At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Quality 4K webcam images with 60Hz option Surprisingly useful remote control Powerful zoom features Solid autofocus Cons Privacy shutter must be added on Onboard mics and noise cancellation are average to poor Camera positioning is annoying Our Verdict eMeet’s affordable 4K autofocus webcam generates great-looking shots, with a handy remote that controls many of its functions at the push of a button. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: EMEET Smartcam C60E 4K Dual Webcam Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal eMeet $59.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices eMeet continues to push the envelope with aggressively priced videoconferencing solutions, and the eMeet SmartCam C60E 4K Dual is another example of a quality, autofocusing webcam that includes a handy remote control that quickly offers focus, zoom, and color options. At press time, the eMeet SmartCam C60E 4K Dual costs just about $70 (or $59.99 at eMeet’s site, at press time), which is terrific for a 4K webcam, even if it doesn’t offer quite the visual quality of some of the premium options in our recommendations for the best webcams. It has a key feature shared by another eMeet camera, the eMeet Piko+ 4K: a pair of lenses that jointly create the image, depending upon what you ask of it. On either side are some programmable RGB accents. About the only thing I mildly dislike about this webcam is the construction; the camera doesn’t tilt up and down on the mount, which means that framing your face with the camera can be a little awkward. While Windows’ Studio Effects technology will crop and zoom to frame your face, the technology doesn’t always work with external webcams, and depends (right now) on whether you’re running a Windows preview or not. The eMeet SmartCam C60E 4K Dual, meanwhile, has a manual zoom — all the way to a tight 11X. Mark Hachman / Foundry In any event, the C60E 4K Dual is a quite affordable 4K autofocus webcam, whose images look remarkably like the images generated by the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra camera of a couple years ago. On paper, the two show differences; the SmartCam C60E 4K Dual uses a 1/2.8-inch sensor that’s shared between its two wide-angle and telephoto lenses, while the Kiyo Pro Ultra uses a 1/1.2-inch sensor, which lets in far more light. In a well-lit room, however, that doesn’t make that much difference. Although eMeet supplies an AI Studio application for fine-grained controls, much of that can be achieved either through the Windows settings or with the accompanying remote, which is surprisingly handy. eMeet SmartCam C60E 4K Dual: How well does it work? The eMeet SmartCam C60E 4K Dual connects to your PC via a 2-meter (6.5 feet) cable, terminating in a USB-A port. The other end of the cord is connected directly to the webcam, so you can’t simply install a longer cable. That should be more than enough on most desktop setups, however. Mark Hachman / Foundry Again, the weakest part of this webcam is the mount. The eMeet SmartCam C60E 4K Dual uses the traditional “jaws” configuration, where the webcam sits flat on the top of the laptop or display, and a “jaw” juts out at an angle to support it. Some rival webcams add a hinged “tongue” at the end of the jaw to provide a more expansive surface to rest the frame upon. Virtually all of them, however, have a gimbal or swivel upon which you can adjust the webcam. The eMeet SmartCam C60E 4K Dual only allows you to rotate the camera, not adjust it up or down. It’s not a huge loss, but it’s especially annoying when mounted on the display of a laptop, which can of course be raised or lowered. Each time you open a laptop, you’ll need to readjust the webcam, and it simply takes a bit longer than most. Once the webcam has found your face, which happens quite quickly, the autofocus locks on and remains there. I’m also not a fan of the fact that eMeet has left the privacy shutter as a stick-on option, rather than just building it in. The RGB highlights do light up when the camera is in use, however. The webcam allows you to record video of up to 4K (2160p) at 30 frames per second. Alternatively, you can record at 1440p (30fps), 1080p (30fps or 60fps), and various lower resolutions. Remember, Windows Studio Effects basically uses the full resolution of your webcam to crop and zoom in on your face. The eMeet SmartCam does the same: At a 4K setting, you can only choose from one of two zoom settings as it only has so many pixels to work with. But at 1080p/30fps, you can zoom in all the way to 11X; at some point, you might notice a brief hesitation while it switches cameras. At the lower resolutions you can also use the zoom slider within Windows to either smoothly zoom up to 11X or step through the various gradations (2X, 3X, 4X, etc.) to ratchet the zoom level up and down. eMeet’s AI Studio software offers this AI scene planner, which feels extraneous to most users.Mark Hachman / Foundry Those gradations are found on the webcam’s remote, which is especially useful. Powered by two AAA batteries, the well-designed remote can be used for everything from toggling between fixed- to auto-focus, to adjusting the zoom controls, to dialing up and down lighting and tint controls. The remote also includes four presets, with everything from a “cool” and “vivid” setting to black and white. Supposedly the remote also controls the ability to scale up and down the resolution, but that didn’t seem to work. Thankfully, it all works out of the box, no drivers necessary. If you do lose the remote, that’s okay too. Most of its functions (the zoom, lighting, and contrast) can be controlled directly via Windows, as well as the Camera settings within Windows. Still, the remote puts it all at your fingertips, and that’s handy. eMeet also includes an optional AI Studio app that controls some of the camera’s functions in a nice on-screen UI. Emphasis on optional: Some of the installation software uses Mandarin without English translations, which can be disconcerting. One of the few things AI Studio software exclusively offers is an odd AI app that allows you to create shooting templates for various projects, using everything from ChatGPT to Grok. There’s really very little point to it. (It