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CheckMag

Welcome to CheckMag! No major reviews. No breaking news. Just great content.
Our new magazine section features original articles and through-provoking lists covering a wide range of tech-related subjects. Browse through our review archives with CheckBack, get nostalgic over tech's rollercoaster past with TimeCheck, or enjoy the best tips with our CheckUp guides. You might even find yourself laughing over some funny tech memes in our CheckMe pieces or agreeing with our writers' opinions in BodyCheck columns.
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Fujifilm's X-S20 has left a lasting impression on a number of reviewers thanks to its compact performance. (Image source: Fujifilm)

Top 4 Fujifilm X-S20 review highlights that reveal a compact APS-C mirrorless camera with performance to blow the competition away

Fujifilm released the X-S20 APS-C camera as an update to its X-S hybrid camera line-up. While the spec sheet improvements made for a convincing package, the first batch of proper reviews reveal a camera that delivers on its promis...
Julian van der Merwe, 07 Jun 2023 20:54
Portable, relatively fast and with the Lamborghini branding, all for 599 Euros. This truly was a one-of-a-kind product (Image source: Notebookcheck - edited)

Once upon a time, Asus sold Lamborghini-branded laptops: Revisiting the VX6 review

CheckBack The Asus Eee PC VX6 Lamborghini edition was a highly portable and highly affordable, yet premium-looking laptop with a 12.1-inch screen. It had a lot of strengths and few weak points; much like it often is with entry-level and mid...
Sergey Tarasov, 31 May 2023 21:15
The Moon is an ideal subject for a great device wallpaper image. (Image source: Wael Omar WO on AstroBin)

AstroBin's Image of the Day page will help any space lover find just the right wallpaper

CheckUp Bing isn't the only place where great-looking images get showcased every day. AstroBin is even better, in a sense that it is entirely dedicated to astrophotography.
Sergey Tarasov, 31 May 2023 17:32
In certain respects, Firefox is the most user-friendly browser around (Image source: Fuu J on Unsplash)

Hop into the time machine by installing a Mozilla Firefox build released in 2014 (or even 2004!)

CheckUp Mozilla puts the user into the driver's seat by letting them download literally any Firefox release that was ever made. The organization keeps a freely accessible archive of its products at ftp.mozilla.org to be unlike most other ...
Sergey Tarasov, 31 May 2023 17:22
The Nikon Z8 and Sony A7R V are both high-resolution full-frame mirrorless cameras aiming for the same subset of the market. (Image source: Nikon / Sony - edited)

Nikon Z8 vs Sony A7R V - comparing premium full-frame cameras in 4 key areas

Despite their similar price tags and use cases, the US$3,899.99 Sony A7R V and the US$3,999.95 Nikon Z8 are more different than they might seem at first glance. Some of the most important differences put the Nikon ahead of the Son...
Julian van der Merwe, 30 May 2023 05:19
The PlayStation Showcase showcased some seriously disappointing hardware (image via Sony)

The PlayStation Showcase's hardware announcements were bad and Sony should feel bad

Sony's PlayStation Showcase was host to quite a few surprises. Metal Gear Solid being resurrected was nice, as was Alan Wake 2 and Dragon's Dogma 2. Unfortunately, Project Q and the PlayStation Earbuds weren't one of them.
Anil Ganti, 26 May 2023 17:17
Nikon positions the Z8 as the ultimate compact hybrid camera with a full-frame sensor. (Image source: Nikon - edited)

3 Nikon Z8 review takeaways that reveal who should buy the full-frame mirrorless camera and why

As the reviews roll in, we're starting to get a clearer idea of who the Nikon Z8 full-frame mirrorless camera is for and what it is all about. As it turns out, the camera behaves a lot like it seems on paper — as a smaller Nikon Z...
Julian van der Merwe, 18 May 2023 22:15
Stray is an atmospheric narrative adventure game about a kitten trying to find his way home. (Image source: Steam)

3 of the best action adventure games in the May Steam sales with knockout discounts

Sometimes you don't want to play a battle royale or MOBA game and instead want to feel like you're part of an expansive world brimming with colour and adventure. Well, action adventure games tend to deliver that in spades. This Ma...
Julian van der Merwe, 12 May 2023 23:57
Opinion: It’s 2023, so shouldn’t mobile computing be better than this? (Image source: Unsplash - edited)

Opinion: It’s 2023, so shouldn’t mobile computing be better than this?

