As a lifelong artist and designer, I have used my fair share of design tablets. Day to day I use a Wacom but was very interested in giving a tablet from another brand a go. So when the idea of reviewing the Xencelabs Small Pen Tablet popped up I was excited to give it a go.

I’d not heard of this brand before so my expectations were not too high, but I have to say that I was surprised from the very beginning. The packaging was excellent and demonstrated a commitment to high standards which were seen through the majority of my time with the product.

First Impressions

Inside the box, you’ll find a splendidly crafted pen case hosting both a pen and a pencil, both boasting premium build quality with a soft plastic touch, providing a comfortable and ergonomic user experience. To sweeten the deal, Xencelabs also includes a glove and a fabric tablet case in the package, enhancing the tablet’s portability.

Additionally, users will appreciate the inclusion of a wireless dongle, paving the way for instant wireless connectivity, a feature many manufacturers offer as a separate purchase.

The variety of pen nibs, ranging from hard plastic to a more traditional paper feel, offers users a customised drawing experience. While the package doesn’t include a manual, setting up is pretty straightforward with a quick online driver download that is more or less painless.

All of this at such an affordable price was such a huge surprise to me!

Form Factor & Accessories

The size of the tablet, although slightly compact for professional usage is well suited to someone new to this type of product and doesn’t require a larger surface or someone who does a lot of travel. Its ultra-slim profile not only looks good but also ensures it easily fits into travel-friendly backpacks.

The quality extends across all of the accessories, the travel pouch, plush and well-designed, not only provides good protection but but also offers additional pockets for organised storage. The tablet itself is of surprising quality for the price with a pleasant aesthetic, good materials and an ergonomic curvature at the front that comforts the wrists, a feature that I appreciated when reviewing this table.

When it comes to customization, the Xencelabs Small Tablet doesn’t disappoint. It offers two kinds of pens – thick and thin, each with distinct features but similar levels of sensitivity adjustments and customization options. These pens allow users to modify tilt and button inputs, catering to different drawing styles and preferences. The tablet itself offers impressive customisation options such as the ability to map different screens and adjust LED colours.

Using the Tablet

The use of the tablet, although slightly marred by its smaller size causing slight difficulties in accessing screen corners, offers a generally seamless experience. I countered this by remapping the tablet to a smaller area, which although made the workable area even smaller, the change made the user experience much better.

Despite a few minor hitches with software compatibility, once adjusted, I found the pen to be very good. It felt very realistic with natural drawing pressure sensitivity that felt similar to the high-end devices I usually use.

Another thing worth noting is the excellent battery life which showed only a 10% decrease after several hours of wireless use.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while the Xencelabs Small Tablet might not be the first choice for professionals due to its compact size, it certainly stands as a good choice for those seeking a portable yet powerful device. With sensitivity levels matching industry leaders and an added portability factor, it excels as a travel companion for artists who are looking to create on the go.

Its thoughtful inclusion of accessories and connectivity options make it a value-packed offering in the market, promising both aesthetics and quality in one neat package.

The post Xencelab Pen Tablet Review: A Great Entry Level Graphic Design Tablet appeared first on Mr Gadget.

It’s been a great addition to my desk providing me with a dedicated spot for my gaming headset as well as a spot to charge my iPhone. Before using this headphone stand I was resting my headset on the top of my open gaming monitor which was far from ideal and plugging my iPhone into a USB cable on my desk, so this one device has really neatened up my workspace.

First Impressions

It takes about 30 seconds to set up and once you’ve connected the stand to the base all you need to do is attach the included USB C cable and you’re good to go.

The first thing I noted was the stand’s clean and simple aesthetic. It’s a combination of a black/dark grey base and a chrome stand. It’s nothing special but it’s certainly not ugly and will not look out of place on any desk.

It also has a good weight to it making it difficult to knock over even with the headphones sitting on the stand. So overall, it ticks all of the boxes you would expect, but nothing more.

Now it’s not a cheap product, retailing at the time of this review for A$139.99, so personally I would expect some sort of wow factor.

My Experience

This is a product I have used daily for a few weeks now and have to say I am very happy with it. It has certainly improved my workspace but does have a couple of issues I wish could be improved.

