Apple : YouTube TV: Everything you need to know about the TV streaming service |
- YouTube TV: Everything you need to know about the TV streaming service
- Best live TV Kodi add-ons for 2019 and how to install them
- Best iPhone 2019: which Apple phone is the best?
- Best camera phone 2019: the top smartphone snappers around
- Best CPU cooler 2019: top CPU coolers for your PC
- The best PC case 2019: top cases for your desktop computer
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| YouTube TV: Everything you need to know about the TV streaming service Posted: 23 Jan 2019 01:35 PM PST Update: YouTube TV is going nation-wide in time for Super Bowl Sunday. The streaming service announced on January 23 that it would be available immediately in 98% of the US market with the rest to come shortly after. YouTube TV is available now to everyone in the United States, from Los Angeles to New York City, and it's a brought an absolute reckoning for mainstream cable providers – you know, those guys who hose us with equipment rental fees and HD service when those things should just be free of charge. For far too long, cable contracts have penalized us if we so much as look at another cable option while bundles pack in things we don't use (cough, home phones) and channels we don't watch all so cable companies can maintain their bottom line. Well, bad news cable companies: Those days are over. YouTube TV is a cable replacement, full stop, offering live TV to your phone, tablet and streaming device without a costly cable subscription and contract.
It's a deal that feels too good to be true for those of us and while it has some problems of its own, it could one day put cable companies out of business. While cable-cutters are definitely on YouTube's radar, it's the so-called cord-nevers out there - those of us who have never paid for cable, and likely never will - that YouTube TV really speaks to. It's all the channels we've come to expect from our parent's house, but at a price we can actually afford. Are you ready to cancel cable once and for all? Are you ready for dozens of channels streaming live wherever you are without the need for a cable box? If so, then pull up a seat and we'll give you the 411 on this game-changing new service. How to watch YouTube TV on your TVFirst thing's first, you'll need to sign up for a free trial of the service. Once that's done, you can either tune in on your browser (tv.youtube.com) or find the YouTube TV app on your iOS and Android phone or tablet. If you're looking for the old-school sit back experience, YouTube TV is available on Chromecast and Apple TV compatible by casting from your aforementioned phone and tablet or, if you're the proud owner of an Android TV and/or Roku device, you can find a dedicated app for YouTube TV on their respective channel stores. Now, it's also worth pointing out that to access YouTube TV, not only are you going to need a subscription to the service but also an internet service plan from one of your local ISPs (for most folks, that's AT&T, Spectrum, Verizon). This is something most folks pay for already and therefore hasn't been figured into the cost of YouTube TV - but it's worth noting nonetheless. Why YouTube TV is new, but importantWhy is YouTube TV going to be big? Well, while PlayStation Vue and Sling TV had to carve out a new audience for their products, YouTube TV already has one – one billion users that live in 88 countries and speak 76 different languages. So far, that massive user base, combined with the YouTube brand – plus the offer of a contract-free cable experience – has attracted a lot of customers, some 800,000 at last count in July 2018. Should the service ever make its way to the UK where folks watch around 180m hours a day – a number that, according to The Guardian, is growing 45% year on year – it could spell big trouble for traditional service providers.
OK, so YouTube TV is going to be big, you get that. But what exactly is YouTube TV and why should you care? Let’s talk about it.
So how is YouTube TV different?YouTube TV is a US-exclusive live TV streaming service – think Netflix but instead of on-demand TV shows and movies you’ll see cable channels like ABC, NBC, FOX, ESPN and Disney among many, many more. It’s like cable in the sense that everything is divided by channel and, yes, you’ll have to pay a monthly fee for it, but the difference here is that you’ll be able to take shows whenever and wherever you go. Loading up the service for the first time, we were recommended shows like Archer, The Big Bang Theory, The Simpsons and many more. We easily found enough content to keep us entertained for the time-being, plus will have plenty to watch next time we log-on thanks to YouTube TV's stellar Cloud DVR. Cloud DVR, if you've never heard that term before, allows you to record your favorite shows as they air and save them, well, to the cloud so that you can watch them later. It’s TiVo, but everything’s online. YouTube TV promises unlimited storage for shows for up to nine months – a serious advantage over the competition which usually only offer 28 days of storage. If you think you're going to just jump past the advertisements, though, think again. Like traditional cable, YouTube TV and its line-up of channels still need revenue beyond your month-to-month subscription fee – and advertisements, as much as we despise them, are YouTube's way of keeping the lights on.
But your monthly subscription isn't without its benefits – YouTube says that its service will allow up to six people in the family to access the service and will allow up to three of them tune into the service simultaneously on the same account – a big advantage when you’re looking to replace cable and you have a big family. The other thing you need to know about YouTube TV is its price: $40 a month. For comparison, that’s slightly more expensive than Sling TV’s basic $20-per-month package and a few dollars less than PlayStation Vue’s basic $45 package that includes local stations like CBS, NBC, etc… Cut to the chase
What channels are available on YouTube TV?At last count, YouTube TV offers over 60 networks, including popular cable networks and on-demand programming available for viewing. That includes ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and more (which means every NFL game up to and including the Super Bowl, are yours to watch every Sunday) plus all the channels that fall under the umbrella of those companies – i.e. ESPN, CSN, FOX Sports, USA, FX, Disney, E!, Bravo, SyFy, FXX, National Geographic, MSNBC, FOX News, CNBC and more. Here's the complete picture of every channel so far.
On top of all those channels shown above, you’ll also get access to YouTube’s own network of shows, YouTube Red Originals. Shows on this ‘network’ (a term we use very lightly here) include Scare PewDiePie and exclusive films that you’ve probably never heard of. This really isn’t a huge draw for most people, but hey, maybe the money that comes in from YouTube TV can be used to crank up the quality of this content to near-Netflix levels. Now, like Amazon Video, you can actually tack on additional premium stations for an extra fee. Right now the list of premium offerings include FOX Soccer Plus and Showtime, which cost around $10 extra per month.
How is it different than YouTube Premium?This can be sort of confusing, so listen up. YouTube Premium (what used to be called YouTube Red) is an ad-free version of YouTube that has a few fun features like allowing you to keep a video playing even when your phone is turned off. What YouTube Premium won't allow you to do is watch live TV or cable TV content. For that you'll need YouTube TV. y. Is there some crossover potential here between these two services? Absolutely. Maybe a subscription to YouTube TV also nets you a free subscription to Red. But we'll just have to wait to find out more from YouTube if that's the case. Is YouTube TV a better deal than cable?That’s a good question. The answer here is ‘maybe’. Depending on how your cable service provider packages its internet and cable bundles. If you’re already paying for internet service, you can tack on an extra $40 for YouTube TV and maybe a $10-per-month subscription to Netflix and have just as much content as you’d have from a cable TV service that usually run $60-70 per month. That being said, if you’re paying for one of those bundles that allows you to package cable, internet and phone service together for a lower price, YouTube TV might not come out to be any less.
The benefits of going for a streaming service over a cable service are the ability to watch shows wherever you go, the potential to use Cloud DVR to save shows for later and the no-obligations contract that allows you to cancel your account without a termination fee. On top of everything else, you don’t need to rent a cable box from companies like Comcast, Spectrum or AT&T, because the streaming service comes in through whatever device you’re using. In short, YouTube TV can offer as many channels as basic cable does, without the need for a cable box and 12-month contract, which is why we consider it a win. It does all that and offers Cloud DVR, is available a plethora of apps for devices like Apple TV and the Xbox One family of consoles and does video-on-demand, making it one of the best streaming services on the planet. (Though, at the time of this writing, YouTube TV is currently NOT supported on PS4 or Roku - so there's still room for improvement.) How soon can you start watching it? Right now. Just head over to tv.youtube.com to start your free trial.
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| Best live TV Kodi add-ons for 2019 and how to install them Posted: 23 Jan 2019 01:15 PM PST If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to the best Kodi add ons, you've come to the right place - we've done all the work to find the best apps on the platform and can point you in the right direction for where to look. We've updated this list for January and February 2019, but keep in mind that some add ons disappear periodically only to blip back into existence a few months later. If you’re not familiar with Kodi, you should be. As an all-purpose media player, Kodi is second to none. It offers users the ability to stream, download and access content from one convenient place. More than that, it’s both free and open source, so it’s constantly adapting and becoming more versatile. Of all the amenities Kodi provides, one of the biggest selling points is the fact that it lets users stream live TV without having to commit to a particular cable provider. In fact, it makes cutting the cord even easier since users can instantly program Kodi to stream virtually any TV channel around the world. Of course, none of this would be possible without the abundance of Kodi add-ons that are currently flooding the internet. Please be advised that we at TechRadar do not condone or endorse piracy, so this list will only feature official (and legal) live streaming add-ons. So, without further ado, check the list below for our top live streaming add-ons. (Note that unless otherwise specified, every add-on in this article can be found in the Kodi repository by opening Kodi and going to Add-ons > Downloads > Video add-ons.) How to watch live TV on Kodi: The best Kodi live TV add-ons
USTV NowThis official streaming channel features live streams from the top US broadcasters, including NBC, ABC, CBS, and more. Note that you can stream up to seven networks with a free subscription, but you need to pay $20 (£14) to unlock all 21 available channels. PS VueAt its core, PS Vue was made to be a convenient cable replacement. Offering more than 50 live TV channels, you’ll need a subscription in order to use this add-on. Prices start around $40 (£28) a month, with different viewing options depending on the exact subscription.
iPlayer WWWEssentially, this is the Kodi version of the BBC’s popular iPlayer platform. A subscription is required, but once you’re logged in, you can stream live UK TV and radio. You’ll need to use an IP in the UK, but users outside the country can stream with a VPN (read more about this below). ITVSimilar to iPlayer, the ITV add-on (which you’ll find here) lets you live stream ITV broadcasts. You can take advantage of tons of live shows while also gaining full access to ITV’s hearty repository. Again, you’ll either need to be in the UK or use a VPN to access this add-on.
Pluto.TVA versatile add-on that offers both live streams as well as a deep repository of on-demand content, Pluto.TV requires users to create an account, but the service is free to use. It also has a large selection of news broadcasts. Comet TVAs part of the Syfy network, Comet TV is a dedicated Kodi add-on for all things science fiction. It offers its own set of live streams, as well as a robust repository of older on-demand series and films.
NewsONProviding both live US cable news streams as well as regional state-by-state broadcasts, NewsON is the one and only Kodi add-on you’ll need to stream live news. As an all-purpose news aggregator, it’s simply the best.
CheddarBroadcasting daily from the New York Stock Exchange, Cheddar is a live streaming add-on that’s geared specifically toward millennials. With no subscription required, you can access all the latest breaking tech and financial news, as well as a large repository of older broadcasts. PlexWhere to find it: Plex Forums If you think about it, it’s kind of strange that Plex – long seen as a fierce competitor with Kodi – has now launched its own Kodi add-on for the powerful Plex server software, bringing with it the usual attractive interface and other awesome features that Plex is known for. While many people may think adding Plex to Kodi is a bit wasteful as they share many of the same features, it's actually a fantastic move. Now users can have the slick and professional Plex experience alongside the flexibility of Kodi. If you're a home theater obsessive, then the Plex add-on for Kodi is a must, and thanks to a recent update you don't even need a Plex subscription to use it.
The best Kodi live sports add-onsLooking to get your sports fix? Yup, Kodi can help with that too. Again, keep in mind that this list only includes official add-ons, so most will require a subscription. That said, the great thing about Kodi is that it caters to every audience around the world, so whatever your sport of choice, from baseball to football, you’re sure to find an add-on that streams it.
DAZNFor roughly $20 (£14) a month, this add-on features tons of live sports streams, including boxing, hockey, and more. That said, DAZN usually offers a one-month free trial, so you can sign up, try it out, and see if you like it. Bear in mind that this add-on is currently only available in Germany, Canada, Austria, Switzerland and Japan. Fortunately, you can still use a VPN to spoof your location and stream, as we’ll discuss later. ESPN PlayerThis handy sports add-on gives you access to the wide world of ESPN sports, all from the comfort of your streaming device. You’ll need an ESPN subscription to use it, but once you’ve logged in you’ll notice a sizeable backlog of recaps, highlights, and more.
NBC Sports Live ExtraEssentially the Kodi version of the streaming service, you can sync your NBC Sports account to your Kodi device to live stream everything from racing to boxing and more. Note that you’ll need to sign up first.
Sportsnet NowAs one of the few Canada-based sports add-ons, Sportsnet Now gives users full access to live Canadian sports broadcasts. You’ll need to use a Canadian IP address to stream, so a VPN may be helpful for people who are outside Canada.
