portable | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 21 Mar 2024 08:54:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png portable | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 The Lexar SL500 supports Apple Pro Res recording with the iPhone 15 Pro https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/the-lexar-sl500-supports-apple-pro-res-recording-with-the-iphone-15-pro/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/the-lexar-sl500-supports-apple-pro-res-recording-with-the-iphone-15-pro/#respond Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:00:57 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=652161 Lexar's latest portable SSD has arrived, bringing with it faster speeds, USB Type-C connectivity and wide compatibility for gaming PCs and consoles, as well as smartphones like the iPhone 15.  The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD features a slim, aluminium unibody, making it small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, or on the …

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Lexar's latest portable SSD has arrived, bringing with it faster speeds, USB Type-C connectivity and wide compatibility for gaming PCs and consoles, as well as smartphones like the iPhone 15. 

The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD features a slim, aluminium unibody, making it small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, or on the back of an iPhone. With USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, you can expect read/write speeds of up to 2000MB/s and 1800MB/s. This makes it a decent option for portable game installs, whether they be for PC, Xbox One, or the PS4. Due to the requirements for running Xbox Series X/S and PS5 games from a secondary drive, you would only be able to use the drive for storing current-gen console titles.

The big selling point here is the mobile support. The SL500 Portable is compatible with Apple Pro Res recording, so you can shoot video straight to the drive at full 4K and 60FPS with an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. The SSD also comes with Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption to keep files protected.

The SL500 Portable SSD is available in 2TB at $229.99 and will be available in a 4TB capacity at the end of Q2.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you in the market for a portable SSD? 

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MSI will unveil its handheld gaming console at CES 2024 https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/joao-silva/msi-will-unveil-its-handheld-gaming-console-at-ces-2024/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/joao-silva/msi-will-unveil-its-handheld-gaming-console-at-ces-2024/#respond Fri, 05 Jan 2024 08:30:17 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=642452 It seems that MSI is working on its own gaming handheld system. Recently, the company teased this upcoming product on Instagram, revealing that it will be formally introduced at CES 2024. According to the teaser shared by REHWK (via VideoCardz), the portable gaming device features two joysticks surrounded by an RGB halo. Moreover, it is …

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It seems that MSI is working on its own gaming handheld system. Recently, the company teased this upcoming product on Instagram, revealing that it will be formally introduced at CES 2024.

According to the teaser shared by REHWK (via VideoCardz), the portable gaming device features two joysticks surrounded by an RGB halo. Moreover, it is adorned with the “True Gaming” symbol, something quite common for MSI gaming products. The tease also shows MSI's dragon logo surrounded by vents on what seems to be the rear of the device. Soon after MSI's announcement, @wxnod showed marketing material for the upcoming console, giving us the front angle of MSI's console, which is apparently named “Claw”.

Although MSI has not disclosed any specific details regarding the new handheld, it didn't take long before people started speculating about them. Like most similar portable consoles, a device like this was expected to feature something like a Ryzen Z1 or Intel's latest Core Ultra 100 series. And it seems that's the case for the latter, as shown by the Geekbench entries spotted by @Olrak29_.

To be more specific, the listings show the console would pack an Intel Core Ultra7 155H, featuring 6x P-Cores, 8x E-cores, and 2x LP-Cores. This CPU's integrated graphics is based on the Arc Alchemist architecture, with 8 Xe-Cores capable of boosting to 2.25 GHz. The Core Ultra 7 155H is a 28W CPU with a Max Turbo Power of 115W. Moreover, it would also pack up to 32GB of memory, so there may be various configurations at different price points.

KitGuru says: Are you planning on acquiring a handheld gaming console? Do you already have one in mind, or will you wait for CES 2024 to see if MSI's portable console (or other unknown consoles) bring something new?

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The cheaper ROG Ally featuring Ryzen Z1 is now available https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/joao-silva/asus-rog-ally-featuring-the-ryzen-z1-chip-is-now-available-in-various-regions/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/joao-silva/asus-rog-ally-featuring-the-ryzen-z1-chip-is-now-available-in-various-regions/#respond Tue, 19 Sep 2023 11:00:19 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=630883 Asus has finally released the lower-tier ROG Ally console. Although this model was introduced in June with an AMD Ryzen Z1 APU, it was scheduled for availability in late Q3. As promised, the release window has now been met, and the console is either shipping or available for pre-order, depending on the region. The Ryzen …

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Asus has finally released the lower-tier ROG Ally console. Although this model was introduced in June with an AMD Ryzen Z1 APU, it was scheduled for availability in late Q3. As promised, the release window has now been met, and the console is either shipping or available for pre-order, depending on the region.

The Ryzen Z1 CPU powers the RC71L-Z1512, which also has a 6-core Zen4/Zen4c APU and 4-CU RDNA3 iGPU. When compared to the 8-core Zen4 and 12-CU RDNA3 Ryzen Z1 Extreme, this indicates a considerable decrease in GPU performance. However, the £100/$100/€100 lower price tag of the Z1 model somewhat covers that difference.

The ROG Ally consoles come with a 7-inch 1080p 120 Hz display. They support AMD FreeSync Premium, FSR, and RSR Super Resolution technologies since they are designed on AMD hardware. The platform comes with 16GB of LPDDR5-6400 memory that cannot be increased manually. It's worth noting that both consoles come with 512GB of storage, and there's no indication on whether 256GB or 1TB variants will be available at this time.

The Z1 model, like the Ryzen Z1 Extreme version, supports XG Mobile external GPU modules. The new console model is currently available for purchase and/or pre-order in various regions for £599/$599/€699. You can check availability in your region by following this link.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you think the price difference between both Asus ROG Ally consoles is fair? If not, how should Asus adjust the pricing of its consoles?

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Win a Seagate Special Edition 2TB Game Drive or an Xbox 1TB SSD! (closed) https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/competitions/matthew-wilson/win-a-seagate-special-edition-2tb-game-drive-or-an-xbox-1tb-expansion-ssd/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/competitions/matthew-wilson/win-a-seagate-special-edition-2tb-game-drive-or-an-xbox-1tb-expansion-ssd/#respond Mon, 15 May 2023 09:45:52 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=614074 There is just one day left to enter our current Seagate competition so get your last minute entries in!

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Update (17/05/23): This competition is CLOSED and the winners are in. Our two winners today are Richard Tyler and David Usher! We've emailed both winners to organise prize shipping. If you missed out this time then keep an eye out as we'll have more giveaways in the near future!

A few weeks ago we teamed up with Seagate to give away two special edition Star Wars themed drives to upgrade your gaming setup. Now, we're teaming up with Seagate once again, offering up one 1TB Expansion Card SSD for Xbox Series X/S consoles, as well as a 2TB Special Edition Star Wars-themed portable drive. 

First on our prize list is Seagate's 1TB Xbox Series X/S expansion SSD, an easy plug-and-play storage device that slots into a dedicated slot on the back of an Xbox Series X or Series S console, giving you an instant storage bump for games both old and new. Our second prize is the 2TB Mandalorian Grogu 2TB Game Drive, a portable HDD that can be configured to work with either PC and console.

