Tablets

By May 19, 2023 Read More →

Smartphones with Folding Displays

Smartphones with Folding DisplaysFolding smartphones are a new type of smartphone that has a display that can be folded in half. This allows the phone to be more compact and portable when folded, while still providing a large display when unfolded.

The first folding smartphone was the Samsung Galaxy Fold, which was released in 2019. The Galaxy Fold has a 7.3-inch AMOLED display that can be folded in half to create a device that is about the size of a small tablet.

Posted in: Phones, Tablets
By April 20, 2017 Read More →

Venturer PrimePro 12 TS review

P1030596aThe world of the laptop and two-in-one device is a crowded one at the moment and Windows 10 has really excelled at providing an operating system that is both lightweight and features packed for the budget to mid-range device to run quite well. Venturer look to be making waves and this environment and whilst their latest device, the PrimePro 12 TS, is not without its flaws, the sum of the parts is commendable.

The Prime Pro 12 TS easily feels like they have learnt from the mistakes of previous models. It looks a lot better, it feels more premium and most importantly it runs smoothly.

A 12-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels proves to be just perfect for day to day interactions. Of course, this is a touchscreen device and therefore prone to large, oily fingerprints, something that is very difficult to avoid. One thing I will say about the screen and whilst it’s hardly a negative a small quirk is that the display is off-centre due to the camera on the left-hand side. Once noticed it’s impossible not to notice again. Everything is fine when running this in portrait mode, however, adopting landscape to plug it into the keyboard it just feels a little Asymmetric.

The keyboard bundled with the unit is a great feature and one that will attract many a business person who isn’t interested in the high price of the Surface line. By comparison with the previous Venturer model we looked at, the keys are greatly improved, there is decent spacing and enough travel so that you know that you press the button once you’ve pressed it.  Early usage finds that the keyboard dock was a little unresponsive and this annoyed me to some degree.  I felt I needed to push a little harder for the keyboard to respond, building up speed saw letters being dropped however once I got the knack I was able to build up speed whilst also pushing the buttons to a degree that I was sure of that the keyboard had received the signal. Over time this went away and now it’s very simple to type without issue. Perhaps the keys had a “bedding in” period of sorts.

The magnetic connection between the keyboard and the screen is very strong, I never doubted it for one moment which is commendable. When connecting the screen to the keyboard it always worked the first time, there was no fiddling around trying to find the connection and with a solid “thunk” you knew you were there.

The touchpad is great. Measuring almost 5 inches by 2 inches, there is plenty of travel in any direction. With no moving parts and stylishly cut into the keyboard’s base, there is little that can go wrong with it.

One thing that can be said about the unit as a whole is that it’s not the lightest, in fact, the whole thing bundled together is quite heavy. Weighing in at 1500 grammes, it’s on the heavier side,  but thrown it in the bag and it’s not that noticeable.

Folding the device up and putting it away is initially quite tricky but after using it for a few days you realise just how simple that actually is and becomes second nature. Once bundled up everything feels secure and protected save for the exposed microSD card, the one big problem on the exterior of the device. This popped out once on the train and landed on the table. Whilst it only happened once, it was one time too many.  I noticed it and felt it as I tapped it with one of my knuckles however on a busy train or leaving a flight this might be less than ideal. Perhaps a little piece of tape might hold things together a little better but who wants that?

Port-wise the Venturer Prime Pro has a lot to offer. Some my gripe there is only one USB, however, I never noticed the need for more. The mini HDMI is handy however I feel it’s a little redundant and was replaced by the micro HDMI and the micro USB was something I never found a use for.

The addition of the rear camera is a peculiar one and the device could do without it. For most of the time, I forgot it was there and whilst it is only two megapixels I guess it might be handy for capturing a business card but it certainly isn’t going to record your holiday memories. With a fixed focus and strange zoom in appearance, the photos feel as if there should be a warning that objects may be closer than they appear.

