Desktop Computing

By May 19, 2017 Read More →

Philips launches S-line and V-line displays

243V7QDABX_ftl_rflxMMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips monitors, is extending its S7-line and V7-line. These lines bring great visuals to organisations and home-office users who seek displays that drive business efficiency at a good value. V7 is the entry point line with all essential features for productivity, while S7 also incorporates some premium features. S7’s complete line-up will consist of 2 variations in the size 21.5 inches and 4 variations in the size 23.8 inches. V7’s complete line-up provides an even larger spectrum to choose from, with 2 variations in 21.5; 3 in 23.8 and 4 in 27 inches. Both lines are equipped with technologies oriented toward wellbeing of the eyes during prolonged screen use.

Quality, performance and durability
Powerful and easy-to-use, the S7-line and V7-line displays offer the right mix of performance, essential features and affordability. They make screen time easier, more productive and budget-friendly for home-office users as well as for public and private-sector organisations ranging from call centres to schools and libraries, public and private offices.

Both display lines feature innovations that would not be out of place even on higher-end models. Even at first glance, the S7 displays, in particular, are built to impress, with a slimmer bezel and stand column that create a clean, minimalistic look as well as taking up far less room on the desktop. The latest models – in both S7 and V7 lines – are all frameless on three sides. As well as looking good, the seamless design is valuable for apps that need two displays to be placed side-by-side: the “joint” between the displays is barely perceptible, creating the impression of having one large display for better comparisons and productivity. With Full HD resolution and the wide viewing angle of IPS technology, the panels in both lines offer clear, crisp viewing, even when the screen is looked at almost from the side. The display positioning is adjustable for maximum comfort: the S7-line’s base enables the display to be tilted, swivelled and height-adjusted exactly to the right angle. The V-line displays all have a tilt option.

User-centric features to drive efficiency and promote well-being
The S7-line and V7-line displays are built to handle the rigours of intensive use, with just the right features to help users be as productive as they can for as long as they need, as Artem Khomenko, Product Manager Philips monitors Europe at MMD, points out: “These displays are designed with a host of standout features to make hours-long viewing more productive.”

All S7-line displays now feature the innovative SoftBlue LED technology as standard. Research has shown that blue light waves emitted by LED displays can potentially affect vision over time.  SoftBlue is a technology built in the hardware of the monitor, which aims to counter this. Without compromising the colour or image, SoftBlue reduces the harmful blue light waves. V7-line displays feature a technology with similar effect – LowBlue light mode. LowBlue light mode is a software solution which reduces harmful LED blue light.

Other features oriented towards users’ eye comfort are EasyRead (S7 and V7-lines), which creates a paper-like reading experience for long documents, and SmartContrast (S7 and V7-lines), which auto-adjusts colours and backlight intensity to what is being displayed on the screen (the optimum settings for a spreadsheet, for example, are very different to those for video-viewing).

In line with the needs of business users, S7-line displays are equipped with additional capabilities. Built-in stereo speakers ensure a multimedia experience with great sound in tasks such as videoconferencing, and Flicker-Free technology regulates brightness and reduces flicker effects for more comfortable viewing. Visit this page for more news.

Posted in: Desktop Computing, News
By May 16, 2017 Read More →

Speedlink Axon Silent & Antibacterial Mouse Unboxing

vlcsnap-00055The AXON Silent & Antibacterial Mouse is a simple wired mouse for both gaming and everyday usage. An ergonomic shape and full-size body is designed for comfort and grip, with the silent main buttons performing clicks that are quiet but precise. The surface also has an antibacterial coating which kills up to 99% of bacteria – so along with stopping those annoying clicks, the AXON also makes your workplace more hygienic.

5-button USB mouse
Antibacterial coating – kills up to 99% of bacteria
Silent main buttons for quiet clicks
Non-slip rubberised side panels
Ergonomic, full-size design with easy access thumb buttons
Optical sensor with an adjustable resolution of up to 2400dpi
Practical dpi switch
Fast, driverless installation
Cable length: 1.5m

To purchase fromn Amazon, click here.

Posted in: Desktop Computing, Videos/Unboxings
By May 13, 2017 Read More →

Rophie USB Type C to Micro USB Adapter

urlA handy little dongle that converts your old MicroUSB cables into USB Type-C cables with a copy of added benefits.

Practical Features: With USB Type C to Micro USB Adapter, you can sync, charge and transfer data from your USB-C devices by using your standard Micro-USB cable.Uses USB 2.0 protocol for max-speed Micro USB charging and fast data transfer (480 Mbps).