Firstly, its maximum charging capacity of 10w is on the low side and it takes a long time to charge my phone. In fact, I plugged it in directly to my gaming laptop and it seems to only just about maintain its charge. So I would recommend plugging it directly into the wall which is not an option for me.

Additionally, due to the form of the charging base, it’s only possible to charge my phone sideways, which just looks odd and makes checking notifications awkward. It’s not a huge deal but it certainly detracts from the convenience it’s supposed to offer.

Aside from these issues I only have good things to say, which is that it holds my headset safely and looks pretty good doing so.

The Verdict

I would say the bnat the Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger is a good product but is it worth the price tag? I’m not so sure. It has improved my desk space but I’m not sure I would pay the asking price for it.

If it could charge my phone faster and let me place my phone down vertically then I think the price is justified. But these two minor drawbacks combined do significantly reduce the usability and my opinion of it.

I would recommend it if you have disposable income and are looking to spend some cash, but if you’re tightening those pursestrings I think you can give it a miss!

The post Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger Review appeared first on Mr Gadget.

The DeskPad is a simple product but one that has thoughtful design and attention to detail. Its size, a generous 29.37 x 15.75 inches, comfortably accommodates the largest of keyboards and a mouse comfortably with room to spare.

The vegan leather material is high quality and adds a touch of sophistication, while the textured surface adds a luxury feel that doesn’t interfere with the optics of a mouse.

One of the standout features of the DeskPad is its easy maintenance. Spills and messes are no longer a concern as they won’t mar your physical desk, and the DeskPad itself can be cleaned with a simple wipe of a wet rag.

Aesthetically, the DeskPad is available in two colours: black and dove grey. I opted for the black version, which looks great in contrast to my other 12 South Accessories.

However, no product is without its flaws. The DeskPad is packaged much like a poster, resulting in a slight curve when it’s first unrolled. This was initially a minor inconvenience, but I found a simple solution by placing a weighted item on each corner. The curve flattened out quite quickly, and the DeskPad has remained flat since.

At A$79.95, the DeskPad may seem a bit pricey for a desk mat. However, considering its size, quality, and the added functionality and aesthetic appeal it brings to the workspace, I believe it offers good value for money.

In comparison to other desk mats I’ve used, the DeskPad stands out for its overall quality and aesthetics. It’s clear that Twelve South has designed this product with the setup-lovers in mind, and it shows in every detail.

In conclusion, Twelve South’s DeskPad is more than just a desk mat. It’s a well-designed, functional, and aesthetically pleasing addition to any workspace. Despite its initial packaging curve, it quickly adapts to the desk surface and provides a comfortable and precise mousing experience, while looking excellent.

The post 12 South Vegan Leather DeskPad Review appeared first on Mr Gadget.

With its modular design, powerful specs, and pocket-sized form factor, the Khadas Mind aims to be the ultimate solution for a range of computing needs—from work and design to travel and gaming. But can it deliver? We’ve conducted an in-depth analysis to find out.

Khadas is crowdfunding this project so if you find this product interesting then make sure to support it on Kickstarter.

Design and Build

The Khadas Mind is a marvel of engineering that successfully combines form and function. Weighing just 0.99 lbs and measuring a mere 146x105x20mm, it’s hard to believe that this device is a full-fledged PC. The minimalist design, featuring a sleek metal chassis, is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Every inch of the device has been meticulously designed to serve a purpose, whether it’s the strategically placed ports or the cooling vents. What sets it apart from other mini PCs is its portability. The device is so compact that it can easily fit into a pocket or a small handbag, making it the ultimate portable PC.

Performance Insights

Under the hood, the Khadas Mind is a high-performance machine that can rival many desktop PCs. It’s powered by an Intel Core i7-1360P chip, featuring a 12-core CPU and 16 threads. This ensures that the device can handle a wide range of tasks with ease. Complementing the powerful CPU are 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD. The RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing you to run multiple heavy applications simultaneously without any hiccups. The SSD offers blazing-fast read and write speeds, making file transfers and application launches almost instantaneous.

Modularity

One of the best features of the Khadas Mind is its modularity. Unlike traditional mini PCs, which are limited by their built-in hardware, the Khadas Mind offers a range of modules that can be attached to enhance its capabilities. This includes the Mind Dock for additional I/O ports and the Mind Graphics module for an external GPU.

