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OWC Envoy Pro Elektron portable SSD review

9:36 am | October 19, 2024

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

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 480GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB
Size: 12mm x 76 mm x 52 mm
Weight: 85g
Enclosure material: Aluminum
Connector: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Technology: OWC Aura Pro III PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 2242 Solid-State Drive
Warranty (in years): 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): upto 1011MB/s depends on system
Software bundle: OWC Innergize for Mac and Windows

The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron joins the company's range of compact portable storage solutions designed for creatives.

We've tested the best portable SSDs but this one really caught our eye. The overall look and style are minimalistic, with the small design easily slipping into a jacket or kit bag pocket without adding much weight or bulk. The exterior is simple, featuring an all-metal build with a status light on the front, a USB Type-C port at the back, and a logo on top. On the base are two rubber strips along with a model info label.

The simplicity of the design also reflects the toughness of the drive. As soon as you lift it from the desk you can feel the additional weight afforded by that reinforced case. It's not heavy, but it's heavier than you'd expect for such a small device. This extra weight comes from the thick metal casing that is not just designed to protect the drive from minor knocks, but to survive being run over, thrown, and generally subjected to conditions that would ordinarily destroy a drive of this type.

That robust build continues throughout the design with the USB Type-C port, which, despite being open to the elements and without a protective rubber cap, still enables the drive to be IP67 certified. The drive is essentially built like a tank and able to survive being crushed (though perhaps not by an actual tank) as well as being submerged in water. Sure enough, in testing, the drive withstood more than most, and even after being run over and submerged, it continued to function without issue.

While the drive's strength is its main feature, speed is another important consideration. Inside is an NVMe SSD, enabling ultra-fast transfer rates. While it doesn't feature the latest connection technology, its data transfer speeds are still impressive and more than enough for HD and 4K video editing, image manipulation, and audio editing.

If you need a drive that can withstand the elements and rough handling while providing ample storage capacity and speed, the OWC Envoy Pro Elektron is an excellent choice—and one of the few with this level of protection.

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron: Price & availability

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron review — (Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron is available in multiple storage capacities, typically ranging from 4800GB to 4TB. Pricing for the drive varies depending on the capacity, starting around £129 ($129 USD) for the 4800GB model and going up to approximately £529 ($529 USD) for the 4TB version. Availability is through major online retailers, including OWC's website, Amazon, and other electronics and computer accessory stores.

Score: 4/5

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron: Design & build

The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron has been designed to be small and compact at 12mm x 76mm x 52mm, making it ideal for slipping into a jacket or kit bag pocket, taking up minimal space. While small and extremely simple in design, the all-metal aluminium casing adds a bit of weight at 85g, more than you'd expect from a device of this size but reassuring in terms of durability. With an IP67 rating, this is up there with the best rugged hard drives we've reviewed - a happy middle-ground for who need a robust, portable SSD.

The drive connects via a single cable that handles both data transfer and bus power, which is common for compact external drives. A nice touch from OWC is the inclusion of a USB Type-C cable with a Type-A adapter to maximise compatibility across different machines. On the exterior, there's a status light at the front that glows bright blue when the device is connected and flashes during transfers to indicate that the drive is in use—standard but useful features.

Aside from the single USB Type-C 3.2 port at the back and the status light, there are no other buttons or ports, keeping the exterior sleek and minimalistic. Another nice addition and finishing touch are the two rubber strips on the base, these provide better grip when the drive is placed on a desk or other surfaces, preventing it from sliding around during use.

Design & build: 5/5

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron: Features

OWC is an interesting company, very much driven by the real-world use of its products. It's not difficult to find professionals who swear by OWC gear. The Envoy Pro Elektron is designed as a compact, go-anywhere portable SSD that's simple in design yet capable of quickly transferring and storing large quantities of data, all while withstanding extreme conditions.

Starting with speed, which is usually the headline feature of any external SSD, OWC quotes several different transfer rates for the drive. The blister pack states transfer rates of up to 1011MB/s, while the website cites 996MB/s in real-world tests, highlighting similar benchmarking software to what we use here at techradar.com.

The drive is also USB 3.2 Type-C, offering up to 10GB/s transfer rates via the single bus-powered cable connection. It's great to see OWC opting for the most common generation of USB 3.2, ensuring that on almost every modern system, you'll likely achieve the quoted speeds. This contrasts with many manufacturers that produce drives using USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, which is often throttled back to slower speeds for machines that aren't equiped with that exact connection type.

This connection also means the drive is fully compatible with a wide range of devices, including Macs, PCs, iPad Pros, and Chromebooks.

The standout feature of the drive, as mentioned earlier, is its durability. It is crushproof, dustproof, and waterproof to IP67, meaning it can survive being submerged in water up to 1 metre deep for 30 minutes. The durable, aircraft-grade aluminium casing is impressive and helps dissipate heat when the drive is working hard. As the drive is solid-state, there are no fans, so cooling is entirely passive through the case—this reduces potential points of failure and ensures the drive operates completely silently

Due to its design and connection type, the drive can launch apps on a Mac, which is handy if you have a Mac with a smaller internal SSD and need to offload larger or less frequently used apps to external storage.

It's also worth mentioning that the drive is Innergize enabled, software from OWC. This software enables you to monitor and manage the drive's health and performance and apply firmware updates as they become available

Features 5/5

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron: Performance

Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: read: 1031.21MB/s Write: 971.73MB/s
AJA: read: 899MB/s Write: 914MB/s
ATTO: read: 984.62MB/s Write: 952.85MB/s
AS SSD: 915MB/s Write: 901.10MB/s
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test: Read: 668.2MB/s Write: 921.2MB/s

The small Envoy Pro Elektron's size and simplicity means that it hardly adds any weight or bulk to you kit bag. Although the drive feels heavier than expected at first glance, it's still extremely light at 85g—lighter than most larger external hard drives with similar capacity.

The drive includes a 38cm USB Type-C cable, which comes with a handy USB Type-A adapter. Together, they make for a neat package that can easily slip into any small side pocket.

In use the drive connected quickly and for the first test, it was formatted to APFS for use with Mac systems. Upon first connection, the software guides you through the formatting and system compatibility setup, in just a couple of simple clicks you're done and the drive is ready to use. We ran several tests running some of the best video editing software and best audio editors for performance.

Used with Logic and Final Cut Pro X, the drive performed as expected, handling work as a fast, reliable drive with transfer speeds more than sufficient for most 4K ProRes edits. During long editing sessions, the 1TB capacity was slightly limiting, but with 2TB and 4TB versions available, there is greater flexibility. Speed and performance remained consistent throughout, with the drive becoming warm but never hot. Notably, there was no noise from the drive, although the Mac's fans spun up occasionally as the M1 Max processor was pushed.

When switching to a PC, the drive required reformatting to ExFat. In Premiere Pro and Audition, the drive again performed well, handling data transfer demands without issue and becoming warm but again not hot.

In real-world tests, the drive provided the storage and transfer speeds required by the applications. While the 1TB capacity may be limiting for video, it's a good size for audio and image work.

Benchmark testing showed the drive performed exceptionally well, with varying results depending on the application used. Read and write speeds were fast across the board, confirming the drive is an ideal companion for most content creators.

Beyond performance testing, the IP67 rating called for a durability check. The first test was to run over the drive, and aside from a few scratches and some dirt, it survived. Plugged back into the Mac, it was instantly recognised, and performance matched the speeds recorded prior to the test.

Next, the drive was submerged in water for 30 minutes. After drying and clearing water from the port, it was plugged in again and mounted without issue.

After these tests, the drive's exterior showed marks and scratches as expected from such handling, but it continued to perform exceptionally well despite the tough conditions.

Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the OWC Envoy Pro Elektron?

If you need a fast, high-capacity portable SSD, the OWC Envoy Pro Elektron is a great choice on many levels, although you are paying extra for its robust build.

As a portable SSD, its compact size and light weight are appealing. With a range of capacities, it caters to a variety of users—from musicians and photographers to videographers and general content creators. The transfer rates make it an ideal solution for anyone needing a fast working drive capable of handling high-definition multi-track audio and 4K video editing.

What really sets this drive apart is its toughness and small size. You can easily pack it into any bag or jacket pocket without adding noticeable weight. Unlike other SSDs, you don't need to worry about the drive if it gets wet or bashed around in transit—this drive will survive, making it a great choice for those on the road or travelling.

The speed will meet most creative demands for a wide range of users, but the rugged build and IP67 rating will particularly appeal to broadcast industry professionals, content creators, and musicians. The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron serves as a reliable on-the-go storage solution.

Buy it if...

You need a durable, portable SSD.

The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron is designed to withstand tough conditions while delivering fast, reliable storage for on-the-go professionals

You want fast transfer speeds for content creation.

With NVMe SSD and USB 3.2, this drive offers excellent transfer speeds for tasks like 4K video editing, music production, and image manipulation.

Don't buy it if...

You're looking for the latest USB technology.

This drive uses USB 3.2, which is fast but lacks the latest Gen 2x2 speeds found in some competitors.

You need a budget-friendly SSD.

The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron's rugged design and advanced features come at a higher price, which might not be ideal for casual users.

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

Majority Moto 2.0 review: an astoundingly cheap Bluetooth record player with USB – but that comes with compromises

12:30 pm | August 24, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Turntables | Tags: Europe, UK, USB | Comments: Off

Majority Moto 2.0: two-minute review

The Majority Moto 2.0 is the first record player from the budget audio company: the number isn't a version number but a reference to the built-in 2.0-speaker setup. It is an entire music system in a single box: thanks to its built-in speakers and Bluetooth 5.3, you can stream audio from your phone or computer as well as play records, and even rip them to digital via your PC, thanks to its USB port.

