Tag: review

I bought the cheapest Windows laptop at Walmart: The $179 HP 14 Laptop

This weekend I bought one of the least expensive Windows laptops I could find on a retail shelf, the HP Laptop 14, which I bought at Walmart for $179 (compensated affiliate link). The goal was to see just how far a low-cost machine like this can go, and what I found is that while there are certainly compromises, there are also a few pleasant surprises.

Check out my video review here!

The biggest surprise is how easy it is to upgrade. The bottom cover comes off with just four screws, revealing a standard DDR4 RAM slot and an empty NVMe slot. Out of the box, it ships with only 4 GB of memory and 128 GB of UFS storage, but I easily swapped in 16 GB of RAM and added a 1 TB SSD, making the system far more usable without losing the warranty or HP’s one-year support. All in it’s feasible to double the RAM while still keeping the total investment here under $250 or less.

Its Intel N150 processor is the same quad-core part I’ve tested in many budget mini PCs, and while it won’t compete with a high-end laptop, it’s efficient enough to get real work done even without the memory upgrade.

The built-in storage performed better than I expected, hitting around 800 MB/s in reads and writes, but adding the NVMe drive brought things closer to 1.2 GB/s. This setup even opens the door for dual-booting Windows and Linux, which the Intel N150 chip inside handles quite effectively.

With 4 GB installed, video playback stuttered and multitasking was sluggish. With 16 GB, YouTube ran smoothly at 1080p60, Office apps opened quickly, and even some light gaming became possible. GTA V, for example, managed to hit around 30 frames per second at low 720p settings, and a PS2 emulator pushed through most titles at mostly full speed.

The biggest letdown here is the display. It’s a 14 inch 1366×768 TN panel at 250 nits, which means washed-out colors and narrow viewing angles. It’s fine for web browsing and word processing, but it’s not suited for editing photos or video. The webcam isn’t much better, but it does at least include a physical shutter.

Weight comes in at 3 pounds and the build quality is all plastic, yet sturdier than I expected for the price. The keyboard and trackpad—though springy and spongy—are functional. Ports are limited, with just two USB-A, one USB-C for data only, HDMI, and a headphone jack. Wi-Fi 6 support is built in, and in my testing it delivered 300–400 Mbps, which is enough for streaming and even cloud gaming. Services like GeForce Now ran smoothly as long as the WiFi connection was decent.

Battery life came in at about five to six hours under light use, which is reasonable given the efficiency of the processor. The fan does kick on under load, but at idle it’s quiet. Windows 11 ships in S mode by default, restricting installs to Microsoft Store apps, though switching out of S mode is quick if you need more flexibility.

Linux also ran well here – in fact it’ll run better than Windows with the base 4GB of RAM when using a lightweight distribution. I am running a few home servers on N150 Mini PCs and the performance here felt very much on par with those devices.

What stood out to me is how much you can get out of this little machine with a few inexpensive upgrades. It’s a cheap laptop from a recognizable brand, with a one year warranty and domestic support, and that sets it apart from the nameless imports that sometimes offer slightly better specs. The display holds it back from being truly versatile, but with extra RAM and an SSD, the HP Laptop 14 becomes a surprisingly capable everyday computer for not much money. It’s good to see these budget options are still available.

Disclosure: I paid for the laptop with my own funds. No one reviewed or approved this content before uploading and all opinions are my own.

Channels App Beta Offers Over the Air Multiview Feature

The Channels App just rolled out one of the more interesting cord-cutting tools I’ve come across in a while: The ability to watch four separate over the air TV channels at the same time when watching on an iPad or Apple TV.

Check it out here!

The feature is still in beta, so users will need to obtain the beta app through Apple’s testflight app. A subscription to the Channels App is also required ($8 monthly or $80 annually). I tested it on an Apple TV connected to my antenna through an HDHomeRun Flex 4K, and the experience worked better than I expected. Switching between streams was quick, and I could easily bring one channel forward while keeping an eye on the other three in the background.

If you’re not familiar with Channels, it’s a DVR platform that runs on a variety of devices. It requires a server component—usually a small PC or NAS—and supports hardware transcoding and out-of-home viewing. The app costs about eight dollars a month and works with HDHomeRun tuners for over-the-air broadcasts. It also integrates TV Everywhere channels if you still have a cable subscription and even supports creating your own custom virtual channels.

The multiview feature only works with live channels, so you can’t use it with recorded shows or personal media, but it’s flexible enough to handle both ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 broadcasts. Setting it up is straightforward: choose a channel, enable the multiview option, and then fill the other slots with the stations you want to monitor. Once you’re watching, you can switch the audio and enlarge a window with a click, or replace a channel on the fly. There are some rough edges at this stage, like the occasional frame stutter, but for a beta release it’s functional.

On the server side, the number of streams you can run depends on your tuner hardware. Each channel you add uses up one tuner, so if you want four channels at once, you’ll need a device that supports four simultaneous streams. Adding an extra HDHomeRun box is one way to scale if multiple people in the household want to record or watch at the same time.

One caveat is the ongoing battle over encryption of broadcast TV signals. If broadcasters succeed in pushing for mandatory encryption, features like this could be limited or disappear entirely, since broadcasters are blocking devices like the HDHomeRun from decrypting over the air broadcasts.

This beta is a fun way to get more out of live TV and is one the coolest things I’ve seen in the cord cutting space in quite some time. It feels especially handy for sports fans who want to keep tabs on multiple games at once. I’ll keep experimenting with the feature and will update as it develops.

MeLE Overclock4C N150 Mini PC Review

My latest Mini PC review is of the Mele Overclock4C, a mini PC built around Intel’s N150 processor. Despite the name, it isn’t actually overclocked, but the cooling solution sets it apart. Unlike some of Mele’s other fanless designs, this one uses a fan paired with a sizable copper heat sink. That design choice helps it sustain performance better under load while keeping noise levels surprisingly low. Even when the fan spins up, it remains quiet enough to be unobtrusive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QCArhYDYoY

The model I tested came with 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512 GB NVMe drive, both of which are accessible if you want to swap or upgrade components. The RAM is expandable up to 32 GB, and storage upgrades are straightforward. The case itself is mostly plastic with a metal base, and a VESA mount is included for attaching it to a display.

You can see all of the configurations over at Amazon (compensated affiliate link).

Connectivity is decent. There are two USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port, dual HDMI outputs, a headphone jack, an SD card slot, and a full-service USB-C port that supports video, data, and power, though it lacks Thunderbolt or USB4.

Networking is where the system feels dated, limited to gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi AC, while many similar N150 devices now ship with 2.5 gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6. Power draw is modest—about 13 watts at idle and up to 32 watts under load.

Performance is what you would expect from the N150 line. General computing tasks at 4K resolution ran smoothly, with no issues using applications like Word, Excel, or browsing the web. Video playback was reliable, handling 4K60 streams without hiccups beyond a brief stutter on startup.

Benchmark results lined up with other N150-based systems I’ve looked at. Gaming is possible if you set your expectations accordingly. Grand Theft Auto V ran at around 30 frames per second on low settings at 720p, and PlayStation 2 emulation was mostly full speed. Streaming from GeForce Now at 4K60 was smooth over Ethernet, further broadening the system’s gaming options.

Thermals are where this PC stands out. A stress test confirmed stable performance with little to no throttling, holding steady at around 47°C, lower than comparable fanless or less robustly cooled designs. The stronger cooling doesn’t make the N150 chip any faster, but it ensures consistency during prolonged heavy use.

On Linux, the system behaved as expected with one exception—the built-in Intel AC 9560 Wi-Fi chipset wasn’t recognized by the latest Ubuntu release. Ethernet worked fine, and with the right drivers, Wi-Fi should too. That small issue aside, it has the potential to serve well as a compact server, whether for Docker containers or media streaming.

