This review first appeared in issue 360 of PC Pro.
One of the biggest challenges for Logitech is that its best webcams are expensive compared to no-name rivals on Amazon that have similar specifications. As a recent example, consider the £219 MX Brio 705 for Business I reviewed four months ago.
Admittedly, that was a top-end device packed with features and capable of 4K streaming at 30fps. The Brio 105 is a more modest offering that’s limited to 1080p and a 58° field of view (the Brio 705 offers a choice of three FoVs). But in practice, how much resolution and flexibility do most people need? If it’s only you, sitting at your desk, attending a meeting, 1080p is absolutely fine, and a 58° FoV will place you large in the frame.
More to the point, image quality is excellent. Not just in strong light, but also when I turned off my office light at night and relied on my screen’s backlight. The Brio 105 still did a fine job, without any amateurish artefacts.
The other plus side of buying from Logitech is that the Brio can be managed from Logitech’s mature software, whether Logi Options+ for individuals or Logi Tune for businesses (you can deploy it using Logitech Sync). There’s also a three-year warranty, while the webcam has been certified for Google Meet and Works with Chromebook -and it will naturally work on Windows and macOS with all the usual conferencing platforms. Logitech takes sustainability seriously, too, promising that the plastic parts are made from 77% post-consumer recycled plastic and that this is a carbon neutral product.
From a practical point of view, it’s good to see a basic but functional plastic shutter that you can slide over the lens when not in use, and while the single mic lacks any advanced features, I found it worked fine in a home office environment. The Brio is light enough to sling into a bag, but the whole assembly will come with you as the 1.5m USB-A cable is captive rather than detachable, as is the basic two-part mechanism to keep it in place atop your screen.
Of course, you can save cash by buying a £15 webcam with the same specs. But it won’t perform as well in low light and definitely won’t be as easy to roll out and manage for businesses.
Sihoo has impressed me with their chairs over the last several years. I've had the opportunity to check out several Sihoo chairs recently, and they all look incredible. The Sihoo Doro S300 was the most futuristic chair I had checked out in a long time, and when I opened up the S100, I was giddy because it looked very similar for a fraction of the cost.
Sihoo positions itself as a simple yet ergonomic chair company. The Doro S100 points explicitly towards the budget-friendly side of the lineup -- perfect for those looking for an excellent chair for their home office without spending absurd money out of pocket.
The Doro S100 design aims to minimize strain from prolonged sitting, focusing on providing essential back support and comfort. How does it compare to the best office chairs I've tried? I put it to the test.
Sihoo Doro S100: Price and Availability
The Sihoo Doro S100 is priced competitively around $150 - $200, depending on retailer and location. It's available through popular online platforms including Amazon, Walmart, and the official website of Sihoo. Though shipping fees may vary depending on where you want to ship this chair, it's widely available in the U.S. and select international markets.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Sihoo Doro S100: Unboxing and First Impressions
Sihoo's packaging has yet again proven to be very compact and straightforward. I was able to grab the pieces I needed quickly and easily without wondering which screw to use where. This is largely due to the clear and simple instruction manual and simple included tools. However, if I'm honest, I used my HOTO electric screwdriver to assemble since I have bad wrists from arthritis due to failed reconstructive surgeries years ago.
All chair pieces were securely wrapped, ensuring nothing got scratched or damaged in transit. Which, especially since this frame is white, I appreciated.
Assembly took me about 18 minutes from unboxing to sitting in the chair. Granted, I hustled through the assembly as I was familiar with the Sihoo design language. I saw what was going on without studying the assembly instructions too long.
I was immediately impressed by this chair's similarity to the S300 in feel and look. The lightweight frame and breathable mesh stood out and greatly benefited this chair.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Sihoo Doro S100: Design and Build Quality
Sihoo has done a fantastic job keeping a similar design language across offerings. The Doro S100 has a simple and sleek design, focusing on lower back support. This support is not suffocating nor cumbersome, as the backing is made of mesh that promotes airflow and comfort. The chair is offered in a darker black or the lighter grey I have, and both look great and will last quite a long time.
I've had this chair in my rotations for the last three weeks. At that time, I found myself happy with it overall, and I forgot that it was a cheaper chair because of how comfortable it was. I can comfortably sit in this chair for an entire day of work. However, there is no deep recline option, meaning I can sit up or lean back slightly but not entirely. So, if you want to recline far back, you may not want this chair. Regardless, this chair is an excellent option for those who wish to have some range of motion while working but prefer to stay upright.
The armrests are practical and can be adjusted within a reasonable range. The chair is comfortable for prolonged sitting, although the limited recline may not satisfy those seeking deep reclining functionality. The mesh back provides support for my lower back without feeling constrictive. The cushion is firm, but it isn't excessively thick. Some days, I wish it were a bit thicker with a little more padding, but on most days, it's great.
One thing I appreciate about Sihoo and this chair is that it doesn't have a white base to match the chair. If you're in an office where you wear shoes, the chair frame can quickly get dirty from the bottom of your shoes hitting the chair legs. Thankfully, Sihoo seems to have noticed the same and has put a smooth metal base without a white coating. Further, if you are like me and have kids, I'd be weary of having them around the lighter chair in the worry of spilling something or marking it up somehow. But that's just my OCD speaking. So far, with regular use, I have not seen any color transfer from jeans, seat damage, or wear and tear.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Sihoo Doro S100: Final verdict
The Sihoo Doro S100 stands out as a competent, budget-friendly ergonomic chair that meets basic needs without overwhelming options or features — all while feeling like it's a nicer chair than it is. The Doro S100 is ideal for home office setups or more traditional workspaces if you bring your own or pick your own chair. It’s a practical choice for users prioritizing cost over customization. However, those needing comprehensive adjustability or premium materials may need to look toward mid-range models.
This review first appeared in issue 360 of PC Pro.
While Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm Arm chips are gaining plenty of attention, there are compelling reasons to stick with the traditional approach. We await the killer app for AI on laptops, and Intel’s Core Ultra chips remain better all-rounders: the x86 architecture is still king on Windows and Intel’s Arc graphics are far more accomplished than anything Qualcomm can offer.
Despite my words of praise for Lenovo’s ThinkPad T14s, there are good reasons for business buyers to remain cautious and stick with a traditional approach. Chief among them is compatibility, as the last thing a business wants to do is a mass roll-out of laptops that are incompatible with key software or the office printer.