In the unboxing video, I was unsure of the volume switch, as to whether or not it was a handy placement. In usage it became invaluable. Easy to find and as it’s a button it was actually more responsive than other options like rollers.

Windows 10 runs very well. Initially, I was highly concerned as upgrading to the latest version of Windows 10 took a ridiculous amount of time. After almost 24 hours I finally had the machine up to date. This concerned me as I figured things were quite slow when it came to the Intel atom 1.83 gigahertz processor inside, coupled with 4 gigabytes of RAM. Thankfully once updated the machine appeared to be pretty quick. I rarely noticed any slow down when opening multiple applications and even managed some light gaming with some older titles downloaded through GOG Galaxy.

To boot the device from fully powered off to a usable state took roughly 20 seconds. When using the device it lasted for around 5 hours doing a little word processing and web development,  nothing too intensive. The media playback on the screen worked well, movies look good and the full HD display impressed. The speaker was acceptable however as with most speakers there is always room for improvement. Viewing photographs, the colour representation was pleasantly more than adequate and at no stage did it appear washed out. The screen gets a solid thumbs up indoors. Outside, one a sunny day things were a little different. With the brightness up full, the screen’s glossy finish made things impossible to see, a real shame.

The Venturer Prime Pro 12 TS is a very good alternative if you aren’t prepared to spend the money for the typically recommended Windows 10 experience. At £350 it is a little more than a budget laptop however you do get a more accessible experience having the choice to leave the keyboard behind and that might be worth that price difference.

I have enjoyed my time with the Ventura prime pro12 TS. It’s an interesting form factor from a company daring to be a little different. The Prime Pro does turning heads and people have asked questions. I can nit pick, but there is nothing I can really complain about, it’s a strong package at a good price and worth considering if you’re looking for a portable Windows 10 two-in-one device.

Posted in: Laptops, Reviews, Tablets
By February 23, 2017 Read More →

ARCHOS bring a 2-in-1 rugged tablet for entertainment

archos_101saphir-large_02Following the successful introduction of the ARCHOS 50 Saphir smartphone, ARCHOS unveils the ARCHOS 101 Saphir tablet, a durable and reliable 2-in-1 tablet with a keyboard. Especially meant for hikers, riders and outdoor workers, it combines a 10.1-inch IPS HD screen, a quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and 2 cameras, a built-in GPS and USB Type-C / micro HDMI slots, all in a rugged casing. Demonstrated next week at MWC 2017, the ARCHOS 101 Saphir will be available just before summer at £130.00.

From drops to water splashes, electronic devices damaged at home have cost families billions. At the same time, rambling has never been so hype and hikers or riders want their tablet in their backpack. Even outdoor workers are looking for robust cutting edge technology to increase their productivity on the field.

ARCHOS, who was the first to introduce a Google Android tablet in 2009 and who additionally benefits from the long track record expertise of its Logic Instrument subsidiary, leader in embedded and rugged mobile systems for hostile environments, therefore designed its new tablet in a rugged casing, which can survive drops (up to 1 meter), dust and water splashes, as per the IP54 standard’ specifications.

The ARCHOS 101 Saphir sports a brilliant 10.1-inch IPS HD screen, delivering a 1280×800 pixels resolution, with an optimum clarity and wide viewing angles, to look at pictures, watch videos, use favourite apps and social networks, either from a sofa or in the bright light on top of the Himalayas or on worksites.

It is powered by a 64-bit Mediatek quad-core processor at 1.3 GHz, along with 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, thus capable of running multiple apps and videos at the same time.

The ARCHOS 101 Saphir embeds two cameras: 2MP at the front and 5MP at the back, to catch and share life’ best moments.

It is equipped with a built-in GPS, making it easier to get the most out of the web and preferred apps.

The ARCHOS 101 Saphir packs a 6000 mAH battery, to get through the entire day.

It runs Google Android’s latest release, Nougat, with a bunch of new features: split-screen mode, quick reply to notifications, and revamped settings and toggle menus, making the tablet even friendlier to use.