The Majority Moto 2.0 is clearly aimed at someone who doesn't have an existing sound system of any kind and it offers a lot of features for relatively little money. There are, of course, many compromises at its £79 price compared to the best turntables, but the Moto 2.0 is better than you might expect, due in part to the inclusion of a good-quality Audio-Technica cartridge. However, we did experience some quality issues with our review unit that suggest this is a record player that'll need careful handling.

The Moto 2.0 is clearly designed to be your first turntable that covers all the bases: Bluetooth streaming to headphones or speakers and from other devices, USB output for recording, even the ability to play ancient 78s as well as the much more common 45 and 33 and 1/3 speeds.

But you shouldn't expect room-shaking volume from those integrated speakers: they don't go loud because if they did, their vibration would do a Taylor Swift to your tonearm and shake it off. The sub chassis is separate to isolate it from their vibrations and copes fine with the volume levels available, but if you've got a big space or like to listen loud you'll want to connect an amp, or wirelessly connect it to one of the best Bluetooth speakers that you place on a different surface, or to some of the best wireless headphones.

I would encourage people to step up to the similar-but-just-overall-better Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT if you can, which also offers Bluetooth and USB, and is fully automatic, but offers no built-in speakers… however, it's around twice the price of the Majority, so if you want to keep it under £100, this is still a solid choice.

Majority Moto 2.0 speaker close-up — The integrated speakers are very small and fire upwards, so don't expect room-filling audio or earth-shaking bass. (Image credit: Future)

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Price and release date

Released in February 2024
Available in UK and Europe
£79.95 / €99.95

Despite a very low price, the Moto 2.0 is packed with features including one very significant one: it comes with an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, which is definitely unusual at this end of the market. That cartridge alone typically retails for around £20, or one-quarter of this entire turntable's price.

For comparison, consider than Pro-Ject's super-cheap (for Pro-Ject) entry-level turntable, the E1, is around £200, and doesn't have speakers, USB, a phono stage or Bluetooth (though more expensive versions do have those things). However, it does sound a lot better as a result, as our Pro-Ject E1 review will attest.

Majority Moto 2.0 USB port close-up — In addition to playing records you can rip them to computer or play from USB. (Image credit: Future)

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Features

Bluetooth and USB
Three turntable speeds
Integrated speakers and phono stage

You can't fault the feature list here: it does basically everything a turntable can do.

It has three playing speeds, and while it's not fully automatic, it does have auto-stop. There's an integrated phono stage if you want to connect it to an amp – though as mentioned before, it has its own speakers, so you don't technically need to.

It also has Bluetooth, and this goes in both directions: you can beam your records out to Bluetooth speakers, or you can send music over to the Moto 2.0 and listen over its built-in speakers. There's no aptX or anything else higher-res, though. It also has an aux-out if you prefer the best wired headphones to wireless ones.

And with a USB port on board, you can connect it to a computer and record your vinyl to a digital file – either because you want to preserve rare tracks that aren't available elsewhere, or just to capture the song complete with crackles.

Features score: 5 / 5

Majority Moto 2.0 phono out close-up — You don't have to use the integrated speakers: there are phono outs to connect an amp or powered speakers. (Image credit: Future)

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Sound quality

Better than you might expect
Built-in speakers aren't great
Speakers aren't built for bass

There's a limit to how much air two small speakers can push, but while the Moto isn't very loud the sound is pleasant enough on well-recorded records at reasonable levels; it's bass-light but does the job provided you don't turn the volume up too much. Do that and the sound starts to get harsh, the middle frequencies taking over as the speakers struggle.

One key thing the integrated speakers don't do is deliver a sweet spot, that perfect place where the soundstage is at its most immersive. To do that you need the sound waves to be coming towards you and the speakers some distance apart; these speakers are just an album's width apart and send their soundwaves towards the ceiling.

Things improve considerably when you team up the turntable with external, forward facing speakers or a decent set of headphones, but the flaws are more apparent too: there's noticeable mechanical noise in the quieter bits. If you're listening to songs with a lot of sustained notes, such as U2's With Or Without You, you might also notice some slight speed variation. It's not apparent on faster, choppier songs, and vocal vibrato tends to hide it for singing. But it's audible on very clear, sustained tones such as Edge's trademark infinite guitar.

No matter what you listen on, the sound is slightly boxy and cluttered in the way so many budget audio products are: everything's doing its best but the overall result lacks the spaciousness, separation and sparkle that you get with better-quality gear.

A lot depends on what you're listening to: give it some yacht rock with some expensive-studio smoothness and it's really rather nice, although the lush arrangements of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours lose some of their sparkle here with an emphasis on the cookie-tin snare drums and rubber-band bass.

More electronic pop such as Sigrid's second album is fun when it's well separated but feels claustrophobic in the busier tracks: there's a lack of air and low-end separation, with harshness creeping in as you turn the volume up. That harshness is particularly apparent with heavier genres of music, especially modern rock featuring brick-wall compression designed to make everything louder than everything else.

This isn't an audiophile product. But it's a fun one, especially if you skip the built-in speakers and hook up something more substantial either by Bluetooth or via an amp: connecting the turntable to an Ultimate Ears Wonderboom added some of the bass the built-in speakers lacked, and connecting the Moto to my Onkyo amp and Bowers & Wilkins bookshelf speakers was better still. Is it up there with turntables that cost four times the price or more? Absolutely not. But with decent speakers it doesn't sound like it cost £80 either.

Sound quality score: 3 / 5

Majority Moto 2.0 close-up of the Audio-Technica cartridge — Unusually for a turntable this affordable, you get a pretty decent Audio-Technica cartridge. (Image credit: Future)

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Design

Unusual platter placement
Integrated speakers and lots of connectivity
Feels a bit fragile

The Moto 2.0 comes in a dark wood effect with black hardware, with the wooden section overhanging the front and sides of the chassis. The two built-in speakers are behind circular black grilles facing directly upwards from the top front of the turntable and the controls are on the front and sides. On top of the dampened sprung platter there's a slipmat to keep your records in place.

The Moto 2.0 is smaller than many turntables, at just 38cm wide compared to the much more common 43cm. And the platter is smaller than usual too, at 20cm/8 inches. The speaker placement means the platter is oddly positioned: instead of sitting centrally it's off-centre, nearer the back than the front. That means if you're playing 12-inch records they will extend beyond the rear border of the turntable and through a space in the back of the dust cover.

There are some issues, however. The plastics here are cheap-looking, especially at the speed switch, and the tonearm is very thin and feels eminently breakable. Between these and the upfiring speaker design that doesn't lend itself to ideal audio quality, there are definitely flaws to how this is put together.

Design score: 3 / 5

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Usability and setup

All you need to do is plug it in
Switches and controls are around the edge
Doesn't get much easier

This turntable is all about simplicity, and because everything's in one unit all you need to do is remove the protective cover from the stylus and the plastic wire from the tonearm, plug the power supply into the wall and turn it on. So for a user-friendly beginner turntable, you can't get much better than that.

The two most important controls – the on/volume and the audio source – are both on the front along with the 3.5mm headphone socket. Other connection options are easily accessed along the edges, so no usability struggles there.

Frankly, it doesn't get any easier for your first turntable than this.

Usability and setup score: 5 / 5

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Value

You get a lot for your money...
...but you're paying for features you might not use
Quality is limited, though

The sub-£100 turntable market should probably be labelled "here be monsters", but the Majority is not one of them: you'd be hard pushed to get a better value turntable at this price. It's less than half of the price we'd typically expect to pay for a decent budget turntable.

However, the trade-off for that low price is audio quality, especially if you're going to be listening via the integrated speakers: they're okay but they're not great. If you're serious about sound quality you might want to save a little longer for something like the Pro-Ject E1 if you want to go the hi-fi route, or the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT if you want to stick with something with Bluetooth and USB. Or scour the second-hand market for a bargain.

Value score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Majority Moto 2.0?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Also consider

How I tested the Majority Moto 2.0

Tested at home for two weeks with more than a dozen new and used records
Tested solo, on headphones and through an external amp and speakers
Streamed Apple Music from iPhone

I tested the Majority Moto 2.0 at home, focusing on its vinyl performance and listening intensely to records I know inside-out across a range of genres from the most polished productions to ragged punk rock. I also streamed Apple Music from my iPhone to test its streaming prowess.

When I connected the Moto 2.0 to other equipment I used Beyedynamic wired headphones, which are known for their relatively flat performance (so reveal the sound of the underlying player well), and an Onkyo amp with the direct setting engaged to bypass the bass and treble circuits. The amp was connected to a set of Bowers & Wilkins bookshelf speakers, giving the Moto access to some pretty sweet-sounding hardware in order to show what it's capable of.

First reviewed June 2024
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Audio-Technica AT2040USB microphone review: Budget-friendly and studio-quality

6:00 pm | August 23, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: USB | Comments: Off

Audio-Technica AT2040USB: One-minute review

It used to be this simple: need a USB mic for gaming? Go and get a Blue Yeti. As recently as five years ago, streaming, podcasting and crisp in-game comms was a relatively unexplored space. In 2024 the latest Yeti is still a strong option, but models like this Audio-Technica AT2040USB show just how much the market’s evolved.

In its build quality and recordings, this is a studio-quality mic that happens to have swapped out its XLR connection for a USB one that doesn’t require an intermediary audio interface between your mic and PC. That’s really the only distinction between the AT2040USB and a traditional studio mic - along with the relatively budget-friendly $149.99 / £129.99 pricing.