Perfect Compatibility: Compatible with the Type C devices such as OnePlus Two, Google Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, New Nokia N1 tablet, Lumia 950, Lumia 950XL, ChromeBook, MacBook, Google Pixel, Asus Zen AiO, Lenovo Zuk Z1 and other devices with USB C connector.

Safe Charging: This product has been professionally tested and inspected to meet USB Type-C Standards; the Adapter contains a 56k resistor which protects your devices from high levels of current that exceed the recommended limit.

Nice design: Designed and constructed with high-quality materials for maximum reliability and durability. Small, Smarter and convenient; Plug and unplug easily; Easy to carry when you go anywhere.

Rophie Warranty: Every item you ordered from Rophie comes with 18 Months Warranty & Life time support.

Grab one from Amazon for £5.25.

Posted in: Accessories, Desktop Computing, Videos/Unboxings
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By May 9, 2017 Read More →

Silent and antibacterial – the new SPEEDLINK AXON

AXONSpeedlink is proud to present an updated version of its successful ergonomic desktop mouse, the AXON. The upgraded version packs two fresh new features: with its silenced buttons, it produces virtually no noise, plus its special antibacterial coating kills up to 99% of bacteria.

At a time when flu germs are lurking everywhere, good personal hygiene habits are all the more important – hands are only shaken when absolutely necessary, and when you take public transport it smells more like a cross between a hygiene wipe and a hot tub filled with cold remedy products. And it isn’t just public transport, toilets and doctors’ surgeries that harbour bacteria – these pathogens can be found virtually everywhere, with frequently used objects and devices in particular, such as smartphones, TV remotes and even computer mice, being afflicted.

Now protection is at hand against bacterial infection at the desktop thanks to SPEEDLINK’s updated version of the AXON. The mouse features a special antibacterial rubber coating based on the antibacterial properties of silver, which kills up to 99% of bacteria. And the AXON can do a lot more besides: thanks to its silent main buttons the mouse stops generating its own sound effects and you get to enjoy quiet clicks.

“We have upgraded the AXON, one of our most popular office mice, so it’s even better adapted to meet workplace demands. Whether you use it at home or in the office, this ergonomic mouse lets you work without your hand feeling strained, plus you won’t get disturbed by clicking noises – it also makes your workplace a more relaxing and hygienic environment. We’re already working on bringing these great features to our other mice”, said Henner Schröder, Head of Product Management at Jöllenbeck GmbH.

The mouse will be available from online and high-street stores from the start of March 2017 for an RRP of €29.99.

Features:

  • 5-button USB mouse
  • Antibacterial coating – kills up to 99% of bacteria
  • Silenced main buttons for quiet clicks
  • Non-slip rubberised side panels
  • Ergonomic, full-size design with easy access thumb buttons
  • Optical sensor with an adjustable resolution of up to 2400dpi
  • Fast, driverless installation
  • Cable length: 1.5m
Posted in: Desktop Computing, News
By May 7, 2017 Read More →

SpeedLink DECUS RESPEC Gaming Mouse Review

P1030695There is no shortage of gaming mice out there, however, the is no one mouse that would suit all hands. Some like smaller mice, lighter, to the point, configurable. Putting a list together of all the things you want from a mouse is actually quite difficult, and you might find the almost perfect combination however it lacks that one little feature that is could well be a deal breaker. The Speedlink Decus Respec has a number of possibilities you might want to consider when on the hunt.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been looking at a number of Speedlink products, primarily a keyboard and a gamepad. These combined features and a low price particularly well I found it quite difficult to find fault. Aside from some disappointing software Speedlink seemed to be on the money.

Working around the mouse, we can see the Decus Respec is designed with the right-handed gamer in mind there does not appear to be a left handed variant available in this particular model. The whole device has been moulded to the contours of the hand and the body fits easily under the hand, including the pinky and ring finger, more on this later.

The thumb has access to a forward and back button, now a staple in mouse standards, from a resting position. The back button takes no effort to press, however, the forward does require a little stretch from the thumb to tap, useful to ensure you do not hit the wrong button and the forward never gets as much action as the back in daily usage.

The index finger sits on the Left Mouse Button (LMB) however it is surrounded by controls. First of all is the larger button next to the LMB, the Double Tap button. This button has a configurable double click for the left button, to save you the effort of double clicking yourself. The instance between the clicks can be set using the software provided.

