The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 continues the trusted and loved ThinkPad lineup of laptops that Lenovo continues to create with business users in mind. It is yet another durable and reliable business laptop with a robust build, impressive battery, and great ports for connectivity. 

While this laptop is designed for business professionals, it also focuses on more than use in the office. Like so many of the best business laptops we've reviewed - particularly the best Lenovo ThinkPads out there, the T14 Gen 5 is light and portable, perfect for remote and hybrid workers and those constantly moving within a large corporate building. Despite some drawbacks, such as a less vibrant display, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 proves to be a solid performer that can handle everyday tasks with ease.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5: Unboxing & first impressions

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 comes well packaged in eco-friendly packaging. The laptop, a 65W USB-C charger, and the documentation that Lenovo sends with all laptops are in the box. Right away, setup through Windows 11 on this laptop was easy, and thanks to the SSD, booting up to the start screen was quick and painless.

Moving the laptop around, I quickly realized that Lenovo had built this laptop very well. Finding the balance between thin and durable is lovely—which is always hard to do with laptops. Some super thin devices are incredibly light but snap if you type too hard. The T14 Gen 5 strikes the balance quite nicely. It's slim, but it has a slightly thicker plastic casing that gives a sense that it can take a hit or two and be fine. It makes it feel less premium.

The laptop's design stays true to the classic ThinkPad aesthetics I've seen with laptops such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11. It's simple, functional, minimal, and sleek—excellent design. The keyboard offers a familiar ThinkPad experience with tactile feedback, and the trackpad is large and responsive. The signature red TrackPoint is also present for those who prefer it, paired with the easy-click buttons at the top of the trackpad.

My ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 is grey, but the black colorway would be perfect if you want a sleeker, more minimalist design that blends in a bit more.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5: Design & build quality

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 is lightweight and compact, especially for the ports and power. This laptop weighs 2.96 pounds and is less than an inch thick, at 0.70 inches, making it easy to move around and use as a portable machine. The casing comprises recycled plastic and aluminum to help provide a durable yet eco-friendly computer.

The ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 has a wide range of ports, including 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI, and 1x RJ45 Ethernet. A headphone/mic combo jack ensures versatile connectivity. There is also a smart card reader for those who need an extra level of security.

The keyboard is standard for Thinkpads. It feels the same as all of the other ThinkPads I have used, and it has the same TrackPoint in the middle for easy, quick navigation while keeping your hands on the keyboard. The only change in this model and some of the newer models, in general, is the presence of the Microsoft Copilot key for easily integrated enhanced AI productivity. No matter what you are doing, if you press that key, you launch your AI assistant, which can help with anything from changing settings on your computer to helping create content.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5: In use

This laptop has been a powerhouse over the last few months. I've worked with it for the previous 90 days, and I am pretty impressed. The keyboard is fantastic, especially for long typing sessions (such as this review). The audio is solid. While it won't blow anyone away, it is suitable for a laptop. The T14 Gen 5 balances durability and a sleek, lightweight design. It's easy to carry, throw into my bag, and carry on its own, yet I don't feel like I need to baby it. I will admit that the plastic casing can give a "less than premium" false narrative by looks alone. Still, as soon as I open the laptop and start working, that narrative is immediately dismissed because this computer is powerful enough for day-to-day work.

One other important aspect of the design is the fantastic battery life. I have been able to go to coffee shops, attend offsite meetings, and work around the house without worrying about finding a power cable. It's been fantastic.

Part of the reason this laptop has a great battery probably has to do with the fact that the display could be more impressive; however, while using this laptop for business uses, I never really felt like I was missing out. I could get everything without feeling held back, limited, or even noticing that it wasn't a great display.

I have been able to knock out all admin tasks and heavy tracking spreadsheets; I've used this to render 3D models for my 3D printers; it's helped test and drive some of the best business monitors I have tested, helped set up and program some of the other gear I am testing, and has been an all-around fantastic computer. What has been great, too, is utilizing Microsoft Copilot (albeit tastefully) to modify settings so I don't have to go through pages of clicks to give me ideas, answer questions, research, and do conversions, all started with a simple click of a button. It's been super powerful and a massive asset for getting work done efficiently.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5: Final verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 is a reliable choice for business professionals who prioritize durability and battery life over high-end performance and display quality. Its robust build and extensive connectivity options make it a practical tool for productivity on the move. If you’re looking for a dependable workhorse with a great keyboard and long battery life, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 is worth considering -- especially if you want Copilot baked in.

For more performance-driven productivity, we reviewed the best mobile workstations.

AndaSeat is known for gaming chairs. There is no doubt about that. While they do have some chairs that are promoted as professional chairs or office/gaming chair hybrids, they look and function much like gaming chairs. 

