Edit and customize PDFs in a flexible easy-to-use working environment.

Adobe Acrobat Standard offers all the tools you’d need to edit and manipulate a PDF file (more advanced options are reserved for the Pro version). As it stands, it’s a well designed multi-platform app, with a wealth of easy-to-use features. If you’re looking for a versatile tool – and don’t mind subscribing to it – it’s definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• +Multi-platform
• +Wealth of options
• +Easy to use
• +Flexible and customizable

Cons

• -Not the cheapest of subscriptions
• -Some high end tools reserved for the Pro version
• -Not all formats are supported

Adobe Acrobat – the original PDF reader and editor – today comes in three distinct versions for a variety of different use-cases. But Acrobat Standard with the broadest appeal for document management.

In our Acrobat Reader review, we explored Adobe’s basic PDF viewer, while our Adobe Acrobat Pro review looked at the best-for-business option. Adobe Acrobat Standard sits in the middle of this line-up, as PDF creation and editing software capable of delivering most tools for most users, in both casual and professional settings.

We’ve long-rated Acrobat as the best PDF editor – but how does it compare to the competition in 2024? We put Adobe’s top tool to the test.

ADOBE ACROBAT STANDARD: PRICE & PLANS

Subscription-based software that’s pricier than some of the competition.

As with most Adobe products, you’ll need a subscription to get the most from Acrobat. But it’s not like the the Reader and Pro versions.

As mentioned in our Adobe Acrobat Reader review, Adobe’s basic PDF viewer is free, while Acrobat Pro offers you a free trial. To get to grips with Adobe Acrobat Standard, however, you have to subscribe. There is no free trial, no free anything. Thankfully, you can request a refund after 14 days, but that still requires effort on the subscriber’s part to remember to cancel in time when trying an app out.

Alternatively, you can opt to get Pro’s free trial to get a sense of the Standard offering. Aside from a handful of features such as bulk e-signature requests, and admin tools to manage teams, the toolset is virtually identical.

If you decide Adobe Acrobat Standard is for you, you have a choice from the usual Adobe subscription plans: annual paid monthly, monthly, and annual plans are available (and, as you’d expect, paying upfront for the year is the cheapest option).

The price is quite a lot more expensive than some of its competition, such as Easeus PDF Editor, FoxIt PDF Editor, or ILovePDF, but you get a good amount for your money if you’re a PDF power-user.

Pricing & plans: 3.5/5

ADOBE ACROBAT STANDARD: INTERFACE

Simple, and easy to find the tools you’re after, while offering you a soupçon of customization

If you’re familiar with Adobe Acrobat Reader, you’ll feel right at home in Adobe Acrobat Standard, and the same will be true should you ever jump to Adobe Acrobat Pro. But unlike Acrobat Reader, all the tools on display actually work – rather than a bid to entice you to upgrade. It might be the one of the best free PDF readers for now, but for any real document management, Acrobat Standard or Pro are all but essential.

Acrobat’s sidebar on the left gives you quick access to your files, those you’ve recently worked on or read, those that reside in your online Adobe Cloud Storage, any Agreements you’ve signed or requested a signature for, and files stored on your computer, some support for some of the best cloud storage services, such as Box, Dropbox, GoogleDrive, OneDrive and SharePoint.

Click on ‘Recent’ to see a handful of available tools, like ‘Edit PDF’, ‘Create PDF’, and ‘Combine Files’, but if you want to see all available options, click on the ‘Tools’ tab, to the right of the ‘Home’ tab, top left of the interface. If you’re already in the ‘Recent’ section, you also have an ‘See All Tools’ button to the right which does the same thing.

These tools are listed by category, depending on what you need to do, and their titles are self explanatory: ‘Edit & Create’, ‘Forms & Signature’, ‘Share & Review’, etc. To the right you’ll find a sidebar with another list or commonly used tools. That sidebar is totally customizable: reorder the list by dragging items up or down, remove tools you don’t need, and add some not currently displayed by selecting them from the main list. This helps you focus on the main tools you find yourself using all the time.

Interface: 4/5

ADOBE ACROBAT STANDARD: TOOLS

An example of good design – a wealth of tools are well-organized, versatile, and easy to use, coupled with a flexible interface designed to work the way you do

You may think that Adobe Acrobat Standard only lets you work on one particular function at a time, but this would be to misunderstand the underlying elegance of the software. Sure, each tool has its own icon, and you can customize the sidebar to the right as discussed above, but that doesn’t mean the functionalities are segregated.

Take the ‘Combine Files’ tool for instance. As its name implies, this is where you import multiple PDFs and merge them into one. But what if you’d like to remove some pages, or reorder others? Do you have to click on another icon for that? Well, no. Once you’re in the editing section, you are actually free to do pretty much whatever you like with your PDF. So you can reorder and delete pages from the ‘Combine Files’ section. You can also annotate, or even edit the existing text and images, without having to select another tool. All your editing options are available via the toolbar at the top.

Some tools will reveal another toolbar, like the ‘Edit Text & Images’ icon, but you can do everything you need to do without having to interact with the right sidebar… unless you want to of course.

Access a tool like ‘Combine’, and notice you can use others right from its interface, offering you great flexibility in the way you work (Image credit: Adobe)

It’s this kind of flexibility of working that we love in a well designed app: you’re offered multiple ways of performing the same action, and it’s up to you to decide which one fits your workflow best, without that being forced upon you by a developer.

So, Adobe Acrobat Standard is an incredibly well-designed and flexible software, which aims to help you manipulate, annotate, and edit PDFs. You’re able to do the simplest things, from transforming a PDF into a variety of other formats, such as Word, Excel, JPG, HTML and a few others, to creating a file from scratch, and everything in between, including filing in and signing PDFs. The list is pretty extensive and what’s best is how easy and intuitive the tools are to use.

Considering Adobe created the format, it’s little surprise they’d design a best-in-class application to manipulate it – even in the face of some of the best Adobe Acrobat alternatives. It’s obviously far better than Acrobat Reader which mostly felt to us like an advert for this software. This is Acrobat as you expect it to be, with a wide array of tools to help you work in the PDF format and achieve what you need to achieve – mostly.

There are a few limitations, most of which are covered by the ‘Pro’ version, such as converting files into the PDF format, redacting information, and comparing two versions of a PDF. Such functions are deemed by Adobe to be higher end, and should not be needed by the vast majority of its target audience, unless of course they do, which is where Acrobat Pro comes in.

SHOULD I BUY?

Adobe Acrobat Standard during our review process.