How to enter:

In order to enter this competition you will need to send an email to competitions2023@kitguru.net with the subject line ‘I want to win a Seagate Game Drive!'. Alternatively, you can use this link HERE to auto-fill that information.

In the email, be sure to answer the following question: What Star Wars series introduced Grogu? 

The winners will need to provide their name and address for shipping purposes. The competition will be open to residents of the UK and EU, it will run from the 8th of May until the 15th of May at 23:59 BST. Winners will be announced the following week.

Be sure to check out Seagate's full range of Game Drives, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Good luck to everyone entering, we'll be back to announce winners soon! 

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Asus ROG Ally base model rumoured to cost $599 https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/joao-silva/asus-rog-ally-base-model-rumoured-to-cost-599/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/joao-silva/asus-rog-ally-base-model-rumoured-to-cost-599/#respond Mon, 01 May 2023 11:00:28 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=613437 The upcoming Asus portable gaming console has been the subject of many rumours and leaks in recent weeks. Now, another leak has emerged, this time shedding light on the expected price for the entry-level model. The leak claims that the console with the Ryzen Z1 chip will be priced at $599.99. This new leak (from …

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The upcoming Asus portable gaming console has been the subject of many rumours and leaks in recent weeks. Now, another leak has emerged, this time shedding light on the expected price for the entry-level model. The leak claims that the console with the Ryzen Z1 chip will be priced at $599.99.

This new leak (from SnoopyTech) comes just two days after another leak that pegged the price for the higher-end model with a Z1 Extreme chip and 512GB of storage at $699.99. While Asus hasn't confirmed the leaks, they give gamers a good idea of what to expect regarding pricing for this much-anticipated device.

As a reminder, the ROG Ally base model will pack a 6C/12T chip (boost up to 5.0GHz) with a 4-CU RDNA 3 iGPU, an M.2 SSD with 256GB, and 16GB of LPDDR5. Assuming both price tags are accurate, an extra $100 will give two more cores, four more threads, 0.1GHz higher boost clock speed, an additional 256GB of storage and an iGPU with 12 CUs. On paper, that looks like a bargain.

Additionally, VideoCardz claims that both models will come with a 3-month Xbox Game Pass ultimate subscription bundled, allowing users to jump into cloud gaming immediately after getting their new handheld console. As this is a Windows 11 handheld, you'll also be able to run Game Pass titles locally.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Assuming the pricing is accurate, which ROG Ally model would you prefer?

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Leaked video shows Microsoft working on Windows Handheld Mode https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/mustafa-mahmoud/leaked-video-shows-microsoft-working-on-windows-handheld-mode/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/mustafa-mahmoud/leaked-video-shows-microsoft-working-on-windows-handheld-mode/#respond Thu, 13 Apr 2023 16:00:24 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=611536 There is no denying that the success of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck has helped to inspire other manufacturers to get in on the handheld market. One company which seems to be tinkering with the idea is Microsoft – with a new video showcasing a Windows 11 UI designed for handheld gaming. As shared …

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There is no denying that the success of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck has helped to inspire other manufacturers to get in on the handheld market. One company which seems to be tinkering with the idea is Microsoft – with a new video showcasing a Windows 11 UI designed for handheld gaming.

As shared by Twitter user ‘WalkingCat’, part of Microsoft’s Hackathon event from last September saw one employee present the latest project from senior UX designer Dorothy Feng. This Windows Handheld Mode comes with a launcher which allows users to easily access games from across the many gaming storefronts that exist, including Steam; PC Game Pass; EA Play; The Epic Games Store and more.

In addition, this handheld mode comes with an optimised on-screen keyboard as well as a floating taskbar for added ease of use.

With it being part of a Hackathon project do not expect this feature to be released – at least not in its current form. It is clear that this launcher is early in development and comes from a small team of developers. That said, it is also clear that Microsoft employees themselves have a great deal of interest in bringing Windows to handhelds, and so hopefully this Hackathon project ends up becoming a reality.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of current Windows handhelds? Would you like to see Windows introduce its own handheld mode? What do you think of Steam OS? Let us know down below.

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Orico’s latest portable SSD promises super speedy file transfers https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/matthew-wilson/oricos-latest-portable-ssd-promises-super-speedy-file-transfers/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/matthew-wilson/oricos-latest-portable-ssd-promises-super-speedy-file-transfers/#respond Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:26:26 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=569164 ORICO has been around since 2009, offering high-speed USB data devices and chargers. This month, the company is launching a new USB4 high-speed portable SSD, boasting super speedy transfer speeds.  The ORICO USB4 High Speed Portable SSD Montage 40Gbps series offers a bold and bright design, but it isn't about form over function. The SSD …

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ORICO has been around since 2009, offering high-speed USB data devices and chargers. This month, the company is launching a new USB4 high-speed portable SSD, boasting super speedy transfer speeds. 

The ORICO USB4 High Speed Portable SSD Montage 40Gbps series offers a bold and bright design, but it isn't about form over function. The SSD promises excellent transfer speeds for a portable SSD, including up to 2832MB/s write and 3126MB/s read.

At top speed, the SSD can transfer a 3GB file in just one second. It also comes with a versatile 2-in-1 data cable for USB Type-A and UCB Type-C connections. The drive is compatible with pretty much any OS, including Windows, Mac, Linux and Android.

The ORICO USB4 Montage 40Gbps SSD will be available in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB models. You can find Orico's portable SSDs on Amazon.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are any of you in need of a portable SSD for taking files on the go?  

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Modder turns portable Gamecube concept into a real console https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/joao-silva/modder-turns-portable-gamecube-concept-into-a-real-console/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/joao-silva/modder-turns-portable-gamecube-concept-into-a-real-console/#respond Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:54:17 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=553555 Fifteen years ago, pictures of a fake portable Gamecube were floating around the Internet. Much like the Gameboy Advance SP, the renders showed a hand-sized, laptop-like console that seemed too good to be true for that era. However, that concept design is now possible with today's technology, so a modder decided to build it for …

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Fifteen years ago, pictures of a fake portable Gamecube were floating around the Internet. Much like the Gameboy Advance SP, the renders showed a hand-sized, laptop-like console that seemed too good to be true for that era. However, that concept design is now possible with today's technology, so a modder decided to build it for real.

The console was made by GingerOfOz, who claims that the modded Gamecube can play the complete library of games launched to the console. However, that's not because there's a Gamecube inside. Instead, the modder used a Wii, which features backwards compatibility with all Gamecube titles.

Why go with the Wii instead of Gamecube hardware? Well the Wii was more power efficient and easier to tinker with without any special equipment. Due to the lower TDP of the Wii, there is also less need for additional cooling, making it easier to convert into a handheld.

Unfortunately, while the original concept design did have a disc drive, this was not included in the mod, as it would significantly increase the system's size. However, there is still a fake disc slot on the front of the chassis to maintain accuracy to the original design.