The modular design allows the Khadas Mind to adapt to a variety of computing needs. For instance, if you’re a digital artist, you can plug it into the Mind Graphics module to get the GPU power you need for 3D rendering. If you’re a business professional, the Mind Dock can provide you with all the ports you need for a multi-monitor setup and other peripherals.

Gaming Capabilities

When it comes to gaming, the Khadas Mind is no slouch. The device transforms into a formidable gaming machine when connected to the Mind Graphics module, which houses an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060Ti. During our testing, we were astounded by its ability to run most modern games at 4K resolution with frame rates exceeding 60 FPS.

This is a feat that is truly remarkable for a device of its size. What makes the gaming experience even more impressive is the ease with which you can switch from a work mode to a gaming mode. Simply plug the device into the Mind Graphics module, and you’re good to go. There’s no need for complicated setups or configurations, making it as close to a plug-and-play experience as you can get with a device of this calibre.

Battery and Power

The Khadas Mind comes equipped with a 555Wh standby battery that provides up to 5 hours of sleep mode. This feature is particularly useful for those who are always on the go. You can unplug the device and move to a different location without having to shut it down. Once you plug it back in, it wakes up automatically, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. While the standby battery is a useful feature, it would have been even better if the device offered a longer battery life for active use. Currently, you’ll need to have a power source nearby for extended periods of active use, which somewhat limits its portability.

Final Thoughts

The Khadas Mind is not just a product; it’s a statement. It successfully combines portability and power in a way that sets a new standard for what a portable workstation can be. Its modular design adds a layer of versatility that is rarely seen in devices of this category.

The Khadas Mind is a revolutionary device that challenges our perceptions of what a portable PC can be. It offers a level of versatility and performance that is unprecedented in this category. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a gamer, or someone who needs a powerful PC for various tasks, the Khadas Mind should be at the top of your list.

The post Khadas Mind Review: The Future of Portable Computing is Here appeared first on Mr Gadget.

But what sets the PLAUD NOTE apart is its ability to leverage ChatGPT to understand and summarise the content of those recordings. It’s like having a personal assistant that not only records your meetings but also processes and organizes the information for you into a useful summary.

As someone who takes a lot of meetings and sales calls, this is a device that caught my attention and have now spent the last 2 weeks or so reviewing it.

Design and Usability: Sleek, Simple, and User-Friendly

The device itself is ultra-slim, about the size of a credit card, making it easy to carry around. It can be attached to the back of most large-screened smartphones, providing seamless integration with your mobile device. The design is sleek and modern, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. It features a single-press function to start recording. This means no more fumbling around with your phone to find the recording app or struggling to hit the record button in time. Just press and record. It’s as simple as that.

One downside I notices was that the magnetic connector wasn’t particularly strong. Particularly when you compare it to other MagSafe devices, it wouldn’t fall off by itself but I could see it being knocked off or pushed off with a little bit of force.

Innovative Features: Dual-Pickup Engine and Vibration Conduction Sensor

One of the standout features of the PLAUD NOTE is its integration of a dual-pickup engine, a first in the world of recording devices. This feature allows you to toggle the switch up or down to capture phone calls or normal recordings with ease. To capture phone call recordings, activate the vibration conduction sensor (VCS) by toggling the switch up. This ensures precise capturing of internal phone sound, so you won’t miss a word of your important calls. For normal recording, activate the air conduction sensor by toggling the switch down. This allows you to capture clear audio in meetings, conversations, voice memos, and more, ensuring that your recordings are always of the highest quality.

AI Integration: Transcription and Time-Coded Records

The real magic of the PLAUD NOTE lies in its integration with ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. This integration allows the PLAUD NOTE to transcribe meetings and audio recordings with very impressive accuracy. The transcriptions are time-coded, ensuring reliable records of your important conversations and content with minimal errors or omissions. This means you can easily refer back to specific parts of your recordings, making it easier than ever to keep track of your meetings and conversations.