also provides the ability to swap the RGB lighting between red, green, and blue, too, however.) eMeet SmartCam C60E 4K Dual: Performance Otherwise, the image captures the eMeet SmartCam C60E 4K Dual generated were pretty solid. I felt colors were accurately represented, and that the images were crisp. Mark Hachman / Foundry I shoot images down in my office, which normally is a bit dimmer; I removed the curtains for cleaning, which allows more light inside. The webcam uses what’s called phase-detection autofocus, or PDAF. All this means is that the autofocus capabilities of this webcam are quick and not “twitchy”: Once the webcam has found your face, which happens quite quickly, the autofocus locks on and remains there. Upstairs, I happened to capture the images on a grayer day, which dims everything a bit. But I also felt that the images were lifelike, with decent color and contrast. I also threw in one using the black and white preset, just for fun. Though this webcam does offer some presets, none of them include anything like the “beauty modes” I’ve seen in native webcam apps from Samsung, for example. The eMeet webcam does have a pair of onboard mics, but this is the other shortcoming that budget webcams tend to offer: average to poor audio, with noise cancellation that barely works. I’m afraid that the eMeet SmartCam C60E 4K Dual falls into this category. I record my voice using the webcam mics as per our normal webcam testing procedure, playing back some rock music and then some white noise via my phone, behind my head and off to the side. In this case, the background audio was clearly audible. You’ll want a quiet room for working with this webcam. Should you buy the eMeet SmartCam C60E 4K Dual? eMeet has produced another inexpensive, quality webcam that fits into a midrange niche. Normally, I’d expect this to be filled by a “2K” (1440p) or other midrange webcam. The fact that eMeet offers 4K capabilities as well as a 1080p, 60Hz option is a lovely bonus. I wouldn’t download the utility software; it’s not necessary, and additional apps clog your PC. I’d also recommend buying this if you own a desktop display to which you can attach this webcam and not have to move it again. Laptop owners may find it slightly annoying. Still, I think this webcam deserves four stars, simply because the lack of a mount swivel and lack of a privacy shutter can be dealt with. I’d just encourage eMeet to think hard about not ignoring these basics in the future. Read...

If you’re going to buy a gaming laptop right now, then it might as well be one that’s future-proof, right? This powerful HP Omen Slim 16 model is not only $661 off at B&H right now—bringing its price down to $1,449 (was $2,110)—but it also has one heck of a configuration. Seriously, if you want a banger laptop, you shouldn’t skip this one. View this gaming laptop deal This top-tier laptop isn’t one you’ll have to upgrade anytime soon because the hardware within is more than enough to have you playing all the latest triple-A 3D games for years to come. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a massive 2TB SSD, this laptop is everything you could possibly want for Windows 11, apps, browser tabs, and super-quick system startups and app launches. But the kicker here is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU with 8GB of VRAM, which is significantly better than the 5050 and 5060 that are more common in gaming laptops. This is a graphics card that can handle all the games you love, providing excellent frame rates and access to Nvidia’s latest DLSS 4 features like multi-frame generation. Throw in the 16-inch IPS display with a crisp resolution of 2560×1600 and 240Hz refresh rate and you have a fantastic gaming rig. B&H has this marked as a sale with “limited supply at this price,” and what an excellent price it is. With the RAM shortage causing prices to skyrocket all over the place, you may not find a deal this good again in a long, long time—so get it for $1,449 while you still can. Or check out our picks for the best overall gaming laptops right now. Save $661 on this HP RTX 5070 laptop with 32GB RAM (31% off)Buy this gaming laptop via B&H Read...

Using an encrypted email service is one of the most effective ways to reclaim your digital privacy. While standard providers like Gmail or Outlook protect your email in transit using TLS (Transport Layer Security) they still hold the master keys to your data. Here is why switching to a dedicated encrypted service (like Proton, Tuta, or Skiff) is a game-changer for your security. 1. Enhanced data protection and privacy Email remains the primary communication channel in today’s digital landscape. However, traditional email systems are inherently vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access. This is where encrypted email comes in, offering a first line of defense against malicious actors. Encrypted email provides security by transforming readable text into an uninterpretable code. This ensures that your private messages remain confidential even if they are intercepted. Only the intended recipient possessing the correct decryption key can unlock and read the message. Standard email providers can technically read your emails. They may scan them to serve ads, build smart features, or comply with government data requests. But encrypted email services use zero-access encryption. Your emails are encrypted with your password before they even reach the provider’s servers. The result is even if the company is subpoenaed or hacked, your data remains unreadable gibberish to them. 2. Protection against cyber threats One of the most compelling benefits of encrypted email is the defense it offers against a range of cyber threats. Encrypted email acts to provide a layer of security protecting against man-in-the-middle attacks, email interception, phishing attempts, and malware distribution. By encrypting your email you make it virtually impossible for cybercriminals to read and manipulate your messages during transmission or while the emails are stored on servers. This significantly reduces the risk of data breaches, protects your privacy, and maintains the integrity of your communications. Encrypted emails often include Digital Signatures. This ensures that the message you received hasn’t been altered by a third party during its journey. It verifies that the sender is exactly who they say they are, which is a strong defense against sophisticated phishing attacks. 