However, as I have shown with the Secretlab Magnus Pro Standing Desk, if the product is of high quality and operates the way you need and want it to, it doesn't matter what the original intention was. If it works for your scenario, it works. The Magnus Pro standing desk is technically a gaming desk; however, I put it through the paces of a professional standing desk and performed wonderfully. After all, our best office chair on a budget is a similarly gaming inspired desk seat.

So, while the AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL - an extra-large version of the popular Kaiser 4 Series (check out our AndaSeat Kaiser 4 review for more details) - might originally be aimed at gamers, it more than fits into the professional workspace setting.  

The AndaSeat fills a similar space in my head. It's a bridge between the gaming and professional space. Yes, it looks gamer, but it functions like many of the mainstream best professional ergonomic office chairs. It's a clean, simple colored chair with high levels of adjustability and excellent ergonomics. 

It is comfortable for all-day use, and this one is the XL model, making room for those who are a bit bigger. Bigger can mean many things. For example, my team member who uses this chair the most is 5'11" and is 215lb. He's a professional fitness trainer and appreciates the extra space, as most standard chairs are small for him. I'll discuss that later on.

AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL: Unboxing & first impressions

The packaging for the AndaSeat Kaiser is impressive. There is a lot of chair in there. The packaging is sturdy and very well organized, ensuring that all of the components arrived to me in perfect condition. There is not one piece damaged or crushed.

Along with the chair pieces comes the documentation and necessary tools to help make the setup process as easy as possible. It took me about 42 minutes to assemble this chair from start to finish, utilizing the tools in the box.

The AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL immediately impresses with its hardy build and premium-feeling materials. The PVC leather will last for a while and doesn't feel cheap, though I worry that I might stick to it a bit in the heat or if I am sweating. I'm just over 200lbs and 6'2" tall, and this chair gives me plenty of space. 

I appreciate how tall the backrest comes up on me, and I love that I don't feel like the armrests are creeping into my space. Instead, they are right where I want them. I also love how I can adjust the height to a place I wish to be, rather than compromising like I need to do with some standard-sized chairs.

Lastly, the chair's aesthetics are professional. It doesn't feel tacky or unprofessional but pretty sophisticated all around, especially in the elegant black colorway I chose. All around, this chair feels excellent; the seat feels more like a bucket seat in a sports car than anything; the rocking, reclining, and swivel are all very smooth, and the adjustments, though they take a while to dial in, made this chair fit me wonderfully.

AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL: Design & build quality

AndaSeat chose to utilize PVC Leather for the Kaiser 4 Series Premium Chair. Granted, it's less luxurious than PU or genuine leather, but it's an understandable and still a high-quality choice for this chair. It offers high levels of durability and is relatively easy to clean. The frame is solid metal, and the seat has a high-density foam that feels more firm than anything but is very comfortable. 

The Kaiser 4 Series Premium Gaming (and professional) Chair is available in ten colors and two material options: premium PVC Leather or Linen Fabric. Its sleek and modern design is well-suited to gaming and professional environments.

AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL: In use

While using this chair, my team and I noticed that the only downside to the entire chair is that the PVC Leather can feel less breathable and get a bit sticky or plasticky after extended use, especially if we get warm. Most ergonomic chairs, while they contort to your body, are also breathable in one way or another. 

This chair, while ergonomic, is not not breathable. It's still comfortable, but there's a difference in design language. This lack of breathability can make the chair a bit warm if you're prone to sweating, operating in a warm area, or working for long periods.

In addition, the previously mentioned dense foam and ergonomic design make long working sessions comfortable and prevent me from needing to stand up due to aches or discomfort.

At first, the 5D armrests were gimmicky and a marketing trick. Still, I have noticed times when I have used or wanted to use all elements of the 5D armrests to get the perfect armrest position for working, reading, meetings, working at a desk, with a laptop on my lap, with my iPad, or on a long phone call. So far, this chair has held up to it all, finding a way to be comfortable in almost every situation.

AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL: Final verdict

As mentioned, the AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL Premium gaming/professional chair is a fantastic bridge between the gamer look and professional function. It can live in both worlds; it provides all-day comfort thanks to the highly adjustable arms, lumbar support, backrests, and sports car-like bucket seat. The lack of breathability is a downfall, but nothing catastrophic at all. The PVC Leather makes the chair easy to clean and has other perks that help redeem that material choice. 

The Kaiser 4 XL is an excellent chair for those looking for a home office or professional chair who love the gamer style but also want to be able to use it confidently for work.

Enhancing your workspace? Pair your latest office chair with the best standing desks. 