Beyond Transcription: Automated Summaries and Structured Content

But the PLAUD NOTE goes beyond simple transcription. It also provides automated summaries of your recordings in around five seconds. This is a feature that truly sets the PLAUD NOTE apart. Instead of having to listen back to long recordings or sift through pages of transcriptions, you can get a quick and concise summary of the key points. The device creates structured content such as meeting notes, mind maps, to-do lists, and diaries. This feature is a huge productivity boost, saving you from the tedious task of sifting through piles of notes to extract the key points. It’s like having your own personal secretary, summarizing your meetings and conversations for you.

I used the device in a sales meeting with a potential client and was impressed with the notes. Although they weren’t hugely detailed they summarised their call well and if I need more granular information I can always just read through the transcript. Which I must say was absolutely flawless. 

Audio Quality: High-End Mics and Noise Reduction

The PLAUD NOTE doesn’t just capture audio; it captures high-quality audio. It features two high-end Knowles Sisonic™️ mics that deliver DVD-quality sound up to 1536 kbps. This ensures that your recordings are always clear and detailed, capturing every nuance of your conversations. The device also features a SVE call solution that reduces noise by 25+ dB and preserves high-frequency details for a better listening experience. This means that even in noisy environments, you can still capture clear and detailed recordings.

Continuous Use: Long Battery Life and Large Storage

The PLAUD NOTE is also designed for continuous use. It boasts a 30-hour continuous recording capability, which means you can record all day without worrying about running out of battery. The final version will also feature 64GB (the review unit was 32GB) of storage, which can store up to 480 hours of recordings. This means you can record nearly 240 meetings without needing to clear your storage card. So whether you’re in back-to-back meetings all day or on a long business trip, the PLAUD NOTE has got you covered.

Cost Considerations: Subscription Fee for AI Services

However, it’s not all roses. The PLAUD NOTE does come with a cost. The AI services provided by the device, including transcription and summarization, come with a subscription fee. While the Kickstarter campaign offers a significant discount on this fee, it’s still an ongoing cost that users will need to consider. This is something to keep in mind when considering the overall value of the device. But, it must be noted that PLAUD.AI are doing their best to make this the best value service they can by only charging it at the same rate as it costs them.

Conclusion: A Powerful Tool with a Promising Future

In conclusion, the PLAUD NOTE is a powerful tool for anyone who regularly records meetings or conversations. Its ability to transcribe and summarize content is a huge time-saver, and its sleek, simple design makes it easy to use. However, the ongoing cost of the AI services may be a deterrent for some users. Despite this, the PLAUD NOTE is a promising step forward in the integration of AI technology into our everyday lives. It’s a device that truly brings the future of voice recording to the present, offering a unique blend of convenience, efficiency, and high-quality audio capture.

If you find this product interesting, you can support it on Kickstarter!

The post PLAUD NOTE Review: The Future of Voice Recording with ChatGPT-Driven AI appeared first on Mr Gadget.

So, when I was offered the chance to review the 12 South HoverBar Duo I jumped at the chance and began using it immediately. 

First Impressions

From the moment I opened the box, it was immediately apparent that the Hover Bar Duo is a very well-made product. It has a clear design language, is made from high-quality materials, and showcases a thoughtful design that prioritizes user convenience and versatility.

There is a quick start booklet that provides simple instructions on how to set up the stand, but honestly, it’s so simple and intuitive, I didn’t need to use it. Within 2 minutes of opening the box, I had my iPad safely and securely positioned at eye height next to my MacBook. 

I know it’s not a complicated product but it’s always great when the product you buy immediately works and improves your workflow without any hiccups or complications.

My 1–week Experience

I’ve been using the HoverBar Duo for just over a week now, both at home but also at my coworking space in the city. Overall it’s been a very positive experience that has certainly elevated my work experience, both in terms of ergonomics and productivity, with the former causing the latter. 

I’ve been using it almost exclusively to hold my iPad as a second monitor so I’ll focus on this particular use case. Some people have used the HoverBar Duo as a phone stand for better video calls or as a better way to hold an iPad while they work directly on it, but these are things I simply don’t do. 

I absolutely love how adjustable this tablet stand is. For a start, the whole thing can freely rotate 360 degrees. The arm itself has a lot of articulation and be adjusted to lean backwards and forwards from the base. Up and down from what I will call the elbow – and there’s a big range of motion where can almost get it to face the tablet backwards. Then there’s the ball mount that you see frequently on tripods that allows for further angle adjustments and rotating from portrait to landscape.