Having spent the past few weeks trying to find a new laptop, I have made a few observations about the landscape of mobile computing in 2023. Am I just a crazy old man yelling at clouds? You be the judge.
Douglas Black, 11 May 2023 01:13
Sony makes some of the best small cameras for photographers on the go. (Image source: Sony)

3 of the best compact cameras for travel that have large sensors for improved image quality

It's becoming increasingly difficult to justify buying a small point-and-shoot camera, given the performance that manufacturers are packing into compact Micro Four Thirds and APS-C bodies. Here are 3 underrated compact cameras wit...
Julian van der Merwe, 10 May 2023 22:07
Not all laptops can boast of a great screen. Things do not have to be this way (Image source: Notebookcheck - edited)

How to replace a laptop screen: Getting a better display panel for your laptop

CheckUp To all those stuck with a poor display panel - there is a solution to your woes that does not involve buying a brand-new laptop. Replacing the screen will save you quite a bit of cash while giving your current system another lease...
Sergey Tarasov, 08 May 2023 23:31
Steam Deck users may want to consider using an external controller to avoid eventual joystick drift. (Image source: 8BitDo)

3 of the best game controllers for PC and console that eliminate joystick drift with hall-effect sensors

Joystick drift has become an increasingly common discussion point for many gamers as a result of the return of controller gaming. It's an understandable concern given the popularity of the likes of the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch,...
Julian van der Merwe, 07 May 2023 19:53
Depending on your personal preferrences, you may think the Cybertruck itself is a bit of a failure. (Image source: Tesla)

4 Tesla fails that are so big they make the Cybertruck's delays and smashed windows look like a blip

Whenever the topic of electric vehicles comes up, fledgling automotive brand Tesla is bound to make an appearance. The company has made a name for itself in the last decade or so by delivering practical electric vehicles that many...
Julian van der Merwe, 05 May 2023 21:59
Chevrolet's Bolt EV represents some of the best value in the EV space in 2023. (Image source: Chevrolet)

3 cheap electric vehicles that qualify for the new US$7,500 federal tax credit after April 2023

April 2023 saw changes to US federal tax incentives for EV buyers. Although it still offers up to US$7,500 in tax credits, there are limitations on weight, MSRP, and country of assembly that dramatically reduced the number of qual...
Julian van der Merwe, 04 May 2023 22:37
Green Reaper is one of April's best free Steam games. (Image source: Steam)

4 new free Steam games from April 2023 including a rare MOBA game that isn't pay-to-win

Steam's free games roster is constantly growing, with new additions coming almost daily. April 2023 saw a number of particularly good new releases come to Steam. Here are four fun free games you might want to check out if you're i...
Julian van der Merwe, 04 May 2023 22:05
The Nikon Z fc is just one of many versatile stills APS-C cameras. (Image source: Nikon)

3 of the best APS-C cameras for photography that won't break the bank

Mirrorless cameras are all the rage these days, but it can be a tad expensive to get into the new tech. Fortunately, there is a handful of capable, cheap, APS-C, mirrorless cameras out there that are perfect for anyone, from begin...
Julian van der Merwe, 04 May 2023 21:54
The value king, that is. (Image source: Chevrolet)

3 cheap electric vehicles under US$35,000 show just how good the discontinued Chevrolet Bolt is

Depending on where you live, the Chevrolet Bolt is either the cheapest or one of the cheapest electric vehicles available. Unfortunately, Chevrolet is discontinuing the Bolt and Bolt EUV at the end of 2023, meaning buyers will hav...
Julian van der Merwe, 02 May 2023 23:35
Nikon's Z5 serves as a handy option for both videographers and stills photographers alike. (Image source: Nikon)

3 of the best mirrorless cameras for under US$1,500 with a full-frame sensor

Breaking into the full-frame camera world can seem daunting, with many camera bodies starting deep into the US$2,000 territory. That doesn't mean that there aren't cheap full-frame options around though. Here are three of the best...
Julian van der Merwe, 02 May 2023 21:11
Avidemux 2.8.2 is a reliable, easy-to-use video editing app (Image source: Avidemux/Unsplash - edited)

Avidemux free video editor will happily cut, resize, or convert almost any video without costing a penny

CheckSum The free video editor Avidemux supports plenty of video and audio formats and there is virtually no learning curve to speak of. This lovely, open-source video editor is available for Windows, Linux, macOS and BSD.
Sergey Tarasov, 30 Apr 2023 22:51
Kia's EV6 delivers soccer-mom practicality in a mid-life-crisis-dad package. (Image source: Kia)