What makes this such an enticing option for anyone who streams, records podcasts, does voiceover work, or just wants to treat their friends’ ears in the Discord chat is that the sound quality’s right there out of the box. Its hypercardioid polar pattern means it’s laser-focused on the sound source right in front of it, and tunes out ambient noises like mechanical keyboard clicks or air conditioner hum. There’s a low pass filter control on the mic for an even sharper sound, and that makes it incredibly easy to set up and start recording. Just connect directly to your PC, point and shoot.

The bomb-proof build quality (note: the validity of this statement has not been tested literally) and sophisticated studio looks are a welcome bonus, too.

The Audio-Technica AT2040USB microphone on a mic stand in front of a monitor — (Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)

Audio-Technica AT2040USB: Price and availability

List price: $149.99 / £129.99 (approx. AU$255.50)
Cheaper than the Blue Yeti X and SteelSeries Alias
Great sound and build for the price

This isn’t the outright cheapest option out there. It’s possible to find a great USB mic for under $100 / £100 now, but we think the audio sparkle, ease of setup, and studio-grade build quality on offer in this AT2040USB more than justify what’s still an affordable price. It stacks up favorably against Blue’s flagship Yeti X, although it’s pricier than the base Yeti, and it’s also less than a SteelSeries Alias which also offers great out-of-the-box sound.

Audio-Technica AT2040USB: Specs

Audio-Technica AT2040USB: Design and features

Studio-like looks
Simple to use
Direct mic monitoring input

I'm seriously impressed by the construction quality of this capsule for the price - though not entirely surprised, given Audio-Technica’s decades of studio renown. Dynamic mics like this one are a bit less fragile than their condenser cousins, and can usually withstand a few more knocks. That’s why you generally see dynamic mics used for live vocals, for example. The inner workings of the AT2040USB are likely pretty robust, then, which is why it’s all the more impressive that they’re encased in such a sturdy metal case.

No stand or arm is supplied with this mic, so you will need to source either one separately. That’s also something to factor into the pricing since there are cheaper USB mic options out there with a similar feature set which do come with their own stand.

The overall look is refreshingly non-gamer-y, so if you’re looking for something you can sync up to your gaming setup’s RGB scheme you’ll need to look further afield. There is a ring light around a touch-to-mute button to indicate power and mute status, but that’s it. We’re a long way from SteelSeries Alias territory, with its on-capsule lighting displays. Personally I always prefer audio equipment to take its cues from the studio, rather than the world of games. It’s a classic look that ages well and conveys that this piece of kit is serious about its intended purpose.

In terms of on-mic controls, in addition to the USB-C connector, there are some additional features. Volume and monitoring volume scroll wheels sit beneath a low pass filter toggle switch, which is the smallest I’ve ever encountered. So much so that due to the fact it’s also placed in a recessed spot, I actually find it tricky to toggle at times.

Next to the USB-C connection, there’s a 3.5mm input jack for direct mic monitoring, a very handy feature, particularly for anyone with aspirations to use this mic in a musical home recording scenario.

The polar pattern and input type take a lot of the hard work out of the setup. Once the mic’s connected directly to your device, it’s simply a matter of cueing up your recording software of choice and arming a track, or telling Discord that this is your new audio input now. The audio quality’s already there, with essentially no need to bring plugins in.

Given that fact, there’s no supplied software from Audio-Technica for this mic, nor is any such bloatware required. Hooray.

Audio-Technica AT2040USB: Performance

Naturally blocks out unwanted noise
Rich, warm vocals
Harder to use as an instrument/dual vocal mic

Fundamentally, the sound quality here is one of the AT2040USB ’s most impressive assets. Every decision along its design journey has been made with vocals in mind specifically, from its dynamic capsule to the hypercardioid polar pattern and the tuning of the low cut. As such, you get creamy spoken vocals with plenty of detail that sound almost as if they’ve had some light EQ applied to them. It’s an absolute win for ease of use.

That does mean that this is a very specialist beast, though. While some USB mics offer a choice of polar patterns that might make dual vocal recordings possible (eg two of you recording a podcast together in the same room) and instrumental applications (against an amp speaker or as a room mic for drums or guitar), that’s a lot less possible here. Not a downside, but rather a concession to the AT2040USB being so brilliant at its intended purpose.

In practice, the hypercardioid polar pattern is tuned brilliantly for a home use setting, where passing traffic, keyboard noise and general ambiance from nearby electrical appliances can make recordings noisy and can impact the clarity of your team comms. I usually use a Bertom Denoiser plugin for my voiceover recordings, but before I robotically reached for it and dragged it onto my recorded track, I paused and wondered if there was any point with the AT2040USB ’s recordings.

I’ve got mixed feelings about the touch-to-mute button, though. On one hand, it avoids that ungainly ‘thunk’ sound you sometimes get from mechanical mute switches when you turn the signal on and off, but it’s a little bit fussy and if your fingers are clammy it’s not the most reliable way to mute in an instant.

That’s a tiny issue in what’s otherwise a glowingly positive experience. For podcasting, streaming, and Discord chat this is an absolutely fantastic option with little setup required and very few downsides.

Should you buy the Audio-Technica AT2040USB?

Buy it if...

You want a no-fuss USB setup for recording vocals
The hypercardioid polar pattern makes for fantastic vocal recording quality and minimal background noise.

You’re rough on your audio equipment
This is one tough mic capsule. The construction can withstand a fair few knocks and drops, so if you’re clumsy, the AT2040USB will survive some mishaps.

You already own a boom arm
There’s no stand or arm provided with this mic, so you’ll need to shell out on the additional hardware unless you feel like holding it the whole time.

Don't buy it if...

You want to record more than vocals
This mic’s paying attention to a narrow field directly in front of it - great for vocals, less so for instrument recordings.

You podcast with a group
To get clear, balanced audio from podcasting sessions with multiple speakers, you’d need a mic each.

USB input isn’t a big draw
Already own a fancy audio interface? Consider XLR mics that’ll make use of it.

Also consider

If the AT2040USB isn’t shouting out at you, consider these other USB mic options.

SteelSeries Alias

A little more inspired by the gaming world, featuring a striking aesthetic and similarly great out-of-the-box audio.

For more information read our full SteelSeries Alias review.

Rode X XCM50

Another mic that excels at background noise cancellation, and a strong option for those on a tighter budget.

For more information read out full Rode X XCM50 review.

How I tested the Audio-Technica AT2040USB

Several weeks of professional and personal use
Used to record voiceover, in Discord chat, and music projects
Somehow never dropped

In addition to the shameful number of hours I spend on Discord shouting at people to clear banana and that 'T' spawn needs a flash, I record voiceovers weekly for YouTube content. The AT2040USB took on both responsibilities for several weeks of testing and also went through its paces in music recording scenarios.

Edifier QR65: Two-minute review

It's easy to assume that your desktop computer just needs cheap and cheery monitor speakers so you can hear your email chimes or the sound of the YouTube videos you watch when you're pretending to work, but the Edifier QR65 make a good case as to why you should stretch upwards into the realm of the best stereo speakers.

The QR65 are the newest speakers from Chinese audio company Edifier, which sells plenty of other desktop and monitor speakers for gaming, studios or just general computer use. These new models are classed as part of its 'Wireless Speakers' line-up but it also calls them 'Desktop Active Monitors' so they're clearly designed for desktop use.

I wouldn't recommend buying them solely for desktop use, though, because the Edifier QR65 function much better as multi-media speakers.

The Edifier QR65 are mid-range speakers and the sound fits; it's pretty good, with thumping bass and clear treble, even if the maximum volume won't exactly rock the house (unless you have a small house).

There are a fair few connection options too, as you can connect via USB (that's for the desktop connection) as well as wired and Bluetooth audio, so the speakers really do work for multi-media enjoyment.

And while I'm listing positives, I want to touch on the look of the speakers: they're fashionable and good-looking, even though they have LED lights which will raise red flags for audiophiles (and red LEDs for everyone else).

Then onto the... not 'bad', per se, just 'annoying' bits. While the QR65 have an app for control on your phone, they don't on PC, which feels like an odd omission given that these are meant to be desktop speakers. They also don't turn off or on with your computer, so you have to keep manually turning them on and off when you want to use them or contend with their LEDs lighting up your room all day and night.

Because of these two hurdles I ended up preferring to stream music over Bluetooth during the testing period, rather than testing them alongside my Windows PC.

Edifier QR65 review: Price and release date

The Edifier QR65 on a white background. — (Image credit: Future)

Announced in April 2024
Mid-range at $369.99 / £329.99 / AU$449

Edifier announced the QR65 in April 2024, to join its busy range of audio products.

The Edifier QR65 cost $369.99 / £329.99 / AU$449, and they’re generally considered to be towards the low end when it comes to desktop speakers. Sure, you can find Amazon cheapie options for a tenth of the price, but you can also find many options for ten times that cost (or more, see the KEF LS50 Wireless II). They’re also snugly in the middle of the options on our list of the best computer speakers.

Another thing this price puts the Edifier QR65 roughly in the middle of? Edifier’s range of speakers – Edifier has a lot of speakers in many categories such as bookshelf, computer or studio speakers, and the QR65 are actually part of its wireless speaker range, despite being designed to work with desktops.

If you want to see what else is at this price range, specifically when it comes to dual-speaker desktop set-ups, then the Kanto Ora4, FiiO SP3 and Audioengine HD3 all hover roughly at this price point.

Edifier QR65 review: Specs

Edifier QR65 review: Features

Phone app, but no PC one
LED lights with customizable effects
Audio cable, USB and Bluetooth connections

If you’re connecting the QR65 to your smartphone, you’ll need to download the Edifier ConneX app to control them. Not Edifier Connect, nor Edifier Home, nor Edifier Enhance, and I had to deploy the trial and error approach when working out which app to use, which was an annoying waste of 10 minutes. Sure, Edifier isn’t the only tech company which refuses to consolidate its apps, but that doesn’t excuse it.