You can transform a PDF file into a wide number of other formats, from Microsoft, to HTML, to images and more besides (Image credit: Adobe)

BUY IT IF…

You need a well designed piece of software that allows you to work with a PDF file, from basic management, to filing in and signing documents, to creating some from scratch.

DON’T BUY IT IF…

You’d rather save money with the best free PDF editors, or your document modifications are more modest – Acrobat is full of features, and you may not need them all.

ADOBE ACROBAT STANDARD: ALTERNATIVES

We’ve tested a range of Acrobat substitutes – and our top-rated apps include:

pdfFiller, a surprisingly feature-rich web-based editing tool.

EaseUS PDF Editor, which offers a low-cost annual subscription compared to PDF24 Creator, which is our favorite, feature-filled PDF tool you can use completely free.

The post Adobe Acrobat Standard (2024) Review appeared first on Review Products.

This rugged laptop has been designed for professional workspaces away from the comfort of office life.

The Durabook S15 is a rugged laptop designed for professionals needing a computer that will work in environments that aren’t always ideal for normally delicate computing equipment, and it can do this without compromising on performance. Its robust construction, complying with MIL-STD-810H standards, ensures reliability in challenging environments, while the high-performance Intel Core processor offers decent computing power. The large 15.6″ FHD DynaVue sunlight-readable display enables easy outdoor screen visibility. Unlike other rugged laptops, the Durabook keeps things lightweight and relatively slimline, making it highly portable, especially with the carry handle. Overall, the S15 is a versatile, durable, and powerful enough computing solution for field and industrial professionals.

Pros

• +High-end performance
• +Durable design
• +Bright display for outdoor use

Cons

• -Not waterproof
• -Average camera
• -Limited processing power

DURABOOK S15: 30-SECOND REVIEW

SPECS:-

• CPU: Intel Core i5 (12th Gen)
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe; Optional NVIDIA Quadro T1000
• RAM: 32GB – Up to 64GB (4800 MHz DDR5)
• Storage: 500GB (256GB-2TB NVMe PCIe SSD; Optional 2nd/3rd storage)
• Rear Ports: Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 (Type A/C), HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, Serial, Nano-SIM, DC-In
• Front Ports: Audio in/out, microSD card
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth V5.3; Optional GPS, 4G/5G
• Audio: Integrated microphone, High Definition Audio, Speakers
• Camera: Optional 2.0/5.0 MP; IR for Windows Hello
• Size: 375mm x 273mm x 29.5mm; Weight: 2.6kg
• OS installed: Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
• Accessories: Various, including SSDs, Docking Stations, Adapters

The Durabook S15 strikes a fine balance between rugged durability and a sleek, slimline design. Its build quality is reassuring and reinforces its capability to withstand challenging conditions; it’s also a reflection of its rugged aesthetics.

WIth plenty of experience testing the best rugged laptops, one aspect that really stands out is how this model is impressively adaptable, offering customisation options, including CPU and GPU variations at the time of purchase. Our test of the base model, equipped with an Intel i5 CPU and Intel Iris XE GPU, demonstrated sufficient flexibility with ample RAM, 32GB, and storage expansion options. Despite not being waterproof, its IP5X rating highlights its resilience in tough environments.

In use, the S15 effortlessly handles office tasks and internet browsing, with Windows operating smoothly across various applications. However, its base GPU does show limitations when pushed with graphically intensive tasks, a gap filled by the optional NVIDIA Quadro T1000 variant for those needing extra power. Durability tests, including repeated drop tests, underscore its robustness, easily surviving falls from typical working heights.

In essence, the Durabook S15 very much feels like that link between the refined style of the best business laptops we’ve tried and the durability of full-on rugged models. While it may struggle with high-end gaming or demanding CAD applications, its core strength lies in its tough build and operational flexibility. Durabook offers enhanced versions if you are looking for additional power, which makes the S15 a versatile choice for professionals who require a durable yet capable laptop.

DURABOOK S15: PRICE & AVAILABILITY

The Durabook S15 Semi-Rugged Laptop is available online from both the official Durabook site and elsewhere. Expect prices of around $2000 / £1800 plus.

Score: 4/5

DURABOOK S15: DESIGN & BUILD

The Durabook S15’s design is instantly recognisable as rugged, with the style highlighting the durable nature of the machine and how it is tailored to demanding field environments. Its exterior is notably tough, featuring a large, easy-to-use lever lock on the lid that ensures the laptop remains closed even when dropped, and it’s designed in such a way that it’s unlikely to be accidentally released.

The laptop’s build quality is reflected in design elements such as the toughened corners and overall sturdy construction. It is designed to withstand a significantly higher degree of physical stress compared to standard laptops, including resistance to knocks, scratches, and bashes, of which it sustained quite a few through the test.

This durability is not just superficial; the attention to detail extends to the protection of vital components. All ports on the S15 are safeguarded by strong plastic doors, ensuring they remain free from dust and damage. This includes the expansion slot, which is versatile enough to accommodate traditional optical drives or a range of other drive types, such as NVMe SSDs. The laptop even supports RAID array configurations, demonstrating Durabook’s commitment to providing flexible and practical solutions for field use.

One user-friendly feature is the inclusion of a convenient carry handle, making the laptop extremely easy to transport. This may seem like a minor addition, but for professionals working in field conditions, such convenience is invaluable. Overall, the Durabook S15’s design and build quality clearly reflect a deep understanding of the challenging environments it is intended for, offering a highly functional and robust computer for on-site professionals.

Design: 4.5/5

DURABOOK S15: FEATURES

The Durabook S15 is a decent blend of rugged durability and computing power, designed to meet the needs of professionals in demanding field environments. One of the standout features of the S15 is its incredibly thin and light profile, which is unusual for a rugged laptop. Despite weighing just 2.6kg and being only 29.5mm thin, it does not compromise on strength. It can endure a 4-foot drop and is both IP5X and MIL-STD-810H certified, ensuring reliability in challenging field conditions.

When using laptops outside, being able to see the screen clearly is essential, and here, the S15 features a 15.6-inch Full HD DynaVue sunlight-readable display, offering up to 1,000 nits brightness, making it perfect for outdoor use. Inside powering the graphics is Intel Iris Xe graphics, offering the average graphics processing speed that’s required for standard Windows operation. For professionals needing more graphics power, such as in rendering or CAD applications, there’s an option to upgrade to the NVIDIA Quadro T1000 at the time of purchase.

Mobility is a key aspect of the S15’s design, with options for 4G LTE or 5G cellular connections, along with Bluetooth V5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E. For remote workers, the optional built-in GPS is a great addition, providing accurate location tracking. The laptop also features a long-life battery, capable of operating up to 12 hours of standard use, and the option of a bridge battery for swapping in the field, which is crucial for many industries.