The Dell Precision 3680 Tower Workstation is a solid investment for professionals. Like so many of the best workstations and best business computers we've reviewed, it offers strong performance, versatility, and thoughtful design, making it capable of efficiently handling various tasks. This makes it a valuable asset in any work environment. Dell desktops are still preferred for their power, storage, permanence, "always on" features, and other purposes, making them prominent in business. Dell is known for being highly versatile, reliable, trusted, powerful, and sleek, making the Precision 3680 Tower Workstation one of the best options for a customizable desktop solution.

Dell Precision 3680: Unboxing & first impressions

The Dell Precision 3680 Tower Workstation comes securely packaged, with packing material holding everything in place so the computer will arrive pristine. The box contains the tower, the power cable, and essential documentation. My unit also had an external Intel AX211 + Bluetooth wireless card to add Wi-Fi 6E capabilities. At first glance, this tower is compact but mighty. The initial setup is simple, with the system booting up quickly and ready for customization and installation of additional software. Wonderfully enough, I got up and running in no time.

Dell Precision 3680: Design & build quality

This tower workstation features a compact and robust chassis designed for durability and ease of access. The front panel is home to all the ports that I would want quick and easy access to, while the back ports are great for things that will stay plugged in for the most part. This Tower Workstation flaunts a sleek and professional design, while the compact and sturdy build hints at its suitability for various office environments. This machine is an excellent design for home office use or in the office. Either way, the Precision 3680 will fit right in.

Dell Precision 3680: In use

The Dell Precision 3680 Tower Workstation has been primarily at one desk in my suite of desks and computers. So far, it had quickly handled multitasking and demanding applications, making it suitable for professionals in fields like CAD, running the best 3D modeling software or the best video editing software when spec'd out. However, if you use this machine for more business and administrative tasks, a machine with less spec'd will do just fine. Despite its powerful hardware, the Dell Precision 3680 operates quietly, ensuring a distraction-free work environment for your co-workers, cat, or spouse.

While using this desktop tower, my team and I discovered that the Precision 3680 is energy-efficient and quiet. This machine was nearly silent even when churning through benchmarks or rendering video.

One thing that I love about having a mighty tower is that I do not need a docking station. While there is a time and a place for the best laptop docking stations, knowing that all I will most likely ever need is built into the chassis of this powerhouse is fantastic. I can access multiple USB Ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, an SD Card reader, Ethernet, and even a disk reader. I could utilize all the monitors currently at my disposal and connect four monitors to this computer without any issues. I plugged them all in via DisplayPort to the graphics card, and I could appropriately choose which monitor went where and what resolution I wanted to run all of the displays at.

For the last few months, this computer has been the powerhouse I know to be consistent. In my day-to-day, I am testing gear and swapping to different laptops, monitors, chairs, desks, etc. Having the forced consistency of having this desktop set up at a desk with a monitor and peripherals honestly gives a great breath of fresh air. I know I can sit down, and regardless of what else is happening around me, this computer will be on, ready to run, and I don't have to mess with a dock. There are no issues with what mic I need to select, what camera, or what speakers, no issues connecting to the proper Wi-Fi, and no problems connecting to the display, mouse, or keyboard. That's the beauty of a desktop workstation and the power behind a beast like this. If you're looking for a powerful workstation and need something that can be an always-on device and crush anything you send it, check out the spec-out Dell Precision 3680 Tower Workstation.

Dell Precision 3680: Final verdict

The Dell Precision 3680 excels with its processing power and ability to quickly handle multitasking and demanding applications. The base model’s 8GB RAM is sufficient for general tasks, but upgrading the memory like we did is recommended for more intensive workloads. While good for essential use, the integrated graphics may also require an upgrade for graphic-intensive applications. When choosing features while building your Precision 3680, Dell proves its versatility with many build points and components. If you want a new desktop powerhouse or a simple desktop tower to complete some admin tasks, check out the Dell Precision 3680.

Want to power-up productivity on the go we reviewed the best mobile workstations.

Lenovo is a popular name in the world of professional laptops. Even in consumer-grade laptops, the company has made its mark. 

Lenovo has three main laptop tiers. The first is the IdeaPad, which is focused on consumer-level computing power. The best Lenovo ThinkPads are targeted at business professionals. And ThinkBooks like the ThinkBook 16 G7 IML sit somewhere in the middle, aimed at prosumers. 

But is is one of the best business laptops for those who need a machine for work and play? We put it to the test. 

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: Unboxing & first impressions

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G7 IML Laptop was securely packaged in an eco-friendly box. Inside were the laptop, a 65W USB-C charger, and the documentation. All around, it was a pretty average unboxing experience.

When I pulled the packing sleeve off the laptop, I appreciated its build quality. It feels high quality and sturdy, and it looks professional. I also didn't mind the grey color. While I prefer black or darker computers, grey still looks pretty good.

