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Thursday, July 9, 2020

Latest Tech News

Only the best wireless routers can truly deliver a solid connection that can satisfy our growing network demands. These devices will deliver a much better performance over whatever you might be renting from your internet provider and the best Wi-Fi extenders.

The best wireless routers are the most ideal solutions if your connectivity needs are bigger than ever. And, they also bring with them extra features that other routers don’t, including boosting connectivity for certain apps, covering a larger than usual area and ensuring that there’s no disruption of service. So, whether you rely on your network for your business or have several members in your household with multiple devices, they are a surefire way to having a solid and stable network.

Experience the reliable and consistent connection network of your dreams, even when downloading one of the best PC games on your gaming PC while binging on the best Netflix shows on TV. From traditional ones to the newer mesh routers, we gathered the best routers of 2020 for your consideration.

1. Google Nest Wifi

Google Wifi and Home together at long last

Speed: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4 GHz/5 GHz simultaneous dual-band | Connectivity: Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Advanced security chip, Nest Wifi point with Google Assistant, privacy control

Excellent design

Smart speaker(s) included

Even simpler controls

No major performance gains

Not worth replacing existing mesh

Google kicks things up a notch in its Google Wifi line with its latest installment. Don’t get us wrong; the original Google Wifi is still among the best wireless routers today. However, if you’re all about the smart home life, then you’ll appreciate the pure genius of Google Nest Wifi. This wireless router takes the Google Wifi, gives it the capabilities of Google Home and wraps it all up in an even sleeker and more appealing package. It’s a mesh router and a smart speaker in one, all with the simplicity that Google Wifi is known for.

Read the full review: Google Nest Wifi

2. Google Wifi

The future of wireless networking gets affordable

Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 101.41 Mbps, 2.4GHz down: 47.53 Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per Wifi point (1 WAN and 1 LAN port each) | Features: AC1200 2 x 2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi, TX beamforming, Bluetooth Smart ready

Super simple setup

Great value

Limited hardware control

Lower AC rating

The days of traditional wireless routers are coming to an end; the age of the wireless mesh routers is here. Google Wi-Fi, alone, is proof that the mesh revolution is upon us, which means that you might be saying goodbye to the days when the only way to have wireless bliss was to install a number of wireless extenders. The idea of Google Wi-Fi is simple: purchase a set of points, put them in strategic places around the house and then scan a QR code. And, just like that, you’re connected anywhere you are in your home. It’s no surprise that this wireless mesh router claims the loftiest spot on our best wireless routers list of 2020, as it’s also the one that’s most effortless to set up and get going.

Read the full review: Google Wifi

3. Asus RT-AC86U

Performance as loud as the design

Speed: 802.11ac 1734 Mbps down | Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit LAN, Gigabit Wan, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 | Features: MU-MIMO, Traffic Analyzer, Adaptive QoS, WTFast Gamers Private Network

Extensive firmware

Great speed and coverage

Complex firmware

Divisive looks

If you’re well-acquainted with Asus, especially its gaming computers, then you likely have a general idea of what the Asus RT-AC86U brings to the table. This wireless router may look like the lovechild of Doritos and Mountain Dew, if they spent a night together in a router making machine. But, inside that kitschy gaming aesthetic is a wireless router that, for its price, effortlessly outclasses almost all of its rivals on the market. Even better, you’re also not paying a premium for a gaming device, so if you’re looking for a high-speed connection with an affordable price tag, the Asus RT-AC86U should be at the top of your list.

Read the full review: Asus RT-AC86U

4. Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500

A fantastic gaming router

Speed: 802.11ac 1.7GHz dual-core processor | Connectivity: 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports (4 LAN + 1 WAN) | Features: Two WiFi bands simultaneously, 4 external antennas, 15 more channels in 5GHz

Super-fast

Amazing DumaOS software

Not fazed by tricky architectural conditions

No broadband modem

Pricey

Unhelpful documentation

The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 might be pricey and lacks a broadband modem. However, this is still a router that delivers, especially on getting those pings down. Designed for homes with gamers in-house, it’s supercharged for your online gaming needs, keeping those high “ping” and latency rates down to deliver an excellent connection whether you’re playing Call of Duty or PUBG. If you’re willing to pay a pretty penny – and if you’re a serious gamer, you should be – this is one of the best wireless routers to consider.

Read the full review: Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500

This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Google Wifi.

5. TP-Link Archer C5400 v2

Weird looks, great performance

Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: up to 2,167 Mbps, 2.4GHz down: up to 1,000 Mbps | Connectivity: 4 x LAN, WAN, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 | Features: MU-MIMO, Tri-band Wi-Fi, 8 external antennas, Alexa voice control

Fast and powerful

Alexa and IFTTT support

Expensive

Are you in the market for one of the best wireless routers of 2020 and don’t mind a quirky design. If a ‘90s-inspired sci-fi design sounds like it will fit right in your home, then the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 might be the best wireless router for you. It’s not exactly the most modern-looking mesh router out there, but it’s unique in that it can bridge consumer and enterprise users by offering high-end functionality at a reasonable price point and with a relaxed setup. It’s peculiar looking, yes; however, if you’re scouring the market for a wireless router that can cover a mid-sized home, you can’t go wrong with this.

Read the full review: TP-Link Archer C5400 v2

6. Netgear Orbi Pro

A mesh router for the office

Speed: 802.11AC 3Gbps | Connectivity: Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN | Features: Modular network coverage, modern design, easy setup, traffic separation

Easy to deploy

Fantastic performance

Very expensive

If you need to bring your office’s networking into the modern age with one of the best routers of 2020, then you must seriously consider getting the Netgear Orbi Pro. It’s a modular Wi-Fi mesh router that takes some design and performance inspiration from its business-grade competitors. It’s on the more expensive side. However, if you’re running a business where you cannot afford any lags due to poor Wi-Fi, then it’s absolutely worth every penny.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi Pro

7. Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23

The Netgear Orbi, but smaller now

Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 68.8 Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit | Features: Disney Circle parental controls, Pause WiFi, smartphone setup, Tri-Band networking, modular

Fast

Smaller than the original

Still expensive

When the Netgear Orbi hit the streets, it changed the wireless router scene. Then, in 2019, Netgear released the Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23, an economical alternative for casual users who don’t have a grand manor to cover. This makes it a worthy contender for the best wireless routers. Sure, it comes with fewer antennae and ethernet ports than its higher end counterpart. However, it does deliver more than enough to provide very solid network coverage. Plus, the small form factor means that it will have no issues blending in – not that you will feel the need to hide it.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23