The Mele Overclock4C doesn’t deliver more raw performance than other N150 mini PCs, but its cooling design makes it a better fit for those who plan to run it under sustained workloads. It’s a practical little system that can handle everyday tasks, some light gaming, and server duties without struggling to keep its performance stable over time.

See more Mini PC reviews here!

Disclaimer: Mele sent the computer to the channel free of charge no other compensation was received. They did not review or approve this content prior to uploading, all opinions are my own.

Aurzen Roku D1R Cube Smart Projector Review

In my latest video review, I take a look at a new projector from a company called Aurzen that comes with Roku built right in. When you power it on, you’re greeted with the Roku interface, and it even ships with a Roku remote. It’s not a stick or an add-on—it’s fully integrated.

The projector is on the lower tier price-wise – this is one of those devices that sees frequent price fluctuations and sales so take a look over at Amazon (compensated affiliate link).

At 330 ANSI lumens, it isn’t very bright, so in a well-lit room the image can be hard to see. It performs better in a darkened room with blinds drawn. Resolution is capped at 1080p, though it will accept 4K input and downscale. There’s no HDR support, but the major streaming services negotiate resolution correctly, and Netflix plays back at full 1080p, which is notable since many budget projectors don’t have a Netflix certification.

The hardware is compact, with a built-in power supply and stereo speakers that sound decent. There are options for connecting external audio via Bluetooth or the analog output. On the back you’ll find a USB port for loading in media files, an HDMI input, and minimal physical controls. The included remote works reliably, and because it’s a Roku device, the Roku mobile app is also supported. For positioning, there’s a small kickstand and a standard tripod mount. An 85-inch screen requires about 8 feet of throw distance, and that’s close to the maximum usable size in my testing.

In practice, the image looks sharp enough and color reproduction is consistent with expectations for the price. Brightness, however, remains a limitation, especially with darker content. There’s no manual brightness control, though autofocus and auto-keystone work well. These adjustments, along with orientation settings, are accessed through the Roku menu rather than physical dials. You can manually adjust the focus and keystone through the interface.

Streaming performance feels similar to a Roku stick. Apps like Disney+ and YouTube run at 1080p, and casting via Apple AirPlay or Miracast works smoothly. I tested AirPlay with a Keynote presentation with my iPhone, and the projector was able to carry the presentation while my iPhone displayed the next slide and presenter notes.

Gaming was a different story. While HDMI inputs displayed a sharp, fluid 60 fps image, input lag was severe—around a quarter second. For casual presentations or watching content, it’s fine, but fast-paced gaming is not something I can recommend with this one.

For someone who already likes Roku’s ecosystem and needs a simple, low-cost projector, this fits the bill. It’s best suited for smaller screen sizes in dark rooms. The biggest drawback is brightness and input lag, but for straightforward streaming use, it works as advertised.

Disclosure: Aurzen provided the projector to the channel free of charge. However no other compensation was received, they did not review or approve this content before it was uploaded and all opinions are my own.

GeForce NOW Game Streaming Service with Nvidia RTX 5080 – 2025 Review

It’s been a while since I did a deep dive into Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming service, so in my latest video I take a look at where things stand in 2025.

The idea behind GeForce Now remains the same: for a monthly fee, you’re effectively renting time on high-end Nvidia hardware in the cloud, which lets you play games at higher settings and frame rates than you could manage on a low-end or aging PC. It also works on mobile devices, gaming handhelds and TV boxes.

The service does not include any games, however. GeForce Now syncs with accounts from popular PC game stores such as Steam, GOG, and Microsoft’s PC Xbox store. Games you’ve purchased on those platforms are playable on GeForce Now, provided the game’s publisher allows streaming—though not all do.

Games directly supported on the service are already downloaded and ready to go with optimized settings. Your saved games will also sync up automatically. Nvidia has also added a new “install to play” feature. Alongside its usual “ready to play” optimized titles, you can now allocate up to 500 GB of cloud storage to install games that allow streaming but haven’t yet been optimized for the GeForce Now service. Those titles require manual graphics tuning, but it does expand the potential catalog quite a bit.

Another recent update to the service allows users on the “Ultimate” subscription tier to play a select number of games with new RTX 5080 hardware. Most games will spin up on the RTX 4080 servers, since not every title is yet supported on the 5080. In my video I demoed streaming Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K on a cloud 5080 with variable refresh rate and G-Sync enabled. The game stayed well above 100 frames per second with excellent image quality and minimal latency.

The GeForce Now statistics overlay provides helpful realtime data such as real-time bandwidth consumption and latency. My connection to Nvidia’s New Jersey datacenter held steady at 11–12 milliseconds of latency on Comcast’s Gigabit Pro service, which helped the experience feel close to native PC gaming. Ethernet proved essential here; Wi-Fi isn’t reliable enough can’t keep up with the bandwidth demands of 4K 120fps streaming.

I also ran the service on very low-end hardware. My budget GMKtec mini PC, which costs under $200, had no trouble streaming Doom Dark Ages at 4K 60fps. As long as I used Ethernet, the experience was smooth with minimal lag. GeForce Now also supports mobile platforms including a native Steam Deck client. On handhelds, where resolution demands are lower, Wi-Fi worked well and only needed about 20 megabits per second.

Pricing spans three tiers. The free tier provides one-hour sessions on 1080p/60 servers—useful for testing whether your connection can handle it. The Performance tier steps up to 1440p/60, while the Ultimate tier unlocks RTX 4080 and 5080 access, 4K streaming, and frame rates up to 360 fps. At $200 annually, the ultimate plan gives you eight-hour gaming sessions, which for most people is more than enough time per play.

Geforce Now works equally well on a tricked-out desktop with a G-Sync display or a bargain mini PC that could never manage these games locally. The key variable remains your proximity to Nvidia’s datacenters and the quality of your ISP’s routing. For me in Connecticut, it is a seamless way to play, and it’s clear Nvidia has continued to refine the experience since the last time I tested it thoroughly.

DJI Mic 3 Review

In my latest review, I took a look at the new DJI Mic 3, which is the latest iteration of DJI’s wireless microphone system. In this review I focus more on the casual user, who is looking for a simple “run and gun” system.

Like the previous iterations, it does work as advertised for those looking for a simple solution. Plug it into a phone, camera, or computer and it pops up and works with little fuss.

I bought the two-microphone kit (compensated affiliate link), which comes with two transmitters and a receiver, though the receiver can handle up to four mics. In certain setups you can even record each mic onto its own track, which is useful for editing later if your gear supports it. This new version doesn’t require the receiver unit at all – in fact you can just buy a transmitter and link it directly via bluetooth to a phone. But that’s probably not the ideal configuration.

The included USB-C dongle locks securely into place, which is a big improvement over the earlier version where it would slip out easily. It works with newer iPhones thanks to the switch to USB-C, but anyone with a lightning-based iPhone will need to purchase an adapter from DJI.

The carrying case doubles as a charger, and DJI rates the mics for about eight hours of use and the receiver for about ten. Enabling advanced features like 32-bit float recording will drain the battery faster, and the batteries aren’t replaceable, so longevity may diminish over time. The receiver now has a scroll wheel for navigating menus, which I found more precise than the older tiny touchscreen taps.

Connectivity is broad. Beyond USB-C, there’s also analog TRS mic output and a headphone jack for monitoring, making it usable with cameras, computers, and phones. Each transmitter can also record internally, which is a safeguard in environments with heavy interference. DJI says they’ll store about 57 hours in standard mode or 42 hours in 32-bit float, automatically overwriting the oldest files when full. Audio is downloaded by docking the transmitters in the charging case, and connecting the charging case to a PC, phone or tablet via USB-C.

Speaking of interference, the DJI Mic 3 works across the 2.4 ghz and 5 ghz spectrum, occupying the same frequencies that Wi-Fi uses. It will “frequency hop” to keep the signal steady, but there may be environments with a lot of Wi-Fi and other devices using the same spectrum that could result in diminished performance. My advice would be to always enable the transmitter recording feature just to be safe.

