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| CNet News - 18 May (CNet News)Think you don’t have enough money to start investing? Think again. Read...Newslink ©2024 to CNet News | |
| | | CNet News - 18 May (CNet News)This is my new go-to method for getting morning protein and it couldn`t be easier. Read...Newslink ©2024 to CNet News | |
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| | | PC World - 18 May (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsAn excellent sensor that syncs movements precisely4K polling rateStrong and lightweight metal chassisConsPerforated back won’t suit claw grippersSmaller size isn’t great for large hands Battery life isn’t great in 4K polling mode. Our VerdictThe Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition is an all-around excellent gaming mouse that boasts outstanding performance, a robust lightweight chassis and all the connectivity options you’d ever need.
Keychron’s M3 mini 4K Metal Edition is the ultimate all-rounder gaming mouse. It’s robust and strong, armored with a metal chassis, and yet very lightweight; it also has all the connectivity options you could ever need, and a lightning-quick 4K polling rate that will keep you competitive in the quickest games.
At $99 it carries a bigger price tag than some mice in Keychron’s lineup. But with sturdiness, functionality, and style aplenty, gamers of all types are really going to dig this mouse.
Further reading: See our roundup of the best gaming mice to learn about competing products.
Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition: Design and build
With a perforated back covered by a grid of interlocking geometric shapes, the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition boasts a futuristic aesthetic that’s unique and fresh. That said, perforated backs are magnets for dust and spills, so it’s a mouse you’re really going to have to keep your coffee cup away from.
I could use less force in my clicks but still feel like I had the very quickest actuation I could possibly get…
The M3 mini 4K Metal Edition has a symmetrical right-handed configuration with two small thumb buttons on the left and two compact main clicks. The mouse wheel comprises three more clicks and, on the underside, you’ll find a DPI switcher, polling rate button, and a button to switch between Bluetooth mode and Wi-Fi mode.
Delicate contours on either side of the chassis easily molded the mouse to my hand for a comfortable fit, so that I felt a lot of control no matter which direction I moved it. The back sections of each of the main clicks are also perforated, which isn’t particularly comfortable for a claw grip, but it’s comfortable enough for palm or fingertip grip types.
The Keychron M3 mini 4K is best suited to medium-sized hands.
The Keychron M3 mini 4K is best suited to medium-sized hands.
Dominic Bayley / IDG
The Keychron M3 mini 4K is best suited to medium-sized hands.
Dominic Bayley / IDG
Dominic Bayley / IDG
If you do prefer a claw grip, all is not lost; Keychron also make a non-metal version of the M3 mini 4K with a closed top, so go for that one if a claw grip is your jam.
I was happy with the mouse’s weight but its size only just fit my large hand. Still, its designation as “mini,” doesn’t mean it’s tiny — it’s just a little smaller than some other full-sized mice. The dimensions measure 4.76 x 2.36 x 2.62 inches in total, so some players may have a quarter-inch overhang at the front.
The chassis is made from a lightweight magnesium material, so the M3 mini 4K Metal Edition is remarkably strong. The perforated shell serves to keep the weight to a minimum. In fact, it weighs just 2.25 ounces (64 grams). That made it suitable for FPS games and it was easy on my wrist and arm for long play sessions.
Having now used this mouse, I’m a big fan of magnesium alloy in a mouse’s chassis. It made the black color shimmer like a starry night sky under bright lights, which was an effect I never got tired of seeing.
Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition: Connectivity and battery life
The 4K Metal Edition’s connectivity options provide a lot of versatility for both gaming and for work on the go. For connecting wirelessly, you get a 2.4GHz wireless receiver. The Bluetooth connects via Bluetooth version 5.1.
Both of these connection types were quick for me, delivering smooth, uninterrupted gameplay. A 4K Wi-Fi receiver allowed me to set a maximum polling rate up to 4,000Hz, which is four times the reporting rate of some of the quickest esports mice released last year. Consequently, I was chuffed to see that it’s included in the purchase price.
In the box, the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition also comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable for a wired connection. It’s a paracord, so it has that quick shoelace-like feel that just glides across your table.
As to the battery life, you have the option of setting the polling rate to 1K for the longest possible life of up to 600 hours, or 4K for a more modest battery life of approximately 40 hours.
Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition: Gaming performance
The M3 mini 4K Metal Edition boasts a Pixart PAW 3395 sensor with a maximum DPI resolution of 26,000 DPI and a maximum speed of 650 inches per second. Rounding out those impressive stats is the mouse’s lightning-fast 50g acceleration rate, which makes it exceptionally quick off the mark.
The PAW 3395 has a reputation for being a little more synced to polling events than some other Pixart sensors and that rang true for me in my playtesting. I noticed a lot of consistency in the mouse’s movements — they felt crisp with a clear absence of any hiccups or jumps in the motion.
The Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition has a DPI switcher and polling rate button on its underside.
The Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition has a DPI switcher and polling rate button on its underside.
Dominic Bayley / IDG
The Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition has a DPI switcher and polling rate button on its underside.
Dominic Bayley / IDG
Dominic Bayley / IDG
In Battlefield I the 4K polling rate made a big difference to the speed at which I could track opponents. Those times I thought I was going to miss targets, I would often pull off unexpected hits, which was a nice surprise and big confidence boost.
The buttons feel very nice too. They’re some of the softest I’ve used, but their debounce is incredibly quick. They took all the effort away from me, allowing me to click with just the slightest pressure. I could use less force in my clicks but still feel like I had the very quickest actuation I could possibly get.
That response comes courtesy of the mouse’s Huano 80M microswitches. They’re rated for a long life of 80 million clicks, too.
I also really liked how convenient it was to switch DPI and polling rate with the external buttons. Keychron has made this even easier, with useful RGB indicator lights that show you what polling rate you’ve chosen, so I never had to stop my game and go into the app to see what I’d switched to.
Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition: Software
Keychron Engine is the 4K Metal Editon’s companion app. The software is easy to follow and provides a decent amount of customization.
You can tweak the usual suspects like DPI and polling rate, and assign macro key functions, but there are also a few more in-depth settings to modify like the mouse’s lift-off distance and sensor performance.
The “sensor performance” setting allows you to activate one of the key advantages of the PAW 3395 sensor, Motion Sync, which is how it syncs the mouse’s sensor movement to polling rate events for smoother, more accurate movement.
Keychron Engine allows you to apply Motion Sync, which closely syncs the sensor’s movements to polling rate events.
Keychron Engine allows you to apply Motion Sync, which closely syncs the sensor’s movements to polling rate events. Dominic Bayley / IDG
Keychron Engine allows you to apply Motion Sync, which closely syncs the sensor’s movements to polling rate events. Dominic Bayley / IDG
Dominic Bayley / IDG
Should you buy the Keycrhon M3 mini 4K Metal Edition?
If I was shopping for a mouse that’s quick enough to run toe-to-toe with some of the best esports mice, but packs in more functionality than you’ll see in most — things like Bluetooth, a DPI switcher, and a very strong metal body — then the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition would be top of my list.
This mouse has just about everything I’d want and need in a gaming mouse. I also really like that it would leave me with approximately $50 left in my pocket than if I bought some premium rivals. Ergo, if you want a stellar mouse and to save some money too, this mouse is a sure bet.
Gaming, Mice Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 18 May (PC World)I love spending time on the patio, working from there, but it’s on the opposite end of the house of where my router is, which means my Wi-Fi signal isn’t ideal. The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender is now available for a mere $23.99, down from its original $29.99, making it the perfect addition for anyone who curses the Wi-Fi signal in some areas of their home. (Don’t forget to check that box for the on-page coupon for that extra $4 off!)
Designed to extend Wi-Fi coverage up to 1500 square feet, the TP-Link AC1200 can support up to a remarkable 30 devices, ensuring a stable and strong Wi-Fi connection throughout the household. Basically, you can connect your laptop, your TV, and all those little smart home gadgets you have lying around.
As you can see in the product picture, the device has a fast Ethernet port, which provides the option for a wired connection. This is perfect for devices that may require a more stable connection for optimal operation, such as your gaming console or smart TV. No one wants to see that loading animation while they’re in the middle of something interesting.
The Wi-Fi Extender also gets extra brownie points for being compatible with any router or access point, making your life so much easier since you no longer have to scramble to figure out what mesh to get that will work with your system without changing everything.