KitGuru says: What do you think about the portable Gamecube's design? Would you have bought this if it was an actual console 15 years ago?

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Compact 14-inch super-ultrawide portable monitor hits Kickstarter goal https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/monitors/joao-silva/compact-14-inch-super-ultrawide-portable-monitor-hits-kickstarter-goal/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/monitors/joao-silva/compact-14-inch-super-ultrawide-portable-monitor-hits-kickstarter-goal/#respond Wed, 02 Feb 2022 14:00:20 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=548830 The portable monitor market has been growing in recent years, although most travel-sized displays stick to standard 16:9 aspect ratio. That’s beginning to change, with a new crowdfunding campaign to fund a portable 32:9, super ultrawide portable monitor.  Currently undergoing a Kickstarter campaign, the Lukos is a super-ultrawide portable monitor with 3840×1100 resolution, 60Hz refresh …

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The portable monitor market has been growing in recent years, although most travel-sized displays stick to standard 16:9 aspect ratio. That’s beginning to change, with a new crowdfunding campaign to fund a portable 32:9, super ultrawide portable monitor. 

Currently undergoing a Kickstarter campaign, the Lukos is a super-ultrawide portable monitor with 3840×1100 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, 2ms response time and 14-inches of diagonal size. Other technical specs listed in the marketing material include display brightness of 300nits and 100% coverage of the sRGB colour spectrum.

The Lukos features a 4-in-1 multi-view mode that enables users to divide the screen into 4 areas with 1920×550 resolution, each with a dedicated source input. In addition, users can also divide it by 2x streams with 1920×1100 resolution.

Featuring a DisplayPort 1.2, 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.0B connectors, an HDMI 1.4 port, and a USB-C connector, the Lukos offers many more connectivity options than its size might lead you to believe. Moreover, it features built-in speakers, OSD buttons, and an active cooling system.

At the moment, the Lukos would cost you $419 or $429 (monitor + carbon fibre protective case and a stand). You can also get a double pack for $758 or $858 (with two protective cases and stands). Manufacturing is expected to start in March, followed by shipping in April.

KitGuru says: Would you consider getting a Lukos monitor? How would you use it?

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Cougar announces Dust 2 Mini-ITX case with handles for portability https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/cougar-announces-dust-2-mini-itx-case-with-handles-for-portability/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/cougar-announces-dust-2-mini-itx-case-with-handles-for-portability/#respond Tue, 03 Aug 2021 10:23:47 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=525643 Seemingly named after the famous Counter-Strike map, the Cougar Dust 2 is a Mini-ITX case geared towards easy portability. Thanks to a pair of handles on top, you can move your rig around with ease, which can be particularly useful when heading to LANs.  Each Dust 2 case has two anodised and coloured aluminium panels …

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Seemingly named after the famous Counter-Strike map, the Cougar Dust 2 is a Mini-ITX case geared towards easy portability. Thanks to a pair of handles on top, you can move your rig around with ease, which can be particularly useful when heading to LANs. 

Each Dust 2 case has two anodised and coloured aluminium panels with a sandblasted finish, one in the front and another in the rear. Depending on which model you choose, these panels can be coloured in Desert Sand, Iron Gray, or Space Silver. As for the rest of the case, it's mostly made of aluminium alloys and folding angles.

The two handles on top let you easily transport the case through your house if you want to play in the living room or bring it to a LAN party. On the inside, you'll find two individual chambers: one for the CPU and the PSU and another for the GPU. Both intake air directly from the outside thanks to the meshed side panels, but each has its own airflow path. In this design, heat from different components shouldn't affect each other, lowering system temperatures to prevent throttling.

Despite being a 21-litre case, there's space for 330mm long GPUs, 160mm long PSUs, and 70mm tall CPU coolers inside the Dust 2. The case has 2x expansion slots, 2x bays 2.5-inch drives and space for a 3.5-inch drive on the top panel, but only if you don't mount a 280/240mm radiator (maximum height of 55mm). Moreover, the top panel also supports 2x 140mm/120mm fans. As for the front I/O panel, it has a USB-C 3.1 Gen2 connector, a USB-A 3.0 connector, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

A PCIe 16x Gen3 high-speed riser card and two 120mm fans are included. Pricing has not yet been revealed. Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Thanks to the chambered interior design and mesh panels for air intake, this case should offer decent cooling. What do you all think of the new Cougar Dust 2? 

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SanDisk introduces Extreme and Extreme Pro NVMe portable SSDs https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/matthew-wilson/sandisk-introduces-extreme-and-extreme-pro-nvme-portable-ssds/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/matthew-wilson/sandisk-introduces-extreme-and-extreme-pro-nvme-portable-ssds/#respond Wed, 30 Sep 2020 12:08:58 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=488191 SanDisk is back this week with new portable SSDs that bring a close to 2x speed increase over previous generations. The new SanDisk Extreme and SanDisk Extreme Pro are launching today with capacities up to 2TB, a rugged design and 256-bit AES hardware encryption to keep your data sage.  The flagship SanDisk Extreme Pro has …

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SanDisk is back this week with new portable SSDs that bring a close to 2x speed increase over previous generations. The new SanDisk Extreme and SanDisk Extreme Pro are launching today with capacities up to 2TB, a rugged design and 256-bit AES hardware encryption to keep your data sage. 

The flagship SanDisk Extreme Pro has an aluminium chassis to keep the NVMe SSD cool under heavy workloads. In terms of performance, the SanDisk Extreme Pro offers read/write speeds of up to 2000MB/s. The chassis also has an IP55 rating, meaning it is built to withstand drops of up to two meters. Password protection and hardware encryption are also offered, keeping your data safe at all levels.

The standard SanDisk Extreme Portable also uses an NVMe SSD, but it is slower, offering read/write speeds of up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s respectively. Other features, like IP55 protection, password protection and 256-bit AES encryption remain. The housing of the SSD is different, opting for a durable silicone shell rather than aluminium.

Both new SSDs are compatible with PC, Mac and can also work with USB Type-C smartphones. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD starts at £133.99 for 500GB and £216.99 for 1TB – the 2TB model is expected to arrive later this year. As for the flagship SanDisk Extreme Pro, that one is already available in 2TB capacity for £418.99 with a 1TB version expected before the end of the year.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are many of you in need of a high-speed portable SSD? What do you make of the latest offerings from SanDisk? 

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TerraMaster announces the Thunderbolt 3 equipped TD2 DAS https://www.kitguru.net/components/hard-drives/james-dawson/terramaster-announces-the-thunderbolt-3-equipped-td2-das/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/hard-drives/james-dawson/terramaster-announces-the-thunderbolt-3-equipped-td2-das/#respond Sun, 26 Jan 2020 14:00:27 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=448746 TerraMaster has proudly announced a new lineup of Thunderbolt 3 equipped direct-attached storage solutions to provide fast video and data access to content creators and multimedia professionals. The new TD2 direct-attached storage (DAS) line from TerraMaster utilises the power of Thunderbolt 3 to allow 40Gbps data transfer in a two-bay plug and play device, ideal …

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TerraMaster has proudly announced a new lineup of Thunderbolt 3 equipped direct-attached storage solutions to provide fast video and data access to content creators and multimedia professionals.

