Reviews

Back at the end of July, Logitech released a new collection of gaming accessories geared toward being a bit more gender-inclusive than your average RGB peripheral. And as the certified gamer girl at 9to5, I, of course, had to go hands-on with the new Logitech Aurora collection to see just what the company has cooked up for its most welcoming gaming lineup yet.

Toshiba is a name we all know from years past as a computer maker that’s quietly exited the scene … or have they? Enter Dynabook, who is, per their logo, “Formerly TOSHIBA PC Company.” That’s right, Toshiba has rebranded itself as Dynabook to deliver both entry-level and premium laptops for a wide range of use cases. We’ve spent the past few weeks using the Dynabook Portégé X40L, featuring a 14-inch 16:10 display, Windows 11 Pro, and an i7-1270P vPro processor.

The Dynabook Portégé X40L has some pretty powerful specs and a nice design, though there are a few pitfalls that might make you reconsider the over-$2,000 price tag. So, how is it? Let’s take a closer look below.

If Razer’s recent stripped-down lightweight FPS-focused gaming mice haven’t been quite your flavor, Roccat is out with a much different take on the gaming mouse – the Kone XP Air. This cord-cutting wireless variant of the Kone XP is marketed as a multi-purpose gaming mouse with up to 29 assignable functions and an RGB-infused charging dock. Coming in at $169.99, we got our hands on the latest gaming mouse from Roccat. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

While we’ve reviewed a few headphones in the past from Edifier – the budget-minded audio company also carries an extensive line of bookshelf and home theater speakers. The Edifier MS50A is a smart speaker for the connected home with AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and a clean, elegant design. Coming in at $150, it is cheaper than an alternative like the One from Sonos, but how does it perform for the price? Be sure to hit the video below to find out. 

It’s time to take a closer hands-on look at the latest from PowerA in our MOGA XP5-i Plus Bluetooth iPhone Controller review. PowerA unleashed its new mobile iPhone controller recently and we have now had enough time to give it a good run for its money to see what it’s all about. Delivering passthrough charging for Apple Arcade and iPhone cloud gamers, the new MOGA XP5-i Plus Bluetooth Controller combines a traditional gamepad with the brand’s gaming clip for an all-in-one mobile gaming setup, but is it worth the $80 price of entry? Head below for more. 

Today, Twelve South is launching an all-new addition to its lineup of MacBook stands, and it just so happens to be the brand’s most versatile option yet. Meet the new Curve Flex, an adjustable way to prop up your machine at the desk with an aluminum design that can fold open to elevate your device up to 22 inches off the desktop. Head below as we take a hands-on look at what to expect from the new Twelve South Curve Flex.

Earlier this summer, Sony launched a new series of portable Bluetooth speakers that arrived in the X-Series lineup. Today, we’re taking a hands-on look at what all three different portable offerings can deliver and just how the waterproof design stacks up with USB-C charging, X-Balanced drivers, and other signature Sony features.

The DeathAdder – the mouse that really made a name for Razer. Over the last 15 years, over 15 million mice carrying that name have been sold. Now, the latest iteration is the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. With a refined shape, Razer’s latest sensor and switch tech, and an incredibly lightweight 63g design, the $150 DeathAdder V3 Pro has a lot to talk about. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Continuing its run of peripheral offerings, the NZXT Canvas monitors bring solid midtier gaming performance in a sleek package. Two different sizes, a 27-inch and a curved 32-inch monitor, cater to different needs. NZXT is also offering multiple mounting options with a monitor stand, a single monitor arm, and a dual monitor arm. We got our hands on the 27-inch display with a monitor stand. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Earlier this year, Jabra expanded its lineup of mid-range true wireless earbuds with a new pair of fitness-focused offerings. The new Jabra Elite 4 Active clock in with a $120 price tag, and notably deliver some pretty compelling features for the going rate like active noise cancellation, water-resistance, and even Google Fast Pair. But with frequent price cuts to $100 or below, we’re checking out just how good of a value these earbuds are.

On August 1, the LEGO Group launched its largest Marvel set of the year with the new Sanctum Sanctorum modular finally hitting store shelves. Now a week later, we’ve fully assembled the kit and are going hands-on to look at the overall build, every inch of detail, and the nine minifigures.

