I’m not saying Windows is a terrible operating system, but it’s definitely no longer the one I choose to use on a day-to-day basis. After 30+ years of using Windows in its various forms (starting with Windows 95), I have moved on — but not to macOS! In fact, I’ve switched from Windows to ChromeOS and I’m loving every minute of it. Now, I want to be fully transparent: I admit that I still own an all-in-one Windows PC (currently running Windows 10 because Microsoft doesn’t think it’s capable of Windows 11), and I’m also likely to buy a new Windows PC before support for Windows 10 officially ends. However, my Windows PC only exists as a backup for those increasingly rare times when my Chromebook isn’t right for the task. Most days, my Chromebook is more than sufficient. Here’s why I switched and why I now love Chromebooks more than Windows laptops. Related: The best Chromebooks for every budget Why I switched to a Chromebook Why did I switch from Windows to ChromeOS? There were several factors that influenced my decision. Some may resonate with you, while others may differ from your own experiences. Reason 1: A simpler, less frustrating operating system Dave Parrack / IDG After decades of using Windows in its various forms, I grew tired of how frustrating it has become to use. It feels bloated and slow more often than not, even with a decently specced machine and everything updated. I don’t want to wait minutes for an operating system to fully boot and be ready to use, I don’t want it to constantly grind away in the background doing God knows what, and I don’t want to be troubleshooting it all the time when things inevitably go wrong. I want an operating system that boots on demand in seconds and simply works without fuss or obstacles. I just want to get on with my day and do what I need to do. That’s what I found in ChromeOS. Reason 2: Less stress about malware and security issues Mohamed Hassan / Pixabay Windows has always been the favorite target of scammers and hackers due to its mainstream popularity and the many vulnerabilities that continue to pop up even as older ones are fixed. In other words, while Microsoft has admittedly improved in this area, malware is more likely to hit and infect a Windows machine than a Chromebook. (Windows is riskier to use than macOS and Linux, too.) ChromeOS is especially safe and secure thanks to a range of built-in security features, including Verified Boot (which checks for unexpected changes on startup), Sandboxing at all levels (which ensures any issues are kept isolated), and the inability to run random executables. All of this, combined with the fact that malware creators are less likely to target ChromeOS, means I can use my Chromebook without worrying as long as I’m mindful of best practices for digital security. Related: Can Chromebooks get viruses? It’s complicated, but don’t worry too much about it Reason 3: No system updates that take hours to complete Dave Parrack / IDG Another constant frustration of using Windows that made me look around for an alternative is the seemingly never-ending updates that Microsoft pushes onto users — updates that aren’t seamlessly applied in the background but disruptive to daily productivity. I’ve often heard my PC chugging away as it downloads a massive Windows update, which then prompts me to restart my computer in order to install it. That can sometimes take upwards of an hour. ChromeOS, on the other hand, is such a lightweight operating system that its regular updates are fast, silent, and without fuss. It takes the hassle out of maintaining an operating system. Reason 4: Productivity without spending a fortune Dave Parrack / IDG As a freelance writer and editor, I have the privilege to work anywhere — at home, at an office, at a coffee shop, or even while on vacation. But only if I have a machine that’s light, portable, and user-friendly enough. Sure, there are plenty of Windows laptops and MacBooks out there that fit the profile, but they generally come with higher price tags than Chromebooks. For me, a Chromebook strikes the right balance between usability, performance, and affordability. Related: Don’t go below these specs in a budget laptop Reason 5: I’m already embedded in Google’s ecosystem Dave Parrack / IDG The final reason why I made the switch away from Windows to ChromeOS is the fact that I’m already embedded in Google’s ecosystem. I own an Android phone and I use most of Google’s apps (including Gmail, Meet, Calendar, Maps, Photos, etc.), so it wasn’t a huge leap to ditch Windows and go (almost) all-in on ChromeOS. In fact, the switch has made things easier for me as I now have full access to all of my data across my phone, Chromebook, and other devices. Why I don’t regret making the switch I have no regrets about buying a Chromebook and I have no shame in preferring ChromeOS over Windows. Here are three big ways in which the switch has left me in a better place than before. I’m actually more productive Matthew Smith / IDG The most obvious benefit I’ve