearrange PDF Pages’ to reorder pages, save it, and then load up your document in the ‘Delete Pages’ tool to delete them… I couldn’t find a way to do both in the same action. HiPDF’s way felt needlessly time consuming.
The same could be said with the conversion tools. Don’t get me wrong, they’re a great addition - when they work (if your PDF has a complex layout the conversion could end up being incredibly messy) - but why do I have to choose ahead of time which format I wish my file to be converted into? Why can’t I select the convert tool, and once I’ve opened a file, choose which format to use? That way, I could save it in multiple formats should I so wish, rather than select the ‘convert to Word’ tool, open the file, convert it, then go to the ‘convert to PPT’ tool, open the same file, convert it, etc? It seems needlessly time consuming - again.
And speaking of time consuming, the free version sets a limit on how many files you can work on each day. To be fair, this might affect me more as a reviewer who needs to explore as many facets of the service as possible, than a user who just wants to fix the odd PDF or two, but still, when other similar services don’t cripple their wares like that, it does make you wonder if HiPDF is the right tool for one’s needs.
In use: 3/5
Wondershare HiPDF: AI tools
(Image credit: Wondershare // Future)
AI is all the rage, so we must have AI in everything. And here, we have a couple of useful tools, one which duplicates the functions of another, and two that, frankly, don’t seem to do much. Your mileage may vary, but I was underwhelmed.
It wouldn’t be a modern service if it didn’t come with AI, and despite my disappointment at some pretty strict restrictions when using HiPDF, they do offer you a few credits to kick their AI’s tires and check what it’s made of.
‘Chat with PDF’ gets AI to analyse a document for you, bringing you a quick summary of its content, and allowing you to ask it questions based on said content, which it will answer. I guess it’s great for those who don’t want to read a document themselves.
‘AI Detector’ will try and analyse your document to see if it was created by an AI - like a robot snitching on other robots (I was quite pleased the articles I wrote myself were deemed to have a probability of 97% to be human generated!)
Contrary to what I thought, ‘AI Read’ doesn’t read a document back to you; it just summarises it and there’s even a text field for you to ask it some questions, which feels totally redundant as that’s exactly what ‘Chat with PDF’ does.
(Image credit: Wondershare // Future)
An AI tool I couldn’t get to work was ‘AI Translator’. Sounds useful, right (as long as you don’t know Google Translate exists), but I couldn’t find any icons, buttons or menus that would allow me to choose the language I’d like HiPDF to translate my article into.
And then there’s ‘AI Proofreader’ which analyses a document, once you’ve told what language it’s in, and then it proceeds to copy the text from it… and that’s it? Now it’s possible the articles I used to test this out were so perfect they didn’t need any fixes (possible, but let’s be frank, somewhat unlikely), but I got zero information out of the process.
Aside from being able to export the text, the AI didn’t tell me anything about it, nor gave me any hint as to what this tool’s purpose genuinely is.
AI tools: 2.5/5
Should I buy Wondershare HiPDF?
(Image credit: Wondershare // Future)
Buy it if...
You’re on the lookout for a simple PDF service which mostly works fine, you don’t need to use it too often, and don’t really care about its clunky AI.
Don't buy it if...
You don’t like the extreme restrictions when it comes to the free account, and don’t want to get yet another subscription, no matter how cheap the first year happens to be, just to edit some PDFs.
Flexispot is a reputable office furniture company focusing on highly ergonomic, high-quality office furniture, so we were excited to try out the company's C7 Lite office chair.
An earlier iteration of the model is one of our selected best office chairs (you can check it out in our Flexispot C7 review). The chair has proved so popular that the company has revitalized the model with the lighter version, the C7 Lite.
But how does it fare against rivals and an original that's earned a place in so many workspaces? We put the C7 Lite to the test.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
FlexiSpot C7 Lite: Unboxing & first impressions
The C7 Light is packaged very similarly to the C7. Everything is secure, and the package is relatively small and compact. In the box, there are the chair parts, necessary assembly tools, and the instruction booklet. The instructions are clear and easy to read, helping me assemble the chair in 36 minutes, from unboxing to adjusting the settings to fit me perfectly.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Right away, I noticed simple comfort and decent lumbar support. I could easily adjust the seat height so my legs could comfortably rest on the seat with my feet flat on the ground. If you ask my 5-year-old son, I am 6'1" or 1029'25" (he's pretty good with measuring, but he's also five). I can easily adjust this chair to fit my impossible height. The armrests are comfortable and supportive, and the backrest is breathable and firm. Lastly, the headrest provides support without pushing my head too far forward.
The Flexispot C7 Lite is built with durable foam and mesh backing. This provides support and comfort while allowing the chair to be breathable in warmer workspaces. Especially for those who use this chair in a larger office space, you can't always control the temperature, so making sure your chair is breathable so you don't sweat is a massive benefit.
The overall design is modern and sleek, so this chair will likely fit in with any office design.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
FlexiSpot C7 Lite: In use
At the time of writing this review, my team and I had been using this chair in rotation with our collection for 64 days. Over this time, the C7 Lite has remained sturdy and in good shape. For those longer office days, this chair has remained comfortable for hours on end, and so far, nobody has needed to switch out the chair partway through the day or anything like that.
Since I have had a few people use this chair, I have seen just how easy it is to adjust to any one person. The seat height, reclining features, armrests, and so on are easily changed on the fly, even when sitting in a chair. The lumbar and neck supports are easy to adapt and support any height.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
While this chair is designed for those who are a bit more petite in stature, I have had myself and several other non-petite-framed individuals sit in and enjoy it for long periods of time.
All in all, this chair has been great to use. I have no real complaints other than it feels like a light chair. It is alright because it also comes at a low price. But, it is good to note that for those interested in the chair.
FlexiSpot C7 Lite: Final verdict
The FlexiSpot C7 Lite delivers exceptional comfort and support for anyone, particularly petite frames, making it a standout choice in the ergonomic chair market. Its combination of adjustability, build quality, and price point makes it an excellent investment for those seeking a more comfortable seating solution. If you are in the market for a new office chair and on a budget, want something lightweight, or are more petite, check out the Flexispot C7 Lite Ergonomic Office Chair.
Improving your workspace? Pair the Flexispot C7 Lite with the best standing desks.
The HP EliteBook 845 G11 is a sleek, silver 14in enterprise laptop that means business. This premium WIndows 11 unit features an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor and Radeon 780M Graphics, 32GB RAM, and 512GB storage - which is more than enough to power productivity throughout the day.
As one of the best business laptop lines out there, the EliteBook is smart and professional, with MacBook pretensions once you crack open the lid to expose a well-spaced, backlit keyboard of black against the silver frame. In use, it’s comfortable and intuitive (any typos are strictly my own), although as with so many thin laptops, key travel can feel stubby and shallow.
I’ve always had a hit-and-miss experience with HP laptops - they often feel cheap and plasticky, lids soft and hollow, keys shallow. So there was relief taking hold of the all-metal EliteBook 845 G11. In hand, it doesn’t feel quite as nice or durable as the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s I recently reviewed, but there’s a comforting robustness and weightiness to the device.
Performance-wise, this laptop offers exactly what you’d expect, and everything you hoped. It blazes through the likes of web browsing, Microsoft Office and G Suite apps. I experienced no performance-related issues, whether writing and editing in the notoriously resource-hungry Chrome or taking conference video calls. Having said that, during prolonged use, both the underside and palm rests get fairly warm, which is especially noticeable when the device is charging.
Overall, an excellent business laptop, with plenty of scope for coding, use on campus, and regular home use, too. The lack of decent GPU renders this laptop less useful for high-resolution video editing and 3D rendering. But CPU and RAM are more than sufficient to deliver a smooth experience for everyday office tasks.
(Image credit: HP)
HP EliteBook 845 G11: Price & availability
You should have no difficulty picking up the HP EliteBook 845 G11, which is widely available from online retailers and direct from HP. Even older EliteBooks are readily available. Prices for the laptop start at $1790 / £1200.