For the 11th generation of its x360 2-in-1, HP isn’t ripping up any trees. But what it is doing is packing this laptop with power, with my test system including the excellent Core Ultra 7 155H and 32GB of RAM.
Intel may point to the battery life of this machine as an example of its efficiency, too. In PCMark’s light-use benchmark, which uses a mix of web browsing and office apps, it lasted 17hrs 42mins despite a relatively modest 68Wh battery. Playing video, it almost reached 20 hours.
(Image credit: Future)
The low-energy screen helps, with the 1,920 x 1,200 IPS panel peaking at 60Hz rather than 120Hz. It’s tuned for the sRGB color space, covering 96% of that gamut with an average Delta E of 0.78. For this price, I’d have liked the whites to look whiter, higher peak brightness (365 cd/m2 won’t be enough for use in sunshine) and more pixels wouldn’t go amiss, either, as text lacks sharpness.
Where it wins is support for touch: sometimes, prodding a dialog button is the easiest choice. HP provides a large, glass-coated touchpad for more conventional navigation, and it sits beneath a mixed keyboard. In terms of action, the Elite x360 1040 is up there with the best laptop keyboards around. There’s enough resistance to make typing a pleasure, all the important keys are suitably large, and I love its quiet nature: you’ll need to thwack the keys hard to annoy neighboring workers. But I was repeatedly tripped up by the half-height cursor keys, with Pg Up and Pg Dn immediately above the left and right arrows. It felt that whenever I hit a keyboard shortcut (such as Ctrl + left to go back one word) I hit the wrong button.
HP clearly believes that USB-C rather than USB-A is the future, with three of the former ports and only one of the latter. The right-hand USB-C port peaks at 10Gbits/sec thanks to its support for USB 3.2 Gen 2, but head to the left and you’ll find a pair of even faster USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports. HP also sticks a 3.5mm jack and HDMI 2.1 connector here, but no physical Ethernet port. Wi-Fi 6E is your networking friend rather than the more forward-looking Wi-Fi 7.
There are three USB-C ports, two of which are fast Thunderbolt options(Image credit: Future)
While the CPU’s AI abilities are stuck at a modest 34 TOPS – compared to 45 TOPS for the Snapdragons inside Copilot+ PCs – you can draw upon them when using the webcam, with Windows Studio Effects such as eye contact and background blurring at the ready. The 1440p webcam is top notch, other than a tendency to blow out highlights, and if you need to take photos it can snap at up to 2,560 x 1,440.
The mics can use AI to dial down background noise, while the speakers are among the best I’ve heard on a business laptop.
The Elite x360 1040 2-in-1 G11 is a highly practical laptop(Image credit: Future)
When it comes to ease of repair, this laptop is a delight. Remove four crosshead screws, slide a pick into the gap and the rear lifts off to reveal a replaceable Wi-Fi card, battery and SSD, though the memory is embedded onto the motherboard. And while the one-year warranty is to be expected, you can buy a Care Pack at any point during that year to extend it to up to five years of on-site cover. HP also provides its Wolf Security for one year, offering an extra layer of protection baked into the hardware.
With a 1.4kg weight and 14.7mm thickness – both above average for a 14in laptop due to the nature of convertible designs – the HP Elite x360 1040 G11 is not going to set pulses aflame with desire. Nor is its matte silver finish. But this is a well-built 2-in-1 designed for practicality, from its port selection to its battery life to its build quality. It’s not an exciting choice, but it is a safe one – especially if you already manage a fleet of HP laptops.
The Electric Standing Desk from Mount-It is affordable for anyone looking to enjoy the health and ergonomic benefits of a hybrid sit/stand workspace. With a 55-inch wide desktop and an easy-to-use control panel for height adjustment, this desk is well-suited for home and corporate office settings, making it an excellent fit for various work environments.
Mount-It is known for its wide range of accessories, including TV mounts, and monitor arms. The company is even behind one of the best standing desk converters we've seen. However, what may be less well known is that they also have quality standing desks at a great price. Having tested out all the best standing desks, I was keen to see how the company's offering stacks up.
Mount-It ESD: Price and Availability
The Electric Standing Desk from Mount-It is priced at $389.99, making it a fantastic budget desk. It has a lifetime warranty and offers free shipping to the contiguous US. The desk has six different finishes, which fit most office décor and styles.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Mount-It ESD: Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon unboxing, the desk components are neatly packaged and easy to assemble. The assembly process is straightforward, with clear instructions and minimal tools required. Right away, my first impressions were that of a sturdy, well-built desk that feels reliable -- despite its single-motor design. The 55” tabletop is spacious enough for a multi-monitor setup and office essentials, though if you are doing two side-by-side horizontal monitors, they may not leave much space on either end. This desk is perfect for a minimal work setup, perhaps just a laptop or a single monitor.
The model I have features a lightwood top and white legs, a sleek color combination that looks good in almost any room I have tried. I go back and forth between preferring a darker or lighter wood, but this light wood and white leg combination is simple, clean, and refreshing.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Mount-It ESD: Design and Build Quality
Specs
Height Range: 29.3” to 47.5” Tabletop Dimensions: 55”W x 29”D Weight Capacity: 154 lbs Memory Settings: 3 Leg Design: 2-stage Speed: 0.8” per second Noise Level: <55dB
The desk features a sleek, minimalist design with a sturdy steel base. The 55” tabletop is made from high-quality materials, offering durability and a smooth surface for writing or using a mouse. The sharp 90-degree edges help make this desk clean and minimal, though it could be dangerous if this is a home office desk and you have kids running around.
The single-motor design supports weight capacities up to 154 lbs, making it suitable for a basic desk setup, though I would only go riding up and down on this desk sometime soon (mainly because I am a good 50lb past the limit.
Sadly, the design lacks some premium features, such as dual motors or more diverse color options. However, that is what you get with a budget desk offering. Yet, the available offerings are not cheap -- they feel more like a bargain.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Mount-It ESD: In use
The single electric motor adjusts the desk’s height smoothly and quietly, allowing you to switch from sitting to standing with minimal disruption. The intuitive control panel features three programmable memory presets for different heights. However, the speed of 0.8” per second may feel slow to users accustomed to faster adjustment times, primarily if they have used other, more premium electric standing desks. Despite this, the desk’s quiet operation and sturdy design make it a reliable choice for everyday use.