In practice, the microphones sound better than the first-generation set I used before. They are omnidirectional, so they’ll pick up surrounding noise, but there are new noise reduction settings. In testing at a trade show, the basic noise reduction helped cut down background chatter, while the strong mode made the audio sound a little too processed. These settings only apply to the live wireless signal, not the onboard recordings, so any recorded files still need software cleanup if conditions are noisy. There are also voice presets labeled standard, rich, and bright. They’re subtle changes, but I found “rich” gave a touch more warmth to my voice.

Mounting options are flexible. The transmitters have clips and magnets strong enough to hold through clothing, though there are plenty of small accessories to keep track of. For outdoor work, the included furry “dead cat” wind screens snap on securely and help tame wind noise. Through the companion app, I was able to configure professional features like timecode synchronization, lossless recording, adaptive gain, and 32-bit float capture. Timecode is especially useful when syncing multiple tracks in editing. The advanced modes aren’t really plug-and-play and require more post-production work, but they’re there if you need them.

Overall, I see the DJI Mic 3 as both approachable for those looking for a basic mic set but with some additional features that pros will appreciate. While I use a higher-end Sennheiser set for my remote shoots, it’s nice to have something that’s quick and easy for the times I need a quick solution with minimal hardware to get the job done.

Wyze Duo Cam Pan Review

In my latest review video, I check out the new Wyze Duo Cam Pan. This device essentially combines two cameras into one unit: a fixed-position camera on the bottom and a pan-and-tilt camera on the top.

The design lets you monitor a specific spot with the stationary lens while still having the flexibility to track motion with the movable one. Both cameras record independently, so you end up with two separate video files or photos for each event.

The Duo Cam Pan retails for a higher price than Wyze’s standard pan camera because you’re effectively getting two cameras in one. You can get the latest prices over at Amazon as they do fluctuate from time to time (compensated affiliate link).

It uses a USB-C power connection, but the included power supply isn’t outdoor-rated, meaning you’ll need an outdoor rated adapter if you plan to mount and power it outside. As for installation, you can place it on a flat surface, mount it to a wall, or even hang it upside down, with the Wyze app allowing you to flip the video image as needed. Both lenses shoot in 2K resolution with a 106-degree field of view, and while the video quality looks good overall, the heavy compression can create noticeable artifacts in fast-moving scenes.

I was impressed with the low-light performance. Even without night vision enabled, the camera pulled in more detail than what my eyes could see in a dark room. Night vision also works as expected, and both cameras have the same specs in that regard. Audio features are built-in, with a speaker on the bottom unit and a microphone for two-way communication. The speaker isn’t especially loud but works well enough for conversations. An SD card slot on the bottom allows for local storage, which is essential if you want continuous recording without paying for Wyze’s subscription service.

The Wyze app recognizes the Duo Cam Pan as a single device, but you can view both camera feeds at the same time. Motion tracking is enabled by default on the top camera, letting it follow movement around a space while the bottom camera keeps watch on one fixed area. You can also set patrol routes, or just control the pan-and-tilt manually. One limitation is that this camera does not support RTSP streaming, so you’re locked into Wyze’s app ecosystem.

Many feature are sadly locked behind a paywall. Subscription plans add AI detection for people, pets, and vehicles, but without it, the camera only notifies you of generic motion. Free-tier users will notice more false alarms and will also run into restrictions like the five-minute cooldown period between event notifications. The SD card helps offset this, since it records continuously and provides more context before and after events, though if the camera is stolen, that footage goes with it. You can still copy recordings to your phone, but it’s done in real time by streaming the playback, rather than simply downloading a file.

Storage needs will depend on how much recording you do. With two cameras running at once, space fills twice as fast than on a traditional Wyze camera. I found it used around 500 megabytes per hour, so a 64GB or 128GB card feels like a reasonable starting point. The camera supports up to 512GB. As the card fills, it automatically overwrites older clips. This makes a larger card a better investment if you want longer retention.

Overall, the Duo Cam Pan works well for those already in the Wyze ecosystem. It’s convenient to have a fixed and a movable camera sharing one power source, and the image and audio quality are solid for the price. Still, the full feature set is heavily tied to Wyze’s subscription plan. If you don’t plan to pay a monthly fee, an SD card is absolutely necessary.

Disclosure: Wyze provided the camera to the channel free of charge. However they did not review or approve this video before uploading, no other compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.

Linux Gaming Still has a Ways to Go.. Bazzite on a Gaming Laptop Review

One of my most favorite purchases of the last couple of years is my Steam Deck. I’m amazed by how capable SteamOS is. It’s a Linux-based system, not Windows, yet it manages to run the majority of Windows games surprisingly well on very modest hardware. Much of the technology that makes that possible is also available for other Linux distributions, which led me to try installed the gaming-centric Bazzite on the Asus Strix G16 gaming laptop I recently reviewed.

You can check out my Bazzite experience in my latest video review.

Bazzite is optimized for running games on desktops, laptops, and handhelds. I selected the Asus-specific installer with Nvidia support, chose KDE for the desktop environment, and went with a standard install rather than the beta live version.

The setup process was straightforward: download the installer, flash it to a USB drive using Balena Etcher, and boot from the drive. I did run into an issue after installation where the system wouldn’t boot until I disabled Secure Boot in the BIOS. Once that was changed, Bazzite loaded into its desktop environment with Steam preinstalled.

My first test was Cyberpunk 2077, using the same settings I had used in Windows for comparison. On Windows, the benchmark averaged about 176 frames per second; on Bazzite, it was closer to 136. That drop in performance was noticeable, and the display brightness was also lower compared to Windows. There were some hardware quirks as well, such as missing keystrokes on the keyboard and reduced control over the backlighting.

Bazzite comes with Lutris for managing games from platforms beyond Steam. My GOG titles worked without issue — Space Quest IV launched quickly in ScummVM — but Epic Games titles were another story. Shenmue III and Deathloop, for example, failed to load after launching from Lutris. Steam titles generally worked fine, especially those that already run well on the Steam Deck, though most showed a performance gap compared to Windows.

This is the challenge for Linux gaming on laptops: hardware optimization. Manufacturers spend considerable time fine-tuning performance for Windows, but the same level of support often isn’t there for Linux. Consistent hardware platforms, like handheld gaming devices, seem to fare better.

While Linux gaming has come a long way and it’s impressive to see modern Windows titles running at all, my tests suggest that on a gaming laptop like the Strix G16, Windows still has the edge in performance and hardware compatibility straight out of the box.

Commenters on my video also pointed out that AMD has done much more work optimizing their drivers for Linux vs. Nvidia. So in a follow-up video I’ll test the GMKTec AMD based eGPU I reviewed a few months back connected to the GMKTec Intel Core Ultra 9 I reviewed last week.

A Review of Roku’s $2.99 Howdy Service

Roku has launched a new streaming service called Howdy, priced at $3 a month. I subscribed to see what it offers and shared the experience in my latest video.

The marketing is straightforward: “almost everything you want to watch,” ad-free, for around the cost of a cup of coffee. At the moment, it’s only available through Roku devices, including Roku TVs, streaming players, the Roku Channel website, and their mobile app on iPhone/iPad and Android. While it may eventually expand to other platforms, this is currently a Roku-only service.

Comparing titles through JustWatch, I found that many Howdy offerings can also be found on other platforms, sometimes for free but with ads, or for a rental fee. For example, Reservoir Dogs can be rented on a few services for more than the monthly cost of Howdy, or streamed free with ads on Plex. The series Southland is available on Howdy without ads, while Prime Video offers it with ads for a higher subscription price. So far it looks like there are not many exclusives, but the content that is available is not always widely available either.

The interface is basic, and while there is a search function, browsing can be clumsy. You can save content that you want to watch for later so you don’t have to go hunting for it on subsequent sessions. Like other streaming services, I expect content to cycle in and out as licensing deals change.

