What Is PoE? A Look at a Pair of Switches
29-05-2018, 04:05
As more and more devices have been connected to local networks, people have also wanted to power them remotely. After all, you’ll agree that running a separate cable to a small device that’s already connected by its own data cable is not only inconvenient, but expensive too. So today we’ll talk about what PoE is and “how it works.”
Goldenfir 32 GB SSD
24-03-2018, 04:13
I needed a small-capacity drive to run a Linux server. After comparing the prices of HDDs and solid-state drives, I chose a budget 32 GB Goldenfir SSD and would like to offer you a brief review of it.
MINIX NEO N42C, a small computer based on the Intel N4200
9-03-2018, 21:54
I’ve come across computers and TV boxes made by Minix in reviews many times, but this is the first time I’ve had one of the company’s computers on my desk. I’ve read quite a few good reviews of this manufacturer’s devices, but I’ve also had a fair number of computers from other brands pass through my hands, so I was doubly interested to see whether Minix really is any better. Inspection, teardown, tests, summary table, conclusions.
120 GB M.2 SSD from RECADATA
9-03-2018, 21:31
A brief review of a relatively small drive from an unknown (at least to me) company, RECADATA. Nothing extraordinary, just a small SSD. Inspection, tests, and conclusions.
A brief look at a small mSATA-to-M.2 adapter
18-12-2017, 00:41
I was gradually running out of free disk space, so I decided to expand my “living space.” I also remembered that I had an M.2 SSD lying around since spring, along with an adapter that, as it turned out, I’d bought by mistake. After browsing AliExpress, I found a suitable option—or, more precisely, the cheapest suitable one—and ordered it. So today, here’s a mini-review of a simple little thing: an mSATA-to-M.2 adapter.
HDMI dummy plug, or how to bring a PIPO X10 back to life
23-11-2017, 17:35
A little over a year ago, I bought PIPO's new mini PC, the PIPO X10. I liked almost everything about it: a large screen, a built-in battery, and an external antenna. But almost immediately, a problem became apparent: it wouldn't work properly. And it wasn't just me—this was a widespread issue. I played around with it for a while, then eventually put it on the shelf. One of my readers has now suggested a way to bring this computer back to life, so today I'll explain how to revive the PIPO.
ACEPC AK1 or another PC
17-11-2017, 14:59
Another review, another computer, another Intel-based machine. This one is a little unusual, but interesting in its own way. It has its drawbacks, but is still a perfectly viable option. I'll take a look at it, take it apart, test it, make a few tweaks, and test it some more.
Beelink BT3 Pro Mini PC, another one
22-09-2017, 02:06
I only recently wrote a review of a Beelink with Apollo Lake, and now I’ve come across a mini PC from the same company, but with an older processor model based on the Cherry Trail core. I’ve reviewed a similar computer before, but this model has 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of flash storage, and the word Pro in its name. So, let’s take it apart, test it, and see what this “Pro” in the name is all about.
Beelink M1, a mini PC with an Intel N3450
10-09-2017, 10:57
I’ve reviewed quite a few mini PCs already—I’m a fan of these little things. And now another member of this big family has landed in my hands. Actually, I got two of them, but I’ll tell you about the other one another time. To sum up the key specs, this is a mini PC with an N3450 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of flash storage, an M.2 slot, 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi, and two video outputs. For the full rundown, including tests and a closer look, read on.
Vorke V1 Plus Mini PC or the New Version
6-08-2017, 02:33
Last fall, I posted a review of the interesting Vorke V1 mini PC. It’s a pretty good machine: fast, doesn’t overheat, and lets you install a hard drive. Not long ago, an updated version with an Apollo Lake J3455 processor appeared on the market. I got interested, ordered one, and wrote a review. Of course, the review includes a look at the device, tests, a teardown, and a comparison with the previous version.
Affordable USB video capture device
16-07-2017, 03:31
We all live in the digital age now. It seems like everything is digital: TVs, computers, even household appliances are digitally controlled. But there are still situations where you need to work with analog signals, and that’s what today’s review is about.
KingDian N480 - 240GB SSD M.2 and adapter
22-06-2017, 23:21
I had two reasons for ordering this SSD and adapter: to test whether modern computers are working properly, and to use it as an extra drive for my main computer the rest of the time. There isn't much to say about it, so this review will be very short.
A compact four-port USB 3.0 hub from Ugreen
13-06-2017, 23:00
A couple of years ago, I published a review of a compact USB hub. It works fine, and I have no complaints about it, but after using it for a while, I found it wasn't very convenient for me. This time, I picked a USB hub from a different manufacturer to review. It has a slightly different port layout, but I also found out along the way that it's an updated version of hubs from this manufacturer that I reviewed earlier.
Expro x1 by IRULU, a small, modest tablet
6-06-2017, 16:34
Not long ago, I was asked to write a little review of an IRULU product. I decided to give it a try out of curiosity. A quick heads-up: this is a very basic tablet, but I’ll test it just like all the others. And of course, there’ll be a teardown.
VOYO VBOOK V2, a netbook with an 11.6-inch screen and an N3450 processor
5-06-2017, 13:21
At the very beginning of the year, I posted a review of a Voyo mini PC based on the new N4200 Apollo Lake processor. I was quite impressed with its specs, but I also mentioned that there was a lower-end version of this processor. Today, I'm reviewing a netbook built around it. As usual, we'll take a look around, take it apart, run some tests, and compare the N4200 with the N3450—or Pentium with Celeron—along the way.
Beelink AP42, another Apollo Lake N4200 mini PC
27-04-2017, 14:13
At the beginning of the year, I wrote about a rather interesting computer based on Intel's new Pentium N4200 processor with Apollo Lake cores. Almost everything about that computer was interesting, but it had some drawbacks, such as noise. This time, Beelink decided to take a shot at it, releasing a fanless model with the same processor. Did they succeed? Find out in this review.
YUNDOO Y8, a powerful TV box
14-04-2017, 14:38
A new release for this year has landed in my hands: a TV box based on RockChip's new RK3399 SoC. Let's just say I "happened to come across it", but I couldn't resist taking a closer look—especially since mine came in what you might call the "top-of-the-line configuration": 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of flash storage. Anyway, if you're interested in the teardown, a closer look, and a few tests, read on :)
PTVdisplay DA02, or trying to connect a smartphone to a TV
12-03-2017, 22:07
I’d come across information several times about connecting a smartphone or tablet to a TV using something like AirPlay/DLNA/Miracast. I got curious, bought one, gave it a try, and decided to tell you about it :)