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: Design & build quality

The ThinkBook 16 G7 IML has an aluminum top and PC-ABS bottom construction. It has a smooth-typing, spill-resistant keyboard and a large touchpad. It's worth noting that, unlike the ThinkPad, the ThinkBook does not have buttons with the touchpad, nor does it have the iconic red TouchPoint in the center of the keyboard.

As this is the newer generation of ThinkBooks, a dedicated Copilot button at the bottom of the keyboard allows quick and easy access to the Microsoft Copilot Ai assistant. This key is to the right of the right-most alt button, so it's easy to access when desired.

One of the benefits of having a 16-inch screen is that the space allotted for a keyboard is much larger. Because of this, Lenovo was able to add a full numpad to the right of the full-size keyboard. For those who work with numbers or data entry, this could help speed up input exponentially, especially if you are already used to using a numpad.

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: In use

I've had this laptop in rotation for a few months. Writing articles (such as this one) and spreadsheets or managing projects in programs like Notion, Asana, Monday.com, or Trello has been lovely. Thanks to the larger screen and quick processing power, this has also been fantastic for business admin tasks. I've flown through emails, putting together documents, basic photo editing, and a lot of internet-based work.

The 16-inch, high-resolution screen has also been great for portable work, especially around the house. It's larger than I would want to carry around as a remote/hybrid worker, but this has been great around the house. For example, I am writing this review sitting on my front porch while my kids play outside. The keyboard is comfortable enough that I don't need an external keyboard, and the trackpad is responsive. Today is overcast, making the screen bright for outdoor use. If it was a clear sky, and I had more direct sun on the screen, it would be harder to see but still usable.

The entire UI feels fast and responsive, and everything loads quickly. The function row has a mic mute button, volume controls, screen brightness, smart keys, and more.

This laptop features Windows Hello for easy and secure sign-in, allowing you to log in using your face or fingerprint. The ports are excellent, with USB-A on both sides, Thunderbolt and a USB-C on the left side, full-size HDMI on the left side, and an Ethernet port and an SD card reader on the right.

Using this laptop for my business has been a great experience. It's surprisingly powerful and user-friendly. The addition of Copilot has significantly boosted productivity, and the enhanced power is a great bonus.

Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML: Final verdict

The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 IML is a powerhouse for professionals who demand top-tier performance at the prosumer end of the market. It has a quality 16-inch display and a robust, stylish design. Its comprehensive connectivity options and high memory capacity make it ideal for demanding business tasks. While its weight and battery life in certain configurations might be minor drawbacks, the overall package is highly compelling for anyone seeking a reliable and powerful business laptop.

For more Lenovo laptops, we reviewed the best mobile workstations.

Wavlink USB-C Quad Display: 30-second review

The Wavlink USB-C Quad Display 4K@60Hz Universal Dock is an all-in-one docking station that enables multiple monitors and accessories to be connected to your laptop through a single cable. The hub's big feature is its ability to connect up to four monitors to a single machine, expanding screen real estate, making it ideal for creative professionals and office workers dealing with multiple documents.

Setting up the Wavlink dock is straightforward, as tested on a MacBook Pro 16in M1 Max with three BenQ monitors and a smaller video monitor. Before use, the hub drivers need to be installed, which all feel a little retro compared to some of the best laptop docking stations we've reviewed. However, it's a simple download from the Wavlink website, and after installation, the connections for the displays are as simple as connecting the HDMI or DP cable. Once done, each monitor springs into life, and standard MAC or PC OS monitor settings allow easy window arrangement and all the usual adjustments.

Once the drivers have been installed, the Dock essentially becomes plug-and-play. When you arrive at your desk, simply plug in the single USB Type-C cable from the Dock to your laptop, and you instantly have a connection to the monitors and any other devices or memory cards that are plugged in. Another great feature, and one that saves AC wall socket space, is that you can plug your laptop into the hub, which supports 100W charging for laptops. There's also a 30W PD through the front USB Type-C port, which is ideal for tablets and, of course, phones.

However, while the Dock offers plenty of connectivity, its fastest data connection option is through USB 3.2 Gen 2, and it lacks faster USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 or USB 4 options. For creative users, there are SD and MicroSD card slots on the front; however, this is countered by the absence of CFExpress Type-A or B slots, which are used by many of the latest cameras, such as the Canon EOS R5 II and Nikon Z8.

However, this hub's USB ports still provide incredibly fast connections at 10Gbps and 5Gbps, which should meet most people's data transfer demands. 

The Wavlink dock is a neat solution that enables you to connect multiple monitors and accessories to one machine quickly. It might not be plug-and-play, but the driver download and install are simple. Once done, the ability to connect multiple devices and monitors to one laptop makes this a great choice for many users.