At the end of last month, the LEGO Group revealed a new online experience for customizing your own minifigs. Since the debut nearly two weeks ago, I’ve since had my very own brick-built rendition show up in the mail and today we’re taking a hands-on look at what spending $12 for the online LEGO Minifigure Factory experience gets you.

The latest compact keyboard from SteelSeries is the Apex Pro Mini. Coming in both wired and wireless variants, this 60% layout gaming keyboard features OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable optical switches, a solid typing feel for a pre-built gaming keyboard, and a hefty price tag. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

The new Insta360 Link webcam may not look like the traditional shape we’re used to, but that’s because it’s an AI-powered, three-axis gimbal-stabilized 4K camera. This thing is packed with features that will appeal to streamers, content creators, and work professionals. Be sure to hit the video below to see and hear a deep dive into everything this $300 webcam is capable of.

Anker’s latest releases take a step up from the usual iPhone-centric designs we’re used to, delivering even more capable form-factors backed by the latest GaNPrime charging tech. Its new PowerCore 65W takes that up yet another notch by delivering USB-C charging speeds alongside an internal power bank for topping off gear at-home or on-the-go. But does that versatility justify the price tag?

No company does retro gaming quite like the folks at Analogue, and today we’re taking a hands-on look at its latest debut. Bringing all of the old school vibes from 1989 into the modern age, the Analogue Pocket takes on a Game Boy inspired form-factor with plenty of quality of life changes in tow. Alongside the ability to play official Nintendo cartridges, as well. But with orders delayed until next year, is the refreshed handheld actually worth the price?

IOGEAR is a well-known name in the PC gaming space, and it recently launched its latest UpStream 4K Game Capture Card that has a few notable unique features. The main thing that sets this capture card apart from many on the market is its support for consoles thanks to having two 3.5mm jacks for full team chat recording, without any extra wires or adapters needed, making it a solid choice for capturing both console and PC gameplay.

MSI is out with its first streaming microphone – the Immerse GV60. While MSI might be better known for hardware like laptops and motherboards, filling out its offerings with more peripherals like audio just makes sense given the popularity of streaming and content creation. With a Blue Yeti-like presence, the $130 MSI Immerse GV60 has some robust physical controls on the mic but lacks any software tweaking like some competitors. Be sure to watch the video review to hear how it sounds against the competition. 

One of the PlayStation 5’s most beloved features is the extremely fast SSD that allows games to boot with minimal loading. As promised, expandable storage options are now available to both the disk and digital PS5s, and the Samsung 980 Pro M.2 1TB SSD with Heatsink is the perfect choice to upgrade your console.

How much would you be willing to pay for a gaming headset? What features would you expect it to have? With the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, the $350 price point is jarring, but once you see the feature set, it all sounds pretty intriguing. With ANC, Bluetooth, and hot-swappable batteries, there is a lot to talk about. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

DODOcase has been featured around here for years now, but it’s time we took a hands-on look at the brand’s latest Apple accessory in our Noblessa Leather iPad Case review. The Noblessa represents the brand’s first real jump into the premium space with leathers sourced from historical tanneries and some of the same materials you’ll find in very high-end luxury purses and bags. Unveiled early last month, we have now had a chance to give the pricey Noblessa Leather iPad Case a run for its money. Head below for the latest in our Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

Today, Anker is launching an entirely new lineup of chargers, marking the first of its stable to arrive with the latest GaN charging tech. Packed into six different form factors, Anker is opting to forgo the new GaN III standard in favor of launching its own version of the tech known as GaNPrime. Delivering notable power stations for refueling your entire Apple kit, there’s everything from 150W multi-port chargers to Qi-enabled solutions and other USB-C power stations.

Soundbars offer a convenient way of getting powerful audio for home theaters. Rather than placing speakers around a room, they typically rely on audio tuning and technology to mimic the experience of a surround sound system. Polk’s Signa S4 soundbar features a sleek design, a wireless subwoofer, and a seven-speaker array that support Dolby Atmos. But, its best feature might be the sound modes. Be sure to check out the video to hear more on the $399 Polk Signa S4. 

Valve’s latest hardware release is trickling out to those that preordered nearly a year ago, and luckily we’ve got our hands on one. While handheld PCs are nothing new, the Steam Deck rises above the rest with consumer-friendly design, a wide range of software capabilities, and the force of the Steam catalog to back it up.