Beyond just being a laptop, the S15 can transform into a mobile workstation. It can be equipped with up to three storage drives, supporting RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. The flexibility extends to its media bay, which can be converted into an ExpressCard 54 slot, broadening its use.

The connectivity and security features of the S15 include an array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Type-A/-C, HDMI, and VGA, ensuring easy connection in any work setting. Security is paramount, with multi-factor authentication options like Windows Hello webcam, RFID/NFC, smartcard, and fingerprint readers safeguarding sensitive data.

The ergonomic design of the S15 includes a 98-key membrane keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad and optional LED backlight. Finally, the S15 offers expandability, and it can be configured with a dedicated graphics card for specialised tasks like graphics rendering and CAD programs and configured with additional connectivity options like a 2nd RJ-45 and a 2nd RS-232 port, making it an adaptable tool in an evolving mobile work environment. These are all added at the time of purchase and are not additions to the laptop you can make later.

Features: 4/5

DURABOOK S15: PERFORMANCE

BENCHMARKS

• Crystal Disk Read: 3647.40MB/s
• Crystal Disk Write: 2200.13MB/s
• GeekBench CPU Single: 3970
• GeekBench CPU Multi: 1871
• GeekBench Compute: 8727
• PC Mark: 4314
• CineBench CPU Multi: 4147
• CineBench CPU Single: 1374
• Fire Strike Overall: 2581
• Fire Strike Graphics: 3053
• Fire Strike Physics: 9825
• Fire Strike Combined: 791
• Time Spy Overall: 929
• Time Spy Graphics: 830
• Time Spy CPU: 2895
• Wild Life: 5757
• Windows Experience: 8.1

The Durabook S15 delivers a robust performance across various benchmarks, indicative of its capabilities in handling a range of tasks from basic to moderately demanding applications.

In terms of storage performance, the Crystal Disk scores are quite impressive. The read speed of 3647.40MB/s and write speed of 2200.13MB/s suggest that the S15 is more than capable of handling large files and data-intensive operations swiftly, making it suitable for applications that require quick data access and processing.

The Geekbench scores offer a glimpse into the CPU’s capability. A single-core score of 3970 and a multi-core score of 1871 demonstrate that while the S15 is competent in handling everyday tasks efficiently, it might face some limitations in heavily multi-threaded applications. The computed score of 8727 further underscores its adequacy for general computing tasks.

In the CineBench tests, which are more focused on the CPU’s rendering capabilities, the S15 scores 4147 in multi-core and 1374 in single-core tests. These scores reflect its ability to manage moderately demanding rendering tasks, although it may not be the top choice for highly complex rendering work.

The graphics performance, as indicated by the Fire Strike and Time Spy benchmarks, shows a decent capability with overall scores of 2581 and 929, respectively. The laptop seems to handle standard graphical tasks well, but it might not be optimal for high-end gaming or advanced 3D rendering. The Wild Life score of 5757 further reinforces this perspective.

Lastly, the Windows Experience score of 8.1 is a good indicator of the laptop’s overall capability to provide a smooth user experience for most typical applications and tasks.

The Durabook S15 appears to be a solid performer for everyday professional tasks, including data management and basic graphical applications. It offers quick storage speeds and decent CPU and GPU performance, making it a reliable choice for professionals who require a rugged laptop with balanced performance features. However, for highly demanding graphical or rendering tasks, it might be worth considering models with higher-spec CPUs and GPUs.

As well as the standard computing performance test, this is a tough laptop, and as such, the durability of the S15 also needed to be tested. In the product description, Durabook highlights that the laptop is IP5X rated and drop-proof to 4 feet.

In the first test, the laptop was used in a CNC, laser and 3D print workshop, left between the Bambu Labs A1 and the SnapMaker Artisan with CNC tooling. It was left open to the debris created by the two machines. While most laptops will withstand this amount of dust, it can render keys and ports blocked. Here, due to the design of the keyboard, the dust was not an issue, and a quick shake and vacuum quickly returned the machine to an almost new condition. Likewise, the plastic port covers did their job of keeping dust out.

The next test was to see how the laptop would cope with being used in light rain. It’s worth noting that this is not a waterproof laptop, so time in the rain was kept to five minutes. Here again, the laptop functioned without issue and continued to work after the product shot without issue.

The final test was the drop test here, measuring four feet off the floor. The laptop was dropped, then dropped again, rotated, dropped, etc. and aside from a nasty crack as it hit the stone and then the wooden floor on countless occasions, it seemed to be absolutely fine.

Performance: 3.5/5

SHOULD YOU BUY THE DURABOOK S15?

Deciding whether to purchase the Durabook S15 hinges on your specific needs. Its rugged design, MIL-STD-810H and IP5X certifications make it an ideal if you’re a field professional working in uncontrolled environments, workshops, warehouses and factories.

The inclusion of a 15.6” Full HD DynaVue display and options for Intel Iris Xe or NVIDIA Quadro T1000 graphics make it versatile for a range of professional tasks. Moreover, its lightweight and slim profile defies the typical rugged laptop stereotype, enhancing portability.

However, the S15 might not be the best fit for those requiring a machine for advanced gaming or intensive multimedia tasks like high-end video editing or 3D rendering nor should it be as that’s not it’s key market. While it performs well in standard and moderately demanding applications, its capabilities in handling extremely graphics-intensive tasks are limited. Additionally, the investment cost, which starts relatively high, should be considered, especially if your requirements are more aligned with general computing rather than rugged field use.

Buy it if…

You’re working in the field.

If you’re a professional working in demanding field conditions or rough environments, the Durabook S15 is an excellent choice. Its rugged design, reliable performance, and durable build make it ideal for handling the rigours of outdoor or industrial work.

You have expansive storage needs.

If you require a laptop with versatile storage options, the Durabook S15 is a great choice. It supports up to three storage drives, including options for NVMe PCIe SSDs and traditional SATA SSDs, providing ample space and fast data access.

Don’t buy it if…

You need a machine for advanced gaming and graphics.

The Durabook S15, while robust and efficient for standard tasks, isn’t built for advanced gaming. Its graphics capabilities are limited, making it unsuitable for high-end gaming experiences.

You’re creating complex multimedia projects.

Professionals in fields requiring intensive multimedia creation, like high-resolution video editing or 3D rendering, might find the S15’s performance restrictive. It’s designed more for durability than for high-end creative tasks.

The post Durabook S15 Review appeared first on Review Products.

Rural internet users rejoice – fast internet’s now available for a fair price.

Starlink’s satellite service is easy for subscribers and you can set up the hardware in minutes. Be prepared to spend more time and money for optimal performance though.

