Review

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

I’m usually a Mac user and have been for decades. But my son wanted to build a PC so he could compete with his online friends in high power games during the Pandemic. For just over $1,000 and a ton of time, he built a mean PC.

I’m now jealous and want to play Flight Simulator 2020 and some other games but don’t have the time to meticulously pick through the perfect build parts. Thankfully the whole package, including the gaudy RGB Frostblade fans configurable with PredatorSense App that make him jealous, are available in just a click or, if you are short on time before Christmas, a trip to Costco.

Razer has released the Kaira and Kaira Pro headsets and Wolverine V2 wired controller, and they’re aimed at players who want more control on the new Series X and S. Taking technology from their PC line of gaming headset and refining the design of their console controllers, the new suite adds some great options for those looking to get more out of their Xbox Series X|S gaming experience. Head below to watch the video and see all the details on the Razer Kaira Pro and Wolverine V2. 

Today we are taking a closer look at the UGREEN X-Kit — the “world’s first” portable laptop stand with an integrated 5-in-1 USB hub built-in. The X-Kit laptop stand provides an attractive home for your laptops and tablets with a focus on portability and expanding your device’s I/O via a unique fold-up design. Head below for a closer at our hands-in video and more details on the UGREEN X-Kit. 

With its heritage of high-quality projectors, BenQ is out with another great option for the home theater. The BenQ TK850 can push 3,000 lumens, support 4K UHD, HDR10, and project a clear image up to 200 inches. Coming in at $1,499, it is an investment, but projectors are a great way to get a huge high-quality picture that goes beyond what flat panels are capable of. Be sure to check the video below and see all the brilliant details of the BenQ TK850.

After spending some time with quite a few headsets for the new Xbox Series X and S, I wanted to run through what I like, what I don’t like, and which one I reach for most often. There are pros and cons to each headset, so bear in mind that just because I like one over the other doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for everyone. If you need Bluetooth connectivity, value the utmost in competitive sound clarity, or just want the best sounding headset, these are all things to take into consideration, and I try to highlight those throughout this comparison. So which is the best headset for Xbox Series X and S? Be sure to hit the video below and see all the details.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

A few months back, ElevationLab introduced its latest accessories for Apple’s line of MacBooks. The new ElevationHub takes your USB-C wall charger and brings a level of added functionality, including an extra USB-A port and SD card reader. The included USB-C cable brings it all together in one tidy package that makes it a unique option for frequent travelers. Head below for a brief overview and hands-on thoughts.

As the VR industry grows, the choices for good headsets keep growing and getting more affordable. Oculus, now owned by Facebook, is probably the most widely known brand with its catalog and history of headsets. Its latest, Quest 2, takes technology the platform to the next level while also making it more affordable. A stand-alone headset that doesn’t need a gaming PC or separate base stations for tracking, Quest 2 is packed with features and is seamless to use. Be sure to check out the video below and see all the details of the Oculus Quest 2. 

For larger homes, getting a mesh WiFi setup can be a much better solution than a WiFi extender. Instead of setting up a completely separate network, a mesh system uses multiple units to create a single network that users can roam between and ensure they have a solid connection without the hassle of connecting to a different network. TP-Link has a large selection of mesh solutions, and the Deco X20 is an Amazon choice for “wifi 6 mesh.” Be sure to watch the video and check out all of the details on the TP-Link Deco X20 mesh system. 

Bringing their technology from the popular Mobius gaming headset, Audeze delivers planar magnetic drivers to the console crowd with Penrose and Penrose X. While the wireless adapter and Bluetooth connectivity enable use with many different platforms, Penrose X brings premium audio to the Xbox Series X|S along with a premium price tag of $299.99. So how does the Audeze Penrose X perform for the price? Be sure to watch the video below and see all the details. 

Continuing their quest for the ultimate collectible retro line-up, New Wave Toys’ latest miniature replica arcade cabinet is the Dragon’s Lair x RepliCade. Officially licensed by Digital Leisure and Dragon’s Lair LLC, this new premium cab has the same incredible attention to detail that we’ve seen on all of New Wave Toys’ earlier offerings. Head below to watch the video and see all of the details. 

Glorious PC Gaming Race has cut the cord on one of its beloved gaming mice. The Glorious Model O Wireless packs the same ambidextrous design as its wired variant while only adding two grams to the overall weight and comes in at just $79.99. Head below to watch the video and check out all the details on the new mouse. 

With a wireless dongle that enables use across Xbox as well as PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Android Mobile devices, the SteelSeries Arctis 7X offers huge compatibility for next-gen consoles. Match that with 24-hour battery life and one of the most comfortable designs, and the 7X has a lot to offer for $149.99. Head below to watch the video and find out more. 

