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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 thought-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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Best budget laptops for under $1,500 (Source: Unsplash)

Gaming doesn't have to be expensive: 4 great gaming laptops for under $1,500

CheckMag While gaming laptops under $1,500 are budget-friendly, it doesn't imply compromising your ability to run the latest titles and enjoy an immersive gaming experience. If you're seeking excellent gaming performance at an affordable p...
Triet Le, 18 Mar 2024 04:33
Thankfully, one can use Apple products that no longer get security patches for a few more years without major repercussions (Image source: Unsplash - edited)

3 iPhones and 3 MacBooks likely slated to lose software support in 2024

CheckMag Amber Lake and Coffee Lake-powered MacBooks find themselves swimming in dangerous waters whereas 2nd generation and 3rd generation iPhone SE phones have zero cause for concern. Every time Apple unleashes a new version of iOS and m...
Sergey Tarasov, 17 Mar 2024 06:16
AltStore has been one of the best and safest ways to sideload on iOS, but can they finally go legit? (Source: AltStore)

AltStore could finally give iPhone users the freedom to install what they like, but only if you live in the EU

CheckMag For those familiar with sideloading on iOS, AltStore has been a staple for many years. Allowing users to sideload any app onto an un-jailbroken device with the use of a free Apple developer account. Now AltStore is going legit, bu...
David Devey, 17 Mar 2024 06:09
4 Epic tech fails of all time (Source: Unsplash)

Epic tech fails: From the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 to the 99-cent Amazon phone with entries from Apple and Google

CheckMag In the tech world, innovation is key, but not all inventions are winners. Big companies like Google, Apple, Samsung, and Amazon often risk introducing products that end up failing. Some of these products might have been ahead of t...
Triet Le, 17 Mar 2024 06:02
4 EV trucks ready to challenge Cybertruck in 2024 (Source: Ford)

4 Tesla Cybertruck-challenging alternatives for 2024 including Rivian R1T and Ford F150 Lightning

CheckMag While the Tesla Cybertruck undoubtedly grabs attention with its unique design and impressive performance, it's crucial to examine other noteworthy electric pickup trucks on the market, especially those with more affordable startin...
Triet Le, 16 Mar 2024 03:33
Even powerful smartphones, like the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Xiaomi 14 Ultra don't hold a candle to APS-C sensors in cameras like the Fujifilm X-T30 II. (Image source: Fujifilm - edited)

Stop buying smartphones for their cameras — buy a compact camera and a mid-range phone for better photography

CheckMag Hot take: Smartphones are not cameras. It's not their fault. It's just a fact. With cameras as portable and powerful as the Fujifilm X100VI and X-T30 II, skip the flagship phone upgrade and grab a real camera instead — your memori...
Julian van der Merwe, 14 Mar 2024 21:44
The Predator Z57 comes in at 57 inches and a resolution of 7680x2160 with a whopping 2,304 dimming zones. (Image Source: Acer)

5 monitors that should be on your radar

CheckMag If you are looking for a new monitor in 2024, there is a plethora of options. To save your time here is a list of five monitors that should be on your radar.
Daniel Murti, 12 Mar 2024 01:24
"Toothbrush botnet hacker" might not be as ridiculous as it sounds. (DALLE 3-generated image)

Toothbrush botnet isn't as far-fetched as it seems as there are plenty of connected devices that could get you hacked

CheckMag The toothbrush botnet was one of those examples of the mainstream media fanning flames without the correct facts. However, the concept isn’t entirely unrealistic. Buying any connected device, particularly those from China, has the...
David Devey, 10 Mar 2024 20:37
The Pixel 8 fails to deliver on Google's AI promises. (Image: Notebookcheck)

Pixel 8 Gemini fail spotlights Google's Pixel AI failings

Google has billed its Pixel smartphones as being all about their AI capabilities. With revelations that the Pixel 8 can’t support Gemini Nano, Google’s first on-device LLM for Android phones, that reputation is in tatters.
Sanjiv Sathiah, 10 Mar 2024 03:54
Nintendo's patience had clearly worn thin with the Yuzu emulator and its team, and for good reason. (Image: Nintendo)