Pros

• +Less expensive than mobile data
• +Hardware rental
• +Easy Setup

Cons

• -May require additional hardware
• -Potential speed throttling

After moving to the countryside and experiencing repeated issues with traditional broadband, we decided to give Starlink’s residential service a try. Here’s what we learned about how Starlink’s residential service works and if it delivers on its promise of high-speed internet.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been in the news frequently of late – and the service is improving all the time. The ‘portability’ feature makes it possible to deploy satellite internet elsewhere for a small monthly fee, plus Starlink hopes to provide an off-grid cellular service in the next few years. Still, Starlink is best known for offering a solution to people living in areas outside the scope of high-speed broadband or fibre optic internet. True, such people can rely on a mobile data (4G or 5G) connection but this is usually very costly and not very reliable.

But does it deliver everything it promises? Or is it pie-in-the-sky stuff? We put Starlink to the test.

STARLINK: PRICING & COVERAGE

One of the big caveats of using Starlink is that it’s not yet available in every area of every country. Fortunately, the main website immediately prompts you to enter your address, to check if coverage is in place or planned for your area, then lists various subscription plans.

Starlink Subscriptions

Given the huge cost of launching satellites it’s hardly surprising that the cost of a basic subscription has risen in recent years: currently it’s $120 per month for a ‘standard’ plan which offers ‘unlimited data’.

There is a caveat here however, in that ‘Standard’ data usage is subject to a ‘fair use’ policy. Full details of expected performance for various plans are available on the main site but in brief these are a download speed of 25 – 100 Mbps, an upload speed of 5-10 Mbps and a latency of 25-60ms.

If you find this too restrictive you can also pay for a certain amount of ‘Priority’ data. For instance paying an extra $20 per month ($140) will net you 40GB of ‘Priority’ speeds. While latency is no different, the expected performance of ‘Priority’ data is much greater with download speeds of 40-220 Mbps and upload speeds of 8-25 Mbps. If you’re looking for the best small business router and ISP, Starlink for Businesses offers separate subscription plans.

Unlimited ata

Starlink warns that it tries to allocate data for its Standard Plan in a ‘fair and equitable manner’, and if you’re found to be exceeding this they may seek to restrict your network speed. The examples given in the fair use policy include streaming, video calls or online gaming, though puzzlingly enough the same policy also promises to treat all traffic neutrally.

After one month and nearly 400GB of data, we experienced no issues with this policy, although this may be because we use the best VPN on all devices, encrypting traffic so Starlink can’t distinguish specific content like streaming video.

Hardware

The other caveat when signing up for Starlink is hardware costs. Traditionally, this has required you to pay in order to sign up but Starlink has clearly responded to customer feedback. There are special promotions in place. For instance, users in rural Canada can currently benefit from over 70% off hardware prices. Customers in certain countries can also choose to rent the hardware instead of buying. This is the route your reviewer went down, which required payment of a small activation fee of around $50 then an extra $10 per month.

When placing your order, you can also choose to purchase an Ethernet adapter for an extra $40. This is because the supplied Starlink Router has no Ethernet port of its own. Do this if you want to connect devices directly to it via Ethernet or if you wish to attach an alternative router. Starlink subscriptions come with a 30-day free trial. You can cancel your subscription at any time. This also applies to any hardware you’re renting, though we assume in that case it would need to be returned to SpaceX.

STARLINK: UNBOXING

When we placed our order for Starlink, the package took only around a week to arrive – though due to a small addressing error it was picked up at the local post office.

Even for a standard residential connection everything you need to get up and running is in the box, including:

• A rectangular Starlink satellite ‘dish’
• Small plastic stand for said dish
• 75ft connecting cable
• Starlink Wi-Fi router
• 10ft power cable for the router

To make things even simpler, setup is handled by a free smartphone app that walks you through the process.

This is one area where Starlink truly shines, though we were luckier than most as we had an outside power socket and an open lawn. The dish slots into the stand effortlessly and after that, like any of the best Wi-Fi routers, it’s a simple matter to connect the cable to the device. We would warn users though, to check that the white LED at the base of the router is illuminated to make sure that it’s powered on.

When it comes to placing the dish, we recommend using the Starlink app’s built in ‘obstructions’ tool, which can scan the sky to check if there’s anything in the way of the dish receiving signals from SpaceX’s “low earth orbit” satellites.

When the dish first powers in, the app warns that it may take around 15 minutes to establish a reliable signal. We found it did this much sooner (around 5 minutes) and used the helpful interface to create a custom Wi-Fi network for other devices to connect.

STARLINK: PLACEMENT

It only took us less than ten minutes between unboxing the Starlink hardware to going online. Still, there’s a catch.

Placing Starlink’s standard rectangular dish on a front lawn as we did with cables snaking from it onto your porch simply isn’t sustainable. In the first case it can lead to obstructions, as in our case given that the house was directly between the dish and the satellites. Putting the cable and dish on the ground also exposes the hardware to the elements. Ideally the dish should be fixed permanently in a location with an unobstructed view of the sky.

The Starlink website can come to the rescue here. Aside from selling more advanced satellite dishes, you can also buy a standalone ‘pipe mount’ or various wall/roof mounting kits. In our case, this was unnecessary as there was already a vacant satellite mount on our roof where the dish could be slotted in. Not every subscriber will be so lucky.

The other issue of course is that of the router. It’s very difficult to store outside safely, so unless you’re very comfortable with DIY, you’ll need to do as we did and shell out to have a man come and drill holes in the wall to stow the router safely inside whilst still connected to the dish.

STARLINK: SPEED TEST

The Starlink website warns that connection speeds can vary depending on many factors like the placement of your dish, the number of other people using the service at the same time and your chosen activity.

One particular concern for us when putting Starlink through its paces is that most speed tests can’t account for the latency between a device and the wireless router. Fortunately this isn’t an issue for Starlink’s ever-useful mobile app, as it delineates clearly between Wi-Fi and Starlink speed, if you choose to run an ‘Advanced Speed Test’.

In order to avoid the issue of network congestion we ran our tests around 23:00 at night using the Starlink app running on an iPhone 14 Max Pro. The ‘Starlink Speed’ for downloads was 71 Mbps and the upload was 15 Mbps. This was entirely consistent for the promised speeds for a ‘Standard’ plan of  25 – 100 Mbps (downloads) and 5-10 Mbps (uploads).

STARLINK: FINAL VERDICT

After spending some time with Starlink, we can say we’re absolutely delighted with the residential plan. In many cases it works out to be more cost effective than using mobile broadband. Advanced speed testing also shows the download speeds compare very favorably to fixed-line internet in his particular rural area, though you’ll need to do your own research to discover if this is true where you live.