MLB.TVYou’ll need a subscription to stream, but once you sign up you’ll have access to every baseball event in the US. Like the NBA and NFL add-ons, you can watch old highlights and other clips for free with the MLB.com add-on. NBA League Pass and NFL Game Pass are also available in the Kodi repository.
Bulldog StreamsWhere to find it: Bulldog Streams website If you don't mind your streaming Kodi add-on using a silly name and a bit of a silly lead image, Bulldog streams is worth a shot. It offers plenty of sport TV channel streams, as well as an Operation Robocop zone. This is where you'll find Bulldog Streams's live event streams, a hot ticket in the Kodi add-on stakes. Some of the streams may take a while to load at peak times due to server load, but the streams on offer give you plenty of choice.
Sports ManiaWhere to find it: Sports Mania website Pay for a Kodi add-on? Madness? Not quite. Sports Mania is an excellent add-on that has dynamic server load management so you don't have to put up with stuttering streams or ones that refuse to load altogether. It'll cost you £50 a year (around $65, AU$90), but might be worth it if you are going to use Kodi for a lot of sport-watching longer-term. There are also shorter memberships if you just want to try out a premium Kodi add-on without much of a commitment.
Other Kodi add-ons
SHOUTcast 2Where to find it: Default Kodi repository SHOUTcast 2 is an internet radio Kodi add-on, letting you listen to one of thousands of online radio stations directly from the Kodi interface. It's very easy to use, although given the huge volume of channels available, it can be difficult to find just the right one for you. Thankfully it organizes channels by Genre, which makes it a little easier to browse.
SickBeard, CouchPotatoWhere to find it: Default Kodi repository We've previously spoken about how to use programs such as CouchPotato or SickBeard to automatically download TV shows and movies, and SickBeard XBMC and CouchPotato Manager are add-ons that let you control these apps from within the lounge room-friendly interface of Kodi. You'll still need the apps installed on your PC to use them. You can add new shows or movies, and check and stream your library with these apps, and they do a good job of letting you get to the core functionality of the apps.
SpotimcWhere to find it: Superepo repository Spotify doesn't make an official interface for Kodi, but there are third-party add-ons that let you access your Spotify account from within the Kodi software. Spotimc is the one we've been using. While not quite as slick as the mobile app Spotify has made, it gives you access to the full Spotify library as well as the playlists you've created on your phone or laptop (and it doesn't mess up the formatting of artist and track information either). A good alternative to plugging your laptop into your hi-fi during a party.
Apple iTunes PodcastsWhere to find it: Default Kodi repository There's a small army of podcast apps for Kodi, but the one with the best line-up is Apple iTunes Podcasts, which hooks into the iTunes podcast library, an amazing treasure trove of content. The interface isn't too fancy, but it's clean, clear and easy to search through. There are also loads of sub-genres, making browsing for new podcasts without having any friends' recommendations a cinch.
Kermode and Mayo's Film ReviewFilm fan? You're missing out if you don't listen to the Kermode and Mayo Film Review show. This Kodi add-on gives you access to the huge podcast archive, and a lot more besides. You can watch the Kermode Uncut video blogs (definitely worth a watch), as well as all the YouTube video clips of Kermode and Mayo in the studio reviewing many films from the last few years. Just remember to say hello to jason Isaacs.
ROM Collection BrowserWhere to find it: Inbuilt script Kodi isn't just about playing video and music: you can also point it towards your retro game ROM and emulator collection and it'll arrange your goodies in a very TV-friendly way. You can also launch games right from this UI, and it's built into Kodi too – just search for "rom collection" in the add-on browser. It doesn't provide any emulators or ROMs though, so you'll need to have those first.
The best Kodi bonus add-on: Why you should use a VPN with KodiWhether you use Kodi as a cable replacement, a gaming machine, or simply a music service, it’s important that you use a VPN. Not only will you be able to access more streams, but you’ll also be able to instantly secure your entire online network. This means you can use Kodi without worrying about your information being tracked or recorded. A VPN can also help you bypass any throttling in the event that your ISP is purposely – whether it notifies you or not – slowing your network down. While a VPN won’t usually increase your streaming speeds, it can help restore them to their baseline. When choosing a VPN, it’s important to factor in three main criteria: anonymity, privacy, and plenty of server options. In our experience, ExpressVPN offers the best overall bang for your buck. As our highest rated VPN service, it’s a clear winner. And because the firm’s apps use the OpenVPN protocol by default, it’s the perfect VPN for streaming.
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| Best iPhone 2019: which Apple phone is the best? Posted: 23 Jan 2019 01:05 PM PST Picking the best iPhone got a bit more complicated in late 2018 after Apple launched three new picks in the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR. We've ranked these three new flagship iPhones, as well as the older handsets, so you can find the best iPhone for you. Our recommendations round out the top 10 iPhones you can buy (yes, there's more than 10), because buying the newest might not be your best option if you wanted to save money or don't want to worry about losing a cutting-edge phone. For example, 2017's iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are still great picks, and you'll find the iPhone X on sale in certain places for a cheap price – even if you can't pick one up directly from Apple. Good news, the top 10 iPhones we recommend run iOS 12, Apple's latest big operating system update for its devices. It's therefore a bit different from our prestigious best phones list and the best Android phones list. Apple's prices vary wildly, but you'll probably have to treat them as more of an investment than lower-cost Android phones. Our top iPhone list highlights the different specs, screen sizes, and price points. Each of these handsets has something to offer for every kind of Apple fan – so we've boiled down the choices for you in a simple-to-read format. Best iPhone: which one should you buy today
The iPhone XS Max is the best iPhone you can buy right now. It's Apple's biggest and best iPhone – if you're hands and wallets and large enough. It has an expansive 6.5-inch OLED screen with HDR10 support to make colors pop. It's the perfect phone if you want a giant screen. Behind that huge screen is an improved dual-lens 12MP camera. Apple outfitted it with Smart HDR and increased the sensor size to capture larger pixels. Don't let that static 12MP number fool you. The iPhone XS Max (like the XS) has new depth-sensing capabilities for adjustable bokeh (background blur) during and after a shot. The TrueDepth camera returns with faster Face ID recognition, and your 7MP selfies get better depth control and Smart HDR, too. And, of course, Animoji returns with the iOS 12 benefit of having Memoji now. The iPhone XS Max is more expensive than the iPhone X and iPhone XS that replaces the X, of course. But if you're paying for it over the course of two years in a contract (or through the Apple Upgrade Program), it's not that much more month-to-month. Read our in-depth iPhone XS Max review
Believe it or not, the iPhone XS is Apple's best 'small' phone. It has a 5.8-inch screen, so it's more one-hand-friendly than the Max, but still a sizable upgrade for some people. It's an upgrade over last year's iPhone X, our previous best iPhone recommendation, though you'll have to look more closely for the changes – the design isn't different at all. It has a Smart HDR-capable 12MP camera, enhanced TrueDepth front-facing camera, and a fast A12 Bionic chipset, exactly like the larger iPhone XS Max. In fact, this all-screen phone is pretty much the iPhone XS Max in last year's smaller form factor. It does have a smaller battery than the Max and obviously a smaller screen, but you will still capture the same great photos and videos on this device and play the same games. There's no different there. Read our in-depth iPhone XS review
The iPhone XR is a great upgrade for the average consumer who doesn't want to pay for the most expensive iPhone money (a lot of money) can buy. This is Apple's 'cheap' iPhone, at least when it comes to recently launched handsets. It's also the best iPhone of the new trio for battery life. It stands out with a variety of iPhone XR colors: Blue, White, Black, Yellow, Coral, Red. This contrasts heavily with the rather muted colors of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Yet it shares the same internal specs: Apple's fast A12 Bionic chipset and a 12MP dual-lens camera with a single lens on back. You don't get the dual-lens camera like you do on a higher-tier iPhone, so you miss out on telephoto shots. But Smart HDR is the real perk to taking great photos, and that's here. It's cheaper, it's more colorful and it has a big 6.1-inch screen. That's enough for most people, especially those who aren't insistent on an impressive OLED screen. Read our in-depth iPhone XR review
The iPhone X is as impressive as it is expensive, but if you really want the best iPhone today and don't want to wait for the iPhone XI, this is the one to get today. Millions of Apple fans already have since it launched almost seven months ago. It's the future of Apple's smartphone. It has a large all-screen display, except for a notch cutout at the top that houses a new TrueDepth Camera. This takes selfies to another level and can also map your face to an iPhone X-exclusive Animoji. If you don't know what that is by now you probably won't care. The iPhone X is Apple's 10th anniversary smartphone and has just about everything iPhone users have been asking for, from a more forward-leaning design to faster specs and new features. You'll just have to get used to Face ID instead of reaching for that non-existent fingerprint sensor. Read our in-depth iPhone X review
The iPhone 8 Plus is the best iPhone if you're not willing to take the plunge into Apple's proposed smartphone future and need that Touch ID fingerprint sensor. It remains popular due to its screen size, cheaper price and physical home button. It does have several key features you'll like, however. It's among the first iPhones to have both wireless charging and fast charging, and the camera has improved. Its dual-lens camera doesn't have OIS in the telephoto lens (a feature saved for the X), but it's still a great way to snap a photo at long distances. It won't turn nearly as many heads with its bezel-heavy design, but the iPhone 8 Plus is the iPhone built for big hands and slightly smaller wallets than the new iPhone X. Read our in-depth iPhone 8 Plus review
This is actually the best-selling iPhone from Apple, and for several good reasons. First, we get it, you refuse to budge from the 4.7-inch iPhone screen size and, frankly, we don't blame you. Every time we go back to this iPhone with 'normal' dimensions, we feel like we just went on a smartphone vacation. Second, its price is way more reasonable for a lot a folks than the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus. Just because the size is the same as iPhones of old, doesn't mean the technology behind it is, though. The iPhone 8 features the same A11 Bionic chipset as the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X, and it too debuted wireless charging and fast charging on an Apple smartphone. The camera is still fantastic, even if it doesn't have the dual-lens capabilities that are exclusive to the X and Plus, and you'll dig iOS 11 at this size more so than the even smaller iPhone SE. Read our in-depth iPhone 8 review
Back in 2016 the iPhone 7 Plus was the best phone Apple had ever made, and it remains a winner for its longevity and price. It's larger than the iPhone X though despite its smaller display, so if you're after a smaller phone with a bigger screen, this won't be the best choice for you with its 5.5-inch 1080p display. The big upgrades over older iPhones are the waterproof design and a new dual-lens camera that allows you to snap with two 12MP lenses at the same time. It allows for better optical zoom as well as a bokeh mode to blur the background of your photos and put the main focus on the foreground. Battery life on the iPhone 7 Plus is much improved upon the iPhone 6S Plus, and while it's still a costly option it's much cheaper than it was at launch, making it one of the best iPhone choices for people looking for a deal. Read the full iPhone 7 Plus review
Despite the iPhone SE's small size and relatively modest price tag, it's still an upper mid-range phone. It has the same boxy yet premium design as the metal-clad iPhone 5S and the same powerful Apple A9 chipset and rear camera as the iPhone 6S. It lacks the 3D Touch features and higher-resolution front-facing camera of the iPhone 6S and beyond. The screen is also less impressive all round, thanks in large part to a lower contrast ratio. But it compares well to many mid-range handsets. It's also the most powerful 4-inch iPhone you can get, so for fans of compact form factors this is an obvious choice. But the best bit is its price, as it's one of the cheapest iPhones you'll find on the market and it's something of a bargain by Apple standards. Read the iPhone SE review
Don't fancy the large iPhone 7 Plus above? Why not opt for the iPhone 7, which is a smaller and cheaper alternative. This was one of the first iPhones to lack a headphone jack, but it does come with a water-resistant design that means your phone is likely to survive the odd dip in the sink rather than just being frazzled right away. There's no dual-lens camera on the iPhone 7, but you can still take some absolutely incredible photography with the 12MP sensor. If you own an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6S, you may not see much difference with the this phone but the newer processor and camera tech may be enough to entice you to buy it if you can't stomach the high price of the iPhone 8. Read the full iPhone 7 review
The iPhone 6S, as you probably know, is Apple's flagship from 2015. The Apple A9 chipset and a chunky 2GB of RAM, up from 1GB on the previous model, make it far superior in raw power to 2014's model and still reasonably speedy by today's standards, and it's got some other tricks too. It has a 12MP rear camera and a tried-and-tested 8MP front-facing camera, which at the time was the best selfie shooter Apple had on a phone. It does sport largely the same design and screen as the iPhone 6 though and the latter in particular is starting to feel a bit dated in the face of super sharp QHD screens from rivals - and from the newer iPhone X. This was the first iPhone to sport 3D Touch though, which makes the screen pressure-sensitive and offers new tricks for enhanced emailing and shortcuts around the home screen. Read the full iPhone 6S review
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| Best camera phone 2019: the top smartphone snappers around Posted: 23 Jan 2019 12:41 PM PST The best camera phone isn’t easy to pick out. It doesn't come down to the latest iPhone or the camera with the most megapixels. So much of the camera unit's quality is determined by how well the smartphone has optimized its software to snap photos or record videos. It's also important to consider which photos you'd want to capture, since some smartphone cameras can handle certain scenarios better than others. We’ve tested all of the top camera phones in a multitude of lighting conditions, scenarios, and with a wide range of subjects. Knowing how each camera performs at different shooting tasks will help you determine which can capture the moments you want to save. So, before you settle on the best camera phone for you, you’ll want to figure out your photographic needs. Great front-facing sensors with a wide-angle lens (or two) to snap better selfies? An array of different sensors on the back for versatile shooting? Knowing will help you decide which phone best suits your uses. Want to know more about dual-cameras? Check out our video below. Beyond the specs and capabilities of the camera itself, there are a number of aspects about the phone you’ll also want to consider. For example, getting a high-storage option or one that supports a microSD card will be helpful if you capture lots of 4K video. It's also worth thinking about battery size and screen quality - if you're going to be heading out all day and doing longer photography sessions, you'll need a battery that can keep up. And if you're mostly going to look at your photos on the phone, then a phone with OLED screen technology can really make your snaps pop - but if it's social media, or even printing out your photos, that's your plan then you've got a wider array of options. We've listed all that information below, along with some of our top test snaps so you can make the right decision when it comes to choosing your next camera phone.