(Image credit: HP)
HP EliteBook 845 G11: Design & features
Specs
Processor: Up to AMD Ryzen 7 Pro RAM: Up to 64GB Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 SSD Display: 14" WUXGA IPS (1920 x 1200) Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio jack, 1x smart card reader, 1x nano-sim slot, 1x security lock slot Operating System: Windows 11 Pro Weight: From 1.42 kg (3.14 lb) Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Weighing in at 1.42kg, measuring 12.4 x 8.83 x 0.64in, the HP EliteBook 845 G11 has a good weight and feel. Constructed with an all-metal chassis “based on high quality aluminum and magnesium” according to the manufacturer, I felt this was a laptop that can take a few knocks on the commute, or being shunted from hot-desk to hot-desk.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, 14in is the ideal size for a business laptop. Not too small, not too bulky, perfect for extended use without weighing you down too much. This EliteBook fits nicely into this category. Here, the display on the base model is a 14in anti-glare rocking a 1920x1200 resolution and a disappointingly average 300nits brightness. That’s fine in the home and office, but you’ll struggle more to see the screen outdoors in bright light. On the other hand, HP offers a range of alternative panels, with low blue light and touch features, and 400, 500, and 800nits options.
Above the panel is a 5MP webcam that does the job but not much more. Again, you can upgrade to the 5MP IR webcam, or strip out the camera if you never again want to endure another Zoom presentation. What I especially like here is the physical camera cover - fast becoming a necessity for business laptops. Neatly sliding the ridged switch to the left ‘grays out’ camera, disabling it in the settings rather than simply masking the lens.
(Image credit: HP)
Using the keyboard is a comfortable experience. It features a backlight of soft white, which automatically turns off to preserve the battery after a few minutes of inactivity, for low-light and night-time use. Keys are not too spongy like for instance the Microsoft Surface, but gentle and firm enough to take a battering when bashing out a report, spreadsheet, or writing a laptop review. While it can’t quite compare to the excellent keyboards you typically find on the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops - by far the best I’ve used on any business laptop - the spacious design really lets the fingers flow, creating a good rhythm when typing. The welcome addition of a keyboard backlight of soft white, which automatically turns off to preserve the battery after a few minutes of inactivity. I did experience a few near-misses with the arrow and Pg Up/Pg Dn keys so clustered together, but these were few and far between.
The trackpad is broad, allowing for sweeping gestures without being hindered by physical buttons here. Just be careful not to brush the palm of your hand against it while typing, as I did on occasion, sending the cursor to all kinds of unwanted places.
For everyday usage, connectivity is good. It’s a thin laptop, and thin laptops typically mean as few ports as possible, but you’ll still find a HDMI, two USB Type-A 5Gbps ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, nano-SIM card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. You may still need to invest in any of the best laptop docking stations, although there’s plenty of space here to connect key peripherals or hook up a second monitor.
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(Image credit: HP)
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(Image credit: HP)
HP EliteBook 845 G11: Performance
I tested this laptop for normal business use - the type the HP EliteBook 845 G11 is built for, straight out of the box. Running plenty of Google Docs and Sheets, jumping into the odd meeting, light photo editing, opening more tabs than necessary open in the web browser. And, of course, in time honored tradition, writing this review on the laptop. Equipped with all that RAM, the EliteBook breezed through all these tasks in almost total silence.
I can’t say it’s the best laptop for photo editing. If you’re a pro, a dedicated content creation station like the MacBook Pro will serve you better - not least because the screen’s brightness and 100% sRGB color space coverage leaves something to be desired in a professional design setting. But for undemanding Photoshop work, social media imagery, lower resolution video editing for your website, HP’s machine capably serves its purpose.
Battery life was ok - I got around 6-7 hours of use, getting through most of the day before I needed to charge up. And that was under standard operation - mostly Google Docs and content management systems. That’s pretty standard for a laptop like this, which has to balance heavy batteries with portability, but I would’ve liked to see it last a bit longer.
As mentioned, the laptop did run warm after a lot of use, even more so than the Lenovo T14s. This was the only real issue I found, and an expected one at that for a powerful business laptop like this. Otherwise, for productivity and performance, the EliteBook 845 G11 shines.
(Image credit: HP)
HP EliteBook 845 G11: Final verdict
There’s a lot to like about the HP EliteBook 845 G11, and not much to dislike here. It’s well-built, well-designed machine that easily handled all the tasks I threw at it. I also found the keyboard very comfortable to use even over long periods - and while it’s not quite up to ThinkPad standards in this department, in almost every other way, the EliteBook gives Lenovo’s business line-up a serious run for its money.
The screen may be a deal-breaker for some - with its average 300nits brightness and low color space coverage, it’s not going to suit those who need to do more than basic image editing and creating online assets. But with plenty of RAM and a powerful CPU, my whole experience using this as a day-to-day business laptop was seamless and silent. At times, it did get hot around the underside and palm rests, but not to the point where the laptop became unusable or too uncomfortable. Elsewhere, though, this is a very well-built machine that, though not a rugged device with an assortment of IP and MIL-STD ratings, feels reliable and robust.
(Image credit: HP)
Should I buy the HP EliteBook 845 G11?
Buy it if…
You want a reliable device for business
The HP EliteBook 845 G11 is built for business, with the specs to prove it. For processor-intensive work that requires plenty of RAM for a seamless experience, this laptop delivers.
You want a robust laptop
It may not be a true rugged laptop, but with an all-metal chassis, this EliteBook feels good in the hand and ready to tackle the fiercest of commutes.
Don’t buy it if…
You’re on a budget
The EliteBook 845 G11 has a large price-tag with specs to suit - if you’re on a budget or simply don’t need this sort of power, HP’s offering may not be the best choice.
You want the best keyboard on a laptop
It’s subjective, of course, and there’s nothing wrong with the EliteBook’s layout and design - but as a professional writer, I still gravitate towards ThinkPads when it comes to the best typing experience on a business laptop.
In the world of AI image generation Midjourney is a legend. Launched in July 2022 the platform quickly established itself as a leader in the market.
Relying on its own home baked diffusion model based on Stable Diffusion, the service soared in popularity, becoming the best AI image generator we’ve reviewed. This despite, or maybe because of, its quirky user interface choice. Instead of a flash looking dashboard, we were forced to schlep over to Discord and enter our image prompts behind an /imagine motif, and a long indeterminate queuing system. Positively artisanal.
Midjourney offers a Basic plan starting at $10 a month, which provides 3 hours of 'open public' fast image generation via a member gallery. It’s a basic plan with few bells and whistles, but it gets the job done. The three other plans start at $30 a month up to $120 and offer faster generation, private images and more generation concurrency.
All plans come with some useful editing options. For instance, the platform has a two-click out-painting (zoom out) function and the ability to upscale images. These features allow users to expand their images or improve resolution on demand, making it easier to create high-quality images without needing advanced graphic design skills.
If you need more control over your images, you can tweak the prompt with custom zooms and use the image remix and canvas variation buttons. Again using these features can be a little clunky because of the Discord interface, but Midjourney users seem to be a forgiving bunch.
Pricing & plans: 4/5
Midjourney: Art style
(Image credit: Midjourney)
As one of the best AI art generators we've tested, a stand-out feature for Midjourney is its distinctive artistic style. The platform excels in delivering images with a unique flair and particular attention to lighting and texture. The results are not just good—they’re often stunning. Typing in a prompt like "a gorgeous tiger sitting on a deserted beach at sunset," for example yields images that are both visually striking and detailed.
What sets Midjourney apart from other AI image generators is its ability to add artistry into every image. You can tell an Midjourney creation from a mile away, which is either a good or bad thing depending on your religion. But it does make Midjourney particularly appealing to artists and designers who need AI help, but don’t really want to admit it.
Art style: 5/5
Midjourney: User interface & experience
(Image credit: Midjourney)
To use the service, you need to sign up to the Midjourney Discord chat channel. Once logged in, you trigger image generation with the phrase '/imagine' followed by your text prompt. It’s not the most user-friendly process, and feels a bit clunky, but it kind of works.
This slightly odd interface poses both challenges and opportunities. On one hand it limits the platform’s accessibility to those who are familiar with, or willing to learn, how to navigate Discord. On the other, it fosters a community of users who are forced to share their prompts and images, creating a collaborative environment where users can learn from each other. This community aspect is actually quite cool, and inspirational at times.
This interface is currently the only way to interact with Midjourney, but there is a promise of a new dashboard arriving soon as highlighted on the showcase home page. Hopefully this new upgrade will also include an easier way to access and manage user accounts.
Interface & experience: 3.5/5
Midjourney: Community & collaboration
(Image credit: Midjourney)
One of the unsung features of Midjourney is its strong community aspect, delivered through the Discord channels. Users share their prompts and generated images in the chat, allowing for a collaborative environment where users can learn from each other’s successes and failures. It’s a great way for newcomers to learn through feedback, and for experts to act as mentors and help people improve their skills.