3. Protection against data breaches Large email providers are big targets for hackers wanting to cause data breaches. If a central server is compromised, millions of emails could be exposed. Encrypted services ensure that even if a hacker gains physical access to the server they cannot read the messages because they lack your private decryption key. This means your privacy is locked down and your emails are not likely to be subject to data breaches. Pexels : Luis Gomes 4. Legal compliance for professionals If you handle sensitive data like (medical, legal, or financial records) using standard email might actually be a liability. Many encrypted services are built to meet strict privacy regulations, helping professionals protect their clients and avoid heavy fines for data leaks. By encrypting sensitive information sent by email, you can demonstrate due diligence and a commitment to data protection best practices as mandated by industry standards and government regulations. This proactive approach not only reduces the risk of costly fines and legal repercussions it also helps foster trust among clients and partners. Related content The FBI says you should use encrypted messaging. But do you need to? What is masked email? This new spin on an old practice supercharges security I switched from Gmail to Proton mail: 5 deeply refreshing takeaways Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Good features Two 2.5 Gbit Ethernet ports, lots of USB ports Support for up to four displays (up to 8K) Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 Upgradable DDR5 RAM instead of soldered LPDDR Cons Fan spins up abruptly under load and becomes clearly audible No USB-C port on the front Second SSD only possible in M.2-2230 format No Thunderbolt (USB4 available, but without TB certification) Our Verdict The Geekom A7 Max builds on the proven concept of the A9 Max, but with a different technical focus. Instead of maximum AI acceleration, the focus is on high classic CPU performance, fast integrated graphics and an overall balanced platform. For users who do not require special AI functions, the A7 Max is a powerful mini PC for productivity, multimedia and demanding all-round tasks. Price when reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Geekom A7 Max Retailer Price $698.99 View Deal Geekom $699 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Technical specs Dimensions: 135 × 132 × 46.9 mm (W × D × H) Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS GPU: AMD Radeon 780M Ram: 1× 16 GB Micron DDR5 5600MHz Internal storage: 1 TB from Wooposit Technology WPBSN4M8, M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 ×4 NVMe SSD SSD upgradeability: 1 × M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 ×4 NVMe, up to 4 TB Rear ports: 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 × USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 × USB 4.0 Type-C DP-Alt-Mode / PD-In, 1 × USB 4.0 Type-C DP-Alt-Mode, 2 × Ethernet RJ45 2.5 Gbit/s, 2 × HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1 × DC-In Front ports: 3 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Always On, 1 × 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1 × SD card reader 4.0 Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Operating system: Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 (64-bit) Accessories: VESA mount (121.8 × 116.5 × 1.0 mm) Geekom has been pursuing a clearly recognizable product strategy for some time: instead of a single top-of-the-range model, the manufacturer is launching several mini PCs that are almost identical in appearance but have different processor platforms. The differences are not so much in the case, connections or cooling, but primarily in the CPU—and thus in the intended use. We have already tested the Geekom A9 Max, and now its technically different sibling, the A7 Max, is put to the test. With the A7 Max, Geekom is adding a model to its Max series that deliberately foregoes maximum AI performance and instead focuses on classic strengths. Geekom A7 Max: Design For the Max series, Geekom has opted for a consistent design concept with a solid metal housing and clean, functional lines. The chassis looks high-quality and also impresses with its stability. Christoph Hoffmann Although we have not carried out any explicit endurance tests, the mini PC still gives a very robust impression in everyday use. Neither pressure nor slight attempts at twisting lead to creaking noises or noticeable yielding—an indication of a torsion-resistant and durable construction. Christoph Hoffmann With its compact dimensions of 135 × 132 × 46.9 millimeters (W × D × H), the A7 Max remains pleasantly space-saving despite its powerful hardware. It takes up hardly any space on the desk and blends inconspicuously into different working environments. Alternatively, the mini PC can be mounted directly on the back of a monitor using the included VESA mount. This allows the system to disappear almost completely from view without compromising on accessibility to the ports or adequate cooling. Geekom A7 Max: Features At the heart of the Geekom A7 Max is the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS. The powerful eight-core processor belongs to the Ryzen 7040 HS series and was originally designed for high-performance notebooks, but is now increasingly being used in compact desktop systems. It offers 8 cores and 16 threads based on the Zen 4 architecture and achieves boost clock speeds of up to 5.2 GHz. Christoph Hoffmann The integrated graphics unit is the Radeon 780M based on RDNA 3, which delivers very high graphics performance for an iGPU. In addition, the processor has an integrated NPU based on AMD’s XDNA architecture. However, at around 10 TOPS, this is significantly weaker than current Ryzen AI processors and is primarily suitable for simple AI acceleration. In our test model, the processor is supported by 16GB of DDR5 RAM with 5,600 MT/s. Geekom doesn’t provide detailed information about the memory manufacturer but a 16GB module from Micron is installed. Important: The memory is not soldered and can therefore be upgraded—a