The Google Pixel 3 is the best camera phone you can buy right now. Even better, you get the choice of two handsets for your best camera phone experience, with both the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL boasting the same camera setup. While most of the other handsets in our best camera phone round-up have at least two rear cameras, the Pixel devices come with just a single rear snapper. These cameras are extremely powerful though, with an intuitive interface and AI smarts adapting fantastically to any scenario, be it beautiful vistas or low-light portraits. What sets Google's 12.2MP rear camera apart from the competition is its consistency. We got sharper, slightly brighter photos from the Pixel 3 and 3 XL versus the iPhone XS Max (overly warm color tones), Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (not always the best HDR) and Huawei P20 Pro (frequently over-sharpened). Behind-the-scenes, Google's dedicated Pixel Visual Core chip and machine-learning software are the magic that recognize what photos should look like and which shots you'll actually want. If there's one thing Google knows how to do, it's processing data and perfecting algorithms. And let's not forget, both phones also have dual front-facing cameras, giving you great portrait-mode selfies with beautifully blurred backgrounds. Between the two, we'd opt for the Pixel 3 XL for the best camera phone experience. Its bigger, higher resolution display (vs the Pixel 3) works as a great viewfinder, while it also boasts a bigger battery which will keep you snapping for longer. Read our full reviews: Google Pixel 3 | Google Pixel 3 XL
With three rear cameras the Huawei Mate 20 Pro offers a highly versatile camera phone experience. The P20 Pro ushered in this era of great Huawei cameras, and the Mate 20 Pro inherits its 40MP wide-angle f/1.8 lens and 8MP, f/2.4 3x telephoto with OIS and then builds on it further. Rounding out that trio of rear-facing cameras is the new star, an ultra-wide 16MP, f/2.2 lens. It expands the Mate 20 Pro's feature set, letting you take a wider array of photos from limited positions. Even for casual shooting, it makes life easier when trying to fit a bunch of far-flung elements in the same photo. The Mate 20 Pro's overall low-light performance is superior to that of most other smartphones we tested, especially with its seconds-long-exposure Night Mode. The phone's 3x telephoto does a great job of snagging distant shots, and the hybrid 5x zoom adds a digital blend to give you a bit more reach. It’s not perfect, but in our comparative testing, it outdid some digital-only zooms like on the Google Pixel 3. There's a host of other features in the camera app on the Mate 20 Pro too, allowing you to really fine tune and tinker with the photography experience. Read our full review: Huawei Mate 20 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 builds on the strong camera offering of the Galaxy S9 Plus, with a number of small enhancements making it even better. The result is a handset which is comfortable shooting in any scenario, including in low light, for some truly impressive shots. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 camera identifies and adapts to various subjects with a new scene-optimizer feature. It adjusts the white balance and color based on 20 subjects as varied as sunsets, flowers, food, birds, text and so forth. Compared to even the six-month-old S9 Plus, the Note 9 camera captures more detail, but you'll have to squint to see the differences. As this is a Note device, you get Samsung's S Pen stylus included with the handset, and you can use the button on this as a remote shutter key. It means you can set the Galaxy Note 9 down on a surface and walk away from it and still snap a shot using the S Pen. It's a relatively minor perk, but one we enjoy using. One slight mark against the Note 9 is its lack of HDR video recording, but for many this won't be an issue. Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy Note 9
Apple's latest iPhone duo boast powerful dual rear cameras, but it's not just the specs that appeal about the firm's mobile photography experience - it's also the ease of use of their smartphone snappers. The iPhone camera app is well known for being a simple, clutter-free interface, focused on taking great snaps every time with minimal controls, modes and settings for the user to worry about. It means that you don't quite get the same breath of shooting options as you do on the likes of the Samsungs and Huaweis, but the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max boast Apple's best smartphone snappers to date, with improvements to their low-light capabilities. If you want a phone to pull out and take a quick snap with minimum effort, the new iPhones are some of the best camera phones around. Apple has popularized the blurred background Bokeh effect, and Portrait Mode is one of the best implementations of the technology we've used on a smartphone, with a range of studio lighting effects adding extra pizzazz to your compositions. Both the iPhone XS and XS Max have exactly the same dual 12MP rear cameras, with the only differences between the two being screen size, battery size and their physical size. The 6.5-inch display on the iPhone XS Max gives you a huge viewfinder when it comes to snapping photos, but it comes with an equally huge price tag, with the still-expensive iPhone XS producing the same results in a smaller form factor. Read our full reviews: iPhone XS | iPhone XS Max
Earlier this year the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus was our best camera phone pick, fusing an excellent all-round smartphone experience with a highly accomplished photography offering. As you can see, it's now be usurped by a number of new camera phone releases, but it's still a fantastic offering which has now dropped in price since launch. Round the back you get two cameras, with the main 12MP sensor joined by a secondary 12MP sensor directly below it. The main sensor is rather special, as it has a world's-first-on-a-phone f/1.5 aperture, meaning that it performs fantastically well in low light. That's not all this sensor has up its sleeve though, as it also features Samsung's Dual Aperture Technology, allowing it to move from f/1.5 (for low light) to f/2.4 (reduces overexposure in bright scenes). Meanwhile the second camera allows you to take bokeh-rich photos, with parts of the image blurred while other parts are in focus. This is all wrapped up into an easy-to-use camera app with an automatic mode which takes care of most of the technological trickery, meaning all you have to do is point and shoot for a great snap. Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
The Huawei P20 Pro marked a significant shift for the Chinese firm, as it offers up one of best camera phone experiences on the market. It may have been superseded by the newer Mate 20 Pro, but take nothing away from the P20 Pro, this is still a top camera phone. Its party piece is the triple camera setup on its rear. The three cameras have a combined megapixel count of a staggering 68MP. Chuck the 24MP front facing camera into the mix as well and the phone has a total count of 92MP. Megapixels only get you so far, but the good news here is that the Huawei P20 Pro backs up its MP count with a strong suit of camera features. The main 40MP camera is backed up by a 20MP black and white sensor that helps with image processing, including decreasing noise and improving dynamic range - although as default the P20 Pro shoots at 10MP. The third rear camera has a 3x 'zoom' lens and an 8MP sensor, letting you zoom into a scene without using digital zoom - which means there's very little decrease in image quality when used. Read our full review: Huawei P20 Pro
You may be wondering how the Galaxy S9 is as far down as it is considering its bigger brother is above it. The reason is that, unlike the iPhone XS/XS Max and Google Pixel 3/3 XL which have identical cameras, Samsung gave the S9 Plus more photography prowess. The Galaxy S9 is still a top camera phone though, with its powerful 12MP rear snapper (there's just one on the back of this phone) an advancement on the excellent sensor found on its predecessor. Samsung has improved the camera's low-light capabilities on the Galaxy S9 with an industry leading f/1.5 aperture, and it's added super slo-mo, 960fps video recording to the mix as well. The camera is even smarter though as, like the S9 Plus, it boasts Samsung's Dual-Aperture Technology, allowing it to automatically switch between f/1.5 in low-light settings, to f/2.4 in bright scenes. The result? An easy to use camera, with an auto mode which, nine times out of ten, delivers a great photo with very little effort. Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy S9
The Sony Xperia XZ3 is the best camera phone from the Japanese firm to date, with its single 19MP rear snapper proving a powerful photography option. The user interface has been streamlined for starters, so there's less swiping to get to the various modes and frequently accessed settings are always shown on-screen, so there's minimal fiddling around when prepping your shot. In good light, detail is strong, and a nice amount of background blur can be achieved without calling on any bokeh modes. Where the Xperia XZ3 camera excels though is video. The digital stabilization works well in good light in particular, and the 4K HDR footage you can capture is simply breath-taking. Sony is also still the only manufacturer whose phone cameras are able to capture 960fps Full HD slow motion, with the competition capping out at 720p. It's totally unusable in medium to low light, but it's a nice feature to have when you're outdoors on a sunny day. Read our full review: Sony Xperia XZ3
The LG G7 ThinQ isn't the only camera phone on this list to pack more than one snapper on its rear, but it uses the two sensors it does have in a different way to everyone else. Its primary rear camera is a relatively standard 16MP affair with a f/1.6 aperture that's accomplished enough to take decent quality snaps, but it's the second 16MP camera alongside it where things get a little more interesting. Instead of gathering extra data to improve shots on the primary camera, or to provide bokeh-like effects, this 16MP snapper boasts a wide angle lens allowing you to cram more into every shot. This is great when it comes to shooting landscapes or skyscrapers, and you can easily switch between the two sensors with a single tap on the screen. Overall quality isn't quite as impressive as the Samsungs, Pixels or Huaweis above, but for those looking for something a bit different, and some serious wide-angle action, the G7 ThinQ has you covered. Read our full review: LG G7 ThinQ
The OnePlus 6T may not be the very best camera phone here, but it's cheaper than the rest of the competition and still offers up a flagship photography experience. The camera features a wide-angle lens paired with a 16MP sensor, as well as a secondary 20MP lens and sensor combination. Both lenses feature a f/1.7 aperture. While OnePlus has stuck with the same hardware on the T update as the OnePlus 6, the software has been improved, notably with the addition of a new Nightscape long exposure mode. It's good, but not as good as the similar modes on the Mate 20 Pro or Pixel 3. Selfies are also nice and sharp, especially in good light, with the nicely exposed faces you want – and the selfie bokeh mode works well too. Read our full review: OnePlus 6T This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best CPU cooler 2019: top CPU coolers for your PC Posted: 23 Jan 2019 12:00 PM PST What’s cooler than being cool? That’s right, keeping your PC components ice cold. And, before you go out to find more exciting components like the best graphics cards, you should seriously consider picking out the best CPU cooler, in order to build the best gaming PC you can. After all, keeping your CPU at a low temperature will increase your computer’s longevity – and performance. These days, the best CPU coolers come in every shape and size, and picking the right one for your PC will depend on what you’re trying to do with it. Fortunately, you won’t have to break open the piggy bank – many of the best air coolers are extremely affordable. Don’t worry if you’re looking for the cream of the crop – you can still drop a ton of cash for elaborate liquid cooling systems for the best processors. Don’t worry, though – we have your back, no matter what kind of CPU cooler you’re looking for. We’ll help you find the best CPU cooler on the market right now. And, because we’ve handpicked all the CPU blocks here, you can use our exclusive price comparison tool, so you know you’re always getting the best deal.
The Noctua NH-D15 is the best CPU cooler you can buy in 2019 simply because it performs just as well as – if not better than some liquid coolers, while costing a fraction of the price. Now, you might not be too familiar with Noctua’s name, as they’re relatively small in the CPU cooler world, but its business is centered around designing coolers, so you know that when you buy one of their products, you’re getting a product by people who really know their craft. Not only will you get fantastic cooling performance from the NH-D15, but it’s nearly silent too.