My team and I use this desk as a laptop workstation with minimal things on it, and it's perfect. It's super easy and smooth to press one of the preset buttons, have the desk spring to life, and adjust perfectly to the preset height. This has been super helpful for multiple users of standing heights and seated heights with the chair we have at this desk.
Despite being a budget offering, this desk has been surprisingly stable and has survived some beatings from putting some gear down on it too aggressively. Yet, the wood top has held up nicely.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Mount-It ESD: Final verdict
The Mount-It Electric Standing Desk is a dependable, budget-friendly option for those looking to enhance their workspace ergonomics. While it lacks some advanced features in higher-end models, its large tabletop, smooth height adjustment, and basic memory settings make it a solid choice for home and office use.
The Yeedi C12 Pro Plus is great for what it is – a mid-tier robot vacuum that will help keep your floors mostly clean between deep cleanings. If your budget is limited to around $600, it might even be among the best robot vacuums for you. Of course, robot vacuums have come a long way so, if you're able to splurge, it might pale in comparison to some of the competition, though you'll have to pay much more for those other options.
It can't get right up to the edges of rooms, it's limited in the smart home department, and it's a little louder than other options. However, its vacuuming and mopping is good otherwise, and Yeedi seems to finally have cracked the code on mapping open-floor spaces, something I've been harping on since I first reviewed the Yeedi Cube and have continued to have issues with just about every other manufacturer since.
While the eye-catching design of the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus' base station is certainly a plus, the more important factor here is the affordability of this robot vacuum. Even disregarding the fact that it's going to see plenty of deals – as is the nature of Yeedi and Ecovacs products – this is a relatively affordable model. While I consider it mid-tier, it's among the most affordable options out there that include mopping functionality.
So, if you're on a budget but still want that mopping ability and can live with some compromises, then this could be the robovac for you. Read on for my full Yeedi C12 Pro Plus review, where I'll dive deeper into its design and how it performs, so that you can decide for yourself.
My review model, ready to start testing(Image credit: Future)
Yeedi C12 Pro Plus review: price & availability
List price: $599.99 (about £470 / AU$900)
Available: US
Launched: July 2024
Even though Yeedi is owned by Ecovacs, this brand (or sub-brand, rather) seems to only be available in the US. At least this model is slightly more accessible than the Yeedi Cube, not to mention much cheaper than many of the Ecovacs robot vacuums out there.
You will have to make a few concessions for that lower price point. There's no clean and dirty water reservoirs in the base station, and the mopping pad is a flat semicircle rather than spinning discs (which are generally more effective).
You'll also live without quality of life features like mop pad washing and drying – although you can easily remove the mop pad and clean it yourself. So, if you're on a little bit of a budget, you might forgo some conveniences, but this robot vacuum is still a strong contender.
The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop, which has a similar form factor, will set you back just a little more at $699 (about £559 / AU$1,054). Having reviewed that Shark robot vacuum, I do have to say that it runs a little quieter than the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus. But, it doesn't look quite as cool.
If you want to put the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus' value in context, consider the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo, a robot vacuum I gave a nearly perfect score to for its great performance, feature set, and wonderful mapping, not to mention the fact that it comes with a handheld vacuum. While the Yeedi is missing a lot of the features, and isn't quite as good when it comes to performance, it's also about double in price at $1,199.99 (about £9500 / AU$1,800).
Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5
Yeedi C12 Pro Plus specs
Yeedi C12 Pro Plus review: design
Attractive and unusual looking base station
Anti-tangling brushroll
Have to manually switch out backplate for mopping function
Since the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus is mid-tier, it's a bit more stripped down and a little less automated than many brands' newest, flagship models. Despite that, this robot vacuum has some aesthetic appeal.
Available in black or white colorways, the base station's dust bin is actually transparent, showcasing the red metal filter inside that just demands attention. Instead of trying to be discreet, the base station is bold, and that's something I appreciate.
Unusually, the dock dustbin is clear, so you can see the filter and debris(Image credit: Future)
Since it doesn't have water reservoirs, it also doesn't take up a ton of space. There's just a dustbin into which the (small) onboard dust cup self-empties after every use. At 1.5 liters, the dock bin is smaller than many competitors', but should still hold a decent amount of dust and debris. It pops right out with a push of a button, making it easy to empty out every few weeks.
As far as the robot vacuum itself, it has the usual round shape with the protruding center. There's a bumper on the front for when it runs into stuff – I'll talk about object avoidance below, but let's just say it needs the bumper. And there are three buttons on top for basic controls.
There are separate backplates for mopping and vacuuming(Image credit: Future)
There's just one side brush here, but at least the roller underneath is of the anti-tangling variety. There are actually two backplates that come with the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus – one if you just want to vacuum and one to add mopping functionality. The latter adds a 0.4 liter water reservoir and a flat mopping pad that will vibrate and apply downward pressure on the floor as it goes about its business. Since it can't retract this mopping pad, unlike more expensive models that have the spinning mop pads, it will just avoid carpeting when in mopping mode.
Design score: 4 out of 5
Yeedi C12 Pro Plus review: performance
Surprisingly good vacuuming, including pet hair
Solid mopping but doesn't get to the edges of rooms
Is a bit louder and has mediocre object avoidance
While I did test the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus with various debris to see how it would do, I was surprised to see it pick up a bunch of dust, dander, and pet hair on its first couple runs on what I thought were already clean floors. That's a testament to how well it vacuums up (it boasts 8,000Pa of suction, which is actually higher than you'd usually find on a robovac at this price point).
Beyond that, it did well vacuuming up larger pieces of debris. Just to test that, I threw a bunch of cereal in front of it (a Lucky Charms knock-off, if that's important to you) and it sucked it all right up.
The C12 Pro Plus had no issues sucking up breakfast cereal(Image credit: Future)
On top of that, the brushroll, even after a good number of cleaning runs, was mostly tangle-free. Keeping in mind that this is a full household with a few people with long hair and a couple of dogs, along with a cat, that's impressive.
This anti-tangle brushroll works well(Image credit: Future)
It only has one side brush – not unusual, although you will find some robovacs double up here. Also worth noting is that it's a bit louder than some other robot vacuums, with a volume of around 62db if you're a foot or two away.