It’s also a double-edged sword of course. It means on the lower plans your generated images are public by default, which could be a drawback for those who value privacy or are creating images for confidential commercial purposes. Spend more money, get more privacy.
The Discord community is also the first line of technical support, where users can ask questions, share tips, and troubleshoot common issues. While this peer-group model is useful, it does lack the reliability of a dedicated customer support team. You can get direct support, but it’s limited. Thankfully there are some solid tutorials and help FAQs which you can use.
Despite its quirks, Midjourney produces exceptional images. However, like any image generator, getting the best results requires trial and error and not a little patience. I found that generating a final image would typically take several attempts, via the Variations button (v1, v2 etc) and/or the Upscale option which allows for out-painting (zoom out) functionality. Surprisingly that is the extent of the editing apart from some limited image variations or crude inpainting options.
Learning which prompts yield the best results is like digital gardening. You sow your prompt, observe the results, and tweak or harvest accordingly. This iterative process can be time-consuming, but it’s also rewarding. Over time, you develop a better understanding of how to craft prompts that produce the best images in the shortest time.
Two years is a long time in AI, and where Midjourney once led a very small pack of image generators back in 2022, now there are significant rivals arriving almost every month. The latest, Flux AI, is a spectacular image service which seems to have grabbed the quality crown – at least for now. This means that in order to keep up, Midjourney is going to have to improve its interface, provide more flexible editing or offer some other meaningful changes. It's a merciless market, as many other image generation services have discovered to their cost. Can the best AI tool for images stay top of the pile? We’ll be intrigued to see where the service goes next.
Community & collaboration: 5/5
Midjourney: Final verdict
Midjourney is a superb veteran in the AI image generation space, delivering images that are more than just good—they're artistic. The interface, while decidedly old-school and a bit cumbersome, shouldn't deter you if you're willing to navigate through Discord to access the platform's capabilities. Patience and practice will go a long way in getting the best results from this powerful tool. However, it remains to be seen how long this market dominance will continue.
When I was sent the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4, I thought it would be the easiest review in the world.
A few months prior, I’d bought the exact same model, with more or less the same specs, for personal use. At the time, I was looking for one of the best business laptops I could find. Fast, reliable, capable of running all the usual Office apps and browsers and nothing too strenuous. A key requirement was a comfortable keyboard for typing. It was probably the best money I ever spent on a device. So, being very familiar with the performance of the T14s, I thought I could draw on my months-long experience and spend the rest of the time playing Mario Kart. Then I cracked open the lid of the new laptop - and fell in love all over again. I can’t stay away from this ThinkPad. I admire its purity.
The model reviewed here is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7840U with Radeon 780M Graphics, 32GB RAM, and 512GB storage. However, unlike older ThinkPads, it’s worth noting that while you can expand SSD storage, the RAM is soldered to the board and can’t be upgraded, so choose wisely. Ports and connectivity is fair, with a smart card reader, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports (one of which is used for charging the device), HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack, and a nano-sim slot around the back.
On paper, the T14s may not be the best Lenovo ThinkPad out there. The P14 is superior for graphically intensive use, the X1 Carbon beloved for its ultra-lightweight design, the T480 is widely considered the pick of the bunch. And the Intel version of this model reportedly suffers cooling issues, so opt for the AMD version if you can get it. But this is a beautiful machine in its own right - thin, light, sleek, its all-black chassis accented with Lenovo red across the trackpad and trackpoint. For standard business use - think emails, internet, Microsoft Office, Google Docs - there’s little to beat this light, compact, commuter-friendly machine.
(Image credit: Lenovo)
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4: Price & availability
The Lenovo T14s is widely available, retailing at around $1000 / £1000 for the base model. Intel T14s tend to be priced higher than AMD models, and again, we stress that if you can, go for AMD, which will help keep the laptop cooler.
With the recent release of the Gen 5 and Snapdragon-powered Gen 6 versions, it should mean you’ll be able to get some good deals here as stores begin to get rid of the older stock.
(Image credit: Lenovo)
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4: Design & features
Specs
Processor: 13th generation Intel Core i5 - i7 / AMD Ryzen 5 - 7 Pro RAM: Up to 32GB RAM Storage: Up to 2TB SSD Display: 14" WUXGA IPS (1920 x 1200) Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics / AMD Radeon Graphics Ports: 1x smart card reader, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2x Thunderbolt 4 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio jack, 1x nano-sim slot Operating System: Windows 11 Pro Weight: From 1.25 kg (2.76 lbs) Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Lenovo’s flagship business machine feels good in the hand. This is a sturdy laptop, built from premium-grade materials - magnesium for the keyboard frame, carbon fiber for the top cover - that you’d expect from the S variants in the company’s line-up. If you’re wondering, the S stands for slim, and at 12.50 x 8.93 x 0.65in the T14s is certainly that. The suffix also means these laptops are lighter (this one clocks in at 1.26kg) and more durable than plastic-based counterparts like the T14 and P14. The only real downside in construction is that the T14s is undeniably a finger-print magnet.
In my experience, 14in is the perfect size for a business laptop. A 13in feels too cramped, while 15.6in models tend to be heavier and less easy to transport. Here, the base screen is a 14in 1080p anti-glare IPS panel with 300 nits brightness, in the 16:10 aspect ratio. You can also upgrade to touchscreen versions, a 400 nits lower power display, and a 2.8K OLED version that boasts 400 nits, HDR 500, and 100% DCI-P3 color space coverage. That might be of interest to anyone looking for the best video editing laptop, but it drains the battery a lot faster and you can find better bang for your buck elsewhere if editing is your main concern. Helpfully, the T14s display can also be laid flat, letting you literally share your screen and collaborate with colleagues. Above this, one of my favorite features: a physical camera cover (Lenovo calls it the ThinkShutter) that slides into place.
(Image credit: Lenovo)
The keyboard is the real reason I chose a ThinkPad over rivals like the Dell XPS 15 or Microsoft Surface. I’ve never understood the love these laptops get for their keyboards, which feel light and spongy, with very little key travel. Fine, perhaps, for writing emails or messages on Slack and Teams, though not for any extended writing and editing. The T14s features the same backlit keyboard you’ll find on other modern ThinkPads, well-spaced and slightly curved for greater ergonomics. Yes, at 1.5mm the key travel is shallower than older 1.8mm models, and it is a noticeable downgrade, but it doesn’t detract from the relaxed typing experience compared to similar laptops.
The device was more or less ready to go out of the box, although I had to add the UK keyboard layout in the Windows settings and solve that famous Lenovo quirk: swapping over Fn and Ctrl buttons. Using the Lenovo Vantage app, I headed into Settings > Device > Inputs & accessories. Here, a toggle switch lets you change the function of the Fn and Ctrl keys to mirror most other keyboards.
The ThinkPad’s most famous feature is alive and well in the T14s. The trackpoint, that nippled red circle nestled between the G-H-B keys, acts as an off-hand cursor, so you can keep your fingers on the keys. Once you adjust to the required sensitivity - firm and gentle does the trick, lightly moving with purpose - it becomes a breeze to use. And if you don’t use it, you’ll never notice it’s there. In day-to-day use over months, I’ve never once accidently jostled it when typing.
(Image credit: Lenovo)
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4: Performance
When it comes to business, my laptop use is the sort replicated in offices across the globe. Chrome, Slack, occasional photo editing, the whole Google G Suite, and a handful of video meetings via Google Meet, Teams, and Zoom. The ThinkPad T14s is tailored to these sorts of tasks, powering through them in near-silence thanks to its CPU and the bountiful RAM. In use, the trackpad is smooth, responsive, with three physical buttons above for additional cursor control. Running basic photo editor tools proved no problem for the laptop, and while best photo editing laptops offer a bit more for the money, this is more than capable of tackling those sorts of tasks as it caters to a broad range of business needs.
Without a decent GPU, the laptop will struggle with triple-A games. But then, you shouldn’t be playing games at work, my friend, where this laptop was chiefly designed for use. And while you shouldn’t have too many issues editing HD videos, that GPU limitation also rules out high-resolution video editing and 3D rendering, where a graphics-led ThinkPad like the P14s will shine.
Battery life was fair but not jaw-dropping. With the screen set to average brightness (I also prefer leaving Night Light on to off-set the harshness of the whites), it lasted around 6 hours. You can extend it by turning off the backlit keyboard or upgrading to the low power display, which in my experience will add an hour or so before you need to recharge. At least the batteries are replaceable. After extended use, I did find the laptop can run warm. With exhaust ports to the right and underneath, you’ll certainly feel the warmth when using a mouse or on the lap.