Yeah, we know, it’s been around for years. But, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is still one of the best CPU coolers on the market – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Even though it only features four heat pipes and an aluminum fin structure, this legendary CPU cooler has proven again and again to be just as efficient as any liquid cooling system These air coolers are designed to make heat dissipation a breeze – literally – whether you’re playing Destiny 2 at max settings or reading TechRadar with your web browser.
Noctua is an Austrian manufacturer that does one thing, and one thing only: make CPU coolers and fans. What this means is that while the Noctua NH-L9 is tiny, it is still capable of insane cooling with no compromises. This is a fantastic cooler for anyone with a smaller build, or even if you’re using a ton of large components, and you’re not comfortable with liquid cooling.
Corsair has been on top of the all-in-one liquid cooling game for a while now, and the H100i Pro continues the trend. Not only is this thing strapped in the RGB lighting we’ve come to expect from Corsair, but it also features impressive cooling performance, thanks in part to its powerful and unique fans, which you can control through Corsair’s iCue software. This all results in a CPU cooler that not only performs well, but that is also completely customizable.
If you’re looking for a powerful liquid cooler that’ll help contribute to your epic RGB setup, the Deepcool Gamerstorm Castle 240 RGB is the best CPU cooler for you. Beyond the ridiculous name, it’s a reliable AIO cooler that can push your overclocks higher and higher with addressable RGB that’s compatible with a wide range of controllers – so you can effortlessly sync your lighting. The CPU Block stands a little high, but when it looks this good, does it really matter?
If you’re running one of the best processors, and you want to push it to the limit, the NZXT Kraken X72 is the best CPU cooler for overclocking. Not only does it pack a gigantic radiator, but its high fan speeds ensure that cooling performance is top-notch all the time. And, because it’s 2019, it features addressable RGB and an infinite mirror design that looks amazing in any case. Then, to top it all off, the NZXT Kraken X72 is backed by a 6 year warranty.
There isn’t a single component that can’t be improved through RGB, and Cooler Master is well aware – jumping on the RGB bandwagon with the MasterLIquid ML 120R RGB. What’s more, it integrates some of the first addressable LEDs seen on a liquid cooler. This all-in-one liquid cooling solution isn’t just about aesthetics – it features an oxidation free pump and an efficient radiator. This means that not only will it last longer – but it’ll keep your CPU cooler, and all without giving up too much case real estate.
For less than 70 big ones in both US dollars and British sterling, the Arctic Liquid Freezer 120 is a deal you can’t pass up if you’re on the prowl for a liquid cooler that won’t break the bank. While it lacks the bells and whistles of pricier, more extravagant liquid coolers, like the NZXT Kraken, the Arctic Liquid cooler is enough to get you by, not to mention it’s still a massive step up from the classic fan and heatsink pairing. So, while you can’t expect RGB lighting or software – or even hardware-based fan control, the 120mm variant of the Arctic Liquid Freezer will keep your system refrigerated at a (mostly) quiet volume.
Even if your budget will allow you to really go all-out on a serious liquid cooling solutions, if you have a smaller PC case, you’ll likely not have enough space. That’s where something like the Corsair Hydro H5 SF comes into play. Even on the smallest PC cases, you should able to use this CPU cooler to keep your CPU chilled, even if you have some beastly overclocks going on. And, because it’s a closed loop, you don’t even need to worry about maintenance. Set it up, and let it do its thing – you won’t be disappointed.
Unless you’re already neck deep in the rabbit hole that is silent PC assembly, you’ve probably never heard of NoFan, a South Korean component company that specializes in helping enthusiasts reach that 0dBA silent sweet spot. In doing so, of course, you can count on severely limiting yourself in terms of power, with its CR-95C fanless solution being limited in compatibility to processors whose TDP fall below 95W. Still, the NoFan CR-95C is worth a shot for those sporting low-power rigs that prioritize tranquility over raw horsepower.
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| The best PC case 2019: top cases for your desktop computer Posted: 23 Jan 2019 11:40 AM PST When you’re getting ready to build one of the best gaming PCs, you might not put too much consideration into picking up one of the best PC cases – that’s a mistake. The best PC cases don’t have the same allure as the best graphics cards, but all those shiny and expensive components need to go somewhere – why not put them in one of the best PC cases. You won’t just get a more aesthetic experience, but your computer will run faster and longer. The best PC cases almost sound minor next to something like the best processors or a beefy Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti. But, heat is the enemy of all PC components, so having a reliable PC case that can optimize airflow is crucially important. They’re also able to determine how much space you have to expand your PC in the future. So, if you want to keep your PC cool and up to date, you’re going to want to go with one of the best PC cases. However, the sheer variety of PC cases out there is absolutely bonkers – but you don’t need to worry if you’re trying to keep things affordable. There are a ton of deals out there for the best PC cases. So, if you don’t know what case you’re going to build in yet, read on to find the best PC cases you can buy today.
It’s been said that ‘if you’re going to do it, do it big’. And, while we’re not wholly sure if anyone ever actually said that, the Corsair Obsidian 1000D is certainly doing it big. Filled front to back with up to 18 fan mounts and room for four 480mm radiators, this is the best PC case for keeping your system cool no matter how many high-end components you have. What’s more, this is a dual-system case, meaning you can fit two complete computers. Just think about it – you can fit both your gaming rig and your streaming PC into this beastly case.
It is extremely rare to see any PC case that even vaguely resembles the Fractal Design Meshify-C. Given that the front of the case is entirely made of a mesh material sectioned off into an array of polygonal shapes, the Meshify-C has a unique style – without compromising on function. With two fans pre-installed, cooling is (forgive us) a breeze, even if the Meshify-C is held back by a number of obstacles.
Nanoxia Deep Silence 4, as it’s name suggests, was crafted with the sole purpose of being quiet as a mouse. This silence-focused case is a well-balanced Micro ATX case that’s affordably priced and even accommodates some of the biggest, most powerful graphics cards with its spacious interior. The fact that you’ll rarely hear it go above 30 decibels is just icing on the very taciturn cake.
Every single day mini-ITX gets more popular, and closer to toppling Micro ATX. And, it makes sense – why not spring for a small computer that can get just as much work done as a full tower? NZXT’s new H-series case line manages to integrate a ton of the same features as its Micro ATX and mid-tower equivalents, with mesmerizing, built-in and smart device-controlled RGB lighting and an adaptive noise sensor that sees improvement only by way of the Grid+ V3 fan controller.
When you first look at the Phanteks Evolv Shift X, it looks more like a sound bar than one of the best PC cases, but this helps it vanish into any living area or studio setup. It’s flexible to the point that it looks natural placed under a TV as it does on a desk, next to one of the best gaming monitors. It may only be compatible with a Mini-ITX motherboard, but the Phanteks Evolv Shift X offers tons of space for components and liquid cooling loops. If this case is a little large for your preference, you can get the smaller Phanteks Evolv Shift for easier management.
Fractal Design wins again with the Define R5, yet another mid-tower case with a gorgeous aesthetic. The metallic and blue LED-lit face of this case is simple, yet elegant, and is accompanied by noise dampening materials throughout its interior. In spite of the detachable ModuVent panels and drive trays not being toolessly accessible, it’s incredibly easy to build a system inside of the Fractal Design Define R5, plus it’s not as expense as you’d expect from a PC case with such a pretentious name, either.
Cooler Master is kind of known for, well, cooling things – and the Cooler Master H500P Mesh is evidence of how it got there. This beautiful RGB-packed case has plenty of room for airflow, even accommodating up to 360mm radiators on the top and front for when you really want to take your cooling to the next level. Add on top of that the RGB lighting and tempered glass side panel and you have the potential to build something beautiful with this case. Go for it.
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, while still getting one of the best PC cases, look no further than the Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-04 Tempered Glass. Not only does it have plenty of space for airflow, it also has a deceptively large amount of space for future expansion, meaning that even at this low price point, you won’t have to worry about fitting a full-sized graphics card. And, when you’re done building, the tempered glass side panel will allow you to show off your handiwork.
If you’re a hardcore Razer fan, this is the best PC case for you. While Razer’s PC manufacturing has been limited to its Blade laptops, it doesn’t manufacture its own desktop PCs – not yet, at least. However, Razer has partnered with Antec to add its signature green-infused flare to the Antec Cube, a small form-factor chassis that supports Mini-ITX motherboards and is, well, a cube. Complete with a deceptively high amount of space for future expansion, the Antec Cube is also compact enough to travel with.
Who says dual-system builds have to be in a hulking full-tower case? The Phanteks Evolv X takes dual-system compatibility and squeezes it into a mid-tower. Even with that second Mini-ITX motherboard installed, there’s plenty of room for E-ATX motherboards and power supplies, and ample cooling. It is pricey for a mid-tower case, but with all this functionality, it kind of has to be. It’s thanks to all of these high-end features that the Phanteks Evolv X is one of the best PC cases around today.
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| AMD Navi release date, news and rumors Posted: 23 Jan 2019 11:35 AM PST Now that AMD has revealed its first 7nm consumer graphics card, the Radeon VII, it’s about time for Team Red to reveal its other 7nm GPU architecture, Navi. There have been rumors that suggest AMD Navi won’t occupy the high end immediately, and judging by the recent reveal of the AMD Radeon VII, we’d have to say those rumors are on point. Instead, it seems likely that AMD Navi will occupy the midrange, along with the rumor of a GPU designed for the next generation of consoles. So, before we start exploring all the juicy gossip, speculation and even some information, consider that nothing is set in stone yet. Still, you should keep this page bookmarked, as we’ll update it as soon as we get any new information. Cut to the Chase
AMD Navi release dateRight now, the only official proof that Navi will be launch anytime soon is a small statement from AMD titled “Expanding our High-Performance Leadership with Focused 7nm Development.” In the release, AMD Chief Technology Officer Mark Papermaster states that “We have already tapped out multiple 7nm products at TSMC, including our first 7nm GPU planned to launch later this year and our first 7nm server CPU that we plan to launch in 2019.” Unfortunately, even with that statement we don’t really have a full picture of when or how AMD Navi is going to hit the market. Especially when the only 7nm GPUs have been the , Radeon Instinct cards for workstations, Vega II and the AMD Radeon VII, a high-end part tapped to compete with the RTX 2080. A lot of the speculation right now revolves around Navi being designed to power the next generation of game consoles, with gaming graphics cards to follow later. This all comes from that leaked roadmap we mentioned earlier, which suggests that AMD Navi will show up in the second half of 2019. However, the entire line probably won’t make an appearance at the same time. Instead, the cards that will likely show up in 2019 will be more mid-range products for budget-minded gamers with full-fat enthusiast grade 7nm cards showing up as late as 2020. This all comes from a leaked benchmark, however, but it would seem to fall in line with when we can expect the next generation of consoles – late 2019/early 2020. AMD Navi also may come in laptops and even the next line of MacBooks if newly found code in macOS Mojave is to be believed. These Navi-powered MacBooks are rumored to arrive in July, which would follow just a month after their purported debut in the next-gen consoles. Either way, we know that AMD Navi is coming, we’ve even seen rumors about Navi’s follow-up, called Arcturus, according to a report from Wccftech. It seems like AMD has a lot of stuff coming out in the next few years, we just have to wait to see what happens.
AMD Navi priceOver the last decade or so, AMD has essentially built a name for itself in the GPU space as the budget king. And, as Nvidia gets ready to release its next generation of Turing RTX graphics cards that cost upwards of a thousand bucks, AMD will probably double down on this – just like it released Ryzen and Ryzen Threadripper to counter Intel. As for the exact pricing, we’re not entirely sure, but we expect the pricing to follow in line with the Radeon RX 500 series. Those prices are below.
We can expect the prices to go up, however, due to the likely inclusion of GDDR6 memory, which we’ll dive into later. Either way, expect to pay more for the Radeon RX 650.
