The smart home product manufacturer Xthings has announced that its latest Ultraloq Bolt Z-Wave smart lock has achieved Z-Wave Plus V2 certification. We’ve long appreciated the Ultraloq series for its diminutive proportions, measuring 2.95 inches square, with its numeric keypad encircling its key cylinder (and on some models, but not this one, a fingerprint reader). Similarly compact industrial designs are used in models with Wi-Fi radios and NFC readers, but this latest edition of the Bolt Z-Wave is powered by a Z-Wave 800 chip. When paired with a Z-Wave 800-powered smart home hub, the latest Ultraloq Bolt Z-Wave smart lock promises range of more than 1,300 feet. The lock is also backward-compatibile with any previous generation of Z-Wave hub.Xthings Ultraloq That silicon endows the Bolt Z-Wave with very long range—up to 1,300 feet, according to Ultraloq—and improved ability for signals to penetrate building materials. But you’ll need a Z-Wave smart home hub to bridge the lock to your home Wi-Fi network. To that end, the new lock is certified to work with hubs from Alarm.com (a SaaS provider powering dozens of independent home security service providers) as well as the DIY-oriented hubs from SmartThings and Home Assistant. The lock is also backward compatible with older Z-Wave hubs, although you won’t get the same incredible range with hubs equipped with older Z-Wave hardware. Z-Wave Plus V2 certification also means the lock can be set up by scanning a QR code via the manufacturer’s SmartStart technology, and that it supports Z-Wave S2 128-bit AES encryption for enhanced security.   Ultraloq’s “anti-peep” technology helps guard against burglars learning your PIN code by watching you unlock the lock or by lifting telltale fingerprints left on the numeric pad. Simply enter random digits before and after your PIN, and they won’t be able to guess what it is. You can grant temporary access to short-term rental guests, service providers, or contractors with time-limited PINs that are valid during the date and time they’re authorized to have access to the property. The Ultraloq Z-Wave with Long Range Support smart lock is available now for $179.95. This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart locks. Read...

As an IT expert, I’m used to building digital fortresses. Firewalls, virus scanners, complex passwords, two-factor authentication: My tech life is a high-security zone. I thought my physical home was, too–at least until I went into my garage one morning and realized the brackets for my planned solar-panel installation, which had been stored on a pallet in front of it, were missing. Foil cut, opened, and stolen. In the middle of the night. After the initial anger and the police report, my rage gave way to cool analysis: It was time to invest in more security. But my goal was to spend less than $500. Burglars are at their peak in autumn The risk of burglary increases dramatically during the darker months of the year, when dusk can set late in the afternoon. The darkness provides criminals with the anonymity they need to operate undisturbed. Contrary to the cliché, burglars don’t just come in the middle of the night, but specifically exploit the evening hours between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m., when unlit windows signal that no one’s home. While the FBI reported an 8.1 percent decline in property crime in the U.S., it still tracked an estimated 5,986,400 property crime offenses in 2024. Fortunately, many of these offenses get stuck at the attempted stage, often due to existing security technology at the scene. This was the decisive motivation for me to act to protect my own property from future losses. My security product selection My plan was to create a smart and networked system that would act as a deterrent and immediately raise the alarm in the event of an emergency. I chose an expandable alarm system from X-Sense, one of the best-rated providers on Amazon, as the central control unit. Amazon The X-Sense AS08 is a wireless smart home security system with four door/window sensors, two motion sensors, a numeric keypad (for arming/disarming) and a base station that connects everything to the internet. It costs less than $140. You can conveniently control your home remotely via the app or with Alexa. With a 100dB alarm, real-time notifications, simple installation, and up to five years of battery life, the X-Sense system offers reliable protection and flexible expansion options. See the X-Sense AS08 at Amazon The visible presence of cameras alone often acts as a deterrent. For outdoor use, I opted for the weatherproof Reolink Argus 4 Pro Wi-Fi camera with night vision and motion detection. Christoph Hoffmann This 4K surveillance camera normally costs around $180, but it’s nearly always on sale for less: $145 at Amazon as of this writing. Thanks to the solar panel and rechargeable battery, the surveillance camera is independent of electricity. As soon as someone enters my property, I receive a push notification on my smartphone and can call up the live stream. Christoph Hoffmann See the Reolink Argus 4 Pro at Amazon For the interior of my home, especially on the ground floor, I have placed two inconspicuous Reolink E1 Pro indoor cameras for a total expenditure of about $90. They cover the entrance and living area and deliver razor-sharp images even in low light thanks to their 3K resolution (2,880 × 1,616 pixels) and large F1.6 aperture. These cameras are easy to set up, thanks to their Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity (2.4-/5GHz), and their auto-tracking pan/tilt functions capture every movement. AI-based detection reliably differentiates between people and pets, and they even recognize baby noises. Christoph Hoffmann See the Reolink E1 Pro at Amazon Another feature I like about Reolink’s security cameras that they can connect to a central storage and management device that eliminates the need for a subscription to store video in the cloud. The Reolink Home Hub ($100) acts as a central management and storage solution for up to eight Reolink cameras. The Reolink Home Hub comes with 64GB of onboard storage, but it also has two microSD card slots, each of which can handle user-provided cards offering up to 512GB each.Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Whether you use its ethernet port or its onboard Wi-Fi 6 adapter, you’ll get smooth 4K live views and fast transmission of recorded video. A dedicated siren alerts you when it detects uninvited guests. See the Reolink Hub at Amazon What you can and cannot monitor with an outdoor security camera or video doorbell? When installing cameras outdoors, the legal situation is clear. You are only allowed to film your own private property. Public areas such as pavements or roads and neighbors’ properties are off limits. Even if these areas are only recorded slightly, this can constitute a violation of personal rights with legal consequences. An inexpensive sign warning that your property is subject to video surveillance can also act as a deterrent to potential offenders, and it might even be required by law (check your jurisdiction). Such a sign also ensures transparency, while creating a bond of trust with your neighbors. And if you need to use a recording as forensic evidence of a crime, it should be admissible in a court of law. It’s a small effort that can have a big protective impact. Even more security with smart sensors For me, a comprehensive security concept does not end with burglary protection. Fire, smoke, water, and invisible gases pose just as great a threat. That’s why I expanded my setup with additional X-Sense component. Since I already have the X-Sense SBS50 base station, these security add-ons cost me just 130 euros. Instead of relying on individual stand-alone solutions, the manufacturer offers networkable smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors as well as water-leak sensors. And as an added bonus, some of the can be integrated with the X-Sense SBS50 base station in the home security system I mentioned earlier. TechHive has favorably reviewed the X-Sense XS01-M interconnected smoke alarm system. I use that system myself as well as the X-Sense XH02-M Interconnected Smart Heat Alarm and the X-Sense SWS0A Ultra-thin Smart Water Leak Alarm. The interconnected advantage: If a detector in one room triggers an alarm, the signal is relayed to every other sensor of the same type that you’ve installed in the house. So, if there’s a water leak in the basement, you’ll get a warning even if you’re in the attic (assuming you installed a sensor there, of course). Some of the sensors don’t require the base station. Those then don’t have this interconnected feature and work independently. But the X-Sense smartphone app will sends notifications about alarms, battery level, and test status, so you’re informed at all times. Up to 12 family members can access and manage alarms via the app. See the X-Sense SX01-M smoke alarm at Amazon See the X-Sense XH02-M Heat Alarm at Amazon See the X-Sense SWS0A Water Leak Alarm at Amazon Beware the Wi-Fi trap If your Wi-Fi network goes down, many smart cameras and sensors will lose their connection to their smartphone app and/or the cloud. Live transmission and push notifications will no longer possible. Devices with local storage–such as cameras with microSD card slots–will continue to record video. As soon as the connection is re-established, that data will be synchronized and the events transmitted accordingly. Systems that rely exclusively on cloud storage, on the other hand, stop working completely, as they can neither stream nor record without a connection to internet. The recent Amazon Web Services debacle is a case in point. The behavior of smart sensors depends on whether they are connected to a base station or operate solely via Wi-Fi. Sensors with their own wireless connection to a base station, as is the case with many security hubs, continue to function even without Wi-Fi, and they will trigger alarms locally. More sophisticated home security systems–read about TechHive’s top picks in home security system–have hubs that establish back-up internet connections via cellular connections should your regular broadband connection fail. Independent wireless sensors will also remain active, but they will only emit local alarms, such as tones or voice warnings. To avoid the so-called Wi-Fi trap, you should therefore look out for devices with local storage, integrated alarms, and secondary wireless connections, so your home remains reliably protected in the event of an internet failure. Goal achieved! My total expenditure for all the devices listed above? Just $403. Smart home protection doesn’t have to break the bank. This story was originally published on our sibling site PC Welt and was translated and localized from German. This story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best DIY home security systems and best home security cameras. Read...