Overall, the performance is excellent for its use-case. Fast with no frustrating lags and slow-downs - even when opening multiple tabs in the memory-hogging Chrome (admittedly, your mileage may vary on this one).
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(Image credit: Lenovo)
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(Image credit: Lenovo)
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4: Final verdict
I enjoyed my time with the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s - just as much this time around as the first time I cracked open the lid of one. When it came to taking one laptop with me while working away from home, confronted with the choice of the T14s, HP EliteBook 845 G11, and the 13in Microsoft Surface Laptop, it was Lenovo’s machine I reached for every time. It felt like a natural fit for working on the go, but then again, it was my literal Editor’s Choice just a few months before.
Throughout this review, I’ve been calling the T14s a business machine - and it’s certainly built for the job. But I’ve found this is just as suitable for regular home use (as in my case), as a future-proofed student laptop to last throughout school or college, and as a laptop for programming thanks to those hardy specs and glorious keyboard that will make coding on the go a breeze. Robustly constructed, the device feels like it should last a long time, too.
The lack of upgradeability - a defining factor in the popularity of ThinkPads past - may limit the appeal of the T14s, but for most, the soldered RAM and performance-driven processor will be more than enough to power users through the working day.
(Image credit: Lenovo)
Should I buy the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s?
Buy it if…
You want a fast, reliable business laptop
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and equipped with a base 32GB RAM, the T14s breezes through office tasks and light photo editing and video editing.
You want one of the best keyboard experiences on a modern laptop
Keyboards can be hit and miss, but a comfortable, ergonomic typing experience is essential on a business or student laptop - on that score, the ThinkPad still reigns supreme.
Don’t buy it if…
You use CAD software
While the T14s specs are respectable, the laptop lacks a GPU sufficient for 3D computer-aided design or high-resolution video editing.
You want limitless upgrade options
Like many modern ThinkPads, the T14s shies away from total upgradeability. You can boost the SSD, for example, but not the RAM. For more upgrade options, try older models like the T480s.
There's something very pleasing about Lenovo's ThinkBook line-up - a series aimed at prosumers - and the ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 IMH fits well within that space.
From the ThinkBooks we've reviewed, they're not quite up there with the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops, but they're leaps and bounds ahead of the company's consumer devices. ThinkBooks are famed for offering good power and cost, filling the gap between a machine for casual web browsing and the best business laptops.
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 IMH is a beautiful example of just how good the range can be. First, it's ultra-portable, only made more notable by its 13-inch, 3:2 screen. Second, it's crazy powerful, partly due to the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H 2.3 GHz processor and partially because of the 32GB of RAM. Regardless of the reasoning, this laptop is impressive all around.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
If I had to pick a downside, it would be the lack of ports. However, it is becoming increasingly common to have only a couple of Thunderbolt ports on a laptop and call it good, especially in something as thin as the ThinkBook 13x Gen 4. Gratefully, unlike even the best MacBook Pro laptops, the ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 IMH puts one Thunderbolt port on either side of the laptop rather than both on the left side as Apple does.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 IMH: Unboxing & first impressions
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 IMH is very well packaged in minimalist packaging, emphasizing its premium computer status from the beginning. The laptop's dual-tone Luna Gray aluminum body immediately caught my eye, and then, as fast as it caught my eye, my eyes jumped to the Magic Bay area -- more on that later.
I kept unboxing, and when I lifted the computer from the box, I was shocked and thrilled with just how lightweight the ThinkBook was. And it's easy to carry as it's smooth and doesn't feel bulky or rough. It's a beautiful machine with premium materials and an excellent design.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 IMH: Design and Build Quality
Specs
as tested
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H Graphics: Integrated Intel Arc Graphics RAM: 32GB Screen: 13.5-inch IPS, 2880 x 1920 pixels, 500 nits, 100% sRGB Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Ports: 3 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 1 x Headphone / Microphone combo jack (3.5mm), Connector for accessories, E-shutter switch Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 Camera: 1080p IR camera with Windows Hello, AI features (auto-framing, background blur) Audio: Four Harman Kardon speakers, Dolby Atmos support Battery: All-day battery life, up to 24 hours Dimensions: 0.5 x 11.6 x 8.1 inches (H x W x D) Weight: 2.7 pounds (1.22 kg) Operating System: Windows 11 Pro Additional Features: Power button with fingerprint reader, Magic Bay Light accessory for video calls
The fourh-generation ThinkBook 13x is a masterclass in modern laptop design. It's clean, simple, elegant, professional, and yet exciting and exciting. It has a 13.5-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio framed by ultra-thin bezels. Thanks to the aspect ratio, the taller screen gives more room for productivity tasks than the more common 16:9 aspect ratio. Despite its compact size and lightweight overall package, this laptop still feels premium, solid, and ultra-powerful.
The display boasts a 2880x1920 resolution, producing sharp and vibrant colors and text. So far, color accuracy has been great when using this laptop. I've enjoyed the beautiful display on this computer for a couple of weeks now, and in that time, the refresh rate has been smooth, the colors have been stunning, the text has been crisp, and the brightness has been pretty good.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
The speakers were also surprising, especially for how thin the laptop is. Four Harman Kardon speakers within the ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 are decently loud and relatively clean audio until you get to max volumes. For virtual meetings, I was able to hear the other people clearly, and music for quick videos or voicemails or anything like that is just fine on these speakers, However, as an amateur audiophile with a background in music performance, I'll stick to my high-end headphones for listening to music. For others who may care less about the specific quality of the music, these speakers will be plenty.
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 IMH: In use
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 IMH is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor with an Intel Arc integrated graphics card. So far, even with heavy business use, I have yet to reach the limit. With high-end video editing, you could make this beast of a business machine begin to breathe a bit harder, but with my day-to-day work on it, I have not noticed any slowdowns, nor have I noticed long loading times or processing times. This laptop will be more than sufficient for most users for office work, business work, online work, and so on.
The laptop’s standout feature, the Magic Bay Light, magnetically attaches to the screen, utilizing the Magic Bay previously mentioned, and significantly improves visibility during video calls in low-light environments. It is a perfectly placed soft light to help light you as the subject for a virtual meeting. The 1080p IR webcam supports Windows Hello, and its AI features, like background blur and auto-framing, enhance video calls further, making this a fantastic computer for remote workers with many virtual meetings.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
The keyboard, however, was not my favorite, though it was excellent. I expected the typing experience to be better. The trackpad/touchpad had a slightly odd click if you choose to click in rather than tap, but I am also used to the gold standard of trackpads with a MacBook, so it is my preference.
Lenovo claims the ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 has the largest battery of any 13-inch laptop and delivers impressive all-day battery life. In testing, the laptop lasted well over 10 hours on a single charge, making it an excellent choice for users who need a reliable device for extended work sessions.
Given how light it is, I have genuinely forgotten that this laptop is in my bag day to day. I'll pick up my backpack for the day and double-check that I have my laptop of choice loaded up. I love not worrying about sitting near an outlet or having my portable batteries charged up for an all-day workday outside my home office. The overall usage and power have been fantastic, and the form factor has been excellent for my daily laptop.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 IMH: Final verdict
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 IMH is a stylish and capable ultraportable that will appeal to business users who prioritize design and portability. However, its high price and lack of some ports might make it less attractive compared to other ultraportables that offer better port offerings. If you are okay with only having Thunderbolt ports, this laptop is an absolutely fantastic option for most people, especially business professionals looking for a great all-around laptop.
Cybersecurity threats pose a significant risk, and data breaches can have devastating consequences. As a result, enterprises and IT professionals are constantly seeking robust security solutions. BeyondTrust, a highly regarded provider of Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions, offers a range of software products designed to secure, manage, and monitor privileged accounts and credentials within an organization — even remotely.
This blog post will delve into BeyondTrust’s features, advantages, disadvantages, and pricing details and discuss the types of users who can most benefit from this platform.
BeyondTrust: plans and pricing
BeyondTrust does not provide standardized pricing information on its website, as costs can vary widely depending on the specific solutions an organization needs, the number of users, and whether the deployment is on-premises or cloud-based. Interested parties are encouraged to contact BeyondTrust directly for a quote tailored to their specific requirements.
BeyondTrust: Features and utilities
As an industry leader in security and privilege access management, BeyondTrust presents a robust line-up of features designed to safeguard and manage critical data and systems across organizations of all sizes. In Privileged Access Management (PAM), BeyondTrust shines with its ability to secure and audit privileged accounts and sessions. It combines privileged password and session management with secure remote access to offer unparalleled control and visibility.