The new TD2 direct-attached storage (DAS) line from TerraMaster utilises the power of Thunderbolt 3 to allow 40Gbps data transfer in a two-bay plug and play device, ideal of Mac Pro media professionals who require large storage solutions with high-speed access in a portable form factor.

TerraMaster has equipped the TD2 DAS with Thunderbolt technology so users can connect multiple devices simultaneously via a daisy chain, allowing you to scale devices from a single source. The TerraMaster TD2 two-bay device supports professional-grade RAID0 or RAID1 configuration for improved performance or data redundancy.

TD2 DAS also supports HDDs up to 16Tb capacity, in both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch format to allow for the use of either SSD or HDD storage devices. Total supported capacity of the TD2 is 32GB, enough to provide large, high-speed and portable storage wherever you are working. Daisy chain allows you to scale your production with up to six TD2's, for a Hugh 168TB total storage capacity.

The TerraMaster TD2 DAS features a compact and portable form factor that has a allows users an easy transition from laptops while on the go, to your workstation when back at the office or home.  An easy-grip handle on the device allows it to be carried with you wherever you need. The device is also compatible with previous generations via the Thunderbolt-to-Thunderbolt 3 converter to quickly move between devices.

TerraMaster has made the TD2 DAS available to purchase now from its online store, priced at £299.90.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: The TerraMaster TD2 DAS should offer busy professionals more than enough data storage, with its huge 32TB capacity when two drives are installed. What do you guys think of this new portable DAS from TerraMaster?

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Advent Calendar Day 16: Win an AOC portable monitor (closed) https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/competitions/matthew-wilson/advent-calendar-day-16-win-an-aoc-portable-monitor/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/competitions/matthew-wilson/advent-calendar-day-16-win-an-aoc-portable-monitor/#respond Sun, 16 Dec 2018 14:41:12 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=398589 Today, we are teaming up with AOC to give away something a little bit different. For this competition, you'll have the chance to win either a USB-C or USB-A portable IPS monitor from AOC, the perfect companion to those who regularly use a laptop and need some extra screen space.

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Update: This competition is now CLOSED. Thanks to everyone who entered. Our winner today is Sean Allen!

If you missed out this time around, then keep an eye out as we have a new competition lined up to go live each day for the rest of December. Today's competition is in partnership with MSI and can be found, HERE.

We have reached day 16 of the KitGuru Advent Calendar! Today, we are teaming up with AOC to give away something a little bit different. Today, we'll be giving away a portable, USB-powered IPS monitor, the winner will even get to pick whether they would like a USB-C or a USB-A model. 

Both USB-C and USB-A options are comparable in terms of spec. Both use a 1080p IPS panel running with a 5ms response time and size up at 15.6-inches. The main difference is that the USB-A model comes with a built-in stand on the back, while the USB-C one comes with an included smart cover, which can be folded to give you different viewing angles. Either option would be perfect for those who use a laptop often and need more screen space while on the go.

Entering this giveaway is simple, all you need to do is head over to THIS POST on our Facebook page and leave a comment. We plan to have a new discussion topic each day, today we are asking you guys to let us know whether you would prefer USB-A or USB-C for this monitor.

A winner will be picked randomly tomorrow as we roll on to the next competition, so get your entries in fast! Also, be sure to send a thank you over to AOC over on Facebook or Twitter, the prizes are coming directly from them, so this would not have been possible without their support!

KitGuru Says: We’ll see you back here again tomorrow to announce the winner! A big thank you to AOC for teaming up with us for day 16 and thanks to all of our KitGuru readers for supporting us throughout 2018!

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Nintendo’s NX could be a portable console, with cartridge games https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/jon-martindale/nintendos-nx-could-be-a-portable-console-with-cartridge-games/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/jon-martindale/nintendos-nx-could-be-a-portable-console-with-cartridge-games/#comments Tue, 26 Jul 2016 14:35:24 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=300586 Nintendo's next generation console may blend the future with the past, as a number of rumours are now suggesting that it will support cartridges for games. That tie to the past won't mean you're tied to your living room though, as the NX is also said to be a portable console with its very own TV …

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Nintendo's next generation console may blend the future with the past, as a number of rumours are now suggesting that it will support cartridges for games. That tie to the past won't mean you're tied to your living room though, as the NX is also said to be a portable console with its very own TV dock.

In a sense, the Nintendo NX sounds much like what the contemporary smartphone is evolving into: a jack of all trades that can be augmented in certain situations. While your smartphone might act as a portable game console, media player and communication device, when you're near a streaming capable TV, it becomes a remote control and hub for all of your media.

That may be what the NX is like. While out and about it could operate as high-powered mobile console, perhaps a little like Nvidia's Shield, and when you connect it up to its TV dock, it becomes a more traditional home console, with all of the grounded benefits that brings. It could even house a secondary processor in the dock, similar to the way the PS4's expansion box is for its VR upgrade.

zeldabreath

Zelda: Breath of the Wild, will be one of the NX launch titles

It doesn't necessarily have to offer additional processing power, but could perhaps take over some of the more mundane tasks to free up that extra power on the main processors.

That might be necessary for the NX to keep pace with the potentially Xbox 1.5 style upgrades we're seeing from both Microsoft and Sony for their respective consoles, as the NX is rumoured to use a Nvidia Tegra processor. While they are certainly powerful for a portable system, they would be unlikely to offer comparable performance to the Xbox One or PS4.

That doesn't mean the NX wouldn't have some advantages though. Being truly portable is something that neither the Xbox One or PS4 can offer; it makes it potentially compatible with augmented games like Pokémon Go, which could prove a huge hit for Nintendo in the future; the use of cartridges could kill off load times completely, and the portable core feature should really differentiate the Nintendo offering from its previous Wii and Wii U consoles.

All of this is considered rumour for now though, so don't take anything as gospel. Eurogamer quotes a number of sources on the matter, but that's hardly enough to claim any of this as fact. We'll have to wait until September to get our first look at the NX, but it's set for its official release at some time in March 2017.

KitGuru says: This has me intrigued. I've enjoyed my time with the Wii U a lot, but a Nintendo that's striking off into new territory and combining its 3DS with a new, more powerful system, certainly has me interested.

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Cooler Master ‘Master Keys Pro S’ Cherry MX RGB Keyboard Review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/keyboards/matthew-wilson/cooler-master-master-keys-pro-s-cherry-mx-rgb-keyboard-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/keyboards/matthew-wilson/cooler-master-master-keys-pro-s-cherry-mx-rgb-keyboard-review/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2016 01:00:00 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=286346 While there has been no shortage of RGB keyboards over the last year, there has been a distinct lack of RGB keyboards with Cherry MX switches. Fortunately, it looks like that is starting to change as Cooler Master is launching two new keyboards today- the Master Keys Pro S and Master Keys Pro L, both …

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While there has been no shortage of RGB keyboards over the last year, there has been a distinct lack of RGB keyboards with Cherry MX switches. Fortunately, it looks like that is starting to change as Cooler Master is launching two new keyboards today- the Master Keys Pro S and Master Keys Pro L, both of which make use of Cherry's RGB switches. Today, we are taking a look at the S model, which makes use of a ten keyless compact design.