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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Great ergonomics and build quality Superb scroll wheel with adjustable resistance Long battery life and reliable sensor Cons Heavy and slightly sluggish when moving quickly Limited ability to create custom macros Scroll wheel feels a little loose in free position Our Verdict The Logitech MX Master 4 shines where it belongs—on your desk. Built for productivity, not gaming, its ergonomics, materials, and scroll wheel feel make it a joy to use every day. I’d like a bit more software flexibility and a lighter weight, but overall, Logitech has refined a classic into something excellent. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Logitech MX Master 4 Retailer Price $119.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Picking up the Logitech MX Master 4 for the first time, I’m struck by how well it fits in my hand. Its shape is just right, with a slope that allows the wrist to rest naturally and the thumb to fall onto the buttons. It’s a mouse that feels long enough to keep your fingers from hitting the touch buttons–something that has annoyed me on many other models. The MX Master 4 isn’t about speed or RGB lights, it’s about comfort, precision, and getting work done. In practical use, the MX Master 4 is still a delight. The sensor is extremely accurate, it works on almost any surface–even glass–and the response is immediate. Logitech The surface is solid, the materials feel premium and the clicking sounds are almost non-existent. The right and left buttons are extremely quiet and very sensitive, which is perfect in open-plan office environments but takes some getting used to. I quickly realize I’m pressing too lightly at first, but after a few days of use everything feels natural.The weight, on the other hand, is noticeable. The mouse is heavy, which gives a solid feeling, but it also becomes sluggish to move quickly. For me, who mostly works in editing and office programs, this isn’t a disadvantage per se, but when I try to play a few rounds in FPS games, it feels that this is not the right mouse for that purpose. Logitech MX Master 4: Scroll wheel and control The magnetic scroll wheel is absolutely amazing! You can switch between distinct incremental scrolling and free scrolling that just spins on for ages. It’s handy, especially when I’m working in long documents or browsing through image archives. At the same time, it has a small drawback: when moving quickly, the wheel can feel a little loose, almost like it’s living its own life for a split second. This doesn’t bother you in everyday use, but it’s noticeable when the pace picks up. Under the thumb is another scroll wheel, the horizontal scroll. It took a few days to get used to, but it’s really handy when you’re working in Excel, timelines in video editing or large whiteboard programs like Miro.One novelty is the gesture button–holding it down and dragging the mouse in different directions lets you assign it its own functions. It’s clever in theory, but in practice I rarely use it. Most of the time, pressing keyboard shortcuts is faster than remembering which movement does what. Logitech MX Master 4: Software All customization is done via Logitech’s Logi Options software. There you can adjust haptics, scroll resistance, brightness, and define what each key should do in different programs. It works perfectly for app-specific commands and by default the thumb buttons are programmed to general “undo” and “ready.”The software is very focused on workflows in specific apps rather than free automation. For me, who likes to customize everything to my own shortcuts, it feels somewhat limited. You can build longer command chains or script your own sequences, but functionally it’s limited which is a shame. .Logitech Logitech MX Master 4: User experience In practical use, the MX Master 4 is still a delight. The sensor is extremely accurate, it works on almost any surface–even glass–and the response is immediate. I especially appreciate how smooth the feel is over time: no lag, no jerks, just steady precision. Battery life is also impressive. After several weeks of daily use, I still have plenty of charge left, and charging it is quick via USB-C. I like the fact that I can continue to use the mouse while it is charging, something many manufacturers still miss.The only thing that grates a bit is the polling speed. At 125 Hz, it doesn’t feel as snappy as a real gaming mouse, and it’s noticeable when I try to spin quickly or aim accurately in games. But again, this isn’t a gaming mouse, and that’s not the point. Specifications Manufacturer: LogitechTested: October 2025Number of buttons: 8Scroll wheel: Yes, Magspeed scroll wheel with smart shiftingWireless technology: Bluetooth Low EnergyBattery life: 70 daysSensor technology: High precision darkfieldDPI (minimum and maximum value): 200-8,000 (can be set in steps of 50 dpi)Price: $119.99 Rating: 4 out of 5 Read...