One surprise was that some of Roku’s own popular exclusive productions, like The Spiderwick Chronicles and Die Hart, aren’t on Howdy at all, even though they’re available on the free Roku Channel with ads. On the other hand, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is available ad-free. I’m guessing Roku may rotate its original programming on and off the service much like it does with licensed content. So unfortunately Howdy is not the gateway to watch all of Roku’s exclusives ad-free.

Kids & family content is limited—about 20 titles in the “family favorites” section—and there’s no dedicated kids’ mode. That’s a missed opportunity, since ad-free children’s programming at a low price could have been a strong draw.

Overall, Howdy seems designed for people who already enjoy free streaming content but dislike ads. For three dollars a month, you get an ad-free experience with a mix of familiar and lesser-known titles, most of them older back catalog type of stuff. It’s a low-cost way to remove interruptions, but given the small library and lack of exclusives, it may lack value for many.

Disclosure: I paid for the Howdy subscription and the Roku player demonstrated with my own funds.

GMKTec EVO-T1 Mini PC Review – With Intel Core Ultra 9

I recently spent some time testing out the GMKTec EVO-T1, which sits at the higher end of the mini PC spectrum. You can see it in action in my latest video.

It’s larger than most of the mini PCs I usually look at, but that extra size supports a more robust cooling system, allowing it to house an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor—the Ultra 9 285H specifically. With 16 cores (six performance, eight efficiency, and two low-power), it offers a lot of CPU capacity for a Mini PC.

As configured, it retails for $999 on GMKtek’s website (compensated affiliate link) and includes 64GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and a 1TB NVMe drive. A barebones version is also available for $899, but the fully-loaded configuration is a better value right now. For those buying on Amazon (compensated affiliate link), it’s worth hunting for a coupon link to bring the price in line with the direct sale.

The Evo T1’s upgradability was a highlight. It supports up to 128GB of RAM and has three PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots. While the build quality feels a bit more “plasticky” than some of their earlier models—likely to accommodate the vapor chamber for cooling—the internal layout is straightforward and accessible.

Port selection is generous. On the front, there are three USB-A 3.2 ports, a USB-C port with display output, and a headphone jack. The back offers two 2.5G Ethernet ports using Realtek controllers, two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, a USB 4/Thunderbolt port, another headphone jack, and an Oculink port for high-speed external GPU connectivity. The included 150W GaN power supply is compact and external.

One setup note: by default, the system runs in a balanced 54W power mode. I switched it to 70W performance mode in the BIOS, which unlocked noticeably better performance without thermal throttling. There’s also a “fan mode” button on top, but that’s just to change the LED lighting color—not the actual fan speed or performance.

Out of the box, the PC came with a fully activated version of Windows 11 Pro. It was fast and responsive in basic use and handled 4K60 YouTube playback with only a single dropped frame at the start. Benchmarks landed where expected, with a Browserbench.org Speedometer test score of 35.5. It’s worth noting that Apple’s Mac Mini with the M4 chip edges out this machine in browser performance, but from an Intel and Windows standpoint, it delivers solid results.

The T1 shipped with a preinstalled app called “AI PC,” which runs a stripped down version of DeepSeek—a large language model—locally. It ran on the GPU, which provided better performance than when I tried the same model using Ollama on the CPU. Still, I was cautious about this preinstalled software and opted to run several malware scans, all of which came back clean. I’d still recommend using open-source tools like Ollama for local AI workloads.

For video editing, DaVinci Resolve handled simple 4K60 edits smoothly, although more complex effects introduced some slowdowns. An external GPU might help here, and the Oculink port makes that possible. Gaming performance was respectable for a mini PC with integrated graphics. No Man’s Sky and Cyberpunk 2077 were playable at 1080p on low settings, staying in the 45–60 fps range depending on the scene.

On the 3DMark Time Spy test, the system scored 4,180, with the CPU performance notably stronger than the Core Ultra 7 I tested on a laptop previously. Thermals held up well even under stress, with consistent performance and quiet fan operation. Power consumption under load peaked around 90W, while idle usage hovered around 12 to 15W.

I also tested Linux compatibility using Ubuntu. The system ran well overall, though Wi-Fi and Bluetooth weren’t detected despite using an Intel AX201 chipset. That could be a temporary driver issue. For server use, though, the system’s NVMe slots and efficient idle power draw make it a strong candidate.

Despite its higher price tag, the Evo T1 packs a lot of power and flexibility. Enthusiasts looking for a machine to experiment with in a home lab or as a local AI box might find this an interesting option.

Disclosure: GMKTec provided the Mini PC to the channel free of charge. However they did not review or approve this content before it was uploaded and no other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

Synology’s Beestation Plus Makes for a Simple Transcoding Plex Server

The Synology BeeStation Plus (compensated affiliate link) is a personal cloud server that offers a stripped-down take on Synology’s usual network-attached storage experience. Unlike their more robust NAS systems, the BeeStation line focuses on just a few core functions—file syncing across devices and photo backup from phones. It’s more or less a homegrown alternative to services like Dropbox or Google Drive, and this new Plus model adds something the original lacked: the ability to run a Plex server.

In my latest video, we take a look at this new BeeStation performs as a Plex server.

That Plex capability is what drew my attention this time. I reviewed the original BeeStation last year, and not much has changed outside of this new functionality. The interface, the photo and file syncing—all of that remains the same. What’s different is under the hood: more storage, faster hardware, and just enough headroom to make media serving viable.

The BeeStation Plus comes in at a price roughly double that of the original model. It’s also just slightly less expensive than Synology’s newer DS225+ NAS when configured with storage. The DS225+ shares the same Intel Celeron J4125 processor found here.

The BeeStation Plus includes 8TB of built-in Synology-branded storage running at 7200 RPM, compared to 4TB at 5400 RPM on the original. There’s also a bump from 1GB to 4GB of RAM.

From a design standpoint, you get basic connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, USB-A and USB-C ports for external backup drives, and a fan that’s quiet during operation. Unfortunately, it lacks 2.5-gigabit Ethernet, which is now available on that aforementioned DS225+.

The Plex Media Server is installed through the web control panel. It’s not the latest version—Synology seems to vet versions before distributing them—but the process is pretty painless. You’ll need to walk through the usual Plex setup steps manually, including mapping your media directories one by one. The BeeStation Plus creates default folders for things like movies and TV shows, but you have to point Plex to them yourself.

Once it’s up and running, Plex behaves as expected. I tested it by playing a BluRay MKV rip of Back to the Future from my phone over Wi-Fi and had it transcode a 4K HDR10 file down to 1080p at 8Mbps with tone mapping. The hardware handled that without issue, using only about 20% of available system resources thanks to Intel’s Quick Sync technology.

One catch: hardware transcoding requires a Plex Pass. It’s a separate purchase—not bundled with the BeeStation—and available either as a subscription or one-time payment. Without it, Plex will still work fine on your local network if you don’t need transcoding, but you will need to pay to stream outside the home.

Transferring media files to the BeeStation is easiest over a local SMB share. You can access the device through your network like any other NAS box, and I was getting about 100MB/s transfer speeds, which lines up with expectations for gigabit Ethernet.

So what’s the verdict? The BeeStation Plus works. It’s a more capable version of the original, and for someone new to Plex who wants a simple, all-in-one box, it might be a decent starting point. But at this price point, it sits in a weird middle ground. For casual users, the original BeeStation might still be enough if they don’t need the Plex server. It’s possible Synology will add more app support to this device in the future, and if they do, the extra processing power here will help. But for now, the BeeStation Plus feels like a bridge between the simple and sophisticated—and that may limit its appeal.

iPad Mini Review – Gen 7 / A17 Pro Version

I picked up the latest iPad Mini—the one with the A17 Pro chip that came out in October (compensated affilate link) —during a Prime Day sale a few months after its release. It wasn’t something I was initially planning on buying, but I started flying lessons and needed a bigger screen for ForeFlight, the aviation app I’ve been using. Just about every pilot I’ve encountered uses the iPad Mini, and it made sense to follow suit when I saw it on sale.