The mop pad is a wide semicircle that vibrates, as opposed to the spinning disc variety (which tends to perform better). However, on test I was quite impressed. I found this robovac delivered a nice, even mop that dries quickly and it quickly cleans up small spills – I threw a bit of Diet Coke right in front of it to test, and it was wiped up in one pass.
The robovac did a good job of clearing this diet Coke spillage(Image credit: Future)
Mopping the edges of rooms is a common issue with robovacs. A handful of premium models feature extra side mops or pads that can shift outwards to get close to the edges of rooms; unsurprisingly there's nothing like that here. That means the mopping can't get right up to the edges of rooms.
Also unsurprising at this price point is the fact that there are no mop pad washing and drying capabilities built into the dock. That means you'll have to manually clean the mop pad if it gets dirty, or you risk tracking soy sauce or, worse, mold, across your floors. There is an extra mop pad supplied, so you can swap it in as you leave a dirty one to dry out.
It's worth noting that, as long as you’re not trying to vacuum carpets, you can leave the mopping backplate on and still do a great job vacuuming. As mentioned before, when in mopping mode, it will avoid carpets. I threw a bath mat in front of the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus, and it cleaned right up to the edge and then backed off.
The C12 Pro Plus successfully identified and avoided mopping the bathmat, but ran straight into the bottle(Image credit: Future)
One area where the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus fell down a little was its object avoidance. Now, it didn't get stuck on anything despite there being plenty of dog toys sitting around, though it did bump into them. But, when placing a squirt bottle in front of it, instead of going around, the robot vacuum just pushed it out of the way.
Cliff sensors ensure the robovac doesn't take a tumble down stairs(Image credit: Future)
In terms of battery life, this robot vacuum has 300 minutes of use on a single charge on anything but the most basic of vacuuming operations, you'll still get a lot of use out of this before it needs to charge. On test, I found it could manage 170 minutes when mopping as well as vacuuming, which is pretty impressive. However, like most robot vacuums, it seems to return the base station somewhat frequently (to self-empty usually, so I never saw its battery life dip particularly low.
Performance score: 4 out of 5
Yeedi C12 Pro Plus review: app
Easy to use and navigate
The mapping is very good, even with open floor plans
Not much in the way of smart home features
Getting the robot vacuum set up in the companion app for testing was clean and straightforward. As with most apps these days, I found the app easy to use and navigate, although it did take a minute of poking around to figure out where everything is – some of the functionality, particularly anything map-related, is tucked behind picture icons in the top right.
There are a number of noteworthy things in the app. Of course, there's the basic ability to set up a schedule and adjust some settings, such as a child lock and 'do not disturb' modes. But what really stands out is the fact that not only does it automatically section off the different rooms when mapping, but it allows you to partition each room into smaller areas as well. Many companion apps that use a line tool can get stuck on this, but even though Yeedi's app uses the same approach, here I had no issues cutting off half or a quarter of a space into a new 'room'.
As great as that is, anyone hoping for smart home features will be sorely disappointed to see that there's no voice assistant or voice assistant support. You'll either need to use the app or the physical buttons on the robot vacuum itself.
App score: 4 out of 5
Should you buy the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus?
Buy it if...
You want a combo robovac without breaking the bank
Even though it's about $600 / £500, you can't really go much cheaper and still get quality mopping performance to go along with good vacuuming in a robot vacuum.
You have pets
This robovac packs a surprising amount of power for the price, and I found it handled pet hair well. The anti-tangle brushroll worked as advertised, too. However, do note my comment below regarding object avoidance.
You have an open-plan space
The mapping ability here fixes many of the frustrations I’ve experienced with other models – namely, it has no issues separating open plan rooms into smaller spaces. It’s easy to use and manipulate so that you can more easily spot clean.
Don't buy it if...
You want voice control
Since this is a more budget model (when compared to other models with the mopping feature), it doesn't have voice assistant support. If you want to use Alexa, Siri, etc. to control your robot vacuum, you'll have to look elsewhere.
You want the very best cleaning performance
Though the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus gets 90 per cent of the way there compared to more expensive models, it struggles with things like getting up to the edges of rooms.
Good object avoidance is important
The Yeedi C12 Pro Plus didn't always identify or avoid objects in its way, which might be an issue if you have a pet that isn't reliably house trained, for instance.
Yeedi C12 Pro Plus review: also consider
Not sold on the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus? Here are some alternatives to consider.
Narwal Freo X Ultra
The Narwal Freo X Ultra is expensive (very expensive) but has, like the C12 Pro Plus, a more striking base station design, looking like it came out of a sci-fi movie. It also is filled to the brim with features, such as the ability to use the robot vacuum as a mobile security cam, not to mention it can reach the corners of a room, though it's strangely not quite as good with the edges.
The Yeedi Cube may be a bit longer in the tooth, but it comes with some features that the C12 Pro Plus doesn't, such as mop pad drying, which helps avoid mold and bacteria. Just be aware that the Cube is going to cost you a little more for the extra features, which does include a voice assistant.
To test the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus, I used it for a week to vacuum and mop the hardwood floors and carpeting in my house. I focused on how well the vacuum cleaned the edges of a room as well as around obstacles. I also tested the features listed in the app, most notably the mapping.
Platform reviewed: PC Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release date: October 14, 2024
You've seen New World before, sure, but have you seen New World: Aeternum? This soft relaunch of Amazon Game Studio's flagging 2021 MMORPG is what the company is calling a 'spiritual sequel' to the original. In layman's terms, that means next-gen console support, new story campaign cinematics, and a refined controller-friendly combat system that doubles down on the game's action RPG setup.
This is, spoiler alert, mostly the same game as before - but New World: Aeternum already had a solid foundation and the inclusion of console players could potentially breathe fresh life into this game.
Some of the best MMORPGs have been years in the making and Amazon's stubborn dedication to improving its first big MMORPG title is commendable. With a vast game world and diverse array of player versus player (PvP) and player versus environment (PvE) content, there's certainly a lot that New World: Aeternum offers - especially for a fresh player.
(Image credit: Amazon)
Getting it right the second time
New World: Aeternum is in some ways an MMO that’s stronger than the sum of its parts. It is, in a nutshell, an extremely competent and refined effort that skates close to excellence in so many areas yet doesn’t always stand out.