AMD Navi specsBeyond the rumor that it’s going to be running on a 7nm process and GDDR6, there’s not much we know about AMD Navi. Because AMD Navi is going to be the first mainstream GPU processor to break away from the GCN architecture, we could see more shaders and and faster clock speeds, while improving efficiency substantially. However, we don’t think AMD is going to be doing much to compete on the high-end with Nvidia this time around. AMD Vega 7nm, which would have the horsepower to compete with Nvidia Turing, won’t be coming to gamers. Instead, it will likely appeal more towards professionals and creatives – with Apple likely being a huge customer. In the past AMD would compete with high-end Nvidia GPUs by just shoving multiple chips into a graphics cards and passing it along as a enthusiast-grade GPU. This time around, though, AMD has made it clear that it’s not interested in making multi-GPU setups, according to a report from PCWorld. This is backed up by the fact that only two of the AMD Radeon RX 500 series cards were even compatible with Crossfire. So, instead of any high-end GPU, we’ll likely see a Radeon RX 600 series that’ll continue the legacy of cards like the AMD Radeon RX 580, delivering respectable performance in modern titles at 1080p while keeping prices attainable for more budget-conscious gamers. So instead of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti rival, think more Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 in terms of direct competition. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to keep waiting for concrete information on AMD Navi. But, until then, keep this page bookmarked for all the latest news, rumors and speculation. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| AMD Radeon VII release date, news and features Posted: 23 Jan 2019 11:35 AM PST The entire computer hardware scene has been waiting with bated breath for AMD’s return to high-end desktop graphics – and it’s finally here. And,while it’s not the Vega II launch that seemed all but certain, the AMD Radeon VII looks like it may just be one of the best graphics cards – and it may even beat out the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080. Featuring a whopping 16GB of video memory and a high boost clock of 1,800MHz, this looks like a very exciting graphics card from Team Red. Hang with us for a bit as we tell you everything you need to know about the AMD Radeon VII. Cut to the chase
AMD Radeon VII release date
AMD held a grand spectacle of a keynote at CES 2019, and its headlining announcement was that the Radeon VII will launch on February 7th. While we would like to see the release of the AMD Radeon VII be as clean cut as that, there’s been plenty of news of shortage and a lack of third-party cards. Industry sources say that there may be fewer than 5,000 units of the Radeon VII at launch. AMD quickly responded to rumors, assuring gamers that there will be enough Radeon VII GPUs to meet demand.
AMD Radeon VII priceThe AMD Radeon VII will launch at a starting price of $699 (about £550, AU$980). That’s quite a bit more expensive than AMD’s current flagship GPU, the Radeon Vega 64, that originally launched at a $499 or £549 (about AU$630) price. That said, AMD considers the Radeon VII to be a direct competitor to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080, which costs between as little as $699 (£649, AU$1,119) or up to $799 (£749, AU$1,299) with the Founders Edition. One silver lining to the Radeon VII’s high price is the card will come bundled with free vouchers for Devil May Cry V, Resident Evil 2 and The Division 2 – all three games, not just one.
AMD Radeon VII specsThe Radeon VII will be the first graphics card to be built on AMD’s – or anyone’s, really – 7nm architecture. Comparatively, the Nvidia’s Turing architecture just managed to hit 12nm, though there are rumors that Team Green may employ Samsung’s fabrication resources to make 7nm chips of its own. According to AMD, its new 7nm process allows this GPU to increase performance by 25% overall over last year’s model with having to draw any more power. In fact, the Radeon VII may feature the same 295-watt thermal design power (TDP) as its predecessors. As we previously mentioned, this GPU touts twice as much video memory as the previous model with a whopping 16GB of HBM2 VRAM. The Radeon VII also features 3,840 GCN cores and a maximum boost clock of 1,800MHz – about 300MHz faster than the Vega 64. This maximum frequency also matches up with Nvidia’s Founders Edition factory overclock applied to the GeForce RTX 2080. Although the Radeon VII doesn’t feature any dedicated ray tracing cores, AMD has told and shown us that it will be able to handle ray tracing production work even better than Nvidia’s RTX 20-series cards. AMD also plans to support DirectML as an alternative to Nvidia’s Tensor Core and AI-driven DLSS anti-aliasing technology. But, because the AMD Radeon VII has so much HBM2 memory, it’s going to have some appeal for creative and professional users. Luckily, the Radeon VII will be supported under Linux on launch. After AMD announced Ryzen 3rd generation processors will be the first to support PCIe 4.0, you might be wondering if the Radeon VII will feature the same technology. Sadly, we’re here to tell you it won’t and it will be sticking to the same tried and true PCIe 3.0 connector. PCIe 4.0 technology will be first used in conjunction with SSDs to unlock even faster data transfer speeds. The last bit of bad news we have to bear is that AMD told us that it currently has no plans to introduce CrossFire support on the Radeon VII. We can hardly blame AMD for not including it, as we can imagine it would be murder to get 32GB or more of video memory to work together nicely.
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| Best hard drives 2019: the top HDD for desktops and laptops Posted: 23 Jan 2019 11:35 AM PST While they obviously won’t be as fast as the best SSDS, the best hard drives are much cheaper and more capacious. Sure, you won’t find the best hard drives in something like an Ultrabook, but they’re definitely useful as an extra drive or a external measure – especially if you have a lot of data to store or backup. Finding the best hard drive for your needs ultimately boils down to what you need to do with it. If you’re looking for the best hard drives for game consoles, you’ll want a 2.5-inch drive, or maybe one of the best external hard drives. However, if you’re rocking one of the best gaming PCs, and you just want the biggest drive you can get, you’ll want a hard drive with a ton of space – and a ton of speed. It’s a lot to take in, but we went ahead and gathered up the best hard drives you can buy today.
Seagate BarraCuda Seagate’s BarraCuda lineup is the indisputable face of the best hard drives. And, it’s not without good reason – they offer a great ratio of gigabyte per dollar and speed benefits to top it off. The 2TB model hits a sweet spot by balancing high performance and affordability. Since this drive combines 7,200rpm platters and high density data, computers outfitted with this drive will be able to read data extra fast.
Toshiba X300 Even if its laptops aren’t as popular as they used to be, Toshiba is still a huge name in computing, and has a lot to offer. When it comes to the best hard drives, the Toshiba X300 is a high-capacity, high-performance champ worth taking a look at. The X300 drives boast great gigabyte-to-dollar value without sacrificing on performance. These drives all spin at 7,200 rpm and include 128MB of cache for higher speeds. The only downside is the warranty only lasts two years, which feels short for a drive meant to store so much important data.
WD VelociRaptor When it comes to PC gaming, speed is everything. So, for anyone resisting the allure of an SSD, and looking to kick it old school with one of the best hard drives, it’s time for something that spins just a bit faster. And, with the WD VelociRaptor and its insane 10,000rpm spin speed, you’re going to want to pay attention to it. With capacities up to 1TB available, the VelociRaptor drives are ready to store large game libraries, ad the super fast platters will help those games launch and load quickly.
WD Blue Desktop Western Digital offers a solid bargain with its line of WD Blue hard drives. With a wide variety of storage options from a small 500GB to a capacious 6TB, the WD Blue is a viable pick for almost any type of PC build that’s sticking to a budget. The best value comes from the larger drives – they’ll give you much more storage per dollar spent. And, if you’re looking for a bit more speed, there are also 7,200rpm models available that don’t come with too much of a price hike.
Seagate Firecuda Desktop SSDs are all the rage these days, and it’s not hard to see why. But if you need a lot of fast storage, hybrid hard drives – which contain a small amount of solid state storage to bump of their speed – are a great option. The SeaGate FireCuda is the best hybrid drive out there, it can fit up to 2TB of data, and then its 8GB of solid state cache storage learns and stores the data you use most to access it faster. That speed boost is even sweeter when you consider this drive spins at a fresh 7,200rpm. With its 5-year warranty and approachable price tag, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best hard drives out there.
Seagate IronWolf NAS It’s a little unfortunate that the Seagate IronWolf NAS drives come at a premium, but they aren’t priced much more expensively than a standard hard drive at their capacity. However, their native NAS optimization makes that premium totally worth it. These drives are capable of running at a fast 7,200rpm spin rate 24/7 without having to worry about drive failure. Really, if you have one of the best NAS devices for your business or home, the Seagate IronWolf NAS really is your best bet.
Seagate FireCuda Mobile Upgrading the storage in a laptop in a hard drive can be tough, since they typically require a smaller drive to fit. A lot of the 2.5-inch options aren’t terribly attractive, as anything fast comes with a serious markup, but Seagate’s 2.5-inch FireCuda hybrid drive strikes a nice balance. It offers an easy way to add lots of storage to a laptop while also giving it a speed boost thanks to 8GB of flash storage. A 5-year warranty on the drive will also help ensure it for as long as almost any laptop’s lifespan.
WD My Book Game consoles hard drives fill up fast with massive libraries. And, like laptops, the upgrade path for 2.5-inch hard drives isn’t all that great, but that’s where an external drive comes in. The WD My Book strikes an amazing balance of storage and price, offering enough room for massive game libraries. Running on USB 3.0, it may not be quite as fast as an internal drive upgrade, but it will run games and offer more storage at a cheaper rate.
G-Technology G-Drive A lot of people seem to think that the best hard drives are ancient and dead technology in 2019. However, with devices like the G-Technology G-Drive, you can show the naysayers in your life that spinning disks have their own place in the future. Not only does this external hard drive offer huge amounts of storage – up to 10 TB – but thanks to Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, it can even charge your laptop while you work. If you have a MacBook Pro, it’s hard to think of a better work companion. Read the full review: G-Technology G-Drive This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best mouse of 2019: 10 top computer mice compared Posted: 23 Jan 2019 11:35 AM PST Some tablet and laptop makers might lead you to believe that the best mouse is just a stylus or a tap of the finger, and we’d have to disagree. There’s nothing quite like using a mouse to navigate your desktop. No matter whether you’re on a PC or a Mac, a trackpad or a touchscreen just isn’t the same. The best mice aren’t limited to a tiny space on your laptop chassis – not to mention they’re way more precise. You might already have a mouse lying around, but we promise that our picks will make everything else seem mediocre by comparison. But, before you decide on the best mouse for your needs, you should think about what you actually need your mouse for. Is your current pointing device acting buggy? Are you thinking about going for a wireless mouse? Or, are you just looking for one of the best gaming mice? Regardless of what you’re looking for, the best mice can make your entire computing experience better. All the best mice on this list are packed with unique features that can only be found in high-end peripherals. So, let’s dive into the best mice 2019 has to offer.
Yeah, we know, you saw how much the Logitech MX Master 2S costs and just scoffed – just bear with us a second. The Logitech MX Master 2S is the best mouse 2019 has to offer, especially if you have work to do. While most mice in this price range appeal to gamers with ridiculous button setups and edgy designs, this mouse is created for productivity alone. Trust us, you might not think you need a high-end wireless mouse for your day to day office work, but once you get your hands on this one – you’ll never go back. Read the full review: Logitech MX Master 2S
Smaller than Logitech’s flagship, the MX Master, the Logitech MX Anywhere 2 is the ideal travel mouse. It can connect with up to three distinct devices with 2.4GHZ wireless technology or with Bluetooth, making it obvious why this mouse is renowned for having quick setup and surprisingly long battery life. Capable of extremely quick charging, in just 4 minutes the MX Anywhere 2 charges enough for an entire day.
In an age when all of our peripherals are either being shoved full of extraneous lighting or morphed into odd shapes, the Microsoft Classic Intellimouse modernizes the classic design with an appealing white lighting effect. It also beefs up the sensor, allowing users to ramp up the DPI to 3,200. It’s not wireless, and it’s hardly made for gaming, but if you’re in the market for a mouse that will help you get all your work done, the Microsoft Classic Intellimouse might be the best mouse for you. Read the full review: Microsoft Classic IntelliMouse
Yeah, this mouse looks weird and its name kind of looks like some annoying tongue twister, but the Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical mouse is only off putting until you get your hands on it. From the moment you start using this mouse, you’ll know it’s the one of the best mice around. While it’s built a little more cheaply than other ergonomic mice, it’s an affordable way to prevent RSI.
When Apple isn’t occupying itself by building luxury smartphones that you can unlock with your face, it was hard at work crafting one of the strangest mice we’ve ever used. If you found yourself doing a double take when reading the specs, you saw right – the Magic Mouse 2 lacks buttons completely. However, it makes up for this apparent oversight with sheer aesthetic appeal. This mouse is completely controlled by gestures, giving it all the benefits of a trackpad as well as a mouse.