In this video, I take a look at the new iPad Mini and see what it can do. I was surprised that it has performance and capabilities that rivals some of the pre-M1 iPad Pros.

The device looks very much like the previous iPad Mini, which came out four years ago. The bezels haven’t changed, and they definitely feel dated by today’s standards. That said, the internals are better—more powerful processor, more memory, and increased base storage. I went with the 128 GB Wi-Fi model, which is enough for my needs. The starting price is $499, but I paid $379 on sale. Apple also offers 256 and 512 GB versions, and you can opt for cellular connectivity if needed.

I did get some questions about why I went with the non GPS unit if I’m using it in a plane. The reason is that we use a device called a Foreflight Sentry that provides GPS and ADS-B data to the iPad. It’s a pretty neat device. During our preflight I connect the iPad to the sentry via Wi-Fi and it’s up and running.

Inside, the iPad Mini is powered by the A17 Pro chip—essentially the same as the one in the iPhone 15 Pro, minus a GPU core. While that technically means it’s slightly less powerful graphically, I didn’t notice much of a difference in real-world use. The screen is 8.3 inches with a 2266 by 1488 resolution. It’s not OLED, but the contrast and black levels are still quite good. It runs at 60 Hz, so if you’re used to 120 Hz displays, the difference in smoothness will be noticeable. I’m not too bothered by it personally.

The hardware is solid. It weighs about 293 grams and feels well built with a glass front and a metal back. I added a MagSafe ring (compensated affiliate link) to the back for easier mounting in my studio and in the cockpit. It won’t wirelessly charge that way, but I mostly use the ring for mounting, not charging.

There’s a single USB-C port at the bottom, and stereo speakers that intelligently shift left and right depending on the orientation. Audio quality is passable—good for conference calls but not ideal for music playback. For better audio, external headphones or speakers are recommended, but note there is no headphone jack. The iPad supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, as well as the new USB-C Pencil and the Pencil Pro.

On the back is a 12 MP camera with a 1.8 aperture. It shoots 4K at 60 fps and can do slow-motion at 1080p 240 fps. There’s no optical stabilization, just digital, but video looks good and still images are sharp with natural bokeh, though there’s no portrait mode. The front-facing camera is also 12 MP but limited to 1080p video and isn’t great in low light. It does though have a very wide field of view and supports Center Stage for video calls, tracking you as you move.

Performance is snappy. Web browsing, app launching, and multitasking all work well. Split screen functionality is available, though the screen size makes it a bit tight. It supports Wi-Fi 6E and performed well in speed tests on my network.

I was surprised to find that Final Cut Pro runs on this iPad. I tested it using Apple’s sample project, and it played back 4K HDR footage smoothly. It’s not the easiest device to edit on due to screen size, but it worked. The full USB-C port also makes it possible to connect external displays, keyboards, and other peripherals, which makes it more useful for tasks like presentations. I ran a Keynote presentation off it without issue in my video.

Gaming is another strong suit. I tested Fortnite which ran at a solid 60 fps. Benchmark results put its performance in the same league as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and even comparable to a Windows handheld like the ASUS ROG Ally in some respects. That said, it does get warm under load and will throttle performance after sustained use. It’s worth noting that thermal throttling didn’t appear to impact my gaming session significantly but I did see performance losses with my benchmark tests.

Battery life varies by use. For web browsing and video playback, expect 8–10 hours. With more intensive applications like gaming, that drops to around 4 hours or less. It charges fairly quickly and, unlike iPhones, still includes a charger in the box.

I wasn’t planning to rejoin the iPad world, especially since my larger one doesn’t get much use, but this device feels right for what I need it to do. My wife has been using the prior Mini for a couple of years now and still loves it. For a smaller iPad, this one does a lot more than I expected. It’s not just about size—it’s also about capability.

GMKTec G10 Mini PC Review

In my latest Mini PC review video, I take a look at the new GMKTec G10. This one is on the lower-end of the price scale (compensated affiliate link), and reminded me a bit of their other low cost machine G3 Plus, which I liked for its low cost and practical design. The G10 comes in a bit higher in price but swaps in a Ryzen processor, specifically the older 3500U that can perform a little better in some applications.

My G10 review unit came with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and it’s easy to open up and upgrade. There are two NVMe slots inside, and the unit can support up to 64GB of RAM and 16TB of total storage—though you’ll need to work around a pretty tight layout. One NVMe slot overlaps the RAM modules, which makes things a little cramped. It’s all housed in a plastic case, nothing premium, but serviceable.

On the front are two 5Gbps USB-A ports and a headphone/mic jack. Around back, there’s a USB-C port that supports data, video, and power delivery, along with a second USB-C port that’s power-only. There’s also USB 2.0, 2.5Gb Ethernet, HDMI, and DisplayPort outputs. Combined with the USB-C video output, you can run three independent displays. Wi-Fi is limited to Wi-Fi 5, and the Ethernet and wireless chips use Realtek controllers.

Right out of the box, performance is a bit underwhelming. By default, the BIOS is set to a balanced mode that limits the processor to 15W. Switching to the high-performance mode bumps that up to 35W, which improves performance, but thermal issues start cropping up. I ran a 3DMark stress test and initially got poor results—even in performance mode—until I manually configured the fan to run at 100%. With the fan running constantly, I got much better stability and higher benchmark scores. It’s louder than I’d like, but not the worst I’ve seen.

Windows 11 Pro comes pre-installed and activated. In high-performance mode, it feels snappier than Intel N150-based mini PCs, especially at 4K60. Browsing is responsive, though I noticed some dropped frames when playing back 4K60 video from YouTube. It eventually smooths out, but not quite to the level I’ve seen from newer Intel chips in the same price range.

Benchmarking with browserbench.org’s Speedometer test gave me a score of 11.2 in performance mode and 7.63 in balanced mode. It does beat the N150 when pushed in the higher TDP, but just barely.

Gaming is possible at the low end. GTA V at 720p and minimum settings averaged around 45 to 50 frames per second. Emulation performance was mixed. PS2 titles like Burnout Revenge didn’t run very smoothly, even with performance settings. Older consoles and retro-style games should run fine, but don’t expect this to handle more demanding emulators consistently.

In the Time Spy benchmark, the G10 scored 756 in performance mode and 394 in balanced mode. On paper, that’s better than the N150, but in practice, I saw smoother emulation on the Intel system. I suspect that the older CPU architecture and slower RAM are contributing to that gap.

Linux support seems solid. I tried Ubuntu 25.04 and had working Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, and video. An earlier version of Ubuntu didn’t detect Ethernet, but the latest build corrected that. Linux felt more responsive than Windows in balanced mode, likely due to lower system overhead.

Idle power consumption came in at around 11–12 watts in balanced mode and 20 watts in performance mode. For those thinking of using it as a low-cost server, it could work, but you’ll want to put it somewhere where the fan noise won’t be a annoyance.

Overall there are some compromises with this device. Thermals need hands-on tweaking, and the older chip architecture shows in areas like video playback and emulation. I’d probably still recommend the Intel N150-based mini PCs for most people, especially if your budget is tight and you’re looking for a quieter and more polished experience. Still, for the right use case—like a small home server or a Linux box—the G10 has its place.

Disclosure: GMKTec sent the Mini PC to the channel free of charge. They did not review or approve this video prior to uploading, no additional compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.

Free App Hidden Gem: STARSS – RSS Reader with a Star Trek LCARS Interface!

I stumbled across something recently that made my inner Star Trek nerd do a double-take. If you’re like me—middle-aged and grew up watching The Next Generation—chances are your iPad mini reminds you of the data pads the crew used aboard the Enterprise. But of course, Apple’s default interface doesn’t exactly scream LCARS. That’s where an app called “STARSS” comes in.

See it in action in my latest video.