The End of Yuzu is a blow to emulation – but not an undeserved one

CheckMag So. Yuzu is dead. The expected headline-grabbing battle ended with a whimper, with Tropic Haze, the team behind the emulator, settling almost immediately to the tune of a whopping $2.4 million. This wasn't just a slap on the wrist...
Matthew Lee, 08 Mar 2024 18:17
The Galaxy Watch is a great piece of hardware, but battery life can leave a lot to be desired (Source: Amazon)

How to debloat and significantly increase the battery life on your Galaxy Watch 4, 5 or 6

CheckMag The Samsung Galaxy Watch is a fantastic piece of hardware, especially since Samsung moved to Wear OS. However, the battery on these devices seems to be all over the place. Turning on the battery saver can work, but doing that disa...
David Devey, 06 Mar 2024 22:07
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, currently on sale with a massive discount (Source: Amazon)

Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has a massive discount on Amazon right now

CheckMag Deal There isn’t much to differentiate between the Galaxy Watch Pro 5 and 6 Classic. If you can live without the latest and greatest, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is on sale right now with an unbelievable discount.
David Devey, 06 Mar 2024 19:04
Thanks to Steam, Proton GE and Valve, gaming on Linux is far easier that you might think. (Source: Wikipedia)

Tired of Windows tracking and invasive ads? Here's how to game on Linux

CheckMag Microsoft has historically monopolised the PC gaming space with Windows, but with increasingly invasive ads, bloat and data collection, many Windows users are looking for an alternative. Thanks to the Steam Deck, Valve and communi...
David Devey, 03 Mar 2024 22:39
AI-centric devices and smartphones want to kill Apple's iPhone app-centric smartphone paradigm. (Image: Notebookcheck)

Does the rise of AI-centric smartphones threaten the iPhone app-centric paradigm?

With AI-centric devices already here, and the first AI-centric smartphone concepts already being promoted at CES 2024 this past week, how long will Apple be able to maintain its iPhone status-quo?
Sanjiv Sathiah, 02 Mar 2024 09:09
The latest Steam sale pits everyone's favourite fossils against mankinds mightiest marvels with some spectacular discounts in-tow. (Image source: Steam)

Steam sale: 4 best game deals in the Dinos vs. Robots game sale event

CheckMag As the Steam Dinos vs. Robots game sale event is reaching its peak, here are some of the best game deals on Valve's game store. Seek answers in Horizon Zero Dawn, wage war on the machines in Generation Zero, or wrangle velocirapto...
Julian van der Merwe, 02 Mar 2024 02:24
Top 4 jaw-dropping phones from MWC 2024 (Source: Tecno)

From color-changing to eye-tracking tech: Top 4 jaw-dropping phones from MWC 2024

CheckMag MWC 2024 has showcased a variety of innovative phones, from color-changing to rollable models. Below are top 4 phones, which vary from early concepts to ready for purchase, all guaranteed to impress with their unique features.
Triet Le, 01 Mar 2024 16:04
Those brief moments where it looked like audiences might start switching over from Netflix to its competitors seem long in the past, now. (Image: Pixabay)

The Death of Netflix may have been greatly exaggerated – or maybe its rivals are all just doing even worse

CheckMag In mid-2022, a month before Tom Cruise and the US Navy did their very best to show that the big screen was in rude health, the apparent king of the small-screen announced that it wasn't doing so great. Some said it was all over fo...
Matthew Lee, 01 Mar 2024 02:23
Both MSI and Intel are largely unproven in the handheld gaming space - can the Claw really stick the landing? (Image: MSI)

MSI Claw A1M: 4 big doubts that mean the Steam Deck has nothing to fear

CheckMag The MSI Claw A1M may well be the introduction of Intel to the world of portable gaming devices, but that's a long way from breaking the dominance of AMD's APUs on the space, especially in regard to Valve's incumbent handheld.
Matthew Lee, 01 Mar 2024 00:47
Sure, it's fanless. At least this version is. But is it, you know, good? (Image: Palit)

The fall of the 75 W graphics card – we deserve far better than the RTX 3050 6GB

CheckMag If you weren't keeping an eye on Nvidia's GeForce News blog, you might've missed the RTX 3050 6 GB's release at the start of February. Even in a market segment desperate for a lean, entry-level graphics card, it's far from being "...
Matthew Lee, 01 Mar 2024 00:39
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 14 provides some of the best bang for the buck in the 2024 gaming space. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Team Green's best: 5 of the hottest Nvidia gaming laptops in 2024