clear advantage over many competing models. The A7 Max has an NVMe SSD with 1TB capacity as its mass storage device. Depending on the batch, different manufacturers may be used here. We cannot immediately assign the model name “WPBSN4M8” displayed in Crystal Disk Info to any manufacturer. A quick search reveals that it is an OEM model from Wooposit Technology that is not sold as a retail product. As is customary in this device class, Geekom reserves the right to use equivalent SSDs from other manufacturers. Christoph Hoffmann An additional M.2-2230 slot (PCIe 4.0 × 4) is available for expansions. Due to the form factor, the selection is limited though. Typical for a mini PC, Geekom distributes the ports across the front and back, allowing for flexible orientation on the desk. The power button, which clearly marks the front, provides orientation. The manufacturer is generous when it comes to connectivity: the mini PC supports up to four high-resolution displays and provides two USB4 interfaces with DisplayPort 1.4 support and two HDMI 2.1 outputs for this purpose. Christoph Hoffmann One feature that is not a given in this device class is the two 2.5 Gbit Ethernet ports. In conjunction with a suitable router or switch and an NAS, fast network and storage solutions can be implemented. The range of connections is complemented by additional USB ports. A total of eight USB interfaces are available in various designs – from USB 2.0 to USB 3.2 Gen 2 to USB4 Type-C. This allows fast external SSDs and other peripheral devices to be connected without restrictions. Christoph Hoffmann One minor criticism is that Geekom has omitted a USB-C port on the front, meaning that corresponding devices can only be connected via the rear ports. Geekom A7 Max: Operating system The A7 Max comes with a hardware-bound licence for Windows 11. The Windows installation begins after the mini PC is booted for the first time. Updates are downloaded during setup, but Windows will offer further updates later on. Important note: After the initial installation of Windows 11, numerous drivers are required, most notably the AMD drivers for the Radeon graphics card and the chipset. This ensures that the mini PC runs under optimal conditions and that all components can deliver their full performance. Geekom A7 Max: Performance The Geekom A7 Max features an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS with eight cores and 16 threads based on the Zen 4 architecture. The processor achieves clock speeds of up to 5.2 GHz and is supported by the integrated Radeon 780M graphics unit. We determined the actual performance using the PCMark 10 benchmark test. This software gives us realistic values by working through everyday tasks one after the other. In the default setting, the system achieves a total of 6,853 points (A9 Max: 8,953 points), with 10,505 in “Essentials”, 9,620 in “Productivity” and 8,641 in “Digital Content Creation”. By comparison, the A9 Max achieves 11,559 points in “Essentials”, 10,853 points in “Productivity” and 15,527 points in “Digital Content Creation”. Christoph Hoffmann The CPU profile from 3DMark shows decent scaling across all thread levels and delivers strong multicore performance – Max. threads: 7,718, 16 threads: 7,765, 8 threads: 6,640, 4 threads: 3,883, 2 threads: 2,002 and 1 thread: 1,024. The A7 Max benefits from the eight physical cores, especially in parallelized applications. Christoph Hoffmann With 9,528 points at full capacity, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is more than 23 percent above the determined values. The gaming graphics performance of the Geekom A7 Max is determined by 3DMark Steel Nomad Light with a result of 1,607 points. This is below average and less than half the performance of the A9 Max with 3,279 points. The Time Spy benchmark delivers 1,866 to 3,701 points. This makes the A7 Max suitable for simple games, older titles and eSports games, but not for current AAA titles with high settings. Compared to the A9 Max, the AI performance is lower. The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS has an integrated NPU based on AMD’s XDNA architecture. However, at around 10 TOPS, this is significantly weaker than current Ryzen AI processors. In the Geekbench AI Pro benchmark, the Geekom A7 Max achieved the following results: 3,053 for “Single Precision”, 1,674 for “Half Precision” and 7,365 for “Quantized”. The performance is sufficient for simple AI applications, but specialised AI workloads benefit more from the A9 Max model. Christoph Hoffmann The M.2 NVMe SSD delivers a read performance of 6,895 MB/s and a write rate of 6,098 MB/s in Crystal Disk Mark. This is an above-average value for a PCIe 4.0 SSD. By comparison, the Lexar from the A9 Max is significantly lower at 6,242 MB/s for reading and 5,423 MB/s for writing. Christoph Hoffmann Is the Geekom A7 Max worth it? With the A7 Max, Geekom is adding a model to its Max series that deliberately foregoes maximum AI performance and instead focuses on classic strengths. The focus is clearly on high CPU performance, a very powerful integrated GPU and an overall balanced platform that proves to be extremely practical in everyday use. The A7 Max offers more than enough performance for productivity tasks, multitasking, multimedia applications and creative workloads. The Radeon 780M graphics also enable easy gaming and smooth 8K playback. Added to this are a fast PCIe 4.0 SSD, upgradeable DDR5 RAM and an unusually extensive range of connections for this class, including USB4, four display outputs and two 2.5 Gbit Ethernet ports. Mentioned in this article Geekom A9 Max Read our review Criticisms such as the fan, which is audible under load, the lack of a USB-C port on the front and the second SSD slot limited to M.2-2230 only slightly detract from the overall appeal. Also, the integrated NPU is only suitable for simple AI tasks. All in all, the Geekom A7 Max is a very powerful and versatile mini PC. Those who want to accelerate specific local AI workloads are still better off with the A9 Max, while the A7 Max plays to its strengths in classic computing power and versatile everyday and productive use. Read...

Volkanovski v Lopes 2 also features Kiwi fighters Dan `the Hangman` Hooker and Lawrence Lui. Follow our live updates. Read...