8. TP-Link Deco M9 Plus

A router for the smart home

Speed: 5GHz: up to 867Mbps, 2.4GHz: up to 400Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit WAN/LAN, USB 2.0 | Features: Tri-Band connectivity, Dead-zone killer, Built-in smart hub, Built-in Antivirus, QoS, Parental controls

Strong coverage

Easy setup

Pricey

The market is now flooded with wireless mesh routers, but it’s hard to complain when the level of coverage these wireless routers brings tops anything we’ve seen before. With devices like the TP-Link Deco M9, one of the best routers of 2020, we can see how they’re only getting better and better. By incorporating IoT smart home support, alongside industry standard speeds and coverage, the TP-Link Deco M9 is, without question, an excellent choice for a smart home supporter. Fair warning though, this router is a tad expensive. However, you’re also getting all these features and an outstanding performance in exchange.

Read the full review: TP-Link Deco M9

9. D-Link Covr-C1203

Wireless mesh networking for everyone

Speed: 2.4 GHz: up to 300Mbps; 5GHz: up to 866Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN per node | Features: MU-MIMO, Parental controls, Smart network control, Smart device setup

Affordable

Great coverage

Not as fast as it could be

Ready to jump on the mesh wireless router bandwagon, but without breaking open that piggy bank? You’re in luck with the affordable D-Link Covr C1203. It’s one of the best wireless routers, if you want to upgrade and save at the same time. It offers comparable coverage to that of the Google Wi-Fi while also being affordable, and it also looks futuristic in a great way. It’s somewhat slower than Google’s legendary router, but it will still be fast enough for the typical user. It’s no surprise that the D-Link Covr C1203 gets our vote as one of the best wireless routers of 2020.

Read the full review: D-Link Covr-C1203

10. Eero Home Wi-Fi System

Mesh wi-fi for the power user

Speed: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz and 5.8GHz, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz and 5GHz | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit WAN/LAN | Features: Modular network coverage, modern design, included security software, dynamic rerouting

Powerful

Blends into the background

Pricer than competition

If you’re in the market for a wireless mesh router that gives you a lot of control over your network, then the Eero Home Wi-Fi system might just be the answer. It has a price more premium than that of your standard router, but it also gives users total control over their network while touting a secure connection through AI. Even better, the Eero Home Wi-Fi System comes with subscriptions to 1Password, MalwareBytes and Encrypt.me VPN, which should keep everyone linked to your network safe and secure.

Read the full review: Eero Home Wi-Fi System

Joe Osborne, Bill Thomas, Gabe Carey and Michelle Uy have also contributed to this article

Images Credit: TechRadar

We’ve also picked out the best best wifi extenders of 2020

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With many companies forced to transition to remote working as a result of coronavirus lockdown measures, many are seeking ways to make employees' lives easier.

Here, we feature the best in portable monitors to spruce up your new home office - but also check out our lists of the best office chairs and best standing desks around today.

Keep things relatively compact with the best portable monitor while you’re expanding your workspace. These nifty displays, which are now winning digital nomads and laptop users, give content creators, gamers and professionals alike the option to get more screen real estate without having to actually buy a full-sized monitor and lug that around.

The best portable monitors essentially keep things simple and small, forgoing stands and their own power supply and opting for a quick and easy plug and play design with a USB or USB-C cable. This way, you quickly and easily have more room to work on without needing to considerably expand your physical area. And, with many manufacturers putting out thin and light models that are just as good as their full-sized brethren – Apple even lets you use an iPad as a portable monitor, they give you that option to take this multi-screen setup with you wherever you go.

Having a secondary monitor will give your desktop some breathing room, spreading apps out in a more natural way, whether you're writing the next great American novel, doing graphic design work, coding or gaming the latest AAA game. We went ahead and picked out the best portable monitors on the market, including some excellent alternatives to the best business monitors. It’s a busy world out there; give yourself a bit of space.

1. Asus ZenScreen MB16AC portable monitor

Thin, portable and great looking

Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080

Thin and light

Excellent image quality

Expensive

Low brightness

The Asus ZenScreen MB16A Portable Monitor is one of the nicest-looking USB monitors we’ve seen, and it comes with a number of features and design considerations that make it an incredibly handy device, and one of the best portable monitors. However, it comes at a price, with the ZenScreen proving to be more expensive than many of the other portable monitors on this list. However, the build and image quality of this screen makes it well worth the extra money. Fans of Asus' ZenBook laptops should be particularly interested in this device, as it has a design that compliments Asus' high-end laptops nicely.

2. Asus MB169C+ portable monitor

The first USB-C portable monitor impresses

Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080

Thin and light

Good viewing angles and picture

Uses single USB-C

Slightly too dim

Fiddly menu control wheel

The Asus MB169C+ isn’t quite as portable as Packed Pixels, but its 15.6-inch size makes using it feel more like using a regular monitor. It has a healthy pixel-resolution of 1,920 x 1,080, which is perfect for streaming full HD video, working with two applications side-by-side and even gaming if you have a sufficiently powerful laptop.

The MB169C+ is incredibly simple to use thanks to its USB-C connection, which uses a single cable to transmit video, sound and power. It also comes in a handy protective sleeve that doubles up as a carrying case. Asus’ portable monitor uses an in-plane switching (IPS) display, which brings decent viewing angles making it perfect for watching video with a friend.

3. Gechic 1101P portable monitor

A great portable monitor for photographers

Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080

Great picture

Mounts to cameras/tripods

Well-connected

Bland design

Aimed at photographers who need a monitor to take on shoots, the Gechic 1101P features an IPS display like the Asus MB169C+. However, this one is smaller at 11.6 inches and more portable, allowing to be easily attached to a tripod or SLR camera while out in the field.

This full HD display supports 16.7 million colors which can easily be tweaked using the monitor’s onboard color temperature settings, allowing you to get it as close to your camera’s display as possible

The 1101P is also well-connected, featuring support for VGA, micro HDMI and mini DisplayPort. These make it suitable for a number of different use cases – from previewing photos and videos shot on a camera to being used as a normal portable monitor with your laptop.