If you’re looking for an extremely comfortable mouse that will make your work day a little less rigorous, you’ll need an ergonomic-focused mouse. Luckily, the Logitech MX Vertical is a great example of what these mice are capable of. As the name suggests, it’s a vertical mouse, but it feels a lot more natural in your hand and helps reduce the amount of stress you have to exert on your wrist and hand muscles. And, as an added bonus, there’s a handy little button at the top that lets you seamlessly swap between different computers – even further reducing the amount of movement you have to perform. Read the full review: Logitech MX Vertical
The third trackball mouse Logitech has put out since 2008, the MX Ergo Wireless is an anomaly in an industry that is otherwise crowded with optical laser mice. As such, it’s certain to charm those who haven’t quite moved on to the gesture-based desktop trackpads of the present. With the option to lay it flat or use it at a 20-degree angle, this mouse is uniquely satisfying. Read the full review: Logitech MX Ergo Wireless
This is one of the best mice if you’re looking for something that’s seen and not heard. Because the Logitech M330 Silent Plus is so compact and silent, it’s the perfect mouse for using on an airplane tray next to a sleeping neighbor. Just slip it into your laptop bag when the flight touches down, and weighing less than a quarter of a pound, you won’t even notice the added bulk.
Sure, the Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse that came out late last year is tempting, but sometimes you just need a cheap, reliable mouse that you can throw in your laptop bag without a care in the world. That’s where the Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 comes in. This may be the best mouse for anyone looking for an inexpensive pointing device that won’t let them down – it’s one of the most reliable wireless mice you can buy today, and it’s from a brand you can trust.
Razer products aren’t for everyone. Specifically, they appeal to an audience that enjoys the svelte industrial design of an Apple gadget, but with a gamer-centric slant. That’s especially the case with the DeathAdder Chroma, a mouse that comes with 16.8 million LED-backlit color options out of the box, along with a hyper-accurate 10,000 DPI sensor. Read the full review: Razer DeathAdder Chroma Gabe Carey and Bill Thomas has also contributed to this article This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Hulu price cut happens just as Netflix gets more expensive Posted: 23 Jan 2019 11:29 AM PST Just after Netflix announced that it will be raising its subscription price in 2019, Hulu fired back today with the news that it’s going to cut the price of its service from $8 per month down to $6. Hulu's new price cut goes into effect on February 26 for new subscribers, while existing subscribers should see the change the next time they’re billed after that date, according to a news release on Hulu’s website, It’s worth noting, though, that the price cut only affects the basic tier of Hulu - i.e. the one that comes with advertisements throughout the shows. If you want the ad-free experience, that’ll still cost you $12 per month - and, worse, if you want the Live TV version of Hulu, that’s going to cost you even more next month with a new subscription price of $45 per month. While that makes Hulu with Live TV a bit more expensive than the other options out there (both YouTube TV and DirecTV Now start at $40 per month), its base package price is substantially less expensive than Netflix which will soon set you back $9 a month once the price hike goes into effect. 85,000 episodes (with ads) for $6 per monthThe reason Netflix is raising costs, analysts speculate, is to help offset the cost of producing all the new original content like Roma, Stranger Things and the dozens of other new movies and TV shows the streaming service produces throughout the year. While Hulu has a few original shows of its own - like the award-winning The Handmaid's Tale - most of the 85,000 episodes on the streaming service come from cable networks like AMC, Comedy Central, Discovery, FX and others. In short, original content takes more money to produce and while you might miss some of those shows by switching to Hulu, you'll at least be saving some money.
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| The best printer for students 2019: top picks for printing out coursework Posted: 23 Jan 2019 11:12 AM PST If you or a loved one is at school or college, then our guide of the best printer for students in 2019 is here to help. Buying the best printer for the student in your life can help them with their studies, printing out notes, homework and research. Having the best student printer means you don't have to go to an internet cafe or library to print out your stuff. This can help save time, money and stress when those deadlines loom. Of course, if you're looking for the best student printer you're probably on a budget, so we've picked the best student printers that don't cost the earth. We're not just talking about initial outlay when you first buy the printer, but we've also picked the best printers for students that have low running costs as well. With our list of the best printers for students, we've put together our top picks that will suit a student's needs, no matter what educational institute they are at. If you're also looking for a laptop, make sure you check out our best laptops for students 2019 guide.
If you've checked out some of our other printer buying guides, you'll have likely seen the Deskjet 3630 at the top, or near to it. That's because it's a great little printer that strikes a good balance between features, affordability and print quality. It's compact enough for you to easily take with you to university with, and it offers print quality that can rival more expensive devices. This makes it our pick for the best printer for students overall. However, if you have a bit more of a budget, you may want to check out some of the other printers in this list... Read the full review: HP Deskjet 3630
At first glance, the Epson EcoTank ET-4550 might seems like an expensive choice for a printer for students, but while the initial cost of this printer is quite high, it can end up being much cheaper over the years thanks to its ink-saving features. It allows students to refill their printer using ink bottles, which can be a huge money saver, which will be a blessing if the student loan is running low! Epson also includes two years of ink with the package; no more expensive cartridges and instead, you have enough material to deliver 11,000 pages worth of black and color inks (that's 700ml worth of liquid).
The HP Envy 5540 All-in-One printer is a cheap all-in-one printer that offers printing, scanning and photo printing, supports not just USB but Wi-Fi, Wireless Direct and AirPrint wireless printing, and it even offers automatic double-sided printing. This makes it one of the best printers money can buy for students, giving them a host of features they'd usually have to visit the library to use. As with many budget printers, the cost of consumables can be quite high, but for a flexible all-in-one with plenty of student-friendly features, the HP Envy 5540 is hard to beat.
The Brother HL-3140CW is showing its age, but it this means you can get some excellent prices for it these days, making it a great choice for students. For the money you're getting a superb wireless color laser print that offers very good print quality at decent speeds. It's larger than many other printers, but it fits in loads of features, such as scanning and photocopying, and it's wireless nature means it can be shared with the rest of the household. This is one of the best printers for students who live in shared houses.
If you're a student moving away from home, you don't want to be lugging around a heavy old printer. That's why the HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile Printer is such a good choice for students. Weighing less than HP's previous mobile printers, the HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile Printer is a brilliant little portable printer that can hook up to devices via Wi-Fi. It offers plenty of connectivity options, and while it's more expensive than its less-mobile rivals, if you want to travel light (or you just don't have the room), it's well worth considering.
Being a student isn't all about studying and homework, though of course those play a big part, but you'll also want to have fun as well. That's why the HP Sprocket Photo Printer is a great gift for any students going off to study. It's a small, hand-sized, photo printer that offers an easy and fun way to instantly print digital snaps - essentially turning any digital camera into a Polaroid-esque instant printer. It doesn't use ink, so you don't have to worry about buying replacement cartridges - instead it uses heat to transform a pre-dyed sheet of paper into your photos. It runs on batteries and has a stylish design as well. Sure, it won't print out any dissertations, but for keeping those precious memories of fresher's week and beyond, it's a brilliant printer for students.
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| The best inkjet printers 2019: top picks for home and office Posted: 23 Jan 2019 10:52 AM PST Are you hunting for the best inkjet printers money can buy? Then we're here to help, as we've put together our top picks for the very best inkjet printers in 2019. There are a number of reasons why you'd rather get an inkjet printer, rather than a laser printer. First of all, they are often more affordable than laser printer. However, even the best inkjet printers will cost money to run, as you'll need to make sure that they are well stocked in ink cartridges, which they use to print. When compiling this list of the best inkjet printers of 2019, we've taken running costs into account, so the inkjet printers you find on this page will be economical to run, so you should save money in the long run. We've also picked some of the best budget inkjet printers. These brilliantly cheap inkjet printers are affordable, yet don't skimp on the print quality. You'll be seriously impressed by how well these printers handle your printouts. We've also got some great all-in-one inkjet printers that handle scanning and photocopying as well. Best inkjet printers 2019
The WorkForce Pro WF-4630 is a solid printer for small businesses and workgroups given its fast print speeds, solid print qualities and remote printing and scanning capabilities. Using the larger XL print cartridges, the WF-4630 delivers economical print costs that rival laser printers. Read the full review: Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4630
One of the biggest concerns when buying an inkjet printer is the running costs when it comes to ink cartridges. That's why the Epson EcoTank ET-4550 is so high up in our list of the best inkjet printers of 2018, as it allows users to refill their printer using ink bottles. That's enough of a potential game-changer as it is, but Epson also includes two years of ink with the package; no more expensive cartridges and instead, you have enough material to deliver 11,000 pages worth of black and color inks (that's 700ml worth of liquid).
The HP Envy 5540 All-in-One printer offers printing, scanning and photo printing, supports not just USB but Wi-Fi, Wireless Direct and AirPrint wireless printing, and it even offers automatic double-sided printing. Best of all, this is an inkjet printer that won't cost the Earth, as it comes with a very competitive price tag. It's not the best all-in-one printer in the world, but it's definitely one of the best inkjet printers you can get for the price.
If you're looking for the best inkjet printer that excels at photo printing, then the Canon Pixma Pro-100S is your best bet. OK, it is expensive for an inkjet, but print quality is simply stunning thanks to its 8-ink dye system that produces gallery-quality prints. It can also handle print sizes of A3 and over, and it's pretty fast as well, able to print a 4 x 6-inch photo in just 34 seconds. If you take a lot of photos on your smartphone or tablet, then the wireless printing feature will be a great help as well.
Great for the travelling professional or someone who needs a small printer for occasional use, printing photos or using the scanner function. It's a bit pricey to buy - and to run - but the flexibility and quality of the printouts is excellent. If you're looking for an all-in-one inkjet printer that can handle photocopying and scanning, as well as producing brilliant color printouts, then this is definitely one of the best inkjet printers money can buy in 2018.
This is yet another great all-in-one inkjet printer from HP, and it comes with a very agreeable price tag as well. There's no wireless printing, or Ethernet support, but that's a sacrifice you'll have to make if you want an inkjet at this sort of price. In our view, as long as you don't need to share it among other PCs in your home, it's a sacrifice worth making. Plus, you can always plug it into a router if you do need to share it on a network. Problem solved!
If you're looking for a great all-round inkjet printer that doesn't skimp on print quality for your photographs, then we don't think you will be disappointed by what the PIXMA TS9150, Canon's flagship inkjet printer, has to offer. Sure, it's more expensive than some inkjet competitors, but it offers stunning print quality, especially when it comes to printing out photographs. It's also nicely designed and is wireless as well, allowing you to easily position it around your home or office without worrying about cables.
The Deskjet 3630 is a very good printer for the price, offering reasonable print speeds and the ability to connect to mobile devices without breaking the bank. Just be wary as its ink cartridges can be expensive when picked up from shops. It doesn't quite have the build quality of HP's more expensive Envy models, but if you're looking for an initially cheap model that catches the eye when sat on a shelf, the Deskjet 3630 is a great option. Read the full review: HP Deskjet 3630
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| The best laser printer 2019: top picks for quick and quiet printing Posted: 23 Jan 2019 10:43 AM PST If you're on the hunt for the best laser printer money can buy, then you've come to the right place, as in this guide we'll look at the very best laser printers of 2019. While many homes and offices go for inkjet printers, there are still plenty of reasons why you'd want a laser printer. While they might be a bit more expensive to buy at first, the best laser printers are actually more economical to run – so they won't be guzzling up ink cartridges like inkjet printers do. The best laser printers are also faster, which makes them the ideal choice for busy offices where lots of people need to print off high volumes of documents. They are quieter than inkjets as well, which is another important consideration. Perhaps best of all, the best laser printers are more affordable and flexible than ever before. This means they make great printers for home use as well as being used in offices. The best laser printers come in every shape and size, and we've listed our top recommendations so that you can find the right laser printer for your home or office.
This temptingly priced printer offers 28ppm printing at up to 4,800 x 600 dpi (effective, rather than optical, resolution). With wired (Ethernet/USB) and wireless (Wi-Fi/NFC) connectivity, duplex printing, decent eco settings and support for a wide range of media, the Samsung is an excellent all-rounder, although the multi-purpose tray can only handle one sheet of media at a time. The main cassette has a more useful capacity of 250 sheets.
The M2070W delivers a lot of bang for your business buck – there's NFC printing from compatible smartphones, online document sharing, and a clever Eco system that supplements the usual toner saving mode with a feature to remove images from documents by replacing bitmaps with sketches. Factor in claimed speeds of 20ppm, a clever scan to mobile feature and an effective print resolution of up to 1200dpi and you've got a multifunction printer that's well worth considering.
The DCP-9020CDW is a baby Brother – it's an entry-level all-in-one aimed at small offices, and with claimed speeds of 18ppm and a resolution of up to 2,400 dpi (effective) it has a decent spec for the price. It can upload to cloud services such as Dropbox and OneNote, it's wireless with WPS authentication and wireless direct printing, and its running costs are competitive. It also offers automatic duplex printing and its colour screen makes it easy to install and operate. This device is a solid all-rounder for PCs and mobile devices alike.