Behind the scroll wheel is a DPI button, enables the user to adjust the mouse’s sensitivity to a faster or slower pointer speed. The Scroll wheel has a rubber tire style tread around it allowing for extreme grip, the wheel is clickable also. Using the same sensitivity from game to game will keep your aim trained, so it’s important to get it right before playing a competitive first person shooter like Valorant. If you’re coming from CS:GO just like me, then you might also want to check out this csgo to valorant sens converter.

On the right of the mouse as two extra grooves for the ring and pinky fingers. These are exceptionally comfortable, even to those who wield larger hands, like me. Whilst they are an interesting addition, they increase the size of the mouse considerably to a little over 90mm. Some might be happier to forgo this addition for a smaller mouse, however once used for an extended gaming session, the benefits are obvious.

The underside of the mouse has four smooth plastic plates around the edge to maximise smoothness, especially when under on a gaming surface. The optics are in the centre.

Large size does not always make something heavier. The Decus Respec is a heavy mouse out of the box, however, it is a weighted mouse. Underneath the house is a cavity holding four 4.5g weights. For those who find the mouse heavy, this can be adjusted or perhaps a lighter mouse may suit a particular game, the user can adjust on the fly.

A lengthy, hardwearing, braided cord connects the mouse to the computer. At the end of this is a custom designed USB connection that stands out from the rest. You will not make any mistakes pulling this out instead of another peripheral.

LEDs seem to be all the rage and Speedlink seem to love them. The Decus Respec is a slave to the popular culture here. The mouse emits a breathing glow of colour cycling through the spectrum when the computer is on. The slits look somewhat like shark gills on the sides. Only the Decus glows on the top with the Respec sitting in black ink.

Overall, the makings of this gaming mouse are superb. Whilst they are not for everyone, it’s getting close.

The speedlink software is in keeping with their other software, unfortunately, this means the task bar icon is identical to the Gaming software.

The software is easy to use and has some fairly useful features. To the top is the main profile editor allowing for 5 profiles and button configuration. To the right of this allows the use to play around with the lighting effects, there isn’t an extensive range of customisation, however, some is better that none.

Below this is a selection of menus for Performance, speed, system and buttons, alongside settings.

Under Speed, you can adjust the mouse DPI, alongside the X/Y, USB polling rate or rapid fire.

Under System Windows mouse settings like pointer speed and scrolling speed can be adjusted.

Finally under Settings are … no settings. Driver updates and reset defaults is all you find here.

To play a game makes for a top notch experience. I primarily game on a Logitech MX Master, a non-gaming mouse,  and find it to be almost perfect for everything I need. The Speedlink Decus Repec keeps up with the Logitech’s precision and performance and adds a few extra buttons that I now look for and perhaps even rely on in certain games.

The Decus Respec sits around £50 on Amazon right now and it’s bargain at that price. The build quality is that of a higher price mouse and the comfort is unparalleled. Combined with the fact that it does exactly what you want it to do in the games you are using it with means this is a brilliant buy for the casual and hardcore gamer. Certainly, a few more settings in the software might push the boat out here, but for now, the Decus Respec is staying hooked up to my computer for now and it will take something incredible to make me want to swap it out. Top marks to Speedlink!

The Speedlink Decus Pespec is available from Amazon here.

Posted in: Desktop Computing, gaming, Reviews
By March 28, 2017 Read More →

A Look At The Speedlink Ultor Keyboard

vlcsnap-00015What can £75 get you in the way of compact mechanical gaming keyboards? Quite a handsome keyboard it would appear. Here we take a look at the Speedlink ULTOR Illuminated Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with LED Illumination, Anti-ghosting, macro editor, freely configurable, internal memory.

  • Professional gaming keyboard with mechanical keys
  • Progressive Gaming Mode with 5 profiles, 6 macro keys, swappable WASD and arrow keys, remappable keys plus Windows key deactivation
  • Simple layout with compact, frameless design and aluminium body
  • N-key rollover for extreme anti-ghosting
  • Flexible USB cable with hard-wearing sheath (1.7m)

You can grab it from Amazon under for £75 here.

Posted in: Desktop Computing, gaming, Videos/Unboxings
By March 7, 2017 Read More →

BenQ BL2405HT monitor review

91yDSTWGsPL._SL1500_The BenQ BL2405HT has both Flicker-free technology and Low Blue Light Modes allowing for both an approach to office and gaming in the one unit. Priced at £130 the BenQ is worth considering if you do a bit of both, also there are some great options for monitors in sites like bestbezellessmonitor online which offer a great selection of monitors as well.