4. Asus MB168B+ portable monitor

1080p goodness over regular USB-A

Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080

Thin and light

Good viewing angles and picture

Can hook up several of them

Needs USB 3.0 for full benefit

If you like the sound of the Asus MB169C+ but don’t have a laptop with a USB-C connection, then the Asus MB169B+ could be one of the best portable monitors for you.

This one also connects to your laptop with a single cable, except it uses a regular USB-A port instead. It works with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, though you’ll experience noticeably more latency with the former due to its slower data transfer rate.

Still, it features the same alluring slim and lightweight design. Thanks to Asus EzLink tech, which offloads the graphics processing from the PC to dedicated hardware in the monitor, you can even hook up five of them if your laptop has enough USB ports.

5. AOC E1759FWU portable monitor

A bigger portable monitor for streaming video

Pixel-resolution: 1,600 x 900

Large screen size

Built-in kickstand

Affordable

Not full HD

Average viewing angles

This portable monitor from AOC isn’t going to beat either of the Asus models on our list due to its comparatively lower pixel-resolution of 1,600 x 900.

However, it's listed among the best portable monitors around for other reasons. for example, its lower resolution means that it’s going to be less taxing on your laptop’s battery life. Taking that into account, and the fact that it’s the largest portable monitor on our list at 17.3 inches, and the E1759Fwu suddenly becomes an interesting option if you’re into streaming video on the move.

And, because it’s a few years old, you’ll pick it up for much less than competing portable monitors. With its thin and light dimensions and glossy black frame, it doesn’t exactly look archaic – it just isn’t as multi-talented as newer and flashier alternatives.

Also check out our 10 best full-sized monitors

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Here are answers to all your stimulus payment questions: How much of the $1,200 you could receive, whether the IRS has scheduled your 2020 check yet, when your money will come and more.

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$41 buys you a USB-C charger that can charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro in under two hours.

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Excellent audio from the best computer speakers is well worth the investment. Computer speakers might not be at the top of many people’s checklist when building their PC, but they should be. Top-notch audio is just as vital to the experience as having the best graphics card, especially when it comes to PC gaming and entertainment.

The best computer speakers actually deliver sound quality, soundstage and even immersive surround sound that are far superior than their subpar counterparts, making such a massive difference in your computing experience. They’re essential to any PC setup, whether you are a hardcore gamer, create a lot of video content, or simply enjoy blasting tunes and watching movies on your computer. And, unlike the best gaming headsets, these speakers won’t hurt your outer ears after a while.

For a more balanced audiophile-level sound, with a great soundstage and incredibly deep bass you’ll feel in your spleen, we’ve gathered the best computer speakers in 2020. Peruse our list, make that investment and experience sound like you’ve never before.

Best computer speakers at a glance

Audioengine A2+
Logitech Z625
Logitech G560
Razer Nommo Pro
Harman Kardon Soundsticks III
Edifier Luna E
AudioEngine HD3 Wireless Speakers
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX
Edifier M3200 2.1 Multimedia Audio Speaker System
Creative Pebble Plus

1. Audioengine A2+

Big things come in small packages

Weight: 1.6kg left, 1.4kg right | Size: 6in x 4in x 5.25in | Drivers: 2.75-inch Kevlar woofers, ¾-inch silk dome tweeters | Supported Connectivity: Wireless with Audioengine’s W3 adapter | Audio Inputs: USB, RCA, 3.5mm stereo mini-jack | Outputs: RCA

Built-in digital-to-audio converter

Uncompressed audio through USB

No included subwoofer

While the Audioengine A2+ arrived on the scene four years back, they are still conceivably among the best computer speakers on the market. These slick-looking speakers will function with your PC’s USB port for uncompressed audio and amazing sound quality with its built-in DAC. The Audioengine A2+ comes sans subwoofer. However, if you really need that deep bass for extra rumble, that’s hardly a deal breaker: mostly because there is an RCA output, so it’s simple to connect an external woofer, which Audioengine also sells separately.

2. Logitech Z625

Unstoppable bass

Weight: 850g left, 900g right | Size: 4.6 in x 7.7 in x 4.9 in (left), 4.6 in x 7.7 in x 5.3 in (right) | Drivers: 7-inch woofer, 2.5-inch full range drivers | Supported Connectivity: none | Audio Inputs: 1 x optical, 2 x 3.5mm jack, 1 x RCA | Outputs: 1 x Headphone jack

Can get pretty loud

Affordable

No wireless connectivity

Sound quality could be better

Logitech proves its peripheral prowess once again with this 2.1 computer speaker system. The Logitech Z625’s bass is booming, making it perfect for PC gamers who need that rumble when gaming or watching blockbusters. And, it’s got a fair wealth of ports for whatever type of connectivity you need. As with many computer speakers out there, the satellites lack a bit of the high end. There is also some distortion at the highest volumes. But, turn it down to around 75%, and the sound quality is terrific. Not too shabby for a speaker system that’s less than $200.

3. Logitech G560

An RGB light show

Weight: 1.79kg left, 1.79kg right, 5.5kg sub | Size (Satellites): 5.8 x 6.5 x 4.6 inches | Size (Sub): 15.9 x 10 x 8.1 inches | Drivers: 6.5-inch subwoofer, 2-inch tweeters | Supported Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth | Audio Inputs: USB, 3.5mm stereo mini-jack | Outputs: Headphone

Brilliant RGB lighting

DTS surround technology

Expensive

When it comes to computer accessories, Logitech is a household name. However, the G560 takes the company’s speaker prowess up a level. These are the first Logitech computer speakers created specifically for gaming, and the manufacturer’s hard work has more than paid off. The Logitech G560 speakers are, without a doubt, one of the best computer speakers for gaming. Not only do they have RGB lighting – a must for gaming peripherals in 2020 – but through Logitech’s software, the multi-colored illumination can adjust to any kind of content you consume for a more brilliant, not to mention mesmerizing, experience.

4. Razer Nommo Pro

The ultimate gaming speakers

Weight: 27.6 lbs | Drivers: Down-firing woofer, 0.8-inch silk dome tweeters, 3-inch full range drivers | Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 | Audio Inputs: USB, Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm stereo mini-jack | Outputs: 3.5mm

Fantastic sound quality

Razer Chroma

Razer tax

The Razer Nommo Pro may have an amusing name and a uniquely funky look, but make no mistake, these are a quality set of speakers that must be taken very seriously, and not only because of its hefty price. Try to combat the urge to run in the opposite direction of that $500 price tag, the Razer Nommo Pro has a lot to offer and is definitely a sound investment. There’s the thundering down-firing subwoofer that’ll blow you away, and then there’s the Razer Chroma feature, making these speakers look just as great as they sound. There are definitely more reasonably priced computer speakers out there, but with this level of quality, the Razer Nommo Pro is worth the cost of entry.