We recently had an opportunity to go hands-on with the Joué Play MPE controller. The multi-touch musical input device is the latest from the brand, designed to offer a tactile musical expression controller along the lines of the ROLI Seaboard, Sensel Morph, and things of that nature. Delivering both a casual musical instrument to play and record via the companion app as well as something that can quickly become a more professional-grade MPE controller (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) via an update, it’s time to take a closer look to see what the Joué Play system offers to both parties in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. 

Things have been a little quiet from HyperX on the microphone font lately, but today it’s announcing the brand new DuoCast. Bridging the gap between the entry-level SoloCast and the more expensive QuadCast S, the DuoCast features a sleek built-in shock mount, RGB light ring, and dual selectable polar patterns. Be sure to hit the video below for a detailed look and how it sounds and what it offers for the $99 price point. 

I’m sure there are flaws to Shredder’s Revenge (the new retro-styled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles beat-‘em-up from Tribute and Dotemu). But I was having too much fun playing the game to think of any.

Beyerdynamic is out with its first entrant in true wireless earbuds. With ANC, an up to 11-hour battery life, and app control with personalized audio, the $250 Beyerdynamic Free Byrd earbuds are intended for a premium wireless audio experience. We got to spend some time with the new earbuds. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

After SANDMARC unleashed its latest last month, it is now time for our review of its Pro Edition iPhone Tripod. Having had a chance to go hands-on with some of its other gear, we were excited to get a closer look at the latest iPhone mount. Ready for upright filmmaking and handheld action shots, the new metal construction on the SANDMARC iPhone Tripod Pro Edition is looking to deliver a high-quality solution to just about any iPhoneography kit and it is now time for a deeper dive as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys feature. 

I’ve always enjoyed cars and wondered what racing would be like. Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5 with a controller have been a fun way to scratch the itch, but I’ve always wondered what a sim racing wheel and pedal setup would be like. Combine that with getting into F1 thanks to the exciting 2021 season (and Netflix’s Drive to Survive series), and I decided to finally pull the trigger on a force feedback sim racing wheel and pedals. After reading plenty of reviews and Reddit posts, I was torn between the Logitech G923 and the Thrustmaster T300RS GT. I was able to get my hands on both, but I’ll only be keeping one. Which one did I choose? Be sure to stick around until the end because it was not the one I expected. 

Bosch has been a brand long known for quality in the woodworking, DIY, and construction industry. Today, we’re taking a look at two of the brand’s Bluetooth-connected laser measures and what all they have to offer you either on the job site or even during a home renovation. The two models we’re looking at have vastly different feature sets but still share a lot of similarities. So, which Bosch laser measure is right for you? The GLM165-27CG or the GLM400CL? Let’s take a closer look.

NZXT is on a roll releasing accessories and hardware for gamers and streamers. The latest is the new NZXT Signal capture cards. The 4K30 and HD60 are nearly identical from the outside but offer different recording and passthrough capabilities, depending on what is needed for the specific streaming or capture application. We got our hands on both cards, so be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details on these new capture cards from NZXT. 

Twelve South is now out with a new way to dock all of your Apple essentials into a single charging station with its just-released HiRise 3. Delivering 7.5W MagSafe support alongside an integrated spot for AirPods and Apple Watch, the 3-in-1 charger delivers one of the better values on the market – that is, if you already have 20W USB-C wall charger.

In a flood of new gear for gamers, today Sony is announcing new high-refresh-rate monitors as well as three new headsets. The new Sony Inzone headset lineup includes the $100 wired H3, the wireless and Bluetooth $230 H7, and the top-of-the-line $300 Sony Inzone H9 that adds comfortable leather material to the ear cushions and Sony’s famous active noise cancellation to the gaming headset. We got our hands on the H3 and H9 to see how they perform in the real world. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Focusrite unleashed its new Vocaster audio interfaces at the top of the month with a pair of podcasting-focused recording solutions for content creators. The Vocaster Two delivers a more full-featured setup with the trimmed-down Vocaster One providing a single microphone input and a more streamlined set of I/O. The latest solutions from Focusrite lean more towards spoken-word broadcasting, but feature a similar affordable approach that has made the brand’s Scarlet lineup of audio interfaces so popular among home music producers and the like. After having a chance to put the base model through its paces over the last few weeks, it’s time for our Focusrite Vocaster One review as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys feature. 