Creatives will inevitably benefit from the additional screen space and connected accessories, but data transfer rates, if not checked, will be affected if multiple drives are being accessed simultaneously. However, an organised workflow will help to navigate any issues on this front, and the benefits of such a neat solution do, for the most part, outweigh these slight slowdowns. For more general use, this dock absolutely nails it; it's simple to use and performs extremely well to the point that once it's set up, it will just become an integral part of the furniture. 

Wavlink USB-C Quad Display: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $358
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? You can get it Amazon

The Wavlink USB-C Quad Display 4K@60Hz Universal Dock is available through various major retailers and online platforms, making it easily accessible for individuals and businesses in the UK and the US. The docking station offers a great solution for anyone looking to expand their workspace with multiple monitors and accessories.

• Value: 4 / 5

Wavlink USB-C Quad Display: Specifications

Wavlink USB-C Quad Display: Design

• Discreet design
• AC Powered
• Plenty of ports

The Wavlink USB-C Quad Display 4K@60Hz Universal Dock takes on the usual boxy design, which, while it might not break any ground when it is aesthetics, it's certainly functional. The exterior is made from high-quality plastic of the type you need to tap a few times to discern whether it's metal or plastic, which highlights the quality. Overall, the Dock has a stylish, discreet appearance, making it well-suited for both a stylish creative studio and a professional office. The purpose of the Dock is to be used and left in situ rather than portable, so it is positioned on a work desk connected to the AC power, monitors and accessories and ready for connection to a laptop when needed.

The AC power supply, which is an additional box about half the size of the Dock itself, comes with a decent-length cable, enabling it to be neatly tucked away. Thanks to this AC power supply, the Dock can provide power directly to a connected laptop. For example, if you connect a MacBook Pro, the USB Type-C port on the back of the Dock can supply 100W of PD power. There is another USB Type-C port on the front of the Dock, which provides PD power at 30W—still enough to give a Vivo X100 or other smartphone a quick power boost.

While there are multiple connection ports around the Dock, the main feature is the ability to connect up to four 4K monitors using the ports on the back of the box. These ports are aligned in four columns, each with a DisplayPort and HDMI port. Although there are eight connection options, you can use only four, one from each column. Next to these are three USB 3.0 ports, a LAN 2.5Gbps port, and a USB 3.2 connection to the laptop, along with a small power button. As well as 4K monitors, you can also plug in two 5K monitors, again one into each column.

On the front of the Dock, there is a USB Type-C port, an SD and MicroSD slot, another fast USB 3.1 port, and a small dual-function 3.5mm audio port for mic and headphones on the right. The final feature is the venting at each end of the box, part of a larger cooling system that includes a large internal heat sink. Wavlink highlights that this 76252mm² heat dissipation area has been designed to enable stable operation even in a 60°C high-temperature environment, and this should help with high-demand data transfers as well as supplying data to four connected monitors and accessories.

• Design: 4 / 5

Wavlink USB-C Quad Display: Features

The Wavlink USB-C Quad Display 4K@60Hz Universal Dock is packed with features that make it ideal for many types of professionals working with multiple office applications or those in the creative sector. The headline feature of this Dock is the ability to connect up to four 4K monitors or two 5K monitors at the same time. This ability dramatically expands screen space and enables you to easily manage multiple applications, documents, or creative projects without constantly switching between or minimising and maximising windows. For graphic designers, video editors, admin and data analysts, this should save you loads of time searching for that elusive minimised tab. 

Along with multiple monitor connections, the Dock offers an extensive range of other connectivity options, including multiple USB 3.0 and 3.1 ports for fast data transfer. These ports are essential for creative professionals who work with large files, such as those from the latest cameras, as well as handling creative documents with high-resolution images and video. While the Dock might not match the ultra-fast transfer speeds of the latest USB4 connections, the array of ports available is still incredibly fast. There are two USB Type-C ports. However, it's worth noting that the main rear Type-C port is the one that connects to your laptop and offers 100W Power Delivery (PD), while the Type-C port on the front offers 30W PD for smartphones or smaller devices. 

The inclusion of SD and MicroSD card slots is a nice touch, particularly beneficial for photographers and videographers who need quick access to their media files. CFExpress is quickly superseding these card types; however, for now, SD is still the most popular format and is widely used across multiple professions outside of the creative sector.

Another nice feature is the dual-function 3.5mm audio port on the front, which supports both mics and headphones. This is great for video conferencing, editing, and other multimedia tasks. When it comes to networking, the Wavlink USB-C Quad Display 4K@60Hz Universal Dock includes a 2.5Gbps LAN port.

Finally, security is a critical consideration in any professional setting, and the Wavlink dock addresses this with its built-in Kensington lock slot, essentially enabling you to secure the Dock and prevent theft physically.