ConneX lets you change the EQ of music, customize the light effects and change the audio codec of streamed music, amongst a few select extras. You can certainly use the QR65 without it, but there’s no harm in exploring these extra features.

So what about if you’re using these desktop speakers while paired to a desktop PC or Mac? Well then you’re out of luck, because there’s no app support when you’ve got the QR65 hooked up to your computer by Bluetooth. You can use the dial to change the light effects a little but there are no EQ options, and if you want to turn up the volume, you’ll have to reach over to the speaker and turn up the dial manually (if you’re already at 100% PC volume, that is).

That’s why I said in the introduction that these speakers fare better as general multimedia speakers than desktop-exclusive ones; if you only use these connected to a computer, you’re going to miss a few features. The exception is if you connect the speakers to your computer and your phone, which lets you use the latter to equalize and change light effects, but that’s a lot of faff.

One other thing to bear in mind when using the Edifiers as your desktop speakers is that they don’t turn off or on with your computer – you’ll need to remember to separately turn them off or on, which is something I was constantly forgetting.

The other form of connectivity is via audio cable, with RCA plugging into the speakers and a 3.5mm jack to connect to your phone, MP3 player or other device. Pretty straightforward. Talking of connectivity, there’s actually a Sub Out port in one of the speakers that you could use to connect to an external subwoofer if you want more bass than the Xtreme Bass Series. I don’t see most people needing this, but it’s a nice optional extra.

Features score: 3.5/5

Edifier QR65 review: Design

Two good-looking rectangles
Stands included in box
Dials and ports in one speaker

The Edifier QR65 consists of two fairly large speakers, with one measuring 13 x 21.3 x 21.2 cm and the other a touch bigger due to it having extra dials and ports. This latter is the ‘active speaker’ which you use to control the music and connect to power and inputs/outputs, while the former is the ‘passive speaker’ which only has a port to connect it to the active speaker. Yes, they're actually 'powered' speakers even if they're listed as 'active', since the amplification is squirrelled into one of the boxes.

Setting up the Edifier is a little bit of a faff but once you’ve connected the active speaker to power, the passive speaker and your PC (via USB-A cables), Bluetooth device (via Bluetooth, obviously) or other audio device (via ports in the back and an included cable), and also directed the speakers towards you (using included stands, which sit at a 10-degree angle) you’re ready to go.

As well as the aforementioned ports, there are three charging ports which you can use to power up other devices (one USB-A and two USB-C) which is a handy extra feature.

On the right side of the active speaker is a button and two dials. The button is to switch between inputs (each press toggles you between Bluetooth, USB and Line In) and to turn off the speakers by pressing and holding. I ended up leaving them on though, to save myself the journey of going into my computer settings to change the active output.

Then onto the two dials: the first is for volume which is pretty self explanatory, though pressing it also pauses or plays music. The lower dial is for changing the light patterns of the speakers: turning it increases or lowers the brightness, and pressing it toggles between various patterns for the lights to display.

Oh, did I not mention the lights around the front of each speaker? That’s because of the (earned) stigma around LED lights in speakers, with many audiophiles assuming that they incur noise and indicate a probably bad-sounding product. That’s not a wrong assumption, but it’s not applicable in this situation, as the sound quality section describes. Saying that, I’m not sure the LED lights add much to the QR65, beyond the novelty factor.

I’m a big fan of the white version of the speakers I tested (there’s also a black version but it’s a little more bland, in my opinion). The clean-looking shell contrasts with the silver dials and the black front in what is a fairly minimalist boxy look (apart from the LEDs). If you’re a Mac user who insists on having a fashionable svelte desktop, these could well fit into your set-up better than most rival options.

Design score: 4/5

Edifier QR65 review: Sound quality

Full sound with lots of bass
Lots of codecs and Hi-Res certifications
Max volume could be louder for certain use cases

Each unit of the Edifier QR65 consists of a 1.25-inch dome tweeter and a 2.75-inch mid-low driver, and together they provide a nice warm sound.

When listening to music, you’re getting a sound that’s nice and bassy, though that’s not to say you’ll struggle to hear treble sounds. That’s not quite true of the mids, which do fall through the cracks a little bit, as does sub-bass. But that’s why you can plug a subwoofer into the speakers!

Playing games, the full-bodied sound works well for creating a layered soundstage – I could hear the background hum of cities and the echo of damp dungeons all around me.

The bassy emphasis was more noticeably when watching TV or movies, as it meant voices occasionally sounded a little low and muffled – they’d often blend into the rest of the mix a little, and I lost a few lines of dialogue in shows as a result.

If you’re using the Edifier QR65 as your PC speakers, you’ll find the 70W power output more than adequate. I played PC games with them and even at medium volumes, I was surrounded by sound – the shriek of an enemy behind me in Lords of the Fallen nearly gave me a heart attack when I thought it was something behind me in real life!

That’s not quite the case if you’re using these as general media speakers, as even at their maximum volume the QR65’s sound didn’t fill my living room – I wouldn’t recommend buying these in lieu of a TV soundbar or a set of tower speakers for your hi-fi system.

Depending on your audio input, you can enjoy listening with LDAC codecs, Hi-Res Audio or Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, and that all means that you can enjoy great-sounding music whether you’re using Bluetooth 5.3 to connect your smartphone, are plugging in an aux-cord or have plugged the Edifiers into your computer.

Sound quality: 4/5

Edifier QR65 review: Value

Good value for money as a multimedia option
… but they definitely aren't for everyone

You're emphatically getting your money's worth with these Edifiers. They look good, provide decent music quality, all things considered, and do work well as jack-of-all-trades options for desktop, Bluetooth and wired audio.

However, if you just want any old speakers for your desktop, these are overkill. For workplace computers or on devices you won't use for multimedia entertainment, you don't need speakers that cost this much. If that's all you need, you might try looking for inexpensive speakers that cost a third (or less).

Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Edifier QR65?

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

Edifier QR65 review: Also consider

How I tested the Edifier QR65

Tested for over two weeks
Tested at home connected to phone and computer

The testing process of the Edifier QR65 was just over two weeks.

About half of the testing process was done with the speakers connected to my Android phone via wired and Bluetooth audio, for music streaming. I streamed from Spotify, YouTube and briefly from Netflix during this time.

For the other half I connected the speakers to my custom-built Windows PC using the USB port, and used it for watching movies and TV shows and playing video games on my computer.

I've been reviewing devices for TechRadar for over five years now, a time which has seen my test speakers, headphones, earbuds and gaming peripherals, including a previous gadget from Edifier.

First reviewed in June 2024

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Logitech Signature Slim K950 review: a great keyboard that’s ideal for Mac, Windows… or both

4:44 pm | May 23, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Keyboards Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: USB | Comments: Off

Logitech Signature Slim K950: Two-minute review

The Logitech Signature Slim K950 is billed as a keyboard that’s equally comfortable at work or at home, with sensible looks, some advanced functionality and plentiful customization options.

Typing is satisfying on the Logitech Signature Slim K950, thanks to the feel of the keys. At first touch, they feel light and tappy due to the plastic material, but the subtle dampening helps to provide more depth to presses. Logitech claims that this is a quiet keyboard, but as the clashing of the plastics generate a high-pitched sound, I would be reluctant to point this out as a highlight, even if it’s still definitely quieter than a mechanical keyboard. Similar to a laptop keyboard, the profile of the keys is low, although the spacing between them is greater – a combination I personally prefer among the many options in the best keyboards.

The default shortcuts that occupy the function keys are well chosen, too. They’re aimed at the modern worker, with hotkeys for muting a microphone or activating a dictation package, as well as for bringing up a calculator app, screenshot tool, and even an emoji menu.

These hotkeys can be modified using the Options Plus software, downloadable from Logitech’s website for free. It’s well designed and easy to use, and while it’s stable enough, I did encounter a few minor glitches and a crash on install, although this was easy to rectify.

Options Plus offers a set list of Windows and macOS system-level functions to choose from when customizing the hotkeys, which include actions such as putting your device to sleep and opening a certain app or file, to name a few. You can also create macros, which Logitech calls Smart Actions. The company provides 30 templates to choose from across a range of scenarios, which can be used as they are or edited to meet your specific requirements. Overall, many of these are well considered, although I did find that some of them failed to work as intended.

One of the new standout features in the Options Plus software is the ability to call up an AI Prompt builder, which essentially opens ChatGPT in a popup window at the press of a hotkey of your choosing. It comes with four default prompt templates for productivity purposes, but you can also create your own.

Depending on how much you use the AI chatbot in the course of your work, this is either a very useful tool or merely a gimmick to have fun with. Still, the integration works well enough, barring a few minor niggles.

There’s very little that the Logitech Signature Slim K950 doesn’t do well when it comes to being a tool for most users. The lack of rechargeable batteries, backlit keys and a few minor bugs are the only real issues with the product itself. The greater concern, though, is the cost: it’s hard to see why it’s almost double the price of its predecessor, the Logitech Signature K650, considering that the K650 offers nearly all the same functions and features, save for easy switching.

Close-up of Logitech Signature Slim K950 keys — (Image credit: Future)

Logitech Signature Slim K950 review: Price & Availability

$79 / £79 (about AU$120)
Graphite and Off-white color schemes
K650 is cheaper and almost as good

The Signature Slim K950 is available now for $79 / £79 (about AU$120). It comes in two colorways: Graphite and Off-white.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the Signature K650 is another Logitech keyboard aimed at productivity, but has a larger form factor and includes a built-in wrist pad (although in our review, we noted this as an irrelevance). However, the K650 is currently available for $49 / £49 (about AU$75), which offers a considerable saving over the K950. It doesn’t support easy-device switching, but apart from that, it offers virtually everything else the K950 does.