The introduction of hardware rental is particularly welcome, as previously the upfront cost of buying the dish, mount and router was a major criticism of Starlink’s service.

The only warning we’d offer before you sign up today, is that you’ll probably need some additional hardware and expertise to install the satellite dish permanently.

During our research, we did find users who found very inventive workarounds such as using zip cables to attach the dish to the top of a tree. Still, you’ll probably gain the best signal from purchasing a roof mount, as well as enough cabling to fix the dish there safely.

The post Starlink Review appeared first on Review Products.

Realme has only released two tablet computers since its 2018 debut. The Realme Pad 2, the company’s second tablet, has some performance and aesthetic upgrades over its predecessor. It also includes cellular connectivity, distinguishing it as a unique product in the sub-Rs—20,000 tablet market, dominated by inexpensive tablets deficient in this capability. Faster charging and a display with a 120Hz refresh rate are also included. More significantly, the software has been optimized for a wide-screen experience, and the base model also includes 6GB of RAM. But to produce a tablet at such a low cost, did Realme make any compromises? Can it genuinely outperform the recently released Redmi Pad in terms of value? Let’s investigate.

Indian Realme Pad 2 cost

The Realme Pad 2’s base model costs Rs. 19,999 in India and comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The most expensive model costs Rs. 22,999 and has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Since LTE connectivity is an essential feature on both models, the older model’s more excellent price is more than justified, especially considering the additional improvements it provides.

Realme Pad 2’s look

There are two finishes for the tablet: Inspiration Green and Imagination Grey. As one can see, Realme is aiming both of these products at young consumers. The unit we received for evaluation in a brilliant green color looks pretty appealing, even though I found its design and material selection somewhat reminiscent of Oppo’s Pad Air.

The Realme Pad 2 has a chassis with a polycarbonate insert that occupies about a quarter of the back surface and a metal frame with flat sides. The considerable camera module is attached to one end of the plastic band, which spans the whole top half of the gadget (when held horizontally) and includes the frame.

All antennas required for radio transmission are conveniently concealed beneath the insert. Although noticeable, the camera bump does not protrude very far and does not cause the tablet to wiggle when placed on a flat surface.

Due to the basic design approach, there are no joints or antenna gaps. Thus, it feels rather premium and relatively compact (7.2mm). The four-speaker grilles’ perforations, which likewise seem understated and understated, are another feature I appreciated. Realme’s software interface blends beautifully with the enormous 11.5-inch LCD screen’s thin bezel all around and rounded corner cuts.

The Realme Pad 2 lacks additional accessories, just like the previous version. It’s still being determined why the Pad doesn’t even sell a simple kickstand folio cover, but this does suggest that the company only intends for its tablet to be used as a media consumption tool. I always had to hold the tablet at an angle to watch the content or navigate via its interface because there wasn’t an available case or stand. With a weight of 518g, holding this tablet at the necessary angle gets tiresome, especially when viewing movies or television.

Software and specifications for the Realme Pad 2

For some time, various low-cost devices have been using the 6nm MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, which powers the Realme Pad 2. The Redmi Pad, which is this device’s main rival, is also on the list of gadgets. Wi-Fi AC, Bluetooth 5.2, support for several LTE bands, and the typical satellite global positioning systems are among the communication technologies.

To plug in headphones, there is no headphone jack available. However, you receive a SIM card tray with slots for a SIM and a microSD card that can hold up to 1TB of data. The tablet’s 8,360mAh battery may be topped with the included 33W charger.

I was also taken aback that there was no secure biometric authentication on a tablet priced less than Rs. 20,000. Like the previous version, the Realme Pad 2 lacks a fingerprint reader, making 2D face unlock the only way to access the tablet without entering a passcode. While this isn’t a safe way to open a personal device, it did function well in all but complete darkness.

Three apps can be displayed at once on the Realme Pad 2.

The software interface of the Realme Pad is an enhancement over the earlier model. It is not a ‘light’ or simplified version of the conventional Realme UI interface that can be found on its entry-level devices, including the prior design.

The brand-new Realme Pad 2 receives the complete treatment with all the customization options one would anticipate from its smartphones and a few more. This features a bottom dock that displays recently launched and pinned apps running in the background. Although this dock isn’t available anywhere in the interface or can be called up over third-party programs, its utility is restricted to the home screen.

The Realme Pad 2 included just one preinstalled third-party program (Facebook), which can be removed, in contrast to most other Realme devices and tablets in this price range.

This tablet-optimized version of Realme UI has full touchpad functionality (under Additional Settings) with full support for gestures one would do on a standard trackpad despite no officially authorized peripherals. There are also the standard features, such as the ability to run two apps in split-screen mode while another app is launched in a pop-up window, allowing for the simultaneous display of three apps.

Realme Pad 2 functionality

This tablet allows for effective multitasking. I ran five Chrome tabs concurrently while the YouTube app was split-screening clips side by side. The system handles opening a floating window while executing all of this fine, with some slowness when drawing lengthy web pages.

I liked the aspect ratio of this large display regardless of the tablet’s software performance, which was suitable for a cheap tablet. It is excellent for content consumption and has enough space to run two split-screen apps simultaneously.

Because Realme includes Widevine L1 support, I could stream and watch full-HD video content on this tablet. Although the display loses contrast at an angle, outdoor visibility is decent. Given its size and quality, the show isn’t the clearest on the market, and its MEMC high-refresh-rate system occasionally exhibits noticeable choppiness when scrolling or switching between videos and apps.

When it came to benchmarks, the tablet delivered results that were comparable to low-cost smartphones at this price point. The Realme Pad 2 got 726 and 1,975 issues in the single-core and multi-core tests of Geekbench, respectively, and 4,29,907 points in AnTuTu. In the Manhattan 3.1, T-Rex, and Car Chase test suites of GFXBench, the tablet achieved graphical frame rates of 25, 55, and 15 frames per second, respectively.

Among its rivals, the Realme Pad 2’s display is the largest but could be better.

Although the MediaTek Helio G99 is not a performance powerhouse, it is adequate for daily tasks. Despite boasting a 120Hz refresh rate display, this tablet is better suited for casual gaming than graphics-intensive games. I tried Asphalt 9: Legends, and it played perfectly well, with some little frame skipping and stuttering on the basic settings.

The sound was better than the previous model’s more straightforward dual speaker configuration, which was what I liked about the gaming and video viewing experience. The sound is unquestionably louder and more immersive than the previous generation. Additionally, the tablet supports Dolby Atmos.