felt after switching is a boost to my productivity, and that in turn has improved my work-life balance. As a writer who works from home but also needs the option to work outside of the home at times, a Chromebook offers the perfect blend of power and portability. I can get my work done with little fuss and I can do it from anywhere, without the operating system bogging me down. ChromeOS boots instantly and is ready when I need it Dave Parrack / IDG Despite being a desk worker, I don’t actually have to be sat at a desk for 8 straight hours every day. I have flexibility in my schedule, and that’s why I need a machine that’s always ready to use on demand. Sure, I could leave my Windows laptop running all day and jump on/off as required, but I don’t like the idea of needless idling. Sleep and hibernation modes are also options, but Windows is too sluggish for me when it comes to waking up. ChromeOS offers a more practical and environmentally friendly alternative. Given how lightweight Google’s OS is, it’s no surprise that it boots instantly and can be used at a moment’s notice. Web and Android apps are enough for me Dave Parrack / IDG One of the bigger worries I had when leaving Windows was losing access to all the Windows programs I’d been using for years. However, those fears proved (mostly) unfounded as there are adequate Android apps and web apps to replace the ones I used on Windows. What you may not know is that Chromebooks aren’t just limited to websites and Chrome extensions. A few years ago, Google added the ability to natively run Android apps on Chromebooks, and most apps in the Google Play Store are compatible with ChromeOS. Some work better than others, of course, and there was a lot of trial and error as I sought apps that most closely matched my needs and preferences. But these days, web and Android apps are pretty darn good and you can easily get by except in very specific situations. Related: Why your next laptop should be a Chromebook What you might miss if you switch from Windows to Chromebook ChromeOS works perfectly for me 99 percent of the time, but if you decide to follow suit and switch from Windows to Google’s operating system, there are some things you may miss — and I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention them. Access to your full-featured desktop applications Microsoft While I was able to find suitable web and Android apps to replace most of the Windows programs I previously relied on, some niche programs simply don’t have viable web or Android alternatives. For example, if your job requires that you use a particular Windows-only app — maybe even an in-house app that’s specific to your company — then you may not have a choice. Another example is software that comes in web and Windows versions, with the Windows version being more full-featured or more performant. In that case, switching to the web version might be an obvious downgrade that seriously harms productivity or usability. Therefore, you really have to do your research before making the switch, whether you’re switching to ChromeOS or some other operating system like macOS or Linux. Windows-only apps are a valid deal-breaker. PC games without needing to rely on cloud gaming Dave Parrack / IDG Contrary to popular belief, you can game on a Chromebook — and the experience is far better than you’d probably expect it to be. The caveat is that you can’t just install Steam and play all the same PC games that you can enjoy on a Windows machine. Yes, you can install Steam on Chromebooks now, but not all games on Steam are compatible with ChromeOS. You can also install most Android games on ChromeOS, which opens up a whole world of casual gaming opportunities (along with mobile ports of popular games like Stardew Valley, Dead Cells, and Hollow Knight). Otherwise, you have to rely on cloud gaming services if you want to play mainstream AAA games on a Chromebook. Using platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia’s GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna, you can stream gameplay to your Chromebook… but it’s notably not the same as playing games locally on a high-end machine. If these limited gaming options are a problem for you, then you should probably skip the Chromebook. (Or keep a separate gaming PC.) Related: Are Chromebooks good for gaming? System upgradeability and customizations Framework If you’re a fan of either customizing your system to your heart’s content or upgrading your hardware to stay ahead of the curve, then ChromeOS probably won’t be for you. It’s meant to be a lightweight operating system that works out of the box, not something for tinkering and customizing and messing around in. And while that suits me perfectly, it won’t suit everyone. The same goes for the hardware, as you’re pretty much stuck with what you buy. Thankfully, ChromeOS isn’t at all heavy on resources, so as long as you buy smart to begin with, the hardware should last. Further reading: How to turn an old laptop into a Chromebook Read...