• Features: 4 / 5

Wavlink USB-C Quad Display: Performance

Setting up the Wavlink USB-C Quad Display 4K@60Hz Universal Dock on both PC and Mac systems is straightforward, although not quite plug-and-play. Before plugging the Dock into your machine, a quick drive download is required: https://www.wavlink.com/en_us/drivers/download/2947cbee1250.html. Once this has been installed, the USB Type-C from the Dock can be connected to your laptop, and all monitors and accessories will be recognised. 

In practice, once this driver was installed, switching between a MacBook Pro and an ASUS ProArt Creator Laptop was simple enough. The computer's native OS settings enabled the configuration of the monitors and any connected accessories. It also enables you to maintain the same desktop setup so that both computers can utilise the same screens and accessories through the Dock. However, it's worth pointing out that it is not simultaneous.

As with all docks, the main function is to enable you to connect your monitor, accessories, and other items to the Dock rather than your computer. This vastly increases the number of devices that can be plugged in at any one time and expands the types of connectors that can be used, especially with smaller laptops and Macs. 

Once you have an array of devices plugged in, all that connects the hub to the computer is a single cable, enabling much the same connection to all those devices as if they were plugged in directly. 

Once everything is connected, you can power on the Dock using the small power button at the back; this small button is small; however, due to the design of the Dock, it's easy to find when you need to power on or off the Dock. A few seconds after powering on the screens and connected devices, they will flicker to life and be ready to use as if they were plugged in directly. The ordering of the monitors typically correlates with how they are plugged into the ports at the back. Still, if there's any confusion or they need to be plugged in the right order, you can quickly adjust this using the display settings on your computer. For Mac users, this involves moving the monitors to the correct position in the display settings. Once configured, you can drag your cursor from one screen to the next, providing plenty of room to view multiple applications across the screen at one time.

In this test, we used three BenQ 27-inch monitors, which just fit the length of the large 1.2m  IKEA Natura standing desk, along with a smaller field monitor. One of BenQ monitors was plugged in using the DP socket, while all other monitors were plugged in using HDMI. Aside from plugging in, all four monitors were able to display at 4K without issue with no lag or image break up. 

The four-monitor setup was extremely straightforward. The simple approach quickly meant that aside from plugging in the USB cable, little else was required. 

However, there were a few observations that it's worth being aware of. The first is that there is a lack of an all-eject feature, as is common with the OWC docking systems. Another point is that this Dock is based on the USB 3.2 Gen 2 rather than the faster USB 4 protocol. However, that does mean that you have wide compatibility, and the price is kept well balanced. 

Along those lines, while you have all of these ports for connecting accessories, monitors, and hard drives when several data devices are connected and in use, you will see a drop in performance of up to, if not exceeding, 50%, which is a common issue with most Docks. 

Overall, however, the Wavlink USB-C Quad Display's performance once connected and the driver installed is superb. It will suit all office environments and is a good starting block for creatives, although a fast USB 4 Thunderbolt Dock may be a better fit. 

• Performance: 3 / 5

Wavlink USB-C Quad Display: Final verdict

The Wavlink USB-C Quad Display 4K@60Hz Universal Dock is a great choice for anyone who needs a way to expand their workspace with multiple monitors and the ability to connect various accessories through a single device. This Dock will enable you to keep all of your devices connected so that once you arrive at work, that single cable will enable you to connect rather than swapping and changing cables and connections as you switch between devices.

The ability to connect up to four 4K monitors is a great feature. With all the data that flows through the box, heat could be an issue. However, there's plenty of cooling, and even after a day of editing with three monitors running a variety of applications and two SSDs and SD cards transferring data, the Dock was more than able to handle the data flow. 

The pure volume of connections is a huge benefit to anyone who utilises a variety of devices throughout their working day. With the PD in for laptops and mobile phones, this helps to free up two AC sockets, which is helpful when you have up to four monitors to power alongside a variety of hard drives and other connected devices. When it comes to data, it's a shame that there's no custom eject feature that enables you to disconnect all devices, such as SSDs, in one go; still, for the price and the abilities of this Dock, It's well-balanced and incredibly useful.

If you work with documents and multiple applications or with creative programs such as DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop and want to see everything at once, this is a great solution. 

Should you buy a Wavlink USB-C Quad Display?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

For more extras for your set-up, we reviewed the best MacBook Pro accessories

When it comes to rugged phones, Doogee's latest update to the V Max tough smartphone is relatively understated in looks but boasts fast 5G networking and a decent amount of power. 

But in the field of best rugged phones and durable devices which makes this a strong option for outdoor and on-site professionals? 

Doogee V Max Plus: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? Starting from £439.99 / $559.99
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? You can get it directly from Doogee Website

The Doogee V Max Plus is widely available either directly from the Doogee website or through other online retailers such as Amazon. It is priced at approximately £439.99 / $559.99. Availability and prices may vary based on the retailer and region. For the latest deals and offers, check the Doogee website and other reputable online stores.