However, this level of articulation is limited by the weight of the base which isn’t sufficiently heavy to support a tablet in many of the more extreme positions. This is actually the only negative I have discovered so far and for me personally, it isn’t a big deal. I value a lighter-weight design more than a heavier, more stable base because I work in a lot of different places and it travels very well in its relatively lightweight form.

At no point over the past week has the stand changed its position due to the weight of the iPad, despite it being in stressed positions for up to 8 hours a day. It holds its position firmly but can be adjusted by hand easily without much effort at all. They have found the perfect balance between stability and adjustability.

If you’re interested in ergonomic setups, then consider reading my review of the Curve Flex Laptop Stand.

Having a second monitor while working from different coworking spaces or hotel rooms is a real game-changer and even more so when it’s ergonomically positioned. One of the offices I occasionally work from has a monitor, so I have also been using the iPad as a third screen, which I know sounds ridiculous, but in this capacity, I’ve used it to keep my to-do list always available, which is just a nice workflow improvement.

Another thing worth mentioning is cable management, which is a constant struggle for me, and with using the iPad for hours each day, it’s actually something I’ve been taking advantage of. It’s a small but thoughtful detail that demonstrates 12 South’s commitment to improving workstations.

The only other way I’ve used the HoverBar Duo is to use my iPad more conveniently in the kitchen. I’ve been attempting to cook more often lately to help minimise the cost of living (and my weight gain) but as a beginner, I really need help with recipes and instructions, and this is where the Hover Bar Duo has come in really handy. 

Having access to an iPad that’s positioned above the counter without taking up any space is much more convenient than I imagined. With the clamp mechanism, you avoid the balance issue that happens with the stand, meaning you can position the tablet screen however you want without fear of it falling over.

I’ve seen people in other reviews even clamp the stand to their cabinets and have the tablet “hang” from above, which is a good idea if you have the right type of cabinets (I don’t).

And this brings up the point of switching the arm from the stand to the clamp. I’ve seen a few other reviews of the HoverBar Duo mention how fussy or annoying it is to make the switch, but from my experience, it’s a super seamless process that can be done literally in a matter of seconds. So, I’m not sure if I got lucky with a perfectly working mechanism or if I’m especially talented.

Wrapping it Up

In conclusion, the 12 South HoverBar Duo has proven to be a valuable addition to my mobile office setup. Its well-designed and adjustable nature has significantly improved both productivity and comfort while using Sidecar with my iPad.

The stand’s stability and ease of adjustment are notable features. It securely holds my iPad during extended use, allowing me to find the optimal viewing angle. While there is a slight limitation in terms of stability when extending the arm too far over the base, it hasn’t been a major issue in my experience. 

Additionally, the HoverBar Duo’s inclusion of a cable management solution is a thoughtful detail that helps keep my workspace organized. Based on my positive experience, I would recommend the 12 South HoverBar Duo to anyone who uses the iPad a lot and in particular to anyone who utilises Sidecar with their iPad. It provides a reliable and adjustable solution for enhancing productivity. 

The post HoverBar Duo Review: A Premium Tablet Stand That’s Actually Worth The Money appeared first on Mr Gadget.

I have used laptop stands in the past, but I found them to lack adjustability, position the laptop too low (I’m quite tall) and more often than not feel cheap and lack style. So when I was presented with the opportunity to review the Curve Flex from 12 South, I jumped at the chance.

I also travel a lot and work from several different offices and cafes, so having a laptop stand that travels well is also high on the list of features I like in a laptop stand, and the Curve Flex meets that mark well.

The truth is, this is an expensive laptop stand. In Australia, you can pick one up for around $139.99 from 12 South’s website. This is a lot of dollars for what is usually a relatively affordable product, for example, there are countless laptop stands under $70 and many many more around the $100 mark. While it might seem expensive, the Curve Flex demonstrates the adage of getting what you pay for, offering a high-quality alternative to cheaper, less customisable, less durable and less stylish laptop stands.