If you’re in the market for a new Ryzen PC, beware: AMD is updating some of its old Ryzen processors with fresh branding and updated model numbers and passing them off as new processors. AMD has carved out a number of “new” Ryzen 100-series chips alongside a pair of new Ryzen 10-series model numbers. However, the chips are apparently identical to a number of older Zen 2 and Zen 3+ processors announced years ago in 2022. The difference is that these new Ryzens “launched” in the past few weeks. AMD is calling these new chips the Ryzen 7 170, the Ryzen 7 160, the Ryzen 5 150, the Ryzen 5 130, the Ryzen 3 110, and the Ryzen 5 40 and the Ryzen 3 30, 3Dcenter.org reported, citing a post from “Gray” on Twitter. The updated chips are simply rebadges of Zen 3+ (Rembrandt-R) and Zen 2 (Mendocino) chips that AMD had launched years earlier. The chip maker is calling them the “10-series” and “100-series” chips. As far as I can tell, the new processors are exactly the same as the older versions, both of which appear on AMD’s website. For example, the “new” Ryzen 5 40 is listed as a “Mendocino” core with four cores, eight threads, 2MB of L2/4MB of L3 cache, and at speeds of up to 4.3GHz. It’s manufactured on a 6nm FINFET process at TSMC, so it’s not even a process shrink. It appears identical to the older Ryzen 5 7520U, which also appears on AMD’s site with what appears to be identical specifications. Well, except one. The “new” chips launched in September and October 2025, while the older chips date back as far as 2022. The new processors show up in AMD’s list of Ryzen chips. AMD had not responded to a request for comment by press time. To be fair, AMD is not the first to go down this path. As WCCFtech noted, Intel quietly launched the Core 5 120 processor earlier this year, which is just a rebadged “Raptor Lake” processor that the company launched in the third quarter of 2025. Intel has said for some time now that customers prefer its older processors in favor of the latest AI-assisted chips. Still, the actions by both CPU makers are confusing at best and deceptive at worst. It certainly seems unlikely that a buyer of a standalone CPU wouldn’t research what they’re buying, but what about someone looking for a deal on a “new” laptop? If someone were to buy a new car marketed as a “2026” model when it really just was a 2023 version, are they really buying a “new” car? You may not need AMD’s decoder wheel to make sense of these new model numbers. But if these new processors appear in laptops and on store shelves, it gives new meaning to “buyer beware.” You could be buying outdated technology presented as the latest and greatest AMD has to offer. Read...

Generally speaking, every laptop generation is faster and more capable than the one that came before it. But something’s different this year. Between higher performance hardware, more efficient components, a trend towards eco-friendly materials, and laptop designs that aren’t afraid to be weird and experimental, I have to say that 2025 feels like the most exciting year for laptops in many, many years. Take a look at any of our top laptop lists—whether that’s best laptops overall or best gaming laptops or best laptops for college students—and you’re sure to spot some trends running through each of them. I’m particularly fond of the new crop of ultra-bright and colorful OLED screens, but everyone has their own favorites. So let’s get into it! Here are some of the top laptop trends that make 2025 one of the most exciting years ever for laptops. Repairability and eco-conscious designs The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (2024) is surprisingly repairable. That makes it a great choice if you’re worried about longevity and eco-friendliness.Matthew Smith / IDG Many major laptop brands have made big inroads in improving their environmental standards lately, and this year they’ve really kicked into high gear. In just about every top laptop model, you’ll find a range of recycled materials (like recycled steel and aluminum), plus lowered emissions during manufacturing and greener packing materials. Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others are all pushing towards circularizing the economy of laptop production, with most targeting a completely net-zero manufacturing footprint by 2040 or 2050. Today’s laptops are more repairable than ever, too, helping them to last longer. A look at iFixit’s recent laptop teardowns shows that most of the latest tested models feature high repairability scores. Popular devices like the Surface Laptop 7 make it easy to access internal components, and even Apple—with its famous love of glue and proprietary screws—allows for battery replacement in the latest M4 models. Fanless designs cut down on moving components, too, further enhancing longevity by reducing potential points of failure. If you’ve been thinking about it, now’s a good time to switch to an eco-friendly laptop. OLED hits the mainstream The Lenovo Yoga 9i isn’t just a 2-in-1 laptop—it has a stunning OLED screen.Mattias Inghe For years, OLED was considered a premium option with an appropriately premium price tag that kept it beyond reach of most consumers. Indeed, in TVs and gaming monitors, OLED is still a lot more expensive than the alternatives—but in laptops, OLED is practically mainstream now. OLED is still the premium