A 5-megapixel back camera and an 8-megapixel front camera are both featured on the Realme Pad 2. As predicted, the primary shooter provides essential image quality with below-average detail but closer to natural colors. Even in full daylight, the textures were mainly flat. Thus, you are better off using any smartphone camera offered at this price bracket.

The front-facing camera’s selfies have bland surfaces and trim detail. This camera is better suited for video calling because it handles backdrop exposure well when recording video, which is helpful when making video calls.

A 5-megapixel primary camera is featured on the Realme Pad 2.

For a low-cost tablet, the battery life is quite good. The Realme Pad 2 completed the typical battery loop video test at 26 hours and 13 minutes. It can easily last two days with intensive use and three days with light use, which is suitable for a compact tablet, with or without a SIM card inside.

Because it now has LTE coverage, it is also a dependable road warrior that can offer continuous entertainment (for OTT apps) or connectivity (for video conversations, etc.) while moving. Its larger battery will also last significantly longer than any smartphone in your pocket.

Regarding charging, the tablet received a 33 percent charge in 30 minutes, a 62 percent charge in an hour, and a full charge in 1 hour and 36 minutes, which is decent for a tablet.

Verdict

Overall, the form and functionality of the Realme Pad 2 are identical to those of the first version. It works best when used only as a media consumption tool. Realme should have released a keyboard adapter with the tablet to use it as a portable workstation. It also cannot be used to scribble on because it does not support styluses.

The Realme Pad 2 improves upon the shortcomings of its predecessor and achieves something of an all-rounder status by adding a high-refresh-rate display, an upgraded processor, and cellular connectivity to its feature list. Finding something comparable on the market at Rs. 19,999 can be challenging. Its nearest rivals are the Redmi Pad (Review) and the Oppo Pad Air (Review), which are slightly less expensive but feature smaller displays, batteries, and no cellular connectivity.

The post Realme Pad 2 Review: A Stylish Upgrade That Covers the Basics appeared first on Review Products.

Projectors are frequently the first option in large rooms designed specifically for home theater because they can be enormous, detailed, and optimized for an actual home theatre experience. However, they can also be compact, portable, adaptable, and a way to increase your productivity or enjoyment while on the road. In the home entertainment and productivity area, the latter use case is particularly intriguing, and companies like ViewSonic have significantly impacted promoting a market that is frequently undervalued and ignored.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro, which has an Indian retail price of Rs. 68,999, is one of the projector and monitor specialist’s most recent offerings in the portable projector market. The M1 Pro promises much for the money with a projection resolution of 1280×720 pixels. This novel design allows the projector to stand freely and project in various directions and an integrated sound system. Is this the top portable projector on the market at the moment? Learn more from this review.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro can project images up to 150 inches with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels.

The features and design of the ViewSonic M1 Pro

The ViewSonic M1 Pro is the spiritual and physical successor to the ViewSonic M1, and it maintains the exact positioning by providing entirely wireless use due to its integrated battery. The Pro version also receives a boost in resolution, a more robust speaker system, and an overall improved form factor, albeit all of this also comes at a hefty price rise.

Review of the ViewSonic M2e portable LED projector

On the other hand, because it has a built-in battery and weighs 0.95kg, it is considerably more portable than the ViewSonic M2e. The M2e is less mobile and adaptable than the M1 Pro, while it is more appropriately categorized as a home theater projector with some versatility in how and where you may use it. Because of this, the M1 Pro fills a somewhat intriguing niche and promises to do an excellent job of fulfilling its rather specific function.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro is more petite and thick compared to other projectors, but it doesn’t make it a little thing. It is also far more attractive to look at and hold than the M1, thanks to the exterior’s fabric wrapping and other subtle design features. On the projector itself, there are three controls for volume and playback control for approved sources. The Harman Kardon branding is located at the back, directly over the cleverly installed rear-facing two-driver 6W speaker system.

When the M1 Pro is turned off, the swiveling stand, which also serves as the lens shield, may be opened or closed to reveal the battery’s status. When turned on, a small light shines through the fabric covering to indicate that the ViewSonic M1 Pro is operational. Additional lights also indicate the battery life of the device. On either side of the projector are vents for exhaust and a dial for lens focus.

The ViewSonic M1 Review

On the left side of the projector, under a magnetic flap, are all the ports and sockets for the ViewSonic M1 Pro; more on that in the following section. When the M1 Pro is upright, you can adjust the projection to any reasonable angle, and the device will automatically adjust it to the optimal screen ratio and angles. The ViewSonic M1 Pro can project images up to 150 inches across at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.

The projection lamp’s brightness is up to 600 lumens, and its lifespan is up to 30,000 hours. The size of the projection is determined by how far away from the wall or screen you place the ViewSonic M1 projector because its focal length is fixed. Digital zoom can be adjusted between 0.8X and 1.0X for minor modifications, although this is solely for optimization and not for altering the screen size.

The focus adjusting dial is located on the side of the ViewSonic M1 Pro, while controls for volume and playback control are located at the top.

ViewSonic advises a throw distance of at least 0.94m, which provides a projection size of 40 inches, going up to a height of 150 inches from a throw distance of 3.52m. Still, anything over 100 inches will likely result in a sharp drop in projection quality and sharpness. Despite this, you can get a strong projection even from up close.

Along with the ViewSonic M1 Pro, the sales package also includes:

• A sizable charging brick that plugs into the DC 19V socket.
• A USB Type-C to Type-C cable for connectivity to source devices.
• Remote control for using the built-in Android UI and controlling essential functions like volume and source.
• A hard-shell carrying case for the whole thing.

Features and connectivity for the ViewSonic M1 Pro

For a gadget of its size, the ViewSonic M1 Pro’s connectivity features are unique. There are two USB Type-C connectors, one USB Type-A port, an HDMI port, and sockets for power and wired headphone and speaker connectivity. Additionally, there are wireless connectivity possibilities, such as screen mirroring via WiFi and audio communication via Bluetooth 4.2 to compatible headphones and speakers.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro has a projection resolution of 1280×720 pixels, but the system can accept input resolutions up to 1920×1080 pixels; these resolutions will then be upscaled or downscaled as required. USB Type-C is the most practical connecting choice, which can handle audio and video via a single cable. However, many people will undoubtedly find HDMI connectivity to be helpful.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro boasts a 12,000mAh battery that can power the projector directly but functions like a power bank. This was a little annoying in my instance as the projector’s battery was quickly depleted while it was also charging my laptop with a USB Type-C cable. This problem could only be resolved by connecting it to DC power, which naturally never occurs when using an HDMI cable with a compatible source device like the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen).

The ViewSonic M1 Pro has many connectivity options, including USB Type-C, HDMI, and WiFi.