Adding a great sounding set of desktop speakers to a WFH or gaming battlestation can pump more enjoyment to your favorite playlists or the latest AAA gaming titles. For me, music is a great productivity booster when I am writing. Combining the tried and true 2.1 speaker system with a wireless control dial and multiple connections, the Logitech Z407 takes desktop audio to the next level. Head below to watch the video and see all the details.

There’s no denying that the new Xbox Series X and S are fast. The Xbox boots up almost instantly, and the games load just as fast. One factor that plays a huge role in that is the speed of the internal storage. With about 802GB of usable storage on the Xbox Series X after system files and just 364GB on the Series S, though, you might be looking at external storage options since the latest titles keep getting bigger and bigger. The fastest option for expanding storage on the new Xbox is hands down the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Series X|S, but there are other options if shelling out $220 isn’t possible at the time. Be sure to hit the video below to see more details. 

After the success of their first limited edition collaboration, two titans in the gaming and keyboard worlds are back at it again with another limited edition HyperX Ducky One 2 Mini. 6,500 units will be available November 18 at 8 a.m. PST, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Hit the video below to see and hear it in action. 

With the Xbox Series X and S now officially out, hopefully, if you had your eye on one, you were able to pick one up. After missing the early pre-order I was able to get an order into Walmart and pick it up a few days later. After playing some games this weekend, I wanted to share some first impressions. Head below to watch the video and see it in action. 

Back with even more connectivity than the previous generation, the Naim Mu-so 2nd Gen wireless speaker packs the same premium design with upgraded sound quality. Faster digital processing and an added HDMI-ARC connection let the Mu-so 2nd Gen connect to even more devices around the home. We also have the smaller, more affordable Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Gen in our hands to try out the multi-room setup. Head below to watch the video and check out all the details on these new premium wireless speakers. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

The 2020 Totallee iPhone 12 case lineup has landed. The brand is well-known around these here parts as being among the best options for those looking for that barely there coverage for their iPhone of choice, and the 2020 cases are no exception. Totallee’s latest matte and transparent offerings carry the proven ultra-thin design over from last year’s covers while ensuring compatibility with latest iteration of Apple’s MagSafe system. Head below for more details and some hands-on impressions in our Tested with 9to5Toys on Totallee’s iPhone 12 case lineup.

Proper ergonomic support while gaming or working has never been more important with the rise in both working from home and gaming in general. Mix that with the rise in e-sports and supporting your favorite team, and we get great options like the $449.99 AndaSeat Fnatic Edition Premium Gaming Chair. Head below to watch the video and take a closer look at the features of this chair. 

One of the most unique pairs of Bluetooth headphones just got an upgrade with the new Nuraphone Gaming Mic attachment. Nuraphone itself offers personalized audio for music, but it can now take that personal audio to the battlefield as a proper gaming headset with its new sleek microphone attachment. Head below to watch the video and hear how it sounds. 

From the purveyors of portable power, the new Anker Powerhouse II 400 provides plenty of options to support adventures and is ready for emergencies at home as well. A bigger brother to the Powerhouse 200 we looked at last year, the 400 has more capacity with 388Wh and packs some other neat features. Head below and watch the video for a closer look at all the ins and outs. 

Following the release of the popular updated QuadCast S, the new HyperX SoloCast aims at taking some of those same features while making it even simpler and more affordable. Instead of any RGB lighting, the SoloCast features a single cardioid pick-up pattern, super compact design, and is equipped with a tap-to-mute area on top of the mic. Coming in at $59.99, it’s less than half the cost of the QuadCast S. So how does it sound? Head below to watch the video and find out for yourself. 

Two heavy hitters in their respective fields have come together to create a great-sounding and looking pair of sporty wireless earbuds. The Klipsch T5 II Sport McLaren edition earbuds offer a clear, powerful, and customizable sound for active users with orange and carbon fiber styling for a premium automotive style. With transparency mode, wireless charging, and lots of fitment options, there are some premium features here for a pair of sport wireless earbuds. Head below to watch the video and see them in action. 

Adding quality light to your photos or video is the best way to make them look better. Sandmarc, which is more well known for its iPhone filters, recently released its Prolight Bi-Color and Prolight RGB portable lights that are a perfect addition to the mobile photography kit or a YouTube studio, like mine. Head below to watch the video and see them in action. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Last month, Satechi unveiled its latest creation for iPhone and Apple Watch: the Quatro Wireless Charger. With a premium build, wireless charging, and integrated Apple Watch support, this battery differs from many of the other alternatives we feature on 9to5Toys with a heavy focus on materials. Satechi has long been known as one of the standard bearers in the Apple accessory ecosystem, but at $100, it’s asking a lot of consumers that have already shelled out $1,000 or more for an iPhone. So is the Quatro worth the high price tag? More below in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys.