TL;DR: A lifetime Microsoft Office Professional 2021 license plus Windows 11 Pro is available for $39.97 (reg. $418.99), but only through Feb. 1. Paying ongoing fees just to keep basic software running has become the norm, but it doesn’t have to be. Right now, you can get lifetime licenses for both Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro for $39.97 (reg. $418.99), replacing years of subscription costs with a single upfront purchase. This pricing is only available through Feb. 1. The Office portion of this bundle includes the full desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. These are the core apps most people rely on for writing, budgeting, presentations, and everyday work. Once activated, the license is yours for good on one Windows computer, with no renewals or monthly charges to track. Windows 11 Pro completes the upgrade with Microsoft’s most advanced operating system. It features a cleaner interface, improved multitasking tools like Snap Layouts and multiple desktops, and enhanced security features, including BitLocker encryption and advanced system protections. It’s built to handle modern workflows, whether you’re working remotely, managing projects, or refreshing an older PC. Together, this bundle covers both your productivity software and operating system in one move, making it a practical upgrade without locking you into subscriptions. Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro for $39.97 before this deal ends on Feb. 1. The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro BundleSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

Microsoft has now begun rolling out update KB5074105, the latest optional patch for Windows 11. It’s optional because this is technically a preview of next month’s mandatory Patch Tuesday update. You can tap into this update now if you don’t want to wait. According to Windows Latest, the latest optional Windows 11 update treats us to a new version of Smart App Control (SAC), the security feature that blocks potentially harmful apps. The main difference here is that you’ll now be able to enable or disable SAC on demand from within Windows Settings much easier. Prior to this update, you were able to disable SAC if you wanted to, but if you later decided to re-enable it, you had to reinstall Windows. This update bundles a bunch of other features, fixes, and improvements as well, including the new Cross-Device Resume for resuming Android apps on your Windows PC, fixes to the Start Menu’s behavior, a fix for the password icon not showing up at login, and fixes to various system-crashing bugs that have accumulated. If you want to install this update, you’ll have to do so manually by navigating to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update, then finding KB5074105 in the “Optional updates available” area. Read...

We often talk about how great laptops and mini PCs can be, but we still love all-in-one desktop PCs, too! They’re great if you need lots of power in a home office machine that doesn’t need to be taken with you on the go. A solid all-in-one can handle almost everything you throw at it—all but the most resource-intensive tasks—and right now you can get one by HP for just $1,349 at B&H. That’s a massive $560 off! View this crazy PC deal It’s called the HP OmniStudio X and it’s a dazzler. What are you getting for that much dough? Let’s start with the most obvious bit: a massive 31.5-inch IPS screen with a high-def 4K resolution, easy-on-the-eyes anti-glare coating, and 550 nits of brightness for comfort even in the brightest of rooms. It’s a beautiful display that’ll serve you well whether you’re working, browsing, or watching videos. The system is powered by a 2024-era Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor that’s more than powerful enough for everyday tasks. It comes with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM—that’s the minimum we’d recommend for Windows 11—and an above-average spacious 2TB SSD. All of that means smooth and responsive operation, quick startups and app launches, with plenty of room for all your apps, files, photos, videos, and more. This system doesn’t strike out when it comes to connectivity, either. The HP OmniStudio X supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and features multiple ports including dual HDMI, dual USB-C, and quadruple USB-A. Additional features include a pop-up 4K webcam for ultra-clarity during your Zoom calls, making it an ideal hub for remote work. It also comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse, so it’s ready right out of the box. The HP OmniStudio X was honestly overpriced at its original $1,910… but it’s a singing deal now that it’s $560 off. Score it now for just $1,349 at B&H and enjoy six months of BitDefender Total Security for up to 5 devices included free of charge! It`s packing an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB of storageBuy this HP all-in-one PC via B&H Read...

We’re spoilt for features in gaming mice these days. Flawless sensors, optical switches, and barely there lightweight chassis are the name of the game and these features never cease to impress me when I open a new gaming mouse box. But as fancy as they are, there’s only one key feature that I look for time and time again, and if a mouse doesn’t have it, it’s a big disappointment. What is it? It’s a tall hump on the back of the mouse. Let me explain why this feature is so important. The main benefit here is support for the hand and the wrist. In a nutshell the hump supports the hand and prevents friction between your wrist and the tabletop. But it also aids performance. The hump comes in most contact with your palm, so it becomes the central point through which you can drive the mouse’s movement. Because of that, mice with humps usually allow for ultra-fine precision control. You can move and counter-move without moving your hand much at all. Where the hump is located is crucial to get right when it comes to the different types of mouse grips, though. If the hump is in the wrong position, you risk getting a sore wrist. Pexels: Atahan Demir Mice with humps towards their back end like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 and Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro favor palm grippers. These mice provide wrists with plenty of lift off of a tabletop allowing you to swipe and glide with minimal friction. Because your wrist is elevated, it’s less likely to get sore. Mice with more centrally located humps, however, are better suited to claw grippers who curl their hands over the front end. You can find this kind of hump in mice like the Alienware Pro Wireless and Corsair M75 Air Wireless. In these mice the back end falls away more steeply, which isn’t suitable for palm grippers, but fine for claw grippers that have most contact with the front half of the mouse. Avoiding injury, therefore, is about getting a mouse with a hump in the right place for your grip type — a hump towards the back end for palm grippers and a hump more centrally located for claw grippers. That’s mice with humps covered. There are gaming mice without large humps and quite flat designs. These mice lack the central spot to drive movement and require more hand contact for control. That means the precision control isn’t there. Without support there’s more contact between your wrist and the