And as a Google certified device, the ARCHOS 101 Saphir gives access to the Google Play Store with its 1.4 million apps, games and books.

It offers all the essentials and even more in terms of multimedia: an audio jack port, a keyboard, 2 speakers, as well as USB Type C and micro HDMI slots – to enjoy any content on the go.

The ARCHOS 101 Saphir will be exhibited on ARCHOS’s booth at MWC 2017 (Hall 6, Booth #B60). Exact specifications, prices, and availability might vary by country. They will be specified when the tablet is launched, in June 2017.

Posted in: News, Tablets
By February 23, 2017 Read More →

Venturer introduces its PrimePro 12TS Windows 2-in-1 notebook

Venturer, one of the largest manufacturers of tablets worldwide, with world class manufacturing facilities, today announces the launch of the PrimePro 12TS Windows 10 2-in-1 Notebook. Following on from the hugely successful launch of its BravoWin and Elitewin 2-in-1 affordable notebooks which were positioned as an ideal first computer, Venturer have now produced a device perfect for business users who require a sturdy yet portable notebook for use in the office, on the move, or at home.

With an Intel Atom Core Quad Core processor, 4GB RAM and an impressive 64GB memory, the PrimePro 12TS offers a quick and responsive user experience. It has the ability to access the internet within seconds and has an expandable storage space for work files, photos, videos and music. The 2MP dual cameras at the front and rear allow users to make conference calls and take photos or videos, producing good quality images and videos.

Unlike other more expensive tablets in the market, the Venturer PrimePro 12TS is equipped with a detachable smart keyboard with a leather backing and stand to rest the screen on. When connected, this provides the optimum angle for working and when closed, also provides an extra layer of protection for the metallic black notebook. Rather than draining precious battery power using Bluetooth, the keyboard clips on magnetically, featuring a pressure sensing trackpad so the PrimePro 12TS can be used as a stand-alone tablet or quickly transformed into a working laptop; making it easier to type, work and surf the internet.

The PrimePro 12TS has a battery life of eight hours and an impressive 12.2” 1920 x 1200 display. It is also fully loaded with the latest Windows 10 software and a month’s free trial of Office 365  (Word, Excel and Powerpoint) making it an ideal laptop for work or entertainment.

The device also features headphone, micro and regular USB ports to attach or charge other devices and a mini HDMI output meaning the PrimePro 12TS can be connected to a TV for presentations or an enhanced viewing experience.

Priced at only £349.99 the new Venturer PrimePro 12TS Notebook is the ideal choice for those looking for the flexibility of a tablet and laptop combined, for a lightweight device that easily fits into a work satchel but with the quality, reliability and durability for work, for play, for every day.

The Venturer PrimePro 12TS is available in Metallic Black from Amazon RRP £349.99

Posted in: Laptops, News, Tablets
By February 17, 2017 Read More →

Kodak Signs up ARCHOS as European Tablet Brand Licensee

KodakHPEastman Kodak Company today announced it has selected ARCHOS, a pioneer in consumer electronics and a strong pan-European company, as a brand licensee in the European tablet market. Also, check 8-inch tablet reviews to make sure you choose the best one of you.

The agreement with ARCHOS is the latest extension of Kodak’s brand licensing program and follows on the heels of the successful European launch of the KODAK Ektra Smartphone.

We are very proud to become one of Kodak’s licensees to jointly develop their brand into the tablet world. We truly look forward to putting these devices into people’s hands”, said ARCHOS CEO, Loïc Poirier.

”We are excited to be adding ARCHOS to our portfolio of brand licensees,” said Brian Cruz, Vice President and General Manager of Kodak’s Consumer Product Group. “ARCHOS has a strong track record in the tablet sector. The French brand was the first to introduce a Google™ Android™ tablet in 2009 and is recognised as a key player in the European tablet market with broad retail presence.”

archos_101magnusplus-large_01

The KODAK tablet products will combine chic design with the latest technologies. Apps preloaded on the tablets will provide photo and video enthusiasts with creative options and an 8MP back camera for catching and enjoying memories from daily life will be included. 3G connectivity will enable consumers to share their favourite photos and videos in real time with family and friends

The Kodak tablets will be available in stores across Europe before summer 2017.