• Value: 4 / 5

Doogee V Max Plus: Specifications

Doogee V Max Plus: Design

When you pick up the Doogee V Max Plus, the design and build instantly reflect its nature as a tough smartphone. The slightly angular design and minimal detailing offer better grip in wet conditions. The rubberised port cover on the base helps to keep the USB Type-C port waterproof which is the only opening aside from the SIM slot on the phone. Another interesting physical feature is the lanyard loop so you can attach the phone to a lanyard bag or jacket securing loop, keeping it safe and secure. 

As you'd expect in the hand, the V Max Plus feels larger and heavier than most smartphones. Side-by-side with the Vivo X100, it's about three times thicker but roughly the same height and width, measuring 178.5 x 83.1 x 26.3 mm. This size, combined with the 541g weight, obviously makes it less suitable as a day-to-day phone for casual use. 

However, the additional size reinforces what this phone is about and that additional size houses the massive 22,000mAh battery, allowing the V Max Plus to continue running for days after most other smartphones would have run out of power. The IP68 and IP69K waterproof and dustproof ratings make it ideal for use on sites where weather conditions can never be guaranteed, or where the phone is likely to get wet, dusty, or knocked around. For adventures, this smartphone will last for days between charges, reducing worries about running out of battery power in the middle of nowhere.

Further reinforcing its tough nature, the phone features a Corning Gorilla Glass screen, which offers the best protection against accidental drops and hopefully avoids screen damage. 

The V Max Plus is 5G compatible, providing ultra-fast internet connection as long as 5G coverage is available and supported by your contract. Another great feature, especially for those off the beaten track, is the dual SIM caddy. This enables you to insert SIMs from different mobile providers and switch between them to find the best signal. In this test, switching between EE Mobile and Vodafone was seamless. The same SIM caddy houses a microSD card slot, enabling you to expand internal storage up to 2TB.

Checking over the phone, several design features stand out. For example, on the left, below the dual SIM card slot, is a customizable button that can be pre-programmed using the phone’s settings. The base houses the USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, flanked by two speakers. On the right side are the power button, featuring fingerprint recognition, and the volume buttons.

The phone's back showcases three cameras, including a high-powered 200MP Samsung sensor, a night vision Sony sensor, and an 8MP wide-angle camera. Below the cameras is a shallow V shape that functions as an indicator LED. The LED changes colour and can be pre-programmed to show different colours depending on the phone’s status. For instance, it can glow blue for text messages and red for calls, making it a handy feature for receiving notifications without needing vibration or audio.

Overall, the design is extremely high and reflective of a tough phone. While the thickness and weight are greater than those of most smartphones, the physical dimensions of height and width are similar to those of this style of smartphone.

• Design: 4 / 5

Doogee V Max Plus: Features

• 108MP Camera 
• Android 14

One of the standout features of the Doogee V Max Plus is its massive 22,000mAh battery. This battery can provide up to 1540 hours of standby time, 156 hours of calling, 142 hours of music playing, 45 hours of video watching, or 18 hours of web browsing, which is incredibly impressive. One of the issues with such a large battery is that it could take hours to charge. Thankfully, the V Max Plus supports 33W fast charging, allowing it to reach a full charge in around four hours.

Take a look at the phone's computing credentials and it's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 Octa-Core, 2.6GHz CPU that is partnered with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. This combination offers moderate graphic processing potential. For computing power, the phone includes 36GB of RAM (16GB physical and 20GB virtual) and 512GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2TB using a microSD or TF card. This provides plenty of processing power and storage capacity, depending on your needs.

The display is a large 6.58-inch screen with a full HD resolution of 2408 x 1080 pixels. Notably, the screen brightness is 480 nits, which is enough to see in most bright sunlight conditions, although in the brightest light, you might need a bit of shade. The screen also has a 120Hz refresh rate, making playback footage look smooth and ensuring scrolling through applications and browsing the internet is quick. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which is known for being one of the toughest on the market. The screen has a 20:9 aspect ratio, a colour depth of 16.7 million colours, and a contrast ratio of 1500:1. It is an IPS panel, providing a wide viewing angle.

As previously mentioned, the camera system is another major feature of this rugged smartphone. The main camera uses a 1/1.4-inch 200MP AI ultra-clear Samsung sensor with a 7P lens, an 85° viewing angle, and an F1.95 aperture. The camera supports various modes, including PDAF, Super Resolution, HDR mode, Pro mode, AI camera, Beauty mode, and Bokeh.

Alongside the main camera is the 20MP Sony Night Vision Camera, which is designed for low-light and night photography with infrared support. This is ideal for capturing images in lower light conditions or for photographing wildlife. The 8MP wide-angle camera is perfect for capturing a broader field of view. The front-facing camera, essential for video conferencing and making calls, features a 32MP Sony sensor.