It’s a rework that’s a culmination of three years of tweaks and painfully learned lessons from Amazon. It isn’t, however, a radical departure from what was offered before - you’ve got the same weapons, the same art style, and the same world - with a few exceptions like new cutscenes. In some ways, it’s a little awkward reviewing this title as a new player in 2024.
So, if New World doesn’t stand out - then why is it just so damn fun to pick up and play? There is an intangible sense of fun to New World that makes it both an approachable and incredibly cohesive MMORPG experience. There's nothing new here, but there's something about this game that just works.
For example, there’s an intuitiveness to the open world in New World: Aeternum that makes sense right away. The game’s core gameplay loops of questing, PvP, and gathering all integrate seamlessly into a game world that just begs you to get out and explore. The world of Aeternum is full of trees, plants, and ores ready to harvest and if you don’t find yourself wandering off in search of hemp, herbs, or lumber, then you’re simply missing out on one of this game’s strongest aspects.
Even without the superb gathering and crafting, there’s no doubt that New World is one of the most pick-up-and-play MMOs I’ve played in a long time when it comes to the overall experience. There’s a little bit of something for everyone here - dungeons, player-owned housing, and excellent crafting all wrapped up in a well-thought-out and refreshingly simple manner.
(Image credit: Amazon)
Your favorite MMO, now with cutscenes
One of the biggest additions to New World: Aeternum is the inclusion of a more cohesive main quest storyline - one that’s now complete with cutscenes, improved world-building, and a streamlined questing experience.
I played through the entire main story quest line for this review and my thoughts are that it’s pretty good but not outstanding. The story isn’t anything mind-blowing but there are decent characters, compelling boss fights with actual mechanics, and a modern quest design that breaks away from the usual MMO tropes of killing ten skeletons and such.
(Image credit: Amazon)
Best bit
(Image credit: Amazon)
Exploring the world of Aeternum is constantly entertaining. You'll be questing, fighting enemy players, and gathering any number of players along the way in a vast and interactive game world. Rarely will you be stuck hanging around in camp.
If you really beeline it through the quest, expect it to take you around 30 hours until you hit the final boss fight - which, I have to say, is rather excellent (no spoilers, sorry). It’s an experience you can completely take on solo in the vein of a single-player action RPG but I’d highly recommend taking the time out to engage with the game’s excellent side-quests, crafting, and PvP aspects along the way. You can play solo, sure, but New World’s strong suit remains the extracurricular activities.
The beauty of Aeternum is in the myriad distractions it offers. Plus, I’d note that while the main quest does introduce you to the vast majority of zones and themes within the game, it doesn’t really deep-dive into PvP, group content, or end-game gearing. You'll have to work those out for yourself or ask a member from New World's vibrant community of console and PC players.
(Image credit: Amazon)
Jack of all trades
As previously mentioned, there’s a wide range of both PvE and PvP content within this game, ranging all the way from basic dungeons and solo world PvP to 10-man raids and 20 vs 20 player battlegrounds. There is, quite simply, a lot of content in New World: Aeternum and it’s all underpinned by a refreshed console-friendly combat system.
With the new combat - it’s a mixed bag but mostly good. As previously stated, New World has a relatively stripped-down action RPG system that encourages movement and dodging rather than providing a piano-like array of spells and abilities. You’re essentially going to be switching through two weapons, both of which have just three abilities on the bar at once. There’s nothing wrong with this (in fact, it’s perfect for controller support), but don’t expect an incredibly in-depth set of abilities to use as per the traditional MMORPG experience.
I gave all sixteen of New World’s weapons a whirl during my playtime and every single one brings something to the table in regard to class fantasy, mechanics, and abilities. Want to bonk your enemies on the head with a giant hammer? No problem. Conversely, you may want to plink at your enemies at a distance with the musket or bow. All weapons are fine choices and offer a diverse range of builds and play styles. I personally like the musket, although I found hitboxes to be frustratingly inconsistent unless I was using the game’s Dark Souls-style lock-on system to track my enemies.
(Image credit: Amazon)
Fans of action-orientated combat will find a lot to like with New World: Aeternum; especially if you’re the kind of person who likes to try different builds. Not only is changing your character’s attribute points incredibly cheap but you’re never locked into one particular weapon or armor type with New World. Don’t hesitate to try out the various weapons and find the right one.
In terms of content, this game is chock-full of stuff that’s readily available to both solo and group players. While a chunk of the high-end PvE stuff is locked behind the maximum level of 65, an easy-to-use matchmaking system means it’s easy to get a group without the need to join a guild or clan. New World is one of the most solo-friendly MMOs I’ve played for a while - and one that respects your time if you’re looking for something relatively casual.
(Image credit: Amazon)
A bland new world
Earlier in my review I alluded to the fact that New World is a perfectly competent MMO but it doesn’t particularly stand out in one area. The PvE? Well executed. The PvP? Yep, that’s pretty good too. There's not one single aspect of New World that really knocked me off my seat during my initial 40 hours of gameplay, however.
If there’s one area where I think New World falls down on, it’s that it lacks a solid identity. All the boxes are ticked here to make an incredibly engaging MMO but nothing feels special in the way that, say, World of Warcraft circa 2004 did.
Take the overall art style and premise, for example. New World is loosely set in the age of sail but Amazon deemed it fit to stuff in as many generic fantasy and historical tropes as it could into the world of Aeternum. One minute you’re fighting pirates, the next minute you’re fighting Roman Legionaries, the next minute ghosts. There’s a lot of variety in the game world but it feels like Amazon just threw together generic historical Assassin’s Creed-like concepts rather than building something with a really cool and unique angle.
There’s no doubt that the development team can design engaging environments and game mechanics but I never really felt that strong sense of class fantasy that you get with some MMOs. The world is a little bland, unfortunately, and New World doesn’t particularly stand out as either a PvP game par excellence or a PvE powerhouse in the way that modern retail World of Warcraft does save its superb crafting and gathering system. Still, this is a good game with an intangible sense of fun and one that no doubt has a solid future should Amazon continue to commit to content updates.
(Image credit: Amazon)
Should I play New World: Aeternum?
Play it if...