If you’re looking for a great way to level up your gaming rig, consider a super-fast OLED display with a sweet spot 1440p resolution. It’s all the rage these days, at least among gamers who can afford one. Fortunately for you, Acer has one on sale today: the Predator X27U is now just $499.990 at B&H, a whopping 50% off its original price. It’s hard to find a decent OLED in that range, and this one’s more than just decent. The Acer Predator X27U was designed for gamers from the ground up, and that’s obvious as you go through its list of features. There’s a 27-inch OLED panel that you’ll love because it brings out amazing colors and contrast for everything, including games and movies. With its 2560×1440 resolution, every image will be perfectly clear, whether you’re squeezing in some work or you’re cranking out gaming frames. What makes this Predator X27U display shine, however, is the 240Hz refresh rate and the 0.01ms response time. That’s the perfect config for enthusiast gamers, especially if you have a powerful enough rig to pump out high frame rates. You won’t have to worry about connectivity either because this monitor has plenty of ports, including two full-sized HDMI 2.1 and a DisplayPort port. There are also two USB-A for extra peripherals and a USB-C with 90 watts of power delivery. Truth be told, OLED monitors of this size, resolution, and refresh rate don’t come cheap. This is an excellent price for what you get, and you’ll definitely feel the difference. Get your hands on Acer’s 27-inch 240Hz OLED monitor for $500 at B&H while this deal lasts! Save 50% on Acer`s super-fast 1440p OLED monitorBuy now from B&H Read...

When just about every tech sector has been touched by AI – yes, even your run-of-the-mill thermal paste (I’m still not sure how, though) – it’s no surprise that VPN operators have found a way to integrate AI enhancements into their software too. In VPNs, AI is being used for everything from threat detection and response to the creation of personalized security profiles for users. You could say it’s changing the toolsets VPNs have to protect their users’ privacy and combat cyber threats online. But are AI-enhanced VPNs any better than traditional VPNs? Further reading: The best VPN services How AI-enhanced VPNs differ from traditional VPNs The quick answer to the above question is: Yes, they are better – because of the benefits that AI-driven VPNs bestow. The main difference between AI-enhanced VPNs and traditional VPNs is that the former incorporate AI-driven bots to manage the VPN connections and other processes, whereas traditional VPNs rely mostly on old-fashioned algorithms. These AI-driven bots are like smart assistants that continuously analyze network conditions and threats on the fly, thereby tightening the screws on network traffic and security and also analyzing your preferences for the most personalized experience possible. The biggest benefit is speed; AI-enhanced VPNs provide faster connectivity than traditional VPNs since they’re able to overcome the slow connectivity that traffic-monitoring and encryption by VPNs can cause. One way they do that is by dynamically monitoring server loads and then shifting connections to less congested servers. But they can also do things like optimize your connection based on your preferences or your browser search history, making your browsing far quicker and more tailored to your browsing needs. Say you’re gaming or streaming and need the quickest connection possible, your AI-driven VPN may pause all updates or background processes so that you get the smoothest data transfer speeds possible – that’s just one example of how it can work. Enhanced encryption is another big benefit of AI-enhanced VPNs. AI bots in these VPNs can quickly and efficiently pinpoint vulnerabilities in existing cryptographic profiles and adopt newer profiles without needing any human intervention, while traditional VPNs need operator input. That means they can adapt quicker to new threats from hackers and malware, thereby enhancing threat detection for their users. They can more easily suggest user-specific responses to threats too. NordVPN is just one VPN using AI tools.  Pexels: Stefan Coders Which VPNs are using AI? Most well-known VPNs have already integrated some kind of AI technology into their software and servers – but some use it more than others. ExpressVPN, for example, uses an AI-powered system that adjusts its encryption methods based on the type of data being transmitted by users. This is especially useful for remote workers, since it provides them with an extra layer of security against hackers. ExpressVPN also uses AI to suggest the quickest server locations. Another popular VPN, Avast SecureLine VPN, uses AI to enhance its threat-detection capabilities – which enables it to more easily identify and block unauthorized login attempts to user accounts. Then there are VPNs that excel at using AI to prevent phishing scams. One of these, Symlex VPN, claims to be the first VPN to use AI to prevent location-based phishing attempts that rely on a users’ geographical location. NordVPN, too, uses an AI-enabled browser extension it calls Sonar to spot potential phishing scams, which are increasingly becoming harder for users to identify. mentioned in this article NordVPN Best Prices Today: $3.39 at NordVPN (Monthly) Are there any limitations to AI-enhanced VPNs? Like other forms of AI, the AI technologies incorporated into VPNs do have their limitations. One problem VPN operators currently have to deal with is when their AI bots make false positive identifications of threats, making it more difficult for users to access legitimate data or communications. Another concern is the fact that AI algorithms require access to considerable amounts of user data to be trained, which could jeopardize user privacy. Although, you could argue that since VPNs are in the business of safeguarding user privacy, some level of trust is required on the part of the user. These are challenges that need to be further addressed, and I’m sure they will be as companies continue to develop and finesse their use of AI technologies in VPNs into the future. Further reading: 5 VPN features you need to start using today Read...