This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Audioengine A2+.

5. Harman Kardon Soundsticks III

Great sound in a cool, aesthetically pleasing package

Futuristic look

Tons of bass power

Limited controls

Sure, the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks III may look like a bloom of jellyfish. These translucent computer speakers look more like a modern art installation protesting rising ocean temperatures, but you’ll appreciate them once you hit that power button. These are certainly an excellent speaker system that belong on our best computer speakers list. This speaker and sub combo features booming bass, thanks to its woofer, as well as detailed highs. Finally, you get that amazing sound at a good price, making it ideal for music fans with a mid-range budget.

This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Edifier E25 Luna Eclipse.

6. Edifier E235 Luna E

Futuristic-looking beauties with an even more gorgeous sound

Weight: 3.6kg | Size: 4.8in x 8.35in x 8.74in | Drivers: 8-inch woofer, ¾-inch silk dome tweeter, 3-inch full-range bass driver (satellites) | Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth | Audio Inputs: Bluetooth, 3.5mm jack | Outputs: USB port for charging, headphone jack

View at Amazon

Gorgeous design

Excellent overall sound quality

A bit bass-heavy

The Edifier E25 Luna Eclipse is already a staggering speaker setup that not only has an enticing design, but also sounds terrific. The Luna, which comes in red, white and black colors, offers a powerful but well-controlled bass, as well as great balance with sharp mids and good stereo separation. It even includes a nifty little remote control so you don’t have to get up if you’re feeling lazy. Add the 5.8G subwoofer, connected wirelessly at a 5.8GHz radio frequency, and you’ve got yourself an impressive 2.1 system that’s among the best computer speakers in 2020

7. AudioEngine HD3 Wireless Speakers

Top-notch audiophile sound, wirelessly

Weight: 1.8kg left, 1.5kg right | Size: 11.6″ x 11.75″ x 8.8″ | Drivers: 2.75-inch aramid fiber woofers, ¾-inc silk dome tweeters | Supported Connectivity: Advanced Bluetooth Wireless | Audio Inputs: 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, stereo RCA, USB | Outputs: RCA variable line-out, 3.5mm mini-jack headphone out

Low latency

Wired connections available

Beautiful design

Not the cheapest

Wireless speakers might not make the cut for gaming, where every millisecond counts, but that’s why you should opt for the AudioEngine HD 3. The beauty of these speakers is that it offers the best of both worlds. They’ve only got about 30ms of latency when using the wireless connection, so latency is practically negligible as far as listening to audio, watching videos and doing casual gaming. For competitive gamers, these also have USB Audio and Dual Analog Audio Inputs, not to mention subwoofer output for that extra rumble. And, since it is made by AudioEngine, you know the sound quality is top-notch.

8. Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX

THX-certified speakers that pack a punch

Weight: 0.95kg satellite; 5kg subwoofer | Size: 8.5in x 4.2in x 5.67x satellite; 9.5in x 9.8in x 10.2in subwoofer | Drivers: ¾-inch Poly compression tweeter, 6.5-inc side-firing, long-throw fiber composite cone woofer | Supported Connectivity: none | Audio Inputs: MP3 two-channel soundcard miniplug | Outputs: headphone jack

THX-certified, home theater-quality sound

Stunning value

Misses some low ends

The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system offers fantastic, versatile sound. This means regardless of whether you’re listening to music, watching movies or gaming, you’re getting the best computer speaker experience. These THX-certified speakers boast a lot of power, a wide frequency range of 31Hz to 20kHz, and detailed audio quality with strong bass, maximum clarity and great balance. When we say it’s powerful enough to replicate that home theater quality in your living room, we’re not exaggerating. The best part is that the price is very reasonable.

This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Logitech Z623

9. Edifier M3200 2.1 Multimedia Audio Speaker System

Audiophile quality for cheaper

Affordable

Great sound quality

Base distorted at higher levels

Edifier has always been a trusted name in audio, so it’s no surprise that it’s making a two-time appearance on this list. Just like the E25 Luna Eclipse, the Edifier M3200 comes in a unique form – that of an hourglass – because why the heck not? And, just like the E25, this audio speaker system boasts audiophile-level sound. It also comes with a magnetically shielded subwoofer with 5½ inch driver for richer, deeper bass whether you’re gaming or watching The Witcher. What’s more, that price that’s less than $100/£100 is perfect for budget gamers.

This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Jabra SPEAK 510.

10. Creative Pebble Plus

Best budget option

Weight: 0.30kg left, 0.34kg right, 1.05kg sub | Size: 4.8 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches (satellites), 5.9 x 7.7 x 8 inches (sub) | Drivers: 2-inch full range speakers driver | Supported Connectivity: none | Audio Inputs: 3.5mm stereo mini-jack | Outputs: none

Cheap

Quality sound for the price

Unique look

Only 3.5mm input

No other connectivity, wired or otherwise

You don’t need to spend a fortune on a good set of computer speakers. For the budget-conscious consumers, Creative’s Pebble Plus is more than good enough for the job, whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a film fantatic. This 2.1 speaker system, which consists of two far-field drivers angled at a 45-degrees and a down-firing subwoofer, may not be audiophile quality, but it produces great sound for how much it costs. It delivers good highs, mids and lows, and it does a great job minimizing distortion at loud volumes.

This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Logitech MX Sound.

Check out the best gaming laptops

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These days, the best external SSDs have become an integral part of many people’s setup. The demand for storage space has grown over the years, especially with everything from photos to important documents moving farther and farther away from traditional hard copies. Expanding your computer’s storage space, therefore, is the new norm, especially for laptop users who don’t quite have as much of it.

The best external SSDs are not only useful for expanding your storage space, however. Unlike portable hard drives, they have no moving parts so they’re faster and less likely to break, keeping your files portable while protected. And, quite few of them have a rugged build, so you can take them on your travels and adventures.

As the best external SSDs bring quite a few benefits to the table, they’re worth considering if you’re thinking about getting additional storage for your laptop or computer. The key to finding the ideal one for you is to see that it ticks all the right boxes, so we picked out the best portable SSDs to make your search easier. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you’ll find it on this list.