4 Kia EV6 features that set the sporty elecric SUV apart

The 2023 Kia EV6 is an ode to excess and something of a hit in the electric car community. There are a number of things that make the performance EV stand out in the growing electric SUV segment and make it a surprisingly well-rou...
Julian van der Merwe, 29 Apr 2023 07:33
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is but one of a wide variety of powerful Micro Four Thirds cameras available. (Image source: Panasonic/Unsplash - edited)

4 Micro Four Thirds camera advantages that make the system unique

Micro Four Thirds is an interesting concept in a world where every camera manufacturer has its own lens mount that works with a limited lens selection. The collaborative effort between the likes of Panasonic, OM Systems, Blackmagi...
Julian van der Merwe, 28 Apr 2023 21:22
The gap between the ideal Cybertruck and the F-150 Lightning isn't as big as you might imagine. (Image source: Ford)

Tesla Cybertruck vs Ford F-150 Lightning - Tesla's apocalyptic pickup faces stiff competition from Ford's EV workhorse

CrossCheck When Tesla announced the CyberTruck all those years ago, it set off an electric pickup revolution. Unfortunately, the US EV maker lost its early-mover advantage by postponing the actual production launch by almost five years. The ...
Julian van der Merwe, 28 Apr 2023 20:08
One of the top features of the Fujifilm X-T10 is its magnesium body. (Image source: Math on Unsplash)

3 cheap mirrorless cameras that are good for beginners and veterans alike

As a photography beginner, you might immediately look to buy an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera, while the correct move may actually be buying a used or open-box high-end or mid-ranger from a few years ago instead. From full...
Julian van der Merwe, 27 Apr 2023 20:26
The insides of cars are changing, mostly for the worse. (Image source: Tesla/Unsplash)

3 terrible EV trends that range from comically annoying to downright dangerous

There's a lot to love about electric vehicles, but some manufacturers seem to have taken the EV revolution as an opportunity to turn up the dial on some of the automotive industry's worst ideas. From misleading marketing and propr...
Julian van der Merwe, 26 Apr 2023 21:07
Tesla has thusfar led the EV charge, but wider adoption by legacy manufacturers is the key to mass adoption. (Image source: Tesla)

Electric vehicles for everyone: 3 reasons why EVs make sense more than ever in 2023

Electric vehicles have clearly boomed in popularity in the past few years, with many new companies and most established marques fighting to get a slice of the pie. With the market maturing, it seems more and more like EVs are the ...
Julian van der Merwe, 25 Apr 2023 18:34
Halo: The Masterchief Collection is a collection of classics from Microsoft. (Image source: Steam)

3 AAA action games with over 60% discount in the Steam sale from Xbox Game Studios

Sometimes Steam offers games at particularly impressive discounts thanks to seasonal sales. This is not one of those times. Instead, a two-week-long Xbox Game Studios publisher sale has resulted in some pretty impressive game disc...
Julian van der Merwe, 25 Apr 2023 17:53
When it comes to keyboard input, Linux is streets ahead of Windows. (Image source: System76)

Linux vs Windows 11: 3 underrated and common features that make the open-source software superior

There are a number of benefits to using Linux-based operating systems, including improved customisation, a more stable system, and a more responsive system, but there are also a number of Linux features that often go under the rad...
Julian van der Merwe, 25 Apr 2023 06:02
Depending on your tastes, you're likely to love or hate the looks of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (Image source: Hyundai)

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Ioniq 6 - 3 key differences in two otherwise very similar vehicles

CrossCheck Not everyone will be cross-shopping the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Ioniq 6, but the similarity in names makes it easy to think they're similar vehicles. The Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 are both built on the same platform, but there are three...
Julian van der Merwe, 24 Apr 2023 22:33
The Kuberg Freerider is a powerful, lightweight trail attack machine. (Image source: Kuberg)

3 speedy electric off-road motorcycles that are ready to conquer all terrains

Off-road motorcycles are almost a perfect application for electric bikes — precise throttle control, simplicity, and buckets of torque are boons on the trail, and the range demands aren't as high as road bikes. Yet, electric motor...
Julian van der Merwe, 22 Apr 2023 19:00
The Model 3's design is stale and the company's tech advantage is slipping fast. (Image source: Tesla)

3 compelling Tesla Model 3 alternatives from brands that value the driving experience

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the company's most popular cars, but there are still plenty of issues with the vehicle. Common owner complaints include build quality issues and ridiculously long repair wait times. Not to mention the c...
Julian van der Merwe, 21 Apr 2023 21:09
Nine Parchments is a four-player magical adventure to enjoy with friends. (Image Source: Steam)