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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros 40Gbps USB4 Decently priced Handsome, rugged design Cons Slowest USB4 SSD to date Sometimes connected at only 10Gbps or 5Gbps Our Verdict I love the rugged, handsome design and relative affordability. But connection issues and comparably lackluster 40Gbps performance left me unamazed. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 Retailer Price Sandisk $279.99 View Deal $429.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 is a handsome, rugged, relatively affordable external SSD with 40Gbps aspirations. I say aspirations because several times it connected at only 10Gbps or 5Gbps on our test bed. Even when connected at 40Gbps, it was slower than the competition. Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best external drives for comparison. What are the Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4’s features? The Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 is noticeably larger than the older Extreme Pro SSDs, though it mimics them absolutely in shape, style, and color. The drive is a rather hefty 5.4–inches long, by 2.2–inches wide, by 0.45-inches thick, and weighs around 5.4 ounces. Lest you mistake my intent, I like solid and hefty in an external SSD. As you can see below, it’s Sandisk’s favorite dark gray with copper highlighting in the extra large lanyard opening. It’s largely covering in textured silicone, which provides a nice, comfortable grip. the Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 on its side. Obviously, the Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 uses the USB4 protocol and it’s of the high-end 40Gbps variety. USB4 does allow 20Gbps implementations, though we haven’t seen any drives using it. USB4 v2 will implement 80Gbps like Thunderbolt 5, but SSDs featuring that are a ways off. Thunderbolt 5 SSDs can be counted with the fingers on one hand at the moment. Sandisk warranties the Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 for a full five years, though that’s no doubt mitigated by its TBW rating. Sandisk didn’t say that explicitly, but it’s standard to condition the warranty on a maximum number of terabytes that can written to the drive, along with reasonable handling such as not dropping it from a skyscraper, splitting it with an axe, etc. As the write speed only dropped to 550MBps off secondary cache, I’m assuming it uses TLC memory, which is normally rated at 600TBW per terabyte of capacity. How much is the Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4? The Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 is available in a 2TB model for $280 and a 4TB model for $430. That’s in line with the pre-populated competition such as the Adata SE920 and OWC 1M2, but not nearly the bargain that is the Corsair EX400U. You can also roll your own for considerably less with something like the Ugreen CM642. But of course, you have the bother of opening and installing the SSD. In total, price is not an issue with the Extreme SSD Pro SSD with USB4 (Geez, I’m getting tired of typing that name!). But there were issues. How fast is the Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4? When it operated at full speed, the Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 drive was fast, albeit not as fast as the competition — it placed last among some very fast USB4 SSDs. In our real-world transfer tests, it also fell behind a couple of 20Gbps SSDs. Additionally, it had issues connecting at full speed on our test bed. Using the supplied cable (40Gbps logo’d) the Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 operated at only 10Gbps on one of our test bed’s Thunderbolt 4 ports, and 5Gbps on the other. Windows also warned that the drive might not perform as USB4 should. Using the same cable on an M4 Mac Studio’s Thunderbolt 5 port gave the full 40Gbps. Using a super high-quality Thunderbolt 5 cable, the Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 was able to perform and complete testing at 40Gbps on the PCWorld test bed. However, a second attempt with the same Thunderbolt 5 cable produced the reduced speeds. Note that USB4 (a marriage of Thunderbolt 4 and USB) is still in its infancy, so interoperability issues aren’t startling, though these are the first I’ve experienced. The drive might perform substantially better and connect more reliably on other systems. It did on my Mac