I found this while browsing around and had never heard of it before, despite the fact that it’s apparently been on the App Store for over 17 years. It’s free, and was created by Christopher Kriens, who as far as I can tell hasn’t made any other iOS apps. What makes STARSS unique is that it turns your iPad—or iPhone—into a fully functional LCARS-style RSS reader. It’s more than just a nostalgic interface toy. It actually has some function.

When you launch the app, you’re greeted with that familiar Starfleet color palette and UI structure. It pulls in RSS feeds and displays articles as if they were Starfleet communiqués. It even includes audio effects—when you share an article, for instance, it plays the communicator chirp. The navigation is pure LCARS: no scrolling with your fingers here. Instead, you tap buttons labeled “ascend” and “descend” to move through lists. To read an article, you select it and tap “access article,” which opens a summary. You can then hit “access web” to launch the article in a built-in browser.

There’s a certain charm in how committed the app is to the Star Trek aesthetic. Features like “red alert” mode, weapon systems with sound effects, and a “subspace scan” button add to the illusion. If you really want to immerse yourself, you can even enable ambient bridge sounds that play while the app is open.

Underneath the LCARS exterior is a lightweight but capable RSS reader. It doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles like tags or folders, but it gets the job done. You can add new feeds by searching for a site and hitting “engage.” I tried it with my own blog and had no problem getting it to work. Articles show up in the reader with summaries or full text, depending on how the site publishes its feed.

There’s also iCloud sync support, basic text size controls, and even an option to trigger red alert mode if you drop your iPad. It’s clearly not meant to replace more advanced RSS readers, but it doesn’t need to. For Star Trek fans looking for a functional novelty, it lands in the sweet spot.

STARSS is free and still available on the App Store. It might not be new, but it was new to me—and sometimes that’s even better.

Find an iPad on Amazon (compensated affiliate link).

The ASUS Prime Day Gaming Laptop: ROG Strix G16 Review

I’ve been spending some time with the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (compensated affiliate link), a gaming laptop that’s been on sale for Prime Day and likely will pop up in other sales throughout the year. This is a mid-tier option in the ROG lineup, and ASUS sent it over on loan for a closer look.

You can see it in action in my latest review.

It’s powered by an Intel Core i7-14650HX—an older CPU, but still very capable given the rest of the system—and it’s paired with an Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU with 8GB of VRAM, running at up to 115 watts. The display is a 16-inch 1920×1200 panel in a 16:10 aspect ratio. It’s not especially high-res, but it runs at 165Hz with G-Sync and a 3ms response time. I’d estimate brightness at around 350 nits. While not the brightest screen out there, it holds up well in everyday use and looks good while gaming.

The build is mostly plastic, with some metal reinforcement on the display lid. It weighs in at about 5.84 pounds (2.65 kg). Inside, there’s 16GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. There’s an extra NVMe slot for expansion. One thing that stood out to me was the ease of access for upgrading memory and storage—no screws are needed to get inside. A simple twist-and-lift mechanism opens the bottom panel to expose the internals.

As for the lighting, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The system features a full underglow RGB light bar and zone-based keyboard lighting, but the customization process is far from intuitive. You’ll need to dig into ASUS’s Armory Crate and Aura Sync software to isolate the keyboard from the light bar, and it doesn’t support per-key lighting. It’s clunky.

The keyboard itself feels solid, with a good amount of travel and a few translucent keycaps that let the lighting through. The trackpad is generously sized and responsive.

Port selection is another strong point: the left side includes the power input, gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, a 10Gbps USB-A port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and a 10Gbps USB-C port that also supports video output. On the right, there are two more 10Gbps USB-A ports. The power brick is 280W—not small, but a bit more manageable than others in this class.

I like Thunderbolt ports because they add a lot of versatility to a laptop, especially for someone like me who does live video production. With Thunderbolt, I can connect high-speed external storage, additional displays, or even specialized gear like desktop capture cards in compact breakout boxes (compensated affiliate link). I set my local high school up with a Blackmagic card in a Thunderbolt box that brought in four SDI camera feeds for live switching—something that wouldn’t be possible with a standard USB-C port. It’s one of those features that quietly makes a gaming laptop far more capable for both creative work and general expansion.

Battery life is about what you’d expect. While gaming, you might get an hour or two. Lighter tasks like browsing and document work could stretch it to six to eight hours, assuming lower brightness and efficiency settings. The 1080p webcam is passable, and there’s also an IR camera for facial recognition login.

In terms of gaming performance, I tested Cyberpunk 2077, No Man’s Sky, and Red Dead Redemption 2, all at the display’s native resolution with graphic settings cranked up and DLSS enabled. Frame rates ranged from about 75 to over 100 fps depending on the title and scene. Even with the modest display resolution, the visuals looked sharp and responsive, and the 165Hz refresh rate kept everything smooth. The display also handles glare well thanks to its anti-reflective coating.

As for benchmarks, the 3DMark Time Spy score came in at 12,960—better than last year’s version of this with an RTX 4060, and not far off from some RTX 4070 laptops. A 99.2% score on the 3DMark stress test suggests strong thermal performance under sustained load. The laptop has three fans and large exhaust vents, and while you’ll hear the fans when gaming, they’re not overly loud. This thicker chassis likely contributes to better airflow and reduced noise.

From a build and performance perspective, the G16 sits in an interesting spot—not quite high-end, but a clear step up from ASUS’s TUF line. It’s sturdy, not overly flashy, and quiet under load. The display looks better than its resolution might suggest, and gaming performance is solid across the board. It’s also a useful option for creators thanks to the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4.

This one checks a lot of boxes for me as someone who games occasionally and does video production. Others might prefer different brands or slightly different features, but this setup hits a nice balance.

Disclosure: Asus provided the laptop on loan. This was not a sponsored review nor was content reviewed or approved prior to publishing. All opinions are my own.

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 Review (with Mediatek Kompanio Ultra 910)

I got a chance to check out Lenovo’s new Chromebook Plus 14, powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 910 processor. I didn’t have high expectations going in—MediaTek hasn’t exactly been known for high-performance chips in the Chromebook space—but this one surprised me. It handled just about everything I threw at it with the kind of responsiveness I usually associate with Intel or AMD-based machines, and it stayed cool and quiet throughout thanks to its fanless design. You can see it in action in my latest review.

This particular configuration comes with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, priced at $749 (compensated affiliate link). The entry-level version starts at $649, and both perform the same. As part of the Chromebook Plus program, buyers also get a year of Google’s Gemini Pro service included, along with two terabytes of cloud storage across their Google account. After the first year, subscription fees apply.

The 14-inch OLED touchscreen runs at 1920×1200 with a 60Hz refresh rate and maxes out at 400 nits of brightness. It’s sharp and vibrant, with a 16:10 aspect ratio that works well for productivity. The webcam clocks in at 1440p and includes some of those AI background effects Google has built into the Chromebook Plus version of the ChromeOS operating system. It’s not amazing, but it does the job. There’s also a physical privacy shutter.

Build-wise, the Chromebook feels solid with a mostly metal chassis, though there’s a bit of flex in the keyboard deck. The keyboard is standard Lenovo fare—comfortable, backlit, and roomy enough for extended typing sessions, even if the key travel is a little shallow. The audio quality was better than expected, with Dolby Atmos certification and a full, clear sound, especially for a Chromebook.

Ports are minimal: two USB-C ports (one on each side, both full-function but limited to 5Gbps), a USB-A port, and a headphone jack. It supports up to two external displays, though only one port could hit 60Hz, the other 30Hz, when I mixed adapters. Wi-Fi 7 support is on board, and I was able to hit close to gigabit speeds with a compatible access point.

Battery life is a standout. I got more than 13 hours out of it under typical Chromebook workloads, especially when keeping the OLED brightness in check. And since it’s completely silent and solid-state, it’s a very comfortable device to use on the go.

In terms of real-world performance, web browsing felt snappy and responsive. On the Speedometer benchmark, it scored a 25, which lines up with newer Snapdragon-powered Windows devices and outperforms some previous-generation Intel Chromebooks. It also had no trouble playing back 4K 60fps YouTube video.