CheckMag A round-up of all the best gaming laptops with team green GPUs for your gaming enjoyment. From the colossal MSI Titan 18 HX to the sleek Razer Blade 16 and diminutive Lenovo Legion Slim 5 14, these are the best of the Nvidia lapto...
Julian van der Merwe, 01 Mar 2024 00:07
Both GRIP and Steel Rats combine driving vehicles with blowing things up for a very fun experience (Image source: AI generated)

5 awesome DRM-free games to grab at a huge discount on GOG.com

CheckMag GRIP and Steel Rats combine driving vehicles with blowing things up, whereas Urban Trial Freestyle and Absolute Drift cater to users looking for a more thoughtful and calm gaming experience. Those looking to get their hands soaked...
Sergey Tarasov, 29 Feb 2024 21:30
ChromeOS Flex is an operating system built around the Chrome Web browser (Image source: AI generated)

ChromeOS Flex just turned 2 and looks better than ever

CheckMag ChromeOS Flex was announced in February 2022 as a user-friendly and lightweight OS that does not require a wagonload of cores and RAM to function well. After using it for several days, we can confirm that it scores in many respect...
Sergey Tarasov, 29 Feb 2024 15:48
The LG 32GS95UE boasts a dual refresh rate mode and is arguably 2024's best gaming monitor (Image Source: LG).

Should you buy an IPS monitor now?

CheckMag At CES 2024 both LG and Samsung showed off their latest OLED monitors. With OLED monitors reaching up to 4K or more with 144 Hz refresh rates around the corner is it worth the wait?
Daniel Murti, 29 Feb 2024 15:43
MWC 2024: The 5 best gadgets you can buy right now (Source: Samsung)

MWC 2024: The 5 best gadgets you can buy right now, including Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra

CheckMag MWC 2024 serves as a launching pad for new smartphones and advanced technologies. However, many of these products might not be immediately available in the market. Below are the top 5 products that are currently available for eith...
Triet Le, 29 Feb 2024 15:37
Meizu was originally one of China's major phone brands, and even sold some of its phones in Europe. (Image source: Meizu)

3 notable Meizu smartphones including the Meizu Zero that are worth remembering

CheckMag After a seventeen-year run in the smartphone market, Meizu has drawn the curtain on its mobile phone business. However, there are some of its phones that should not be forgotten.
Habeeb Onawole, 28 Feb 2024 19:59
MWC 2024: Top 5 tech that left us speechless (Unsplash)

MWC 2024: Top 5 show-stoppers, from transparent laptops to bendable phones

CheckMag Mobile World Congress (MWC) serves as a showcase for cutting-edge technology, emphasizing tablets, wearables, and other mobile devices. This year, the event is highlighting an array of exceptional innovations, from bendable smartp...
Triet Le, 28 Feb 2024 19:57
The Harmon Kardon SoundSticks was once on display in the New York Museum of Modern Art (Image Source: Harman Kardon)

Top 5 2.1 speakers for your desktop

CheckMag With companies like Altec Lansing completely discontinuing their 2.1 speakers, it is no secret that the selection of speakers for desktops have been dwindling. Let us explore 5 2.1 speakers for your desktop.
Daniel Murti, 27 Feb 2024 23:22
Variable aperture on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra turns the smartphone into a full-fledged compact camera. (Image source: Xiaomi - edited)

Forget the 1-inch sensor - the Xiaomi 14 Ultra's variable aperture is the true headline feature

CheckMag Xiaomi spent a lot of time hyping the wrong feature on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The f/1.63–4.0 variable aperture is the true game-changer for photography and videography buffs. Combined with the 1-inch sensor, who even needs a compact...
Julian van der Merwe, 27 Feb 2024 23:03
Top 4 gaming monitors you can't miss (Source: Unsplash)

Top 4 gaming monitors you can't miss: From Alienware OLED to Samsung Ultrawide

CheckMag Choosing the ideal gaming monitor is essential for PC gamers in 2024. The current market offers everything from high-refresh-rate 1080p displays and detailed 4K screens to large ultrawide panels. Picking the best one can be challe...
Triet Le, 27 Feb 2024 16:02
We liked the Xiaomi 14 Pro and 13T in our recent tests of the Chinese smartphones. (Image source: Notebookcheck reviews)