The efficiency of BeyondTrust becomes apparent through features like Password Safe, which secures and manages all types of privileged credentials. The automated password rotation ensures passwords are changed regularly, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. With Session Management, users benefit from full recording and auditing capabilities, highlighting accountability and providing valuable insights through detailed activity logs.
BeyondTrust's remote support capabilities are critical for organizations with a distributed workforce or a substantial need for IT support. The solution offers features that streamline support processes, such as remote desktop access, screen sharing, and the ability to conduct virtual support sessions across various platforms and devices. This not only facilitates instant support but also adheres to strict compliance standards.
BeyondTrust's Endpoint Privilege Management is a game-changer when it comes to minimizing the attack surface on endpoints. Implementing most minor privilege enforcement allows granting admin rights on a case-by-case basis, thereby reducing the overall potential for internal and external breaches. The application control functionalities empower organizations to manage application usage, block unauthorized programs, and employ advanced threat analytics to provide a proactive security stance.
Integration and compatibility are key factors in BeyondTrust's success. The solutions can integrate seamlessly with an existing IT environment, offering broad platform coverage and cloud or on-premises deployment options. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, BeyondTrust evolves alongside them, offering a flexible and dynamic set of features that can be tailored to meet the specific security needs of any organization.
BeyondTrust continues to uphold its promise of reducing internal and external security risks through its comprehensive features, striving to deliver peace of mind and a fortified defense against the increasingly sophisticated landscape of cyber threats.
BeyondTrust: Setup
In today's digital age, securing your organization's critical systems and data against cyber threats is crucial. BeyondTrust provides robust solutions to ensure secure and efficient operations within your enterprise. This post will guide you through the essential steps for setting up BeyondTrust in your organization and making the most of its powerful features.
Assessing your organization's specific security needs is essential before beginning the implementation. Identify the critical assets, systems, and data that require protection. Understanding the scope of your needs will help you select the right BeyondTrust solutions, whether it's Privileged Access Management (PAM), Endpoint Privilege Management, or Remote Support.
BeyondTrust offers flexible deployment options to suit a wide range of organizational structures and preferences, including cloud, on-premises, or hybrid models. Planning your deployment involves considering factors like the number of endpoints, user roles, network architecture, and compliance requirements.
The next crucial step is engaging with BeyondTrust's sales and technical team, who can guide you through the process tailored to your needs. They can help you understand the licensing model, provide a customized quote, and lay the groundwork for a successful deployment.
Once you have your BeyondTrust solution, proceed with the installation. The process will vary depending on whether you opted for a cloud or on-premise deployment. For on-premise solutions, you must prepare your server environments according to BeyondTrust's technical specifications. Cloud deployments, while less hands-on, will require proper configuration to integrate seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure.
(Image credit: BeyondTrust)
Granular control over user access and permissions is a key feature of BeyondTrust solutions. Carefully setting up user roles and permissions is vital to ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to critical systems and data. This step involves creating user groups, defining roles, and associating the appropriate access levels and permissions with each role.
Educating your team is essential for a successful BeyondTrust deployment. BeyondTrust offers comprehensive training resources, including webinars, documentation, and live support, to help your staff understand the platform. Onboarding your team involves training them on using BeyondTrust solutions efficiently and educating them on the best security practices.
Before going live, conduct thorough testing to ensure everything works as intended. This can involve scenario testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), and penetration testing to confirm that your BeyondTrust setup effectively secures your environment. Upon successful testing, proceed with the go-live, knowing your organization's critical assets are now secure.
After deployment, continuous monitoring is crucial to ensure that the BeyondTrust solutions are performing as expected. Utilize BeyondTrust's reporting and analytics tools to gain insights into user behavior, privileged access metrics, and potential vulnerabilities. Review and optimize your configurations to adapt to evolving security threats and organizational changes.
BeyondTrust: Pros and cons
BeyondTrust is a primary provider that offers solutions to protect organizations against internal and external threats through privileged access management (PAM) and remote support capabilities. The platform has received praise for its comprehensive approach to securing privileged accounts and endpoints, often the primary targets of cyberattacks.
One of BeyondTrBeyondTrust's advantages is its ability to provide a comprehensive view of an organization's posture. This capability offers deep insights into who has access to what and identifies potential vulnerabilities. It allows IT teams to proactively address security gaps and effectively enforce most minor privilege policies.
BeyondTrust also offers impressive flexibility in deployment options, catering to various organizational needs with cloud, on-premises, and hybrid models. This adaptability ensures that companies can choose a deployment strategy that aligns with their specific security requirements and IT infrastructure. Moreover, the platform is a crucial benefit, allowing businesses to expand its usage as they grow and their security needs evolve.
However, BeyondTrust, like any technology solution, comes with its challenges. The complexity of the platform can be a double-edged sword. While its extensive features provide robust security capabilities, this complexity can make the initial setup and ongoing management daunting for IT teams, especially those with limited resources or cybersecurity expertise. Additionally, for smaller organizations, the cost of BeyondTrBeyondTrust'sns may be a significant consideration. While justifiable in terms of security and functionality, the platform can be a hurdle for companies with more constrained budgets.
Another potential drawback is the continuous monitoring and optimization requirement to get the most out of BeyondTrust. The platform generates a wealth of data on user activities and potential security threats, which, while invaluable, also demands dedicated resources to analyze and act upon this information. Organizations must be prepared to invest in the technology and the personnel and processes needed to leverage it fully.
Who should use BeyondTrust
BeyondTrust offers robust solutions for privileged access management and endpoint security. The platform mainly benefits organizations in sectors where data sensitivity and regulatory compliance are critical, such as financial institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and large enterprises.
By enforcing most minor privilege policies and monitoring privileged activities, BeyondTrust helps organizations mitigate the risks of data breaches and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. IT and cybersecurity teams can effectively manage and secure privileged accounts and credentials using BeyondTrust, gaining a comprehensive view of critical systems and data access.
The platform's scalability makes it suitable for growing businesses needing stringent access controls as their digital infrastructure expands. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can also enhance their security posture and differentiate themselves in the market by incorporating BeyondTrust into their service offerings. Overall, BeyondTrust is an ideal choice for organizations seeking to prioritize the security of their digital assets and strengthen their defenses against cyber threats, offering a solid foundation for building a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
BeyondTrust: Final verdict
BeyondTrust offers a robust and comprehensive solution to empower enterprises to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, particularly in managing and monitoring privileged access and providing secure remote support. The platform's rich features and flexibility stand out as valuable assets, potentially providing organizations with a solid foundation for their cybersecurity strategy.
However, it's important to note that the complexity and cost associated with the platform may present challenges for some organizations. Therefore, a thorough evaluation process is crucial. Before deciding, companies would benefit from carefully evaluating these factors in light of their specific security needs, existing resources, and long-term strategic goals.
This thorough evaluation process will allow organizations to determine whether BeyondTrust aligns with their objectives and if it can effectively enhance their cyber defenses.
The Snapmaker Artisan is a unique all-in-one maker machine that you can quickly adapt from a 3D printer to a laser engraver and then a CNC carver. Snapmaker's innovative design, which we saw in the Snapmaker 2.0, has evolved further with the quick-release tool heads and bed, enabling you to change the function of the machine in a couple of minutes with minimum fuss.
We've reviewed all the best 3D printers, and for us the design of the machine is for both hobbyists and professionals, and considering what it does, the price is well-balanced.
The Artisan's modular design expands the functionality of what would be three machines. The 3D print modules offer a dual filament tool head, enabling the printing of advanced models with support material structures; the Laser engraver is easy to use with a 10W laser, and the CNC is a little more complex but equally fine-tuned.
The Artisan's design builds on Snapmaker 2.0's modular build. However, the Artesian expands on the features with a work area of 400mm x 400mm x 400mm, which easily enables larger projects like 3D printing mechanical prototypes, laser cutting small furniture pieces, CNC'ing metal, or engraving wood and other materials.
The major upgrade, aside from the scale, between the Artisan and the Snapmaker 2.0 is the new quick-swap tool head and bed system, enabling you to switch between 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC carving modules in a couple of minutes in comparison to the Snapmaker 2.0 which could take 10-15 minutes. However, as with the Snapmaker 2.0, the machine retains the ability to work with various materials, which makes this a very exciting prospect for designers, engineers, and makers looking for a single machine that essentially does everything.