The M1 Pro offers a simple Android-based user interface, like some of the other ViewSonic projectors I’ve reviewed. This is used for simple tasks, including connecting to some source devices, like USB drives, to access media content through the file explorer and to access and change system settings and preferences.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro has 16GB of internal storage, 12GB of which are available for apps and data. Since remote control is used for navigation and control, apps could be more detailed and functional. For instance, the pre-installed Netflix software is challenging to use and understand.

Using an app for Android or iOS directly supporting AirPlay screen mirroring, you can also use screen mirroring from compatible devices. Some programs, such as YouTube and Disney+ Hotstar, as well as fundamental productivity features, worked fine on my iPhone. With the curtains pulled, the projector was sufficiently bright throughout the day, making project images or data convenient. The ViewSonic M1 Pro can also be used entirely wirelessly due to wireless source connectivity and battery power.

The casting options on apps like Netflix and Prime Video didn’t function for me and thus couldn’t be used to project directly. A small streaming box like the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) or a laptop or desktop computer like the Mac Mini can be used as the source device to handle the actual UI, apps, or content.

Battery life and performance of the ViewSonic M1 Pro

The placement and feature set of the ViewSonic M1 Pro make it a distinctive product with little immediate competition. Due to the superior projection resolution, it is significantly more suitable for entertainment than the ViewSonic M1 in terms of functionality. It may be utilized with various source devices because of the numerous connectivity choices.

However, given the size of the projection itself, the ViewSonic M1 Pro is still constrained by its 1280×720-pixel resolution. Smaller projection sizes generally looked good, even with material playing, and you tend to overlook some defects simply because this is a projection. Larger projection sizes, however, make the resolution’s inherent flaws more noticeable. This didn’t matter if I was projecting my laptop screen, but it affected how well movies and TV shows looked.

A Harman Kardon-tuned 6W speaker system is included with the ViewSonic M1 Pro.

It’s helpful that the ViewSonic M1 Pro boots up quickly and is ready to use after a few seconds of turning the cover stand and positioning it. Additionally, connectivity is fast and dependable, especially with USB Type-C, which starts working immediately after being plugged in. Even HDMI is very immediate, and using AirPlay to connect wirelessly with compatible iOS devices proved easy and quick. Thanks to fast and accurate keystone correction, you may set it up at any angle for convenience. However, the projector performs best when directed horizontally at the projection screen or wall.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro’s exhaust fan mechanism continuously expels hot air on either side of the projector when it is in regular use, and closeup listeners can hear the fan humming. However, it isn’t deafening, and if you stand about a meter away from it, the sound will completely disappear. Despite not sounding like much, the 6W speaker system is loud enough and well-tuned to be heard clearly from a similar distance.

At home, I used a white wall and a white ViewSonic M1 Pro projector to create a projection roughly the size of a 55-inch television at a distance of 1.4 meters. Even though I was seated directly behind the projector and near the wall, I liked the view and the size of the projection. To have the most excellent viewing experience, however, the light level had to be decreased, and the focus had to be manually adjusted.

Watching cricket matches and Star Wars: Visions episodes on Disney+ Hotstar was primarily enjoyable, and the darker the room, the better it appeared. The projector is bright enough to block out glimmering daylight, and the image is clear enough to see once the focus is set just right.

A remote is provided with the ViewSonic M1 Pro, which is required to operate the gadget.

The animated episodes of Visions’ helped a little with this because of their softer edges, but the projector is still somewhat capable in this area. There were sporadic visual problems, but they are tolerable when compared to the significantly smaller screen of your smartphone or laptop.

It’s essential to keep in mind that this kind of projector isn’t intended to be used regularly; instead, think of it as something you can bring along on vacation to use as entertainment in your hotel room or for productivity, like quickly projecting presentations and spreadsheets from your laptop onto a conference room screen. Given that the latter will more closely resemble the resolution and display ratio of a standard laptop or tablet screen, it is undeniably much superior to the latter.

Although the ViewSonic M1 Pro’s 12,000mAh battery seems large, the projection uses much energy. As a result, I could only use the M1 Pro for around an hour under usual use; however, if you choose “Eco” mode, your usage time may increase slightly. This might be useful in some circumstances, but the projector will need to be connected for all practical purposes.

Verdict

The commitment of ViewSonic to the projector market is rather outstanding, and the firm is one of the few to provide specialized projectors like the ViewSonic M1 Pro and the M1 and M2e projectors that came before it. The M1 Pro is unrivaled in variety and usability – if this is what you’re looking for. However, it fits a pretty specialized use case and is likely pricey, given that you can purchase a great 65-inch TV for the same amount.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro is worthwhile even for the occasional movie or TV show on the fly, even though it is better suited for productivity use cases. Additionally, the built-in battery gives you more flexibility when using it, and a broad range of networking choices let you link it to virtually any contemporary source device wirelessly or with cords. I recommend the ViewSonic M1 Pro if you’re searching for anything like this and have the money for it.

Rs. 68,999 was the cost (at the time of this review).

Ratings:

• Nine designs
• 7 for performance

VFM: 6

General: 7

Pros:

• Lens stand and cover that is portable and practical
• good choices for connectivity
• reasonable performance
• Exceptional audio for a portable projector.
• Battery-powered use is possible.

Cons:

• Expensive
• constant optical zoom
• Basic internal UI
• shows with low-quality and large projection sizes

The post ViewSonic M1 Pro Portable Projector Review: Multipurpose Champ appeared first on Review Products.

HP has launched its latest laptop in the Dragonfly series in India, called the HP Dragonfly G4. We got our hands on the device for a brief period of time and here is our first impressions of the laptop. The HP Dragonfly G4 is aimed at professionals and business users who need a powerful machine which also looks stylish. It will retail starting at Rs. 2,20,000 in India and will come in two colour options, Slate Blue and Natural Silver. The HP Dragonfly G4 comes equipped with Intel 13th Gen processors and integrated graphics.

HP Dragonfly G4 body HP Dragonfly G4 body

The HP Dragonfly G4 laptop sports a 13.5-inch display

 The look and feel of this laptop is quite premium. The matte-finished housing is smooth to the touch and offers a durable feeling while carrying it around. It weighs just under 1kg but this will vary based on the configuration you choose. It is also just 16.4mm thick which makes it the thinnest laptop from HP. The chrome Dragonfly branding on the inside and on the hinge does look kinda trendy and will stand out.

The Dragonfly G4 features a 13.5-inch display and you can choose from a variety of options such as an LCD or OLED panels. The WUXGA+ Sure View Reflect display for instance supports a peak brightness of up to 1000 nits, and one feature that I particularly liked about it is that it can block the view of your displayed content to anyone trying to snoop in from the side. It is definitely a unique privacy feature.