For their third birthday, Wyze is giving everyone a gift with the release of their newest camera, the Wyze Cam V3. Sticking with the same $20 starting point, the new updated camera has a better lens, color night vision, and IP65 weather resistance for indoor or outdoor use. Head below to watch the video and see more about the latest from Wyze.  

Working or gaming on the go is usually more difficult than a home setup. There are plenty of great powerful gaming laptops, but playing on a small screen sitting flat on a table can be difficult and they don’t always boast the latest specs. Enter the ASUS ROG Strix XG17. With a crazy 240hz refresh rate, this 17.3-inch panel can run for about 3.5 hours at max speed on its internal battery and is easy to pack along thanks to its .4-inch thickness. Head below to watch the video and see it in action. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Herman Miller is one of the most iconic furniture brands in United States manufacturing history. They are known for employing some of the 20th century’s most well-regarded designers, such as Ray and Charles Eames, Alexander Girard, and George Nelson. When Herman Miller announced that it was pairing up with Logitech back at the start of the year, it struck me as a surprise given how tightly the iconic brand has guarded its designs over the years. Flash forward to this summer, and the new Herman Miller Logitech Embody Gaming Chair came to market with an impressive response from hardcore gamers looking for a new home at their battlestation. I’ve been able to spend some time with this new partnership’s first creation, using it as a daily driver during my work here at 9to5Toys. Head below for an unboxing and overview of how Herman Miller and Logitech are shaking up this stale product category.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

A few months back Twelve South introduced a line of new cases for Apple’s latest iPad Pros. Where Twelve South has stepped out from the competition is that its latest cases offer up support for Magic Keyboard, as well. It’s a case for your case, as you might say. Twelve South continues to offer up high-end materials and smooth finishes for its BookBook iPad Pro cases, making it a professional-looking way to improve your everyday carry. Head below for a quick overview and a few hands-on thoughts in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys.

Six years later, Philips has updated one of their popular headphones with the Fidelio X3. With a similar design and goal, the open-back audiophile headphones boast a wide frequency response with incredible separation and a huge soundstage. Head below to watch the video and find out more about the Philips Fidelio X3.
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For a homeowner, pressure washers are a great way to tackle plenty of jobs around your property. From washing a car to spraying down walls and concrete, they can make cleaning tough items easier. There are plenty of versions out there from more reputable brands, but those often carry a much higher cost. Is the Amazon Choice Teande 3800PSI pressure washer a good deal for the price? Head below to watch the video and see it in action.
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Today, we are taking a hands-on look at the new Marshall Major IV Headphones. The Bluetooth 5.0 Major IV pack 80+ hours of un-tethered playback, Marshall’s iconic branding, and wireless charging built into the ear cup. Clocking in at $150, it’s time to see how Marshall’s new Major series headphones stack up and to give the modernized feature set a test for ourselves. Head below for a closer look.
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Continuing in its quest to offer high-quality solutions for streamers and content creators, Elgato has bolstered its lighting offerings with its take on the popular ring light. With variable color temperature and a soft, bright flicker-free light, the Elgato Ring Light is ready for streams, video calls, and any other situation where you need constant high-quality light. Head below to watch the video and see it in action.
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Soon, EPOS will be separating itself from the more well known audio brand Sennheiser. While products like the top of the line GSP 670 were previously branded Sennheiser and are now co-branded with the two companies, next year EPOS will be taking over the high-quality gaming audio line-up. We’ve gone hands-on with some of the high-end wireless variants and even the entry-level GSP 300 in the past under the Sennheiser name, but now we’re taking a look at the co-branded EPOS GSX 300 sound card and EPOS GSP 602 gaming headset. Head below to watch the video and see them in action.

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While smartphones keep getting better and better photo and video quality, GoPro keeps upping the performance on their impressive HERO action cam line-up. The new $450 GoPro HERO9 Black features a front-facing screen to make vlogging and selfies even easier, as well as the incredible HyperSmooth 3.0 technology to make the shakiest video conditions usable. Head below to watch the video and see it in action.
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Throughout 2020, LEGO has been celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back with a selection of kits centered around the film. Arguably the most iconic scene from the movie was just recently re-created as one of the latest creations from a galaxy far, far away, with the limited edition Bespin Duel set launching last month. Head below for a closer look at the LEGO Bespin Duel in our latest review and to see if the set lives up to its source material.

