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A while ago, a friend asked me to help him buy components for a scrolling text display, which he wanted to use to spruce up his little shop. We'd only ever seen them at other places, so we started figuring out how to put one together. We picked what we wanted, I placed the order, got everything, and decided to try it out at home first. There'll be an inspection, a teardown, and some tinkering with various bits of hardware—as usual :)

About a year ago, I reviewed a mini PC with a built-in screen called the PIPO X9, and I really liked it. Today I'm reviewing the next model in this series of computers, the PIPO X10.

Not long ago, mini PCs based on the new Intel Pentium N4200 system-on-chip (SoC), built around the Apollo Lake core, were announced. The “first swallow” has landed in my hands. I’d been waiting for it for a while, since I was eager to get my hands on the new hardware :) Let’s test it, take it apart, and compare it with other mini PCs.

And now a mini PC based on the new and yet already familiar x5-Z8350 SoC has landed in my hands. It’s new because it was released relatively recently, and already familiar because processors based on this core have been in production for almost a year and a half. I’ll say right away that this computer had a few surprises in store. But let’s take it one step at a time: we’ll inspect it, test it, open it up, and see if we can improve it.

Some time ago, a friend asked me to write a review of one of his products. Yes, don't be surprised, it happens :) And now I've finally gotten around to reviewing it. Unfortunately, links to some of the products are no longer active, but I think the review will still help you figure out what’s what.

In May, I wrote a review of the budget Doogee X5 MAX smartphone. More than six months have passed since then, and now I have another “test subject” from the same company. I’ve been using my X5 all this time, so in this review I won’t be able to avoid comparing the two devices, even though they belong to different price ranges. Anyway, if you’re interested in the inspection, tests, and teardown, read on.

Yes, it's another smartphone, this time a new model called CHEETAH 2 from Cubot. As always, the phone has its own quirks and nuances, but I'll take it apart and test it just like all the others.

I can't say I use a programmer very often, but sometimes I have to. So when I moved to a new computer, I ran into a problem: my old programmers wouldn't work with it. That's why I bought a more modern one that doesn't need a COM or LPT port. There are already reviews of this device here, so mine will be more of a brief photo showcase, along with a little history of programmers.

Today I’m going to talk about a small upgrade to my home network. The upgrade involved replacing my old router with a newer, faster one. For a number of reasons, this review will focus more on the router’s internals and software than on speed and performance tests.

This TV box is much like its siblings under the hood, but looks quite different. That’s why I decided to buy one and give it a try. As always, below the fold: a look around, a teardown, and a few tests.

I get asked about various video surveillance systems in private messages quite often. The questions vary, but I’ve noticed that most of them boil down to explaining the basics. People also ask for help choosing an inexpensive, simple system for a summer house, a private home, or a small shop. For this review, I picked a basic kit and will use it to explain what’s what and what you need it for.

Not long ago, I reviewed a small computer, and commenters said it would have been better with passive rather than active cooling. I didn't mention at the time that I'd just bought a small computer with passive cooling and similar specs. So today I'm reviewing that computer. We'll test it, heat it up, and take it apart.

I got my hands on a rather interesting charger—or, more accurately, a power supply. But this name has become so firmly associated with this category of devices that it’s probably easier to call it a charger. As always, the device has its pros and cons, which I’ll show you. I’ll also take it apart and give you some information on how to choose power supplies and chargers properly.

Sometimes I feel like I could write about power supplies forever. I just like them, that's all. About a year ago, I reviewed the GOPHERT CPS-3205, a very interesting adjustable power supply with pretty good build quality. Not long ago, I came across a more powerful version of this power supply. I couldn't resist and bought it. As always: inspection, tests, teardown, and conclusions.

Last month I reviewed a Milwaukee cordless drill/driver. I also mentioned then that it wasn't the only tool I had for the M18 battery system, and now it's time to take a look at the next one. If you're interested in a tool that's not exactly cheap but is definitely interesting, read on.

Continuing my series of reviews of various tools, I’d like to tell you about a drill from STANLEY, one of the best-known tool manufacturers. This won’t be a very long review, but I’ll still do my best to tell you as much as I can about this tool.

I enjoy writing reviews of all kinds of DIY projects most of all, but small computers would come in second. I'm less interested in Android devices, but Windows is a different story. That's partly why today's review is of a small Windows 10 computer—and it's definitely not the familiar Atom-based kind. A look around, tests, teardown, more tests, and conclusions—all after the jump.

Today I'm reviewing a smartphone that stands out a little from the crowd of devices made in China. It has a lot in common with phones I've reviewed before, but while preparing this review I came across some interesting features.