option compared to more traditional LCD options, but it doesn’t cost that much more. Plus, a lot of the usual issues associated with OLED screens (like burn-in and low brightness) have been solved with updated forms of the technology. Just look at the gorgeous screen on the Lenovo Yoga 9i! OLED screens are also available in a range of different styles now. Alongside dual-OLED laptops like the Asus Zenbook Duo, we also have high-refresh-rate OLEDs for competitive gaming (like the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI), various folding OLED laptops, and even a rollable OLED display in the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Rollable. Upgradeable, modular laptops The Framework Laptop 12 lets you build your own modular laptop.IDG / Chris Hoffman Framework really led the way on this initiative and its latest Laptop 12 is the most exciting yet. Available with the most cutting-edge components in a range of sizes and numerous upgradeable modules, it’s a laptop design that can evolve with you as you need it. The whole concept of a modular laptop is awesome, bringing the LEGO-style customizability of a desktop PC build to the portable form factor of a laptop. Although no other company is going quite this far with their laptops yet, the idea is catching on. Panasonic’s Toughbook 55 MK3 came out last year with a range of upgradeable modules. Compal debuted its Adapt X concept earlier this year as a potential option for OEM customers (and even won a design award for it). Intel is also evangelizing the idea of modular PCs for two big reasons: the environmental impact and the way it supports “right to repair” laws. Not every laptop is going modular—far from it—but the concept has proven popular enough for Framework to remain in business after all these years (and tariff troubles). Maybe a few other laptop manufacturers will start to ape its success in due course. Thinner and lighter but still powerful The Razer Blade 16 (2025) is much thinner compared to previous models.IDG / Mark Knapp The latest generations of graphics cards and processors aren’t that much better than their predecessors, but they sure do work well in thinner and lighter laptop designs. Razer shaved down the chassis on its flagship Blade 16 laptop by as much as 30 percent this year, helping it weigh in at just over 3.5 pounds—all while granting access to RTX 50-series GPUs and top-shelf CPUs from AMD and Intel. Classic thin-and-light designs (like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14) are as thin and light as ever yet offer more performance thanks to the latest CPUs and graphics chips. Most of them also pack OLED displays, too! A double whammy of goodness. There are also updated versions of powerful gaming tablets (like the Asus ROG Flow Z13), which are just a couple of pounds yet have cutting-edge CPUs. At the super lean end, you have devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (2025), which only weighs 1.5 pounds. (Not much in the way of high-end graphics here, but given how slim these devices are, that can be excused. You have to be realistic about these things.) 20+ hours of battery life is the new norm In our review, we found the HP OmniBook 5 14 has over 25 hours of battery power.IDG / Matthew Smith We have Windows on Arm to thank for this trend. But whether a laptop uses one of those particular models (like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X range) or one by AMD or Intel (who have been forced to play catch up), there are plenty of modern laptops with 20+ hours of battery life. It’s no longer just the calling card of Apple’s leanest MacBooks. Some gaming laptops, like the Razer Blade 16, can even last for up to 10 hours on a single charge (as long as you aren’t gaming). The combination of more efficient hardware, advanced power management algorithms, and larger batteries in slimmer designs means there are some models like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x and HP OmniBook 5 14 that get close to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge—an impossibility just a few years ago. If this has caught your attention, check out our roundup of the longest battery life laptops we’ve ever tested. Local AI is cropping up everywhere The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (2024) was one of the first Copilot+ PCs, meaning it was one of the first laptops with an NPU capable of local AI on Windows.Mark Hachman / IDG If there’s one marketing term that has taken over the lexicon in 2025, it’s gotta be “AI.” Apart from the obvious ChatGPT trends, Microsoft also pushed hard with its “Copilot+ PC” nomenclature reserved for laptops with qualifying NPUs (neural processing units) with enough performance to handle local AI functionality directly on said laptops instead of sending the work off to the cloud. (Learn more about NPUs in laptops.) Almost every high-end laptop in 2025 is geared to include AI in some form or another, and it’s not just Microsoft integrating Copilot via Microsoft 365 and Windows 11. Samsung laptops have integrated AI Select and Photo Remaster. HP has an AI companion. Several others have AI translation services and photo beautification effects. The usefulness of such AI features might be dubious, but they exist, can’t be ignored, and have been a major laptop selling point this year. Read...