Although the K950 is a pleasure to use for the most part, if you’re after a supreme typing experience, the Cherry Stream Desktop is a standout choice. Although it lacks many of the advanced features of the K950, the comfort and performance levels elevate it among our best keyboard picks.

Value score: 3 / 5

Close-up of Logitech Signature Slim K950 logo

(Image credit: Future)

Logitech Signature Slim K950 review: Design

Slender profile
Forgettable appearance
No rechargeable battery or USB ports

The K950 doesn’t exactly scream style: the Graphite finish I was given to test was quite austere, and the matte plastic made it look rather anonymous. A simple and small ‘logi’ logo is the only branding that adorns the K950, which at least keeps its aesthetic minimal. The slim profile helps to impart some elegance too.

The entire construction is plastic, with no metal in sight. It feels robust enough, as do the keys themselves. They’re tightly fitted with very little play, and the lettering is ever-so slightly embossed, which I could feel under my fingertips.

The fold-out feet can raise the K950 to an 8-degree incline, which isn’t as steep as other keyboards, and there are no gradients in between. For me, this wasn’t a problem, but if you’re someone who likes a steep typing angle, then this likely won’t be enough for you.

The power switch is located on the top edge of the keyboard and hidden from view, meaning I had to feel for it every time I wanted to turn the K950 on or off. There’s a small LED in the top-right corner to indicate battery level, which flicks on momentarily when you power up the K950 – otherwise, it stays off.

There’s no backlighting for the keys, which is a shame, but does at least save on battery power. The only lights available are one on Caps Lock and three on the easy switching keys, which again only light momentarily when connecting to devices, or blink rapidly when in pairing mode.

Another small gripe I had with the K950 is the lack of LED indication for the FN lock. If you have the optional Options Plus software installed, it will display an on-screen prompt, but only when the lock is toggled. This meant I had no way of knowing if I had it activated or not without having to toggle it again. This is a small point, but one that, if you plan on using this keyboard to streamline your productivity as much as possible, may become a real thorn in your side over time.

Another notable absence is the lack of a rechargeable battery and ports. Instead, the K950 runs on two AAA batteries. Some may consider this to be an advantage, as it keeps costs down. However, it does mean that you’ll need to change the batteries once flat, and you won’t be able to charge and continue typing, as you can on keyboards with inbuilt batteries.

Design score: 3.5 / 5

Hands typing on the Logitech Signature Slim K950 — (Image credit: Future)

Logitech Signature Slim K950 review: Performance

Satisfying typing experience
Nice hotkey selection
Options Plus software is great

Typing on the K950 felt great to me. The keys are clacky and light, but they are also slightly dampened when you press a little firmer, making them suitable for both soft and hard typers alike. Their profile is low, so those who prefer typing on laptops will be right at home here, although the spacing between them is generally bigger compared to most laptop keyboards in my experience – something I personally consider a positive.

Logitech claims that this is a quiet keyboard to type with, but in my experience, I don’t think it’s necessarily quieter than other keyboards in its class. The plastic keys generate a higher-pitched sound, which isn’t exactly loud, but I wouldn’t say they’re dampened enough to eliminate most of the impact; they’re just ‘quiet’ compared to the best mechanical keyboards.

The easy-switching functionality between three devices worked well in my tests, whether it was between macOS, Windows, or Chromebook laptops, or whether they were connected via Bluetooth or the included Logi Bolt USB wireless receiver. I did encounter a hiccup on one occasion, however, when after switching between macOS and Windows devices the hotkeys stopped working on the latter machine. A quick on/off restart of the keyboard fixed the problem, but it’s worth mentioning.

The hotkeys along the top row feature a good selection of productivity-enhancing shortcuts, including window switching, search, mute mic, as well as keys for opening the calculator app, screenshot tool, and a dictation package you have installed. There’s even an emoji menu shortcut – handy for workplace chats.

They can all be customized in the Options Plus software, which is free to download and provides plenty of additional features and functions for the K950. It displays the battery life as a percentage, and has a support menu where you can rate your experience with the app or inform Logitech of any connectivity issues you might be experiencing.

I did experience a few minor glitches with the software. It crashed on first launch after I installed it on Windows 11, but a relaunch fixed the problem. And every time I put my device to sleep, on both Windows and macOS machines, the application would close by itself.

Options Plus also launches in a window which isn’t full size, and it can’t be adjusted, which could be an issue for those who like to have their windows larger for the sake of clarity.

The hotkeys – which occupy the function and navigation keys – can be customized in the software, allowing you to choose what shortcuts they activate from a predefined list. These include simple actions, such as putting your device to sleep, as well as the ability to record keyboard shortcuts. These can be assigned globally or on an app-by-app basis, effectively letting you create profiles for every app you have installed on your device.

You can also record macros via Logitech’s Smart Actions, which again can be assigned to any of the hotkeys. These allow you to create a series of automated actions to perform certain tasks, including opening apps and recording keystrokes. Anyone who has used Apple's Shortcuts app will be in familiar territory here, as it looks and works very similarly.

Logitech has 30 templates to choose from to meet the needs of various users. There are those made for productivity and leisure, and those for developers and designers. There are also others specific to meetings and for using popular AI tools.

Although some of the templates worked well, others that I tested didn’t. For instance, one template is meant to use ChatGPT to reply to an email, by copying text you’ve selected, opening ChatGPT in Chrome, and asking it to draft a reply based on the copied text. The problem I found is that it failed to type in ChatGPT’s prompt box, as it wasn’t automatically selected after opening the page. Since Smart Actions are essentially macros, they can’t account for subtleties such as a dialog box not being selected in a home page, for instance.

Speaking of ChatGPT, one of the new headline features of the Options Plus software is the AI prompt builder. When assigned to a hotkey of your choice, this displays a small window that connects you to ChatGPT, with a selection of ready-made prompt templates (which Logitech calls “recipes”) to query it. These default recipes include drafting emails and rephrasing text. In order to make it work, you need a user account with OpenAI.

You can also create your own recipes, which involves writing a prompt and choosing two parameters from a possible four that modify the output. The four available are: word length, tone, complexity and style.

Your mileage may vary with this feature, depending on how much you employ the AI tool in the course of your work, but I found the integration to be responsive, and it functioned well for the most part, aside from a few small annoyances.

When submitting a prompt, you can’t go back to submit another via the recipes list without first closing and reopening the prompt builder menu (if you’d rather not use ChatGPT without going through the prompt builder window, then you can choose to open a window that takes you straight to the main ChatGPT prompt page instead). The prompt window remains on top of all other windows you have open, too, even when not selected.

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Logitech Signature Slim K950 battery compartment — (Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Logitech Signature Slim K950?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Logitech Signature Slim K950 review: Also consider

How I tested the Logitech Signature Slim K950

I tested the Signature Slim K950 on Windows, macOS and Chromebook devices for around two weeks. I used it for work, leisure and general productivity, both in the office and at home.

I tried out all the functions and features it had to offer, including the hotkeys and the customization options in the Options Plus software, to see how well it performed on these fronts.

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First reviewed: May 2024

ZimaBlade review

9:35 am | May 15, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: CPU, GPU, RAM, USB | Comments: Off

The ZimaBlade single-board computer looks surprisingly similar to an old-school portable cassette player.

Specifications

CPU: Entry-level Dual-Core N3350, High-Performance Quad-Core J3455

GPU: Entry-level 650MHz, High-performance 750MHz, 12 execution units

RAM: Upgradable up to 16GB of DDR3L, none supplied in the box

FLASH: 32GB eMMC

USB: 1 x Type-C, 1 x USB3.0, 2 x internal USB2.0

Display: 1 x 4K MiniDP, 1 x DP over Type-C, 1 x eDP internal

PCIe: Four lanes 2.0

SATA: 2 x SATA3.0

Ethernet: 1 x Gigabit LAN

Power Consumption: About 15W

Size: 107mm x 80mm x 32mm

It competes with the Raspberry Pi 4, being in the same price bracket while offering an Intel x86 architecture. The SBC has plenty of connectors, which makes this hacker-friendly platform versatile and unique. The built-in PCIe 2.0 x4 connector accepts various cards out-of-the-box, and with two SATA3 ports, the board can morph into a portable NAS storage device.

Since the ZimaBlade supports up to 16GB of DDR3L, it can run applications requiring large amounts of memory, such as databases and VMs. The main let-down is the outdated CPU, with the speediest version of the board based on a Quad-Core 2.3GHz Apollo Lake CPU. The SBC features a single USB Type-C, which supplies power and drives a DisplayPort output.

IceWhale Technology, the maker of the ZimaBlade, held a Crowdsupply campaign to finance the board's new version. Various perks are available; the most basic, containing a Dual-Core Intel Celeron N3350, is available for $64. The ZimaBlade 7700, built around a Quad-Core J3455 CPU, sells for $96. Except for the CPU, both have the same hardware and require a DDR3L memory module to boot.

ZimaBlade front view. — (Image credit: Future)

ZimaBlade: Design

The ZimaBlade computer comes with a male-to-male Type-C and one SATA cable. The passively cooled unit measures 107mm x 80mm x 32mm and weighs 175g. The small case sits perfectly flat on a desk, with no mounting holes and only four tiny rubber pads on the bottom. Being very light, connecting various cables can become problematic as the case can topple easily.