MasterKeys Pro S (3)

While most RGB keyboards have made users choose between highly customizable lighting or high-quality Cherry switches, the Master Keys Pro S delivers the best of both worlds, all in a compact design that saves space on your desk.

Features and Specifications:

  • Cherry MX Brown Switches.
  • RGB 16.8 million color lighting.
  • On the fly profile and macro support.
  • Anti-ghosting.
  • N-key rollover.
  • Detachable cable.
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Portable Steam Machine Kickstarter cancelled https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/matthew-wilson/portable-steam-machine-kickstarter-cancelled/ https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/matthew-wilson/portable-steam-machine-kickstarter-cancelled/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2015 17:05:26 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=278766 Earlier this year, plenty of people got excited about the Steamboy, the first handheld portable Steam Machine, which would be capable of both running some titles natively and streaming games from a more powerful gaming PC. Things picked up a bit more this month, as the portable Steam Machine had its name changed to the …

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Earlier this year, plenty of people got excited about the Steamboy, the first handheld portable Steam Machine, which would be capable of both running some titles natively and streaming games from a more powerful gaming PC. Things picked up a bit more this month, as the portable Steam Machine had its name changed to the ‘Smach Z' and launched on Kickstarter.

Things started off well, with over £150,000 raised but unfortunately, the crowd funding campaign has been called off, just a few days after going live. The team behind the SMACH Z explained its decision in a Kickstarter update, which notes that while pledges started off strong for a few days, things quickly declined. People were also confused about the specifications as not enough information was given regarding the AMD SoC that would be used for the handheld.

Screen-Shot-2015-12-09-at-18.34.59-e1449686126596

The post outlines some plans for the future, as the console isn't dead just yet, it is just being taken back to the drawing board. For starters, a new marketing plan will be put in place next time and a lower funding goal will be offered as long as the team can secure private funding elsewhere.

When the Smach Z kickstarter returns, it will do so with a working prototype as well. Right now, there is no real encapsulated prototype of the handheld, so we don't know for sure just how well it will work. On top of that, a lot of people were asking for a Windows version of the device, rather than sticking to Steam OS, so this will be considered for the future.

We have seen plenty of ambitious crowd funding projects get funded only to fail later on. It is clear that the Smach Z team did not want this to happen to them, so ultimately, it seems like a smart move to cancel the project for now and come back later with a better prototype and a tighter business plan.

KitGuru Says: I was disappointed to hear about this Kickstarter's cancellation at first but ultimately, it seems like the right move- the team obviously felt like it had made some mistakes with its messaging and business strategy. Were any of you interested in the portable Steam Machine? What do you think of its cancellation? 

 

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Nintendo may bring Game Boy games to phones https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/jon-martindale/nintendo-may-bring-game-boy-games-to-phones/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/jon-martindale/nintendo-may-bring-game-boy-games-to-phones/#comments Fri, 28 Nov 2014 08:43:17 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=223982 If there's one thing that Nintendo has that the other big console makers don't, it's a very strong history of portable gaming titles. Sure Sony has its PSP and Vita back catalogues, but neither can hardly compare to the sheer volume of games that have been released on the various Game Boys over the years. …

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If there's one thing that Nintendo has that the other big console makers don't, it's a very strong history of portable gaming titles. Sure Sony has its PSP and Vita back catalogues, but neither can hardly compare to the sheer volume of games that have been released on the various Game Boys over the years. If you never had one of those chunky grey consoles, or any of its successors though, you may still be in luck, as earlier this year Nintendo patented a method for emulating its games on smartphones, PCs and elsewhere.

gameboyseat

Thanks to the clever chaps over at NeoGAF, a patent application by Nintendo was dug up from June 2014, that essentially extends a patent for similar technology from a few years before. However it does contain suggestions beyond just making games work on your phone or tablet, there's also talk of making them work with airline and train touch-screen displays, as well as on home PCs and other platforms.

Much of the rest of the patent however, discusses problems with emulating games at a good enough quality with hardware far more advanced than what was available in the original Game Boys.

gameboyseat2

Due to the age of the original patent, the wording in this one is a little archaic, discussing the proliferation of “personal computers,” and “PDAs” as a trend that's worth taking advantage of. Clearly that didn't happen, but perhaps this latest push by Nintendo is a way for it to crack down on third party emulators. Here's hoping if that's the case, it at least releases its own and doesn't just use this patent to go after other developers.

KitGuru Says: A smart move would just be to pick the best third party application and hire the people behind it. I hope Nintendo does. Pokemon on my phone would be awesome. 

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LUXA2 GroovyW bluetooth speaker review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/speakers/jon-martindale/luxa2-groovyw-bluetooth-speaker-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/speakers/jon-martindale/luxa2-groovyw-bluetooth-speaker-review/#respond Fri, 08 Aug 2014 09:10:05 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=202273 Mobile phones have become indispensable to most of us in recent years. What started as a mere communication tool has now blossomed into the way many of us consume information, through news, media and social interactions. However, one aspect of contemporary smartphones that cannot beat the traditional (speaker) solution, is their ability to produce audio. Mostly that is to …

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Mobile phones have become indispensable to most of us in recent years. What started as a mere communication tool has now blossomed into the way many of us consume information, through news, media and social interactions. However, one aspect of contemporary smartphones that cannot beat the traditional (speaker) solution, is their ability to produce audio.

Mostly that is to do with space. There is only so much a speaker can do when it is limited to a size that is measured in millimeters rather than inches. But fortunately there are alternatives to having lackluster, loudspeaker audio – portable speakers, like the new GroovyW from LUXA2.

groovyw
Features:

  • Near Field Communication Technology (NFC)
  • Touch User Interface
  • Bluetooth Remote Control
  • Built-in Microphone
  • Charging station compatible with all wireless (Qi) charging devices
  • LED indicator

Specifications:

  • Bluetooth: CSR v3.0 + EDR
  • Wireless range: Up to 10 meters
  • Capacity GroovyW: 2,200mAh / 3.7V Li-ion
  • Wireless Charging Station: 4,000mAh / 3.7V Li-polymer
  • Input: Micro USB (5V/0.5A)
  • Audio output Total Ouput: 7W (Watts)
  • Playing time Standalone: Up to 15 hours playing time
  • With Wireless Charging Pad: Up to 30 hours playing time
  • Charging time GroovyW: 4.5hours (0-100%)
  • Wireless Charging Pad: 5.5 hours (0-100%)
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Antec SPZero portable bluetooth speaker review https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/jon-martindale/antec-spzero-portable-bluetooth-speaker/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/jon-martindale/antec-spzero-portable-bluetooth-speaker/#respond Wed, 05 Feb 2014 08:38:14 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=175682 Thanks to the likes of Apple (and Android to some extent), the world of mobile phones has become as much about style as it has about substance. This goes double so for audio devices, thanks to companies like Dr Dre's Beats. But while there are plenty of companies willing to make products that appeal to …

The post Antec SPZero portable bluetooth speaker review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Thanks to the likes of Apple (and Android to some extent), the world of mobile phones has become as much about style as it has about substance. This goes double so for audio devices, thanks to companies like Dr Dre's Beats. But while there are plenty of companies willing to make products that appeal to both of those camps, the hard part is standing out from the crowd.