The Snapmaker Artisan is unique with its multifunctionality, build quality, and user-friendly software, Snapmaker Luban, which helps streamline what could be a very complex workflow. If you're looking for one of the best laser engravers, 3D printer, and CNC in one, then this is definitely the machine for you.
Snapmaker Artisan: Design
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
While the Snapmaker Artisan is unique when it comes to features, the basic bed slinger design, at least when it comes to 3D printing, will be very familiar to most. Although from the outset, the build quality and materials are far removed from your average 3D printer. The main construction is all high-quality aluminium alloy, and rather than traditional belts or lead screws, Snapmaker's metal belts are used for motion control; these not only keep things neat when it comes to the look and style of the machine but also aid with accuracy. The build, once initially constructed, which takes around 30 minutes to an hour, results in one of the most solid large-scale 3D printer machines out there, with the bonus that it has two other functions.
From the outset, Snapmaker's work on redeveloping the tool-changing mechanism from the design of Snapmaker 2.0 has to be mentioned. It's incredibly simple, with a quick release on the tool head enabling the module to be removed before the new one is slotted into place and locked; then, it's just a case of switching over the data cable. When it comes to the base, the process is similar, with a quick-release mechanism used to remove the base and slot in the matching one for the tool head you're using. When swapping out the 3D print platform, the power cable needs to be removed, but again, this is quick, and the other two bases don't actually require any connection other than being secured into the machine. This modular design enables you to swap between 3D printing and laser engraving to CNC quickly. It's worth noting that as soon as the tool module and base are swapped, the machine and software, once powered on, will recognise the new modules, and you're ready to go.
Taking a closer look at the modules and functions of the machine we can start with the 3D printing module. This is designed along the usual bedslinger cartesian mechanics, the Artisan includes a large work area of 400mm x 400mm x 400mm, enabling it to print far larger projects than most desktop printers.
Next up is the 200W CNC carver module, again a significant upgrade over the previous 2.0 model. The high spindle speed and linear modules enable the precise machining of materials such as hardwoods as well as some soft metals. However, you do need to swap bits for those different materials, which is done with the simple chuck mechanism, which is loosened and tightened with the two spanners that are included in the box. The CNC module is partnered with a dedicated wooden work surface with holes that enable you to attach clamps that help to keep the materials in place.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Finally, the laser engraving module rounds up the trio and offers a decent 10W laser module, which is a big improvement over the 1.6W module found in the Snapmaker 2.0 - there's also 20W and 40W aftermarket upgrade options (the 40W comes standard with the Artisan Premium Edition), which will be appealing to anyone looking at this ability as the main focus for the machine. The 10W module can handle a wide range of materials, from wood and leather to acrylic and metal (engraving, not cutting), enabling loads of creative possibilities and making this an ideal machine for anyone working on small to medium-scale production as well as personal work. Again, the laser module is partnered with its base, in this case, a dedicated metal grill work surface and the large safety enclosure, which helps to reduce laser hazards from Class 4 to Class 1. This also means that this machine with the enclosure and an extractor attached can be used in a far wider range of locations as it adds to the machine's safety.
When using the laser engraver, you should use the enclosure, as this enhances safety and reduces smoke, dust, and fumes compared to the other two modules. The enclosure includes door-detection sensors that halt operations when opened, ensuring safety. An extractor isn't included with the machine, but there are plenty of options available.
The final part of the design is the control module, which sits separate from the machine and features a large 7-inch touchscreen interface that provides easy access and navigation to settings and enables you to monitor progress. The information on the screen changes depending on the module you have attached at the time.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Snapmaker Artisan: Features
Specs
Print Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Laser Engraving, CNC Carving Build Area: 400mm x 400mm x 400mm Minimum Layer Resolution: 50 microns Maximum Layer Resolution: 300 microns Dimensions: 580mm x 620mm x 634mm Weight: 35kg Bed: Heated, dual-zone (110°C inner, 80°C outer) Print Surface: Double-sided (glass and PEI-coated) Software: Snapmaker Luban Materials: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, wood, leather, acrylic, metal Print Speed: Up to 180mm/s
The Snapmaker Artisan is packed with features, and while much of the core design looks the same as the Snapmaker 2.0, although much bigger, there have been many significant updates. When it comes to 3D printing, Snapmaker has opted for a dual extrusion system rather than a single, and both the laser and CNC module feature a power boost to 10W and 200W, respectively.
The machine is big, and a standard desktop or even worktop surface will need help to accommodate its pure scale. During the test and without the enclosure installed, the machine sat on an Ikea Linnmon / Adils desk, which, with the machine placed centrally, started to bow under the weight, so something far more substantial is worth considering.
The Artisan features a large build area of 400mm x 400mm x 400mm, which is able to accommodate larger projects than typical desktop printers, with the only real competitor of this size being the Original PRUSA XL, which is a very different machine when it comes to use. Interestingly, Snapmaker has opted for a dual-zone heated bed, which can heat the inner zone to 110°C and the outer zone to 80°C; this helps with energy efficiency and speeds up the printing process as there's less base to get up to temperature. This bed, combined with the double-sided build plate that features a glossy glass side and a PEI-coated side, ensures decent adhesion, although you can't help but feel a sprung steel PEI sheet would have been a more up-to-date solution.
Further enhancing its 3D printing capabilities, the Snapmaker Artisan includes quick-swap hot ends, making maintenance and material changes straightforward. The machine supports a wide range of materials, including PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, and wood PLA, with a high printing temperature of up to 300°C. This versatility allows users to tackle various projects, from everyday items to more specialised prints requiring specific material properties. At the heart of all three uses is the Snapmaker Luban software that enables you to layout projects and settings easily.
A quick, two to three-minute swap over of modular parts and the machine transitions to laser engraving, with a moderately powerful 10W laser module with advanced beam-combining technology. This feature enhances engraving and cutting capabilities, enabling the machine to handle a wide array of materials, such as wood, leather, acrylic, and soft metals. One interesting feature to note is that the laser module has a high cutting speed, which is capable of reaching 20mm/s for 3mm basswood, which is good if time is short and you want to turn around projects quickly. The wide-angle camera integrated into the laser module captures the entire work area. It gives you real-time previews as the work is produced, which is then shown through the Luban software and enables accurate positioning.
Safety is a critical consideration in laser engraving, and the Snapmaker Artisan includes a safety enclosure that reduces laser hazards from Class 4 to Class 1. The control box next to the machine has an all-important emergency stop button.
Finally, for CNC carving, the Snapmaker Artisan features a 200W CNC module with high spindle speeds of up to 18,000 RPM. This power and speed enable precise machining of a wide range of materials, including hardwoods, acrylics, some soft metals, and carbon fibre. The dedicated wooden work surface and clamps all help to ensure that workpieces are securely held in place.
As with the other modules, the CNC Toolhead features a quick-swap design, enabling easy switching between the machine's 3D print, laser, and CNC functions.
Snapmaker Artisan: Performance
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
3D Printing Setup and Use
Starting with the 3D print tool head and base, and the initial setup is straightforward. Essentially, with the machine off, the dual filament 3D print head is slipped into position and connected. Then, the heated bed is installed; this is the only base of the three modules that requires a wired connection to the control panel. The whole process should only take a couple of minutes; it's extremely quick and easy.
Once in place, the dual extrusion system allows for multi-material and multi-colour prints, with quick-swap hot ends enabling easy maintenance and material changes. The materials are all selected in the Luban software and applied to the models before printing, and it is just about as intuitive as 3D printing software gets. Loading and unloading materials are relatively straightforward and straightforward, but it's worth noting that it's easier to use the machine without the large enclosure. If you do have it installed, you're going to need a dedicated space for the setup, not just a work surface work surface.
In use, the dual extrusion tool head works well with the absolute accuracy that we saw with the Snapmaker 2.0. The accuracy and finish of the models are good, and compared with the latest competition from AnyCubic with the Kobra 3 and the Creality Ender-3 V3, the quality compares well. However, it's worth noting that the speed of this machine is quite a bit slower than the latest crop of printers.
Another point to note is that while the bed is large, the heated bed utilises a zone-heating design. This means that the printer actually gets up to temperature relatively quickly compared with some other larger-scale printers, although that varies depending on the ambient temperature.
One issue that we did have was with the double-sided glass build plate. While this offers excellent adhesion, once you're used to a sprung steel build plate, it isn't easy to go back to something so fixed and solid.
Overall, the quality of the prints, both single and dual extrusion, is excellent. However, it's worth considering that compared to the latest crop of printers the Artisan will have a slightly longer print cycle than you would expect.