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So there it is–my new mini PC, the A9 Max from Geekom. A smart little powerhouse, barely bigger than a sandwich tin, whisper-quiet and amazingly powerful. I unpacked it, plugged it in, and completed the initial setup. Everything works perfectly, as my test shows. And yet I realize after just a few minutes: it won’t stay this way for long. As soon as the software is installed, my fingers start itching for a screwdriver. Why? Because an off-the-shelf PC is always a compromise–a very good one, but not my personal ideal. Christoph Hoffmann As a technology journalist and IT expert, I look at ready-made PCs from a different perspective. Manufacturers have to appeal to a wide audience and, above all, put an attractive price on it. This inevitably means that costs are cut in certain areas. Not in the CPU, since that’s the showpiece, but in components whose true performance is only revealed in demanding everyday use. For me, the purchase of such a mini PC is therefore not the end, but the beginning of an optimization project. I’m buying an excellent foundation on which to build my customized system. More RAM brings a performance boost The first and easiest upgrade is almost always the RAM. The Geekom A9 Max comes with 32GB of RAM, which is more than enough for most users and everyday tasks such as browsing, office work, and streaming. But my everyday use is different. I often run a virtual machine for testing software, dozens of browser tabs with CPU-intensive web applications, image editing programs, and communication tools at the same time. This is where 32GB quickly becomes a bottleneck. The system starts to feel sluggish, switching between programs takes longer, and productivity suffers. The solution is simple and inexpensive: an upgrade to 64GB, for example with the Kingston FURY Impact SO-DIMM 64GB DDR5-5600 CL40 kit. Replacing the RAM modules usually takes just a few minutes, and the results are immediately noticeable. Everything runs more smoothly, the system has more headroom, and it’s better prepared for tomorrow’s software. For me, this small investment offers the best bang for your buck. SSD upgrades: more speed and storage The second candidate for an immediate improvement is the mass storage device, i.e. the SSD. Here, manufacturers save on two fronts: capacity and speed. Models with 512GB or 1TB are often installed. The NVMe SSD with 2TB of capacity in our A9 Max comes from Lexar and is labeled LNQ7A1X002T. Christoph Hoffmann That sounds like a lot at first, but I traditionally separate the Windows installation on the C: drive from my data, which I sync with Dropbox. That’s why I’m putting a second SSD in the mini PC–an external hard drive would be an option, but internal storage is unbeatable for quick access. However, speed is even more important to me. Not every NVMe SSD is the same. Manufacturers often install cheap models that are faster than old SATA hard drives, but are nowhere near the potential of modern interfaces. The NVMe SSD from Lexar installed in the Geekom delivers a read performance of 6,242 MB/s and a write rate of 5,423 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark. That’s an above-average result for a PCIe 4.0 SSD, so there’s no reason to replace it for performance reasons. The system includes a short M.2 slot (M.2-2230) for an additional SSD. The selection of compatible drives is somewhat limited. For our upgrade, we chose the Crucial P310 SSD 2TB. The alternative is the Corsair MP600 Mini, which comes in 1 and 2TB versions. If the standard SSD installed in the mini PC delivers below-average values, it makes sense to replace it with a high-end SSD. It transforms the mini PC into a real powerhouse. Programs start without delay, large files are copied in seconds, and the entire system feels more direct and responsive. It’s a level of comfort I wouldn’t want to miss in my daily work. Upgrading is easy Before you start ordering or visiting a local dealer, you should check the exact specifications of the mini PC. The Geekom A9 Max has a short M.2 interface (M.2-2230) for an additional SSD, suitable for the Crucial P310 SSD 2 TB M.2. The RAM configuration is interesting. The A9 Max (and many other models) comes with 32GB of RAM with two 16GB modules. To upgrade to 64GB, both sticks must be replaced. There’s a good selection of compatible 64 GB kits (2 × 32 GB) dual-channel DDR5 with 5600 MHz. Popular options include the Crucial CT2K32G56C46S5 and the Crucial Pro CP2K32G56C46U5. Alternatively, you can choose a single (though more expensive) memory stick to keep the option of upgrading to 128GB open. Before you begin the upgrade or installation, make sure the mini PC is completely switched off and disconnected from the power supply. To discharge any residual power from the system, press and hold the power button for about five seconds. Opening the case can be a bit tricky (see section: Troubleshooting: No more Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). The screws on the underside are hidden behind the rubber feet, which can be pried out with a pointed object. Once the screws are loosened, handle everything with care. Christoph Hoffmann Once the inner workings of the mini PC are exposed, you can access the slots for the two SSDs (1 × M.2 2280 and 1 × M.2 2230) and the