Studio. It might be incompatibility with our test bed’s Thunderbolt 4 implementation, but I’ve never seen this from any other USB4 product. It might be Sandisk’s hand-shaking or thermal management that’s amiss. I asked both Sandisk and all the Thunderbolt/USB4 folk I know about the issue, but had not heard back as of this writing. When connected at the full 40Gbps, you can see that the Sandisk Extreme Pro with USB4 was largely in line with, if not quite up to the competition in CrystalDiskMark 8’s sequential tests. The major weakness was in single queue/thread writing, which is the way Windows operates, These weakness showed up on other tests. The Sandisk Extreme Pro with USB4 was largely in tune with, if not quite up to the competition in CrystalDiskMark 8’s sequential tests. Its major weakness was in single queue/thread writing. Longer bars are better. In CrystalDiskMark 8’s random 4K tests, the Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 was, again, largely up to snuff with the competition, except for the very disappointing single-thread write score. There’s a theme here. We repeated the single-queue, single-thread test several times to make sure it wasn’t an aberration. It might have something to do with secondary cache management as the score doubled when I ran it on its own. However, 40MBps is still considerably slower than the competition. In CrystalDiskMark 8’s random 4K tests, the Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 was, again, largely up to snuff with the competition, except for the very disappointing single thread write score. Longer bars are better. Again, Windows only uses a single queue and thread (despite NVMe being a decade old now) for writing data, so it’s not surprising that the Extreme Pro SSD with USB was off the pace. It was actually slower in this test than several 20Gbps USB 3.2×2 SSDs. Again, Windows only uses a single queue and thread, so it’s not surprising that the Extreme Pro SSD with USB was off the pace. Shorter bars are better. While not tragic, the Sandisk Extreme Pro with USB4’s 450GB write performance was middling at best. Close to three minutes slower than the SE920 and, again, slower than several 20Gbps SSDs. While not tragic, the Sandisk Extreme Pro with USB4’s 450GB write performance was middling at best. Shorter bars are better. I was a bit surprised that Sandisk didn’t pull more speed out of this unit. But the company isn’t quite as good with external SSDs as it is with internal ones. And this is not the first Sandisk SSD to have connection issues. Note that most SSDs are capable of their advertised speed — on certain systems. AMD’s Thunderbolt 4 implementation is faster than Intel’s. Our test bed is Intel, which we’ve kept static over more than 100 external and internal SSD tests. All the drives we’ve tested have had the same “handicap.” Should you buy the Sandisk Extreme Pro with USB4? The Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 is handsome, rugged, feels great in your mitts, is decently affordable for USB4, and is faster than the majority of USB 3.2×2 20Gbps SSDs. That said, the connection issues are a red flag, and the 40Gbps competition is faster. Wait for the second revision on this one. I’ll revisit this review if and when the issue is resolved, or Sandisk sends me a better-behaved replacement unit. How we test Our storage tests currently utilize Windows 11 (22H2) 64-bit running on a Z790 (PCIe 5.0) motherboard/i5-12400 CPU combo with two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 modules (64GB of memory total). Intel integrated graphics are used. The 48GB transfer tests utilize an ImDisk RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB total memory. The 450GB file is transferred from a Samsung 990 Pro 2TB, which also contains the operating system. Each test is performed on a newly formatted and TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that as any drive fills up, performance will decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, and other factors. The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped as well as the capacity tested. SSD performance can vary by capacity due to more or fewer chips to read/write across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching (writing TLC/QLC as SLC). Vendors also occasionally swap components. If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report (systems being roughly equal), by all means—let us know. Read...