Satechi recently launched its latest Mac accessory, aiming to fix the most inconvenient feature of Apple’s latest M1 iMac. Packed into an aluminum design that rests on the stand of the desktop machine, the new Satechi iMac Slim Dock brings ports to the front alongside an M.2 NVMe enclosure and more. But is it worth the premium price tag? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review takes a closer look at what to expect.

Moog is one of the most established synthesizer makers out there, delivering some of the best analog gear on the market for many years ranging from higher-end all-in-one machines to its stable of semi-modular synths that now includes the new Moog Mavis. Joining the Mother-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon, Grandmother, and Matriarch instruments, the Moog Mavis enters on the more entry-level side of things with a $349 price tag and a build-it-yourself experience that, after going hands-on with the powerful little semi-modular, features quite an extensive range of sound design possibilities in a tight package. Head below for our impressions of the user and building experience on the new Moog Mavis. 

While neither products are brand new, EPOS is now offering the H6Pro audio bundle that combines an H6Pro premium headset and GSX 300 external soundcard. Coming in at $199, this combo kit saves $59 over purchasing both of them separately. This bundle is available for both the open-back and closed-back versions of the H6Pro headset. We are partnering with EPOS to give away two of these bundles available in either open-back or closed-back variants in the black colorway. Be sure to watch the video for all of the details on the bundle and check out the giveaway details below. 

Combining Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, the new HyperX Cloud MIX Buds true wireless earbuds offer a different take on the gaming audio experience. Coming in at $150, are these the way to go for your next gaming audio purchase? Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details. 

Similar to the event before the launch of Battlefield 2042, EA invited creators and members of the press to a preview event in which we were able to try out Battlefield 2042 Zero Hour – the game’s first season. While it has some new content including one beautiful new map and two weapons, is it enough to bring back the player base that has been less than impressed with the game so far? Be sure to hit the video to see all of the details of this hands-on event. 

It’s time to take a closer look at the SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro MagSafe protective iPhone case. The brand has been known for its more-affordable-than-most ultra-protective iPhone cases for quite some time and it just issued its first MagSafe-equipped version of the Unicorn Beetle last month. Delivering a fully encapsulated home for iPhone 13 Pro Max with a built-in screen protector and job site-ready build, the new Unicorn Beetle also delivers a unique kickstand MagSafe ring and included belt holster to iPhone 13 Pro Max users that need a rugged sheath for their most precious piece of EDC. Head below for our hands-on look at the new MagSafe protective iPhone case in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

While working on a project recently, I found myself looking at an image with lots of red in it and thinking something looks off. After realizing that when I changed GPUs my color profile in Windows was reset, I reached for the latest SpyderX Elite as a part of the SpyderX Capture Pro Kit. Aimed at professionals working in print, photography, and video, the Datacolor SpyderX line-up helps to ensure that displays are accurate when it comes to color. After calibrating my Dark Matter 49-inch display, I was pretty shocked at how much of a difference it made. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Just a month ago, Marshall released a pair of two new delightfully retro speakers into its stable. Arriving as its most portable solutions yet, we’re taking a hands-on look at what the entirely new Marshall Willen has to offer just in time for summer alongside the refreshed Emberton II counterpart. Head below for more.

Monoprice is often a good option for budget electronics. It has great prices on cables, and I’ve been a huge fan of the Dark Matter 49-in monitor I’ve been using for the past few years. Today, we have the Monolith by Monoprice M1000ANC Bluetooth headphones. At $130, it’s packing some nice features like 60 hours of battery life and ANC, but it still kind of has the budget Monoprice flavor. Be sure to hit the video below for all of the details.

Today, NZXT is announcing an all-new H7 series of mid-tower PC cases. The H7 lineup replaces the previous H710 and H710i with an all-new set of options, including the H7, H7 Flow, and H7 Elite. I recently rebuilt my main PC in the H7 Elite, and have quite a few thoughts on the incoming replacement for one of NZXT’s staples in its custom case lineup. There’s a lot to unpack about the new H7 series from NZXT, so let’s take a closer look.