two memory slots. Some mini PCs also include a mounting bracket for a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, such as the Samsung 870 EVO. With the Geekom A9 Max (and most other models), insert the M.2 SSD at a slight angle into the slot provided. Then carefully press it down and secure the end with the small screw provided. That’s it! The RAM modules are held in place by small metal or plastic retaining clips on each side. Gently push these clips outwards to release the RAM module, which will lift up slightly and can be removed. Take the new RAM module and pay attention to the notch. This must match the corresponding guide in the slot to prevent incorrect installation. Insert the module into the slot and press it down firmly and evenly until you hear the retaining clips on the side click into place. Done! After installation, close the case and reconnect all cables. Start the mini PC and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing F2 or Del) to confirm that the new RAM is recognized. Once installed, the new SSD won’t automatically appear as a drive in Windows. It must first be initialized in Disk Management. That’s it! The mini PC now has more storage space and, thanks to the RAM upgrade, extra performance headroom. Troubleshooting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues Please note: When opening the case and removing the inner metal cover, the black and gray cables may become disconnected. These are soldered to the metal cover and connected to the Wi-Fi card. If the connection is lost, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionality will no longer be available. The cables are fixed to the metal cover with adhesive strips, which limits their length. To ensure that the cables stay firmly attached when the cover is lifted, it’s best to remove the strips and reposition the cables so they remain plugged in. Christoph Hoffmann If the cables have already been disconnected, the ends must be reconnected to the Wi-Fi card. This is located underneath the M.2-2280 connector, which is why the SSD must first be carefully removed. After exposing the Wi-Fi card, carefully lift the self-adhesive, transparent plastic cover with tweezers or fold it back. Then carefully reconnect the black cable to the connection labeled “Main” and the grey cable to the “AUX” connection. This process requires patience and may take several attempts. Make sure the cover is properly closed before reinserting the SSD. 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I don’t know how your tech drawers look, but mine are filled with wires I’ll likely never use again because technology has advanced quite a bit. Thankfully, USB-C seems to be here to stay since there is no wrong way to plug these things in. It’s not just smartphones, tablets, and laptops that use these, however, but also a long list of gadgets. We’ve scoured the market for hidden gems: 13 gadgets that will make you think “Wow, I didn’t know I needed that, but it will make my life so much easier!” Let’s dive in and see what cool devices you’ll be able to use your type-C cables and ports with. Unihand rechargeable hand warmers Unihand As the weather is getting colder, you sometimes wish you could warm up your hands a bit faster. Well, these $18 hand warmers are rechargeable and perfectly ready to keep your fingers toasty for up to 20 hours on a single charge. These gadgets feature a temperature sensor chip that helps you pick one of three temps for precise control. There are plenty of colors to choose from, too. Wowstick 1F+ mini electric screwdriver Wowstick If you often have to fiddle around with your computer or other gadgets, this Wowstick mini electric screwdriver may be just what you need. This pen-shaped screwdriver features three LED lights so it’s easier to see what you’re working on and rotates 200 times per minute so you can finish the job faster. The screwdriver has a stylish base so you can hold it on your desk, and a whole collection of 56 aluminum alloy bits. The screwdriver can be charged via USB-C and it can last for hours. This super fun electric screwdriver usually goes for $41. Anker Nano Power Bank Anker One thing you need to have in you bag/pocket/backpack is a power bank because you never really know when your phone will fail you and cry for a recharge. Well, the Anker Nano power bank is tiny enough to fit just about anywhere. It comes with a foldable USB-C connector and a port on the side so you can charge two devices at once if you need to. The 5,000mAh capacity is just about enough for a full phone recharge, so it will be great in a pinch. It’s also only $30, but we’ve seen it as low as $16. Endoscope camera with light Ennovor Although it’s not something you’ll use every day, this Ennover endoscope camera can definitely come in handy. You just plug it in your phone, install and app, and see everything your camera does. Our team swears by it, using it for finding whatever they dropped behind the desk, while working on the car, or looking for pipe leaks. Since it has an IP67 rating, you can even plop it in your aquarium. The camera comes with a 16.4ft semi-rigid cable and several accessories, including a hook, magnet, and a mirror. You can get this one for $17 right now. Blukar flashlight Blukar I don’t care who you are—you need a flashlight. The smaller, the