The Zimablade designers have worked hard to produce an enclosure that showcases the computer’s internal components. A transparent plastic top displays the SODIMM memory but not the CPU. With no power button available, the hardware turns on when plugging a Type-C cable. A single status LED, barely visible from the side of the case, indicates if the board is powered. The PCIe socket location does not allow easy card insertion. The card’s metal bracket has to be removed before use.

Under the hood, the ZimaBlade sports a J3455 quad-core Intel Celeron CPU clocked at 2.4GHz for the highest performance board variant. Geekbench shows the ZimaBlade handily outperforms the Cortex A72 ARM CPU found in the Pi4 but scores well below the new Pi5’s Cortex A76 CPU. One aspect not found on similar-priced platforms is expanding the memory to 16GB using DDR3L SODIMM.

The ZimaBlade targets an audience that strives for high-speed interfaces. Seven connectors provide connectivity for many use cases with throughputs above the gigabit mark. Two SATA6 and one Gigabit Ethernet socket turn the ZimaBlade into a redundant storage server. One USB3, a USB Type-C with DP, and a mini-DP connector capable of 4K at 60Hz complete the list of external ports. Three internal connectors, two USB 2.0 connectors, and one eDP socket allow additional peripherals.

ZimaBlade side view. — (Image credit: Future)

ZimaBlade: In Use

The owner can use the ZimaBlade simply by plugging a USB Type-C cable into a screen supporting a Type-C display. The computer then boots CasaOS, a lightweight cloud-accessible platform with an ever-increasing number of applications. ZimaBlade is extremely fast at booting, taking just five seconds to display the Linux login.

After entering the default username and password, the user has root access to the Linux-based OS stored in 32GB eMMC storage, with 24GB left for user applications. A lean OS means a lowly 20% RAM utilization with an 8GB memory module. With the 1G LAN connected, software updates run automatically and keep the platform secured.

In addition to being affordable, the ZimaBlade builds on a user-friendly OS where the UI is viewed entirely through a web browser. This cloud concept could have been a miss, but thanks to modern technologies like Docker containers, using the desktop is very snappy. The installed software includes a file explorer and an app store containing forty applications ranging from a retro emulator to home automation.

Running Geekbench6 on the ZimaBlade involves installing through SSH. The board's power consumption reaches 15W, with the case becoming

hot at more than 60 degrees Celsius, and decreases to 6W when idle. With a score of 300 in single-core and 911 in multi-core benchmarks on Geekbench6, the J3455 CPU won’t blow you away with its computing prowess but will be sufficient for everyday basic tasks.

ZimaBlade top view. — (Image credit: Future)

ZimaBlade: The competition

Thanks to the ZimaBlade, finding an affordable x86 single-board computer with lots of connectivity and expandable memory has become more accessible. Hardkernel’s Odroid H3+ is very similar to the ZimaBlade, being passively cooled and possessing various high-speed connectors. The H3+ costs more than twice as much, with the Odroid H3+ being bigger with an oversized heatsink and consuming more power. The quad-lane PCIe connector on the ZimaBlade makes it a valuable testbed for PCIe cards, something not found in the Odroid H3+.

ZimaBlade: Final verdict

IceWhale’s ZimaBlade makes a tremendous entry-level computer with many options for adding extra hardware. The PCIe slot is the product's standout feature, allowing the use of high-end gaming graphics cards, for example. The single SODIMM socket gives the user an upgrade path to more memory. The onboard eMMC storage memory turns the unit into a self-contained product. Finally, a price below $100 tilts the balance, making the ZimaBlade a must-have gadget this year.

We've listed the best business computers.

Bluetti AC70 portable power station review

8:50 pm | May 3, 2024

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

Portable power stations have become an essential item for homes and businesses, providing a back-up power solution for charging and powering a massive range of devices.

The Bluetti AC70 is a smart portable power station chiefly designed for homes, home offices, and on the road. This model boasts a 1000W pure sine wave inverter, making it better suited to lower-powered devices - think laptops, phones, other home office essentials - with a 2000W Power Lifting Mode for higher-powered household appliances.

We’ve tested out a number of the best portable power stations, and having been impressed with previous Bluetti models, we were keen to see how the new AC70 compares.

Bluetti AC70: Pricing & availability

The Bluetti AC70 is available worldwide, with an RRP of $699 / £699. However, at the time of review, it was on sale for $499 / £649. This does place the AC70 at the mid-to-high end of the spectrum for a power station of this type.

You can find the AC70 on the official Bluetti site, Amazon, and most electrical retailers.

Bluetti AC70: Design & features

Bluetti AC70 during our test and review process — (Image credit: Bluetti)

Specs

What's in the box: 1x Bluetti AC70, 1x mains charger, 1x cigarette lighter charger, 1x solar panel charging cable, 1x grounding screw
Battery capacity: 768Wh
Output: 1000W / 2000W in Power Lifting Mode
Inverter: Pure Sine Wave
AC output: 2
DC output: 1
USB output: 4 (2x USB-A, 2x USB-C)
Weight: 22.5 lbs / 10.2kg
Dimensions: 12.4 × 8.2 × 10.1in / 314 × 209.5 × 255.8mm

The AC70 is a compact but weighty little box (it clocks in at 22.5lb / 10.2kg) - although transportation is made easier with the built-in handle. It’s all part of the same casing as the rest of the unit, and feels firm during transit. However, we were glad to set it down after a while.

Soft, curved edges and a dark gray coloring makes this feel smart and accessible - its presence not dominating, but subtle, suitable for a range of locations. Driving the unit is a 768Wh LiFePO battery, which is relatively small when it comes to power stations, but does keep things more portable.

On the front of the power station, you’ll find a bright, clear LCD screen and buttons for powering on the device and switching between AC and DC outputs. Pressing these together lets you access and navigate the settings menu. It’s simple enough, after some trial and plenty of error, although we recommend using the Bluetti app for managing the power station, especially if you’re in and out of settings. For example, by default the unit is set to the power-saving eco mode. According to the manual, this mode is best turned off when charging smaller devices like phones. We found it far quicker to hop into the app and make that change than fiddle in the on-device menus.

When it comes to connections, the Bluetti AC70 is well-rounded for general use. Beneath the power button are two USB-A and two USB-C ports. A DC output and cigarette lighter port, letting you charge up the power station from your vehicle, sit to the left. On the right are two AC outputs. Around the side, a grounding pole and an AC input to recharge the unit via mains. A solar panel charging cable is included in the box to draw power from Earth’s yellow sun, with solar panels available separately.

Bluetti AC70: Performance

In use, the Bluetti AC70 portable power station works exactly as intended. Quietly powering our devices, turning the screen off after a minute, and generally being as unobtrusive as possible through our testing process. It’s worth checking the specs for any high-energy device you connect here. For example, our standard UK kettle (average 3000W) wouldn’t work even in Power Lifting Mode, which increases the power station’s reach to 2000W. Impressive technology, but hardly a game-changer compared to many we’ve tried.

That makes it a fairly low-level portable power station for more casual everyday use. In this regard, we had no issues at all, with the AC70 easily handling all devices within the 1000W range without any issue at all. Phones, battery chargers, laptops, lamps all worked instantly via AC and USB (DC) connections. However, if you use this for camping trips, you’ll want to store it somewhere safe and dry - keep it in the van. While the sockets do have rubber caps to protect from water and dust, the unit itself has no MIL-STD or IP ratings to complement the lifestyle of more rugged adventurers and road warriors.

For extra utility, the AC70 also boasts turbo charging when plugged into the mains. Documentation states the unit charges to 80% in forty-five minutes, and full charge in 1.5 hours in this mode. In our own tests, this was broadly accurate. You can switch between Standard, Turbo, and Silent charging modes in the app, and even charging on standard mode, it took the device from 33% to 75% in forty-five minutes. So, you won’t have to wait long to put the power station to use, whatever charging mode you use. We checked and the AC70 also supports pass-through charging, powering devices while you charge or run the unit off the mains.

You control this, and much more, within a beautifully designed app. It's incredibly easy to navigate and find what you need, with a series of taps and toggles for controlling pretty much every feature, from Power Lifting and Eco Mode to Grid Self-adaption, an option that lets you continue a steady charging rate even during electrical spikes and volatility. Connecting the device to the app took us seconds after signing up, with any changes made in the app immediately reflected on the AC70’s screen.

Bluetti AC70: Final verdict

The Bluetti AC70 is a solid portable power station ideal for household use and the van-life - although in this regard, it’s likely best as a secondary or tertiary back-up unit, given its lower wattage output. Capable of powering most everyday devices, such as laptops and phones, it works very well, with a range of charging options and minimal fuss for those who just want to charge up devices on the go. For us, the companion app was a real highlight. Using this was absolutely seamless, giving you as much (or as little) control over the AC70 as you need.

It’s not perfect - what is? - and certain users are going to find the power output simply too low, the battery too small for their needs. But then, this isn’t designed for high-capacity or industrial use. If your needs are smaller, then it's a very nice unit, with a pleasing design and construction that, while heavy, remains highly portable for solo users.

Should I buy?

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Netgear Orbi 970 review: a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 7 mesh system for larger homes and offices

5:37 pm | April 16, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Computing Components Gadgets Servers & Network Devices | Tags: Netgear Orbi, USB | Comments: Off

Netgear Orbi 970: One-minute review

Netgear was quick off the mark with its RS700S, one of the first routers we’ve seen supporting the new Wi-Fi 7 standard. The Orbi 970 mesh system was announced around the same time and promised to be one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems on the market, but faced some delays and has only just become available in the US and UK.

However, the Orbi 970 goes even further and faster than the standalone RS700, offering a three-piece ‘whole home’ mesh system with a phenomenal top speed of 27Gbps, that is capable of covering areas of up to 10,000 square feet. It’s also phenomenally expensive, with the three-piece system that we review here costing £2199.99/$2299.99 – and that’s before you add the cost of the extra subscription services that Netgear tries really hard to sell you.

