HP Elite x2 1012

Yet another Windows 10 hybrid

Every PC manufacturer wants to compete with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4, arguably the best example of a Windows 10 tablet that you can also use as a laptop. HP are so keen that they’ve done it twice. We reviewed the Spectre x2, a 12in Windows 10 tablet with a detachable keyboard. The Elite x2 is the ‘business’ version, with more attention to security and maintenance, and less to features like the cameras.

Sony Xperia X

Flagship phone lacks firepower

We’ve had the Xperia Z3, Xperia Z4 and Xperia Z5 – so what has Sony called its latest Android smartphone? Xperia X. Yes, just X. We don’t yet know if there’ll be an X2, but there’s already an XA (which is cheaper) and an XA Ultra (which has a bigger screen).

Vodafone Smart Prime 7

An Android Marshmallow phone for £75

It’s not quite as cheap as the Smart Speed 6, but the Smart Prime 7 is strikingly affordable for a smartphone with all the features you’d expect, including the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system. One of the best things about Marshmallow is that – unlike earlier versions – it lets you store apps (and their associated files) on a microSD card (available online from around £10). This means the meagre 8GB of internal storage on the Smart Prime 7 is no great problem.

Memory Cards Fast Fixes

Recover lost files, revive AutoPlay pop-ups and remove write-protection

‘Property loss’ warning when copying files

If you’re copying content from your PC to a memory card, you may see a ‘Property loss’ message. This is because memory cards and hard drives tend to have different formats. For improved compatibility, memory cards are usually pre-formatted using the older FAT32 file system, but newer Windows hard drives use a system called NTFS. NTFS stores more metadata than FAT32, and the message is warning that you may lose some.

Create a hack-proof password

As Microsoft bans commonly used passwords, David Crookes reveals how you can create the most secure passwords ever

You should think of passwords in the same way as you think of the locks on your front door. Using a simple one is like leaving your door on the latch, while the most complex are comparable to a five-lever mortice deadlock. But with so many passwords for so many accounts to remember, there’s a temptation to either keep things short and sweet, or plump for a memorable skeleton key for the lot… but that’s where trouble can start.