The BL2405 has a 2cm wide bezel all around the screen. This is a totally acceptable and non-offensive or obtrusive amount. Certainly, it adds a large amount of the width and height of the screen, however, given the size of the screen, the bezels a are not overwhelming in any way. Buttons have been placed on the right edge of the screen. Here we have a power on/off, a select “Enter” button, Up/Down buttons for use in the menu system and to control the volume and brightness. There is also a Menu button and an Auto function. The indicator of the Brightness down button is a sticker and it would see the inputs have been upgraded. Pressing the brightness down button allows the up/down buttons to control the brightness. After a timed delay, the brightness control is released and hitting the volume Up button allows the Up/down buttons to control the volume. Take a little getting used to however as most home computer operators will probably have speakers connected to their computers this saves having an extra two buttons and the brightness can monopolise the inputs.

Here BenQ has an Ultra-Flexible Height Adjustment System (HAS) and it’s probably one of the best mounts for a desktop screen. Once attached, the screen has a full 11cm of vertical travel. Additionally, there is a very smooth 45 degrees of swivel and a twenty degrees of tilt.

On the rear are a 3.5mm audio input and a second output, for headphones or desktop speakers. As for image inputs, there is an HDMI 1.4 port, a 24-pin DVI-D input and a D-SUB. One of the great features is that the Power Supply Unit (PSU) is internal so there is no power brick.

Featuring a backlit 24-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) LED TN panel with an aspect ratio of 16:9 the BL2405 manages a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 with a maximum dynamic contrast of 12 million to one. BenQ reckons the Pixel response time is roughly two milliseconds and there is a viewing angle of 170 degrees horizontal and 160 degrees vertically.

Screen are continually tied to problems with eye-strain and BenQ have been taking steps to ensure their screen have the correct technology inbuilt to reduce common problems. The Low Blue Light modes a noticeably different to the standard settings however they take some getting used to whilst they do help eye strain. BL2405HT works well in bright environments with the impressive maximum light output. In darker conditions, the BL2405 suffered a little from light pooling in the corners however it really isn’t too much of an issue and can be overlooked given the price tag.

A trained eye might pickup on a little corner bleed here and there, noticeable when gaming or watching a movie, however, it is not to the extent to ruin an experience. The screen works well as either an office panel or gaming/media consumption panel and most will find it perfectly acceptable. I honestly like this panel a great deal and using it as the main display on a secondary computer saw no faults or blemishes I would feel it was worth pointing out.

This is a solid screen for a very reasonable price and comes as an easy recommendation.

Available on Amazon for around £130.

Posted in: Desktop Computing, News, Reviews
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By February 7, 2017 Read More →

5 tech tends to fly in 2017

reichelt elektronik Online Electronics and Components SpecialistWith 2017 well upon on us it’s time to take a look at what’s set to be the next big thing in the tech world. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just after a nifty gadget, Holger Engelbrecht, Product Manager of Home & Security, and Tools of reichelt.co.uk gives the lowdown on some of the big trends that will be coming our way…

  1. Storage breakthrough with SSDs

Ever heard of 3D Nand Flash technology? It’s the latest range in SSDs and many of the big tech giants will be rolling it out this year. This technology is a type of flash memory in which memory cells are stacked vertically in multiple layers to help achieve higher densities at a lower cost per bit. Ultimately, 3D Nand Flash can offer higher capacity in a smaller physical space compared to 2D Nand. More space for less money – makes sense.

  1. Lightening fast USBs

The introduction of Thunderbolt 3 technology as the new interface for USB Type-C cables, has presented a desktop-level performance from a mobile computer. This advancement in technology supports the fastest data transfer and most video bandwidth available on a single cable in the world. To get technical, it provides 40Gbps – doubling the speed of its predecessor and eight times faster than USB 3.1 – it will be a technological marvel this year!

  1. The virtual reality revolution continues

Virtual reality is here and 2016 has proven to be the year that it’s moved into the mainstream. However despite many VR headsets on general sale, there is still a need for VR content that fully lives up to expectations. Expect a new expanded offering of VR content not just from gamers but also the film industry, streaming services, and even new areas like visual novels and comic books. Users still need a solid enough reason to invest in VR headsets. As slick as they may look, content is king.

  1. Smart home tech is the future

From decor-friendly gadgets and wireless power controls, right through to sophisticated security systems, advances in technology continue to make it easier to make homes smarter and safer, and it seems homeowners are waking up to the value. Day-to-day tasks are made simpler and it’s inevitable that more exciting smart home products will come to market this year. This year, sales of general smart home devices are up 21% at reichelt.co.uk, with one of the best-sellers being the Konig Smart home security starter set.