On the other hand, the device also supports TP-Link OneMesh, enabling the creation of a mesh network when connected to a OneMesh router, such as the Archer AX21, which is on sale right now for 26 percent off. This way, you can ensure whole-home coverage, no matter which corner you’re holed up in. So, if you’re open to spending a bit more money, you can redesign your entire set-up.
So go ahead and place your order for the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender before the deal expires. I’m off to place my own order.
Get the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender for $19 at Amazon
Networking Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 18 May (PC World)In a world where security and peace of mind are paramount, the Eufy Security SoloCam S220 emerges as a highly sought-after solution, now available at a remarkable price of just $69.99 at Amazon, a significant drop from its original $129.99.
The price cut is one we love to see because it makes an excellent camera more accessible to everyone, allowing you to purchase more of these to drape over your home so you can check all angles.
The SoloCam S220 doesn’t need wires to power up because it has solar charging capabilities. It only takes about three hours of sunlight every day to charge the camera fully. So, unless you live near the poles, you’re good to use these Eufy cams.
The camera features infrared LEDs and an f/1.6 aperture, so you’ll get clear images even in low-light situations or at night. When your dog starts randomly growling during the wee hours, you can just open the app and check your home’s surroundings to see if he just heard the neighbors or if there’s actually a security issue.
Setting up the Eufy SoloCam S220 is a breeze. The camera itself is compact and requires no wires. Simply drill it into your home’s wall and you’re good to go.
One of the standout features of the SoloCam S220 is its ability to detect humans. If you want to take security to the next level and receive notifications about specific individuals at your door, you’ll need the HomeBase 3 Eufy security center. While the HomeBase 3 is not currently on sale, it’s a worthwhile addition. Using advanced artificial intelligence, the cameras can distinguish between family members, delivery personnel, and potential intruders, sending only the notifications that are relevant to you.
While we didn’t get to review the Eufy SoloCam S220 ourselves, the camera has a whopping 4.3/5 stars on Amazon out of over 1600 reviews.
Most users appreciate how easy this camera is to install and set up with the local W-iFi network. One reviewer states, for instance, that the video quality during the daytime is crystal clear, and the night vision is impressive.
The Eufy SoloCam S220 is an absolute bargain at $69.99, an exceptional investment for anyone looking to enhance their home security.
Get the Eufy SoloCam S220 for only $70 at Amazon
Security Cameras Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 18 May (PC World)The PlayStation 5 Disc Console Slim, packaged with the well-loved Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, is currently available for $449 at Walmart, down from its usual $559.99. This offer represents the lowest price for this bundle to date and a rare discount for the PS5.
The PS5 Slim is a powerhouse of a console despite its slim design. With 1TB of SSD storage, players can keep plenty of games — though huge with the size of some of today’s games, that number isn’t what it used to be. Either way, load times are great, with some games loading virtually instantly.
Gaming on a 4K TV is taken to another level when using the PS5 Slim. The console supports up to 120fps gameplay for compatible games on 4K displays with HDR technology. The visuals are vibrant and full of color, efficiently sucking you right into the worlds you’re playing.
The DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers further aid players in having an immersive experience when playing.
Another super cool thing about the PS5 Slim console is its backward compatibility, allowing you to explore thousands of PS4 games. So, if you’re just now upgrading to the PS5, you should be able to play most of the games you purchased before.
This special offer on the PlayStation 5 Disc Console Slim – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle is an exceptional opportunity to pick up a cutting-edge console along with one of its flagship titles at a significant discount. Don’t miss out.
Get the PS5 Slim + Spider-Man 2 for $449 thanks to rare Walmart discount
Gaming Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 18 May (PC World)With how expensive new laptops can be, especially some of the best laptops, it’s easy to be tempted by the low-low prices of second hand models on classified and auction sites. But buying anything second hand has risks, right? And that’s true of laptops too, right? Well, sort of. While buying new will always give you more protections, more rights, and likely a better overall product, buying a used laptop can be a great way to make some big savings, get a better laptop than you could otherwise afford, and help cut back on e-waste.
That’s not to say there aren’t some caveats and potential problems worth considering, though. Here are a few of the ways buying a used laptop isn’t entirely safe, and what you can do about it.