Laser Engraving Setup and Use
Switching over to laser engraving is, again, easy. The quick-swap modular design enables you to unplug the 3D printing module and base before the 10W laser module and base are slotted into place. Unlike the heated bed, the laser base doesn't require a wired connection, but you do need to ensure that the enclosure is installed.
Once the machine is switched on, the laser setup takes a few minutes. The calibration card for the laser and camera performs various checks —it's all quite straightforward. A handy feature is the wide-angle camera integrated into the head. It helps capture the entire work area, providing a real-time preview that helps with the layout of designs on materials. This is a relatively common feature but essential for serious work to ensure that everything is laid out correctly.
Starting with some simple engraving, the 10W laser makes short work of wood and plastic. However, a little more time is needed to adjust the settings for softer metals such as Aluminium. Again, the accuracy of the laser really stands out, with detailed lines and a quality engraving of the material with sharp, defined edges. However, while the enclosure is essential, its size makes the machine quite difficult to navigate and manouver the materials unless you have a good amount of space around the machine.
In use the 10W laser can cut through materials such as 3mm basswood plywood. However, it does take some time, and there are far more powerful lasers out there. However, if you don't mind a bit of a wait, the quality and accuracy of the cut are exceptionally good.
The laser module's performance is good. The speed and power are a little slow, but the quality of the finish is excellent so it does balance out.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
CNC Carving Setup and Use
CNC carving is the lesser-known of their three functions. While there are plenty of laser and 3D print machines to compare, it all becomes a little more tricky with CNC. However, as with the Laser module, the CNC module locks into place, and again, the quick-release base plate for the laser is swapped out quickly for the CNC option.
Once the module is installed, it needs to be calibrated. This is surprisingly easy and takes a couple of minutes to complete. Once done, you can get started with laying out your own designs. Using the built-in tools within Luban, you can lay out your work, again, in a similar approach to using the laser module. Once you're ready to get going, you can use the touchscreen display to set the machine into action.
The CNC feature is surprisingly easy to use, and after some time cutting shapes into wood and plastic, you realise that there's plenty of scope for creativity. However, the 200w does feel a little underpowered, and while it copes with intricate detail, it would have been nice if it could have dealt with some more heavy-weight metals, even if it was just a thin 3mm sheet. Still, considering this is a 3-in-1 machine, the CNC abilities are impressive and, once again, easy to use thanks to the Luban software.
The Snapmaker Luban software is at the heart of the system and enables you to interact with each of the machine's modules and uses. What's really nice is the consistency of the software interface through the use of each different function. This makes it easy to get to grips with maker techniques that you might not otherwise be familiar with.
The other part of the system is, of course, the large 7-inch touchscreen that sits by the side of the machine at all times. This enhances the experience, making it easy to navigate through different settings, monitor progress, and make adjustments as needed.
Snapmaker Artisan: Final verdict
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The Snapmaker Artisan is an innovative 3-in-1 machine that builds on the functions, features, and size of the Snapmaker 2.0 and enables you to print 3D, do laser engraving, and do CNC all on one machine. For all three modules and uses, the high precision really stands out, and while the machine might not be the fastest compared with dedicated options, it still goes at a decent pace.
This quality for each use can, in part, be put down to the solid build quality and user-friendly interface, especially the superb Luban software. While the initial cost is high, the versatility and performance of the Artisan do justify the price, especially if you need all three machines and are short on space.
While the Artisan saves you space compared with three large machines, it is huge, especially with the enclosure. While our test workshop has space, even there, it wasn't easy to find an area that was large enough to accommodate the entire setup.
However, once you find a permanent home for the Artist, whether you're a hobbyist looking to explore new creative ideas or a professional in need of a 3-in-1 machine, the Snapmaker Artisan is a great choice.
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 Processor; AMD XDNA™ NPU up to 50TOPS Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Laptop GPU, 8GB GDDR6; AMD Radeon™ 890M Graphics RAM: 64GB LPDDR5X on board Storage: 2TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD Left Ports: DC-in, HDMI 2.1 FRL, USB 4.0 Gen 3 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack Right Ports: SD Express 7.0 card reader, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) (Triple band) 2x2, Bluetooth® 5.4 Audio: Built-in array microphone, Harman/Kardon (Premium) Camera: FHD camera with IR function to support Windows Hello Size: 35.49 x 24.69 x 1.49 ~ 1.73 cm (13.97" x 9.72" x 0.59" ~ 0.68") Weight: 1.85 kg (4.08 lbs) OS Installed: Windows 11 Home Accessories: Stylus (Asus Pen SA203H-MPP2.0 support)
The Asus ProArt P16 is one of the fastest 16-inch laptops available with AI processing used to boost performance for demanding applications like Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve. ASUS has essentially designed this laptop to rival the Apple MacBook Pro, with features tailored specifically for creatives.
The ProArt P16 design supports easy connectivity to various accessories, monitors, projectors, and devices, making it ideal for travelling professionals. The intuitive keyboard and trackpad layout, along with the Asus DialPad, enhance usability in apps like Photoshop, with for example, the quick adjustments of brush sizes.
The touchscreen's 4096 pressure sensitivity and included stylus offer precise control for drawing and creative work. The Asus suite of creative software also provides AI-driven organisation of digital images and videos.
At its core, the ProArt P16 boasts superior power, outpacing many competitors, including the MacBook Pro. This is evident when handling 4K and 6K video footage from cameras like the Canon EOS R5C and Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K. While an external SSD is necessary for large files, the processor and graphics card handle advanced editing seamlessly.
Like all the best video editing laptops and best laptops for graphic design we've reviewed, the ProArt P16 is targeted at videographers, photographers, designers, and content creators. It meets the high demands of the creative sector. It stands out as a great alternative to the best MacBook Pro laptops, not just for budget reasons but for its performance and features.
Asus ProArt P16: Introduction
The Asus ProArt P16 is marketed as a laptop designed for and aimed at the creative sector—ideal for anyone needing a portable, powerful machine capable of content creation. This is no small feat, as the processing and graphics power required to edit, manipulate, and enhance the latest 4K and 8K video footage, high-resolution photography, AI content, and traditional sketching and drawing is immense for one machine to handle.
With the ProArt P16, you have a machine capable of handling the latest video files from cameras such as the Canon EOS R5 and the Sony Alpha 7 Mark IV. This laptop's ability to easily manage files from these high-end mirrorless hybrid cameras highlights just how powerful the ProArt P16 is.
What truly sets this machine apart is not just its processing power, which enables it to handle large and complex file formats, but its design, which is fine-tuned for creatives. The large monitor, which is 100% P3 compliant, ensures that the colours you see on the screen will be accurately reproduced elsewhere. Small details, such as the Asus DialPad and an extensive array of ports around the sides, will all provide easy connectivity. Additionally, the full touchscreen and supplied stylus all add to the desirability of this laptop for creatives.
Compared with a traditional laptop, the Asus ProArt P16 seems to be in a league of its own, but can a laptop designed for a niche sector really live up to the demands of creatives?
Asus ProArt P16: Price & availability
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The Asus ProArt P16 isn't cheap, with the standard model starting at $2700 / £2600. When it comes to availability, you can purchase it directly through the Asus website, and it is also widely available at most major retailers and online stores.
Price: 5/5
Asus ProArt P16: Design & build
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The Asus ProArt P16 boasts an incredibly sleek design, considering the size of the monitor and the powerful hardware it contains. The laptop measures 35.49 x 24.69 x 1.49 cm and weighs 1.85 kg, making it relatively easy to slip into a standard laptop or camera backpack or laptop bag. While the weight is on the heavier side compared to typical laptops, it is quite reasonable given its capabilities and on par with the MacBook Pro.
One important consideration is that this laptop requires a proprietary power adapter, which is especially crucial for intensive tasks like video editing that can drain the battery quickly. This adapter is needed as the laptop cannot be charged via a standard USB Type-C charger.
The laptop is extremely well-built and feels tough and durable. It meets the US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard for durability, so it should withstand more than a knock or two out in the field.
When it comes to some of the standard laptop features, the sides of the laptop offer a good variety of ports. On the left side, there is the DC-in, HDMI 2.1, a USB 4 Type-C, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, and an audio combo jack. Flipping over to the right-hand side, there's an SD Express 7.0 card reader, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C. The only thing missing here is a standard Ethernet port, so if you need to connect to a wired network, you will need a USB Type-C to Ethernet adapter.