You want an approachable MMO New World: Aeternum features an extensive array of content that can be enjoyed both as a solo player and as a group. The barrier to entry for most content is relatively low and the world is also intuitively built around an excellent gathering and crafting system.
You particularly enjoy crafting and professions
There's something just really, really fun about New World: Aeternum's crafting system. Exploring the game world for valuable resources, building a camp, and crafting your own gear. There are plenty of professions to explore in New World and they all work together to create a superb in-game economy that's unaffected by the micro-transactions common in other MMOs.
Don't play it if...
You want to push high-end PvE content New World: Aeternum has a 10-man raid at max level but it's not as packed as its competitors when it comes to high-level PvE content. It's a jack-of-all-trades game that's suited to players who value variety over one particular end-game content type. Watch this space though, as raids are a relatively new addition to the game and could be expanded upon going forward.
Accessibility
New World: Aeternum has an extensive list of accessibility features, including text-to-speech, font size scaling, and colorblind modes. It also has some superb aim assist options for both controller and mouse and keyboard setups. All these options are easy to find in the 'Accessibility' menu within the games settings menu.
How I reviewed New World: Aeternum
I played New World: Aeternum for 40 hours before writing this review. That was enough time to play through the entire main story quest line, see most of the zones in-game, and test out the game's PvE and PvP content. While the game is incredibly vast, I made sure to sample most of what New World has objectively before making an assessment.
When it comes to reviewing MMORPGs, I draw upon almost two decades of experience to determine how New World: Aeternum stacks up. Just a few of the titles I've played include World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, Black Desert Online, Lost Ark, Eve Online, ESO, and most recently Throne and Liberty.
The company hasn’t been around all that long, but this is not Austrian Audio’s first rodeo at the entry point of the wired over-ear headphones market. Its performance credentials are established, but with the Hi-X20 it seems to have decided that it would like its headphones to look as coherent as they sound to sit among the best wired headphones out there. Which can only be a good thing.
The ‘Hi-X’ bit of the model number means ‘high excursion’, and the Hi-X20 use the same 44mm full-range dynamic driver assembly as all the other ‘Hi-X’ models in the Austrian Audio line-up. This, too, counts as an uncomplicatedly good thing.
And when it comes to ‘performance’, the Hi-X20 are all business. From detail retrieval to dynamics, and soundstaging to tonal balance, they’re a confident and very accomplished listen. They unify recordings properly, strike a nice balance between ‘poise’ and ‘attack’, keep momentum levels high and have complete command over rhythm and tempo. Some listeners might conceivably require greater punch from the (nicely shaped, nicely varied) low frequencies that are on offer here, but everyone else can just revel in sound quality that makes the asking price seem a bit like a misprint.
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Price & release date
Released October, 2024
Priced $150 / £120 / AU$250
The Austrian Audio Hi-X20 have been on sale since October 2024, and at a price of $150 / £120 / AU$250 they’re one of the company’s most affordable designs. But while the affordable wired over-ear closed-back design isn’t the most fashionable at the moment, it’s not as if the Hi-X20 are your only choice. Plenty of brands, from FiiO to Sony and many points in between, have a comparable model in their line-ups…
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Specs
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Features
44mm full-range dynamic drivers
12Hz - 24kHz frequency response
Detachable 3m cable
The same high-excursion dynamic driver is fitted to every ‘Hi-X’ headphones in the Austrian Audio line-up. It’s a 44mm full-range number, backed by a powerful ring magnet and lightweight copper-covered aluminium voice-coil. A strong magnetic field, optimal airflow and rapid impulse reaction all combine in the arrangement to deliver, according to the manufacturer, a frequency response of 12Hz - 24kHz.
The Hi-X20 are supplied with a three-meter length of cable for connection to a source. At one end it clicks and twists into a 2.5mm socket on the left ear cup, while at the other end its 3.5mm termination also features a 6.3mm adapter. It’s a useful length of cable if you’re using your headphones in a professional capacity, sure, but it’s a bit much if all you’re doing is domestic listening. A second, shorter option in the packaging might have been nice.
That’s pretty much your lot for ‘features’. Even the most expensive passive headphones tend not to have all that long a list of features, and the Hi-X20 simply have the essentials.
Features score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Sound quality
Fast, attacking-yet-controlled sound
Confident, positive presentation
Some listeners will require greater bass presence
Despite sharing the same driver arrangement as every other ‘Hi-X’ model, Austrian Audio has tuned the Hi-X20 to address some perceived issues in the way some of the brand's predecessors sound. Whether or not it has been successful in this endeavour, there’s certainly no getting away from the fact that the Hi-X20 are a persuasive listen and an accomplished product.
There’s straight-edged attack to the onset of sounds, no matter where in the frequency range they occur. The top end is bright and shining, nicely controlled and with enough substance to prevent even the crunchiest treble sounds becoming edgy or hard. The Hi-X20 are speedy in their presentation, and keep momentum levels high in every circumstance.
A 24bit/44.1kHz FLAC of Lamb’s Trans Fatty Acid from Kruder & Dorfmeister’s The K&D Sessions illustrates the point in full. The Hi-X20 fairly motor through the tune, expressing the rhythm confidently and offering a direct, convincing overall presentation. Integration of the frequency range is smooth throughout, and in the midrange there’s a degree of positivity that makes the vocal performance sound assertive and articulate.
At the bottom of the frequency range, the Austrian Audio extract and contextualize just as much detail as elsewhere, and there’s pleasing variation to bass sounds. They’re not without substance, either – although the fleet-footed nature of the sound here means the lowest frequencies can be fractionally slender – if you’re the sort of listener who likes to be pummelled by low-frequency presence, you might conceivably find the Hi-X20 a little on the lean side.
Dynamic headroom is considerable, and the Austrian Audio respond instantly to switches in volume or intensity. They create a large, well-defined and properly organized soundstage, too, and manage to unify even complex recordings into singular occurrences rather than present them as a collection of individual and unrelated events.
Switching to a 24bit/96kHz FLAC file of Nick Drake’s Which Will allows the Hi-X20 to demonstrate their understanding of tone and texture. The acoustic instrumentation and close-mic’d vocal is delivered in an intimate, assured style – not every pair of headphones can make this recording sound as near-field and naturalistic as this, no matter the asking price.