SSD vs HDD: which is best for your needs?
Best external hard drives of 2020
Best cloud storage of 2020 online: free, paid and business options

1. Samsung T5 SSD

Our pick for the best portable SSD of 2020

Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | Interface: USB Type-C

Incredibly fast

Highly compact

Expensive

Samsung is a company that has made some brilliant portable SSDs, and you'll see a number of its devices on this list, however the Samsung Portable SSD T5 is our pick of the best portable SSD of 2018. It builds on the brilliant design and performance of its predecessor, the Samsung T3 SSD (also on this best portable SSD list), but brings it up to date with an incredibly fast USB Type-C connection that ekes out every last drop of performance from the solid state drive inside. Of course, it's also backwards compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 if your PC doesn't have USB Type-C. It's expensive, but it's well worth the cash.

Read the full review: Samsung Portable SSD T5

2. Seagate Fast SSD

One of the best value portable SSDs in 2020

Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | Interface: USB Type-C

Impressive performance

Good price

Short cable length

Seagate is a well-known brand when it comes to storage, and it's brought its impressive experience to the portable SSD market with the brilliant Seagate Fast SSD. This is an impressively slim external SSD, at only 9mm thick with a footprint of 94 x 79mm. Best of all, it's affordable – with prices likely to drop – and it’s an excellent performer, relatively small, plus it has a nice design and a three-year warranty. Well worth considering if you're looking for a the best portable SSD for a low price.

Read the full review: Seagate Fast SSD 500GB

3. Samsung X5 Portable SSD

Thunderbolt 3 and NVMe come together to deliver top notch performance

Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | Interface: Thunderbolt 3

Exceptional performance

Hardware encryption

Expensive

Not compact or waterproof

If you want speed above all else, and money is (almost) no object, than the Samsung X5 Portable SSD is the best portable SSD for you. It comes with a Thunderbolt 3 connection that takes full advantage of the super-fast speeds of the brilliant Samsung 970 Evo NVMe SSD that comes inside. However, that pure dedication to speed comes at some expense. First, there's the financial expense, as this is a pricey external SSD. It's also larger and bulkier than the Samsung T3 or Samsung T5, which are also on this list. The device is fairly heavy at 150g, triple the weight of the Samsung T5, and at 116 x 60 x 18mm, it can best be described as portable rather than miniature. However, when it comes to performance, the Samsung X5 Portable SSD is definitely the portable SSD to go for.

Read the full review: Samsung X5 Portable SSD

4. Adata SE730H External SSD

The best high-speed external storage device

Capacity: 256GB, 1TB | Interface: USB 3.1 (Gen 2)

Small

Great performance

Expensive

Lack of color options

This small and compact external hard drive offers very decent speeds, as well as a rugged body that keeps it safe from water - as well as drops and knocks. It's not the fastest drive out there - as it's still reliant on the aging SATA technology, rather than the newer - and faster - NVMe tech, but for the money you're still getting a brilliant performer. Adata claims this is the most compact external SSD, and with dimensions of 72.7 x 44 x 12.2mm and weighing only 37g excluding the cable, it is smaller and lighter than Samsung’s T3 and T5 drives - which are also on this list of the best portable SSDs. While it is pricey compared to some of the other external SSDs we have on this list, remember that it comes with military-certified protection. The stringent MIL-STD-810G 516.6 impact resistance test so it should survive accidental drops and shocks without much damage. If you shop around, you can also get it for less than its RRP.

5. WD My Passport Wireless SSD

The best portable SSD for travelling photographers

Capacity: 250 GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | Interface: USB 3.0

Drop-resistant rubber bumper

Excellent USB transfer speeds

Premium price

Extra SSD speed useless over Wi-Fi

Storage giant Western Digital is no stranger when it comes to storage gear aimed specifically at pro photographers, and with the WD My Passport Wireless SSD it has created another brilliant device that photographers (or even regular users) will love. It joins WD's growing stable of wireless hard drives, which allow you to view and move files via a Wi-Fi connection, rather than with a cable, which is handy. However, over Wi-Fi, you're not utilising the full speed of the SSD. It also connects via USB 3.0, which offers very good speeds, but not quite as fast as USB Type-C or Thunderbolt. But the flexibility and durability of the WD My Passport Wireless SSD is certainly tempting, plus it comes with a built-in SD card reader, making it one of the best portable SSDs for photographers.

Read the full review: WD My Passport Wireless SSD

6. Samsung T7 SSD

Best external SSD for the security-conscious

Capacity: 50GB, 1TB or 2TB | Interface: USB 3.2 Gen2

Built-in security with fingerprint access

Incredibly fast

Compact

Not cheap

No rugged case

If you’re looking for a portable SSD with lots of features, then you might want to take a look at the Samsung T7 SSD. This external storage is not only fast – with sequential read and write speeds of up to 1,050 and 1,000 MB/s, respectively – but it also boasts quite a few nifty features in its palm-sized package. The most important of those features is, of course, its built-in security options that use AES 256-bit encryption and give you the option to use fingerprint sign-in, which you can set-up through its own management software.

7. Adata SD700 External SSD

One of the best cheap portable SSDs

Capacity: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB | Interface: USB 3.0

Great performance

IP68 rating

No USB Type-C

The Adata SD700 will suit those looking for a rugged storage device that can provide ample capacity without costing too much. It offers good speeds, and it's IP68 rated, which means you can carry it around with you without worrying about it getting damaged. It comes in capacities up to 1TB, so you don't have to worry about missing out on storage space just because it uses an SSD. However, it doesn't come with the new USB Type-C connection, which means speeds aren't quite as fast as they could be.

8. LaCie Portable High Performance External SSD

Light and minimalist

Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | Interface: USB-C, USB 3.0

View at Amazon

Lightweight

Shock-resistant

There are other more affordable options

There’s a reason why LaCie is among the few brands trusted by creators and digital nomads alike. The manufacturer has designed its hard and solid state drives to be travel-friendly, whether that’s rugged enough to survive accidental drops or lightweight and shock-resistant. The LaCie Portable High Performance External SSD falls in the second category. That is, while it may not have that rugged build that Lacie’s storage drives are known for, it is still built for travel. It’s versatile too when it comes to connectivity – while it does have that USB-C connection that’s best for MacBooks and the Dell XPS line, it also allows USB 3.0 connectivity for the other laptops out there.