April Steam sales slash prices on 3 fun multiplayer action games to under US$10

Whether you're spending a weekend gaming with your friends, relieving some stress after work, or trying to keep the kids entertained on a rainy afternoon, multiplayer games are a sure bet for anyone looking to share their hobby. A...
Julian van der Merwe, 20 Apr 2023 23:11
Don't let Eldest Souls's pixel graphics fool you. This is no kid's game. (Image source: Steam)

Steam sales deliver 4 heavily discounted action games offering endless replayable fun

While Steam seasonal sales often offer the best discounts on games, publisher sales and regular old promotions often bring equally spectacular bargains on some heavy-hitting titles. For the middle of April, Steam's discounts inclu...
Julian van der Merwe, 19 Apr 2023 17:56
The Pixel 7a will feature similar design language to the Pixel 7 pictured. (Image source: Google)

Google Pixel 7a vs Samsung Galaxy A54 leaks - Google pitched to demolish Samsung's midrange offering

CrossCheck Samsung's Galaxy A54 launched in March 2023 as Samsung's main assault on the midrange, offering incredible all-round performance and bang for the buck. Google's upcoming Pixel 7a is expected to land in June of 2023 and bring Googl...
Julian van der Merwe, 18 Apr 2023 18:37
Intel hoped so much to entice creators and gamers with its Arc graphics cards. We analyze why this did not work so well. (Image source: Intel - edited)

2022's Intel Arc graphics cards still look like a massive misfire against Nvidia and AMD's powerhouses

TimeCheck On March 30, 2022, Intel finally did what it had long been rumored to by releasing several Arc dedicated graphics cards. The GPUs were to be unleashed on laptops first, with desktops left to wait for a couple of months. One year l...
Sergey Tarasov, 15 Apr 2023 20:43
Everspace 2 is one of April's big releases. (Image source: Steam)

3 irresistible Steam new releases that will help you forget April's changeable weather

Depending on where you live, April could mean cooler weather ahead, or the beginning of the warmer part of the year. Either way, here are a few games that released on Steam in early April that might pique your interest if you're l...
Julian van der Merwe, 11 Apr 2023 19:43
(Image source: Notebookcheck/various - edited)

Apple's MacBook Pro 17 was discontinued in 2012 but revisiting our 2011 model review will help soothe the pain

CheckBack The Apple MacBook Pro 17 was one of the first Thunderbolt-enabled laptops on the market. It featured a large 95 Wh battery and a mighty 45 W Intel CPU. As with many Apple products, it was the high price that took a lot of shine ou...
Sergey Tarasov, 09 Apr 2023 17:36
Sometimes all a game needs is a picturesque backdrop to set it apart from the rest. (Image source: Steam)

4 cheap games in Steam publisher sales this April that are downright gorgeous

Early April means time off, and for many the best way to spend time off is by unwinding with the company of a good video game. Fortunately, there are a host of Steam publisher sales running in the first weeks of April where you ca...
Julian van der Merwe, 06 Apr 2023 17:47
The Alienware laptop got a rating of 84%. (Image source: Notebookcheck/Alienware - edited)

Revisiting the Alienware M11X R3 Notebookcheck review 12 years later

CheckBack The powerful Alienware M11X R3 11-inch gaming laptop featured so many things present-day laptops can only dream of, including 6-channel audio output via three 3.5 mm jacks and upgradeable RAM. Sadly, this was the last M11x we ever...
Sergey Tarasov, 02 Apr 2023 20:22
Krita is a great alternative to Paint.NET, Adobe's Photoshop, and GIMP. (Image source: Krita)

Krita is an awesome, free-to-use alternative to Paint.NET, Adobe's Photoshop, and GIMP

CheckSum Krita is a powerful piece of software that is suitable for creating jaw-dropping art masterpieces and for simpler image-editing projects alike. It comes in multiple flavours, portable and Linux included.
Sergey Tarasov, 31 Mar 2023 00:48
Delete a partition for free, no downloads required. (Image source: Unsplash/Own)

How to delete an undeletable partition in Windows without using third-party tools

CheckUp No downloads required; Windows command line and two minutes of spare time is all that's needed to delete an undeletable partition in Windows. This method will work with both Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems.
Sergey Tarasov, 31 Mar 2023 00:19
Exploration is the name of the game in Wayfinder. (Image Source: Digital Extremes)