This is a colour laser printer, plain and simple. It has a relatively small footprint on the desk thanks to a surprisingly compact design. The printer is fitted with a 150-sheet main paper tray and a 100-sheet output tray, with an integrated drum/fuser unit and manual duplexing capabilities. Controls are adequate, with a two-line LCD display and a number of buttons for basic menu navigation. The C1760NW also offers an Ethernet connector, 802.11n Wi-Fi and a USB 2.0 port; although there is no USB host connectivity. The printer is aimed at office or small workgroups and has a high-rated speed of 15ppm for black and colour. This is a good workhorse for everyday printing, where colour isn't a major part of the mix.
At the time of writing, this Brother was Amazon's best-selling laser, and with good reason – for very little cash you're getting a superb wireless colour laser. However, at this price don't expect rock-bottom running costs – it's a printer for livening up documents with the occasional flash of colour, not constant photo printing. It doesn't have automatic duplexing or an Ethernet port, but the HL-3140CW delivers superb print quality, reasonable mono running costs and good wireless features for a very low price.
The Xerox WorkCentre 6515/DNI is an excellent laser printer for office use. It can handle a huge variety of paper sizes and types, and it excels at printing text documents. As an all-in-one printer, it's a great addition to any busy office, and it's also very fast and quiet. However, if you need to print out lots of graphics, or photos, then you'll find better laser printers for the price.
If you're looking for a color laser printer that also does a good job of scanning and photocopying, then the Canon Color imageClass MF634Cdw is well worth considering. It's a great laser printer that provides very good print quality, and its output speed is impressive. It comes with plenty of features, including Wi-Fi capabilities. However, it is very large, so you may struggle to fit it into smaller offices and rooms. Also, it's output tray only handles 100 pages, which could prove annoying if you're printing large documents.
The HP T6B82A Color LaserJet Pro is a decent entry-level laser printer that's best suited to small business or home use. This is because while it's quite a low initial price tag, this isn't the fastest laser printer. It also isn't the most economical when printing large volumes. If you don't need a laser printer that can quickly and cheaply print out large documents 24/7, and instead want a decent laser printer that can also scan and photo copy for a low initial cost, then this is a worthwhile investment.
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| Best unlocked phone in the US: 10 smartphones to give you carrier freedom Posted: 23 Jan 2019 10:04 AM PST The best unlocked phones in the US are a lot easier to choose from now that mobile carriers stopped locking everyone down to contracts, and it's made it more common for manufacturers to release their phones unlocked. Of course, since you've got so many good options, it's now harder to pick out which is the best buy. If you want to go with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, or any number of smaller carriers operating on those networks, there's no shortage of premium handsets for you to choose. These unlocked phones will give you an easy way to pick whichever carrier you want to go with, switch whenever you feel like it, and travel abroad with the freedom to easily use carriers in other countries. The only real downside to going with an unlocked phone is that it won't be easy to get the kind of major discounts that mobile carriers offer to customers. But even if you pick up a phone under contract from a carrier, you'll often be able to get the phone unlocked once you've been a customer long enough and paid off the phone. Even if you have to just buy a phone outright, high up-front costs can be worth it. Freely swapping between carriers means you can always get the right mobile plan at the right price for you. Want unlimited data one month but won't need it the next month? With an unlocked phone, you can switch as needed without worrying about breaking some agreement you have with an American carrier. If you're ready, here are the best options available to you. Samsung has put together a truly dazzling phone with the Galaxy Note 9. It fits a huge, 6.4-inch display into a handset that manages to avoid being unwieldy. Smaller hands may struggle with it, but the upside is a great display for watching TV and movies on the go. With a 4,000mAh battery, you can use the Note 9 all day. And, the Snapdragon 845 paired with 6 or 8 GB of RAM (depending on the storage size you choose), will offer plenty of performance. Let’s not forget this phone has one of the best smartphone cameras on the market. Will it work for me? Samsung’s phones support a wide range of carriers, including the big four here in the US. Expect full support at AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Samsung's big, powerful Galaxy S9 Plus stands out for its brilliant design and performance. it has a stunning 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display that isn’t flanked by ugly bezels or an over-hyped notch. Its dual-lens, dual-aperture camera is also one of the best on the market, according to our best camera phones list. Let’s not forget it also has a big, fast-charging battery, Face Unlock and a commendable 3.5mm headphone jack. AR Emoji we could do without. Will it work for me? The Galaxy S9 Plus supports a wide range of connections, with GSM and CDMA support. It’ll work on all major US mobile carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, Sprint T-Mobile and US Cellular, and even on many smaller carriers, like Boost Mobile and Cricket. And Samsung always has good unlocked phone deals going on, which we've highlighted in the widgets. Read more: Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus review
Apple’s iPhone XS Max offers a heaping dose of performance and screen space. With its nearly bezel-less display measuring a full 6.5 inches, it’s stunning to look at. Surgical steel around the edge and a glass front and back make it the phone itself quite the looker as well. While the price is certainly high, there is no better Apple phone. Will it work for me? Apple says the unlocked iPhone XS Max can be activated with any carrier, which means you’ll have no issue with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon, and many smaller carriers will likely work as well. Unlike last year’s new iPhone, you won’t have to choose between Intel GSM-only and Qualcomm GSM+CDMA modems – Apple went with an Intel GSM+CDMA modem from the start.
Samsung’s Galaxy S9 is a great unlocked option for someone with a slightly smaller budget and hand. In most ways, it lives up to the reputation established by the Galaxy S9 Plus. It has the same powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset, a brilliant Super AMOLED display, but 5.8 inches in this case. Casual photographers will get a lot of mileage out of the new camera, which can capture superb low-light photos. Stereo speakers make streaming movies and TV shows that much better. And, Hi-Fi audio fans can breathe easy knowing the Galaxy S9 also has a 3.5mm headphone jack. Will it work for me? The Galaxy S9 supports a wide range of connections, with GSM and CDMA support. It should work on all major US mobile carriers and even on many smaller carriers. Read more: Samsung Galaxy S9 review
The iPhone XR is Apple’s newest iPhone, coming out shortly after the iPhone XS and XS Max. Of the three new models, this is the budget one, even if it still has a high price. While it doesn’t have the dual-rear cameras, lacks an OLED screen, and falls just short of Full HD resolution on the display, it’s not a miss. The powerful internals match the other iPhones, the main camera is still a powerful shooter, and the whole package is made all the better thanks to the best battery performance we’ve seen in an iPhone. Will it work for me? Apple says the unlocked iPhone XR can be activated with any carrier, which means you’ll have no issue with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon, and many smaller carriers will likely work as well. Read more: iPhone XR review
Google’s new Pixel 3 once again sets the bar for what a smartphone camera can do. The Pixel 3 has the updated specs you’d expect from an Android smartphone released in 2018, even if the design hasn’t quite followed the bezel-free design others are going for. Still, the screen is a usable 5.5 OLED with dual front-facing speakers that are nice to have. The battery is enough to get the job done each day, and Google’s ongoing software updates make this a phone that won’t become irrelevant too quickly. Will it work for me? Google advertises the Pixel 3 as working on all major carriers, so you’ll have no trouble activating on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon. Smaller carriers should usually work unless they have their own restrictions, and the Pixel 3 also offers access to Google’s Project Fi network. Read more: Google Pixel 3 review
The OnePlus 6T is one of the company’s most compelling mid-cycle updates yet. While this is the first OnePlus phone to dump the 3.5mm headphone jack, it’s also the most stunning design to date. OnePlus has stretched the screen real estate and shrunk down the notch to just a tiny nib. The internals are powerful, the battery sizable, the screen massive and beautiful even if it’s not as sharp as Samsung’s, and the cameras are even highly competitive. And, let’s not forget the new phone features a fingerprint scanner built underneath the display. All that, and the OnePlus 6T launched with a price well below all the other new flagship phones. Will it work for me? Unless you’re on Sprint, you should be able to use the OnePlus 6T just fine. It supports numerous bands on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. With a dual-SIM tray, you can even connect to multiple networks at the same time, making it extra handy for frequent international travelers. Read more: OnePlus 6T review
Google also has the larger Pixel 3 XL which offers a design more in line with 2018. It features an extra large OLED display that stretches up into the top corners of the phone, with a sharp 1440 x 2960 resolution and HDR support. It has one of the biggest display notches we’ve seen, but that houses one of the dual front-facing speakers and both of the two front-facing cameras for versatile selfie shooting. Plus, this has the same main camera as the Pixel 3, giving it the same rank as best camera phone. Will it work for me? Google advertises the Pixel 3 XL as working on all major carriers, so you’ll have no trouble activating on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon. Smaller carriers should usually work unless they have their own restrictions, and the Pixel 3 XL also offers access to Google’s Project Fi network. Read more: Google Pixel 3 XL review
The biggest isn’t always the best if you have small hands or small pockets. In the case of the latest iPhones, a tight wallet can also make the iPhone XS a better pick than its bigger sibling. It offers the same performance, has the same cameras and software, but it comes in at a more compact size, with a smaller battery and display. Will it work for me? Apple says the unlocked iPhone XS can be activated with any carrier, which means you’ll have no issue with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon, and many smaller carriers will likely work as well. Read more: iPhone XS review
For a clean Android experience and fast updates to the latest software, the Pixel 2 XL is the right choice. It’s the biggest and latest from Google, and has an edge on the smaller Pixel 2, as it has reduced bezels around a crisp Quad HD+ OLED display. That screen is 6 inches and flanked by front-facing stereo speakers for a superior experience watching content. The Pixel 2 XL camera also ranks among the best on a smartphone. Pair all that with a good battery life, and you’ve got a great unlocked phone. Will it work for me? The Pixel 2 XL boasts world-wide network compatibility, supporting both GSM and CDMA networks. It should work on all GSM-based mobile carriers in the US as well as Sprint, Verizon, smaller MVNOs and Google’s Project Fi network. Read more: Google Pixel 2 XL review This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best gaming laptops 2019: the 10 top gaming laptops we've reviewed Posted: 23 Jan 2019 09:35 AM PST Just a few years ago, it might have been difficult to distinguish one of the best gaming laptops from any other laptop. Basically, if you had an Intel Core i7 processor, dedicated graphics and at least 8GB of RAM, you had a workable gaming laptop. These days, though, the best gaming laptops come in every shape and size. That’s why we decided to gather up all the best gaming laptops in one place. It’s easy to just ignore gaming laptops that try to pass themselves off as more reserved office laptops, but with Nvidia Turing Max-Q graphics for laptops, revealed at CES 2019, you really shouldn’t. Some of the best gaming laptops these days don’t look like gaming laptops – just look at the MSI GS65 Stealth. Don’t worry, though, there are still gigantic desktop replacement gaming laptops out there if that’s more your speed. No matter what kind of gaming laptop you’re after – whether it’s a traditional thick gaming behemoth, or even a cheap gaming laptop under $1,000/£800/AU$1,400 like the Dell G3 – we’ve picked out the best gaming laptops around today. And, because we’ve reviewed all of these laptops ourselves, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best laptop for gaming.