9. G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD

Keep your files safe and secure

Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | Interface: USB-C, USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility

View at Amazon

Rugged

Compact

Fast enough to improve workflow

Not cheap

Can heat up very quickly

When it comes to keeping your files safe and secure – whether from prying eyes or accidents – G-Technology is still king. The manufacturer’s G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD, for example, is IP67 water and dust resistant, can survive falls of up to 3 meters, and has a 1,000-lb crush resistance. Impressed yet? Its transfer rate of up to 560MB/s and USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility should sweeten the pot. That is, as long as you’re willing to pay for it. Much like the LaCie Portable High Performance External SSD, this isn’t exactly among the cheapest options out there.

10. GNARBOX 2.0 SSD

Best for photographers and videographers

Capacity: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Interface: 2 x USB-C, SD and Micro HDMI ports

View at Amazon

Incredibly convenient to use

Built for the outdoors

Very expensive

Not for regular users

Gnarbox’s rugged backup SSDs have a very specific purpose. They’re designed for photographers and videographers to have a convenient and reliable backup drive for their precious high-resolutions files while in the field. The GNARBOX 2.0 SSD might not be for regular users, but it’s kind of an ingenious piece of peripheral for content creators – not just for backing up files but also for making space. Who hasn’t run out space in their SD card while they’re on a shoot? And, because it is designed to survive the great outdoors, it’s water, dust and shock resistant as well. This is, hands down, the best external ssd for the adventurous creative set.

Want an internal SSD? Check out our collection of the best SSDs of 2020
Or for something even more portable, here's our list of the best USB flash drives

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Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Latest Tech News

MacOS users are being warned to monitor their device security following the discovery of a potentially hugely damaging new form of ransomware.

Known as ThiefQuest, the malware targets macOS devices such as MacBooks, encrypting the entire system and stealing valuable data on the device.

If a ransom is not paid to release the files, then ThiefQuest is programmed to completely wipe the victim's device, deleting all items within - however there may be a way to stop it for good.

Apple devices will get encrypted DNS in iOS 14 and macOS 11
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Best ransomware protection of 2020 : free, paid and decryption tools

MacOS malware

ThiefQuest was first detected by researchers at security firm SentinelOne, who were able to carry out a full investigation into the malware.

The company first believed the malware was lacking certain finesse when investigating the ransom message alerting ThiefQuest victims to their fate.

As usual with such alerts, it order victims to pay $50 within 72 hours if they wanted their files returned - however, it neglected to provide any contact email for information about decryption once this was paid, only a link to a ReadMe file containing details on a Bitcoin wallet to send the ransom funds to.

SentinelOne's research found that ThiefQuest (initially known as EvilQuest) used a custom encryption routine, and that its code suggested it was unrelated to the public key encryption methods commonly used for such attacks.

The researchers discovered ThiefQuest was instead looking in the system's /Users folder to try and steal files, with .doc, .pdf and .jpg items all targeted among others. However once found, these files were encrypted by a function that used a simple encoding tool that, when creating an encrypted file, simply added an extra data block containing the encryption/decryption key and the key that encodes it.

The attackers also failed to remove the function responsible for the decryption job, meaning getting the original file back was incredibly straightforward, and allowing SentinelOne to create and release a decryptor, which can be downloaded for free now.

Also check out our complete list of the best antivirus software

Via BleepingComputer

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Latest Tech News

The OnePlus Nord is the new affordable smartphone from the Chinese smartphone manufacturer, as it looks to reach more fans by offering a more price-conscious option alongside its flagship tier.

OnePlus Nord is both the name of the firm's new product line and the first device in the range - the OnePlus Nord smartphone.

Update: The OnePlus Nord launch date has been confirmed as July 21, which is when we'll learn everything about the handset. But we're still getting leaks – like one claiming it will pack a quad-rear camera headed by a 48MP main shooter.

A number of details have been confirmed about the Nord handset recently, some of them exclusively by TechRadar, and we've put all the key information below.

Exclusive: OnePlus Nord chipset, 5G and 3 key focuses revealed
Exclusive: How the bizarre OnePlus Nord name was conceived
Confirmed: OnePlus Nord price
Confirmed: OnePlus Nord name

The new OnePlus Nord phone has a lower price tag than the OnePlus 8, addressing the concern some fans had about the firm's big price hikes in recent years as it moved away from its mid-range pricing.

While there was much speculation over the name - with OnePlus Z, OnePlus 8 Lite and OnePlus Nord all being rumored, the latter has now been officially confirmed as the name for the affordable smartphone.

Cut to the chase

What is it? An affordable (not cheap) OnePlus smartphone
When is it out? July, exact date unknown
How much will it cost? Under $500 (around £410, AU$730)

OnePlus Nord release date

OnePlus Nord pre-orders: limited pre-orders on July 1, July 8, July 15
OnePlus Nord launch date: July 21 confirmed
OnePlus Nord release date: July

The OnePlus Nord release date is yet to be confirmed, but it's close. What we do know, however, is the OnePlus Nord launch date, which is set for July 21.

While we already know some of the details about the OnePlus Nord, the July 21 event - which will be an AR (augmented reality) launch you can watch via a mobile app - will reveal the full details on the affordable smartphone.

The firm held an initial round of OnePlus Nord pre-orders - limited to just 100 units - on July 1 which sold out in just a second.

A second round of pre-orders - consisting of 900 units - will take place at 9am BST / 4am EDT / 1am PDT on July 8 via the OnePlus website - while a third and final round will happen on July 15.

The OnePlus Nord will be available in Europe and India first, while "a select number of users in North America will also get a chance to experience the new device through a highly limited beta program after launch".

We don't have any more detail on the North America beta program at the moment, but we'll update this page as soon as we hear.

OnePlus Nord price

OnePlus Nord price: confirmed to be "below $500"

What we do know is the OnePlus Nord price. OnePlus has confirmed it will be "below $500" (around £410 / AU$730), while CEO and Founder, Pete Lau has confirmed to TechRadar that it will cost €500 in Europe.

That makes the OnePlus Nord comfortably cheaper than the OnePlus 8, which starts at $699 / £599 (about AU$1,100) - which is good, as OnePlus has been teasing the 'affordable' handset for a while now.

