Thursday, 10 December 2015

SteelSeries Stratus XL for Windows and Android

SteelSeries Stratus XL for Windows and Android

SteelSeries promote the console experience for PC and tablet owners

Eighteen months ago, I reviewed the original SteelSeries Stratus and was critical of it for a number of reasons. My top two complaints where how small it was for anyone with large hands and that while it used Bluetooth technology, it only worked with Apple iPads and iPhones.

Therefore, I’m delighted to report that the Stratus XL is not only a similar size to a typical Xbox/PS4 controller, but it's also available in a model that supports Windows and Android machines.

Razer Diamondback

Razer Diamondback

The legacy continues…

The Diamondback is, frankly, a stalwart of the Razer product line. First launched in 2004, the model has remained in the company’s range and stays in the market as one of the most popular (and versatile) mice available. The reason for both is obvious: its ambidextrous design. It’s a legacy Razer has rejuvenated for the 2015 model, so again the Diamondback welcomes left- and right-handed users alike.

UP Mini 3D Printer

UP Mini 3D Printer

Proof that 3D printing is alive and well

3D printing never really caught on quite as well as most of us expected it to. By now, we thought 3D printers would be as popular as regular 2D, paper printers. But they're not.

There are a number of factors that contributed to the lack of a 3D printing revolution, but we won’t get into them all here. However, two of the main contributing factors were cost and ease of use.

Asus MG278Q 27” Gaming Monitor

Asus MG278Q 27” Gaming Monitor

Is this high-end display worth its high-end price?

As a tech journo, you might expect me to own a top-of-therange PC plugged into a pin-sharp display the size of Norway. But alas, no. Currently, I do the majority of my work on a 15” laptop with a resolution of 1280 x 800 and my gaming on a 1080p 21” inch monitor, so it was difficult not be impressed when I unboxed this screen from Asus. At 27 inches, it’s a significant upgrade to what I’m generally used to, and if you’re in the same boat, you might be tempted to think that this is what counts. The bigger, the better right?

Netgear D6400 AC1600 Modem Router

Netgear D6400 AC1600 Modem Router

The Netgear D6400 comes in any colour you’d like, as long as that’s black

Sometimes it is better not to be at the front of a queue, oddly enough. A good example of why is the Netgear D6400, which when it launched earlier in the year cost roughly £150.

If it had crossed my reviewer inbox, then I’d have torn it a new one for being overpriced, but given an adjustment, it now seems like a much more realistic prospect.