How did Antec try to do that? By making their audio accessory bright orange.

Of course this is just one of many eye catching colour combinations that the SPZero is available in. You can also get it in white and blue, white and green, white and pink, and a variety of other combinations. The orange and black seems the most eye catching though and therefore the poster child for this small but powerful bluetooth speaker.

spzero

Specifications

Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth V3.0
Wireless Range: Up to 10m
Microphone: Built-in Microphone
Size: 86mm(L) x 57mm(W) x 94mm(H)
Weight: 218g
Battery Type: 750mAh Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
Support Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP

The packaging for the SPZero is designed to show you exactly what you're getting with the speaker – a fist sized, bright orange audio device. It does however extol some of the device's features, including its ability to hook up with any device, be it smartphone or tablet, with bluetooth connectivity.

There are a few accessories though, including a clip for attaching the speaker to a bag or strap, a micro-USB to USB cable and a 3.5mm audio cable. Each is pretty short, so don't expect to route this a long way, but it does mean you can hook it up to devices that don't have the ability to use bluetooth.

Asus-Speaker-01
Asus-Speaker-02

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Logitech M560 Wireless Mouse Review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/mouse/henry-butt/logitech-m560-wireless-mouse-review/ Mon, 20 Jan 2014 11:38:04 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=168515 Today we are going to look at one of Logitech's latest mice, the M560. Unlike many of the mice that pass through our labs this is not a gaming model.  It has been designed for those who want a wireless mouse to use specifically with Windows 8. The M560  features a dedicated OS menu button …

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Today we are going to look at one of Logitech's latest mice, the M560. Unlike many of the mice that pass through our labs this is not a gaming model.  It has been designed for those who want a wireless mouse to use specifically with Windows 8. The M560  features a dedicated OS menu button for easy access.

Logitech are renowned for producing quality peripherals, they have an extremely wide range of products available from high end gaming headsets to budget multimedia keyboards.

The M560 is targeted at the enthusiast audience looking for a compact, high-quality mouse. We imagine that the potential audience will be shopping for a mouse to accompany a Windows 8 laptop as the diminutive dimensions of the wireless transmitter make it ideal for that task.

We are excited to see how the M560 fares, as it is quite an expensive model.

IMG_4347

Features

  • Full-size, comfort-sculpted design
  • Two extra thumb buttons
  • Windows 8 edge menu button
  • Hyper-fast scroll wheel
  • Logitech Unifying receiver
The post Logitech M560 Wireless Mouse Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Arctic S113BT Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-reviews/simon-telford/arctic-s113bt-portable-bluetooth-speaker-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-reviews/simon-telford/arctic-s113bt-portable-bluetooth-speaker-review/#comments Fri, 16 Aug 2013 07:49:27 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=144962 Arctic has decided to face the challenge of creating a portable Bluetooth speaker that can connect to a wide-range of devices. Their creation is the Arctic S113 BT Portable Bluetooth Speaker and on paper it has a strong set of features and specifications.

The post Arctic S113BT Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>

Portable speakers have had limited success in the computer peripheral market and most that have found success have been tailored towards iPods as portable docking stations.  These devices have always been restricted by their connection options and battery life. Arctic has decided to face the challenge of creating a portable Bluetooth speaker that can connect to a wide-range of devices. Their creation is the Arctic S113 BT Portable Bluetooth Speaker and on paper it has a strong set of features and specifications.

One of these key features is NFC (near-field communication), which will allow you to pair your mobile phone to the device just by placing your phone within a few centimeters of the speaker.

a58bf2678beefdbd239928e11af67d0a
Specifications

Bluetooth Version V4.0 + EDR (Class 2)
Speakers 2 x 1.5” Full range Drivers + 2x 1.5” Bass Radiators
Microphone Sensitivity -44 ±3dB
Battery Rechargeable 1,200mAh Lithium Polymer Battery
Product Dimensions (L x W x H) 58mm x 46mm x 157mm
Playback Time 8h
Frequency Response 30Hz – 20kHz
Impedance
Output Power (RMS) 2 x 3W
Packaging Content 4S113 BT Speaker x 1 / 3.5 mm Cable x 1 /
Micro USB Cable x 1 / Travel Pouch x 1 /
Manual x 1
Itemnumber SKASO-S113B-BKA01.1
Gross Weight 0.29 kg
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Wavemaster Mobi Speakers review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/speakers/jules/wavemaster-mobi-speakers-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/speakers/jules/wavemaster-mobi-speakers-review/#respond Sat, 27 Jul 2013 08:45:46 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=143574 Every now and then, we get something cool and funky into the KitGuru offices. Sometimes the timing of the new arrival is out and sometimes the timing is spot on. With the current heatwave, the arrival of a pair of Wavemaster Mobi speakers could not have been better timed.  Not only could they be useful …

The post Wavemaster Mobi Speakers review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>

Every now and then, we get something cool and funky into the KitGuru offices. Sometimes the timing of the new arrival is out and sometimes the timing is spot on. With the current heatwave, the arrival of a pair of Wavemaster Mobi speakers could not have been better timed. 

Not only could they be useful for a day out in the park in the UK, but there's also the long distance travel possibilities – music on the beach and/or besides the hotel pool.

Even that small introduction sets the scene perfectly, because the way we use speakers defines what they need to deliver.

With something like the Wavemaster Mobi speaker, we're talking about :-

  1. Styling: Do you want to be seen with them?
  2. Battery Life: Will one of these speakers last long enough to satisfy your need for music on the move?
  3. Volume: Can a Mobi will your airwaves when you're out and about?
  4. Durability: Will a Wavemaster Mobi survive being battered around in your luggage?

With a UK street price that tends to be just over £18, most of the Wavemaster Mobi speakers you will see in the UK are Black or White, although Pink and Green are also listed on Wavemaster's site.

The basic specification looks like this:-

  • Speaker driver: 3,8 cm full range
  • Amplifier: Class-D, integrated
  • Output power (RMS): 1 x 3,8 W
  • Frequency response: 80 – 20000 Hz
  • Controls/display: On/Off, LED indicator for ON/OFF and charging status
  • Battery: Li-Ion 3,7 V, 500 mAh
  • Charging Voltage: USB 5 V
  • Connectors: 3,5 mm stereo / Micro-USB-connector for charging
  • Dimensions: ø 80 mm x 50 mm
  • Weight: 90g

Around the time that Wavemaster sent over some Mobi speakers, we happened to have Vanessa Agyemang in the KitGuru studios. When she is not winning awards for modelling, Vanessa is an architecture graduate with a lifelong interest in style and design. In fact, she's in the process of setting up her own product design company, so we we thought we'd ask her to give the speakers a unique showcase environment for photography:-

Architect, designer and multi-award winning model, Vanessa Agyemang, gives us a Bono special shot.