tabletop which can lead to a sore wrist, too. Because of that, you’ll want to avoid these mice at all costs. So, if you’re after a new gaming mouse, do yourself a favor and get one with a large hump on the back. Your wrist will thank you for the extra support and your gaming will be better for it. Related content Ergonomic mice feel great, but are they any good for gaming? Why most pro gamers use a claw grip with gaming mice How to tell if a gaming mouse will give you a sore wrist Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Innovative concept High-quality workmanship and materials 8,000 hertz polling rate Hot-swap sockets (3- and 5-pin) Removable wrist rest Cons High price No dedicated (but switchable) numpad Requires a lot of space Wired only Our Verdict The Corsair Galleon 100 SD is a high-quality, all-in-one gaming keyboard with integrated Stream Deck features, excellent typing performance, and versatile controls, but it’s bulky, wired, and best suited for users who will actually use its many extra functions. Price when reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Corsair Galleon 100 SD Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices With the Galleon 100 SD, Corsair is trying something new: for the first time, a mechanical keyboard integrates Elgato’s Stream Deck technology. The result is a full-size gaming keyboard that replaces the number pad with 12 freely assignable LCD keys, two rotary controls, and a 5-inch display. The concept is aimed at gamers, streamers, and creative professionals alike–in other words, anyone who needs comprehensive control and information at a glance while gaming, producing, or live streaming, without taking their hands off the keyboard. Our test report clarifies whether this innovative hybrid input device lives up to those expectations and justifies its price of $349.99. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Design and workmanship At first glance, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD makes a solid impression. The housing is made of milled aluminum (CNC metal) and weighs in at a considerable 3.08 pounds, ensuring that the keyboard sits firmly on the desk. Corsair uses black PBT double-shot keycaps, which promise durability and abrasion-resistant lettering–a quality feature that’s appreciated in professional environments. Visually, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD combines classic gaming elements such as per-key RGB lighting and a discreet light bar (“mood bar”) along the upper edge of the housing with the eye-catching Stream Deck module on the right-hand side. An ergonomic palm rest with memory foam padding attaches magnetically, significantly improving long-term comfort. Corsair’s layout decisions are likely to spark discussion. Where the number pad would normally be located, the Stream Deck unit now takes pride of place, meaning the number pad has been completely omitted. Standard keys such as the arrow and navigation blocks, on the other hand, remain in their usual places. For many gamers, a keyboard without a numpad is nothing unusual, but typists will have to rethink their approach. Although the 12 LCD keys can be assigned as a numeric keypad when needed, for example, for entering numbers in Excel, this remains only a limited substitute for a physical numpad. In addition, some users may find the placement of the macro keys on the right-hand side to be a potential design disadvantage. In the heat of the moment, you have to take your right hand off the mouse to reach them. Standard gaming keyboards tend to place additional macro keys on the left-hand side, where they can be accessed with the keyboard hand. Friedrich Stiemer However, Corsair argues that the Stream Deck keys are integrated “within natural reach” and were designed as part of the keyboard from the outset. In practice, this will depend heavily on the user: right-handed users who use the mouse may find reaching the display keys on the right awkward, while streamers can easily access them with their left hand during breaks. Ultimately, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD impresses with its first-class workmanship and thoughtful design, which doesn’t feel overloaded despite the many extras. Rather, the keyboard stands out as an eye-catching feature on the desk. Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Technology and features The heart of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is undeniably its full-fledged Stream Deck integration. A total of 12 freely programmable buttons with small LCD displays allow you to trigger complex actions, launch applications, or switch entire profile sets at the touch of a button. Sitting above the 3×4 key matrix is a five-inch (12.7 cm) color display with a resolution of 720×1280 pixels. The mini screen is topped by two multifunctional rotary controls with pressure function, which can be used as volume controls, media control, or creative fine adjustments. This entire control unit is seamlessly embedded in the keyboard, making separate macro pads or external Stream Deck devices virtually redundant. Particularly elegant is the fact that each LCD button adapts in real time to the active application or game, dynamically displaying user-defined icons or text. This effectively turns the buttons into next-generation macro keys, similar to those already familiar from Corsair’s Elgato Stream Deck product lineup. Friedrich Stiemer An entire article could be devoted to the possibilities offered by the Stream Deck keyboard combination. The range of applications is enormous: in games, predefined profiles allow you to trigger special abilities, use inventory shortcuts, or start complex command chains (“multi-actions”) at the touch of a button, without having to open menus or memorize cryptic hotkeys. Ready-made profiles and icons are already available for many popular games in the Elgato Marketplace. But the Galleon module also has a lot to offer beyond gaming: it can be used to control Spotify, operate chats or messengers, and accelerate creative workflows. Meanwhile, the integrated display provides helpful real-time information. For example, system monitoring data such as CPU/GPU load and temperatures, audio levels, or even the weather. Streamers will also appreciate having chat messages, Twitch status, timers, or viewer counts directly on the keyboard in their peripheral vision, eliminating the need to constantly look at a second monitor. Overall, Corsair’s approach is to minimize context switching: all important commands and information should be where “your hands and eyes belong,” namely on the keyboard. Corsair Galleon 100 SD: High-end technology and mechanical switches Of course, all this would be of little value if the basics weren’t done right. But the manufacturer also positions the Corsair Galleon 100 SD as an uncompromising high-end gaming keyboard. Inside, the in-house Axon chip with hyper-polling up to 8,000 hertz is at work, which, according to the manufacturer, forwards inputs to the PC up to eight times faster than standard keyboards with 1,000 hertz. Professional gamers benefit from ultra-low latency and FlashTap SOCD technology, which ensures that when opposite direction keys are pressed simultaneously, the last direction pressed is always prioritized. In plain terms, this allows for more precise movement such as lightning-fast counter-straffing in shooters without inputs blocking each other. N-key rollover with 100 percent anti-ghosting is also included, ensuring that any number of simultaneous keystrokes are reliably recognized. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair uses MLX Pulse switches. These linear mechanical switches actuate after just two millimeters and require only about 45 grams of force, giving them as a smooth feel similar to Cherry MX Red switches–exciting for enthusiasts! The switches are pre-lubricated from the factor, ensuring a smooth typing experience without scratchiness. They are also designed to offer a deliberately “thocky” sound profile, i.e. a rich, duller keystroke instead of the usual high-pitched click. To further suppress annoying ping noises, the entire key matrix rests on gaskets and six layers of sound-absorbing foam. In practice, this results in an extremely high-quality typing experience: each keystroke sounds muffled and full, while the keyboard remains highly responsive. Friedrich Stiemer Those who prefer to use their own switches in the Corsair Galleon 100 SD can swap the MLX Pulse for other 3- or 5-pin switches at any time thanks to hot-swap sockets – Corsair has also thought of the DIY community here. The technical features are rounded off by a detachable, sleeved USB-C cable (1.8 meters) and a USB pass-through port in the form of an easily accessible USB-C socket on the keyboard. This allows you to conveniently connect a headset, gamepad, or USB stick to the front without having to crawl under your desk. However, the Galleon 100 SD is a purely wired gaming keyboard. Given the power-hungry displays and 8 kHz technology, Corsair has consistently opted against wireless, which we find understandable for this device concept. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Software As innovative as the hardware is, the software approach of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is equally unusual. Surprisingly, the keyboard does not support the usual Corsair iCUE software; instead, two alternative solutions are employed. Corsair has developed a new web application called “Corsair Web Hub” for all classic keyboard functions (lighting, macros, profiles, polling rate, etc.). This is a browser-based configuration tool that requires no installation and accesses the keyboard directly when needed. Changes to lighting or key assignments are set via the web interface and then stored on the Galleon’s 8-megabyte onboard memory. The advantage? No permanent background software is required after setup. Web Hub can be closed, yet the settings remain in the device and even continue to function on another PC. We were able to easily adjust the RGB color for each key in Web Hub, define effects, and deactivate the Windows key in game mode. Macro recording and special features, such as the FlashTap SOCD settings, can also be adjusted through the Hub. Corsair’s approach of conserving system resources while still allowing extensive personalization is fundamentally commendable. Friedrich Stiemer The downside is that Elgato’s Stream Deck app must be running in parallel for the Stream Deck functions to work. The LCD buttons and display are configured entirely via the established Stream Deck software, including drag-and-drop assignment of actions, installation of plug-ins from the Marketplace, and management of profile pages. In principle, Galleon owners get the same powerful range of functions here as with a separate Stream Deck. However, the separation of the software is likely to be a thorn in the side of many Corsair fans: the recently released Corsair Vanguard keyboard (which pursued a similar special concept) was already criticized for fragmenting Corsair’s ecosystem. Users note that it’s “stupid to have to install a second piece of software just for the display.” Others ask in frustration whether Corsair is giving up on iCUE, as this is now the second product to be released without iCUE support. The fact remains that lighting synchronization or central control with other Corsair devices via iCUE is not possible with the Galleon 100 SD. If you want to control your Corsair mouse, headset, or PC lighting in sync with your keyboard, separate solutions must be used for the time being. Corsair could address this shortcoming in the future by integrating the systems more closely. For example, an iCUE plug-in that displays basic information on the keyboard display, similar to what the external iCUE Nexus display offers, would be desirable. Friedrich Stiemer On a positive note, Corsair does not require a user account or cloud access thanks to Web Hub. The settings remain local and the tool is very resource-efficient. Streamers and power users will appreciate the established Stream Deck software workflow anyway, as it offers an unrivalled range of options in its category such as plug-ins for Twitch, OBS Studio, YouTube, Discord, Philips Hue, and many other apps. In everyday use, however, this means that the Corsair Galleon 100 SD requires some initial configuration effort, as two interfaces have to be used. But once you’ve set up your profiles and settings, everything runs reliably. Thanks to onboard memory, the keyboard even starts in hardware mode with a basic profile on a foreign computer, and the Stream Deck app can automatically load profiles as needed once it’s running. Overall, Corsair’s software strategy for the Galleon 100 SD is unconventional, but it reflects the company’s focus on delivering performance without unnecessary overhead and on leveraging proven software (Elgato) rather than pushing iCUE onto the new hybrid concept. Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Gaming, streaming, and productivity In everyday use, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD proves to be a real all-rounder. For gamers, it offers everything you would expect from a modern premium keyboard: precise, responsive keystrokes, no ghosting or input lag, and, thanks to its solid construction, a stable foundation even when gameplay gets intense. The new features fit surprisingly organically into the gameplay. Take MMORPGs or MOBAs, for example: instead of memorizing complex keyboard shortcuts, you can simply assign potions, skill combos, or chat messages to the LCD keys and see the corresponding icon at a glance. Ready-made profile presets for many games make it easy to get started–for instance, you can operate instrument buttons in Flight Simulator or purchase equipment kits in Counter-Strike at the touch of a button without leaving the main game. We immediately triggered healing in a battle royale game using the Stream Deck button, giving us a slight time advantage by bypassing the inventory menu. Switching between game-specific lighting profiles (such as highlighting the WASD keys) also worked flawlessly via Web Hub and was clearly indicated on the display. Friedrich Stiemer The strengths are even more evident in everyday streaming. Here, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD transforms into a full-fledged studio deck: press two or three buttons, and the intro sequence starts, the microphone goes live, and the facecam fades in. During the stream, you can use the controls to mix the sound or switch between scenes without ever moving your fingers far from WASD or the chat keyboard. The small display is especially helpful, allowing