First Impressions

The Curve Flex is a brilliantly stylish, incredibly functional and workflow-elevating laptop stand that ticks every single box except the cheap option. It delivers a minimalist aesthetic that is enhanced through the use of soft curves and attractive angles.

The aesthetic is matched with solid engineering that allows for, and as the name suggests, a ton of flexibility when it comes to positioning the laptop. Unlike most laptop stands that offer 3 or 4 set angles, the Curve Flex provides a more customizable option allowing you to adjust it to the angle that works best for you.

The material choice is also in line with the price point, taking advantage of aluminium to build a very strong and durable frame that can easily be carried around in my backpack without adding too much weight – approximately 800 grams when you include the weight of the neoprene travel case. In fact, I’ve been travelling with the Curve Flex laptop stand and the HoverBar Duo in my backpack, and it’s still a comfortable weight for me to carry.

The Curve Flex uses a Z frame with two points of adjustment to raise the base of the laptop screen up to 22 inches which are more than enough for almost anybody. I use a 14” M1 MacBook Pro and it fits like a glove but I’ve also tested it with a 17” beast of gaming laptop and it holds its position just as well.

While its premium price may be a concern for some, another slight drawback I noticed is its rigidity. The stand might hold its position a little too firmly. It can actually be a small micro workout making adjustments, especially when the laptop is already sitting on it. The hinges are quite stiff which is to be expected and it’s better to be too firm than too soft, but I can’t help but think they might be a little too firm.

I really like the silicone grip which looks great but also provides a grippy base to prevent the laptop from sliding around if the stand is knocked or moved. This silicon material curves around onto the lip of the stand which is really well designed because it prevents the laptop from sliding off the front but doesn’t obstruct the laptop lid from opening and closing as some laptop stands do.

Wrapping it up

This is undeniably a quality laptop stand that excels in both form and function. It’s certainly at the upper end of the price range and arguably pushing the limit of what even Apple power users are willing to pay, but as I mentioned before, you do get what you pay for and this is a quality product.

It’s going to last years and years and with its minimalist style, it’s never going to look dated. It complements the range of Apple laptops perfectly and is almost certainly an upgrade on your current laptop stand.

With that being said, it’s still hard to recommend it to people unless you don’t own a laptop stand. If you already own one, it’s hard to argue the $139.99 price point is worth it when you already own a functional laptop stand.

The post Curve Flex Laptop Stand Review: Stylish, Ergonomic & Pricey appeared first on Mr Gadget.

Expanding Connectivity

The Belkin USB-C 11-in-1 Multiport Dock is more than just a dock; it’s a hub that connects my MacBook Pro to a plethora of devices. It comes equipped with an array of ports including HDMI, DP, VGA, USB-C, USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, SD, MicroSD, and a 3.5mm port. This has significantly expanded my MacBook’s connectivity, opening up a wide range of new workflow options. Whether I’m connecting an external monitor, my camera, or direct wired internet access, this dock has got me covered.

One of the standout features for me has been the dock’s ability to easily connect and charge my Insta 360 X3 action camera. With a simple plug-in, I can offload and backup my footage without any hassle. The data transfer rate is 5 Gbps making the whole process smooth and efficient. This feature has been particularly useful for my photography and videography projects, allowing me to quickly transfer and edit my shots.

Ergonomic Design

The dock also subtly elevates my MacBook Pro, providing a slightly better working angle. This might seem like a minor detail, but it has made a noticeable difference in my comfort and productivity. Whether I’m typing an email or editing a video, the improved angle reduces strain and enhances my overall user experience. It’s a thoughtful design feature that shows Belkin’s attention to user comfort.

Power Delivery Function

The dock also features a 100W Power Delivery function, which has been a game-changer. It can charge my MacBook Pro while I’m using all the other ports, eliminating the need for an additional power adapter. This feature adds to the overall convenience, making the dock a true all-in-one solution. It’s been particularly useful during long work sessions when I need to keep my laptop charged while using multiple peripherals.

Display Support

One thing to note is that while the dock supports display extending on Windows, it only supports display mirroring on a MacBook. This means that if you connect two monitors to the dock, both will display the same content. However, this hasn’t been a significant issue for me, as the dock’s other features more than make up for it.