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More detailed shots of the 8-port ADATA AE800 emerge https://www.kitguru.net/components/hard-drives/harrison/more-detailed-shots-of-the-8-port-adata-ae800-emerge/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/hard-drives/harrison/more-detailed-shots-of-the-8-port-adata-ae800-emerge/#respond Sun, 30 Jun 2013 22:16:28 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=140447 Ahead of its full launch, the stylish little multi-way HD streaming drive and portable 8-station network creator that ADATA calls the AE800  is now being rendered with more pixels than ever. KitGuru hacks a few online image storage repositories and comes back with some new gadget capture goodies. Portable ‘Sky boxes' with tons of HD …

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Ahead of its full launch, the stylish little multi-way HD streaming drive and portable 8-station network creator that ADATA calls the AE800  is now being rendered with more pixels than ever. KitGuru hacks a few online image storage repositories and comes back with some new gadget capture goodies.

Portable ‘Sky boxes' with tons of HD content and the ability to stream it here, there and everywhere, wirelessly – for hours – sounds useful.

As each of us spend more and more of the day with a device capable of displaying that kind of content, so the potential demand increases.

But what should these devices look like? Can we get a proper close up?

Cool looking, but will the 5100mAh battery be enough?
Cool looking, but will the 5100mAh battery be enough?

.
Competing products from companies like Seagate managed to pick up a ‘Best of CES' award with just 3 wireless access points, while ADATA is aiming for up to 8 wireless ‘ports'.

KitGuru says: Neat design, especially given Apple's decision to push its Pro products toward black. Still no confirmation on price and availability.

Comment below, in the KitGuru forums or join us online over at Facebook.

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ADATA gets aggressive on portable storage pricing https://www.kitguru.net/components/hard-drives/jules/adata-gets-aggressive-on-portable-storage-pricing/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/hard-drives/jules/adata-gets-aggressive-on-portable-storage-pricing/#respond Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:28:23 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=137444 From the 3.5″ floppy through to the USB pen drive, we have all gotten used to carrying data with us. As our demands have grown, so has the requirement for storage capacity. And we also want it cheap. Looks like ADATA's price aggression might yield a solution. How much storage is enough? Way back in …

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From the 3.5″ floppy through to the USB pen drive, we have all gotten used to carrying data with us. As our demands have grown, so has the requirement for storage capacity. And we also want it cheap. Looks like ADATA's price aggression might yield a solution.

How much storage is enough?

Way back in June 2010, KitGuru did a famous little experiment to see if it was possible to live with a 64GB SSD.

The answer was no, but not immediately. We actually managed to install Windows, the full Adobe suite, Microsoft Office (complete with bells and whistles) and a few games. We avoided downloading films etc, but it only lasted about 4 weeks before we started to encounter serious issues.

Using that as a starting point, it's easy to see how 120GB is ‘livable' and anything over 200Gb is plenty (as long as you have some proper drives in the background – waiting to back up non-essential files).

So what about a 750GB USB 3 drive that can run off the juice in the data cable and costs only £39?

Paired with a system (desktop or laptop) that is running off a 120 or 240GB SSD, it would give you 6x or 3x the capacity in a handy little portable shell – 120mm x 82mm x 21mm and weighing in at just over 185 grams.

According to ADATA, it is compatible with everything from Mac OS 9 and Windows 7 right down to Windows 8.

Under ideal conditions, the data transfer rate for your backup could approach 90MB/second, so it's no slouch.

Given that it slips into your pocket, it's an attractive price for a 750GB USB 3 drive
Given that it slips into your pocket, it's an attractive price for a 750GB USB 3 drive

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KitGuru says: At just under £40, this 750GB external USB3 hard drive from ADATA is pretty tempting. 

Comment below, in the KitGuru forums or join us online on Facebook.

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Luxa2 doubles lifespan of iPhone 5 https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/harrison/luxa2-doubles-lifespan-of-iphone-5/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/harrison/luxa2-doubles-lifespan-of-iphone-5/#respond Tue, 14 May 2013 07:41:52 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=134698 If you come from a Blackberry point of view, the idea of a smartphone with a sealed battery seems very silly, but manufacturers like Nokia and Apple work on the basis that your phone should be as slim/light as possible and locked in wherever it can be. Which might look nice, but means ‘no charger, …

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If you come from a Blackberry point of view, the idea of a smartphone with a sealed battery seems very silly, but manufacturers like Nokia and Apple work on the basis that your phone should be as slim/light as possible and locked in wherever it can be. Which might look nice, but means ‘no charger, no charge'. KitGuru investigates the latest release by Luxa2.

Once upon a time, Thermaltake was a chassis and cooler company only.

At some point, the CEO Kenny Lin realised that he had a problem on his hands: If you make a really good cooler, case etc, then people don't need to buy anything else from you for several years. And so Tt eSports was born – driven along by every gamers need to have a mouse, keyboard etc that's just slightly better than their competitor – and these products wear out – creating an opportunity for customers to buy once a year or even more frequently.

So with manufacturing running smoothly for tradition and gaming markets, this production giant now turned its attention to the much more complicated world of consumer electronics.

Today sees the launch of the P3 from Luxa2.

Weighing in at just 70 grams (2 ounces), this 2,500 mAh power bank can store enough juice to effectively double the charge life span of an iPhone 5. In fact, under perfect circumstances, it can offer just OVER a second charge – but none of live in a perfect world, so let's be a little pessimistic.

Available in black or silver, the Luxa2 P3 power bank looks almost exactly the same as the iPhone 5 itself and comes with a range of charging connectors so, technically, it could also work its magic on Windows phones etc.

It looks nice, but what about the price?
It looks nice, but what about the price?

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KitGuru says: If you had one of these in your car, office, bag when your iPhone 5 died – then you'd probably be giving praise. But, as with all things in life, price and availability will determine success.

Comment below, in the KitGuru forums or join us online over at Facebook.

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Tenda W300M Wireless N300 Portable AP/Router Review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/routers/luke-hill/tenda-w300m-wireless-n300-portable-aprouter-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/routers/luke-hill/tenda-w300m-wireless-n300-portable-aprouter-review/#respond Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:11:41 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=127562 Wireless networks in hotels and other locations are becoming commonplace, but that doesn't mean that they are cheap to use, reliable or secure. Tenda's W300M portable access point/router aims to solve those problems by converting the more secure port-based internet connection to a personalised wireless network. If you haven't experienced the irritation of booking into a …

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Wireless networks in hotels and other locations are becoming commonplace, but that doesn't mean that they are cheap to use, reliable or secure. Tenda's W300M portable access point/router aims to solve those problems by converting the more secure port-based internet connection to a personalised wireless network.