One limitation to be aware of is streaming video apps. Netflix, for example, doesn’t output HD video through the Android app on Chromebooks due to DRM issues—something that’s been unresolved for years. The workaround is to use the Netflix website instead, where video plays back at full resolution.

This particular Chromebook Plus has two on-device AI features lacking on other Chromebook Plus devices. The first is a browser tab organizer can group tabs into virtual desktops based on topic. It worked, though not perfectly and it sometimes missed obvious groupings. The other feature, an on-device background removal tool for images, is not quite there yet. I tried it on a photo for a YouTube thumbnail and still needed additional edits afterward. Some of the Gemini-based tools integrated into Chrome OS—like article summaries and auto-writing—worked more reliably and were genuinely helpful for quick tasks.

Gaming and emulation performance was better than I expected. Android games like Wuthering Waves ran smoothly on balanced settings. I tried mapping touchscreen controls to a game controller (another Chromebook Plus exclusive feature) and it seemed to work well enough. I also ran the Dolphin emulator and tested out GameCube games. I experienced solid, full speed performance with room to push resolutions higher on some titles.

3DMark’s Wildlife test gave a score of 18,498 on the standard benchmark and 5,284 on the Extreme version. That puts it in the ballpark with many of its peers at this price point.

Linux support is present, as it is with most Chromebooks. I installed the Linux development environment, ran some command-line tools like Nano, and even launched graphical applications like LibreOffice. Everything worked, aside from a few window resizing quirks. It’s a useful feature for anyone interested in development or running more traditional desktop applications.

This Chromebook will be supported with security updates through June 2035, giving it a 10-year lifespan. That’s about as good as it gets on Chrome OS right now.

What stood out most was just how capable the MediaTek chip was. I’ve used a lot of Chromebooks over the years, and this one didn’t feel like it was held back by its processor. I’m curious to see whether MediaTek will be able to bring this same chip to the Windows ecosystem. Overall this is a strong showing for Chromebook users looking for a fanless, portable device with long battery life and decent performance across the board.

See more Chromebook reviews here!

Disclaimer: Lenovo provided the Chromebook on loan for this review. They did not review or approve this content before it was uploaded and this is not a sponsored review.

NVME Six Pack: Beelink ME Mini Server / NAS

I recently got a look at a compact mini PC from Beelink called the ME, and what makes it stand out is its ability to hold six NVMe drives internally. This device is built with network-attached storage in mind, and while I’m demoing it here with Unraid, it also supports other NAS operating systems and Linux distributions. It even ships with a licensed copy of Windows if you want to go that route.

You can see it in action in my latest review.

Inside, it runs on an Intel N150 processor—definitely on the lower end—but well-suited for light server tasks and Docker containers. You can find it on Amazon or direct with a few more configuration options on their website directly (compensated affiliate links).

My review unit included a Crucial-branded NVMe drive pre-installed in slot 4. All the bundled storage options appear to use Crucial, which I’ve been using myself for years.

The drives insert vertically and make contact with a heat pad that connects to a large central heatsink. That design does a noticeably better job at keeping drives cool than other compact NAS units I’ve tested recently. The slots themselves are mostly 1x PCIe interfaces, with slot 4 being the faster with a 2x lane slot. Even so, it maxed out around 1.3 GB/s with the Crucial PCIe 4.0 SSD out of that slot. The rest are slower but the bottleneck in most NAS applications will be the network, not the drive speeds.

This unit includes two 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, which gave me around 200–250 MB/s throughput over the network during my tests. It’s unlikely you’ll saturate even the slowest drive slot with this kind of networking. Internally, the device has 12GB of soldered Crucial RAM. That’s not expandable, but for NAS and home server purposes, it’s enough. There’s also an Intel AX101 Wi-Fi 6 card if you’d rather go wireless.

Ports include two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (one USB-A, one USB-C), HDMI, USB 2.0, and a power jack—no external power brick here, just a built-in 45W supply. The casing is plastic but feels solid and clean, especially for a device that may sit out in the open. Video output supports 4K60, and I tested it with Ubuntu and Windows 11 Pro, both of which ran without issues. The hardware was properly recognized under Linux, and the preinstalled Windows license activated without a problem.

To test Unraid, I simply took the drives out of a GMKtec NAS I had been using and inserted them into this one. Everything came up immediately, including my external USB drive array. The only hiccup came from the USB-C port not playing nicely with my drive array; switching to the USB-A port resolved it, but I did lose my parity drive in the process. That seems more like a controller compatibility issue than a fatal flaw, though it’s something to be aware of.

I’m now considering moving entirely to solid-state storage, especially since this device gives me two more NVMe slots than the GMKtec box did. With Unraid’s parity setup, five slots can be used for storage and one for parity, giving me up to 20TB of usable space if I install 4TB drives across the board. I’ve only got about 9TB of data right now, so it’s feasible. 4TB NVME storage is pretty pricey at the moment so I’ll probably piece it together with smaller drives.

Power consumption is low—about 18–20 watts idle with five NVMe drives installed and a couple of Docker containers running. Under load, like when writing large files or playing back a Plex stream with hardware-accelerated 4K HDR tone mapping, it edged up to around 26-30 watts. Hardware transcoding works just fine in Unraid as long as you remember to add /dev/dri to your container configuration. I detail that in the video.

Temperatures on the drives were impressive. A WD cache drive that previously idled at 69°C in the GMKtec unit now hovers around 50–51°C in this one. Under load, those numbers go up a bit, but they’re still dramatically better than before. It’s a testament to the improved passive cooling inside this unit. The fan is also whisper-quiet—much less noticeable than my spinning external drives.

One downside is thermal throttling under extended CPU load. A 3DMark Time Spy stress test resulted in a fail grade, with performance dropping around 16%. That’s shouldn’t impact most NAS workloads, but I wouldn’t use this for anything that demands sustained CPU performance.

Overall, this mini PC has proven to be a capable, efficient little box for self-hosting in tight spaces. I’ve got some reconfiguring to do now—time to dig through my parts bin and see which higher-capacity NVMe drives I can consolidate onto this unit. It feels like there’s real potential to go all solid-state here and simplify the setup.

Sandisk Creator Phone SSD Review

I’ve been testing out an external SSD from SanDisk that’s designed for smartphones. It’s called the Creator Phone SSD, and it attaches magnetically to the back of your MagSafe compatible phone. If you’re not using an iPhone with MagSafe, there’s a ring included in the box to help with the mounting. The drive connects via USB-C, so it’s compatible with just about any device that has a USB-C port including Android phones.

You can see it in action in my latest review.

Once connected via USB, your phone can record video directly to the drive using apps like Final Cut Camera on iOS or Blackmagic’s Camera App that works on both platforms.

You can find it on Amazon and see the latest prices at this compensated affiliate link.

Physically, there’s not much to it—just a USB port and the magnetic mount point. One limitation is the lack of a pass-through port, which means the phone’s USB-C port is completely occupied when the drive is connected. That rules out charging your phone or connecting something like an external microphone while recording. It’s a tradeoff that could matter for certain workflows.

There is a five-year warranty on the product, which adds some peace of mind for professional users. Out of the box, it’s formatted with the exFAT file system, which works across most devices—iPhones, iPads, Windows, Macs, and Linux systems. Some older Android phones might not mount the drive properly due to lack of exFAT support, but reformatting to FAT32 can help with compatibility in those cases.

One frustration I had was with the bundled app, SanDisk Memory Zone. If installed, it auto-launches every time the drive is plugged in. It’s useful for things like photo and contact backups, but it also tends to interfere with other apps, particularly Final Cut Camera. Even worse, if you don’t install it, your iPhone will keep prompting you to do so. The only workaround I found was to install the app and then uninstall it, which stops the prompts and lets other video apps access the drive properly.

