Nexbox A95X media player based on Amlogic S905X
12-10-2016, 08:55
Not long ago, there was an "unbelievably generous sale" of set-top boxes with an Amlogic S905X processor, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of flash storage. I couldn't resist either, and picked up a few.
MECOOL BB2 Media Player
10-10-2016, 15:01
In my previous review, I mentioned that I’d also review a second set-top box based on Amlogic’s new S912 processor. Performance is almost identical, but the design and software are different, so today I’m reviewing the second TV box. Teardown, tests, and conclusions are all below.
YUNDOO Y2, a TV box with the new S912 processor
9-10-2016, 00:04
Around the end of last year, two new processors (SoCs) for TV boxes were announced. They were made by Amlogic. The weakest model, the S905, came out first, followed by the S912—but its release was heavily delayed, and TV boxes with this chip have only started appearing now, almost 10 months later. So today I'm reviewing a TV box based on the new S912 SoC. Inspection, tests, teardown—the usual.
KingDian M280 - 120GB mSATA SSD
25-09-2016, 08:27
Some time ago, I reviewed the Netac N5M SSD. I really liked it, but my plans changed and I needed it for another computer, so I had to buy another one, this time with 120GB. As usual, there are tests and conclusions.
Milwaukee Electric Tool 2607-22CT M18 Hammer Drill Kit
22-09-2016, 10:16
I’ve already reviewed a couple of inexpensive cordless drills, and in the comments people told me I’d be better off sticking with products from reputable brands. Well, this time I’ll show you a product from the opposite end of the spectrum: a tool from one of the best-known brands in the US, and a fairly well-known one here too—Milwaukee.
Another Look at the Leagoo M5 Smartphone
22-09-2016, 10:02
This won’t be the first review of this phone on the site, and I don’t think it’ll be the last, since the phone has its pros—as well as its cons, of course. Either way, it certainly draws attention. Inspection, teardown, tests, conclusions.
Mini M8S II, or the Mini M8S with an upgraded processor
22-08-2016, 07:41
About six months ago, I reviewed a small but interesting TV box called the Mini M8S. Not long ago, an updated version of this device was released, featuring an S905X processor. I was curious to see how it differed, so I bought one, took a look, and took it apart. Details under the spoiler :)
A Pair of Cordless Screwdrivers
20-08-2016, 13:51
It’s no secret that a cordless screwdriver is a useful tool around the house, so I decided to test—and, more interestingly, compare—these two tools from a Chinese brand with the rather odd name LOM YUM. This review covers everything: an inspection, teardown, tests, a comparison, and a small bonus.
Cubot Rainbow
14-08-2016, 12:24
A short review of another smartphone. I’d like to say it’s another small one, but in my opinion, 5 inches still doesn’t qualify as “small”—though who knows what tomorrow will bring. As always: inspection, teardown, tests, and conclusions.
Ulefone U007, a review of yet another smartphone
12-08-2016, 09:15
There are lots of phone models, and new ones keep coming out all the time: big and small, fast and slow, good and not so good. But I always want to see how Chinese engineers have put together the latest mobile companion, so that's what I'll be doing in this review. If you're interested, come on in.
Comprehensive testing of various batteries. 18650, 16650, 18500, 26650, AA, AAA
8-08-2016, 15:27
In this review, I’ll try to compare and test a range of batteries. As it turned out, the review includes not only lithium batteries, but mostly the familiar “18650” cells. There’s also one rather unusual battery. If you’re interested, read on. Warning: this is a very long review and may be a problem for users on metered connections.
OWON B35, an interesting multimeter for the careful user
28-07-2016, 09:28
I got my hands on a somewhat unusual instrument—or, more precisely, one with an unusual feature. This multimeter can wirelessly transmit measurement results to remote devices via Bluetooth. There’s already a review of this instrument here, so mine will be more of a brief supplement, where I’ll talk about its strengths and weaknesses.
ORICO 9558RU3 or five hard drives in one box
26-07-2016, 17:07
Continuing the saga of moving to a new computer, which began back in May, I ran into a fairly significant problem. The thing is, although the new computer has a couple of SATA ports, its case is too small to fit a pair of 3.5-inch hard drives. I also wanted to make my workspace completely silent, so I decided to move all the drives elsewhere.
CUBE U27GT, a small Android tablet
17-07-2016, 09:40
Today I'm reviewing a small Android tablet. Somehow, I've usually reviewed tablets running either Windows or Windows + Android, but this time I decided to see what a relatively inexpensive Android-only tablet is like.
2GB DDR2 Kingston KVR800D2N6, or a quick look at another memory module
10-07-2016, 10:15
As it happened, I got another memory module. A friend of mine ordered it for himself, and I didn't pass up the chance to put together a quick review in case it might be useful to someone. This time it's a relatively old DDR2 module, the kind most often bought to upgrade older computers.

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4GB SO-DIMM DDR3L from Kingston: a comparison review

8 3930
8-07-2016, 22:47
Comments on reviews of memory bought in China often say it's cheaper to buy it locally. And, to be fair, I've said that myself. But then I was offered the chance to review one of the products on AliExpress, and I chose a SO-DIMM DDR3 memory module, the so-called “laptop format,” for this computer. Since I'd already bought exactly the same memory module locally, I decided to do a comparison review—and got some very interesting results.
Beelink BT7, a small computer based on the Atom X7-Z8700
8-07-2016, 10:25
Computers based on the Atom Z8x00 have been on the market for almost a year. Somehow, though, most of the devices I’ve had for review were based on the Atom Z8300, with one based on the Atom Z8500. I still hadn’t tested a device with the top-of-the-line (if you can call it that) Atom X7-Z8700. Today, I’m going to fill that gap in my testing: on my operating table is the Beelink BT7, one of the very few computers equipped with the Atom X7-Z8700. A look around, some tests, and the usual teardown and modifications.
Netac N5M mSATA: a brief review of a small SSD
2-07-2016, 14:52
Back in May, I reviewed a small computer that I’m planning to use to replace my old one. To increase the available storage, I decided to buy a 240 GB SSD. So, here’s a brief review of a small SSD.
