Further reading: The best laptops under $500
Check the battery
Panos Sakalakis / Unsplash
Panos Sakalakis / Unsplash
Panos Sakalakis / Unsplash
Most components in even a well-used laptop should still work almost like new, but not all of them. The biggest concern with buying a used laptop is the battery. A swollen battery or one that has received any kind of obvious physical damage has the potential to leak harmful gasses, catch fire, or even explode. If you can check the battery itself before buying by prying open the lpatop, do so, and if the is any suggestion that the battery is damaged, steer well clear.
If the battery looks okay from the outside, it’s also important to check what its battery life and overall health is like. If it’s run through a lot of recharge cycles, it may not last anywhere near as long as it originally could. You can ask for a battery health report from the seller, or run one yourself if you have some hands-on time.
Here’s our run down on how to check your laptop’s battery health, for detailed information on how to run the exhaustive (but fast) report.
Is it pixel perfect?
IDG / Mark Knapp
IDG / Mark Knapp
IDG / Mark Knapp
Displays can degrade over time, too, so if the laptop is being resold quickly after its original sale, or if it’s been used a lot over a year or more, it’s important to check whether the display looks as good as it should. That means checking for individual pixels that don’t work correctly and bands of color running down the screen. These can sometimes be fixed, but it’s better to avoid them altogether if you can.
If the laptop has an OLED panel, you should make sure there isn’t any obvious burn-in, too. This can appear as a ghostly effect on the screen, no matter what you’re watching, and there aren’t many solutions for it.
Consider the warranty
One of the best ways to protect yourself against problematic purchases is ensuring whatever used laptop you buy has some form of guarantee. If there’s a warranty left, that’s doubly good. If if the seller has it along with all the original documentation (including Windows key and purchase receipt), it can make life a lot easier for you when it comes to getting support from the manufacturer of the used laptop.
That said, you shouldn’t assume it’ll be applicable to a second-hand purchase. Having a valid returns period for your used laptop, from wherever you’re buying it from, can give you additional peace of mind.
Make sure to clean the drive
Dreamstime: Peter Gudella
Dreamstime: Peter Gudella
Dreamstime: Peter Gudella
Used laptops also have the potential to come riddled with malware. That may not be intentional – the original owner may not have realized it was getting slow because it was infected. But the last thing you want to do is start inputting your personal information into a laptop that can steal it.
To prevent that potential problem, whenever you buy a used laptop, be sure to give it a complete format. Ideally, securely erase it by following our guide, here. This will remove absolutely everything on the internal drive and ensure no matter what was on there before, it won’t be able to do you or your newly formatted laptop any harm.
Just be aware you’ll need to re-install Windows and all necessary drivers afterward, so be sure to have your Windows key to hand before starting.
Watch for bad deals
One other way that buying a used laptop is fraught with peril, is that there are lot of bad deals out there. From nefarious scammers selling old laptops with phony specifications, to the clueless and hopeful trying to get more for their old laptop than its worth.
You need to make sure that what you’re buying offers the value for money it claims to.
To ward off buying something outdated and not as fast or as well-equipped as you want, make sure to look up laptop reviews of the model you’re considering. If it’s more than a couple of years old, it’s probably not worth buying unless the price is exceedingly good and it’s been very well looked after.
our favorite low-cost laptop
Acer Aspire 3
Read our review
Best Prices Today:
$299.99 at Amazon
You can give yourself some additional protection buying through a reputable website, too. While Amazon, Walmart, and Newegg all work with third-party sellers who can can sell used models, they will give you some protection in the form of money back on your purchase or a managed return.
If you can, consider making the purchase with a credit card, as your provider will often help you recoup the costs if you find yourself with a laptop that doesn’t match what you paid for it.
Another good way to avoid any potential pitfalls is to buy a manufacturer refurbished or renewed model. These are likely to be more expensive than models which are simply second-hand, but they will have been fixed up to a near-new standard, complete with additional warranty support. In some cases, with common problems fixed, refurbished laptops can even be more durable than their new counterparts.
Finally, you can bypass the pitfalls of buying a used laptop while still saving serious scratch by hunting for timely laptop sales instead. PCWorld keeps a running list of the best laptop deals around, updated every weekday, that can help you find some brand new bargains.
Laptops Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | ITBrief - 18 May (ITBrief)Triomics secures $15 million in Series A funding to revolutionise oncology workflows in the US with AI tech, speeding clinical trial matching and patient care. Read...Newslink ©2024 to ITBrief | |
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