  1. Robotics

Robots are reaching a whole new realm of realism and this year promises to deliver a new generation of robot. The arrival of these mechanical companions is making the unthinkable a reality. We’ve already seen the announcement drone deliveries and there will be a whole host of new robotic product launched as the year goes on. Our fascination with A.I is fuelling the advancement of this technology at an alarming pace. Our robot friend, the Ubtech Humanoid Alpha 1S has been a hit so far and we’re predicting he’ll be just as popular throughout 2017.

As well as its robotic kits and smart home range, reichelt.co.uk offers a wider variety of tools, components, tech accessories and more – offering many items up to 20% cheaper than elsewhere in the UK.

Posted in: Desktop Computing, Editorial, Featured, Laptops, News, Videos/Unboxings
By February 2, 2017 Read More →

MMD presents professional display innovations from Philips Monitors at ISE 2017

258B6QUEB_00-IMS-en_GBShowcasing its commitment to brilliant colour, fantastic resolution and innovative technology, MMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips Monitors, offers visitors to ISE 2017 a one-stop encounter with display innovations that make working lives easier and more productive. ISE (Integrated Systems Europe), the largest AV systems integration show in the world, takes place from 7-10 February 2017 at Amsterdam RAI. MMD exhibits at the Philips stand 10-K136.

Minimalistic looks for clear thinkers: on show is a new 24-inch display in the Moda design. Not only is the 245C7QJSB display the slimmest-ever from Philips Monitors, it is also frameless on three sides to create a truly seamless look, minimising distraction and maximising concentration. With Ultra Wide Color technology, users enjoy a wider range of colours for brilliant visuals. Philips Monitors innovations such as Flicker-Free (regulating brightness for a steadier picture), SmartContrast and SmartImage (which auto-adjust settings to the content being displayed) all work together to make desk hours more productive.

Precise reproduction with Ultra Wide Color and UltraClear: the expansive 31.5-inch 328P6VJEB display gives users plenty of room to spread out and enjoy vivid, detailed reproduction in Ultra High Definition. The display combines UltraClear 4K resolution with the extra-wide colour gamut of the Ultra Wide Color technology and advanced Vertical Alignment (VA) for super-high contrast. With versatile MultiView connectivity and SmartConnect for 4K to stream high-res uncompressed video and audio, it is also designed to easily connect up to four sources simultaneously.

Philips-Brilliance-258B6QUEB

Largest 4K curved monitor on the market: visitors looking to escape the bustle of the show for a few moments should check out the 40-inch BDM4037UW Brilliance Curved display. It wraps gently around the user’s line of vision to create more personal space, enabling people to immerse themselves in what’s on the screen, rather than being distracted by surroundings (such as a busy office). To bring graphics and images to life, the display features a CrystalClear 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) and wide viewing angles. Integrated speakers complement the visuals with superb sound.

Display with popup webcam: a great way to improve in-office security, the 27-inch 272B7QPTKEB Quad HD display makes life tough for camera hackers. It features a webcam that pops up when needed, and is otherwise hidden in the display frame – blocking off a potential spyhole for intrusion. To minimise power consumption (up to 80% savings are possible), the display has Philips PowerSensor technology, which senses whether anyone is present at the desk, and automatically reduces screen brightness if the user steps away.

One-cable connectivity: for professional-grade connectivity, MMD showcases the 25-inch 258B6QUEB display with the latest generation USB Type C docking functionality. The easy one-cable connectivity of this display enables users to use their monitor as a docking station for any USB Type C-enabled laptop. With one single cable, the monitor receives video and audio input, and simultaneously charges the connected laptop. All peripherals can be connected to the monitor and used by the laptop, courtesy of the same USB Type C cable connection.

More information on Philips monitors: www.philips.com/monitors

Posted in: Desktop Computing, News, Press Releases
By January 23, 2017 Read More →

BenQ BL2405HT Flicker Free Business Monitor Unboxing

vlcsnap-00030Another cheap and cheerful display from BenQ. The BL2405HT is build with an LED backlight panel, comes with an ultra-high dynamic contrast ratio of 120,000:1, 16:9 100% dot-to-dot image quality, and BenQ’s exclusive Flicker-free technology and Low Blue Light Mode to offer you the best viewing quality at all times.

  • Flicker-free Backlight for Visual Pleasure
  • Low Blue Light Mode
  • Ultra-Flexible Height Adjustment System (HAS)
  • 12,000,000:1 contrast ratio
  • 16:9 Aspect Ratio

Currently, price under £140 on Amazon.

Posted in: Desktop Computing, Videos/Unboxings
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