You get a full-sized backlit keyboard on this one with a trackpad which has chamfered edges. The keys are quite responsive too.

HP Dragonfly G4 keyboard HP Dragonfly G4 keyboard

The HP Dragonfly G4 features up to a 2TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD and up to 32GB LPDDR5 soldered RAM. It does have an extensive host of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one Superspeed USB Type-A port, one HDMI 2.1 port, one nano-SIM slot and a 3.5mm headphone and mic combo jack. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and an optional M.2 WWAN adapter for up to 5G cellular support.

The HP Dragonfly G4 comes with HP Fast Charge support that can charge the battery up to 50 percent in 30 minutes, according to the brand. It also sports a speaker system by Bang & Olufsen, a 5-megapixel webcam and comes preloaded with Windows 11 Pro for Business.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 the best foldable phone you can buy in India right now? We discuss the company’s new clamshell-style foldable handset on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

The post HP Dragonfly G4 First Impressions: Slim, Yet Powerful appeared first on Review Products.

Acer introduced the Swift Go laptop series at CES 2023, powered by both Intel and AMD CPUs. The AMD Ryzen-powered laptop was launched in March of this year in India, and today we’ll be reviewing the base model of the Swift Go 14. It is aimed at the urban youth who would want a stylish and premium looking laptop which is portable and powerful. Let’s find out if the Swift Go 14 checks all the boxes.

Acer Swift Go 14 price in India

The Acer Swift Go 14 is available in Prodigy Pink and Pure Silver colours. On the Acer India online store, the laptop starts at Rs. 59,999 and is the variant we’ll be testing. This comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. For about Rs. 5,000 more, you can get the same configuration but with 16GB of RAM.

Acer Swift Go 14 design and features

The Acer Swift Go 14 features a metal chassis which is what gives it a premium look and feel. It’s also quite compact and lightweight measuring just 15.9mm in thickness and 1.25kg in weight. The pink variant actually looks nice and grows on you after a while. You get a good variety of ports for a 14-inch laptop and these include two USB 3.2 (Gen1) Type-C ports for charging, HDMI, USB 3.2 (Gen1) Type-A port, USB 2.0 Type-A port, headphone jack, and a Kensington lock. There’s no SD card reader of any kind, which I don’t think is a total loss. The right side of the laptop also has two LEDs for the power and activity status.

The Acer Swift Go 14 features an all-metal chassis and is fairly light

The backlit keyboard on the Acer Swift Go 14 is nicely laid out, and the keys themselves are responsive and not noisy. There’s a fingerprint sensor in the power button which wobbles when pressed, unlike the rest of the keys, but it works fine when it comes to authentication. The trackpad does a good job of tracking and you get a decent amount of room to rest your palms.

The 14-inch display has a 16:9 aspect ratio, making it ideal for watching most video content. The Acer Swift Go 14 uses an IPS display panel with a full-HD (1920×1080) resolution and comes with a matte, anti-glare finish. The display has a rated maximum brightness of 300 nits which I found to be more than adequate. The 1080p webcam is quite inconspicuous and is located just above the display. The Acer Swift Go 14 ships with just a 65W USB Type-C charger in the box.

Acer Swift Go 14 specifications and software

The Acer Swift Go 14 features an AMD Ryzen 5 7530U CPU featuring six CPU cores. It’s part of AMD’s mobile CPU refresh which was announced during CES this year. However, this model is based on a refreshed Zen 3 architecture, unlike the 7040 series which uses the latest Zen 4 architecture. This is currently the only CPU configuration that Acer offers in India for the Swift Go 14 series. Storage is taken care of by a 512GB NVMe PCIe Gen3 SSD, and there’s 8GB of RAM. The laptop also features Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1, and a 3-cell 50WHr battery.

The Acer Swift Go 14 features a good number of ports for a 14-inch laptop

The Acer Swift Go 14 ships with Windows 11 Home, along with the usual preinstalled programs such as Microsoft Office Home and Student, McAfee antivirus, and bunch of softwares by Acer for system diagnostics and keeping drivers up to date.

Acer Swift Go 14 performance and battery life

General performance of the Acer Swift Go 14 is very good. It runs cool and the fans are not audible when performing simple tasks, but you can hear them faintly during gaming. I found the typing angle to be quite ergonomic as the base is propped up a bit when the lid is open. The keyboard backlighting is also soothing and the display gets sufficiently bright even for daytime outdoor use. Applications are quick to load and I never really felt any lack of power.

The stereo speakers get loud but don’t sound all that great. Games run decently well with the onboard Radeon graphics. I was able to get smooth framerates in Fortnite with medium graphics and running at the display’s native resolution. In synthetic gaming tests such as 3DMark, the Acer Swift Go 14 returned a score of 1,268 in the Time Spy test suite, and 13,570 in Night Raid. CPU and SSD performance was also very good. The laptop scored 566 and 3,664 points in Cinebench R20, and returned an average read speed of over 1.5GB/s for both sequential and random tests in SiSoft Sandra. Write speeds were lower coming in under 900MB/s.

Video rendering and encoding performance was also quite good. The Acer Swift Go 14 took 45 seconds to encode a 1.3GB AVI file to H.265 MKV, while the BMW test scene in Blender took 6 minutes, 18 seconds to render. These were lower (better) times compared to something like the Intel Core i5-1335U CPU which we recently tested in the Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1.

The keyboard on the Acer Swift Go 14 is comfortable to type on

Battery life is another highlight of the Acer Swift Go 14. Considering its size, it ran for an impressive 3 hours, 26 minutes in the Battery Eater Pro benchmark. With my daily workflow, I was able to get roughly 7-8 hours of non-stop use before the battery went below 10 percent. By these estimates, it should be possible to get even up to 10 hours of use on one charge (or more), if you don’t use it non-stop. The laptop can be charged fairly quickly using the bundled charger. You get roughly a 70 percent charge in an hour.

Verdict

It’s really hard to find fault with the Acer Swift Go 14 as it does everything you’d expect from a thin and light laptop, and this is before you even consider the price. At Rs. 59,999 (less during sales), you get a well-designed compact laptop with good performance and long battery life. The speakers are possibly the only thing that’s a little underwhelming, and the wobbly power button feels a little out of place in an otherwise well put-together laptop (or it could just be our unit). The Swift Go 14 is definitely worth recommending if you’re looking for a compact Windows laptop under Rs. 60,000 that doesn’t compromise on battery life.

The post Acer Swift Go 14 Review: Striking the Right Balance appeared first on Review Products.