The Netgear Orbi 970 mesh Wi-Fi system. — (Image credit: Future)

The cost of the Orbi 970 will probably rule it out for most home users – especially since most of us are still muddling along with domestic broadband services running at around 150Mbps.

However, Wi-Fi 7 isn’t just about speed – it also brings improved capacity and reliability, and the Orbi 970 claims to provide fast, reliable connections for up to 200 devices on your home or office network. It also includes new Wi-Fi 7 features, such as ‘preamble puncturing’, which helps to reduce outside interference and improve the reliability of your wi-fi connections.

And while there aren’t many computers or mobile devices that currently support Wi-Fi 7, the Orbi 970 will still be backward-compatible with older devices that are still using Wi-Fi 5 or 6, so it’s a good way of future-proofing the wi-fi network in larger homes and offices, or public venues such as hotels and restaurants.

Netgear Orbi 970: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $2,299.99 / £2,199.99 / around AU$3,475
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK

The Orbi 970 is the first mesh system we’ve seen that supports Wi-Fi 7, so it’s hard to draw comparisons with any of its mesh rivals. It’s also very much a high-end option, offering quad-band Wi-Fi 7 with a top speed of 27Gbps, for a somewhat daunting price of £2199.99/$2299.99 (it’s not currently available in Australia, although those prices equate to roughly AU$3475.00).

There are certainly less expensive Wi-Fi 7 options, such as Amazon’s Eero Max 7, which costs £1699.99/$1699.99 (approx. AU$2568.99) for a similar three-piece system. However, the Eero is a far more modest performer, offering basic tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with a top speed of just 4.3Gbps – which is barely one-sixth of the speed of the Orbi.

Netgear states that this three-piece system can cover areas of up to 10,000 square feet (quoted as 8,200sq.ft in Europe due to differences in local regulations). However, there’s also a two-piece option available as well, which covers up to 6,600sq.ft (5,400sq.ft in Europe) for a still rather hefty £1499.99/$1699.99 (approx. AU$2600.00). And, if you’re a Silicon Valley zillionaire, you can buy additional add-on units for £799.99/$899.99 (approx. AU$1350.00) each.

Value: 3 / 5

Asus RT-AX59U: Specs

The Netgear Orbi 970 mesh Wi-Fi system software interface. — (Image credit: Netgear)

Netgear Orbi 970: Design

Newly refreshed Orbi design available in black or white
Primary router with two 'satellite' routers
Plenty of Ethernet ports, but no USB

The upright rectangular design of the Orbi range is a familiar sight in many homes and offices, but the Orbi 970 has had a bit of a facelift. The sheer speed of Wi-Fi 7 requires a lot more power than previous models, so the new Orbi units have a taller, more cylindrical design that stands 294mm high and 144mm deep, and houses no less than 12 internal antennae.

Netgear also states that this design helps the antennae to transmit the wi-fi signal through a full 360 degrees all around so that it can reach every corner of your building. And, as with previous Orbi models, you can choose a model in either black or white to suit your décor. However, the larger design means that each Orbi unit weighs 1.8kg, so you’ll need a sturdy shelf or table to support them – preferably with plenty of free space on all sides as well.

It’s also worth noting that although the three Orbi units look identical, they do differ in some ways. There is a primary router that needs to be connected to your existing wi-fi router, while the additional units are referred to as ‘satellites’. Reflecting the state-of-the-art performance of Wi-Fi 7, the main router has a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port for your Internet connection, with a second 10 Gigabit port to provide a high-speed wired connection (LAN) for a device such as a gaming PC or console that needs maximum performance.

The router also includes four additional ports with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for additional wired connections. The two satellite units also have a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port as well, but only two ports that provide 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. You can’t fault the Orbi 970 for its high-speed connectivity, although – at this price – it’s a little disappointing that there are no USB ports provided, which would allow you to connect a shared hard drive or other storage device to your network.

Design: 4 / 5

Netgear Orbi 970: Features

Easy-to-use companion app
Relatively feature-light
Comes with a one-year subscription to Netgear Armor

The Orbi’s hardware features are state-of-the-art, but the Orbi app is something of a mixed bag. To be fair, the app is very easy to use and guides you through the initial setup process quickly and easily. It’s a little irksome, though, that the app requires you to provide your email address in order to create an account with Netgear before you can finish setup – and then hits you with an ad for extended technical support before you can even look at your new network settings.

But while the Orbi app is easy to use, it is a bit lightweight when it comes to additional features. The app combines its different frequency bands – 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz, and 6.0GHz – into a single network and then automatically connects all your devices to the fastest band available. That keeps things simple for newcomers, but more advanced users might like to have more precise control over the network settings.

The Orbi does include a one-year subscription to Netgear’s Armour security service – as it should at this price – but after that, you’ll need to pay $99.99pa/£84.99 per year to continue the service. The app’s parental controls are also pretty basic, consisting of little more than a ‘Pause’ button that will pause Internet access when you want to get the kids to come to the dinner table. However, additional features, such as schedules for Internet access or content filters for unsuitable websites require another subscription for Netgear’s Smart Parental Controls service.

You only get a one-month free trial for this, and then have to pay $7.99/£6.99 per month, or $69.99/£49.99 per year for the service. There are rival routers that provide better parental controls free of charge, so the Orbi’s hard sell on its additional subscription services seems a bit cynical.

Features: 4 / 5

Netgear Orbi 970: Performance

Stellar connection quality
Good penetration inside buildings
Satellites allow for wide-range use

Whatever the shortcomings of the Orbi app, we can’t fault the system’s high-speed performance.

We have an office at the back of our building that normally struggles with weak wi-fi, forcing us to rely on some PowerLine adaptors to provide a wired network connection. So, to test the Orbi 970, we connected the Orbi’s main router to our existing office router, then positioned one Orbi satellite in a hallway that is roughly halfway between the main router and the back office. The second Orbi satellite was then set up in the back office itself.

Netgear Orbi 970: Benchmarks

Ookla Speed Test (download/upload)
Within 5ft, no obstructions: 150/150Mbps
Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150/150Mbps

20GB Steam download
Within 5ft, no obstructions: 150Mbps
Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps

Unsurprisingly, the Orbi just shrugged its shoulders as it effortlessly cruised along at the maximum 150Mbps provided by our office broadband connection (note that our benchmarks below don't actually demonstrate the true potential of the Orbi 970, as we were constrained in our testing by that 150Mbps limit).

It may be wildly expensive, but this is one of the best routers out there. If you’re looking for state-of-the-art performance for a larger home or office – and you don’t need too much in the way of parental controls – then the Orbi 970 really is state-of-the-art.

Performance: 5 / 5

Should you buy the Netgear Orbi 970?

Buy it if...

You’re An Early Adopter
It’s still early days for Wi-Fi 7, and we’ve seen very few computers or mobile devices that can take full advantage of the blistering speed of the Orbi 970. But Wi-Fi 7 is still backward-compatible with older versions of Wi-Fi, so it’s a good way of future-proofing your wi-fi setup at home or in the office.

You Need Long-Range Wi-Fi
The Orbi 970 three-pack can cover areas of up to 10,000sq.ft. Few people who aren’t called Elon Musk have homes that large, but there are lots of offices and public locations, such as hotels and colleges, that could benefit from that sort of far-reaching wi-fi coverage.

Don't buy it if...

You Just Want To Watch Netflix
One day, when we’re all streaming 8K video to our VR headsets, you might actually need a router or mesh system with super-fast Wi-Fi 7. But, if you just want to watch 3 Body Problem on Netflix, then a more modest router with Wi-Fi 6 is all you need.

You’re On A Budget
Unsurprisingly, the state-of-the-art performance of Wi-Fi 7 comes with an equally state-of-the-art price. If you want to boost your wi-fi without taking out a second mortgage then there are plenty of less expensive routers and mesh systems available.

Netgear Orbi 970: Also consider

How I tested the Netgear Orbi 970

Tested it for 3-4 days
Used it as our main office router
Used the Ookla Speed Test app and tested game download speeds

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Acer Predator Triton 14: Two-minute review

“Thinner laptops imbued with the latest hardware” is an adequate mantra for Acer’s Predator Triton series of gaming laptops. From the 500 to the 300 SE, these powerful yet slim devices continuously balance from and factor, and this is nowhere more evident than the latest Acer Predator Triton 14.

Starting at just $1,499.99 in the US (£1083.05/AU$4,599) and standing less than an inch tall when closed and weighing under four lbs, the model I reviewed is packed with a 14-core Intel i7-13700H CPU, Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD. Then there’s the 14-inch display that has a 2560 x 1600 resolution alongside a 250 Hz refresh rate.

Accompanying the wonderful gaming laptop monitor are powerful DTSX-certified speakers that are loud enough when performance isn’t being pushed. Through and through, the Predator Triton 14 is also suitable for not just gaming.

The form factor makes this great for general computing while the powerful components are more than good enough when editing photos or videos through Adobe Suite software. Portability doesn't sacrifice a respectable battery life either, with multiple ways of charging the gaming laptop as well.

The port selection is well thought out and a wonderful keyboard features per-key RGB lighting and plenty of hotkeys. All of these can be customized beyond the performance settings that can be customized through the Predator Sense app. Even the trackpad is smooth as butter with its incorporated fingerprint scanner.

Despite the balanced approach, some compromises come with the Predator Triton 14. As mentioned above, the cooling and fan system can get incredibly loud when playing a game like Cyberpunk 2077 or Alan Wake II, which means headphones are going to be a must. However, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem when writing a review on Google Docs while listening to music on Tidal. The underside can get uncomfortably hot when under loud as well, so make sure it's being placed on something like a desk if you intend to game on it especially hard.