The design of the keyboard is nice and large, with a full layout and all the usual keys that you would want for general admin and office work, as well as shortcuts when using creative applications. A nice feature is the large touchpad, which is really sensitive. You can pop into the settings and adjust its sensitivity as needed. Integrated into this touchpad is the Asus DialPad, which is essentially a circular indent that acts as a touch-sensitive control wheel. A nice function of this is that you can adjust its options and functions through the ProArt Creator Hub and settings.
Another notable design feature is the two speaker panels located on either side of the keyboard. These panels house powerful, high-quality Harman Kardon speakers.
When it comes to the screen, it has an almost edge-to-edge design, which is really nice to see, giving you a big and clear, distraction-free workspace. The monitor itself meets the P3 display standard to 100%, and if you want to delve into the settings, there's plenty of adjustment available if you need to calibrate the monitor using tools like the DataColor SpyderX2. Another nice feature of the monitor is that it is fully touchscreen enabled and a stylus is included in the package. While this makes the screen relatively glossy, it is not overly so, and reflections are kept to a minimum.
Overall, the slim and relatively lightweight build, combined with its powerful capabilities, makes the Asus ProArt P16 an ideal option for creatives on the move who need a powerhouse of a machine to run the best video editing software or best graphic design software. When sitting down and working at the machine, the full keyboard, trackpad, control dial, and touchscreen with stylus support all contribute to a very appealing laptop for anyone working in the creative sector.
Design: 5/5
Asus ProArt P16: Features
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Many laptops are tuned for raw power, especially with the evolution of AI chips. The Asus ProArt P16 exemplifies this, featuring an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor coupled with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU. The processor offers 50 TOPS, up to 70W CPU TDP, and 5.1 GHz with 12 cores, while the GPU delivers 321 TOPS and 8GB GDDR6 VRAM for real-time ray tracing and AI-augmented computing. Supporting these components is 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD for fast storage.
A notable addition is a dedicated AI NPU chip that powers AI features like Copilot in Windows and the Asus AI applications. Support from Adobe and others for this chip is growing, enhancing capabilities in Photoshop and Premiere Pro. The AI-powered apps MuseTree and StoryCube add further value.
The ProArt P16 boasts a large 16-inch OLED touchscreen with 4096 levels of sensitivity and meets the P3 colour standard at 100%. It offers a 4K (3840 x 2400) resolution and supports MPP 2.0. The screen is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 11, providing durability. Audio is impressive, too, with Harman Kardon speakers featuring Dolby Atmos and three array microphones.
Designed to be equally effective in the studio and field, the laptop meets US military-grade durability tests. Weighing 1.85 kg and measuring up to 14.9 mm thick, it is portable and robust, withstanding up to 95% humidity and temperatures from -32°C to 70°C.
The DialPad integrated into the touchpad and the ProArt Creator Hub software offer precise control for various tools, which is beneficial for photo retouching and other creative tasks. MuseTree allows AI-powered sketch realization, and StoryCube aids in managing digital assets. The ProArt Creator Hub provides access to all features, including a Pantone-developed colour management tool.
Despite its power, the laptop's advanced cooling system remains quiet, even under high-demand tasks like Adobe Premiere Pro. The ProArt P16 runs on Windows 11 Home, with an option to upgrade to Pro. It includes dedicated Asus applications like ProArt Creator Hub, MuseTree, and StoryCube, along with Asus DialPad control panel access.
Features: 5/5
Asus ProArt P16: Performance
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks
Crystal Disk Read: 5001.01MB/s Crystal Disk Write: 3955.26MB/s GeekBench CPU Single: 15197 GeekBench CPU Multi: 2882 GeekBench Compute: 1000704 PC Mark: 8149 CineBench CPU Multi: 21915 CineBench CPU Single: 1948 Fire Strike Overall: 238909 Fire Strike Graphics: 26226 Fire Strike Physics: 31027 Fire Strike Combined: 11672 Time Spy Overall: 9953 Time Spy Graphics: 9791 Time Spy CPU: 10988 Wild Life: 45337 Windows Experience: 8.3
Testing out the laptop involved some creative work in the field. We took it along on a video shoot and used it with Premiere Pro to edit footage shot on the Canon EOS R5 C in Canon Log 3 format. The footage was copied over to a Samsung T5 Evo 1TB SSD for storage from an OWC Atlas CFExpress Type-B Card. The initial handling of the footage was impressive, allowing us to copy the S-Log files directly into the timeline and start editing and grading. For a 15-minute production, the laptop handled the processing with ease and quickly rendered out the file after three hours of editing, ready for uploading to YouTube.
Editing using just the keyboard and the Asus DialPad was intuitive, making it a nice alternative compared to using an accessory like the Monogram Creator Kit that we usually use. While not quite as intuitive, the small pad works incredibly well, allowing customization so it does exactly what you need, which is great for adjusting settings with a finger touch. The full-size keyboard is also a nice addition, and anyone used to a MacBook Pro will find that the layout isn't too dissimilar. The transition, especially for a shortcut wizard, isn't too much of a leap.
Another noticeable feature of the ProArt P16 is its battery life. Even when editing footage in a high-demand application, we were able to get
an hour and eighteen minutes of power before needing to plug into a Bluetti AC200 for portable power for the rest of the edit. For Photoshop and general administration work, the battery life was between three and a half to four and a half hours.
Switching over to using Adobe Photoshop, the laptop handled applications, including Lightroom, with ease. Even with the 45-megapixel images from the Canon EOS R5 C, there was absolutely no slowdown, even as the layering of images increased during focus stacking for an upcoming book. Used on a two-day shoot, the laptop worked well for tethered shooting, taking the images directly into Photoshop, stacking, and then exporting them out, and wirelessly transferring them to the designer, who was able to layout pages on the fly. It was a nice workflow, and the transition from usually using a MacBook Pro to this ASUS ProArt P16 wasn't as large a leap as we had initially anticipated.
When it came to creative apps, the ProArt P16 was finely tuned. The power of those AI chips made easy work of extremely heavy processing tasks. What was impressive was that even when editing large 4K video files and the machine was drawing maximum power, the noise from the fans remained minimal.
Another point to note is that while monitoring audio for video is best done through headphones, the small internal speakers had clarity, quality, and decent volume, allowing us to hear the audio even when working outdoors in a busy environment.
To double-check performance, this review was written using Microsoft Office on the machine, and some work on Excel spreadsheets was done to check the computer's ability to handle general admin tasks. As expected, since this computer can easily handle 4K video editing with ease, there were no issues with administration tasks. Browsing the internet and streaming video content were equally well handled.
Finally, for downtime, we checked out the gaming performance with titles like Hogwarts Legacy and Tekken 8. Once both games were loaded, the machine handled the processing and graphics exceptionally well, far beyond what you'd usually expect from a non-gaming laptop.
After testing and being impressed by the laptop's performance, especially with creative applications, it was time to switch our attention to benchmarking tests to see if the performance of this laptop really was as good as it seemed.
Performance: 5/5
Should you buy the Asus ProArt P16?
The ProArt P16 is specifically designed for the creative industry, offering a range of features finely tuned for this sector. Creatives—from illustrators and textile designers to photographers and videographers—will appreciate the ability to use a stylus accurately with various creative applications. This is a huge benefit, providing precision and enhancing workflow.
From the outset, this laptop impresses. It is slim, with a large screen and relatively light weight, making it highly portable. Its processing power and GPU capabilities enable the use of the best photo editors, design apps, and editing tools. If you're running high-end creative applications like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve, it's an appealing option for professionals.
The laptop includes a variety of ports, allowing easy connectivity to accessories, cameras, monitors, and more. This feature enhances its appeal to creatives who require a versatile and flexible workspace.
Durability is another strong point. With military-grade certification, the ProArt P16 can withstand knocks and bumps, ensuring it survives fieldwork. The full keyboard is excellent for shortcuts and navigation, though an application-specific keyboard for programs like Photoshop or video editing would be a welcome addition.
The Asus DialPad is a standout feature. While it takes some getting used to, it becomes a massive asset for adjusting settings and brush sizes in creative applications. The touchscreen display, with its high sensitivity, allows for direct interaction with artwork, providing precision and a more traditional feel compared to a keyboard and mouse.
Ultimately, the power of this laptop makes the user experience seamless. There is no waiting around, and the workflow is fluid and intuitive. While the Apple MacBook Pro has been a long-standing choice for creatives, the ProArt P16 challenges this dominance. With its powerful features, touchscreen, dial, and creative software suite—including MyAsus, MuseTree, and StoryCube—the ProArt P16 offers a compelling alternative that meets and exceeds the quality and functionality of its Apple counterpart.