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Corsair has set the bar high with the K100, their newest flagship keyboard. A full-size board with media keys, iCUE control dial, macro keys that can integrate with Elgato Stream Deck software, and the fastest polling rate we’ve seen yet, the K100 is packed with features but comes in at a hefty $229.99 price point. Head below to see and hear it in action.
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Building on its impressive line-up of peripherals, ROCCAT, the PC branch of the Turtle Beach ecosystem, now offers a full lineup of gaming headsets. With a one-size-fits-all headband, 24 hours of wireless battery life, and 7.1 virtual surround sound, the top of the line ROCCAT Elo 7.1 Air is packed with features for the $99.99 price point. So how does it perform? Head below to watch the video and see it in action.
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Beyond just affordable gaming mice and keyboards, Kaliber Gaming, an extension of IOGear, also offers some pretty unique devices to the console gaming community. Namely, the KeyMander 2 mouse and keyboard adapter for Xbox, PS4, and Nintendo Switch, which not only lets you use a mouse and keyboard on console games, but also enables controller crossover. To see how this adapter works with their top-tier mouse and keyboard on Xbox One, check out the video below.
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For Nintendo fans, the launch of Super Mario 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy may very well be the most exciting game news of the year. And now that the collection has been out and we’ve been able to dive in, we’ll be taking a look to see if this collection of classics have aged well enough to make it a must-have on Switch. Head below the fold for all of the details on Super Mario All-Stars in our review.

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You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Earlier this summer, Grado Headphones announced that it would once again be exploring a new type of material for its popular over-ear headphones. While hemp may be thought of for its other use-cases, Grado says that the material is precisely what is needed to create the “brilliant, warm, and precise sound” its headphones have often been associated with. However, bringing hemp into the mix and blending with Grado’s favorite maple wood is a new adventure. I’ve been testing these new headphones for a few weeks now, and you can find a quick overview down below in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys.

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Creators looking for a USB microphone keep getting more options with unique features. From the small graphic displaying Seiren Emote to the large Blue Yeti X with plenty of audio customizability, there are a lot of great options to choose from. Hyper X’s latest is a refresh of the great sounding QuadCast streaming microphone. With some nice updates for 2020 and customizable RGB in the large pop filter, the HyperX QuadCast S is a great way to add some personality to your streaming or WFH setup. Be sure to head below and watch the video to hear how it sounds.
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Recently, Arlo launched the Pro 3 Floodlight Camera, making them one of the few companies to produce a security cam built into a floodlight that can tie into a larger ecosystem of products. With the ability to function wirelessly, off solar, or through constant power, the Pro 3 Floodlight Cam provides the ability to be mounted anywhere around your house, something that Ring’s Floodlight Cam just can’t deliver. Plus, with HomeKit support in tow, the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Cam could be the perfect addition to your smart home. On the flip side, the Arlo Video Doorbell doesn’t offer HomeKit compatibility, but you’ll find several other great features that tie into the Arlo ecosystem well, like smart notifications, a wide field-of-view, and much more. So, without further ado, here’s our hands-on review of the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight and Doorbell cameras.

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One of this year’s most anticipated LEGO kits was first announced way back in April, bringing the iconic 501st Clone Trooper legion from Star Wars to brick-built form. After flying off the shelves when it launched back at the beginning of September, we’re diving into our review of the new Clone Wars era kit to see how it stacks up. Head below for a closer look at the LEGO 501st Battle Pack and its impressive selection of Clone Trooper minifigures.

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Discovering that a car’s battery doesn’t have enough charge to start the engine is never a good feeling. It’s always inconvenient. While there are portable jump starters on the market already, Hulkman saw an opportunity to create a smart and powerful jump starter to help in these situations. The Kickstarter campaign for their global release of the Hulkman Alpha 85S jump starter is underway and early bird pricing is a great deal starting at just $89. If you want to see it in action, be sure to watch the video below.
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Razer has now cut the cord on three of its most iconic peripherals with the BlackShark V2 Pro, DeathAdder V2 Pro, and BlackWidow V3 Pro. With Razer’s Hyperspeed wireless across the board, these new variants are a great way to clean up a workspace or battlestation. Head below to watch the video and see all of Razer’s new Wireless Flagships in action.
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If you’re searching for a high-end gaming setup, there are many brands you could choose from. However, one that stands out from the rest is SteelSeries, because they offer quite a few unique features that other companies just can’t match up with. From the dual-battery Arctis Pro Wireless headset to the Apex Pro keyboard that has customizable actuation points, our review shows you that SteelSeries’ high-end peripheral lineup are must-haves on a desk if you want some of the best accessories that can be purchased. I recently overhauled my entire gaming setup with all SteelSeries peripherals, and I’ve gotta say, I’m loving the setup, though there are a few things I’d tweak if I could.

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Following pretty closely after the July release of their Smooth X gimbal, the Zhiyun Smooth XS offers similar functionality with some slight updates and new color options. Expanding on that portable mobile gimbal footprint, the new gimbal is easier to set up with the sliding arm and comes in at $75. Head below to watch the video and see it in action. 
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