Forget the iPhone 15 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra: 4 flagship killers with competitive price tags

CheckMag If you're looking for the best of the best, Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max will both likely call your name, but they demand a price premium. Here are four alternatives to the typical flagship choices, fro...
Julian van der Merwe, 27 Feb 2024 00:42
The best 5 EVs coming in 2024: From Hyundai to Tesla (Source: Porsche)

The best 5 EVs coming in 2024: From Hyundai to Tesla

CheckMag The electric vehicle market is rapidly expanding, with traditional automakers focusing on all-electric models. The year 2024 is set to see a significant surge in new EVs. If you're considering an electric vehicle, here are the top...
Triet Le, 23 Feb 2024 19:33
Gaming in 2024: Top 4 trends to watch out for (Source: Unsplash)

Gaming in 2024: Top 4 trends to watch out for including AI and AR

CheckMag The gaming industry is constantly adapting to new trends and innovations. In 2024, several key developments are expected to drive the industry forward and attract millions of new players. Below are the top four major trends expect...
Triet Le, 19 Feb 2024 21:49
Use your own gaming PC to play your games from anywhere (Source: NotebookCheck)

Forget the PlayStation Portal, here’s how to make a headless gaming PC and set up your own cloud gaming service

CheckMag You might ask what use a gaming PC is without a monitor, but the ability to store your PC in any room in the house and play games using any device you can attach a controller to does have its benefits. If you have a solid network ...
David Devey, 18 Feb 2024 20:37
Top 4 fitness trackers for every need (Source: Unsplash)

Top 4 fitness trackers for every need

CheckMag Top fitness trackers offer an easy-to-use yet informative gateway to better health, seamlessly tracking workouts and guiding users towards healthier habits. Here's a look at the top four picks in 2024, each tailored to meet divers...
Triet Le, 18 Feb 2024 20:31
Top game picks for 2024: Four releases to play now (Source: Unsplash)

Top game picks for 2024: Four releases to play now

CheckMag 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for video game releases. While some anticipated games have already been released, there are still several major titles expected later in the year without confirmed release dates. Here are ...
Triet Le, 18 Feb 2024 20:29
The 4060 is not a value proposition at any price (Source: Amazon)

Nvidia's RTX 40-series lineup screws gamers on a budget

CheckMag Nvidia’s 40-series graphics cards have had a bit of a rocky start to say the least. While the company has tried to make amends with the mid cycle refresh giving us some “Super” variants, where does that leave budget conscious game...
David Devey, 16 Feb 2024 17:53
Google Clips launched for $249 in 2017, which was considered pricey for what it could do. (Image source: Google/Internet Archive)

Google Clips: Time for a relaunch?

CheckMag Google Clips wasn't a success, but with recent advancements, updated specs, and additional features, Google might want to bring this product back to the market.
Habeeb Onawole, 12 Feb 2024 16:10
The MSI Claw A1M will be the first gaming handheld may be at its best with a mid-tier Intel Core Ultra processor. (Image source: Notebookcheck Reviews on YouTube)

Forget the Ultra 7: MSI Claw will be best with the Core Ultra 5 135H

CheckMag MSI was right to go to Intel for the Claw A1M, but the Core Ultra 7 155H isn't the right move. The Core Ultra 5 135H has a trick up its sleeve — a top-end iGPU combined with a more efficient mid-range CPU.
Julian van der Merwe, 09 Feb 2024 22:56
Will the Mig Switch deliver something more than just backups and piracy? (Source: Mig Switch)

The Mig Switch seems to be missing the one killer feature that could make it more than a tool for piracy

CheckMag The Mig Switch is real and it works. Or at least it does according to the YouTubers that have all received pre-release versions. While the Mig Switch is currently up for pre-order and hasn’t yet made it into the hands of the publi...
David Devey, 09 Feb 2024 22:26
The contrasting white marble decal and black of the X670E Taichi Carrara makes it a good fit for those looking to create a white build (Image Source: ASRock)

Five X670E motherboards you should consider in 2024

CheckMag With many manufacturers releasing ample amounts of AM5 motherboards, it is quite the challenge to find the right one for your needs. Let’s explore five X670E motherboards that we think you should consider.
Daniel Murti, 05 Feb 2024 22:52
A homemade NAS running TrueNAS or Unraid can offer a better experience than almost any off the shelf solution. (Source: EnricoF)