better, because you get to shove it into any pocket. This model from Blukar comes with a built-in 1800mAh battery that you’ll recharge with one of those many type-C cables you have in that tech drawer we were talking about. It can work for up to 16 hours on a single charge, which is pretty decent. There are four different lightning modes to cycle through, including one that will help you signal for help. Plus, one of these is less than $8, so no excuse to pass on this one. Heat It insect bite healer Anyone plagued by mosquitoes in the summer will be particularly pleased with this ingenious gadget. This tiny device, which can be easily connected to your smartphone via USB-C, can significantly reduce the itching of bites and stings with targeted heat. You simply charge the small Heat It bite healer via the app and then hold it on the bite. The heat then does the rest, breaking down the proteins in the mosquito bite that cause the area to swell, itch, and hurt. A true must-have for summer, and it costs only $20 when on sale. A tiny air pump Also perfect for summer is this small air pump from Cycplus, which fits in any bag while on the go. Not only can it inflate a bicycle tire in two minutes at the touch of a button, but it’s also USB-charged. According to the manufacturer, it’s suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes, motorcycles, and even cars! In addition to being an air pump, this practical gadget can also be used as a flashlight or power bank for on-the-go use — all things that come in very handy on a bike ride. And at just $57 (although we’ve seen it for as low as $35) it’s highly recommended if you need quick help with a flat tire. USB-C mini fan These little fans are also pretty ingenious; you can easily carry them in your pocket in the summer and quickly use them whenever you need them. Anyone who’s ever sat on a crowded subway train in 30-degree heat and wished for at least a little fresh air will love this gadget. The mini fan, which costs just $20, has a USB-C port and can be easily powered by power banks, computers, laptops, or USB chargers. There are even smaller and cheaper fans available that can be connected directly to your phone, costing under $10 each. But these also provide less powerful airflow, so we recommend the standalone version. Reading light with a book clamp Anyone who enjoys reading a lot, sometimes late into the night, will appreciate this little gadget: a reading lamp that you can simply clip onto your book. It may not be groundbreaking, but with a total of three color temperatures and five different light modes, you can individually adjust how much light you need for reading. The Gritin reading lamp costs just $8 on Amazon and features a 1200 mAh battery that lasts up to 80 hours depending on usage. Afterward, you can easily recharge it via USB. You can swivel the neck of the lamp back and forth as desired, and there’s even a small charging indicator. What more could you want? External DVD Drive Amicool If your laptop is like mine and lacks a DVD drive, then this little gadget will come in handy for you. This Amicool external DVD drive uses a USB-C (or USB-A) to connect to your laptop and give yout he optical drive you sometimes need. It can read and burn DVDs and CDs with ease, allowing you to install software, copy files, back up data, play games, and so on. You won’t even need to install drives as this thing is plug and play. While this thing’s usually $29, you can often get it for around $20, which is an absolute bargain. Samsung flash drive Samsung The vast majority of flash drives have a USB-A connector, but this one from Samsung has a Type-C connector. With transfer speeds of up to 400MB/s, you’ll move files around in no time. The beauty of this thumb drive is that you can even pop it in your smartphone to record 4K vids directly on it. The Samsung Type-C flash drive comes in multiple storage options, starting at 64GB and up to 512GB and they start at $14. The 256GB version, for instance, is $27 at the time of writing. Type-C microSD card reader Ugreen Most laptops nowadays don’t come with a card reader anymore (I know mine doesn’t), so finding other ways to get data off those little buggers is a must. Whether you need to pull data off your dashcam’s card or if it’s from your camera, this tiny Ugreen USB-C microSD reader will work just fine. This reader is tiny enough that you should probably put it on a keychain of some kind. If you’d rather a slightly more versatile version, Ugreen has a model that also works with SD cards and features both USB-C and USB-A connectors. Any of these will cost you less than $10, so they’re worthwhile investments. USB-C to HDMI adapter Anker If your laptop has a USB-C port but you haven’t updated your monitor in ages, your display won’t feature a Type-C port. This Anker adapter fixes this problem for you, enabling you to connect the regular HDMI cable you plug in your monitor with this gadget. The adapter supports resolutions of up to 4K at 60Hz, which is pretty awesome. This is also a nifty way to connect your phone or tablet to your monitor or TV. This thing’s $20, but we’ve seen it as low as $12. Editor’s note: This article was originally published on May 16, but was updated to include additional devices. Read...

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