We wouldn't be surprised if "below $500" translates to $499, rather than an even lower price tag - but you could always keep your fingers crossed for something cheaper.

OnePlus Nord name

No longer the OnePlus Z or OnePlus 8 Lite

It is official, the affordable OnePlus smartphone is called the OnePlus Nord.

After several months of rumors surrounding a trio of names - OnePlus 8 Lite, OnePlus Z and, most recently, OnePlus Nord - it was the more bizarre of the three which ended up being the real deal.

We spoke exclusively to Carl Pei, Assistant Head of OnePlus Nord, to find out how the name came about, what it means and why it was ultimately chosen.

Exclusive: How the bizarre OnePlus Nord name was conceived

OnePlus Nord power and interface

Exclusive: Nord will feature Snapdragon 765G chipset
Exclusive: Nord will be a 5G enabled smartphone

OnePlus has exclusively confirmed to TechRadar that the Nord smartphone will come with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 765G chipset.

That’s the same chip which we saw perform well in the LG Velvet, and its inclusion means the OnePlus Nord is also 5G enabled.

While not confirmed, we expect the OnePlus Nord to run Android with the firm's Oxygen OS interface over the top, which brings with it features and customization options on top of Google's core operating system.

OnePlus Nord cameras

Exclusive: OnePlus Nord will have flagship level cameras
Rumors say three rear facing cameras
A recent leak suggests two front facing cameras

According to a leak from an 'OnePlus insider', the OnePlus Nord will feature two front facing cameras, a 32MP sensor alongside an 8MP offering.

This conflicts with earlier rumors which suggested the handset would only have a single selfie camera - so we'll have to wait for official confirmation from OnePlus to see which way it goes here.

As for the rear cameras, rumors suggest the OnePlus Nord could have three lenses on the back and a surprise tease of the phone on a talk show suggested it will have three rear cameras, though, so it seems this part of the leaks could be correct.

Meanwhile, another trusted leaker has suggested we may see the OnePlus Nord have four rear cameras.

pic.twitter.com/nvQBMV1pryJune 15, 2020

While we don't how many cameras the Nord will have, Carl Pei, Assistant Head of OnePlus Nord, exclusively told TechRadar that the handset will have "a flagship-level camera".

OnePlus Nord design and display

We've now got our first look at the OnePlus Nord, with an image showing up on Amazon India, and a couple of videos posted by OnePlus showing us glimpses of the affordable handset.

The image leaked on Amazon (below) shows the rear of the OnePlus Nord, and even though the handset itself is a little blurred, it's easy to make out the OnePlus logo, volume rocker, power/lock key and large camera bump.

Meanwhile, on Instagran, OnePlus posted a video (below) which gives us a brief look at the front of the OnePlus Nord. It doesn't really give too much away in terms of spec, but fast forward to around the one minute mark of the video to see for yourself.

A post shared by @oneplus.nord

A photo posted by on on Jul 3, 2020 at 5:21am PDT

OnePlus Nord leaks and rumors

A OnePlus Nord render (below) gave us an idea of the phone, and it actually showed a phone that doesn't look all that different from the main OnePlus 8 series.

There's with a 'punch-hole' cut-out central to the top of the display, rear cameras in a bump to the left of the device, and seemingly no 3.5mm headphone jack.

OnePlus Nord leak — The leaked OnePlus Nord render (Image credit: @OnLeaks / 91mobiles)

We've also seen live hands-on pictures of the phone, that generally seem to back that render. The screen is flat, which is a change from the other OnePlus 8 devices, but the picture didn't show the back of the phone.

Just before the OnePlus 8 announcement a huge leak laid bare all three phones, including a 'Lite' device. This leak said the 'Lite' handset - which is now called the OnePlus Nord - would have a 6.4-inch screen, 48MP + 16MP + 12MP rear camera combination, 16MP front camera and 4,000mAh battery.

We're not convinced by any of this, as the same report also said it would have a Mediatek 1000 chipset - which we know for a fact is not true. But a more recent leak supported a 48MP main shooter in a quad rear camera setup, so some elements of that rumor set may be true.

One of the latest OnePlus Nord spec leaks points to the now-confirmed Snapdragon 765 chipset, along with 6GB of RAM, a triple-lens rear camera with 64MP, 16MP, and 2MP sensors, a 16MP front-facing camera in a punch-hole, a 6.55-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, 128GB of storage, an in-screen fingerprint scanner and a 4,300mAh battery with 30W fast charging.

Having said that, another leaker has said these specs are wrong, so we'd take them with a serious side of salt. Indeed, an even more recent leak said the OnePlus Nord will have a dual-lens front-facing camera with a 32MP main sensor and an 8MP wide-angle one, both in a cut-out in the top left corner of the screen.

Finally, a benchmark test listing for what seems to be the OnePlus Nord suggests it could have as much as 12GB RAM, which is a surprising amount for what we imagined to be an affordable phone.

The same listing suggests the phone will have 5G connectivity and a Snapdragon 765G chipset - two aspects which have already been confirmed for the handset.

These are the best OnePlus phones you can buy

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Latest Tech News

The Asus ROG Phone 3 is already confirmed to launch in two weeks’ time. A new update on the matter confirms that the Indian launch will happen simultaneously on July 22.

Asus India has started sending out invites for the phone’s unveiling, which is scheduled for 8.15 pm IST. This will be the first time an ROG phone will come to India right alongside its global launch. It will also be available on Flipkart soon after the launch. Indian YouTuber and streamer CarryMinati is going to be a part of the launch too.

Check out the Asus ROG Phone 3 on Flipkart

ROG Phone FansGreat News!#ROGPhone3 will launch globally and in India on 22nd July 2020!India is among the first wave countries.@CarryMinati thanks for your awesome energetic admiration.It's time to Defeat, Destruct and Dominate.#worshippedbygamers#lovedbytechgurus https://t.co/0QHfBMhSDTJuly 8, 2020

We already know some of the specifications of the upcoming gaming flagship. For starters, it will be powered by the Snapdragon 865 Plus chipset, which is a new SoC destined for high-end gaming smartphones. In fact, it will be the first phone to ship with that processor. It is supposed to bring about a 10% boost in processing and graphical capabilities. Keeping up with the trend of fast performance, it is expected to come with up to 512GB of UFS 3.0 storage and 16GB of RAM.