Once I removed the app, Final Cut Camera immediately recognized the drive, and I was able to record without issues. Using HEVC compression, the 1TB drive can store a lot—up to 18 hours of 4K 120 fps footage, or 36 hours at 60 fps. With ProRes, that drops to about 1 hour and 9 minutes at 4K 60 fps, which is still respectable for the format.

SanDisk seems to have done a good job managing the drive’s power draw, which is important for iPhones. The iPhone will cut off power if a connected accessory pulls more than 4.5 watts, and I didn’t encounter that problem during extended testing at 4K 60 fps or 120 fps.

But in order to manage power draw, the drive will throttle its write performance. While I was able to achieve 4k 60 fps ProRes recordings without any dropped frames, I did have some frame drops shooting 120 fps with the ProRes codec. I did not have issues with fast frame rates at 120fps, however.

I ran the Blackmagic Disk Speed Test on my MacBook Air to get a sense of the drive’s performance. It clocked write speeds around 917 MB/s and read speeds near 881 MB/s. Those are solid numbers, but I did notice some variation in earlier tests, with write speeds occasionally dipping to around 400–500 MB/s. Apple says ProRes 4k 120 needs a minimum of 440 megabytes per second in sustained write speeds.

For users who need consistent, reliable performance at 4K 60 fps using ProRes, I think this drive holds up. It didn’t overdraw power, and I didn’t see dropped frames during long recordings. I’d like to see a future version of this drive with pass-through power and maybe a USB hub for audio gear, and it would be a big improvement if the software didn’t interfere so much. Still, the hardware itself seems reliable, and that counts for a lot if you’re shooting professionally with a phone.

Disclosure: Sandisk sent the drive to the channel free of charge. However no other compensation was received and they did not review or approve this post or my video prior to publication.

8BitDo Controller Compatibility with the Switch 2!

I noted last week that I was able to pick up a Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day, and one of the first things I wanted to check out was how well 8BitDo controllers work with it. If you’re not familiar with 8BitDo, they make a mix of retro-styled and modern wireless controllers that have been popular with Switch owners for years. They are excellent budget replacements for the first party Switch Pro controller that cost substantially less.

When the Switch 2 launched, their controllers didn’t work right out of the box, but 8BitDo recently pushed down some firmware updates that bring compatibility to some of their newer controllers. In my latest video, I take a look at a few and see how they perform.

8BitDo recently posted an update on their X account detailing which of their controllers now support the Switch 2 via firmware updates. Some older models are still out of luck, but a good number of the more recent ones—including newer versions of the SN30 Pro, their translucent editions with Hall effect sticks, and others—can now connect and work properly once updated.

I took a handful of these controllers, installed the latest firmware, and tested them with Super Mario Odyssey to see how they held up with basic controls, motion input, and rumble feedback.

The update process itself was a little bumpy. The SN30 Pro uses a different tool than the Ultimate and 2C controllers, and I ran into some hiccups—especially with the Ultimate 2C controller not connecting properly on macOS. Switching to Windows solved the issue, and once I got the firmware installed on all three, it was time to test them out.

Pairing the SN30 Pro was straightforward. After holding down Y and Start to enter Switch mode, the console recognized it as a Pro Controller. In Mario Odyssey, the buttons, analog sticks, and motion controls worked as expected. The same held true for the 2C and Ultimate controllers—everything was responsive and mapped correctly, including motion gestures like flicking Mario’s cap.

One thing I did have to tweak was the vibration setting. It was off by default, and none of the controllers rumbled until I went into the system settings and turned vibration back on. Once enabled, rumble worked normally, although it’s the standard type—not the HD Rumble you’d get from Nintendo’s Joy-Cons.

I also tested input latency using a 240fps camera to measure button response time. All three controllers, when connected via Bluetooth, performed identically to the Joy-Cons in terms of latency.

At the moment, Switch 2 compatibility is limited to specific 8BitDo models, as outlined in their recent post. Support for older controllers isn’t here yet, but they’ve indicated that more updates are on the way. For now, if you have one of their newer models and install the latest firmware, you should be in good shape.

Disclosure: 8BitDo and their distributor AKNES sent the controllers to the channel free of charge. No other compensation was received and they did not review or approve this post or my video before publication.

The Switch 2 Launch Was Nintendo’s Most Successful and Most Boring..

I picked up a Switch 2 (compensated affiliate link) the other day—not because I had planned on it, but because I noticed GameStop had them in stock, so I grabbed one. I’ve been playing with it since, but what really stood out to me wasn’t the console itself—it was the nature of the launch. This might be the most low-key console release I’ve ever seen. My kids, who are big Nintendo fans, didn’t even know it was happening. None of their friends were talking about it either. It felt like the Switch 2 just kind of… appeared. And I think that was by design.

See more in my latest video.

That said, the launch was a success for the Big N. They manufactured enough inventory to get units into the hands of most early adopters who wanted one. Nintendo says it’s their most successful console launch to date, selling 3.5 million units in its first four days on the market. Scalpers are not making much money this cycle as a result.

The Switch 2 feels like a slightly better version of the original Switch. It feels faster while navigating the interface and it now has 4K output when docked, though most games won’t take advantage of that. The handheld now sports a larger and higher resolution 1080p screen at 120Hz with variable refresh rate.

There are some tweaks to the hardware: it now features magnetic Joy-Con attachments that attach securely (but prevent the use of non-drifting hall effect sticks), dual USB-C ports, and a sturdier kickstand. Docking works smoothly, and the whole thing feels very familiar to the original Switch. That seems intentional. Nintendo didn’t want to reinvent the wheel—they just wanted to refine it. The result is a console that’s very recognizably a Switch, just with some extra capabilities and polish.

Backward compatibility has been seamless in my experience. Some older games even seem to run a little better. Nintendo is also offering paid upgrades for certain titles—I spent $10 to upgrade my copy of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, for instance.

As for new games, there’s not much to talk about. Mario Kart World is the marquee launch title along with Fast Fusion, a sequel to an F-Zero style racing game that launched on the first Switch. There’s three remakes/remasters of older games exclusive to the Switch 2: Survival Kids, and Bravely Default HD, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut. Aside from that, there’s Nintendo Welcome Tour, which is more of a tutorial than a game. The rest of the lineup are bunch of ports of games that have been out for awhile on other systems including Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky.

Price-wise, it’s not cheap. $449 for the console and dock, or $499 if you want the Mario Kart World bundle (which comes as a digital download). Nintendo has also introduced a new kind of cartridge—digital key cards that don’t contain the game but rather a code to download it embedded on the chip. On the plus side, these can be resold unlike non-physical digital titles. On the downside, they rely on Nintendo’s servers, which raises questions about long-term access.

Battery life is about on par with the original Switch: two hours or so when running demanding titles like Mario Kart, and a bit more for lighter games.

What stood out to me most about this launch was how quiet it was. Nintendo made a deliberate choice to ease into this. After all, they’ve been here before. The Wii sold over 100 million units, but its successor, the Wii U, sold only 13.5 million. That was a hard lesson in how quickly things can go south when the mainstream consumer base gets confused or alienated. The Switch reversed that trend and became a runaway success. Now, Nintendo’s being cautious, and I can’t blame them.

What I think we’re seeing here is the continued commoditization of video game hardware. Consoles no longer have unique, defining traits. The PlayStation and Xbox are essentially the same inside—PCs in console shells. Microsoft isn’t even making its own handheld—it’s letting ASUS handle that with a Windows-based Xbox-branded device. Nintendo’s sticking to ARM architecture with Nvidia chips, but even that feels like a holdout against an inevitable shift.

It’s starting to feel like we’re heading into a hardware-agnostic future. Where you play might soon matter less than what you play, and the idea of console exclusivity might not hold much weight when the hardware differences vanish. That raises some big questions for Nintendo. Do they eventually pivot fully into software? They resisted that move before, but as more consumers expect access across devices, the pressure might mount again.

For now, the Switch 2 is what it looks like: a slightly nicer Switch. And that might be enough to get through the rest of this decade and into the next.