Upgraded to AM5 or Intel 14th Gen? Why not put that old hardware to use and build a NAS

CheckMag Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices will give you remote access to all your files from any device both at home and away. Just add your drives and off you go, but they aren’t cheap. However there are some compelling software sol...
David Devey, 03 Feb 2024 17:05
The OnePlus 12R and the Google Pixel 7a are more affordable variants of their more expensive siblings. (Image source: OnePlus, Goole - edited)

5 reasons for choosing the OnePlus 12R over the Pixel 7a

CheckMag The OnePlus 12R and the Google Pixel 7a are great options for those who want flagship features on a budget. However, one offers more value than the other.
Habeeb Onawole, 02 Feb 2024 23:07
Code Geass was one of the best anime titles 10 years ago, and that is still the case in 2024 (Image source: AI generated)

Darwin's Game and 4 other titles every anime fan must watch at least once

CheckMag Precious gems are known to cause excitement mixed with affection. This article lists five anime gems, like Darwin's Game, that totally fall under that rule; they all boast meaningful plots, good-to-great music and well-developed c...
Sergey Tarasov, 31 Jan 2024 21:46
The new Quick Share update brings Nearby Share integration.

Quick Share update bringing Nearby Share integration now rolling out

Samsung's latest update to its Quick Share file-sharing service brings integration with Google's native Android Nearby Share. The update is now rolling out to a number of Samsung devices but it's not all good news.
Ricci Rox, 31 Jan 2024 13:31
Windows 7 is still good for studies, Internet browsing and to a certain extent gaming among other uses (Image source: AI generated)

Using a Windows 7 laptop as a daily driver in 2024

CheckMag For those of us still holding Windows 7 close to our hearts, let's see if the OS is really worth holding on to by testing how well it copes with Web browsing, content creation, media playback and gaming.
Sergey Tarasov, 30 Jan 2024 21:14
TLOU Part 1: Joel standing in Boston (Image Source: Sony)

The Last of Us 2 should not exist despite its near universal acclaim

CheckMag In a perfect world where hunger and poverty do not exist, Naughty Dog doesn’t end up making The Last of Us Part II. In this rather unperfect world where corporate greed exists, we as the consumer have to deal with the hot mess tha...
Daniel Murti, 29 Jan 2024 00:44
The design of the Nintendo Switch 2 console is still a mystery. (Image source: Nintendo/DallE 3 - edited)

Nintendo Switch 2: 8-inch LCD concerns show a lack of faith in the innovative Japanese company

CheckMag It has been widely reported that the Nintendo Switch 2 console will be arriving in 2024 sporting an 8-inch LCD panel. Despite this being unconfirmed information from an analyst, it still has many fans concerned about both the size...
Daniel R Deakin, 28 Jan 2024 19:07
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus infotainment and other systems have dropped QNX for Android. (Image: Ford)

After getting crushed by Apple and Google in smartphones, BlackBerry is in their sights again

Canadian company Blackberry was once the leading smartphone maker in the world. However, within the space of several years, the launch of the iPhone in 2007 and then Android put paid to that. In what must be like a recurring night...
Sanjiv Sathiah, 27 Jan 2024 13:45
Become a seafaring bandit as Luffy in One Piece Odyssey, or smash the system as Jack in Ghostrunner II this January. (Image source: Steam - edited)

Steam sale: Pirates vs Ninjas Fest slashes prices on 4 punchy platformers and raucous RPG romps

CheckMag Dig into the fast-paced action of Ghostrunner II, seek revenge in Shadow Tactics: Aiko's Choice, or sail the open seas in One Piece Odyssey and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, all thanks to Steam's peculiar sale event. The Steam...
Julian van der Merwe, 24 Jan 2024 22:42
However controversial this article might be, it probably pales in comparison to Jeff Fisher pronouncing "Ti" as "Tie" in yet another keynote. (Image: NVIDIA)

Nvidia's DLSS 3 was the biggest loser of CES 2024

CheckMag NVIDIA showed off a lot at their CES keynote back on the 8th of January. They showed off their Super series of GPUs. They showed off their renewed belief in saying "AI" a lot to boost their stock market performance. But they also ...
Matthew Lee, 23 Jan 2024 15:41
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Redaktion, 2022-04-20 (Update: 2023-09-20)