Posted in: News, Press Releases, Tablets
By February 15, 2017 Read More →

Gear4 Buckingham case for iPad review

I have been rather impressed with Gear4 products. I have been lucky enough to check out a few of their iPhone cases and have always found that they manage a nice balance between being very rugged, but not massively overbuilt. So when I got the opportunity to get my hands on the new Gear4 Buckingham iPad case for my Air 2, expectations were high.

The Buckingham features the same DSO “smart material” that Gear4 uses in their phone cases and purports to meet military standards at keeping your tech safe from being dropped. This wallet style case is almost identical to the Oxford model that my phone is currently encased within and I have been very happy with that.

As soon as I received the package from Tech Addicts HQ, I noticed something was up. It felt much heavier than I was expecting. It’s not uncommon for us to receive several products for review at the same time and, although I wasn’t expecting anything else,  I thought this was maybe the case. Nope. Just the Buckingham. Now, Gear4 do package their products very robustly, so maybe it’s the packaging. After opening it, it still felt rather heavy so out came the scales. The case weighed in at a rather chunky 427g. That may not seem like much, but to put it into context, the iPad air 2 weighs around 440, so the case weighs almost the same as the device!

 

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In fairness, it does feel like a very sturdy case and I would certainly have faith in its ability to keep my iPad secure. The iPad sits snugly inside the holder and the wrap around cover stays closed thanks to a magnetic tab and offers the very handy sleep/wake function. It’s a great looking case, nicely styled without going over the top and does not add significant bulk to the ipad. I did like the flat black with blue accents on the front and the card/note holders inside the cover. I wasn’t sure at first about the tab, it seemed to get in the way, but after a short while, I kinda got used to it. The cover also acts as a stand for the iPad, although I found that the material on the inside cover was too soft and not grippy enough to stop the screen from slipping flat. Perhaps this is something that would improve with time as the case wears in. Another little niggle that is common to most of these style cases is the access to the buttons

Another little niggle that is common to most of these style cases is the access to the buttons along the edge of the iPad. The thick DSO material actually works against the Buckingham in this respect. The controls themselves are covered, but there are raised “virtual buttons” on the cover directly over them with the idea being that you press on the case and it, in turn, presses on the actual button. This works in theory, but in practice, I have always found that you have to press a few times and generally rather firmly before anything happens. Truth be told, I have become so frustrated with them in the past that I have taken a craft knife and removed them, leaving recessed access to the controls. Elegant? No, but it does work.

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Overall I liked the Buckingham, I liked it a lot in fact, but the burning question is did I keep it on my iPad or did I revert back to the relatively simple Targus cover that I had been using?

As much as I like the Buckingham, and as fond as I am of super protective cases, I personally did not like the extra weight it added. It is a lot more protective than most cases, including the one I am currently using, but it is also double the weight. This makes it a judgement call. If weight isn’t a factor for you, or you need that extra protection, then I say go for it, you won’t be disappointed with it. However, if your daily carry bag is already feeling a bit on the hefty side, you may want to look at other options.

Posted in: Accessories, Reviews, Tablets
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By January 14, 2017 Read More →

GEAR4 puts military grade protection into the iPad case

GEAR4, the UK’s number one trusted impact protection case brand, today launches its new Buckingham iPad TPU flip case range, featuring D3O – the most advanced shock absorbing technology for enhanced impact protection. The Buckingham case, linked to GEAR4’s British roots, combines modern forms and materials to deliver the ultimate combination of sleek protection. The case is available for iPad mini 4, Air2/Pro 9.7 inch and Pro 12.9 inch.