Keeping up with its predecessor’s legacy, the Asus ROG Phone 3 is said to come with a big 6.6-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of at least 120Hz. The display will be flanked by dual front-firing stereo speakers. The headphone jack might be axed.

Cameras have never been a strong point for the series, but at least the ROG Phone 3 will make the jump to a triple-camera setup. The array will consist of a 64MP primary camera and an ultra-wide lens, however, the function of the third sensor is still unknown. We expect the front camera to bring some streaming-centric features.

Staples such as capacitive shoulder triggers, a secondary USB port, a giant 6,000mAh battery and support for fast charging will all make the cut. Last year’s ROG Phone 2 was one of the best gaming smartphones around, so it remains to be seen what gets improved this time.

Asus surprised everyone by pricing the ROG Phone 2 at just Rs 37,999 in India, which was lower than most other regions. Having said that, the phone has now gotten more expensive, even after a year. This leads us to believe that the ROG Phone 3 might not be that competitively priced over here. We should get more details about it in the days preceding the July 22 launch.

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Latest Tech News

They say a summer body is made in winter, so if you’re looking to shed those Covid kilos, now is the time to get back into it and up your game with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 2 and save an incredible 44%.

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the latest addition to Samsung's Tizen watch range - it’s slimmer, lighter, and arguably more comfortable than its predecessor and includes a rotating digital bezel.

This quality smartwatch features a stunning 1.2-inch 360 x 360 display and is smaller when compared to a lot of other smart-wearables out there, making it less clunky and more stylish.

In addition to this, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 sports top-end fitness features with 39 workout modes, a heart rate and ECG sensor and a health app with stress and sleep monitoring.

With a massive discount of AU$355 applied, this is an incredible deal on a top-of-the-line smartwatch that’s sure to help you get on top of your fitness and achieve your desired result.

Available in black, you can grab the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 through eBay – just use the code P15LIGHT to receive your full discount.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 | AU$444 (RRP AU$799; save AU$355)

Be ready for your return to the gym with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, now discounted by a cool 44%. Working out won’t be as hard thanks to this nifty wearable’s 39 workout modes and heart rate and ECG sensor. It also comes with a handy health app that monitors your stress and sleep so you can actively practice mindfulness to be your best self. Ready, set, get going with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 today and save a massive AU$355! View Deal

Want more Aussie tech deals? We're collecting the best right here

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Latest Tech News

Update (July 9): Realme has confirmed that the C11 will launch on July 14.

Realme has quietly listed the 30W Dart Charge power bank on its India website. The support page of Realme’s Indian website shows the 30W Dart Charge power bank with a model number RMA156. However, clicking that leads to nothing but the listing indicates an imminent launch in the country. Also, it looks like the Realme C11 is ready to launch in India.

Realme brought close to eight exciting products alongside the X50 Pro Player edition in China back in May. That included the Realme 10,000mAh Power Bank 2 with 18W fast charging via Type-C. The design of the power bank was a unique carbon-fibre textured finish which the company said was created using an advanced lithography technique.

However, the highlight of the auxiliaries was the 10,000mAh power bank with support for the company’s proprietary 30W Dart Charge. Realme also claimed that the new power bank will offer 53% faster compared to the lower-rated 18W charging.

While the new power bank allows the VOOC/Dart Charge compatible devices with ease, it also has the backward compatibility of 20W, 18W, 15W and 10W for budget devices. The charger has support for simultaneous dual-output via Type-A and Type-C ports.

Fixed at 30W, the single port output is DC rated at 5V-3A/9V-3A/15V-2A via Type-C/Type-A port. However, the dual-output is fixed at 25W with a rating of 5V DC at 5A. Since the input is also capable at 30W charging, the power bank can be juiced up in almost 2 hrs with a 30W Dart charger.

The new 30W Dart charger comes with a 15-layer of circuit protection that includes the current, over-power, short circuit, over charger or discharge protection. Additionally, the charger will intelligently switch to low-power mode on connect smart IoT devices like Smartwatch, Speakers etc.

Realme’s 30W Dart Charger launched at CNY199 (~$28) in China and we can expect a similar pricing of around Rs.2,129 in India. Regarding the launch, Realme’s CEO Madhav Sheth teased the arrival of a new Realme C smartphone today which could be the Realme C11 and the new power bank could accompany the budget smartphone.

The C11 was launched in other countries recently and brings a design refresh to the family. It sports a big 6.5-inch HD+ panel with a 20:9 aspect ratio, and is powered by the gaming-centric MediaTek Gelio G35 chipset. The battery is expected to be rated at 5,000mAh.

Best budget phones in India under Rs 10,000

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Latest Tech News

We have waited, and waited for more 1TB microSD cards to appear on the market and apart from the lonely SanDisk 1TB Extreme MicroSDXC UHS-I microSD card, we have yet to see others step in (Micron, we’re looking at you).

In the meantime, more vendors have been releasing 512GB microSD cards and have caused prices to drop quite significantly. One in particular, Teamgroup, has two of the cheapest microSD cards of this capacity at Amazon and Newegg.

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The first one, the 512GB Go Card ($65.99) is specifically designed for action cameras (like the popular GoPro) and supports 4K shooting and delivers read/write speeds of up to 90MBps and 45MBps (UHS-I U3). Adequate without being spectacular. Known as the TGUSDX512GU303, it is built for use and to last in extreme environments offering waterproof, dustproof, x-ray proof and cold resistant protections.

The second card is the Color, which is also a UHS-1 model with a slightly lower read and a much worse write performance (80MBps and 20MBps) costs $64.99 at Newegg. We’d rather spend an extra $1 to get the superior Go card but every cent helps.

At $126.94 per TB, it is about half the price per capacity of the Sandisk 1TB microSD card but there are far, far cheaper options if you want to go 256GB or lower; more on that next week. Teamgroup claims that it has adopted new printing technology to fulfill the goal of being an eco-friendly product; the cards come with lifetime warranty and free technical support.

Also check out our complete list of the best microSD cards on the market

Bear in mind

If you've managed to get your hands on a cheaper product with equivalent specifications, in stock and brand new, let us know and we'll tip our hat to you.

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50 best TV shows to watch on Netflix - CNET

On the hunt for your next binge? Here are the best TV shows Netflix has to offer.

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Second stimulus check for $1,200? $2,000? How much would you really get? - CNET

A new round of checks as part of a second stimulus package looks more likely every day. What's less clear is how much money you should expect.

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