Build Quality

In terms of build quality, the dock is sturdy and well-constructed, reflecting Belkin’s commitment to quality. It’s a top-quality product that offers good value for the price, proving that it’s worth investing a bit more for a better product.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my journey with the Belkin USB-C 11-in-1 Multiport Dock has been excellent. It has not only expanded my MacBook Pro’s ports but also enhanced my overall user experience. Whether I’m connecting my action camera, charging my devices, or simply adjusting my laptop for a better working angle, this dock has got me covered. It’s a testament to the fact that investing in a high-quality product can elevate your tech experience.

The post The Ultimate Connectivity Solution: Belkin USB-C 11-in-1 Multiport Dock Review appeared first on Mr Gadget.

Also, EverDesk offers a wide range of accessories that will allow you to stay organised when using this desk. The EverDesk Max is so good that it topped our list of best standing desks in Australia. It can also go well with the ErgoTune Supreme V3 if you decide to work while seated.

Overview 

Sitting or standing for too long when working can have a detrimental effect on your health. By using high-quality standing desks like the EverDesk Max, you can switch between sitting and standing at preferred intervals.

This can help you avoid back pains, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health conditions associated with living a sedentary lifestyle. A post published in the Harvard Health Blog talks about some of the benefits of using a standing desk.

The EverDesk Max will help you do more than just burn calories. It is known to boost productivity, thanks to its ergonomic design and long list of features. The desk sports an advanced control system that allows for quick and easy height adjustment.

That being said, you can easily go from sitting to standing by adjusting the desk anywhere between 60cm and 124cm, thereby providing you with maximum comfort regardless of your height. The EverDesk Max is all about quality and comfort, so you can go for it without worries.

EverDesk Max—Your Personal Health Coach

You can easily forget to stand when there is a lot that needs to be done. And that is why the EverDesk Max features a built-in sit-stand reminder that you can customise depending on your liking. The timer can be set at intervals of 15 to 60 minutes.

When the set time elapses, the desk will vibrate, reminding you to stand. This is probably one of the desk’s best features and main selling point. Moreover, you can adjust the intensity of the vibrations based on your preference.

The UniGroove System

Most standing desks have grommet holes which don’t always look good. This doesn’t apply to the EverDesk Max since it has a nicely cut groove that runs close to the edges of the tabletop. With the groove in place, you can neatly run all the cables that you are using without cluttering the desk.

To get the best out of the groove, you should consider using cable stoppers. The stoppers will hold the cables in place, giving you quick access when you want to connect your devices. Bear in mind that the cable stoppers are sold separately. We found the groove more aesthetically pleasing to look at.

Convenient Height Presets

The problem with most adjustable standing desks is the lack of preset height settings. As such, you may end up wasting a lot of time searching for the most ideal setting for your height.

EverDesk has solved this problem by providing you with three height presets for a frustration-free user experience. You can quickly switch from one preset to another with a simple touch of the control panel. Just tap the number that corresponds with the preset that you want and let the control unit do the rest.

Anti-collision System

Nestled in the EverDesk Max is a gyro-axis sensor that will automatically stop the tabletop from colliding with items along its path when making height adjustments. This feature can prove helpful when there is an obstacle under the desk that may be blocking the tabletop from travelling as it should.

The anti-collision system can safeguard your equipment against damage while also protecting you from injuries.

Specs

• Dimensions: 1200mm x 600mm x 25mm
• Maximum Load Limit: Up to 120 kilograms
• Height Range: 60cm to 124cm
• Height Adjustment Speed: 8cm per second
• Assembly Required: Yes
• Frame Material: Cold-rolled steel
• Noise Level: <50 decibel (dB)
• Anti-Collision: Yes
• Leg Depth: 600mm

EverDesk Max Design & Performance

EverDesk put a lot of thought into designing this adjustable desk. It has great features that you won’t find on most standing desks. The materials from which it is made are of high quality, so rest assured it will serve you for a very long time.

In fact, the company provides you with an impressive warranty of up to 10 years, showing just how much they trust their product. The frame is crafted from cold-rolled steel and is also coated to keep rust at bay. This standing desk has a dual motor design so it’s very easy to adjust.