Connectivity options are extensive, with dual SIM support and 5G connectivity, allowing for the best possible signal coverage. The phone also supports Wi-Fi 6, ensuring fast internet connections and Wi-Fi calling capabilities. Bluetooth 5.2 allows for easy connection to accessories such as headphones. Additional connectivity features include NFC support and various navigation systems, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo.

The phone also includes multiple sensors, such as a gyroscope, compass, proximity, and light sensor, which can be utilized with the handy ToolBag app selection.

In terms of durability and security, the V Max Plus is certified with IP68 and IP69K waterproof and dustproof ratings and MIL-STD-810H certification for ruggedness. For security, it includes a side-mounted fingerprint recognition system, allowing for fast and secure access to the phone.

• Features: 4 / 5

Doogee V Max Plus: Performance

• Will survive in most enviroments
• Good storage options

In use, the Doogee V Max Plus is noticeably larger and heavier than most smartphones, reflecting its rugged design, which will withstand water, dust, and more. However, despite its larger size, the design and grip around the screen make it easy to handle. The phone includes a lanyard loop at the base, which is handy is you want to tether it to a backpack or jacket, although its weight makes it impractical for hanging around your neck.

Even though the V Max Plus is slightly larger and heavier, it feels comfortable in hand, especially if you're wearing gloves or other protective gear. It’s also easy to find in a backpack or protective jacket compared with slimer lighter weight phones.

In use the touchscreen is extremely responsive, even with a light drizzle on the screen. The buttons respond as they should, and it's only when the phone is submerged in water that the screen stops responding until wiped down. The screen’s brightness, at 480 nits isn't overly bright but it is possible to view the monitor in bright conditions, though a little screen shading maybe needed. The screen’s full HD resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, IPS technology and this brightnees all seem to help balance performance with battery life as the phone was usable for a good week between charges.

When running most apps, such as Google Docs, browsing the internet, or making video calls, the phone is fast and responsive. This performance is thanks to the quality of the Android 14 operating system, supported by the relatively decent processor and GPU, which add a bit more power than some other smartphones.

Benchmark tests, including Geekbench CPU and GPU results, show that while the phone may not lead in high-end processing power, it is more than capable of handling large documents and data processing. The storage capacity and performance balance well, enabling the use of high-resolution cameras to capture, manipulate, and upload images and videos when needed.

For light to moderate gaming, the GPU handles 3D graphics relatively well, as highlighted by the Slingshot and Wildlife scores. However, more advanced games can cause the CPU and GPU combo to struggle, as seen in the Steel Nomad Light benchmark test.

The V Max Plus is clearly designed for field use, away from the office and home, and more out in the wild, where exposure to elements is likely. The processing power and battery longevity complement each other well. The 22,000mAh battery kept the review unit charged and ready to go for almost a week between charges, providing plenty of time for browsing the internet, watching presentations, making calls, and capturing high-resolution videos and stills. Connecting to a 33W fast charger enabled a full recharge in a little under four hours. Plugging the phone into a standard USB charger resulted in many hours of charging.

Overall, the V Max Plus works incredibly well. Its design ensures ease of use and good grip in wet conditions. The touchscreen remains responsive even in drizzle, and the apps are quickly accessible. There is enough processing power for all Google apps and many more intensive applications; however, for the latest gaming, it may not be the greatest choice. However, compared to many other tough phones, the V Max Plus has a bit more processing power. While it may not match the outright performance of the iPhone 15 Pro or Vivo X100, it should be more than enough for fieldwork or off-the-beaten-track adventures.

The high-resolution cameras, backed by the 200MP Samsung sensor, capture stunning images with beautiful resolution, tone, and colour and also highlight how much processing power this phone has, as it can not only capture those images but will process them with ease in Adobe Lightroom. The 20MP Sony sensor for low light provides fantastic images that standard sensors can’t match. The 8MP wide-angle camera is perfect for capturing scenic landscapes and documenting work. The V Max Plus stands up to more than most, with many great features and a bit more processing power than your average tough smartphone, making it a great all-around choice for anyone wanting a phone that can stand up to more than most, with excellent imaging capabilities and a high-quality build.

• Performance: 3.5 / 5

Doogee V Max Plus: Final verdict

Ideal for users needing a rugged phone with extensive battery life, the Doogee V Max Plus excels in outdoor activities and harsh environments. Its bulky design may be a downside for some users. Still, its strong camera setup and large storage capacity make it a solid choice for those who prioritize durability and functionality.

Should you buy the Doogee V Max Plus?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

For more durable devices, we reviewed the best rugged hard drives

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We've also featured the best email hosting services.