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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Excellent everyday HMB performance Super affordable Graphene heat spreader 5-year warranty Great TBW rating for QLC NAND Cons Writes slow drastically off secondary cache Our Verdict Though you don’t want QLC for heavy-duty, large-scale writes, the MP44Q is a great everyday performer and a super bargain for the average user. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Teamgroup’s MP44Q — a new host memory buffer (HMB/DRAM-less) SSD popped to the top of the performance charts for that category. It’s fast and affordable for everyday chores. However, it’s not for extended heavy-duty use as its QLC NAND slows drastically once secondary cache is exhausted. What are the Teamgroup MP44Q’s features? The MP44Q is a host memory buffer, NVMe/PCIe 4.0 SSD that ships in the 2280 (22mm wide, 80 mm long) form factor. The NAND is multi-layer QLC (Quad-Level Cell/4-bit), and the controller is a Maxio MAP-1602A. The warranty on the MP44Q is five years and the TeraBytes that may be Written rating is 512TBW. That far exceeds the 250TBW we normally see for QLC NAND SSDs, and is only a hair shy of the 600TBW that’s the average for TLC (Triple-Level Cell/3-bit) SSDs. Nice. How much does the Teamgroup MP44Q cost? The MP44Q is available in $52/1TB, $102/2TB (tested), and $207/4TB capacities. Those were outstandingly low prices at the time of this writing. How fast is the Teamgroup MP44Q? Glad you asked. While the 2TB MP44Q’s synthetic benchmark numbers didn’t reach number one, when combined with solid real world performance they pushed the drive to the top PCIe 4.0/HMB spot overall — in our testing. But as already stated, there’s a caveat. If you go just a little beyond the 450GB we write, the QLC’s native write rate kicks in and drops transfers to only 100-135MBps. Yuk. This also means that the 1TB version would’ve turned in a much slower 450GB write time and not come close to the top spot in the chart. This is not the pace you want to see. And you probably won’t if you write less than 40GB at a time and space out operations normally. Note that the drive already contained 450GB of data written at a far brisker canter. The secondary caching seemed dynamic, but only in limited fashion. Once laden with 450GB of data, subsequent 48GB writes proceeded at top speed, but much more than that, and they dropped again to the native write rate. Note that I left the drive alone for a full day before said subsequent writes, so there was plenty of time for the controller to allot more QLC as secondary cache. The MP44Q’s CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential transfer numbers are very good, second only to the Lexar NM790. The Kingston NV3 and WD SN770, also PCIe 4.0/HMB SSDs, proved no match in this test. The MP44Q was very solid in CrystalDiskMark 8’s sequential transfer tests. Longer bars are better. The MP44Q was solid in all four CrystalDiskMark 8 4K tests, allowing it to top the NM790 in the aggregate, thanks to the latter’s horrible 4K write performance. The MP44Q was solid in all four CrystalDiskMark 8 4K tests, allowing it to top the NM790 in the aggregate due to the latter’s horrible single-queue performance. Longer bars are better. The MP44Q was a hair off the Lexar NM790 in the 48GB transfers — a subjectively unnoticeable difference. The MP44Q was a hair off the Lexar NM790 in the 48GB transfers — a subjectively unnoticeable difference. Shorter bars are better. Although, not up to the Kingston NV3 in the 450GB write test, the MP44Q did shave a couple of seconds off the Lexar NM790’s time — making up for the two seconds it lost in the 48GB transfers. Although, not up to the Kingston NV3 in the 450GB write test, the MP44Q did shave a couple of seconds off the Lexar NM790’s time. Making up for the two seconds it lost in the 48GB transfers. Shorter bars are better. Although the CrystalDiskMark 8 numbers weren’t breathtaking, the MP44Q’s overall performance under most circumstances impressed us. Bear in mind that few users will stress an SSD with contiguous 450GB writes as we do. Should I buy the Teamgroup MP44Q? If you’re not going to write massive amounts of data on a regular basis, then the MP44Q will get the job done, and get it done for less money than just about anything else on the market. The TBW rating is fantastic for a QLC drive as well. But if you do write a ton of data, look for a fast TLC model with better sustained performance such as the WD SN770. How we test Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11, 64-bit running on a Z790 (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard/i5-12400 CPU combo with two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 4800MHz modules (64GB of memory total). Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 4 are integrated to the back panel and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used. The 48GB transfer tests utilize an ImDisk RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB of total memory. The 450GB file is transferred from a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro which also runs the OS. Each test is performed on a newly NTFS-formatted and TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors. This can be less of a factor with the current crop of SSDs with far faster late-generation NAND. Caveat: The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped and to the capacity tested. SSD performance can and will vary by capacity due to more or fewer chips to shotgun reads/writes across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching. Vendors also occasionally swap components. If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report, by all means, let us know. Read...