With an adjustment speed of 8 cm/sec, the desk can move from the minimum to maximum height in just a few seconds. The motors operate quietly, producing about 50 decibels (dB), which is great since most motorised standing desks are quite noisy.

In addition to this, the TriTier frame is exceptionally stable and sturdy. It can glide upward or downward without wobbling. And unlike the EverDesk Lite which has a rectangular control panel, the EverDesk Max features a circular control unit that is very easy to use. To adjust the desk upward, simply turn the control dial clockwise.

A counterclockwise turn will lower the desk to the preferred level. The desk control also has a digital display that will let you know the height setting that you are using. That way, you will be able to avoid unnecessary guesswork when adjusting the desk.

The good thing about the desk control is that you can position it at any point—you can easily mount it on the pre-drilled holes and can as well use wood tapping screws for customised installation.

Accessories

EverDesk offers an ecosystem of accessories that you can use to customise your desk according to your needs. You can attach the modular shelf, pegboard, and cable tray for better organisation. There is also a cable spine for a clutter-free workspace.

If you like, you can also throw in the mouse pad and desk mat. However, all the accessories are sold separately, so you should be prepared to pay extra if you are looking to pimp up the EverDesk Max.

Something that isn’t included as part of the desk, but something I would highly recommend is adding a laptop stand to your setup. This means your laptop screen will be at eye level, further increasing the ergonomics of your setup.

EverDesk Max Review Round-up

The EverDesk Max is a sturdily built height-adjustable standing desk that you can rely on. It can be a great addition to your workspace, especially if you are working from home and can as well be used in the office. This desk is easy to adjust and has just about every feature that you may look for in a standing desk.

The post EverDesk Max Review: A Well-designed Standing Desk with Sit-stand Reminder appeared first on Mr Gadget.

This sleek and stylish charging pad offers a triple charging solution for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, all in one compact and easy-to-use package. And if you’re not an Apple user worry not, this device works with any compatible wireless charging capable device.

With its Qi certification and fast charging capabilities, the BoostCharge Pro ensures that your devices will be charged quickly and efficiently. Plus, its intuitive ergonomic design means that you can place your devices on the pad and let it do the rest, without worrying about tangled cords or the hassle of multiple chargers.

Design

Belkin has opted for a minimalist aesthetic that uses a matte off-white colour and simple round edges. It’s pleasant to look at and fits in well with almost any desk aesthetic you already have.

It has a small footprint measuring approximately 8 inches by 4 inches so it won’t dominate your bedside table. Thanks to the clever design Belkin were still able to support wireless charging for 3 devices with this footprint.

The phone support angles the phone so you can easily check your notifications or take a video call. The only downside of this design choice is the lack of angle adjustments. It also makes it difficult to travel with due to the height of the phone support and its potential to break or simply just take up precious bag space.

There is an LED light to indicate when a device is charging which is a nice quality-of-life design choice. For example, not all wireless earbuds have a charging indicator light on the case which can be annoying, but the LED light will let you know.

Overall the design is excellent if you plan on keeping it in one place which the vast majority of people will.

Charging Speeds

Wireless charging speeds are never up to the same standard as wired options but Belkin the 7.5W wireless charger for the phone section is respectable. It will take around 5 hours to fully charge an iPhone 14 Pro which isn’t particularly quick, but that’s not really the intended purpose of a wireless charger. They are for keeping your device topped up – which is exactly what it does well.

For the smartwatch and earbud section of the charger, Belkin has opted for a 5W output. This doesn’t sound like much, but the batteries on watches and earbud cases are relatively small, and from my experience charge my NuraTrue Pro Earbuds case from 0% to 100% in just over an hour.

Daily Usage

This is the first wireless charger I have owned and I am surprised at how useful it is. Just being able to place something down, knowing it’s charging and will be ready to go when you need it never gets old. I never have to look around for cables any more or use the USB-c ports on my mac (which do deteriorate over time).

There would be times when I wanted to go to the gym but my earbuds weren’t charged. This hasn’t happened a single time in the few weeks that I have owned this wireless charger.

Would I Recommend the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad

Yes, this is a very useful and well-designed wireless charger that solves charging issues and adds a lot of conveniences. I am surprised at how much I enjoy using the device, but I am more surprised that I have never owned this type of device before now. Well, better late than never!

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