us to constantly keep an eye on our live chat and viewer numbers. This made it easy to notice new questions in the chat and respond without taking our eyes off the game. Another practical feature: system resource indicators on the keyboard informed us if GPU usage became critical while streaming. A quick glance was all it took. For streamers who frequently switch between the game and streaming tools with Alt-Tab, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD provides noticeable relief and saves time. Everything is at your fingertips, as the keyboard becomes the command center for the entire live session. But the Galleon 100 SD also shines in productive workflows. In video and image editing programs, for example, we assigned important shortcuts to the LCD keys: a single press could control tools in Photoshop or start an export process in Adobe Premiere, among other things. The rotary knobs are ideal for continuous zooming on timelines or scrolling through long documents. If you make a lot of calls from your home office, a key can be assigned to mute your microphone in Teams or Zoom, with a red status indicator on the LCD key. Friedrich Stiemer For music lovers and frequent listeners, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD offers complete media control: skip tracks, fine-tune the volume, play and pause–all without reaching for the mouse. Even classic office users benefit. A Stream Deck plug-in, for example, can be used to execute predefined macros in Excel at the touch of a button or to control presentations in PowerPoint. In short, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD can increase productivity if you’re willing to adapt your working environment a little. Of course, there are also use cases where the Galleon concept reaches its limits. For example, anyone who spends hours every day hammering away at columns of numbers in spreadsheets will miss the real number pad, as the virtual number keys are only a makeshift solution here since you first have to switch to a suitable profile. In addition, it takes a little getting used to at first to exploit the full potential of the many extra control options. However, once you have set up your personal workflow, many things are much smoother than with separate devices or pure software control. In the test run, after a short time we couldn’t work without the additional displays and buttons, because you quickly get used to the luxury of having everything under control. The typing and writing performance of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD itself is excellent. The MLX switches feel linear and very smooth; thanks to the factory lubrication, there is no scratching or jumping. The muffled typing noise is striking: a rich “thock” with every keystroke, far removed from the sharp click of a blue switch or the hollow echo of some cheaper keyboards. Colleagues in the room found typing on it to be much more pleasant than on conventional gaming keyboards. Corsair’s efforts with seals and foam have paid off here. At the same time, we also registered every keystroke precisely, even in hectic gaming situations, no matter how fast the inputs were. The extremely high polling rate of 8,000 hertz may hardly be noticeable to the average player, but in combination with the robust construction, the keyboard feels absolutely direct and responsive at all times, which is a decisive factor for e-sports players and demanding gamers. Friedrich Stiemer Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Criticisms As impressive as the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is in terms of features and performance, there are a few points of criticism that cannot be ignored. Firstly, the price: $349.99 is a hefty sum for a keyboard. Objectively speaking, you do get two devices in one, i.e. a professional keyboard plus a Stream Deck, but the investment needs to be carefully considered. In fact, for the same money, you could buy a separate high-end keyboard and a larger Stream Deck (such as the Stream Deck XL with 32 keys) and still have some money leftover. The Corsair Galleon 100 SD is therefore clearly aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate the added value of integration and are willing to dig deep into their pockets for it. For casual gamers without streaming ambitions, the price-performance ratio is rather unfavorable, as they would leave many features unused. Secondly, the software situation: as described, Corsair is currently forcing users to use a dual setup consisting of Web Hub and the Stream Deck app. This means more configuration effort and potentially two applications running in parallel. Compared to the familiar “everything under one roof” philosophy of iCUE, this is a step backwards in terms of convenience and ecosystem. Those who already own several Corsair devices in particular will miss having centralized control. Although the setup runs stably in testing, the fragmentation remains a drawback. Especially since Corsair itself initially relied on Web Hub only for the Vanguard keyboard series and only later promised iCUE support. They could have learned from past feedback here. On a positive note, however, Corsair is taking an interesting approach with its resource-saving web configurator, which may even be more attractive to purists than the iCUE software, which is often criticized for being bloated. Friedrich Stiemer Thirdly, the lack of a wireless option. While technically understandable, the absence of wireless functionality could be a drawback for some users. In an age where even many high-end keyboards offer Bluetooth, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is strictly tied to its USB cable. This may not be a problem on a desk with a stationary PC–on the contrary, the fixed connections (including the USB hub) have their advantages. But anyone hoping to position the keyboard more flexibly or switch quickly between multiple devices will always need to reconnect the cable. Fourthly, the space requirement. Despite the omission of the numpad, the Galleon 100 SD isn’t a space saver. Its width is roughly the same as a standard full-size keyboard, as the Stream Deck module occupies the space that would otherwise be freed up. The palm rest, combined with the height added by the display and controls, further contributes to the keyboard’s overall profile. In cramped setups, the keyboard could feel a bit bulky, though the palm rest can be removed if space is limited. Weighing 3.08 pounds, the keyboard doesn’t budge on the desk, but its heft makes it far from travel-friendly. LAN party goers, in particular, may hesitate to carry this battleship. Friedrich Stiemer Fifthly, the concept itself. As ingenious as the idea of an “all-in-one” input solution is, it’s aimed at a very specific target group. After all, a Stream Deck, whether separate or integrated, only makes sense if you actually use it. If you’re not interested in automating processes or optimizing your streaming or work setup with macros, you’ll be paying a lot for buttons and functions that may go unused. Not everyone will make full use of the keyboard’s expensive array of features in everyday life. That said, this risk is inherent to any specialized tool. Corsair at least provides everything you need to reap long-term benefits, including a large community of existing profiles and plug-ins. Read...