4 free-to-play PC games that promise action nirvana coming in 2023

It's that time of year again, when game sales seem to lull, and studios take a break from announcing major new releases or developments. Not to worry though, as there is more than enough on the gaming horizon to deliver some heave...
Julian van der Merwe, 29 Mar 2023 12:48
Exploration seems to be a popular genre for free indie games lately. (Image source: Steam)

3 short and sweet free casual games on Steam that are criminally underrated

There's no shortage of expansive open-world games and PvP arena shooters on Steam that have no regard for your time, or narrative games with exorbitantly long, winding stories that take forever to get to the point. There's somethi...
Julian van der Merwe, 26 Mar 2023 22:24
Even if they do not have the funds or influence to advertise themselves, lesser-known search engines are still worth giving a try. (Image source: Various)

4 alternative search engines to help wave farewell to Google

CheckList These not as famous search engines do not require users to give up all of their privacy, all while delivering search results of similar (and sometimes higher) quality than their better-known rivals Google and Bing.
Sergey Tarasov, 22 Mar 2023 09:57
This TKL keyboard is brick-compatible with actual Lego pieces. (Image source: MelGeek)

MelGeek Pixel Lego could be the perfect gift for a true Lego fan

CheckSum This mechanical keyboard isn't just Lego themed. It is brick-compatible with actual Lego pieces! Pixel Lego can be connected to phones, tablets and computers thanks to its Bluetooth, USB-C and proprietary 2.4 GHz (via USB dongle) ...
Sergey Tarasov, 21 Mar 2023 08:08
Roam, survive, and fight all manner of mechanical monsters in Horizon: Zero Dawn. (Image Source: Steam)

4 vast open-world games in the Steam Spring Sale that can be thoroughly explored for under US$20

Open-world games have always been popular, but the technical advancements that have taken place in the last decade have really enabled the open-world subtype to take over. If you have a knack for exploration, survival, or even jus...
Julian van der Merwe, 21 Mar 2023 07:17
Sable features the striking, stylised graphics and intricate puzzles typical of a platformer. (Image source: Steam)

Steam Spring Sale: 4 fan-favourite platform games on sale for under US$15

Platformers, especially of the 2D variety, have sort of had a resurgence of late. Perhaps this is in response to the ever-increasing race towards realism at the expense of fun, or perhaps it's simply one of the effects of nostalgi...
Julian van der Merwe, 20 Mar 2023 09:01
Titanfall 2 is a cult classic for a reason. (Image source: Steam)

Steam Spring Sale violently slashes prices on 4 combat-first action games

In gaming, there are few things more satisfying than well-implemented combat mechanics, whether it be the swish of a blade, or the thunderclap of a hand cannon. If ultraviolence and combat are things you look for in games, the Ste...
Julian van der Merwe, 19 Mar 2023 01:22
We took Hide.me Windows VPN app for a spin and came away impressed. (Image source: Hide.me)

Hide.me VPN offers free to use private web searching with no sign-up required

CheckSum Hide.me VPN app is worth giving a try for those out of love with having to disclose e-mail addresses and other personal details to companies no-one's ever heard of. The data cap is comfortably high, too.
Sergey Tarasov, 18 Mar 2023 04:57
The Steam Spring Sale is in full swing. (Image source: Steam)

Kick off the Steam Spring Sale with 4 enthralling story-rich games at steep discounts

When it comes to gaming events, there are few that generate as much hype as Steam's seasonal sales. Steam's Spring Sale runs from March 16 to March 23, 2023, and there are some spectacular deals to be had on some of the best games...
Julian van der Merwe, 18 Mar 2023 04:19
According to a leaker, Oppo is apparently not planning a global launch for the rather interesting flagship camera phone Oppo Find X6 Pro.

Only Xiaomi 13 Ultra but no Oppo Find X6 Pro and Vivo X90 Pro+: The erratic and disappointing product policy of many Chinese companies in Europe

(Update: further confirmation of China-only launch) With the Find X6 Pro, Oppo looks set to release one of the most exciting flagship camera phones in a long while. But just like the Vivo X90 Pro+, a well-known leaker with a fairly good track record has reported that at least the highest-end model won’t launch outside China. In recent times, Chinese manufacturers have regularly neglected the global market or only made their products available at exorbitantly high prices. This is nothing new. Not only are they shooting themselves in the foot with product policy that often seems erratic, but the increasingly imminent duopoly between Samsung and Apple is also bad for consumers.
Alexander Fagot, 10 Mar 2023 13:24
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Redaktion, 2022-04-20 (Update: 2023-05- 3)