If you want to play some of the best PC games on the move, but you don’t want everyone to know you’re playing games, the MSI GS65 Stealth is the best gaming laptop for you. Coming in at just .69 inches thick and featuring impressive hardware like Intel Coffee Lake processors and Nvidia GeForce GTX 10-series – refreshed with RTX 20-series graphics at CES – the MSI GS65 Stealth packs a ton of power into a very svelte package. There’s nothing you won’t be able to throw at this thing that’ll slow it down. And, thanks to the subdued design, you’ll be able to bring this beefy rig everywhere you go, making it the best gaming laptop on the market right now. Read the full review: MSI GS65 Stealth
Kicking Nvidia’s Max-Q technology off right, the Asus Zephyrus GX501 combines the heralded thinness of an Ultrabook with the performance of a gaming PC to bring the best of both worlds to your feet. Despite exhibiting subpar times in our battery life benchmarks, this svelte powerhouse of a notebook is one for the books when it comes to both portability and style. Plus, it’s virtually silent if noise is a cause for distraction in your everyday routine. Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501
If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that doesn’t pull any punches, and can run any game you can throw at it without a care in the world, you’ll want to look at the MSI GT75 Titan. It’s a titanic desktop replacement rocking 6-core Intel Coffee Lake CPUs, tons of RAM and GTX 1080 graphics. You’re not going to be able to carry it around with you, and it’s not going to be something you’ll want to be caught with in a coffee shop, but if raw power is what you’re after, look no further. Just be ready to break open your piggy bank. Read the full review: MSI GT75 Titan
Thin and light gaming laptops are everywhere right now, but if you don’t care about that, and want a thick, heavy and monstrous laptop that can demolish any game you throw at it – the Asus ROG G703GI is for you. This is a massive – and expensive – laptop, but it justifies its size and price with gaming performance that rivals the best gaming PCs. Just don’t think you’ll be able to haul it along with you to your local coffee shop without its two power bricks – or awkward stares. Read the full review: Asus ROG G703GI
The Razer Blade might still have an unbearably edgy name, but now that the 2018 version is here, it’s fitting – it’s still on the cutting edge. Beyond its insanely high-end specs and beautiful chassis, it can fit up to a 4K Ultra-HD display, with the specs to actually back it up. That’s not to mention the expandability that the Razer Core X opens up. It might be expensive, but if you’re a Razer fan looking for the best gaming laptop, it might just be for you. Read the full review: Razer Blade
If you want one of the best gaming laptops, but don’t want to miss out on the ultra-portable craze, you need to consider the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1. Packed with an Intel Kaby Lake G-series processor, this gaming laptop can keep up with its competitors rocking a GTX 1050 without featuring truly discrete graphics. And, when you combine that gaming horsepower with a chassis that looks this good, it’s a total win – even if you have to endure some fan noise to get there. Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1
It may not boast the most innovative design, substituting the usual black and red aesthetic for one that makes it feel like Halloween all year round (no complaints here). But, it’s undoubtedly one of the best when it comes to gaming in 1080p. In fact, we were able to crank the setting s all the way up in Overwatch without ever straying below 60fps. It doesn’t feature the longest battery life, but the screen, power and onboard sound system more than make up for it. Read the full review: Asus ROG Strix GL502
When you’re setting out to buy one of the best gaming laptops, one of the first things you’ll likely notice is how expensive they can get. Luckily, the Dell G3 15 is not just extremely affordable, but it punches above its weight class with great 1080p gaming performance. With up to an Nvidia GTX 1060 GPU, you’ll be able to play all the latest games at 1080p without breaking a sweat, even if it’s not at max settings all the time. And, that blue on black color combo is quite a looker, if that’s your aesthetic. Read the full review: Dell G3 15
It used to be that the best gaming laptops were thick, bulky devices that were necessary to experience the best PC games on the move. Those days are over. The Gigabyte Aero 15 packs a 6-core 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and a GTX 1060 into a package that allows it to pass as an Ultrabook. And, thanks to that beefy 6-core processor, it’s not just one of the best gaming laptops – it’s one of the best laptops, period. Read the full review: Gigabyte Aero 15
Ever since Intel unveiled its i9-8950HK, we just knew that it would find its way behind the best gaming laptops 2018 had to offer, and we’ve been proven right heading into 2019. The Alienware 17 R5 is a beast of a gaming laptop with the aforementioned CPU and an overclocked GTX 1080. If you’re willing to get an absolute tank of a laptop that weighs nearly 10 pounds, this hulking computer will demolish any and all games you throw at it. Just don’t expect to throw it in a bag without some severe back pain. Read the full review: Alienware 17 R5 Gabe Carey and Bill Thomas have also contributed to this article
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| Universities lead the way in public cloud adoption Posted: 23 Jan 2019 09:31 AM PST A new report by Eduserv and Socitm has revealed that universities top the public sector cloud rankings with 36 per cent storing at least 10 per cent of their data in the cloud. This is followed by public bodies at 29 per cent and local authorities at 21 per cent though emergency services still lags behind at just 13 per cent. However, 91 per cent of public bodies still use on premise data centre storage compared to just a third of local authorities (34%) and this number rises to 61 per cent of emergency services and 72 per cent of universities. The Public Sector Cloud Adoption Report was compiled using data from 633 organisations and interviews with IT leaders across the public sector with the aim of identifying variances in how many organisations have adopted a cloud infrastructure policy guidance or strategy. Public bodies lead with 79 per cent having a strategy in place followed by universities at 55 per cent. However, just over half of emergency services (51%) and 44 per cent of councils have adopted a cloud infrastructure policy guidance or strategy. Public cloud adoptionThe study also shed light on how the motivations for cloud adoption vary by organisation with universities and public bodies interested in scalability and agility while emergency services are interested in cost savings. IT is being managed differently across types of organisation and the vast majority of universities manage their IT in-house (96%) with only one per cent outsourcing and three per cent using a hybrid model. Public bodies are outsourcing their IT the most at 20 per cent while emergency services are second at 16 per cent with local authorities a close third at 15 per cent. Eduserv's CTO Andy Powell provided further insight on the findings of the report, saying: “As the report highlights, the journey will start on-premise and will almost certainly transition into a hybrid phase, possibly for quite some time, as many organisations are insufficiently mature in their IT management and information governance. During their journey to the cloud, public sector organisation IT departments will need to refine their IT delivery models, based on an improved understanding of cloud technology and its potential, new governance models and opportunities of information and data. There is no better time to start thinking about those issues than right now.”
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| The best PC gaming headsets 2019 Posted: 23 Jan 2019 09:30 AM PST There’s never been a better time to get your hands on one of the best gaming PCs, and the same is true if you’re looking for one of the best PC gaming headsets. When you’re playing games, having high quality sound is underrated – you’ve already perfected your visual experience with one of the best graphics cards, so the next step should be getting awesome sound. This is because many of the best gaming monitors simply don’t have speakers built-in, and even the ones that do won’t be great for actually playing games. So, if you want an immersive audio experience while playing some of the best PC games like Battlefield V or the upcoming Resident Evil 2 remake, you’ll want either the best computer speakers, or one of the best PC gaming headsets. You’ll be able to extract every detail of your games. The best PC gaming headsets will have all the bells and whistles that the best computer speakers will offer, but with one key difference – privacy. For anyone that wants to avoid keeping their roommates awake all night, here are the best PC gaming headsets on the market in 2019.
HyperX Cloud Revolver S When we first sat down to review the HyperX Cloud Revolver S, we were a bit divided. On one hand, it features fantastic 7.1-channel surround sound, delivered through Dolby's trademark digital signal processor. On the other, it's extremely pricey when compared to other similar headsets. Luckily, as one of Kingston's most subdued pair of cans we've ever seen (or heard), the pristine comfort and top-notch sound more than make up for its high price and oddly placed detachable mic. Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Revolver S
SteelSeries Arctis Pro If there's anything you can count on SteelSeries for, it's pristine audio – and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro is proof perfect of that. Not only will this headset provide immersive surround sound for all the explosive action of your favorite games, but, thanks to its included DAC (digital to audio converter), the Arctis Pro will also serve you well while listening to music. It may be a little expensive, but when you consider just how comfortable and bombastic this headset is, well, it's not hard to see why it's one of the best gaming headsets you can buy today. Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro
Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset Valuing raw performance over the traditional ‘gamer aesthetic,’ the Logitech G Pro headset offers fantastic sound quality over long periods of time, and that’s about it – but we’re not complaining. The Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset focuses squarely on great sound quality and comfort, so you don’t have to fork over a fortune for unnecessary flourishes. If you’re looking for something without all the bells and whistles, but can perform where it counts, the Logitech G Pro might be the best gaming headset for you. Read the full review: Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset
Anyone can simply listen to their games, but what if we told you that you could feel them? With the Razer Nari Ultimate, that can finally be a reality, this gaming headset has haptic motors in the ear cups that makes your ears vibrate. This would be enough to make this at least an interesting headset, but when paired with the long battery life, amazing sound quality and comfortable build, it’s easily one of the best gaming headsets out there. Just, do yourself a favor and turn off the haptic feedback when you’re listening to music. Read the full review: Razer Nari Ultimate
Astro A20 If you're looking for one of the best gaming headsets, but those high-end $300 headsets make your stomach turn and you don't want something cheap, you should take a look at the Astro A20s. Featuring solid stereo sound performance in a wireless headset, not to mention the stunning 15-hour battery life, this headset has all the necessary features that you might want in its price range. Sure, it doesn't have surround sound, but it more than makes up for it with its economy and battery life. Read the full review: Astro A20
Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition Creative has created a name for itself over the ears for crafting sublime audio products – and the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition further cements that legacy. Instead of just sitting and iterating on the winning formula of its previous products, Creative completely revamped the Sound BlasterX H7, resulting in a PC gaming headset that looks just as good as it sounds. If you’re looking for a comfortable, sturdy and meaty-sounding headset, the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition is one of the best PC gaming headsets today. Read the full review: Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Compromises are a part of everyday life, but nobody actually likes making them. Luckily, with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless you don't have to make any compromises, because you can get high quality lossless audio playback with a wireless headset. And, when you add in the unique and ultra-convenient dual-battery charging system that lets you wear this headset in perpetuity, you have a recipe for one of the best gaming headsets we've ever gotten our hands on. If you have the cash, and you absolutely need the best wireless headphones money can buy, you can't go wrong here. Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless
HyperX Cloud Flight The HyperX Cloud Flight is a long-lasting wireless gaming headset featuring up to 30 hours of battery life. This means you can likely get two full days of gaming in between charges. However, there’s a catch – unlike the Cloud Flight’s competition, namely the Astro A20, this gaming headset only offers stereo sound, abandoning any surround sound implementation. You can thankfully get around it by playing around with the Dolby Access app, though, and the sound profile is balanced enough to make this a non-issue. Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Flight
Corsair released one of the best gaming headsets late last year with the Corsair HS50, and now, it has made it even better by making it wireless and giving it virtual surround sound capabilities. These features on their own would make a great gaming headset, but when you add in the fantastic Corsair CUE software on top of it, it makes a complete package that would make a great addition to your gaming setup. Read the full review: Corsair HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset
Corsair Void Pro RGB Wireless It wasn't that long ago that Corsair was solely known for PC components but, over the last five years or so, its arguably become better known for its gaming peripherals. With products like the Corsair Void RGB Wireless, it's not hard to see why. Now, while at first glance, some may scoff at the asking price, the Void Pro RGB Wireless delivers on that price point with great build quality, fantastic sound fidelity and – perhaps most importantly – RGB lighting. Plus, if you've already got a full arsenal of Corsair peripherals, the Void Pro RGB Wireless fits in nicely, and can even synchronize lighting effects with other peripherals through the Corsair Utility Engine. Read the full review: Corsair Void RGB Wireless
Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset As a general rule when you're buying anything, including gaming peripherals, you get what you pay for. You don't go into Walmart, pick up a $50/£50 gaming headset and expect to be blown away, but Corsair takes this rule and turns it on its head. The Corsair HS50 is, for the budget gamer, the best gaming headset you can buy today. Retailing at $50 in the US, the HS50 has sound quality and mic quality that rivals headsets that are twice as expensive. Everything, even down to the build materials radiates quality. If you're looking for a cheap gaming headset, and you don't mind giving up some extra bells and whistles, like 7.1 surround and Bluetooth connectivity, you need to take a look at the Corsair HS50. Read the full review: Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset
Beyerdynamic Custom Game While it’s more expensive than we’d like, the Beyerdynamic CUSTOM Game is one of the best gaming headsets we’ve used in a while. It doesn’t feature flashy surround sound or wireless functionality, but this headset excels in two of the most important categories: sound and comfort. Seriously, once you put it on and experience your games in headphones this good, there’s no going back. Read the full review: Beyerdynamic Custom Game
Turtle Beach XO Three If you're the type of gamer that isn't afraid to let the world know you're playing games, the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament might just be the best gaming headset for you. Not only is it supremely comfortable to wear, but its 50mm drivers mean that sound quality is always top notch – even if it could use a bit more bass in the mix. You really do have to be into the 'gamer aesthetic' though, as its plastic build and orange highlights personify the style. But, if you can get past the looks and the price tag, there's a lot to love about the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament. Read the full review: Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament
Astro A50 Wireless Back when the original Astro A50 launched, we called it a ‘game-changing, experience-enhancing headset,’ and, thankfully, its wireless successor follows in its footsteps – while adding in wireless functionality. Not only is it ready to rock with your PC, but with PS4, Xbox One and legacy consoles as well – a headset that’s robust and versatile.
Asus ROG Centurion 7.1 Abandoning all traditional aesthetics, the ROG Centurion 7.1 is a gorgeous piece of kit anyways. Even if it's a genuine pain to set up, this is one of the best PC gaming headsets both for its unique style and category-defying sound. The Asus ROG Centurion 7.1's onboard amp controls give you complete control over this bombastic sound, and this beast can even bolster its already great sound to an external set of speakers. Read the full review: Asus ROG Centurion 7.1 headset Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
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