Potential buyers looking for the Predator Triton 14 to be their main general-use laptop may also need to understand that this is a dedicated purchase. Unfortunately, both RAM and SSD storage aren’t upgradeable at this time. RAM-wise, 32GB is slowly becoming the top-tier standard, so having 16GB may be a bit on the lower side, but it'll still get you several years of gaming.

Meanwhile, with modern AAA games using well over 100GB of storage, 1TB really isn’t cutting it much anymore. Right now, these specs are more than adequate, but they’re coming close to “not much longer” status.

If that doesn’t necessarily matter, there’s so much to appreciate with the Acer Predator Triton 14. Not only does it look ready for action but it's ready for any type of game users throw at it. Gamers looking for solid 1440p performance who are content creators are going to have a blast with this, and given its decent price point, it easily makes our list of the best gaming laptops going.

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HP laptop various angles — (Image credit: Future - Joel Burgess)

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Acer Predator Triton 14: Price and availability

How much does it cost? It’s available in 2 configurations in U.S. and UK for $1,499 ( £1083.05) and $1,999 ( £1575.38) and AU for $4,599
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? From Acer’s online store in U.S., UK and AU

Both U.S. and UK configurations of the Acer Predator Triton 14 share the specs for their $1,499 ( £1083.05) and $1,999 ( £1575.38) price points. All configurations have identical Intel i7 CPU, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, port selection, audio and Full HD webcam.

At the base price, users get an Nvidia RTX 4050 with 6GB RAM, 1920X1200 resolution display at 165Hz and 512GB SSD storage. This is totally fine for anyone looking to stay in the 1080p native resolution range when gaming. The highest $1,999 configuration for 1440p performance comes with the Nvidia RTX 4070 with 8GB RAM, 2560 x 1600 resolution display at 250Hz and 1TB SSD storage. There is only one configuration as of print for Australia which is in line with the top tier option outside of offering 32GB of RAM.

There are two 14-inch gaming laptops that come to mind when thinking of alternatives to the Predator Triton 14. One is the more expensive Razer Blade 14 which starts at $2,399. For those who need something cheaper, the Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14 gives up performance power for a 1,439.99 price point. With that said, the Predator Triton 14 does find a happy medium when it comes to value.

Value score: 4 / 5

Acer Predator Triton 14: Specs

The Acer Predator Triton 14 currently comes in two configurations in the United States, two in the UK, and one in Australia.

Acer Predator Triton 14: Design

The design matches aggressiveness with modesty alongside a healthy port selection
Awesome visual/audio capabilities
Outstanding keyboard layout and touchpad

The Acer Predator Triton 14 hasn’t changed its looks going as far back as the past two years and that’s totally fine. Acer’s 14-inch gaming laptop manages to have more powerful components and still manages to be lightweight and thin. Therefore, that’s an accomplishment on its own. Only coming in one color, Sparkly Silver, the Predator Triton 14 feels good enough to hold in one hand yet not fragile enough to crash if dropped. Regardless of the power packed in, there are three sets of vents on each side and rear which can turn into leaf blowers when performance is put to the max.

Port selection is solid with the right side housing an HDMI port, USB-A port, and headphone jack. The other has a charge port for the nice-sized power adapter, a USB-A port, and a USB-C port that can also be used for charging as well. At the front of the gaming laptop is a micro-USB slot which will definitely be helpful for creators looking to offload content for use later.

Once opened, the 14-inch display provides fantastic image quality and performance. For one, the display is Vesa Certified for DisplayHDR 600. This definitely provides great image quality with vivid colors that are the right amount of crisp in contrast, a high level of brightness, and deep blacks.

This means outside of gaming or watching videos, color correcting on Photoshop and Premiere is easier. Though there are a handful of games that’ll be able to match its 250 Hz refresh rate output with the performance specs, the gameplay looks purposefully smooth. When the cooling fans aren’t running loudly, the DTS:X speakers work sound great as well. Having the codec also means that users can get true virtual surround sound or Spatial Audio if using some form of headphones.

Keyboard input strikes a nice balance between being tactile and punchy. Typing out long-form editorial content is a comfortable and precise feeling. Playing games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Cyberpunk 2077 feel just as good as writing a complex email.

Then there’s the per-key RGB lighting that adds a bit of personal flair. On top of that are several function keys including some for media and access to the Predator Sense app. There’s even a button to switch between performance modes too. Even the touchpad feels great and smooth alongside the fingerprint scanner on the top left side. However, even casual gamers will know to get a gaming mouse instead.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

Acer Predator Triton 14: Performance

1440p gaming at high settings are possible
DLSS is clutch
Cooling fans get outrageously loud and lap can get hot

Benchmarks

Here's how the Acer Predator Triton 14 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Speed Way: 2654 Fire Strike: 24205 Time Spy: 11147
GeekBench 6: 2633 (single-core); (multi-core) 14626
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 83.6fps; (1080p, Low): 212.6fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 90.74fps; (1080p, Low): 89.15fps
F1 23 (1080p, Ultra): 43fps; (1080p, Low): 208fps
25GB File Copy Transfer Rate (Mbps): 2214.546879
Handbrake 1.6: 63 fps
CrossMark Overall: 2075; Productivity: 1980; Creativity: 2155; Responsiveness: 2132;
Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 5:17:26
PCMark 10 Battery (Gaming): 1:49

1440p gaming performance on the Acer Predator Triton 14 successfully manages to play some of the top AAA games available without much problem. As of right now, two of the most visually demanding games on the platform are Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake II. The Predator Triton 14 handles both games well at 1440p with frame rates that are usually in the 60 fps range.

Having the 14-core Intel i7-13700H and Nvidia RTX 4070 really goes a long way in helping in-game performance. Having the RTX 4070 also means that users can do AI upscaling through DLSS which can push in-game performance even more. Due to the 2560 x 1600 resolution with a 16:10 ratio, one way to get higher performance is to play a game in native 1080p and upscale from there if playing through the display. Native 2560 x 1600 is fine on its own though. Be mindful that there won’t be too many current games that’ll even come close to hitting a 250-frame-per-second mark at native resolution. The only games that could theoretically come close are possibly Counter-Strike 2, Doom Eternal, and Fortnite if graphics settings are in a reasonable range.

Both Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2 are also fine examples of games that’ll test a GPU’s ray tracing capabilities as well. Thankfully, both games work excellently in that regard though Alan Wake II for sure requires some tweaks to maintain a high frame rate. Of course, these games will require max power output or Turbo mode which will have the fans running incredibly loud. If playing on the lap, the heat can get uncomfortable.

Outside of gaming, Adobe Creative Suite performance is acceptable as well. We were able to use multiple layers on photos without much slowdown when using Photoshop. Through Premiere Pro, we could edit 10 minutes worth of 4K video that took less than 10 minutes to export. When it came to general use tasks like web browsing, I had a few dozen Google Chrome tabs opened without much issue.

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Acer Predator Triton 14: Battery life

Battery life reached the halfway mark in about 4 ½ hours
Can be charged through a charging port or USB
Recharge time is around two hours

Gaming laptops aren’t necessarily known for their battery life prowess but Eco-mode on the Acer Predator Triton 14 does lead to impressive results. It took around 4 ½ hours for the battery to reach the mid-way point. In total, we were able to get around 7 hours and some change in total. Of course, turning off features like Bluetooth alongside turning down the brightness and keyboard lighting can help reduce battery load too. Trying to play games that’ll push the laptop to the max will deliver around an hour’s worth of gaming so it’s best to keep it plugged in if one plans on doing so.

Gamers who need to get work done during a bi-coastal trip should have plenty of time before they need to charge. Users can change via the powerport which will take around two hours to get the battery to full. Meanwhile, if users forget their power brick, users can charge through the USB-C port but won’t get the same level of performance.

Battery life score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Acer Predator Triton 14?

Buy it if...

You need a slim gaming laptop with respectable performance
Weighing under 4 lbs and as tall as a quarter, the Acer Predator Triton 14 still manages to shine when it comes to 1440p performance.

Don't buy it if...

You would like a quieter machine when pushing specs to the max
The cooling system is incredibly loud when pushing high-quality visuals and performance.

The Acer Predator Triton 14

How I tested the Acer Predator Triton 14

Tested over a two week period
Split between general tasks, creative work and gaming

My time with the Acer Predator Triton 14 lasted a little over a two-week period. During the day, I used it as my main laptop while working the office job. It was here that I was able to test general performance and speakers. During office hours, I used Google Chrome and related services like Google Docs, Tidal to listen to high fidelity music alongside creative software.

Through Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro, I was able to create graphics and short-form video clips. When away from work, I took the time to play various AAA games. These games included Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Motorsport (2023), Dead Space (2023), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and Alan Wake II.

Since 2020, I’ve been covering various gaming laptops for TechRadar. As a PC Gaming enthusiast, I can definitely help anyone who is looking for a gaming laptop that’s worth their performance measures and pocketbook.

First reviewed April 2024

New Realme GT5 Pro teaser details USB 3.2 port and up to 1TB storage

6:30 pm | December 2, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: USB | Comments: Off

The Realme GT 5 Pro flagship is just around the corner, with an unveiling set for December 7. Realme has been going a bit crazy with all of the teasers to drum up hype around the upcoming flagship. Most recently, the company dropped a pretty revealing video teaser, showing off the internals of the new 50MP, 3x, Sony IMX890 periscope telephoto camera and a vegan leather back panel for the phone. A new set of teaser images has now dropped. One of these shows the phone is an alternative Starry Night color with what seems to be a more traditional, non-leather back panel surface. The other...