TechHive Editors Choice At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Renders the remote control easier and more comfortable to grip Protects your remote control from drops Can accommodate a tracking tag to locate a lost remote control Cons Costs about half as much as a new remote (when not on sale) Adds bulk to the remote control Won’t prevent the remote’s buttons from wearing out with use Our Verdict This ingenious silicone sleeve will protect your streaming device’s remote control while making it easier to use and to locate when the remote gets lost in the house. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: GripStand (for Apple Siri Remote 2nd & 3rd Generation) Retailer Price $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket I came this close to laughing off the PR pitch for 73&Sunny’s GripStand remote control cases. Who needs a case for their streaming device’s remote control? It turns out that everyone needs one–and not just to shield the remote from damage when it inevitably falls onto the floor. Made from a rubbery silicone, the sleeve wraps your remote in a tight embrace, with cutouts for its buttons and ports: USB-C, Lightning, headphone jack, microphone, volume controls, and so on, depending on the model. The manufacturer makes them for the Amazon Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro (2022 model), the Apple TV Siri remote (second and third generations), the Roku Express remote, and the Roku Voice Remote. I received four samples in a variety of colors, but this review is primarily based on my experience with the Apple TV Siri remote. GripStand cases are available in various colors for the Amazon Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro (2022 model), Apple TV Siri remote (2nd and 3rd generations) (left), Roku Voice Remote, and the Roku Express remote. Michael Brown/Foundry The silicone material makes the remotes supremely easy to grip, but a lanyard and a strip of vertical ridges in the middle of the backside of the sleeve makes this even easier. The extra-thick back and sides of the sleeves cushion the remote and should protect it from a drop from just about any height onto just about any surface. Finally, the bottom of the sleeve flares out, allowing the remote to stand up vertically. But the design also provides a second function: It can harbor a Tile Tracker or an Apple AirTag. The bulged bottom and the grippy sleeve already make it difficult for the remote control to get lost in the couch cushions; but should that happen anyway—or if the remote wanders off through some other means—putting a Bluetooth tracker inside it will make it a snap to find. This last feature is less valuable for the Alexa and Roku Voice remotes, which already have their own remote finder features, but the Apple and Tile trackers might offer better range. The bulged bottom of the GripStand Remote Case lets you stand the remote up on its bottom, but you can also put a Bluetooth tracker in that cavity.Michael Brown/Foundry GripStands are available in both wild and tame colors, depending on the model. The Siri Remote version I reviewed has the most options: Lime Glow, Sky Glow, Ultra Black, Army Green, Slate Ocean, and Fiery Red. The Glow colors, as you’ve probably guessed, glow in the dark. The two versions of the Roku remote GripStand are available in the same colors as the Siri Remote model, except for Fiery Red. The Alexa Voice Remote Pro version of the GripStand has the fewest color options, just Coral (pink), Green, or Yellow. Should you buy a GripStand Remote Case? Prices, which are generally about half the cost of buying a new remote, are the one reservation I have about recommending the GripStand. And, for whatever reason, the Siri Remote version costs more than the rest of the collection: $24.99 compared to $19.99 for the Amazon and Roku versions. At the time of this writing, however, the Apple remote was on sale for $19.99, the Roku Express model was slashed to $9.99, and the Roku Voice Remote was discounted to $14.99. Those sale prices make the GripStand a better value, but it’s a great product even at full price. It will make your streaming remote easier to hold and use, and it should eliminate the annoyance of sitting down to watch some TV entertainment only to realize you can’t find the remote. Read...