Sound quality score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Design
Neat folding arrangement
Metal headband and hinges
Replaceable ear pads
You don’t ‘design’ headphones, really, certainly not affordable headphones – you ‘build’ them. And so the Hi-X20 look just as you’d expect a pair of affordable over-ear closed-back headphones to look. ‘Design’ doesn’t come into it.
Mind you, at least the Hi-X20 don’t follow the example of previous affordable Austrian Audio models by having far too many colours and textures involved. The HiX-20 are almost entirely black in finish, with only a smattering of branding picked out in red. The plastic that constitute the rear of the ear cup and cover the headband adjustment mechanism feel sturdy enough, and the slow-retention memory foam that makes up the ear pads and sits across the inside of the headband is pleather-covered and comfortable.
In fact, thanks to their 255g weight and some judicious clamping force, the whole experience of wearing the Hi-X20 is comfortable. There’s plenty of headband adjustment available, and the Austrian Audio fold plenty small enough to fit into the small, soft bag they’re supplied with.
Design score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Value
Comfortable, good-looking and acceptably finished
Long cable only minor shortcoming
They’re the best-looking ‘Hi-X’ headphones so far, they’re built and finished to a very acceptable standard, they’re comfortable and they sound great. Maybe the cable is on the long side, but if you can live with this minor shortcoming (and you really ought to), there’s no disputing the value for money the Hi-X20 represent.
Value score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Should I buy the Austrian Audio Hi-X20?
Buy them if...
You enjoy direct, revealing sound
They have great powers of insight, the Hi-X20, but even more than this they’re an engaging and entertaining listen. It’s a potent combination
You enjoy an understated look Unlike previous Austrian Audio efforts, the Hi-X20 are not showy where colors are concerned – and they’re all the better for it
You intend to listen for hours on end The Austrian Audio are comfortable for the long haul, and their ear pads don’t heat up anything like as quickly as some alternative headphones
Don't buy them if...
You’re a bass fiend Low frequencies are properly represented here, but the Hi-X20 are a whippet of a listen, rather than an XL Bully
You get tangled easily Three meters of cable might be ideal for some users, but the rest of us are going to find ourselves with a lot of cable that’s just in the way
Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Also consider
Grado SR80x
If you'll accept an open-back design (and one that sits on, rather than over, your ears) there's so much to love sonically about Grado's May 2021-release affordable headphones. The design is Grado's calling card – just don't wear them on the bus unless you want to annoy your fellow commuters. Read ourGrado SR80xreview for the full story.
Sivga Oriole Another beautiful set of headphones that belie their lowly price tag, this time over-ears and finished in wood. The sound is strong and vivacious too, if lacking in a little of the dynamic nuance of much pricier options. See ourSivga Oriole reviewfor the full story
How I tested the Austrian Audio Hi-X20
Connected to an iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amplifier
With a variety of digital audio file types and sizes
For well over a working week
My reference amplifier (a Naim Uniti Star) has a 3.5mm headphone socket – and so all my testing was done using a (delightfully capable) iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amp connected via UBS-C to an Apple MacBook Pro. And this is loaded with Colibri software in order to play proper high-resolution content, plus less information-rich stuff, too. I listened to music of every style and genre and did all of this for just over two weeks.
The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is essentially an easy way to keep all your digital data safe, whether personal or for business, albeit at a cost. The design is reminiscent of a traditional safe keypad, and the way it works isn't too far removed. Once set up with admin and user passcodes or passwords, you can be assured that the only way back into the ample 2TB of storage is with the correct codes.
The passcode protection is at the hardware level, and iStorage has built the small drive to withstand brute force attempts to access it, both physically and through software. If someone does find a way to hack their way in, then there are options to erase all data if unauthorized access is attempted, essentially meaning that this drive offers one of the most secure data drive options out there.
When it comes to software protection, the drive is safeguarded by AES 256-bit encryption with FIPS 140-3 validation. This security is coupled with a rugged, tamper-proof casing that will help to ensure your data stays safe, although it's also worth pointing out the while this case is tough it isn't waterproof.
Reflecting the drive's security, the build and design all reflect the nature of this SSD. However, in terms of size, it's only slightly larger than other 2TB portable SSDs on the market and shares a similar USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection. This connection enables quoted data transfer speeds of up to 448MB/s, and in our benchmarking tests, the read speeds we registered weren't too far off that mark.
While speed is important, with the drive enabling access at speeds in excess of 400MB/s through our test, this is relatively slow for an SSD, however, that's more than enough for most documents you want to keep secure. With a decent 2TB of storage space, there should be ample room for a business's corporate documents and any other digital data that needs to be kept secure, and there are options for a larger capacity if your budget allows.
It may not be the best portable SSD we've tested when it comes to speeds, but whether it's for business, personal use, or as a drive you'll be taking with you but need to keep secure, the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is one of the smallest and most secure options out there.
iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Price & availability
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 (2TB SSD) is priced at £660. It is available directly from iStorage and includes a semi-hard protective case, USB Type-C and Type-A cables, and a 3-year warranty. The drive is available for purchase in several storage capacities.
Score: 4/5
iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Design & build
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The DiskAshur Pro 3's build quality and design completely reflect its intended use as a secure portable SSD. First, the drive's size, at 131 x 83mm x 20.8mm and weighing 257g, makes it ultra-portable and easy to stash in a physical safe if needed. Like other portable SSDs, its small size and weight make it easy to carry, adding little bulk or weight to any bag you might be using. The actual size of the drive is marginally larger than a standard 2.5" portable SSD, although only by a bit, due to the added protection of the case.
Aside from the slight increase in physical dimensions, the main feature that sets this drive apart is the keypad on the front, which has a standard 12-key layout with numbers 0 to 9, along with a shift and lock key. Different key combinations essentially enable you to unlock and access various functions and features.
Alongside the keys are three LED lights that let you gauge exactly what is happening and enable you to set admin and user passwords. It's a very analog approach and enables the drive to be completely independent from the need for a computer, aside from the power draw to the connected device until it's unlocked.
The only other visible physical features are the USB Type-C port on the back, which handles all data transfer, and a Kensington lock, which enables it to be physically secured to a desk with an appropriate cable.
Internally, the drive's construction ensures durability with a tamper-proof epoxy enclosure that prevents physical access, essentially if you try to break it apart the epoxy, as it's removed will inevitably damage the drive. The design also features IP56 protection, which means that drive is dust- and water-resistant, allowing it to withstand more than most.