If you haven't experienced the irritation of booking into a hotel room or arriving at a new destination only to find out that your internet tablet, mobile phone and laptop are all rendered ineffective by the location's solitary wired internet connection or awful wireless signal, then you are a lucky person. Tenda has recognised this problem and designed an irritation-removing device which has the ability to convert a single Ethernet port into a 300Mbps Wireless-N network.

While wired port conversion is the W300M's headline function, it isn't the only task that it is capable of carrying out. The repeater/extender mode allows a weak network signal to be boosted, providing an easy-to-access connection for wireless devices with less powerful adapters, or even wired computers.

With five convenient operating modes and a hassle-free form factor, can Tenda's W300M prove that it is a must have, headache-curing device for frequent travellers or users with network problems?

Specifications:

  • Standards: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n; IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u
  • Interface: 1*10/100M LAN/WAN (interchangeable) port
  • Antenna: Internal high performance, omni-directional antenna
  • Wireless speed: 300Mbps
  • Wireless frequency: 2.4GHz
  • Wireless modes: 11 b/g/n mixed, 11 b/g mixed, 11g, 11b
  • Security: Content control, 64-/128-bit WEP, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
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Nerdytec CouchMaster Premium Review https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-announcement/luke-hill/nerdytec-couchmaster-premium-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-announcement/luke-hill/nerdytec-couchmaster-premium-review/#comments Mon, 21 Jan 2013 09:05:51 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=120781 The Couchmaster combines a solid wood cross-section support with a pair of soft, comfort-enhancing cushions, is the CouchMaster the product to make PC gaming a viable option for the 'big screen'?

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In days gone by, it was rare to see PC gamers sitting anywhere other than at a desk when enjoying their favourite titles. With the emergence and widespread adoption of big-screen TVs and floor-shaking surround sound systems, PC gamers' desks have a competing entertainment area – the couch.

While couch (or sofa for us Brits) gaming is more commonly associated with consoles which rely upon handheld controllers, that's not to say that the entertainment equipment isn't up to scratch for high quality PC action. One of the main caveats for hardcore PC fans was the awkwardness of using a keyboard and mouse while sat away from the input devices' natural home – the desk.

Nerdytec has aimed to solve that problem with its portable-desk-like CouchMaster. Combining a solid wood cross-section support with a pair of soft, comfort-enhancing cushions, is the CouchMaster the product to make PC gaming a viable option for the ‘big screen'?

Components:

  • 2x support cushions (1 with pocket).
  • 1x wooden cross board support with integrated cable management.
  • 3x palm and wrist rests.
  • Hook and loop (Velcro) self-adhesive fastener strips.
  • 4 port USB 3.0 mains-powered hub (Premium-edition only).
  • 5m USB 3.0 extension cable (Premium-edition only).
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Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/henry-butt/cooler-master-elite-120-advanced-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/henry-butt/cooler-master-elite-120-advanced-case-review/#comments Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:52:23 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=108285 Today we are going to take a look at Cooler Master's latest small form factor offering, the Elite 120 Advanced which boasts an impressive specification.  It has room for a full-size power supply and for long dual slot graphics cards, making it an ideal choice for those looking to build a powerful gaming system.  We …

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Today we are going to take a look at Cooler Master's latest small form factor offering, the Elite 120 Advanced which boasts an impressive specification.  It has room for a full-size power supply and for long dual slot graphics cards, making it an ideal choice for those looking to build a powerful gaming system.  We look forward to seeing how it fares in our tests.

There are a number of small form factor cases available on the market which are designed for a variety of applications.  Over the past couple of years we have seen a number of companies including Silverstone and Bitfenix release small form factor cases designed for gamers.  These are ideal for taking to LAN events like Multiplay's i-Series as they are easily portable and can be configured with high-end components.


Features

  • Unprecedented airflow for a Mini-ITX case.
  • 1/3 the size of a standard case.
  • Supports standard length ATX PSUs with innovative rear mount.
  • Supports Ultra High-End VGA's (HD7990/GTX690).
  • Stylish Aluminum front panel.
  • USB 3.0 Super Speed Support.
  • Features a Full Size 5.25″ Drive Bay.
  • Supports Up to 3 x 3.5″ / 4 x 2.5″ HDD/SSD (converted from 2 x 3.5″ HDD bay).
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MSI Z77IA-E53 Mini-ITX Motherboard Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/henry-butt/msi-z77ia-e53-mini-itx-motherboard-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/henry-butt/msi-z77ia-e53-mini-itx-motherboard-review/#comments Thu, 04 Oct 2012 07:30:11 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=110479 Today we are going to look at MSI‘s latest mini-ITX offering, the Z77IA-E53 motherboard. It’s designed for users who are looking to build a powerful compact system based around the Intel Z77 platform. This makes it ideal for building a compact LAN gaming system in a case such as the Bitfenix Prodigy.

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Over the past year we have tested many mini-ITX motherboards which have impressed us to varying degrees.  The ASRock Z77E-ITX was a particular highlight with its stellar overclocking performance, rivaling some full-size ATX motherboards when paired with a Intel Core i7-3770K.

Today we are going to look at MSI‘s latest mini-ITX offering, the Z77IA-E53 motherboard. It's designed for users who are looking to build a powerful compact system based around the Intel Z77 platform.  This makes it ideal for building a compact LAN gaming system in a case such as the Bitfenix Prodigy.

We will be using an Intel Core  i7-3770K for our tests today.

Features

  • OC Genie II: Auto OC to boost performance in 1 sec
  • ClickBIOS II: Easy-to-use UEFI BIOS interface
  • THX TruStudio PRO: deliver the fullest audio experience
  • Support USB 3.0 & SATA 6Gb/s

For the full list of features and specification, please visit the MSI website here.

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Orange OPC Review https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/henry-butt/orange-opc-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/henry-butt/orange-opc-review/#comments Wed, 15 Aug 2012 06:52:05 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=103877 There are a large number of companies in the UK who would be willing to build a PC to your own specification providing you're willing to put up enough cash.  There isn't a whole lot which differentiates these PCs from each other, though, as you're usually restricted to the same set of basic components to …

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There are a large number of companies in the UK who would be willing to build a PC to your own specification providing you're willing to put up enough cash.  There isn't a whole lot which differentiates these PCs from each other, though, as you're usually restricted to the same set of basic components to choose from.  They might even look the same as most manufacturers use the same cases as a basis for their systems.

But what if you're looking for something a bit different?  There are fewer companies out there who are willing to build you a truly custom system and they usually charge top dollar for them.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA48UcAf6qQ']

Today we are going to take a look at a rather interesting computer from a company called Orange, the OPC.  Music enthusiasts may well recognise the Orange name as they are a well known manufacturer of amplifiers.  In fact, you'd be forgiven for mistaking the OPC for an amplifier as the case is based on the design of a guitar amp.  It features their trademark orange colour scheme which really makes it stand out from the competition.

More information about the Orange OPC is available here.

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