The D3O® impact technology used in the Buckingham case is in fact so trusted worldwide that it is the same material found in the U.S military combat uniforms, American football helmets and protective gear worn by pro athletes (including Usain Bolt) and extreme sportsmen, such as Olympic ski teams. With these kinds of endorsements, iPad owners can rest assured that they have the most technologically advanced casing available on the market.

D3O® has a unique molecular structure; in standard conditions, the molecules flow freely allowing the material to remain soft and flexible, but on impact lock together to absorb and dissipate the impact energy, which means your device stays safe when dropped. GEAR4 are the first to use an injection moulded grade of D3O® technology to deliver more impact protection per cubic millimetre than other leading materials.

GEAR4 designers combined this unique technology with a functional design featuring a standing option to work in landscape at a desk, table or on a lap and four slots for business or payment cards. There are also two larger slots for important documents and its unique clip closure ensures the device, as well as valuable items, are kept safe whilst not in use.

The Buckingham is available in black with orange, blue and grey trim from www.gear4.com and Carphone Warehouse

Buckingham – iPad Air2/ 9.7″ Pro RRP – £59.99

Buckingham – iPad 12.9″ Pro RRP – £59.99

Buckingham – iPad Mini 4 RRP – £49.99

By January 3, 2017 Read More →

Venturer EliteWin S Notebook Review

image25Venturer has very kindly sent over a 2 in 1 Mini Windows Notebook for our appraisal. This low-cost tablet and laptop combination ticks a lot of boxes for the cost conscious whilst packing a smooth experience inside the interesting external design.

  • HDMI, USB, Bluetooth and wifi
  • 11.6” 1366 X 768 Display
  • 2GB/4GB DDR3 SDRAM
  • 32GB Internal Memory 64GB Micro SD
  • CorIntel Atom Processor @ 1.83 GHz
  • 8 Hrs Battery 
  • Smart Keyboard with Trackpad
  • Foldable

Grab one from Amazon for around £249.99.

By December 6, 2016 Read More →

2016 Christmas Gift Guide

christmas_gift_187449The market is saturated with devices, that is why GiftsforPeopleWho.com recommended us with Christmas ideas and where to get them at a great price.

Remember that you can also buy your gifts by using exclusive student deals to save money in your purchases.

Best Budget Mobile:

Moto G4

The last few generations of this phone have been one of the most recommended devices out there. Moto has got the balance of hardware and low price just right and it’s hard to find some who has bought one dropping anything but praise on the device.

John Lewis are selling the Moto G4 for £159.99.

WileyFox Swift 2

Of this little list, this is the only one with a 720 screen, however, the Wiley Fox Swift 2 is another perfect balance of style, performance, and hardware. Some have complained that the camera might be merely serviceable, however for the money everything here is a winner.

Amazon is selling the WileyFox Swift 2 for £119.99.

Honor 5X

Honor phones feel as is they are trying to sit midway between Apple and Android, appealing to both. They are almost successful. The grandeur of the Emui OS adds a great deal to the phone’s presentation. Combined with smooth performance and an agreeable price, the Honor 5X is great value.

Ebuyer is selling the Honor 5X for £167.98.

Best Mid-Range Mobile:

Honor 8

The Honor 8 is exceptional value for money, depending on when you purchase it. During sales, the price can drop below £300 making it easily one of the most recommended phones of the year. That camera combination is one of the best on the market and really only slightly surpassed by the iPhone. It is safe to say, in any colour, the Honor 8 is the best-looking device of 2016.

Honor 8 can be purchased from Vmall for £369.90 – £30 off Honor 8 with voucher code “DIGIN16”

Nexus 5X

An oldie, but a goodie. The Nexus 5X still has a bit of time left before Google will drop it off the update radar and the pricing has dropped to make it a steal. Naked Android with LG’s hardware makes a top-notch Android device that other manufacturers have yet to top.