Design & build: 4.5/5
iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Features
The DiskAshur Pro 3 is designed with security as its primary focus, and every feature of this compact portable SSD reflects that. Starting with the physical keypad on the front, it's designed to allow you to enter PINs ranging from 8 to 64 digits in length to gain access. Through the setup process, which is carried out using combinations of button presses, you can protect against brute force lockouts and set self-destruct PINs. You can also enable backlit illumination for the keypad to use in low-light environments. Additionally, the drive allows for different PIN setups, including admin, user, and one-time pass, offering plenty of flexibility in how the drive can be used.
The drive's physical features showcase its security credentials, which are backed by its successful evaluation and issuance of CAVP certificates, which demonstrate compliance with the latest U.S. government computer security standards for cryptographic modules. These CAVP certificates include Library—Certificate A5501, EC Library—Certificate A5502, RNG Library—Certificate A5500, and Entropy Source Certificate E198. Essentially, it meets very high-security standards, including those government accreditations. Further adding to its secure credentials, it features military-grade FIPS PUB 197 validated AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption.
In addition to the technology that protects the data, the drive itself is encased in a durable epoxy resin layer, which makes it nearly impossible to remove the drive without breaking it apart. A feature that will appeal to many is the ability to format the drive in native file formats for different systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, as well as others. You can also configure the drive to be bootable for Linux or other operating systems. To ensure maximum compatibility, the drive comes with a USB Type-C connector, and the protective semi-hard case includes both Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Type-A cables.
While the drive isn't built for speed, the USB Type-C connection ensures decent transfer rates, with speeds up to 448MB/s. Once set up, there are plenty of options and protections, including a brute force hack defence mechanism that allows 10 consecutive failed attempts to access the drive before all data is erased. For access, you can set up user, admin, and one-time access, with the option for a self-destruct PIN that will erase the full content of the drive if entered.
Looking at a few of the more physical features of the drive, it includes a backlit keypad that can be switched on or off as needed. The keys themselves are made from ultra-robust, wear-resistant epoxy, ensuring their longevity. It's also worth highlighting that while the drive is rugged, it isn't waterproof but is IP65 certified for dust and water resistance.
When it comes to more advanced features, the drive can be configured to be write-protected, allowing the contents to be viewed but not altered or removed. Additionally, you have three encryption options: AES-ECB 256-bit, AES-CTS 256-bit (default), and AES-CBC 256-bit.
The main feature of this drive is security, but speed is also of interest. With SSD technology and an ultrafast USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 connection, the speeds are relatively decent, though not groundbreaking. In our benchmarking tests, the drive consistently produced results around 400MB/s read and 250MB/s write. While these speeds would be restrictive for any creative use as a working drive, the fact that it offers a huge 2TB of storage means that, if you have client work that needs to be kept secure, it will still back up your content considerably faster than an HDD, even if it takes a bit longer than a standard SSD.
During testing, the drive was carried around for a week in a backpack along with other gear, though always in the protective semi-hard case included with the purchase. The combination of the case, the robust build of the drive, and the solid-state nature of the SSD meant that this test for durability was handled by the drive with ease, as was leaving it on a table during a light rain shower.
When it comes to write speeds, and considering that this is primarily a secure drive rather than one built for outright performance, transfer rates of close to 400MB/s are decent enough as a storage device and good for a bit of light HD video editing if needed.
On a PC laptop, the drive's performance is solid with no issues. However, on a Mac, the drive can randomly disconnect. In the box, there is a set of instructions that explain how to work around this issue. While for the most part this works, with Apple Silicon and macOS Sequoia, the workaround sometimes required a restart after each time the drive was connected.
The main focus of this drive is security, and in that regard, it is impressive. While for single users the keypad access is simple (essentially functioning like a digital safe), one of the most interesting features is the ability to set up multiple users and one-time users.
This is done through a series of button presses, with confirmation provided by the three lights illuminating in different ways. You follow the instructions, wait for the lights, and proceed. Through various keystroke combinations, you can set up initial admin access, user access, and even one-time access.
This is great for businesses that need to provide sensitive data to their workforce. An IT department can set up admin and user access, and the drive can then be sent out with the content for employees to use. You can, if needed, make the content read-only, so the user can access the content but cannot update it, which is another handy feature.
Additionally, the drive allows you to program one-time access, where a PIN is created and the user can access the drive only once before the PIN becomes void and the drive locks again. It's all very secure, and as long as you take your time to follow the instructions, it's relatively easy to set up.
In terms of security, the way the drive works is quite interesting. Due to the encryption, even when connected, the drive won't do anything. You can check the attached drives, and your computer will show nothing is attach—even if you attempt to access the drive using software designed to decrypt encrypted drives, it remains invisible. Only when the correct code is entered on the keypad does the drive unlock and connect, making it incredibly secure and well beyond any software solution that we have access to.
While the drive may not be the fastest SSD on the market, at 400MB/s it's still fast enough for most tasks. So if you need to use the drive for additional storage for image or video editing, or even for running apps, it will enable you to do so.
In terms of real-world performance, the drive is impressive—fast considering its intended use and, most importantly, exceptionally secure.
Performance: 4/5
Should you buy the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3?
The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is completely focused on keeping your data safe, and while the drive isn't the fastest in terms of SSD performance, it's still fast enough for most processes. The security level is impressive, and in testing with all the software we had at our disposal, including EaseUS, the drive remained locked and impenetrable. The fact that it doesn't even mount or attempt to mount before the correct code has been entered makes the usual inroads that software allows void. This truly highlights that this is an ultra-secure drive with military-grade encryption, PIN authentication, and a tamper-resistant design. Of course, this level of security comes at a cost, but if you need your files to be secure, then this is the price you'll have to pay.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Buy it if...
You need ultimate security.
The DiskAshur Pro 3 offers unmatched data protection with military-grade encryption and physical PIN authentication.
You work in sensitive industries.
Ideal for government or corporate users handling highly sensitive data.
Don't buy it if...
You need a high-speed drive.
While secure, the DiskAshur Pro 3 lags behind in speed compared to other SSDs.
You're on a tight budget.
The high price tag may be overkill for casual users or basic backups.