Amazon have the Nexus 5X for £255 right now

OnePlus X

The little phone that dared. The OnePlus 3T is an improved version of the OnePlus 3. Taking everything that was criticised about the 3 and fixing it. However, the Oneplus X steals the thunder here, not only because it’s such a low price, but because the specs are fantastic. The 3 is almost £150 and the 3T £200 more.

The best price for the OnePlus X is from their own store at £189

Best High-End Phone:

Apple iPhone 7

Apple hasn’t reinvented the wheel for some time, however, they know how to put together a solid package that people can rely upon. Their boldest move has said goodbye to the 3.5 mm headphone jack, thankfully, aside from this, they have stepped everything up half a step over last year. It’s hard to deny this phone just works and looks beautiful. However, you will pay for the privilege.

Apple prices can be set in stone, however using code KRUQT  can grab £15 cashback with Very.

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Google Pixel

With much hesitation, I place this device on the list. Why? This is the overpriced Nexus successor, and now the only way to get all of Google’s greatness straight away. A phone that really doesn’t have any of the beautiful stylings manufacturer HTC are known for. Google has won us over the Nougat, however, the Pixel hardware adds little to experience. You are paying for a name.

Google Pixel prices start at £599 and go up. You can look but you won’t find them going down.

HTC 10

The forgotten phone of 2016. One of the best examples of looks and hardware, the HTC 10 is almost perfect. It seems like HTC is making one last ditched effort with their Flagships over the last few years and pouring in their heart and soul and no one is watching. This is simply a wonderful handset.

techinthebasket.com has the HTC 10 for £455.70

Best Tablet:

Apple iPad Pro 9.7

Like their phones, Apple knows their way around the tablet now. Where Android tablets are generally used as a secondary device for media on the go, Apple still focus on the tablet as a productivity device and it’s working, the Air and the Pro versions are used by most professionals. The Pro 9.7 sits right in the middle between the Air and the 12.9 Pro becoming Apple’s most perfected tablet so far.

John Lewis offer the 128gb variant for £639 includes a 3-year warranty

Microsoft Surface Pro 4

When considering a Windows 10 tablet, you really need to go to the top end to get the best experience. Hardware matters with Windows. The Surface Pro line is a shining example of how well Windows can run and how powerful an operating system it can be.

Argos have the Surface Pro 4 for £599. Incredible price.

Asus ZenPad 3S 10

Asus are putting a huge amount of effort into their products right now, and deserve to be noticed. The ZenPad 3S is pretty amazing and one of the best Android tablets out there. Wafer thin, dazzling display and packed with enhancements and features.

You can grab the ZenPad 3S (Z500M) from PC World for £299.99

Best Laptop:

ASUS Zenbook UX360UA

The Asus Zenbook are looking at Apple and bring the MacBook experience to Windows 10 at a fraction of the price. A beautifully lightweight design coupled with powerful innards and a great selection of customisation for the consumer mean the Zenbook is the best option if you are not interested in paying Apple prices or are invested in the Windows ecosystem.

ASUS Zenbook Flip UX360UA is on amazon for £799.99

By November 23, 2016 Read More →

Venturer EliteWin S Unboxing

image11The new Venturer 2-in-1 Mini Notebook is ideal as a first computer for students heading to secondary school, college, university or even home use. Like the earlier model, the new 2-in-1 Mini Notebook is equipped with Windows 10 and Office 365 and the EliteWin S has a total 96GB of memory (32GB Flash memory plus a 64GB Micro SD Card included free of charge), vastly improving its storage capacity.

With the new sleek soft touch, lightweight design with soft curved edges, and long battery life, the EliteWin S 11KT is ideal for work or entertainment on the go with up to 8 hours usage whilst travelling.

Unlike other more expensive tablets on the market, the Venturer convertible notebook is equipped with a detachable smart keyboard that has a pressure sensing trackpad which clips on magnetically so it can be used as a stand-alone tablet or quickly transformed into a working laptop, making it easier to type, work and surf the internet.

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